Arsenal Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 2011/2012

17-02-2012 5:24pm

Maximus Alexander wrote: »

It looks very much like the end of the road for the Gunners in the CL, but don't be too upset. At least you don't have to watch your team playing in the Europa League like us poor unfortunate United feckers!

To be honest its probably our true level though no doubt we'd find a way to make a hames of winning a trophy in that too.

17-02-2012 5:30pm

ImpossibleDuck wrote: »

Definitely think Song needs to be dropped for a couple of games. Coq is more than capable of playing better than Song has recently. The problem is, we can't really afford to drop Song due to our left-back problems. Coq might play left-back meaning we need Song to fill in at DM.

In relation to Petit likening Rosicky to Arshavin in that they should jog on, I'm in two minds. He is a good player; When you look at statistics on 7amkickoff when Rosicky's playing it's always pointed out how involved he is in every game in comparison to others playing in similar positions. But his wages are probably too high. Benayoun's grand to fill in but I don't think he's close to being better than Rosicky. On the commentary midweek the commentator pointed out how Rosicky only has one CL goal for us.

Over the last 4 years he's averaged less than one goal per season. For an attacking midfielder, I just don't think that's enough.

Ramsey should be dropped for a right few games, I've thought his performances this season have been way below par and way below what I expected of him. I've said it here before, even when Wilshere was on top form, I considered Ramsey (on top form) a better player. Since his return from injury, despite my searching, I cannot see any hint of that former talent. Sanga's talked about how he actually learned a lot about football when out injured; well it feels like Ramsey's learning how to play again. His footballing intelligence leaves a lot to be desired.

Lack of confidence is probably Ramsey's problem which can happen with young players. He definately is trying in fairness but you must understand some of the senior players at the club ala Arshavin and Rosicky arent exactly the best of role models.

ImpossibleDuck · 17-02-2012 5:44pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Lack of confidence is probably Ramsey's problem which can happen with young players. He definately is trying in fairness but you must understand some of the senior players at the club ala Arshavin and Rosicky arent exactly the best of role models.

That's certainly possible. In a lot of cases I would agree, I just feel like I'm seeing a different Aaron Ramsey though. Maybe it's because I held him in higher regard than he deserved, but he looks a totally different player to me.

From a creative point of view, I was confident he would be matching Cesc within a couple of years. Now, his lack of footballing intelligence and creativity seems blatantly obvious.

I hope you're right :pac:

Paleface · 17-02-2012 6:25pm

Ramsey has definitely not fulfilled the potential most fans had for him.

But in fairness he had Cesc's shoes to fill and those were pretty big shoes to step into for a guy just coming back from a nasty leg break who had also never held down a first team place regularly up to that point.

I'm pretty sure that if Wilshere had of been fit this season he would of shared the burden of that position with him. Ramsey's also played a lot of football this season and is perhaps jaded at this stage.

Overall he has to get better as its clear he has bags of talent. He's only turned 21 which is still quite young. I just hope it clicks for him soon.

tayto lover · 17-02-2012 6:27pm

premierstone wrote: »

Yes because there really isd only one style of management, serioulsy are you actually trying to argue that Mick McCarthy, who I really like as a manager btw, is superior to Arsene Wenger, your surely taking the piss, or are you on the piss??? BTW Wolves net spend in the last 5 years is far greater than Arsenals.

Not saying that at all but saying that so-called limited managers would at least have gone to the sideline and gave them a bit of his mind. You see Ferguson, Mourinho etc doing it but our lad is too much of a gent for that.

Fuzzy_Dunlop · 17-02-2012 6:32pm

tayto lover wrote: »

Not saying that at all but saying that so-called limited managers would at least have gone to the sideline and gave them a bit of his mind. You see Ferguson, Mourinho etc doing it but our lad is too much of a gent for that.

I don't know why you find it hard to understand that different managers have different styles. There's not exactly an exact science that links shouting at your players on the pitch with success. You kind of prove that point by using McCarthy as an example.

