Arsenal Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 2013/14

.jacksparrow.

dfbemt wrote: »

Chelsea next for League Cup

Will be interesting game. Mourinho has said he wants to win League Cup so will put out a good side. Will wenger play the 'B' team of the firsts?

When did he say that about the league cup?

I remember his last spell he always fielded a strong team in it, bit strange

FearDark

Probably play the B team...

The quadruple is on lads!! :pac:

cson

**** him, it'll give the youngsters a chance to share the pitch with some world class players and really show them what's required at this level. At their age they should be out to make a statement against that calibre of opposition. That is on the proviso that AW continues to play youth in the cup, which he should. I really hope he doesn't get drawn into Mourinho's ****ehawking.

AdamD

Ox/Podolski/Cazorla/Rosicky will be back by then anyway, should have more attacking options.

Wins in a row is done

gosplan

That was not our B team.

Our B team at the moment probably contains Flamini, Wilshire, Rosicky, OX, Pod

That was our B defence and our C midfield.

farna_boy

A few points in defence of our wingers tonight:

1. Look who they had to aim at.
2. Can you imagine being in the same dressing room as him if he had scored?

I mean, if it came to me to cross the ball to him I'd probably prefer to try wait and give it to someone else in the slightest chance he might score, while attempting to pass it back to you.

Overall thought they did ok. If they had a bit of experience around them and a decent striker to aim at, they would probably would have been much better.

The best positive we can probably take from the game though is that our youth squad are as good as a premiership team.

tayto lover

Not really impressed with some of the young lads. First time seeing Gnabry live and was not too impressed. He gave the ball away countless times. Hopefully he's better than he showed tonight. Ryo and Eisfeld not too hot either. This game will stand to them.

FearDark

Deleted User wrote: »

Wins in a row is done

On a techincality

dfbemt

.jacksparrow. wrote: »

When did he say that about the league cup?

I remember his last spell he always fielded a strong team in it, bit strange

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/english/2013/0924/476075-chelsea-target-return-to-wembley/

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will hope the trip to Swindon is the start of a journey to Wembley as he bids to win the League Cup for a third time.
The Blues travel to the County Ground for a Capital One Cup third-round tie which will feature World Cup-winning playmaker Juan Mata, Brazil defender David Luiz and other stars of the Barclays Premier League.
Mourinho twice won the League Cup in his first spell at Stamford Bridge and made it a priority in his first season, eager to lift the first silverware available to him and duly delivering in early 2005.
Once again Chelsea will take the competition seriously on Mourinho's return.
Assistant boss Steve Holland said: "If you prioritise the four trophies we have a chance of winning, I'm not going to pretend that this competition is ahead of the Champions League, but Jose wants to win everything. That hasn't changed. That will be the situation again this time round.
"We want to win every trophy. There's no reason why not given the strength of squad that we have."
There is another reason for a desire to do well in the much-maligned League Cup - to give squad players opportunities and create internal competition.
Holland added: "We have a big squad with fantastic players. The players want to play and need to play.
"The longer we stay in this tournament, the more games we provide for our squad between now and Christmas time."
To the surprise of many, Mata is among the players needing game time.
The Chelsea player of the year for each of the last two seasons has been told to adapt his game by Mourinho and Holland expects Mata to deliver.
Holland said: "Juan has shown in his time here that he's more than capable of doing that. And I'm sure that will be the case this time."
To win the League Cup, Chelsea must overcome League Once Swindon in a challenge which is not to be underestimated, Holland says.
Holland pointed to recent precedent - Bradford's march to the final which included wins over Arsenal and Aston Villa, plus Liverpool's loss to Oldham in the FA Cup - as reason enough for Chelsea to be wary in Wiltshire.
"The warning signs are there," said Holland, reflecting on Chelsea beating League One Brentford in the FA Cup last January by virtue of a replay.
"If you think you've got a divine right just to turn up and win games, prepare to be surprised.
"It will be the biggest night in Swindon for a while, I'd imagine it will be packed, the fans will have a real positive impact on the team and all the players will be desperate to do well against a club like Chelsea.
"If we're anything other than 100% on it, it'll be a difficult night."

tayto lover

Someone needs to sit Bendtner down and explain the 0ffside rule to him.

dfbemt

tayto lover wrote: »

Not really impressed with some of the young lads. First time seeing Gnabry live and was not too impressed. He gave the ball away countless times. Hopefully he's better than he showed tonight. Ryo and Eisfeld not too hot either. This game will stand to them.

Exactly and that is why wenger plays them in this competition.

extra gravy

tayto lover wrote: »

Someone needs to sit Bendtner down and explain the 0ffside rule to him.

