Anelka, Babel, Trezeguet, Malouda...Huntelaar?
 Jon (24 June 2007)
Done and pretty much dusted, record scorer, Thierry Henry has left the club. It did look on the cards, but many of us believed him when he stated that he would remain at Arsenal until the end of his career.
Let's just put it into perspective a little. Many are upset and shocked by his transfer to Barcelona, and despite what Henry has said, in that it was solely his choice, at the end of the day it was the manager's decision. Let's remember the 'bust up' last season between the pair, when Henry openily criticised the club's reliance on youth. Wenger didn't take too kindly to that, and rightly so. This eventually led to Henry being 'rested' toward the latter part of the season.
Le Boss has done what he thinks right for HIS squad. Being a super-super-star, Henry, along with his character, unfortunately had a negative influence much of the time on the youngsters. It has to be said that the team was much more balanced last year with a solid/reliable/grafter captain in Gilberto.
No player is bigger than the club, but at times, it felt like Henry was. This is not taking anything away from him, as what he has done for Arsenal is nothing short of amazing. All players move on eventually (unless you have the rare mix of humbleness and class, like Bergkamp).
It's time to say 'Thank you for the memories, Thierry, good bye and good luck'. Wenger is moving the squad foward, the team will become much more balanced now. And there is no doubt Wenger will want to see the masterplan through - don't expect a contract renewal for quite sometime though.
...anyway, moving on. It would seem that Reyes and Freddie are the two most likely to be sold yet in close season. Wenger will want to bring in a more experienced striker to share the load and take the pressure off the youngsters...
Anelka, Trezeguet or Malouda would all make sense. Each would bring experience, without the huge ego to go with it - that even applies to the matured Anelka. He does seem the most likely choice, as Trezeguet is much more a target man, and going against what Wenger believes in. He has worked with both before, and could quite easily say 'Right, your job is to share the load, take the pressure of the youngsters and provide a calming influence'.
Malouda would be a useful squad player, as he could operate on the wing or upfront. We are in need of width, and it is a real shame that Reyes won't be coming back.
Babel is another being heavily linked. It would be a safe bet to say he will be at Emirates next season. Fits the mould well, quick, powerful and young. Jan Huntelaar is also being linked, and would be instead of Anelka.
Would be very interesting to see a return for Anelka...it's also making the most sense, as he's had a season to 'settle back' into Premiership life.
Is anyone willing to accept him back with open arms?
Comments: | | | cesc4 | 24 June 2007 14:05:14 | | | | | | | | | i dont think huntelaar is premiership class.i saw him when englad played the dutch and he really didn't do much. he will struggle with the intensity and physical nature of the premiership. i would love to hve anelka back. he is strong,quick,powerful,lethal right foot and clinical as he shoe against us last season but you must think to yourself wll wenger ever re-sign a player he let go and the answer is no. wenger sold anelka for a reason and i dont think wenger will sign him unless bolton would accept a bid of less than 7million which wont happen. i woudlnt mind seeing babel but every1 forgets he is still very very young and has to mature a lot and if we sign him it only pushes theo and bendtner down the pecking order. theo is just like babel except babel is just stronger and taller but theo has age on his side. i hate trez and i think its safe to say he wont come. he did fuk all against us 2years ago. i cant remember him touching the ball and doing something productive with it, thats probably the easiest game senderos ever played for us and same happened at the worldcup he did fuk all there too i would hate it if we signed him. i would love to see malouda at arsenal hes fast hes direct and he offers u natural width which i guess none of our midfielders offer us but you d wonder if arsene would be willing to pay 15million for someone. | | | | | | | | | | BATDOG. | 24 June 2007 16:08:33 | | | | | | | | | No to Anelka,
He is an even bigger +anker than Henry. | | | | | | | | | | G4L_Harry | 24 June 2007 20:55:35 | | | | | | | | | Cake I see your direct and to the point as usual fella. Whereby I understand some peoples reluctance to accept Anelka into the fold, I would readily take him back. He is the closest there is to Henry and I am sure I remember Wenger saying last season Anelka was the better more natural finisher. Henry is however the better provider of assists.
Jon you certainly hit the biggest most important point in this media fuelled transfer sideshow, and that is Henry left because wenger allowed him to, for the benefit of Arsenal, not Henry. And I agree it is underpinned by that arguement / falling out they had.
I believe we will see a minimum of 4 coming in, not necessarily super super stars. This week will be interesting. | | | | | | | | | | jppmurray | 24 June 2007 21:39:12 | | | | | | | | | Depressing news. I didn't think he would leave but I'm not going to jump on the Henry hater bandwagon. We should be grateful that we had the world's best player on our books for 8 years.
New Players: If you lose a player like Henry, you need to bring in 2 replacements. Malouda would be good, as a wnger not striker. Anelka: maybe. Still v.good but no Henry , but who is? Babel - as a long-term buy, sure. Don't know Huntelaar - never seen him play. Ribery, but he's gone to Bayern for 17m - not sure he would have been worth it for that money. Otherwise, there are not too many players of the required class available. We should get close to 10m for Reyes as well. So we need to bring in 3 new players for the loss of Henry and Reyes. Curtis Davies anyone? Left-footed, so would be good cover for both centre-half and left full. | | | | | | | | | | Davethe G | 24 June 2007 22:45:45 | | | | | | | | | Has anyone considered the possibility that good 'ole Thierry has been biding his time for the past year? Waiting until he was fully fit before signing for Barca? His wages have been paid while he has been receiving the best possible medical treatment and now Barcelona will be getting a fully fit Henry! What do we get? Anelka, probably. Babel possibly. At the end of the day and we've heard it all before, No Player Is Bigger Than The Team! I supported Arsenal long before we signed our first Frenchman! I'll keep on supporting them long after the last Frenchman leaves!! (Will David O'leary be available after Arsene goes?) | | | | | | | | | | elliot240 | 25 June 2007 00:48:03 | | | | | | | | | im quite excited bout whats guna happen in transfers this summer, what about adriano, hes simalar to henry in pysique, powerful n pretty quick and 25. so he has experience, but hed maybe cost somethin like GBP25m. i think we need more width as freddie has just lost that edge over the last season. i think babel would be a gd signing. im not sure bout anelka coming bk tho, but u never know. he seems to have matured as his carrer has gone on. i wish henry all the luck in the world. he has been great for us. im not taking that away from, we were lucky to have him for as long as we did. | | | | | | | | | | Surabaya | 25 June 2007 10:46:52 | | | | | | | | | Thanks Elliot240 - I keep saying it for a year now: get Adriano, he would fit the Arsenal like a glove and could come a bit cheaper than 25 mil (not much though). But even if it was 25 mil it would be money well spent. It's not goin' to happen ....
