What a big difference a few years have made to the Arsenal first team!
From the class of “The Invincibles”, we had world class players in Patrick Viera, Thiery Henry, Robert Pires, Dennis Berkamp, Freddie, Seamen, Sol, Gilberto to name a few. They brought us the title and an inconceivable unbeaten run that was not matched by any team in the EPL till date.
Fast forward to today, Henry has left and Freddie is the latest to leave. Will current and possibly the last Invincible, Gilberto Silva leave too? Who is recognizable from the current list of first team Gunners? One may argue that Gilberto, Gallas, Rosicky, Toure, Lehman, Adebayor are all regular players for their national team. However, you look closely, none of the current players belong to the group of special players that can turn a game around with a flick of the boot or the cross or charisma to bring the team up when the chips are down.
The current group of promising but inexperienced youngster includes the fabulous Fabregas, the free scoring Robin Van Persie (RVP), the resolute Eboue, the tireless Clichy, the ferocious Diaby, the skillful Walcott and promising Bendtner. They are young, fearless and represent the new generation of Gunners!
With the young team straining to prove themselves, they strive to replace the heroes before them. Diaby is the brooding youth that will grow into the next Viera, Clichy is very similar to the now departed Cashly Cole, Walcott is the next Pires (albeit with more speed) and the RVP idol is Berkamp.
With Wenger at the helm blending the young ones with the wiser heads, what will the future hold for Arsenal? Will we crumble from the loss of so much experience in the past few years? Or will the young ones lift themselves up to the next plateau? Will we be the surprise package of the season? I am dying to see what the kids can do when the season starts next month. Lets GO GUNNERS!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Another False Buyer?
After so many false alarm...do we have another false alarm??
Now Mr Ecclestone is not ruling out getting involved with us.. He is the F1 Supremo- Mr Bernie Ecclestone.
'I don't know too much about that, actually,' the billionaire told Reuters at the European Grand Prix when asked about a report suggesting he could be interested in the Premier League club.
'It's good if somebody is saying that, because maybe I will be approached and maybe it will be cheap,' added the 76-year-old, who considered buying into Chelsea before the arrival of Russian owner Roman Abramovich.
'If somebody offers me something that I think is good value, I'll have a go.' Ecclestone confirmed that his daughter Tamara was dating the son of former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein, who left the club in April and is a good friend of David.
Ecclestone was obviously unhappy when David was thrown out from the club and hints of 'revenge' for his close friend might also be thrown in as a reason to buy into our club.
However, there might be a small problem for his frequent attendance at Chelsea haha.
Our club's refusal to welcome Kroenke's overtures in April prompted the departure of Dein, who was sympathetic to the sale. Dein still has a 14.5 percent stake in the club.
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood said at the time that he would be 'horrified if the club were to go across the Atlantic.' Maybe Bernie offer will be more acceptable by keeping the club in British hands.
Who knows???
Now Mr Ecclestone is not ruling out getting involved with us.. He is the F1 Supremo- Mr Bernie Ecclestone.
'I don't know too much about that, actually,' the billionaire told Reuters at the European Grand Prix when asked about a report suggesting he could be interested in the Premier League club.
'It's good if somebody is saying that, because maybe I will be approached and maybe it will be cheap,' added the 76-year-old, who considered buying into Chelsea before the arrival of Russian owner Roman Abramovich.
'If somebody offers me something that I think is good value, I'll have a go.' Ecclestone confirmed that his daughter Tamara was dating the son of former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein, who left the club in April and is a good friend of David.
Ecclestone was obviously unhappy when David was thrown out from the club and hints of 'revenge' for his close friend might also be thrown in as a reason to buy into our club.
However, there might be a small problem for his frequent attendance at Chelsea haha.
Our club's refusal to welcome Kroenke's overtures in April prompted the departure of Dein, who was sympathetic to the sale. Dein still has a 14.5 percent stake in the club.
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood said at the time that he would be 'horrified if the club were to go across the Atlantic.' Maybe Bernie offer will be more acceptable by keeping the club in British hands.
