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21 May 2018 16:35:53
Hello everyone I get the feeling that the longer the uncertainty goes on the more I get to feel its not Arteta. There is some other names mentioned but at the moment pigs ear comes to mind quicker than any name that comes up.
1.) 22 May 2018 00:06:35
You can say that again. It's never that easy with Arsenal- the rumours are in overdrive and who we actually get is always completely out of nowhere.
15 May 2018 18:25:00
Just Arsenal are saying that Tuttosport are saying Ancellotti turned Napoli because he has a pre agreement in place with Arsenal.
Anybody got any views on that.
1.) 15 May 2018 19:12:02
The only plus is that we are reading a lot of bollony and arsenal do usually do their business in secret.
2.) 15 May 2018 22:08:35
Shortlist of three: Viera, Allegri and Arteta
Allegri wants too much control and is reluctant to leave Juve.
Arteta is the likely appointee.
02 Mar 2018 18:53:49
My Dad bless him see some of the greats of British and World football and he said on a techinal
basis Bergkamp is up there with the, best of them. His goal against Newcastle and the one against Argentina were of the upmost quality. I not certain but I think he is the only player to get the 1-2-3 in MOTD goal of the month competition. Could put it about a bit as I remember as the elbow in Steve Lomas nose testifies.
1.) 02 Mar 2018 21:55:14
64 you are bringing a little tear to my eye just reminiscing.
2.) 02 Mar 2018 22:09:33
Yeah for such a technically brilliant player Denis wasn't afraid to mix it or take a hit, usually the more technically talented players can be a bit soft always wanting the ref to give them special treatment but Denis was as physical as most but brilliant talented at the same time.
3.) 03 Mar 2018 15:57:19
The most technically gifted arsenal player i have ever seen. Some of the stuff he used to do were ridiculous.
4.) 03 Mar 2018 22:40:16
DB best player we’ve had.
Highbury64's banter posts with other poster's replies to Highbury64's banter posts
19 Aug 2018 18:03:20
Xhaxa came to us with a reputation as technically gifted and a leader on the pitch. Well somewhere from leaving Borussia and joining us he has lost the first and no comment on the second. Quite frankly the bloke is awful and unless he changes should be sold at the earliest opportunity. With that off my chest, I could not get why Leno and Torreira did not start the game. Leno for Cech well let's think about that but Torreira for Xhaxa is a no-brainer. On the plus side I am liking Unai. His passion is clear to be seen. Whether he can do the job only time will tell, me personally I think he can. The next seven games are against opposition that in my opinion we should be getting points against no disrespect intended, that brings us to the next major test Liverpool where hopefully we will see us compete better against one of the main challengers for the title. On a major plus we are only six points away from top😂😂😂😂😂.
1.) 19 Aug 2018 18:38:51
I would like to see lichesteiner come in for Bellerin, torreira for xhaka, lacca for ozil or myki and Leno for cech. I don't think cech has been bad, just a fish out of water being asked to do what he cant.
2.) 19 Aug 2018 18:41:52
When Xhaka arrived in didn't really know anything about him but many people were very excited by his arrival and we paid 34 million for him so I was very hopeful about him.
Ed007 described him as a nothing but a thug before he kicked a ball for Arsenal and it soon became apparent why because his tackling was crude poorly timed and resulted in fouls and cards consistently so Arsene had to stop that part of his game which left us with a completely non player.
He can't tackle his key passes are as rare as his goals and his work rate is pretty much non existent.
If other teams can find a place for him take what they offer and cut our loses because after 2 years there is absolutely no sign of a player in Granit Xhaka.
{Ed001's Note - I think that was me who described him as that mate. I certainly told you he was crap and offered nothing but late tackles and needless cards.}
3.) 19 Aug 2018 19:15:04
Oh sorry Ed001 mate, it's me age ya know :-)
But you were right Ed mate that's for sure, I can't ever remember a player who offered less than Xhaka yet somehow managed to have an army of supporters backing him 100%.
I just don't get what anyone sees that makes them rate Xhaka in any way, during the world cup I watched him for 90 minutes to see what I've previously missed and help me understand others points of view, I genuinely couldn't see anything to change my opinion of him in any single way.
{Ed001's Note - I had watched him a few times before he joined Arsenal and never figured it out. I have watched him repeatedly since and still don't know what it is that made Arsenal buy him. I have given up on trying to figure it out now. I have had to admit I am just never going to find it.}
4.) 19 Aug 2018 19:49:21
I'm with you 100% mate I've given up too but find it really frustrating to see us go into a game with him in the side, I hoped when Arsene left that might be it but unfortunately so far two starts two substitutions, difficult to understand why you would waste 45 minutes.
{Ed001's Note - it makes no sense to me. You just have to hope Dick has accepted he is not the answer when he took him off at half-time.}
5.) 19 Aug 2018 20:18:36
I have run out of patience with Xhaka and hope it wasn’t just the yellow card that made Emery sub him.
The squad is not a disaster but does have its challenges - a few too many luxuries that can’t all play at once Ozil, Rambo and Mkhitaryan.
Too many one paced midfielders - Elneny, Rambo, Granit.
Work horses with limited quality and not natural wingers with pace - Welbeck, Iwobi.
Lack of pace and leadership in back 4 plus a full back who can cross a ball. Seem to have mastered the cut back
A team that lacks ambition / energy or urgency
As I try to come up with a balanced side in the team - I am sacrificing players, width etc every time. For me, we should either play 3 at the back with PEA and Lacca up front or 4 4 2 again with the same two front guys. Surely our goal should be a team with them up front plus Torriera and Matteo in centre midfield.
Happy for Mavro to start in CD to be part of a new spine
The rest is work in progress but that’s the start of a spine.
6.) 19 Aug 2018 20:21:47
I hope so mate because I like Dick and have high hopes he will do a good job for Arsenal, I accept he needs to try new things and not everything he tries will come off but sometimes you've got to accept things and learn from others mistakes as well as your own.
{Ed001's Note - fingers crossed for you mate. I am sure Dick is not stupid enough to persevere with Xhaka. Mind I thought that of Wenger, so I wouldn't get my hopes up yet!}
7.) 19 Aug 2018 20:43:10
i was scared when we signed him because his discipline was terrible, 6 reds and 28 yellows in the 3 years before we signed him, asking for trouble and when you start to get a reputation the referees doubt will start to go against you. fun fact xhakas close to equalling his goal tally with red cards 8 reds 13 goals.
8.) 19 Aug 2018 20:53:15
Xhaka and Iwobi both starting yesterday really did deflate me and made my question Dicks judgement but hopefully that was just a blip and not what to expect from him, fingers eyes toes ears all crossed :-)
9.) 19 Aug 2018 20:58:15
He must talk a good talk because I put elneny in front of him aswell. Probably the single worst signing of the past 10 years. He wasn’t cheep for what he is, in saying things I was one of the ones excited to see him come, my own personal regret. Not a top player even if you squint real hard 🤢.
10.) 19 Aug 2018 21:13:49
I'm actually wondering if he has a clause in his contract saying that if he doesn't start a game we have to pay him £1 million every game he sits out which is why both Arsene and Dick always start him :-) 40 to 50 million to give ourselves a chance? Could be the best money we spend all season:-)
11.) 19 Aug 2018 21:36:06
I said he was crap also 62, he had a terrible disciplinary record, he’s done little right IMO
Has to be sold and it will be at a loss.
12.) 19 Aug 2018 22:06:34
Your right Banbury mate but I don't see it as a loss more as a redistribution of funds.
What did Guendouzi cost us?
Let Xhaka go find another like Guendouzi and all is well.
Some you win some you lose but as long as the books ballance it's all ok in the end.
I think it would be good for Xhaka to move now because of the strength of negativity against him he's extremely little chance of turning it around with us now.
13.) 19 Aug 2018 23:04:37
I actually saw shoots of hope for iwobi yesterday. I could not fault him for his efforts and Dick may be able to coach something into him. Its massive season for iwobi, last chance saloon, he has some tools, he just needs to be able to actually use them. At least he tried unlike some we have mentioned.
14.) 19 Aug 2018 23:21:22
Correct, xhaka is never going to re sell for more than say 10 mil. Gouendouzi has the potential to be worth a lot of money. It's early days but xhaka is a dud and Gouendouzi could be anything with the right guidance.
15.) 19 Aug 2018 23:44:54
I read lots of predictions of future greatness for some of our younger players and think of Tim Henman desperation wishful thinking of fans wanting something to be true more than really believing it, then I see Andy Murray true quality that really has what it takes if the player wants it enough, Guendouzi is in the Andy Murray catogary in my opinion.
The boy is the real deal and really does have every chance of making it big, reminds me more of Cesc than the long list of never heard of never quite made its.
16.) 20 Aug 2018 00:04:03
In fact 8 more games like he's all ready played and his value will be more than we paid for haka.
17.) 20 Aug 2018 00:27:53
Denilson was the tim henman.
18.) 19 Aug 2018 23:47:23
The only explanation is that he does special things in training.
Same to Iwobi.
19.) 20 Aug 2018 12:41:30
Yeah Steve R. Xhaka is the new Denilson really, offers nothing but basic passing which anybody can do. You should have to offer more as a midfielder to get into a Arsenal side, either on the defensive or offensive side. Iwobi is not great either but he has his moments and like Ramsey does get into good attacking positions off the ball.
Bellerin is not far behind Xhaka but in his defence he does not get any protection from anybody infront which is a Problem Emery has inherited from Wenger as he refused to buy any natural wide midfielder and just plugged gaps out wide with the likes of Ramsey.
We have too may central AM's basically and you can't really play them all without suffering defensively and losing shape and balance. For me we need to play both Aubu and Lacazette up front and stick with one AM weather that is Ozil or Miki. and have 3 or 4 more solid midfield behind. I personally think we are better with 3-5-2 system with something like this:
Leno
licesteiner Sokratis Mustafi
Torrieria Eleneny
Bellerin Guendouzi
Ozil
Aubu Lacazette
or go:-
Leno
Licesteiner Sokatis Mustafi
Torriera Elneney
Guedouzi Iwobi
Ozil
Aubu Lacazette.
Negating the wingbacks but a more solid core.
20.) 20 Aug 2018 13:23:38
Yes Ryan that formation could give us the edge. With 12 players lol.
21.) 20 Aug 2018 13:26:33
SY4 that was a really good analogy on our shortcomings. Wenger seemed to go down the route of having identical players, so if one doesn't work you just replace with the other, but always in the exact same set-up (unless its Ozil of course, who could punch a baby square in the face and still not get subbed! ) . This has left us void of any player who can offer something different, or a plan b.
Perhaps this is why we are all hopeful of players such as Maitland-Niles, and the young greek CB (who no-one knows his name! ) in that perhaps they will offer something different? Another for me was N'Zonzi, who may not be the best DM in the world, but was fairly decent and was way over 6ft, so just by that, would have offered extra protection on corners (and vice versa on our corners).
But we live in hope. I personally would love to ship out both Xhaka and Ramsey if there was any chance that we could get Rabiot, who in my mind is a better player than both, offers something different, and comes in a single salary package!
22.) 20 Aug 2018 13:41:42
Yeah Steve R just noticed was thinking that looks too good to be true post updated.
23.) 20 Aug 2018 14:28:44
My mistake 12 Players woudl be great if we could get away with it, lol, My lineup would be
Leno,
Licesteiner, Sokratis, Mustafif, (Obvs Kos comes in when back fit)
Torriera, Elneney,
Geundouzi, Iwobi, (Not great but better option than Xhaka/ Ramsey)
Ozil,
Aubu, Lacazette.
24.) 20 Aug 2018 14:49:37
No, it looked better with 12. Lol.
14 Aug 2018 09:18:46
I was optimistically hoping for a point on Sunday but didn't look like we were going to get one and did not deserve, one. This is as we all know is going to be one long challenging season for, everybody connected to the club, but I am confident in Unai to turn it, round. I was surprised by the Ed's post saying Unai was not first choice when I thought by what Gazidis said and how I personally interepreted it he was.
As for Big Sam's comments he is entitled to his opinions but I cannot reply as if I did in no way shape or form could the Ed post my reply.
{Ed002's Note - I don't know what Allardyce said but if the tactics weren't right and Arsenal lost it would be reasonable to be critical. As for the pick for Manager - UE would have been well down the list as I spent the summer explaining.}
1.) 14 Aug 2018 11:33:22
And they say the board have no ambition?
If Emery was a long way down the list then just think of the quality we were looking at as our preferred options.
David Jason wasn't first choice to play Del boy either but in the end it all turned out lovely jubbly.
There are no guarantees whoever you go for but I'm quite happy with the man we got in the end.
Maybe Dick will be the one that makes us champions again or maybe it will be the 3rd or 4th manager post Arsene that achieves that, there is only one way to find out and that's give it time.
12 Jun 2018 18:57:53
Hello everyone, very pleased so far with signings and a good chance of a couple more (Torreria and Soyancu)
With Leno looking like going to Napoli, how do we stand on the goalkeeping front, do you think Unal is going to spring a surprise or keep with what we got for time being. Lastly what's our expectations for next season. Me personally I am really looking forward to next season and am hoping Unai gets the time to turn this around but I am not expecting to much, improvement obviously but not setting the bar to high to early. What are you expecting next season fellow Gooners.
{Ed002's Note - Leno to Napoli?}
1.) 12 Jun 2018 19:11:50
Hello Ed002 I read somewhere that it was a done deal is that not the case then.
2.) 12 Jun 2018 19:29:27
Hi Highbury mate, 75 points plus isn't what I think we will get mate and if that's top 4 champions league qualification then whoppie and if not it's a huge improvement on last season.
80+ points and title challenging territory within 3 seasons.
I'm happy to be reminded of my 75 points plus prediction next May especially by Raver and Nes :-)
3.) 12 Jun 2018 19:59:27
Sorry that should read 75 points is what I think we will get :-)
Silly old sausage:-)
22 May 2018 09:56:10
I have to say that Emery was never in my list to replace Arsene because even though he was between, clubs he never came to mind. I think he is a solid choice still a gamble but so would be any new manager. I was of the opinion early yesterday that the club were making a pigs ear of it but according to some sources he was interviewed 2wks back and gave a very impressive performance.
So he is in the chair Gooners and we need to play our part and give him and the squad all our backing.
As for Arteta I think he his obviously highly regarded by Pep and if he is as good as Pep says he is his time will come.
So I going to sit back enjoy the summer see who we sign who we sell and cheer on England at the World Cup.
And last but not least to Santi thanks for the memories mate I wish you all the best.
1.) 22 May 2018 12:51:01
I think it was quite well kept under wraps, whenever I saw the odds I don't remember seeing him at all!
16 May 2018 18:54:10
Massive reservations about Arteta if he is the one but I will get, behind him 100% if he is the one. Yesterday he was over the finishing line and the bookies had allegedly stop taking bets, and I must admit I had resign myself to him being the new coach but today I am not to sure. I am just wondering have the board getting cold feet giving the job to such a young and experience manager and if that's type of manager/ coach they wanted surely Nagelstam or Paddy fitted the bill better. I am 100% Viera man but that appears not to be happening so in my view if it someone else its got to be Ancellott or Emery or a as a outside bet Rafa. Just like to say about the posters voicing their opinions about the Wenger out brigade . They are entitled to their opinions but it was clear in the last few seasons that despite 3 Fa Cups which at other clubs would have earned him a long long contract our form in the prem/ champions league was way below from what we should expect and first and foremost football is a results business then its absolutely clear in my mind it was time for Arsene to go.
As I said earlier whoever it is we all need to get behind him and the team for what could be a helluva rollercoaster of a ride.
1.) 16 May 2018 19:09:04
Mate I brought up the point that ed025 had said previously that people should be careful what they wish and I said that because panic would appear to have set in about who comes next rather than simply waiting to see.
Having supported Wenger for a long time I’m 100% glad he has hung up his coat and wanted him to do it after his last contract ended. I believe the vast majority did.
I have a manager I’d love to see here but ultimately it’s not my place to employ whoever so it’s a game of wait and see and ignore the utter row locks written in the press.
{Ed025's Note - can you enlighten us to who that is stoner?..
2.) 16 May 2018 19:22:40
If it does turn out to be Artetta ( which personally I don't think it will be) then none of us can genuinely have an educated opinion on his management ability because he's niether failed or succeeded anywhere before.
As for Arsene well I think the last decade has shown us he unfortunately is no longer capable of making Arsenal competive over 38 games with the points difference between us and that seasons champions never being in single figures once.
Arsene unfortunately left us in no question as to his current ability to take us forward while Artetta is certainly not the people's choice but there is a possibility he could get us back in the running and that's something Arsene couldn't offer anymore.
{Ed0333's Note - the question is can Arteta handle the pressure of a club the size of Arsenal and the vitriol of the jokers on Arsenal TV? As you say gunner we’ll never know until he has the job
3.) 16 May 2018 19:55:08
I'm a Wenger man, but have waivered over the past 12 months or so.
He has, and always will, have my total respect and admiration, but as G62 has pointed out previously, no title challenge, not even close, for past 14 seasons, meant it was time to move on managerially.
If I had to list my top 10 managerial choices, Arteta would be 11th. But, if appointed, would always get my support, albeit through gritted teeth.
4.) 16 May 2018 20:17:17
Sorry ed025, it’s Allegri mate but if we are going to gamble, which Arteta would be, then it’s Nagelsmann for me.
Don’t want Arteta, Ancelotti, Enrique or Fat SAM!
{Ed025's Note - i like allegri stoner, i dont think he will come if its a tight budget though mate..
5.) 16 May 2018 20:31:35
For me in this big bad footballing world, we don't need a rookie to drag us out of the dolldrums we are in. It is a big job but ot is also a job you can look at annd say, if we sort this and this out then obvious improvement will come. Get the guy to fit the bill. Then see what happens. We haven't got to be "brave" gazidis, just sensible.
6.) 16 May 2018 20:33:48
I don't know one person, friend or family who think arteta is a good appointment, in fact some of the reactions have been worrying.
7.) 16 May 2018 20:54:05
But Steve some of those friends will be saying I always thought he would be good IF he gets the job at all and should he finish top 4 next season.
Artetta certainly wouldn't be my choice for many reasons but it's ridiculous to write the man off SHOULD HE get the job at all.
Those who are getting outraged without anything going wrong simply because Artetta isn't their choice are getting upset about absolutely nothing but a silly rumour that no credible source has mentioned as about to happen.
Didn't Sky tell us Higguain was actually at the Emirates having his Arsenal medical at one point 3 or 4 years back:-)
Very reliable information that was :-)
8.) 16 May 2018 20:13:51
As you say Ed0333 mate he will have to be thick skinned from day one because Arsenal fan tv won't be short of critics even before he makes a single decision.
Agree 100% Dags, whoever the new man is give him the benefit of the doubt until at least until he shows genuine signs of being incapable.
The really strange thing is That Artetta is a closer to being Arsenal manager ready than Henry but if Henry was suddenly hot favourite people would be very very excited rather than out ragged ;-) which is difficult to understand other the fact that people let their emotions influence thier common sense judgements.
9.) 16 May 2018 22:38:18
Gunner that last bit you said, is just a fact and that influences a lot. If he was an arsenal hero or legend, he would get more support, its just a fact of life. He may or may not be a future legend but that will be done without the initial hope and expectation, rightly or wrongly.
03 Jun 2018 15:06:44
I am not speculating about big money transfers, just going to see how it all pans out. I remember the summer transfer window of 2013 and I came on hear saying no way will Arsene pay 40 mill plus for a player and then came along Ozil. What I will say that its been a, long time since I've looked forward to a season like the coming one and who goes, stays or comes, providing we give Unai time I pretty confident about the future.
21 May 2018 20:06:51
Exactly Akie. Let's get behind him and the squad and see our it all pans out.
12 Jun 2018 19:11:50
Hello Ed002 I read somewhere that it was a done deal is that not the case then.
21 May 2018 20:20:12
What you said Joseph is very true. It might take a while to work, so we have to be patient Personally speaking if it was a straight choice between him or Arteta I think the right choice was made.
17 May 2018 13:19:59
Absolutely spot on 62.
14 May 2018 20:35:20
Hello SY4 I chose Paddy first because he is one of my all time Arsenal players with a fantastic winners attitude and he has got some managerial experience albeit in the states. Nagelstam from the odd occasion I've seen Hoffenheim play on BT Sport and what has been read and said about him he is a gamble but so is any managerial appointment but I think he is worth a try.
Rafa I really just like the bloke and I think he is tactically very good and has won trophies, at his clubs. Jardim has done a excellent job at Monaco even more so since he lost all his, best players and once again I would be willing to take a punt on him. Arteta I put last because I have serious doubt's about his capabilities and is only on my list because he is being touted as possible choice.
Having said that I think he would make a good no2 under Ancellotti, who you mentioned and I personally wouldn't mind but has the reason I gave earlier if it was Carlo has he is between jobs I think we would have known by now. I think you will agree me though SY4 that whoever it is we all need to get behind him and the team because they will need it.
06 May 2018 20:24:56
My sentiments exactly 62.So wish he could have signed off with a Europa League trophy.
For SAF wishing you a speedy recovery,
Two true legends who I hope will be able to reminise in the coming years about fergie v Wenger years.