I don't want Anelka back for nothing in the world and I'm 100% with Cake on this. 'nough said.
As jppmurray wrote - Malouda would be good (I'd say 'excellent') for us and of course as a winger (the striker idea sounds odd to me).
As it stands now I see no reason for panic: lots of class players are available and many of them would be willing to play for the Arsenal. The club should by all means look for talks on Robinho, just to keep the option open as his contract with Real expires and he would be willing to join the Arsenal as well.
A last word on Henry: he's a statistic now so let's fast get over it. I always said that he's a mercenary like 99% of the footballers today are - but to be honest: would the clubs and the sponsors and the media shove money up my a... like they do I would be just the same sl...!
And finally let me repeat this: SELL Fabregas and invest the money on those players we badly need!!!! | | | | | | | | | | clockendjim | 25 June 2007 11:12:06 | | | | | | | | | I was fed up with the same scenario with Henry that we suffered with Vieira every close season. When a player starts thinking he is bigger than the club, it is time for him to be moved on. We saw it with Vieira who strolled around the pitch during his last season at Arsenal. I think he was genuinely shocked when Wenger let him go and his double bluff didn't work. And like all the others such as Overmars, Petit etc have found out too late that they should have valued life at Arsenal a lot more.
I think Henry has lost that extra pace that took him into so many goal-scoring positions and is becoming injury prone. I believe he would have begun to struggle if he stayed in the Premiership. Fans liked to think he would still turn on the magic, but look at the sad sight of Freddie Llunjberg these days - no more the 15-20 goal provider from midfield. You could see in Henry's demeanour last season, that when he wasn't ghosting past defenders like he used to do, that he was becoming miserable. His attitude to the younger players was terrible as the Captain and Gilberto Silva did a much better job (I hope he gets made Captain permanently now). Sadly it was time to cash in while Henry still had a considerable value, but Wenger must get a quality replacement.
I would be quite happy for Anelka to return; he seems much more mature now. Did anyone see the marvellous goal he scored for France against Ukraine recently ( http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x25mub_but-anelka-france-ukraine ) much better than anything Henry has done over the last year. I do not think it is time for doom and gloom. If Wenger stays and our youngsters develop further we could be seeing the start of a new golden era. Just think if last season Anelka had been in the penalty area when all those chances created by our fantastic passing went begging. I am sure we would have won something, perhaps even been Champions. | | | | | | | | | | ed_h*h* | 25 June 2007 11:31:43 | | | | | | | | | henry is just one player | | | | | | | | | | Rosti | 25 June 2007 12:56:43 | | | | | | | | | SURABAYA - "Henry: he's a statistic now". Thats correct he is a statistic, 226 goals from 364 games and the all time leading Arsenal goalscorer. He is an Arsenal legend and without him the club would not have enjoyed its recent success. You then go on to suggest Wenger should sell Fabregas, one of the most talented young players in the world. Why????? You clearly know nothing about football and with fans like you who needs Spurs. | | | | | | | | | | msugden81 | 25 June 2007 13:13:25 | | | | | | | | | Henry has decided the time is right for him to leave. Having done what he has done for this club I feel its wrong to slate the guy. I am as heart broken as anyone else but we ust look to the future and wish our greatest ever player well with the remaining part of his career...
If only the board had not fought this U.S. takeover... All other clubs are doing it. That tells me that we must follow suit. In an ideal world we would remain English owned, but due to a whole host of other english clubs being bought out by billionaires i feel it is only sensible to go down the same path. If only we hadny disagreed with Mr Dein... we would still have him alongside a happy Wenger, and Henry rested & fresh for the coming season... instead, we have instability throughout, an unhappy Wenger and arguably THE greatest player on the planet packing his bags & jetting off to Barcelona! Fabregas next? How can we attract big BIG names with all of this going on?!? Peter Hillwood & co. Take notice. I feel that the correct decision in the interest of the club would have been to go with the takeover thus keeping David Dein, Henry & ultimately Wenger whilst also having more chance of attracting more top talent...
I would like to hear anyones opinion based on my comments...
msugden@bmifa.co.uk
ALL THE BEST THIERRY HENRY. I DO NOT BLAME YOU FOR YOUR DECISION - I SALUTE YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE HELPED THIS CLUB ACHIEVE & THE ENTERTAINMENT YOU PROVIDED FOR ALL FOOTBALL LOVERS... X | | | | | | | | | | Surabaya | 25 June 2007 15:38:04 | | | | | | | | | My dear Rosti - Henry is the leading scorer up to this point in history. Records are made to be broken and at some point someone will. You seem to favor strikers because their success is so easily countable. I don't give a shit on big names - or names at all for that matter. Henry was here, it was great and now he's gone. RIP. I don't care if Dein comes back or not, I don't care if Wenger goes next year or not. Because all those guys - Henry, Dein, Wenger - have one thing in common: they are not irreplacable. But you obviously think they invented football.
Guys like you repeat what they hear in the media as if you were parrots. Your thinking is limited by 'Top 10' lists of all sort. Enjoy your brainwashed existance but be more careful in judging people over their understanding of the game - you may make of fool of yourself. | | | | | | | | | | Rosti | 25 June 2007 15:59:07 | | | | | | | | | I am no longer questionning your understanding of the game, but your mental state. You want to sell Fagregas and you don't care if Wenger leaves nest season. Do you think Adriano would break Henry's record then?? | | | | | | | | | | domcreedy | 25 June 2007 18:46:58 | | | | | | | | | i think theo will be huge this season, he has it all at his feet. pace, skill and a eye for goal. for me we must sign babel he would be fantastic to our team. on left wing cutting. rvp will be our number 1 this season. we still need a class striker to come in, torres maybe?!?! huntelaar?!?!? not anelka, not bent, not owen or martins, and not johnson!! we still need a strong midfielder in my eyes, i think we will se 3 or 4 players come in now. lets hope anyway | | | | | | | | | | Surabaya | 26 June 2007 05:13:43 | | | | | | | | | To put some of that aggressive tone out of this: football is a teamsport, right? More important than 'the best striker', 'the best defender' or whatever is the team chemistry. Can you agree on that, Rosti? As far as Henry is concerned he poisoned the spirit in the last 18 months or so and he was smuthering some of the youngster thus preventing them to play at their best. He ridiculed Reyes on several occasions and he did it with others. Being out for most of the season on 120.000 a week he now passed his medical in Barcelona without any trouble. I don't question the great things he did for the Arsenal but that's only a part of the picture - last year he screwed us big time and was of no good whatsoever!
