₦airaland Forum

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5955336#msg5955336 date=1272305287]Carrick was bought for 18 million. . . .The only signing United copped in 2006/7.
It was in 2007/8 United bought Hargreaves - stop distorting the facts to suit your selfish wet dreams.
Hargo and Carrick were not bought in the same transfer windown.[/quote]I never mentioned dates so there is nothing to dispute with you here, you only asked for marquee signings and I gave you (actually didn't see the 3 year limit) but even then we are in the 4th year and the last 3 years would be 06/07, 07/08, 08/09.

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5955336#msg5955336 date=1272305287]The difference between Gibson and Cesc/Song is the lack of opportunities. . . . . .
Before Pique left United, many peops thunk he was average until they started seeing him doing the shifts at Barcelona.
Give Gibson match appearances in a run of 20 league games and he will show his worth. . . . .[/quote]Now you are losing it Debo, even my manure friends here would gladly take any one of those two ahead of Gibson. Apart from the odd long ranger, there isn't much that guy offers. Pique only had to move cause of the sheer quality of Vidic and Rio ahead of him. I hope and pray for the days the likes of Gibson will get 20 league games run for manure cos that would herald the return of the PL to the emirates.

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5955336#msg5955336 date=1272305287]The same Nani/Anderson that copped MOTM performances against Arsenal in their debut seasons?
Are you high on cheap drugs?[/quote]Almost any player can turn it on any given day, its the consistency that is elusive. Samir Nasri also turned it on against Manure last season. Those players have been bit part players and in no way first teamers at manure until this season.

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5955336#msg5955336 date=1272305287]Who asked Wenger to sell good players like Gilberto, Pires and Ljunberg prematurely?[/quote]The afore mentioned reasons, the shift towards a youth policy which you stubbornly refuse to see or admit.

debosky:
I don't know why Dudu likes imagining these 'ceilings'. Even without 'breaching' the ceiling, they've brought in Valencia, arguably better and more consistent than any Winger at Arsenal. They've spent £50m to secure their future and we're dilly dallying claiming we are sustainable and are the best.
I don't even know why it matters about a 'marquee' player - was CR7 'marquee' when he was bought?

Apart from Berbatov, who are the 'marquee' players they've bought (not loaned like Tevez) in the past 3 seasons?

Yet they have won 3 trophies on the bounce. Vidic didn't cost £10m, neither did Evra.

Nani is developing himself into a real classy player, and he didn't breach the imaginary £20m band either, neither did Gibson who is getting better by the day.

I'm not going into how good or how bad the players bought have been, but there has definitely been a shift in Manure's spending, they bought Hargo for close to 20m and Carrick for close to 19m. And please stop mentioning Gibson as someone who is getting better by the day, that Chap is the same age as Song and Fabregas but would you change him for any of those 2?

Nani and Anderson were bought for 15m each at 19 and 21 years old and have taken time to come good 2 years later, can Arsenal afford to have playing staff worth 30m warming the benches?

Its the strength in depth these teams have built up in the past they are still depending on, cue Schole's last minute header at City or Gigg's impressive season. We are building our strength in depth within our youth and it will definitely pay us going forwards, we will definitely make the breakthrough very soon.

debosky:
Bollocks dude - we won't know if any 'prophecy' has come true till after the summer. Utd still spent for next season in January, so what are you going on about? If Chelski wins the title, they will be fully justified in that they didn't need to buy to win. Chelski is not usually a big buyer in January anyways, so you can't tell much.

Stop mixing issues Debo, no one is talking of winning titles now, that is an issue we've flogged already. the issue right now is about spending. If Chelsea wins the title, yes they would have deserved it considering what they've spent in the past and it would be a deseved last hurrah for that team IMO. But can they go an spending as they have with Abramovic needing to write off another 500m in about 3 years time? I don't think so, infact I say a capital NO.

debosky:
Chelski had no need to buy, if they could go without Essien and Bosingwa virtually all season and still do this well, buying is not really their problem. They have sufficient experience and can afford to begin to blend, while we have no choice but to throw youngsters in the fire where their inevitable mistakes (with no one to learn from) lead to us dropping points like they are going out of business.

it wasn't looking like that however when they came 3rd after Liverpool in the league last season, fair enough, they didn't need to buy because what they needed was already in but wasn't what they needed already in when they still went ahead to shell out on Schevchenko? In my opinion, there is still a shift in spending, lets wait till summer and compare notes again, though I'm sure you still won't own up then.

debosky:
The players simply have to be promoted to the SQUAD, they don't necessarily need to play. What you miss out is while we might arguably have 'better' youth to promote, they have an overwhelmingly better first team squad to blend with, and will likely progress faster than our youth.

