EPL Thread - Window Closing
CL group stage draw date - August 25th
League Cup draw date - August 27th
The team schedules are about to fill up.
9 months ago
shroomer
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??
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 24, 2011 6:47 AM CDT up reply actions
I know this short video will make the Arsenal crowd wanna hurl ...
but it’s almost worth it to see how smokin’ haaaawt Gary Cook’s Girl Friday is in the last few seconds.
Geez
“I need something else in midfield because we have limited options,” he said. "I have Barry, De Jong, Milner and Toure – but if you consider the number of games in the league, the Champions League and the FA Cup that is not enough. “Daniele de Rossi would be absolutely perfect for this team and I rate him as one of the best midfielders in the world.”
I've always thought the de Rossi stuff is agent crap ... but these Gago rumors have me stoked.
I’ve been hoping City can pick him up cheap at the deadline all summer. Could happen.
MOTHERFUCKER VILLA WAS GOING TO SIGN GAGO UNTIL HOULLIER'S HEART GAVE OUT
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
I love the random Patrick Viera sighting.
I kind of want to go to work for MCFC now.
Not mediocre. Right about average
Nasri interview video
He’s certainly a charmer – gives a little insight into the summer negotiations and last days w/Arsenal
I think someone is smitten.
Not mediocre. Right about average
nah - but he always scared the crap out of me when playing City
hope he just uses those soft feet to connect the dots for the monsters up front
1 min ago ... pretty classy
Nanas08 Samir Nasri Official
Congratulation guys fantastic team performance fully deserved
Oh brother
Samir Nasri revealed he wanted to make the move to Man City to play in front of more “passionate” fans
by Brett Perryman on Aug 24, 2011 9:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Figures
Cesc’s still tweeting about Arsenal which is nice to see.
RVP and Szczesny postgame. Arsene needs to listen to his captain.
cesc agrees
The former Arsenal captain Cesc Fábregas has endorsed Samir Nasri’s criticism of the atmosphere at the club’s Emirates Stadium, admitting he “never felt at home as I was at Highbury”.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
x
Redknapp disagrees, however: "I don’t believe that, no. He could have gone to Man United.
“He wanted to go to Man United, that’s what I heard. But then Man City came in and offered him more money again so he went to Man City. That’s how it goes. It’s just a shirt and off we go.”
by Brett Perryman on Aug 27, 2011 6:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Kinda glad they lost him - creative dude.
But I’m curious to see Coates play in the EPL – because rumors that City were all over him this summer lasted right up to LFC signing him.
Aquilani
Yep, looks like he’s gone. But he’d made it pretty clear he wanted to go back to Italy. I’m excited to see Coates- looks like all that’s holding up the deal is approval for a work permit.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
It's official
Loaned out to AC Milan, with a clause to buy.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Talk of Liverpool being a replacement if Arsenal lose
Fenerbahce have been withdrawn from the Champions League this season, with the draw for the group stages less than 24 hours away.
No chance it's Liverpool. They didn't even make the Europa league.
I’m thinking Arsenal (with a loss, as the highest ranked qualifier to lose) or next place Turkish side.
by LiamP on Aug 24, 2011 1:01 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I don't see it either
Unless UEFA decides to use club coefficients to determine the replacement team- in that case, Liverpool is the highest-ranked team not in the tournament. I’d think your proposal is more likely, though.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
You were correct
Trabzonspor to replace Fenerbahce, per UEFA.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
x
Confirmed Arsenal XI v Udinese: Szczesny; Jenkinson Djourou Vermaelen Sagna; Song Frimpong; Walcott Ramsey Gervinho; Van Persie
Subs: Fabianski – Ox – Rosicky – Arshavin – Chamakh – Traore – Miquel
So if
Djourou blows a tire – and let’s be honest, he almost certainly will – you’ll have Miquel, Frimpong and Song as your backbone with Vermaelen. And Ramsey as your creative force in the middle. Just have to hope for a magical long ball on a counter attack, I guess, with the two fast guys on the flanks.
Wonder if Rosicky can at least give them 30 minutes after Ramsey runs around aimlessly for an hour? It would be so risky to put him in, though, because there’s no guarantee he’d finish, and they have nothing else for midfielders.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 24, 2011 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Kind of why I was hoping Rosicky would start
maybe help nick a goal and then bring Frimpong on to shut them down. Looks like he’s trying to hold at 1-0. Dangerous.
Dammit
Meireles injured early in today’s Carling Cup game vs. Exeter- sounds like a possible shoulder dislocation.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Ouch.
Those hurt.
Not mediocre. Right about average
Yep
Hasn’t effected our performance today, fortunately. 3-0 LFC in the second half.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Raul
Said post-match that his shoulder did pop out, but popped right back in. Also, Luis Suarez continues to be awesome.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
I don't think Maurice or Brett will have fingernails by the time this one's over.
by LiamP on Aug 24, 2011 2:12 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
So many near goals for udinese
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
The defense is awful
I don’t quite know how the aggregate works, udinese is in if they get 1 more and arsenal gets none? But if arsenal gets 1 then udinese need 2 more? Right?
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Well done RVP.
That should kill the tie off (no anti jinx intended).
by LiamP on Aug 24, 2011 2:58 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
i just say, the polish kid
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I just bothered to learn it the other day
Key is to break it into the crazy first part: ‘Szcz’ and the phonetic last part, ‘esny.’
by Brett Perryman on Aug 24, 2011 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Just think what
Eden Hazard could do.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 24, 2011 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions
You think some of the moves were pending the outcome of this match?
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
We shall see, I guess.
Not mediocre. Right about average
Any shot they have/had at Hazard
in this window was certainly contingent on them qualifying. His club is in, so it would have been a step backward for him to move. M’Vila reportedly was as well, though I think it could have been possible to money whip them/him if the desire is there to move.
Whether any most was directly contingent on it, it certainly makes things easier, not to mention the little bit of momentum and confidence it inspires that the walls aren’t completely caving in. They’ll get throttled at Man Utd, but it won’t be the end of the world now, I wouldn’t think.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 24, 2011 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Not to mention
the enormous amoont of money tied up in qualifying
by Brett Perryman on Aug 24, 2011 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Wonder if
Wenger felt more pressure today than he’ll feel early next week? Probably so, but he’s going to feel like every pair of eyes in the world are on him as he tries to rebuild the front of his roster.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 24, 2011 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions
THAT SMILE
mattspiro
Wenger was just interviewed post-match by Lille coach Rudi Garcia on Canal+. Presenter mentioned Eden Hazard, Wenger smiled… Garcia didnt!
Weird
he was interviewed by another active coach?
by Brett Perryman on Aug 24, 2011 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Commentary and analysis I get
The interview part seems really weird. Crazy Octagons.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 24, 2011 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Probably one of those things
where he was doing analysis in studio and they hooked up with him post-game via satellite.
