Arsenal Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 2013/14

Pepe LeFrits · 04-09-2013 12:04PM

I think Wilshere has been trying to do too much too soon. He’s not where he was pre-injury yet and risks that would have come off for him before aren’t coming off at the moment. Combine that with him shouldering an increased creative burden in a Cesc-less midfield, and it’s a recipe for problems. Ideally we’d have Arteta available and we’d be able to ease him back into form more gradually, but at least with Ozil operating ahead of the #10 role, he’ll feel less of a need to make things happen and can focus on keeping it simpler.

SweepTheLeg · 04-09-2013 12:14PM

gandalf wrote: »

Sure feck it from reading some of the press Ronaldo looks fairly pissed at Ozil going maybe a cheeky bid in Jan

Could you imagine the meltdown in the united thread if that happened Lol

More likely get a bid in for Ramos

. Him and Ozil are best friends and it was sad reading his tweets saying he'll miss him

"Everyone is free to choose the best for themselves, but if I were to decide what was happening at Madrid he would be one of the last who would be going." - Quote from Ramos

cson · 04-09-2013 12:14PM

Ramsey's in better form than Wilshere and works exceptionally well with Arteta. With the majority fit it has to be Arteta in the deep role with Ramsey slightly ahead and Ozil in the CAM slot.

What worries me about the next few months is that we have nothing to cover the flanks should god forbid anything happen to Walcott. You can't underestimate what he gives us in terms of width and his general presence makes other defences uneasy. I'm concerned we'd get too narrow a lá 2008-2010 version of Arsenal with Nasri and Arshavin on the flanks and all teams would have to do to negate us is sit inside the 18 yard line.

Much as it pains me to say it; Suarez would have been ideal for us in that he can cover the flanks too. If we'd signed him and Sakho we'd have been there or thereabouts for the league this year imo.

I hope we go back in for him in January.

gandalf · 04-09-2013 12:16PM

Ed Winchester wrote: »

They won't though. They'll fall apart soon.

Definitely don't believe they will buckle especially with the players they have brought in. I believe that the wheels could come off for united this year. If there is any truth in the Stars story about RvP then two of their main strikers are unhappy with the manager and or club. That could be extremely toxic to Manu's morale, couple this with their lack of creativity from midfield and it could turn out to be a long and painful season for them.

Alfred Borden · 04-09-2013 12:18PM

liverpool arent anything special at all, they are a bigger threat than spurs though.

greendom · 04-09-2013 12:18PM

Delighted as I am with Ozil, I think we're in a battle for 4th again and I think it will be even tighter than last year. The only hope to relieve the pressure is if one of the teams above us falter. Something I see as unlikely but possible.

Gringo180 · 04-09-2013 12:19PM

cson wrote: »

Ramsey's in better form than Wilshere and works exceptionally well with Arteta. With the majority fit it has to be Arteta in the deep role with Ramsey slightly ahead and Ozil in the CAM slot.

What worries me about the next few months is that we have nothing to cover the flanks should god forbid anything happen to Walcott. You can't underestimate what he gives us in terms of width and his general presence makes other defences uneasy. I'm concerned we'd get too narrow a lá 2008-2010 version of Arsenal with Nasri and Arshavin on the flanks and all teams would have to do to negate us is sit inside the 18 yard line.

Much as it pains me to say it; Suarez would have been ideal for us in that he can cover the flanks too. If we'd signed him and Sakho we'd have been there or thereabouts for the league this year imo.

I hope we go back in for him in January.

I feel that Arteta and Ramsey are a bit too similar so that's why I would give Wilshere the nod ahead of Ramsey, the way Jack ghosts past players is nothing short of exceptional, reminds me a bit of Hleb in the way he drops his shoulder and can change direction in an instant leaving the player in his wake. Its why I like when he drops deep as he can start a counter attacking move in an instant.

cson · 04-09-2013 12:20PM

Following on from the above; we're placing a lot of trust in Gnabry and Miyaichi to cover the flanks so fingers crossed one of them turns good and has a Raheem Sterling type breakthrough.

bad2dabone · 04-09-2013 12:21PM

Raf32 wrote: »

liverpool arent anything special at all, they are a bigger threat than spurs though.

