Arsenal Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 2011/2012

Mickeroo

keano_afc wrote: »

For once I'm delighted that Spurs are doing their usual roll over performance against Utd. This was always a nailed on away win, fingers crossed this is the start of a Yid collapse.

Everton away, stoke at home and chelsea away are there next three matches. Not easy by any means!

SDTimeout

Imagine that we were 10 points behind Spuds only 8 days ago.

Pierce_1991

SDTimeout wrote: »

Imagine that we were 10 points behind Spuds only 8 days ago. And going through the biggest crisis in the history of the club

Fixed :P

Sergio

Great weekend for the gooners with spurs getting hammered today.Nevermind 4th theres a real possibility we could get 3rd!

Royale with Cheese

Could see spurs only getting 3-4 points from their next 3 games. Arse have Toon at home, Everton away and Villa at home. Think the two home games are must win anyway, Everton might be tough but should be looking to win that too.

Marty McFly

:pac::pac::pac: love Frimpong

Emmanuel Frimpong ‏ @Frimpong26AFC

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Spurs Have Improved play like Toddlers Now....

HazDanz

If we can get 7 points from the next three games I believe we can finish third.

Spurs finally entering a blip, about time!

L'prof

Great weekend for us, 3rd is now looking a real possibility!

Premier League Record:

P   W   D   L   F   A  GD Pts  PPG
Reading               4   4   0   0  11   2   9  12 3.00
Watford               4   4   0   0   9   3   6  12 3.00
Blackpool             2   2   0   0   9   1   8   6 3.00
Barnsley              2   2   0   0   7   0   7   6 3.00
Wolves                7   6   1   0  16   3  13  19 2.71
Ipswich              10   8   2   0  23   4  19  26 2.60
Wigan                13  10   2   1  32  11  21  32 2.46
Charlton             16  12   2   2  36  12  24  38 2.38
Derby                14  10   3   1  27  11  16  33 2.36
Hull                  4   3   0   1   9   4   5   9 2.25
Man City             29  20   5   4  51  19  32  65 2.24
Fulham               22  15   4   3  44  15  29  49 2.23
Birmingham           14   9   4   1  28   8  20  31 2.21
Leicester            16  10   5   1  38  13  25  35 2.19
Everton              39  25   9   5  80  32  48  84 2.15
Portsmouth           14   8   6   0  28   8  20  30 2.14
Stoke                 7   5   0   2  15   8   7  15 2.14
Crystal Palace        8   5   2   1  16   5  11  17 2.13
Nottingham Forest    10   6   3   1  13   7   6  21 2.10
West Brom            11   7   2   2  25  13  12  23 2.09
West Ham             32  19   7   6  48  19  29  64 2.00
Southampton          26  15   7   4  50  24  26  52 2.00
Oldham                4   2   2   0   4   1   3   8 2.00
Swindon               2   1   1   0   5   1   4   4 2.00
Burnley               2   1   1   0   4   2   2   4 2.00
Middlesbrough        28  16   7   5  62  26  36  55 1.96
Bolton               26  15   6   5  46  27  19  51 1.96
Sunderland           22  12   7   3  37  15  22  43 1.95
Coventry             18  10   5   3  25  13  12  35 1.94
Blackburn            36  19   8   9  70  36  34  65 1.81
Villa                39  19  13   7  63  35  28  70 1.79
Norwich               9   4   4   1  19  10   9  16 1.78
Bradford              4   2   1   1   6   3   3   7 1.75
Chelsea              39  18  11  10  58  50   8  65 1.67
Leeds                24  12   4   8  43  25  18  40 1.67
Newcastle            35  16  10   9  50  32  18  58 1.66
MK Dons              16   7   4   5  30  16  14  25 1.56
Sheffield Wednesday  16   7   4   5  21  16   5  25 1.56
Spurs                40  15  17   8  66  48  18  62 1.55
Sheffield United      6   2   3   1   9   4   5   9 1.50
Swansea               2   1   0   1   3   3   0   3 1.50
Liverpool            40  12  13  15  43  54 -11  49 1.23
QPR                   9   2   5   2   8   8   0  11 1.22
Man United           40  11  11  18  39  59 -20  44 1.10

This Season v Previous Seasons:

P   W   D   L   F   A  GD Pts
2011-2012:  27  15   4   8  55  38  17  49
2010-2011:  27  17   5   5  57  27  30  56 ( 4th)
2009-2010:  27  17   4   6  63  30  33  55 ( 3rd)
2008-2009:  27  12  10   5  38  25  13  46 ( 4th)
2007-2008:  27  19   7   1  56  20  36  64 ( 3rd)
2006-2007:  27  15   7   5  50  23  27  52 ( 4th)
2005-2006:  27  12   5  10  39  22  17  41 ( 4th)
2004-2005:  27  17   6   4  63  31  32  57 ( 2nd)
2003-2004:  27  20   7   0  53  18  35  67 ( 1st)
2002-2003:  27  17   6   4  57  29  28  57 ( 2nd)
2001-2002:  27  15   9   3  55  31  24  54 ( 1st)
2000-2001:  27  14   8   5  43  23  20  50 ( 2nd)
1999-2000:  27  14   6   7  47  28  19  48 ( 2nd)
1998-1999:  27  13  11   3  35  13  22  50 ( 2nd)
1997-1998:  27  14   9   4  46  26  20  51 ( 1st)
1996-1997:  27  13   9   5  45  25  20  48 ( 3rd)
1995-1996:  27  12   8   7  35  25  10  44 ( 5th)
1994-1995:  27   8   9  10  30  31  -1  33 (12th)
1993-1994:  27  12  10   5  31  14  17  46 ( 4th)
1992-1993:  27  11   5  11  26  25   1  38 (10th)

Rolling Season:

P   W   D   L   F   A  GD Pts
2011-2012:  38  17  10  11  70  54  16  61

Current Run:

P   W   D   L   F   A  GD Pts
2011-2012:   5   4   1   0  16   5  11  13

ImpossibleDuck

Things are finally looking up for the Arsenal

The next 3 games can make our season. Atm 3rd is a real possibility. Even though we're 4 points behind Spurs I really don't think we're really behind them in the race. They just lost two huge games and I'm not saying they'll implode in trademark Arsenal fashion but they could well hit a bit of a slump.

TheSpecialOne

Real Super Weekend for the Arsenal! Hoping we will win our Two home game's (Newcastle and Villa) and then at Everton i'd take a point. Spurs will Hopefully drop points at Everton, they will beat Stoke and i think its safe to say everyone here would be hoping Spurs/Chelsea Draw. But 4th is still the priority, finishing ahead of Spurs would be a much welcomed Bonus.

_Bella_

Does anyone know why they decided to end the Up For Grabs podcast? With the victories over Spurs and Liverpool I really miss it.

Fuzzy_Dunlop

_Bella_ wrote: »

Does anyone know why they decided to end the Up For Grabs podcast? With the victories over Spurs and Liverpool I really miss it.

Renamed as the Tuesday Club. Link - http://thetuesdayclub.libsyn.com/

I had forgotten all about it to be honest, think ill give last weeks one a listen :pac:

jank

Will be interesting to see how Chelsea react to the sacking of AVB. I would imagine some of their players putting in a bit more effort but I would not accept a turn around like the one we saw when Big Phil was sacked and Gus Hiddink was brought in on a temp basis.
3rd should be in our sights now. We just have to win against Newcastle. 1-0 is fine but 3 points would be huge. Spurs will do well to get 3 points against Everton. Arsenal will just need to put the head down for March and win as many games as possible. If we go on a good run now we will have one foot there. Next few weeks are huge for the club.
When is Wilshire back?

Noo

Wilshere was due back february then he had a setback so i've no idea when he is due back now. I'd rather not see him for the rest of the season, the sooner he gets back the more likely he is to go to the euros, keep him out for the rest of the season, avoid the england team, spend the summer getting back to his best then start him fresh next season.

L'prof

Noo wrote: »

Wilshere was due back february then he had a setback so i've no idea when he is due back now. I'd rather not see him for the rest of the season, the sooner he gets back the more likely he is to go to the euros, keep him out for the rest of the season, avoid the england team, spend the summer getting back to his best then start him fresh next season.

I'd say provided that he doesnt suffer another setback he'll definitely be going to the Euros.

KeithAFC

Noo wrote: »

Wilshere was due back february then he had a setback so i've no idea when he is due back now. I'd rather not see him for the rest of the season, the sooner he gets back the more likely he is to go to the euros, keep him out for the rest of the season, avoid the england team, spend the summer getting back to his best then start him fresh next season.