To Fabregas: I am a great fan of Cesc (what you would know if you were here longer - no offense!). But again it's about the team. And however much I like Fab there are certain points worth giving it a thought: we desperately need a quality striker and we equaly desperately need a quality right winger. Those people come at a price which the Arsenal (reportedly?) does not have available. We also have Denilson who may not have Cesc's vision but you may say he's physically stronger and faster than Cesc. Though I rate Cesc higher than Denilson the Arsenal may be a stronger team using the money we can get for him for real quality in those positions we have problems.
In general: yes, I don't care if Wenger will stay or go. And you know why: they won't ask me what to do. Whatever decision they make they will make and the Arsenal has to cope with it. My point is that I don't like that 'end-of-the-world' talk that is around so much these days. There are other strikers, there are other midfielders and there are other managers. The Arsenal for me is and always will be bigger than any single person, may it be Bergkamp, Henry, Fab or Wenger. Times change, people come and people go - that's just how it is.
The question if Adriano would break Henry's record is beyond the point. The point is that his physical and technical qualities would fit Arsenal perfectly and imagining having Malouda on the right with vP in front of him and Adriano in front of Denilson and Gilberto is just mouth-watering!!! But that's theoretical because it's never ever goin to happen.
Doomcreedy: I hope you're right about Walcott but chances are that he needs another one or two years. I don't like the prospect of Anelka coming back for I don't believe in come-backs. We should not be surprised though if it happens. | | | | | | | | | | Rosti | 26 June 2007 09:49:51 | | | | | | | | | I can assure you that if we got rid of Henry, Fabregas and Wenger they would will all be replaced by inferior talents, thus making an inferior team. You would replace Henry with Adriano - scorer of 5 goals last season, spends more time in night clubs than on the pitch and certainly not recognised as a teamplayer. You would replace Fabregas with Denilson who is an excellent prospect but having blooded Fabregas and established him as one of the most consistent performers in the premiership, you would have to do the same with Denilson and I think that could only be a backwards step. And finally you dont care if Wenger stays or goes. I rate Wenger as one of the best coaches in the world, he has completely revolutionised the entire club. Not only would you risk losing the players he has worked so hard to bring to the club, but you would compromise the beautiful football that we play under Wenger. I do agree that the club is bigger than any individuals but i feel that the individuals you are referring to are all team players and have the best interests of Arsenal at heart. | | | | | | | | | | Dgob | 26 June 2007 10:02:01 | | | | | | | | | Surabaya, I see your point (to a point). However, I think you underestimate the importance of Wenger to us.
We have moved both financially and performance wise on a great deal during the Wenger decade. Just listen to the chants at the Emirates to have some idea of how much the faithful appreciate this fact. What's more, the move to our new home leaves the club in a financial position where a change in style of performance is likely to see a huge decrease in attendances and possibly irreperable financial damage to us and our future.
I suspect the the bringing in of new finances (via Kreonke or A N Other) will address this but also foresee Wenger's continued presence (in management and then some other, as yet, unspecified role) would most likely form a key condition of such investment.
I do think you have a point about the need to be willing to let any player go for the good of the team/club though. Still, I might not share your overly negative (and, no doubt, largely influenced by the hurt you are feeling about the departure of a true Arsenal legend) posting concerning former servants. Just my views. | | | | | | | | | | Rosti | 26 June 2007 12:28:06 | | | | | | | | | yeah Surabaya, like Dgob said, stop talking bo11ocks!! | | | | | | | | | | username | 26 June 2007 13:34:38 | | | | | | | | | what the hell is happening | | | | | | | | | | username | 26 June 2007 13:37:57 | | | | | | | | | the team for next year
ley
eboue toure gallas clichy
van fab gilb rocsiky
owen ade | | | | | | | | | | Surabaya | 26 June 2007 14:05:07 | | | | | | | | | OWEN?!?!? Buying a 100.000 a week cripple? He has been so badly injured that I would leave my hands off him - too much of a risk.
Your comment on Adriano is single sided Rosti. It is a fact that he is not happy in Italy, he went on an extended trip to Brasil - came back in great form and was again gutted by the club and some players. There we are again: team chemistry. The departure of Henry will have a positive impact on many of the younger players. It is undisputable that he lost that blistering speed he had and being (almost) in his 30's now is not going to bring this speed back. No, selling him was an excellent idea and the right thing to do. We bought a great player for 10 mil, got 200+ goals from him and sold him with a 6 mil surplus - not bad for a player on decline. I do have the feeling though that many people are not sorry for the Henry of 30 that we sold but for their memory of a 25 year old Henry who was simply magic.
And Dgob - it is not about the importance Wenger has (or not for that matter) - it's about what decision he will make regarding his future. And believe me when I say that he doesn't give a monkey ass about what we think! Should he sign and stay another 4 years, well fine - let's go to work. Should he not it's not doomsday and the Arsenal will move on. EVERYONE is replacable if necessary - without a single exception! But I don't share the idea of idealising individuums and above all stand the Arsenal.
I do hope that next years team will be a bit stronger than than the one username cames up with, in particular Eboue does not have my full trust as rightback, Ade is not good enough as first team striker, Owen is a hell of a risk and vP is better in that position anyway - Malouda as a right winger, a top striker and if the funds are there a rightback - and we will have lot's of fun with the Arsenal next season. | | | | | | | | | | temmygb | 26 June 2007 19:24:04 | | | | | | | | | Amidst all speculations surrounding Thiery Henry's move to Barcelona, the whole transfer deal was put to rest yesterday after he completed his medical test and later fly the colour of the Catalans which cost them 16 million pounds.