I think they've had a better window than spurs, Spurs lost their one game changing player. Liverpool have kept theirs and added quality with Sakho, PL experience with mingolet Moses and Toure,
Potential with Ilori and squad depth with aspas and the other lad.

Ed Winchester · 04-09-2013 12:22PM

gandalf wrote: »

Definitely don't believe they will buckle especially with the players they have brought in. I believe that the wheels could come off for united this year. If there is any truth in the Stars story about RvP then two of their main strikers are unhappy with the manager and or club. That could be extremely toxic to Manu's morale, couple this with their lack of creativity from midfield and it could turn out to be a long and painful season for them.

I think Liverpools problem is Rodgers. I genuinely think he's a chancer. Swansea went well but that was a lot due to Martinez IMO. He did no better than the awful Dalglish regime.
I think they'll slip down soon. Can't see them being in the top 4.

slingerz · 04-09-2013 12:23PM

bad2dabone wrote: »

I think they've had a better window than spurs, Spurs lost their one game changing player. Liverpool have kept theirs and added quality with Sakho, PL experience with mingolet Moses and Toure,
Potential with Ilori and squad depth with aspas and the other lad.

Madness.

Spurs added genuine quality to their squad. They will finish well ahead of Liverpool. Liverpool have had a good start to the season and have some nice fixtures coming up but they have poor depth in their squad really

cathalio11 · 04-09-2013 12:25PM

Ed Winchester wrote: »

I think Liverpools problem is Rodgers. I genuinely think he's a chancer. Swansea went well but that was a lot due to Martinez IMO. He did no better than the awful Dalglish regime.
I think they'll slip down soon. Can't see them being in the top 4.

I'd have to disagree. Rodgers, in my opinion, is doing miles better than any other 'Pool manager in recent years.

Mickeroo · 04-09-2013 12:26PM

cson wrote: »

Following on from the above; we're placing a lot of trust in Gnabry and Miyaichi to cover the flanks so fingers crossed one of them turns good and has a Raheem Sterling type breakthrough.

Ryo was great at Bolton just a shame injury messed up his spell at Wigan.

Still at least he has experience of playing in the PL, I hope he will be a handy squad player at least. He looked decent in his cameo against Fenerbache. Would like to see both him and Gnabry starting against West Brom in the Capitol One.

cson · 04-09-2013 12:27PM

gandalf wrote: »

Definitely don't believe they will buckle especially with the players they have brought in. I believe that the wheels could come off for united this year. If there is any truth in the Stars story about RvP then two of their main strikers are unhappy with the manager and or club. That could be extremely toxic to Manu's morale, couple this with their lack of creativity from midfield and it could turn out to be a long and painful season for them.

Liverpool will be a lot closer this year too I feel. That being said; how well they do depends an awful lot on Coutinho finding a good vein of form and Gerrard staying fit.

United are an interesting one; I'll be intrigued by how Moyes plays Fellaini. If they play Fellaini beside Carrick with Kagawa in the CAM role then they've a midfield that's as good as any out there. Can't for the life of me understand what's going on with Kagawa there, the lack of game time for him is criminal. Ferdinand is finished at the highest level too and will cost them points this season.

Gringo180 wrote: »

I feel that Arteta and Ramsey are a bit too similar so that's why I would give Wilshere the nod ahead of Ramsey, the way Jack ghosts past players is nothing short of exceptional, reminds me a bit of Hleb in the way he drops his shoulder and can change direction in an instant leaving the player in his wake. Its why I like when he drops deep as he can start a counter attacking move in an instant.

The defensive solidity we get having Ramsey and Arteta together is why I'd pair them in a fully fit first XI. Maybe against weaker teams Wilshere would be the better choice.