CL Draw tomorrow.
There could potentially be an incredibly gnarly group of death with City in pot 3.
by LiamP on Aug 24, 2011 4:16 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I feel sorry for the 3 and 4 seeds (besides City)
Here are the #2 seeds for tomorrow’s draw: AC Milan, Lyon, Shakhtar, Valencia, Benfica, Villarreal, CSKA Moscow, Marseille.
That’s a recent CL winner, three recent Europa winners, and one of last year’s Europa finalists. Ouch.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Milan, Shaktar and CSKA are the worst of those.
The others are your standard pot 2 fare.
M'vila gaining traction
Arsène Wenger has made a bold statement of intent by offering £22m to Rennes for the holding midfielder Yann M’Vila.
Mentions Hazard and Cahill/Jag/Dann as the players he’s targeting like we’ve heard.
Interesting game stats
Telegraph also says:
Arsenal have also targeted M’Vila, who would add real competition to Alex Song and Emmanuel Frimpong in a holding midfield role, but Rennes are reluctant sellers. However, it is understood that M’Vila is keen on Arsenal and the prospect of Champions League football as he tries to consolidate a place in the France team ahead of next year’s European Championships.
Despite Rennes’ position, there is a sense that they would have to seriously consider an offer above £20 million, which would also represent a record transfer fee for Arsenal.
He has the feel of a move that may well actually happen.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 25, 2011 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Also, I thought this was a funny line
If they are looking for a flashy player armed with 60-yard Hollywood passes, M’Vila is not their man.
You know what they always say, put together some 60-yard soccer passes and you’ve got Hollywood gold.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 25, 2011 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep, because we all know Stephen Ireland's the best player in the world.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
About time
FOX Broadcasting Company (NASDAQ:NWS), the national broadcasting network, will televise the first ever Premier League match on free-to-air television in the United States on Sunday, February 5, 2012, according to a source. The clash between Chelsea and Manchester United will be shown live on Super Bowl Sunday beginning at 10:30am ET.
w00t
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 24, 2011 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Well,
At least I’ll have one team to root for on Superbowl Sunday…
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 25, 2011 7:02 AM CDT up reply actions
YOU MEAN THE COWBOYS RIGHT BECAUSE THEY'RE DEFINITELY GOING TO BE IN THE SUPER BOWL
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
by jonthefon on Aug 25, 2011 7:15 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I THINK HE MEANS HE WILL HAVE THE COWBOYS
BUT WILL BE PULLING FOR A NON CHELSEA TEAM BY THAT POINT IN TIME.
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 25, 2011 7:22 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
WHAT ARE Y'ALL TALKING ABOUT
I THOUGHT THERE WAS A DOG COMPETITION ON AND I’D REALLY LIKE TO SEE TEAM AKITA FINALLY WIN IT ALL
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 25, 2011 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
Just in case y'all haven't seen it already...
Philippe Senderos, Arsenal legend
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
heh
from a soccernet article about managers who came under fire:
Matters barely improved throughout the season and, at the end of April when relegation was all but certain, two Sunday tabloids featured stories that ultimately triggered his retirement. One paper revealed that Clough had recently slept in a field – he later told a Sun journalist that he had “slept in fields 20 or 25 times and no one said owt about it” - while Forest director Chris Wootton made a series of allegations of heavy drinking, including the claim that he was regularly drunk by 10am and once collapsed in front of his players.
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
Chelsea & Valencia paired together
And of course, Lyon wind up in Madrid’s group. Ugh.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Mata goes home.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 25, 2011 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions
And Genk.
See, Lille, you should sell us Hazard and then you’re guaranteed to make CL group stages. It’s science.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 25, 2011 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Nope
Lyon played RM in the knockout stage, but didn’t play Ajax.
Not a terrible group overall- they should be able to handle Ajax and Dinamo Zagreb.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
No
Would be pretty unlucky to draw them though.
by LiamP on Aug 25, 2011 11:36 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Wow, as if on cue...
Nothing too bad in terms of travel at least. Very tasty group though…Bayern will feel hard done by.
by LiamP on Aug 25, 2011 11:38 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Nice group for you lot.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 25, 2011 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Not bad for you either.
United got the best draw of the English sides though.
by LiamP on Aug 25, 2011 11:42 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yep.
PROBABLY FIXED SOMEHOW
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 25, 2011 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Since City and ManU are in the first 4 groups ...
would that put us both together in the same half of the knockout bracket if both teams get out of the group stage? Or do they mix things up after group stage?
I like our group.
Let’s face it, we’re not gonna win it all, so might as well have a competitive group to gain experience in for next year.
Eh,
the money gets significantly greater each round.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 25, 2011 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Not exactly the biggest concern for your clubs.
by LiamP on Aug 25, 2011 11:59 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I think it is for Chelsea, in terms of FFP.
Citeh…eh, who knows.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 25, 2011 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Arsenal have a nice group
Long trip to Greece but nothing too challenging
by LiamP on Aug 25, 2011 11:30 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Arsenal get BVB
Those are going to be must-see games.
by LiamP on Aug 25, 2011 11:41 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
December finale might be a huge game ...
Napoli (h) Wed 14 September
Bayern Munich (a) Tue 27 September
Villarreal (h) Tue 18 October
Villarreal (a) Wed 2 November
Napoli (a) Tue 22 November
Bayern Munich (h) Wed 7 December
How does it mingle with your prem schedule?
Any difficult away ties after away Euro nights?
by LiamP on Aug 25, 2011 7:54 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Every EPL game after every CL game is an away game.
17th September: Fulham v Man City
1st October: Blackburn v Man City
23rd October: Man United v Man City
5th November: QPR v Man City
27th November: Liverpool v Man City
10th December: Chelsea v Man City
Don't United play at home after every CL fixture?
Which goes with a pretty cupcake group for them – Benfica’s decent, have plenty of attacking talent, but y’know…
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
Yep.
Gotze!!!!!!!
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 25, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
w00t
strike in spain = over
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
Adebayor to Spurs on season long loan-official.
The North London Derby at the Emirates is going to be fascinating.
by LiamP on Aug 25, 2011 2:07 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
That kind of sucks
I have this feeling that he’ll do well there.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 25, 2011 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions
For him to be effective he has to play 100% all the time.
He HAD to do that at Real Madrid. He’ll tail off pretty quick with Spurs and go back to busn as usual.
Don't think
he’ll start most of the time? I could certainly see it going either way, but if I’m going to take him I think my first option would be to try to start him and Defoe together and see what happens.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 25, 2011 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions
By "100% all the time" I meant effort-wise - not 100% of the sked.
He’s no big threat lollygagging and losing possession constantly like with City. He might start out gungho at Spurs but he’ll tail off by Thanksgiving and be driving Spurs fans nuts. He did okay with Real because he busted his azz and kept his touches down during buildups – Jose wouldn’t allow him back on the field if he ever played his normal style.
