Steve Gleiber's Arsenal Supporters Forum

Warrior
April 24, 2005

If any users would like to help test new features under development or if they have any suggestions, comments, etc, if they could leave a personal Message (PM) for myself (Or Rob K, Niall, or Bunyip) on the new board that would be great. We will be monitoring the new boards progress and will be here to help with usernames and passwords etc. - Also, people who do want to setup a username and password can then use far more advanced features of the new board - For example, there are 8,600 "Avatars" (small pictures used to represent what a person wishes to 'look' like) that are available - or users can upload their own - Again, no one need sign up for anything or provide any details or passwords etc - they can still post the same way they do now and read all the forums that are there - Rog ..

Warrior
April 24, 2005

"Rog, does this mean you're introducing threads to the forum, or at least the new forum?" - Hi - Not exactly - There will still be ONE MAIN thread for the Arsenal supporters forum as usual. (A direct link is in place for that) - However, there will be more threads available for people to post comments about Steve Gleiber as requested by Steves parents. There will also be ONE MAIN thread for Rumours like it is now. Hopefully with the new forum, old posts needn't be deleted after the page hits 300k like it currently is - some of the older posts are classics and I think should be archived - A search function is available to find old posts too. - Regards - Rog ..

Warrior
April 24, 2005

Hi - As requested, there is to be an updated forum put in place. The new forum has been online for a while as it was being tested. The majority of bugs have been worked out. It is online now for people to setup usernames and passwords (only if they want to - it isn't mandatory). Current forum users can now preview this new forum and perhaps suggest any changes or corrections that may be necessary. As far as "moderation" is concerned, I'm only aware of posts with explicit language being removed. No one has been 'banned' nor have any other posts been removed. I'm certain that after a small learning curve is overcome, current forum users will find the new forum to be far better as it has many more features - Personal messaging, email facility, Polling, instant chatting, a 'shout box', etc. It also makes moderating (if any is found to be necessary) easier to do. - Regards - Rog

Bernard
April 24, 2005

Rog, does this mean you're introducing threads to the forum, or at least the new forum?

Long Time Gooner
April 24, 2005

Warrior - I'm confused. Why is there a parallel site please?

warrior
April 24, 2005

Hi All - For those who wish to have a look at a newer Arsenal Forum to replace this one, the link is here: http://www.fl.net.au/~steve/forum/ *** If you find any problems can you please post messages on the new board and not here. In the meantime, feel free to register a username (if you want to) or post any suggestions or comments there also. Once inside, you merely need to click "Supporters Forum - Your Arsenal thoughts and views sent Directly to the Net" and then click "General Supporters Discussions". It is still only 2 clicks away. There are other categories available also as well as Calendars, Polls, Chat rooms, Spell checkers, etc. You do not have to login with a username and password- if you like, you can post as a guest only. - Regards - Rog ..

steve c/o Cldiz
April 24, 2005

ah,a nice juicy debate.AJ or Trez.Firstly Trez has denied all stories concerning us in the Italian papers jesterday,suprised no one else picked it up.Not sure he would be the ideal player for us though a nudoubted talent.I´d rather see Totti or Del Pierro,both not young but good for a couple of years untill AG is up and running and we have the dosh to really push the boat out on the actual Dennis Berkamp clone of the time.Both these players would also bring in cash from merchendising(horrific that this is now a factor clubs must consider when buying,but thats reality)and they have glamour.This is why AW will still offer Dennis a contact next season,more to teach his potential successor in training.Bergkamp is the biggest problem we have at Arsenal,its just not possible to replace him in our system of play,and there may come a time when Wenger reverts back to 442 which brings us back nicely to AJ.He reminds me of that Ossie who played for Liverpool in the 8Os Craig Johnson ???they guy who devolped his own style of sports footwear.He could be good,but good enough? nnnaaaaa

US Martin
April 24, 2005

You read my mind Andy. Although it's not THAT bad - the remake I mean. Worst remake is the military-school brats - version of "Lord of the Flies". Military school kids as violent savages - go figure. Especially AMERICAN Military-school brats. The original movie addressed the issues of religion, colonialism, and the hypocrisies some found inherint in both. The American version said war is bad - a message so obvious it lacked any real meaning. And when "Lord of the Flies" lacks meaning somebody's got it wrong. How's that for intellectualism, Kiwi...

Andy Green
April 24, 2005

Niall,The original or the dodgy remake with Meryl Streep?Laurence Harvey or Denzil.Only one winner in my book.

US Martin
April 24, 2005

Spelling the names correctly is intellectually heavy-weight enough for me, Kiwi. Think to say we'd get nothing from Trezeguet at Blackburn is well off the mark. He would get the goals we don't get there(as would Johnson to be fair)the tough goals in the box and in the air when the weather and pitch and opponents tactics conspire to shut down our regular style of play and regular goal-scoring sources. Johnson might actually fare better at those northern grounds but not that much better while Trezeguet would fit into our attack better at Highbury and in better conditions all year. He would make us better all year round, not just for about ten or twelve matches, and in Europe as well as domestically...

Dormouse
April 24, 2005

Just seen MotD. Pretty impressive header by Johnson to score. Seemed like a good performance all round, though you can never be sure from highlights. I think a lot of people aren't considering what we need as a team. We need more penetration in the CL (thought that is easier to see than achieve), but we also need more penetration against clogging MF packers & we need to rest TH more. I wouldn't expect AJ to be good enough for the best teams inthe CL, though he might be, but we know he can hack it against the cloggers in the dark winter nights at Blackburn, bolton etc. He'd also create more intensity in front of goal. We'd still need another top striker. I also wouldn't pay too much for him, because the risk/reward ratio starts to worsen. I'd've expected himto be cheap, but too many performances like today's & he won't be. I don't think we'd ever get anything out of Trez & many others in Blackburn etc.

kiwpete
April 24, 2005

Easy to draw parallels Bernard... Johnson the next Kevin Phillips and the failures of Wright and Jeffers buy quality etc but its hardly rocket science to say all transfers are a gamble. Remember American or was it US Martin [ apologies to the non offender ] was banging a fairly large drum about buying Robbie Fowler instead of Jeffers and we would have spent an extra 7 million for the same result.

kiwipete
April 24, 2005

Now Cobber you know a red mist descends and you start regurgitating your Vino del Pinochet every time a Chocolate post appears on screen but is he so far off the money? Sol does need to lose 20 kg off that voluminous arse to ease the load on his joints and this has opened the way for Senderos a great young talent who might never have emerged if Campbell had stayed fit. Arsene does seem hesitant at blooding youth and remember your Ashley only emerged with Silvihno's had passporte difficulties. US Martin ...have always been puzzled... your post... the Cescs, Senderos' the Hoytes .. why the refer to them in plural....Is it more intellectually heavyweight?

Bernard
April 24, 2005

I think Exiled may have a point that Johnson is this year's Kevin Phillips. Certainly a good player, but one that would make a positive difference in our pursuit of Chelsea's title next year and the Champions League? I just cannot see it, myself. A bit like American's constant support for the idea of buying the bloke at Portsmouth whose name I'm not sure how to spell. Again a good player, but I would say exactly the same points about him that I just said of Johnson. For the current aims of the club, I think both fall short of the standard of player that we need. I think a more advantageous destination for both of them would be a club of Everton's kind of standing - for a start, they're better than Beattie, but not by much. And look how things are turning out for him at a bigger club than Southampton (which Everton are). I just don't think either Johnson or the Portsmouth player are what we should be looking at.

US Martin
April 24, 2005

I think Johnson IS a talent Dormouse. But we got burned on Wright and Jeffers, who weren't cheap and neither will Johnson. More to the point to me is would his style of play integrate into ours. As you know I am as some have said OBSESSED with the idea we need to be more effective in the air and score more headed goals. Johnson or Trezeguet both would add that dimension to this team. But as some rightly point out we do not want be so much more aerial that it disrupts how we play our best football. Trezeguet is far superior technically to Johnson at this point and thus more able to play "Arsenal" football while adding the extra dimension of an aerial threat. Where Johnson would look lost at times as we play our style of attacking football, Trezeguet would be able to work within it fairly comfortably and confidently, and to me that says it all comparing them. Trezeguet is a better fit for Arsenal than Johnson

Niall
April 24, 2005

Manchurican Candidate - quality flick.

Daz
April 24, 2005

Chocolate wrote that Sol's injury might have been a blessing for us. Quite apart from the staggering stupidity of this comment - since there is a strong correlation between poor form and recent injuries - can you imagine his hysterical hissy-fit if somebody had said that about Gilberto, Reyes or Cygan? Indeed, Wenger should perserve with Reyes to give him confidence while Sol should be benched to "gee him up" Maybe Sol isn't "culturally sophisticated" enough. E*G.

Dormouse
April 24, 2005

Neither Wright nor Jeffers were cheap. Wright looked OK(ish) at the time, though I was certainly surprised that we signed him at that price & Jeffers had nver really been that prolific. People always have doubts about players like Johnson, querying whether they can make it at the next level up, which is why they are always relatively cheap. I can't imagine Johnson costing anyone £12m. We paid £7m for Overmars & he was about 24, if I remember right. Still an improving player. Trez is about 28ish, I think. Anyway, I'm not mad keen for us to sign AJ, I just think he could be a very good punt at the price & that his speed & mobility would fit in with us & he'd bring something none of our other players have. And if it didn't work out, we'd probably get our money back when we sold him because people would think thaat he was a good player at his level, but couldn't quite make it at ours. Quite a few of our players have been criticised here for going down too easily (RP, JAR, PV) & there is the sense that they are not tough enough. No-one would question whether AJ was tough enough, he goes down quite a lot in the box (usually because of being tackled when he's going on goal, when I've seen him), & get gets a fair few penalties which he then scores. I just suspect that he is rather underestimated because he plays for CP & isn't flashy. We amy get the chance to see how good he is in the future if a bigger club does give him a chance.

Sabir
April 24, 2005

Toure's been poor this season. He's had too many off days for my liking this season. He's vulnerability in the air has really been highlighted when Sol's been out. Sol himself has been below par. I think once Sol is absolutely 100% back to full fitness he needs to be in the team. And I'd like to see him paired with Senderos for the longer term. Having said that we still need another top central defender. On a different subject, I just read an interview with the Spuds manager Jol. He is actually quite a likeable character with all those Arsenal compliments! It'll probably be a Chelsea/Milan final. I think Milan are the stronger side, but I can't see how anyone could casually rule out Chelsea. If Liverpool could do us in 2001 then I see no reason why Chelsea can't turn over Milan. The gulf between the two sides certainly wont be as big as the one in Cardiff four years ago. But I'd love to see them get stuffed!

Niall
April 24, 2005

The Reyes situation is quite difficult. We have a £20m player with enormous potential but low on confidence and also not looking like he fits into the team at all. A player who by all accounts would like to return to Spain if Madrid came calling and a player whose recent performances have been poor. We also have a young Dutchman and a young Frenchman who in the absence of Henry deserve to be given an opportunity between now and the end of the season considering our title chances are practically ziltch now. Personally I agree we should stick with Reyes because putting him on the bench is not going to help his situation at all. He needs games and Wenger knows it. Personally I would drop Bergkamp now to the bench and give Van Persie a run out and have Aliadiere as first choice sub up front. At least thsi would give us the chance to see what the youngsters are like and there are clear signs the Bergkamp/Reyes partnership isn't working. With Dennis either off or facing reduced games next season then surely we got to look at the options sometime soon. Personally, I would be surprised if Reyes isn't around next season cos if Madrid buy him on this form it would come as a surprise to me.

Romford Gooner
April 24, 2005

Sol's been injured for a lot of the season but we are a better team with him in it and I'd rather see him play if of course he's fit. I agree partly with Choccy with Reyes in that there could be long term benefit for the player being shown faith by Wenger during this spell but I feel the benefit will be seen by Madrid when he goes in the summer. I think Reyes will be a great player I just don't think it will be for us and to be honest I wouldn't like to see him winding up TH14 either because if push comes to shove I know who I would like to stay. I think Reyes will play on Monday night as Wenger will stick with him, I hope he starts to repay some of the faith and quick.

chocolate gooner
April 24, 2005

Romford… my position on Reyes is that he is an extremely gifted footballer who is having a crisis of confidence at the moment. I feel that we have to persevere with him because the only way he is going to regain his form which was quite simply scintillating at the beginning of the season is for him to play, I also strongly believe that Arsene showing him that he has faith in his ability by playing him at this point in his career and in the midst of this crisis of his, is the best thing for him and us - and it is the most likely course of action that will benefit us… even if we were to try and off load him in the summer. I fully accept that Van P and Ali have done enough in the reserves to get a chance but I don’t think that we should give up on Reyes just yet. The problem is that fans have such short memories… Reyes’ first game for us at Boro was a disaster for him and before he hit that thunderbolt against Chelsea in the FA cup he looked lost. After his 2 goals he played with a freedom and confidence that carried on into the start of this season when he was player of the month deservedly. A few goals and the guy will start enjoying his football again. Personally I just wish he’d have a bit more belief in himself and stop being so diffident. I would like to see him give TH14 a glare back, I ‘d like to see him show a bit of the spunk that we get from Senderos because the ability is there with this guy in spades. So I think Wenger should play him. That’s my own opinion but given that I’ve never managed any football team in my life… I’ll humbly accept whatever decision Wenger makes because he knows the players better than I or you. I also agree with Dormouse on Sol. I think a spell on the bench will gee him up… and he does need geeing up. Cheers.

US Martin
April 24, 2005

The thing is that look at Richard Wright. He was the key to getting Ipswich to the Premiership then into Europe their first year up, and clearly did well THERE(Ipswich went down while he won a Champions Medal here)but was just awful(Charlton at Highbury, the late equaliser against s***s) HERE, and I thought he got too much criticism actually. Johnson is a big fish in a small pond who is more likely to become a small fish in a big pond(didn't we lay out good money on Franny Jeffers too). And as for money, Johnson being English will cost far more than he ought to, and the doubts surrounding Trezeguet will drive the price on him DOWN even to where we'd pay for Johnson (say 12 million for Johnson versus 15 for Trezeguet)and remember we bought Overmars after a serious knee injury and got two brilliant seasons from him in which we won the double and came agonizingly close to doing it again. So if the choice is between promising English players from small clubs, and established stars slowed a bit by injury our own history should prove it's Trezeguet, especially if we were to get Owen for Reyes too...

chocolate gooner
April 24, 2005

Northbank… calling me chod, laxative, Imodium or even Alka Seltzer won’t get the job done… because your posts are boring, no offence. Your run-of-the-mill whining is of no interest to me whatsoever. We have some premier league whiners on this forum so why would you expect me to bother with your Vauxhall Conference stuff, eh? Here’s a tip; WRITE AN INTERESTING POST. Cheers. Goodnight.

Dormouse
April 24, 2005

Actually Romford, Campbell hasn't proved himself our best defender this year at all, let alone consistently. He may be our best defender (though I suspect Cole would dispute that), but he was not in form for the part of this season he was not injured.

Dormouse
April 24, 2005

if we look at Trez, he's spent most of this season injured. He cost £14m 5 years ago & would hardly be cheaper now. We know that strikers don't always recover their form after injury & that it can take time to come back, even when it does. Even Shearer tok a season to get back to form - & he had the physical & mental strength to change his style (& stop playing for England).If we are going to spend a lot of money on a striker, I think we can do better than him. AJ may be a one season wonder, but that is why he would be relatively cheap given his scoring record this year. He's scored 78 goals in 223 appearances for a team that has never scored many goals. He's been CP's top scorer every year since his transfer from Brum. He's very mobile and very fast which is hardly something that does not fit in with our style. The biggest difference is that instead of a skill in tricks and turns, he runs at defenders and has a skill at scoring, both from his own efforts & from balls that become available in the box. Unlike most of our current players he is more dangerous in the box than outside it. If he goes somewhere else & proves himself then he will cost a lot & not be worth it. We would have a chance of attracting him relatively cheaply precisely because it is a big step from CP to us & he would like a proper international career, not having to stay on the wing for half a game in a friendly. He doesn't give up, which is something a lot of people here have complained of about quite a lot of our team. At the same time, I would also hope to sign a tall big name striker, if one can be found. It is always worth buying value. I was surprised when we let spuds have Robinson so cheap - I'm not sure we would have wanted him long term, but it was a certainty that his value would go up a lot. We need to remember that part of our business is trading players & it is always better to buy cheap & sell dearer.

North Bank Mural
April 24, 2005

Davem I happen to agree with you re JAR, ignore antagonistic comments from the laxative chocolate. Besides Chod, I mean choc, why should he persevere with JAR? Poor touch, no goals, falls over anything near him, AW has to be man enough to admit he's got it wrong. He ain't good enough, period.

Romford Gooner
gooner01@btconnect.com
April 24, 2005

I can't agree with leaving Sol out if hew's fit for Monday night as he's our best defender and has consistently proved it over the last 2 seasons. If he isn't fit then Kolo/Senderos should continue. I don't agree with Choccy that Reyes should play either and it's nothing to do with doubting the manager . Occasionally Arsene gets it wrong and playing him whilst he has no confidence is helping nobody least of all the team. I would like to see RVP or JA given a go Monday night alongside Bergy as they are showing some form unlike JAR9. There's a piece in the editorial of this months Gooner mentioning Steve's passing away if anybody's interested. I don't have an internet link so you'll just have to buy it if you want to see it. If any season ticket holder can't go to Cardiff who would be prepared to sell to a silver member i.e. me then pls email me. Cheers

US Martin
April 24, 2005

Dormouse, Trezeguet and henry have played very well for France though France as a whole has struggled since Euro 2000. I certainly fancy him over Johnson for one reason only - Johnson would fit in less on the pitch with this team. He is a battler and a natural scorer with good qualities for sure, but would he be able to be part of things in THIS arsenal and its play as readily as Trezeguet? I really doubt it and it would too much of an adjustment both for Johnson to our style of play and for our lads to Johnson's. I don't think that would be the case with Trezeguet or the current team if he joined, plus the adjustment would be smoothed by Trezeguet's maturity(as opposed to Reyes)-or maybe sophistication might be a fairer word, and his familiarity with the core of the team and Wenger. I think Owen with the year in Spain(while a different type of striker)would also adjust a bit more easily at Highbury. Johnson needs a bigger team, maybe Boro or Everton or Bolton first - a team that can compete for minor silverware or a place in Europe. If he does the business there then yeah he might be worth a look. But not yet. Trezeguet can come in and contribute straight away and help us win now while the younger strikers make their way into the team...

Exiled In Newcastle
April 24, 2005

Andy Johnson is this years Kevin Phillips.

Alex
April 24, 2005

Dormouse- Andy Johnson!!!!

Dormouse
April 24, 2005

I don't know, I think roast spuds are OK.

Exiled In Newcastle
April 24, 2005

Cannon - conjouring up some horrible images there mate...

Cannon Balls
April 24, 2005

I do though Fred have a hunch that Spuds will be going back to the lane that time forgot after getting a good roasting on Monday night at Highbury.

Cannon Balls
April 24, 2005

ER..not from what i have seen they might beat Liverpool then again they might not.AC Milan have the best form in the competetion,and the better players and manager,so i can't see past them myself. And after having already backed them sometime ago i would not want my money on anyone else.The Chavs look like they will limp over the line in the league,yawn-boring -boring, i watched the match today and they were not, despite the score line very impresive, so it could be awhile before their grubby paws grasp the trophy.

Fred
April 24, 2005

I'm getting a horrible sinking feeling because I can't see past Chelsea for this European Cup what do you guys think it looks inevitable don't it!

Niall
April 24, 2005

Chippy, no as I suspected, Sky removed the pictures from RTE2 at about 2:30. Absolute farce considering NTL show them in the north.

old man of hoy
April 24, 2005

Yet another goal for Johnson? Was he in the list for Player of the Year? What's the definition of a texan virgin? A girl who can run faster than her brother.

Dormouse
April 24, 2005

I can't see that Trezeguet would be a good acquisition for us. He never seems to have played well with TH for France & is another whose form and interest can come and go. I agree that BoaMorte could have done a job (of sorts) for us, but we'd have had to have kept him for a few years when he was not doing that well for him to have developed. I can imagine what would have been said here if we had. Out of all the strikers in the EPL who might be available at a relatively reasonable price, the one I would go for is Andy Johnson. He may not be outrageously talented, or tall, but he is fast & consistent & a battler. He is relatively clinical as a finisher too & he does head goals despite his height. It seems to me that strikers fall into two categories (or at least this is one way of categorising them) - those who have spells of being on fire and others where they are fairly useless & those who keep going week in week out & whose scoring potential is not dependent on being on form. Shearer is an example of the second, as was Jimmy Greaves, &, if I remember right (& this is not something I really want to do) our own Bobby Gould. There are more strikers in the first group than the second & they tend to score the most spectacular goals, but the few in the second group are usually up there in the scoring charts. I think Andy Johnson may be in the second group. If we did have someone like him, everyone would know what was going on & where he would be & there would always be the chance of a goal. I'm not saying I'd make him my target, but I'd certainly make enquiries at the end of the season & would be happy to buy a big name striker too.

old man of hoy
April 24, 2005

Sabir - i feel we do need another right back because our beloved Ralph has just started to go beyond his sell-by date. Hats off to him though - he has played all of his football with us in an unexpected role - he was a midfielder - and in doing so has been a tower of strength and reliability. Sadly his legs are now feeling the pace of playing in what is generally accepted as the most demanding of positions in the modern game. Not only is he expected to defend but also to regularly overlap as an attacker. We are seeing less and less of the latter these days which may be partly accounting for our relatively quiet forward play. At the back he seems more vulnerable than before and sometimes loses his bearings. I know very little about Trabelsi other than if he plays for Ajax he must be good. Eboue is yet unproven. On the issue of terrible jokes, when called to appear before the Forum Disciplinary Committee i shall admit my sins but quite honestly i cannot be confident that my future behaviour will change.

Chippys Chisler
April 24, 2005

So Niall, are you watching Palace/Liverpool on RTE2? Looks like DB10 is going to be offered a new contract but its almost as if AW is expecting him to turn it down on moral grounds-http://skysports.planetfootball.com/list.asp?hlid=271961&cpid=8&CLID=3&lid=&title=Wenger+delaying+Bergkamp+talks&channel=Football_Home

Sabir
April 24, 2005

I was impressed by Luis Boamorte today - does anyone think he could have done a job at Highbury if he wasn't shipped out? I don't think we can start both Aliadiere and V Persie on Monday. I know V Persie scored two fantastic goals the other day, but I'd go with Dennis and Ali for this one and then make changes should the need arise. I read somewhere that Arsene is still interested in Trabelsi. Do we still need another right back as we have Lauren and Eboue now?

