Mixed Signals From Youngsters After Burgenland Win

The first three pre-season friendlies of the year have given Arsène Wenger some key signs that several of his Reserves and Youth players are capable to offer their talents in the coming campaign, although one or two have done little to add to their reputations.

Yesterday’s 10-2 thumping of a Burgenland XI summed up the attacking prowess of the young side, but exposed more worrying defensive issues. The second half saw Henri Lansbury at right back, and whilst he was playing in an unfamiliar position, put in probably his best performance so far, and looks to be getting back into his groove.

Gavin Hoyte had a shocker against Szombathelyi, but showed clear signs of his improvement last night, despite being exposed yet again. Plus performances go to Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and of course Carlos Vela, and while those boys got some confidence boosting strikes, all the hard work achieved by Jay Simpson drifted away as he was snuffed out on 4 occasions.

Jay was half time substitute for four goal hero Nicklas Bendtner, but the Tottenham born striker took a huge hit to his confidence by missing 3 opportunity’s and hitting the cross-bar. The signs of frustration tolled as he drifted out to the left, and didn’t want to get involved in the flowing football that saw the Gunners pile on late misery to the Austrian outfit.

Wenger is yet to speak in depth about Simpson’s future, but Jay himself has revealed the club have rejected offers for his services, and he had been informed to enjoy pre-season before a decision is made on his longer term future. The form of Bendtner, Vela, Walcott and Barazite could see the boss decide to cut his ties with the 19 year old.

However, Wenger will have difficult choices to make for the right reasons, with Jack Wilshere proving already too good for Reserves football, even though he had only completed a handful of fixtures. Will he be promoted to the first team early? will he be left in the Reserves? only one man can answer those questions.

One thing is for sure though, it’s certainly an exciting time to be an Arsenal fan.

Article By – J.Sanderson

80 thoughts on “Mixed Signals From Youngsters After Burgenland Win

  • July 29, 2008 at 9:40 am
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    hi all… want to get really wound up? read this tripe from Ian Wright…. FFS

    this is my “favourite” bit…

    “If any Arsenal fan told me they expected the club to finish in the top four this season, I reckon they would be optimistic rather than realistic.”

    http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article1481330.ece

    Great player. Arsenal legend. Absolutely total c*nt.

    Reply
  • July 29, 2008 at 9:43 am
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    Well, i would have expected better from Ian Wright. If you remember last year when Henry left everybody said we would fall apart, and we thrived.

    Sure players have left, but we have some incredible players still here. If you what optimistic predictions of the season, go and support spurs

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  • July 29, 2008 at 9:50 am
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    Ian Wright is a legend for us but the more he speaks the more he shows what a prick he is

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  • July 29, 2008 at 9:57 am
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    I posted the other day saying that I thought Landsbury would struggle in the centre of the field defensivly, but I thought yesterday he was great at right back and I think he may have found a possition that he may be able to exploit and make his own in years to come. Remember Lauren was a midfielder when he first came to the club. Maybe it is too early to make that judgment – just happy the young lad finally had a good game.

    I agree with you about Jack’s performances so far, however he has only been playing against weak teams so far. I think if we see him take to the field against Stutgart or in either the Emerates / Amsterdam cups it will be a clear sign that Wenger intends to use him this season.

    I did however think that yet again Justin Hoyte was poor and at 23 he has not come good for us – even as a back up player, it may be time to move on for him.

    Bendtner scored 4 but really should have had 8 or 9, he still seems to bury the harder opportunities and misses the sitters (ala Adebayor).

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  • July 29, 2008 at 9:57 am
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    I like Simpson but he has too many players in front of him to have any real chance of making the 1st team. I say we should sell him and get a decent fee or maybe loan him out again.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 9:58 am
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    what can u tell us re INLER??WHATS THE LATEST ON BISCHOFF

    Wilshire…if does it in the Emirates/Amsterdam he could be in the

    first team squad !!!!!!!

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  • July 29, 2008 at 9:58 am
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    I wouldn’t say Wilshire is too good for reserve football. He’s played well, but against poor opposition. Hope he gets a chance in the CC though!

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  • July 29, 2008 at 9:59 am
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    Pfff and he ended third in Arsenal Legend contest, can’t wait to see him at Match of the Day coming back on his words. Talking about the beautiful football Arsenal is playing and how dreadfull Chelsea and liverpool look with their defensive football style. Talking about that without Torres and Drogba they aren’t the same. Obviously he doesn’t give a damn about financial situations, I wonder how many credit cards he maxed out?!!

    Reply
  • July 29, 2008 at 9:59 am
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    Well it was only the other day that Wright was saying he wanted Liverpool to win the title & that they deserved it. No Arsenal legend would say that!! Can you imagine Ian Rush or John Aldridge etc saying they wanted Arsenal to win the league over their own club??