KeithAFC · 17-02-2012 6:36pm

People need to ask themselves does the team actually look like it knows what to do when they don't have the ball? Does the team move across the pitch like a unit in terms of defence? I don't think it does. I don't think any coaching goes into the defence. Otherwise why is it all over the place?

It seems to be relying more on hoping one of the defenders gets it back but no solid foundations built at the back. For me changes need to be made in the manager department. The players I think aren't playing for Wenger now.

Fuzzy_Dunlop · 17-02-2012 6:50pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

People need to ask themselves does the team actually look like it knows what to do when they don't have the ball? Does the team move across the pitch like a unit in terms of defence? I don't think it does.

This I would agree is the main problem with a team. We can have what on paper should be a very good defence but when the whole team doesn't work well defensively then it's useless .

KeithAFC · 17-02-2012 7:01pm

You could put Vidic or Nesta etc in our defence and we still would not defend properly. The midfield offers no protection and the back four is all over the place. Players are pushing up when they should drop off and vice versa. It is a mess tactically and that is down to one person. Arsene Wenger.

gnfnrhead · 17-02-2012 7:10pm

tayto lover wrote: »

I can't trust Djourou at all. I would like to see Song at centre-back and maybe for a change stick Arshavin into his natural position. We have to try something different.

I trust him a whole lot more at CB than I do at RB. I also wouldnt want to be playing Song there either. The lad looks exhausted a lot of the time. With the way we "defend", he'd be knackered in no time. He badly needs a break, not a move to CB.

Maybe Miquel unless he is also injured?

Paleface wrote: »

Ramsey has definitely not fulfilled the potential most fans had for him.

But in fairness he had Cesc's shoes to fill and those were pretty big shoes to step into for a guy just coming back from a nasty leg break who had also never held down a first team place regularly up to that point.

I'm pretty sure that if Wilshere had of been fit this season he would of shared the burden of that position with him. Ramsey's also played a lot of football this season and is perhaps jaded at this stage.

Overall he has to get better as its clear he has bags of talent. He's only turned 21 which is still quite young. I just hope it clicks for him soon.

Ramsey was starting to live up to his potential before the injury. I'd argue he was a better player than Wilshere for the most part. The injury took a LOT out of him and he has been played far too often this season. Hopefully, when Wilshere returns, Ramsey will start to get the rest's that he clearly needs. He definitly has the talent, he just hasent been able to use it consistantly this season.

17-02-2012 7:11pm

Quazzie wrote: »

Are ya sure thats real? Why have we got black all of a sudden?

Anything to do with Nottingham Forest lending them the first kits i wonder? That said black is relatively new to the Forest kits too and hasnt been used in quite a while.

Perhaps black is appropriate as the club's trophy prospects are dead and buried for a while.

DB10 · 17-02-2012 7:27pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Rosicky is a waste of space in my honest opinion. When he kept his back turned on that free kick at old trafford last august i knew we were dealing with a proper parasite. Walcott is simply not good enough. Bags of pace but no first touch. Not a bit brave

Agreed.

Rosicky has alot fans but I simply am not one of them. He simply goes between good to absolutely awful all too regularly. I've seen a few ex players such as Sansom and Petit today both say the same and he should be dumped.

I would keep Ramsey because of his age and obviously Arteta because he has only been signed and can do a job hopefully. Rosicky I feel has had his day.
Hes a good footballer but just does not have the work rate or right attitude.

greendom · 17-02-2012 7:39pm

What's happened to Song - he used to be such a dynamic force in midfield - 1 minute breaking up an attack the next sprinting into the area or providing a defence splitting pass. Now he just looks a spent force. He really needs an extended break. Same goes for Ramsey. I hope Vermaelen's performance was a once-off on Wednesday or that would be another one to the list of players who need to be dropped for their own good.

All we need now is for Van Persie to go off-form and we really will be stuffed.

jmayo · 17-02-2012 7:51pm

gosplan wrote: »

McCarthy, just on a personal level though.

Aside from that the idea of a new manager fills me with dread. Not that Arsne will be gone from Arsenal for that has to happen sooner or later ... but the top three 'doomed to fail' jobs in management surely are ...