US Martin
got my computer back...sorry...
April 24, 2005

Interesting things since I've got my PC back up. I think Senderos emergence and Gilberto's return have addressed two huge concerns we faced in the close-season - cover for Sol and Vieira. Indeed, right now Sol could be Senderos's cover. Early days yes, but not impossible.If Ashley does go, far less likely but not unlikely now, we could get cash and Gallas who could play in the middle or wide if needed as make-shift cover for Gael. Between Lauren, Hoyte, and Eboue, only an epidemic would lead to real concern about right-back, and Kolo can move out to answer that worry. Gilberto's return if he stays fit means no need to bring in a VanBommel or Essien unless somebody besides Edu were to leave. He Cesc Flamini and even Kolo pushed up with Patrick are more than adequate to win the Premiership, and the form Vieira is rounding back into with Gilberto as Partner can win in Europe too. Edu is suspect is gone already with Reyes closely behind. Shame in both cases though Jose disappointed massively Wednesday. I think Jose's case is interesting. Would I take Owen and Cash? Only if we used it to bring in a second striker, perhaps Trezeguet with some aerial quality and strength in the box. Then you have Henry, VanPersie, perhaps Bergkamp, and say Owen and Trezeguet, and a truly outstanding deep and versatile strike force. Back to mid-field I think we can go with Pires(who could be like Bergkamp if he stays fit and contribute significantly another four or five years) and Freddie wide with Bentley coming back from Norwich to cover Freddie, so Freddie can play on the left a bit more to maximize Bobby's skill by keeping him fresh all year, and we could even bring Quincy back occasionally on the left, and Cesc, Flamini, and Gael can play wide when we want to protect the wings more. This leaves the keeper and Jens showed Wednesday he is still up to the Number One Shirt and Responsibility that comes with it. The question is how much longer? Maybe two years at best. And is Almunia really the next Number One? I'm not sure enough not to look for a solid younger keeper if Stack leaves or doesn't pan out. If we were to make the deals with the romans and los pimps and buy Trezeguet we could bring in Trez, Gallas and Owen for maybe 15 million pounds, which would leave money if Wenger wanted to really grab one of those jewels he refers to, or even just secure a long-term Number One now. We are hardly far from where we can ultimately get with this side, but we need to act and now to get there with this team, which still has three years in it maybe four, when the VanPersies, the Cescs, the Clichys and the Senderoses will assume the leadership joined by the Ryan Smiths, the Hoytes, the Bentleys, the Stokes, and so on...

Daz
April 24, 2005

Yeah I did mean the smoking, Niall. Chocolate you are a tiresome little runt, and as decaf quite rightly pointed out sinister in so many different ways. Actually I'd love you to be banned.

chocolate gooner
April 24, 2005

DaveM … please, please, please try and stop lecturing the manager on here. Why would Wenger not drop Reyes and play either Aliadiere or even Van Persie when he can bench one of his senior pros in Campbell in favour of Senderos? What is the evidence you have for saying this? Why should he bench Reyes if he believes that the guy he invested a lot of money and scouting time in needs games to find his touch and confidence? Or is Reyes one of the so-called “old” players you keep banging on about… I only ask because the last time I checked he was no older than either Aliadiere or Van P. You seem to have a particular obsession with the young players and wanting to see them play which defies all logic or reason. Every team or even organisation needs new blood as well as wise old heads and a balance is necessary in order to achieve success… yet you seem to believe that jettisoning some of our best and most talented players to bring in a bunch of youngsters is a good move. How? And your criticism of the Vieira/ Gilberto combo in the middle is bizarre… especially as this season we’ve shipped goals by the dozen. We have lost some of our attacking fluency because we’ve lost Henry. Any team would miss a player of Henry’s stature given the range of attacking options that his presence gives us… so our attacking fluency hasn't gone walkies because of PV4/ Gilberto playing in the middle… unless you can prove otherwise. Cheers.

Bernard
bernard.dowling@tesco.net
April 24, 2005

Niall, sorry but this is the first time I've looked at the forum since last night. kiwipete, I rarely bother these days. Enough other people have noticed his glaring shortcomings, which has removed the need for me to keep pointing them out.

adam
April 24, 2005

does anybody rekon bentley will be given a fair chance? he cud replace pires. and the swp to go right wing

chocolate gooner
April 24, 2005

KABOOOOM!!… It only took four posts and Decaf’s inferiority complex has sent him over the edge. And now I have to deal with another confused and confusing piece Decaf-esque goobledegook that ends with him watering the lush green electronic grass of the forum with the tears of his internet sobbing. My heart bleeds. I slandered you?? You dimwit. Do you know what slander is? If you choose to make yourself a cravenly servile clown in the service of an intellectual midget… don’t come bleating to me about slander, you shameless lickspittle. Go away; you’re really not worth the time. For what it’s worth I really don’t want anyone banned… no matter how stupid, shallow, vain or worthless I might consider his or her opinions … or conversely, no matter what they think of mine. Having said that the new moderators must given their head to do the job as they see fit and I don’t consider myself particularly qualified to give advice on how the forum should be run except to say that I always felt that SteveG had the right mix of light touch, humour and the occasional censure. I hope that continues. Cheers all

DaveM
April 23, 2005

Well, I think the Gilberto/Vieira partnership has cost us some attacking fluency. This is difficult to seperate from the striker problem we have, but with the above partnership Vieira is a crucial attacking player, and I just don't think he has the range of passing necessary to reliabley create. I don't think Vieira being as prominant going forward as he is is a good thing. We created very little against Chelsea after the first 10 minutes. We created pretty patterns in the 1st half, but they didn't lead anywhere. We all know we have a problem with the strikers, I think it's deeper than that. At the back I think we should stick with Toure/Senderos at least until they make a mistake. Indeed they've defended well enough they should probably be allowed one mistake. The back four looks good at the moment, so why change it? Campbell will probably re-establish himself in time. It would be fantastic if Wenger ackmowledged the obvious and started with Aliadiere and VP against Spurs, although the chances of Wenger actualy dropping someone like Reyes on the grounds of form seem slim. We need to improve as an attacking force if the season is to end well. Henry's absence isn't a good enough reason for the way our attacking play has deteriorated.

kiwipete
April 23, 2005

Good stuff Niall flex a few muscles... a few recommendations; sin bin Bernard next time he rubbishes Ljungberg.. ban the newly blow waved nancy Daz for his unjustified attacks on Choccy... Cannon could do with a few weeks in limbo for persistent Jock/Chav references Old Man for terrible jokes..Decaf has followed Harlow into obscurity.. now let's see that just leaves you and me. How is the lovely Melanie and any truth in the rumour that Gilles has been recalled to fill in for Thierry.

old man of hoy
April 23, 2005

A cool day in London. Not a day for swearing but for wearing an earing or a ring in G. Jimmy Logie or Liam Brady? Discuss - but not you Brazil 70 - yours is Gerson or Socrates? Discuss. Oh Little Flo I love you so especially in your nightie. When the moonlight flits across your tits, Jesus Christ Almighty. One Saturday night, the newlyweds had their first argument over who would make the Sunday morning coffee. She said, "You should do it because you wake up early and then you wouldn't have to wait so long to have your coffee." He said, "You should do it because women cook better and coffee is a form of cooking and besides, I don't mind waiting." She thought a moment and then said, "Well, why don't we let the Bible decide? The Bible clearly states that men should make the coffee." Her husband laughed. "No way! Show me where it says that." So she opened her Bible to the New Testament and pointed to the top of several pages that read, "HEBREWS." "See?! I win!"

JamesLT
April 23, 2005

NORTH BANK MURAL: I'm not criticizing Jeremie Aliadiere as a player. I think he's a big talent who will have a respectable career in football. I also watched him regularly at Underhill in the reserves a few years back... He has brilliant movement and is a quite outstanding finisher. Similare to, erm, a French Jeffers in fact. Another player with fantastic talent whose career has drifted following continual injuries. However, the fact is that JA has also picked up continual injuries - I think Wenger has admitted this too in the last few weeks and said that both the club and player are frustrated by the endless problems. As such, we just can't rely on him being fit and available at the start of any season. Maybe he will get a few games now in Titi's absence and make a major breakthrough... Or then again, maybe he'll turn awkwardly in his next appearance as sub and miss the next few months with achilles problems... We have opinions as fans, but for a manager like Wenger you want consistency and certainty - you need to be able t rely on people and plan with them. Players who unluckily are repeatedly injured or, alternatively, are mentally too fragile will never be regulars. In the same way, that's why Mr Consistency NIALL, the Steve Bould of the forum, is now moderating the forum and a delicate flower like DAZ LITE©, is auditioning for his first farewell forum appearance - no doubt to be followed by numerous comebacks à la his nemesis, the tough tackling CHOCOLATE GOONER, or his hopefully now de-mulleted role model DAZ CLASSIC©. PTBAG.

Cannon Balls
April 23, 2005

Chavs 1,Fulham 1. If the Chavs don't win this one then those three away games at Bolton,United and Newcastle will look a lot tougher.Fulham just nearly scored again.

Niall
April 23, 2005

Daz, if you say I'm weak willed because I still smoke then thats fair enough. I'm not worrying about Decaf, it's Saturday and I have better things to do today, like watch the match and then head over to see a pic of my first nephew/neice who is due in October. Looking forward to that. I'm gonna be an uncle big lad!

Daz
April 23, 2005

Oh well, that's all right then. Decaf, just say you're leaving and then flounce about a bit, invite derision at home from your loved ones who can't understand what the E*G you're doing at all hours on an internet forum anyway and then come back again as if nothing's happened. Me and Harlow have got it off to a T. Fairminded you may be, Niall, but you are very weak-willed. Stop worrying about decaf and swearing and get yourself some gum, man. I just saw my aunty die from a smoking-related illness and it wasn't very nice. If I can do it anybody can.

North Bank Mural
April 23, 2005

Oh and why not have a "swearbox" part of the forum where we can vent our spleens in good Anglo Saxon tradition? For England and St George!! (with French sympathies of course!!)

Niall
April 23, 2005

Firstly, Decaf is being economical with the truth, I have not threatened to ban him but got an email rather like young Kevin out of the Harry Enfield show "it's sooooo unfair" and with him threatening to walk away and never post again. Sob. But I will ban him if his MO is to deliberately break the swear rules then come on and stir up trouble in here at my expense for doing the job. Secondly, Cannon I did not delete a post of yours for stating "green gunge". Thirdly, I pointed out yesterday morning that swear words have to be asterixed out so if you don't do it, there is no point complaining when they are removed. I haven't time either with the current set up to read through and see if someone is trying to be so hilarious by stating work or the banned word. This is due to technology and if you knew what it involved, you would feel the same. Fourthly, people should realise that I'm not one who wants to go around banning people or even have to remove posts, so if you'd give me a break and post in asterixs when the urge comes upon you nothing will happen to your post. Fifthly, the new board, as I have mentioned before, will elimate the swearing issue as they will automatically be asterixed out. I'm sorry if this sounds heavy in tone, but I'm not happy with people telling lies that I'm threatening to ban them or sending me elongaged emails not worth reading when I had already said, use asterixs and thats fine. Finally, I'm not going to come in and explain myself again. I'm pretty fair minded whether that is your impression of me or not.

Cannon Balls
April 23, 2005

This bloody cordless key board is scrambling my posts like a Nazi Enigma machine!. I agree on the no swearing rule myself Daz and try to limit it in my own posts, though there are times when it is appropriate, the over use of it can mean that it loses it's impact,familiarity breeding contempt so to speak.And we don't want the forum to end up sounding like Tony Soprano and his New-York wise guys who always sound like they are having an argument even when they are only discussing the weather!. How Tony would get on having a debate with PT one can only speculate upon...

North Bank Mural
April 23, 2005

JamesLT; Re Aliadiere what do you mean "as usual", you talk as if it has occured year after year. Perhaps he has been placed in a similar situation to TH in the reserves??Admittedly some players seem to pick up more injuries than others but that opinion is a little harsh. I have seen JA down at Barnet quite a few times and he has great pace whilst being a natural finisher. I have said it before on here, he needs a run in the first team to establish himself which, in my humble opinion, given the chance, he would do. AW seems to have a reluctance to try him yet he perseveres with the inept, allegedly want away JAR. If as reported TH is virtually out for the rest of the season, now is the time to give him a chance.

Daz
April 23, 2005

I'm more than happy with E*G, Cannon - always worked for me. (Resists temptation to be facetious and replace the o and r with asterisks as that might be deemed to be swearing) I actually agree with the non-swearing rule, think it makes the forum more attractive without it being littered with expletives and forces you to be a bit more inventive. But it is quite absurd if the rules are applied more strictly than in a mainstream newspper and I don't agree with banning people anyway - certainly not somebody who is usually fairly easy-going and mild-mannered. I despise chocolate gooner but I wouldn't want his posts censored. And if I'm able to take being called a E*G quite publicly (and in an unaccpetable way according to forum rules) by one of the "moderators" who I've always liked and found to be capable of a degree of self-awareness then I think people should take a deep breath and lighten up a bit. And I don't think this should be the subject of a private e-mail as it goes right to the heart of how this forum will be in the future.

Daz
April 23, 2005

How come you're getting banned, decaf???? Mine and EEGs posts were also removed due to swearing even though weirdly I didn't, because the asterisks were genuinely meant to replace the letters o and r in the word work (it was a JOKE AT MY OWN EXPENSE) because that is what I was watching with my bottle of wine and fags. I know we're not supposed to question the "moderators" on the forum but this is becoming ludicrous and does go to the heart of what this forum is. When Steve banned me it was fair enough because I had deliberately broken the rules but I fail to see how you can ban someone for such a trivial thing nor for the results of a private e-mail exchange where I assume you can swear as much as you want? Being "antagonistic" can't be reason for a ban and I don't agree that decaf was being so anyway and if the moderators also post on here they should expect to be treated in the same way as everybody else.

JamesLT
April 23, 2005

AMERICAN GOONER: I smiled when I saw your comment about Wenger criticizing the French Football Federation for overworking TH14 as I had the same reaction as you. I've posted before to say that we put too much of a burden on Henry. He is one of the three best players in the world and we treat him like a carthorse most of the time. We're just very, very lucky that until now he's been incredibly resistant to injury and has a passion for Arsenal that motivates him to accept the workload. However, I find it frustrating from time to time when Henry discreetly admits in interviews that he's tired and needs a break. We all know our squad is fairly thin, but the problem has been mos tsever in attack. Aliadiere has been injured most of the season - as usual - and Le Boss has been shielding Van Persie, presumably because he doesn't think he has the samina or strength to start many games and that his game is too inconsistent. This means that Henry has to start EVERY game he's fit - especially because Bergkamp is slowing down and is better suited to a deeper role than leading the line and Reyes looks out of sort as Wenger tries to convert him to an attacker. (Unlike Henry, Reyes didn't have experience as a youth at centre forward.) ... We need another top striker. Someone who is confident about scoring the goals to win a game alongside AN Other when henry is injured. At ther moment it feels as if we have attackers who can do a job alongside Henry, but not ones who can do it alone. (This is partly why Van Persie is an exciting prospect because he clearly has the talent AND the self-belief, but still needs to be more robust ajnd resilient to start games regularly.) Wenger MUST buy a top striker in the summer. We can't risk Henry's occasional injury strains gradually developing into a series of long-term injuries. We need to protect Henry from himself. He deserves to get a rest sometimes...

Cannon Balls
April 23, 2005

American,the idea of Keane being the manager at OT is really funny,Mad-Eric also wants to manage there perhaps they could do it together?.Kick-Boxing and Kung-Fu training being added by the pair to the curiculum! What a double act those pair of nutters would be! Then again they have had the drunken jock there for 20 years at OT and he is nuttier than a Fruit-Cake. Ferguson came out yesterday and claimed that it's not true about him wanting Keene to take over from him saying that he intends to copy Bobby Robson and carry on until he is at least 70, he is 63 at the moment. Chas has got more chance of replacing the Queen than Keane's got of sitting in the drunken jocks chair.Though when Glazer takes over i reckon that there will be a big clear out and not just the aged players and manager but a few younger ones,with Fake Ron sold off for starters, he is refusing to sign a new contract and could leave on a free if not sold during the summer.

warrior
April 23, 2005

Decaf - The quote you had from Steves rumour page missed the all important first line - Posts that contain swearing will be removed.======================No Swearing, or abusing others opinions (no matter how much you feel a comment may deserve it). ======================I will not remove your comments unless I feel they are in either bad taste or hooliganish. =======================

Decaf
April 23, 2005

FORUM RULES: "I will not remove your comments unless I feel they are in either bad taste or hooliganish."

AmericanGooner
April 23, 2005

In an interview in the Independent (http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/arsenal/story.jsp?story=632165) Wenger said "Thierry will certainly be out for the next two games," Wenger said. "He will have another scan and only then will we know how long he will be out but he will not be out for three months."His injury is a sign that he has pushed his body too far. I think that he has been over-used by the France national team between the seasons. At some stage, you have to slow down." --- Wenger has to shoulder some of the blame. I still don't see why Henry has to play 90 plus minutes of each game. Especially in games like the mauling we gave to Palace and Norwich. Is it to get him as much chances to score for the golden boot? Plus, his being substituted after we're up by 3 goals after 70 minutes or so, gives players like Aliadiere, van Persie or Quincy invaluable first team minutes in a league game. Frankly, we should be doing the same for Vieira at times as well. I wonder if Henry will get his golden boot? Johnson could nip him for it.

Decaf
April 23, 2005

Bernard, I couldn't really be bothered with dogs at the moment. After an email exchange, I am about to be banned by Niall for breaking the (unwritten, cos [I better not use a strong word] I can't find it) rule about "questioning Niall's authority". This may sound decafish but I am flouting Nialls's authority by claiming here that work is not a swearword, and there is nothing offense about two asterisks between the letters w & k, when the sentence is "perhaps you will tell us what [word deleted] you keep running off not to do, Chocolate Gooner?" Niall swears (oops, not allowed) that it is. I say he slanders me, and that his instructions about how many asterisks are allowed are farcically vague. If I am banned my post will no doubt be removed (evidence you see) and I certainly won't return, so you have probably witnessed the last decaf post. *Sob*

Niall
April 23, 2005

Nope I can live with the McGoldrick was rubbish angle. Bernard what is your home email?

Bernard
April 23, 2005

Decaf, aren't St Bernards supposedly lovely dogs, saving people stranded in the Arctic circle with a small measure of brandy tied round their neck? Whereas Grimandi was simply a decent squad player, albeit very good on his day (and I swear I saw a world class performance from him at Old Trafford one day) who wasn't remotely rubbish - a term that Niall should reserve for players like McGoldrick (sorry, forgot he won't as he played for Ireland), Hillier, Ceasar, and many others.

AmericanGooner
April 23, 2005

haha..CB...RVN has become vocal in his displeasure from not getting proper servicing. I taped the Everton game and he was voicing his anger on the pitch to his teammates. Very uncharacteristic for him. Another bad season and you never know. Did you read recently where Fergie wants Keane to replace him after he retires? That would surely mark the end of Man Yoo. Keane doesn't have the patience or the know how to manage that sorry lot.

Cannon Balls
April 23, 2005

American i can see St Mikey going to Liverpool that is apparently one reason that Gerrard is staying with the Car-Thieves instead of joining Abo's money launderers. Old Horseface looking clapped out is more likely to end up at the rest home for aged and infirmed footballers Spuds than RM, he will have no problem understanding the double Dutch spoken down the lane that time forgot.

AmericanGooner
April 23, 2005

I really can't see this Owen and RVN swap having an ounce of truth in it. http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/3560418 My question is why would either side want the deal?

AmericanGooner
April 23, 2005

Fred, you are right about south America. Man Yoo is big and Real Madrid obviously has a following but we are known. To what extent I'm not sure but I know we're easily recognized. Kenyon mentions north America, Russia and China. I can comment on north America...it won't happen. They'll have to tour each summer and they won't get more fans than Man Yoo, us or even Liverpool. They'll tour China probably and that can only hurt them like it did Man Yoo when they were here the past 2 summers. If they tour here the promoters will make them bring stars. Fergie had to fly some in to appease the crowd. There is an Argie club called Arsenal also.

Fred
April 23, 2005

AmericanGooner! Arsenal are also massive in South America not a lot of people know this but in Brazil and Argentina the Arsenal shirts are everywhere! Just like you use to see Man U shirts in London. It's funny I don't see that many these days.

Decaf
April 23, 2005

Posting removed due to swearing.

AmericanGooner
April 23, 2005

CB, but its so laughable. They have to know they look more foolish than rational to any neutral. At least other clubs will admit we have more quality but they will give it a go. Frankly, I would be embarassed if I were a scum supporter. I'd tell who ever wrote it to shut it and stop making them look like 'nutters'. **** chocolate gooner, when we were trying to build a stadium the back pages were all saying how we're a hair away from being going into administration and how we're 'skint' as you all say. Of course, none of them did the due dilligence to actually check the finances and see if it was viable to build a stadium but they are all proven worng and there isn't one word said about the stadium being a 'white elephant' as we say in the states. Why isn't the press doing the same to Chelsea? How come I have not seen one article from any of the papers in England either supporting Kenyon's assertions or questioning them? Be balanced. It seems they love to take a shot at us when they get a chance. Are the other spice girls still single? Maybe Lampard can marry one of them and wear sarongs around west London. Kenyon may try to buy Becks to sell kits like Real Madrid did. Who knows, what I do know is that they won't be self sufficient financially and no one wants to tell Roman he has no clothes on. **** Seems like Terry has gotten the PFA player of the year award, from what I read on another site. I don't have a link unfortunately. No way Henry was going to get it this season and I think he's farther ahead on the goal count than he was at this time last season. Its their year.

chocolate gooner
April 23, 2005

I can’t believe that Abramhovic is stupid enough to buy into this brand thingy. And marketing in London?? What the hell is that oily freak drinking with his coffee? Right! All those Charlton fans are going to swan down the King’s Road because of some crooked Russian’s dosh. Dream on. And the fact is that Chelsea have no marquee stars. If your going to market a club in the way he is planning to, you can’t do it with a carthorse like Drogba, a no-mark like Makalele, or even John Terry or Lampard. They have no true stars and they really don’t have any telegenic performers. ManUre we’re helped by the presence of Beckham in capturing the pre-pubescent young Japanese girls… I don’t quite see them going for Gudjonssen (sp) or Carvalho. When the Chicago Bulls were big over here it was because they had high profile players like Jordan and Pippen etc… so if he is hoping to market Chelsea he has to find a way of giving them a veneer of Glamour that they just don’t possess at the moment. and to be honest they’ll have to throw a whole lot more money at the whole benighted venture to gain the necessary glamour in a mere 5 years because it isn't really as simple as buying a marquee star and adding him to your squad. Chelsea have no history, no class and on top of that they're sleazy. What kind of idiot would want to be associated with that... okay may be Decaf but unfortunately for us we've got him here already! Kenyon is a snake oil merchant, I’m sure that if he was posting on this forum he’ll try to convince us that he was a lecturer at some South African University with a penchant for cheap plonk even though he couldn’t make himself understood. And he’ll probably be a lot more successful than our resident clown. Then again who knows.... Peter Kenyon might sign a deal with Marks and Spencer to advertise their St. Micheals brand of underwear... imagine Kenyon naked, gleaming because he'd been rubbed down in chip fat a'la Freddy and posing in a pair of Y-fronts. Now that's Chelsea style glamour. Cheers all and goodnight.