So surely Group A is the group of death, right?
Group E seems pretty tough as well.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
And gets UCL exposure
and then Euro 12
by Brett Perryman on Aug 25, 2011 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions
That is going to be a very interesting
national team in the next few years.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 25, 2011 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Belgium?
Yeah, they’ve got some really impressive young players.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
If they can find a coach to keep the players together, yes
Who knows if Leekens is right for them this time.
by Outworlder47 on Aug 26, 2011 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions
let me just say
SAF does not look like he is almost 70.
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
Watched lotsa the Roma game yesterday - Bojan is a square peg in a round hole on that team.
Soft feet but few touches – blew a great chance late.
i need to DL it and watch it
its a damn shame how different his career would have been (imho) had the goal vs inter been allowed — the one called back on the yaya toure handball
where did you watch it? online?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 26, 2011 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions
yeah, watched the 2nd half stream yesterday - seemed like an interesting situation for Roma
All you need to see is the 2nd half – lotsa tension in the stadium, especially after Totti was subbed out and after SB’s late game-winner – Italian fans don’t play when they get unhappy, Jack – the actual gameplay kinda sucked – would rather watch Stoke tbh – that’s why Bojan looked so weird out there actually trying to play play play instead of hoof fallover whinetotheref
Yeah, was saying that here recently
He’s pretty amazing.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2011 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Man Utd - Arsenal
Arsenal’s lineup will still be a disaster zone for this one, before some players hopefully return after the intl break (and there are also hopefully at least two quality additions to the team). There are only two legitimate CM even potentially available – Ramsey and Rosicky. The promising Chuks Aneke was apparently going to be in the team, but he was injured. Coquelin and Eastmond are also apparently not ready physically, so Lansbury and Djourou basically the only guys in the entire organization who could fill the role. Should be something like:
Arshavin-Van Persie-Gervinho
Ramsey-Rosicky-Lansbury
Sagna-Vermaelen-Koscielny-Sagna
Szczesny
Walcott (just guessing he get the rest, but he and Arshavin could swap), Chamakh, AOC, Djourou, Miquel, Traore (unless he’s loaned out by today), Fabianski on the bench
I think Miyaichi and Squillaci are the only other legitimate players even eligible to participate, with Wenger already saying that Bendtner would not be involved.
Wenger did say today that he’s convinced that Ramsey is going to be a very important player for them. He probably said it to try to give him confidence, but he probably wouldn’t say it if he wasn’t still high on him long term.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2011 10:13 AM CDT reply actions
Jenkinson at LB you mean?
Supposedly Arsene made an absurdly low bid for Cahill today. Coyle’s reacting like he was just spat on.
by LiamP on Aug 26, 2011 10:18 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
yeah
has lowballing worked in sports over the last 10 years?
other than the dan haren trade that is
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 26, 2011 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions
What do you make of Coyle's reaction?
Arsenal has reportedly been low-balling them (at least as perceived by the press) all summer, so I thought it was interesting that Coyle came out with his frustration in the media this time. I don’t have an instinct for all of this, but it struck me as the reaction from someone who is under pressure to get it done. Moyes, by comparison, reportedly gets pretty mad at Wenger for low offers, but I haven’t heard him come out with anything.
Wenger, for his part, said the offer was not what’s been reported. I’m guessing that Coyle was more upset with the amount of the offer that was immediate and completely guaranteed, rather than the total.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2011 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Depends on what Arsene offered.
If it’s anywhere near the 6mm mark that’s being reported, Coyle’s well within his rights to be apoplectic about the bid. Not sure if he’s under pressure but I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to enter into negotiations with a miser like Arsene. They’ve probably been discussing Cahill for a while, and I imagine Coyle’s reaction is one of a man whose time has been wasted.
by LiamP on Aug 26, 2011 10:58 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
What I mean is
not whether the bid was legitimate or not. Coyle thought it was not, and therefore it almost certainly wasn’t.
What I mean is the mere fact that he’s upset by it kind of indicates that he’s of a mind to sell Cahill. If I’m in his position and I don’t want to sell one of my best players, a ridiculous bid actually is kind of a relief because it’s going to be easy for me to explain why I kept the player.
Maybe it’s obvious that they were prepared to sell if the price was reasonable, but I didn’t really have that impression. I mean I want them to sign a CB, but I’m not going to fault Wenger if the price for Cahill is £18M.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2011 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
I think, given Bolton's financial state, that he probably is ready to sell Cahill.
18mm GBP is a reasonable figure. Maybe not by Arsenal’s standards, but based on the going rate for a 25 yo, England international defender.
by LiamP on Aug 26, 2011 11:55 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yep
That’s about what Glen Johnson and Stewart Downing (also England internationals) each cost Liverpool, so I’d say it’s a fair demand.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Why doesn't
Liverpool buy Cahill for £18M? Maybe they will?
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2011 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh yeah
Forgot about that. Watching him more closely this season I still think it’s a little too much, but what do I know.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2011 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah. I'm guessing it was 6 with add ons to 10 or 12
and he probably tried to force Bendtner on them like he has all summer. Anyways, this probably gets done.
Wilshere just re-tweeted this
piersmorgan
by JackWilshere
Hearing good informed whispers that #Cahill deal is being actively negotiated with #Arsenal … Great news if true. Perfect signing
Player (re)tweets are evil
Macheda retweeted something about Sneijder a month ago that had the interwebs buzzing that his signing was imminent.
by LiamP on Aug 26, 2011 1:55 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Wilshere aside
You wouldn’t think that Piers Morgan would say that without some pretty good information. Doesn’t mean it’s done or anything, obviously, though.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2011 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Speaking of Bendtner
Kind of a funny moment from Wenger’s PC today. He said that Bendtner and Squillaci were out for Man Utd and someone asked him asked him what was wrong with Bendtner. He froze for a minute and said, I don’t know. Then he tried to play it off as not knowing how long his “very minor ankle injury” would keep him out, but it was pretty obvious (to me at least) that he was caught off guard and just couldn’t think to make something up in stride like he usually would.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2011 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Heh, saw that.
Also liked when he denied the Cahill thing and a reporter suggested that the amount offered was less than 6 mil. Did get him to say that he was looking for another striker during the Bendtner portion though. Not too optimistic about that pursuit.
We'll find out
in a week that Arsene has tremendous faith in Benik Afobe or someone.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2011 8:37 PM CDT up reply actions
On Jenkinson RB/LB
I would guess RB with Sagna sliding over to LB again, but I suppose matchups could impact that. Sagna at both spots would be preferable, though, so I may stick with that.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2011 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions
Depends on whether you want Jenkinson against Nani or Young
On current form, neither one is particularly appealing.
by LiamP on Aug 26, 2011 11:44 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm just guessing, but
I think the preference is Jenkinson on the right and Sagna on the left. Sagna adjusts well (at least he has against the competition he’s faced) on that side, and Jenkinson needs to comfort zone. I also would guess that I’d prefer Jenkinson on Young and Sagna on Nani, though, like you said, either is probably a terrible matchup for Jenkinson.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2011 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Probably moot anyway.