True enough, they can be promoted into the squad without playing, but what if they have a lenghty injury list like we've had atimes this season with about 6-8 first teamers out for an extended period? won't these young players have to play? and this is something not totally unlikely for a squad with close to 50% of them being over 30.

debosky:
Good example - kindly tell us where Lupoli is 'tearing' up now. If you point to Wilshere, Chelski can point to Mancinenne and DiSanto as well, so again the gap isn't as big as you imagine. Eastmond will not go on loan - he's played EPL games while JET and Lansbury have barely done so.

Lupoli didnt have his head screwed on right and lost his way, he might find his way back as Jose Antonio Reyes is these days. Not all youngsters make it through (just like in any other endeavour of life) but the Arsenal youth system can hold its head high relative to others in the PL and even out of it. In the 5 years between 2005 and now Cesc, Song, Denilson, Clichy, Bendtner have all made the transition from talented teenagers brought in to the club under 18 to first team members and others like Traore, Gibbs, Vela, Theo are poised to make that transition in the next few years.

What makes you think Eastmond won't go on loan? the fact that he's played first team football is no guarantee he won't go on loan. Lansbury is a highly rated one who has been going out on loan often and Arsene has said he should be competing for a first team place next season with the experience he's gained. With JET's stellar performances in Doncaster, he has also staked a claim for a shirt next season. The chances of Eastmond going out on loan next season are very high, I would rate those 2 ahead of him right now.

debosky:
Indeed - how many goals have our 'young' players come on to score? The fact is, BECAUSE they have experience to learn from, those youth will develop faster than Arsenal players who have few or no one to look up to.

The playing field is being levelled indeed - Chelski barely bought last season, didn't bring anyone in January and had Bosingwa, Essien and others injured for virtually the whole season yet are 8 points ahead of us with a massively greater goal difference. If that is levelling I won't want to see the case where they actually get better than us.

Lots of goals in fact, only that in the despondence of not winning trophies this is all soon forgotten. Vela got quite a number last season and Theo has gotten a good number even this season but people are quick to forget that Sturridge infact is only 6 months younger than Theo and Vela.
While Chelsea had their fair share of injuries, you can't compare it in any way to ours. By the time we played Wigan, the only first choice players (in their positions) on the pitch were the full backs and Diaby.

debosky:
What prophecy? They will simply promote to meet the 8 man rule, but if they sell e.g. Belletti they can replace him with a foreigner as long as they've met the quota requirements. Unlike us, they will likely win a league and cup double this season and will be far better able to attract big talents than a club that perennially seems to be content with coming 4th. Nateevs has been screaming for those players to join the first team anyways, so its not really a surprise.

What you fail to realise is that trophies have continue to exert big pull as well, and the longer we fail to win, the lower that pull becomes. Even the ones we develop will inevitably be tempted elsewhere with our abysmal win rate.

The most crucial part is this - once EVERY club is forced to take on more youths, then our 'unique' attractiveness of giving youth a chance will be gone, in addition to the fact that the other teams (Chelski and United) continue to pay better wages AND win trophies. After that what will we be left with?

Oh I forgot - we will be 'sustainable'.

Give credit where it is due, I pointed it out on here that Chelsea and Manure cannot afford to continue to spend the way they have and the rule was one of the reasons I stated that anyway but even apart from the rule, Chelsea's moves in the transfer market at the beginning of this window had already pointed to the emerging trend in purchase of players. For example, since Manure has sold off CR7, they haven't breached the 20m ceiling or brought in any marquee player.

Yes Chelsea and the others will promote but do you really think the youth they promote are of the quality we promote? would you compare the big game experience the likes of Wilshere, Traore, Vela, Theo, Denilson and co have gained to these new lads being promoted into their squads? even despite those we have in house, we have another 15 U21 players out on loan gaining experience and making impact in the Championship and League 1 and foreign leagues.

I tell you this and I've followed youth football since the likes of Bendtner and Lupoli were tearing the reserves apart in 04/05, no club in the PL has the quality Arsenal have got coming through the ranks. In another club, someone like Wilshere would be in the reserves and not fighting for points week in week out. Someone like Eastmond will likely go on loan next season while one or both of JET and Lansbury will be brought back for squad depth with the experience they've gained.

Don't be deceived by Sturridge's goal against Stoke, it is much easier scoring those kinds of goals when yu're being brought on with no real pressure on you to deliver and with your team already 4-0 up and full of the likes of Drogba and Ballack who have been there numerous times before than when you are tasked with running a midfield by yourself at less than 18 years of age as Cesc and Ramsey have been. The playing field is being levelled as we speak and I look forward to next season.

debosky:
I resent that - I have never done a Duduspace.

I've never been content with 4th, BUT given we had finally bought someone of some experience in Arshavin, I felt there was a chance Wenger was beginning to realise his flaws and correct them. My hope for this season was based on two clear indicators - a need to buy in the summer wisely (which didn't happen bar Vermaelen) .