Though the move ws shocking to the Gunner fans(including me) but above all, we must take heart and gear up to support the team immensely than ever before in other to move the club forward an give hope to rest of the team. We must always have it at the back of our mind, that even if he doesn't leave, he will surely end his footballing career one day and for sure, someone must take his place.
His reasons for leaving is quite understandable from the analytical point of view as regard to age but how well the ardent fans will accept it is surely in doubt, as they picture in their mind his transformation which makes him one of premiership best strikers in recent years and even his classical and stylish kind of play which send impulses into the fan's nerves & which also stamped hin as a world class players, not to talk of his goal streaking record that leaves every player a task to beat in the premiership every season.
In my own opinion, Henry has no doubt contributed to the club success in recent years and he has really won the soul of the fans but his exit must be seen as a way to give other upcoming players(the likes of Robin Van Persie, Adebayor, Nicklas and those to be sign soon either babel ,hunteelar,or anelka) a chance to shine, at least someone left the spot for him to shine.
The only regrets is just that, with all his achievements at the club, he never won any European cup for the club as a player and not even a title as a captain, but in all all i could do is to wish him well in his future endeavours and i hope the fans will find a place in the hearts to accept his decision and still keep their love for him and above all the club.AT LEAST WE ARE PROUD TO SAY WE MADE HIM WHO HE WAS TODAY.
Let's hope and believe Wenger will display his outstanding abilities as a coach by signing or introducing a striker to replace him in the team and even surpass his record.TIME WILL DEFINITELY TELL, EVEN HIS EXIT WILL NEVER MAKE ME CHANGE, I REMAIN A GUNNER FOR LIFE | | | | | | | | | | temmygb | 26 June 2007 19:24:23 | | | | | | | | | Amidst all speculations surrounding Thiery Henry's move to Barcelona, the whole transfer deal was put to rest yesterday after he completed his medical test and later fly the colour of the Catalans which cost them 16 million pounds.
Though the move ws shocking to the Gunner fans(including me) but above all, we must take heart and gear up to support the team immensely than ever before in other to move the club forward an give hope to rest of the team. We must always have it at the back of our mind, that even if he doesn't leave, he will surely end his footballing career one day and for sure, someone must take his place.
His reasons for leaving is quite understandable from the analytical point of view as regard to age but how well the ardent fans will accept it is surely in doubt, as they picture in their mind his transformation which makes him one of premiership best strikers in recent years and even his classical and stylish kind of play which send impulses into the fan's nerves & which also stamped hin as a world class players, not to talk of his goal streaking record that leaves every player a task to beat in the premiership every season.
In my own opinion, Henry has no doubt contributed to the club success in recent years and he has really won the soul of the fans but his exit must be seen as a way to give other upcoming players(the likes of Robin Van Persie, Adebayor, Nicklas and those to be sign soon) a chance to shine, at least someone left the spot for him to shine.
The only regrets is just that, with all his achievements at the club, he never won any European cup for the club as a player and not even a title as a captain, but in all all i could do is to wish him well in his future endeavours and i hope the fans will find a place in the hearts to accept his decision and still keep their love for him and above all the club.AT LEAST WE ARE PROUD TO SAY WE MADE HIM WHO HE WAS TODAY.
Let's hope and believe Wenger will display his outstanding abilities as a coach by signing or introducing a striker to replace him in the team and even surpass his record.TIME WILL DEFINITELY TELL, EVEN HIS EXIT WILL NEVER MAKE ME CHANGE, I REMAIN A GUNNER FOR LIFE | | | | | | | | | | Surabaya | 27 June 2007 05:03:12 | | | | | | | | | Nobody will ever question Henry's great contribution. But let's keep the timeline - that was in the past. Nobody can seriously be happy with the Henry of the last 18 months! Retrospectively it seems that his exit was clear a long time ago and both his and Wengers comments that he will stay probably only had the purpose to not upset the club too much in the running season.
It appears now that Babel is no longer an issue - should it be true that he committed himself to another year with Ajax. | | | | | | | | | | jumbe | 27 June 2007 10:54:59 | | | | | | | | | What do you guys think about Tevez? How would it be if he moved to Emirates next season? I think he is a good player-my views. | | | | | | | | | | Dgob | 27 June 2007 11:49:15 | | | | | | | | | Surabaya, great to see that your responses have become more termpered (reasonable). I agree that there is much potential for the younger players to improve their performances in the absence of Henry. I suspect Wenger's announcement that he had let Thierry go suggests that he also saw things this way. I also agree that Babbel will not be for this year but would point out that this is because Wenger did not feel he was what we needed at this moment. Babbel has stated that he hopes to become a gooner next season though - so grounds for optimism. Equally, I agree that Owen is too injury prone to be depended upon: I also suspect that with the loss of speed that his series of injuries have caused, he is now well past his best. Hence, not a good buy.
However, on your comments around the Henry failures, I suspect your anger is getting the better of your reason again . He has carried injuries for the past 2 seasons and throughout that period he never had an opportunity to rest and recuperate. To dismiss him as washed up following this would be similar to having judged Ruud Van Horse following his injuries - prior to going on the record breaking run for his new club (Man U). Only time will tell if your negative assessment is correct and he fails to impress at Barcalona: would you care to take a wager on this? Similarly, your views on Adebeyor et al are, to say the least, overly pessimistic.
Concerening what I see as the major problem facing us and our future, Hill-Wood (the Intractable) has now stated that he hopes to bring in 3-4 players this season. If the priorities of the board are now more apropriate, this should give us a chance to bring in the additional steel and experience that many feel we need in order to go on to unexpected heights of success this season. Time will tell.
I also feel that we should not get too depressed. Remember the performance of our young squad against Chelsea in the first half of the cup final. Now consider our performances against the top four and that these took place in a season where the lilkes of Henry, RVP, Rosicky, Gallas, Walcott and Lungberg were absent for large periods with injury. Surely there are grounbds for ongoing optimism?
| | | | | | | | | | Dgob | 27 June 2007 11:54:20 | | | | | | | | | Surabaya, great to see that your responses have become more termpered (reasonable). I agree that there is much potential for the younger players to improve their performances in the absence of Henry. I suspect Wenger's announcement that he had "let Thierry go" suggests that he also saw things this way. I also agree that Babbel will not be for this year but would point out that this is because Wenger did not feel he was what we needed at this moment. Babbel has stated that he hopes to become a gooner next season though - so grounds for optimism. Equally, I agree that Owen is too injury prone to be depended upon: I also suspect that with the loss of speed that his series of injuries have caused, he is now well past his best. Hence, not a good buy.
