₦airaland Forum

About time Arsene started integrating JET into the first team frame, chap has been massive at reserve level and has done well anytime he's come into the first team.

And the injury scourge goes into overdrive, Theo stretchered off against Switzerland, possible reoccurence of his shoulder injury. What a shame when he seemed to finally be putting it all together. If only this cup would pass over us. Anyway, we still have considerable strength in depth and the youngsters can come in and show us what they are all about.

Our reserves are currently playing against Blackburn reserves who have quite a strong team out with David Dunn, Nzonze, Hoillet and Jason Roberts. Squillaci also is playing for us and an update says he outmuscled Jason Roberts in our box with a Blackburn claim for penalty turned down. Highlights should be up on ATVO tomorrow.

debosky:
Wenger is obsessed about not 'paying over the odds' and ends up doing harm to the club - he has lost perspective completely. After the club wastefully splashed 3m on upgrading restaurants at the Emirates, why on earth would paying 2m more for a GK be untenable? The fact is, when it comes to making the necessary transfer deals, our intransigence on price has been taken to the extreme and is costing us. You need to be flexible at times to get who you want.

But Arsene is not in charge of restaurant now?  , but maybe its because Arsene knows Schwarzer is not that much of an improvement over Almunia to worth 2m more of expenditure, it all boils down to a cost benefit analysis, instead of getting Schwarzer for 4m it might even be better to go for Given at 8-10m (if city were at all inclined to selling him) or Lloris at 12 - 15m. The purse strings have been loosened a bit this transfer window but not that much, at the least relative to the last 2 windows we've had a greater net spend.

debosky:
His worth is not in the fact that he is 37 with a one year deal, it is the effect it has on our season. Again, you can't see the bigger picture here and factor in the impact of this transfer on our season's fortunes - instead you're too busy pinching pennies.

I don't think it is to anyone's advantage to spend more on something  than what you value it to be, even in personal life, it often makes the difference between penury and riches, to do so would be a sign of desperation and even if most fans have reached that level of desperation, I don't think the board and Arsene have quite gotten there yet, its unfortunate but that is the truth. What we can all hope for is the best, I personally never saw buying Schwarzer as the magic wand that would suddenly land us a trophy, if it were then you would be right in saying that extra 2m would have  been worth it. he would definitely have been an improvement over the almunia we saw last season though, but by how much is subject to speculation.

debosky:
Wenger has never spent more than 2-3m on a GK - so don't let the bid price be an indicator. He got Lehmann on the cheap and fully expected to get Schwarzer on the cheap too. The only flaw was that AW felt that MS handing in a transfer request would make things easier. Some sources even indicate he went in with 4m on deadline day, but the injury to the Fulham replacement ended the chances of a deal.
Wenger wanted to replace him alright, but he's too proud to be 'kept to ransome' - so he'll delay regardless of cost to the club, just like he did with Chamakh.
We will see in May whether the refusal to offer 4m earlier on was a wise investment.

Mark Hughes confirmed there was no further bid after the initial 2 2m bids but there are also reputations to be protected here, if you get known to be a mug in the transfer market people tend to take advantage like they currently do for Man City, we are known for not paying over the odds for players and that reputation had to be kept, ultimately we couldn't do a deal.

To be honest, I personally don't think a 37 year old with a year left on his contract is worth more than the 2m we were offering, maybe 3m at the most, Fulham were being greedy becos the media had painted us as being desperate for a new GK, what Arsene has shown them is that we are not, I can almost give you a 100% assurance that Schwarzer is still coming to Arsenal, I think a deal can be done in january maybe Hughes would have gotten the sack by then. 

Just took a look at Van Dar Sar on Wikipedia again, he is quite a hulk and you can see why he can't be bullied on set pieces, if he gives you a slap if you get too close to him, yu'll still be clearing your head by the time the corner is taken. if you throw a hulking Rio and a no nonsense Vidic into the mix, what you get is a water tight defence on set pieces that would make even the Blackburn thugs think twice.

Thanks Muki for saving the hunk in distress who was too proud to beg for help.
I know say my Gooner family no go fail my hand.
Now, back to the business of supporting Lord Wenger in all he does.

olodo:
Hello guys. nobody is complaining about how the club is being run bt the way the club is given we the faithful highy blood presure. Maybe u can explain to me why AW faild to get us a new GK when it is clear that curent Gks can nt be trusted or we need ibramovic or drogba b4 we knw we dnt have a Gk

I have no issues with anyone complaining about us not getting a GK what I have issues with is people rubbishing everything else the club gets right, it says a lot that a direct competitor (at least in the past) can say good things about us (I wonder why he chose Arsenal as his yardstick and not Chelsea or Manure who I'm sure most on here would choose as epitomes of excellence and silverware). It does suggest that there are a lot of things the club is getting right.

