Arsenal Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 2014/15

Ken Shamrock

the untitled user wrote: »

For God's sake, I've come in here to talk about Arsenal, not Chelsea.

So talk about Arsenal? Bringing up the fact that certain people are talking about Cesc is talking about Cesc and now you have me doing it! Just ignore them!

the untitled user

Bob.Carcass wrote: »

So talk about Arsenal? Bringing up the fact that certain people are talking about Cesc is talking about Cesc and now you have me doing it! Just ignore them!

You realize that statement is a bit hypocritical?

Godge

hsbc wrote: »

Agreed re Cesc but it is very frustrating seeing him play as well as he's ever played for one of our biggest rivals.

If he keeps up this form he's a shoe-in for Player of the Year.

He will run out of steam in February/March like he always does. Has never finished a season well for Arsenal or Barca.

Colonialboy

I heard recently that Chelsea had 9 players that started all their PL matches this season, whereas Arsenal had 1 (szcz), or maybe it was all matches.
Somelse posted earlier about this changes in the lineup week in week out.
This sort of inconsistency in the team selection cant be good for form. Some is enforced and some is not.

omega man

Re cesc, the last thing we needed and still don't is another small light weight MF. We've an abundance of them already ffs.

the untitled user

Colonialboy wrote: »

I heard recently that Chelsea had 9 players that started all their PL matches this season, whereas Arsenal had 1 (szcz), or maybe it was all matches.
Somelse posted earlier about this changes in the lineup week in week out.
This sort of inconsistency in the team selection cant be good for form. Some is enforced and some is not.

What has not been enforced is the desire to accomodate Wilshere (which, everyone should remember, was the main reason Cesc was not brought back in).

I don't think anyone can really blame Wenger for trying to do this, especially given how Wilshere has been one of our stronger performers this season, but it's definitely had a negative impact on some of the others like Ozil, Carorla and Ramsey as they struggle to build a rapport and get out of each other's way.

Ken Shamrock

the untitled user wrote: »

You realize that statement is a bit hypocritical?

In what sense? I've addressed the fact that I'm now talking about him in the statement?

Gringo180

Happy birthday Tony Adams



We could do with a few like him now, an absolute warrior on and off the field.

the untitled user

Bob.Carcass wrote: »

In what sense? I've addressed the fact that I'm now talking about him in the statement?

You're telling me to just ignore posts I don't like yet you keep responding to mine. :rolleyes:

tayto lover

omega man wrote: »

Re cesc, the last thing we needed and still don't is another small light weight MF. We've an abundance of them already ffs.

BUT their not as good.

Ken Shamrock

the untitled user wrote: »

You're telling me to just ignore posts I don't like yet you keep responding to mine. :rolleyes:

I don't dislike your posts? I told you to ignore ones about Cesc if there bothering you that much, because if you just ignore them the conversations will die down and nobody will talk about him anymore? Sorry for suggesting something that might be of benefit to you and others who hate the Cesc talk?

greendom

tayto lover wrote: »

BUT their not as good.

Who knows? If we had Costa leading the line, maybe they would look just as good.

tayto lover

greendom wrote: »

Who knows? If we had Costa leading the line, maybe they would look just as good.

We haven't though.
Is Welbeck no good? Some saying he was great.

Marty McFly

tayto lover wrote: »

We haven't though.
Is Welbeck no good? Some saying he was great.

I don't remember anyone saying Welbeck was great or on the same level as Costa..

What most have said he has potential and that the jury is still out.

tayto lover

Marty McFly wrote: »

I don't remember anyone saying Welbeck was great or on the same level as Costa..

What most have said he has potential and that the jury is still out.

If you read the comments from the United fans they were saying he was excellent and being played out of position. Many of them were angry to see him go.

Skylinehead

tayto lover wrote: »

BUT their not as good.

Urgh. What do you want us to do about that?

Anyway:

https://vine.co/v/OKlMVZ72mTx

Marty McFly

tayto lover wrote: »

If you read the comments from the United fans they were saying he was excellent and being played out of position. Many of them were angry to see him go.

Yea they were upset to see him they said he had potential and could be a good fit at Arsenal plus they hated letting one of there own go.

None said he was great though

extra gravy

So it turns out that it was 78 years since 5 Arsenal players were on the pitch together for England - May 6th 1936 v Austria.

greendom

Skylinehead wrote: »

Urgh. What do you want us to do about that?

Anyway:

https://vine.co/v/OKlMVZ72mTx

Vermaelen being well looked after in Barcelona, I see

tayto lover

Skylinehead wrote: »

Urgh. What do you want us to do about that?

Anyway:

https://vine.co/v/OKlMVZ72mTx

Very good video :pac:
Was it Diaby?

