Arsenal Truth... and Rumours

उंदर कोन्स्त्रुक्शन

2007-10-16T22:17:00.000+01:00

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

उंदर कोन्स्त्रुक्शन

I miss Theirry Henry

2007-09-16T18:44:00.000+01:00

Well. Now wasn't that fun. What a match! There is so much to talk about that I'm not sure where to begin.

Hmmmm.

Ok, let's begin with THAT goal. Although, Manu Adebayor comes in for stick from Gooners now and then one can dispute his industry and after this electrifying goal to seal it yesterday surely no one can now seriously dispute his talent.

A definite goal of the month contender.

Next. Captain Kolo Toure's last ditch tackle on Berbatov. Unbelieveable. With Almunia gone walkabouts and the match still anyone's to win, Toure's tackle was potentially a turning point for the season.

But in a match that was a cracking example of Premier League football at its absolutely most passionate, technical and action packed Cesc Fabregas stood out by a mile with his complete domination of the match . I could talk for ages about him but let us just for now say that the recent Four Four Two magazine should quick reevaluate his position in world football.

Did you see MOTD? The line on our match was about sp*rs missed chances. HAHAHA. Their missed chances? Diaby hit the cross bar. Adebayor missed two sitters. Denilson shot at Robinson in a one v one and Hleb side footed for an easy save what should really have been a goal. We really should have destroyed sp*s by three of four goals. However Alan Hansen still said the sp*rs should have won. Oh dear. But Hansen did talk about our grit and determination. I've long noted these aspects of this particular team but the media media seem unable to admit was is very clear. It simply does not fit with the image of Arsenal as a young, foreign and technical side that we fight until the bitter end of matches. And win.

I always thought that the Vieira/Henry led Arsenal lacked a bit of bottle. But this new side is different. And slowly people are starting to realise it. For me the most interesting part of the match yesterday was Sagna's retribution on the oafish Huddlestone. Half his size, Sagna thought he would should Huddlestone what the Arsenal thought of his squaring up to Almunia. Whisper it folks... this is a TEAM. And one that fights for each other.

So. Three points. Three point lane. Three goals. Top of the table. Obviously Arsenal were delighted to beat a "top 4 side" and with Derby next at home and a victory shy Chelsea at Old Trafford hopefully we can make hay while the sun shines and hold on for fourth. It wont be easy. Because we obviously miss Thierry Henry though.

But Arsene Wenger has signed up for life.

And we will this week announce that our turnover smurfs that of Manchester United and become the second biggest club to Real Madrid. And the numbers suggest that we will pass Real and become the biggest club in the world next year.

And we have the youngest squad in the Premier League.

And we're top of the table.

Hey Bobby, what's the French for doom and gloom?

Transfer - Lassana Diarra (£5m-5.5m)

2007-09-01T06:52:00.001+01:00

Arsenal Football Club have completed the signing of Lassana Diarra for an undisclosed fee of probably £5m-£5.5m at the death of the transfer window.

As yesterday threw up rumours of Manchester United scrambling around for anyone who can score and Everton being linked with Riquelme in spite of his signing for Athletico (the day before), the Arsenal were quiet. And effective.

This was the transfer rumour I described as one that would simply not go away. And in the end Chelsea did the unbelieveable and sold us the next Claude Makelele. A young French international destined to line up with Abou Diaby in central midfield for their country for a decade. Extraordinary. What on earth Chelsea are thinking is beyond me. But Arsene Wenger is delighted.

"Lassana is a multi-functional player, making him a great addition to our squad. Not only is he hard working, he has a creative edge and is comfortable playing in the middle of the pitch or at right back.”

Chelsea will be gutted that another French international has forced his way from their club aiming to work with Mr. Wenger.

“I have great respect for the manager Arsène Wenger and am attracted by the style of football that the team plays. Of course I am excited by what the future holds and keen to play my part in helping Arsenal fight for trophies this season and for years to come.”

Au revoir, Mourinho. The Arsenal project continues.

Transfer Rumours - Luka Modric

2007-08-28T17:17:00.000+01:00

As the days wind down to the close of the summer transfer window, speculation is rife that Arsene Wenger has set his sights upon another player from Croatia in the form of midfield playmaker Luka Modric of Dinamo Zagreb.

The Guardian has today suggested it is "believed" that Arsenal have already agreed a deal with Dinamo for first refusal for the player and that the club may push to complete his signing within the next for days of the open window.

Modric is known as an attacking midfielder with a gift for his runs and positioning off the ball (replacement for Freddie... circa 4 years ago). He has good balance and can score with both feet. Modric is also combative and has a more than healthy taste for getting stuck into challenges despite his size.

He has a contract with his current club to 2015 and as such will not be had on the cheap. Bayern Munich have been sniffing around and it is thought have an offer on the table for 30 million euros. If Arsene Wenger does not move for Modric in the new few days it has been speculated that the player will arrive in January on pre-arranged terms.

Transfer - Wilson Palacios (to Birmingham?)

2007-08-24T08:47:00.000+01:00

Arsenal FC have NOT completed the signing of Honduran international winger Wilson Palacios. The player was to apparently join the club on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season. Initially thought to be "missing" in August by an apparently jumpy South American press, the forward was actually on trial in London with Arsenal almost adding yet another new nationality to the ranks.

Arsene Wenger was pleased with his performance in training and has decided to offer the player a route into joining ANOTHER club. Birmingham City. Arsene Wenger picked up the phone and called his new best friend Steve Bruce and sent the South American winger to Birmingham for more trials and apparently a transfer to the newly promoted club.

It is not currently known whether his international caps will immediately allow the player a work permit to remain in England. What is known is that Palacios once scored the Honduran "goal of the century" and at 23 would be expected to compete for a place wide of mifield for Birmingham.

I sincerely hope Arsene Wenger has secured some sort of transfer fee for this player having discovered him in the deepest reaches of the Americas. I should think we arent in the business of providing Birmingham with their entire first team.

EXCLUSIVE - Wenger signs three year contract

2007-08-23T06:26:00.000+01:00

Arsene Wenger has extended his contract for another three years WITHOUT escape clauses linking him to Arsenal FC through what may be a turbulent period of takeover attempts. While the media made much of the David Dein departure and spurious interest in buying the club, Wenger has quietly gone about his business this summer with most Gooners very confident of him staying.

Its nice that this is now put to bed. The press are much to histrionic when it comes to Arsenal FC. As much as the doom and gloom stories were entertaining it does become irritating when these must be endured on a daily basis.

Well done to the club and Wenger for making this happen. Arsene Wenger is crucial to the continiuing of the Arsenal project. Long may he stay.

Transfer Rumours - Micah Richards

2007-08-22T19:21:00.000+01:00

Micah Richards' contract status (and potentially availability) had the papers in a frenzy today as it has been revealed that a new contract with Manchester City has say unsigned by Richards for nearly two months.

As regular readers will know, I think Richards is simply the best defensive prospect I have ever seen. And I have said this for quite some time. Richards was apparently all set to join the Chavs at Chelsea during the winter transfer window but the deteriorating relationship between Jose Mourinho and Roman Abramovich quickly ended that possibility.

Some will be surprised that Richards has not quickly signed up to stay with the newly monied Manchester City but perhaps he understands that his development will be better aided by Champions League football and a mananger like Arsene Wenger. Wishful thinking perhaps, but Richards was a massive Gooner growing up and still lists his style of play as a mix between Patrick Vieira and Sol Campbell. Geez.

As I write this, Micah Richards has moved into the middle of defence alongside John Terry after having a stellar first half against Germany in setting up a goal and causing menace along the entire right flank. The boy is a phenom.

Will we sign him? Unlikely. I simply can't see Wenger spending £15-25m on a defender when he's been able to find the likes of Djourou and Clichy for a fraction of that money. But if there ever was a player for whom Wenger could make an exception of is policy.... it is Micah Richards. This afternoon Richards has responded to the press about his contract but stating that "City is my club. I'm treated like a proper first-teamer and that is enough for me." Hardly convincing. Moreso as the contract remains unsigned.

Cross Bar Challenge

2007-08-21T10:14:00.000+01:00

All eyes on tomorrow night as Yappy Jens ( (c) Eoin Heffernan 2007) squares up against an England side he saw fit to belittle in the press as ill equiped to deal with pressure. After a fortnight of school boy errors one would think he would keep those variety of opinions to himself. Alas, he is German. And he's probably correct. Either way, Arsene Wenger will be very keen to keep a close eye on this match and hope for obvious signs of a Lehmann revival.

Of particular interest will be how he fares against Micah Richards on corners and free kicks. The very flappable Lehmann will be tested in the air by superkid Richards a player that I have long, long, long rated. To repeat.... this boy is by far the greatest prospect in defence that I have ever seen. His talent will take him to the very top of football. Unfortunately that will not be with Arsenal as new megarich ownership at Manchester City and a manager (who clearly rates the boy and plays him where he should play) will never sell Richards. They dont have to and they both now how special a talent this kid is.

Alas, in spite of my shouting to the moutain tops that we must secure his transfer, Richards will not be an Arsenal player... in SPITE of being a Gooner. ARGH!

To cheer myself up I have added a little video from French TV which seems to be a piece stolen wholly from Soccer AM's Crossbar Challenge. All you morons who litter the otherwise fantastic Gunnerblog should note just how much the team seem to like Gallas here.

Enjoy.

Let's talk about Cesc, baby...

2007-08-10T09:34:00.000+01:00

The BBC have today named this chant as the second best of 2006-2007.

To the tune of Salt n Pepa's "Let's Talk About Sex"... Let's talk about Cesc baby, lets talk about Flam-in-i, let's talk about Theo Walcott, Freddie Ljungberg and Henry, let's talk about Cesc.

Brilliant.

In other news William Gallas has been named captain of Arsenal Football Club. This seems to have very much divided opinion amongst Gooners. I have to declare interests and say that I am quite pleased with this. I feel Gilberto is a little too timid to lead and that Kolo Toure and certainly Jens Lehmann much too jumpy to be captain. Also, Gilberto's record as captain is not near as good as people believe it to be while Toure showed in the Carling Cup fianl a mad Jens style moment of lunacy that surely removed his chance of being made captain this year.

Gallas on the other hand has declared that only 1st will do.... and has this summer won the two trophies available to the club as captain... leading a young Arsenal to beat the Ajax in very trying circumstances.

Compare this to Thierry Henry and that embrace of Teddy Sheringham after the histrionics of Marlon Harewood's late goal against us.

More soon. As irony would have it I am today completing a paper looking at modern leadership... which is so pressing that it will not today allow more of my thoughts about Gallas' captaincy .

Transfer - Kyle Bartley (£750 000)

2007-08-04T11:40:00.000+01:00

Arsenal have signed another defender. Kyle Bartley has moved from Bolton Wanderers and joined up with the Arsenal U-18s under the watchful eye of Head of Youth Development Liam Brady.

‘We watched him play and moved quickly to get him when he decided he didn't want to sign for Bolton,” said Liam Brady. “He's big and strong, six foot three or thereabouts already and we're looking forward to having him here. I think he will give our Under-18s team something it lacked last season.”

The FA.com describes the 16 year old a physically dominant central defender with great strength, Kyle is an imposing presence at the heart of the defence. His strength and defensive reactions are assured, and he is confident when attacking the ball in the air.

The fee to Bolton is thought to be £750 000 with clauses dependant upon first team appearances on England caps.

Transfer - Gilles Sunu (£1m)

2007-08-04T11:18:00.000+01:00

After a summer of speculation Gilles Sunu has quietly appeared on a list of Arsenal reservists and young players.

Arsenal signed the 16 year old from Chateauroux in France on a 4 year contract for an initial £1m fending off interest from Liverpool amongst others keen to sign the U-16 French striker. The transfer could rise to £2.7m with apprearance and cap clauses.

Sunu is the son of former Togo international Manu Sunu and was a recommendation of Arsenal super scout Gilles Grimaldi. Inevitably, he has been dubbed the "new Henry" by the French press. His technique and pace are notable and he takes up unusal positions as a striker and likes to run at defenders like the Arsenal legend.

Transfer Rumours - Lassana Diarra

2007-08-04T10:24:00.000+01:00

This one will not seem to go away. There have been whispers throughout the summer that Diarra wanted to move to Arsenal. However, the fact that Chelsea have the richest patron in world football would quickly suggest that they would not wish to lose face in having another player from their first team seek a move to link up with Arsene Wenger. Right?

According to reports.... wrong.

The apparent Claude Makelele understudy has turned his nose up at several Chelsea contract offers this summer and today has only 11 months left on his contract. Obviously there is now a Bosman risk for the player and with so little time remaining on his contract, Chelsea would have little leverage with which to negotiate terms. Arsene Wenger has held a long interest in the player and would have been very impressed with Diarra's performance in the France engine room alongside Abou Diaby against Austria in March 07. France boss Raymond Domenech sees this tandem as the future for the French midfield and as very pending replacements for the current engine room of Makelele and Patrick Vieira (... and the circle of life continues).

With Chelsea thought to be at the mercy of a £2m for the player, Wenger may well be interested in adding the midfielder to the likes of Song, Denilson, Diaby, Flamini, Gilberto and Cesc with Song likely to quickly move upon Diarra's arrival. When compared to the £17m spent on 26 year old Canadian Owen Hargreaves, £2m is a fantastic bargain for a French International adamantly claim Diarra to be the next Makelele.

With the confirmation that the actual Makelele has agreed terms with Chelsea for another year, it would seem that a Diarra move to Arsenal is an ever increasing possibility. The 22 year old defensive midfielder has appeared in 13 matches for Chelsea since his £3m move from French club Le Havre in 2005. Many of these matches have found the player ably fill in at right back. Arsenal would see his position as a medium term understudy for Gilberto.

Transfer Rumours - Achille Emana

2007-07-26T18:24:00.000+01:00

Arsenal have again been linked to Toulouse forward Achille Emana. The 25 year old attacking midfielder had an excellent season with Toulouse and would be a good complement to the set of forwards at the Emirates.

Lyon are also thought to be interested along with Werder Bremen.

The player has long been under the watchful eye of the Arsenal scouting department including a visit from Tony Adams a couple of years ago.

A confident sort, Emana could line up with the also poorly monikered Dudu in the Arsenal attack. Talking about his future he confided that "I can’t yet say I’m among the top players in the world. My aim is to be able to cross the ball like David Beckham, to have the power of Ronaldo, to possess the same finesse as Zinedine Zidane, and to have the dribbling skills of Ronaldinho.”

It is thought that Emana would cost between £4.5 and £8m.

Transfer - Pedro

2007-07-20T04:12:00.000+01:00

Arsenal have signed 17 year old left sided defender/forward Pedro from Figueirense in Brazil.

The player will join new signing Angel Di Maria at Salamanca in Spain following in the foot steps of Carlos Vela who played there last season in what has become an official "parking" relationship between the clubs.

The club said he will train with them, then spend two weeks at Arsenal before returning to Brazil until October. Then he will be Salamanca's player for the rest of the season.

Pedro, who can also play in attack, has already featured for the first-team of the Brazilian club.

Transfer - Rodrigo Palacio (PRANK!!!)

2007-07-16T13:33:00.000+01:00

The papers are buzzing about Arsene Wenger breaking the Arsenal transfer record by signing Argenitian striker Rodrigo Palacio from Boca Juniors in a £14m deal. The 25 year oldforward will also be given Thierry Henry's number 14 shirt.

No pressure then.

The medical will take place tomorrow in London and the player is expected to join the team in Austria for pre season training.

The William Gallas Chronicles...

2007-07-15T20:48:00.000+01:00

A big thanks to Billy G for the following words made exclusive to Arsenal Truth and Rumours... and... um... his website. I'm guessing these comments will not be as similarily edited, twisted and widely repeated throughout the media as those last week...

There’s no escaping it, the holidays are over… The three weeks have flown by and it’s back to work now as my training starts with Arsenal on Wednesday. It’s an opportunity for me to meet the new arrivals, get to know them and to see my team-mates from last year again. I’m well aware that I’ll probably be an even more important leader in the Arsenal team in the 2007-2008 season. Now that Thierry Henry has left, I’m one of the most experienced players in the group along with Jens Lehmann. I’ll therefore have a big responsibility to guide the younger players and advise them on how to approach matches, handle fatigue and pressure…However, let’s not forget that we’ve got a lot of sporting ambitions and that we’re going to do everything we can to win a title this season, either the Premier League, the Carling Cup, the FA Cup or the Champions League. I’m sure it’s going to be a big year for Arsenal! So my fabulous holiday in Guadeloupe is now behind me but it gave me a chance to rest and recharge my batteries to the full. I’m back in England feeling rested and ready for the new season…

http://www.williamgallas.net/en/gab_info.asp?info_id=5194

Transfer Rumours - Shaun Wright Philips

2007-07-14T15:02:00.000+01:00

A transfer target list apparently sent by Arsene Wenger has revealed Shaun Wright Philips as a transfer target for Arsenal Football Club.

The Online Gooner has reproduced a list that seems to suggest Wright Philips as the wide midfielder Arsenal have been lacking since Jose Antonio Reyes joined Real Madrid on loan last season.

While I feel this list is more than a little dubious a link to this player does ring true. Manchester City have clearly been tipped that Wright Philips is available and are sniffing around but Ian Wright quickly refused any suggestion that the move was possible saying "It won't happen. He loves City, but whether he loves them with Sven in charge is another story". And of course, Arsenal would be yet a further story entirely.

Chelsea are moving towards signing Daniel Alves this week but have also quietly tried to tempt sp*rs to exchange Pascal Chimbonda for Glen Johnson and Wright Philips as a fallback option. Insiders note that Wright Philips wages would be a stumbling block for sp*rs who pay Robbie Keane 50k a week as the teams highest earning player. SWP earns about 40% more than that. In spite of their pretensions to being a big club, sp*rs do have a rather consertative salary structure so unless Chelsea eat some of the wages to allow SWP to join sp*rs at a massive discount from the £21m they paid scant years ago, this will simply not happen.

Transfer Possibility Rating - 3/10

It makes sense on both sides but whether Chelsea will want to sell to us is the likely stumbling block. Wright would probably have to agitate for a move to make this happen and we all know his dad would advocate SWP joining Arsene Wenger's wingless wonders. However, there is an attractive English clique at Chelsea that may prove too attractive leave.

My view is that SWP would do well to join Arsenal and push his way back into the England set up. He should join but I dont think it will happen.

Transfer Rumours - Obafemi Martins

2007-07-11T06:39:00.000+01:00

Arsene Wenger may today bring his July spending to £35m by making a move for Nigerian International striker Obefemi Martins. The Newcastle striker had a strong first season in the Premiership for Newcastle but is thought to be unsettled and keen for a bigger club to activate his must talked about £13m release clause.

I have talked about this player before, particularly with reference to his titanic tussle with Kolo Toure in that famous Champions League 3-0 defeat to Inter Milan at Highbury.

Martins is a very very direct striker with lots of power. His transfer would suggest that one of both of Eduardo and Robin Van Persie may be used as left sided forwards this coming season. Martins also has a ridiculously hard strike on him. Martins tally of 17 goals in 33 appearances for the club was a rather decent beginning to life in English football. He even recorded a strike of 84 mph (135 km/h), or the ninth hardest shot ever recorded in football beating sp*rs 3-2 in January at Three Point Lane. Much to like.

Transfer Possibility Rating - 8/10

This one looks done. The Arsenal seem to be circling Newcastle for a bid. This one may happen very quickly given his release clause so more should be known in the next couple of days.

William Gallas Poll

2007-07-11T06:15:00.001+01:00

Transfer Rumours - Freddie Ljungberg

2007-07-11T06:07:00.000+01:00

Freddie Ljungberg may be set to move to Fiorantina, Newcastle or Manchester City as the Arsenal continue to surprise in the transfer market. The club are in definite talks with the Italian side as confirmed by Freddie's agent who yesterday said that the two clubs were about to agree transfer terms leaving Freddie to examine his options more closely.

Ljungberg has seen his pace and vitality compromised by injury over the past several seasons. That said, go rent Goal 2 to see just how effective Freddie was in that fantastic club defining 1-0 victory against Real Madrid in Spain. He was excellent in a striker supporting role just in front of the midfield. That was some time ago now but may be the defining match in his very accomplished career.

There was some talk about Ljungberg moving in January but nothing came of it.

Transfer Possibility Rating - 7.5/10

I think this will happen. Freddie has little to offer the club other than leadership at this point in his career. The phrase I keep hearing from Gooners is "bite their hand off" in refernce in the Fiorantina interest. And I agree. But let it not be forgotten just how effective Freddie was in making those cutely timed/angled runs into the box to perfectly compliment the intelligent passing of the Arsenal.... all to be completed by a routinely excellent Ljungberg finish.

As an aside, Fiorantina forward Valeri Bojinov may be part of the package after very recently turning down a new contract.

Transfer - Bakari Sagna (£7.5m)

2007-07-11T06:00:00.000+01:00

Bakari Sagna has completed a successful medical in London and Arsenal Football Club have agreed a fee of £7.5m with Auxerre for the versatile defender.

Arsenal should unveil Sagna at a press conference some time today.

I have previously speculated about this transfer and it is certainly nice to be right once in a while.

