Arsenal

[Lucky]

I genuinley cannot see us buying a keeper. The problem with all these wishlists is that they're like Football ManGer shopping lists and as we all know that's not how Wenger works. I wouldn't expect to see anyone but the freebie striker coming in with the squad thinned out to compensate for his huge signing on fee and wages. Senderos and Gallas the likely candidates. I'd be flabergasted if we went big on anyone.

I know it's not Wenger's way to go mad and buy a couple of players for 25mill each, but he doesn't really have to. Surely it's obvious that we need a few players. We're just a few big players short of really challenging. (how many times has this been said already?) The Chamakh dude will hardly be free with signing on fees, wages etc. but that should still be the first of at least 3 signings we make. We should go and buy a keeper for up to 8,9, 10mill or so, go and buy a CB for the same or more even, and maybe add a CM too.

We can get rid of a couple, even just to trim the wage bill. Senderos & Silvestre for example.

I hope Gallas stays but if he goes and Campbell calls it a day then 1 CB will not even be enough.

Surely AW now realises that while buying a few potentialy great youngsters is ok, we also need to add some quality to the team / squad now.

[The Fox]

Wenger doesn't even need to worry about incoming players stunting the progress of the 'kids' now either, which was previously a big fear.

[Lucky]

Wenger doesn't even need to worry about incoming players stunting the progress of the 'kids' now either, which was previously a big fear.

Absolutely!

Surely that's no longer a valid argument.

[Art Vandelay]

I wasn't being doom and gloom. What I meant by a "Football Manager shopping list" was that if it's obvious that every goal you concede is because your goalie is playing a 5 and your left back doesn't stop any crosses you trundle off to the player search and get it sorted. If you have £25m in the kitty you blow every penny and have a better team than last year. It's pretty obvious that's not how Wenger sees things however. So much so I'm not sure he really ever prioritises our main problems when delving into the transfer market, like when we bought Arshavin despite our defence needing much more urgent attention at the time.

Djourou will be back and I think he'll be happy to continue with Vermaelen, Campbell and Song filling in with the possibility that Gallas may stay. Ramsey will be back at some point so that's central midfield out of the question and we have reasonable cover around the rest of the field. I just can't see Wenger giving up on some players and replacing them, that's why I don't think he'll bring in a keeper either.

Other than the fact that he's free, I don't see the logic in signing Chamakh at all. That seems pretty baffling to me as we have a full compliment of strikers.

[hauk]

I think we'll sign Chamakh, one defender for around 10 million if Gallas goes and a cut price keeper from another Premiership team. If Cesc goes we'll obviously sign someone to replace him, I've heard Fellaini mentioned, who I think would be an interesting signing but his injury probably riles him out.

[Lucky]

Maybe AW needs to get a bit more ruthless and get some of the hunger back. Everyone at the club needs a bit of a kick up the backside really.

We've not won anything in 5 seasons (unless Chelsea somehow fuck up more than once and we win all our games). That's really not good enough. Does everyone realise that we've not won any of the hard games this season. Lost to Utd & Chelsea home and away, lost to Citeh away, lost to Barca away and somehow got a draw against them at home even though we got battered. That should really be ringing some alarm bells. Maybe it should come from the top. Maybe someone needs to grow some bollocks (Gazides?) and have a little word with AW. I don't think any other top top club would be so patient with the likes of Diaby, Denilson, Vela, Almunia, Senderos, Fabianski and even Traore, Eduardo, Theo or Eboue.

I'm all for giving players time to develop, Song has shown us that it can happen. But how long do you wait?

While it's really comendable that we are financially doing pretty good, especially in the current climate and with just having built a new superb stadium, but we shouldn't forget that Arsenal is a football club playing football in arguably the best league in the world and football is ultimately about winning games and winning them shiny silver things. What are they called again?

[The Fox]

Again, I think it's desperately unfair to lump Eduardo into the "How much time do they need ffs!" category. Come on, your memory can't be that short.