However, on your comments around the Henry failures, I suspect your anger is getting the better of your reason again . He has carried injuries for the past 2 seasons and throughout that period he never had an opportunity to rest and recuperate. To dismiss him as washed up following this would be similar to having judged Ruud Van Horse following his injuries - prior to going on the record breaking run for his new club (Man U). Only time will tell if your negative assessment is correct and he fails to impress at Barcalona: would you care to take a wager on this? Similarly, your views on Adebeyor et al are, to say the least, overly pessimistic. Obviously,the club was there before Wenger and will be there after him. Of equal profundity would be to state that "water is wet". My point is about what we want and what the club needs!
Concerening what I see as the major problem facing us and our future, Hill-Wood (the Intractable) has now stated that he hopes to bring in 3-4 players this season. If the priorities of the board are now more apropriate, this should give us a chance to bring in the additional steel and experience that many feel we need in order to go on to unexpected heights of success this season. Time will tell.
I also feel that we should not get too depressed. Remember the performance of our young squad against Chelsea in the first half of the cup final. Now consider our performances against the top four and that these took place in a season where the lilkes of Henry, RVP, Rosicky, Gallas, Walcott and Lungberg were absent for large periods with injury. Surely there are grounds for ongoing optimism?
Keepthe faith
| | | | | | | | | | Surabaya | 27 June 2007 13:49:27 | | | | | | | | | Though I am not a doctor I feel like biting into a lemon when I hear about Henry's injuries. No doubt the last season was hard and the world cup and his foot and all that . A bit weirder is that 'stomach muscle'. The whole package though just stinks. And ever since Beckham did 'not go to Madrid' (ha!) those worthless statements you get nowadays from all the around the ballpark just make me want to throw up. Still remember the 'I will be with Arsenal the next season' or Wengers 'Henry is not going anywhere'? They'd better just shut up for it's an insult to the fans (who obviously don't count for anything anymore is this money driven sport).
If Hill Wood says he wants to bring in 3 or 4 players .... well, what kind of players? Kids? 150 pounds of talent? Wonderful prospects? We really have to wait and see, right?
PS: I insist on being emotional and leave the 'analysis' part to guys like Andy Gray - where else do you get a good laugh today!!! | | | | | | | | | | Daft | 27 June 2007 13:52:17 | | | | | | | | | Oi Rosti
You need to earn your stripes boy.
Less of the lip.
Clever people are the quiet ones.
Opps! | | | | | | | | | | Daft | 27 June 2007 13:53:00 | | | | | | | | | Fabregas is a puff too.
He got knocked about when we played you.
Vierra, he could take it. | | | | | | | | | | Daft | 27 June 2007 13:58:30 | | | | | | | | | Dgob
Optimism? Not in the near future.
Warnock bought too many stars for the future, and he has gone.
Henry was too tempremental. If his heart wasn't in it he did not want to play. His injuries were jokes. | | | | | | | | | | ed_h*h* | 27 June 2007 14:05:36 | | | | | | | | | Hmm yeah if you have nothing nice to say don’t say anything at all
(If you notice some people have only started talking since Henry left, they kinda signed up on the day)
| | | | | | | | | | Daft | 27 June 2007 14:32:08 | | | | | | | | | Yes, and they start to argue with Surabaya.
He is right.
Henry was a nancy boy.
If team spirit is not right then let whoever is casuing unrest go.
I would like to see Rosti and Dgob go.
Unless they learn manners. | | | | | | | | | | Daft | 27 June 2007 14:47:43 | | | | | | | | | I also feel that we should not get too depressed. Remember the performance of our young squad against Chelsea in the first half of the cup final. Now consider our performances against the top four and that these took place in a season where the lilkes of Henry, RVP, Rosicky, Gallas, Walcott and Lungberg were absent for large periods with injury. Surely there are grounbds for ongoing optimism?
See?
They clearly have not been on this site. This has all been said before, and I am to be proved right.
Who wrote "if you listen to the chants in the Emirates"? Are you the bionic man? Have they replaced you eas with other technology?
| | | | | | | | | | Daft | 27 June 2007 15:27:59 | | | | | | | | | I thought the fact it said Arsenal would have given the game away!
I was being a team player.
I get really fed up of people who pop up for two minutes and then start mouthing off.
Me and Surabaya have had many a argument. But I don't think I have insulted him.
Manners. | | | | | | | | | | Dgob | 27 June 2007 17:45:16 | | | | | | | | | Surabaya, I don't know how many times I'd need to emphasise that I agree with much of what you say. On the issue of your "emotional" responses, I've also stated that I can understand -in not agree with - them.
Daft, quite!! | | | | | | | | | | G4L_Harry | 27 June 2007 21:09:43 | | | | | | | | | Its good to see so many newbies joining in with the forum, its good to get varying views on the current issue, supposedly a crisis!!! So welcome to all of you. Have been busy at work for a change and not had much chance to write.
I firmly believe that Wenger will stay, he will bring a max of 3 but more likely 2 players and we will see this side come of age this season, something I have been advocating for many months, albeit I didnt at the time forsee henry leaving. But I think (like wenger does) that we will cope, as many have stated we more than competed with Chelsea for the CC, more than just for the first half as people say, it was for nearly 70mins and only changed when Diaby went off injured.
The thing I have found surprising is the amount of people that are not overly upset about Henrys departure, there was a cracking article on Vital football which really laid in to him (although did thank also) he expected a right toungue lashing but i'd say over 80% agreed with him. I think the issue surrounds the fact that no one player should be bigger than the club, but with Wenger letting him go, i think it is clear that he felt that was the case.
Wenger will fulfill all of his dreams here. | | | | | | | | | | Dgob | 28 June 2007 07:41:02 | | | | | | | | | G4L_Harry, great to see your return and the return of reason (and a little grounded optimism). I just noted that Chelski are in for Malouda. Maybe Surabaya's hope and my bone of contention (our increasingly intransigent and misdirected Board) will be played out around this purchase! | | | | | | | | | | Daft | 28 June 2007 08:37:01 | | | | | | | | | I have decided I like Dgob. He has bottle and creativity.
