Written by Mean Lean on Sunday, 03 July 2011 13:50

There I was continuing to cough and splutter as I awoke, stretched my arms and skipped out of bed. The sun shining through the windows and the potential of a glorious day ahead made me feel rather content inside. I sat with the kids around the breakfast table and consumed my hot bowl of cornflakes, yum. The day had got off to a wonderful start. I fling open the garden door and tell the kids to go and play in the sunshine. Before I join you, I will go and check the Arsenal news on newsnow and see if life is as wonderful on there as it is here in erm real life.

There I go, whistling away while I open up Firefox and my first automatic tab to load is newsnow. Yup, I am sad like that.

*Flashing red alert!*

ARSENAL IN CRISIS...again!!!!

The sun has disappeared, the clouds have gathered around and rain along with thunder is crashing all around.

Theo Walcott is packing his bags for Chelsea this morning, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is fed up with Arsenal for not putting in a bid. Chelsea are reaching out to Nasri all teary eyed, hoping for a cuddle. Nasri slams, rocked, disses, abuses Arsenal in a furious outburst. Cesc is currently crawling across a desert somewhere on his way to Barcelona.

Life as we know it is almost at an end.

We already know that Arsenal are the only trophyless team in the history of the game. If you don't believe me then type in trophyless into Google and 98% of the entries will be Arsenal related. I think the other footballing side was Liverpool which was the last of the list on the first page. Perhaps they went trophyless a couple of hundred years ago I think.

The Walcott story came from the Daily Mail (surprise surprise) and I can just imagine how it came about.

The Daily Mail Chief editor with his tie loosened and shirt unbuttoned revealing a white vest underneath, waves over the new junior reporter into his office.

The reporter banging against a desk as he nervously stumbles through the Daily Mail offices.

Editor: Today is the day where I show you how we do things around here. How does that sound?
Reporter: Yeah good.
Editor: Have you been doing some research? What have you prepared for your first day?
Reporter: Erm yeah, I have. I have some good stuff on how Barcelona technically dominated Manchester Uni...
Editor: What?!
Reporter: erm, how Barcel...
Editor: Shhhh! Stop yourself right there. What on earth is that?
Reporter: *Looking confused and sheepish* I have some really good stats via Zonal Mark...
Editor: Yada yada yada!
Reporter: Looking blanked faced and worried
Editor: I will tell you how we do things around here. I want you to talk about Arsenal.
Reporter: Okay.
Editor: Do you know who Arsenal are?
Reporter: Err yes, Arsenal FC from North London.
Editor: No, The French club in North London.
Reporter: Oh!
Editor: *Raises a tin from his desk* pick out a folded piece of paper.
Reporter: Ok
Editor: DON'T LOOK YOU MUPPET!
Reporter: Erm sure.
Editor: What does it say?
Reporter: *Hands shaking as he unfolds* Theo Walcott
Editor: Nice.
Reporter: What does this mean?
Editor: It is how we do things around here.
Reporter: *Puzzled look*
Editor: I want you to write a story about Walcott leaving Arsenal for erm.. *scratches head whilst dandruff rains to his desk* Chelsea. Yeah, new manager wants Walcott.
Reporter: What about any quotes?
Editor: Hahahaha!
Reporter: Ok, never mind. I shall get started on that now.
Editor: Wait!!
Reporter: Yes boss?
Editor Add the word trophyless in the article four times. We will increase it on tomorrow's Arsenal in crisis story.
Reporter: Ok boss, right away.

That is how I imagine most tabloid stories come about and I shall not give that story a second glance. What a load of turd.

Plenty is being made of Samir Nasri's quotes in the News of the world today and perhaps I am being a little naive but they do not sound as bad as some are making out.

Nasri has been accused of being only interested in money and that he is holding the club to ransom but he has come out and basically said that it has never been about money. He is being paid plenty of money already and enjoying his football is far more important. Can you hand on heart say that Nasri looked like a player who is not enjoying his football at Arsenal? The part about wanting to win the Ballon D’Or may well be strange at this moment but perhaps that is linked with enjoying his football and improving as a player.

He wants to win trophies, he wants to enjoy his football, he wants to be regarded as one of the best in his position, he wants Arsenal to match his ambitions etc etc. I am struggling to find the slam, the part where he has rocked Arsenal.

The part that leaves me even more weary is that it is from the News of the world of all rags. Do they not have a history of removing certain information to suit their agenda?

Is it inconceivable to believe that something along the lines of 'I have improved at Arsenal and Arsene Wenger has done so much for me' or 'I am very happy in London and have settled really well here. I hope we can sort something out soon' has been removed from the article?

As I said, I may well be acting naive and what is being published is the full interview with nothing edited. I don't know why, but I seriously doubt that is the case.

Whether Nasri should be demanding this, that or the other is a completely different matter. We know he had a fantastic period during last season but he also had a very average ending. He played wide in a front three for most of the season and only contributed one assist in the league.

The Samir Nasri of today is replaceable and if he leaves the club then I have no doubt that Wenger can bring in another player of similar end product. However, I believe that the future Samir Nasri will be a top top player so I hope he stays.

Even if Nasri leaves for a cut price or even on a free then it is not the end of the world. It is not a flipping crisis. Especially if Cesc Fabregas is told to hold tight.

We have a fantastic young foundation with Szczesny, Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere, Vermaelen, Djourou, Koscielny etc as well as top senior players such as Sagna, Van Persie and Arshavin. If a few players leave then they will be replaced. We are no longer in the position where we have no money to spend on players.

Don't believe what you read, we are not in crisis. The Arsenal will be here tomorrow and we will still be a strong side looking to take the next step to reach the very best.

Hardly worth browning your pants over.

I am turning this computer off and going back to enjoy the sunshine.

Back tomorrow.