Transfer - Angel Di Maria (£2m)

2007-07-09T20:18:00.000+01:00

Arsenal Football Club have signed Argentinian forward Angel Di Maria from Rosario Central for an undisclosed sum (thought to be £3.5m-4m). The 19 year old is currently playing with Sergio Aguero for the Argentina Under 20s in the Fifa World Cup in Canada.

Gilles Grimaldi has been tracking the player for some time and it is thought that the left winger, nicknamed Angelito, will replace want away left side Jose Antonio Reyes. Inevitably the winger has been compared to Maradona. But then so has every young Argentinian forward for a generation.

Deportivo La Coruna were also interested in the player.

Transfer Rumours - Mathieu Flamini/David Villa/Nicolas Anelka

2007-07-08T20:18:00.000+01:00

Valencia have given Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini 72 hours to decide whether to join the Spanish club. Arsene Wenger is aware of the situation and has authorised the talks. Valencia sporting director Amedeo Carboni was clear about his interest in the player.

We have spoken to him and we want an answer soon as we must make plans for the coming season.

Howver, the weekends papers are suggesting that Flamini has changed his mind about wanting to leave Arsenal and this has apparently put the Bakiri Sagna transfer at risk.

Untrue.

Wenger was really quite definitive in his approach to dealing with Flamini in 2007. The midfielder's non appearance with the club during a period of heavy injury clearly suggests that Flamini is probably not in Wenger's long term plans.

TRANSFER POSSIBILITY RATING - 8/10

I expect this one to happen rather quickly. The likes of Birmingham have made enquiries about Flamini but he feels European football in vital to his continued participation in the France side (in spite of being called into but not yet appearing in the France team). Wenger will probably prefer to send Flamini abroad too.

David Villa

Valencia are also close to securing the services of former Gunner Nicolas Anelka. Part of the plans Carboni has involve bringing in the French striker as a potential replacement for David Villa.

Transfer - Yoan Gouffran (UNCONFIRMED)

2007-07-07T21:44:00.000+01:00

Arsenal Football Club have signed another French striker of Quadeloupean descent. For an undisclosed fee (thought to be £2-2.5m), the club have signed pacy striker Youn Gouffran from Caen.

Gouffran can also play wide of midfield and featured in the under 21 tournament in Portugal where he scored a goal in four matches.

Le Petit Prince

Captain Gilberto

2007-07-07T12:49:00.000+01:00

In the fallout of the very painful defeat to West Ham United (where Alan Pardew decided to do a graceless jig within the Arsenal techical area), I wrote a tub thumping piece about how a little Canadian justice should be handed out to West Ham's (former) gaffer. The view was simple. Respond robustly to this variety of angtonism and it will not ever repeat.

Harken back to that afternoon. Harewood scored that late goal all hell broke lose on the touchline as an unusually agitated Arsene Wenger responded to the Pardew nonsense and squared up to mete out a little Canadian justice himself.

But what did our captain do? Our captain wrapped his arm around Arsenal hate figure Teddy Sheringham and attempted to calm him(?!) down buddy buddy style as they both left the pitch. I wrote an immediate match report after the game and reading it back this afternoon offers interesting context....today we looked tired. Really tired. Im not sure I've ever seen Fabregas so short of energy as in the match today. And Thierry Henry was appalling. While Rosicky, Van Persie and Hleb were moving mountains in midfield, Henry looked uninterested and off the pace.

In sharp contrast, well known Henry-mate (who isn't) Didier Drogba got sharp response from (unofficially) new Arsenal captain Gilbero for his statements about Arsenal being out of the running for the league without Thierry Henry.

Captain Gilberto said...

So Drogba said we're already out of the title race, did he? Well, let's wait and see what happens. What I do know is last season Chelsea spent a fortune on new signings and still couldn't beat Arsenal once in the league. They didn't defend their title either, so I think Drogba is talking a little bit too much.

Translation = keep talking and I'll smack your mouth, mate.

While Thierry might choose to drape his arms all over Terry or Drogba, the NEW generation of Gunners would prefer to grab Lampard by the throat (Fabregas) or kick Terry in the head (Diaby). Sky Sports tended to promote the myth last season that the Arsenal were soft and easily beaten up North. One might consider the performance (sans Henry) against Manchester United at Sold Trafford where in spite of missing a penalty, Gilberto captained the Arsenal to a stunning victory where they played them off their own park. It's grim up North? Not when we are in that sort of form.

So all hail captain Gilberto. A new... more aggressive era... begins.

Transfer Rumours - David Villa

2007-07-06T10:29:00.000+01:00

Spanish International David Villa is being heavily linked in Spain with a move to Emirates. The striker has netted an outstanding 16 goals from 23 caps.

Sources close to Valencia have indicated that Arsene Wenger has been in contact with the club chairman, Juan Bautista Soler, regarding the availability of David Villa. Although manager, Quique Flores, is keen to retain the striker, it is understood than an offer of £22m will see the 25 year-old stroker moving to London.

Former Arsenal midfielder and all around good egg Edu, recently waxed poetic about his current teammate.

He is very good. I've been with him for two seasons now. I follow him and train with him and I can see he has something different.

I think he could play in England because he is an experienced guy. He has played for the international team for a long time. He has shown everybody in the important games how good he is so I don't think he would have any problem to play in the Premiership.

He is quicker than most, he can use both feet and he is intelligent. He is as good as all the comments people have made about him.

Transfer Possibility Rating - 1/10
More than likely any conversation between Arsene Wenger and Valencia has to do with a transfer agreement for Jose Antonio Reyes moving permanently to Spain rather than Villa joining Arsenal. Oddly, Nicolas Anelka is being heavily linked to a surprise move to Valencia now.

UPDATE (11.01am)
Nicolas Anelka just said this....
The interest from the Spaniards is really touching.Valencia are a great club. Going over there to try to win La Liga and help the club qualify for the Champions League is very tempting.
NEW Transfer Possibilty Rating - 4/10. I still can't see it but there is no way Valencia will employ both Villa and Anelka at the same time. And Liverpool won't buy another striker, nor will Manchester United (presuming Tevez is done) and nor will Chelsea.

Transfer Rumours - Robinho

2007-07-06T07:39:00.001+01:00

Graveson baiter and Brazilian International forward Robinho is being eyed by Arsene Wenger as a replacement for Jose Antonio Reyes.

Since his £15m transfer to Real Madrid from Santos there has been a sense of disppointment surrounding the pacy winger.

Saddled with a nickname starting with the letter "r", Robinho joined Romario, Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho (and others) as being hailed the "next Pele" tag which he has broadly not lived up to with Real Madrid.

The 23 year old former wonderkid still has immense upside and is probably better dribbling at pace than Ronaldo. But unlike the Portugese winger, Robinho has seemingly never learned the less is more lesson with tricks and style. Watching several Madrid matches last season, I was struck by the lack of runs the Madrid forwards made for each other and the amount of times Robinho would find himself in cul de sac with no passing options and then force to try his wide array of flicks and tricks.

Robihno is currently lighting up the Copa America with 4 goals in 3 matches. With Reyes not returning, Wenger may revive his long time interest in the Brazilian. The reasoning is clear. Robinho would add what Arsenal lack most, width from the forwards.

TRANSFER POSSIBILITY RATING - 2/10

I think the price might be too high for Robinho. With Real Madrid making noises in the press about signing Reyes for a bargain I simply cannot Robihno being part of any agreement for the Spaniard. That said, he would add precisely what we need. There is talk of a Baptista style loan for a season also. Stranger things have happened.

Rumours are also swirling around Emirates that Gilberto has been made captain of Arsenal Football Club with Cesc Fabregas made vice-captain. As he is now Brazilian captain with the Brazil side in Copa America, one hopes that our midfield invisible wall can talk up the club to Robinho.

New White Kit - Diaby 2

2007-07-05T12:15:00.001+01:00

Eduardo 9?

Van Persie 11?

Rosicky 7?

For a split second even Ljungberg 8.

But in the end I went for Diaby 2. He may not play as often as Cesc, Van Persie or Toure this season but I feel he is essential for our drive to win the league this season. His power in midfield and his surprising ability on the ball and in getting forward mark Diaby as a goliath for the future and essential midfield powerhouse for today.

Right. So there I am in line to have names on backs (and numbers on shorts) and a ticker comes across Sky Sports News quoting AP that Manchester United have signed Carlos Tevez. Seeing this there was an audible groan in the Amoury. Tevez is a fantastic signing for United. Even if they send Louis Saha on his way to West Ham in exchange, Tevez addition is a major statement of intent for United. More so than the depth and youth additions of Nani, Anderson and Hargreaves (in spite of their collective cost). In SPITE of myself, I was thinking of how well Rooney and Tevez could link together. But quickly I moved on and Diaby 2 was firmly sealed into my new away kit.

Walking around the Amoury was interesting this morning. There are statements posted from Thierry Henry thanking the fans for their support and such. Funnier still is the sale area which almost exclusively featured all manner of Henry hats, shirts, buttons and books. I noticed also that the "Way Out" in Arsenal Station had been returned to the panoramic photo (above) throughout the store but with Henry miraculously erased. Clearly with our support of course.

I noticed also that we still sell Dennis Bergkamp action figures. These were NOT on sale. Interesting.

On the way to the ground The Guardian informed me that the club are very confident of Arsene Wenger resigning for another 3-4 years. That's good if perhaps complacent. I would like to see Wenger sign his contract before this calendar year in over to allieviate the nagging concerns of supporters. I feel the players must present Wenger with fulfilment of their full potential as payback for his enduring trust. This is essential for Arsene Wenger to feel confident about realising his dreams with Arsenal Football Club. Abou Diaby can be a big part of those dreams.

Da Silva Lining

2007-07-02T21:25:00.000+01:00

It's been quite a week.

Arsenal have now made our third signing of the summer by securing the signature of Eduardo from Dinamo Zagreg for an undisclosed fee.

The announcement was coyly placed upon the Arsenal.com website yesterday and remained without further detail for at least an hour as the football world gasped a collective "who"?

And then the collective penny within the media began to drop. This was the chap who scored that wondergoal header in the embarrassing 2-0 England defeat to Croatia (against Paul Robinson, Ashley Cole and John Terry no less). Gooners began to also realise that Eduardo was in fact the first footballer to score a competitive goal at the Emirates. Some (ME!) even realised that they had attended this match and remembered (vaguely, admittedly) a zippy forward who preoccupied Kolo Toure and scored the first goal in the match (and ground).

But who is he?

Well, Eduardo Da Silva is a Brazilian forward who plays his football with Croatia, Eduardo is a poacher in the mould of Romario who scored 34 goals in 32 matches (!!!?!) last season for his club as well as 7 in 12 for his adapted country in mostly Euro Qualifiers. Impressive stats. And while I understand the concern that Eduardo has not yet played top standard club football I trust Arsene Wenger's judgement. Moreso given his comments today about his new signing.

He has great qualities and will integrate very well into our style of football. Da Silva is a pacy, intelligent player. Also, he is hardworking and has a very good team ethic to his game.

Unveiled at Emirates this morning, Eduardo is to be our new number 9. He said all of the right things in his press conference also.

Arsenal play with the ball on the floor. It is all about passing the ball rather than playing long balls forward. That is why I should fit in well.

Things are looking up. With a few more signings to go.

Transfer Rumours - Sergio Aguero

2007-07-01T11:52:00.001+01:00

Spanish papers have linked Arsenal FC with a raid on Athletico Madrid for the young Argentinian Sergio Aguero for £25m with Jose Antonio Reyes possibly included as a make-weight.

Having just turned 19 with three caps already with Argentina (23 year old £16.5m Darren Bent has but 2, btw), Aguero is simply the best teenaged footballer in the world now that Cesc Fabregas has turned 20. He's also (predictably) tagged as the new Maradona.

Currently playing for the Argentinian Under 20's in Canada, the forward would perfectly complement the likes of Van Persie and Fabregas in the young Arsenal side. Having been a professional footballer since 15, his adjustment should be made easier by the several Spanish speaking players and coaches in the side (Wenger, Cesc, Senderos, Almunia, Merida, etc etc).

TRANSFER POSSIBILITY RATING - ?/10

I have absolutely no idea. And not for the first time. Its clear that we are in talks with several Spanish clubs about Reyes but there is no confirmation of Arsene Wenger being interested in Aguero. Having only moved to Athletico Madrid last summer in a £16m transfer Arsenal would need to pay a premium to secure the registration. Given Wenger's ability to spot this sort of talent BEFORE it costs £25m I'm not convinced that he would be able to justify this sort of transfer to himself.

However, Aguero IS a super super signing. And would perfectly fit into the side while adding something just a little different to the group. He may also enjoy linking up with international teammate Carlos Tevez.

Transfer Rumours - Samuel Eto'o

2007-07-01T09:28:00.000+01:00

This one just won't go away.

I've written about Eto'o joining Arsenal before and while there is certainly no smoke without fire one would have thought that any bid for the player would have been linked to the Thierry Henry transfer. But the rumours persist that Arsene Wenger will make a bid of about £20m for a near like for like replacement for Henry.

Given all of the talk from both Milan sides about both Eto'o and Carlos Tevez, I think Eto'o is certainly in play. AC Milan Vice President even went so far as to say Our prime objective is Eto'o, if we can find an economic solution on the Milan website(!).

Eto'o has also been very complimentary about Arsene Wenger in the past while Wenger has identified Eto'o as a player he has attempted to sign in the past.

TRANSFER POSSIBILITY RATING - 2/10

I think Samuel Eto'o will probably leave Barcelona this summer. I dont think the Barcelona executives have forgiven him his comments about Ronaldinho and Frank Rijkaard this past season and see his place as redundant with the arrival of Thierry Henry. That said, his likely destination is not Arsenal for the simple reason that Arsene Wenger believes Robin Van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor to be his starting strike force next season and is looking for a complementary third striker rather than another name. In fact... I think I know who that player is... and he's not being linked with us currently. Here's a hint... he's currently playing in the Fifa Under 20's in Canada. Guesses? More soon.

Transfer Rumours - Michael Owen

2007-06-26T23:11:00.000+01:00

There have been lots of histrionics this summer about Newcastle and their penchant for signing strikers to contracts featuring release clauses. Both Oba Martins (£13m) and Michael Owen (£9m) have clauses if actioned could see them join another club.

Like Arsenal.

Much of the talk this week has centred around Obafemi Martins joining the club. Gooners will still remember the forward masterclass Martins put on with Inter Milan when they beat us 3-0 at Highbury. I have never before or since see a forward overpower Kolo Toure. Of course we were able to then destroy Inter Milan at the San Siro 5-1 to return the favour. But not forgotten was the display that an 18 year old striker put on against one of the strongest and quickest defenders the Arsenal have ever employed.

His 17 goals in 33 appearances for the club was a rather decent beginning to life in English football. He even recorded a strike of 84 mph (135 km/h), or the ninth hardest shot ever recorded in football beating sp*rs 3-2 in January at Three Point Lane.

Michael Owen is a different kettle of fish entirely. At £9m he represents very good value for money particularly as an English striker (see Darren "£16.5m" Bent for details). Although he is on obscene wages at Newcastle, Owen is a winner and a proven goal scorer at every level he has played. That is to say that if he were offered the opportunity to join a top four club in England that he would almost certainly not demand the level of salary he currently enjoys at Newcastle.

Owen is also in the prime of his career and represents the closest player I can think of in English football to Ian Wright. A player we have never really replaced in spite of the great success with Henry and Bergkamp. Arsene Wenger is long thought to be against including this sort of player within the Arsenal system but that is untrue. Francis Jeffers is testement to that. And with Owen available for less than what Jeffers cost many moons ago I'm quite certain that Wenger has considered making a bid for the England striker. In fact, word around the campfire is that Wenger had Owen scouted at the recent England "B" match last month.

TRANSFER POSSIBILITY RATING - 4/10

With or without Owen, Van Persie and Adebayor are going to be our first two strikers this coming season. Michael Owen would certainly complement the group including Nicolas Bendtner, Theo Walcott and perhaps Carlos Vela. But he would be at best the number 2 striker. Would this be attractive to Owen? I think so. He'll be confident of starting most games and would probably love to work with Hleb, Rosicky and Fabregas.

Transfer Rumours - Carlos Tevez

2007-06-25T20:02:00.000+01:00

Carlos Tevez has today linked himself to the Arsenal... and Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

Taking time out from his busy off season schedule of Argentinian colonic therapy and related facial treatment, Tevez spoke from the heart when telling the Sun newspaper of his desire to join Arsenal Football Club.

"I know people are now talking about Arsenal and obviously that is something I am excited about," Tevez told The Sun. "It's another big club and the good thing is I wouldn't have to move out of London. "I also already know English football and I like it. Arsenal's style is more technical than physical, so I could fit in no problem. My transfer is being talked about a lot. It's beautiful to be wanted by various clubs."

Make no mistake, Tevez is a fantastic player and would add something to any side in the world. In fact, he reminds me of an Argentinian Wayne Rooney. His power, pace and technique would also perfectly suit (as he says) the way we play football.

But the buyer must beware of Carlos Tevez. The details surrounding his player registration are at best shady and I'm not convinced that Arsene Wenger will want to entangle himself with the dodgy cast of characters who surround the player. He'll also cost a pretty penny probably northwards of £20m. That said, a Robin Van Persie, Adebayor, Bendtner, Tevez and Walcott front line does have quite a lot to go for it and a rather nice array of talents and skills.

TRANSFER POSSIBILITY RATING - 1.5/10

I dont hold out much hope for this one. I like the player and he would clearly be a hit for the fans. But I just can't see this transfer happening... particularly when Tevez is so gobby in linking himself to us. If he were confident that we were interested he wouldn't bother or would more likely attempt to link himself elsewhere to influence contract negotiations.

Captain Fabregas?

2007-06-25T18:18:00.001+01:00

Having spent the day at Wimbledon I've been able to ignore some of the more ridiculous rubbish in the papers regarding our board apparently rejecting Arsene Wenger's plans to bring in Nicolas Anelka. Yes, that makes *perfect sense. A board that has lived off of the proceeds of Wenger's prudent genius ("we have money, but he refuses to spend it") now wants to deny his choices in the transfer market. A board who wanted to build a statue of Wenger outside the stadium that he effectively built (and planned and designed.. etc etc... in spite of Saint David Dein's preference in moving to Wembley) now wants to defy Wenger's best judgement in the transfer market. A board who last weekly publicly backed Arsene Wenger's decision making in advance of the Henry transfer has now decided to turn face and cut him off at the knees.

Nonsense.

To much more genuine news, then. As predicted Francesc Fabregas has won Arsenal.com's player of the year. I found some of the comments on the website rather enlightening as to what Arsene Wenger may be considering doing tonight in answering questions about the Henry transfer.

No longer can Cesc Fabregas be seen as a young player with superb ability. He is now the fulcrum of the side. He lubricates the Arsenal engine room, linking defence and attack, controlling the way the team plays. He is now vital to the side.

The language here is interesting. Cesc as the lubricant of the Arsenal engine room? Fulcrum of the side? Now vital? No longer (just) a young player with superb ability? While the rest of England gloats at the Arsenal foundations crumbling (hehe... this is actually quite a funny thought) the club has shifted... transformed. I think Arsene Wenger will tonight make Cesc Fabregas the next captain of Arsenal Football Club. This will be a statement of intent for the club.

I also think that Nicolas Anelka may indeed be returning to the club. We need to replace the 10 (of 70) goals that Thierry Henry scored in the league last season and I think Anelka can more than provide that firepower. Interestingly, Arsenal.com actually compares Wenger's signing of Fabregas to Wenger's capture of Anelka.

The manager’s trick is spotting that ability, nurturing it and allowing it to bloom. Fabregas and Nicolas Anelka are the best examples. The latter left Highbury too early to really assume responsibility in his position.

Why say this? I am intrigued. Stay tuned. Things are about to get a lot more interesting at Arsenal FC.

HAHAHAHAHAHAH... stop

2007-06-24T17:55:00.001+01:00

The new away kit is not THAT bad, Thierry. Haha. All the best, mate. You and Messi and Eto'o and Ronaldinho will be a pretty tasty combination. I can't wait to see you play in Spain. And have us play Barcelona (and you) in the Champions League. We've certainly got more than a score to settle now.

The Chicken Littles of the world have it that the Arsenal sky is falling. Or at least the press seem to largely be pushing that idea. I have actually found thatmost Gooners seem to be quite relaxed about Henry moving to Spain but quite clear that this move must be accompanied by at least two forwards to liven up the attack with width and penetration.

Robin Van Persie now becomes extremely important to the club. As the top scorer for the Arsenal (and top per match Fantasy Football scorer...with Henry second and Ronaldo a distant third) this past season anyway, we will expect RVP to push on an become the focus of our attack in the same way he is for Holland. I have no doubt he will. With perhaps his mate Babel for company.

And Cesc Fabregas should be named Captain. No discussion. Tomorrow he will be named the Arsenal player of the year as voted by the supporters so he will definitely be a popular choice with the fans. He has the necessary talent, desire and zest for the football we play as well as a cool head on his shoulders. In spite of what Frank Lampard's throat, Mark Hughes fragile ego and Sir Alex Ferguson's pizza'd face may suggest, he channels his passion in the right way and never glares at his own teammates for missing passes or simply failing to be as good as Cesc Fabregas. He will also be ably assisted by other natural leaders in Kolo Toure, Gilberto, and Jens Lehmann and be an example to the likes of Fran Merida and Gavin Hoyte pushing into the first team.