Cannon Balls
April 23, 2005

The Spuds always do the player comparison test before our games with them,they are always a good laugh. Robbie Keane,Ledley King and Paul Robinson are on holiday abroad when one day they meet Patrick Vieira,Ashley Cole and Sol Cambell by chance in a bar. After a few drinks they get talking and Robbie Keane boasts, "You know at Tottenham we are well looked after when we come on holiday the club books it for us and we even get our luggage carried from the coach to our hotel rooms when we arrive there, every thing is really quite smooth and no problems. "Really?" replies Vieira, "We have to book our own and carry our luggage the clinking noise when we carry our suitcases is a nuisance though", "What causes them to clink then?", enquires Robbie Keane. "All of our Cup and League Title winners medals!", replies Vieira.

AmericanGooner
April 23, 2005

If its true that Henry is out for all those games. Well, now we'll really know if we can win without Henry. We can beat the vast majority of clubs in the PL without him I think its the clubs in the top 5 or 6 that we may have trouble with. He is part of our 'spine' as they say and whenever you play a top team you need your spine. **** LOL OMOH, I'm sure Bergy's kids are public school raised (your private school, correct?), I meant it 'tongue in cheek', I'm under no illusion that they are going to school in Essex mixing with east enders or in Brixton mixing with west Indians. From what I hear though, they are far more English than Dutch. I wonder if they even speak any dutch? **** Strachan played in a different era. While I was obviously not a fan or even around back then, from what I've read those Aberdeen, Man Yoo and Leeds teams weren't exactly shy to put a boot in your shins.

AmericanGooner
April 23, 2005

Commenting on Kenyon's 5 year plan for Chelsea...i had to laugh. North America...we are a country of glory hunters so he does stand some chance of making a pound or two but he's late. Man Yoo have already sewn up the Yank market, Arsenal have done nicely over the last few years. The local 'soccer' store hear sold more Arsenal shirts than Man Yoo for the first time ever last autumn, no doubt a few 'Yank Reds' switching to Arsenal after our unbeaten run. But he has a very long road to outsell ManYoo, us and Liverpool in China. Where ever China nationals play, that is the club that gets on the television there. They will need to do a lot of touring in America and China. I've only seen one yank blues fan here and the rest are all expat Brits at the pub. They do have a few glory hunters in NYC but no where close to the amount of gooners and man yoo supporters. Plus, Fulham has a couple of Americans (McBride and Bocanegra) and a bit of a following as well. Good luck Kenyon...you'll need it. My opinion is he's just taking Roman's money and blowing smoke up his Arsenal ;- ) knowing deep down it will never work.

chocolate gooner
April 23, 2005

Decaf… that post of yours … what does it mean? What are you saying? Are you from another dimension? Did you fall through a wormhole? Were you sent here to confuse us? Why are you so servile? Are you with the South African Military “intelligence”? Why do you find it so hard to make yourself understood? Do you need help? Are you afraid to ask for help? Are just shy? Did you fall on your head as a kid? Questions , questions. I only ask out of genuine concern for a fellow gooner and fellow beverage. You see you’re really lowering the standards on this forum and I’m concerned…. I mean it’s gotten to the stage where a fellow forumite has seen fit to dub you the “lite” version of the forum’s equivalent of intellectual puff pastry… now being as you’re stupid I don’t think that you fully appreciate the sheer gravity of that particular insult… so be brave and let me help you. Cheers.

3GS
April 23, 2005

REDaction is an independent supporters group working to improve the match day atmosphere at Highbury.We aim to draw singers from all parts of Highbury into one section. In the REDsection you would be amongst like minded people, all determined to make noise. We are now registering Gooners for the section but need more singers to join the ones we already have. We need as many as possible, so please spread the word! An area in the lower tier, between the goal and the corner section (so as to straddle two price bands) could be made available. The section is open to Gold, Silver and Red members. To register yourself for the REDsection, simply send your: 1. Full name 2. Current Arsenal membership status (Gold / Silver / Red) 3. Current Arsenal membership number To redaction@btinternet.com with the subject line "REDsection" Alternatively, please send your details to us at the following address : REDaction c/o Sue Campbell The Travel Club Arsenal Stadium Highbury London N5 1BU. If you wish to be kept up to date with all REDactions activities send a blank email to redactiongroup-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk This will put you on our mailing list. It will give you a chance to debate other atmosphere ideas amongst those who feel as strongly as you. Please show your support for the REDsection and register. Help us bring the noise back for our team!

chocolate gooner
April 23, 2005

AG… I think its called living in cloud cuckoo land. Bergkamp vs Mido. Phew!! those Spuds are scary. Henry vs Defoe. That’s a really close one…. Really tight. Vieira and Carrick… another close one… even if Carrick were Irish he still wouldn’t be world class, I mean we dumped the guy for Flamini for crying out loud.. Who the hell is Brown?? And what in god’s name is Kelly. I though she was retiring from running… not going on to play RB for the spuds. Dawson vs Toure.. emmmm, Dawson… dawson…isn’t he the kid from Forest that was meant to be good. What’s he doing in a rubbish team then? Now the last time I checked we were 2nd in the table behind the Russian mafia mob and their corrupt loot and Turds were… who cares. Good thing about this sort of “thinking is that it must raise Decaf’s spirit… Decaf old son, you’re not alone, there really are people as dim and stupid as you out there… YOU JUST HAVE TO GO TO A SPUDS WEBSITE TO FIND THEM. Cheers.

3GS
April 23, 2005

Are you willing to help improve the situation at Ashburton Grove? Hands up if you’re sick of the stick we have taken from visiting fans at Highbury down the years. Me too. Want to do something about it? Do you make as much noise as you can at Highbury, even if you are met with stunned silence, or worse, disapproving tuts (Hello, North Upper…..) from other Arsenal Fans around you. You may be in a small group, or even singing on your own, but you feel an obligation to contribute to the atmosphere - If so - Step this way ; you are exactly the type of person we are looking for. REDaction is an independent supporters group working to improve the match day atmosphere at Highbury. We are currently negotiating a REDsection with the club for the new stadium. This is, in effect, a singing section where we aim to draw singers from all parts of Highbury together into one section. Too often, singers are sat amongst tourists, moaners and the typical "sidaaaaaan" fans so the noise that the singers are making is not contributing the atmosphere. However, in the REDsection you would be amongst like minded people, all determined to make noise. Currently, the club have agreed to have a REDsection at the new stadium if we can prove that we have the people in place to fill it! We are now registering Gooners for the section but need more singers to join the ones we already have. We need as many as possible, so please spread the word! Plans are at a very early stage, but maybe, just maybe, fans like you and I will be able to sit in the same area at the new stadium, and all make some noise together to inspire the team, and finally shut the visiting fans up. Early discussions suggest an area in the lower tier, between the goal and the corner section (so as to straddle two price bands) could be made available specifically for Arsenal fans to get the atmosphere going. We had a trial run of this idea in the Carling Cup game against Everton and this was a roaring success! Normally, these games are amongst the quietest, but our section of over 100 did the lads proud as we really got behind the lads and helped them to a 3-1 win. The club were forced to take their hats off and pay attention to the idea of a dedicated section for the noisiest fans. If we get more Gooners to register en masse, the club will give us the green light. It will mean the days of being embarrassed about the atmosphere and being out sung by small clubs will be gone! All singers will have a place where they can feel in the majority. The section is open to Gold, Silver and Red members. To register yourself for the REDsection, simply send your: 1. Full name 2. Current Arsenal membership status (Gold / Silver / Red) 3. Current Arsenal membership number To redaction@btinternet.com with the subject line "REDsection" Alternatively, please send your details to us at the following address : REDaction c/o Sue Campbell The Travel Club Arsenal Stadium Highbury London N5 1BU. Also, if you wish to be kept up to date with all of REDactions activities then please send a blank email to redactiongroup-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk This will put you on a mailing list with other Gooners who have either registered for the singing section or shown support for REDaction. It will give you a chance to debate other atmosphere ideas amongst those who feel as strongly as you. Please show your support for the REDsection and register. Help us bring the noise back for our team! Please send this info onto as many people as possible, and get them to do the same. We need to start a snowball effect - and with your help we can do this!

decaf
April 23, 2005

Tom, is you name Thomas Kipling, by any chance? Daz, console yourself. The other great pleasure in life is also about to disappear never to return in the same uncomplicated form. And I am not talking about tweaking CG's nose (even getting choc as cross as he is now is no more than light entertainment). Hmmm ... reminds me that Ms Decaf's last bump overtook mine at about 4 months, but then hers disappeared and metamorphosed into a squalling infant, while mine has flourished. Bernard, I was merely referring to your interest in coiffure (if that's the word). What do you think of the St Bernard dog look a la Grimandi? You may want to pick a crate of the fine wine I am quaffing. It is called "Thomas Kipling dry red". Just R15,99 (about 1 pound)at bottle, plastic cork inclused in the price, and judging by the way the roof of my mouth is feeling, I swear it is unfiltered. Cultivar(s) and origin unidentified, by the way. Chocolate, in my essay on your "new directions" I forgot to mention you muturing wit. 007 with a brain impediment. Well done. Even Tom would be proud of it.

AmericanGooner
ScumCompare@AFCvsScumFC
April 23, 2005

What are they smoking down 7 sisters road? Has the crack cocaine epidemic here a problem in that part of North London? This is what a Spurs site sees as the difference between the two sides: The Spurs XI and Arsenal XI compared in each position. Winners of each positon will be determined by the name next to each positon. **** Goalkeepers- Spurs ENGLAND No1, Paul Robinson is a world class keeper. Where as Lehmann has been proven that his inconsistent and does make those mistakes regulary. Where as Almunia is worst**** Left Back- Arsenal Ashley Cole has proven he is one of the best left backs in the world. Edman needs more time to prove himself in the premiership, but he can strike the ball better than cole, which was proven against Liverpool ***** Right Back- Spurs Lauren is a good player, but inconsistent like Lehmann. Kelly looks a prospect and has played well and shown he is excellent at going forward, ***** Centre Back- Spurs (Close call) Ledley King is the new Sol Campbell. Both excellent defensively, However King is younger and much quicker. But Campbell has experience but is injury proned. **** Centre BAck - Tie Toure is a good defender all round, and has experience. However Dawson has proven he is as good as Toure, but needs more time.***** Left Midfield- Arsenal Pires is a great goal scoring winger. Reid needs more time and he will be banging them in. But, Reid is overweight **** Right Midfield- Arsenal Ljunberg just edges it, him and davies both similar players, but ljunberg has scored goals.**** Centre Midfield- Arsenal Viera and Carrick are same in terms of defensive qualties and height. Howver, Viera is strong going forward, which Carrick has to learn.**** Centre Midfield -Spurs Suprise call, with Brown edging Silva. Brown gives 100% each game and work his socks off, he is good attacking and defensively good at getting stuck in. Silva is good on his day, but can you remeber him putting on a exceptional performance**** Forward- Spurs Mido and Bergkamp. Bergkamp is a world class player, but he is fading this half of the season, and is lackin goals. Mido provides an aerial threat and is physically big and strong, scaring defenders.**** Forward- Aresenal just, Henry and Defoe. The key difference between these to is their age. Henry 27 and Defoe 21. They say players peak when they turn 25. Henry 30 goals this season and Defoe 23 goals this season. At the momen, Henry is at his peak scoring and assiting goals. Defoe hasn't assited a lot of goals. However, when Defoe is 27 he would have gained more experince, and if like Henryhe reaches his peak then, defoe could as prolific player than Henry**** Results - Aresnal 5 and Spurs 5 and 1 Tie**** Looking at this it show the Spurs XI match the Arsenal XI. However, i feel the key is the better midfield being inagural, which we lack. However, additons of new midfields in the summer will change that. Additonally, spurs lack the tean spirt which aresnal gained with trophy successes and keeping an manager. However this season has seen an vast improvement under Martin Jol, with this season seeing the team of young players gelling together. Against, Liverpool our average age was 23.**** The future's bright.

Cannon Balls
April 23, 2005

It's not really very surprising to hear the ginger haired loons views on tackling Arsenal, after all he is another of the 'gaffers' protegees and well versed in the dark arts of his ex- masters tactics and insidious mind games.We can expect to hear a lot more of this type of thing on the lead up to the Cup Final,because the only chance Fergusons got of beating us is to employ the same tactics that he used at OT against our players. And to do this needs to coerce the referee into allowing him to do so.Ferguson knows that we will not be gifting goals like in thge Highbury game now that we are back playing with confidence and he must also know tghat like in the CS Keanes ageing legs will get found out again on the bigger Cardiff pitch than on the Highbury one.With Styles refereing any thing can happen though.

North Bank Mural
April 23, 2005

Tom, you are indeed a comic genius - "go play with the traffic ha ha". W anchor.

Ben
April 23, 2005

Championchip - would that be a Mccain or one of those wavy variety?

Daz
April 23, 2005

Back from the hairdresser to see that chocolate is now giving 'lectures' on grammar and comedy. Which is grotesque and funny at the same time. Whatever else decaf's posts might be, chocolate, they are at least his own work. Think you know what I'm getting at but if you don't just remember Hegel.Net.

chocolate gooner
April 23, 2005

No one was hurt according to Strachan… therefore there was no thuggery. And even when someone was hurt it was just a “mistimed” tackle. Right Gordon! Is this guy and Decaf related? And Gordy boy doesn’t want snobbery to creep into football. What an idiot. Did this guy actually watch the match? The funniest thing for me was to hear Mark Hughes bleating about how the London press had it in for his poor, oppressed Blackburn yorkels… all of them innocent and pure like!! At least Strachan can be funny… Decaf on the other hand… cheers all.

Bored
April 23, 2005

I think Strachan misses the point with his article. Nobody is saying you shouldn't be allowed to tackle and press more skillful teams. The problem is with persistent and sometimes dangerous fouling. If you adopt a physical approach like Blackburn you accept fouls and mistimed tackles are more likely to occur (the stats back this up). No problem as long as the referee enforces the rules otherwise the physical team gains an unfair advantage. Its not rocket science. Clearly in the semi the ref didn't do a very good job of applying the rules because many of Blackburn's bad and mistimed tackles weren't punished. The reference to Arsenal's red cards tally as evidence that Arsenal play dirty too was pretty stupid given that the majority weren't given for dirty play when we were being outplayed by the opposition. If anything, Arsenals red card tally is evidence that a physical approach can succeed because refs are very good at punishing a retaliation to a foul rather than the fouls themselves.

old man of hoy
April 23, 2005

If the authorities have to get into the business of points deduction (don't like it myself) i would prefer Chelsea to be punished next season rather than this when a deduction would have no impact whatsoever. I reckon TH will not play again this season and that is no disaster because he needs a rest. So chance to give the boys a go. Pretty unlikely but anybody fancy Horseface - he and TH would be something else?

Chippys Chislers
April 23, 2005

Strachan is right that teams have to press us or we will murder them however he like many others refuses to see the brutality that is disguised as pressing. Savages tackle, Dickovs tackle, Flitcrofts Tackle, Moekonas tackle were not pressing they were thuggary. Strachan justifies this as no one was hurt and that Arsenal used to do it to him. What a load of b****x. I'm surprised we haven't yet heard the "soft southern pussy's" line.

chocolate gooner
April 23, 2005

Bernard… I think that you’ll find that Decaf’s “posts” and reason or sense have very little to do with each other. I think the he puts his posts through a ‘semantic mangler’ or some such machine before unleashing his grammatical neutron bombs on poor, unsuspecting forumites. So the idea of asking him for an explanation to one of his “posts” is the very definition of the word “futile”. My theory for the utter incomprehensibility of the guy’s “posts” is that he is a secret agent who uses this forum to pass on classified information in code to his bosses whilst merely pretending to be an arsenal fan… and this idea seems to have gained currency recently… Probably on the grounds that it is almost beyond anyone’s imagination that a person could be as utterly and irredeemably stupid as Decaf in real life. So think of him as James Bond… with a brain impediment. Cheers.

North Bank Mural
April 23, 2005

Mee; Strachan can be quite amusing but he is in the Allardyce/Hughes "kick 'em" manager bracket so I'm not surprised by his opinion. He would wet himself to work with the players AW has. I can understand teams wanting to get at us but the constant fouling is so irritating to say the least. Bores me to death when they cite Arse's red card tally under AW too, we get very few these days but that never gets mentioned.

Bernard
April 23, 2005

Sean, just a couple (or so) of posts to let people know I'm not too keen on cakes, and as I said, I tend to prefer traditional bangers to German sausages too. Decaf, what do you think I love that's excessively hairy, then?

Mee
April 23, 2005

North Bank: At least we were spared ‘Gordon Strachans Chalkboard’ where the master tactician advises Wenger and others on just where their game plans failed. Its difficult to imagine a more incomprehensible load of waffle. If his tactical awareness is so great why then did Coventry struggle for season after season before being relegated. I also don’t buy the theory that he was the saviour of Southampton. I think Glen Hoddle has some claim on that or perhaps the spirits are paying Strachan back for something he did in a former life?

North Bank Mural
April 23, 2005

Link to Gordon Strachan's Guardian article re Blackburn's tactics. Discuss!! http://football.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,4284,1466119,00.html

Sean O'Phist
April 23, 2005

As above.

Sean 'Phist
April 22, 2005

I concur with the disappointment at the performance of our moderator. What was all that business about haircuts and cakes Bernard? After all the nonsense on German Sausages? I want to know if you think Sol will replace Phil on Monday. Keep this an Arsenal Forum.

North Bank Mural
April 22, 2005

If TH is out for three games AW must start RVP or JA, particularly if Freddie is still out. Can't rely on RP to provide our goals and we need firepower against the Spuds, interesting to see how Senderos deals with Defoe. Disgusting double standards by the pathetic, weak F.A. if Chelski's points will be not be deducted this season. David Dein obviously didn't get his way!!!

kiwipete
April 22, 2005

Cobber.. I got banned when for calling the illustrious Gleibermaster an effeminate toe rag when he wiped a particularly well constructed learned piece of prose because it included the word sh*t. He relented and I still love ya Steve G. Hard to figure the Wenger rationale is it because van Persie didn't score a hat trick he doesn't start against Chelsea?

Decaf
April 22, 2005

Niall, nobody is "hiding behind the Saint Bernard" tag. I was me and I though this was bleedingly obvious, like the fact that it wasn't deliberately antagonistic (just as you weren't being antagonistic when you called me 'indecipherable'), or that Ireland lost in a penalty shootout. Saint Bernard was my play on our Bernard's tendency to explain rather obvious jokes in a holier than though manner, and on his obvious love for all things excessively hairy.

Daz
April 22, 2005

I can't quite remember, EEG because Steve didn't physically ban my IP address as he did with you, he just told me not to post for a while and so I had to dip my toe back in the water. Think you're being over-sensitive, Niall. Decaf's...sorry the culprit's post still seemed fairly playful in tone rather than antagonistic. We all love you, you great big Spanish Inquisitor, although I'm disappointed by your weak will. Tonight I have to go to a 40th birthday party and stay off the fags and booze and dance with Ms Daz and tell her she isn't drawing attention to herself with a belly that looks like an early-warning radar station (it's nearly a match for mine) although that will also mean I'm fit and well to go to buy coffee from Monmouths in Borough market tomorrow morning rather than end up spazzed on a mong as in the bad old days. Anyway, I need to get out because I've been cooped up for the last few days writing like a mother E*Ger, it's a sunny day and I'm finally stepping out for that haircut that James "I named myself after a sandwich" reccommended. Although the bad news is I'm missing Tottenham. Have a good weekend, chaps (except chocolate).

Warrior
April 22, 2005

Niall - You on MSN ? Wanted you to test something ..

Tollgoon
April 22, 2005

http://www.anr.uk.com/articles/m-2005-04-22-10-18-15.html Classic by Miles, regarding Sol @ WHL on Monday night - on a par with Chocolate

Cannon Balls
April 22, 2005

Daniel Levy is sitting in his office one day pondering on new ways of screwing more money out of the Spuds faithful to try and take on Arsenal and Chelsea,he says to Frank and Martin his double-Dutchmen,"If we don't raise some more money somewhere we will fall even further behind. Suddenly a flash of inspriration comes to him,"I know", he cries ,"I will start up the 'Save Our Spuds' campaign again!. Get me a list of our richest supporters", he tells Frank, "And i will personally phone them and ask for a cash donation towards the 'Save Our Spuds' campaign. A few days later he begins to scrutinze the list provided by Frank and on spotting the name of a top lawyer earning over £1 million a year decides to put his plan into action. Levy calls up the lawyer who he has met in the past. "Hello sir this is Daniel here,we have started a new 'Save Our Spuds'campaign and i would like to offer you the chance to make the first cash contribution to the cause, i know what a loyal supporter you are; our research shows that you earn over £imillion a year and can afford to help the club that you love so much." The lawyer responds,"A contribution? Does your research also show that i have an invalid mother who lives in a nursing home and requies very expensive medical care to kep her alive.? Levy taken aback by the lawyers unexpected response and feeling a bit embarrassed says, "Well know sir i'm...", "Does your research also show that my sisters husband was killed in a car crash?. She has three kids and no means of support!" Levy is starting to feel really embarrassed at this stage, "I'm terribly sorry..." But the lawer now wel into his rhetorical coutroom stride carrys on.And does your research show that my brother broke his neck jumping out of a window when caught on the job with his best friends wife and needs constant medical help to lead any sort of a normal life?. "Feeling now completely humiliated Levy stutters,"I am sorry sir please forgive me..." "The gall of you people i don't give them anything so why should i give it to you!"