• Add New
• RSS

Comments (89)

• 03-Jul-2011 14:21 | | Bala  - DONT BELEIVE THE MEDIA
  

  Well said ML. I cant understand why we Gooners are believing the tabloids straight away although we all know they are Anti Arsenal (Mostly). The most funny part is some people even believed those fake RVP quotes that were doing rounds and started blaming him ( He is injury prone, etc, etc) forgetting all his previous ORIGINAL quotes. Now if this Nasri story is made up, I am sure he will clear it up via Twitter in the next few days so I will wait for a couple of days before even talking about it

• 03-Jul-2011 14:51 | | Mark  - Crisis
  

  With the the Arsenal squad as it was at the end of last season I'm sure most fans would agree that we needed 2-3 new players to give us more depth and extra options. Now simple maths would suggest that if Nasri, Clchy and Fabregas should go then we would need at least 4 (bloody good) new players to imrove just slightly on last season which still wont garauntee us any silverware.
  Now I agree lets see what comes out in the wash during this window as there is a lot of speculation that may be unfounded, but if these players go which looks likely how are we going to be any better next season?
  Such unrest amoung our top players is testimant to the fact Wenger is not matching their ambition with his signings etc.
  I'd say Arsenal are closer to crisis than not at the moment...

• 03-Jul-2011 14:55 | | kunal
  

  well said. but you forgot to add one thing. seems like the media is putting up the whole team for sale.

• 03-Jul-2011 15:04 | | Theo Van Nasregas
  

  Well said m8 ! we are ARSENAL FC.... we are the best FC in the world....wil never be in crisis...all the tabloid are trying to shit !
  I dont give a fuck !
  No matter what they say, will never beleive them !
  The players that are leaving this season are only unwanted..
  Nasri will go no where, he will be legend

• 03-Jul-2011 15:06 | | goonerboy  - There is a crisis-or there is about to be
  

  There should not be a crisis because one or two players wants to leave- but there is because Arsenal channel all their play through Fabregas and to a lesser extent Nasri and when these 2 have been missing we have been devoid of attacking threat.
  Just remember the last 3 months of the season when we won only 3 games.
  It is a crisis because of the clubs poor performance in the transfer market over the last 3 seasons.No one has any faith about Arsenal football clubs desire or capacity to attract top quality experienced replacements and the emerging players demonstrated they are well short of premiership quality last season. If these 2 leave why should Walcott, Van Persie , Wilshere stay?They can get more money elsewhere.
  The other reason for the crisis is who Arsenal propose to sell these players to- apart from Fabregas- our direct rivals in the EPL- we are looking increasingly like a feeder club for Manchester City Football Club.

• 03-Jul-2011 15:34 | | johnny  - Hope
  

  I hope theo leaves. he is the most overrated lump of crap ever to play for Arsenal. And thats saying something. Oh by the way, when is this AKB site closing down.

• 03-Jul-2011 15:42 | | Ahmad
  

  The best thing I read since a very long time ago THANK YOU MAN THANK YOU

• 03-Jul-2011 15:49 | | matlee  - transfer obsession
  

  thanks Mean Lean for telling it like it is. with every passing window i love the game a little less. from experience i have seen the pattern of transfer stories which are the same every year and have come to the conclusion not to waste time with anything other than official statements. as human beings i thought we were meant to learn, develop and grow as people but it seems no matter what the facts are there is a growing majority that are stuck with minds unable to process reason, logic or common sense. they run around like headless lunatics at the breaking of every nonsense story that arrives every 5 min. the arrival of 24hr online news may be partly responsible for lazy journo's who would struggle
  to write a peice once a month if they were forced to only print facts. also the truth is often dull and would leave them with very few hits on their sites. so we should expect agents and journo's to do what they do but we should not expect fans to fall for it. although i won't blame xenophobia for an unhealthy obsession with Arsenal and a perceived delight in the clubs perceived misfortunes i am at a loss to find another logical reason. so far we have sold or are selling Cesc, Arshavin, Walcott, Bendtner, Denilson, Nasri, Clichy. we cant hold on to them because they are better than Arsenal, what happened to trying harder in the next season to win Tro.. sorry, win things? then the players we want to apparantly get rid of - Eboue,Diaby etc.. just because fans are unhappy with certain players it bears no relation to Wengers thoughts or plans. clearly it is not practical or possible for them all to be going. maybe the media have the sole intention to provoke a frenzy in the less balanced minded fans. then it all starts again a couple of months before January. wise up people!

• 03-Jul-2011 15:58 | | MeanLean
  

  *Yawn*

• 03-Jul-2011 16:03 | | johnny
  

  No wonder you`re tired. Clown,

• 03-Jul-2011 17:01 | | Goonzilla  - Arsenal in Crisis? Pure Media Bollocks
  

  Hey ML, good post as usual. Hit the nail on the head.
  
  The only major first team player leaving this season is Clichy. Lets face facts, Arsene has been on vacation and so have most of the players. As you mention ML, the tabloids have to make sales, hence the load of bollocks we see everyday.
  
  For one, Barcelona are not going to meet our valuation of Cesc and I expect him to be on the flight to Asia as well as in the squad to start the season.
  
  As for Nasri, the whole world knows he has one year left on his contract and refused to sign an extension last season, hence, the merry go round we see at the moment. He has said he will sit down with the club and talk and Im sure this week, Arsene will be able to start work on bringing this matter to an end. Even if Arsene's attempts are futile, I believe if he cant sell Nasri abroad, he will let his contract run out, rather than sell to City or United. Should be on the plane to Asia in my opinion.
  
  As for RVP, Theo and Arshavin, its all pure bollocks. Everyone knows the love RVP has for the club. As for Theo, he wouldnt get as many starts in any other top 4 team so he doesnt really have a choice but to stick around. Arshavin isnt really in a position at the moment to complain, since he has failed to deliver since since his arrival.
  
  What I am more interested in is what we are going to do with some of the deadweight like Squillaci, Denilson, Bendtner and Almunia. I know people will say I should include Eboue, Rosicky, Diaby etc etc, but you have to remember that these guys are good experienced squad players and not starters in any case.
  
  With the players back this week, im expecting a flurry of activities within the club. The fake dark clouds portrayed by the media are about to move away to be replaced by sunshine.
  
  Go Gooners

• 03-Jul-2011 17:03 | | John
  

  All the tabloids want is crisis at Arsenal; the model club, the model manager gone wrong. That is what sells newspapers, not 'a couple of players want to leave but Wenger will sort it out'. Sadly, looking at some of the blogs around, it seems the tabloids are winning, a small but vocal section of the supporters are starting the fall for the cr@p the gutter press is feeding them.

• 03-Jul-2011 17:07 | | rellends  - "i have no doubt wenger can bring in another playe
  

  what eveidence do you have to support that statement given the last 6 years?

• 03-Jul-2011 17:17 | | Goonzilla
  

  How many years have Liverpool gone? 5 years.....inspite of all the money they've spent in recent years. How close have they been to winning a trophy in those 5 years. Not close at all in my opinion (bar their push for the title 2 seasons ago).
  
  We have had many close calls: CL 2006, CC 2007, PL 2008, CC 2011, PL 2011 etc etc.....I know nearly doesnt kill a bird, but my point is I hear the media saying that all our players want to leave the club because they want to win trophies and in some cases they have quotes to back them up. But what they forget to mention is that its these same players that have to stand up and be counted during crunch times of the season, which many of them failed to do bar RVP. They have to stand up and take responsibility. Its not all the managers fault. If at all I blame him for anything, its for believing in these players who seriously let him down.

• 03-Jul-2011 17:26 | | MeanLean
  

  6 Years?
  
  Toure = Vermaelen
  Flamini = Song
  Hleb = Nasri
  Lauren = Sagna
  
  To name but a few.

• 03-Jul-2011 17:29 | | MeanLean
  

  Well said Goonzilla, very rational post.

• 03-Jul-2011 17:32 | | MeanLean
  

  You've hit the nail on the head. They do not print facts because it does not sell, simple as that.
  
  Every Arsenal player is leaving will gain hits and revenue.

• 03-Jul-2011 17:48 | | sleepinggiant
  

  I cant believe it - 'Arsenal will be here tomorrow'. Is that the limit of your ambition........Im loosing the will to live. How can anyone be so fukking stupind to blame the players for this? Model club - well yes, the model for the likes of Fulham Bolton etc. Nothing more. Nothing less, This current regime is systematically destroying every single aspect of the heart soul and history of the club.
  
  Something very simple has happened this summer. Well, its been happening for years, but has come to a climax this summer.
  
  THIS STUPID LYING BOARD AND THE SAD SHADOW OF A MANAGER HAS TURNED OUR ONCE MIGHTY ARSENAL INTO A SMALL CLUB. MAKE EXCUSES,BLAME YOUTH, BLAME OTHER CLUBS FOR SPENDING THE KIND OF MONEY WE SHOULD BE SPENDING, BLAME THE LIKES OF NASRI FOR DOING EXCATLY WHAT HE SHOULD BE DOING. YOU ARE DELUDING YOURSELVES
  
  
  Everybody can have a dry spell - fair enough. Look at Liverpool. But then look at them again - they accept where they are is not good enough and at leatst try to improve, even if you dont agree with some of their decisions. And what does our club do? Produce the greatest collpases of any premier league club, and lie to the fans THE FANS OF THE ARSEANL, tha
  t our club cant really expect to do any better. Its plain disgusting.
  There is no argument about this. A brain dead monkey can see the truth. Stop the self delusion and open your eyes - If we do not pay the wages of the top club, we stop attracting the best playrers and we cease to be a top club. No argument. End of story. Those of you who want the mighty Arsenal to be a'model club_' (puke) for smaller clubs, fine. But dont you dare talk about morality or doing the right thing. This is Arsenal,a club with a history of glory.

• 03-Jul-2011 17:51 | | matlee
  

  i have not compared like for likes before myself but your player comparisons highlight the myth perfectly that Arsenal are a selling club who replace departures with inferior players. i would choose the players on the RIGHT side all day long.

• 03-Jul-2011 18:10 | | Omglol
  

  Nice post.
  As person who worked in newspaper i can tell they realy work like that. Sadly they make up things out of thin air even for far more serious subjects.
  With Walcott on the transfer i think journalist (if i can call them that) sold everyone from Arsenal first 11 except Vermalen (he was injured i guess some even forgot he is our player) + all reserve . Donno what they wait about Ramsey and Scezney or i missed that news. Arsenal supporters are on edge, so is easy to push them in riot with news like this.

• 03-Jul-2011 18:13 | | MeanLean
  

  Can you tell me how your 'ambition' makes a difference to myself just supporting the club regardless of the situation.
  
  How does your anger and venting make a difference to the club?
  
  There is this strange angle from a section of supporters that backing your club through thick and thin is a negative.
  
  I happen to believe that we are not in a disaster like some other people think. I find it more productive than complaining about everything that is going on with the club. Not saying that is what you are doing but there is a section of fans who do not seem to be happy regardless of the situation.

• 03-Jul-2011 18:22 | | Gary
  

  I hear many fans are planning a mass suicide at the first home game. Why don't you join them? Just kidding. Get a life buddy. We are talking about a game. You are obviously not old enough to know much history before Wenger - so just relax. Please know that everyone at the club wants to win as much as you do. They have all the facts, you don't. So just trust them and in the mean time I suggest you find another hobby or something to keep yourself busy with. Otherwise you may just end up slitting your own wrists, and it is really not necessary.

• 04-Jul-2011 03:06 | | Spectrum
  

  This article is crap. Written by an A.K.B. to raise the morale of the other A.K.B.'s. You're clutching at straws to attempt justifying the laughing stock our club has sadly become. After all that has happened in the last few seasons, and the fiasco of this season, Wenger's obvious decline as a manager, the board's demonstrated lack of ambition,and so much more - we still get blogs like this. Incredible. You're in denial. Wake up. If we're not already IN crisis, we're HEADING THAT WAY, fast. Wenger's incompetence, neglect and mismanagement is going to cost us again and again, until he resigns or is removed.
  "******************"

• 04-Jul-2011 03:11 | | Spectrum
  

  And who bought and "developed' these players "who let him down".? Stop making excuses for the manager's failures. The buck stops with him, as it has for the past six seasons.
  "******************"

• 04-Jul-2011 03:15 | | Spectrum
  

  You got it, sleepinggiant. Pity the A.K.B.'s can't / won't see the bleedin' obvious. They'll still be supporting this clown of a manager. In fact, they'd probably extend his contract even more, if they had their way. Pathetic.
  "******************"

• 04-Jul-2011 03:32 | | Spectrum
  

  "Don't believe the media" ? So EVERY paper in Europe lies, do they ? No grain of truth to ANY stories of unrest in the camp, hmmm ? The story about Fabregas stating the club needed to decide whether it wants to develop kids, or win things, was all made up too, I suppose ?
  Face it. As uncomfortable as it is for some of you, the players are understandably frustrated and disillusioned at the lack of real ambition at the club. They want to WIN things. But they know they have a manager who puts accounting ahead of on field success. They're sick of false promises and assurances being made to them. Last season and this, they were told there would be big quality signings to prove we are serious about trophies. We were lied to again.
  Can you blame any player for wanting to move on ? The Van Persie story might not be true, but how long before he gets restless as well, and it BECOMES TRUE ? I'm pissed off with these kind of blogs. They reinforce complacency and apathy. They try to mislead the gullible into thinking everything is rosy, when the reality is different. Realism will always win out over blind optimism. Except in the A.K.B.'s world, that is.
  "******************"

• 04-Jul-2011 03:36 | | Spectrum
  

  Theo. Are you being tongue in cheek, or delusional ? I hope it's the former.
  "******************"

• 04-Jul-2011 03:37 | | Man United Killer  - AKB site indeed
  

  Johnny,you will realize quickly that this site is swarming with AKB's.Heck! it belongs to them.A little heaven where they can ran away from the facts.If you want to see how shallow some people can be just because they have their heads up Wenger's (for winning how many trophies again in 15 years?) ass then this is the place for you.No surprise that trophyless= Arsenal.Sums it up pretty much.Shameful!!Yet they sit here and talk about anti-Arsenal agenda...I say there is no smoke without fire.If they think all that the media does is to spin stories about Arsenal,why write articles based media leads..latest example-such as the Gervinho transfer saga ML wrote about...

• 04-Jul-2011 03:38 | | Man United Killer
  

  You choose the facts dont you?

• 04-Jul-2011 03:41 | | Man United Killer
  

  Goonzilla,let me respectfully prompt you that 'Close Calls' are not Trophy wins and that is the fact...No two ways.No excuses.

• 04-Jul-2011 03:42 | | Spectrum
  

  We can't sell our "deaweight". I wonder why ? No-one else considers them good enough to buy from us. But Wenger has been playing them regularly for years. What does that tell you ?
  "******************"

• 04-Jul-2011 03:45 | | Man United Killer
  

  Th14 (never replaced)> Bendtner,bayor
  PV > song
  Toure> Kos
  Cashley Cole> Clichy
  
  But to match a few!

• 04-Jul-2011 03:46 | | Man United Killer
  

  True True True...I like realists!Arsenal lovers not Wenger lovers!

• 04-Jul-2011 03:47 | | Spectrum
  

  Perhaps this site should be re-named "Arsenal Tunnel Vision" .
  "******************"

• 04-Jul-2011 03:54 | | Spectrum
  

  Agreed, Mark. I think we needed four players in to strengthen key positions in the team. If we lose Fabregas, Nasri and Clichy, we'll then need seven. Can you honestly see Wenger signing SEVEN new first teamers ? No. So the net result is that we'll be weaker. Good one, Arsene.
  "******************"

• 04-Jul-2011 03:57 | | Man United Killer
  

  There is a difference between backing your club expressing unhappiness about how things are being done at our club.The fact that you find things wrong with the running of your club does not mean you are not backing your club.
  You ML on the other hand brand people who are unhappy with management as 'not backing their club'..I will BACK my club..just like I did especially in the 70's when things went awry..but I wont act like I am deluded..like its all nice and gloomy @ Arsenal.Something is seriously wrong.This better be one long nightmare!

• 04-Jul-2011 03:59 | | Man United Killer
  

  Second That!

• 04-Jul-2011 04:00 | | Spectrum
  

  Yep. And finishing 12 points from the top is not "coming close", as some like to claim.
  "******************"

• 04-Jul-2011 06:24 | | MeanLean
  

  Sorry Spectrum,
  
  You must have got all excited when you saw the Arsenal in crisis headline but it just wasn't negative enough for you.
  
  It is very difficult to take you seriously when you go around calling everyone AKB like a child and then ending your posts with a stupid unfunny slogan.
  
  I would much prefer someone actually argued my points instead of writing turd like
  
  "This article is crap. Written by an A.K.B. to raise the morale of the other A.K.B.'s."
  
  I am not 12 years old. It is a little deeper than Arsene knows best. He is a human being who makes mistakes but yes he does know much more than you or I. Perhaps you are a little too deluded to see that though and constant games of Football manager has lead you to believe that SKB.
  
  Good luck with that one.

• 04-Jul-2011 06:31 | | MeanLean
  

  That is untrue.
  
  I am not happy with certain things and many people have put their points across well about their unhappiness. I have agreed with many things.
  
  I have expressed in my blogs many times that I am not happy about the way the team folded last year when they shouldn't have.
  
  What I do not agree with is people who go around spreading negativity without perspective.
  
  Win, lose or draw Spectrum goes from site to site just to slate the team and manager. I expect that from the opposition and the media but not from Arsenal supporters.
  
  You may think that is normal behavior and that may be your opinion or his but it is not mine. Simple as that really.

• 04-Jul-2011 08:47 | | matlee  - egg & face
  

  @ man u killer, spectrum - if Wenger gets it right this season which i hope he does, you 2 will not have anywhere to go. who would listen to a single word from either of you then?
  be careful before you speak as many wise men have been made to look fools and many fools have confirmed their status.

• 04-Jul-2011 08:58 | | Andy Mack
  

  It's called chinese whispers.
  Some whispers have truthes in them but many end up as pure drivel.
  If you're dumb enough to believe one of them without proof then you should believe them all without proof.

• 04-Jul-2011 09:31 | | sapman
  

  Wenger's incompetence, neglect and mismanagement is going to cost us again and again, until he resigns or is removed.
  
  wow the trolls have lost the plot havent they ?
  
  lol..if it wasnt for wenger;s management and ability and mind arsenal would be in the gutters of midtable

• 04-Jul-2011 09:34 | | sapman
  

  this clown of a manager you talk of has made it possible for arsenal to exist as a football club in todays modern competitive environment.
  
  if you have logic in your critique of wenger or arsenal as a club lets hear it.
  
  i see a club that has invested in facilities and looking into the future being able to repy its debts in a period of transition while fielding youngsters
  
  if youre too narrowinded to see the miracles wenger has doen for arsenal then go find a cave and and play with the gorillas cause obviously thats yoru level of intellect and please dont talk arsenal matters cause clearly you have no idea of what youre saying.

• 04-Jul-2011 09:36 | | sapman
  

  the reality is that arsenal has managed to repay a significant amount of its stadium debt while fielding youngsters all this time.
  
  
  another reality is that the english are way too dumb too appreciate what wenger is doing for their club

• 04-Jul-2011 09:38 | | sapman
  

  destroying every single aspect of the heart soul and history of the club.
  
  lol and what would they be ? drinking pints before and after kick off ?
  
  
  lol wenger professionalised your club and consequently your league. it is his leadership and mind that have allowed arsenal to be considered one of the top teams in the world.
  
  before wenger you were a nothing club from north london with limited exposure and a pack of urangotnags playing for the 1-0 beating everybody else in their path.
  
  maybe you have trouble identifying with what the club has become ..its ok....after all we did evolve as humans from monkeys..too bad youre still at the previous stage to notice the benefits of wenger;s reign

• 04-Jul-2011 09:40 | | sapman
  

  but yes he does know much more than you or I.
  
  
  since you admit it yourself why you call someone else delluded ? lol
  
  maybe youre the one who is delluded into thinking that yoru critique on wenger or arsenal has any basis

• 04-Jul-2011 09:41 | | sapman
  

  ok so youre not 12 ..... .what are you then ? 14 15? ..17 max id say

• 04-Jul-2011 09:43 | | sapman
  

  ml ....you being the facilitator of this site ..is there no way you can find these obvious trolls wthrough their ips ...
  
  if you dont want to do somehting about it ..pass them over to me please
  
  with thanks

• 04-Jul-2011 10:23 | | jgunz  - arsenalhatingcoksukkers
  

  Arsenal will go on with or with out fabregas nasri or wenger.
  
  BUT FOR NOW ALL WE NEED AT ARSENAL IS TO FIX OUR DEFENCE..
  this means :SAMBA or cahill/HANGERLAND hopefully both, then add an experienced -PL keeper like shwartzer to cover in case our keeper has a little blip.
  
  nasri will stay, clichy,denilson,almunia will go,rosicky free,squilaci may go to bolton or blackburn,fabregas could go but it depends on how much barca really want him.
  
  gerviniho,samba,cahill,shwartzer,and Benzema to join us plus 2-3 youth players to be promoted to first team squad, Landsbury, Ryo,Jet.

• 04-Jul-2011 10:53 | | Spectrum
  

  sapman - ( Appropriate choice of name by the way ), A.K.B.'s like yourself rehash the same tired arguments in defence of Wenger. I've heard it all a thousand times before. What all A.K.B.'s have in common is that they base those arguments always on the PAST. The past is just that. It's gone.
  Wenger of course, has done terrific things for us IN THE PAST. Unlike you however, I can differentiate between that, and what is happening from six years ago to the present day. That is what I judge him on. Why don't you put forward a case for Wenger based on the last six seasons ? Without bringing the PAST into it ? If you could bring yourself to do this, you'd get a much more realistic perspective.
  "******************"

• 04-Jul-2011 10:56 | | Spectrum
  

  Man United Killer - Frustrating isn't it ? Why do we bother ?
  "******************"

• 04-Jul-2011 11:00 | | Spectrum
  

  It's true then. Wenger really IS a God. And you're obviously one of his apostles.
  "******************"

• 04-Jul-2011 11:27 | | Spectrum
  

  These A.K.B.'s just can't grasp the point you're making. They're so infatuated by their Great Leader that they "can't see the wood for the trees", so to speak. Sad, or disturbing ?
  "******************"

• 04-Jul-2011 11:42 | | MATTAFC  - Prats
  

  There are far too many prats on here opening their mouth. Wenger knows full well he needs a better defence is very aware of that. Glichy is shite I would personally drive him up to Man City myself if he wasn;t there already. Arsene has said he is trying to build a british spine now to the club. Gael, Samir and Cesc leaving may look awful but if he replaces them with some fighters not ball players we might have a chance, we can puch RVP into the Cesc role or play him in a bergkamp role, I really think we need to give up on this poncey 4-5-1 and slide into a 442 with a real goalscorer upfornt with RVP. If you do genuinely think the vlub is in ruins or that Wenger needs to leave my suggestion to you is leave yourself. We don't want you go support Chelsea and wank over Fat Frankie posters.

• 04-Jul-2011 11:55 | | MeanLean
  

  Spectrum,
  
  Out of interest, what exactly do you gain from going around saying 'In Arsene we rust'?
  
  I understand that views and opinions on where we are right now differ. I happen to think that we are not in a crisis whilst others like yourself may tend to get hysterical.
  
  But even if someone calls me deluded for supporting my team, players and manager, I can handle that because I am supporting my club. My team. I feel a loyalty to the club I love.
  
  But what do you have? What do you gain? Are you in limbo? You 'support' the club but hate everything about it. How does it feel having not one good thing to say about the club?
  
  It must be quite difficult I would imagine. It must be a waste of time. Do you look at Tottenham any different to your own club? Or is it worse or better?
  
  I am being deadly serious. What is the point? When will you stop? Is it when Wenger finally leaves? Does a certain type of manager have to come in? Or is it anyone but Wenger?
  
  What happens if your wish is granted and Wenger is say... sacked. Just to make you feel better. Your manager of your choice comes in and spends the amount of money that you want and the type of players you want come in. What then happens if we start to fall further backwards.
  
  You may not think so, but that is possible. Humour me. Say that did happen.
  
  How long would it be until 'In Hiddink we rust' comes out? Another question. Humour me again, but imagine if Arsene did not go against the grain and didn't sign what you wanted but instead of falling away at the end, we actually went on to become the best in the country.
  
  Imagine (big one I know) if Cesc stayed and stayed fit, Robin stayed fit for a large chunk of the season and we came good. What happens? Would it be an automatic stop of 'In Arsene we rust' or would you need a little more tin pots to stop?
  
  Was you around when previous managers did not win trophies? And if so did you say in Graham we rust to your pals in the pub?
  
  I would love an honest response but I cannot get inside the head of that type of 'support'

• 04-Jul-2011 11:56 | | Hertsgooner  - Hmmm....
  

  So, Sapman.... Who's the child now?! Someone argues with your opinion, so you want them removed from the site!?
  
  I'm neither an In Arsene we Trust OR Rust. but my patience is beginning to wane with the whole situation. That doesn't mean I hate the club, or will go off to support someone else. I may not have supported the team as long as most of you (Was born in 1978, and have been an Arsenal supporter since birth).
  
  I hope AW DOES get it right this transfer window... God knows we've waited long enough to make a move in the market. Surely you must be wanting a proven, experienced player or two to come in? As Spectrum said, AW has been amazing in the past with the job he's done. But what does it tell you that Clichy )(not fussed about him leaving at all to be honest), Nasri, Cesc, and if rumours are to be believed (yes, I am aware that rumours are just that, and a lot don't turn into fact, but for arguments sake, lets say these will) RVP and Walcott all want to leave? That's not to mention Bendtner, Denilson (also rans, I know, but still....) and Arshavin? That's a LOT of people potentially wanting to leave. People say AW has lost the dressing room... this hardly goes a long way to disprove that theory does it?!
  
  Time will tell I guess... The next few weeks will be interesting... Fingers crossed we aren't left with a forward line of Vela and Bendtner!

• 04-Jul-2011 11:58 | | Jack  - Unbelievable
  

  @ spectrum
  
  Yes you're right, everything isn't rosy at the arsenal, infact the club is about to implode... What a numpty.
  
  EVERY year for the last 4 ( at least) the press claim that arsenal are in crisis and won't even make the CL cut. Every year wenger proves them wrong. And every year when arsenal look in contention to win multiple trophies, the press 'big up' their chances, only to call them useless when they don't make it.
  
  They claimed arsenal were in contention for a quadruple. Not mentioning that they still had man u, barca and over a third of the season still in the way.
  
  If you want to believe all the drivel pumped out by the press every day then go ahead, but whatever used to be between yor ears has clearly rotten away.
  
  Arsenal miss out on target Barton, Wenger devastated. Yeah right, my bloody arse.

• 04-Jul-2011 12:21 | | g00nerz4eva  - Hmm....
  

  Just reading through the comments in this thread with no prior knowledge of any of the posters makes me believe that 'manutdkiller' and 'Spectrum' are the same person. I also get the feeling that 'sapman' may also be the same person too. Arguing both sides is weird but you'd be surprised the length a real troll will go to to piss people off. Even introducing spelling mistakes and bad punctuation to throw people off the scent.
  
  Anyhoo, my take on the ongoing transfer saga... It's very hard not to visit newsnow to check the latest, and like the writer of this article suggests, it can become addictive. But always take things you read on the Internet with a pinch of salt. No piece of gooner news can be replied upon until it appears on the official Arsenal website. Simple as that.
  
  I personally think Cesc should have gone to another club last year, his head just isn't with us anymore. Nasri should sign a new contract and get on with it, and we need to get rid of a lot of our dead wood (denilson, bendtner, diaby etc). But look on the bright side, should be plenty of new season ticket and silver member opportunities this year with the disgruntled 'fans' (see glory hunters) not renewing.
  
  As that guy in fever pitch once said - "if you don't like it you should sod off to spurs"

• 04-Jul-2011 12:23 | | sapman
  

  no i dont want them removed ..i want to talk to them face to face and see if they still talk such b*llocks in a real actual converstaion where their fake nonsensical arguments can be proven right in fornt of them as ridiculous.
  
  when in a live discussion youre proved wrong you shut yoru mouth and not talk anymore for youre proved as an idiot who doesnt knwo what he is saying...but behind your screen...lol ml can prove you wriong and you ll still find something ridiculous to argue about.

• 04-Jul-2011 12:27 | | sapman
  

  lol i do not want anything man. i trust the manager ..he knows better than all of you , all of us ..and most of the rest of morons who go round clubs acting as football managers just to get their compensation when theyre sacked.
  
  i remember arsenal prior to wnegert and they were diabolical..they were a disgrace.. club with no direction or leadership just some thuggs as players fighting for the 1-0's.
  
  wenger changed it all and is tillin the process of building and changing things
  secondly this manager has proven his worth and is nto a figure to be doubted , especially by cretins from the internet or the stands.
  
  thats how i see it ...i dont feel the need to tell wenger what players to buy or how to run HIS club .....after all he is a football manager and im just a supporter and i thank our lucky stars this manager came to our doorstep from noweher and has made us into a world class football ORGANISATION in the moukld of ajax and barcelona. success is something you build upon.

• 04-Jul-2011 12:30 | | sapman
  

  just wt the hell are you on about buddy.
  
  why would i bash our manager and players ? i only have praise for our club players and manager . proud of everyone and everything we have accomplished during our biggest trabnsition in our history.
  
  could things be better? surely ? did we have the money to make things better? no
  
  therefore you better all shut up and remember what its liek supporting your club instead of falling victims of media and rivals taunting

• 04-Jul-2011 12:42 | | Hertsgooner
  

  That's the thing... it's not just HIS club! He's only a manager... two TOTALLY different things. He doesn't own it any more than the shareholders do!
  
  I'm not looking for him to be sacked, just buy the sort of quality players that are deserving of wearing the shirt. Everyone is tired of the young unknowns brought in, epected to be amazing straight away and do the work of established campaigners. It can't continually be done.
  
  As for Arsenalal being diabolical before Wenger... I'm afraid I don't agree with that sentiment at all. Diabolical winning the European Cup Winners Cup? Ok, it's not the cream of the European competitions, but beating A Very good PSG side containing players such as Rai who were at the time on top of their game, beating Torino, and then beating a Parma side who were at the time heavily fancied to beat us.
  
  If we were THAT bad, do you think seriously that Bergkamp would have joined us? Ok, we weren't amazing under Rioch, but diabolical?..... Far from it.
  
  Re your "talking face to face" sentiments... I agree with you there in theory, but if you get 2 people who are so hell bent on their opinion being correct, that would never work! No-one would win. You saying ml would prove you wrong is a bit worrying.... Are you in awe of this guy or something?! He can fight his own battles without groupies arguing for him! He seems to do ok on his own!

• 04-Jul-2011 12:44 | | g00nerz4eva
  

  My apologies to sapman if I've got that one wrong... but the conversation above reads somewhat confusingly...
  
  MeanLean replied directly to a comment from Spectrum, then you replied directly to MeanLean, answering the questions directed at Spectrum in such a way as to make me believe you had answered under the guise of Spectrum but under the sapman account.
  
  Confusing to say the least. Up the gooners.

• 04-Jul-2011 12:48 | | Andy Mack
  

  It's either fact or fiction or not yet defined.
  You can only choose facts if you're a journalist or an idiot.

• 04-Jul-2011 12:57 | | Andy Mack
  

  It's amazing how one-eyed you are. You sound like a spud.
  
  Squilla hasn't been with us for years,
  Denilson and Bendtner were young with potential.
  Unfortunately they haven't kicked on the way they should have done, which is why they're only considered surplus to requirements now as we have more youngsters coming through who can take their 'squad' positions.
  
  No comment on almunia.....

• 04-Jul-2011 13:01 | | Andy Mack
  

  Your question should be ' who bought and developed these players on a shoestring?'

• 04-Jul-2011 13:05 | | Andy Mack
  

  No one is saying it's good, but it isn't a crisis to have been 'close but no cigar' for 6 whole years (that's 15% of the time I've supported them and we've had much much leaner times).
  To go 50 years without winning the league is a crisis.

• 04-Jul-2011 13:12 | | Andy Mack
  

  MeanLean, these doomers just can't grasp the point you're making.
  They're so blinded by the short terms that they 'can't see the bigger picture', so to speak. Sad or disturbing?

• 04-Jul-2011 13:18 | | Andy Mack
  

  Pity the doomers who can't / won't see the bleedin obvious. They don't support the best manager we've ever had, even though he's done it on a tight budget whilst we've grown from a mid-table team with the odd 1st division or cup win into a big european club that's consistently towards the top of the PL. They'd like to rip up his contract right now, if they had their way. Pathetic.

• 04-Jul-2011 13:22 | | thenry  - re transfers
  

  i have read across so many of the Arsenal and footballing blogs across the net and there seems to be a sense of we are a club in turmoil?
  why is that?
  we apparently didnt sign players as soon as the seaon ended like manshytes.
  other then them who has done any business of note? no big club across europe has signed any top name player yet. why is that? becasue it takes time to sign players especially when most of them are on holiday.
  have some patince peeps AW has kept us up there on no money and all this crap he has money is rubbish read the bond documents re terms and conditions and u will see why he is so constrained untill that loan is paid off.
  re nasri get rid of him 6 good months, DIABY is twice the player nasri is and he will come to the fore this season imo.
  CSEC is gone so nothing new we already have his replacement in wilshire and ramsey imo
  the defence will be sorted soon i hear we are quietly concluding the signing of vergothen from ajax hence the delay in picking up either samba or cahill both are inferior to vergothen and he has played with vermalen and can also play dm as well as at left back.
  
  have patience Arsenal are a class club we dont do our transfer business thru the papers.
  all u PLASTIC fans who demand instant success should jog on and find a new club to support.
  GOONER TILL DIE

• 04-Jul-2011 16:11 | | Yenno  - Frustration because flaws are obvious
  

  1. Sign Shay Given. So much Premier league experience.
  2. Sign Per Mertersacker - more experience than Cahill and cheaper.
  3. Sign Scott Parker - not a brilliant player, but what we need at the moment.
  4. Sell anyone who doesnt want to be there.
  
  Im fed up of getting beaten by Man U and Chelsea. Im fed up of not making any progress.
  
  No league title in 7 years and the only reason Wenger is still there is because of his role as a Director of Football / Chairman - its almost like its his money hes saving, his stadium. Move up to the board Arsene - get a new young manager in under you.

• 04-Jul-2011 23:00 | | johnny
  

  

• 05-Jul-2011 00:24 | | Man United Killa  - Dreamers!
  

  Yeah...The name Sapman says it all!Honestly, sometimes if not for the sake of argument,there would be no point at all arguing with people who obviously aren't Arsenal supporters but Wenger supporters.
  what gets me is the fact that, when players themselves come out to make comments about the way the club is being run,these blind AKB's claim the media is twisting their words.Yet,they get behind their computers each day and read articles from the same "media"...and to cap it all, they write articles based on so call media "word twists"...If the media talk about what a laughing stock Wenger is turning Arsenal into,its Anti Arsenal, and then when they talk about us singing some player you get all excited and write an article about it...this is madness.Its patently obvious that these AKB's are deluded and have their heads too high up Arsene's ass..If you think we will see another trophy under Arsene you are a serious dreamer (unless he changes his ways),and this is what I have to say to all you AKB's there is a word called 'realist'..Its a word you are NOT..LOOK IT UP!!!

• 05-Jul-2011 00:38 | | Man United Killa
  

  No A. Mack...Like ever other thing in this world this Wenger madness regime will end..No need to rush it.
  And there is nothing more pathetic than an unambitious 'so called' supporter who settles for lower standards because he is clinging to past glories of a pathetic manager!Get your rifle and aim a little higher..try it..it's called ambition!

• 05-Jul-2011 00:44 | | Man United Killa  - what is this kid talking about?
  

  Wenger is not just fielding youngsters.That would have been acceptable to an extent.Truth is he is fielding a bunch of overrated players who will never make it on the big stage anyways.Those who are good enough to make it realize this is all one big joke!..haha..even Denilson wants to leave to win trophies!!!Need I say more...Dude,Read A Little!

• 05-Jul-2011 00:45 | | Man United Killa
  

  Great New Name...

• 05-Jul-2011 00:47 | | Man United Killa
  

  What exactly do you gain from keeping your head up Arsene's ass?

• 05-Jul-2011 08:12 | | moses  - Hse officer
  

  wenger is an idiot manager wait until the ends and start kidding the fans , shameful manager in world , thats why his nose keep going too long cuz he is stuppid manager, thinging that he is cleaver ever , look at arsenal situation now , no body wants to stay , how many fans left the club cuz of him , fuck kronke also, he is nothing for the club , and iam sure this is wenger disicion just tomake money for their own benefits , not even payin good money for the players loooooh! shame too shameful

• 05-Jul-2011 12:55 | | bluemoon
  

  Wenger thinks about money too much. The first,He may be right in this team but he doesn't be everything in Arsenal ,he is one great part of Arsenal that too small when compare to the Arsenal supporters ,they want a trophy not stable financial . The second , it 's not good and useful to keep the heartless players like Fab4 and Nasri,in meaning just too stupid to keep them because the first law of football management is passion ,heartless is show no loyalty and spirit for team in the crisis situation they will not give the 200% for team to win. Do you rememer Wenger

• 05-Jul-2011 13:11 | | MeanLean
  

  I do not have my head up anyones ass as you call it. You may be confusing supporting the manager of the club I support with having my head up someones arse.
  
  When you have your head up your own arse then I guess it must be difficult to support a manager of your team.

• 05-Jul-2011 13:27 | | richie  - Miracles that can be seen
  

  I'll happily put a case forward for the last 6 years. Its an amazing theory that only an absolute idiot would fail to appreciate!
  
  WEC + BNS + RC + AQCL brings in £'s balancing the books = Miracles year in year out.
  
  Its simple its called World Economic Recession added to Building a New Stadium plus Reducing Costs and still managing to Qualify for the Champions League which brings in enough money to balance the books = A Miracle.
  
  Name me another manager who's even come close?
  
  Taggart massively in debt and still reclessly spending money Manu'er ain't got! I'm waiting for the Shit to hit the fan for Taggart to wash his hands saying "it wasn't my fault".
  
  Mourinho needs a sugar daddy and plays shit football if he doesn't win La Liga this year he's a gonner! The Real fans already hate him, because he plays shit football while their big rivals play great. Now we have his understudy at Chelski who's negative football if anything is worse than Jose the self publisist.
  
  Mancini manages the richest club in the History of the game.
  And we are "somehow" "managing" to compete with them.
  
  We need real supporters now more than ever! Not the tabloid led fickle brigade that keeps showing up on these blogs.
  
  All Gooners out there want us to win something, but Rome wasn't built in a day. Building something from scratch takes time. Barca started 25 years before us and it came slowly. We have made hugh strides in the right direction. Lets hope our own don't bottle it!

• 05-Jul-2011 19:01 | | Man United Killer
  

  At least it's my own head up my own arse.Obviously you have got yours in the wrong places.You are a dreamer.As long as Wenger does not change his style of management (which he wont of course because is think he knows everything), we wont even win a plastic cup.Keep dreaming.I feel sorry for you and your sorry excuse of a manager.Wenger sucks balls!

• 05-Jul-2011 19:03 | | Man United Killer
  

  Wenger sucks!

• 05-Jul-2011 22:57 | | matlee
  

  @ spectrum - you seem to be contradicting yourself. by your own logic the last 6 yrs is the past and that is what you want to judge? why should you decide how far back others choose to discuss. i'm not even interested in the last 6 yrs i will be looking to the future

• 05-Jul-2011 23:30 | | richie  - Why bother?
  

  Muk if you don't like the views expressed on this site why are you always on it? I'm sure there are plenty of blogs out there that are anti our clubs manager. Why not join them? Because this is the type of blog that is pro the Arsenal manager (who you claime to hate) I can't understand the logic of your continued involvement? This is not my blog so I have no right to say don't bother posting. Indeed as a fellow Gooner I have to welcome any brother Gooners comments even if at times those comments seem not to come from Gooners, but others in disguise.

• 06-Jul-2011 00:04 | | richie  - Andy Mack's Blues
  

  Naivety in the extreme. Ask them what they want? Its simple but most would find it hard to admit it. (Even to themselves) They really want to be Chelski. They want a rich sugar daddy to buy them titles. They ain't interested in our clubs rich traditions, only what bragging rights can be got now at any cost. All those who don't want kids, all those who want Arsene to buy the finished article. They are all jealous of Chelski. They are only interested in doing things the Abrohomovic way. Building a team, developing players from our own academy is all way too long term. They want their fix now. They can't see the wood for the tree's. As you say Pathetic.

• 06-Jul-2011 05:26 | | matlee  - player comparisons
  

  The difference between the 2 player lists is one attempts to be positive and the other negative. how fans choose to see it is up to them. walk in the light or under a cloud its up to you. i thought you guys did not want to dwell on the past? PV, TH, really? thats going back more than 6yrs - some players cant be replaced like for like as these players are unique and we were lucky to have them. can Barcelona replace Messi? maybe with 2 or 3 players but you still have a squad limit and you would need to sacrifice other positions.
  although i disagree with a lot of what you say i appreciate reading your opinion and agree with some of your points so lets stop trying to convert one another and continue to share our own views. also its unfair to label all fans who find it natural to support their manager through thick and thin as AKB. in an age where players are mercenaries and managers dont last 5 min we should be thankfull to Wenger for putting up with the likes of you as he continues to do his best for Arsenal FC.
  -
  should you be known as IKBTM, i know better than manager? ofcourse not, you have your opinion and you are entitled to it

• 06-Jul-2011 05:44 | | matlee
  

  @man U killer. The difference between the 2 player lists is one attempts to be positive and the other negative. how fans choose to see it is up to them. walk in the light or under a cloud its up to you. i thought you guys did not want to dwell on the past? PV, TH, really? thats going back more than 6yrs - some players cant be replaced like for like as these players are unique and we were lucky to have them. can Barcelona replace Messi? maybe with 2 or 3 players but you still have a squad limit and you would need to sacrifice other positions.
  although i disagree with a lot of what you say i appreciate reading your opinion and agree with some of your points so lets stop trying to convert one another and continue to share our own views. also its unfair to lable all fans who find it natural to support their manager through thick and thin as AKB. in an age where players are mercenaries and managers dont last 5 min we should be thankfull to Wenger for putting up with the likes of you as he continues to do his best for Arsenal FC.
  -
  should you be known as IKBTM, i know better than manager? should you be lumped with every other fan who blows with the wind.
  of course not, you have your opinion and you are entitled to it

Write comment

Your Details:

Name:

Comment:

Title:

Message:

Powered by Compojoom comment 4.1.7 stable