I was one of those who felt we could have signed Cesc and a DM or any other player we needed. Our injury record is again proving that we need more players.
To those saying that Cesc forced his way out to join Barca which he may have done I would ask them what player in our squad would not have joined Barca if given the chance?
Football is full of players leaving clubs and some even returning. We sold Martin Keown when he didn't particularly want to leave and yet we bought him back later. Works both ways.

tayto lover

Marty McFly wrote: »

Yea they were upset to see him they said he had potential and could be a good fit at Arsenal plus they hated letting one of there own go.

None said he was great though

I read it differently.
Anyway even if we had Costa last Sunday he wouldn't have been given the service needed to score as Welback had poor service from the midfield anyway.
Not one chance set up for him.

We should all move on now anyway as we have to use what we have even if we're short in some areas.

greendom

tayto lover wrote: »

Very good video :pac:
Was it Diaby?

I was one of those who felt we could have signed Cesc and a DM or any other player we needed. Our injury record is again proving that we need more players.
To those saying that Cesc forced his way out to join Barca which he may have done I would ask them what player in our squad would not have joined Barca if given the chance?
Football is full of players leaving clubs and some even returning. We sold Martin Keown when he didn't particularly want to leave and yet we bought him back later. Works both ways.

It's the one place where we really didn't need cover. We currently are without Ramsey, Ozil, Walcott and Gnabry in that area,yet we still have plenty of first team players around to take their place

the untitled user

tayto lover wrote: »

Our injury record is again proving that we need more players.

Our injury record is proving that it doesn't matter how many players we have, our first team will always be disrupted by injury unless we can pin down the cause of our ridiculous injury rates.

tayto lover

greendom wrote: »

It's the one place where we really didn't need cover. We currently are without Ramsey, Ozil, Walcott and Gnabry in that area,yet we still have plenty of first team players around to take their place

I agree but none of them are leaders who bark orders and control the game.
Especially when they're injured and on the bench

Skylinehead

tayto lover wrote: »

Very good video :pac:
Was it Diaby?

I was one of those who felt we could have signed Cesc and a DM or any other player we needed. Our injury record is again proving that we need more players.
To those saying that Cesc forced his way out to join Barca which he may have done I would ask them what player in our squad would not have joined Barca if given the chance?
Football is full of players leaving clubs and some even returning. We sold Martin Keown when he didn't particularly want to leave and yet we bought him back later. Works both ways.

We didn't need him. We don't need him. He may be better than what we have (not by much, and there's far more pressing issues in our squad than that), but what's the point in self-flagellation over it? He's gone, there's nothing to be done about it, move on.

tayto lover

Skylinehead wrote: »

We didn't need him. We don't need him. He may be better than what we have (not by much, and there's far more pressing issues in our squad than that), but what's the point in self-flagellation over it? He's gone, there's nothing to be done about it, move on.

I have moved on.
I'm feckin moving on too fast.

the untitled user

Just going back to the recurring theme of lack of depth...

------------------ Martinez ----------------
------------------ Ospina ------------------
----------------- Szczsney -----------------
--------------------------------------------
Bellerin -------- Chambers --------- Monreal
Debuchy ---- Per ----- Koscielny ----- Gibbs
--------------------------------------------
---------- Coquelin ------------------------
---------- Flamini ------ Zelalem ----------
----------- Arteta ------ Diaby ------------
------------------------ Wilshere ----------
------------------------ Ramsey ------------
------------------ Rosicky -----------------
Gnabry ----------- Cazorla -----------------
Campbell ---------- Ozil -------------------
Ox -------------------------------- Podolski
Walcott --------- Sanogo ----------- Sanchez
----------------- Welbeck ------------------
------------------ Giroud ------------------

The above is an attempt to put everyone in their best position for us. We actually have a very strong squad overall, and frankly, I don't think any other team would handle such a deep injury crises as well as we have done. We've maintained some semblance of competitiveness at least in what was quite a tough start to the league.

We've currently missing 7 of what would be most people's preferred starting 11, 9 overall. Until we can solve the problem of our key men constantly picking up injury, Arsenal will never be able to move forward.

Roaster

the untitled user wrote: »

Just going back to the recurring theme of lack of depth...

------------------ Martinez ----------------
------------------ Ospina ------------------
----------------- Szczsney -----------------
--------------------------------------------
Bellerin -------- Chambers --------- Monreal
Debuchy ---- Per ----- Koscielny ----- Gibbs
--------------------------------------------
---------- Coquelin ------------------------
---------- Flamini ------ Zelalem ----------
----------- Arteta ------ Diaby ------------
------------------------ Wilshere ----------
------------------------ Ramsey ------------
------------------ Rosicky -----------------
Gnabry ----------- Cazorla -----------------
Campbell ---------- Ozil -------------------
Ox -------------------------------- Podolski
Walcott --------- Sanogo ----------- Sanchez
----------------- Welbeck ------------------
------------------ Giroud ------------------

The above is an attempt to put everyone in their best position for us. We actually have a very strong squad overall, and frankly, I don't think any other team would handle such a deep injury crises as well as we have done. We've maintained some semblance of competitiveness at least in what was quite a tough start to the league.