Atimes you have to take the good with the bad, most people focus on only one thing and are never able to see the whole picture, the truth is it is not changing Almunia or not that will determine whether we win or lose this season, it will depend on the strength in depth of the squad and I do believe we are better off this season than previous ones, whether it is strong enough remains to be seen. Almunia was our GK in the 07/08 season and he wasn't responsible for us losing out the PL by 4 points then so why exactly is it impossible for him to man the net towards a title win this season?

I never liked him anyway so he can yarn any opata he wants to, how anyone with even elementary knowledge of football can say that there is a dearth of strikers in RM beats me and even if they did he spent 25m during the transfer window and didn't get one, for a team like RM that battled Barca all the way last season, it is a bit crazy to make these kinda claims.
Methinks Mourinho has started to pee his pants due to Barca's early form. make he go cooleee Barca won't beat everyone 3-0 all through the season.

Interesting quotes from Jamie Carragher in a Daily Mail article.

[Quote]
"I mean, the way people look at Arsenal. They do things right, and you go, yep, they conduct themselves in the right way. I think we have been a club who were like that, and we need to get back to that, to do things right. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, that's football - you can't win all the time - but you can still behave in a way where people respect you.[/quote]Its amazing some of those who aim jibes at Arsenal actually have some grudging respect for the way the club is run, if only our own so called fans could find a modicum of joy in the way the club is run.

debosky:
For crying out loud, Fabianski was going to be No 1 this season before conceding 5 in Warsaw, when even a blind man from Mars could tell you that Lukasz is an accident waiting to happen.

Haba Debo, how did you know this? you don get winch?  The only day Arsene was specific about who would be his number one Almunia took the gloves that day, he did give all the GKs games during pre-season and I'm sure a lot was also done in training. At no point did he ever suggest Fabianski wld be numero uno.

The only thing that counted against Szczesney was experience as you rightly pointed out at the end of last season, my mind tells me Szczesney might be the one to stay as 3rd choice this season while Mannone goes on loan so he can get some PL games when the games get thick and fast, hope he makes the most of it.

To be honest, Fabianski might have finally run out of time because Mannone seems to have become the Reserves keeper now and he seems to be rated high by Arsene, you might suddenly hear that a deal has been agreed to send him back to Legia. 

This GK business na real puzzle, we have 3 promising GKs all on the verge of breaking through but seem to need experience and games to show what they can do and a number 1 everyone has seemingly lost faith in.

Sebi na you Slim, I guessed as much yu were being cheeky. I heard our dear Arshavin put in a masterclass playing for Russia today in his preffered position as he had a hand in both goals. I think they all love that central role  but I'm sure if they were to take a vote all of them would recommend Cesc as 2nd choice for the role after nominating themselves so I think Arsene is calling that right our dear Andrei has to stay on the flanks and try to make the best of it, if he keeps up those goal stats we'll just have to cope with his body language.

More importantly, no injuries yet to any of our players, hope it lasts through this international break

slimshay:
The last time AW willingly benched the Assasin, we lost at Wembly sparking off wide off-with-his-head protest at Wenger. Till today Debosky still insist it was Wenger's pride that caused it
I can assure you, Wenger is not looking for the same wahala again.

Do you really think Arsene bothers about what anyone says? if he did Arsenal would be full of English players by now.
Arsene will always do and say what he considers to be right, that is one of the reasons the English media don't like him. If a player is not performing or if anyone stakes a better claim, Arsene will drop you like a hot potato. Just go ask Gilberto and Lehman, the only thing is he is quite humane and will always look out for an opportunity that will benefit the player if yu're no longer in his first team plans like he did for Gilberto and recently Eduardo.

I get your point about Arshavin, he always somehow gets himself to score the goals despite his unconvincing body language, we'll just have to live with him I suppose.  but Theo works hard (has always done to be honest, its only the passing and close control that seemed to elude him) and if he continues in this goal scoring form over the next 4-5 games, he will likely become unbenchable.

I've learnt not to question Arsene when he sticks to a player as we've been surprised time and time again and there are obviously things he sees in training that we don't.

I still believe we've got better in house coming through the ranks though and Theo's got some serious competition coming up, but hes risen up to the challenge well so far.

ritchboy:
Good news. . . Walcott is heading back to the bench!

I don't think so, he more than merits his place at present. If he can keep this form going Arsene will just have to find space for Prince Nas in the middle or probably give Arshavin some bench time to get his mojo flowing again.