Rosti: will he stay? I do not know. Can he fight for a place? Time will tell. Is Kurtmac a girl? Yes.
Harry. We will have to call you Henry with the amount of appearences you have put in recently.
Harry has never been grounded. I am trying to help though. | | | | | | | | | | Daft | 28 June 2007 10:03:42 | | | | | | | | | Who has been editing the posts?
Where has Rostis gay posting gone?
I want it back.
Censorship, is the start of destruction.
We are in a dictorship.
FREE THE PEOPLE. | | | | | | | | | | Daft | 28 June 2007 10:04:26 | | | | | | | | | Love does not control.
WE ARE NOT LOVED! | | | | | | | | | | Daft | 28 June 2007 10:05:08 | | | | | | | | | Rosti is the new Mshasho.
BRING HIM BACK. | | | | | | | | | | Rosti | 28 June 2007 10:09:15 | | | | | | | | | You can edit my postings but you will never take my FREEEEEEEEEDDDOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM. Isn't Mshasho one of the strikers that Wenger is looking at replacing henry with. | | | | | | | | | | ed_h*h* | 28 June 2007 10:10:51 | | | | | | | | | wish i could edit other peoples postings!! | | | | | | | | | | Daft | 28 June 2007 10:39:07 | | | | | | | | | Rosti: I like him too.
He passes.
Great!
I wish people could edit mine. (Why Daft?????, whats to edit, your amusing) G4L_Harry!!!
Is Mshasho free?
| | | | | | | | | | Daft | 28 June 2007 12:13:25 | | | | | | | | | What about Defoe?
Just throwing his name in there...... | | | | | | | | | | Surabaya | 28 June 2007 18:42:32 | | | | | | | | | Daft ol' boy - I'm not sure if you could be insulting even if you tried (for the bozzo's on this site this is a compliment)
I don't like what's going on around the Arsenal at the moment: doomsday talk, glorification of individuals, an endless parade of names made up by bottomless uninspired newsnetwork slaves ....... that's all a bunch of bull.
Not knowing if he actually said it or if it's just another peace of 'literally freedom' or if some writer put a couple of interviews in a blender and mixed it until he got the taste he prefers .... whatever - let's asume it is true and Wenger tied his further commitment to the club to the comeback of DD. Is'nt that outrageous? The guy who eats the butter you pay for comes to your desk and tells you he'll be off if you don't .... bla bla bla? Guess I have to take this to the next level: Henry 's gone, good. Now sell Fabregas to Madrid for 15 mil (16 if possible) and then send Wenger to where the pepper grows!!!!!!!!!! F*** 'em goddamn heroes and make the Arsenal a club again!
And since I can almost feel the dismay: what happened so far? We brought in a 'talented' keeper, we sold Aladiere, we'll sell Ljungberg ........... I bloody don't know what many peoples optimism is based on?!?!? I will wait and see what REALLY happens rather than bowing to images of what some would like people to be. | | | | | | | | | | bootoo | 28 June 2007 18:59:40 | | | | | | | | | yes to anelka | | | | | | | | | | G4L_Harry | 28 June 2007 21:41:02 | | | | | | | | | Daft your Daft - Ground me? why ? Cannot believe you have liken me to Henry, no chance, I have nailed my colours to the mast and will not change.
Surbaya : Cheer up fella, your far too depressed at the moment, not like you. Wenger will extend before the season starts.
| | | | | | | | | | Daft | 29 June 2007 09:18:14 | | | | | | | | | Because you are tooooooooooooo optimistic, Harry. And you appear once a month. Is the abdominals?
I sopke to an Sheffield Gunner (before I hit him) and he said mid table for the Goons. I agree.
It was all unbalanced at Arsenal, and not in good shape for the long term.
Make Arsenal a club again.
Dein, Henry or anyone else leaving should not affect the side.
Look at Man U, they took the Galziers thing in their stride and are back. | | | | | | | | | | Daft | 29 June 2007 09:38:56 | | | | | | | | | Defoe?
Good buy or good bye?
(I should be in the media, I really should).
What happened to the gay post anyway.
Where are Dgob and Rosti?
Will anyone topple me?
(I sound like Henry now) | | | | | | | | | | Rosti | 29 June 2007 09:58:12 | | | | | | | | | I like Defoe, i think he is an out and out goalscorer or a "fox in the box" if you want to name him after an animal. Adeboyor and Defoe upfront could be the classiclittle and large strike force, wit VP on the right wing. At least with Defoe on the end of the moves you could near enough guarantee a shot rather than an extra pass. My only concern is that he may not have the quality to effect matches in European competition. At the risk of sending Surabaya totally over the edge I would rather have him that Adriano and his 5 goal haul. Discuss. | | | | | | | | | | Daft | 29 June 2007 10:28:30 | | | | | | | | | Surabaya is already over the edge: old age or genius? Discuss.
Good point about Europe and Defoe.
I get the impression that with a little nurturing and caoching, he would be a very good player. He was in the England side and scored some goals I think. Wenger could do it.
If he learnt French.
Adriano? On Pro Evo 5 he always ran me ragged. I remember being Barca (lona, just to help Chicken Boi or whoever it was) and he was quicker and had more prowess than Ronnie. I do not know if that counts though. | | | | | | | | | | purquel | 29 June 2007 13:36:58 | | | | | | | | | It was time for Henry to go. He is too old and too injured to get the ball in advanced positions and breeze past defenders; he was always dropping back to midfield to get the ball (the way Bergkamp did towards the end as well... :idea He treated his fellow team-mates youngsters like crap this past season, but wansn't able to lead by example.
What we've lacked this past year (and what Henry was supposed to be doing) is a striker with pace and good ball-dribbling skills who can play off the last defender.
Anelka can do some of these things, but not as well as Henry. In my mind, Anelka is a not-as-good-version of Henry. Both have good shots, both are decent finishers, and both need a little space to get by their man (and both don't have particulary tight ball control, despite their great skill).
Who has pace to play off the last defender? MARTINS
Who has good dribbling ability to pull defenders out the the passing lanes? TEVEZ
Imagine with our short, deadly passing attack how many times we could put a thru-ball on to Martins for a one-on-one. Imagine the defenders rushing at Tevez while he's dribbling, only for him to dump the ball off for a quick one-two give-and-go towards goal. | | | | | | | | | | Rosti | 29 June 2007 14:33:09 | | | | | | | | | It must be nice Daft to still feel like you have some sort of involvement in the premiership even if it is just as a member of another teams chatroom. | | | | | | | | | | Daft | 29 June 2007 14:49:09 | | | | | | | | | Ha!