Transfer Rumours - Alberto Aquilani

2007-06-24T17:18:00.000+01:00

With the Under 21s now complete and Holland (and Arsenal target Ryan Babel) victorious, attention has quickly turned to transfer targets from the tournament. Sources close to the club have confirmed that super scout Gilles Grimaldi has been tracking Roma and full Italy International Alberto Aquilani in recent months.

The Roma playmaker certainly caught the eye in the 2-2 draw with England in scoring the equaliser.

He has also become a prominant part of the Roma side and earned a call up to the full Italy side. The thinking behind bringing in yet another midfielder into the Arsenal set up would be to replace the likely departing Matty Flamini.

A quick look at Football Manager reveals several areas that Grimaldi will be noting are strengths in the player.

Long Shots 17/20
Passing 18/20
First Touch 16/20
Creativity 15/20
Technique 16/20
Positioning 16/20
Teamwork 17/20
Work Rate 15/20
Stamini 15/20

Obviously this boy is a very tasty prospect. Will we buy him?

TRANSFER POSSIBILITY RATING - 2.5/10

I really doubt the arrival of another central midfielder with or without Flamini's departure. With Denilson, Diaby, Gilberto and Fabregas (c) and possibly Fran Merida seeing more action with the first team I find it highly unlikely that an Italian international would risk taking his chances with a side well stocked with the Brazilan captain, a French international, a Spanish international and yet another Brazilian international.

Transfer Rumours - Bakari Sagna

2007-06-24T14:13:00.001+01:00

Hmmmm. The Arsenal in for a right-back?

With the recent departures of forwards Thierry Henry, Jeremie Aliaidiere, Auturo Lupoli, and Julio Baptisa as well as the possible future departure of the rapidly aging Freddie Ljungberg and the definte future departure of warm weather wizard (alliteration... that's a ta for me, Dave) Jose Antonio Reyes... one might think that our interest in this player is slightly misguided. Moreso when noted that both Manu Eboue and Justin Hoyte have only recently had their contracts improved/extended with the club. Also, Kerrea Gilbert is in the wings and all of William Gallas, Kolo Toure and Johan Djourou are more than capable to play there in a fix.

But Sagna has recently just been brought up into the France side in recent qualifiers against Ukraine and Georgia. I also think that his potential arrival could see Eboue pushed forward to cover Alex Hleb and Walcott as necessary... particularly with Freddie in decline. Eboue had some storming performanes going forward last season and his crossing has become excellent. With Bendtner in the side and Adebayor more prominant up front, Eboue's crossing is a legitimate option for the mythical "plan B" so often suggested as missing from the Arsenal's... ahem... arsenal.

I also believe that good egg Justin Hoyte could provide cover for Gael Clichy at leftback while Armand Traore continues his development in the reserves. This may give us more balance at the back as well as adding a modicum of experience to the backline.

Clearly Arsene Wenger likes this player quite a bit and feels he could complement the group. Auxerre has publicly claimed that the player is in discussions with the Arsenal and £6m has been broadly agreed as a fee. That said, Auxerre wish to keep Sagna for another year knowing further progression with the French side will only increase his value. But with Arsenal circling and Wenger now fully in control of transfer dealings I suspect we may shortly be welcoming another French International to the side.

TRANSFER POSSIBILITY RATING - 7.5/10

Auxerre clearly want to keep the player and have said the odds of him leaving this season are less than 50/50. Obviously our priority is to bring in at least two forwards this summer but the speculation around Sagna is such that is seems that Wenger is convinced that Sagna would add something to the side. And when shopping for young players at this price Wenger is devestatingly efficient... as Diaby, Denilson and Eboue himself can suggest.

XxX UPDATE XxX 11 July 2007

Bakiri Sagna has completed his medical in London and will be confirmed as an Arsenal player later today in a £7.5m deal with Auxerre.

Transfer Rumours - Nicolas Anelka

2007-06-24T08:04:00.000+01:00

Unlike many of the fans who have newly filled the capacity of Emirates, some of us recall a time before Thierry Henry. And before Henry there was Anelka.

I should declare my interest here. When we signed Thierry Henry as a replacement for Nicolas Anelka I didnt think that Henry looked the part and was convinved that what we were losing was impossibe to replace. But I was wrong.

Henry and Anelka have had their careers progress in very different directions in the years since Anelka's brothers agitated for the move to Real Madrid that would change both their lives. Henry has become a world football icon and Arsenal record goal scorer while Anelka has become a footballing nomad making stops in such footy outposts as Bolton, Fenerbace, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.

While Henry has fully realised his potential, Anelka has sulked around Europe dripping both class and bile in equal measure. Because like every footballer who leaves the Arsenal of Arsene Wenger, the success (Gio), money (Ashley Cole) or weather (Jose Antonio Reyes) are never more lucious that the green grass of football played by the Arsenal and the player's bespoke role within the system.

Could then Nicolas Anelka replace Thierry Henry's role within the side? Yes. This boy has immense talent as we unfortunately witnessed first hand last season. On the plus side, he's also almost two years younger than Henry and we wouldn't have to make him captain. He is starving to play the football we play and is guaranteed a place within the France side should he join us. In fact, with Euro 2008 12 months away, Anelka could certainly upset the applecart of France should he prove his worth to Arsenal once again. On the negative side, a black cloud surrounds this man. While he has surely become more mature in recent years there have to be question marks about his attitude.

Is this worth the risk?

Absolutement.

Wenger knows precisely how Anelka would fit into our football and while he may not be the figurehead upon which all of our football would now be played (a la Henry) he would definitely share the responsibility with Van Persie and fairly or unfairly cast much less of a shadow over the talents of other players in the side like Rosicky and Fabregas.

There are others we should look at very seriously. But Anelka is the player who would most quickly adapt to our football and not overshadow Robin Van Persie or Manu Adebayor.

TRANSFER POSSIBILITY RATING - 6/10

There is something rather too perfect about a scenario where Anelka the prodigal son returns to the club to replace his replacement, our interest could simply be his people whipping up competition for a player on Manchester United's radar. The £10m figure sounds about right however and Anelka is absolutely the one player on earth who could be confident and experienced enough to step into Henry's shoes with the Arsenal and be Le Man up front for Arsene Wenger. He's done so before and this time he is actually in his prime.

End of an era... a dawn of destiny

2007-06-22T20:01:00.000+01:00

There are no words to describe the brilliance of Thierry Henry in full flow. But I will try. It has been an immense pleasure watching this man play football since he arrived at the club in 1999. At the time I was very unconvinced by the player Wenger had brought in to effectively replace Nicolas Anelka. He just didnt look right. Or Wright. But how wrong was I.

Thierry Henry has been the beacon of the club and (perhaps the Premiership) for some time. In our darkest days we could always gloat that we have Henry.

But no more.

The Henry era has passed. And with it goes a striker, the likes of which we will never again see. He reinvented the position and served as the fulcrum for the "Arsenal style" of football. With Dennis Bergkamp he created a partnership the likes of which the Premiership had never before seen. Trophy after trophy. Award after award. Thierry Henry set a new standard for flair in this country with pace, power, vision and cold blooded finishing.

But unlike Bergkamp, not for Henry is a gentle decline from first team to impact substitute with the club that brought him his reputation. With the 17th of August nearing and with it the 30th birthday of Henry, a decision had to be made. And Thierry Henry spoke to Arsene Wenger about his desire to move on. And play for Barcelona. And Wenger agreed. This man has been a legend for us and for him to desire a move to another club with which to spend his 30s really is something with which we can have no issue. We should wish him all the best in his pursuits.

And move on.

Wenger has again taken a massive gamble. Henry had three years left on a contract he signed last year. We held all the cards here including not near needing the money. But I think Wenger was more than correct to understand and heed the wishes of his captain. But let's be clear. Never is Arsene Wenger more dangerous than when forced into a transfer. Overmars begat Pires. Anelka begat Henry. Cole begat Gallas. Henry begat? Some are saying Torres in a part exchange for Reyes. I'm not sure. As it stands Robin Van Persie becomes absolutely critical for the club. In Van Persie we now place the pressure of scoring goals for the club.... Torres or no Torres. But a frontline of Van Persie, Adebayor, Walcott and Bendtner is not experienced enough for my taste. And with the Henry money... the Reyes money... the Muamba money... the Aliadiere money (as well as Stokes, Larsson and others)... we MUST bring in a forward or two to improve both the wide areas and the hole left by a player I think is the best in the world.

Au revoir Titi. Thanks for all the memories, mate.

Transfer Rumours - Gisele

2007-06-20T17:25:00.000+01:00

Arsenal FC have today announced a new tasty Brazilian signing... the model Gisele Bundchen.

With so much speculation surrounding the club this summer its nice that Arsenal can concentrate on involving extremely hot South American models into our commerical interests. We are a club with our priorities straight.

Well done.

Anyone with any doubt about liking our new kit will surely be convinced by this photo with a striker. Oh and Thierry is in there too.

In other *news, doing the rounds on the internet is a photo of Thierry Henry sporting a San Antonio Spurs jersey. Laughably, the sp*rs lot are yappin' that this is somehow derogatory to the Arsenal and that Thierry is now proclaiming his love for Tottenham.

Au contraire, my tiny Tott friends...given that the San Antonio Spurs just won the NBA (see Tony Parker's left hand)... they have much more in common with the Arsenal than any other North London clubs.

Proud Frenchmen wearing Spurs on their chests while holding a major trophy is delightfully Gallic humour.

Transfer Rumours - Tuesday Transfer?

2007-06-19T13:58:00.000+01:00

Gooners across the land are today holding their collective breath waiting for confirmation of a "big transfer" involving Barry Silkman, agent for Yakubu and Michael Owen. On Friday, Silkman told Newsnight that he hoped this mysterious transfer "for Arsenal" would be wrapped up by Tuesday.

Silkman's roster of players includes Geremi also but considering the links he has with super-agent Pini Zahavi, this "signing" could actually be anyone... if the signing is actually true.

I note with interest that all and sundry are talking up a move for Samuel Eto'o, including AC Milan, Manchester United and Liverpool. I don't believe the latter two clubs have the financial resources (certainly not considering the current exchange rate with the dollar) to compete at this level for transfer/player but the AC Milan interest does ring true. That said, given the sabre rattling in the press about a complete overhaul of Barcelona given their tepid season one could suggest that these transfer reports (none of them currently including a move to Arsenal... in spite of continued Eto'o banter about his love for the Premier League) may simply be an agent's bargaining ploy. Food for thought. I find the absense of our involvement in Eto'o's paper tittle tattle actually quite revealing considering Arsene Wenger's comments last year about being very close to signing Eto'o from Real Madrid a few years ago.

By while Gooner's sweat on this "transfer" I am today enjoying a lovely day off in the summer sun of a beautiful London day. Having done a little gymwork this morning I got my haircut by my Italian hair stylist and Inter Milan supporter. We obviously have Vieira in common now but it was great to hear the banter about Serie A and in particular the transfer agenda for one Claudio Ranieri at Juventus. He thinks Ranieri is trying to get rid of Trezuguet (with us as the target... but I don't think so) to then bring in Lampard with the fee. Oh, and I hadn't realised that Bayern Munich had signed Toni along with Franck Ribery.

The downside of such a lovely day is that its difficult to get a side out for footy... so we've had to cancel our bottom of the table clash in Islington this evening. Sux.

Transfer Rumours - Ryan Babel

2007-06-17T05:17:00.000+01:00

With Jose Antonio Reyes almost certainly sold on to Barcelona or Seville this summer, the Arsenal will want to inject some pace and directness to complement the skills of pseudo wingers Hleb, Rosicky and Walcott.

Speaking to reporters this week, Babel let slip that he would love to join the Arsenal and have the chance to work with Arsene Wenger.

From when I was young I supported Arsenal. I liked the style, the ambience, how they show themselves on the field - everything. If I get the chance one day to train with (Arsenal manager) Arsene Wenger it would be a dream.

Clever boy.

He's also a mate of Robin Van Persie but more importantly can do this on the pitch.

I watched him play last night against the Belgians and like the match against Portugal he showed an absolutely phenomenal first touch in taking a pass at speed and losing his mark with the cleverest (and directest) of first touches. And like Theo Walcott has some of the skills necessary to be held in football cicrles as "The Next Henry".

TRANSFER POSSIBILTY RATING - 8/10

Issueing come and get me pleas can mean almost anything so Babel's words must be taken with a pinch of salt. That said, we have long been linked with this player even if just by me in January, March, and April. He would fit into our style of play very well and definitely adds something out wide that we were lacking last season. Also, a £6m price tag is precisely the right price range for Arsene Wenger in buying the likes of Rosicky and Hleb. Needless to say, his age fits the profile of an Arsenal forward also.

The New Kit Is Fantastic

2007-06-16T12:31:00.000+01:00

It's been a while.

The world of Arsenal FC has been such a sedate boring place so far this summer that I have felt no need to dip my toe into the pool of tranquility on which the club happliy float into next season.

Right.

Just a word then about the soon to be released away kit. I speculated about this in a previous post http://arsenalrumours.blogspot.com/2007/03/this-new-kit-is-absolutely-white.html but my worry have been completely misplaced.

The kit is excellent and retains the redcurrent seen in our goodbye to Highbury (and Bergkamp)kit. I will have my credit card at the ready to purchase Diaby 2 on 5 July.

The photo above once featured a "Way Out" sign above Henry's head. Presumably Thierry would then seek to question what the French was for "Way Out" which... I would answer Vieira, Anelka, Petit, Wiltord and Pires... but Arsenal.com saw no humour in this and it seems airbrushed out the words from the right of Henry's head.

This story builds by the day with the media clearly pushing an upheaval agenda for the club. My meagre opinion is that Arsene Wenger will always do what he thinks is best for Arsenal Football Club. He gambled with selling Vieira two years ago giving rise to sp*rs widely suggesting that Edgar Davids was now the best midfielder in the neighbourhood. Haha. Quite. Fabregas quite comfortably was this year listed in the top 6 players in the league. Few would dispute his place. Wenger has been proven correct with Paddy's continuing injury issues also.

Will Wenger sell Henry?

I don't know. But I will say that it won't be the Sam(e) without Thierry if you gEt(o'o) what I mean.

'It's the disease we've shown all season"

2007-04-08T08:47:00.000+01:00

I just watched the highlights. I couldnt bring myself to watch this match replayed on Sky for obvious reasons. But MOTD was on this morning so during my Easter Sunday coffee I decided to flick on and see how we did. And we were excellent. Stunning football... about 30 shots... 64% possession. Even our midfielders were peppering the goal with good shots.

AND WE LOST.

The above quote is from Arsene Wenger after we lost our third match on the trot 1-0 to West Ham and our first at the Emirates Stadium. And its about time. I have long noted that the Arsenal have had trouble in front of goal taking their chances. In the Champions League and elsewhere.

This is not a new issue. Here is what I wrote about the CSKA match in November. Never before have I seen so many missed golden opportunities to score. Not just clear chances, but open goal variety misses not seen in North London since Kanu departed. The result was so little to show from so amazing a display. And it was precsisely the same yesterday.

But its *funny that my last post noted the Arsenal as having reached Rock Bottom. I wrote this too soon. We're not at rock bottom yet. With Chelsea and Bolton at the Emirates and with sp*rs to play away, we are nowhere near as comfortable for a Champions League place. Let's be clear. We are now in deep trouble. 2 points up on Bolton with a game in hand is not comfortable. Not with the wheels coming completely off the Arsenal wagon. And not with us having absolutely no nous in front of goal. Oh, and we dont have Thierry Henry to save us. Or Robin Van Persie. Or even Theo Walcott. You will recall that Henry scored a final match hat trick to secure 4th place as the lot down the road proved they lacked the stomach for the highest level. With out a change in something... we are in deep trouble.

The supporters are calling for changes for next season. And that is fine. But with Van Persie and Henry to return next season and Adebayor playing out of his skin. Do you buy a striker to simply sit behind these three. Or determine to purchase a player like Eto'o or Villa who in all reality would find themselves in a dogfight with Van Persie to play alongside Henry. We HAVE top strikers. And Bendtner deserves a chance in the first team along with Theo Walcott. So perhaps we need scoring midfielders.

Perhaps. But you cannot fault the performance yesterday from our normally goal shy midfielders. Gilberto, Rosicky and Fabregas all had lots of shots on goal. But the bottom line is that Paul Robinson has more goals in the league that Cesc Fabregas and that the Arsenal have not replaced the goals from Reyes and Pires, in spite of all the pretty football or dynamic interplay.

So what do we do now? I have absolutely no idea. I do think Flamini, Lehmann and Aliaidiere will more than likely move on with perhaps Ljungberg and Baptista on their way as well. I find it highly unlikely that Jose Antonio Reyes will return to the Arsenal also so there are some places in the side to fill. If I were king (and I should be) I would bring in one of Daniel Alves or Jesus Navas (although preferably Alves as Navas has acute anxiety issues), Ryan Babel and Igor Akinfeev. We can afford all three, particulary with the Reyes money on the way. Will this happen? Only if Im king, I fear.

In other football, one-name wonders Lauren and Kanu kept Manchester United from a straightforward procession to the league title. Well done lads.

Oh, and Happy Easter. For some.

Rock Bottom

2007-04-01T00:44:00.000+01:00

Where to go from here.

I don't know.

Since the Walcott goal against Chelsea five seemingly endless weeks ago, the wheels have come completely off the wagon of Arsenal Football Club. Let me start by noting while it is no embarrassment to lose to Liverpool at Anfield, the way in which we shipped the four goals today is absolutely unacceptable.

Our much vaunted first team back five were all in the side today for (as far as I can remember) the very first time this season. But Clichy, Eboue, Gallas, Toure and Lehmann did not look the class apart the Gooners had come to believe. Kolo Toure in particular was poor today.

Very poor.

So poor in fact that his efforts finally realised all of the hints and warnings I have been quietly making of his perforances in recent weeks. He looks very awkward at the moment. I do hope however that Wenger allows him play his way into form. A Gallas/Toure central defence should be the rock upon which a challenge for the league next year is built. With Swiss Tony and Djourou for cover as well as perhaps some cup matches for young Gavin Hoyte and this part of the side should be very well looked after.

On paper.

But matches arsen't played on paper. And so the Arsenal were unable to turnover a side clearly selected with a Champions League match in mind (don't get me started). Rarely have I seen this side play so badly as it did today. Were it not for Adebayor's industry and penetration, the match could be been a slaughter. But as it was, Manu hit the woodwork twice and miss two other strong chances. But none of the others players decided to stand up and be counted.

Ok, its going to be a hard slog to reach the end of this miserable season. But we cannot simply cruise to a Champions League position. Where is the hunger, lads?

Enough on that.

On another matter. What on earth is Diaby doing on the left? I thought today that Wenger was very clever to do this to match Diaby with Stevie Me on the Liverpool right. Well, it didnt work. Cesc more than certainly needs a stronger presense in the middle than an 19 year old Denilson. Diaby is this player. And proved it for France midweek.

Anyway. We still have sp*rs away and two lovely matches against Bolton and Chelsea to play. This season will never end.

I hate football.

This New Kit is absolutely *White

2007-03-24T08:20:00.000Z

Given that we now have no chance of silverware, I'm left to occupy my Arsenal meanderings to the mundane and trivial. One such item invovles our home kit for next season.

The rumour has it that the braintrust at Nike have determined that our 2007-2008 home kit should be (shock horror) white. Yes, they are Americans... but still... what are they THINKING? Like many I was pleased that our settling into Emirates involved a return to the classic red with white sleeves kit this season. We are recognisably Arsenal in this kit. It is our now traditional uniform. And a big winner with supporters throughout Goonerdom.

That is not to say that our recent kit decisions have been uniformly (sorry) tasteful. Every now and then for instance, Jens Lehmann is forced to wear an orange monstrosity begging the question as to whether or not he has been Tango'd. We also introduced a highlighter yellow kit a couple of years ago or such garish vibrancy that I swear it forced known fashionista Patrick Vieira from the club.

And we are not alone in willful predicaments of bad taste. One need only view the very aptly coloured brown of the sp*rs European kit to know that (many) other clubs get it wrong too.

That said, I will still buy one if they do not reconsider, but mine will be Diaby 2.

Transfer Rumours - "Super, Super Class" signings

2007-03-15T22:35:00.000Z

Arsene Wenger has promised that any signings the club will make this summer will only be of the super, super class variety to add to the army of young talent he has assembled in recent years.

Presumably, this level of signing rises about the rather mundane world class signings usually made by more pedestrian clubs into the stratosphere of the prestige signing of players at the level of... who?

Debate has raged over what sort of player Wenger intends to sign who fits the super, super class.

There are few names that fit the description. Samuel Eto'o is one. Gianluigi Buffon is definitely another in the super, super class. Obviously both of these are dependant upon what happens with other players in their position at the club. I'm certain for instance that Arsenal will never employ both Jens Lehmann and Buffon at the same time. Arsene Wenger's economics degree would never allow it.