@Debosky

I don't think Schwarzer is a better shot stopper than any of the GKs we have on our books, the 2 things he brings are experience (mostly of the PL) and command of his area on those long balls and corners where we seem to suffer, with his physique and height also he would be valuable at places like Stoke and Blackburn (where Almunia has coped so far anyway) I think Arsena also wanted him as a GK coach for our younger keepers (Mannone and Szczesney), and probably to keep Almunia on his toes.  I'm sure he will still go for him cos I don't see Schwarzer renewing his contract at Fulham with what has happened.  Almunia will surely be replaced very soon even if we win a trophy as those other GKs are chomping at the bit.

on a funny note, here is an indonesian gooner's advice for Fabianski (from Arsenal worldwide)

[Quote]
Fabianski : You don’t have to take our advice… but please if you have some time do the following. Go to   the gym, punch a sandbag A LOT 8 hours a day. So when you play under Arsenal sticks again pretend the head of your opponent as a sandbag and PUNCH IT!!!! When referee ask you what are you doing, just tell him you’re going to punch the ball. And oh we know you are nervous, so try to be relax.

Difficult Times for Indonesian Gooner[/quote]he also had quite funny advice for individual players.

Chei, Slim can you pray bad belle prayers that Tottenham should not be able to complete this Van der Vart signing.

follypimpi:

Not in this case is Boss,we shall see sha !!

now that is the spirit Folly, we can only hope for the best and not defeat ourselves before we're defeated. Arsene also knows his GK department needs upgrading for him to have made a move for Schwarzer in the first instance, but if that didn't go through we all have to back the man who has the gloves now, he might yet surprise us all like Theo has surprised Hansen and me so far.  

follypimpi:

By now you should be tired of using such word,If only RVP is not injury prone,If only Fab4 was fit towards the end of the season,If only Gallas was fit against Barcelona  AW has done it again,if Alum by any chance gets injured now,we have flappyiaski as our # 2 Goalie,a GK that was bullied in his own country during the pre-season game,What a JOKE !!! 

Life is full of ifs and buts my man, if you can't cope with that yu'll die of depression. I don't believe its whatever happens or doesn't happen to Almunia that will determine our season, if he was good enof to get us within 4 points of winning the championship then he is not as bad as people are painting him out to be and might well go ahead to win it with us. What if we got Schwarzer and he collides with Stephen Hunt in his first game?
I also would prefer an upgrade but we have not gotten one so life goes on, if he messes up then Mannone and co get the opportunity to show their stuff.

follypimpi:

By Jan we will be contending for our normal spot now  

If Almunia and our defence can put up any level of performance close to or better than 07/08 (when Almunia was in goal) I think not.

Schwarzer's signing was never a certainty and prolly became more complicated as Fulham stuck to their guns, its going to be like another Chamakh signing, he has about a year left on his contract and Arsene wasn't going to be held over a barrel to get him. January still dey to redress that one anyway, I'm sure he'll be moaning in their ears at Fulham all through the season as he has already burnt his bridges over there and Arsene has proved that he is not desperate so maybe a deal can be done in January, I think Arsene is going to sign him for sure at some stage cos they're looking for a long term arrangement.
The better Almunia performs, the cheaper we will get Schwarzer, so yu'd better all start praying for him.  and if Almunia decides to stab us in the back, he will only end up losing his position to one of Mannone, Fabianski or Szczesney pending when we can get Schwarzer.

unbelievable, now Sky is linking Van der Vart with Spurs. that one go hard if it is true though it still won't get them anywhere.

follypimpi:

They seems to be a very good contender,defensively they are solid but all could change with terry and lampard out injured.

You can say the same for Manure too, all they need is a long term injury to Vidic and they'll be in serious trouble. I don't expect Scholes and Giggs to still be able to handle 3 games per week when the UCL gets into full swing and those 2 are still the bedrock of Manure's MF apart from Fletcher. We are better equipped to cope with injuries this season, and we are not likely to ever again see a frustrated Arshavin playing the lone striker role. Imagine HNIC smiling when he saw who would come in for RVP, and even Cesc was not greatly missed against Blackpool.

tkb417:
as for your question, its between UTD and Chelsea as usual

Count UTD out for this season, Chelsea can win it but Arsenal will definitely finish ahead of Manure this season, I can bet that with anyone.

@folly

That is from the Dutch FA or has arsenal confirmed it? they might be selling them a red herring so that he misses the internationals.

tkb417:
if you like add another squillacci and 2 schwarzers to your list, u can only come third
whoever has placed a bet on arsenal winning the league shouda give the money to orphans cos that money is gone with d wind

Who do you think will win it? one thing I can bet on with all certainty is that this season we'll finish ahead of manure, maybe I should just go an alter my bet to that?

follypimpi:

You can kiss it goodbye if we have to stick with Alumnia as our goalie all season and if Alum gets injured we have flappyiaski to win us the league,what a JOKE.