    It was also pretty sick of Wright to say Rocky would be turning in his grave at the things happening at Arsenal. That shows just how little class the bloke has!!

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  • July 29, 2008 at 10:00 am
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    Ian Wright doesn’t really know what he’s talking about – he’s never been a very shrewd pundit. The article’s a real coup for The Sun, though: Getting an Arsenal legend to slate the club with all the rationality of a 10 year old fan. Our treatment in the press is getting uglier, but the fans need to keep cool.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 10:06 am
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    It’s important to remember how the media twist quotes. Or even invent them in the case of Cesc Fabregas!

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  • July 29, 2008 at 10:07 am
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    This is utter rubbish from Wrighty. Last year we were unlucky not to win a title. Actually, had we won that game at Old Trafford (we were 1-0 up), we would have won the PL. It was that close, people seem to forget that I think. Also, two stupid ref decisions cost us dearly against Pool in the CL.

    I would say our squad is better than last year, because of all the talent that is coming through like Wilshere, Lansbury, Nordtveit, Barazite and Simpson. Also, players like Djourou, Song, Traore, Denilson and Walcott will have more experience now.

    Nasri will easily replace Hleb after a while, and be much more effective in terms of end product. I also hope Diaby will get the nod in CM, as I really think he can be amazing.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 10:08 am
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    Any updates regarding amuary bischoff’s switch ? Last i heard he was training with the gunners to prove his fitness and earn himself a deal. Where has that lend to ?

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  • July 29, 2008 at 10:09 am
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    Ian Wright!!! Go some day and look Jack Wilshire when he’s playing!!! Look him very well !!!

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  • July 29, 2008 at 10:09 am
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    Ali – I said last week, if any new info is released, i will update with it. As yet there is nothing new.

    Must say yesterday was very refreshing, after a summe without football, and then a 10 goal romp more than made up for it!.

    Reply
  • July 29, 2008 at 10:14 am
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    Don’t think you’ll see him on MotD anymore. Wasn’t too long ago that he quit MotD after accusing them of making him look like a jester or something to that effect.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 10:15 am
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    I think Jay Simpson should really be going out on loan to a Championship club before Arsenal cut ties with him completely. It should be part of his natural progression having spend last year in League One and being awarded PFA Players’ Player of the Year. I’m sure some Championship clubs would take him for the season, hes only 19 and has shown he has good power, pace, aggression and can finish well. In the Barnet game he had a better game up front than Walcott did (I’m by no means saying he is a better player than Theo, but he had a better game IMO, dont jump on my back I’m not Theo bashing!!). His problem is he has some great forwards ahead of him, but I still think we should give him another year!

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  • July 29, 2008 at 10:15 am
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    How old is everyone here?!! Come on everybody post your age :P I’m curious…

    I’m 23

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  • July 29, 2008 at 10:16 am
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    Sooth – What’s a jester?!! (I’m from Holland)

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  • July 29, 2008 at 10:17 am
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    I’m 17 :)

    As for Simpson at 19, you can only be loaned out for so long before it comes to a point where you have to a choice about what you will do with him. Saying that, Vela is 19, and his loan spells have tought him so much.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 10:18 am
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    Mouhsin – A joker, somebody to make fun of, and not take his opinions seriously.

    Reply
  • July 29, 2008 at 10:18 am
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    Well, i would have expected better from Ian Wright.

    J.Sanderson said this on July 29, 2008 at 9:43 am

    lol j, as an arsenal blogger i thought you would have figured that wrighty is pretty retarded on most matters. Expecting him to be inciteful is like trying to make orange juice with an apple and a toblerone. remember last year’s cup final? Lineker: “Who’d you think will win Ian?” Wright: “If my son’s playing, Chelsea. If he’s not, who gives a fuck?” Obviously not his real words, but the man got paid to cover what some call the biggest game of the year, i assume the most watched, and that’s what he comes out with. Why people still pay him to talk about football or care what he says is ludicrous. He was my hero as a kid but now I really don’t give a shit.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 10:23 am
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    Samuel, i actually like Wrighty, although i have never met him, from everything i have seen of him as a person, he seems like a great guy.

    But from somebody who is considered a legend by the club you would have expected something better, i have lost alot of respect for him.

    Doesn’t he work for TalkSport? enough said…

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  • July 29, 2008 at 10:25 am
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    Either way, I think this latest snipe will be met with a retort by another Arsenal ex-player. As moronic as Ian Wright is, he’s still high profile and many fans will still listen to him. Mentioning Rocastle was pretty f*cking repugnant.