Who knows???
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Arsenal Defender
We have signed a new defender. Bakary Sagna.
He can play anywhere across the defence. At 24, looks like a good age to boost the defence. Hope he will be a great addition by Wenger again.
:)
He can play anywhere across the defence. At 24, looks like a good age to boost the defence. Hope he will be a great addition by Wenger again.
:)
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Soccernet reports: ( What a big mouth Gallas has.... Sigh...)
William Gallas has questioned Arsenal's transfer policy this summer and wants to discuss plans for the season with boss Arsene Wenger.
The departure of Thierry Henry has been offset by the arrival of Eduardo Da Silva but Gallas has revealed that some players at the Emirates Stadium are unsure of what the future holds for the club.
Arsenal's rivals in the Premier League's 'big four' have significantly strengthened their squad for the new season and Tottenham have also been active in the market, while Wenger has added Lukasz Fabianski and Eduardo.
The 29-year-old said on his own website: 'What is sure is that several players are questioning the club's future.
'Around us, all the teams are recruiting but what is planned to compensate for the departure of Titi Henry?
'I am not at Arsenal to play for third place. It is necessary to recruit players of reputation because the young players have many qualities but the season is very, very long.
'The young players are thirsty for victories but Arsenal must obtain results, win titles in this period. If not, we will have to change policy and do the same as the other teams: recruit with more means.'
As well as compensating for the loss of Henry, Wenger is looking to keep midfielder Cesc Fabregas at the club despite interest from new Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster.
'I believe he is one of the few players in his position that can carry a team on his back, and when I say teams, I mean quality teams,' said Schuster.
It is these types of issues Gallas wants to discuss ahead of the new season.
He added: 'I will have a discussion with Arsene Wenger and certain board members in order to find out what the objectives are for the club this season and what they wish to set up to build an even more competitive team.'
France international Gallas was vague about his own future at the club, adding: 'Today I am an Arsenal player but I do not know what can occur tomorrow.'
Meanwhile, Gunners defender Matthew Connolly has joined Coca-Cola Championship side Colchester on loan for the 2007/08 season.
William Gallas has questioned Arsenal's transfer policy this summer and wants to discuss plans for the season with boss Arsene Wenger.
The departure of Thierry Henry has been offset by the arrival of Eduardo Da Silva but Gallas has revealed that some players at the Emirates Stadium are unsure of what the future holds for the club.
Arsenal's rivals in the Premier League's 'big four' have significantly strengthened their squad for the new season and Tottenham have also been active in the market, while Wenger has added Lukasz Fabianski and Eduardo.
The 29-year-old said on his own website: 'What is sure is that several players are questioning the club's future.
'Around us, all the teams are recruiting but what is planned to compensate for the departure of Titi Henry?
'I am not at Arsenal to play for third place. It is necessary to recruit players of reputation because the young players have many qualities but the season is very, very long.
'The young players are thirsty for victories but Arsenal must obtain results, win titles in this period. If not, we will have to change policy and do the same as the other teams: recruit with more means.'
As well as compensating for the loss of Henry, Wenger is looking to keep midfielder Cesc Fabregas at the club despite interest from new Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster.
'I believe he is one of the few players in his position that can carry a team on his back, and when I say teams, I mean quality teams,' said Schuster.
It is these types of issues Gallas wants to discuss ahead of the new season.
He added: 'I will have a discussion with Arsene Wenger and certain board members in order to find out what the objectives are for the club this season and what they wish to set up to build an even more competitive team.'
France international Gallas was vague about his own future at the club, adding: 'Today I am an Arsenal player but I do not know what can occur tomorrow.'
Meanwhile, Gunners defender Matthew Connolly has joined Coca-Cola Championship side Colchester on loan for the 2007/08 season.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
LIST OF FREE PLAYERS
Some of you might be wondering if there is any free players that might be useful for a team. Here is a list of players released.
In my opinion: topping the list will be Zenden. followed by Fowler, Sinclair, Pistone, David Thompson, Michael Gray and maybe Lee Hendrie.