Lots of people were sceptical when Wenger promised two "world class" signings last summer. Sceptical until Thomas Rosicky and William Gallas (and a cool £5m) turned up at the Emirates (as well as Brazilan Internationals Julio Baptista and Denilson).

Has he now upped the ante to a new level? And more importantly will he (need to) deliver?

Future Watch - Gavin Hotye

2007-03-15T21:14:00.000Z

Defenders are too often very easy to miss when talent spotting. But during the Arsenal under 18s 1-0 victory over Manchester United last night in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup semi-final, Gavin Hoyte stood out amongst the fantastic array of young talent assembled in red and white.

In front of 39000 at the Emirates, Hoyte marshalled a pacy Arsenal back four to keep the eager United forwards honest throughout the match.

Younger brother of first team debutant Justin Hoyte, Gavin displayed a truly remarkable ability on the ball combined with a calmness in possession rarely seen in defenders of any age.

Impressive too was his blazing speed but that should be no surprise given Justin's pace. What was a surprise was his remarkable similarity to another Arsenal defender in the shape of one William Gallas. Athletic and confident, Hoyte is as much the next Gallas as Diaby is the next Vieira or Adebayor the next Kanu. I'm not sure how Wenger keeps finding these kids but I am delighted that this one is local and a childhood fan of the club.

Transfer Rumours - Gilberto

2007-03-15T20:39:00.000Z

Arsenal spies spotted David Dein meeting with Juventus officials in Italy this week getting Gooner tongues wagging over what the two clubs could possibly be discussing.

But however much Arsenal may covet the great Gianluigi Buffon, common sense would suggest that Arsene Wenger won't all of the sudden lose the financial prudence that saw his budget for his most recent starting 'keeper max out of £1.5m for the legend that is Jens Lehmann. The conversation was simply not about Buffon. Although I would love to be wrong on that.

What is much more likely is that Juve's longstanding interest in Brazilian midfielder Gilberto has finally been met with a receptive ear now that he has entered his 30s. With Denilson emerging of late, the number of candidates to play with Cesc Fabregas has swelled considerably. Indeed, Cesc Fabregas, Abou Diaby, Denilson, Matthieu Flamini, Fran Merida, Mark Randall, Fabrice Muamba and perhaps Julio Baptista swell an engine room that has clearly moved on from the Patrick Vieira era.

And unlike some, I have not been convinced of Gilberto's form this year. I feel his scoring exploits have papered over the cracks of what has been a rather poor season for the Arsenal vice-captain. Too many times has he made the mistake of either being caught in possession or giving the ball away cheaply. I will grant that he is a cool head in an otherwise green midfield but Diaby gives us power and the crucial intimidation factor long lacking for those annoying trips to the Reebok. And I feel it is time to properly unleash Diaby upon the Premiership in the same way the Wenger once did with another French midfield dynamo a decade ago.

Some on the various blogs were aghast the Gilberto could be sold but I instead would suggest that we bite Juventus' hand off if they offer anywhere near the £7m fee being bandied about.

The Show Must Go On

2007-03-10T15:41:00.000Z

The best part of our run to the Champions League final last year were those gleeful mornings finding the sports pages filled will everything Arsenal. And only Arsenal. That we were the last English club left in the biggest club competition in the world, gave us the fullest stage and spotlight with which to win fans and fanfare across Europe with our football. Coffee in hand, I pored over countless articles praising the philosophy and application of Wengerball with special mention of the majesty of Henry, the vision of Fabregas, the poise of Gilberto and the stature of Lehmann.

So how galling is it now to have slipped at the first proper hurdle, finding the club on the outside amidst the media's hysterics of three English clubs in the (gasp) Quarter Finals. But my morning coffee is not now bereft of Arsenal commentary. Quite the opposite. In spite of now not playing a realistic role in any football competition, Arsenal Football Club are being written about and discussed as much as ever.

Everyone rubbernecks at a car crash.

And so it is that all and sundry have felt obliged to discuss death of Arsenal's 2006-2007 season before rigor mortis has truly set in. This has mostly included the currently relevant assertion that our problem is our lack of composure in the final third. Yes, we have had a crucial difficulty in front of goal. Scoring a single goal in matches is only enough for victory if combined by a clean sheet. This has been the simple story of our season. I read through my blog this afternoon sadly noting the frequency of the phrases like a message must be sent to the players that inefficiency in front of goal will not be tolerated . This has been a season long issue from beginning (1-1 Villa) to end (2-1 Chelsea, 1-0 Blackburn, 1-0 and 1-1 PSV).

The fashionable school of thought seems to be that a combination of our style of play and our youthful squad is to blame of this poverty of goals. And dont forget that Arsenal miss _______ this season (fill in the blank with Bergkamp, Pires, Vieira, Reyes and Cole).

We must hold our nerve through the darkness of the brooding media clouds that currently rain upon the club. The slingshots casting outrage at the supposed impotence of our attacking play (6 goals at Anfield??!) or the arrows thrown openly wondering about our apparently Plan B must be met by the shield of belief in the philosophy of our football. With the youth collected within the club we will certainly improve. There is an inevitability of the emergence of yet more young stars for the club (step forward Merida, Van Den Berg, Simpson, G Hoyte, Vela, Connolly) to combine with those already present.

Let us not forget that our current absense of silverware was at least made more exciting by Cup finals in both years as well as an impressive collection of victories against the likes of Liverpool, Juventus, Real Madrid, and this year's rather easy double of possible league champions Manchester United.

Our football has much to develop as Diaby, Fabregas, Walcott and Denilson mature. Let us put our faith in their talent as well as in Wenger's ability to polish their talent. We must not turn our backs to our style of football because of a fortnight of disappointment, no matter how gutting that disappointment may be.

Next season the show must go on. Our football must flow and enrapture. And score.

Beauty and the Baptista

2007-03-05T20:11:00.000Z

There is lots of talk today about whether or not Thierry Henry will be fit for PSV on Wednesday. I'll admit that I do hope TH14 is fit for the match but caution that in spite of the Captain's immense talent, a less than fit Henry can often be a passenger in matches. I hope Arsene Wenger makes the right decision with Thierry.

Whatever that decision turns out to be.

That said, one player we can almost certainly expect to see play a part in the biggest match of the season is one Julio Baptista. After his goal against Reading on the weekend and with the Arsenal artillery largely crocked, Baptista will surely play a part either from the start or the bench.

Watching Baptista play for the Arsenal this year has been a rather strange experience. A like for like replacement in terms of his direct loan exchange for want-a-away Spaniard Jose Antonio Reyes, Baptista was slow to adapt to English football. Even in his best matches he can frustrate with a very heavy touch and some rather loose passing. Worse still, I often see Baptista commit the anti-Arsenal sin of looking for the sideways or backwards pass. He can drive you nuts with his ponderous possession and shock at the pace of the Premiership.

But then he does this.

And you can help but get excited.

He finds space, gets chances and does things we havent EVER seen at the club. His unique combination of pace, power, guile and technique leaves Baptista without peer in world football, however frustrating some of his other qualities may be. I have a sneaky feeling that he may have needed a Robert Pires style settling in period with English football before making his mark with the Arsenal. Some might say that his 8 goals in very very limited appearances means that he already has begun to show his talent but I feel there is much more to come from the player.

With Reyes now injured, Julio Baptista's full transfer to the Arsenal may be in jeopardy. But I want Baptista to stay. I absolutely love Reyes as a player but he is someone who can be replaced (Lennon, Babel, Walcott, Van Den Berg). Baptista is a one-off. And has the potential to be an absolute legend for the club. So when Arsene Wenger hints that he might be leaning one way or the other in buying Baptista... lets home he leans the right way.

Whatever that decision turns our to be.

Beaten But Unbowed

2007-02-26T11:05:00.000Z

An excellent performance from an extraordinary set of young Arsenal players ended in the unfortunate histrionics of three red cards and ultimately a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in the Carling Cup Final.

But the memory that will linger from this match is how Theo Walcott opened his account for the Arsenal with an an unmistakeably Henry-esque touch, turn and finish provided from a Vieira-esque pass from the imperious (and for me, MoM) Vassirki Diaby.

The goal was such that Gooners could not see the strike as simply as giving the club a lead in a Carling Cup final but as statement of intent for the future. Winning was almost beside the point with Arsene Wenger fully trusting 10 outfield players with average of not quite 21 to face the Premiership Champions and attempt to match their Carling Cup exploits against West Brom, Everton, Liverpool and sp*rs.

And for the most of the match it seemed that they would.

The first period in particular was a thrilling glimpse into Arsene Wenger's crystal ball for the future of the club. Chelsea had no answer to the passing and movement of the ridiculously young Arsenal side. The vaunted Chelsea wingerless diamond began to stretch as Denilson (19), Fabregas (19), Diaby (20) and Walcott (17) ran riot with cute passing and attacking verve.

But a wide open Drogba struck against the run of play to even the score in spite of some protestations of off-side on the play (he was onside). And late in the match Drogba got the better of Senderos (again) to give Chelsea an unassailable lead... and victory.

And like the Champions League run of last year, this match capped an extraordinary run of results where football lessons have been learned and eye-catching football played. Ultimately, both competitions ended the same way. Defeat. So let us not for long bask in the warm glow of our lovely football nor in the vast array of precious young talents that Wenger has assembled. The next step is to push on and win these matches. Potential must become silverware. But for today let us rejoice in the future.

How thrilling it is.

Transfer Rumours - Samuel Eto'o

2007-02-25T10:00:00.000Z

The sunday papers are today linking Arsenal with a sensational move for Barcelona star Samuel Eto'o. That's just speculation. But the facts are these. He turns 26 on 10th of March and has 60 scored goals in 90 appearances for the Spanish Champions.

He's also had troubles with both Ronaldinho and his gaffer Frank Rijlaard of late. Eto'o has also long been very vocal about playing in the shadow of the great Brazilian as well as noting a big desire to play football in England. He's also professed a strong desire to play with Theirry Henry (who hasn't) and is a very big fan of Arsene Wenger.

So what to make of this?

From an Arsenal point of view, there is war chest available for Wenger for "the right player". Samuel Eto'o would improve us. That much is clear. A strike force of Henry, Eto'o, Van Persie and Adebayor is better than any in the world. But it would mean the end of Aliadiere, Bendtner, perhaps Julio Baptista.

At 26, Eto'o is the same age as Rosicky was when Wenger brought him to the club and young enough to progress with his football with the Arsenal. He is known for his quick pace and agility on and off the ball and an ability to score equally well with both feet as well as his head. His style of play is characteristically daring and he often runs at defenders and goalkeepers with total confidence in his ability to get the ball past them. Because of his slight frame, Eto'o relies on nimbleness and timing rather than strength to score, and he frequently scores on the first touch after running onto well-placed through balls. Imagine his delight at the service Hleb, Rosicky, Denilson and Fabregas would provide him.

Much has been said about Arsene Wenger building the club with kids but when the right player comes along he has shown a ruthlessness to make the team better. William Gallas is a perfect example of this.

And Samuel Eto'o may be the next.

Haahahaha... Good one, Kolo

2007-02-24T07:50:00.000Z

I love the Carling Cup.

I've said it before, this competition have proven vital to Arsene Wenger in giving our youth phenoms an opportunity to prove their worth to the club and a chance to push into the first team.

Over recent years we've seen the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Johan Djourou and Gael Clichy make their names in this competition. And once again, the Cup has given a lifeline this year to the once forgotten Jeremie Aliaidiere and has offered a platform for the likes of Denilson and Armand Traore to shine.

The club never gets an easy ride in this competition. We always seem to be facing Premiership competition with kids in this Cup and so it proved this year, with Arsenal's kids having to initially navigate through tough away fixtures at West Brom (0-2), Everton (0-1), and Liverpool (3-6) and then a bloodied two legged semi-final against our friends down the road (2-2 and 3-1).

And with Chelsea in the final, things are certainly not getting any easier. The chavs tend to play their best side throughout the competition. Given the fact they have no youth prospects to speak (highly) of, I suppose you can see their point.

The mind wanders to Traore marking Robben and to a Senderos tussle with Drogba and to all of the little stories that surround this match featuring Moaninho, Baptista, Wenger, Ashley Cole... etc etc.

But let's have faith. Our kids can win this. And in doing so because the youngest team ever to win a domestic cup final (by over 2 years on average).

C'mon the ARSENAL!

ARSENAL 3 (Baptista Gilberto Walcott)
CHELSEA 1 (Cole)

PREDICTED LINE UP

GK
Almunia

LB
Clichy (Late fitness test)
or Traore

RB
Hoyte (Late fitness test)
Djourou

CB
Toure
Senderos/Djourou

ML
Denilson

MC
Gilberto (C)
Fabregas

MR
Walcott

ST
Baptista
Aliadiere

Bench
Poom, Rosicky, Diaby, Adebayor, Senderos/Djourou

Scoring A Goal

2007-02-22T22:29:00.000Z

The Arsenal have now NOT scored for two matches in two different competitions.

Here's a little reminder of how it's done.

Bit vintage, this.

Ta.

Transfer Rumours - Игорь Акинфеев

2007-02-17T09:33:00.000Z

All this talk about Scott Carson being tracked by Arsenal has really irritated me.

Readers... there is a fundamental problem with Carson.

He is English.

For perspective consider this. Jens Lehmann cost Arsenal FC a grand total of £1.25m. And Jens Lehmann was best keeper in the world last year proven by an array of plaudits and achievements that include but are not exclusive to being Uefa Goalkeeper of 2005-2006 as well as a playing in a CL Final and a World Cup Semi Final.
All for £1.25m.

Don't for a second believe that Scott Carson's left ankle would cost any less than £2m. And the rest of him another £5-8m. Because he is English.

For background, Carson is apparently not good enough for the Liverpool first team at the moment... and is not a certainty for a country with no standout keeper... or some would argue ... even a decent keeper.

And yet there are some who believe that Arsene Wenger would all of the sudden lose his marbles and put in a bid for Carson.

Let's examine Arsene Wenger for a second. In his 10 years at the club, Arsene Wenger has only had to buy a starting keeper but once. And few would argue that the transition from the sure hands of David Seaman to Jens Lehmann has not been a success, if a success too often filled with humour, incident and unintended excitement. Compare this to the cast of characters that Slur Alex Ferguson has employed in a seemingly vain attempt to replace his Great Dane and one must consider Arsene Wenger to have done rather well.

So why would he replace our legendary German with a Liverpool cast off who is not yet good enough to start for England? A man who beat Manchester United in an FA Cup Final by robbing Paul Scholes... who cast Riquelme into imfamy and Arsenal into the CL Final with another HUGE penalty save... etc etc...

Short answer.

He wouldn't.

I do concede that Wenger would likely prefer to purchase a younger keeper than the 33 Lehmann was when he bought him in order to match age more closely with the next team nucleus of Cesc, Senderos, Clichy, Van Persie, Walcott, Denilson, Diaby (et al). But that keeper is not Carson. He has neither the talent nor the stature to fill in where Seaman and Lehmann have one stood.

Others?

Some may make a case for Almunia being a reasonable choice for the next keeper of the club and I have some sympathy for that point of view. But I feel that Lehmann's departure will also surely cause Wenger to bring in another keeper from outside as Poom is not a long term answer and Mannone simply unproven at Arsenal level.

And that keeper is the next Lee Yashin.

A keeper who has won the Uefa Cup (in 2005) for an obscure European club.

A keeper with plenty of Champions League experience including being in the sticks for the most frustrating match in Arsenal history (in what Arsenal.com calls a 0-0 thrashing)

Oh.. and one who is only 20... yes... 20 (!!!!!)

His name (unless you read Russian) is Igor Akinfeev. And he will be the next great Arsenal keeper.

You read it here first.

One Eye'd Morons

2007-02-17T09:10:00.000Z

From: All Viewer Relations [mailto:ViewerR@BSkyB.com]
Sent: 15 February 2007 10:38

To: Good to be a GOONAH!!

Subject: Arsenal v Wigan (529794)

Importance: High

Dear Good to be a GOONAH!!

Thank you for your email regarding the Arsenal v Wigan match. I was sorry to read of your unhappiness our coverage.

Please accept my sincere apologies for any dissatisfaction that you have experienced with our commentary. If I may explain, all of the commentators on our Sky Sports channels are selected on the basis of their expertise in their particular field, and we do endeavour to ensure that our commentators provide our viewers with information that will complement and enhance their enjoyment of the event in progress.

I have noted all of the points raised in your email and passed these on to Sky Sports.

Thank you, once again, for taking the time to contact Sky as viewer feedback is important to us.

Yours sincerely

Angela Hart

Viewer Relations
________________________________
From: Good to be a GOONAH!!

Sent: 12 February 2007 13:26

To: All Viewer Relations Subject: Arsenal v Wigan

Hi Sky Sports,

I expect you may be hearing from quite a few disgruntled Arsenal supporters due to the nature of the punditry on your broadcast of the Arsenal v Wigan match yesterday.

I feel that the tone of discussion on the match yesterday was so far beyond balanced that I am considering cancelling my subscription to your service.

Either find a way to hire either Martin Keown or Jens Lehmann (when/if available... and I'm not kidding about this) as pundits for Arsenal matches or expect to lose my and many many others' subscriptions to Sky Sports.

Good to be a GOONAH!!

We May Have To Fight Our Way Out Of Here

2007-01-25T07:42:00.000Z

Let me set the scene.

A quiet wintry afternoon in Toronto aka final site of my seemingly endless North American Christmas vacation. At least a hundred sp*rs supporters are rammed into what tends to be my local watering hole for trips to Canada.

It's 2.45pm.

There is a Gooner (Tom) to my immediate right and two others on the far side of the bar suggesting that most Arsenal supporters in Toronto are gainfully employed and unable to find a way to this rare bar in Toronto that allows for both Setanta broadcasts and a "welcome" sign for dozens of English sp*rs supporters.

The bar is literally packed. On a Wednesday afternoon. With apparently underemployed sp*rs supporters.

I'm on holiday. Still. Ta Dave. Yes, that is a "ta" for you Dave.

The pre match banter is friendly enough. An English sp*rs supporter asks Tom if Arsenal had a supporters club in Toronto (I happen to know that there is http://www.arsenalcanada.com/ please visit if you're interested... they just got a grant from BMO to run the site/club) because of the fact that we were sat in the official sp*rs Canada supporters bar.

Tom didn't know so I chipped in that like North London, the Arsenal Canada supporers club should simply move into THIS bar and take it over... noting of course that the bar would obviously then require a much more substantial trophy case.

And then the match started.

Arsenal are nervy early in the match and Senderos and Toure are giving the impression that they have never met before. Spurs score from a Berbatov free header as three Arsenal defenders and one Spanish keeper are statue-like in front of goal.

Kolo meet Swiss Tony. Swiss Tony meet Kolo.

The bar goes mental. Lots of mouth breathing histrionics. Blue shirted arms flailing about. Unemployed men delirious with joy.

I am absolutely unconcerned.

Yes, our teenaged midfield (ok Diaby has just turned 20 but Cesc is 19, Denilson 18 and Walcott is 17... thats 18.5 on average... or 18 and a half fingers and toes if you support sp*rs) has early problems with Huddlestone and Zokora and the sp*rs first team. I note that Diaby on the left is an odd choice. We look a bit imbalanced particularly when Lennon is on the ball and running at Diaby/Traore (17).

Denilson goes shoulder to shoulder with Tony Blair favourite Steed Malbranque and Steed rather easily lets the little boy knock him over. "There was absolutely nothing in that" I shout over the throng of sp*rs support. No one disagrees. But Greame Poll does and sp*rs line up a free kick.

And they score again.

Or rather, Julio Baptista gifted sp*rs a second goal with an extraordinary finish.

The bar goes mental. Apparently heterosexual men in white and blue dry hump each other with girlish squeals of ecstatsy. Beer is spilled on unemployed men with names like Keane and Berbatov proudly emblozened their backs in wild attempts to lubricate the humping.

2-0 sp*rs. At home.

And the banter starts. Geez. A little song begins letting Brazilian International and 2005 £24m sp*rs *transfer target Julio Baptista know that he is "not very good" as images of a contrite Beast flicker in the darkened bar. Freshly lubricated men begin slating Arsene Wenger and openly wondering how sp*rs will line up against Chelsea in the final.

I am absolutely unconcerned.

Tom notes this.

I explain to my Canadian Arsenal supporter friend that this is sp*rs. sp*rs have long mistakenly believed they are a big club and can sign the likes of Ronaldinho, Kaka, Pirlo and Baptista (note above). They also have a very big tendency to be mouthy well in advance of it being safe to do so (please see 2005-2006). 20 minutes of football have been played in a two leg semi-final.

Baptista misses pretty much the same chance he scored an own goal with at the close of the first half. He is once more "not very good" and his late miss ensures a half time of unfortunate banter and planned trips to Cardiff. At least my Richards Red tastes good.

Second half.

Rather than the change Tom and I wanted to see made at half time of Hleb replacing Diaby, Wenger stands pat. Cesc begins to marshall things in midfield and I find myself repeating "This is better" on several occassions. Fabregas is everywhere and doing everything. We are much more threatening but the banter continues.

But then Baptista scores.

My first pumps and I run across the silenced bar. "Get in!!"