Awesomeness · 04-09-2013 12:32PM

How long is the OX out for?

Agueroooo · 04-09-2013 12:33PM

Just had a thought...I wonder if RVP looks over now at Arsenals creative players added since his departure (Cazorla, Ozil etc) and cant help but think what it would be like playing in front of that quality.

*cough Cleverly**cough

cson · 04-09-2013 12:34PM

slingerz wrote: »

Madness.

Spurs added genuine quality to their squad. They will finish well ahead of Liverpool. Liverpool have had a good start to the season and have some nice fixtures coming up but they have poor depth in their squad really

Liverpool have no EL to contend with so depth wise they'll be fine.

Spurs have an abundance of attacking midfielders but no genuine pace if AVB freezes out Lennon and Defoe. They'll be difficult to break down with Paulinho, Capoue and Dembele in front of a good pairing in Vertonghen and Dawson but I can see them struggling up the other end of the pitch based on their recent games. AVB has no Hulk or Rodriguez to supply his Falcao (Soldado) this time around. Their full backs are the weakest of any of the teams around them too.

Edit: I digress; forgot they signed Lamela. They'll be there or thereabouts so. :pac:

Mickeroo · 04-09-2013 12:35PM

Awesomeness wrote: »

How long is the OX out for?

3 months

Squad will look much deeper when himself and Podolski are back though. Hopefull there'll be no big injury issues between now and christmas.

Decent spiel on arselbog news about how Ozil could fit in and what options he gives us: http://news.arseblog.com/2013/09/outstanding-ozil-offers-options/

Alfred Borden · 04-09-2013 12:38PM

Just thought I would compare us to Liverpool, open to corrections!
Mignolet > Szczesny
Sagna > Johnson
Kos > Toure
Agger > Per
Gibbs > Enrique
Arteta > Lucas
Gerrard > Wilshere
Ozil > Coutinho
Cazorla > Sturridge
Walcott > Moses
Suarez > Giroud

4 for them, 7 for us.

Second teams
Vivano > Jones
Jenkinson > Kelly
TV5 > Skrtel
Sakho > ?
Monreal > Cissohko
Flamini > ?
Ramsey > Henderson
Rosicky > Allen
Ox > Sterling
Podolski > Alberto
Aspas > Nicky B

9 for us, and two for them.
We have a stronger first 11, and a much stronger squad especially in midfield and up top. Open to any corrections.

greendom · 04-09-2013 12:38PM

Awesomeness wrote: »

How long is the OX out for?

late October I think ?

04-09-2013 12:40PM

Agueroooo wrote: »

Just had a thought...I wonder if RVP looks over now at Arsenals creative players added since his departure (Cazorla, Ozil etc) and cant help but think what it would be like playing in front of that quality.

*cough Cleverly**cough

I'm sure a quick glance at his PL medal takes his mind off it.

.jacksparrow. · 04-09-2013 12:40PM

Do we have any other cbs apart from kos per Verm and sagna?

Dunno how we will cope when the cup games start, surely we can't play them 3 in every game,that's without one of them getting injured.

Marty McFly · 04-09-2013 12:41PM

greendom wrote: »

Delighted as I am with Ozil, I think we're in a battle for 4th again and I think it will be even tighter than last year. The only hope to relieve the pressure is if one of the teams above us falter. Something I see as unlikely but possible.

I disagree think were in battle for champions league places we could finish 1st to 5th imo the league this year will be very competitive, saying were fighting for 4th is under estimiating our form and players either that or over estimating our opposition.

bad2dabone wrote: »

I think they've had a better window than spurs, Spurs lost their one game changing player. Liverpool have kept theirs and added quality with Sakho, PL experience with mingolet Moses and Toure,
Potential with Ilori and squad depth with aspas and the other lad.

Moses is average at best there, also there is a reason Mourinho was wiling to let him go on loan at Liverpool, Toure is finished at the highest level, neither are good aqusitions.