Some on this list are already signed or being offered contracts. Just for information.
p.s: Mr Sheringham is still available if you like to try him out. :)
Arsenal Ryan Garry, Joseph O'Cearuill
Aston Villa Mark Delaney, Lee Hendrie, Chris Sutton
Blackburn Rovers Keith Barker, Michael Gray
Bolton Wanderers Quinton Fortune, Henrik Pedersen, David Thompson
Charlton Athletic Nathan Ashton, Rurik Gislason, Jimmy-Floyd Haselbaink, Talal El Karkouri, Kevin Lisbie, Thomas Mhyre, Alistair John, Myles Weston (Offered contract) James Walker
Chelsea Magnus Hedman, Juan Sebastian Veron
Everton Alan Kearney, Scott Phelan, Alessandro Pistone, Richard Wright
Fulham Claus Jensen, Mark Pembridge, Tomasz Radzinski
Liverpool Jerzy Dudek, Robbie Fowler, Boudewijn Zenden
Manchester City Stephen Jordan, Trevor Sinclair, Hatem Trabelsi (Offered contract) Michael Ball, Nicky Weaver
Manchester United Phil Marsh, Florent Ngalula, Daniel Rose
Middlesbrough Malcolm Christie
Newcastle United Olivier Bernard, Kris Gate, Craig Moore, Pavel Srnicek
Portsmouth Daryl Fordyce, Nwankwo Kanu (Offered contract) Svetoslav Todorov
Reading Jonathan Hayes (Offered contract) Aaron Brown, Simon Cox
Sheffield United Paul Gerrard, Rob Kozluk, Craig Short, Alan Wright (Offered contract) James Ashmore, Keith Gillespie, Chris Lucketti
Tottenham Hotspur Robert Burch
Watford Joel Grant, Albert Jarrett, Chris Powell
West Ham United Shaun Newton, Teddy Sheringham
Wigan Athletic John Filan, David Unsworth
Some of you might be wondering if there is any free players that might be useful for a team. Here is a list of players released.
In my opinion: topping the list will be Zenden. followed by Fowler, Sinclair, Pistone, David Thompson, Michael Gray and maybe Lee Hendrie.
Some on this list are already signed or being offered contracts. Just for information.
p.s: Mr Sheringham is still available if you like to try him out. :)
Arsenal Ryan Garry, Joseph O'Cearuill
Aston Villa Mark Delaney, Lee Hendrie, Chris Sutton
Blackburn Rovers Keith Barker, Michael Gray
Bolton Wanderers Quinton Fortune, Henrik Pedersen, David Thompson
Charlton Athletic Nathan Ashton, Rurik Gislason, Jimmy-Floyd Haselbaink, Talal El Karkouri, Kevin Lisbie, Thomas Mhyre, Alistair John, Myles Weston (Offered contract) James Walker
Chelsea Magnus Hedman, Juan Sebastian Veron
Everton Alan Kearney, Scott Phelan, Alessandro Pistone, Richard Wright
Fulham Claus Jensen, Mark Pembridge, Tomasz Radzinski
Liverpool Jerzy Dudek, Robbie Fowler, Boudewijn Zenden
Manchester City Stephen Jordan, Trevor Sinclair, Hatem Trabelsi (Offered contract) Michael Ball, Nicky Weaver
Manchester United Phil Marsh, Florent Ngalula, Daniel Rose
Middlesbrough Malcolm Christie
Newcastle United Olivier Bernard, Kris Gate, Craig Moore, Pavel Srnicek
Portsmouth Daryl Fordyce, Nwankwo Kanu (Offered contract) Svetoslav Todorov
Reading Jonathan Hayes (Offered contract) Aaron Brown, Simon Cox
Sheffield United Paul Gerrard, Rob Kozluk, Craig Short, Alan Wright (Offered contract) James Ashmore, Keith Gillespie, Chris Lucketti
Tottenham Hotspur Robert Burch
Watford Joel Grant, Albert Jarrett, Chris Powell
West Ham United Shaun Newton, Teddy Sheringham
Wigan Athletic John Filan, David Unsworth
Arsenal's third signing
Nordtveit joins Arsenal from FK Haugesund
Norwegian defender Harvard Nordtveit has signed for Arsenal from FKHaugesund on a long term contract for an undisclosed fee.Nordtveit (17) has played for his home town club Vats 94 as well asSkjold IL and most recently FK Haugesund, where he made his debut in2006 against Sogndal and made nine league appearances for the Clubduring 2007.Representing Norway in both the recent UEFA Under 19 and Under 17European Championships, the centre back started every match in theyounger age group tournament as well as featuring in two matches forthe Under 19s before both sides were eliminated in the Elite round.