To people saying Wenger won't bring in a replacement for Almunia because it's not his style: I agree in general it's not something he does, but Almunia is no spring chicken. I'm not sure the same principle would be applied to someone in his mid thirties.

[Lucky]

Again, I think it's desperately unfair to lump Eduardo into the "How much time do they need ffs!" category. Come on, your memory can't be that short.

No fair enough about Eduardo. Maybe he shouldn't be in tha list. Before his injury he really looked like an out and out goalscorer. Reminded me of Robbie Fowler in his prime.

As sad as it is, if his injury has really killed his career and means he wont/can't be the player he once was or that he'll go on and develop into the top player he could have been, do you think AW is ruthless enough to say 'Sorry son, I really feel for you but your injury means you're not the same player and for that reason no longer able to do the job I require from you, gonna have to let yo go'

I hope I'm wrong and he recovers and gets back to where he was and better even, but I'm not sure if AW can be that ruthless. This is a ruthless game and to get to the very top you've got to be able to do that.

[The Fox]

Well he's just signed a new contract so that means one of two things: either Wenger is willing to sell and thinks a longer existing contract might bump the price up; or, more likely, he still sees Eduardo as an important player who gives him options.

As for his form, it's just not possible to call because he hasn't had a chance. He didn't get a proper pre-season due to an op at the tail end of 08/09 to remove the metalwork in his ankle, and then obviously he's been plagued by niggly muscle injuries (even more than normal for an Arsenal player!) You'd expect that lack of conditioning from someone who's been out for so long, of course.

Next season will be the true yardstick of whether he can get back near his best, bit he'll need a run of games. Will he get the required playing time, with a strike partner as one of two forwards? If not, I don't see the wisdom in keeping him, sadly.

[Dude Ranch]

Again, I think it's desperately unfair to lump Eduardo into the "How much time do they need ffs!" category.

Yeah, but how much time does he need? He came back, looked OK, got injured loads and now he doesn't just look physically unfit he's looks shot to bits. He's not the same player and in all honesty he's not much use to us. This season, next season? When exactly? He hasn't a run in the side cos he's looked pretty rubbish. Plus, Wenger's preferred formation (one I don't agree with) doesn't accommodate him in any way.

Anyway, no Song for tonight .

Wenger says about Cesc..

Do you want to see the length of his contract?

Players at the end of contracts can sign where they want but, with the players who are under contract, we decide on their future.

We are not under any financial need, we are well managed and that gives you one luxury in that you can decide about the future of your players.

This team is on the way up and we don't work for four or five years with young players, stand up for them and let them come through and then, when they are ready to perform, sell them. That would be irresponsible.

Some people are specialists at making players unhappy. I cannot stop them talking in Spain. But all of the players who have left here wanted to return.

What does everyone think?

Say thanks, and let him leave? Sell him to the highest bidder? Sell him when he has two years to run on his deal? Hold him to his contract, make the most of him while he's here and take the hit on a transfer fee?

[CandyBob]

It would be a crime to let him go at the moment. I'd much rather he stayed for the next 3-4 years and then go on a free than lose him now. Apart from the fact that he is our most important player, it would send the wrong message out to the rest of the squad.

[Liamness]

Messi believes Fabregas will join Barca; it's just a matter of when, in his opinion.

[Mars]

Even Messi's going on about Cesc now, the little c*nt. Which makes me think that it might a done deal for this summer and that the players from both clubs already know

On the other hand, we should keep him if at all possible. Anelka aside, we usually get bummed for transfer prices, if he leaves for any less than £40mil it will be robbery.

[CandyBob]

Maybe AW needs to get a bit more ruthless and get some of the hunger back. Everyone at the club needs a bit of a kick up the backside really.