Should want our players getting that sort of experience on the big stage. It really does help.

gosplan

Noo wrote: »

Wilshere was due back february then he had a setback so i've no idea when he is due back now. I'd rather not see him for the rest of the season, the sooner he gets back the more likely he is to go to the euros, keep him out for the rest of the season, avoid the england team, spend the summer getting back to his best then start him fresh next season.

Ordinarily I'd agree with the advantages of keeping our players out of summer tournaments.

Wilshire's not going to suffer from fatigue or anything though. He could probably use the exercise

Can Van Persie get any better?
Wonderfull result.
With Spurs losing to united & chelsea sacking Batman (the voice), third is a real possibility.

meriwether

Wenger out.

Oh, wait, no, what?

meriwether

Wonderful weekend of results.

One note of concern is that you can drive a small truck through the centre of our defence these days.

Lets be thankful that Karma decided that a racist, diving despicable human being wasn't going to be rewarded with goals on Saturday. Thanks Karma, the post, and Szch.

Our first chance on Staurday outlined how to play Walcott.

Long ball over Enriques shoulder, Walcott ran onto it (the only two outfield players in the final third of the pitch I'd say) pulled the trigger and drew a good save from Reina. More of this please. Arteta and Song can hit a ling ball, get the little man running onto them.

Walcott is utterly unsuited by the passing game we play (or used to play). You give him a ball on a standing start with the defence set, he won't beat anyone and he won't cross well. Or at all.
You hit him directly on the break, and he can murder you, like he did in the Nou Camp when Abidal withdrew himself, cos he didn't fancy it.

Its how we use him thats the problem.

Even with the last two good results...

I'd still welcome Wenger stepping down in summer, especially if Pep was interested which he is by all accounts. I think his transfer policy doesn't work and we need a new manager to push us on from perennial thirds and fourths to real contenders. Our defence is pretty abysmal, and something has to be done with the amount of injuries we concede.

\ducks

Don't get me wrong, I love the man and thank him for everything he has done for the club, and I do hope we have a statue of him outside The Emirates, he deserves it, but I think for us to be real title contenders, we need change at the top.

meriwether

Deleted User wrote: »

Even with the last two good results...

I'd still welcome Wenger stepping down in summer, especially if Pep was interested which he is by all accounts. I think his transfer policy doesn't work and we need a new manager to push us on from perennial thirds and fourths to real contenders. Our defence is pretty abysmal, and something has to be done with the amount of injuries we concede.

\ducks

Don't get me wrong, I love the man and thank him for everything he has done for the club, and I do hope we have a statue of him outside The Emirates, he deserves it, but I think for us to be real title contenders, we need change at the top.

Exactly, what does Arsene Wenger know about winning titles?

Wait, what? 3? 4 points off the title in 2008 with a squad of kids?

Hamstrung for 6 years with minimal funds to spend, and made the top 4 every season?

Get him out.

Diddy Kong

Deleted User wrote: »

Even with the last two good results...

I'd still welcome Wenger stepping down in summer, especially if Pep was interested which he is by all accounts. I think his transfer policy doesn't work and we need a new manager to push us on from perennial thirds and fourths to real contenders. Our defence is pretty abysmal, and something has to be done with the amount of injuries we concede.

\ducks

Don't get me wrong, I love the man and thank him for everything he has done for the club, and I do hope we have a statue of him outside The Emirates, he deserves it, but I think for us to be real title contenders, we need change at the top.

I think with Pat Rice finishing up at the end of the season I would like to see who comes in there and give Wenger one more year. He knows now that some of his choices were poor. But if next summer its the same story then I would be happy for him to leave.

As a fan and supporter of the club, are you honestly happy with settling for a top four finish every year?

I think we are better than that and should be challenging for the title and winning a cup every so often.

Wenger does deserve another chance without Rice by his side, things may fair different with someone else as assistant.

meriwether

Deleted User wrote: »

As a fan and supporter of the club, are you honestly happy with settling for a top four finish every year?

I think we are better than that and should be challenging for the title and winning a cup every so often.

No, but in the context of the situation he operated in, yes I am.

he now has cash. I want him to spend cvash and challenge for the title.

Arsenal fans are a bit spoilt. I think it might have done a few of us good if we hadn't got top 4 the year Spurs ate all the Lasagna.

Then we'd know what actuall unsuccess looks like.

I remember in 1993 we won the double, and in 1994, we won the CWC. We came approx 14th in those seasons in the league.

I'd swap top 4 for Carling/FA cup/Europe every single season, without fail.