Looks like we got ourselves another fine youngster.
Norwegian defender Harvard Nordtveit has signed for Arsenal from FKHaugesund on a long term contract for an undisclosed fee.Nordtveit (17) has played for his home town club Vats 94 as well asSkjold IL and most recently FK Haugesund, where he made his debut in2006 against Sogndal and made nine league appearances for the Clubduring 2007.Representing Norway in both the recent UEFA Under 19 and Under 17European Championships, the centre back started every match in theyounger age group tournament as well as featuring in two matches forthe Under 19s before both sides were eliminated in the Elite round.
Looks like we got ourselves another fine youngster.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Signings Galore
Arsenal finally got our name on the score board for signings for the coming season. The player in question is a little known player called Eduardo Da Silva, born in Brazil and blossomed in Croatia.
Is he a good signing? Is he going to be another one of Wenger’s shrewd investment at 7.5 million pounds or another one of his flops like Richard Wright or Francis Jeffers? Nobody knows, but the name is definitely not familiar to anyone in the Arsenal club.
While we indulge in this little exciting news of a relatively unknown, Liverpool and Man U and even West Ham are pulling out all stops in their summer spending spree. Man U has targeted Tevez as the next possible signing after securing Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson at more than 30 million pounds. What is going on at Man U? Everyone was worried that when the new owners came, there will not be a cent to spend. Contrary to expectation, Old Fergie actually has more to splurge than ever before. Hence, why is Arsenal board not listening or following this same story and allow Kroenke to come on board? I really wonder.
On the other hand, over at Merseyside, Mr Benitez has secured a sensational coop with the capture of Fernando Torres. Being one of the most promising strikers in the world, Torres seems to be the last piece of the puzzle for Pool to mount a serious challenge to manure and chelski.
For us, we are left further behind if we do not rebuild with calculated signings to replace the loss of Henry. Easy to say, unlikely to be achieved in the next 2 years. However, all is not loss as long as Wenger stays with us and signs potential Henry, Pires, Adams and Seaman. For now, we just have to know the new names as Eduardo, Harvart and Bakary Sagna.
Is he a good signing? Is he going to be another one of Wenger’s shrewd investment at 7.5 million pounds or another one of his flops like Richard Wright or Francis Jeffers? Nobody knows, but the name is definitely not familiar to anyone in the Arsenal club.
While we indulge in this little exciting news of a relatively unknown, Liverpool and Man U and even West Ham are pulling out all stops in their summer spending spree. Man U has targeted Tevez as the next possible signing after securing Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson at more than 30 million pounds. What is going on at Man U? Everyone was worried that when the new owners came, there will not be a cent to spend. Contrary to expectation, Old Fergie actually has more to splurge than ever before. Hence, why is Arsenal board not listening or following this same story and allow Kroenke to come on board? I really wonder.
On the other hand, over at Merseyside, Mr Benitez has secured a sensational coop with the capture of Fernando Torres. Being one of the most promising strikers in the world, Torres seems to be the last piece of the puzzle for Pool to mount a serious challenge to manure and chelski.
For us, we are left further behind if we do not rebuild with calculated signings to replace the loss of Henry. Easy to say, unlikely to be achieved in the next 2 years. However, all is not loss as long as Wenger stays with us and signs potential Henry, Pires, Adams and Seaman. For now, we just have to know the new names as Eduardo, Harvart and Bakary Sagna.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