    The questions asked may have been misleading, but Ian Wright’s worked in the media for the last 10 years and has had a long association with the Sun. He is was out of line with this one and considering his experience, he should know better.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 10:30 am
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    JS – would have guessed you were older like 21 or something, you’re doing a good job man (Y) very impressed that you’re still that young. Thanks for the translation :D

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  • July 29, 2008 at 10:30 am
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    people seem to think that gavin hotye got exposed last nite but he was pretty good i thought. the problem was having lansbury at right back he cost us 2 goals cos of poor positioning ad no determination to help his mates goin backward. Wilshire is a great prospect but nowhere near 1st team, but might get a cc run out. dont slate randall cos the boy has talent but hasnt played well in pre season, altho if u watch him he is like frank lampard loves to shoot at the edge of the box. vela is the man to watch out for plus walcott. simpson simply not good enough! period!

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  • July 29, 2008 at 10:32 am
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    its not that Ian Wright is simply an idiot… its that he’s jumping on the tabloid bandwagon of ripping the Arsenal… ignoring that Manchester United are £800m in debt and have yet to make a transfer having lost the battle to sign one Aaron Ramsey…

    but Ian Wright SURELY understands how good this Arsenal side is… my take is that he is taking advantage of our poor media perception and his Gunner past to further his fucking pundit career… it makes me sick… really does…

    the only intelligent former player worth listening to about Arsenal is Martin Keown. His ONLY agenda is the continued success of Arsenal and the Wenger era… Wright, Dixon, Merson, Adams and others to varying degrees each have a pop at us when it SUITS THEIR FUCKING PUNDIT CAREER… meanwhile Liverpool and Manchester United are able to wheel out an army of one-eye c*nts prepared to tell the world black is white… up is down… and £800m of debt is a a good place to be…

    On one hand… I do like that Wenger rises above the media stupidity and would NEVER make the United school boy error of taking about a target for months and then confirming a transfer on their website before actually signing the player (Aaron Ramsey). That made United look ridiculous and desperate and is a trap Wenger would never fall into.

    On the other hand, it would be great if more FORMER players… had an iota of Cesc Fabregas class… how many of you “accepted” that Cesc would soon move to Real Madrid because of the reports the other day? I did and yet Cesc made sure to not only dismiss these rumours but to assure supporters that his present AND future were at Arsenal. What an outstanding young man. An opportunist c*nt like Ian Wright has no business even SPEAKING about Cesc. Why is it that former players cant similarily dismiss all the stupidity that pops up in the media? I wish someone like Dennis Bergkamp would weigh in and just smack some of these retarded articles that people like Ian Wright GET PAID for. But like Wenger, he rises above it. And so should we all. I always find it sad that United need to wheel out Cantona every so often to fuel whatever spin they need in terms of how much money they have or why United would be “fine” without Ronaldo…etc etc

    But note… when Ian Wright and co come to Emirates when we win the league dont forget these opportunist doom and gloom words they have spread.

    I wont.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:06 am
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    It’s simple people. AW showed Wrighty the door. He didnt wanna leave. He was past it and not needed anymore. He DOES love the club but he is a very bitter person. He has never been able to get over the way he feels AW treated him. We all know SWP could have been on his way here and that Chelsea only got involved and snapped him up cos they were shit scared of how good we will be with him. Wrighty actually advised him to go to Chelsea, saying they were the champions and he would go from strength the strength there and consolidate his England spot, as well as advising him that if he ever went to Arsenal, he will forever be in his old man’s shadow. Basically, that was because he was and still is bitter against AW. Now he is bitter with Chelsea cos SWP’s career has stagnated somewhat there. Plus he never liked Scolari (for whatever reason) so now he is trying to convince SWP to leave them. He was a legend here but he is a shit football analyst.

    Internet Gooner – “I wouldn’t say Wilshire is too good for reserve football. He’s played well, but against poor opposition. Hope he gets a chance in the CC though!”

    Actually mate, Wilshere played against Reading reserves (a good side) last season, up against Liam Rosenior (premiership defender) and he embarrassed him. What people haven’t mentioned about Jack is, for all his obvious technical quality, he is one hell of a battler, despite his small frame. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the fact that when he loses possession he chases it down trying to win it back. At one point yesterday he made a beautiful sliding challenge to win possession back. We need more warriors like that and not pussyhole’s like Reyes. That’s what i love about RVP, for all his class, he works hard and puts challenges in too.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:09 am
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    Ironic that someone with the name Wright can be so WRONG. he has no feel for what Gooners are thinking and talking about Rocky like that was out of order. Rocky may well be proud of the Arsenal youth development since thats where he came from. Wright made out he’d be embarassed by our position – well I for one am very very proud of the club, the manager and the players.
    He goes on about Flam and Hleb. Hleb did not score enough goals and was replaced by one of THE hottest talents in Europe – Nasri. Flam had a good season, but he is very replaceable (Inler). Ade is staying so thats not a story, we beat Man U to Ramsey and we have several exciting young players coming through the ranks – players that have some real identity of what Arsenal is.
    Wright is no longer a Gooner despite what he says. He has said too many bad things against the club on too many occasions to be a gooner any longer.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:29 am
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    GTBAG: Imo, Dixon, Winterburn and Keown are all very honest pundits – they don’t tow the media party line but instead will not refuse to say anything bad about the team and can be insightful into our downfalls. I think it’s unfair to suggest Adams is part of the media machine too, he clearly has a good relationship with the manager and the club (especially considering how they helped him with rehab and such) and again, only speaks out when there are genuine problems that need insight. But mostly, it’s because he’s not a pundit. As Portsmouth’s no. 2, I’d like to see him try and push up to a proper, steady, premiership managing job (the blackburn one will be available in a couple months) or a coaching job at Arsenal, where his heart still is clearly.