You have been researching.
I like it.
| | | | | | | | | | Rosti | 29 June 2007 14:55:55 | | | | | | | | | You gave yourself away when you started comparing Warnock buying young blunt blades to Wengers policy of trawling the world for the most promising young players. | | | | | | | | | | Daft | 29 June 2007 15:21:00 | | | | | | | | | Very similar comparisons, I think.
| | | | | | | | | | Daft | 29 June 2007 15:21:49 | | | | | | | | | I did some digging and found out what you look like.
I posted the picture in general. | | | | | | | | | | Chirpy_Canary | 29 June 2007 20:22:11 | | | | | | | | | Surabaya - I feel for you as you seem depressed by it all. Cheer up my friend
I have very little understanding of football which is why some say I support Norwich.
When we were in the Prem each week was tortue as we lost game after game, so on the +ve side the Gunners will never drop this low.
It could be worse you could be a Leeds supporter. You see I bet you are feeling better already.
Best go now or some of the people on this topic may start harrassing me for posting pointless info.
Oh no I am still typing ......aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhhhhh
| | | | | | | | | | Chirpy_Canary | 29 June 2007 20:32:24 | | | | | | | | | Mr Rosti I would point out that your comments to Mr S were a bit harsh and in a debate could be seen as very agressive and not constructive.
We are all allowed comments and whilst it is natural not to agree with everyones views, it is important to remember that everyone on this site is a true fan of Arsenal (Apart from me & Daft but Daft is tolerated for his random views and no one takes notice of me)
PS If you tell me the Chirpy_Canary "You clearly know nothing about football" I would agree with you.
Feel the love people .... feel the love | | | | | | | | | | Flying Dutchman | 29 June 2007 20:43:36 | | | | | | | | | Henry has gone so be it....long live Wenger!!
Cesc is the next Zidane, RVP is the next Bergkamp, Toure is the next Adams, Fabianski is the next Seaman - you see gooners all is not doom n gloom!!
C'MON GUNNERZ LET THEM GUNZ BLAZE!!!! | | | | | | | | | | Surabaya | 30 June 2007 08:08:43 | | | | | | | | | Chirpin'Chip'Chip'Canary - though you pretend to know not too much about football (who does, I ask?) you do support a club - something unimaginable for someone who really doesn't know the difference between football and sky-diving. As for the pain .... I know exactly what you are talking about ... Hometown, 180.000 soals, small club who spends the amounts the likes of Barca and Chelsea spend in GBP in IDR (indonesian Rupiah), internationally vertually not present ... it's tough. However, that's how it is supposed to be. And the excitement if those underdogs come out strong and confident and beat the odds by smashing someone like Bayern Munich or Milan is just not from this earth. I love it.
I wish to mention that I have absolutely no hard feelings against Rosti, he's free to state his point of view like we all are. His view is a bit to idealistic for me but hey, that's just me.
Flying Dutchman - I like your optimic view. With all due respect - one thing I doubt is that Cesc will be the next Zidane. He's a great player still getting better but I seriously doubt he can reach Zinedine's level. And though nobody likes the idea I still would sell him if the price is right. For a simple reason: the players we would be able to buy would make the team stronger even though Cesc himself could not be equally replaced. And I think that's where the focus should be, not on single heroes but on the team. To avoid outbursts of protest I repeat: this option is only then an option if the price is bloody damn right!! With Denilson wearing our colors it would also not be like falling into a big dark hole. | | | | | | | | | | Rosti | 01 July 2007 10:39:53 | | | | | | | | | d
| | | | | | | | | | Dgob | 01 July 2007 12:59:31 | | | | | | | | | Surabaya, I'm growing to understand and appreciate you a lot more. I agree that Denilson offers a good alternative to Cesc but think both options are needed for the coming season/s. Cesc needs to be rested more and Denilson played more: keeping both players fresh and offering the same dynamic creativity consistently in the centre of the park.
If Teves or Martins become available and affordable (on which see my ongoing gripes about the board!), I would welcome them along with a solid centre back and central midfielder (steel and experience being sought here). Other than that, I feel things are not quite as bad as they might seem to some. Wenger of course, is critical to our short term future though! | | | | | | | | | | domcreedy | 01 July 2007 15:40:36 | | | | | | | | | i think it does not help with the press and other teams and players like dider dokey drogba giving us a hard time. yes we need a striker to play along rvp. adebayor is not good enough and not a proven scorer. we need someone to score the easy goals. rvp will be our main striker and i feel he will bring20-25 goals this season. hope walcott will get his time to show why we signed him. still feel a striker is needed, like eto i heard this morning, not sure on tevez, babel YES bring him. a left winger and defender we also need. so 3 players to soften the blow of henry going. i feel we will be a more threat next season. cos we only have played 1 way with henry. so maybe it will change our style. dom | | | | | | | | | | domcreedy | 01 July 2007 15:41:23 | | | | | | | | | i think it does not help with the press and other teams and players like dider dokey drogba giving us a hard time. yes we need a striker to play along rvp. adebayor is not good enough and not a proven scorer. we need someone to score the easy goals. rvp will be our main striker and i feel he will bring20-25 goals this season. hope walcott will get his time to show why we signed him. still feel a striker is needed, like eto i heard this morning, not sure on tevez, babel YES bring him. a left winger and defender we also need. so 3 players to soften the blow of henry going. i feel we will be a more threat next season. cos we only have played 1 way with henry. so maybe it will change our style. dom | | | | | | | | | | bikie | 02 July 2007 06:41:42 | | | | | | | | | hiddink would not be a bad replacement in case Wenger leaves, in fact arsenal would be better, he is the only person i can trust. We shoul get malouda,Babel and.............maybe Anelka. I was down when i heard Henry was leaving, but remembering last season Arsenal was better with Gilbrto as the captain and would always play badly when Henry was back, remember the PSV game...Henry hardly got behind defenders, I think he should just open up and tell us the truth that he had long wanted to go to Barca because he would still get the winners medal there without sweating... | | | | | | | | | | jos | 02 July 2007 06:58:28 | | | | | | | | | Finally here is the list of Arsenal targets!