And also tell him not to have a go at a player who doesn't pass to him when he's in an offside position à la Bellerin in extra time.

greendom

tayto lover wrote: »

Someone needs to sit Bendtner down and explain the 0ffside rule to him.

Perhaps we can put that down to rustiness ? He did put his penalty away with aplomb and set up Eisfield for his oal. He also lasted 120 minutes so I think the reports of him being out of condition were a little far of the mark.

I think he can do a job for us this season.

tayto lover

greendom wrote: »

Perhaps we can put that down to rustiness ? He did put his penalty away with aplomb and set up Eisfield for his oal. He also lasted 120 minutes so I think the reports of him being out of condition were a little far of the mark.

I think he can do a job for us this season.

I don't.
He lacks a football brain.

Gringo180

Fook the performance lads we got the win and thats all that matters, there is a brilliant winning mentality in this squad of players I am pretty sure weve only lost once in about 15 competitive games! Bring on Chelsea I say we will do them at the Emirates COYG!!!

greendom

tayto lover wrote: »

I don't.
He lacks a football brain.

an accusation often levelled at Walcott, he seems to manage fine without one.

I'm not expecting him to replace Giroud but he'll be useful as an option off the bench and as we progress through to the latter rounds of the League Cup

Irish Aris

greendom wrote: »

Perhaps we can put that down to rustiness ? He did put his penalty away with aplomb and set up Eisfield for his oal. He also lasted 120 minutes so I think the reports of him being out of condition were a little far of the mark.

I think he can do a job for us this season.

I'd say he lasted 120 minutes because he didn't do much during the game (or so it seemed).
That stat about distance covered would give us an idea.

Mixed feelings about this.
Happy we won but if we keep on a good form and be in the title race and Champions League, I don't see AW having this as priority.

extra gravy

The 4-4 at Anfield is on SS1 now.

emergingstar

I can see wilshere and Ramsey been out wingers on Saturday

.jacksparrow.

tayto lover wrote: »

Not really impressed with some of the young lads. First time seeing Gnabry live and was not too impressed. He gave the ball away countless times. Hopefully he's better than he showed tonight. Ryo and Eisfeld not too hot either. This game will stand to them.

Who needs youth when we can buy the finished project for 42 million!

Loadza money we have!

emergingstar

emergingstar wrote: »

I can see wilshere and Ramsey been out wingers on Saturday

Why do you say that?

Alfred Borden

tayto lover

Raf32 wrote: »

I think he should wear the glasses during the games. They might help him

extra gravy

^^^The Where's Wally glasses don't look ridiculous at all! :pac:

emergingstar

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Why do you say that?

Just the way gnabry and ryo were cramping up at the end

gosplan

Bendtner the hipster.

funny

Just seeing that Suarez lad tonight. If we'd gotten him just imagine, keeper, back 4, Flamini then just stick Wilshere, Cazorla, Ozil, Suarez and one of Walcott/Ramsey/Podolski. Just tell the 5 of them to sort it out themselves :P

extra gravy

Wonder will most of the bigger Easons have Bergkamp's book in tomorrow?

cathalio11

It was obviously very difficult for Gnabry tonight but I wouldn't take too much from him.

If he's to start for Arsenal, he will play around Ozil, Ramsey, Cazorla and Giroud. Not with Myaichi and Bendtner.

It will give him much more freedom and he would grow from the player we saw against Stoke.

jonneymendoza

Deleted User wrote: »

Just seeing that Suarez lad tonight. If we'd gotten him just imagine, keeper, back 4, Flamini then just stick Wilshere, Cazorla, Ozil, Suarez and one of Walcott/Ramsey/Podolski. Just tell the 5 of them to sort it out themselves :P

Still may get him in the January transfer window

cson

jonneymendoza wrote: »

Still may get him in the January transfer window

No chance unfortunately.

We do need to buy in January notwithstanding.

Anyways, the next transfer window is a ways off yet so lets concentrate on getting there top of the league and still in every competition.

The thing that would worry me about Saturday is that with no Theo we have no pace to hit them on the counter with as they'll undoubtedly have a majority of possession the way they play.

Giggsy11

Deleted User wrote: »

Just seeing that Suarez lad tonight. If we'd gotten him just imagine, keeper, back 4, Flamini then just stick Wilshere, Cazorla, Ozil, Suarez and one of Walcott/Ramsey/Podolski. Just tell the 5 of them to sort it out themselves :P

Then maybe you wouldn't have signd that Ozil

Fuzzy_Dunlop

cson wrote: »

The thing that would worry me about Saturday is that with no Theo we have no pace to hit them on the counter with as they'll undoubtedly have a majority of possession the way they play.