We've currently missing 7 of what would be most people's preferred starting 11, 9 overall. Until we can solve the problem of our key men constantly picking up injury, Arsenal will never be able to move forward.

I've always said we have depth in the squad but I disagree that it's very strong. I think our best 11 (WHEN FIT) could challenge the best but after that...from the list above I would not have the following in the squad if we were serious about challenging for the PL and CL:

Monreal
Coq
Arteta
Diaby
Rosicky (sorry TR7 but you're a shell of the player you used to be)
Sanogo

Alfred Borden

We will probably sign a DM next summer and by then Per will be totally finished as a half decent player and will need a centre back. I can see that being our next major problem area.

Soups123

Roaster wrote: »

I've always said we have depth in the squad but I disagree that it's very strong. I think our best 11 (WHEN FIT) could challenge the best but after that...from the list above I would not have the following in the squad if we were serious about challenging for the PL and CL:

Monreal
Coq
Arteta
Diaby
Rosicky (sorry TR7 but you're a shell of the player you used to be)
Sanogo

Monreal, Arteta and Rosicky are spot on for squad level dept just not first 11 starters.

When you list out a squad like above its easy to make it look like numbers are fine but they are not, from DM to back for its ****. All 3 of the DM options are not good enough but again squad player level, the back 4 back up is way to light.

For me the squad lacks debt in defence, inadequate DM and CF but hopefully Welbeck delivers. We need another CF if even to support Welbeck but in an ideal world better than both he and Giroud

Soups123

Raf32 wrote: »

We will probably sign a DM next summer and by then Per will be totally finished as a half decent player and will need a centre back. I can see that being our next major problem area.

Chambers will be the man, mark my words. I really believe the guy is the real deal

the untitled user

Roaster wrote: »

from the list above I would not have the following in the squad if we were serious about challenging for the PL and CL:

Monreal
Coq
Arteta
Diaby
Rosicky (sorry TR7 but you're a shell of the player you used to be)
Sanogo

With the exception of Arteta (1st) and Monreal (2nd) all those are third choice for their position. Given that most squads only use between 16-18 players on a regular basis, we have what would typically be a more than adequate level of depth.

Except in our case, we've constantly got a near double digit head count stuck in the physio room. That's the issue, doesn't matter if you add a Matic or a Falcao or a Hummels to the squad, we'd still have the same problem.

greendom

Soups123 wrote: »

Chambers will be the man, mark my words. I really believe the guy is the real deal

After watching him last night, I don't think he's destined to be a great full back. He can do a job there when called upon but his decision making and execution when forward was very poor

Ken Shamrock

Roaster wrote: »

I've always said we have depth in the squad but I disagree that it's very strong. I think our best 11 (WHEN FIT) could challenge the best but after that...from the list above I would not have the following in the squad if we were serious about challenging for the PL and CL:

Monreal
Coq
Arteta
Diaby
Rosicky (sorry TR7 but you're a shell of the player you used to be)
Sanogo

Very harsh on Rosicky he's had 2 poor games this season and even then it's sub appearances apart from CC, he gets feck all game time now and will find it hard to get form but if he was used correctly i think he's still good enough for any squad.

Soups123

greendom wrote: »

After watching him last night, I don't think he's destined to be a great full back. He can do a job there when called upon but his decision making and execution when forward was very poor

I said a few days back the guy is a CB he has all the characteristics, he has shown some quality for the few games he has had. He is not a specialist FB though he is a CB

the untitled user

I expect Bellerin to have established himself as deputy RB by the end of the season.

Soups123

the untitled user wrote: »

I expect Bellerin to have established himself as deputy RB by the end of the season.

I would be suprised at that, he is still very raw but has huge potential, he'll have to play the next game there with Chambers suspended.

In Monreal plays ahead of him then I see Bellerin playing very little at all this yeat unless Wenger is forced.

the untitled user

Soups123 wrote: »

I would be suprised at that, he is still very raw but has huge potential, he'll have to play the next game there with Chambers suspended.

In Monreal plays ahead of him then I see Bellerin playing very little at all this yeat unless Wenger is forced.

The only way to get rid of the rawness though is with games, and his promise is too good to just leave on the bench. He'll get more than just the usual cup outings this season, I'm pretty certain of it.

Keep in mind, you could have been describing Cole or Clichy with those remarks too right before they broke into the first team.

Soups123

the untitled user wrote: »

The only way to get rid of the rawness though is with games, and his promise is too good to just leave on the bench. He'll get more than just the usual cup outings this season, I'm pretty certain of it.

