Written by Mean Lean on Monday, 21 March 2011 13:23

Two goalkeeping blunders cost Arsenal some crucial points on Saturday in two of the crunch games at the top of the table.

Bolton had restricted ten man Manchester United to a handful of chances at home and carved out good chances of their own until Jussi Jaaskelainen spilled a routine shot into the path of Berbatov with only a couple minutes to go.

Meanwhile Manuel Almunia horribly misjudged a situation at 1-0 down, Arsenal were on the attack when the home side won the ball back and Mulumbu whacked a long ball forward to Peter Odemwingie, Sebastien Squillaci was goal side of his man with a few yards to spare, the ball bounced up rather strangely which caught Squillaci out as the defender was expecting the ball to bounce forward towards his goalkeeper instead of behind him and Odemwingie had the easy task of rolling the ball into an empty net. Had Almunia stayed at home then Odemwingie's route to goal would have been somewhat more complicated with both Sagna and Koscielny on the way back to help. 2-0 to the Albion.

As always I look closely at the way we start the game as it is often a microcosm of the game, at least a majority of the remaining 90 minutes. It reminded me of the Carling Cup final or the start against Sunderland at the Emirates. We looked tentative and unsure of ourselves. A lack of cohesion and fluidity was instantly apparent. Just as those thoughts were swimming around my head we conceded a corner after Sagna allowed his man to get goal side and Koscielny put the ball out for a corner.

Aaron Ramsey shouldn't have been picking up Steven Reid, an obvious miss match but without Diaby, Song, Djourou, Bendtner and Chamakh in our line up we were seriously lacking height and dominance in the air. Reid won the header without much pressure from Ramsey and West Brom scored with the first chance of the game.

I mentioned in the pre match thoughts that a midfield trio of Denilson, Wilshere and Ramsey looked too inexperienced for such an important game and even with Rosicky not at his best, I would have started the Czech in place of Ramsey who hasn't started for Arsenal this season.

I expected a stronger display from the start as I thought we started well at Old Trafford last weekend. Even though we lacked a cutting edge that day, I thought our build up play was returning but it had vanished on Saturday. We lacked an intensity on and off the ball both with our attacking and our defending.

With ten games left, I was expecting our players to leave nothing in the locker. To fight and scrap for the points but it feels as if we are going back to our bad habits of coasting through the early stages only to increase our efforts late in games when time is running out.

I find that more disappointing that a goalkeeping error. I find that more disappointing than a missed chance.

The team are not sticking to the formula that had picked up so many vital wins since our league defeat at Old Trafford. I sympathise with the lack of belief, I also appreciate that players have lost form. These are all part and parcel of football but our habit of starting games in first gear and allowing the opposition to get in the game or in our case, score first is killing us.

Denilson's confidence looks shot right now, he was way below his best and Wenger's decision to replace him at half time was the correct one. Aaron Ramsey was also anonymous in the first half and it was part of the reason why we lacked the needed fluidity between midfield and attack.

It begs the question, does the 4-2-3-1 formation work without Cesc and Walcott?

The switch to 4-4-2/4-2-4 in last week's cup tie and then against West Brom were massive. We looked a better and more penetrative team when Chamakh partnered Van Persie.

The definite positive from a largely bad weekend was the fight back from the players in the second half. At 2-0 down it would have been easy for heads to drop and for the players to feel sorry for themselves but instead they fought back.

Andrey Arshavin reminded everyone why he is our record signing. He scored a goal that only he could from our squad. Taking Chamakh's pass into his stride with his right and then lashing in with his left into the far corner.

Ten minutes from time Van Persie slid in on Méité from close range to force the ball over the line for the equaliser. Unfortunately we couldn't find the winner while Manchester United did.

The title is still in our hands, win our remaining nine games and we win the title but can we win the title playing the way we are? I would say that it is unlikely.

There is still hope. We have an International break coming up and if we can get through that without additional injuries then we should have Cesc, Song and Walcott on the way back. Those three players are all vital to the way we play. If Manchester United continue to play the way they have then they will continue to drop points away from Old Trafford.

The team can go two ways, build on the second half fight back or continue to show their fear on the pitch. Only one will win the title the other will not.

Almunia (4)
Sagna (5)
Squillaci (6)
Koscielny (6)
Clichy (7)
Denilson (4)
Wilshere (6)
Ramsey (5)
Nasri (6)
Van Persie (6)
Arshavin (7)

Please note that ratings are only my interpretations of the game and that others will have differing opinions

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Comments (56)

• 21-Mar-2011 14:09 | | Jekyll  - Slow starts due to style of play
  

  The slow starts are a result of the possession game. Wenger tells them to keep calm, keep passing and wait for a chance. So they don't come racing out of the blocks, they just tap it around waiting for something to happen.
  
  They're not fired up before the game, they are becalmed by Wenger. In fact a lot of them look like they're on tranquilisers.

• 21-Mar-2011 14:22 | | dan
  

  going to finish 3rd, even with a few players back, won't pick up maximumn points against, spurs, utd or bolton. all very predictable and depressing. denilson should never have played again, should have played 4 4 2 from the beginning, but then again what do you expect from wenger, i suppose at least he realized he screwed by changing it at half time, a small step in the right direction. best news of the weekend was spurs drawing, finishing 2nd or 3rd is irrelevant as long as that 9 points remains between us and spurs and we don't finish 4th. we will then hear the usual how that is better than winning a cup, blah blah blah!!!

• 21-Mar-2011 15:01 | | A gooner among others
  

  Clichy 7?!!!! I know you like him but he was terrible on saturday. His crosses were poor (except one) and he lost the ball countless times. Irrespectively of what happens in the last nine games, I think some players' time at Arsenal is up. For me Clichy is one of them. If we are really serious about strenghtening the squad then he should be replaced by someone who can cross. It's incredible how little he has progressed in the last few years.

• 21-Mar-2011 15:35 | | Goonerfish
  

  There seems to be loads of negativity around Ashburton Grove at the moment coming from both the fans and the players.
  
  Our players are putting their heads in the sand far too quickly at the moment, whenever we concede we seem to assume that we are going to lose the game, even if we're winning at the time.
  
  The way to think of it is that the players have had a lot of knocks in the past couple of weeks with Brum and Barca and we've always said the first trophy will be the hardest. West Brom seems like the first time in ages we have actually won a point, coming back from 2-0 for a draw is definatly WINNING a point instead of going ahead and then dropping points to last minute equalizers.
  
  Hopefully the players will use the spirit shown to come back to push on over our last 9 games and as you said, lots of people seem to have forgotten the title is as much in our hands as it is in Utd's hands, plus on top of that Theo, Cesc and Song will make a huge difference to both our morale and our play.
  
  Keep faith Gooners.

• 21-Mar-2011 16:34 | | Man United Killa  - I agree
  

  Plus we could learn a thing or two about movement off the ball.We have gotten so slow, its painful to watch.

• 21-Mar-2011 16:42 | | Man United Killa
  

  good point..I gave you a thumbs up for that but there is something more than just faith missing.The quality in the side is missing in some key areas.As the saying goes,there is no smoke without fire.Quality players and right attitude begets good performances.Good performances begets titles.Titles begets winning mentality and winning mentality begets faith.So, you see, no pain no gain.The quality and tactics tweaks have to come in first...We are so so predictable in our style of play.Its apalling.

• 21-Mar-2011 18:53 | | sapman
  

  that is a good thing...arsene does nto want 11 headless chickens running around liek aggressive bees...also it would be unwise to apply the pressure one would apply on a drogba to a 23 y.o denilson
  
  the manager must always keep the players cool and calm ..not antagonise them ..we are civilised ..not like ferguson..

• 21-Mar-2011 19:02 | | redboy
  

  sing along you all know the tune .good old almunia were not proud to sing that name every time this wanker plays he fucks up any way.WHAT A FUCKING MUPPET THIS MAN IS

• 21-Mar-2011 21:58 | | MeanLean
  

  We've bloody got 14 players on International duty. I pray that they all come back in one piece

• 22-Mar-2011 00:49 | | richie
  

  AGAO I've Gotta second that I don't know how ML gave Clichy's game on Saturday a 7? I'm not sure he passed the half way mark. I've never seen him give the ball away more and with the exception of one halfway decent cross (from which RvP hit the bar) and a shot he took late on which brought about a smart near post save. He was terrible, cross after cross went astray, easily his worse outing in ages. I like Clichy but its true his progress seems to have stalled of late.

• 22-Mar-2011 01:13 | | richie
  

  GF I agree too many negatives our own need to keep the faith. Above the point is well made concerning both our slow start and formation.
  In 442 formation we were going forward and making things happen. Which begs the immediate question why wait until we are behind before pushing up? We used to start our games fast on the front foot. If we got caught cold and unprepared for their first goal where was our come back. It took both changes to personal and formation to bring about that come back. If we'd started attacking earlier we might of had more time to come up with the winner. Our tactics need to be right.

• 22-Mar-2011 01:34 | | Sobin the Indian gooner
  

  Iam utterly disappointed,it is 2 point lose rather than 1 point gained.I think the break is at the right time,our players need a break.I hope our players comes back strongly.

• 22-Mar-2011 01:58 | | Man United Killa  - yep
  

  True Richie...true...I feel that we are the architects of our own downfall.

• 22-Mar-2011 02:03 | | richie
  

  Only 14? Just what we don't need! Normally after an International we return looking disjointed combine that with our last performance and if we return in our usual fashion we'll be all over the place.

• 22-Mar-2011 06:52 | | luis zelaya
  

  the time for half measures is gone, i think wenger needs to use a more forward approach and start games with at least two of chamakh, van persie and bendtner, if not all three. Denilson should not play, i don't think it is a matter of coincidence that in every match he starts we cannot win.
  hopefully some players are on their way back, but the goalkeeping situation is still critical. would i play a 41 year old lehmann ahead of almunia, after being out for a year?
  i'm not sure, since in the end of his arsenal carreer he made costly mistakes, but at least he has the right attitude. i'd personally take a gamble on him. almunia has cost us much more points and made more mistakes than lehmann ever did.
  team morale, attitude, chemistry aren't there at all. even nasri was awful.
  before the 0-2 it was painful seeing us play. two weeks to make it good.

• 22-Mar-2011 13:34 | | jeroomme
  

  I think the whole game proves a point that Almunia and his defenders commit too many wrong in defending . We defnitely need no introduction of Almunia proning to errors. What on fuking earth Almunia had to run ridiculously out of his penalty area. We are undone by horrendous errors from him.
  
  Recall back in 2009, Wenger backed Muppet Almunia to play for England . Something he does is fitted only to be laughed. Is he really that good to play for Capello?
  
  Move aside, it is your turn Lehman.

• 22-Mar-2011 13:38 | | jeroomme
  

  I almost forgot DKgooner. You and your kind words. Go fuck yourself in a hole!

• 22-Mar-2011 16:59 | | Man United Killa  - ???
  

  Wenger should take full responsibility for not signing a CB, how Chelsea got an exceptionally great defender, Luiz and Man Utd got Chris Smalling who's been outstanding, just makes you think, why did Arsenal get another Silvestre in Squillaci who's damn right awful. Biggest flaw was that position. Man Utd have like 6 defenders out and they still manage to get clean sheets. Arsenal have one out and they're literally embarassing.

• 22-Mar-2011 21:18 | | crusader1
  

  Buy cheap and this is what you get. Had anyone heard of Squillaci before wenger purchased him. Chelsea buy Luiz and we get sqillaci and you expect us to win the title. Manure should be worrying about chelsea because we ALL know whats going to happen (apart from the deluded) and for all those AKB out there who get abusive when anyone questions wengers stubborness, lack of tactical awareness, blind faith players who have proven time and time again to be not good enough, save your insults till the end of the season and see who will be proved wrong.

• 22-Mar-2011 21:27 | | dkgooner
  

  

• 22-Mar-2011 21:28 | | dkgooner
  

  
  Keep smiling folks
  It's only a game of football
  You could be in Tripoli

• 23-Mar-2011 14:00 | | richie  - Our Club Ain't Being Run Like Others
  

  Muk mate your up to your old tricks how can you compare apples with oranges? Squilla cost £5 & a bit Mil - Smalling cost 12Mil + more than double and I have it on good authority Arsene bid £7Mil for Smalling but Taggart with his informants got wind of it and offered almost double the money. (Money Manu'er ain't even got but Taggarts never had to ballance the books). Same type of thing with Chelski's Luiz he cost a staggering £21Mil. We all know Abromovitch has more money than sense (After all he got it round the back door being the face of Putin's "Biz") All he needs to do is bribe a few more Fifa officials to put the boot in to England World Cup bids, and he'll probably get given a few more oil fields for his efforts by Putin.
  
  P.S.Along similar lines, its worrying how David "the Dog that bits the hand that feeds it" Dien's man "Use less Mov" or whatever he's called is buying more Arse shares.

• 23-Mar-2011 14:03 | | richie  - Forgot to Add concerning informants
  

  Who did the Fulham Manager used to play for?

• 23-Mar-2011 14:08 | | richie
  

  This is not an insult crusader1 (its just a question) your not from Essex by any chance?

• 23-Mar-2011 17:33 | | Man United Killa  - Frustrating!
  

  Richie ...Old tricks..that was funny.you have a wicked sense of humor.Nice!
  
  I am not necessarily comparing apples to oranges like you are saying but I dont know why we always have to settle for second best regarding signings.I dont understand why we always have to let up on coveted signings when we face competion from rivals.I know that sometimes, prices are through the roof but surely I believe we have more than enough financial muscle to compete.

• 23-Mar-2011 18:10 | | richie  - No we manage to compete only on field
  

  Muk we can't compete with Chelski nor Money Citeh. We can only compete with Manu'er if we wanna roll into debt. Arsene can't get into any type of bidding war with anyone because even when he matches the new price offered, say for Smalling (we won't get the player because at the Arse we have a wage structure and Smalling for example would've been offered better terms i.e. wages by Taggart).
  
  Which is why Arsene has a policy of making a fair offer and if its not accepted waiting, once any other club enter's the frey Arsene leaves the field because he doesn't want get into financial competion. So although you believe we "Surely" have enough finacial muscle in truth we don't. Now we have the stadium that can pay the wages of the players in the structure (which when we only had 38k we couldn't). Buying for big bucks then paying big bucks in wages is out until the stadium is payed for. Now if the world economy hadn't gone into recession the apartments in highbury would've been sold etc ect and we would've been further along in paying off the debt.
  But we are where we are.

• 23-Mar-2011 19:07 | | Man United Killa  - always pretender, never contenders.
  

  Richie...you make good points.I dont believe in splashing miles of cash either but If we cant quality we have to spend substantial amounts.Cheap sinigngs wont get us anywhere.
  Gazidis is always declaring profits.Arsenal has the 3rd highest wage bill in the league.All for what?The likes of "Aluminium" and Co.
  I dont believe in breaking the bank but I believe in spending substantial amounts in getting what we really need.More average players wont solve our problems.
  That aside,our tactic is woeful.Our movement off the ball is sluggish.If we can learn a thing or two about movement off the ball and defending as a unit, we will solve a lot of our problems.
  Sometimes,in certain games, our loses dont boil down to players-but desire and resolve.and if you are thinking about using our last game as an example,please dont go there.We had no business going down two goals in the first place...just like we didnt have a business losing to Birmingham,just like we didnt have any business meeting Barca in knockout stages if we had won our group,just like we didnt have any business conceeding 4 goals from the Magpies from 4 nil up.
  My friend, there is a lot of things wrong with this team...so close,yet so far.

• 23-Mar-2011 19:08 | | Man United Killa  - "cant quality"
  

  sorry i meant to say if we want quality..

• 23-Mar-2011 19:57 | | sapman
  

  no crusader you are wrong ..
  
  same wenger tactics employed by world class footballers , expereinced winners...not nonlywins titles but shuts mouths and breaks records ..
  
  when same are applied by 22 and 23 untested youngsters of course it wont have the same result
  
  therefore its not the recipe which is at fault but the ingredients
  
  however a good chef (like arsene is) will still prepare somethingof quality ..instead of moaning and comaplining about class a eggs ..
  
  
  sure soem of his ingredients are quality already..others need a bit more maturing ..and some are trully hopeless....but the time to mix and buy has not arrived yet

• 23-Mar-2011 20:47 | | Man United Killa  - :-)
  

  I like your metaphorical comments...eggs indeed.

• 23-Mar-2011 21:51 | | sapman
  

  of course its about eggs too...only wenger dont need class a eggs to compete for trophies or keep his position in top seedings of the league..its other who do...

• 24-Mar-2011 11:57 | | MeanLean
  

  Apologies for the blog absence guys and girls.
  
  I shall be back tomorrow. Have been so busy over the last few days.

• 24-Mar-2011 12:09 | | CHGooner
  

  Oh dear Richie, that comment to Crusader is a bit desperate isn't it? Why bother though, he doesn't exist, nor do I, nor does anyone else in your 'Wenger world' do they? Nobody you know questions the 'dear leader' do they? Where are you from again, North korea?
  
  Trouble is Richie, you and all the other AKB's are sustaining an increasingly discredited regime and are actually NOT supporting the club, but a man and a cult. Genuine anger will come out after the inevitable title failure (but hey 3rd will be a trophy won't it?) and if he dares to wheel out the lame excuses which you and your fellow travellews seem to accept like deluded fools, then the club had better be prepared for a lot of non-renewals (they are already struggling big time to sell club level) and a lot more empty seats at the ground next year (still in the 'Wenger world' we all now live in the attendance is always 60,000 isn't it?)
  
  Finally your argument that Squillaci 'only cost' £5m is just absolutely pathetic, just like Wenger's. Look at the Champonship and for that money you can take your pick. Why go to France to buy a donkey?? It's just ludicrous. The fact is that he's crap and for double the price Man U got a proper defender. They will probably win the league we wont. Happy with that Richie? Pleased we wasted £5m on Squid are you? Reckon Rosicky, Denilson, Amunia, Eboue et al should get a big pay rise do you? let's face it with that £7m we saved on Smalling we can probably give them all another £10k a week. Superb!

• 24-Mar-2011 13:21 | | jeroomme
  

  ....................../´¯/)
  ....................,/¯../
  .................../..../
  ............./´¯/'...'/´¯¯`·¸
  ........../'/.../..../......./¨¯
  ........('(...´...´.... ¯~/'...')
  ..........................'...../
  ..........''............. _.·´
  ..........................(
  ..............................
  
  keep smiling if you see this !

• 24-Mar-2011 15:30 | | Man United Killa  - 100%
  

  Nice Nice Nice Nice Nice Nice Nice Nice.I love it.

• 25-Mar-2011 00:21 | | richie
  

  Muk
  Last year everyone wanted a new GK (Suddenly all the Gooners have realised what Arsene has been saying for ages is true) we have 2 damm good GK's but its true we don't have a 3rd keeper (who does?). We've got Manuel the waiter from faulty towers running about shouting leave it! I've got the (rat) ball, Bazil. I actually feel really sorry for big Al because he does try his best (he really does) and its obvious he so wants to do his best for the team. Its just that, like Bazil with his good intentions he's an accident waiting to happen. And unfortunatley happen to him it does!
  
  Likewise we have good defenders in Vermaeling, Djourou and even Kosh (who arriving from where he came up from has been amazing) plus we've got good up and coming prospects in Kyle Bartley and Miguel. KB is on loan at Rangers (now injured) and although I agreed it was a good idea for him to get some expirenced, before I sugested on these pages that Arsene could promote KB into the 1st team because good defenders come in pairs and Squilla & Kosh ain't no kind of partnership.
  
  I've been asking Arsene to give us a real English center half (Not a Euro style central defender) but why buy one if in the shape of KB you have one coming through for free? We must be doing some right defensively after all we've conceded 2 less than the prem leaders Manu'er and only 2 more than Chelski who are 3rd.
  
  We've got good midfielders coming out of our ears although another defensive mid (in case Song gets injured Oh yeah song is bloody injuried) wouldn't go amiss, but whether that defensive mid comes from within or without doesn't matter, maybe Arsene (Like he did with Song) has another good un around.
  
  So barring all the above in mind where would you spend big bucks?
  Who would you buy and for which positions and how much would you spend Muk?

• 25-Mar-2011 02:23 | | richie
  

  No CHG not north Korea. I'm out of the north bank. Avenal rd. I used to be able to walk out my front door cross the road and I was already in the queue for the north bank. Even now from where I live in Highbury I can hear the roar of the crowd from the Emirates without opening the windows. In the pubs, bars and clubs of Islington everybody questions our dear leader, like why didn't he buy Smalling he was only 12mil?
  
  But when someone who works at the ground says before the transfer window opened Smalling was valued between 6-8Mil. Arsene bid 7mil and the deal was going ahead but before a deal could be done Taggart stepped in and snapped him up for 12mil "we" the Gooners around tend to listen. Often these things come out years later when a player will pop up and say I was really close to signing for "X" I even had a medical for example. That sometimes explains why there is then a rush to sign cover.
  
  I can't tell you all the stories I get from people who work at the ground (and I'm not talking about stewards or those who pick up the rubbish). When Henry was our top gun I complained to Pat Rice in person face to face that Henry apart we didn't have any forwards. If Thierry got injured. I've known Pat and his Family for 40 years. I was told Real Madrid have just given €25mil to the family of a kid we've got a contact with, so he signs for them and not us. He was the striker we had lined up. He was a hot prospect back then.
  
  I said so where does that leave us? Whats Arsene gonna do? Pat said "We'll have to pick up a forward quick. Arsene will tear up our contract with the kid". Shocked I said why? Pats answer told me a lot. "This is a Brazilian from the back streets Arsene told him to take the money for his family because he might play and get a career ending injury and then where would he be? Back in the Ghetto poor without a way out, this way him and his family are covered for life"
  
  I'd never really though about that type of thing before but in the years since I have, after Diaby's bad injury. Then Edwardo's and Ramseys etc etc, No real surprise the kid signed for Real his name was Robinho. Non renewals difficulty selling seats? Now I can see my views that things must look different with Arsene with Arsenal as seen from Essex. Not the same as Arsenal seen from Islington. We have a club waiting list of 30K for season tickets. I've been asked to use any influence I have for mates to queue jump.
  
  If you think we can buy players that are quality from the lower divisions name them and we'll all check out your prospects alongside Arsene's.
  
  We didn't got to France to for Squilla we brought him from Sevilla thats Spain in case you don't get out much.

• 25-Mar-2011 11:03 | | CHGooner
  

  Seeing as your best pals with Pat Rice can you ask him why we don't coach defence?
  
  Also as a local, can you tell me how to get to the Emirates and if there are any pubs nearby?. It's just so far away from Essex it will be a once in a lifetime trip. My kids are so looking forward to going to 'Wenger World' as well. They've heard it's a complete fantasy land. Hopefully we'll see you there Richie along with Pat Rice and all your other friends from the 'cast'. it will be so nice to meet the 'real' Arsenal fans from Islington who all worship Wenger.
  Is it a postcode thing by the way or is it the schools? What are the rules on it? How near to the ground do you have to live to be part of 'the gang'. Do you have to swear allegiance to Wenger for life? intrigueing....
  
  Back to the real world...In terms of defenders from the chamionship, where did Birmingham get Johnson from? Where did we get Bould and Dixon from?
  
  In my view Squid is total and utter crap, therefore your question is stupid as any Championship defender will reach that standard at least. There's a lad called Connolly at QPR..oh he used to be here as did Upson at West Ham. Neither fit to lace the great Squid's boots of course.. or the incomparable Pascal Cygan when he was around....
  
  Hail Arsene, and all his great defenders hail, hail, hail....
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Cheers

• 25-Mar-2011 11:31 | | MeanLean
  

  Hey CH,
  
  Can you explain why we have the third best defensive record in the league?
  
  You have held up Manchester United on a pedestal a few times, especially their never say die attitude and ability to defend yet they have conceded more than we have.
  
  Your hatred of Arsene Wenger and foreign players has really clouded your judgement.

• 25-Mar-2011 13:00 | | Man United Killa  - what are you talking about?
  

  sigh!!! you seem to be a member of the AKB coterie..though I am not sure.
  These young players you are talking about are also learning from other young players who have won nothing.Who dont have the experience of winning.A typical case of one blind man leading another.
  you always confuse spending big bucks with spending substantially to get what we need.There is no way, I will agree with you that those youngsters or event the back up we have can even win a plastic cup.
  As long as we depend on youngsters and dont sign real quallity and experience to point the way,we will not win anythiing.We can say goodbye to competitions even before they start.
  You seem to be telling me,there are no players out there who can help our cause-without us breaking the bank.we didnt break the bank to sign Vermaelen,Nasri,Arsh..but these are darn good players.for instance,why would you sign Squillaci for 5million when for an extra seven you could have had smalling?Dont make any sense.Wenger is cheap!Cheap singings dont win you things.period.I am almost certain he has big shares in the Arsenal.
  Unfortunately football is changing in a negative way with respect to finances and signings so sometimes you must spend a little more than you want.Not necessarily break the bank.
  I dont want to go into what players we should sign.There are no grey areas when it comes to that because there are tonnes of good players who can actually make a difference.
  
  I am sure you have not really followed my comments of Big Al in the past.I have never slated him for anything..well unless of course call him 'Aluminium'.I know he tries his best like you are saying but so does Diaby,Denilson,Bendtner,Eboue,and the other average players in the squad.the fact remains...if you are not good enough you just aint.No matter what you do,you wont be..at least for the Arsenal.
  So frankly,I really dont know what you are talking about.Seriously!

• 25-Mar-2011 13:04 | | Man United Killa  - ??
  

  Yes and ask him why we are so rubbish.Slow in attack..horrible in defending especially when Cesc is out.

• 25-Mar-2011 13:15 | | Man United Killa  - easy question
  

  Simple.I dont even know why you ask such a simple question..that is because when Cesc and Theo were fit,we were often on the attack.Oh!! and Song good defensive cover. (but wait Diaby had to cover for him..how fantastic)..Attack is the best form of defense.Now that they are not available, the our backup has to step up and that is a pretty tall order for our World Class backup players.
  If those palyers I mentioned would have gone injured a little longer than they have been,we would not only fail to score goals,we would concede in every single game.

• 25-Mar-2011 13:15 | | Man United Killa
  

  hatred is a pretty strong word.

• 25-Mar-2011 13:37 | | CHGooner
  

  Hatred is a very strong word and to use it in the context of any person or of 'foreign players' in general is very insulting ML. I don't HATE Arsene Wenger at all, I just don't believe in him. That's a very different thing. In terms of foreign players that is ridiculous. My point has always been - and remains - that Arsenal had become to all intents and purposes a foreign club playing in the English League. I steadfastly hold on to the view that for a whole host of reasons having a core of British isles (Not ENGLISH, it is not a nationality thing but a cultural and mentality thing) players is critical to success in this country and has been proved to be so. Mourinho believed it, Ferguson believes it, Redknapp believes it, Kenny Dalglish believes it (look at how he has gone about trying to re-domesticate Liverpool). Only Wenger thought it was good to have a club with no core of domestic players. As a fan as well, it is much easier to identify with players who are one of us and for whom the ultimate is playing for Arsenal, not Real Madrid or Barcelona. Why do you think Jack, Ramsey, Gibbs and Theo are so popular? Everyone really hopes we can build a team around guys like that. A couple of decent Centre Halfs like Cahill and a decent keeper and we'd actually be getting there, but old stubborn man won't do it will he?
  
  
  Our mental fragility is not a coincidence, by the way. It is the lack of leaders and leadership who will sweat blood for the club on the pitch and drive and cajole and slate if necessary off it.. Jack might just have it let's see...
  
  In terms of our defence being that good, I would like to see a more revealing stat which would show goals conceded against time of the opponents spent in our last 3rd. Think that would tell a more accurate story. The truth is Arsenal need 60-70% possession to win games. If it's anything approaching 50:50 (which against the better teams is likely) we are far more likely to lose than win. This causes us all sorts of problems in terms of injuries, susceptibility to counter-attacks and mental fragility.
  
  What do you think of Squid? What did you think of Cygan and Senderos?
  
  Good buys?
  
  
  
  I Love: Dennis, Cesc, Thierry, Paddy, Jens, Bacary, Robin, etc etc. My favourite all time Premiership player was Eric Cantona. I am a Francophile (I even speak the language reasonably well) and I was one of Arsene's biggest fan until HIS prejudice agaist UK/Irish players and his undervaluation of the core players principle became so apparent.
  Anyway please don't use the word 'hatred' it is neither true nor fair. Thank you

• 25-Mar-2011 14:03 | | MeanLean
  

  My bad.

• 25-Mar-2011 14:07 | | MeanLean
  

  Ok ok, bad choice of words. I retract that sentence and apologise if I was being insulting, that wasn't my intension.
  
  However you do appear to dislike Arsene Wenger and I cannot remember you ever saying a good thing about him even though we are in the second best position in the league right now.
  
  The issue I have is that you are pulling out names like Gary Cahill, Connolly of QPR yet because these transfers haven't been made then you cannot be proved wrong.
  
  If Connolly was good enough to play for Arsenal or had what Wenger feels we need to have a place in the squad then he would be here. The reason why Wenger has not spent money on English players over the years is because many have not been good enough and most are overpriced. It is common knowledge that Premier League British players are way way over priced.
  
  Is Gary Cahill at £15 million or so better than Johan Djourou? A coupe of good center halves? I would go as far as to say that Vermaelen, Djourou and Koscielny are the best collection of three center backs in the league. Perhaps not all individually but as a three which team can compete with that?
  
  The whole 'Arsenal do not have defenders and do not playing English' is another media myth that people are lapping up all to freely.
  
  What do you think of Wenger's policy of developing young English players and bringing them through? Do you not think that is a better policy?
  
  Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Theo Walcott (who Wenger invested a lot of money and time into), Lansbury at Norwich who is rates highly, Ramsey (who is our now and future)
  There are other players such as Chucks Aneke, Luke Freeman, Benik Afobe and many more who Wenger has plenty of faith in
  
  "What do you think of Squid? What did you think of Cygan and Senderos? "
  
  Are you suggesting that no other managers make mistakes in the transfer window? Are you suggesting that British players such as Francis Jeffers, Richard Wright etc do not fail because of the country they were born in? I don't understand the point.
  
  On the subject of Squillaci. I think he is excellent. Excellent at 4th choice where he currently stands in our pecking order. I look at our rivals both domestically and abroad and ask the question do they have a fourth choice player at that level. I am not so sure they do.
  
  Martin O'Neill during his time at Aston Villa spend considerably more than Arsene Wenger and bought 90% of British players. Do you think his team's were better than Wenger's current team?

• 25-Mar-2011 14:06 | | MeanLean
  

  Oh and a new post is up..
  
  http://www.arsenalvision.co.uk/my-vision/3569-lies-lies-and-damned- captains--van-persie-a-true-gooner-.html

• 25-Mar-2011 15:26 | | CHGooner
  

  Apology accepted ML. No problem, I like this site as you can have a civilised debate.
  
  I disagree that British players are 'overpriced' though! How can they be? The football transfer market is probably one of the most open markets there is and price will trend towards value in such a market. Or are you suggesting that all other premiership managers are idiots and only Arsene Wenger understands value. No, the value of a player depends on a lot of things including ability, age, resale value, scarcity and 'adjusted risk factors' such as temperament, injury record etc and managers know these things. You may argue that foreign players of similar age/ability are cheaper, but that does not necessarily equate to value. For the reasons I've stated before, British players are generally higher cost because they bring different things of value to the party. They will not be homesick, they will not have to adjust to the premiership/English football, they won't dislike the food/weather/tackling/traffic etc, nor (in nmost cases!) will their wives. They won't always dream of playing for Real or Barcelona. All of these factors contribute to a players 'value' and -of course their resale value. When buying 'strong character' and 'leadership' players they don't have to be British/Irish as we have seen with Tevez, Vieira, Cantona etc but many of them are (Adams, Keown, Keane, Terry, Lampard, Ferguson, Parker for example). That is an area where Arsenal have been conspicuously lacking in recent years as we all know.
  
  
  In terms of our defence Djourou and Koscielny are reasonable premiership defenders but not at the top level. Mqan U have Ferdinand Vidic and Smalling. Chelsea have Terry, Ivanovic and Luiz. Vermaelen is class but is the only one who might get in ahead of any of the three at Chelsea or Man U. .
  
  Squid is 4th choice as you say. Why pay £5m for a 4th choice? Why go to Spain to sign a Frenchman as 4th choice for £5m for crying out loud? 4th choice centre halves that can 'do a job' can be found here for £5m NO PROBLEM. Also if paying £5m for a 4th choice, why not pay £12m for a first choice that might have won you the league (or even a cup???) It's bonkers it really is.

• 26-Mar-2011 03:02 | | richie  - More myths from CHG
  

  Arsene signed Sol he also signed Toure. Remember that little defensive set up? It went 49 games without defeat. It was and is the most successful defensive unite the Arsenal as a club has ever known. it didn't have any of the old guard from GG's time, Keown played a bit part if I remember he came on as a sub (only 8 times in total). The only real player who played from GG's days was Parlour. In case it escaped you that team "the invincibles" didn't have your much loved English/British spine.
  
  I think its a myth that an English Spine is important. Its not the dog in the fight thats important its the fight in the dog. Vieira wasn't English and no one wanted it more than him including Adams. Its nothing to do with a players nationality its everything to do with who they are as a person. I'm a die hard Gooner so would I want us to have another Patrick in the team for this last 9? Is the pope a catholic?
  
  Why would I want a Patrick clone now? Because we'd win it! Its that simple! Thats all it would take. A leader a warrior, a character, a big personality on and off the field. That for me is whats missing. Everybody
  
  No its not in a post code (Although if you don't live in N1 N5 N4 life probably ain't all that it could be ) and its not in the schools (Although my old school was the closest school to Highbury) its in the blood. I can only trace my family's allegence to the Arse to my Great Grand Father. I've got mates who can better me.
  
  No seriously like you CHG I'm a francophile and according to my "X" French wife I'm fluent. I'm also fluent in Spanish last time I heard myself speak to my Spanish nephew (He's the only black sheep in the Family) a Barca fan no less. I have close tie's to the club because back in the days of our first double. Players didn't earn anyway near what an average player can now, and because they came from all over Britain they could only lodge locally. My family lived opposite the ground so we had quite a few staying with us.
  
  I don't judge Arsenal fans from where they live, that was all tongue in cheek, my cousin is an ardent Arsenal fan and he's a geordie (we all have problems). Although I still have a pillow to rest my head on in my beloved highbury (its a small place). My house is in southern Spain. But none of the above makes me change my stated opinion. Which is that I don't hear from any of the Gooners I meet (All over Europe) the type of opinions expressed by you. I'm telling it as I see it and hear it.
  
  As far as I'm concerned I'm not engaged in any type of hero worship. I love the type of football Arsene has us playing. I love the young players Arsene is/has developed. I love the players Arsene has brought to the club. (Patrick Pires Henry Cesc RvP) I love the new Arsene designed training facilities. I love the new stadium that Arsene had a massive influence in building. I love that under Arsene we have become much bigger in Europe. I love that we have played in the CL every year that Arsene has been at the club. Finally I love the trophee's that Arsene has so far brought to the club.
  
  Would I have prefered to celebrate in Paris in 2006? Would I have prefered that we beat Birmingham recently. Naturally! Would I like a few more players of class? Of course! Am I happy with all of our first team players? Hell no! Am I always happy with team selections? Hardly! Do I criticise Arsene's substitutions? Often! Would I have liked another player or two in January? Damm right I would!
  
  But here's the big one. Have I been happy with the general direction of the club in the last 14-15 years. Yes! Do I want us to change direction change managers and play in the style of Morinho and win. No! Is there another manager I'd like to see at Arsenal? Yeah for the future if we played like Barca I'd like Pep Guardiola, but for now. I'll stick with Arsene because of what he's done and what he's doing at our club. I have the patience to wait for the trophee that will eventually come.

• 26-Mar-2011 03:17 | | richie
  

  Am I understanding you? Are you saying that because Jack Theo Arron and Kieran are British they are more popular amounst Arsenal supporters than Cesc Rvp Song and Nasri? Because if so we will be back on familiar ground. Things must look different from where your seeing them.

• 26-Mar-2011 03:49 | | richie
  

  Ridiculous CHG do you really think that English players don't dream of one day playing for Real Madrid or now Barca? (The team universally recognised as the best in the world?) Do English players lack ambition then? I heard it differently I heard our bid for Smalling was accepted but Taggart splashed the cash at the last moment, so a quick cover deal was done before the transfer deadline closed. British players are hughly over priced and over valued, and over rated, because in Britain the tabloids hold sway.
  
  Every year we (the English) always think we're good enough to win the World Cup or the European Championships and every year average players like Lampard are shown up on the world stage for what they are. Average. Nevertheless one player mentioned by you I would've loved Arsene to buy for us not because he's English, although he is, but because he would've dragged us forward because he's fighter Scotty Parker. Who wouldn't have wanted Parker in our ranks for the run in?

• 26-Mar-2011 04:13 | | richie
  

  ML I've said before I like the banter with CHG but there's no logic to his arguements. I'm not saying he's Xenpphobic he says he's not so probably he's not but he expresses a typical British pundit style of thought. British is best. Bulldog spirit and all that. The thing is (I've said on this very blog) I've never seen any player want it more than Vieria. Including Captain "A team" Adams. Patrick was the embodyment of never say die, die for the cause, bulldog spirit, and he was French by way of Se****l. He wanted it more than Keane and RK wanted it more than most. Its certainly not being British that gives you those qualities.

• 26-Mar-2011 04:23 | | richie
  

  CHG Give me this core player principle that turn you against Arsene again please because if its buy British, British is best then there really is no arguing with xenophobia. By the way the best British player I've ever seen played for Manu'er it was long before Cantona though Georgie Best really was magician. A British Messi.

• 27-Mar-2011 21:27 | | CHGooner
  

  Look Ritchie, I will say this for the last time. It is AW's blinkers and HIS prejudice that is the issue, not mine. A balanced transfer policy, a balanced squad and clear approach in terms of what the ckub's strengths and weaknesses are is what is required. It is not xenophobic to suggest that a club playing in the EPL with a core of domestic players makes sense. He thought it irrelevant and would prefer to sign overseas than domestic, from the French league to the EPL or Championship. You mention Scott Parker as a potential good signing. He would be, but AW won't sign him and you and I both know it. The only English player he has seriously been linked with in recent years has been Joe Cole. A showboater, exactly the opposite of what was needed. Signing a pair of French Centre Halves of mediocre quality in the summer will result in another trophy less season. On Smalling if what you assert is correct, why didn't we bid £12m once Ferguson came in? Why did we not sign Scwarzer? We pay decent money for players when it suits him. He bid £10m for Baptista remember? £12m for Reyes. £5m for Squid. It is about balance...

• 28-Mar-2011 13:52 | | MeanLean
  

  Fascinating read Richie,
  
  I didn't know you knew Pat Rice and were so close to the wonderful Arsenal. Yup, Wenger was certainly after Smalling but got beaten by Ferguson. I suppose he wanted to make sure he won after Arsene pipped him to Ramsey.
  
  Loved the read though and if you have anymore stories then I would love to hear them.
  
  Cheers.

• 28-Mar-2011 13:54 | | MeanLean
  

  Great discussion guys.
  
  Please can you continue on the new thread.
  
  http://www.arsenalvision.co.uk/my-vision/3572-ramsey-may-benefit-from- wilsheres-busy-summer--barca-games-start-early.html
  
  Cheers all.

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