1: England manager
2: Replacing Fergie
3: Replacing Wenger
....
The aim of this post isn't to say Wenger has to stay or anything because the prospects don't currently look to bright either, but if he goes, what top manager would want the job?

I think ideas about getting the likes of Mourinho, Ancelotti, Hiddink, Guardiola, etc are deluded.
Arsenal are not a united, a Real or Barca.
And added to that we don't have the money of a City or Chelsea.

We might lure yer man Klopp from Borussia or AVB after Chelsea surely fire him.
Then there are old Arsenal boys Bergkamp, Garde at Lyon or Arsene's supposed own favoured sucessor Stojkovic.
I would also throw in Deschamps.

If you have to shop local then there is Moyes, but you could also take a chance on someone like Brendan Rogers.
Swansea play a nice brand of football and he has worked for the Special One at Chelsea.
Would be good then at handling big egos.

Either way it is going to be a major change but at this stage a change is needed because the whole setup as got more than a bit stale.

Just came across article claiming Henry being lined up as Rice replacement.
Someone with a defensive mind is necessary not a forward.

keano_afc wrote: »

I get no pleasure out of watching us anymore, its turgid, one dimensional.

You could say the Graham era was a bit one dimensional but at least the team was winning.

premierstone wrote: »

Yes because there really isd only one style of management, serioulsy are you actually trying to argue that Mick McCarthy, who I really like as a manager btw, is superior to Arsene Wenger, your surely taking the piss, or are you on the piss??? BTW Wolves net spend in the last 5 years is far greater than Arsenals.

But Wolves wage packet was much smaller AFAIK.

Maximus Alexander wrote: »

It looks very much like the end of the road for the Gunners in the CL, but don't be too upset. At least you don't have to watch your team playing in the Europa League like us poor unfortunate United feckers!

Ahh you never know maybe the debt will catch up with ye and you will be like fergies old club and won't have to worry about European football for a while.
If only Carlsberg ... :pac:

WoollyRedHat · 17-02-2012 7:57pm

Bring back Bergkamp?

batistuta9 · 17-02-2012 8:05pm

Hazard saying arsenal would be the best move for him, or he's starting a bidding war

Hazard reveals Arsenal move ambition
February 17, 2012
Email Print
By ESPNsoccernet staff
Eden Hazard has hinted a move to Arsenal this summer would be best for his career just days after stating he'd be happy to leave Lille for Tottenham.

Hazard has recently been linked with Paris St Germain, plus Premier League clubs Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea. The 21-year-old sparked a rumours of an imminent transfer to Spurs with his comments earlier this week, but has now revealed their north London rivals could be his club of choice.

"There are several clubs that interest me in England and Arsenal is really a part," Hazard told Foot Sport magazine. "Of course, it's always more fun when the football is beautiful. In addition, at Arsenal, there is a French coach and French players, as well as my compatriot Thomas Vermaelen."

Though Hazard's next club remains unclear, the Belgian playmaker again declared his preference for a switch to the Premier League from the reigning Ligue 1 champions.

"That's the championship where I think I can express myself better," said Hazard. "Where I can learn more, too. It's difficult to explain why, it's a question of feeling.

"The level of the matches, the atmosphere in the stadiums, this is still well above anything I've experienced so far in France and that attracts me. And I know many people in England - this is another added attraction."

link

greendom · 17-02-2012 8:11pm

batistuta9 wrote: »

Hazard saying arsenal would be the best move for him, or he's starting a bidding war
link

The man is a tart !

enfant terrible · 17-02-2012 9:27pm

jmayo wrote: »

I think ideas about getting the likes of Mourinho, Ancelotti, Hiddink, Guardiola, etc are deluded.

I think Guardiola would fancy the Arsenal job.

I think he feels he's not getting the credit he deserves at Barca and would like a new challenge.

Him and Arsenal seem like a good fit to me for some reason.

Royale with Cheese · 17-02-2012 10:28pm

Guardiola is somewhat unproven to me, as stupid as that sounds. I wouldn't call him a great manager until he has success outside of barca. No guarantee he'd do a good job if he came to arsenal.