No probs, I'm not a betting man anyway but I have good vibes about this season, if I lose the bet I won't be making another anytime soon but with the odds I was given I might be having an extra 350 pounds in my pocket come may next year. If we win sha I go scatter ground for fellow gooners and even DK. 

follypimpi:
Dudu are u ok ? Alumnia is not good enough to be # 1 for a club like Arsenal.

Your opinion and yu're welcomed to it, it is left to him to prove you wrong if he gets the opportunity to. 
If Shwarzer or another GK doesn't come in, we're stuck with him anyway so you might need to warm to the idea or stay grumpy until the next transfer window comes along, I've already made my 150 pound bet of us winning the league the day Squillaci's signing was around and will double it if we get Schwarzer.

follypimpi:

Boss,am not a theo fan but he has really improved,he puts the rest of the squad into play,tracking down and defending as well.His full of confidence and hardworking,can't wait to see how he will fair against Evra.What if he never goes goal drought ?

None would be happier than I, cos that would go a long way into ensuring we win the league and other trophies  , but the poor lad is only human and every player has down time when they are not at their peak so I naturally expect that to come at some point and that will be the testing time for young Theo.

My view of Theo is similar to the view taken of Owen at RM, he got the goals but was found wanting technically compared to the other galacticos, as long as Theo continues to do what he is good at he'll be fine, good thing he is still young also and will hopefully improve with age.

HNIC:
Check out blogs and Arsenal sites on the net and they are all feeling 'sorry' for him
I am perplexed.
Wetin we want

Almunia is not as bad as he is painted in the media and in Arsenal blogosphere, true enough he is no Cech or VDS but with adequate cover he can be about good enough. Arsenal fans will continue to moan until we win something after which they will then find other things to moan about.  

[quote author=A-40 link=topic=439183.msg6666806#msg6666806 date=1283183616]Hahaha bros na u know ooh! Me I never see this kin ote before na why I dey para!! I can't stand Diaby either but my own beef no reach this level. Statements like "Theo is the worst player in the squad" Come on son.[/quote]Can you quote when exactly I said this? I can paste all my quotes on Theo here and you'll see clearly that you are only seeing what you want to see.

[quote author=A-40 link=topic=439183.msg6666643#msg6666643 date=1283182225]@Duduspace
You are still not being objective. You alluded to Diaby being better in the first game and yet he was only better by 1per cent despite playing 70mins more and you shamelessly posted the link on here for all to see. So I ask why did you not post the other ones? Is it probably cos u are a hater? Cos if you are not you would not say he did nothing besides score! Did you miss the shot that zoomed past Robinson and had it dipped a bit lower woulda been contender for goal of the week? What of the silky move that got Givet booked?[/quote]Read posts before responding abeg. The reference to what Theo brings to the team was not about that match alone. Yu're just taking everything out of context. I said if he is scoring, I can live with him (does that sound like I was referring to that match alone?) most people are rating Theo high now because he is scoring that is all, it is still the same Theo who I don't rate highly as a footballer even if he scores 1000 goals, wait until his next goal drought and yu'll see all the real haters crawling out of the woodwork.
I have sized Theo up, a good thing he is playing for Arsenal and improving, good for him and I hope he keeps scoring, he was always stretching the pitch and making those runs even last season but most people never saw it because he wasn't scoring prolly because his team mates hadn't clicked with him, it is when he is not scoring and needs to contribute more to the passing and the build up play that his flaws become apparent (he does seem to be getting better at that to be honest but he is a lot terrible at that compared to most of the other players we have).

[quote author=A-40 link=topic=439183.msg6666643#msg6666643 date=1283182225]Who cares how well Cesc struck the shot it was going straight to Robinson go and watch that clip without bad belle! It was obvious[/quote]The simple question I'll ask you is this, if the ball didn't fall to Arshavin to score and we drew the game, what would you be saying now?

@Debosky

Just watching the game again on Sky+, if you have it recorded just fast forward to 53:26 there was an exquisite pass from Cesc to Chamakh, our little maestro is still very good, just needs to get his fitness back.

@Slim
You do have a point about being at the stadium though, I was sat so close to the pitch and didn't have that sort of aerial view to see the flow of play all over the pitch yu get on TV so I might have missed some of the runs and movement, I even picked up the ball and my friend snatched it to throw it to Pedersen in the 2nd half, not sure if its on sky. I'm just watching the match again on Sky+ and it does seem that Theo did better than I initially thot.

Took off those images as they were too grainy and big.