Ask Liverpool fans how the Carling cup honeymoon is, once reality set in that top 4 is not happening. They don't seem very happy.

Ask Harry Redknapp what he'd prefer this year - 3rd place o the FA cup.

meriwether

RVP 11 wrote: »

Wenger does deserve another chance without Rice by his side, things may fair different with someone else as assistant.

AVB.

Get him in.

Offer him redemption in the PL. Arsenal job is his in 3-4 years time once Wenger leaves to become head of the EU (or some other prestigous job befitting his stature as one of the greatest humans ever born).

4th spot AND a cup every year isn't too much to ask of the squad Wenger has had over the last 6 years, considering the wage bill.

meriwether

meriwether wrote: »

AVB.

Get him in.

Offer him redemption in the PL. Arsenal job is his in 3-4 years time once Wenger leaves to become head of the EU (or some other prestigous job befitting his stature as one of the greatest humans ever born).

That isn't a bad idea at all.
Wenger would also have an understudy, which may boost his own morale as his legacy continues in AVB.:)
I likey.

meriwether

RVP 11 wrote: »

4th spot AND a cup every year isn't too much to ask of the squad Wenger has had over the last 6 years, considering the wage bill.

The Carling cup is worthless, the FA cup sadly now devalued.

They are mere trinkets compared with League and CL.

Its a pity, I loved the FA cup growing up.

But thats reality, just like the AIL is now devalued once the provinces entered the Heineken cup.

KeithAFC

Deleted User wrote: »

As a fan and supporter of the club, are you honestly happy with settling for a top four finish every year?

I think we are better than that and should be challenging for the title and winning a cup every so often.

See the start of the season?

Lost Fabregas and Nasri and Clichy.

meriwether

meriwether wrote: »

The Carling cup is worthless, the FA cup sadly now devalued.

They are mere trinkets compared with League and CL.

Its a pity, I loved the FA cup growing up.

But thats reality, just like the AIL is now devalued once the provinces entered the Heineken cup.

A plastic cup in the Arsenal trophy cabinet right now, wouldn't be worthless.:)

KeithAFC

KeithAFC wrote: »

See the start of the season?

Lost Fabregas and Nasri and Clichy.

And that is one reason I would prefer him to step down this summer to give a new manager time. He was dreadful last summer in the market. Players like Cesc and Nasri should have been sold straight away to give us time to find replacements.

Can you imagine if RVP leaves on the 25th August this year? Panic would ensue, I think he's one of the best finishers in the world, let alone the PL. How would we replace him with a couple of days to go?

I think RVP owes us another contract. Is this his first full season with us? The club made him the player he is now, and we showed patience and belief in his eventual talent. It would be yet another kick in the teeth to Wenger if RVP departed after 1 good year considering how much support he received from the club.

KeithAFC

Van Persie should be given 150k a week and if any of the players moan, they should be told to shut up. This is the guy who scores our goals. Simple as that. It is basic logic to play the main man the best money.

meriwether

Deleted User wrote: »

And that is one reason I would prefer him to step down this summer to give a new manager time. He was dreadful last summer in the market. Players like Cesc and Nasri should have been sold straight away to give us time to find replacements.

Can you imagine if RVP leaves on the 25th August this year? Panic would ensue, I think he's one of the best finishers in the world, let alone the PL. How would we replace him with a couple of days to go?

I think RVP owes us another contract. Is this his first full season with us? The club made him the player he is now, and we showed patience and belief in his eventual talent. It would be yet another kick in the teeth to Wenger if RVP departed after 1 good year considering how much support he received from the club.

A function of that was the fourth place finish, meaning that we couldn't finalise deals until the end of the season when we had beaten Udinese.

Fabregas and Nasri behaved far from honourably either in my opinion, and left the club hanging regarding definitive decisions, especially that little rat Nasri.

When its all said and done, I'm happy with how Arteta, Per and Santos have worked out.

By the way, its utterly bizarre that you are putting Wengers transfer dealings as a weakness.

Cesc for £0.5m?
RVP for £2.7m?
Need I go on?

Wenger is a transfer master.

In the summer, secure Podolski, and another midfielder. Goetze would be nice.

Cesc was sixteen when he signed.

RVP has made 183 appearances in 8 years.