That said I'd obviously take him, although if a new manager came in then I think someone with a change in style might do the team some good. You wouldn't really get that with Guardiola.

KeithAFC · 17-02-2012 10:42pm

Guardiola would be a excellent manager. The guy knows his tactics. Knows how to organise a side and how to positionally coach his players. I think the club needs a new manager. Have thought it for a while. New ideas, new fresh start and just new voices in the club.

New manager in

Steve Bould as assistant, some new coaches etc. 4-5 new senior players into the squad.

amacachi · 17-02-2012 10:44pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

Guardiola would be a excellent manager. The guy knows his tactics. Knows how to organise a side and how to positionally coach his players. I think the club needs a new manager. Have thought it for a while. New ideas, new fresh start and just new voices in the club.

New manager in

Steve Bould as assistant, some new coaches etc. 4-5 new senior players into the squad.

Barcelona are awful defensively. If a team can get the ball off their midfield they've a far better chance of scoring each time than against most teams.

wandatowell · 17-02-2012 10:48pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Walcott is simply not good enough. Bags of pace but no first touch. Not a bit brave

We know how poor he is but if he busted his ass for the team he would be largly forgiven for his lack of talent.

I loved watching Ray Parlour, not overly talented but a work horse who ran his ass off every time he played. BLOODY FANTASTIC!

You just know he was gonna be a handful for the opposing LB/LM all game long. BLOODY FANTASTIC!

KeithAFC · 17-02-2012 10:53pm

amacachi wrote: »

Barcelona are awful defensively. If a team can get the ball off their midfield they've a far better chance of scoring each time than against most teams.

They are much more this season but in previous seasons they have done well defensively. But say Wenger does leave this summer, we could have Guardiola or Mourinho leaving both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Which one would you take?

greendom · 17-02-2012 10:58pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

They are much more this season but in previous seasons they have done well defensively. But say Wenger does leave this summer, we could have Guardiola or Mourinho leaving both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Which one would you take?

personally i'd rather keep Wenger. If either of those were coming they would want plenty of money. i think Wenger should be given those same funds to spend.

if it was a choice between the 2 though it would have to be Mourinho. Guardiola is strictly a one man club and who knows how he would fare outside the environment he has been part of since he was 11. Mourinho knows the English game and has managed in many leagues in Europe. Bit of a no-brainer actually.

Sergio · 17-02-2012 11:23pm

Wenger has to go in my opinion as there players arent performing for him anymore thats the bottom line.

greendom · 17-02-2012 11:39pm

I think that's a bit of a generalisation to be honest. Yes there's been some dreadful performances this season, but there's also been some very good ones. Wednesday was appalling and embarrassing, but i think a knee-jerk reaction to that would be a bad idea.

ShamoBuc · 17-02-2012 11:42pm

amacachi wrote: »

Barcelona are awful defensively. If a team can get the ball off their midfield they've a far better chance of scoring each time than against most teams.

That has proven to be a bit of a problem for every team they play to be fair. 25mins gone the other night and Barca had 80% posession - away from home!

gosplan · 17-02-2012 11:49pm

People are dreaming if they think either Pep would take the Arsenal job, especially if they end up outside the top 4.

1st: Why would Pep leave Barca? His 'new challenge' is winning the league back and refreshing the team ... which he's doing lots of this year and will no doubt want to continue.

2nd: Why would he come to Arsenal instead of another club?

enfant terrible · 17-02-2012 11:54pm

gosplan wrote: »

People are dreaming if they think either Pep would take the Arsenal job, especially if they end up outside the top 4.

1st: Why would Pep leave Barca? His 'new challenge' is winning the league back and refreshing the team ... which he's doing lots of this year and will no doubt want to continue.

2nd: Why would he come to Arsenal instead of another club?

Ya he'd be better off going to Chelsea, then when he doesn't win the league or CL in his first season he'll he sacked.

Would winning the league or champions league at Chelsea or MU be such a great achievement anyway.