You misrepresent me Debo, nowhere have I ever been content with 4th, only that with what we've put in compared to the others, we're about where we should be.
Besides we aren't 4th by the way, as at the last time I looked at the table we were 3rd and I don't think I need to go to specsavers.

Our system is one that requires considerable time to bear fruit and we didn't get the balance right this season with the injury jinx not helping matters in any way, going forwards is a different matter entirely, I won't be content with anything less than a top 2 finish next season and maybe one of the domestic cups. I will also look forward to a minimum quarter final UCL and possible semi final appearance dependng on who we draw.

I rejoiced at a Chelsea goal for the first time in my life today, Manure must not win the PL for the 4th time.

Sauron, get off that new chinese designer drug before it sends you to an early grave

I can't even begin to respond to that comedy yu've penned up there.

Welbeck better than Bendtner
Shawcross would only be called a footballer if the game was solely about breaking people's legs.

I'm sure we woulda won the Champion's youth cup for keeps if it wasn't stopped after the first edition.

rikkyjen:
Awon da? Ni bo lo wa?

See as dis place quiet and dry like desert!!!

Its not like if Assnal won this game, they woulda still been in the race. Boom or bust this game, the title race was already over. So,why all of una come dey hide face?

Adebowale, Ni bo lo wa?

We dey o, currently strategizing for next season. Do look forward to more GK's being sent to extended spells on the sidelines by the new improved Diaby next season.
We need more variation in the way we play, imagine more shorts like that? half of the PL Keepers would have needed shoulder reconstruction surgery.

The game is quite drab, all our play is still concentrated in the center and little penetration, hope no defensive lapses occcur today. Its another test of a kind.

Of all those clowns you mention there, only Pique is worth mentioning, Welbeck and Marcheda have the potential to be good and Fletcher doesn't count as he is not within that age range. All the others are not fit to be mentioned on the same page as Walcott.
And will you stop mentioning Reserve league when we talk about youth development, Hargo is not a youth player and neither is Sol or Drogba.

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5945769#msg5945769 date=1272120263]United started the youth policy shiznit. . . . .Arsene Wenger is trying to copy but he hasn't been successful with it.
Whatever Wenger is trying to do now, Fergie did in 95/96 when his kids WON the Premiership.
The reason why Chelsea is going through this route is because they must have 8 HOME-GROWN players in their 25-man squad.[/quote]Manure, HAD a youth policy back in the 90s and yes, at that time it was the best in the country with the allure of playing for Manure attracting the best talent in England, all that changed with the 90 minute rule. In recent times, Arsenal's academy has overtaken yours with our world wide talent scouting network. Only after Arsene's arrival and the initial trophy successes did Arsenal really pay any great attention to their academy, and it became easier to really bring up youngsters after we built London Colney.

1. Have you won any of the youth cup or academy league in the last 5 years?
2. How many players brought into the club under the age of 18 have progressed into your squad in the last 6 years?

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=435591.msg5945744#msg5945744 date=1272119853]And this is NEWS?
Nani stepped up after washing the floor with Clichy and Nasri @ the Emirates.[/quote]He always could turn up on any given day, it was the consistency that eluded him. I think its come with age and has nothing to do with Clichy and Nasri. Nasri also dealt with you last season in the league.

But Biola, is it not the same people who will be in front of Sorensen or whoever we bring in 
now I'm not being particular about Szczesney, but the GK (whoever he may be) wouldn't solve whatever other defensive issues we have, would he?

And you can forget almost forget about Lloris, Arsene has already ruled him out as being too expensive, something thats quite likely considering his age and all the buzz he's getting, now if only Arsene could pull another Lehmann out of the hat.

Nani has really stepped up this season, he is turning his maverick streak into consistent performances. IMO, after Rooney he has been the next most important player for Manure this season.

My prophecies are coming true already within a week of making them. 
There goes chelsea, I'm sure Sauron's people will come out of the closet very soon as reality begins to hit.

[Quote]
[size=14pt]Chelsea opt for youth over Torres bid[/size]
Chelsea have seemingly ruled themselves out of the running to sign Liverpool's Fernando Torres after manager Carlo Ancelotti announced a significant shift towards youth in the club's transfer policy.


Gael Kakuta: Represents Chelsea's future


Instead of competing with Manchester City in a bidding war for Torres, Chelsea will instead promote five academy players into their first-team squad next season as they look to lower the average age of the team.
The new policy was first discussed following the Champions League defeat to Inter Milan and was ratified following a meeting with Blues owner Roman Abramovich last Monday.

Ancelotti said: "Next season there will be five academy players in the squad. Some players will maybe move on. It's not because we don't have the money, it's because we want to give strength to our academy. We have very good young players and this is the time to put them in the squad for next year."