Obviously I'm not saying they were bad buys (God forbid!) but what about the other players?
Flamini - allowed to leave for free
Cole - Left over 5k
Mata - we couldn't pay enough

Then look at the following:
Squillachi
Amaury Bishoff
Chamackh
Silvestre


There is many more flops than success's for Wengers signings. It just isn't highlighted as he buys and trains junior players. My argument would be that that needs to work in tandem with keeping senior players or buying senior players in.

Fuzzy_Dunlop

Pappa Dolla wrote: »

Cesc was sixteen when he signed.

RVP has made 183 appearances in 8 years.

Obviously I'm not saying they were bad buys (God forbid!) but what about the other players?
Flamini - allowed to leave for free
Cole - Left over 5k
Mata - we couldn't pay enough

Then look at the following:
Squillachi
Amaury Bishoff
Chamackh
Silvestre


There is many more flops than success's for Wengers signings. It just isn't highlighted as he buys and trains junior players. My argument would be that that needs to work in tandem with keeping senior players or buying senior players in.

Wenger isn't even in charge of the contracts I don't think so you can't really blame him over flamingo and Cole. And 3 of the 4 players you mentioned as bad signings were essentially free. Surely this would point towards the board squeezing funds? (although there's no doubting that wenger likes a cheap deal)

hopefully if we finish top 4 that this season will be the wake up call needed to release money to go towards the squad.

meriwether

Deleted User wrote: »

Cesc was sixteen when he signed.

RVP has made 183 appearances in 8 years.

Obviously I'm not saying they were bad buys (God forbid!) but what about the other players?
Flamini - allowed to leave for free
Cole - Left over 5k
Mata - we couldn't pay enough

Then look at the following:
Squillachi
Amaury Bishoff
Chamackh
Silvestre


There is many more flops than success's for Wengers signings. It just isn't highlighted as he buys and trains junior players. My argument would be that that needs to work in tandem with keeping senior players or buying senior players in.

Flamini was not allowed to leave for free - we couldn't/wouldn't afford to pay his wages.
BTW, he's barely done a days good work since he left.
Cole - I totally agree with you on that.
Mata - we couldn't pay enough. Are you blaming Wenger for that?

Of course Wenger has signed duds. Every manager has signed duds.

Not every manager signed an RVP, Cesc, Vieira or Anelka however for peanuts.

Ask Liverpool with Carroll or Chelsea with Torres.

meriwether

meriwether wrote: »

Flamini was not allowed to leave for free - we couldn't/wouldn't afford to pay his wages.
BTW, he's barely done a days good work since he left.
.

:pac:, delighted to hear that.
Never liked him.

jmayo

Didn't get to see the Liverpool match, but from what I heard we didn't play well again, but the mastery of two or our best players saw us through.

Have to say they should offer RVP a nice sweet 4 year contract.
The guy has single handed dragged us through this year and deserves reward.

As for this meaning Wenger stays, I still think he should move on at end of season.

I have always said around here that he continues to display the same failings over the last few years and it is time for a bit of a change.

I don't think changing Rice for someone else will matter, unless the new guy is given a huge role in deciding the tactics and particularly managing the defensive makeup.

That and bringing in a new CEO who can actually manage worthwhile contract negotiatios.

meriwether wrote: »

AVB.

Get him in.

Offer him redemption in the PL. Arsenal job is his in 3-4 years time once Wenger leaves to become head of the EU (or some other prestigous job befitting his stature as one of the greatest humans ever born).

I still think Wenger should leave, not in 3/4 years time but this year.
And I respect the guy too much to want to ever see him with job in the EU or either UEFA or FIFA.
He is not a smug arrogant useless twat and would deserve better than have to spend his days with the gobdaws that inherit such institutions.

BTW AVB won't be out of football for 3/4 years.

L'prof

Ah ffs, not even 4 wins and a draw can sooth some people!

cson

Deleted User wrote: »

I think RVP owes us another contract. Is this his first full season with us? The club made him the player he is now, and we showed patience and belief in his eventual talent. It would be yet another kick in the teeth to Wenger if RVP departed after 1 good year considering how much support he received from the club.

He's the sole reason we're 4th at the moment let alone within a country mile of the Champions League places.

25 league goals this season means he owes us nothing imo.

Royale with Cheese

In reality he owes Arsenal nothing as there is no loyalty in modern footballers, but Arsenal did stand by him when he couldn't keep fit for more than 2 months in a row.