They switch wings enough that he’ll be exposed to both for sustained periods.
by LiamP on Aug 26, 2011 12:37 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Just saw this regarding M'Vila
bbcsport_david David Ornstein
Agent says it’d take huge offer to sign M’Vila now. While things can change, #afc unlikely to get him this window. Should get update Monday
25 Aug
bbcsport_david David Ornstein
M’Vila agent tells me no contact from Arsenal + knows of no offer to Rennes. If #afc have bid, was rejected so early agent not even informed
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2011 12:11 PM CDT reply actions
looks like playing the waiting game didnt work for arsenal
they should play hungry hungry hippos next time
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
league cup news
The Third Round will take place in the week commencing 19 September 2011.
Cardiff V Leicester
Wolves V Millwall
Chelsea V Fulham
Aldershot/Carlisle V Rochdale
Arsenal V Shrewsbury
Burnley V MK Dons
Leeds V Manchester United
Brighton V Liverpool
Nottingham Forest V Newcastle
Manchester City V Birmingham
Blackburn V Leyton Orient/Bristol Rovers
Swindon/Southampton V Charlton/Preston
Everton V West Brom
Crystal Palace/Wigan V Middlesbrough
Aston Villa V Bolton
Stoke V Tottenham
Another
Man Utd visit to Leeds, plus four PL matchups. Arsenal fans figure the league cup will be the highlight of their season, since all of their new signings figure to feature.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 27, 2011 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Looks like Park Chu Young to Arsenal is done.
Talk about out of the blue, but seems like a pretty meh deal to me, just RVP insurance to go with Chamakh who’ll be on international duty soon anyway.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
really unexpected
from the sound of that article, wenger might have pissed lille off by swooping in like that.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
yup, first thing i thought
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Why?
Park’s a replacement for Bendtner/Chamakh, except he actually has an excellent workrate.
Because it further pisses off Lille
but early word is that they’re in on Campbell for a loan, so maybe they either aren’t holding it against Arsenal or are not letting emotion supersede business.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 27, 2011 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah i figured it would really piss off lille
maybe it wont who knows
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I'm not quite sure what Arsene is saving his money for, but
everything the papers have gotten wind of seems to involve very low monetary figures. I’d like to think that it means that they intend to make one huge addition, but they just aren’t going to get Hazard. I liked the idea of M’Vila initially, and the more I think about it the more I like getting him somehow. Steve Stammers of the Mirror seems to think that they’ll get Cahill and M’Vila, but this number doesn’t seem believable:
Meanwhile, the Gunners are on the brink of landing long-time target Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila for £10m.
Rennes are reluctant to release the 21-year-old, who has made a huge impact in France, but the lure of playing for Wenger may be too strong.
He has Cahill costing 12-15. I was kind of glad to see that the media thought as little of Cahill’s performance against Suarez. I thought I must be crazy or something. But even though it wasn’t him giving up the goals, he looked poor physically, not just distracted. He had the great goal a couple of weeks ago, but watching him more closely this season I’m not that psyched about getting him.
Getting M’Vila is probably the difference in this feeling like a semi-successful deadline for me. Almost every other guy the media is aware of would just be a squad player for Arsenal, and I’m frankly not sure that Cahill would beat out Koscielny long term, aside from the fact that he’s a natural fit size-wise. I could get excited about Marvin Martin, but there doesn’t seem to be anything happening there.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 27, 2011 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Cahill has 1 year left on his contract. That's why the fee's only in the mid 10's.
by LiamP on Aug 27, 2011 6:23 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Well yeah
but that’s been part of the thing the whole time.
We’re not talking about a no-brainer starting choice for England. We’re talking about a fringy guy in the last year of his contract who obviously wants to go and a team that can’t afford to let someone like him walk for free. Given that he’s not a dominant player, I just can’t see how you can expect 17-18 million. I feel like that would be a very poor deal, and I’d be fine with Arsenal turning it down if Coyle sticks at 17.
Also, it doesn’t sound like he really wants to move (which means nothing happens), but if Jagielka really can play LB, I’d be fine with paying more for him than Cahill, even though he’s older and smaller. They have bigger problems at that spot now imo than CB.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 27, 2011 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions
x
I just can’t see how you can expect 17-18 million.
I think that amount is reasonable given the fee paid for Ashley Young, who’s a year older and was also on the last year of his deal. I think Young’s a higher caliber of player than Cahill, but not by much.
Well obviously now Young's a lot better than Cahill
/overreaction from one game although not entirely exaggerated.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
Oh shit.
I didn’t realize he was close to signing for Lille.
Their director
is probably about as sick of hearing “Arsenal” as Arsenal people are “Barcelona.”
by Brett Perryman on Aug 27, 2011 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions
They needed
depth up front even worse after this:
YoungGunsBlog Jamie Sanderson
Joel Campbell has had his work permit application rejected, and will now move on loan, to either Holland or France.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 27, 2011 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions
There had been
all of this talk that he had a parent with like Irish citizenship, but that obviously wasn’t the case. He also doesn’t speak any English, had to do his intro interview with a Spanish translator.
Incidentally, I can’t believe that any of these people have seen him play more than his couple of short youtube videos, but Arsenal boards were awash with people who thought that he is destined to be a better player than Oxlade-Chamberlain, despite the incomparable prices.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 27, 2011 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions
I cannot fucking stand how we let you jammy bastards off the mat time and time again.
Goddamnit I can’t even see straight right now for the gutpunch that was. gahhhhhhhhhhhhh
What's the rumpus?
and Blackburn's search for a middle-back continues as FC Dallas and Blackburn cannot meet eye to eye on a deal for George John
I wouldn’t want to play for Blackburn anyway
by oc on Aug 28, 2011 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions
You're right
Because toiling away in the sub-standard MLS is the pinnacle of anyone’s career.
And I’m not surprised this deal didn’;t go through. An inept ownership that just can’t get anything right.
What's the rumpus?
Kind of the point the people over at the FCD Blog are trying to say
Link. Some Blackburn fans in there trying to argue it up though.
That Blackburn fan is a troll
Some idiot who is trying to bow up on anyone with a dissenting opinion. While I agree with his overall point that the move would be better for John, overall he’s just a dumbass.
What's the rumpus?
Yup
fwiw, I agree with you about how he would’ve been better off in Blackburn, but as an FCD fan, I’m definitely glad he’s still around for the playoff run
I did enjoy, though
the one fan who wanted to equate a chance at three domestic trophies as a better draw and more important than playing in the Premiership. That was kinda humorous and a little myopic, but gotta love their enthusiasm.