Gael Kakuta, Fabio Borini, Jeffrey Bruma, Patrick van Aanholt and Nemanja Matic will step up to the first team.[/quote]3 out of those 5 players were in a reserve team that our boys of predominantly U17s hammered 4-2 this season, we are light years ahead of Chelsea with our youth policy, it might take them 15 years to catch up to us with what we have in place already.

eldee:
@Dudu

Get off this Schenzy thing . . . we've performed enough experiments already with this team.
We've played without a striker against Big-Four teams, we've played Barca with two over 35 defenders, we've given Denilson a full season of week-in week=out action, but to say we should risk our goalkeeping position by putting in a 2-year old that's not even played against average strikers?? Come on!!!

Let him do it the good old fashioned way, win the League Cup and we'll start talking.

Fair point, like I said the decision doesn't depend on me and I will totally understand if Arsene doesn't make him first choice yet because of all that is hanging on next season. He might be just a talent that came at the wrong time in the club's history. If he is not playing however, I don't want him hanging around without playing, Fabianski's present situation is causing me heartache cos I know he's better than his recent performances. Wojciech is too much of a talent for that, he should go on loan to a minimum mid-table championship club where the heat is on, I don't want him stagnating on our bench.

debosky:
There is EVERY reason - Iker's case is a MASSIVE exception, given the obvious failings we have seen at this club when we over rely on youth too early, we CANNOT afford to take another risk. Three dodgy keepers is more than any club can stomach, not to talk of the other inconsistent performers we have in other parts of the team.

What you've claimed is the same as saying 'if Messi did it there is no reason why Wilshere can't do it' - is it that easy to make casual comparisons to world greats?

Okay, I don hear. that is my opinion we can agree to disagree. If Casillas did it, there is no reason another person can't do it after all if he was not given the chance, no one would know he could do it. These are other quotes from the same site those other quotes were taken from

[Quote]

North London Bee

You would normally expect an experienced keeper to screw up every 8-10 games or so.

Chesney has been remarkable and what has impressed me the most is not his incredible shot stopping. I expected that and to a degree , given his pedigree and physique I expected it too but his decision making has been incredibly good and composed.

His kicking will also improve with time.

He has played around 20 games amd his level of performance and consistency has been immensely high.



JTofBFC

Yep totally agree. Top class keeper in the making and we will be able to say we gave him his big chance !

If Wenger doesn't want him as 2nd choice as he is too young then its his loss. He isn't known for having much of a clue when it comes to goalkeepers ! Would love him back although suspect he may be destined for something bigger than us.

Just seen "that" save from saturday. Brilliant stuff.


To Bee Someone
Playing at a level of football like League 1 has benefited him greatly. Keepers dont get a lot of protection in comparison to the Prem and that has led Wojciech to be more decisive and brave. I think it all comes back to this issue of the basics, which i think he has a better grasp of than Almunia or Fabianski.[/quote]and this is a summary of his time at the club.

[Quote]
In November, when Szczesny went to Brendford, the third division club from just outside of London was 16th, had 23 goals against in 17 games and only 5 points clear of relegation zone.

Now, with 3 games left, Bees are 10th, are 16 points clear off 19th spot. The Pole played in 25 games, conceded 25 goals with 9 clean sheets. Manager Andy Scott said last week, that he'd love to keep him in the club, but understands that it will not be possible. Because Szczesny has skills to play in a better team.[/quote]

@Debo

If Iker did it, there is no reason why Szczesney can't do it, he is that massive a talent in my opinion and deserves his chance. However, it is Arsene's call and I do admit the stakes are very high.
The lad is very impatient and I like his spirit, quotes from his recent interview.
[Quote]
"I proved that I can play with senior squad and that I can play twice a week. If I get my chance from the Boss [Arsene Wenger], I will try to take it. I feel ready, to play in Arsenal right now. I'm not saying that next season I will be Arsenal number one, but I'm saying I want to fight for that spot. I wouldn't fall short psychologically. And whether I am good enough we'll see in pre-season. I never played at that level, so in order to see how I will behave, I would have to get a chance. After adventure with Brentford I know, that it benefits you more to play at lower level than to sit on the bench in a big club. No 2 does not satisfy me and I don't want it. I want to play. If I can't do taht in Arsernal, I will look for a loan. I have an offer from Leeds and Watford. It all depends on Wenger's approval, but I don't think he should make any problems. I will definitely stay in England. No other country offers so many chances for promotion.[/quote]Quite an interesting character.

debosky:
Another reality check for those who are hung up on purported 'improvements'

Arsenal has conceded more goals this season than any other for NINE years - 61 goals in total.

Arsenal has lost 8 games - two more than last season (who knows how many more will be lost?)

Now, I wasn't aware of this statistic. Very damning of our goalkeeping department which we all know was a let down this season.

debosky:
We will be at best (if we win our three games) 8 points better off than last season, in a season where we supposedly made 'great improvements'?  