Samuel Eto'o(Barcelona)
Curtis Davies(WBA)
Carlos Tevez(West Ham)
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar(Ajax)
Wait till next week. | | | | | | | | | | BATDOG. | 02 July 2007 07:08:50 | | | | | | | | | Veira, Henry, Anelka, Fabregas.
All a bunch of NOSHERS that sulk if they are not winning the champs league every year.
They can all eat my COLON.
More English players at The Arsenal.
And we want our badge back. And we want lower ticket prices and less tarts sitting in the plop boxes with restaurants.
| | | | | | | | | | jos | 02 July 2007 07:16:12 | | | | | | | | | Ryan Babel is a great talent and has the ability to become a great player,Ryan Babel will make us very successful for the years to come.
I think it will be Arsenal's dream come true if they manage to get this players to the Emirates,
Ryan Babel,Samuel Eto'o,Bakary Sagna and Robinho. | | | | | | | | | | Surabaya | 02 July 2007 10:11:16 | | | | | | | | | Cake - your style of putting things .... I love it (does everyone? - NEXT POLL, HARRY!)
ooh ooh ooh, Jos - Robinho. I wonder why he isn't in the papers more? That would be a signing to my liking (aaargh, terrible englishing!). Absolutely YES to Sagna - we could do with a multi-purpose-defender, mainly to fill the gap Eboue leaves but also as a possible stand-in when injuries come up and squad selection gets tricky. Babel is not goin' to happen and I wonder if Huntelaar wouldn't be the better choice anyway? I don't trust E't'o'o''''''''o'o#'o - f*** 'em superstars (that one's for you, Drogie!).
Though I am delighted by our dear friends Cake language I am not flames for english players. 24,5 mil for Bent? Com'on, ... and thank heaven I'm not a Spurs fan (due to some genetic misfortune or so). They should try to fathom out the reality and re-value themselves for as it is now they are way too expensive!
Tevez as a player would be a much better choice than Eddooooo, he's got experience in the league and has the physical strength required, also the pace and fighting spirit. I also hear good things regarding his character from people who know southamerican football a lot better than I do. What leaves a strange taste behind is his arrival story, ownership questions and .... again .... the price. I read about 28 mil? Are they all goin' freakin' mad? Mad cow disease spreading on to humans now? A joke nobody finds funny? 9 mil for a years loan? ooops. .... sorry, no loan deals for this critical position!
And finally and for the soal purpose of upsetting a guy or two:
FABREGAS IS A WANKER! | | | | | | | | | | Daft | 02 July 2007 10:25:49 | | | | | | | | | TOLERATED?
I AM ADDORED, LOVED, WORSHIPPED.
YOU SEE PEOPLE ARE LOVING PEOPLE. IT IS NO GOOD BEING NICE WHEN INJUSTICE IS BEING DONE. WE HAVE TO CONFRONT IT.
DGOB NOW LOVES US. WE LOVE HIM.
NOWRWICH DID BEAT MUNICH DIDNT THEY? AND INTER IF I AM RIGHT. | | | | | | | | | | Daft | 02 July 2007 10:26:49 | | | | | | | | | WHAT HERBS WOULD GO WITH COLON?
WE WANT OUR BADGE BACK.
WE WANT SINGING BACK.
WE WANT ENGLISH PLAYERS.
YOU CAN KEEP THE PREMIERSHIP TITLE. | | | | | | | | | | Rosti | 02 July 2007 12:33:45 | | | | | | | | | Ha, you're all wrong!! We got the prolific Da Silva. | | | | | | | | | | Surabaya | 02 July 2007 18:33:32 | | | | | | | | | Ya, who would have thought that. The Arsenal are'nt making it too difficult for us to be wrong!
Can't wait for Andy Grey ' da Silva passes to Silva .... or was it the other way round'.
We should get more players with similar names. Or look for players who all have the same name. After Arsenal saved money on embroidery they could also save on shirt-printing. | | | | | | | | | | Dgob | 02 July 2007 20:15:04 | | | | | | | | | Surabaya does the arrival of a young prolific and proven goal scorer remove a level or two of your clinical depression? Also, the fact that Eduardo da Silva has failed to appear on any list of prediction could be seen to emphasise one small part of why Wenger is still so critical to us and our ongoing development. Wenger Knows and his plans (including the redesign of a more assessible badge, new state-of-the-art training ground and stadium) for out future are obviously far more extensive and thought out than we are capable of imaging!
So, one more central defender, a quality real left winger along with the pending arrival of Sangu will surely constitute grounds for dancing in the streets. As I've said before, keep the faith
Come on the Arsenal | | | | | | | | | | Surabaya | 03 July 2007 03:59:55 | | | | | | | | | You got me all wrong, Dgob. I am as far from a clinical depression as anyone can possibly be. You will find out as we go. You probably also misunderstood my comments on Henry, Wenger or Fabregas. I am well aware of the strengths and the importance Wenger has for us. The only thing that bugged me a bit was that 'All is lost' talk - which has gone now, fortunately. And I always put the Arsenal above any single person or even groups of people - ALWAYS. Players, managers, greenkeepers and goal-post polishers come and go but the Arsenal remains. I don't make comments on da Silva yet for I don't know him - busy busy collecting info.
I do like the idea of only having players by the names of Silva, da Silva, de Silva, d'Silva, Silver etc. I'll check on the internet if we could build a squad on that basis | | | | | | | | | | wey4mi | 19 July 2007 14:20:32 | | | | | | | | | no
| | | | | | | | | | Surabaya | 21 July 2007 04:10:08 | | | | | | | | | The signing of Pedro da Silva - who will go on loan to Salamanca for a year - proofs that Wenger had the same idea as I had. In 2 years there will only be Silva, da Silva, de Silva and Silver playing for Arsenal. Great - I love that. | | | | | | | | | | Phobia 5 | 26 December 2007 10:21:23 | | | | | | | | | Arsenal the best ! | | | | | | | | | | Surabaya | 27 December 2007 04:27:08 | | | | | | | | | Boy it's fun to read these old posts sometimes
Rosti, Dgob, Chickenboi .... 2007 will be remembered for this.
Asante5, you post quite .... uhm, erratically. | | | | | | |
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