What's the rumpus?
haha whatever, Ollie
No matter the standard of the team, town or ownership, playing for a team in the Premiership puts yourself and your skills in front of the entire world to see. Whether Rovers get relegated or not, there’s still a much better chance of going on to bigger and better things as a player in the Premiership than in the MLS.
What's the rumpus?
well the question is
is it better to play in the MLS or take a chance at sitting for blackburn?
but blackburn is better, almost for sure career wise than FCD
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 29, 2011 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
That's the thing
He wouldn’t be brought over for squad depth. Especially if Samba leaves we’ll have gaping holes for him to fill. Nelsen can’t stay healthy, Givet is really a left back, Hanley is atrocious, and we haven’t signed any other CB’s yet and who knows if we ever will.
He would definitely play if brought to Blackburn.
What's the rumpus?
thats what i would think
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 29, 2011 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions
yep, the one touch passes and the crosses have been supurb
Hup Holland Hup
by Martijn1309 on Aug 27, 2011 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Very true
I think Carroll’s going to come good in time, but that was some outstanding play today without him. Nice to see Henderson and Adam both get off the mark!
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
I think
that was the best I’ve ever seen Henderson look.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 27, 2011 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Cahill
looks really slow footed trying to deal with the likes of Suarez. The prospect of his aerial ability is tantalizing for that team, but in space, ugh.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 27, 2011 12:50 PM CDT reply actions
I guess he might
need a pass.
Coyle was reluctant to discuss Cahill’s situation after the Anfield loss but did concede that he had not been at his best.
“I do think it had an effect on him today,” said Coyle.
“It’s probably the first time I have seen him not be the normal outstanding lad that he is. But that can happen to anyone.”
by Brett Perryman on Aug 27, 2011 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions
the video of the drogba hit is awful.
out cold for 30 minutes. damn.
- Rangers finish 85-77 - Josey Wales
- I picture GoET with a reptilian dong anyway - RIver Fenix
Sounds like
he’s ok. Good to hear because like you said it looked really scary. Concussion probably keeps him out a little while though.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 27, 2011 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Francis Coquelin
and someone named Oguzhan Ozyakup are both in Arsenal’s squad tomorrow. Sweet.
They like Ozyakup, but the notion that he could see the field at Old Trafford right now is pretty sad. And, hopefully Coquelin doesn’t have to start.
Oh and Sagna is sick
so that would also be wonderful.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 27, 2011 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Hits keep on coming
Now I’m just waiting to see who gets a red in the first 10 minutes of the match. What else could go wrong?
Don't ask that
Seems like there’s always been an answer this summer, at least before Wednesday.
On the red, my pick is a second yellow in the 6th minute for Jenkinson as he tries to take the ball away from Rooney on the edge of the box.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 27, 2011 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Angelfire?
You planning on hitting up Geocities for some gifs next?
Hah
I just googled eeyore images and found one where it was raining on him.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 27, 2011 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I think tomorrow's game will be much closer than people are anticipating.
Consensus seems to be that United will just blow Arsenal away. I just don’t see that happening, regardless of how frail you are at the back.
Frankly
I’m still much more concerned about how frail Arsenal will be in the middle. Koscielny is supposed to play, and despite his new issue I’d guess that Vermaelen will. Really, those two should match up pretty well with United’s strikers, at least as far as Arsenal ever will under Wenger. The fullbacks will be rough if Sagna doesn’t play, but the fact that nothing will be generated and the ball won’t be kept by their midfield will be a more insurmountable problem, I expect.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 27, 2011 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Ok, maybe defense will be the biggest problem
ashburton_grove Ashburton Grove
It seems as though Bacary Sagna stayed in London rather than travelled with the squad to Manchester because of illness.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 28, 2011 7:44 AM CDT up reply actions
THIS WAS BEFORE VERM AND SAGNA WERE OUT.
by LiamP on Aug 28, 2011 10:47 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Arsenal Transfers
If all Arsene brings in is Young, Cahill and M’Vila is this thing still a top 4 club?
Probably not
but I’d be intrigued to see what M’Vila does for them. I can pretty much guarantee that they won’t do anything bigger than M’Vila/Cahill.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 27, 2011 11:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah
Which is weird. Either Arsene refuses to spend or the board won’t let him. They will therefore miss out on tens of millions of euros from the next Champions league and then not spend because they don’t get the CL money. It is a self made cycle of disaster.
Hart, Zabaleta, Clichy, Kompany, Lescott, Barry, Yaya, Silva, Nasri, Aguero, Dzeko
NDJ didn’t train all week, but I wasn’t sure if Milner or Nasri would start. Guess they want the new guy to get acclimated before the int’l break. And starting Zabba over Richards against speedy Bale is kinda surprising – good luck with all that, Zabs.
I was going to ask the same thing
They didn’t actually develop a player or something, did they?
by Brett Perryman on Aug 28, 2011 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions
We played Timisoara FC home-and-home in Europa League qualifying last summer.
Timisoara sucked but they had this gigantic goalie who seemed a level or two above his teammates in quality. He must of impressed the City brass, too, because we picked him up on loan a few weeks ago to serve as backup to Joe Hart.
City reminds me of
This. In particular, the mockery made of the competition.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 28, 2011 8:26 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm negative impressed with your tweet.
cesc4official
Very impressed with man city and spurs. One in a positve way and the other very negative. Cant really say im sad about it thought.
What a beast lineup
Szczesny; Jenkinson Djourou Koscielny Traore; Coquelin Ramsey Rosicky; Walcott RVP Arshavin
Man
no Vermaelen either. This could be 5-0.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 28, 2011 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions
lol
YoungGunsBlog
Coquelin comes in after a year at Lorient, and then #U20WC with France. Only two Arsenal training sessions in the last 12 months.
3 of those players shouldn’t even be squad players and they’re starting. Hopefully they make it quick and painless.
x
JackWilshere Jack Wilshere
Waiting for the game! Come on boys! #ILoveAFC.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 28, 2011 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions
So the reserves vs man united
Maybe they can hold united to 6 goals
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
heh
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 29, 2011 6:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Well
I guess we can expect Arshavin to pick up a second yellow at around the 70 minute mark and for everything to go to hell about them.
Uhhhhhhh
A PK miss by Robin vanLOL Persie and then that.
Would've been some save
That was near perfect placement.
by LiamP on Aug 28, 2011 10:34 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Holy shit, how is Arshavin still on the pitch?
by LiamP on Aug 28, 2011 10:36 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Poor Wellbeck ...
by the time he’s healthy again all the big name ManU strikers will be in form and flowing and he’ll be back nailed on the bench. bad bad luck
He only really has to worry about Hernandez (Berba's nailed to the bench)
And Welbeck’s link up play will always be better than Hernandez’s, so I could see him regaining a starting spot.
by LiamP on Aug 28, 2011 10:39 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Damn
Hey Arsene, this is what talent looks like. You taking notes?