If we have another season like this, no one in his right mind can say we are improving - if your performance on the pitch gets worse, it is only a matter of time before people start getting less interested in watching and vote with their feet.

Very true Debo, but I frankly can't see us not being better next season

debosky:
While all of this is going on, Dudu says play Chesney so he can get rid of his mistakes while losing us games - the same policy that has so obviously helped Fabianski - from ruining our FA cup chances in January, he progressed to trying to ruin our CL chances and finally succeeded in ending our hopes for the premiership. We should just change the goalkeeper for a younger, more error prone one and repeat the cycle all over again.

You know this is not what I said Debo, I said I would play him but then I'm not in Arsene's shoes and next season isn't hanging on my neck. But we've got a massive talent on our hands who deserves a chance to prove himself and just to buttress my point, here is what Arsene said about him just today.

[Quote]

Wenger - Szczesny is our future No. 1
By Nick Teale

Wojciech Szczesny will be Arsenal's No. 1 in the future - that's the view of Arsène Wenger.

The 20-year-old has been on loan at Brentford since November and has earned many plaudits for his eye-catching performances for the Bees.

The keeper has made 24 appearances for the League One side and their manager Andy Scott has already been quoted as saying he wants to take the stopper on loan again next term.

But Szczesny himself has said he is determined to be the Gunners' No. 1 next term. Speaking at Friday's press conference, Wenger asserted his belief that the youngster will wear the Arsenal gloves in the future, though maybe not next season.

"It is reasonable to have the ambition to be No 1 here next season," said the manager. "I believe he is doing extremely well.

"I believe one day he will be the No 1 at Arsenal certainly. But we will see next season. It is down to his performances.

"But you want as well some experience at our level. You cannot only go with young goalkeepers."[/quote]In all honesty, if Cesc were only just breaking into the first team now would you play him as a 17 year old like Arsene did then if we had been this trophy starved at that time? but didn't the boy prove he was good enough?
The only reason I can think of for not giving Szczesney the gloves next season is to protect him because there is just so much hanging on the season, it might be unfair to put it on an untested youngster's neck.

dayokanu:
Dudu sees the improvement. Check Gallas haircut 2 seasons ago vs now.

Eboues Makkosa steps last season vs now

Sagnas braids last season vs now.

IMPROVEMENT

Regardng wenGAY leaving, You are stuck with FAILURE wenGAY

DK, haba leave us alone now, I go swear for you o. Can't you even find some time to bask in Bayern's performance for a while and give us time to lick our wounds? I tire for you o. Are you this vindictive?

biolabee:
GBAM!!!
Bros even if Chelsea and ManU do not reinforce as dudu expcets, this team will still crash at the final moment,
dudu over to you

Myles Palmer is a moaner and a very nationalistic (I no wan call am racist) individual so I couldn't care less about his ranting. He has no faith in Arsene and that is not in itself a bad thing, but he is one who specialises in throwing the baby out with the bath water. He is also one of the predominant re-writers of Arsenal's history claiming that Arsene has not improved the club since taking over an obvious lie.

I remember what he wrote when Gazidis first became CEO, claiming Kroenke had put his man in prior to taking over the club and that Arsene's days were numbered only to turn around now claiming that Gazidis has never worked in a pressure situation.

Yes, the manager's job is Arsene's to lose. The people who have been there all along know what that man has done for the club and wouldn't even brood the subject of him leaving. He will leave some day but the structures he has put in for the club will stand us in good stead. He is one of those who like Fergie have earned the right to call time on their career, there is a very good reason why his bust is in the club already.

He is right about one thing though, Arsenal as a club have a culture of sustainability and stability and not given to taking short cuts, that is why we are the only club to never have been out of the first division, Arsenal has entered the ranks of super clubs and is establishing itself within that cadre of clubs but being careful not to overextend itself in doing so and getting into trouble.

@Kay_pumpin
Most of my assertions are based on the clubs not having the financial advantage they had over us in the past for much longer, of course they will improve, Manure at least will do but I'm not sure about chelsea as they need some massive renewal in that club. Their policy of buying to win has not really paid off as expected, even after writing off debts already more than 500m GBP, they are still making losses of 70m GBP as at their last accounts, Abramovic is not a fool and there is a limit to how much money even a billionaire is willing to spend on an expensive toy.

Manure's debt will be their albatross, I'm not sure how much money their overlords will keep on putting in but they need to keep winning basically to even sustain the club and I know they cannot continue winning every year, this year will be an harbinger of seasons to come for Manure hopefully, we did not push them at all last season but we've done so this season and I do expect this team to even improve more next season, yes it might be due to CR7 and Tevez leaving but that quality of player costs a lot of money as they don't even have the time to bed in talent like Rooney and CR7 again. Selling CR7 and not keeping Tevez might still end up being their undoing as I can only imagine what  the effect of losing Rooney for just half a season would do to them.