I think Guardiola is the type of manager who would like to rebuild a once great club and Arsenal are a perfect match.

EdenHazard · 18-02-2012 12:00am

KeithAFC wrote: »

You could put Vidic or Nesta etc in our defence and we still would not defend properly. The midfield offers no protection and the back four is all over the place. Players are pushing up when they should drop off and vice versa. It is a mess tactically and that is down to one person. Arsene Wenger.

2001 called

amacachi · 18-02-2012 12:01am

KeithAFC wrote: »

They are much more this season but in previous seasons they have done well defensively. But say Wenger does leave this summer, we could have Guardiola or Mourinho leaving both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Which one would you take?

One shot, two goals. Emirates last year.
Wouldn't particularly want either manager, I've said before if Mourinho got near the club I would ignore the Premier League until he ****ed off.

ShamoBuc wrote: »

That has proven to be a bit of a problem for every team they play to be fair. 25mins gone the other night and Barca had 80% posession - away from home!

Still stands though that their defence isn't great though when exposed at all.

brianregan09 · 18-02-2012 12:02am

So what do ye reckon now that the anger has withdrawn a little, Outside of the obvious Walcott, Rosicky, Arshavin,Djouroue Chamakh, and few others all needing to be moved on

greendom · 18-02-2012 12:08am

A bit of perspective required, perhaps ?

www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/9089965/Arsenal-fans-spare-us-the-tears-and-remember-how-fortunate-you-really-are-to-be-supporting-one-of-the-elite.html

KaiserGunner · 18-02-2012 12:32am

greendom wrote: »

A bit of perspective required, perhaps ?

www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/9089965/Arsenal-fans-spare-us-the-tears-and-remember-how-fortunate-you-really-are-to-be-supporting-one-of-the-elite.html

I dont agree with that article entirely. The whole 7 years without a trophy isnt the problem. Obviously id love nothing more than to see us pick up another Premier League title or our first ever European cup. My major problem is the lack of heart, balls, workrate of this squad. I can accept a lack of talent but not a lack of effort or workrate.

Last season we were in a title race until the whole team just capitulated in the last few months. Not learning from mistakes is another pet peeve of mine. A lot of the players are also overpaid imo and the lack of heart and effort from a lot of the players is just sickening to see.

greendom · 18-02-2012 12:41am

KaiserGunner wrote: »

I dont agree with that article entirely. The whole 7 years without a trophy isnt the problem. Obviously id love nothing more than to see us pick up another Premier League title or our first ever European cup. My major problem is the lack of heart, balls, workrate of this squad. I can accept a lack of talent but not a lack of effort or workrate.

Last season we were in a title race until the whole team just capitulated in the last few months. Not learning from mistakes is another pet peeve of mine. A lot of the players are also overpaid imo and the lack of heart and effort from a lot of the players is just sickening to see.

Yes those failings were all too evident on Wednesday but not 4 days before when we came from behind to beat Sunderland. I think I read a stat where we have won more games from losing positions this season than anyone else. That's not the sort of stat you would imagine for a team lacking in heart or balls.

KaiserGunner · 18-02-2012 1:31am

greendom wrote: »

Yes those failings were all too evident on Wednesday but not 4 days before when we came from behind to beat Sunderland. I think I read a stat where we have won more games from losing positions this season than anyone else. That's not the sort of stat you would imagine for a team lacking in heart or balls.

Yeah fair enough I can see that, but as we all know over the last few seasons that when it has come to the crunch moments in the particular seasons that we have fallen short. It will be interesting to see how the team copes when with 5 or 6 matches left in the season which will all be must win matches, which Arsenal shows up, because we have consistently buckled under pressure for quite a number of seasons.

greendom · 18-02-2012 1:37am

KaiserGunner wrote: »

Yeah fair enough I can see that, but as we all know over the last few seasons that when it has come to the crunch moments in the particular seasons that we have fallen short. It will be interesting to see how the team copes when with 5 or 6 matches left in the season which will all be must win matches, which Arsenal shows up, because we have consistently buckled under pressure for quite a number of seasons.