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

Niall - Mrs Carmiechal is once again being a little economical with the actualite. Anyone who has to travel up the Holloway Road even on a Sunday afternoon in the middle of August will know that increasing the congestion and traffic problems there is something of an impossibility.

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

Posting removed due to swearing.

Niall
April 22, 2005

This is London is reporting that Henry's injury hasn't cleared up and he is potentially looking at missing our next three games: Spurs; WBA and Liverpool at home. Also some news on tube chaos at the new Emirates Stadium reported there. http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/londonnews/articles/18097327

North Bank Mural
April 22, 2005

Just to simplify the Gilberto discussion somewhat. No doubt we are better defensively with him in the team,it also releases PV to go roaming a bit more. However, his distribution and attempts on goal are consistently dubious so let's be objective and not get carried away with the fantastic Brazilian thing. Still good to have him back though!

Daz
April 22, 2005

Posting removed due to swearing.

Niall
April 22, 2005

St Bernard, the joke is on you cos when I spotted the swear word on the Mirror article, I posted it as a link to an external source. So in that case the policy of swearing without asteriks is entirely the responsibility of the Mirror. In the case of this forum, whatever my personal beliefs are, I am bound by what is laid down in the past which was - asteriks should be used at all times. Therefore, as I am not the only one with the power of post removal, you are advised to follow the rules of the past. I don't appreciate the stumbling attempts to put me in a compromising position and interestingly when the new board is available to go live, we will all know who is hiding behind the St Bernard alias. That's my last word on it as someone is going beyond humour and is being deliberatly antagonistic.

chocolate gooner
April 22, 2005

EEG… please don’t get carried away with a little praise I tossed your way. And given your propensity for fresh air shots and striking out… I don’t blame you. To refresh your memory (work, work, work) what I mocked was your assertion that Sol’s body shape and size was giving him jip. Seeing as you barely understand football, which you watch, I was rather moved to question your knowledge of physiology. That’s all really. And seeing as you were worried more about what might happen in Sol’s absence rather than his poor form when he actually played… what’s your point?? So you are now saying that Sol’s form has been terrible… so remind me again.. when did you mention this fact on the forum? I recall you slagging off Cygan, I recall your claim that Cesc and Vieira is the answer… on Sol’s form…Nada. And why are you waffling on about heading the ball?? If Sol’s performance has been poor and so poor that we’ve gone from best defenders in the league to a pretty mediocre bunch… how do you explain this drastic collapse in form and why haven’t you mentioned it before now? Our problems have been one’s of organisation and leadership as well as missing the guy who provides the bulk of our defensive cover in midfield. Dem’s da facts. And a world-class defender on a decent wedge should provide leadership and organisation as a minimum and if he doesn’t…. a football expert like you should point it out… not waffle on about heading. Oh well I suppose you’re only “TECHNICALLY” wrong. No biggie. Cheers.

Saint Bernard
April 22, 2005

Posting removed due to swearing and aliasing.
April 22, 2005

Niall - If you were really protecting Steve's legacy you would have banned that **** Daz by now whether he did anything wrong or not. I think Daz beat me in total length of bans if not number.

Niall
April 22, 2005

Oh dear, looks like I've been outed. I confess, I may at heart be a populist moderniser whose desire is to take SG's forum that he enjoys so much to new levels of brilliance. And indeed to "encourage" (through force if necessary) the guys with whom he has spent so much time, paid of course, diligently educating about the football world and Arsenal in general - to embrace the new world order of Duff's world classness, Grimandi's legendary rubbishness and indeed bringing them to their senses with the belated realisation that Ireland were unbeaten in the last world cup. However, having encountered tepid resistence in the shape of the Daz " The Terrible Teetotaler" and his admirer in chief, "Decaf the Indecipherable". Having had to lay down the laws of righteousness once again to his indisciplined disciple Sir Chocolate Guff of Guffness who forever takes the wrong path, I have decided that all men of literature, South African's in general and lovers of Chocolate are going to go under investigation in the new gestapo arm of forum enforcement - The Fenian Factory of Fear - and believe me, Dr. Daz PHD and Cromwellian in Chief has a lot to be scared about. Wooh ha ha ha (that's my laugh of evilness). Of course, I jest Decaf, no one has even been threatened to be banned so I don't know where that came from and I certainly don't wish to be banning anyone. The forum will run as it always has and is doing at the minute.

Decaf
April 22, 2005

Posting removed due to swearing.

four old men of hoy
April 22, 2005

A Russian, a Cuban, an American and a Lawyer are in a train. The Russian takes a bottle of the Best Vodka out of his pack; pours some into a glass, drinks it, and says, "In USSR, we have the best vodka of the world. Nowhere in the world you can find Vodka as good as the one we produce in Ukrainia. And we have so much of it, that we can just throw it away." Saying that, he opens the window and throws the rest of the bottle through it. All the others are quite impressed. The Cuban takes out a pack of Havanas, takes one of them, lights it and begins to smoke it saying, "In Cuba, we have the best cigars of the world; Havanas. Nowhere in the world there is so many and so good cigars and we have so much of them, that we can just throw them away." Saying that, he throws the pack of havanas through the window. One more time, everybody is quite impressed. At this time, the American just stands up, opens the window, and throws the lawyer through it. A Russian, a Cuban, an American and a Lawyer are in a train. The Russian takes a bottle of the Best Vodka out of his pack; pours some into a glass, drinks it, and says, "In USSR, we have the best vodka of the world. Nowhere in the world you can find Vodka as good as the one we produce in Ukrainia. And we have so much of it, that we can just throw it away." Saying that, he opens the window and throws the rest of the bottle through it. All the others are quite impressed. The Cuban takes out a pack of Havanas, takes one of them, lights it and begins to smoke it saying, "In Cuba, we have the best cigars of the world; Havanas. Nowhere in the world there is so many and so good cigars and we have so much of them, that we can just throw them away." Saying that, he throws the pack of havanas through the window. One more time, everybody is quite impressed. At this time, the American just stands up, opens the window, and throws the lawyer through it. A Russian, a Cuban, an American and a Lawyer are in a train. The Russian takes a bottle of the Best Vodka out of his pack; pours some into a glass, drinks it, and says, "In USSR, we have the best vodka of the world. Nowhere in the world you can find Vodka as good as the one we produce in Ukrainia. And we have so much of it, that we can just throw it away." Saying that, he opens the window and throws the rest of the bottle through it. All the others are quite impressed. The Cuban takes out a pack of Havanas, takes one of them, lights it and begins to smoke it saying, "In Cuba, we have the best cigars of the world; Havanas. Nowhere in the world there is so many and so good cigars and we have so much of them, that we can just throw them away." Saying that, he throws the pack of havanas through the window. One more time, everybody is quite impressed. At this time, the American just stands up, opens the window, and throws the lawyer through it. A Russian, a Cuban, an American and a Lawyer are in a train. The Russian takes a bottle of the Best Vodka out of his pack; pours some into a glass, drinks it, and says, "In USSR, we have the best vodka of the world. Nowhere in the world you can find Vodka as good as the one we produce in Ukrainia. And we have so much of it, that we can just throw it away." Saying that, he opens the window and throws the rest of the bottle through it. All the others are quite impressed. The Cuban takes out a pack of Havanas, takes one of them, lights it and begins to smoke it saying, "In Cuba, we have the best cigars of the world; Havanas. Nowhere in the world there is so many and so good cigars and we have so much of them, that we can just throw them away." Saying that, he throws the pack of havanas through the window. One more time, everybody is quite impressed. At this time, the American just stands up, opens the window, and throws the lawyer through it.

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

And to miss the fact that Sol has not played at full fitness or "consistently" you'd have to be the same kind of **** who makes mocking references to the Norwich game while discussing Senderos' contribution. The kind of **** who really doesn't ever see us play enough to know who is even in the ****ing side.

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

So lets say it AGAIN. Senderos has been a better bet for us than an ABSENT, UNFIT AND OFF-FORM Campbell. There is no ****ing magic to that so drop what you think is a bone and actually happens to be a piece of decomposing rubber. When fully fit Campbell is World class and being named in the team of the tournaent in the last three international tournaments in which he has played kind of suggests others (who you are always so ready to defer to agree). **** even Il Trap and Scolari were in some of those selection committees. This season he has not been and I question how likely he is to return to that level on a consistent basis (something I told you about before but you mocked (well as best you can) before Wenger said the same thing and made you look a **** again). HAS THAT MADE IT THROUGH?

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

Oh my God how ****ing stupid can you get! You would be much better going off and "working" (a word, incidentally, I think you might have mispelled). I have to confess to not reading your post in its entirety because it just looked too **** but I caught the interminable references to Sol and think I know where you are coming from because even a good nights "working" hasn't cleared your addled mind. Please, please, please take a little time to let this one soak in because this is getting tiresome. Campbell has NOT had a ****ing season with us. He struggled through the Euros and missed pre-season and the start. He then played for some time and then got injured again. His has been a stop-start season and consequently his form has been poor (although statistically the Campbell/Toure combination has been far better than the Cygan/Toure combination you have ludicrously tried to claim has been better).

Exiled In Newcastle
April 22, 2005

I'm loath to join in the 'Gilberto' debate again but it's nice to have moved from the minority to the majority (on his usefulness) without changing my view. Not that it really means much! Yes our defending has improved recently, but more than anything I think it's down to balance. Kolo and Cygan are both good centre halves, but both need a dominating centre half to play alongside them. Either of them with either of Sol/Senderos make a balanced combination that allows them to do what they do best. Central midfield is the same, and Gilberto is the perfect foil for Paddy because he (GS) allows him (PV) the freedom to play that the other available options don't. As an unashamed fan of Gilberto it'd be easy to come on here and say 'Ha Ha, see - Gilberto's back and we're not conceding' but there are many factors (and maybe we shouldn't forget that the run of form coincides with the title being lost and the pressure being off). Having said that I can understand why for some Gilberto will always be an irrelevance because he's the artisan amongst the artists. The Talbot or Richardson, who's never going to win any fan polls, but does the grafting for everyone.

D- Gooner
April 22, 2005

Got that one, Old Man! Perhaps you could post them all twice? Its a great help.

Cannon Balls
April 22, 2005

These media people now praising us are ones like James Lawton sychophantic pro-Ferguson types who now are seeing us to be the lesser of the the two evils compared with Mourinhos Chelsea. Mourihos wife confides to a friend,"I have had much trouble trusting Jose over the years with rumours of him having affairs with other women."I can tell when he is telling the truth and when not". Says Mourinhos wife. "How is that then", asks the friend. "Well when he fiddles with his tie he is telling the truth, when he rolls his eyes he is telling the truth, when he strokes his chin he is telling the truth." "So how then do you know when Jose is lying?." asks the friend. " When he opens his mouth.", came the reply.

Daz
April 22, 2005

Just out of curiosity, chocolate, and I'm proud to see you're IGNORING me again - didn't Cygan replace the injured Campbell?

C minus Gooner
April 22, 2005

May take the liberty of answering a question addressed to EEG? Question: (I have taken another liberty in not editing this): "EEG has a problem… if he accepts that Sol has been a major part of our defensive frailty, he will have to explain how a world-class player who was fit enough to be picked and picked consistently failed to deliver given his wages and reputation". Answer: form?

Rasputin
April 22, 2005

OK, chocolate, I give in - you wear the crown.

chocolate gooner
April 22, 2005

Now this is a classic. We have defended poorly with Sol Campbell in the side all season… in fact we have had some of our worst defensive performances with Sol Campbell in the side. Now, whatever one might have to say about Campbell’s value as a defender… his ability at heading the ball has never, ever been in question. Yet when Campbell gets injured and is replaced by Senderos… our defending has improved remarkably… EEG on the other hand is desperately squirming and trying to exonerate Sol because… well you tell me. If the only reason we are defending better is merely a question of better heading… then EEG must be saying that Sol isn’t very good in the air. And who would believe that? EEG has a problem… if he accepts that Sol has been a major part of our defensive frailty, he will have to explain how a world-class player who was fit enough to be picked and picked consistently failed to deliver given his wages and reputation. And given the level criticism that has been levelled at Kolo (some of it well deserved) where is the equivalent criticism of Sol? The fact is that Senderos, even at this stage of his career, has leadership and organisational skills that are better than Sol’s. FACT. That is the reason we are have been better. We have also been lucky because some of our errors haven’t been punished as they might have been… even against the likes of Blackburn away in the league. On Gilberto, EEG finds himself in a bind. He now claims that he is an “extremist” … well, whatever I say. The fact is that he dismissed the guy’s quality as non-existent, pilloried his contribution and promoted Edu as the new Petit. All wrong. But hey! what’s new. And the very venerable Steve M was absolutely right to point out Gilberto’s contribution to the side at Chelsea. And even when Gilberto was off form some of were consistent in pointing out the invaluable contribution his defensive skills made to the side… as was proved by the fact that we lost two very important matches in his absence…and recovered on his return… fell apart again when he got injured and have now put in our best performance all round against one of our best rivals with neither Henry nor Sol in the side. That is more than coincidence… it is proof. EEG the extremist missed that lot and he would like your sympathy for putting his neck on the block as he put it… the poor Didums, extremism doesn’t excuse incoherence. This forum thing is addictive… and I’m cheating my employers. To my shame. Cheers. … … … … … Niall… even a Gaelic Buddha should draw the line at the idea of Penance. But then again you usually have the bees of confusion swirling around your head. All I can say is that I think that you’re just “DEGENERATING” religion. Cheers Niall. Cheers all.

Decaf
April 22, 2005

Very good.

BREAKING NEWS
April 22, 2005

FORUM MODERATOR WAS GENOCIDAL KILLER! It was smiles all round when the white smoke went up on Niall Murphy's election as the new pontiff of Steve Gleiber's arsenal supporter forum. Known for his good humour, flexibility and moderation in all things, Murphy was widely seen as a moderniser. His supporters were, therefore, devastated to hear this morning that Murphy is none other than the genocidal killer Pol Pot and the founder of the Khmer Rouge youth movement. The brave investigative journalist who revealed Murphy's sinister role in the deaths of millions of Cambodians is known only by his pen-name of chocolate bernstein. A writer alive to every nuance and with a fine sense of context, he was alerted to Murphy's dicatorial and magisterial tendencies and lost no time in having the butcher of Phnom Penh arrested and taken to the Hague together with his dreaded accomplice "wee footstool" who was also responsible for unspeakable horrors during the dark years of Khmer Rouge rule.

Decaf
April 22, 2005

So Niall can I take it that we won't be banned if we engage in a bit of light hearted banter with the Chocolate menace?

Niall
April 22, 2005

But yes, you can't beat a bit of light hearted banter.

Decaf
April 22, 2005

EEG, chocolate Gooner (C- for short) has also adopted the Harlow Method of critical analysis (although in C-'s case it is because he has figured out fulsome praise of our players is a good way to influence people and make friends on an Arsenal forum). When C- first came on here he was took some "risky" positions as part of his desperate quest to be noticed, and that week people were getting a little overheated about Jeffers. His attention seeking was encapsulated by one posts which ran something like this: "Hey! Just a little! You become aware here is made because does the necessity of the person whoosh ... who something which!" (Which is proto-Chocolatese for "Hey! What does a guy need to do to be noticed on here" I remember well because he had the bald cheek to call me his "fellow beverage". I also blame c-'s arrival for the dip in form that we experienced in 2003.

Niall
April 22, 2005

I'm surprised at the cogency of that remark coming from yourself Daz.

Cannon Balls
April 22, 2005

Q. Why is Jermaine Pennant not allowed to talk to Kenyon and Mourinho about a move to Chelsea?. A. Because it is a violation of his parole to be seen with known felons.

Chippys Chisler
April 22, 2005

I have to say I am surprised by the amount of gushing headlines and positive news reports that we are getting since the Chelsea match. This is the same media who criticise everything and everyone at Highbury given half a chance. Even Henry Winter is singing our youngsters praises. We have got more positive reports for that game than for many where we have dismantled the opposition.

Daz
April 22, 2005

Posting removed due to swearing.

Decaffeinated Raisin Bun Gooner Cake
April 22, 2005

Don't you think that a defence consisting of Senderos and the pacy Kolo, covered by the good-in-the-air Gilberto, has a nice tasty balance to it? Or would you go with Campbell-Senderos. In that case, the more lively Flamini (or even Vieira, if he were in the mood) might be a better option.

Niall
April 22, 2005

EEG - at the time sticking my neck out was defending Gilberto against the huge majority who wanted us to sell him off.

Chippys Chisler
April 22, 2005

On Sol/Sederos debate, don't both of them prefer the left side? AW always prefers balance in the defence and midfield with left and right footers which would mean that Sol and Senderos will only play together in the case of injury and suspension to a right footer. On DB10, we have to trust AW on this one as he sees him in training everyday. He was our MOM v. Manure at home and played like a youngster so he can still do it but he can no longer be frist choice as he is not available for many of our big matches.

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

Oh and you are right about Harlow. Given he shows unbending support for every player who puts on an Arsenal shirt, it is hard to give him too much credit over any individual. Shall we list the other "I'm your biggest fan" players Harlow? What about Cygan? It is, of course, simple really.

Daz
April 22, 2005

Chocolate's dream-team. 1) Protagoras (can be relied on for some sleight of hand). 2) Steve M (a rough diamond even if he is a little "culturally unsophisticated") 3) Il Trap (172 items matched your search) 4) Pascal Cygan (still one of the best 5/6 defenders in the Premiership 5) Hegel.Net (useful in a tight corner) 6) Donald Judd (an artist in midfield - good with the square ball) 7) Gilberto (not invisible to ME but I'm not the type to crow) 8) Hammy (more than just a pet). 9) Noam Chomsky (a genius few of the molluscs on here will have ever heard of) 10) Pope Benedict (agrees with me and Chomsky on more or less everything) 11) An African villager (because I'm no zenophobic racialist unless you're English in which case you definitely ain't world class).

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

Nice one "raisin". Niall - I am a man of extremes. Its not surprising that you middle of the roaders keep your neck a bit more intact seeing as you never stick it out! Truth is when playing much better (which he was at the start of this season) Gilberto is an addition to the side. What is b*ll*cks is the view that the last three games, ignoring the fact that our form, especially defensively, has improved over a much longer period is suddenly conclusive support of everything that was said about him in the past by certain people. It is ****ing nonsense and doesn't stand up to even the most basic Chocolatarian scrutiny. At times last season Gilberto struggled to find a teammate and rarely made a tackle (except of course the wondrous Wayne Bridge effort that seems to have produced a Chocolate fountain). The introduction of a fully fit defender who can properly attack the ball is the biggest factor in our defensive improvement.

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

Such language to a Knight of the ****ing Realm. Plain wrong.

Raisin bunny
April 22, 2005

On the topic of streaks and Gilberto: is the great one our emperor's new clothes?

Decaf
April 22, 2005

Given the lack of eggs in recipe, I fear that Chocolate Goons defence will crumble, and the forces of reaction will be able to overturn the 4-0 half time deficit.

Decaf
April 22, 2005

Thanks for the excellent link, Niall. Much the same thing happened on the pitch.

Daz
April 22, 2005

You may have something, Raisin Bun Gnoodle. Gilberto's near return was like homeopathy - a ghostly invisible presence, an energy inspiring the team. Luckily for us also Sol got injured allowing Cygan to take his place. (3-0). And he was right on Jeffers so that's 4-0 to chocolate gooner!!!!

old man of hoy
April 22, 2005

Hedges i agree Sol has been an excellent player for us and his partnership with Toure is good. However I believe of all parts of the team the defence should not be changed when working well. Since he has had a run in the team Senderos has done everything right and i would not like to see him put back on the bench just because Sol is fit again. Le Boss did that to Alex Manninger a few years ago and in doing so a most promising keeper went into limbo and eventual decline. Toure's game has got back to a high level alongside the Swiss youngster so he should not be benched either. He is our quickest defender and fit as a fiddle. I feel Sol has peaked as a club and international player. His fitness is now an issue, and unlike Tony, who fought hard against physical decline, I have doubts about his mental resolve to consistently overcome injuries. Sol has achieved a lot with us but does he really want to go on and do more? I hope i am wrong but fear i am not. A Russian, a Cuban, an American and a Lawyer are in a train. The Russian takes a bottle of the Best Vodka out of his pack; pours some into a glass, drinks it, and says, "In USSR, we have the best vodka of the world. Nowhere in the world you can find Vodka as good as the one we produce in Ukrainia. And we have so much of it, that we can just throw it away." Saying that, he opens the window and throws the rest of the bottle through it. All the others are quite impressed. The Cuban takes out a pack of Havanas, takes one of them, lights it and begins to smoke it saying, "In Cuba, we have the best cigars of the world; Havanas. Nowhere in the world there is so many and so good cigars and we have so much of them, that we can just throw them away." Saying that, he throws the pack of havanas through the window. One more time, everybody is quite impressed. At this time, the American just stands up, opens the window, and throws the lawyer through it. A Russian, a Cuban, an American and a Lawyer are in a train. The Russian takes a bottle of the Best Vodka out of his pack; pours some into a glass, drinks it, and says, "In USSR, we have the best vodka of the world. Nowhere in the world you can find Vodka as good as the one we produce in Ukrainia. And we have so much of it, that we can just throw it away." Saying that, he opens the window and throws the rest of the bottle through it. All the others are quite impressed. The Cuban takes out a pack of Havanas, takes one of them, lights it and begins to smoke it saying, "In Cuba, we have the best cigars of the world; Havanas. Nowhere in the world there is so many and so good cigars and we have so much of them, that we can just throw them away." Saying that, he throws the pack of havanas through the window. One more time, everybody is quite impressed. At this time, the American just stands up, opens the window, and throws the lawyer through it.

Niall
April 22, 2005

Hey check this out, classic: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/tm_objectid=15430266%26method=full%26siteid=94762%26headline=exclusive%2d%2d58%2d%2dmoyes%2dstands%2dup%2dto%2dfergie-name_page.html

Steve Martin
April 22, 2005

Everytime a player , manager, club do something wrong, the powers that be let us know what range of sanctions they have to deal with the matter should the player , manager, club be charged... However it seems that only Arsenal can ever get any where near the maximum charge set out... It seems to me that somewhere in the FA filing cabinets is a docment that shows thses rules and pounishments, the document in question, charge sheets, should have the last page of maximum charges deleted, as it seems a waste of paper, they will never be used... There also happens to one charge sheet at the back of the cabinet, marked "top secret" seperate charge sheet for Arsenal Football Club...