Jenkinson
He’s really a bit clueless going forward.
by LiamP on Aug 28, 2011 10:44 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Thanks Captain Obvious
“Arsenal’s defending has been very poor.”
Imagine
If RVP hadn’t shit the bed on the PK. Walcott’s pretty good.
HT score according to Karma should be 2-2
2 perfect ManU strikes vs RVP PK and Walcott’s nutmeg shot there
I'm really glad I'm not watching this live
And couldn’t find a stream at this point I’m not bothering
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
United need to get this match over with
Arsenal’s injury plague is spreading.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 28, 2011 11:09 AM CDT reply actions
Hey guys
How about you not foul to give Rooney free goals, I mean kicks, from close to the box.
Rooney's turned into Juninho evidently.
by LiamP on Aug 28, 2011 11:24 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Seriously
Whoever came up with this defensive game plan should be fired.
Was always going to be difficult with Sagna and Vermaelen in particular out.
by LiamP on Aug 28, 2011 11:28 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Sure
But when you are down two starters like that you can’t keep your same old game plan. You’ve got to adapt.
Can only do so much with what you have.
Not sure what gameplan can compensate for 2 fullbacks who looked terribly out of their depth, an injury to the most competent CB you have and a holding mid making his first start in England.
by LiamP on Aug 28, 2011 11:36 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Impossible to tell.
Think he might keep the alignment as is. They were playing Smalling at RB and Evans at CB in the US tour too.
by LiamP on Aug 28, 2011 11:37 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
One positive
I don’t have to look at Jenkinson next time out.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 28, 2011 11:36 AM CDT reply actions
Any thoughts
on what today’s result does to the next three days? I don’t have any idea.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 28, 2011 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
One CB brought in for sure, step up efforts for M'Vila?
by LiamP on Aug 28, 2011 11:42 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
What about FB, though?
Traore is probably going to QPR, but Jenkinson is basically your third FB right now, and Gibbs is not only iffy but incredibly injury prone. Adding Cahill just means that you have to slide out Vermaelen, your best CB, to LB, a position he doesn’t like to play and apparently isn’t that good at.
But, yeah, mainly I was just thinking about whether it wakes Wenger up a little about the quality of his roster so that he acts more desperately and whether it makes good players like M’Vila think twice about joining.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 28, 2011 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Don't know.
If Arsene wanted a FB, I’m not sure why he wasn’t in for Jose Enrique.
If this were any other manager, I’d say that it would spur some manic transfers before the deadline, but it’s Arsene so I have no idea.
I think it ends the Hazard dream once and for all
Why the hell would he want to join this? Cahill probably on deadline day and M’Vila… Think we’re going to try to raid Everton. Maybe Arteta? Yuck. Would have liked Parker as a stopgap but he’s going to Spurs. Remember this?
They’ll get throttled at Man Utd, but it won’t be the end of the world now, I wouldn’t think.
That holds true to an extent. But most of the optimism I had after that game is gone. This team needs so much and there’s so little time left to do it.
At this point
Nothing surprises me anymore. Fucking Jenkison.
I almost think
Arshavin was left on as punishment.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 28, 2011 11:43 AM CDT reply actions
8-2
How sad. At least this isn’t a 2-1 score where Wegner can point to it and say with 6 starters out we almost won.
EIGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHT
/NORM.
Well done, Arsene. Let’s see..
“We lost, yes. But we were a bit unlucky. The save by De Gea changed the match. Overall, we showed the mental strength needed to move forward. Don’t forget, we were without 6 or 7 world class players.”
His post-match interview.
- Weak in some departments.
- Man United is class.
- Didn’t recovery quickly enough from Wednesday.
- Fell apart in 2nd half.
My bad. 8 world class players.
arseblog
AW – “I know in England when you lose a game, signings are a solution, but first we have to get our players back. We had 8 out today”
The catastrophic moment
arseblog
Arsenal’s league form since the Carling Cup final – DDDWDDWDDLWLLDDLL
no way they fire him just as the CL is starting up
by oc on Aug 28, 2011 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions
O'Neill would be disastrous. Ancelotti's a pointless hire.
They’d be better off going after a young prospect who can build from the ground up like Klopp.
But yeah, Arsene’s not going anywhere.
yeah i dont see how anyone thinks this is going to happen?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 29, 2011 6:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Damn
Slept till noon- missed the slaughter. Guess I’ll have to catch the replay later tonight.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
I'd probably be intrigued
if Liverpool had that happen to them. People always check out wrecks.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 28, 2011 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions
if you have veetle ...
pick and choose until you find one you like –
http://veetle.com/index.php/listing/index/sports/popular/0#sports/newest/1
I only watched a little, but
he did look strong when I had it on.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 28, 2011 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions
x
henrywinter
At the end, Rosicky Arshavin Chamakh headed straight down tunnel. Van Persie shouted at them to come back & salute #afc fans. Chaos
RVP seems like a good egg, despite his earlier problems.
Feel a bit sorry for him. Was on course to becoming one of the best strikers in Europe and then everyone who could pick out a pass for him decided to up and leave.
Yeah and at 28, I wouldn't blame him if he asked out.
But if there’s 3 players that lack #want on this team… It’s Rosicky, Arshavin and Chamakh.
One thing you don't need
on a struggling, young team is veterans who’ve given up.
I’d actually been seeing a lot on twitter about Rosicky leaving over the past week. Hadn’t seen it in any of the papers, but the tweets were form pretty informed people. He might have asked out or something.
I’m sure Arshavin wants to go be paid a gazillion dollars in Russia and if only any of those outlandish transfer offer rumors were true I’d have been all over it. I could stand to not see him on the field for a good while. He was basically the one guy on the field with the skill to supply RVP and Walcott the past few games, and he’s got one thing on his mind and only one thing on his mind at all times: run by as many defenders as he can and shoot, no matter whether he has space or any angle to speak of.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 28, 2011 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Nice Rangers win to take my mind off that
went back and watched the play in question. He basically walks off at the whistle, truly appalling.
If they weren’t so short on bodies, I’m sure they’d be out by now. Especially Arshavin. I lumped Chamakh in there because of the tweet but I think his problem is related to suck rather than want.
72 hours left to salvage…something.
x
I think his problem is related to suck rather than want.
I think that anyone who complains about fatigue after less than half a season has at least a modest lack of #want.
He seems much more suited for the captain role than cesc did
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Have you watched him over the past year?