Spurs have bought better but they will be relying a lot on Eriksen or Lamela to settle and impress quickly or they could be in trouble.

Alfred Borden · 04-09-2013 12:42PM

.jacksparrow. wrote: »

Do we have any other cbs apart from kos per Verm and sagna?

Dunno how we will cope when the cup games start, surely we can't play them 3 in every game,that's without one of them getting injured.

we have hayden, suppose johan could be recalled

Ed Winchester · 04-09-2013 12:43PM

I wouldn't take Gerrard over Wilshere. Not a chance.

greendom · 04-09-2013 12:43PM

Marty McFly wrote: »

I disagree think were in battle for champions league places we could finish 1st to 5th imo the league this year will be very competitive, saying were fighting for 4th is under estimiating our form and players either that or over estimating our opposition.

Moses is average at best there, also there is a reason Mourinho was wiling to let him go on loan at Liverpool, Toure is finished at the highest level, neither are good aqusitions.

Spurs have bought better but they will be relying a lot on Eriksen or Lamela to settle and impress quickly or they could be in trouble.

hope you're right

slingerz · 04-09-2013 12:44PM

Raf32 wrote: »

Just thought I would compare us to Liverpool, open to corrections!
Mignolet > Szczesny
Sagna > Johnson
Kos > Toure
Agger > Per
Gibbs > Enrique
Arteta > Lucas
Gerrard > Wilshere
Ozil > Coutinho
Cazorla > Sturridge
Walcott > Moses
Suarez > Giroud

4 for them, 7 for us.

Second teams
Vivano > Jones
Jenkinson > Kelly
TV5 > Skrtel
Sakho > ?
Monreal > Cissohko
Flamini > ?
Ramsey > Henderson
Rosicky > Allen
Ox > Sterling
Podolski > Alberto
Aspas > Nicky B

9 for us, and two for them.
We have a stronger first 11, and a much stronger squad especially in midfield and up top. Open to any corrections.

thats going to get huge contention especially as so many can be changed. depends on your POV but Liverpool fans could go Gerrard > Ozil for example or Suarez > Carzola, Sturridge > Giroud etc.

04-09-2013 12:44PM

Raf32 wrote: »

Just thought I would compare us to Liverpool, open to corrections!
Mignolet > Szczesny
Sagna > Johnson
Kos > Toure
Agger > Per
Gibbs > Enrique
Arteta > Lucas
Gerrard > Wilshere
Ozil > Coutinho
Cazorla > Sturridge
Walcott > Moses
Suarez > Giroud

4 for them, 7 for us.

Second teams
Vivano > Jones
Jenkinson > Kelly
TV5 > Skrtel
Sakho > ?
Monreal > Cissohko
Flamini > ?
Ramsey > Henderson
Rosicky > Allen
Ox > Sterling
Podolski > Alberto
Aspas > Nicky B

9 for us, and two for them.
We have a stronger first 11, and a much stronger squad especially in midfield and up top. Open to any corrections.

I never think comparing teams on a player by player basis actually works tbh

like Cazorla and Sturridge is hardly like for like, either is Gerrard for Wilshere

etc etc

though I agree we are stronger. They lack quality depth at CM imo and have no good wingers, though Suarez would be if he plays there.

gosplan · 04-09-2013 12:44PM

Jesus, can we stop talking about RVP.

It's beginning to sound like a jilted ex-girlfriend that lost some weight and got her hair done - 'look at me now - hah'

Pepe LeFrits · 04-09-2013 12:45PM

I hate those compare 11 things.

Anyway, Spurs don't seem to have enough creativity in midfield. Their central midfield options should cover over some of their defensive issues but they'll suffer at the other as a result.

Liverpool I'm not sure about. Lucas is great for them defensively and they're looking well setup to defend leads. Not sure how they'll cope if they start conceding the first goal, although Suarez will be a big help.

Arsenal Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 2013/14

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