Raisin bun gnoodle
April 22, 2005

EEG, what you miss and Chocolate (allow me to bow ..) so sagaciously grasps is a follows. Ahem. Such is Gilberto's mesmeric quality that the mere ANTICIPATION of his return was sufficient to stabilise our defence. The same mesmeric quality underlay our "streak" regardless of the invisibility or otherwise of the great one. Without Gilberto we are naked, and therefore cannot do a streak. QED. I can't see how one can argue that Senderos had anything to do with that. Any other argument is mere piffle and fails to grasp, that without synthesis, your theses and antitheses are entirely decaffeinated. Chocolate (may I lick your toe?) Gooner 2 East End Grumpy 0.

Steve Martin
April 22, 2005

Niall, your right I do... Daz, keep up the good work, fun is my middle name... Take nothing too seriously... Any way lads, taking the kids away for the weekend today, back in time for Spuds on Monday... Have a good weekend all, Th14 out for the next three games, if he wants to break IWWW's records this season, you have to feel sorry for Everton, Birmingham and Man Utd...

Cannon Balls
April 22, 2005

The 'leaked'report which is being reported in the media alleging that the Premier League are considering deducting Chelsea 3 points at the start of next season, if true, is about par for the course with the Premiership officials. This sanction is purely a cosmetic exercise to appease the public demand for action against Kenyon and the other Chav bully-boys trying to ride roughshod over everyone in football by throwing around Abramovichs millions. Any points deducted should be from this seasons campaign to have any effect. When we and United had points deducted back in the '90s after the first' hand-bags' at OT they were deducted immediately not in the following season. Mike Riley handed Mourinho 6 points with his dodgy decisions this season so it would seem that they are going to be allowed to keep all of them. A 'Mickey Mouse Double' for Chelsea with the league title win being devalued by the off-field activities of Kenyon and Mourinho is how this season will be remembered; at least when we had points deducted they were for on field ones and we still won the title by 7 clear points.

Daz
April 22, 2005

E*Gs, Harlow, Gilberto was playing like a right E*G half the time. If anybody was invisible it was his teammates 'cos he sure as hell couldn't find them with a pass. People don't start getting on a players back just because he's Brazilian (whatever your mentalist buddy thinks). He was playing badly, he has started improving. As you like to say -- simple really.

Daz
April 22, 2005

Not quite sure how you work that out as fence sitting, chocolate. As I understood it Niall advanced the argument that a) Gilberto was playing poorly but not as much as was said and it paid to have faith. 2) Gilberto's return has helped because he has improved and he is also making Vieira play better. 3) Prior to that, our defence was getting better anyway because of Senderos. Not too controversial and unusally cogent for Niall. Now let's examine YOUR case. 1) Sol's injury helped us a great deal as it left us at the mercy of a central defence made of one of the six top five defenders and an out of form Kolo 2) Gilberto's enormous talent was spotted by you and Wenger and Il Trap but not by the fickle fans who sometimes fill you with despair. 3) Sheesh. Nary the cream-faced loon say I...oh scapegoat... I chocolate gooner shall defend you from fickleness, you have to laugh...that's the way of these culturally unsophisticated types... although Steve M is tremendous fun and what pray tell, yes folks, blah blah blah, continue spraying guff and threatening to go to sleep\work for the next few hours...

Niall
April 22, 2005

I don't see any fence sitting there at all young Choccy and I certainly don't see any magesterial tone in my post - although I have always liked to sit in judgement of your guff filled nonsense as you well know. We do need someone to spot the misrepresenting and bending of the truth that goes on in your little tete a tetes with other posters and as I am your personal Buddah Chocolate, think of it as me trying to help my young disciple spot the errors of his ways. On this latest garbage I sentence you to12 Hail Mary's on your Gilberto nonsense, with a week at Lough Derg required for the appalling Cygan sins. Harsh but fair I reckon. Always have been too smart for you Chocolate I'm afraid. Harlow, sure you big up everyone in an Arsenal shirt you big gallah!!

Graudian
April 22, 2005

Paul Kelso Thursday April 21, 2005 The Guardian Kenyon reiterated his five-year plan for Chelsea, which he hopes will see the business self-sufficient by 2009. He said the club would focus on "brand building" in four key markets - "London, Russia, where we feel we have a competitive advantage, China - not Asia - and north America". His focus on London indicates Chelsea will seek to challenge Arsenal's success both on and off the field. He declined to say whether Ashley Cole would form part of the merchandise drive.

North Bank Mural
April 22, 2005

Re Senderos and Campbell; Sol may not be the player he was, I think that remains to be seen as he has never been fully fit this season. He is vastly experienced up to international level though so let's see him alongside Senderos helping develop his massive potential. Use Toure as a spare defender as he can play full back or centre. wouldn't like to see Senderos overplayed and possibly burnt out. DB10's form has dipped a little but that certainly doesn't mean the end, give him another season. Also like Campbell he can be a great influence on the youngsters.

Steve Martin
April 22, 2005

Niall I have to say, I think I was the BIGGEST Gilberto supporter on here, whatever you and Choc think of Gilberto, only echo's what I was saying all along... Thank you!!!!

Steve Martin
April 22, 2005

I too was/am a Gilberto supporter as I could see the job he was doing, makes you wonder how many matches we have actually lost with him in the side... However, I do feel the need to carp, as so many had an alternative view of him... What those people are saying is they can slag him off as much as they like, have a go at thsoe who supported him, yet when he proves his worth, they can just say, Oh! he is a good player, yet those who supported him and wish to remind people of this, are then being told, not to say anything, hypocritical I think... But then that happens a lot about a lot of subjects... I countered the argument from those who said he was rubbish, but I did not try to stop them having their say... The forum is there to put your thoughts on Arsenal into words for others to read, if they don't agree , then accept that, or reply with your reasoned thoughts as to why you think you maybe right on the subject... Simple really...

chocolate gooner
April 22, 2005

Niall… any time you need help removing the innumerable splinters you must have lodged in your Buddha-like posterior from all that fence sitting… let me know. I must say that handing you knobs that control the forum thingy has gone straight to your head. You’re still Niall… even if you can now delete a few posts. You’re still no smarter than you were… so drop the magisterial tone. No one buys it. Me really gone. Cheers.

Niall
April 22, 2005

I was also a Gilberto supporter but don't need to shout about it every time he plays a good game. I've read Chocolates' latest postings and they are complete nonsense I'm afraid. I agree that Gilberto has improved our defence but the most notable change regarding Gilberto's reappearance in the side is the freedom he gives to Patrick Vieira to get forward into more dangerous positions. In this case I think that Chocolate and I were correct last year about Gilberto's importance to the team as he gives us the necessary defensive stability for the team to attack. However, EEG is absolutely right to say that the most single important factor in our defensive improvement has been the introduction of Senderos who it is a no brainer to say is going to be a fantastic defender for us. His performance at home to Bayern Munich singled the young lad out as a potential great and he embellished this a few days later by going to Paris with the Swiss side and helping them keep a clean sheet. That Chocolate even mentions Cygan is frankly just absolute rubbish and was "scroll material" as my page up button went into overdrive. I have to say that this makes me suspect that Chocolate's opinion on Gilberto is more driven by the fact that he likes to be seen as the arch "defender of the scapegoat", rather than any real football opinion. When the Gilberto debate was going on, it was, and I said it at the time, a fair point to make that Gilberto was playing quite poorly. He was and as Chocolate points out, Wenger is a huge fan of his and did feel it necessary to bring in Edu and move Gilberto. These debates are all well and good but frankly Chocolate's posts are all about misplaced opinion and EEG's are based more in fact although I think he would acknowledge that he went overboard on his criticism of Gilberto at the time.

Mee
April 22, 2005

Bernard: I had always assumed Denis had a fear of flying, I didn’t realise that it was solely a question about the price of air fares!

Hedges
April 22, 2005

OMOH - explain how you feel senderos / toure should be our no.1 choice Cb pairing. if you are saying this because of age then possibly, but if you are sayignt his because of talent or this is our best possible combo then i dont know how u can come tot his conclusion. Sol is our best CB and deservedly our no.1 choice. Along with Rio he is no.1 chocie Cb for England, ahead of Terry and should be IMO. He is strong, consistent and has a great abiltiy to forward think in our game. For a long time now Arsenal's success should be placed largely on the trio Henry, Vieria and Sol. They all remained uninjured during our streak, a large reason we were so successful. Toure may have more speed, but he has always looked suspect without Sol next to him leading the way, until recently with Senderos taking control but even still.. Sol is our no.1! I still however am worried about his age and wonder how long he still has at the top, esp after next years world cup..

Daz
April 22, 2005

And furthermore, chocolate, your little lectures on the fickle ways of fans where most of the so-called fickleness is a straw man set up by you so that you can heroically demolish it (assuming of course that you wrote any of it in the first place) would stick in the craw less if there was any evidence that you'd been anywhere near the ground of the team you claim to support or followed the team in any singificant manner. Then again you did get it right on Jeffers so what's a few away games.

Cannon Balls
April 22, 2005

James Lawton in todays Independent ruminates upon the demise of his hero Sir Alex Ferguson,albeit rather tentatively and he asks more questions of the reader and Ferguson himself than suggesting any answers. It is noticable to anyone who is familiar with Lawtons anti-Arsenal diatribes the marked difference in the tone adopted when offering or rather hinting at criticism of 'Sir Alex' than the one he uses when launching his vitrolic attacks on Arsene Wenger the 'Frenchman'. This somewhat servile article actually is a response by Lawton to the ambigious statement made by United Director Bobby Charlton yesterday that Ferguson would never be sacked,this then followed by the usual nonsense about him being the greatest manager ever in the history of the English game,etc. This statement was contridictory to the one that Managing Director David Gill made in a radio interview a couple of weeks ago when he stated that Ferguson was sackable. However there was a sting in the tail of Charltons one that 'they' would leave it up to Ferguson himself if he decided that it was time to depart OT. So not really total unqualified support from the United Board in that. Lawton in his article suggests the same scenario even hinting that his hero is losing the plot and that Roy Keane is well past his best and that the younger players like the 'wunderkind' Ronaldo and Rooney the greatest talent in these islands since George Best,his words not mine, have no respect for Keanes histrionics and verbal abuse on the field of play. Nor off of it either it would appear. Though Lawton does not suggest it the same probably applies to Fergusons rants also. Lawton mentions the 'pizzagate' affair and Wengers anger over the 'alleged' diving the way that Lawton contrives to put it leaving the reader with a doubt about Roooney having dived!. Only Lawton could come up with that. He finaly comes to offering advice to Sir Alex on his future at United and concludes that if he fails to beat Arsenal in the Cup Final then perhaps he should then consider retiring. So it looks like the pressure is now on Ferguson to win the FA Cup to save his job. Which is ironic really because prior to his run of success that was the same scenario that he faced then when Martin Edwards the clubs owner was ready to fire him. He won the Cup however and has they say the rest is history,there could though be a different outcome this time around...

Cannon Balls
April 22, 2005

Daz
April 22, 2005

"MOST THINGS WORTH HAVING TAKE TIME AND EFFORT and I, for my part, am prepared to be patient..." So much so that you took the time, effort and patience to cut-and-paste a large slab of text on this forum and pass it off as your own rather than read the work you were claiming to be an expert on eh, chocolate, you pompous little charlatan.

old man of hoy
April 22, 2005

London is wonderfully sunny today and unlike Chocolate i am off work. Having been privileged to watch the whole of his career at Arsenal, I now see Dennis as a mature expert of his craft, who can still deliver the goods, but maybe not week -in-week-out. However that is no reason to let him go. When you look around the Premiership it has precious few thoroughbreds. Dennis is one and surely worth one more season? I know this is naive, but i think the club owe it to the fans to keep him on as a sort of farewell to Highbury gift. Age may be slightly withering him, but not yet dimming his infinite variety. American - i had to smile at your comment about Bergy's kids being cockneys - not a chance my friend - i suspect the only time Dennis has been within the sound of Bow bells is when we played West Ham or if he and Mrs Bergy visited Canary Wharf. Their precious ones are being safely raised in the expensive north London suburbs far away from what the great Jack London called The People of the Abyss. Fred i have not seen Sideways the film but have just finished the book. Rex Pickett has created a very dry novel which i recommend. Hedges - Senderos and Toure before Campbell for me. And for those who claim Le Boss is too conservative remember it is he who has kept faith with our young Swiss hero. The prospect of Trezeguet does not fill me with enthusiasm - I hope we persist with Jose. Rivkah, a teacher, reminded her class of the following day’s final exam. "Now class, I won't tolerate any excuses for your not being here tomorrow. I’ll only consider a nuclear attack or a serious personal injury or a death in your immediate family, but nothing else, no other excuses whatsoever." A smart-arse sitting at the back of the class raised his hand and asked, "What would you say, teacher, if tomorrow I said I couldn’t come in because I was suffering from complete and utter sexual exhaustion?" The entire class did its best to stifle their laughter. When silence was restored, Rivkah smiled sympathetically at the student, shook her head, and replied, "Well, I guess I’d say you'd have to write the exam with your other hand."

chocolate gooner
April 22, 2005

I have to agree with Dormouse once again… it will be interesting to see a Senderos/ Sol partnership in action. And it is far from certain that it will be our best CB partnership. In their favour is the fact that they are both very able CB’s. On the minus side is what might be a question of authority. Senderos in my opinion is a better reader of the game and a much better organiser, even at just 19. Sol, on the other hand, is quite clearly the senior player not only in age but also in playing experience… so he might well want to be the leader and organiser of the defence. that could turn out to be problematic. If they can sort out their individual roles and cooperate… we’ll be laughing. If not… who knows. Cheers all and good-bye for now.

chocolate gooner
April 22, 2005

My last contribution for a while as work is piling up. I have to say that some fans make me laugh. One minute Wenger is daft for not taking Bergy to Munich, the next minute Bergy is a busted flush. Bergy is now in the twilight of his career and it shows… the only question really is this: when will his contribution to the team become more negative than positive? I don’t know the answer meself but I doubt if anyone else on here has the answer either. The guy, even now, still offers us a dimension that no one else at the club does… and if he leaves that dimension will leave with him and we will have to find a new way of coping because there isn’t another player quite like Bergkamp out there (Van Persie has different strengths). Some may say that the better we learn to cope without Bergkamp’s vision and intelligence the sooner we will get used to life without him and yet others will have an equally valid point in saying that we should get as much out of him as we possibly can because his is such a rare talent… it will be the managers decision and rather him than me, I say. Some of us are now questioning Wenger’s judgement on Van Persie as well as Aliadiere? Excuse me but wasn’t it the majority opinion on this forum that Van Persie wasn’t quite the real deal after his silly sending off against Southampton? Are we talking about the same Van Persie that had loads of abuse hurled at him on this very forum? Now he is the saviour that the manager won’t play. Talk about fickle. Aliadiere has endured a horrendous run of injuries and bad luck… and the manager is quite rightly taking his time in letting him make his come back to the full squad…and it’s not as if he is afraid of playing him in the first team given that he started him away at Anfield, of all places, last season. My point is this; there is neither rhyme nor reason to what us fans demand. We want instant gratification… trophy’s and medals by the truck load. We want more youth… and more big-name signings as well. We want more English players although they are mostly over rated and cost too much, but we also want a stadium that is costing a veritable mint and requires good management of our resources. We moan about the manager’s tactics despite the fact that this season, in the premiership at least, we have performed as well as at any time in the history of the premiership apart from last season. That is a fact. All that has happened is that Chelsea have raised the bar… and it took them not only 200m GBP, but also a quite horrendous set of injuries on our part, for them wrest our title away. MOST THINGS WORTH HAVING TAKE TIME AND EFFORT and I, for my part, am prepared to be patient and have faith in what is probably our best ever manager. Fans moan because that is what fans do and to be honest there isn’t very much wrong with it.. But one will have to be pretty daft not to see the good, and in some cases, amazing things that are happening at our club at the moment. Chelsea may well spend another obscene amount of money in the summer but with the talent we’ve got coming through … I, for one, have a firm belief in our future. If only we can sort out our constant, and frankly increasingly irritating, misadventures in Europe… this era would almost be heaven for an Arsenal fan. Cheers all

Hedges
April 22, 2005

How many more years do we think Sol will be playing at his peak for? Senderos and Sol is mouth watering but might only be for 2 years...

roland
April 22, 2005

yeehaaa

AmericanGooner
April 22, 2005

We got the 'lucky' north end for the cup final!

Fred
April 22, 2005

David Trezeguet & Thierry Henry at Arsenal. Yes please!! as for Reyes he gone!

Bernard
April 22, 2005

Chippys, this is Bergkamp's tenth season, so if he has a testimonial it will be in a month or so. Hill-Wood has said the club has offered one to him, but there's been no indication he wants one. I don't know the ins and outs of that decision (if that is his decision), but I would guess it has something to do with his tax burden (Nico may have more idea on this). For him to play a competitive game at the new stadium is, I'd suggest, so unlikely it's as close as damn it to being impossible. He's 36 before this season finishes and I don't think he'll choose to play when he's well past his 37th birthday, and I doubt Wenger will want him to choose that, considering he's gone miles past his best already. For him to play in Vieira's testimonial is a possibility though, Vieira stays and chooses to have one. Mee, with all those things you wanted to award Bergkamp, why was free air travel not one of them?

Dormouse
April 22, 2005

You might be right about Eboue, though he would spend more time up the field than Lauren. He would get back quicker too, though. Don't really see gilberto being in a position to cover for Lauren.

AmericanGooner
April 22, 2005

Dormouse, I think if Eboue gets a chance we won't have to worry about covering for Lauren ;-) Also, Silva acts as sweeper and would drift to whatever side is undermanned.

Dormouse
April 22, 2005

I think what I'm saying Wirral is that our attack is only really a team when enough of our players are on form. When they're not we are disjointed. Remember Beckham & RVN (or Cole/Yorke) & Scholes or Keane coming through from MF & Giggs dribbling in from the left? That was a reliable system that other players could fit around, bossed by Keane; if they were all off form it was ineffective, but any player who had some form knew clearly what they had to do and what they other players would be doing. Not in our class when we are on form, though.

Dormouse
April 22, 2005

I think Senderos is better than Toure but there must be a little doubt about the effectiveness of a Senderos/Campbell partnership at least until it has proved itself. Positional judgetment should allow them to cover for Cole's mistakes, but I'm not so sure about covering for Lauren. Toure's speed can help there.

AmericanGooner
April 22, 2005

The huge potential of a possible Campbell/Senderos partnership are two center backs that are not only have big frames, but are physical and can read the game well. We haven't had that kind of understanding since Adams/Bould and Adams/Keown. I like Kolo but I not sure if he can replace the constantly improving Senderos. Pace, athleticism and an ability to go forward are the only things I can see that Kolo has that Senderos does not.

Wirral Gooner
April 22, 2005

Dormouse, are you tacitly suggesting that at time our forwards do not appear to play like they are part of a team and that they can seem to be a bunch of very talentef individuals who can gel more by accident than design? This thought has occured to me on more than one occasion as yet again we try to craft the perfect goal.

Dormouse
April 22, 2005

American - I don't think that JAR is our most expensive player (not yet anyway).

Dormouse
April 22, 2005

Wirral - the pivot I was referring to was someone who was fairly central & reliable. That could be a line leading CF. At one point, it was Vieira (with Petit) rather than a forward, but he is not so reliable now. We've found Senderos for the back & I think it would help if we had someone able to fulfil the same team related effect further up the field. One of the problems is that all of our offensive players , including the MF ones, have been tending to flit in and out of form & none of them have been really orchestrating the others.

Wirral Gooner
April 22, 2005

Agreed about DB10 and AG. We all have our fave players,Brady and Adams are mine. Recognition that a players time is up is a tool of management and I am starting to think this with DB10.

AmericanGooner
April 22, 2005

It has to be Reyes mental toughness. Its not like he hasn't proven he can score, a year ago this time he was doing it last spring and September past, so its not like he has never produced. My main worry is if he comes through this and I think he can (wishful thinking perhaps) will he have similar future extended episodes like this? I would tend to think its a one off. He's young, first time from home new league. Nothing like a bagful of goals to get you settled. A year or two under his belt, and a year or two older and I'm hoping he will deal better with any kicking and any dry spells. I think it has to be this spring though. If he goes into the summer with the same malaise, we may not see him back. I think Wenger plays him partly because he has to justify his transfer fee. Its admitting defeat early on, especially after being a player we tracked so closely for so long and paid our highest fee ever. If he leaves now and becomes a world class player at Real Madrid, Wenger (and all of us) would be kicking ourselves for not giving him a bit more time.

Chippys Chisler
April 22, 2005

I think we would all love to see DB10 at AG but it aint going to happen unless its for the PV4 testimonial. I would love to be wrong as he is my alltime favourite player.

Dormouse
April 22, 2005

I'd like to see DB have a game or two at AG as I think it was really him that started the progress that brought it about. I'm not saying that I'd want him to have a lot of games, unless his form returns, but I would like to see him at AG.

Wirral Gooner
April 22, 2005

Dormouse, how to accomodate a pivot (for JAR), TH14,JAR, and the hardworking midfield, including Pires and Ljunberg as well as 2 CM holders in the same team.we might also ask what about someone to lead the line and get in the box.

AmericanGooner
April 22, 2005

DB10, has made it fairly clear that its not Arsenal he'll retire for good. No coaching or moves to another club. Allardyce was very willing to offer him a contract but he is very settled in London. His kids are culturally British...dare I say it..'cockneys' and he likes life in London. I've read that he doesn't plan on moving back to the Netherlands but things can change. **** Agreed RvP should have been on earlier, I think he would have made things very difficult for Carvalho and Terry.

Chippys Chisler
April 22, 2005

DB10 has been imo the most complete Arsenal player I have seen in my 30 years supporting them. But I think he might be just gone past it. In the last few years he has needed a run of games to be at his best. Due to injury he is not getting that now. We should remember though that he played most of the Saturday game as well so maybe he needs better handling. But doing that reduces his sharpness. Also he cannot be a regular as we need our top 3-4 strikers available for all games not just ones within driving range. Is this his testimonial year? I think it might be next year. So if he gets another year his testimonial will be the last game at Highbury.

Dormouse
April 22, 2005

Possibly one of the issues we have with our attack is the lack of someone with the "Senderos effect". TH is the ultimate in greatness & all our other players can score frequently when they are in form (except for DB setting goals up) & our style is sublime when it's working well. Usually we have at least one or two in reasonable form & will score. However all our offensive players have periods when they are not on form, even to the extent of seeming disinterested, and there is no-one who can be relied upon to be doing the same thing week in and week out & that other players can organise themselves around. DB is an infinitely better player than Sheringam, but Sheringham is much more reliable. A lot of teams have a CF do this, some have the hole player do it & occasionally a MF is forward enough to do it. I suspect JAR would be better if there were someone orchestrating him & giving him something to pivot around

Wirral Gooner
April 22, 2005

Is he just another Helder, Charlie Nicholas, Marinello or even Bryn Jones whose career was cut short by ww2 but was purchased as a replacement for Alex James? In short is he a waste of money who we shoulkd offload asap.