I sit down and note the deathly silence of the bar. I ask openly to my blue *friends "Why has the bar gone so quiet?" Many look over at me but no one answers. Baptista stops being "not very good". My Rickards Red tastes better and I can now clearly hear the commentary which I enjoy. Also, my match comments now seem to hover over the bar. I like that.

I openly note that Baptista is on a hat trick. Tom ruefully laughs. I like Tom.

Baptista scores again. A pin could drop in the bar and you would hear it. I criss cross the ball with my arms aloft. I settle back at my table but without sitting lean over the throng of sp*rs support and helpfully note the away goals rule.

And then Arsenal really kick on. With Eboue, Hleb and Flamini on (Flamini on much later than I would have hoped) Arsenal spend the final 10 minutes running the sp*rs first team ragged and threatening to win the match.

And then I saw the most remarkable thing. Previously yappy sp*rs supporters begin to leave the bar with 5 minutes left in the match. At home. The match drawn. I seriously couldn't believe it.

Tom notes that a man in a heavy fur coat behind us is giving us evil looks. He tells me that we may have to fight our way out of this bar. I tell him I hope so. Hehe. And don't even look back. Because in all seriousness, sp*rs know their place. The truth is for all the bluff, bluster and yapping at half time they expected an Arsenal comeback every bit as much as I did. Why? They are sp*rs. That is their place.

sp*rs

And so ends another Christmas in Toronto. The 2007 bit was fanastic but I could have done without the Sheffield United result and the moronic yappin of the random Liverpool lot that watched that one with me. My "good luck in the cups" surely still echoes though.

Back in London for Bolton on Sunday. Can't wait. Fat Sam needs a smack. And I think the Emirates will give him a nice welcome.

1998 - Memories Are Made Of This

2007-01-21T18:31:00.000Z

Arsenal doubling United moments got me thinking back "doubles" and specifically to a moment in time where Arsenal came back from 12 points behind the leaders to win the league. We won 10 matches on the trot to win the league and win the double.

Back to that in a second.

Down a goal to a cagey Manchester United today, we recovered from Rooney scoring the only United chance in the second half to press on to victory. Manu Adebayor and Cesc Fabregas would simply not give up the fight in spite of Manchester United's cynical "professional" time wasting (i.e. second half *injury crisis) and their desire persevered in finding firstly Robin Van Persie on the far post and then the previously anonymous Thierry Henry in front of goal to win the match.

The best moment of the match had to be MoM (for me) Cesc Fabregas out fighting Paul Scholes just outside the area in the build up to the Van Persie goal. This boy pulled strings all day and was by miles the best player on display.

I also found that United's vaunted width was found wanting today. Ronaldo was rather easily dealt with by both Clichy and Eboue and while Rooney scored running in from the right, his overall contribution was neglibile. I note also that when Rooney was ever played anywhere but striker for England, Sven was ripped as having no tactical nous... but Fergie does the same and is lauded for his tactics. I digress. Either way... it didnt work.

One more thing to add. Manchester United's side today was at least 5 years older than the Arsenal on average. They may be currently topping the table but clearly Arsenal are a side on the rise. In spite of Fergie's patronising comments about Arsenal playing above their weight to get to the Champions League final last year, the fact of the matter is that we have played United twice and won both matches, we have run Chelsea very close at Stamford Bridge and had our way with Liverpool on way too many occassions to count. In the table of "top four clubs" Arsenal are king. By quite some distance.

And this today without William Gallas and Gilberto.

This leaves us 12 points behind Manchester United in the league. Unlike United, we are still in all competitions and with two full blooded derbies against sp*rs next, we must make full use of the depth that killed off United today and rotate our forwards and midfielders effectively.

12 points left. 1998. This is a very young side but they know their history.

And Fergie... dont ever get patronising about the Arsenal again. Ta

Transfer Rumours - Freddie Ljungberg

2007-01-11T00:30:00.000Z

After beating Liverpool at Anfield 6-3 in the Carling Cup semi-finals (mere days after also beating Liverpool 3-1 in the 3rd round FA Cup at Anfield), Arsene Wenger was moved to reiterate his intention to continue to develop the outrageously talented young players that destroyed the 2005 Champions League winners at home with ease rather than dip into the transfer market.

Fair play.

This past week has been near absolute justification of his youth movement and recent transfer policies. With Baptista and Aliadiere playing so well yesterday Gooners are now left to pine for the Cygans of yesteryear in search of a proper club scapegoat. In fact, having had an earful from Liverpool supporters of late with excuse after excuse for their poor performances, I noted back quite seriously that if Arsene Wenger were to have offered Rafa Benitez the opportunity to select the 16 players from Arsenal to face in the Carling Cup, he would have selected a side that looked very very similar to the team he faced yesteday. I think everyone will agree that he would have chosen not to face Gallas, Eboue, Lehmann, Gilberto, Hleb, Rosicky, Adebayor, Van Persie, Henry... and so on... and yet the likes of Alumnia played very well... the kids played well... and Song Billong even SCORED!

Happy days.

But there is a black cloud that hovers over the jubulation of a now rampant Arsenal... Gunner mainstay, Swedish captain and all around good egg Freddie Ljungberg has been linked with a move away from the club. The rumours have it that clubs as diverse as West Ham, Tottenham (haha), Inter Milan, Valencia and Portsmouth are interested in the 29 year old winger.

Both sources close to the club and close friends of Freddie agree that Ljungberg has have been shocked and horrified by these rumours and wishes to remain with the Arsenal. Given his long service and examplary play against sp*rs over the years as well as THAT pass to Wiltord when we won the league... at Old Trafford (HAHAHAHA!) some accomodation will likely be made to keep him I'm certain... if he wants to stay at the club.

However.

The past two years have not been kind to Freddie. His performances have increasingly come to rely wholly upon grit and desire rather than pace and movement. In an interview earlier in the season, Freddie suggested that he has been given a new role with the club... a role which finds him deeper and with more defensive responsibilities and as such has left him with much fewer opportunities to score. I believe there is some truth in that given the absense of the one man midfield that was Patrick Vieira but I also believe that Ljungberg has lost more than a step of pace due to injury in the past few years. His technique was never world class but his movement and nose for goal certainly made up for that. But as we currently stand, Freddie surely knows that he is behind Hleb, Rosicky, Cesc, Walcott, Van Persie and perhaps Flamini and Aliadiere in terms of places wide of midfield.

I am more than happy to have Freddie be an impact substitute for the 18 months that remain on his contract. He is not a player I would like to see us sell. However, as captain of Sweden and a formerly world class player, I'm quite certain that Freddie will not want to sit for long on the Arsenal bench... in spite of his obvious love for the club.

This may be a situation where both club and player could benefit from a parting of ways. I recall being very surprised at the 3 year contract given to Freddie once Vieira had been sold to Juventus. The money seemed to outway his potential contribution to the club over that period... and halfway through... so it has proven. And I must admit to being intrigued with reports that we may bring in a replacement from Ajax in the form of one Ryan Babel.

Let's be quite clear, selling Freddie would actually leave us short wide of midfield as we should seek better alternatives than playing RVP and The Beast as wingers no matter the formation. With Reyes gone, Freddie is exceptional cover for the first team... particularly matches that require desire and spirit... we just cannot expect his patented diagonal ghosted runs into the box any longer.

Stokes sold to Charlton for £2.7m

2007-01-05T03:45:00.000Z

My sources tell me that Anthony Stokes has been sold to Charlton Athletic for £2.7m. The 18 year old scored 16 in 18 matches for Falkirk but is surplus to requirements with an army of young strikers ahead of him at the Emirates.

Apparently the transfer is waiting on Charlton selling a player or two.

Can I just add that this is astounding business by the club. That our youth system can develop players such as Anthony Stokes for sale to Premiership clubs for millions... without any impact whatsoever on the depth of the first team ... is absolutely amazing.

Transfer Window Dressing?

2007-01-03T23:00:00.000Z

Happy New Year, Gooners.

A strong performance by the Arsenal yesterday as Thierry Henry returned to the fold to invigorate Robin Van Persie and co in beating the Alan (two clubs relegated in a season) Pardew led (sic) Charlton 4-0 at the Emiriates.

As well...Scallywags, my local Toronto watering hole for football featured at least 20-odd Arsenal supporters for the match also. This was better than the combined 5 or 6 from the Sheffield United and Watford matches and the group a least added some excitement to something of an easy match. Beyond the goals, the highlight of the afternoon was one of the group telling me that there is indeed a Canadian Arsenal supporters club. I've viewed their website and beyond the fact that there site sponsor is the rather unfortunate singlescanada.com, there is nothing else to suggest anything but a well run forum for Canuck Gooners. Well done for the site/club.

One of things I get asked a lot about this blog is why there are so few rumours to go with all this Arsenal truth I write about. Fair play. In spite of Arsene Wenger's pledge to not buy any players during January window I will offer the one tidbit that I have been hearing from Emirates about possible signings this month.

Gareth Bale has the same number of letters in his both his names as Ashley Cole. Interesting. Thing is... Gareth Bale can do this...

... while Ashley Cole... well...

In all seriousness, though. Arsenal do need another leftback. Clichy has moved into the Ashley Cole place in the side but has himself not been replaced as understudy. Yes, like many, I have been impressed by what I have seen of Armand Traore but Bale seems a different class. He is also a mate of Theo Walcott's having been roomates in the Southampton Academy and quite a few Arsenal scouts have been spotted at St. Mary's keeping tabs on his progress.

In spite of what you might read about Southampton offering Bale an extension of his contract with all and sundry yappin about breaking the salary structure at the club to keep him, Arsenal are strongly considering a move to sign him.

Yes, both sp*rs and Manchester United are rumoured to have registered interest in the 17 year old left back... with United apparently offering £7m. However, word around the campfire is that the widely reported Real Madrid *interest is a bluff on the part of the two clubs discussing terms for his transfer... namely Southampton and Arsenal.

That all said, Im not sure Arsene Wenger will shop in the £7m range for a left back understudy but the movement from other clubs in England to loudly proclaim interest in the player through the media does suggest that there is something afoot with Bale.

An End of Year Debacle

2006-12-31T15:40:00.000Z

I'm in Toronto at the moment visiting family over the new year. What is odd about North America is the near total absence of interest in football in spite of the immense availability of matches on the tv.

My family have a massive plasma and several football channels that will be familiar to any North Americans reading this... Fox Soccer Channel, Gol TV and of course Setanta. Unlike the UK, all matches are shown on the tv... somewhere.

Gol TV in particular is a revelation. I woke up one morning to a broadcast of Arsenal TV, which seems to be that stuff the club put on the website writ large on normal broadcast tv. I digress.

But in spite of the massive tv and near appalling selection of football noted above, I have been doing what I normally do in London and visit my local to watch the Arsenal. For instance, I watched the Watford match at a bar nearby called Scallywags. I, 5 Nigerians and a truly soccer challenged chap in an Arsenal hat, shirt, scarf... etc etc... went absolutely bonkers in that bar when Van Persie saved our blushes late. Loads of Liverpool fans (sic) sat amongst us offering heavily North American accented windups (sic) about the Arsenal selling Henry while we were being held by Watford. Warmed over Arsenal news (sic) from mid 2006 passes for banter in Toronto apparently... but I digress.

Let's just say that the Van Persie goal created havoc in the bar... with us having had to listen to scouse (sic) banter/Watford cheering for the entire match. It felt as though we had done Liverpool 3-0 at the Grove again... with me walking out of the bar, into a sunny Toronto afternoon, telling that lot "good luck in the cups".

Flash forward to yesterday. I arrived at the bar for about 11.45am, to see Reading pull one back against United and Liverpool hang on to their victory over the scum at Three Point Lane. The bar was absolutely rammed.

Of course, the Liverpool and Tottenham fans (sic) all stayed to watch the Arsenal (there were only two other Gooners in there... someone start a FUCKING supporters club... geez) at which point it was pointed out to me that Scallywags was the home of both a Liverpool AND a sp*rs supporters (sic) club. Imagine my *delight.

In spite of our run (sic) of late, any proper Gooner will tell you that Sheffield United away sends chills down the spine (whereas Juventus, Real Madrid, Manchester United... I digress). We knew what would happen yesterday. I've gone on and on about this before so I wont repeat myself (again). The current Arsenal side lacks bottle for these tough matches sometimes. The sight of Rosicky jumping out of tackles and Morgan running roughshod over our players really wound me up. Why did it take Cesc Fabregas' arrival for someone to put in a tasty challenge? Of course, he has now accumulated 5 yellows and with it a well earned one match rest. My point is that the likes of Vieira, Petit and Parlour absolutely relished the sort of match we found ourselves in yesterday and would MATCH the aggression of the likes of Sheffield United until our class prevailed. Cesc Fabregas should NOT be our toughest, most aggressive player. We need Lauren back post haste... and even Freddie likes to mix it up on occassion. Gallas... Diaby... etc etc. We need our toughness back. Now. We may be young but battles like yesterday win leagues. Im babbling... Im furious... Gilbertosilver said all the points I had about yesterday so I'll leave it there... but in an emotional year which saw us leave our traditional home, go to Paris for the Champions League final, pip sp*rs to the final CL spot, say good-bye to some old friends (Bobby, Sol, Genius), bid adieu to others (Zinadine Cygan) as well as throw out our rubbish (Jose, and Cashley)... I would have thought yesterday could have been a day to say good-bye to such an eventful year.

It was not.

Sundry musings.

Hoyte is not good enough to play for the Arsenal. That is absolutely clear. Also, we do not lack for right backs. I have no idea why Gilbert was loaned out to make room for Hoyte. He's quick but has the first touch of a rapist (sic).

One small bright spot about yesterday. Was it just me or did Denilson really really impress in his few minutes on the pitch?

Happy New Year. Roll on 2007.

"We Will Beat sp*rs"... Ta Arsene

2006-12-03T15:16:00.000Z

Arsenal and sp*rs share a patch of North London but actually little else given a decade of results. Yet one by one the likes of Paul Robinson and Pascal Cygan Chimbonda popped up in the media this week to talk up their chances of beating the Arsenal. That's fine. The faces change over the years but the North London derby talk does not.

That said, I found the robustness of the Tottenham banter this week to be more humorous than usual. Apparently a few *workmen at Emirates buried some sp*rs trinkets under the pitch. It was hilarious then that Arsene Wenger buried sp*rs on the pitch.

Once the banter died down, Emmanuel Adebayor went about quieting his critics (many of these Gooners lost for a scapegoat since Cygan took his horror show to Spain). This was most enjoyable but not really surprising. I've long hailed his attributes and believe that he's a better partner with both Van Persie and Henry than they are with each other. His performance against sp*rs was a masterpiece of leading the line. But again, this is only a surprise for those who don't understand football or limit their Arsenal match exposure to match reports in the Times.

What was actually surprising for me about yesterday was the performance of Gael Clichy in marking Aaron Lennon out of the match. Clichy also got forward and admirably offered Arsenal width as Rosicky drifted into Bergkampesque space just behind Van Persie and Adebayor.

Clichy also forced Lennon to move to the left (and into Eboue's pocket) in what was Clichy's best performance for the club. While I expected him to offer width and pace on the left of defence this season, I certainly didn't think that he had the ability to effortlessly deal with the pace and direct attacking of the young England star.

Clichy looks precisely the sort of player to replace what Ashley Cole offered the club at left back. This has been long expected from Clichy, but the fact that he's never had a long first team run at the club due to Cole and injury made him more a prospect than a certainty to replicate the Chelsea defender.

And he'll need to be on top form this week with first Porto away on Wednesday and then Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on another Super Sunday.

The Porto match is absolutely crucial for the club. We must progress in Europe to avoid the embarrassment of ending up in the Uefa Cup alongside the likes of sp*rs and their excrement coloured kit. There is a media fuelled sense that we've not been strong in Europe, but a disallowed Henry strike aside, Arsenal have been excellent in the CL this year (frighteningly strong if by year, you mean the whole of 2006) and lead our group. The bottom line is... Porto need a point. We need a point. I think common sense will prevail and Wednesday will be a yawn fest of tentative cagey football.

I am intrigued by the Chelsea match. They are very powerful and have not lost at home in the league in 40-something matches. In spite of the crisis talk, Arsenal have actually done quite well in the Big 4 table this year with victories against both United and Liverpool. I expect that Mourinho will set up quite narrow against us, so the battle will be on with Rosicky, Hleb and Cesc mixing with Lampard, Essien and Ballack. And like Chelsea, our width will come from the fullbacks. Without getting too excited by what I'm terming the Arsenal Christmas party at Stamford Bridge, we can win. And win well. Without Henry. Certainly our chances of catching Chelsea for the league this season will die if we can't beat them. The prospect of being only 7 points back of Chelsea with that lot still to come to our place is delicious.

If that happens... we're back in it.

btw... we drew Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup.

Arsenal - In Depth

2006-11-18T10:48:00.000Z

It was contrversial and not a little bit surprising when England called Theo Walcott in the England side for the 2006 World Cup. From an Arsenal point of view, what was extraordinary in Walcott's inclusion was the fact that the 17 year old had yet to appear in the Arsenal first team. That Walcott joined two OTHER Arsenal teenagers in the World Cup adds more credibility to the Arsene Wenger youth revolution currently reloading the Arsenal first team. But more was to shortly follow.

Just before the summer transfer deadline, Wenger was able to add William Gallas and Julio Baptista, seasoned internationals both to the team while discarding annoying malcontents in the process. Rosicky had already been brought into replace Bobby Pires but Wenger added yet more depth to the midfield with the quiet signing of Denilson, a supposed defensive midfielder who captained the Brazil under 19s. All this in a summer where Wenger also made permanent the contract of Song Billong.

Last year many many many Gooners bemooaned the sale of the superannuated Patrick Vieira to Juventus... as Wenger did not replace either he nor the energetic and experienced Edu in the Arsenal midfield. Queue the predictable chatter about the Arsenal lack of depth in the engine room and the worry that Arsene had lost the plot and a seat at the top table (the CL) of English football. Well. Ever since that Juventus match at Highbury where Gooners rained the former Arsenal captain with the most sarcastic of Vieira... oh oh renditions, the tide has turned for the club in terms of depth and confidence.

While it was amazing that Theo Walcott was included in the England side, it was surely much more extraordinary that young Denilson was this week brought in the full Brazil side without having played a minute in the Premiership. He did not play in the match against the Swiss, apparently but unless the injury bug bites the Arsenal in the next two hours, Denilson will not even be on the bench against Newcastle today at the Emirates. Arsenal reservist by day, Brazil international at night. Such is the Arsenal depth now.

So far, both Gallas and Rosicky have bedded into the Arsenal first team as if they were 5 year veterans of the club. Its actually difficult to think about the club WITHOUT them now. Today it seems that Arsenal will give the full Premiership debut of Julio "The Beast" Baptista in the middle of park alongside Flamini and Cesc. A long term target for Arsene Wenger, and one which he was prepared to pay £20m to secure, Baptista has yet to have a run of matches for the club due to injury. Wenger had wanted to sign Baptista 16 months ago with money as almost no object so he clearly knows where he would like to play him. For me, Baptista's power and technique will serve him very well in the middle... plus his Lampard like knack of making late runs into the box will offer Arsenal another option in attack. One that may quiet the increasingly moronic "shoot" calls from fans atthe Emirates.

12 months ago Arsenal only had 18 year old Fabregas, Gilberto and Flamini in the middle with the teenaged Song not quite ready for prime time. Things became so sparse that Pires played some time in the middle, where he looked uncomfortable at best.

Oh what a difference a year makes. The progress of Fabrice Muamba on loan at Birmingham has been marked, Song is doing well, Baptista is a Brazilian international... as is Denilson.... now there is exceptional competition for places in the centre.

Transfer Rumours - Micah Richards

2006-11-12T08:44:00.000Z

Micah Richards is an absolute must buy for Arsenal Football Club.

Arsenal have Toure, Gallas, Senderos and Djourou in the middle of the defence. Internationals all. With an average age of 23. And there are also several interesting centre half prospects on the way in the youth system.

At right fullback, the club have Eboue, Lauren, Hoyte and Gilbert. Compare this group to Manchester United's *depth at right fullback and you get a true sense of how strong Arsenal are at the two main positions Micah Richards has played in the Premiership.

But this boy is simply the best defensive prospect I have ever seen in all of football. Chivi, Rio, Kompany, Cashley, Terry... Richards can be better... MUCH better than any of them. In Arsenal terms he is the one player who could be on par with Kolo Toure for pure athletic ability. But even Toure doesn't win 99% of his headers. The performance yesterday against Newcastle was startling. Micah Richards won absolutely ever header and in fact set up a goal with a header onto Samaras that Graeme Poll disallowed.

I've talked about Micah Richards before and have followed his career closely since his promotion to the Manchester City first team and debut against Arsenal last October when only 17.

Taking to Four Four Two magazine, Richards notes Nicolas Anelka and Shawn Wright Philips as the two best players he's played with. Hmmmm. He also believes that he plays a bit like Sol Campbell with perhaps some Patrick Vieira thrown it. Hmmmm. His heroes are Ian Wright, Theirry Henry and Patrick Vieira. Um. Sense a trend here?