He was Arsenal’s best player last season, including Fabregas and Nasri.
he's a pain in the ass. been watching him since his Feyenoord days
he’s has talent but he’s not the type you would normally peg for captain
Hup Holland Hup
by Martijn1309 on Aug 29, 2011 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions
I tend to agree
In a perfect world I would have named Verlmaelen my captain, but I do think that Van Persie has done a good job in a tough time and has been more vocal than I expected.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 29, 2011 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions
damn
just when you think nothing else worse can happen to arsenal…
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 29, 2011 6:38 AM CDT up reply actions
My god that was nearly an amazing save
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
didnt see that match but read how well he performed.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I imagine Tuesday/Wednesday is going to be fucking torture for Arsenal supporters.
I’ll actually be able to work thanks to the knowledge that United are done for the summer.
Big Eck'd.
Apparently Alex McLeish doesn’t like playing good passing midfielders who have played (by all accounts) fairly well in the UCL, and was one of the best overall players on the pitch in a game against United at Old Trafford last season.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
Read the long Arseblog rant ...
2 things he mentioned – Theo yelling at Jenk during the game showed horrible leadershippings – and Smalling just rips teams up running up and down the right chalkline
i am very confused as to what the end game for arsenal is right now
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 29, 2011 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions
here's a 10-min podcast with Gab Marcotti and another guy discussing Mourinho's recent idiocy
not a bad listen – http://downloads.timesonline.co.uk/podcast/thegame/game6_3_2.mp3
damn
blocked at work :(
forwarding to my phone and will listen from there
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 29, 2011 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions
re: mourinho
“the more i watch him, the more i dont understand him”
YES!
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 29, 2011 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Theo should've torn into him.
Jenkinson was horribly out of position and Theo had to haul ass to put a body on Evra. Jenkinson’s reaction to Theo was much more out of line.
by LiamP on Aug 29, 2011 9:14 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Don't agree - Jenks is but a fawn who just played a very solid game in Italy helping
the team reach the crucial CL status/money. He should get an arm around the shoulder and encouraging words not public crushings on a humongous soccer stage like OT.
Some situations necessitate that kind of "encouragement"
You’re getting hammered away at OT and somehow the score’s still 0-0. Regardless of how inexperienced Jenkinson is, there’s less time for an arm around the shoulder than a quick bollocking.
by LiamP on Aug 29, 2011 3:24 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
i need some good music to get me going at work
currently am listening to a playlist that includes daft punk and basshunter…any other suggestions LSB?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
damn
wrong thread lol
basshunter
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 29, 2011 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Dave Stewart's new CD
haven’t listened to it yet so don’t know if it’s any good –
http://grooveshark.com/#/search?q=the+blackbird+diaries
Watching Cescalona vs Villarreal - HSO:
Conventional wisdom is that City’s primary target was Alexis Sanchez and that Kun Aguero was the fallback position. Thank goodness things worked out like they did.
is this good?
Fourth_Official Fourth Official
Arsenal sign Andre Dos Santos from Fenerbache for €7m euros #afc
The Brazilian FB?
He starts for Brazil at LB (since Marcelo is at war with their coach) but isn’t particularly good IIRC.
by LiamP on Aug 29, 2011 3:18 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Enrique
When I watched him at Newcastle, I always thought he was decent, but now that he’s on my club, I keep thinking, “how has a bigger club not signed this guy before?”
Best left back we’ve had since Riise.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
On the other hand
Young and Santos weren’t linked at all and seem to be wrapped up. Slightly encouraging.
The good thing is
they were the spots that just needed a decent body, not necessarily a borderline world class player, and they only spent about ten million to fill them. There’s more than enough money to fill CB, MF and/or creator if they can just recruit the players.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 29, 2011 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, hopefully there's enough time.
Watching some Santos on youtube and he appears to be a decent free kick guy and has some decent highlights going forward. And I guess he can’t be worse than Jenkinson/Traore on defense.
Twitter seems to think
he’s pretty good going forward – better than Gibbs at least – and iffy defensively. Whatever, as I mentioned yesterday, fullback was the scariest spot on the team, maybe including midfield. At the very least you have plenty of reasonable cover on the left now and just have to hold your breath on Sagna all season. I’d feel better about bringing in Cahill now with at least something covering you a little out wide.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 29, 2011 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Coates
So, apparently, Atletico Madrid tried to trump Liverpool’s bid over the weekend, but Coates told Nacional that he wants to go to Liverpool. Since Atletico’s bid was slightly higher, Nacional is now trying to get a few extra bucks out of the Reds.
How do you say “a deal’s a deal, asshole” in Spanish?
I still expect it’ll be done this week- Coates was at the Bolton match Saturday.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Barca
Plays 3-4-3 (with 1 actual defender) against probably the 3rd best team in their league at full strength, pisses all over them.
by LiamP on Aug 29, 2011 4:45 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I watched trying to guage City's chances against Villarreal in the CL group stages.
They never had the ball – how can you judge them?
75-25 possession, 12-0 corners, 18-5 shots.
Sounds about right.
by LiamP on Aug 29, 2011 5:24 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Favorite part about all this is all the headlines of "Arsenal to shatter their transfer record with X signing"
Doing a lot of shattering by going over 15 mil.
This would make me feel better
timpayton tim payton
Just a hunch & don’t hold me to it, but from chats today I get the sense Arsenal are doing their best to deliver a ‘wow’ signing.
if I had any confidence that they could do a deal that they really want to do, even if they offer plenty of money.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 29, 2011 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions
It appears twitter exploded earlier with rumors of Gotze
Less likely than Hazard. I don’t think of M’VIla as “wow” signing. Wonder who it could be…
So I've been watching some Sky over the last few days from that link
and whenever Arsenal get mentioned the pundits always say they’re failing right now because Wenger hasn’t bought British the last few seasons. I guess I understand it since they’re in England but it’s weird.
Most of the pundits are useless.
It’s a kneejerk reaction to United succeeding, at the moment, with a young English core.
Heh
One of the guys at Anfield Asylum (SN’s Liverpool blog) posted this yesterday:
“Wow, Arsenal is really, really bad right now. They could use a couple experienced players, like (Joe) Cole in attack, (Christian) Poulsen in midfield, and (Philip) Degen on the back. If he weren’t set for Milan, I’d make a run for Aqua (Aquilani) if I were them.”
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Yeah
they already rejected a 35mm euro bid reportedly, so that’s obviously not happening, nor was it ever going to. Gotze and Hazard are the two guys they’d obviously break the bank to get, but there is zero chance of either. There is no wow signing to make unless you would count M’Vila – and I don’t think most people would.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 29, 2011 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions
And
not that the Guardian knows anything, but
Wenger has offered £22m to Rennes for the France holding midfielder Yann M’Vila but the French club have told him he must pay £30m, which looks to have scuppered any deal.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 29, 2011 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Dang
M’Vila is good, but 30m for a holding midfielder?
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Well, depends on what else that holding midfielder can do.
Bastian Schweinsteiger’s a holding mid, but of course you’d shell out 30 million for him if he was ever offered at that price.