Wirral Gooner
April 22, 2005

Point well made Mee. If JAR is finished at AFC, is it because he is not good enough, homesick, not suited to prem or just a show pony with no work ethic?

Mee
April 22, 2005

Wirral: Reyes got into wide positions last night but was totally ineffective. His moments of skill come when he is in non-threatening areas of the pitch with the opposition standing off him. He then goes through his flashy but ultimately wasteful “sole of the boot’ routine, before falling down and giving that look of incredulity and surprise to the referee. He has been given ample opportunity to make a name for himself, but it looks increasingly likely that he will be remembered only for tat sublime strike against Chelsea in last years FAC.

Wirral Gooner
April 22, 2005

Mee, as much as I think that DB10 is the DB's of all footballers I am beginning to wonder if this should be his final year. His contributions are becoming few and far between. Allied to this is his problem with away games in the CL and a marked rise in petulant behaviour when targeted by a man marker. He is great and I love him but..................

Mee
April 22, 2005

American: If Denis is not offered a 1 year contract, I expect him to return to Ajax, who have been making overtures in his direction. I certainly don’t think he’ll be offered any sort of coaching position at Highbury, although I think he should be given a seat on the board, the freedom of the City of London, a knighthood and free rail travel for life.

Wirral Gooner
April 22, 2005

Clearly RVP is more suited to the hurly burly of the prem than is JAR. But JAR is a very skilfull wide player and I feel he is out of position trying to lead the line. if my memory serves he has always done best out wide or coming on later in the game.We still lack an old fashioned striker but i am not sure if we can fit one in to the system that AW seems to stick to.

Cannon Balls
April 22, 2005

Bored,i agree since Senderos came in we have improved defense wiseand are now betting the Chavs and Manure!. And Senderos looks a natural in the CB position and even looney Jens has performed better,only letting in one goal. since i can't remember when.In fact it's so self evident that there is nothing to debate. We now have the scenario of having three CB's, Sol now on the bench, instead of two, with the bald-headed Eagle making up the numbers. What is puzzling me is though, why when obviously AW realizes the impact that Senderos is producing that he persists with Reyes instead of RVP. Don Howe was on SKY this afternoon and he could not believe that RVP was not put out against the Chavs after his demolition job on the Blackburn defence(TWICE) which over the last 9 EPL games has kept more clean sheets than Chelseas.

AmericanGooner
April 22, 2005

I think the decision will be Toure` or Senderos. A fit Sol will start. The rest of the season will be very interesting. The center back pairing in the cup final may be what we see in September. Its a tough decision but a quandry I welcome. I'd rather choose from 3 (or 4 if you count Cygan and he has to be 4th choice now) good CBs than worrying whenever Sol isn't fit. I think a decision will be made about RB at some point next season as well. Lauren has been playing better, however I expect Eboue and Hoyte to challenge. If Lauren sustains a long term injury I am not sure he'll get his position back. As for Bergy, I'd give him another year but I'd either have him on the bench or pull him out much much earlier. There are some games he's better suited than others. I would like us to offer him the same type of one year contract Shearer has----player/coach. When he retires I'd still love to have him on the training pitch. I really hope he considers a job as a striker coach. I wish Keown would have stayed on as a back line coach as well.

Romford Gooner
April 22, 2005

Can't be arsed to read through the all the posts so here goes: I thought we deserved a draw and no more as both sides had a few chances though we were the dogs nuts for the 1st 20 mins. Senderos should have got MOM as yet again Sky show their ability to wind everybody up by picking the most controversial choice to boost their publicity machine. I'm very loathe to praise Senderos to highly as I seem to recall feeling the same way about a certain centre half this time last year who has been marginally better than Cygan this season. I hope Senderos contiues to improve but I'll wait and see before shouting from the roof tops. The only annoying aspect of last night were Wengers substitutions which were pony. They were too late and the wrong players were taken off, did anyone see Reyes do anything of note at all?? I know he will be a good player but I would still swap him for Owen if the chance arose. If not then Wenger has a massive job on his hands to coax him out of inertia.

Wirral Gooner
April 22, 2005

so nice to hear from chocolate after all this time. i have so missed his postings. However i feel I have to take a third way on the Sol situation. he has had a poor season, because of injuries probably, but even at his best i do not see him as an organising, talking and leading type of CB.He is at is best with a TA type leader alongside him, not as the leader!. Earlier today I read some posts that seemed to reignite the "fox in the box" debate. that is we need a straight goalscorer to complement TH14's attributes. I am not sure if our team structure can accomodate this.it would mean the loss of a DB10 type of dropping off link man. one that I think is crucial to our style of play. In a 442 pattern how would you accomodate a fox, Th14 and a DB10 type of player as well as 2 covering CM types and width from two wide men?

chocolate gooner
April 22, 2005

Dormouse… I agree with you. I personally think that what Senderos has is the aura of a real Leader allied to genuine ability. And it is his leadership qualities, which have made the difference. I also feel that Wenger realises that he has a big decision to make as far as our CB’s go because I think he now realises that Senderos has to play. Why else would he leave Sol out of the side when he could quite clearly have played him? It will be interesting to see how Wenger handles this situation. Cheers. Goodnight.

Daz
April 22, 2005

Oh and in case you missed it there's the creepy arse-kissing I was talking about. The venerable Steve M???!!!??? You're such a ridiculous little snob, chocolate - from the leafy suburbs of New England to Ferugson's lack of "cultural sophistcation" (ie he's British and working class) and then you come out with that patronising E*Gs. You're a complete and utter E*G and - here's the bad news for those who are bored of this battle - I'll NEVER stop coming after you.

Mee
April 22, 2005

Are DB10’s recent performances confirmation that time is finally beginning to erode those peerless skills? Or is this merely a temporary loss of form? When you consider the marvellous performances before his sending off against SU, I am inclined to the latter. The emergence of RVP and the brace of goals in the semi-final seemed like a seminal moment as Bergy headed for the bench, is the young pretender picking up the baton, or is the master re-charging his batteries?

Daz
April 22, 2005

Well I've heard it all now. Sol's injury has improved our season. We are ending a period of post-muppetism. It's beyond irony. But chocolate - is it because he is English?

chocolate gooner
April 22, 2005

Excuse me but Sheffield United’s attack is more portent than Chelsea’s? Is Norwich’s attack more portent than Chelsea’s, or is Bolton’s? or may be you reckon a flaccid Portsmouth have a more Portent attack? Senderos is very, very good but the truth is that most of the games he’s played are one we’d expect to win. The most serious test we’ve faced since he came into the side was last night… and we as a team passed that test and the most significant element, for me, in the passing of that test was Gilberto. He helped Vieira play well… in much the same that his game helped Cesc play well before he was injured… he protected the defence and helped the attack… he broke up play… he did the simple things well. In short he did all the Gilberto-like things that he’s always done and that you have always derided. And he hasn’t even played half a dozen games yet. The fact is simply this… the guy is a crucial cog in the Arsenal machine and we missed him badly when he was injured… some of us including the venerable Steve M pointed out the fact that he was important to us as a team and you missed it... banging on about how he was "pony" and how Wenger only played him because of his conservatism... whatever that means. Since you're such a football expert how come this guy's value to the team passed you by. May be you’ll care to tell me? Cheers and goodnight.

Dormouse
April 22, 2005

At their current stages of development, and with both in form Canpbell is a better individual player than Senderos. However, he has less effect on the team around him. If we had a reliable top GK, another top CB & Gilberto in the team, I'd pick Campbell ahead of Senderos. However, if we have Lehmann & Toure/Cygan & don't have Gilberto, I would chose Senderos ahead of Campbell. Has anyone added up how many games Senderos has played in the first team this year & how many goals we have let in during those games?

chocolate gooner
April 22, 2005

Nonsense. We’ve played badly with Sol/ Toure, Sol/ Cygan, Cygan/ Toure. And some of our most shambolic defensive performances have been with the Sol/ Toure Combo. Against Panathinakos for one. One of the best defensive performances I’d seen this season from us was Cygan/ Senderos away at City in the worthless and Cygan was very much the senior partner that night. So your theory is pants. The only point is the claim you made that it was Senderos’ heading ability alone which has improved our defending… that is nonsense too because the person who is the weakest header of the ball amongst our CB’s is Kolo and he is still playing and his heading ability is still as dodgy as ever but we are no longer defending like lemmings because Sol.. whose form has been quite poor this season but whom some of the members of this forum consider beyond criticism, has been out of the side… and weirdly he has also been remarkably blameless. And what ever Sol’s weaknesses may be … heading the ball ain’t one of them. Even in the area of leadership and organisation he has had a disappointing season. I’m not saying that the guy is all washed up but that he hasn’t played well this season. You on the other hand have been dancing on the head of a pin trying to wriggle out of saying what is the obvious conclusion to draw from your initial post… and that is to say that Sol’s very poor form, when he has played, has cost us this season. And his injury may have unwittingly improved our season. Cheers.

Daz
April 22, 2005

I'm assuming that's a rhetorical question, EEG, because you never get through to chocolate. He's like Agadoo with a scratch in it playing over and over and over. The shrill and strident opinons, the twisting of facts, the misrepresentation of things you say which he then proceeds to 'demolish' with the glee of a snot-eating kid, the grotesque turn of phrase like "nary a card", the pious bleating of false sentiment coupled with a terrible arse-licking capacity when required, throwing in the names of foreign managers for no other reason than to look knowlegable about world football. (Yeah, chocolate, you know a lot about Il Trap but you never go to a home game.) People wonder why I find him so repellent - are you not reading the guff-cloud he emits? And on top of all of that, it turns out that a big chunk of his opinions are googled and then cut-and-pasted onto this forum and passed off as his own thoughts (sorry, that should be lecture). And he is utterly shameless. Caught out time and time again (three Arsenal defenders are ahead of Cygan but he is still sixth in the top five CBs?) most people would laugh and hold their hands up but not chocolate. Surely though, there's something good to say about him? Oh yeah, he was right about Jeffers. So that's OK then.

Timmy Martensson
timmy.martensson@otn.nu
April 22, 2005

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AmericanGooner
April 22, 2005

One last thing about Chelsea. Chelsea have bought consistency and European form but they haven't bought class and our game against them and similar performances by us shows that our team is priceless. We're still the best team in London. In a one off, both sides at full strength, I'll fancy our chances far more than theirs. The one thing that Chelsea doesn't have yet, is the fear factor. They are respected but not feared. When we are on song, we're feared. Everyone knows than can take points off Man Yoo and to be fair, even us if they know we're in a dip of confidence or form, but when we're on form, its fear. Chelsea gets respect but I think most sides don't fear them like they do us or the Man Yoo of a few years ago. It takes more than one good season to get that kind of fear. We've seen sides give up before the first kick against us and we've seen them do that v. Man Yoo, I can't really say I've seen that with Chelsea this year.

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

This debate started because you questioned my response to Harlow that using the last three games as evidence of Gilberto's irreplaceable value was disingenuous considering we had already (for twice as many games against some teams who actually have an attack) cirrected many of the problems that we had. I said Senderos' introduction was a bigger influence on our defensive solidity than the recall of Gilberto and you started inventing nonsense to question that. You are talking nonsense and chasing your own tail now. And to suggest you had to remind me of the passing ability of Bergkamp is a straight ****ing lie. I said Edu was ONE of the best passers I had seen in Europe. i satnd by that. Agains a failing in Chocolate logic didn't allow you to see that at the same time he might still not be better than possibly the very best passer in Europe who plays at our club. But then you are thick. Your failings have never surprised.

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

I sometimes think you are being deliberately stupid. And then I remember...Sol has not been fit (I have NEVER argued that was not a contributory factor and I was the one who told you would be a problem). But what happened originally is that Cygan replaced Sol when he was unfit. the Cygan/Toure partnership is rubbish and that is what you questioned totally against the facts and the games you introduced dont change the general facts. Look at goals per game of the partnerships for a start. Sol's unavailability as a problem is a given. The big difference as Bored suggested is that with Senderos covering we are MUCH better off than with Cygan doing so. I would still choose a fully fit Sol over Senderos at the moment. Does that finally get it through???

chocolate gooner
April 22, 2005

But EEG… Senderos replaced Sol when Sol was unfit… yes? And our defensive solidity improved.. Yes? And Kolo and Senderos have been responsible for that IMPROVEMENT… yes? So the defensive frailty must have something to do with Sol’s presence… No? it’s very easy for some… but obviously not for you. Cheers.

Bored
April 22, 2005

Seems like a crazy debate to me. Anyone who has watched Arsenal regularly this season will know that the inclusion of Senderos in central defence has made a big difference. His first few games we were very solid (not spectacular) and since then his performances have been great. Unlike Cygan (or even Toure during his wobbly spell) Senderos plays with a lot of confidence and never looks like he's going to make a mistake, unlike old 50p head who even when he's having a decent game you still expect him to make a horrendous error. I think the confidence that Senderos brings has helped the team.

chocolate gooner
April 22, 2005

EEG … you asked me who the best passer at the club was when I questioned your quite insane claim that Edu was on of the best passers in Europe! memory? Who needs one? If you remembered Bergkamp why did you ask the question? Your claims about Cesc were totally OTT. You even said that our best MF pairing was Cesc/ Vieira. what say you now? Cheers.

chocolate gooner
April 22, 2005

What about Panathinakos home and away?… what about United at home? What about all those matches where we were conceding idiotic free kicks from set pieces with Kolo and Sol in tandem. So Sol’s form hasn’t been good because he hasn’t played continuously… you don’t say. I thought it was all Kolo’s fault because he couldn’t head the ball. Kolo is still there… this time partnered by a 19y/o in his first season and we are suddenly playing better. Cygan has played well enough this season. He’s behind Senderos, Kolo and Sol in the pecking order but his contribution both this season and last have been note worthy. And I’d rather see him play with Kolo than with Sol. And he cost a mere 1.3m GBP and is on relative peanuts for wages. Sol on the other hand… Cheers.

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

By the way, does that now make Cygan the seventh best top five defender in the country? As for Cesc, my claims weren't wild. I never said he was the best defensive midfielder for that he isn't. I recognised the qualities that have seen most commentators say it laughable that he isn't up for young player of the year while you were still banaging on about Gilberto and once again missing something real and exciting happening before your (or other peoples at least) eyes. By the way, did I say Edu was a better passer than Bergkamp? Dont be ****ing ridiculous. Is that lie number four or five in the last twenty minutes?

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

NO! Please get the monkey Chocolate - he might get it right just once. Senderos is NOT rel;acing Sol as far as our season is concerned. Senderos is filling a gap left by an unfit and unplayed Sol and an unable Cygan. I have already said how many ****ing times Sol's inability to play a significant series of games has been a problem. The even bigger problem is that Wenger wrongly opted for the sixth best top five centre-back in the country to replace him thus introducing a partnership that all the statistics show was worse than any partnership including an unfit and out of sorts Campbell. Do you get it yet? The introuction of Senderos to cover the problem we have has been the single biggest influence in the change in our defensive fortunes. It is ****ing obvious to anyone with half a brain. I dont say he is without faults. I never have. But they are significantly less than Cygans and his good points have been the biggest factor in the change.

chocolate gooner
April 22, 2005

EEG… sorry mate. Dropped means dropped to the bench. Not dropped to the Right wing. And he moved there when Edu came on as a sub. And Given that we lost two very important matches when Gilberto was away and his return helped in no small way to stabilise us and get us back on track… maybe you can tell me what the moral of that particular tale was… give it a rest. Cheers

chocolate gooner
April 22, 2005

EEG… if Senderos is the reason why our defensive fortunes have turned around… and the guy is replacing Sol, who you claim is world class… Sol has to be the main reason for our defensive frailty? No? I have no problem accepting that Senderos has improved our game… mainly through his physical attributes as well as his intelligence and reading of the game but we looked far more solid against Chelsea that we have ever looked without Gilberto and Senderos has made Errors. And no matter how defensive Chelsea were they are miles better side than Spuds against whom we conceded 4… an event you thought signified nothing. But we’ve been here before … you made all sorts of ridiculous claims for Cesc when a more sober analysis would have told you that the defensive side of his game was suspect both because of a lack of real pace and because he lacks the nous that comes with experience. Senderos is class and for his age he is quite an outstanding prospect but Drogba turned him on a couple of occasions last night because he got too close… he will learn but to overhype the guy as is your wont to do is nonsense. He is very good, his emergence is an absolute bonus but he ain’t the finished article. But hey! Weren’t you the guy who called Edu on of the best passers in Europe… when he wasn’t even the best passer at Highbury? Plus ca change… … Cheers.

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

Er...I am a central midfielder. Its where I have played for my entire career. The manager picks another man to play central midfield and moves me onto the right hand side. As far as I can see I have been dropped from central midfield. So where was I wrong? This is getting worse for you Chocolate. Oh and he made a tackle on Bridge. **** me. Did we get out the bunting? The wild celebrations and shooting of guns in the air was definitely something I forgot. You are ridiculous.

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

Erm...I suspect even you know you are taking the piss now. Boro (H), Bolton (H), Southampton(H), Pana (H), Palace (A), Spurs (A), West Brom (H), Bayern (A). With the exception of Bolton away and United at home (when Campbell was patently unfit - all of our worst defensive performances came with a Toure/Cygan partnership. And yet you bare-faced lie in the face of the facts. As I said Campbells form has been poor mainly due to the fact he has had no sustained run of play BUT by the facts and once again I have to say the evidence of simply watching the games, the Campbell/Toure partnership has still beeen miles ahead of the Toure/Cygan one. Do you just make this **** up as you go along??? Actually no need to answer that one. Stupid is as stupid does. The unfortunate difference between you and a monkey is that by randon chance the monkey would get it right from time to time.

chocolate gooner
April 22, 2005

And EEG your memory is truly pants. You claim that Wenger dropped Gilberto for Edu… WHEN? Edu’s purple patch started when he came on against Chelsea at Stamford bridge and played quite well and even then Gilberto was moved to wide right were he made a memorable tackle on Bridge. He then left for Brazil and Edu played away at Vigo which we won 3-2 in a match were Clichy received almost zero protection from him … although Edu scored 2 brilliant goals and we then went on to loose to Chelsea in the Champion’s league at home with Edu playing as well as loosing to ManUre at Villa Park in the semi… Gilberto’s next match was at home against Liverpool and after that he was in pole position. Wenger always rated the guy even when some of our fans, especially you, didn’t. The guy is and has been a vital part of our success… it’s just that you didn’t know it. I wonder why?? Cheers

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

And to say our BEST defensive performances have come against the non-attacking Chelsea and Blackburn with Gilberto is plain stupid. Senderos performance at home to Bayern was the best performance by an Arsenal defender this season. The facts and the eys of those who watch it will tell you his introduction coincided with the change in our defensive fortune and was the key factor. Your desperation to be right makes you say it all happened much later when Gilberto came back. That is the BS. Gilberto's return hasn't hurt but the evidence doesn't support that it is the driving factor in any way shape or form. It must be so annoying o you that we started keeping clean sheets and defending set pieces properly before we put up the invisible shield. Unfortunately you cant just ignore it happened.

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

Well off base Chocolate. Your fantasies involved someone different than me this time. You NEVER told me to be patient with Senderos you muppet. Just as I NEVER questioned his pedigree and, to the contrary, was involved in discussion, with Bernard I think, to say everything about his story and everything I heard about him reeked of class. So given we have utterly nailed one lie, once again you hav to wonder if you can trust anything you say. As for Campbell - are you having problems reading? A fit Campbell is effective in the air but as I said we haven't had one for pretty much the entire season so if you are saying Senderos is an improvement on Cygan or an unfit or absent Campbell then...er...what the **** are you telling me for as that is what I am saying.

chocolate gooner
April 22, 2005

Excuse me but this stuff is priceless. So when the Kolo/ Sol partnership was struggling for most of this season was it because we had two so-called 2nd CB’s playing together? Did Sol suddenly decide to become a 2nd CB as well? And since we’ve actually looked better with Kolo/ Cygan than with Kolo/ Sol… how does that theory of yours work? EEG, I truly believe that you missed your vocation… you should have chosen comedy. Cheers.

DaveM
April 22, 2005

Are we really playing that well? We're defending well, and we're getting the results, but we don't appear to have much attacking fluency (apart from against Norwich - who were pitiful). The striker situation must be relevant to this. Apart from Birmingham on the last day of the season, every remaining game looks potentially tricky to me.

chocolate gooner
April 22, 2005

Aha! I was actually hoping to hear you claim that it was just a mere “technical” thingy. Don’t tell me about Senderos because I was the one who told YOU to be patient with him when you sought to question his pedigree… or have you forgotten?? (**ahem**..I had to ask) I haven’t sought to do down the kid’s contribution at all but as usual you have to go over the top. The guy is not the finished article and he has made errors, which, thankfully, haven’t been punished, having said that, the guy is class and he is also intelligent, and a true leader. So all I was doing was just pointing out the basic and fundamental error in your post and not doing down Senderos but you knew that any way…and let me restate your BS for you… you said that Senderos has improved our defensive performance; no one disagrees with that, and you put this improvement in our defending down to his ability to head the ball; again a fairly obvious fact. So here’s the question… since it is Sol who has been missing for the games that you mentioned… is Sol the cause of our defensive problems?? … and could you please tell me how our best defensive performances has coincided with Gilberto’s return? And our rubbish performances, when we truly struggled, coincided with his absence? Cheers EEG.

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

Darren - with the nature of the injuries he has had/continues to have, I think Campbell will not have too much longer as a significant contributor (by which I mean playing 80% or so of games). I think he is a very strong player but it wont be that long before we have to decide whether you want to go for his strengths or the consistency of Senderos. With that in mind (and subject to Djourou's development) I still think we will need another top level centre-back. I think Toure did excellently last year and it may be that this has been just a natural reaction for him but I am wondering whether he is quite the level to take us into the Champions League. He has looked better with Senderos alongside so maybe it will work.He needs a lead centre-back. Like I said ages ago, the disaster was in having both Toure and Cygan wanting to be the second centre back. Neither properly attacked the ball.

DaveM
April 22, 2005

Let's assume Henry isn't fit for the derby. Does anyone on the forum think Wenger will change the strikers?