We've not won anything in 5 seasons (unless Chelsea somehow fuck up more than once and we win all our games). That's really not good enough. Does everyone realise that we've not won any of the hard games this season. Lost to Utd & Chelsea home and away, lost to Citeh away, lost to Barca away and somehow got a draw against them at home even though we got battered. That should really be ringing some alarm bells. Maybe it should come from the top. Maybe someone needs to grow some bollocks (Gazides?) and have a little word with AW. I don't think any other top top club would be so patient with the likes of Diaby, Denilson, Vela, Almunia, Senderos, Fabianski and even Traore, Eduardo, Theo or Eboue.

I'm all for giving players time to develop, Song has shown us that it can happen. But how long do you wait?

While it's really comendable that we are financially doing pretty good, especially in the current climate and with just having built a new superb stadium, but we shouldn't forget that Arsenal is a football club playing football in arguably the best league in the world and football is ultimately about winning games and winning them shiny silver things. What are they called again?

I think Diaby, Walcott and Eboue have shown that there is a lot more to them. At least enough to stick with it. Diaby and Theo were probably our form players before the Barca game and Eboue has looked really bright when he has been given the chance. Most of the other players are squad players and even the top teams have their share of that type of player. Traore for example is 3rd choice.

I think we have to put it into some perspective as well. If we win tonight we go above the team that has beaten us home and away this season so its done little for them when you look at the season as a whole (they were extremely lucky to beat us at OT as well). The reason we are in this position is because we have been winning the games we should be winning, when in seasons past we haven't been.

There has been an improvement this season which has to carry forward into next. No excuses.

[CandyBob]

Messi believes Fabregas will join Barca; it's just a matter of when, in his opinion.

I think thats something every Arsenal fan has come to realise. If we get the next 3 seasons though then its all good. There is no reason for him to leave immediately.

[Daley]

I fucking hate tonight's game. I just want it to be over.

[SeanR]

I fucking hate tonight's game. I just want it to be over.

there'll be goals.

[CandyBob]

I fucking hate tonight's game. I just want it to be over.

Yeah its the kind of game that gives me butterfly's for days before followed by either euphoria or depression. The fact that its a lot more important to the league than previous NLD's makes it even worse.

[Rev]

I think thats something every Arsenal fan has come to realise. If we get the next 3 seasons though then its all good. There is no reason for him to leave immediately.

I didn't know Messi was an Arsenal fan!

[Liamness]

Everyone just assumes he's going to leave, because Arsenal aren't going to win anything, and a player of his calibre deserves trophies. He probably has as much belief in the club's future as anyone, though.

You have had about as bad a injury record this season as I have ever seen, at any club. That's one problem. Another is that your players have grown up, but there is still a tactical naïveté to your team, which can only be blamed on Wenger. Odd for a man of his experience, who has made teams that won trophies with beautiful football, but also an appreciation for the more cynical side of the game. Maybe he's just chosen to focus on free-flowing, attacking football where center backs and defensive mids are as likely to score as anyone, but you are so vulnerable on the break against the big teams. If you were more disciplined, the quality is there in the squad to really compete on all fronts.

[Rev]

Everyone just assumes he's going to leave, because Arsenal aren't going to win anything

It's not entirely to do with that, really. I'm pretty sure if we won the Premiership and Barcelona won La Liga he'd still want to go and spend time in the Barcelona squad. He started there, he loves them, they play amazing football, they're the best team in his native country by far.

[CandyBob]

I didn't know Messi was an Arsenal fan!

Oh yeah. He so wants to play for us after the second leg.

@Liamness

Our physio was interviewed at the weekend and said our injuries were no worse on average than the rest of the PL which I disagree with. At the moment we have the whole of the spine of the team out in Gallas, Song, Fabregas, Arshavin and RvP (who may or may not be back). Thats crazy stuff.

I disagree about tactical naivete a bit. The teams we have this issue with you can count on one hand and those teams do pretty much the same to other teams they play week in week out. I guess the thing here is that Arsenal are not expected to have these issues against teams like Chelsea and ManU which I also think is unfair looking at how things are at the moment.