At the moment Richards is very much more a Sol than a Rio in terms of bringing the ball out of the defence. He's more apt to make a 15 yard pass out of the back then to carry the ball into the midfield. But he knows this and is working in improving this part of his game.

This is not to say that Richards doesn't have good technique. In fact, he drips class on the ball. A graduate of the Brazilian Soccer School, he is well versed in Futebol de Salão and his training was based on having the ball at his feet to develop quick feet, close dribbling and passing skills.

Now with Gary Neville injured for the Holland match this week, Richards has every chance of getting capped for his country at 18 years old. The predictable hype around the player will only shyrocket his value but Wenger has proven with Theo Walcott that he will spend the necesarry money to secure the right player. If it takes more than the £10m that Arsenal thought was over the odds for Curtis Davies then fine. Spend it. We must move mountains to sign this player.

Canadian Justice

2006-11-07T08:01:00.000Z

In the NHL there is a code of conduct about behaviour... an unwritten set of rules that govern how players and coaches relate to each other in the white heat of battle.

For instance.

Were a player to celebrate scoring a goal in front of the opposition goalie... fists pumping... tongue wagging... gleeful celebrations designing to get up the nose of the other team... that player would be met by Canadian justice.

That variety of celebration is called "Hot Dogging".

The retribution is called "Taking a number". You see, what goes around comes around. So either that hot dogging scorer is immediately seperated from his teeth and "Filled in" (as the hockey parlance has it) or his number will be jotted down... and remembered... for next time.

As Alan Pardew ridiculously jaunted into the Arsenal technical area and pumped his fists inches from the pursed lips of Arsene Wenger my thoughts drifted to how this sort of situation would be handled in the NHL. Let's be clear, Pardew's actions can ONLY be construed as provacative. All of this talk in the media about the pressure Pardew was under and the thrill of Harewood's late goal suggests that the over-zealous was removed from his senses. That is bullshit. If this had happened to an England manager at the end of a tight match where... say... the Argentinian manager did the same to Steve Maclaren the papers would be in a frenzy. In favour of Maclaren. That Arsene Wenger's reaction to Pardew's stupid display is described as sour grapes is ever so slightly racist. I wanted to slap Pardew too. And remove him from his senses the hard way. Surely his fist pumping provocation and further explative laden yappin' towards the Arsenal manager for the remaining 3 minutes of the match does not deseve a handshake either. In fact, I also found that handshake itself provacative in the same way Mourinho's handshake to Alex Ferguson at (not quite then) end of the 3-0 Stamford Bridge drubbing was ill advised.

So, take a number Arsene. We'll see this lot again.

I expect (demand?) Abou Diaby to play in the return match against West Ham. And Julio Baptista. And if I see another Arsenal player put their arms around Teddy Sheringham or share Red Bull and smiles with opposition players before matches... I may mete out some Canadian justice of my own.

Harewood Today... Gone Tomorrow?

2006-11-05T15:37:00.000Z

Its a bad sign when Arsene Wenger has more fight than any of his players.

There will be loads of talk about a penalty that should have been but I think West Ham played very well and closed us down effectively to create chances. It looked a penalty but we have to start scoring from open play. We had the better of the play today but only marginally. And I sat through this match wondering where our goals were going to come from... again.

Worse still... today we looked tired. Really tired. Im not sure I've ever seen Fabregas so short of energy as in the match today. And Thierry Henry was appalling. While Rosicky, Van Persie and Hleb were moving mountains in midfield, Henry looked uninterested and off the pace.

Wenger must now rotate ahead of the Liverpool match. I've said many times that this League will be won on who tops the big four mini-league at the top of the table. We've made a good start in that table with the victory over United at Sold Trafford but now the Liverpool match is not only crucial to this mini-table but to our form and confidence in all competitions. A message must be sent to the players that inefficiency in front of goal will not be tolerated. And that 100% effort is the absolutely minimum that Gooners should expect from the side. Everyone in the side.

I have a hunch that Henry will not be included in the side for the Liverpool match next week. Injury.

While I don't feel that our League chances died today, we certainly need to go back on another run again to stay in touch with Chelsea.

Spurs just scored as I write this... could this day get any worse? Geez

From Russia With (Wanger) Love

2006-11-02T08:08:00.000Z

Not sure what to say today.

Arsene Wenger noted that we should have won 7-0. I tried to concoct an elegant way to spin that scoreline into some gag about 007, and CSKA Moscow being shaken, but their goal not stirred.

But such elegance in beyond my frustrated mindset this morning.

Never before have I seen so many missed golden opportunities to score. Not just clear chances, but open goal variety misses not seen in North London since Kanu departed. The result was so little to show from so amazing a display.

Let's be clear. Watching Arsenal over the Wenger years, I have grown accustomed to hyper-kinetic mesmerising football. But last night was a performance apart.

Rosicky was otherworldly in pulling the strings against the Russian Champions. Had the moons not been so negatively aligned for the Arsenal, today we would be lauding a playmaker the calibre of which Im not certain the club nor in fact the Premiership has yet before seen.

But a nil-nil stalemate at the Emirates last night (a score which sadly I predicted) has unfortunately put paid to that variety of plaudits and left the club in a challenging situation in Europe.

At least Wanger Love didnt score late when he turned Gallas after a long sprint for a free ball. Jens Lehmann made a terrific save to preserve a point at home.

A small mercy.

In A Blink He Will Be Gone

2006-10-31T10:39:00.000Z

The Henry era is the most spectacular fusion of wonderful football and success that England has ever seen. While I believe Theirry Henry to currently be in the zenith of his prime, what he signed in the summer will reprent the final serious contract with Arsenal.

Having been to the CL and World Cup finals this year as well as scoring 30 goals and making 20 for his club, he seems a certainty to not only be (again) shortlisted for World Player of the Year but to perhaps also win this award.

And having won 5 matches on the trot with spectacular pass and move pyrotechnics on the pitch, the Arsenal met a roadblock in the form of Everton to leave our run at 16 points from 18.

Queue the predictable moronic claims that Henry is not a good captain, that our football is not incisive enough, that Henry is past it or worse… not giving total effort on the pitch.

I can sympathise with the frustration of the weekend but not the afters. The histrionics are retarded and not helpful for the side. To hear “shoot” throughout the match is akin to all of the recent but now quiet loud regrets for us selling Upson, Pennant and Bentley. They were not good enough. And you show yourself to be a moron in making these claims.

But worse are the Henry criticisms since Saturday. This man is a legend and will one day be gone having graced our club to outrageous football style/success for so many years.

SHAME ON YOU.

All players have poor spells. Ronaldinho is currently struggling for form as reference. But think about this… can there ever have been a player as remarkably consistant and effective over the rugged Premiership season as Henry?

This man has embraced our club and when we needed him most slotted three against Wigan… while peering into the crowd for the Spurs score holding his hands aloft to visually enjoy that debacle.

In 4-5 years, the Henry era will be over. Never again will we see his like. ENJOY his footall while you can… he could have easily featured in the Nou Camp fixture this evening.

In a blink of an eye he will be gone. Do not sully the warm glow of his legacy 5 years hence by letting yourselves down with the current media fuelled ridiculous criticism of TH14 .

I Turned The Pub Blue With Language

2006-10-29T03:37:00.000Z

A trip around the Gooner blogs made for some interesting reading last night. Doom and gloom merchants are suggesting that Thierry Henry is either a) past his prime or b) holding back our play. Im not against criticism per se... I dole it out to all and sundry (Gallas being booked was retarded yesterday, for instance) but I get annoyed by the mindless knee jerk variety.

It is true that Henry was not at his best but the pinnacle of genius is not reached every week and simply put the “we’re better off without him” stuff is ridiculous. Loads of Gooners have completely bottled it.

I feel that in spite of echoes of the City match, yesterday felt a bit like our draws during the undefeated season. We are playing fantastic football and if we can continue our form and grab 4 points each against Chelsea, United (almost there) and Liverpool I believe we’ve won this league. Everyone must calm down. Senderos is back. Clichy is near a return. Diaby. Lauren. Baptista. There is more to come from this side and many more options to be employed by Wenger particularly with the strength Baptista and Diaby can offer in the side.

About yesterday. I watched the Everton match at a North London pub (yes, a pub!!!) with an Everton supporter and quite early on in the match I made comment that I've seen this movie before. And yes, the Blues set up to hold us and in spite of possession that apparently broke the Premiership record (in the 85-90% region) Everton scored first and thereafter defended stoutly for 70 minutes with Arsenal attacking (and also tempting fate by employing only Gallas and Toure in a back TWO for much of the match).

It was frustrating and the Everton supporter I was with was very ill advised to yelp "GET IN" when Cahill scored in a pub filled with agitated Gooners. But let's offer praise where it is due... Andy Johnson did a fantastic job pressing any Arsenal player on the ball. He's a top player and would start for England alongside Rooney if I were king.

While much of the match saw me rain epithets towards *referee Mike Wiley, that goal found me more subdued than normal and perhaps vindicated for suggesting on an earlier free kick that Henry step away and let Van Persie take the free kick (Henry hit the wall). Van Persie should take any tasty free kicks on the right side of the pitch. That elegant left foot of his is a howitzer of a weapon. His 5 goals this season are showing that he can achieve the greatness so often predicted for him.

CSKA Moscow on Wednesday. I think this is the toughest test of the season. They are a strong side that play good football. We MUST win this match, not to calm the stupidly frayed nerves of a worryingly large number of Gooners (imagine if we had LOST yesterday... geez) but to more or less secure our place in the knock out phase of the Champions League.

I just hope the side can show more bottle than our supporters.

All Alongside Kolo Toure

2006-10-24T21:08:00.000+01:00

I'm monitoring bbc.co.uk as I write this to get updates of the Arsenal match. It seems that Aliadiere has a brace so far and Arsenal are cruising to a good Carling Cup start against a decent West Brom side.

I've discussed Aliadiere once or twice already on this blog. I like him as a player and have long wished him success but the reality is that he is behind more than a few top international strikers at Arsenal FC and will likely move to pastures new either in January or during the summer.

But the major news of the day must be Kolo Toure's new contract. An undisclosed fee (probably about £450 000) brought Toure to the Arsenal initially as a Phil Neville-like utility player. I'm not sure even Arsene Wenger knew how vital Toure would be to the club when he experimented with bringing Toure alongside Campbell in the defence.

I remember the last time Kolo Toure had a poor match. It was against Inter Milan when we were spanked 3-0 at Highbury. Toure had serious problems marking Obafemi Martins and Inter ran riot. Let's not forget that we paid them back with INTERest (HAHAHAHAH) at the San Siro (5-1 for those of you under a rock at the time... or Spurs supporters... or likely both). The defeat at Highbury was three years ago and such has been Toure's cconsistency since that I defy any Gooner to note another such shocking performance since.

Kolo Toure has been a rock for the club and at 25 forms a formidable spine of the team with Lehmann, Cesc and Henry. He is already the leader of the defence and more than likely the next captain of the club.

Philippe Senderos is 21. Johan Djourou is 18. Matty Flamini is a midfielder. As was Sebastian Larsson. There is Manu Eboue. And Justin Hoyte. Was Pascal Cygan. And Kerrea Gilbert. Consider this... Kole Toure has featured in defence with all of these within the past 12 months. A 12 month period that saw us better any other club (other than Chelsea) defensively in England and break the Champions League record for defensive prowess... all with a sporadic mix of teenagers and midfielders in Arsenal defence.

All alongside Kolo Toure.

Like Cesc Fabregas, Toure did not hesitate to sign his new contract saying “I can see myself staying here for the rest of my career. Why would I want to leave. I love my football here, my family is settled here and the club is ambitious. It is fantastic.”

There's only one Kolo Toure.

I wish there were two.

I love the Carling Cup!!!

2006-10-23T16:24:00.000+01:00

I saw us beat Reading in the Carling Cup last year at Highbury and like most Carling Cup matches, Wenger took the chance to play the star of tomorrow like, um, Quincy.

But for a Red member like myself it has been great to see us beat Everton's first team with a side of teenagers (... how many ums was that, Dave?) and have a chance to go to Highbury a few times before it closed.

While some young players will be on display tomorrow, it looks like Arsenal are going to take the opportunity to get Senderos and Clichy a first team match.

The BBC are reporting as follows... Im really not sure why Cesc, Rosicky, Hleb and Van Persie are in the travelling group. I was hoping to see Merida and Van Den Berg.

Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos will make his first appearance since dislocating his shoulder playing for Switzerland at the World Cup.

Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Adebayor will also start as Gunners boss Arsene Wenger gives run-outs to fringe players and others recently back from injury.

Arsenal (from): Almunia, Poom, Hoyte, Djourou, Senderos, Clichy, Flamini, Song, Denilson, Walcott, Aliadiere, Adebayor, Toure, Fabregas, Rosicky, Hleb, Van Persie.

Good to be a GOONAH!!

The Best Football on Earth?

2006-10-23T15:17:00.000+01:00

How good is this 2006-2007 Arsenal side?

From my seat at the Carpenters Arms yesterday afternoon (where were you Matthews, Oliver and Kester?), we were the best side I've seen this year. I had struggled through the *football on display (to apparently 500 million people) at Sold Trafford so I suppose anything after that was always going to look pretty good. And yes I had had quite a few pints to during the Manchester United/Liverpool to dull the pain of watching rubbish football, but the Arsenal were astonishing yesterday any way you look at it.

I went home afterwards and enjoyed some of Real's victory over Barcelona. There was some decent football on display from Robinho mostly but nothing like the movement, technique and pace of Henry, Hleb, Rosicky, Van Persie and Fabregas. Oh, and Barcelona were terrible. Again. They got stuffed by Chelsea midweek and looked even more poor against a good but not great Real Madrid.

Who in the world can play the level of football that we can?

I think Chelsea are a power house. With Shevchenko and Ballack finding some form and the peerless Essien bossing all and sundry in midfield they look very strong. They have power and experience throughout the side. Im not entirely certain that they aren't more reliant on Terry than we are on Henry but that is a debate for another day. In short, Chelsea are brutally efficient and while they tick over victories in all competitions they do lack some style. They cannot do what we did to Reading yesterday. In fact, last week they rather struggled to even get the three points at Reading.

Throughout Europe a fully fit Barcelona might match our performance yesterday but I think the club that most closely challenges us for lovely football is probably Lyon. They are the one side I fear drawing in the Champions League this year. Watching Juninho, Ben Arfa, Fred, Toulalan and company play is truly delicious and very familiar to Arsenal supporters. Never moreso than when Wiltord is on the end of one of their lovely moves.

That said, Arsenal's football is better. And growing. Hleb has only been in the side 14 months and Rosicky has not made 10 appearances for Arsenal yet. Adding to that Cesc's age and the promise of Theo Walcott adding even MORE pace and touch to the side it can only be assumed that the club is improving.

While Im on the subject of "best"... can I please note that Thierry Henry should win the 2006 Ballon D'or. Appearing in both the Champions League and World Cup finals exceeded any other player last year. It is also his crucial role in the lovely football that we play that should be noted. There can never have been another striker who scored 30 and made 20 every season. Many claimed Henry not to be captain material (oh dear) but Henry has surpassed any expectation Gooners have had for him as a captain with the hat trick against Wigan on the final day last year as well as THAT goal against Real Madrid being in the forefront of my mind as evidence. He is the ringleader of the stunning circus that is our football. He is the best player in the world right now. Give him the damn gong. He's deserved it at least three times already... it's time.

Ta.

By the way, Im not one for explitives or bad language at football matches but I could not help laughing when I heard the new Gallas chant being sung at the Emirates.

There's funny and then there's "I'd rather have a Willy than a c£nt"

Good to be a GOONAH!!

p.s. Does anyone know a pub in London that will be showing the Everton match? If so please let me know.

What is the point of Theo Walcott?

2006-10-14T16:14:00.000+01:00

I ventured recently that there was no point to Jeremie Aliaidiere. In a side with Adebayor, Henry, Van Persie, Baptista and Walcott it seems unlikely that we will ever again see Aliadiere play a part in either league or Champions League football for Arsenal Football Club.

But what about Theo Walcott? Where will he fit into the side this year. Given the amount of pre-made Walcott 32 shirts for sale at The Armoury he's clearly part of the first team this season. So much less negatively, I'd now like to pose the question... What is the point of Theo Walcott?

Oh what a player to have in the side! Please don't misunderstand... I've seen the goals against the German Under 21s and like my mate Matthews says, they get better with each viewing. And at 17 he will only get better and better... particularly under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger and alongside the likes of good eggs Thierry Henry and the similarly aged Cesc Fabregas.

And yes, Walcott is almost certainly the long term solution to the quandary of trying to *replace Thierry Henry but with so many top international strikers in the side its rather likely that Walcott will begin his Arsenal career wide of midfield.

Arsene Wenger noted after the 3-0 victory against Watford that...

"He gives the feeling he can be decisive and make a difference. He is not a real midfielder, I played him in a 4-4-2 on the flanks because he is more of a striker - but you could see that if you give him a good ball, you can never catch him.

Walcott made his starting debut against Watford for the Arsenal on the right and played a very impressive 64 minutes. He looks an ideal replacement for Jose Reyes with his frightening combination of pace, finishing and techique and while Wenger may insist that his future is up front he surely must be impressed by Walcott's crossing ability and football brain.

So unlike Aliadiere, the point of Walcott is to add some pace to the wing in advance of replacing Reyes and then later his point is to replace Henry.

Good to be a GOONAH!!

Internationals are crap... and fantastic

2006-10-06T10:53:00.000+01:00

Just when the Arsenal were clicking into form and inviting the likes of Philippe Senderos and Gael Clichy back into the fold we have yet another International break through which to fret about the fitness of our players.

William Gallas was barely fit the other day but performed admirably alongside Kolo Toure in central defence to earn Arsenal a hard fought victory at the Valley. He may now be called upon to do the same for France and further risk proper injury at a time when the Arsenal back four is beginning to settle.

Looking back to the summer, Senderos suffered an injury with the Swiss that has kept him out of the team so far this season. As David Dein said yesterday, there must be some recompense for the club losing such an important player for long stretches of his employer's season.

With nearly the entire squad being involved in either full or under 21 international squads, we can only expect grim news of injury.

However, even the most vicious crtitic of international footbal would find it difficult to argue against the development of Manu Eboue in playing for Ivory Coast in the African's Cup last season. He had yet to start a Premiership match for the club but his development in playing for his country was so rapid that only a couple of months later he was placing the likes of Zinadine Zidane into his pocket while bombing forward and causing chaos in opposition boxes.

The same can be said for Senderos. His involvement in the Swiss side has seen him grow in confidence and stature. The experience of having to play Ireland and be absolutely immense in a playoff situation can only have long term benefit for the Arsenal. Surely those tense Swiss matches left him in good stead for the later stages of the Champions League last season.

There is also Theo Walcott to consider. And while I feel the media hype around his involvement in the team did the player no favours, it must be noted that training with the likes of Gerrard and Terry can only have helped his development. Indeed, as a 17 year old Ronaldinho also went to the World Cup to taste the flavour of the competition rather contributor to the cause. And things have worked out ok for him.

Just get these matches over with and get back to the important football of the Premiership and Champions League.

Good to be a GOONAH!!

Thank you, Arsene Wenger

2006-09-28T09:03:00.000+01:00

There should be a statue of Arsene Wenger outside the Emirates with his pumped fists rejoicing over another lovely Arsenal move providing an Henry goal. There can be no doubt that Wenger built this ground through his sheer brilliance in the transfer market (please see signings of Toure, Eboue, Fabregas, and the sales on Anelka, Petit and Overmars) and finding immense success with and for the club.

Arsenal are now comfortably one of the biggest 5-10 clubs in the world and now have all of the big club acroutrements in the state of the art training ground at Colney, the wide network of scouts, the beautiful new stadium, as well as the world's best player, the best young player, the best teenager... etc etc.

And the best manager.

Arsenal FC owe this man for the gulf between winning doubles, playing 49 matches undefeated, contesting CL finals against Barcelona all while staying true to outrageously entertaining football and being Tottenham Hotspur.

Wenger brought with him an approach to training and diet that has altered the sport in England forever. He also brought an approach to team building where technique and potential were more vital than experience and being English. Now clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid all come in for young players we show an interest in. But where United buy Gerard Pique and Liam Miller and where Chelsea buy Lassana Diarra and Glen Johnson, Arsene Wenger buys 15 year olds like Francesc Fabregas, players with immense youthful raw talent like Manu Eboue or wonderkid Fran Merida ... and makes them world beaters. Wenger also imposed a beautiful pass and move style of football that has changed how the world perceived us and won us many friends and admirers.

No man is bigger than Arsenal Football Club but Arsene Wenger comes close to being irreplaceable to the club's continued success.

Thank you Arsene.

Good to be a GOONAH!!

The Gallas is half full

2006-09-24T11:37:00.000+01:00

As if there was something wrong with being undefeated at home (including a victory in the Champions League qualifier against Zagreb), Arsenal put to rest the media fuelled impressions that the club have struggled to settle at Emirates with a hard earned 3-0 victory against Sheffield United.

On Match of the Day, Arsene Wenger even suggested that the bigger pitch served to tire the United resistance as there was more pitch to have to defend and track the Arsenal movement.

Quite.