DaveM
April 22, 2005

I actually though Chelsea stood off us a bit in the first half - perhaps they were nervous. Therefore I think Cesc and Flamini would have done fine. Our midfield were obviously working hard though, given how tired they appeared. We struggled with cut-backs (possibly mishit) last night, and it was Gilberto's job to be there on the edge of the box to mop up. I guess being outnumbered just wore our two down. Senderos has transformed Kolo back into the player he was last season. We have three top centre-halves, but combinations are important and this one is working right now. I wonder how Wenger will keep them happy. Personally I don't think this is the type of situation Wenger enjoys. Curbishley reckons Cesc won't get many opportunities next season if everyone is fit, and I can see why. He generously offered to take him on loan! Smith is talented enough to make it and WEnger does like him, but it's hard to make it at a club like Arsenal as an out and out winger - their talents always seem so fragile. Not sure about Hoyte. After what happened to Pennant (there's no doubt in my mind Wenger didn't give him a proper opprtunity this season) I wouldn't fancy Bentley's chances. Muamba and Ryan Garry are the two English players most likely to make it under Wenger, and Garry is facing serious competition.

Darren
April 22, 2005

It's quite simplistic really. Senderos is a proper defender, not a converted midfielder, striker or whatever. He has made a huge differnce to that team. He marshalls, he shouts orders, is showing a mature discipline and he won almost every ball in the air. He is going to be immense for us in years to come bar any injuries or chance meetings with Peter Kenyon. Gilberto has made a difference as well as Vieira's form will testify, but Swiss Tony has made the defence stick. Shame that he and Campbell both like to play the left left side of defence.

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

DaveM - Not sure about the midfields. I thought Fabregas and Flamini were nowhere really in the first half at highbury though remarkable in the second - though you have to wondr how much of that was perception caused by the surprise that they could hold their own. I dont think they were or are capable of the dominance that Vieira and Gilberto had last night in the early stages. And though I agree that Vieira in particular started to tire, he pulled it round and for the last fifteen/twenty apart from the late free-kick, they were virtually no threat again. Problem was niether were we and I agree completely with your comments about the forwards. I sat with a mate who often has quite different views but we both calling for Van P (and infact Aliadiere) with at least half and hour to go. Not least they would have given us an energy we were sorely lacking.

DaveM
April 22, 2005

Putting in a box striker (like Ali or VP) would improve things, but we need to change our style of play and put more balls into the box. If we do this and the players at the club can't take advantage then we should look to buy another striker. An out and out goal scorer last night would have had very little involvement. I wouldn't mind DB10 being offered another contract IF we had another manager. As it is Wenger is likely to use him come what may. Therefore I'm afraid I want him to go. It's a shame, as in some games he'd still have things to offer.

AmericanGooner
April 22, 2005

I'll join in the half full or half empty debate. If we had won the league this year or leading the leauge with the number of points we have now, the same losses, I think some of us would still be worried (This scenario also means Chelsea's lucky breaks didn't happen). Because, as Wenger has said, after going undefeated, you can't get any better than that. That said, I am a bit disspointed to be honest, but I think our problems are not long term but temporary and it seems to be getting sorted. I think what may make this year a year that we will look back as a significant one is the emergence of Fabregas. Without the injuries, his emergence may have not have happened for a few years yet. However, we may be looking at a player that will be recoginized everywhere as world class before he's able to drink beer (its 21 in the states, don't know about England..;-). Along with him, Senderos, van Persie, Flamini and Aliadiere to a lesser extent (does he seem bigger to you?). The nucleus for the next Wenger side seems better than any previous one. So, a step back perhaps in terms of our position in the final standings and the aftermath of the 2-0 Man Yoo loss made me doubt our bottle but I see us taking at least 2 or 3 steps forward regarding the future. Finally, we are learning the art of defending a goal lead. We have not been able to do that for ages. If this form continues into the next season Chelsea and Man Yoo should be very very afraid. **** Steve Martin (and Choc. G), my hand is raised, can you see it? I was one of those who picked on Gilberto. I didn't think he was crap, I just thought we could do better (same argument I made with Lauren). I also thought Edu deserved a starting position or at least to start in games where he was better suited to help us. Gilberto would do well at times. His partnership with Fabregas early on was great. But he has not always looked good and his passing, even on his best days isn't great. I value him more than I did before though. ****

AmericanGooner
April 22, 2005

Whether he finishes 4th or not, Moyes for manager of the year. Hopefully whoever votes for these things (is it the press? other managers?) will not be blinded by the golden rubles in west London. I also loved him trading words with Fergie last night after Scholes tried to remove an Everton's players balls from his privates. Anyway, no one has done more with less this season than Moyes. **** grunny, I saw your game on a tape delay here. Everton wanted it more than you guys, but I will admit you guys were unlucky not to score as you had a few chances. Its just been that type of year for you. I think Chelsea worked their mojo and stole the luck you guys seem to have in games. They even got some of ours as well. Scholes kick was worth more than a 1 game ban. He kicked out in anger. The kick was between the guys legs and almost got him in what you guys call his 'meat and 2 veg'. 3 games I say...hehehe...but I may be accuse of being a wee bit biased. As for Pires diving, I will say this, I will admit he did and I don't hold a grudge against Pompey fans who were angry about it, but everyone acts is if we wouldn't have scored if he hadn't. It occured in the 28th minute, we were in form that time and at home. I would take any Ladbrokes odds that we would have equalized in the remaining 62 minutes. Your dive was at a more crucial time in a much harder game for both sides. Apples and oranges I think. As for RB, remember the name Eboue, you'll be reading his accolades in the back pages in a little while and you'll get a feeling of deja vu saying to yourself 'where have I heard that name before?'. Remember you read it here first. **** Xav T, I'll certainly join Arsenal plus, didn't know they had clips like that. I get AW's comments by email but must admit, don't go to our official website much. I'm on my work PC and as soon as my home PC gets hooked up I'll join. **** Thanks Colorado Gooner. I like Parry. Townsend rarely has a nice thing to say about us and always seems to be trying to urge our opponents by saying what they need to do to beat us.

AmericanGooner
April 22, 2005

Terry saying they hoped to keep a clean sheet is actaully a testament to our attack. Not many clubs can withstand our attack and I am assuming we're the standard for a great defense right now. They got their clean sheet but it was down to that good luck they were enjoying all season. We had more than a few chances and should have scored at least one. However, without Henry, they can't really say they held the best we've got. **** Chelsea played not to lose. Does that mean that psychology major Mourinho himself thinks his side was fragile enough that a loss would have derailed them? He was at home and played as if it was the away match of a 2 leg cup tie. What I gather from all this is that we are the one club that Chelsea fears in the EPL. Mourinho knows we still have a mental hoodoo over them. He knows he can beat Man Yoo and any other club, we're the last hurdle. **** Todd may have been cleared, wrongfully IMO, but Hughes and but the light of day has shed on Hughes tactics. Now that is what I would also call neanderthal. **** So we lack physical strength up front? Yakubu anyone?

Tony
April 22, 2005

As a Birmingham fan, i've been very pleased with Pennent his performances have given are team a new dimension. One can see has a touch of class about him. No one can excuse his behaviour by any stretch of the immagination. But everyone makes mistakes, even media darlings such as Roy Keane, Lampard, Ferdinand, Terry and Gerrard have all been in trouble in the past. I think Arsenal did try to attempt to do there best with Pennent from what I understand he did not have good reading skills etc and Arsenal even sent him to private school. I believe the fundamental problem was Wenger reluctance to ever give him a chance. It seems from what a lot of young players who leave Arsenal there is not much direct communication with Wenger and a lot of them do know what is fully required of them. Pennent seems the sort of players that needs an arm round him and real guidance something he shall get at Birmingham. Maybe its the best move for all partys, but one does hope Arsenal give some opportunty to some young English players. What do you reckon of the prospects of Taylor, Hoyte, Bentley and Ryan Smith? (Herd Wenger raving about Smith to Des Lynam on 5 live).

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

The improvement in our defensive solidity began ten games ago, since when we have nine clean sheets and only one conceded in a game where guess who was missing? He has never lost a game he has started. BUT it suits your purposes to ignore the other six games and the dramatic improvement that had already taken place and give all the credit to the three games since Gilberto has returned. His performances at the start of this season were good and I acknowledged it then. His performances over the last three games have been good and coincidence apart appear to have reinvigorated Vieira. But if he was so good last season and Wenger is such the judge of greatness you suggest then why was he moved aside for Edu towards the later stages of last season? Stop trying to twist the present to suit your past arguments. It doesn't work and you are being ridiculous. And stupidly dismissive of the impact of one of the best young players in the country.

DaveM
April 22, 2005

I just found last night so frustrating. We have the most predictable manager in the world! First he goes with Bergkamp and Reyes up front, a combination which is neither scoring nor creating and leaves a combination which is doing both on the bench. We then played well for about an hour, but 60 minutes in it was clear Chelsea were gaining the upper hand. They were pressing in midfield, which doesn't suit Gilberto, and Vieira looked knackered (over 90 minutes I though Flamini and Cesc did better in the first game than Vieira and Gilberto managed last night). Our strikers were contributing nothing. After 65 minutes he should have taken off Gilberto and replaced him with Edu, and withdrawn the strikers in favour of VP and Aliadiere. Instead he waits until the 78th minute, withdraws Cesc (who seemed to have a lot more energy left than the central midfielders), and puts on VP. This was too late. Our midfield had no control by this point, and the game was getting seriously disrupted by other substitutions. I reckon VP touched the ball properly once in the 14 minutes he was on the pitch. The Ali substitution was just as futile. At the very least Wenger should have replaced Bergkamp with VP with 20 minutes to go. Instead he made substitutions he had probably worked out on the training ground days earlier. Wenger may as well leave the ground at half time for all the impact he has on the game. If Chelsea had scored I wouldn't have been surprised and it brought to mind the second leg last season where it was obviously slipping away and Wenger couldn't or wouldn't do anything about it. As I've said before, next season will be just like this one. We'll finish second, way behind Chelsea, and be elminated early in the CL. To beat good sides you need your manager to step up and outwit his opponent sometimes, and Wenger will never vary his plans. That's why I often want our players to get injured - it's the only thing which varies the team and the substititions.

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

Funny Chocolate - and I know you dont really watch the first team much - but as I remember Senderos came in more for Cygan than he did for Campbell. Forget Campbell this season. We haven't had a fit Campbell all campaign. Something I told you was increasingly likely for reasons you mocked but Wenger later confirmed. Now of course Cygan is the sixth best top five centre-back in the country albeit now part of your excuse for our 2003 Championship failure. However, he has a problem with the ball in the air and if you cant recognise the difference in our ability to defend set pieces and high balls since Senderos introduction, you should stop watching the game altogether for you are wasting a very limited brain capacity. You also questioned my comments about requiring defenders to attack the ball on set pieces rather than adopt a pure zonal defence. Funny but that is exactly what Senderos has been doing. And what Terry does for Chelsea and what Campbell used to do for us.

IceGunner
April 22, 2005

How many here thinks that Aliadiere is gonna stay at Arsenal?

Robin Van Persil
April 22, 2005

Holy batmobile. As promised the next installment hits our screens from the very pens of our talented writers. Daz (echoes of Tony Montana in Scarface): "I want him dead! I want his wife dead !! I want his kids dead!!! That googling SOB, my brains are bigger, I don't google". Boy Wonder: "Yeah, what he said" (pointing to his mentor). And holy forumwarfare, here's come a whistling chocolate gooner around the corner like butter wouldn't melt... and setting his sights on EEG, that old warhorse. This could be close. Who will come a cropper. Stay tuned folks.

kevyg6
April 22, 2005

Niall, i don't know about Sky, but NTL have Network 2 over here and the games are shown okay. Although if you're a big fan of Home and Away i'm afraid its blocked so you'll have to stick to Channel 5 for that. They don't have games every Saturday, not even every other week and if ManU are on at 3.00 that's the game they'll show. If not, then Liverpool.

chocolate gooner
April 22, 2005

According to EEG our improved defensive performances have coincided with the arrival of Senderos, who he says, can head the ball. Now given that Senderos has stepped in for Sol and it is Kolo’s heading which has been and remains suspect, how exactly does this scenario of yours pan out? Are you saying that Sol, who you insist is world-class is worse than Senderos? Are saying that Sol can’t head the ball? Is Senderos a better leader than Sol? Or what?? And seeing as you’re still struggling to acknowledge the sheer quality of a player you said couldn’t hack against the Boro midfield… how do you explain the fact that instead of the harum scarum football we played defensively in Gilberto’s absence we suddenly look a whole lot more solid when we are defending?? And how would you explain the uncanny coincidence that we play better as defensive unit with Gilberto in the side. And as Jeremy said… since the guy has been consistently picked Wenger, Scolari and Pereira; all top coaches who know their onions rather unlike you… how rubbish, exactly, was he at the time you claimed that he was “pony”? Cheers.

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

Congratulations on finishing the work Daz. I myself am approaching that torture of a time when the deadlines start overlapping. I think its my equivalent of Ferguson's squeaky bum time. So all the better to waste some of it on here! Anyway, if she is still there, Mrs EEG is in a park in Muswell Hill. Cant be more definite as its not our usual I'm afraid. However, I do warn you. Not only is she accustomed to a generally high level of masculine charm but she is accompanied by four children (only two of which are ours) all with the ability to seize upon any adult weakness. It strikes me as a sizeable risk for the uninitiated and one that could set you back some way in your preparations for impending parenthood.

Chippys Chisler
April 22, 2005

Niall, I have seen live premiership games on RTE2 through Sky Digital in Germany and Spain so far this year (as well as Ireland) so they are not blocked out in other juristictions. They were blocking out some gaelic matches last year as BBC NI had the rights to the North. You will also have Champs League games on RTE2 and TV3 tuesdays and wednesdays without having to subscribe to Sky Sports.

Daz
April 22, 2005

Which park is Mrs EEG in. EEG? I've just finished a massive peice of work. Normally this would require a 48 hour bender to decompress but as I'm Mr Clean Living thought I might take a stroll. I'm sure she'd like to meet a prouder specimen of masculinity than she's been used to until now.

Niall
April 22, 2005

Thanks for that EEG/Daz - good news for me is that it is now available here so just trying to work out if they are going to blank out the 3pm Saturday live Premiership matches and hearing it isn't available in the UK gives me hope that the republican all ireland agenda of the Good Friday agreement has delivered....free live Premiership games on a Saturday!!

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

Otherwise we were excellent in the middle. I will give Gilberto his credit for a significant improvement but that doesn't alter the fact that he played piss poor for a time. And Harlow seems to be giving all the credit for our new found defensive assuredness to the three games Gilbert has played while ignoring the real difference which was the overdue introduction of a player who was so clearly ready and gave us what we had been missing. Step forward Senderos, the defender who can head a ball. We haven't conceded a goal in, what, nine games since his introduction. The one thing I will say about Gilberto is that Vieira obviously likes him, otherwise he has been cheating us for his last two performances have been excellent and what we should have got all season. One gripe though. The subs. Even the ladies (which term includes many of the men) in the executive section were wondering why Van P and Aliadiere weren't coming on for the ineffectual non-strikers.

Chippys Chisler
April 22, 2005

Sky also reporting that Bobby Charlon says that Ferguscum will never be sacked. Ye right. If we beat them in the Cup Final the media will go into overdrive and put huge pressure on him. I hope he stays because I want us to beat the crap out of them next year and I want to watch his face get redder and redder until he bursts.

Xav T
April 22, 2005

American, definitely established songs (always the same ones, like “Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal,….”, “The greatest team the word has ever seen”, “Arsene Wenger’s army”…. And the odd “We hate Tottenham”…) *** I don’t think I qualify as a true Taylor fan, but up to recently I was of the opinion that he might deserve a look in the first team. This is why I have paid a bit more attention to his performance and attitude lately. Even though his shot stopping has never been questioned (I think), his poor kicking and his sloppiness let him down (he nearly let a goal in when badly misjudging a back pass – when he looked back in our direction he smiled and looked barely apologetic and not that concerned – worrying especially when you remember that it was Spurs in front of us!) *** For Lupoli’s goal, if I were you, I would really think about subscribing to ArsenalPlus (on Arsenal.com). You seem to be spending quite a few bucks to follow the Arsenal, whereas for a mere £45 you could see highlights of all the Arsenal first team and reserve games (plus all the interviews, press conferences, and other goodies). I think it would be perfect for you, being so far away, especially since you like reserve football as much as I do. So, back to the goal. Lupoli received a long ball from Birchall (or Larsson, can’t remember now) on the right flank, ran along the line, cut inside, waltzed around the defender, and at the edge of the box, kicked a screamer towards the top left corner of the goal across the keeper who had no chance. Definitely worth watching again! *** Regarding last night’s game I must say I was very proud of the team who deserved at least a draw for their performance and the way they dictated most of the game. I agree with the other posters, I was willing Arsene to let Robin in at half time and Ali with at least twenty minutes left to play. I don’t think they had the time to touch the ball more than once each when they came on, what a waste! Jose and Dennis were perfect candidates for substitution! And thinking again of Bobby’s chances still pains me. But, hey, we all knew that we had lost the league back in November when we drew with the likes of Palace, Southampton, West Brom and lost to Liverpool. So I did not feel that bad, even more so since after about ten minutes in the second half the big screen kept on showing Everton 1-0 Manchester United!!! Yes!

Chippys Chisler
April 22, 2005

Sky are reporting that Arsenal are monitoring Dean Ashdown, were they readign this site today?

Daz
April 22, 2005

Nothing between channels 265 and 270.

Chippys Chisler
April 22, 2005

Last night mus tbe the first time that AW has had one of his main spine players fit (Campbell) but left him on the bench for a youngster (Senderos). It will be hard for him to drop Senderos but harder to keep Campbell on the bench so unless Kolo goes to full back Senderos's education will come to an end against Spurs. Pity.

Daz
April 22, 2005

Sorry, Niall, just tried it and it came up as Channel Unavailable.

Fred
April 22, 2005

2 feature films I recommend you see are Sin City & Sideways very good stuff IMO try and see Oldboy as well!

East End Gooner
April 22, 2005

Sorry Niall - Just called Mrs EEG to get her to do it but she is loafing around the park...in the sunshine. Anyway, I duly abused the Chelsea hospitality last night and it took me all of three minutes to get to my feet in appreciation of Pires' volley and draw the admiring (at least I think thats what they were) glances of my fellow "execs". The pints took their toll by the end resulting in ,e loudly pronouncing Chelsea as "boring as ****" and guffawing at the nob-end behind who was telling his know-nothing girlfriend that Arsenal would be very happy to get a 0-0 at Chelsea as Chelsea are the top team. As for the game, Reyes and Bergkamp are no strikers (then again neither is Drogba and he pretends to be). There were the classic Cardiff moments where Bergkamp dropped deep, Reyes went wide, we started an attack and then realised there was not a soul in the middle. The Chelsea defenders looked confused by our very absence at times.

Parkerknoll Gooner
April 22, 2005

Juliano - Henry is a fine physical specimen but as a line leader he's not what you would call "physical" in a traditional sense. Many a time I've been irked at his hunched shouldered, arms outstretched gallic shrug at the man in the middle when feeling the breath of a wasp-ish cb down the back of his neck.

Cannon Balls
April 22, 2005

Daz i have discovered a simple solution to my paranoid suspicions regarding who may be the real anonymous poster and that is to assume that they are all from PTG,well they probably are anyway!.

Niall
April 22, 2005

Come on Daz, you must have Sky Digital sitting there while you're loafing around the house.

Daz
April 22, 2005

The thing is, decaf, I could start a pagger with you over the superiority of my posts but somehow I can't bring myself as I imagine you there out there in the Deparment of Voortrekker Studies at the University of Wittkerbrooderboend. Sitting in the veld, stroking your beard a la Nico, perplexed - as I am - at the poison inside the bitter, brittle chocolate egg. It's a bond we share, decaf, it's our burden, our inescapable destiny.

jeremy
April 22, 2005

Decaf--I must agree with you on the point of Gilberto.Glad to hear from someone who shares my views that Gilberto is no crap.On Makelele,his age will catch up with him next season.No one can play forever.Perhaps he'll be the possible loophole in Chelski.In addition,he'll not be easy to replace.Vieira is also a terrier but it's a pity that he seems some what having lost that aggression.With Vieira's built and the lost aggression,i think even Makelele and Lampard combined,will not be his match yesterday.I guess if we bring in Mark Van Bommel of PSV,we might really be complete in the centre of the park.

Decaf
April 22, 2005

Daz Lite is fair, I suppose (and boy wonder is not a new tag for me). My post ARE usually shorter, and always more to the point, than those of Daz senior.

Daz
April 22, 2005

Now if I was Cannon Balls I might think that dazzling rapier thrust came from a keyboard dripping with satirical intent and, consequently hold Mr James "hoof-it-like-Cygan" LT responsible But I have no evidence for that unlike the evidence I DO have for chocolate googling his opionions, cut and pasting them and then going on to condescendingly describe them as a lecture he is providing for our benefit. In my book that makes him a plagiarsing and pompous E*G but you of course might see it differently. And let's not forget that he was right about Jeffers.

Decaf
April 22, 2005

Juliano, a wisely cautious appraisal of Senderos. Good to see you keeping your enthusiasm in check. Van Perspex, I can see right through you. In any case, where has Chocolate ever been right except where he has stated the obvious? Was Choco a lone voice crying out in the wilderness that Jeffers was rubbish? It is also interesting the Choco is now having a go at Cygan (who now is cited by C as an instance of the weakness of our squad). And we shall see whether Choco is right about Reyes. I hope he is.

Littlefire
April 22, 2005

Todd cleared? Oh sweet F.A.

Colorado_Gooner
April 22, 2005

American, I recorded the game and watched last night - The anti-Arsenal commentator is Andy Townshend, an ex-player he played for, amongst others Chelsea, hence his biased opinion against the Arsenal

Robin Van Persil
April 22, 2005

Oh no!!! Once again, the caped crusaders batman and the boy wonder aka Daz and Daz light ride out to confront their nemesis the arch villain and defender of truth chocolate gooner. Seems chocolate has been kicking arse and taking names for a while now and the toothsome twosome cannot bear to be in his shadow any longer. They cry "Sophism, plagiarism, pedantry" and any other topics where they think they can pin down their enemy but as always they end up chasing their own tails in circles. Will they ever learn and where will it all end. Stay tuned on this same bat channel at the same bat time for the next episode in the never-ending saga.

Juliano
April 22, 2005

As for Henry not being physical, I find it a strange things to say. He is no bully in his way of playing, but at 6'2 and quite athletic, he is probably not the easiest forward to outmuscle.