Keep in mind, you could have been describing Cole or Clichy with those remarks too right before they broke into the first team.

As I said I rate him and I do think he has the potential but we are out of the Carling Cup so cup games will be limited.

I think a lot will depend on next week if Wenger puts him in ahead of Monreal at RB then he'll get games, if he doesnt he is then behind Debuchy, Chambers and Monreal and will find games tough to come by.

Gringo180

Shocked to see we have only been beaten 3 times in our last 20 competitive games. Hate to see this place if we were in a crisis :pac:

tayto lover

Gringo180 wrote: »

Shocked to see we have only been beaten 3 times in our last 20 competitive games. Hate to see this place if we were in a crisis :pac:

It's all about the performance.
I never minded losing as long as we played well and gave it a go.
Never liked to see players clearly hiding during games and pulling out of tackles.
You give your all for the jersey and if you lose then you lose with dignity.
If something is worth doing, it's worth doing right. That applies to both players and manager.

Gringo180

tayto lover wrote: »

It's all about the performance.
I never minded losing as long as we played well and gave it a go.
Never liked to see players clearly hiding during games and pulling out of tackles.
You give your all for the jersey and if you lose then you lose with dignity.
If something is worth doing, it's worth doing right. That applies to both players and manager.

Totally agree with you. But I must say the only performance I was really disappointed in this season was away to Dortmund. Worst performance from us for as long as I can remember.

kellso81

[QUOTE=Gringo180 Hate to see this place if we were in a crisis [/QUOTE]

This is our 2nd worst start to a premier league season, never mind the completely abject performances

the untitled user

tayto lover wrote: »

It's all about the performance.
I never minded losing as long as we played well and gave it a go.
Never liked to see players clearly hiding during games and pulling out of tackles.
You give your all for the jersey and if you lose then you lose with dignity.
If something is worth doing, it's worth doing right. That applies to both players and manager.

Sounds like you should be supporting Stoke :P

Soups123

Gringo180 wrote: »

Shocked to see we have only been beaten 3 times in our last 20 competitive games. Hate to see this place if we were in a crisis :pac:

Its all about how you interpret stats, in our last 20 games we have failed to win 8 games, in our last 22 we have failed to win 10.

Gringo180

kellso81 wrote: »

This is our 2nd worst start to a premier league season, never mind the completely abject performances

Chelsea away, Everton away and City at home. Not to mention going to a newly promoted team in Leicester away was always going to be a tricky fixture so early in the season. We should have no team to fear again for the rest of the season with the exception of City away.

Soups123

Gringo180 wrote: »

Chelsea away, Everton away and City at home. Not to mention going to a newly promoted team in Leicester away was always going to be a tricky fixture so early in the season. We should have no team to fear again for the rest of the season with the exception of City away.

With our mentality I will fear

Chelsea at home
Liverpool away
United home and away
City away
Spurs away

Roaster

the untitled user wrote: »

With the exception of Arteta (1st) and Monreal (2nd) all those are third choice for their position. Given that most squads only use between 16-18 players on a regular basis, we have what would typically be a more than adequate level of depth.

Except in our case, we've constantly got a near double digit head count stuck in the physio room. That's the issue, doesn't matter if you add a Matic or a Falcao or a Hummels to the squad, we'd still have the same problem.

As I said I don't have a problem with the level of depth, it's the quality and I'm sorry but I just don't think we have it to be challenging on two of the biggest fronts.

I also don't agree with your statement if we added the likes of Hummels or Matic that we'd have the same problem. It's been said earlier in this thread that a lot of it has to do with they type of players we sign, i.e. small, lightweight, timid even, bar the odd exception.

I honestly think that the lack of contact in training is not helping either. The body needs to become accustomed to the physical side of the game and our lads obviously don't. I remember reading a quote from Bergkamp (I think) and he said the first thing Martin Keown did when he arrived was go straight through him and welcome him to English football. Could you imagine any of our current lot doing that?

Gringo180

Soups123 wrote: »

With our mentality I will fear

Chelsea at home
Liverpool away
United home and away
City away
Spurs away

I think we will be 2nd by Christmas. I know its outrageous to try and predict but we have a nice run of league fixtures coming up. 2 or 3 wins on the trot and with Walcott to come back will give this team massive confidence. If we can stay within 4-6 points of the leaders coming into the new year we have a huge chance, especially with Ozil, Debuchy and Giroud due back around that time.

kellso81

Gringo180 wrote: »

I think we will be 2nd by Christmas. I know its outrageous to try and predict but we have a nice run of league fixtures coming up. 2 or 3 wins on the trot and with Walcott to come back will give this team massive confidence. If we can stay within 4-6 points of the leaders coming into the new year we have a huge chance, especially with Ozil, Debuchy and Giroud due back around that time.

I'm sorry gringo, I don't mean to sound offensive but that's insane