With hind sight, even though I didn't accept it at the time, that Manure team with CR7, Rooney and Tevez was a great team, with a lot of match winners, you can only look at how well the players who departed went on to do at other clubs and compare it to our departed lot of Flamini, Adebayor and Hleb. That Arsene even made them push enough to be just 4 points off the leaders is a credit to the man.

But having said that, just looking at the combined total that lot cost manure, and comparing with how much we were spending per season at the time and yu'll know why we could never afford them at the time even though Arsene did want to buy CR7 before Manure hijacked the deal. I'm however salivating at the prospect of RVP/Bendtner/Chamakh next season and the future is looking very good already.

Your points as to where we need to improve are all spot on.

[quote author=kay_pumpin link=topic=400313.msg5938568#msg5938568 date=1271979542]Dudu some of your assertions are far fetched.While i am not ready to start tearing some of your outlandish assertions apart,i think your conclusion that Szcheny shoould be brought back to the club to man the post for next season is asking for too much.Who will take us serious with an unproven and inexperienced 19 year old talent(no matter how prodigous) taking over from Vanilla Ice and Fabiaski.[/quote]Seriously Kay, tear holes into it and lets have an healthy debate. I promise to stick to the points being discussed and not muddle up issues like Sauron.  If you show me how and why I'm wrong, I will hold up my hands and accept it and if not, we can always reach a compromise.
By the way, who will be at the emirates cup in August? Folly and Debo, I'll look forward to meeting up there.

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5937353#msg5937353 date=1271963580]Eduardo & Campbell have played for Arsenal reserves.
It does not matter who plays where. It's not age-restricted. Arsenal should stop making all competitions age-grade.[/quote]Youth is not age restricted? , I'm sure 100 year old youths exist only in your hood Sauron. The statement was who has the best youth presently and you're judging the best youth by performance in a reserve league where a 36 year old can play in I refuse to have this discussion, it is not worth it.

@Kay

To be honest, I'm not demanding Szczesney be the next GK, that is definitely something for Arsene to decide but I go to Griffin Park forum (where those quotes have come from) after every match he plays and it is obvious they are more than satisfied with him, he did have a dodgy period but there was hardly a match where he didnt give them a wow moment, remember also that this is a club that was very much in a relegation battle before he came but is now comfortably safe in mid-table. In their season Man of the Match table he is about number 3.

As far as I'm concerned, most of the negatives they point to have to do with his age and the conservative belief that someone who just clocked 20 cannot keep for Arsenal, I just don't want us messing up with another massive talent, if the boy is good enough play him or he'll never iron out whatever deficiencies he's got. If you ask every Brentford supporter, they all want him back next season and that speaks volumes for someone who is not their player and initially when he came some of them went as far as saying that he was the best keeper for Brentford they had seen in 35 years.

The stakes are however high for us and Arsene next season as we must win something so I wouldn't be against going for another GK but if he doesn't play for us next season, then he has to go for at least an half season loan with a minimum mid-table club in the Championship he must not remain on the bench and become useless like Fabianski.  We are linked with the likes of Joe Hart now after his storming season for Birmingham but who knew him last season? If Arsene chooses to put his faith in Szczesney, I wouldn't be against it either as he is a massive talent who deserves to stake a claim for the gloves.

I never had an issue with Dr Kit, every gooner is my brother even if we don't agree on issues. My take on life has always been that respect begets respect and I never go out of my way to disrespect anyone. If I've said anything disrespectful to you Egbon Kit, you have my unreserved apology.

Dr Kitaun:
@Dudu

I am as old as your child, so I dont need no adult education

somebody should have told u that u are just a little younger than Nigeria as a country yet u behave like some overgrown prat, I wonder why people still complain that the country has witnessed stagnation . . .nitwits like u are busy throwing yabis on NL when your mates like FASHOLA are busy making things happen

at 43 years of age, you are the oldest here cos thats definitely AFRICAN AGE, U MUST BE 66 to be candid

get a life sir, abi auntie no dey gree give u some again ni ?

P.S Mukina our moderator is less than half your age . . .stop disgracing your family !!!

Speak to the hand my man, I wonder who is acting like an overgrown prat here. If you can't contribute anything meaningful go back to your midday slumber to rest your brain cells or your grandson might have to wipe the saliva drooling from your lips and chase the flies celebrating a belated easter on your lips.

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5936523#msg5936523 date=1271953971]Platini can't do squat with United's debt.
The most important factor is the wage/turnover ratio and United are tremendously healthy in that statistics.
Our wage bill is just few millions higher than that of Arsenal and our turnover is almost twice as much as that of Arsenal.
United are healthier.[/quote]Na which kain mago mago maths be this?
net transfer spending, debt/value, wage bill, debt, everything negative parameter higher, how does that translate to being healthier?
the only place where you have better parameters is in trophies and that is ending soon.