Yes that's fair enough too - a really tough set of fixtures coming up. Hopefully we can react in a good way to what happened on Wednesday and keep hold of that 4th place and make it to Wembley.

Frisbee · 18-02-2012 4:19am

Szczesny

Sagna

Djourou----Vermaelen---Coquelin

Arteta----Ramsey

Gervinho

Arshavin

Ox

RVP

Would like to see us line up like that against Sunderland. Song is badly in need of a rest, you can see he's getting tired early in games, let him sit this one out and hopefully we'll see an improvement in his performances.

Arshavin is in there because at this stage surely it's worth a shot, no-one else we've played in that role has done a decent job this season.

Oranage2 · 18-02-2012 4:38am

Nice team Frisbee. Would like to see RVP rested too and perhaps give the Chamakh attack a starting place. Also think Djourou just isnt good enough, like to see him not play ever.

Also play Gibbs left back and bring Coquelin into the middle for Ramsey.

Frisbee · 18-02-2012 9:00am

I'd prefer to see Coquelin in the middle but Gibbs is so frail and breakable I think we really need to manage his games carefully as he's our only left back.

Ramsey or Rosicky could really play in the middle, doesn't matter which.

Having said all that though I reckon Gibbs, Fabianski, Song and Walcott will all start.

Dercola · 18-02-2012 11:52am

Frisbee wrote: »

I'd prefer to see Coquelin in the middle but Gibbs is so frail and breakable I think we really need to manage his games carefully as he's our only left back.

Ramsey or Rosicky could really play in the middle, doesn't matter which.

Having said all that though I reckon Gibbs, Fabianski, Song and Walcott will all start.

Gibbs didn't travel up north, apparently due to a stiffness in his legs. Which is understandable, considering the Milan game was his first for 4 months.

So with Mert & Kosc out, it looks like it will be Coq at left back. Hopefully he'll get his go in center midfield soon enough.

greendom · 18-02-2012 12:04pm

Dercola wrote: »

Gibbs didn't travel up north, apparently due to a stiffness in his legs. Which is understandable, considering the Milan game was his first for 4 months.

So with Mert & Kosc out, it looks like it will be Coq at left back. Hopefully he'll get his go in center midfield soon enough.

Did Squillaci travel ? :eek:

tayto lover · 18-02-2012 12:22pm

greendom wrote: »

Did Squillaci travel ? :eek:

Hope not.
Wonder will Miguel get on today instead of Djourou ?

tayto lover · 18-02-2012 12:25pm

Fuzzy_Dunlop wrote: »

I don't know why you find it hard to understand that different managers have different styles. There's not exactly an exact science that links shouting at your players on the pitch with success. You kind of prove that point by using McCarthy as an example.

Well Wenger had no problem kicking water bottles and standing with his arms raised in front of the Man Utd fans when sent from the sideline before. Is he a hermit now.

tayto lover · 18-02-2012 12:39pm

We could do without this lad trying to unsettle our good players too
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2102951/Robin-Van-Persie-urged-quit-Arsenal.html

gosplan · 18-02-2012 1:48pm

tayto lover wrote: »

Well Wenger had no problem kicking water bottles and standing with his arms raised in front of the Man Utd fans when sent from the sideline before. Is he a hermit now.

You know that this conversation all started because when Wenger allegedly did show some serious passion and roar at the players, you simply said ...

tayto lover wrote: »

Sounds like desperation on his part to keep the fans off his back

tayto lover · 18-02-2012 2:30pm

gosplan wrote: »

You know that this conversation all started because when Wenger allegedly did show some serious passion and roar at the players, you simply said ...

That was in the dressingroom after the game. I am talking about why he didn't shout during it to try and get them to show a bit of interest.

emergingstar · 18-02-2012 2:43pm

Really hope we see coq in the middle today think he deserves his chance there

G.K. · 18-02-2012 3:03pm

Ryo starts for Bolton

G.K. · 18-02-2012 4:05pm

Ryo's scored a goal, decent one too according to radio.

Arsenal Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 2011/2012

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