Juliano
April 22, 2005

What is surprising with Trezeguet is that his shots on target/shots ratio is really, really high. It is not often he doesn't place the ball between the sticks, so if he doesn't score there is always the likelihood of a rebound. That said, I'm not certain he'd be a hit with Arsenal given the pace at which we play, he is clearly not the fastest forward you'll see. And I don't see who we'd drop to accomodate him. I would like to see a front line of Thierry and Robin, Bobby and José on the wings and Vieira/Gilberto/Cesc rotating in the middle. As for the centre backs, I think Senderos pick himself, the defenses he has been part of are yet to concede a goal in more than 900 minutes of football, the lad has all the attributes to become the ultimate leader at the back, a combination of Franco Baresi and Tony Adams. The rest of the team is a no brainer, provided Cole stays.

Niall
April 22, 2005

Can someone flick Sky Digital onto channel 267 and see if RTE2 is available in the UK please?

Parkerknoll Gooner
April 22, 2005

Off the Mark - I noted that comment as well. The one common theme with all our strikers is they lack a "physical presence", RvP, Reyes, Lupoli, Aliadiere (although he has, as noted, gained some bulk), Bergkamp and to a lesser extent Henry. Looking around at what may be available in the summer Trezuguet is perhaps about as "physical" as AW will be prepared to go, I don't think he'd go as far as the "beast" at Seville. I'm also not much of a fan of the Argentinian Frenchman, especially given his showings alongside Henry for France, but what I was surprised to see was that his goals to minutes record in Serie A this season is way ahead of any other player, I to was under the impression that this season had been one of injuries and under achievement but the stats say something else.

Mee
April 21, 2005

Cannon B: Absolutely spot-on with the Cliff Richard comparison, circa 1963 I‘d say, just before the Chatterley Ban and the Beatles first LP (apologies to Philp Larkin)

usukgoone
April 21, 2005

On a postive note, we should be celebrating our performance. It certainly looks good for next year. We held the champions elect to a nil nil draw at their home, and in the first twenty minutes looked like winning. There were flashes of brilliance there that reminded us of what a fantastic genius team we are. Our defence was solid and even without Henry and Campbell we held up well. Meanwhile MU were sad against Everton. Ronaldo gave the ball away six times in the second half, never mind the ridiculous fouling and falling about antics. Saw both games and believe our wonderful Gunners are in for a cracker of a season next year as, our youngsters Ali, RVP, Fabregas, Senderos and even Reyes will do the job, not to mention Flamini. If Lehman can play that way all year I will be happy. I have not felt so good abut the Arse since they went on the great "streak." We are not set for a total dominance by Chelsea next year, we are going to give them a run for their MONEY. Here we go, here we go, here we go, here we go, here we go!!!

Off the Mark
Wengers post match comments
April 21, 2005

Wenger said on Sky last night that "we don't have the physical strength up front yet". No that may be his way of saying that TH14 is out but I took an inference that we will be getting another presence up front soon! Did anyone else hear him say that and what did you infer?

Mee
April 21, 2005

It’s a shame we haven’t got the same points cushion between us and Man U as between us and Chelsea. This would allow AW to give RVP and Aliadiere and perhaps Quincy, a few games before the end of the season. The ten minutes given to both last night was insufficient to judge anything, particularly as DB10 and JAR were not enjoying the best of games. While the fight for 2nd place continues, he will I think, persist with Reyes. I thought RVP’s quick feet in an advanced position would have been the most likely route to unlock the Chelsea defence.

Cannon Balls
April 21, 2005

On the subject of diving someone pointed out earlier to our OT correspondent that all clubs have players who are prone to doing this even Manure ones, and some are in no need of any encouragegment.However having noted that that Fake Ron (who looks ever increasingly like a buck-toothed Cliff Richard 'circa' Summer Holiday Bachelor Boy) has been booked in the last two matches for it. I seem to recall that Roy Keane and the Lying Scotsman were conducting a campaign about this complaning about 'foreign players' doing it prior to our game against them at Highbury.So we can now expect Keano to come out in public and condem Fake Ronnie,no chance the drunken jock in his interview said that the Scholes sending off was the fault of the Everton players!, and that the Everton crowd were winding Neville up,though in this day and age he should not of course have done it.Well it could have been worse he might have done something really crazy, but unlikely,like say leap over the barrier and carry out a two-footed Kung Fu kick on one of the scouses!. No United player of Fergusons would ever do that now though - would they...

MickeySloan
April 21, 2005

I heard that the Greek coach had a game plan. Basically it was to play hard and fast at four key places during a game. The first and last ten minutes of each half and then take the foot off the pedal and let the other team work...It has been vaguely similar with Arsenal and i like the idea. Let's face it last night Chelsea had a game plan and it was very European against us, which obviously works against us when actually playing football and even then we nearly took an early lead. Great game. Thought Caravalho was man of the match and Cole a close second, don't know what anyone else was looking at. Everyone played well apart from Dennis and from a defensive and attacking point of view Ashley had a blinder. The chelsea defender kept them in it so i think he nicks it? Thought it was gonna be 10-0 last night and i had Pires to score first. Oh well.

Decaf
April 21, 2005

In fact, if Riley had seen what had really happened, he probably would have book Sol for simulating a tackle.

Decaf
April 21, 2005

I must admit, Grunny, that I, unlike Chocolate Gooner, was fooled by Rooney's dive. This may have been because somebody was giving a very good mime of a defender desperately scything down an attacker for a penalty. Both 'players' performed their part so convincingly I was almost saddened when the replay revealed that their wonderously syncronised movements were freakishly unconnected.

Decaf
April 21, 2005

How can I have excluded "pompous" from a list of adjective applied to chocolate fudge gooner waffles? I am indeed decafish!

Decaf
April 21, 2005

Jeremy, I like Gilberto, and I think he does a decent and intelligent job when he is not knackered out. And granted, I may be wrong about his stamina over an English season. However, I don't see him as being in the same class a Makalele in that role, although he is probably better in the air. Makalele is a real terrier.

Daz
April 21, 2005

"Nary a card" ???? E*G me you're a E*G, chocolate. When Gilberto was being slated he was playing rubbish and everybody could see it. Certainly in the ground you never go to. Reyes is currently playing rubbish or are you saying you're happy with his performances against Bayern and Chelsea - two of our biggest games? And drop the anti-foreigner stuff - it's got E*G all to do with that and you know it. The reason decaf and I don't give up on chocolate, Bernard, is precisely because he's a sinister and self-justifying dysfunctional little freak. You might have to put up with that in life but the good thing about the internet is that you can call a two-bob, self-serving, muppet PLAGIARIST exactly what he is.

jeremy
April 21, 2005

Decaf---Well,i think all players have ups and downs,even Henry.And Gilberto always have to endure long flight back from South America.

Decaf
April 21, 2005

Jeremy, isn't Gilberto the one who looks good for a couple of games, and then gradually fades away, like the old hobbit in the lord of the rings "like bread spread too thinly with butter" (or whatever)?

Decaf
April 21, 2005

What a load of self congratulatory, long winded, prissy, unsubstantiated waffle, chocolate. And what evidence do you have that I am coward? Oh yes! You must be referring to my habit of running away. Like when Nico offered me a ticket, or when I was caught plagarising. Or perhaps you are referring to my reluctance to state which boioks I have actually read?

Cannon Balls
April 21, 2005

The drunken jock was on Sky earlier offering his opinion on last nights defeat to Everton not having actually watched the game, only the highlights, it still seemed, like himelf, that the views expressed were somewhat detached from reality. No surprize there then, and none either that the worlds greatest strikers sudden return to form against Newcastle came to a shuddering halt at Eveton. Ferguson himself inadvertently provided a clue to this when complaining that Everton had restricted his side to long-range shots from outside of the box. Old Horseface can't score from more than sixfeet.

Greg
April 21, 2005

Has anybody seen much of Aliadiere recently ? Like Stev M was saying, he has muscled up and now looks the part. as an old centre half myself, he looks as if you couldn't piss all over him now whereas last year he looked like a wimp. If I remember he is also quick and very skillful...looks like a much better prospect than Reyes who, if he doesn't leave this summer. will cause me to kill myslef next season with frustration through is f-cking diving, poncing, noncing and doing nothing. Pires whom I like as an intelligent bloke with snesible politics is normally the biggest frustrating wimp of a footballer. Yesterday he even tackled back......thought he was great and unlucky with the chances. Reyes though needs a bomb up his arse. Why doesn't Arsene give a chance to RVP and Aliadiere for a few games. I like the Dutchman, at least he also has got some bollocks. Things are looking up. keep the faith ( even with the German Pope...)

jeremy
April 21, 2005

Decaf--Guess AW might not be too convince that RvP will not be able to get hold of himself against the dirty chelski duo.It's a real pity that RvP couldn'teven replaced Bergy.

jeremy
April 21, 2005

Chocolate--Haha..like what you said about Cheski.May not agree with all the things you mentioned but think you got the one on Gilberto absolutely right.Can't believe some guys are still going on and on trying to put Gilberto down.Face the fact guys,he is going to get a new long term contract whether it goes down well with you guys or not.If he is that lousy like what you guys said,why is he still a REGULAR 1st 11 in Brazil squad???By the way,Brazil is the World Champ!!!Pls move on...

chocolate gooner
April 21, 2005

Apologies. That post contains more than a few Decaf-esque sentences. It was written in a bit of hurry. That’s my excuse. Cheers all. Good day.

Decaf
April 21, 2005

Jeremy, if not started, at least he should have had more than the regulation 12 minutes! Two goals in 8 minutes in a semifinal then dropped to the bench for the terminally out of form Reyes. As they say, Wenger knows.

jeremy
April 21, 2005

Dun really think Todd should be punished...Seen the replay..Honestly,he seems more innocent with each viewing.

chocolate gooner
April 21, 2005

Good quality game last night. I thought we deserved to win it given that we were the only team that actually tried to win it. But one has to admit that defensively, Chelsea in general and Carvalho in particular, were quite outstanding… then again we weren’t bad either as far defending went, either. Senderos, given his age, is surely some prospect. He was up against Drogba and I thought that, all in all, the guy did very well. But you have to laugh at some of the posts on this forum… here are some of the regular opinions we get on here… “ Bergkamp is shot”, “Bergkamp is not shot”… “Oh Bergkamp is shot… again” “Gilberto is rubbish”, “Gilberto is worse than rubbish” “Gilberto should go back to Brazil”…. “Oh! Gilberto is rather good!” . Repeat ad nauseam. “Wenger is conservative in his selections, his substitutions, his use of youngsters and his tactics.” Now it seems to me that if he’s conservative in all these areas and we have a) the most goals scored in the league, b) the most youngsters regularly playing in our first team and c) second in the league and only behind a team that spent 200m GBP… how conservative is AW exactly? Who is less conservative than him? Even funnier still is the way those forumites who dismissed Gilberto as a waste of space, a useless, skill-less foreigner who should be sent back to Brazil are now claiming that they were merely complaining about his form at the time… ho hum. Gilberto has always been absolutely crucial to the way we play. He was then and he is now. Only the ignoramuses on here didn’t know that much… in much the same way that they are now slating Reyes… when he comes good they’ll all clamber back on board and find some other target. I have to admit though that all this makes the forum fun. … … … … … … … … … … … Grunny… Rooney’s dive would have been one of those things if it weren’t for the cowardly and spineless display from ol’ mother Riley- a coward of Decaf-ian proportions. Everyone expected him to award a penalty to you guys, everyone expected him to give a wretchedly biased display and… THEY WERE RIGHT!!. If it was only Rooney’s dive you’d have a point… but it was Rio not being sent off, Gormless Neville being allowed to kick the Bejesus out of Reyes with nary a card shown, it was Van Horse-face getting away with almost crippling Ashe… and on and on. That ain’t Karma whatever it is. Only the most stupid of Arsenal fans want to make out that what happened that day was “one of those things”. It wasn’t. What it was, was an outrage! And human beings should be expected to react strongly to outrageous behaviour… and more so when they are direct victims of that outrageous behaviour. So, only an idiot will criticise Wenger reaction to a most blatant mugging. And both your team’s tactics and the referee’s performance marked an absolute low point in premiership history. As a fan it is entirely understandable that you’d celebrate a win but for a club to outspend it main rival by some 5 to 1 and still feel the need to resort to tactics that you must have learnt from Allardyce is a shame on ManUre. The most enjoyable matches Arsenal have played this season have been against Chelsea… Chelsea are a scum team managed by an inveterate liar and with a puke-inducing chief executive with flecks of ManUre on him, who is sullying the game in the name of a crooked Russian who should be in jail… but on the pitch … they play football. Negative, boring football may be, but football none the less. You on the hand become thugs any time the artists of Arsenal roll into town. And please don’t call our 49-in-a-row a mere “streak” as if it was a fluke… we went unbeaten for 49 games whilst playing some of the most breathtaking football ever seen in this country… that ain’t no “streak”. Cheers. Cheers all.

jeremy
April 21, 2005

Dun think Trezequet is good enough for us.He is way too injury-prone and is really in poor form for the past few saesons.French Int'l?No big deal if you can't perform.And he won't come cheap.I would rather see Adriano or Martins from Inter,rather than a possible sicknote.Thought RvP should have started instead for his good form.Good to finally see a referee who has got the gut to send off Manure's players.They had been a bully for too.. long.I can't believe Red-nosed can complain against the referee.Deliberate kicking of the ball into the crowd could spark a riot and a cheap shot from behind surely warrant a straight red.VPTBAG!!!

Mee
April 21, 2005

grunny, you need to confront those worms because their wriggling and Keown‘s irritating behaviour was the consequence not of RVN blatant gamesmanship and missed penalty during this encounter, but the retrospective guilt of earlier matches where his particularly sly kind of skulduggery went unpunished.

Cannon Balls
April 21, 2005

I am not a lawyer but does, 'not proven', mean that the evidence was inconclusive in the view of the panel rather than Todd was innocent?.It appears that he has been given the benefit of the doubt rather than exonerated for his elbow in RVP's mouth.On action replays shown fron 3 different angles Lineker and Hanson on MOTD Sunday from Cardiff had no such doubts, deliberate was their uncompromising verdict on the incident,and i agree an with them an absolute disgrace the panel bottled it, or had their own agenda to cover up for the ineptitude of the Refereewhich is more more likely the case, if he had claimed not have seen it they would have convicted Todd, which he deserved, another farcial decision to add to the many from these clowns.

grunny
April 21, 2005

old man of hoy: I won't touch the incident at OT because it will open up a can of worms too difficult to contain. All I'll say is that it provided me with months af ammo against my gooner friends, and the value in that cannot be overstated.

old man of hoy
April 21, 2005

Didn't see the game last night but based on what i am hearing it was another compelling encounter with two teams who respect each other playing football rather than kick-boxing. Caught ManU and Blackburn highlights on MOTD -cavemen stuff wasn't it? Sorry to say this Grunny but your club is in danger of eliminating all traces of a once wonderful tradition which was exemplified by the likes of Charlton, Best, Law, Crerand and Buchan and not Cantona or Keane. After gorging on success for a few years it now seems these days United cannot accept any reversal with good grace. Scholes is a genius and a player i would have loved to see playing for Arsenal, but his fouling is becoming a stain on his reputation - and let us be clear it is dangerous fouling not mistimed tackling. OK, Rooney is a young man deserving of a little slack perhaps, but he too is becoming more known for his scowling aggression and bitter rants at referees than for his undoubted skill. And i have to say Phil Neville's reaction to the fans was really bizarre coming as it did from a man who felt it necessary to lecture the Arsenal about their players behaviour following the OT incident. And Jockroach's behaviour was very unbecoming of a senior citizen Sir - foul mouthed as usual and avoiding his responsibilities by ducking the post-match interview and blaming the official. As for Blackburn - what happened to the club that won the league in style? As long as the likes of Todd and Savage play in it the Premiership will struggle to be regarded as the top competition.

Mee
April 21, 2005

The look of genuine remorse on Todd’s face after the VP incident made a pleasant change from the calculating indifference of serial offenders like Robbie Savage. I’m glad he‘s been given the benefit of the doubt on this one, although my initial thought was that it warranted a straight red.

goonerguru
April 21, 2005

Although I quite like Ashton and he would be useful to us at times he seems more like a George Graham type player than a Wenger purchase.

Mee
April 21, 2005

Chippys: Ashton has scored a few good headers of late, and is a good buy for Norwich, but reminds me of Chris Sutton. He is essentially a big heavy man, doing big heavy things, and as such would be more effective at Bolton. Ashton has ‘touch’ in the same way as Duncan Ferguson has touch, and his sheer bulk would require long balls floated up to him - so we could dispense with Cesc for a start. I’m sorry to be so critical of a good player, but Arsenal require great players, or at least players who have the potential to become great.

Pod
April 21, 2005

Ashton has looked very good. He's superb in the air and he reminds me of Shearer the way he directs his headers. But he's also more than decent on the deck. He got a great goal a few weeks back with the outside of his boot that even Dennis would have been proud of. He's maybe not the top name we all hope for but I certainly think Ashton would be useful in our sqaud. He'd be a good option to have on the bench when we need to go a bit more direct. But would he come just to be a sqaud striker? Also now he's shown something at prem level his price would be more than double what Norwich paid for him. He's certainly worth thinking about though. I've been really suprised with how good he actually is.

andy
April 21, 2005

LONDON, April 21 (Reuters) - Blackburn Rovers defender Andy Todd was cleared of a charge of violent conduct on Thursday following an incident in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal. The Blackburn captain collided with Arsenal's Robin van Persie immediately after the Dutch forward had scored his second goal in stoppage time to seal a 3-0 victory in Cardiff. Todd had denied the charge that he elbowed Van Persie and an FA Disciplinary Commission hearing on Thursday found the case "not proven". He will therefore not serve any suspension. Unbelievable double standards.

Richie
April 21, 2005

Blakburn defender Andy Todd has been cleared of violent conduct by the FA.

Chippys Chisler
April 21, 2005

Anybody think that Ashton of Norwich would be a good buy if they go down? AW said he looked at him before but he was too expensive. He is big and strong (and young) and has a good touch and would only cost £3-4m unlike Trezugeut. I dont know if I could handle another sulkibg French forward. Even more than Titi if things are not going right Trezugeut looks like he cannot be arsed.

Cannon Balls
April 21, 2005

Decaf,Terry said last night that keeping a clean sheet was their main priority and they have now egualed our record albeit though by using different tactics.The fact that those tactics are neanderthal and pragmatic is irrelevant to their success,that is the way i and many others perceive them to be and not just Arsenal supporters either - plain boring. Someone else on here pointed out that with an 11 point lead the Chavs should have turned on the style and to raptatorous cries of o'la while out-passing and beating us and then ran amok celebrating their victory. Unfortunately for the Chavs the only football placed on offer like that was served up by Arsenal.

busta da real gooner
kiwisaregay@lycos.co.uk
April 21, 2005

Post removed due to bad language

GoonerForever
April 21, 2005

Trezeguet would be a good player to have for champions league away games as he is a presence in the box and equally good in the air as on the ground. However, whenever I have seen him play with Henry for France, he has been a big disappointment. Whether it would work in Arsenals system I don't know but I certainly think he could replace Henry when hes out.

andy
April 21, 2005

Grunny - a reasonable MU fan at last. Two things. Diving - All teams have players who do it - Ronaldo and RvN, Ljungberg and Vieira, Cole and Gudjohnson all hit the deck too easily. It's clever play if it's one of yours, cheating if it's not. So really a pointless argument in my view. Rio's ban wasn't unfair. Missing a test has to carry the same weight as failing a test otherwise the whole testing edifice falls apart.

Hedges
April 21, 2005

Oh and Grunny, having looked at the replay numerous times, I still don't believe in all honesty that pires dived during our streak.... and what a streak it was!!!!!! Have you ever won the championship at Highbury??????

busta da real gooner
kiwisarefay@lycos.co.uk
April 21, 2005

Post removed due to bad language

Decaf
April 21, 2005

Cannonball. If Chelsea's tactic are "Neanderthal", I want you to explain to me why they are so effective? It would be interesting to check your hypothesis that defenses are on top in the premiership this season. Have fewer goals been scored this season, I wonder? I also don't really believe that our winning last night would have dented Chelsea. As I said before, I think they are good at doing what they need to, and when they do have a bad result, they are very good at getting over it. Maureen talks the talk, and I am hoping that he will begin to believe his own hype sooner or later and come a cropper. However, at the moment, I suspect he is horribly pragmatic, and very much in control.

Decaf
April 21, 2005

Niall
April 21, 2005

Where was Rio when Big Dunc was heading the ball into the net though. Conspicuous by his absence I thought.

Cannon Balls
April 21, 2005

Decaf,there are a couple of flaws in your hypothesis about that which says that Chelsea played for a draw last night and got what they wanted.Deserved perhaps,but wanted???.That would appear unlikely because even should they beat Fulham in Saturdays Derby they will still not have won the title because of failing to beat us last night. And they will need now to beat Bolton away, no forgone conclusion that they will get six points from those games. And Mourinho plus Kenyon have made it clear that they want the title wrapped up before the CL tie against Liverpool. Also Mourinho boasted that he would win the title in April, then again he claimed he would win four trophies too, so he's either a fool or a liar, well we know he is a liar because he's been convicted for lying by Uefa. Also the fact is that Chelsea play like they did last night all of the time anyway, you obvisously have not sen much of them, they used the same tactics against Steve Bruces lowly Brum,who were beaten 3-0 last night by City, and even when a goal down against Brum at home were still hoofing it up to Drogba, although it paid off with the equalizer resulting from these neanderthal football tactics, which are dressed up by runs out of defence carrying the ball on occasions by Duff and Robben. With Bolton likely to be a draw the Chavs will need a point at OT or if they lose there then one at Newcastle where they lost last season when in the same situation. So i do not believe that they played for or were happy - nor did they look it at the end of last nights match to have dropped those two points, they always play not to get beat by defending in depth,nothing new planned or done last night.The points they need to win the title could now go to the last game of the season and 'squeeky bum time'.Incidentaly if we had won last night i believe we would have gone on and retained our title this season.

Decaf
April 21, 2005

An extremely childish, totally politically incorrect Aussi comedian, who had a lot to say and sing about about (amongst other thinks) pleasing sheep. For example: Something like (note my use of quotes, choc, even though I am not verbatim) 'Driving down the street with granddad. "Can you make a U-turn, grandad?" "No, sonny, but I can make her eyes pop."' etc. I blush, but I found it very funny 20 years ago. No doubt I would he horrified and disgusted now. Nevertheless, sounds like a direct answer to your question to Kiwi.

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