[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5936523#msg5936523 date=1271953971]Hargo played only 45 mins for the reserves this season - STOP LYING.
Yes, you will claim that 45 mins played by Hargreaves won the league for the Reserves - GAYnners and their ability to distort facts.[/quote]I'm not saying Hargo won it for you, but a competition where Drogba can play for Chelsea, Hargo for you or Sol Campbell for us doesn't give a true indication of the strength of youth players. It is only the academy league or youth cup that is age restricted that can give a clear indication of talent at that age level.

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5936523#msg5936523 date=1271953971]Lack of squad depth. . . . Reserves meant what it is. The spill over of the senior squad is the reserves.
The academy league squad is mainly under-18s. Na lack of squad depth dey worry una playing under 18s in the reserves.
Fact remains. . . . .Arsenal kids are yet to win the Southern Reserve League despite Wenger's retarded youth policy that has won nothing.[/quote]Anyone who rejoices over winning Reserve league has priorities misplaced in my opinion. The likes of Wilshere and JET are not even playing there and those are the ones who should be our reserves.

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5936523#msg5936523 date=1271953971]United are leading their academy league with 6 points.
If you pay attention to details like you claim, you will know that Liverpool and Blackburn are 6th and 8th respectively on the league table.
We churn out talents while Arsenal kids are duds - buncha unproven featherweights.[/quote]Ol'boy I never claimed anything o, if you came to that conclusion from my posts you might be grossly mistaken as I admitted to Debo yesterday that anyone can make errors at any time and that there is no harm in owning up to one. To be honest I haven't checked the Academy league tables lately but this was the snippet of news I was trying to recall from the Arsenal site which indicated a 3 way race for your group. I'm sorry I got the teams twisted, hope yu're happy now?

[Quote]
The opponent has not yet been determined, but Manchester United, West Brom and Everton are all in contention to win their group.[/quote]Its either I'm really growing old like that Babalawo who thinks himself a doctor suggests or he's already Jazzing me.

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5936523#msg5936523 date=1271953971]Stop distorting the facts, Man Utd were worth 800 million GBP before Malcolm Glazer purchased 28% of the stake held by McManus and Magnier.
They did not have 30% before the club was valued at 800 million GBP. These facts are not far-fetched. Stop pretending to be well-informed.[/quote]Now I think, we are closer to the truth but still some distance from it as you were claiming 700 befor, if Manure were worth 800m before Glazer bought the 2 Ms stake which was 28.7, which brought his holding to 57% means he already held about 29%. Also the valuation of a company and how much a particular individual pays to buy it are 2 different things. The Glazers takeover actually took 2 years and he could have bought some of the stock very cheap.


[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5936523#msg5936523 date=1271953971]Whatz the difference?
U will have to pay FLY EMIRATES off to acquire the naming rights back. . . . .Bayern did the same with Allianz Arena.
Carrington however is still Carrington Complex and it's the media kicking up dust that United were about to shop the naming rights to Obasanjo.[/quote]That one na lie o, we don't have to pay anything back, its for a fixed time duration and we can change the name of our stadium back once that period of time expires except Emirates choose to renew.

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5936523#msg5936523 date=1271953971]The same debt has made us win 3 titles in a row, got us to 2 European finals in the last 4 seasons.
Wenger will owe $100 billion willingly to achieve what United have achieved under The Glazers.
A manager that is yet to successfully defend a league title and yet to win any trophy in Europe is a massive disgrace to his club/fans.

The word FAILURE should have Wenger's face printed beside it in the dictionary.  [/quote]Good for you, enjoy your trophies while they last, and stop complaining about the Glazer's debts, there is a price to pay for selling your soul to the devil even if it brings you much initial success.

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5936523#msg5936523 date=1271953971]Does the statement. . . . "The GBP fell to the Euro/USD During The Recession" makes any sense to you at all?
United's worth in dollars has changed in the last 12 months because of the fall of pounds but that is to ambiguous for you to understand.
What's the IQ of an average GAYnner?[/quote]And we are supposed to believe the person who wrote this is intelligent? did the fall of the GBP affect Manure alone? when did Arsenal move away from the UK and join the Eurozone?  

Dr Kitaun:
@Dudu

Sir Kay and Akolawole are quite old men, but I have never seen them pen their age as disgracefully as u have done on a public forum . . .If I were u I will feel bad, dont u have any modicum of shame to ebe even discussing the extent of the greyness on your pubes ?

How were your eko agba lectures today? I can see they are yet to teach you about quotes. I hope the teachers weren't intimidated by your grey hairs and that your hearing aids batteries lasted through the lessons.  e pele sir, e kile o.

biolabee:
@dudu
we appreciate the financial picture but it still does not exceuse our poor defending, proneness to injury, loss of concentration in some games, not utilising set pieces, etc

the truth is this only one team can win the title so even if we spend 300m usd at once it may not mean squat(real?) but at least let the ethos of the team be better, get better squad players.

Hmmm true word, the million dollar question is, how can we have better squad players than Manure if we are unable to have 60m worth of talent warming the benches?
The answer is to grow our own 60m worth of bench players, which is exactly what we are now doing. We will make mistakes true enough and probably anything from 40-60 percent of them will not make it into the first team, but it is the only way of doing it.

chic2pimp:
My Iyawo wetin you dey find for hia?

What do you expect, who no go like better club? when our lads play, women get the hibby jibbies.  Don't be surprised when your woman start calling our players' names during your love making sessions.

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5935867#msg5935867 date=1271947764]Europe will not survive WITHOUT Man Utd - There i said it.
Platini was on his knees begging when the BIG 8 clubs were thinking of forming their own super-league and break out of UEFA competitions.
United got eliminated out of the CL and UEFA are already complaining about low turn-outs.
U don't become the richest club in the world[/quote]Alright, dey there dey console yourself, if you don't clear your debts by 2012 or get a money miss road man like Abramovic to buy you and write off your debts, we shall see when the new financial regulations kick in, the clock is ticking.

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5935867#msg5935867 date=1271947764]Mumu. . . . . . .The reserves just won the league yesterday and you are asking what achievement they have copped in 2/3 years.
How did Arsenal fare in the CWC tournament in Malaysia in 2007? Your kids did not even qualify from their group while United kids won it.
When was the last time Arsenal kids won the Southern Reserve League?[/quote]Wetin concern me with what your Reserves have done when the likes of Hargreaves have made appearances there recently? FYI we've been playing basically our academy league squad in the Reserve league south (we have 15 players out on loan in the league who could have been in that squad).
I'm talking about the academy league, I hope you lot win your league so that we can meet in the playoffs and let our lads teach yours how to tap, but that is if Liverpool and Blackburn don't do us the favours first, we've already won ours with 3 games to spare.

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5935867#msg5935867 date=1271947764]Get your facts right.
The Glazers bought United for 700 million pounds. . . . .until the fall of pounds during the recession, the club was worth $1.8 billion.[/quote]The amount you pay to buy the club is very different from the value of the club as the Glazers already held stake in the club not less than 30% before they could even initiate a take over at all. Doing some simple maths, if they already held 30% before initiating a takeover and they paid 700m GBP to buy it then that means the club at that time was already worth 1,000m. GBP.

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5935867#msg5935867 date=1271947764]Pay which debts?
According to Forbes, your debt/value ratio is 41%.
With Arsenal valued at $1.1 billion, use your church mind to work out the value of your debt[/quote]Did you read the footnotes saying that stadium debt was included where applicable? on the same page your debt/value was given as 46% and you didn't build anything. Besides that was as at the end of 2009 season, we have subsequently reduced that debt by about 60% since so we should be on a debt/value ratio in the 15 to 25% range now and the only reason we won't wipe it all off in the next 2 years is because we gain nothing by doing so. But we all know your debts have not reduced one bit. Very soon yu'll be struggling to pay the interests particularly if Chelsea pips you to the PL this season.

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5935867#msg5935867 date=1271947764]Talking about ceding Carrington to our parent company, you have ceded your own stadium to FLY EMIRATES.
Why is your stadium called Emirates stadium if you have any sense at all?
At best, it should be known as Arsenal FC stadium if Wenger is really sacrificing trophies to preserve the finances of Arsenal FC. [/quote]So naming rights now equates to ownership?   Go and get help Sauron, you astonish me atimes.

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5935867#msg5935867 date=1271947764]United won trophies before the Glazers and they continue to win trophies after the Glazers.
No excuses about developing this or grooming youths.
Arsenal are short of their expectations as far as trophies are concerned, and they are useless as far as finances are concerned.
Y'all are better off at Highbury than moving to the Emirates where the only guaranteed trophy is the Emirates cup/Amsterdam tournament. [/quote]But a lot of excuses about the source of your debt profile.  

[quote author=~Sauron~ link=topic=400313.msg5935867#msg5935867 date=1271947764]Agbaya ke?
Duduspace is only 55.[/quote]Sauron, be careful o don't let me spill the beans about that Grandson yu've been claiming is your nephew.

Dr Kitaun:
Dudu

u are an agbaya of no origin, save us this AW knows BS, A40 is your son's agemate yet he knows AW has been acting senile!

Agbaya ke? I can still almost count the number of hairs in my pubes but I'm sure yours is already 80% grey. Dokita, e nle beun, hope you can still lift up your stethoscope and your package down below?