"We've broken our duck". Now let's move on. Ta.

Like many Gooners, I was slightly concerned about how William Gallas would fit into the side. It's very well known that he caused waves within the Chelsea camp about wanting to play in his favourite position in the middle of defence. And yet having sent Ashley Cole over to West London to secure Gallas, Arsene Wenger then asked Gallas to slot into the left of defence. I worried that his quick change of number from 3 to 10 offered unfortunate insight into a problematic mindset but having seen Gallas play so well at leftback for the club my concerns have eased.

Gallas has quickly shown why Chelsea got so upset about losing him. He's got everything. Absolutely everything. With the value added traits of being both French and boyhood mates with Thierry Henry. And for such a young side, his experience and leadership at the back has been an immense addition for us.

It is still odd to see Gallas play for us but not in a bad way. Its weird to see him line up against Manchester United for us... and for us to keep clean sheet at Sold Trafford.

I have been impressed most by his composure and assured passing. Yesterday, the Emirates became increasingly agitated as the match drifted into the second half. That sinking feeling of being dragged by a resolute defence into an annoying stalemate began to grip the stadium, when Gallas romped forward to be met by an Henry cross and a Fabregas touch and struck his chance with the calm resolve of an experienced world class striker. Not bad for a leftback.

With the news Philippe the Senderos is closer to a competitive return than initially thought, the Arsenal defence is beginning to look not just solid but world beating. Let's be clear, bringing Gael Clichy, Lauren and Senderos back into the side surely makes ours the best defence in the country and in fact, given the array of talents the group provides, probably the best in Europe. Non Gooners laugh when I say this... forgetting that we went 10 matches without conceding a goal in Europe last year and had a better defensive record in the league than Manchester United last season in spite of our struggles away.

And we've now added William Gallas to the side.

Quite.

What is the point of Jeremie Aliadiere?

2006-09-20T21:57:00.000+01:00

In the aftermath of the fantastic victory over Manchester United (States) at Sold Trafford... beyond gleefully yappin' that I confidently predicted such a performance... I began to wonder just how we were forced into a 4-5-1 with only Adebayor up front. Yes, Van Persie and Henry were injured but were we not stacked with strikers only a few weeks ago? I thought about the loanees Bendtner and Lupoli now tearing up the Championship... and of unused substitute Walcott... I thought also of the not quite match fit Baptista, the retired Bergkamp and of the winter-shy forward (this is a copyright, Dave) Jose Antonio Reyes.

But what about Jeremie Aliadiere?

Im not suggesting the Arsenal should have played anything other than the 4-5-1 that proved so successful in beating Slur Alex and his side on Sunday but surely Aliadiere should at least have been considered. I checked and it does not seem that he was injured on the day.

If he wasn't considered, can someone then explain...

Why a striker older than Van Persie, Adebayor, Walcott (and in fact most of the Arsenal first team) still has a locker stall at Emitates if he is not going to even be on the bench when two strikers are short for a big match.

and...

Why did Arsene Wenger extended his contract to 2009.

I know he played a big during the Zagreb match in Croatia and sat on our bench for the return fixture at Emirates, but he has not be used since. For a player who made his debut in 2001-2002 this is not really good enough progress to retain a place in a club with so many young players itching for a chance to play.

He was sent out on loan last season to what must be a record three different clubs (Celtic, West Ham, Wolverhampton). His time with the Buays and Hammers was unmemorable but he was given a decent run of matches with Wolves where he didn't exactly light the league up with his scoring prowess.

And yes, I too can remember some of his promising appearances for the Arsenal over the years and he does look to have quite a finish on him. But so does Lupoli/Bendtner/Stokes/Walcott.

So where does he fit? Let's list the Arsenal strikers on the back of the vital three points on Sunday in order to see;

1. Henry
2. Van Persie
3. Adebayor
4. 4-5-1
5. Walcott
6. Baptista
7. Freddie/Rosicky
8. Bendtner
9. Lupoli
10. Aliadiere

So what is the point of Jeremie Aliadiere? I simply don't get it.

United are BACK!

2006-09-17T10:54:00.000+01:00

Alex Ferguson is in full valedictory form. He's praising Wenger's sale of Cole, yappin' about Arsenal being in transition, talking up his old guard of Ole Gunnar, Neville, Scholes and Giggs, and waxing lyrical about the best ever start his side have made. Delicous pap. And the press have eaten it up. Manchester United are BACK! And better still, Alex Ferguson is absolutely believeing his own press.

Conversely, Arsenal are apparently in dire straits, tactically naive and of course too young to win at this level.

We have absolutely no chance. There is no Van Persie and no Henry... as well as no Vieira, Bergkamp, Reyes, Cole, Campbell, Senderos, Clichy, Lauren... etc etc.

I can recall this variety of press a few months ago as Arsenal ventured into the Bernabeu for the first time. Mates of mine predicted a 3-0 or 4-0 drubbing at the hands of the "biggest club in world". Madrid's form at the time was imperious and they would surely brush aside such a young side that had stuggled so much away from Highbury last season. Madrid were bang in form and would have too much going forward for an Arsenal defence which featured a player most unhappy to line-up out of position at leftback.

At the time Arsene Wenger was curiously confident and calm about the match. He grinned while he told a suspicious press that he believed his side had the strength of character to win the match.

Arsene Wenger was grinning again yesterday.

Eoin Heffernan

The season starts here...

2006-09-09T15:01:00.000+01:00

3.01pm 9 September 2006

Gallas slots in at left back wearing the number 10 shirt of Dennis Bergkamp. And Arsenal today feature the best bench in quite a long time in Baptista, Adebayor, Flamini, Rosicky and Almunia. Freddie moves to the left with Hleb on the right.

Across town, Ashley Cole sits inches from Jose Moaninho as Wayne Bridge retains his place in the Chelsea side.

Finally, we have moved on. For Arsenal today must end with three points.

I am a voyuer

2006-09-05T13:07:00.001+01:00

At the end of an emotional week of transfer speculation and ultimately tranfer moves, Arsenal Chairman Peter Hill Wood urged Gooners to move on from the Ashley Cole drama noting that he had no ill-feeling towards Chelsea and hoped that Chelsea could say the same.

I think I speak for most Gooners, when I tell you that I was delighted with the events of transfer window as it closed and am looking forward to seeing the new boys add some needed grit and power to a talented young side. And in spite of Ashley Cole's ill advised taste in women and lunch companions, I truly wish him the best with England and Chelsea knowing full well that he inevitably will join Anelka, Petit, Overmars and Vieira in wondering where it all went wrong.

But like a spiteful ex-girlfriend, Chelsea FC released a wild-eyed press statement which foamed at the mouth in suggesting Gallas had threatened dove-like Jose Mourinho with scoring OGs or being sent off should Gallas be selected in the Chelsea XI.

Words cannot do justice to the satisfaction reading this statement gives me

I note also that Chelsea have released a statement on Mourinho's behalf defending his comments in relation to the playing for France is "slavery" issue involving Makelele. Where once Mourinho would have free licence to hold press conferences waxing poetic about all he thinks about absolutely everything, he now either finds himself muzzled by his club or more likely stunned into silence by losing his control of the Chelsea squad to Peter Kenyon.

Delicious.

Im sure Moaninho will appreciate it when I say that I will be enjoying tuning in to the increasingly bizarre melodrama being played out at Stamford Bridge. Like a voyeur, I will take great pleasure watching further events unfold.

Eoin

A Balanced and Settled Side... finally

2006-09-03T21:11:00.000+01:00

In the evening hours of Thursday 31st August, I journeyed about the various Arssenal blogs I like to frequent offering comment about the Argie signings down Upton Park as well as searching for rumour and speculation concerning Arsenal moves (if any) that evening.

What I found on these sites was appalling. A very large group of "supporters" were calling for Dein's head... and Wenger's. Why? Because we hadn't signed Tevez and Mascherano. But c'mon. West Ham haven't really signed them EITHER! We had other fish to fry. And lets face it... we didnt really need a striker.

Sack Wenger? You're a load of idiots.

And so it proved.

Hours later, Arsenal Football Club were able to acquire arguably the best defender in the Premiership as well as £5m for malcontent and part time National Lottery chav Ashley Cole as well as jettison winter shy forward and want away Spaniard Jose Antonio Reyes for Julio Baptista AND £3m. But we ALSO removed the legend that is Pascal Cygan for a reported £2m (!!!!) to Villareal (Pires must be delighted) and signed young Brazilian defensive midfielder Denilson for up to £3.5m. WOW!

As I wrote on several of the same Arsenal websites later that evening and the next day. I TOLD YOU SO!

For all of you supporters who bottled it in the run up to this Arsenal masterpiece of a transfer window lets take stock of what has happened.In one move, Arsenal immensely improved the back line while significantly weakening Chelsea's. And more generally, Arsenal lacked experience in the side as well as power. In Gallas and Baptista were have excellent power all over the pitch. And suddenly, the Arsenal squad looks very very deep with competition for places everywhere. AND, we're still the youngest side in the Premiership with an army of young players, Muamba, Denilson, Merida, Mannone, Traore, Van Den Berg, Bendtner, Vela, Lupoli... etc etc... just behind the first team to feature in the Carling and FA Cups and well as Championship highlights this season.

Furthermore, Chelsea now have only Terry and two less than convincing center halves, while we have Toure and Gallas (the BEST central two on earth in my reckoning) as well as Swiss Tony and the immensely talented Djourou. Ok, they've got Ashley Cole so they've improved at left back, but Gallas is also excellent there and probably better defensively while Clichy is a Cole-clone and 4 years younger.

AND CYGAN IS GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a joyous evening!

The balance of the side is much much better now. With Diaby and Baptista we may have the toughest engine room in the league (book those trips to Bolton now!). As well, Gallas will add experience and pace to the back line and Im sure being told that he will be left back from time to time will sound better en francais.

I must admit that losing Reyes is gutting as the kid has unbelieveable talent but not for him were those pesky February away matches at the Riverside. In spite of his Arsenal style attributes, he never really fit in in England. I wish him well and in fact expect that he goes on to be wonderful with Real Madrid. But I would honestly make the Reyes for Baptista trade 8 days a week with or without the £3m added in. I would like to see the Nevilles try to kick the Beast and secondly not only will Baptista at least match Reyes' goal tallies with Arsenal, Theo Walcott can slot into Reyes role both out wide left or up front for the Arsenal. And Im sure Walcott doesnt mind the cold.

But for me, the most important thing to happen on Thursday evening was to now have a settled side. Think about it. For YEARS we and the Arsenal side have had to deal with Anelka... Vieira... Henry... Reyes... and Cole leaving rumours. However, with Henry staying and Cole and Reyes out, we now have a settled and balanced side for the first time I can remember in the Wenger era. Add to that our new financial clout at the Emirates stadium... (great article about our financial prowess
http://www.arsenal-world.co.uk/news/loadfeat.asp?cid=EDZ6&id=257289 ).. as well as Wenger's continued ability to find and sign the worlds best and brightest young players... and Arsenal FC has certainly begun a new era as one of the biggest clubs in the World.

Not usually the most Arsenal friendly of newspapers, the Sunday Times have a fantastic take on Arsenal's transfer deadline maneuvers

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,277-2340356,00.html

Arsenal Reserves 4 Charlton 0 - (MOTM Song)

2006-08-30T10:04:00.000+01:00

Well, there is some good news in Arsenal land this week as several senior stars got a nice run out against Charlton's reserves. I just watched the highlights and I'm pretty impressed with our fluid movement and attacking nous. Aliadiere showed some of the promise and talent that keeps him in Wenger's future plans..

Check out the highlights below.

Also, I dont give much credence to all of the wild transfer rumours going on today. Tevez, Mascherano, Buffon and Gallas may be joining Arsenal before Thursday 11.59pm.. but more likely we'll see young Naismith sign depending on what we thought of his trial over the weekend.

I've seen this movie before

2006-08-26T20:25:00.000+01:00

What follows are the meanderings of a furious Gooner… I’ve left proper grammar and considerable common sense aside as I…like Jackson Pollock… spray the paint drops of my disgust upon the canvas of this blog.

I apologise in advance… I’m fucking furious.

ARGH! What the FUCK?!?!?!?!?!?!?

I’m so fed up with this shit. For 90 minutes, we absolutely smacked Manchester City. We created chance after chance after chance… after chance.

Yet we lost.

Away.

Again.

I’ve seen this fucking movie WAY too many times now… ‘cause unlike most 90 minute movies… this movie is no fucking comedy…

We were first to every ball and played some lovely stuff in all areas of the pitch. Yet we’re now 8 points behind Manchester United.

I’m FED UP with seeing 7 defenders standing on the foot of the area daring us to get past.

I’m FUCKING beside myself with Arsenal making superstars out of very mediocre defenders whenever we’re away from home. Look at every match report from our away defeats of the past 12 months and you’ll see words like valiant, committed, supurb (etc etc) associated with defences we could not breach.

I’m can’t fucking STAND the sight of Fabregas definitively bossing the midfield but then simply unable (for a variety of reasons) to connect with passing options in the final third.

So... someone CROSS THE FRIGGIN’ ball… it worked on Wednesday for Flamini’s goal and it worked against Villa… we really need to mix things up in the final third… how is it possible for City to be able to defend a one goal advantage for an entire half?!?!?!?

I think I know. We are PREDICTABLE. Everything goes through the middle and even if balls go out wide to Hleb, Hoyte, RVP or Eboue, the ball STILL gets sent… on the deck… back into the middle… to one of our midfielders (usually Cesc) to be met by 6 central defenders almost encircling him just outside the area.

This past week, it was suggested to me that Stu Downing could be on his way to the Arsenal… not only did I laugh at the mere suggestion of this, I scoffed at Downing’s ability to play… ahem… Arsenal football. His strengths, I said we not suited to our passing… as he “only” runs down the flank, beats his man and sails in balls (very effectively against Chelsea) into the striker. It wouldn’t fit us, I said, BUT perhaps we need this option. Without Reyes and Cole, we really lack penetration on the left hand side… Im not sure Rosicky ever actually ran down the left today… ok ok… I still don’t want Downing and I will note how effective Walcott was wide left when he came on, particularly in skinning Richards and forcing a corner. But we need penetration on the left to make full use of Henry. Walcott (for now) is not the answer here... when Reyes/Cole go, they must be replaced like for like.

Lets make something 100% crystal. I am not calm. The margin of error in winning the league these days is such that this defeat today is really something of a body blow to the campaign. These issues away from home MUST be fixed now. The talent is there but we need (and I hate myself for writing this) a plan B. Yes, Adebayor is something of a plan b, but I’d like to see Arsenal mix up their style of play throughout matches whether winning 3-0 or chasing a deficit.

The only positive to take from today is that we are fortunate that this happened while the window was open… we’ve got loads of money to fix this situation or simply to add some confidence to the side.. .a summer of listening to Cole and Reyes dream about moving cannot be good for morale. It certainly hasn’t done the fans who have effectively paid for Emirates any good either.

So BUY someone, Wenger… Mascherano, Gallas, Torres, Tevez. NOW! Buy someone good. FUCKIN' make statement of intent and lets go win this league. The nucleus of the side is very strong, but lets make it silly… an excellent side for an excellent stadium, as you’ve said. Let’s make some fucking noise in the market… Rosicky was a great start that was simply not followed (although I did enjoy the Merida signing).

Random thoughts. In spite of the defeat…I really liked our defence tonight. Ok, Hoyte was to blame for the penalty, but we were so quick and strong at the back… it was impressive. Particularly Toure who sweats blood for the cause… and young Djourou who has the balls of a horse trying some of the moves he pulls off under pressure…

Van Persie is too left footed… defenders know he’s going to play off his right and move to his left for a shot.

Thierry Henry strolled around today. Shit on my head for saying this Gooners, but there were several counterattacks where... at speed... Fabregas played to Henry only for the move to grind to a strolling Gallic halt…as blue shirts scampered back into a 7 man wall… in front of the area… again.

Micah Richards is a phenomenal prospect. Wenger should move heaven and earth to sign this kid. WHATEVER it takes ‘a la Walcott… £10m, if necessary.

Anything less than a statement of intent is absolute Pollacks.

Greatness beckons

2006-08-23T12:48:00.000+01:00

This is a vital season for Robin Van Persie.

If you look at the stats from last season, our much talked about back 5 was actually our stongest feature... particularly in Europe. In fact, Arsenal suffered away from Highbury to a load of rubbish apparently "physical" sides in matches because the Gunners simply could not score. Van Persie must ease the burden on Henry to produce match winning strikes in these tough away matches.

Last season Fabregas made a step change in his impact for the club. Few would doubt that the 19 year old Spaniard is now world class. Van Persie can be the same.

Beyond the obvious talent that has motivated Henry to describe Van Persie as the most technically gifted player he's ever seen, what I like about RVP is his feisty demeanor and ferocity. Yes, this his got him into trouble in the past but this spirit, if harnessed correctly can enable RVP to find the 20-25 goals Gooners are expecting from him.

Having Ole Gunnar back ..."is like a new signing"

2006-08-12T11:14:00.000+01:00

After a couple of years lost in the wilderness of injury, 33 year old (!!!!) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has returned to the Manchester United first team. Gleeful at a popular old hand returning to action, Slur Alex has rather hilariously claimed that (having) "Ole back in action is like a new signing."

Delicious.

So no replacing Long Face and his 25 goals a season, then. I'm sure the United supporters are absolutely delighted about that. We're getting Torres... we're getting Riquelme... we're getting Vieira... we're getting Raul...

Translation... Michael Carrick. Oh the laughter that (for one brief moment) united both the Spurs and Gooner parts of North London over this transfer.

As the cost cutting continues at Old Trafford with the ashes of whole teams of youth players spread across the UK and beyond, United have seriously trimmed their wage bill in the recent 8 months in Keane, Ruud, Howard, Fortune and many many many others leaving the club for pastures elsewhere. As enjoyable as this is for Gooners to discuss ad nauseum, I would rather use their situation as a comparison for dicsussing our own.

Arsenal very clearly do not need to manipulate their supporters' hopes for the club with outrageously exaggerated transfer prices (Fergie DID NOT pay 18.6m for Michael Carrick but it suits both Spurs and United to claim that he did) and the ...like a new signing tripe. With our new stadium and the exploits in the CL last season as well as Wenger's canny dealings in the transfer market over the past 5 or 6 seasons, Arsenal have a very significant transfer budget sitting there... gathering cobwebs...waiting to be used.

While its not fair to claim that Arsenal have made simply one signing this summer as Wenger has brought in Merida, Song and Van Den Berg as well as Rosicky. It is fair to say that the club has added only one player to the immediate first team while losing Campbell, Cole, Bergkamp, Pires and possibly Reyes.

Like most Gooners, I've become very confident in the robustness of the Arsenal youth system to replace members of the first team to the extent that most of us will not be too disappointed to start the season with Clichy, Garry, Traore and Flamini at a pinch at left back.

But a mate of mine said something interesting that made me re-think the current situation Arsenal finds itself in. He noted the statement that selling Cole and Reyes makes about Arsenal Football Club. Given that he's a supporter of United, he knows much about what sales say about clubs... particulary when what is sold IS the club (as well as countless amounts of players). But this business of statement did linger with me particularly as Thierry Henry has alluded to this very issue when talking about Ashley Cole leaving Arsenal.

Given that we are surely chasing Chelsea this year for the league, Henry reckons that selling Ashley Cole to the Blues does seem counter productive to the process.... certainly from a team confidence point of view. This is why I think Wenger should make a statement and bring in a couple of established players before the transfer window closes. But it must be the right statement. We cannot fill imagined gaps in the side with players who will merely jump the queue ahead of the likes of Djourou, Clichy and Van Persie. But there are gaps to fill, particularly if Reyes does move to Madrid.

I would like to see Baptista arrive as part of any Reyes transfer. A powerful forward cum defensive midfielder is truly what the doctor ordered for Arsenal, particularly as Diaby is out until Christmas with injury and Gilberto is nearing the age where Wenger gets edgy about his players. I would truly enjoy going to Bolton or Everton with Baptista displaying more strength, power and class than the opposition. I think Walcott will be playing wing anyway for the Arsenal so we dont necessarily require a like for like replacement for Reyes.

I'd also like to see another defender enter the ranks. Gallas would be an interesting addition... certainly in terms of making a statement. Or Christian Chivu who seems on his way out of Rome. But more practically Arsenal need an injection of English into the side and I would prefer that Micah Richards arrives as an understudy to Toure, Senderos and yes Djourou. Or Curtis Davies. Young proven defenders with most of their careers ahead of them and tremendous upside to their talents.

Richards in particular has immense promise and at 18 has much time to learn the Arsenal style of play... particularly working with Kolo every day.

And I also think its important that Arsenal have at least a few English players in the squad with genuine passion for the sorts of February matches down the Riverside that Jose Antonio Reyes could never quite shine in.

Given that Arsene Wenger himself has noted the importance of buying a defender who can play both centrally and at leftback, lets all hope that someone arrives to fulfil that role rather than Wenger lowering himself to Fergie's level and talking up Pascal Cygan's return from injury as.... like a new signing.

EH

Do they make bananas in Croatia?

2006-08-08T21:55:00.000+01:00

Once more Arsenal play to a national and international audience in the Champions League. Like the later rounds of the CL last season, Arsenal have the European stage to themselves, at least from a Premiership perspective this evening.

And while the big risk this evening is of Arsenal hurting their chances of progressing to the groups stage, there is another banana peel that really must be considered.

Last season, Didier Drogba got the better of Senderos for one brieft moment in the Charity Shield "competition" (a competition that Wenger takes so seriously, he plays at least 18 players in it each year). And such is the hunger for football and the absense of football news at the beginning of each season that the media grabbed on to a perceived weakness in Senderos' aerial ability and created a maelstom of criticism for the young defender. Senderos progressed to play in the later stages of the CL (and did not concede a goal at the World Cup) but not before having his talent constantly questioned in the press and even being dropped by Wenger amidst the frenzy.

I worry most that someone like Djourou makes a mistake tonight that becomes blown WAY out of proportion. The match is on ITV1 and as we all know, one passing comment from the pundits about one of our players will be repeated ad nauseum in both the tabloids and from the lips of every armchair footie expert in the country. A banana peel beckons under the bright lights of ITV1.

The Arsenal Project - Fran Merida In

2006-08-06T17:48:00.000+01:00

Wonderkid Fran Merida scored on his deubt for Arsenal on Friday ending speculation that the Barcelona youth player could sign professional papers with Liverpool or Manchester United.

Merida, who shares the same agent with one Cesc Fabregas has been widely lauded as the next Ronaldinho. Heady praise, but anyone who has seen the videos of Merida on the internet can attest to his magnificient touch and freakish ability on and off the ball.

While Chelsea may sign the likes of Ballack and Shevchenko, Arsene is intent on stocking our reserve and youth teams with the best and brightest young talent from around the world. And given that Arsenal FC simply do not have the financial resources to compete with Chelsea (in spite of being the most profitable club on earth), this is a very intelligent approach to team and club building.

I'm sure Arsene Wenger will bring Merida along on the same path as Fabregas which will see the new boy probably feature in Carling Cup matches and perhaps also in the FA Cup this season. If Merida can then press on into the first team, Wenger will have pulled off a yet another canny signing.

Rather than buying established stars, bringing the likes of Carlos Vela, Abou Diaby, Theo Walcott and Merida to club provides Wenger with a chance to mould both their characters and style of football in a fashion that suits and progresses the club. It also cost us about £450 000 to sign Merida rather than the £50-60m it might cost to buy Ronaldinho. Again, that is NOT to say that Merida will become as good as Ronaldinho but given Wenger's immense eye for spotting youth talent £450 000 is not much to wager on le Boss being right... again.

I will also admit that it is quite delicious to note that after 12 months of constant Henry to Barce rumour mongering, Barcelona have once more been raided of youth team gem.

Another consideration from this signing is the almost assured promise that Wenger will stay with the club past his current contract (ends in 2008). He will surely want to be in charge when Walcott, Djourou, Cesc, Vela, Bendtner, Muamba, Diaby, and Merida leave their TEENS and approach the prime of their careers with the club.

Why So Blue?

2006-07-29T20:02:00.000+01:00

This is just a quick note to talk about the club... as yet another prolonged Arsenal transfer drama grips the British media.

I went to down Emerites the day the Armoury opened to
happily drop a load of cash on the new Arsenal shirt. After much internal debate I bought Fabregas 4 instead Diaby 2... but in truth it was a very close call.

Unfortunately I was able only to get 2 Prem badges on my shirt rather than a single Prem and CL badge as is my custom. It was rather depressing to consider that Arsenal are not actually in the Champions League yet.

By the way, the chap at the shirt printing desk at the store made frequent whisper about the very brisk sale of C*nt 3 shirts. Apt. Why So Blue, Ash?

So... Pires, Campbell, Bergkamp, and yes, very probably Ashley Cole will have left Arsenal Football Club by the beginning of the new season. That is a massive reduction in experience for what is already a very young and green football outfit. Adding Edu and Vieira to this list of the jettisoned and it is clear that Arsenal have moved far on from the undefeated side of 2 seasons ago. That is not to say that Hleb, Walcott, Eboue, Diaby, Song, Adebayor and Rosicky cannot carry on the progress of Arsenal FC but our hopes are clearly on the shoulders of much younger players. Is this a good thing? I dont know. But Wenger thinks so and to be honest, thats good enough for me.

Lots of the fans want to see us add to the Rosicky signing this summer. They want to see our ambition expressed by tangible signings. But have they seen the new ground. It is simply the best stadium in Europe. And I've seen quite a few. Nuff said. So if we must judge by the tangible... Emerites Stadium goes a long way to proving the enduring ambition of Arsenal Football Club.

Chelsea? Would Ashley Cole REALy go there?

2006-06-04T12:29:00.000+01:00

So lets try to make sense of this.

Ashley Cole is again being strongly rumoured to be moving away from Arsenal to pastures new. Some newspapers are even using the same sort of done deal language that typified much of the transfer frenzy around Thierry Henry these past 12 months.

What are we then to believe?

Let's look at all of the issues individually to see if we can put together a forest of truth from the trees of speculation.

This is a undoubtedly new era for Arsenal Football Club. As Ashley, Robert Pires and Thierry Henry famously sat on the Higbury pitch long after supporters and teammates had gone home, they must have discussed memories of trophies won, Spurs embarrassed (again), and lovely football played in their shared time with the club. It was surely a good-bye to an era for the Arsenal trioka but also the dawn of something new. There was of course a Champions League final on the immediate agenda, but perhaps the imminent opening of Emerites Stadium (which economists tell us will now position the club as the world's most profitable) had been more central in their thoughts.

For Pires, this new Emerites era was uncertain. He had already lost his place in the France side and the writing was on the wall for the 32 year old in how often he might be used at Emerites given Wenger's trust in Reyes, Hleb, Freddie, and sometimes Clichy of the left for the Arsenal. That he chose a two year contract with Villareal over the 12 months offered by the club is a pragmatic decision that likely masks Pires' understanding that his time of influence had passed. Rosicky's youth, pace and vision more than eases his loss... but all Gooners know that Bobby's elegance will sorely be missed.

Much has been made of Henry's decision to stay but the media inference that the defeat in the Paris made his decision for him may make the Spanish snub more palatable to Barce supporters but does not sit well with the admission from Henry himself that he told his teammates he would stay with Arsenal in his captains speach right before the final.

I could comment more.

But enough has been said.

Henry has stayed... as I always knew he would.

For Ashley Cole, the choices are much more complicated than those to be made by Pires or Henry. A younger man by some years, Cole can look forward to at least another five years of world class football. Unlike Henry, his next contract will likely not be his last. Indeed, Cole has widely been singled out as the best player in the world in his position and his pace, touch and vision have long been a hallmark of Arsenal's devestating left sided attack.

But last year he foolishly met with Chelsea.

And unfortunately, Cole still believes that he was left out to dry by Arsenal in a madness that followed the meeting. His legal appeals to the sanctions he suffered betray good sense and worryingly reveal a man with a serious chip on his shoulder. Arsene Wenger was able to quell some of the bad feeling last summer but still could only get Cole to sign a one year extension on his contract... although one with a new pay packet of £70k/week.

This means that Cole has 24 months remaining on his contract as of 1 July 2006.

This gives Cole considerable leverage in evoking the nightmare Bosman scenario which has lost Arsenal Wiltord, Edu, and Pires in three consecutive seasons. But it also gives Arsenal leverage in dealing with the vultures that are encircling the club.

And ensuring a good return should they wish to sell.

For me. Cole IS the best left back on earth. As an Arsenal supporter, in the past year I was lucky to see some of the pretenders to his throne play the club both domestically and in Europe. And none of Roberto Carlos, Zambrotta, Van Bronkhorst, Heinze, Del Horno, or Nuno Valente (just kidding!!!) can match the talent and effectiveness of Ashley Cole. Which duly makes him an attractive signing for some the biggest clubs in the world.

Chelsea met with him. So Kenyon and Mourinho thought enough of him to tap him up. But this week Mourinho claimed that Roberto Carlos was the best in his position in the world. This seems a strange means of attracting Ashley Cole to the club, moreso when you consider that Wayne Bridge has been told that he has a future at the Stamford Bridge and when its noted that Jose Mourniho tried to distance himself from Cole-gate but claiming the meeting was Peter Kenyon's idea.

There is also Del Horno, which if you think about the wages that he and Bridge are both on, pretty much makes them un-sellable to any but the biggest 5 or 6 clubs in the world (... most of which have leftbacks of a certain renown already... and all of which will likely want to outlay their transfer cash and wages budget elsewhere).

So is the Carlos link a ruse by the Brazilian's agent to leverage more money out of Real?

Perhaps.

But Mourinho tends to acquire the players he yaps about. His comments about Carlos were definitive to me. And likely to Ashley too. But that is not to say the Chelsea signing Roberto Carlos wont also have the desired domino effect of weakening Arsenal Football Club. Carlos leaving Madrid would obviously open up a spot of the Madrid roster for a left back which, even with the mooted Chelsea/Real exchange for Spanish International Del Horno, would leave Real Madrid in a position to chase another left back.

David Beckham is a strong example of English footballing success abroad. A friend of Ashley Cole, they both share a strong professional approach to football (but also dubious taste in partners). Madrid does feature a style of football that would attract a player of Cole's talent and if Madrid were to sign Sven as their new manager, a move to Real Madrid would both offer the excitement of a new league and challenge abroad, but also the familiarity of working with a manager who has long sung Cole's praises. This seems quite straightforward, then. Becks, plus Real Madrid, plus Sven equals Ashley joining the Spanish giants.

But its really not that simple.

This forgets the racist abuse that Ashley Cole suffered the last time he played with England at the Bernebau. It forgets the Spanish manager calling Henry a "black shit" to teammate Jose Antonio Reyes. It forgets the rampant racism directed at Samuel Eto'o in La Liga last season and the growing racism in Spanish football generally.

Another issue is what Ashley Cole might actually cost to transfer.

Yes, the Spanish club have spent loads of money over the past years of the Galatico era. But that was on the back of the riches the club made in selling its downtown Madrid training ground to developers.

That well has run dry.

Attracting Robinho and Baptista last summer overshadowed the book balancing exercises in selling Figo, Owen and Walter Samuel at the same time. So while Madrid may chase big summer signings this summer, it must also jettison several to stay in the black. And the most valuable of those jettisoned will need to be replaced, so when Zidane retires and if Raul or Ronaldo are sold there will be openings that Madrid will surely see as more important to fill than Roberto Carlos' departure. Simply put, would Madrid spend the requistite £12m-£16m for a left back when there are Zidane and Ronaldo sized holes elsewhere. Its food for thought.

A quick note about Wenger. Vieira's book waxes poetic about his relationship with the Arsenal gaffer in spite of the his acrimonious departure from the club. Indeed, Wenger maintains a great relationship with many of his former charges which manifests itself in things like Martin Keown helping out with the kids this winter or with Manu Petit training with the club earlier this past season. Surely, Ashley Cole will understand the impact that Wenger has had on his career. And that Wenger will still believe that he can make Ashley a better, more influential player in the side.

Upon making Henry captain, Wenger noted that his next choice would be Ashley Cole which at the time seemed more a statement of intent rather than one designed to win Cole's affection.

Would Cole wish to cut ties with Wenger? It didnt really work out for Overmars, Petit, Vieira and Anelka. More... food for thought.

In general, Arsenal are one of the only clubs in the world able to afford a £70k/week leftback. Even a leftback considered the best at his position with the best of his football still to come is not that attractive a signing at £12m-£16m.

He's a left back!

For those clubs who might be prepared to make the financial outlay necessary to acquire such an expensive player there will be tactics to consider in fitting Ashley Cole into their sides. Yes, Real Madrid may be prepared to unshackle an energetic Cole down their left... but would Mourinho?

And what of Arsenal FC?

My view is the Wenger will want to keep Cole at all costs. You simply cannot find the likes of Ashley Cole on the transfer market. Given the departures of Pires, Bergkamp, Edu, Vieira (and almost certainly Sol Campbell) in the past twelve months, Wenger will know that some old heads (even one only 25) will be needed next season to guide the teenaged likes of Walcott, Fabregas, Djourou and perhaps Lupoli in a very young side. That said, most Gooners have long heralded the eerily Cole-like talent of Gael Clichy. And Matty Flamini was immense at left back for Arsenal at the very highest level last season. There is also a young man called Armand Traore (the brother of... but dont hold that against him) who sources tell me is brimming with a talent very complimentary to Wenger-style football.

So... would the £12m-£16m be worth it?

Its difficult to say. Wenger built the current side in the strength of massive transfer fees for Anelka, Petit, Overmars and Vieira. But the best of those he acquired were the £500 000 signings of Fabregas and Toure. So clearly, money is not instrinic to Wenger's approach to team buidling. What IS clear however, is that if Cole should go, Arsenal would have three strong short term... middle term... and long term options already in the squad for his replacement.

From a personal point of view, like many Gooners the Cashley Cole/Chelsea tapping up scandal left a very bad taste in my mouth. The sterling example of Henry's loyalty of the club will hopefully send a message to the entire squad. And I hope that both players note the continued support they received last season from Gooners at Highbury. Many other clubs would have ripped into Ashley Cole for his seemingly dishonest dalliance with Chelsea and indeed into Henry for dangling the club by a thread... as captain... for the length of an entire season. In the end the decision was Henry's to make and I respect that. But that is not to say that the supporters at other clubs would not have ripped him for this.

Its worth a quick mention that Ashley Cole has an autobiography coming out this summer. Early word has it that it may have embarrassing Jaap Stam variety relvations about Arsenal Football Club. This early "word" has come from his publisher however in market that will see similar literature from Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and others in the England side. So let's all take this early "word" with a large grain of salt. They want to sell books. And scandal, REAL or imagined is an excellent way to do this.

Finally.. I think the bottom line is this.

Do I want Ashley Cole to stay?

Yes.

But will I be gutted if he goes?

No.

Do I think he will stay?

Yes.

Arsenal FC responds to Newsnight allegations...

2006-06-01T18:52:00.000+01:00

Arsenal Football Club is aware that BBC Newsnight is carrying a story this evening purporting to describe Arsenal's relationship with Belgian football club, Beveren.

Arsenal does not normally make public its agreements with third parties. However, Arsenal can confirm that it has had a technical relationship with Beveren since 2001. This relationship has a number of benefits to both clubs such as providing a platform to share coaching methods and techniques as well as facilitating the option of players being loaned between the clubs. For example, during the course of the relationship, Arsenal players David Grondin, Liam Chilvers, John Halls and Graham Stack all spent successful loan periods at Beveren as did Emmanuel Eboue, who played in a number of trial matches with Arsenal whilst contracted to Beveren. Such was the latter player's success, Arsenal subsequently signed Eboue on a permanent basis.
In addition, Arsenal confirms that it has never owned, directly or indirectly, any shares in Beveren or had any power whatsoever to influence its management or administration. It did in 2001 provide funds of 1,570,703 Euros by way of loan to a member of the consortium to assist in stabilising the finances of Beveren.

At no time has anyone at Arsenal been contacted by any regulatory or investigatory body with respect to its relationship with Beveren. Arsenal and all its staff have acted properly throughout, in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations, and in the best interests of Beveren, Arsenal and the broader footballing community.

Arsenal FC in FIFA money probe

2006-06-01T17:51:00.000+01:00

A story just breaking has implicated David Dein and Arsenal FC PLC in a money laundering scandal in Belgium.

The BBC has reported the investigation as serious enough to be putting Arsenal's 2006-2007 Champions League participation into doubt.

Belgium club Beveren, known on these shores as a sort of feeder club for Arsenal, accepted a £1m payment from a company with no name in 2001. Shortly after accepting this payment, Beveren discarded the majority of their Belgian players and replaced them with players from Ivory Coast. Arsenal signed Ivorian Manu Eboue from the club in January 2005.

The issue is whether or not Arsenal have had a controlling interest in the Belgium club. Controlling the Belgian club would contravene FIFA regulations and if proven will leave Arsenal facing serious FIFA punishment.

Young Gun makes England debut

2006-05-31T08:10:00.000+01:00

Theo Walcott made his international debut last night in England's 3-1 victory over Hungary. The 17 year old came on in the 65th minute and impressed with his pace and touch.

The Arsenal reservist who has yet to feature for the Gunners first team broke the record previously held by Wayne Rooney by appearing for England aged 17 years 75 days.

Walcott showed glimpses of brilliance last night and nearly scored from a harsh angle late on. The £12.5m signing from Southampton was brought on with Peter Crouch for Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard in what surely must be an indication of Sven Goran Eriksson's plan to have him feature off the bench in World Cup matches.

Sol Campbell also came off the bench late in the match to join Ashley Cole who played a full 90minutes for the three lions.

18 year old keeper linked with the Gunners

2006-05-30T15:36:00.000+01:00

Davino Verhulst of our feeder club Beveren has been rumoured to be joining Arsenal this summer. Gooners will recall the club signing Manu Eboue from the Belgian club in Jan 05 after Eboue had a trial with the Arsenal the previous summer.

Madrid candidate sizes up Arsene Wenger

2006-05-29T20:11:00.000+01:00

Silly season is truly upon us... at some point all Arsenal players and staff get linked with Real Madrid. Today its the "honour" of Arsene Wenger who will be the subject of an approach for what Real Madrid presidential candidate Carlos Sainz says will be a complete overhaul of the famous club... with Wenger presumably at the helm.

How many times must Wenger turn down this lot... it's getting old.
Please stay tuned for Cesc Fabregas, Matty Flamini, Gilberto, Jens Lehmann, Pat Rice and Tony Adams being linked to Real Madrid next week... yawn...

Arsene eyes 22 year old starlet

2006-05-29T14:31:00.000+01:00

French midfielder Mourad Meghni is the subject of speculation that Arsene Wenger will battle Real Madrid to bring the player to London. The Sochaux player has not had his loan move from Bologna renewed so will now return to the Italian club. A move away from Italy beckons.

Rosicky sidelined for the Czech Republic

2006-05-29T14:20:00.000+01:00

Tomas Rosicky picked up a thigh injury in the Czech's 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia. He will likely miss the rest of the World Cup tune-up matches but will be ready for their first Czech match in the Finals against the States on 12 June.

Arsenal Rumour... grab bag

2006-05-29T12:32:00.000+01:00

The 17 year old midfielder Nuri Sahin is being linked with a move to Arsenal for a fee of £2m according to FansFC.com.

Patrick Vieira is linked to an Arsenal return as well as a move to Newcastle. What? You dont want to play in Serie B?

Inter Milan are seeking a "free transfer" http://www.tribalfootball.com/may/italnews3290506.html for Sol Campbell... why on earth would we give him away? He's also rumoured to be joining Fulham.

Marcos Senna, the Villareal midfielder is being looked at by Arsenal. He's got a year left on his contract and would fit in perfectly as a fourth midfielder alongside Gilberto, Cesc and Flamini in the Arsenal midfield. He would likely cost between £3m-£5m given his contract situation.

Cesc Fabregas has picked a achilles injury with the Spain side that may keep him out of World Cup duty for his country http://www.tribalfootball.com/may/spanishnews2290506.html

Is Wenger interested in Joey Barton? I really hope not. I rate him as a player but I think his personality wouldnt fit in with Arsenal but I like his football and his combative style... shame about the idiocy.

There is a very interesting rumour coming from Italy about AC Milan trying to sign Samuel Eto'o to replace Andriy Shevchenko. Eto'o was clear where he stood with these rumours by saying.... “I would suggest that [owner Silvio] Berlusconi signs [Didier] Drogba,”..."He is one of the best strikers in the world right now.“What would happen if Milan called me? I would tell them to not waste their time because my answer would be no.”

But what if Arsene Wenger called? Eto'o has long wanted to play alongside Henry...

Adil Chichi, the FC Cologne left winger is being watched by Arsenal scouts with a possible move to the Gunners being mooted.

Cashley move to Real Madrid suggested

2006-05-29T12:19:00.000+01:00

I dont put much stock into this rumour.

Yes, it was rather odd that Ashley Cole signed only a 1 year extension to his contract last summer, but I simply cannot see him moving to Spain and particularly Real Madrid http://www.tribalfootball.com/may/spanishnews1290506.html given the racist chanting and monkey noises he suffered at the hands of the Spain "supporters" at the Bernabau.

I will offer that the £12m-£16m would be a good return for a left back... but think about it... who wants to spend £16m for a LEFT BACK? Why would Real Madrid's big summer signing be a LEFT BACK? It makes no sense. Its worth noting also that Arsenal dont need the money. And that the likes of Madrid, Barcelona and pretty much every massive club must sell to buy big ticket items over £15m. Only Chelsea... and yes Arsenal do not need to balance the books to 'acquire a player of Cole's level/price.

That said, Clichy is an absolutely fantastic player in the making and we've got Flamini as cover (how strange is that?!?!) as well as Lauren in a pinch. Also, the young Traore in our reserves looks a terrific prospect.

So... should we sell Cashley? I say no... but I wont be gutted if we do given the heavy flirting with Chelsea... and our left back cover... oh and the £16m.

But it wont happen... Real Madrid's big summer purchase will be of the forward variety... with ManUSA Ronaldo being the most likely player to move.