Obviously M’Vila doesn’t seem to be near that level yet though.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
x
bbcsport_david
M’Vila’s agent tells me NO move this window unless €40m offer arrived. One PL club inquired but he insists wasn’t Arsenal + #afc did not bid
It's just amazing
there are probably 20 stories just from the past two days about what Arsenal has bid for him. Of course, most of them are probably just copying each other.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 30, 2011 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions
He is the president of
“Arsenal Supporters Trust” which I think the club pays a little attention to so that they feel important. He was the first one calling for the 3k fans’ money back from that game as far as I could tell, and Arsenal acquiesced, at least in the form of future tickets.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 29, 2011 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Nope
I think just about all of the top teams in England have tried to buy him in the past eight months, but he signed an extension and said he’ll only go to Barcelona.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 29, 2011 6:58 PM CDT up reply actions
heh
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 30, 2011 6:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Weak Sauce
The time for signing a “wow” player is not the day before the deadline and a few days after you were laughed off the pitch. I haven’t been following Arsenal for long but they seem to think being cheap and waiting until the last second is the new market inefficiency.
isnt hazard really the only "wow" guy still on the market?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 30, 2011 6:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Twitterverse abuzz, suggesting that Mertesacker to Arsenal is very close.
This could end up…poorly.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
Muppetry in full force today
Mertesacker done, Telegraph reporting Samba by tomorrow and a new Cahill bid by the BBC.
I’m going to reserve judgement until tomorrow night.
So
He’s bringing in a completely new back line?
Well, seems like it'd be half of his back line (left back, centre back)
and some actual depth instead of Squillcieny.
Sagna-Mertesacker (well, Cahill in this spot if it happens)-Vermaelen-Santos with Koscielny, Jenkinson, and one of Mertesacker/Cahill if both are signed, looks like a decent backline.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
Isn't Mertesacker
a 6 foot 5 lamp post?? He’ll get turned worse than a El Regio chicken in the Premier League
What's the rumpus?
Once again
I’m approaching the transfer deadline bricking it. It’d be nice to have the squad depth to be able to tell Samba to fuck off if he doesn’t wanna be a Rover anymore. But the sad reality is, wantaway or not, we need his ass. Especially since we can’t bring anyone else in for the backline.
I really really wish we could get Onuoha from Citeh. They have got to get Salgado off the pitch once and for all.
What's the rumpus?
Yeah those rumors have been flying since July
I’d love to bring him in, but I just can’t imagine we’d be the only ones to be after him. And the way things have gone, even if there was no competition, it’s always a dicey proposition to get the board to actually sign someone
What's the rumpus?
Can't trust these sources, but
several are saying Arsenal is off of Cahill now. Like you said, I’m just going to wait until tomorrow night to form my opinion, but so far this all feels like board induced signings to avoid another injury/suspension created debacle. No actual starting upgrades yet, and no promising reports of any with a little over 24 hours left.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 30, 2011 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions
One thing you can expect
Wenger has admitted repeatedly that he is “short” in the midfield. Given the approach at all of these other positions, they will bring someone in tomorrow. It’s also the only spot where they might pull off this ‘wow’ signing, so everyone will hope it’s someone big. But, he will sign at least one MF of some kind.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 30, 2011 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Spurs in for Cahill
Would be a bit sad to lose him to Tottenham.
by LiamP on Aug 30, 2011 6:00 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Hargreaves muppetry!
Reports he’s at Citeh for a medical…Villa and Spurs are being connected simply because they’re the kind of mid-to-upper level teams who logically could use him.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
Meireles
HA HA HA HA HA CHELSEA YOU CRAZY
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Traore. "I'm not shit, I promise"
“I wasn’t supposed to play that game, but the injuries and suspensions meant I was called up quite late on,” he told www.qpr.co.uk….“Unfortunately it was one of the worst performances I’ve had as a First Team player, but I hope the QPR fans don’t judge me on that display.”
Woo-hoo!
Just posted on the LFC official site:
“Liverpool FC have tonight confirmed that they have reached agreement with Evian Thonon Gaillard for the transfer of Christian Poulsen. The French side have now been given permission to talk to the Denmark international.”
Only Joe Cole & David N’gog to go- nice job by Comolli in off-loading all of our crap this summer!
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
George John to Blackburn saga
So it looks like John didn’t pass his medical and that Rovers deemed he needs ankle surgery. This is what scuppered the deal. Wonder if this is just a subterfuge or if he’s really playing with a bum ankle.
While I’m happy the deal wasn’t screwed by bad management, it still doesn’t address the fact that we’re incredibly thin on the back line, even if Samba sticks around
What's the rumpus?
anyone in here want to be the 16th person in a LSB money keeper league?
if so, email me
ESPN
Team D
15$ buy in
3rd place gets money back, then 70/30 for 1st and 2nd
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
Nice signing. Wonder where Dempsey will go
@SkySportsNews: Fulham agree £10.6million fee with FC Twente for Bryan Ruiz
Good news
Fulham need help. Hopefully Dempsey stays put.
Not mediocre. Right about average
The Dempsey/Arsenal rumors
don’t make a lot of sense to me. I hope they keep him and we get to see Ruiz and Dempsey together.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 30, 2011 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Arsenal
Huh, I hadn’t heard that one. Not really seeing it from Arsenal’s perspective. I don’t know where I would start if I was Wenger.
Not mediocre. Right about average
Yeah, like I said, I don't see it either
http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2011/08/31/bryan-ruiz-transfers-to-fulham/
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1614/americans-abroad/2011/08/30/2643381/source-arsenal-is-serious-contender-to-acquire-clint-dempsey
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/08/30/2642782/arsenal-make-move-for-clint-dempsey-but-fulham-demand-10m
http://www.cityam.com/sport/warnock-eyes-new-recruits-bolster-rangers-squad
by Brett Perryman on Aug 30, 2011 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Nice pickup
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Coates signing official
Just posted on the LFC website.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
LFC site says undisclosed
But I’ve been hearing around £7 million.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Someone's feeling guilty
cesc4official
Ive had a day off and been a bit off. Any news on the transfer windows for Arsenal between today & tomorrow? Plz keep me informed. Thank u.
I stopped following him
Didn’t feel like reading about barcelona
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Yeah, me too
Wilshere and Frimpong are much more entertaining anyway.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 30, 2011 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I'll follow frimprong
wilshere is great, since he doesn’t sensor himself much
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
It's awkward
He’s tweeting more about Arsenal than Barca since he’s left. Kind of like the female that breaks up with you and comes up to you the next day like you’re friends and nothing happened. I’ll probably unfollow if the Barca love gets crazy.
x
DarrenArsenal1 Darren
Vibes im getting is that ’’they’’ are up to something. All gone very quiet as in siberia quiet ! #arsenal
No one has any idea of anything going on, 8 hours before close. Arsenal will bring in a midfielder, but if it’s a £7 28 y.o. there’s going to be a lot of freaking out.
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