Gnabry is pretty fast isn't he? So is Ozil.

emergingstar

I reckon Saturday will be the first time we see ozil rip a team a new one

Swansea will leave loads of space it's how they play, I can see ozil run riot

Funny enough still don't think we will win though I would take a score draw, Swansea is a rough place too go

Would be delighted with a win

Pepe LeFrits

Reckon we're going to see very little of the ball this weekend.

Royale with Cheese

emergingstar wrote: »

I would take a score draw, Swansea is a rough place too go

Nah, should be looking to win these games. The only games I would take a score draw beforehand would be the likes of Man City away. Or maybe other strong teams at home late in the season when Arsenal are already 7 points out in front.

8 draws against City, United, Chelsea and Liverpool and winning every single other match from here in would leave us on 95 points. 88-90 seems necessary to win the league so there's really no room for draws to Swansea.

premierstone

Deleted User wrote: »

8 draws against City, United, Chelsea and Liverpool and winning every single other match from here in would leave us on 95 points. 88-90 seems necessary to win the league so there's really no room for draws to Swansea.

2 draws against Liverpool.......go on out of that

Awesomeness

Does anyone know what Zelalam's injury was and how long hes out for?

Gringo180

Awesomeness wrote: »

Does anyone know what Zelalam's injury was and how long hes out for?

Hopefully its not too bad, I wouldnt like to see the lad on crutches when he makes his confirmation in a few months

Looper007

Deleted User wrote: »

8 draws against City, United, Chelsea and Liverpool and winning every single other match from here in would leave us on 95 points. 88-90 seems necessary to win the league so there's really no room for draws to Swansea.

We should be beaten those teams at home. Away we should beat at least two of them then two draws. They are all beatable especially Liverpool. We should be wiping the floor with Swansea.

greendom

Looper007 wrote: »

We should be beaten those teams at home. Away we should beat at least two of them then two draws. They are all beatable especially Liverpool. We should be wiping the floor with Swansea.

If we had at least a couple of our attacking midfielders available, I'd agree.

It's going to be tough with none of Podolski, Walcott or Ox, available. Our forward play was very lacking last night. Wonder if at least Rosicky has a chance of making the bench ?

Marty McFly

Anytime I've seen Gnabry play he looks to have plenty of pace yeh he's not Theo quick but not many are but he's far from a slouch. I really believe Gnabry will grow into a real player for Arsenal just hope he's ready now to make the step up a few appearance's with Ozil and co around him should see him begin to flourish. As he said himself playing reserves to first team is a huge step up and he thinks he is adapting well but will take time.


On Swansea I'd expect nothing but a win, tough game es but if we really want to be considered at least challengers we should be beating Swansea and on current run of form I'm hoping the team should be full confidence and certainly not fear a team like Swansea.

Awesomeness

Santi says: "I will be fit maybe in one week, I hope I can play at West Brom" #AskSanti

tayto lover

If we have serious designs on the EPL we have to be winning at Swansea.
They are no world beaters.

gosplan

Looper007 wrote: »

We should be beaten those teams at home. Away we should beat at least two of them then two draws. They are all beatable especially Liverpool. We should be wiping the floor with Swansea.

What????

Jesus so you're basically saying that in 8 games against the other best 4 teams in the country, we SHOULD, not could hopefully but SHOULD, achieve a mini table of p8, w6, d2, l0.

You are destined to be dissappointed buddy. I'd imagine that's better than any team has ever done ever against the top 4/5.

Awesomeness

gosplan wrote: »

What????

Jesus so you're basically saying that in 8 games against the other best 4 teams in the country, we SHOULD, not could hopefully but SHOULD, achieve a mini table of p8, w6, d2, l0.

You are destined to be dissappointed buddy. I'd imagine that's better than any team has ever done ever against the top 4/5.

For me the point is we should go into all these games looking for a win.


Going into a game and playing for a draw or hoipng for a draw has never worked for us over the years.

Can we win all of these games - yes

Will we win them all - Nope.

It just comes down to the day but individually they are all winnable

premierstone

gosplan wrote: »

What????

Jesus so you're basically saying that in 8 games against the other best 4 teams in the country, we SHOULD, not could hopefully but SHOULD, achieve a mini table of p8, w6, d2, l0.

You are destined to be dissappointed buddy. I'd imagine that's better than any team has ever done ever against the top 4/5.

He is just building it up like that so that when we are actually beaten he can come on here acting the big lad and calling Wenger and Co a shower of frauds, he thinks we should be emulating the Invincibles every year :rolleyes: even then he was probably bitc*ing about something or other. That username wasn't got in a luckybag you know

Drexel

Awesomeness wrote: »

For me the point is we should go into all these games looking for a win.


Going into a game and playing for a draw or hoipng for a draw has never worked for us over the years.

When has Wenger ever played for a draw :pac: