609 replies to this topic

[mikeford]

QPR and Wigan had something to play for.

Though one could probably define "fool's errand" as "trying to convince mikeford not to worry about Arsenal."

You were saying?

[sachmoney]

So.

This team seems to be unable to win without Arteta. There really was nothing that could be done on Crouchie's goal. He's just a tall bucktoothed tree out there. Sort of caught Shezzer in no mans land and it was a well placed header. Van Persie did exactly what he should have done against Chelsea on his goal. If he does that against Chelsea, we pretty much have third locked up. Not really much to talk about, we just have too many players that lack confidence in their shot or final ball. It's a struggle.

The difficult thing is that we might have to root for Man City on Monday because them staying in the title race could be pivotal for that match against Newcastle. We need Newcastle to drop points because I'm not confident that we can do it on our own. I'm not sure what help we're going to get from Chelsea next week with them in both the FA Cup and Champions League finals. They can still get into fourth on their own if they finish strongly in the league. I'm not discounting Chelsea or Spurs, just their league form comparative to Newcastle's....they haven't been in as good a form.

Our magic number has dropped to 6, may be 5 since we have a commanding goal differential over Newcastle. They can't play stagnant football like they have the last couple of weeks. We need to get third.

Edited by sachmoney, 28 April 2012 - 09:25 PM.

[mikeford]

If we want third we're gonna have to win out. Spuds isn't dropping anymore points against their crap competition.

[sachmoney]

WIth all the talk of the England manager and the Manchester Derby, the REAL big news of the day is that Arsenal has announced the signing of Lukas Podolski!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that a deal has been agreed to sign German international striker Lukas Podolski on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

“We are delighted to secure the deal for Lukas and see him as an important part of our future. He is a top-class player, a very good finisher and a proven performer at club and international level. He is a very strong player and will provide us with good attacking options.

"We are happy to have made this signing early and we are looking forward to watching Lukas contribute at the European Championships over the summer, a level where he has already made 95 caps at the age of 26. That is a phenomenal record and just shows his quality as a player.”

“I’m so happy to be joining Arsenal Football Club and to play in the Premier League. Arsenal is one of the top clubs in Europe with a huge history. There are many top quality players at Arsenal and the style of football which the team plays is fantastic. I’m proud to become an Arsenal player and am looking forward to playing my first match at Emirates Stadium and doing my best for all the Arsenal fans.
“I am looking forward to becoming an Arsenal player, but at the moment, my focus is with my current club Cologne. I will give everything I have until the end of season to make sure the team finish as high as possible in the Bundesliga. There will always be a place in my heart for FC Köln.”

Wenger deserves a lot of credit for getting this deal done early. Podolski is a top quality player, and I've long been an admirer. Hopefully, he is the first of a few quality players coming into the Emirates, and we see someone like Yann M'Vila come in next.

[sachmoney]

Looks like we're going to have to win out.

[SidelineCameras]

Looks like we're going to have to win out.

Yes, two losses or even draws for Spurs and Newcastle would have helped us. But if you can't beat Norwich at home and West Brom away, you don't belong in the Champions League anyway.

And I don't want to finish fourth and have to use all of my voodoo dolls, hexes, and prayers rooting against Chelsea in the Champions League final.

[mikeford]

Pretty sure we haven't won a match all season without Arteta on the pitch.

This is gonna be nerveracking.

[sachmoney]

Same line up as Stoke. Let's hope it produces a better result. Must win game.

2 MIN: LOVE YOU YOSS DOG. ONE NIL.

6 MIN: Poor defending leads to a good chance for Norwich. Nice block by Gibbs.

12 MIN: Norwich equalizes. Very flat start from Arsenal despite the goal. Norwich has had the better of the action.

26 MIN: Norwich takes the lead. Still flat from Arsenal. Season in the balance and they're just hanging around.

Edited by sachmoney, 05 May 2012 - 07:12 AM.

[hunter05]

Flat is being kind. They've looked like shit thus far.

[sachmoney]

It's been like this for several weeks.

Sagna hurt. Coquelin in.

EDIT: No one looks like they want to be on the pitch.

Edited by sachmoney, 05 May 2012 - 07:26 AM.

[sachmoney]

There is no movement at all. I don't know if it's lethargy or what. There's no joy in Arsenal's football. Credit to Norwich for actually showing up and playing their game though. Full half to play. I hope that Wenger makes some quick changes because what is on the pitch right now will not cut it.

[Dogman2]

The last 20 minutes of this match have been entertaining.

[sachmoney]

Played with desperation for only the last 20-25 minutes. The key change was Oxlade-Chamberlain on for Ramsey. The whole team seemed energized after that. Gervinho was fantastic in the last 20 minutes. So many chances to put it away in the end, but you've got to give credit to Norwich for never backing down.

The race for the third spot has gotten hairy.

[ifmanis5]

Game couldn't have been more Arsenal if they tried. I'm amazed all my furniture isn't broken.

[Lukiewerle]

Adding injury to insult, Sanga to miss final match and the Euros with a broken leg.

Edited by Lukiewerle, 05 May 2012 - 10:04 AM.

[mikeford]

We're fucked.

[SidelineCameras]

Adding injury to insult, Sanga to miss final match and the Euros with a broken leg.

(Obligatory joke in French about the French team)

[mikeford]

Our best chance of not finishing in 5th is Man City taking points away from NUFC tomorrow. A draw by them leaves the door open for us to get 4th. A loss by NUFC and we'd only need to draw WBA to ensure UCL next year (if Chelsea doesn't win the final).

They win and we're proper fucked.

[mikeford]

THANK YOU CITY THANK YOU ASTON VILLA

Edited by mikeford, 06 May 2012 - 10:05 AM.

[sachmoney]

Not out of the woods yet, but at least we still control our own destiny. If our attacking players play like they did in the last 20 minutes, we should have no problems scoring goals against West Brom. Vermaelen, Koscielny, and Shezzer are going to need to play a much better game.

This is a huge turnaround from what I was feeling yesterday.

[SidelineCameras]

This is a huge turnaround from what I was feeling yesterday.

QFT. It sucks not controlling your own destiny, so so so glad to have it back in our hands. Er, feet.

[SidelineCameras]

I will overlook the stupid arm stripe if the guy on RVP's left actually wears this kit in a game next season. Deal?

[TomRicardo]

I really have almost no faith going Sunday.

[mikeford]

I just hope they can manage a draw. A draw would virtually guarantee us 4th on GD.

Then we become Bayern Munich's biggest fans.

[sachmoney]

Julien Laurens ‏ @LaurensJulien
Very busy yesterday working on M'vila story. Deal 99% done. 22 million euros, 4 years. Great signing for Arsenal and player is delighted
Julien Laurens ‏ @LaurensJulien
A the moment deal is done with Arsenal finishing 3rd, could slightly change if not but he will still sign. He chose Arsenal over Inter Milan

http://www.telegraph...Yann-MVila.html

As revealed by the Telegraph Sport in March, reinforcing the holding midfield position is a priority this summer for Wenger and M’Vila has always been the preferred target. Indeed, Arsenal also made an enquiry last summer but were told that M’Vila was not for sale.

That situation has since changed, with Rennes resigned to selling their star player this summer.

Wenger is keen to get his transfer business concluded swiftly this summer and so avoid a repeat of last year when he lost both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri after the Premier League season had already started.

There is also the hope that the arrival of major signings like Podolski and M’Vila will have a positive knock-on effect for the forthcoming contract negotiations with Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott. Arsenal’s current transfer record is the £15 million that was spent on Andrei Arshavin.

vs England:

vs Brazil:

There's some footage of him playing for Rennes too. I'll share my thoughts once the deal is finalized.

[SidelineCameras]

Wenger is keen to get his transfer business concluded swiftly this summer and so avoid a repeat of last year when he lost both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri after the Premier League season had already started.

If this is true, I am very encouraged that they at least learned a lesson from last summer's transfer debacle.

Edited by SidelineCameras, 08 May 2012 - 09:52 AM.

[mikeford]

I will overlook the stupid arm stripe if the guy on RVP's left actually wears this kit in a game next season. Deal?

Supposedly the 12-13 away kit here:

Sharp, IMO.

[SidelineCameras]

I like that away kit. Anything is better than the old mustard yellow version. But are they changing the away kit every year now?

[mikeford]

They change everything every year at this point. $$$$$$ to be made.

This away kit also guarantees a 3rd kit of some lighter color because if we play a team with red (see: United), we're gonna have to wear something else.

[sachmoney]

Supposedly the 12-13 away kit here:


Sharp, IMO.

They remind me of these:

Which are like our third kits a few years ago I believe...which I loved.

The home kits are growing on me every time I see them.

Edited by sachmoney, 08 May 2012 - 01:09 PM.

[mikeford]

Yes, but with one added IMPORTANT difference: NO STUPID COLLAR.

[DLew On Roids]

That away kit looks fine--especially compared to most away kits--but it makes no sense. You can't wear it when the opposition is wearing a kit that you couldn't wear against your first kit.

[sachmoney]

And of course...

James Olley ‏ @JamesOlley
Confusion over M'Vila. Player's camp claim deal (& fee) agreed,#afc sources say they are no longer interested. Am believing the latter now.

I hope this isn't the case.

[DLew On Roids]

RVP can set the 38-game EPL scoring recording with two goals on Sunday. He has 30, while Shearer and Cristiano Ronaldo share the record of 31.

[Tony the Pony]

I will overlook the stupid arm stripe if the guy on RVP's left actually wears this kit in a game next season. Deal?

Given the importance of RvP I can understand why Arsenal would like to incorporate the Dutch red, white and blue

Anything for a new contract!

[sachmoney]

I'm just going to put this out there...

[SidelineCameras]

I might have died the last 10-15 minutes. What a game! What a ridiculous season! Champions League and keep RVP and when does the next season start?!?!?!?!

[mikeford]

YES! YES! YES!

[sachmoney]

Crazy season.

Arsenal started out so poorly this season, taking only 1 point in the first 3 matches and 4 points in the first 5, hitting a low point at 17th in the league. There was a lot of negativity surrounding the club. A lot of doubt towards Arsene Wenger. They really worked their asses off to get back up the league table. There's a lot to be excited about heading into next season, something I'm sure we'll discuss further in the new thread (coming soon?). Says a lot about Van Persie and the leadership of the squad to make this turnaround. If we can have stability for one season, I think the future could be brighter.

[JimBoSox9]

Thankfully, a year from now I'll barely remember that two of the goals that clinched third place were absolute gifts.

[SoxFanInCali]

What a ridiculous season! Champions League and keep RVP and when does the next season start?!?!?!?!

"We will have a chat next week somewhere. You never know but Arsenal is a massive club, a great club. I have been playing here for eight years and I love this club. Whatever happens that will never change.

"We will see. We will have a chat and go from there."

[Zomp]

He's off, but I'm having trouble deciding where he will go.

Does City really need him? I suppose they do if Tevez and Dzeko leave.

[mikeford]

He's not going anywhere. We're in the Champions League and his wife and kids don't wanna leave London.

Pay the man.


Also:

Edited by mikeford, 13 May 2012 - 02:46 PM.

[sachmoney]

This is my new favorite gif:

[SidelineCameras]

Securing third=securing RVP. Wenger has emphatically stated that they're not selling RVP, so the only way I see him going is if he forces a transfer a la Cesc. With Podelski joining the team, Wilshere coming back (if there is a God), and a full season of the Ox, this summer looks a lot brighter than last.

AR-SEN-AL! AR-SEN-AL!

[SidelineCameras]

Also Happy Trails Patrice. Good luck in all your future endeavors.

[ifmanis5]

He's not going anywhere. We're in the Champions League and his wife and kids don't wanna leave London.

Pay the man.


Also:

Awesome.

[Apisith]

How big of Chelsea fans are you guys now? If they win, Spurs could be fucked for a long, long time.

[mikeford]

Honestly, its a lose lose situation. I don't want Chelsea winning the biggest prize in all the land and I don't want Sp*rs in the Champions League. At gunpoint I'd probably tell you Chelsea winning is the lesser of 2 evils.

At this point I just hope the game is entertaining.

[sachmoney]

I'd rather Chelsea not win.