I remember him saying in an interview that nobody can question his committment to Arsenal as he's been there since 2005 but really this is the only period in his Arsenal career that he's been fit enough to attract interest from other clubs. He's been playing at his current level for about 15 months, if he leaves after being amazing for 18 months but consistently injured for the previous 6 years I wouldn't be too impressed if I was running the club. It's to be expected though.

cson

cson wrote: »

25 league goals this season means he owes us nothing imo.

Agreed, in fact Arsenal owe him a lot.
He has never talked up a move, or acted like a spoilt superstar.

I don't get the attitude that he owes us nothing.

Yes, he scored a lot of goals this season, but isn't that his job?

I think RWC put it best when he said that this is the first year he's performing to a level that has alerted other clubs.

He should stay, we should pay him what he deserves (150k a week inc. bonus seems fair) but if he is going to go, we should sell him with enough time to replace him. Not the last week of the transfer window.

Galvasean

Loved van Persie's post match interview after the Liverpool game: "I have to thank my colleges because without them I am nothing" - pure class.

Plus him kissing Song's boot after the goal - legend.

All in all a great weekend. Sure we were quite lucky to beat Liverpool, but hey Spurs, Man Utd (twice) and Man City (twice) have all failed to beat Liverpool at Anfield this season so I wont complain. 3 points in what has traditionally been one of our bogey grounds is a great result regardless of circumstances.
When we win and Spurs, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle all drop points it is a good good weekend

Galvasean

van Persie 31 (25)
Walcott 8 (5)
Arteta 4 (4)
Gervinho 4 (4)
Oxlade-Chamberlain 4 (2)
Benayoun 3 (1)
Ramsey 3 (2)
Vermaelen 3 (3)
Henry 3 (2)
Santos 2 (1)
Arshavin 2 (1)
Chamakh 1 (1)
Gibbs 1 (0)
Koscielny 1 (1)
Park 1 (0)
Rosicky 1 (1)
Sagna 1 (1)
Song 1 (1)

(league goals in brackets)

Galvasean

Galvasean wrote: »

van Persie 31 (25)
Walcott 8 (5)
Arteta 4 (4)
Gervinho 4 (4)
Oxlade-Chamberlain 4 (2)
Benayoun 3 (1)
Ramsey 3 (2)
Vermaelen 3 (3)
Henry 3 (2)
Santos 2 (1)
Arshavin 2 (1)
Chamakh 1 (1)
Gibbs 1 (0)
Koscielny 1 (1)
Park 1 (0)
Rosicky 1 (1)
Sagna 1 (1)
Song 1 (1)

(league goals in brackets)

Jaysis, I hope I'm not coming across as greedy, but we really could do with another striker!

gosplan

Deleted User wrote: »

Jaysis, I hope I'm not coming across as greedy, but we really could do with another striker!

Meh, either that or go back to keeping clean sheets and winning by the odd goal.

Or squad minus RVP has scored the same number of goals as Liverpool this year.

amacachi

meriwether wrote: »

Long ball over Enriques shoulder, Walcott ran onto it (the only two outfield players in the final third of the pitch I'd say) pulled the trigger and drew a good save from Reina. More of this please. Arteta and Song can hit a ling ball, get the little man running onto them.

Walcott is utterly unsuited by the passing game we play (or used to play). You give him a ball on a standing start with the defence set, he won't beat anyone and he won't cross well. Or at all.

He needs long balls to run onto. Look at his goals against Spurs, no thinking, just hitting. Hell for one of them he had time, ****ed up, panicked and scored.

L'prof wrote: »

Ah ffs, not even 4 wins and a draw can sooth some people!

TBH at this point had we won a cup this year it would've been papering over the cracks according to some people.

There's no better manager out there available right now. People are saying it surely couldn't take much extra to make a push for the title, lol. Look at who's around us in the league. City with a few hundred million whenever they want, United with probably the best ever football manager and financial might that we can't match as yet, Chelsea again with hundreds of millions. That leaves Spurs and Liverpool. Spurs I admit are going really well but give it a coupla years for the Arry hangover to hit and as for Liverpool, well, can anyone really criticise Wenger in the transfer window compared to Dalglish?

FFS people cried about relegation form, then not even making the Europa League, then not making the CL. Am I happy not putting on league challenges every year? Of course not. However I'm happier with our current situation than signing half a dozen players that would cost 50 million more than the usual. Give it a few years, if City don't push on in the next 2 seasons their money and debt will **** them. How many games have they sold out this season?

We're competing in a league where the only path to winning for most teams is the path to self-destruction. I'll take mediocrity over that any time.