[Dude Ranch]

there is still a tactical naïveté to your team, which can only be blamed on Wenger. Odd for a man of his experience

It's incredible that he can't see what appears to be right in front of him week in week out. If reports are true, he's the original student of the game. Gets home, watches football. Gets up, watches football. Gets to his office, lives and breathes football. Knows everything about every Club and player in the world. Yet still we see the blindingly obvious flaws in our defensive game and lack of any kind of tactic. I can't remember when he's ever accommodated the other team in his thinking and preparation. Maybe the FA Cup penalties win over United? For such an intelligent man I'm at a loss regarding what he's thinking sometimes. I wonder if a stubborn streak has driven him to this and it would permanently stick in his throat to change. If that's the case it's a massive shame, we are so close.

[CandyBob]

It's incredible that he can't see what appears to be right in front of him week in week out. If reports are true, he's the original student of the game. Gets home, watches football. Gets up, watches football. Gets to his office, lives and breathes football. Knows everything about every Club and player in the world. Yet still we see the blindingly obvious flaws in our defensive game and lack of any kind of tactic. I can't remember when he's ever accommodated the other team in his thinking and preparation. Maybe the FA Cup penalties win over United? For such an intelligent man I'm at a loss regarding what he's thinking sometimes. I wonder if a stubborn streak has driven him to this and it would permanently stick in his throat to change. If that's the case it's a massive shame, we are so close.

Apologies for the serial posting.

If you look at it, I think the thing is is that its not week in week out. I know stats can sometimes be misleading but we have only conceeded four more PL goals that Chelsea this season and seven more than Utd. A fair few of those were conceeded against only Chelsea and ManU. To a certain extent a lot of the problems we have at the back (and we have them don't get me wrong) are blown out of proportion by the scrutiny every single mistake gets.

[Dude Ranch]

Apologies for the serial posting.

No, not at all .

If you look at it, I think the thing is is that its not week in week out. I know stats can sometimes be misleading but we have only conceeded four more PL goals that Chelsea this season and seven more than Utd. A fair few of those were conceeded against only Chelsea and ManU. To a certain extent a lot of the problems we have at the back (and we have them don't get me wrong) are blown out of proportion by the scrutiny every single mistake gets.

Agreed. My main concern is that the games like United, Chelsea, Barca (Liverpool, City, Spurs?) we still go into set up as 4-3-3 and with gay abandon. These games could be better approached, IMHO, with a bit more concern for what the oppo might have to offer and maybe a switch to 4-4-2 or something similar. On it's day our system is a joy. When it fails we look a bit pathetic, you can see what's coming. And you can more or less pick in advance which games it's likely to fail in.

[The Fox]

You could see that Chelsea and Man Utd had totally sussed how to counter the 4-3-3 when we first played them. To still go about things in exactly the same way in the reverse fixtures was pretty ridiculous.

[CandyBob]

You could see that Chelsea and Man Utd had totally sussed how to counter the 4-3-3 when we first played them. To still go about things in exactly the same way in the reverse fixtures was pretty ridiculous.

Agreed about the Chelsea games but in the OT game, I thought we pretty much outplayed them and but for a freakish own goal and an RvP miss at point blank range would have gotten something from it.

[Dude Ranch]

Agreed about the Chelsea games but in the OT game, I thought we pretty much outplayed them and but for a freakish own goal and an RvP miss at point blank range would have gotten something from it.

We would have, we were the better team. It was the first of the series against United and Chelsea though, early days of our 4-3-3. They only needed to see us once to have us well and truly sussed.

[exwhyzed]

Yeah, even as a United fan I'll admit we were absolute shite in the match at OT, we were lucky to only concede 1 let alone get 3 points.

[Guest]

You guys could be in great shape if you win tonight. Please smash Spurs and make 'arry's face look more toad like.

Furthermore if you do win and Chelsea lose one game!!! It's still on is it not?!