    All other Arsenal related pundits suck. Most others do as well, bar Adrian Chiles and maybe one or two more who don’t instantly come to mind. Oh, and if it wasn’t blasphemy on as an arsenal fan, i wouldn’t mind Lineker.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:32 am
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    Stop slating wrighty you bunch of clueless twat. The mans an Arsenal legend and always will be. He’s stating his beliefs that Arsenal wont finish top 4. He’s entitled to his beliefs FFS. Do you want him to talk rubbish like the majority of you do? Such crap as “we is the best and we is so awesome and i’m sooooo excited about next season and Vela is going to be brilliant man”.
    Also so what he said that about his son? Any normal father would want the best for their son. What it is it with you idiot? Show some respect for one of the all time Arsenal greats.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:38 am
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    I thought Simpson played well and was unlucky, as the goalie made his two best saves for two of those four chances – and he also played a lovely ball through for Wilshere to cross to Theo for the 10th (?) I would keep him for another season.

    Wilshere outstanding again – and not as lightweight as i had expected.

    I agree Lansbury improved massively compared to previous match – but Randall again looked disappointingly casual

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:38 am
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    I’m 18 :)

    God, it pains me to read this sh*t Wright publishes. He was such a god for us, and I loved the guy as a player. I don’t want to hate him :(

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:40 am
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    i’m 23.. been arsenal fan since 12..

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:42 am
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    I cnt believe ur trusting the papers on the week that it was announced Fabregas wanted out, and it then turns out he doesnt, and hasnt even talked to any papers, and doesnt know whats goin on.

    TOP TRUSTING PAPERS!

    fools…

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:43 am
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    That’s the point Dave…great player for us but he dont know shit about the game of football, hence, he could NEVER be manager! Since he left the club, he has NEVER said anything nice about us. Has Titi or DB10 ever done that? NO! They have class. Even if they are upset with something AW or the club has done, they dont go shouting their mounths off to the media. There aint nothing wrong with being optimistic. I never predict where we will finish, its up to the manager and the squad to produce the goods and silence these pundits (never experts, NEVER). This is just the tonic the lads need to fire them up for success. There is nothing sweeter than proving people wrong. Up until now, NOBODY has predicted Arsenal to win the league this year, just like last year. Replace Flamini (our only REAL loss) and we’re stronger than last year because everyone is a year older and has an extra year of playing the EPL under their belts. We can only hope and see what happens…..and leave these fuckers with egg on their faces!

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:44 am
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    No wait, im the fool.

    If hes the collumisn the only one that quoted anything is Wright, from his brain and such.

    Sry :( Wrighty is a prik then…

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:45 am
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    Johnny – LOL, he never says anything positive about us mate.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:46 am
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    dave or is that dove?… Ian Wright is jumping on a media bandwagon… his views are absolutely not representative of most gooners… I would suggest that his opinion is based primarily on being as anti Arsenal as possible to sell copies of the Sun to those cretins for whom the Sun represents news

    that is why Ian Wright has a column IN the Sun rather than anything more reputable.

    you can have your opinion that we’re not good enough to finish in the top 4… that’s fine… but Ian Wright is not DRIVEN but his opinion… but by media exposure.

    Great player Ian Wright undoubtedly was… total idiot he so obviously currently is…

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:48 am
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    can we also be clear that Cesc Fabregas’ comments (or not) are wholly different from a column WRITTEN by Ian Wright in the Sun… with Ian Wright’s photo beside it.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:49 am
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    just ignore what ian wright said. maybe because he didn’t play long enough under wenger he still a bit old fashion and easily get influence by current trend. arsenal might not have star like ronaldo or torres and our so call star like hleb and flamini gone but the true star in arsenal is “our brand of football”. as long as we play this way, we will eventually taste success. look yesterday game, even young gunners can play this brand of football superbly.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:52 am
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    I couldn’t care less if IWW said we would be relegated. He wears his heart on his sleeve which is exactly the way he played and why most of us love him. His words just echoe the worries of many fans. You can give it the bigun all you like on here but some of us have concerns for the coming season. Wrighty has concerns and he has had them published in the newspapers. Big fucking deal. I’ve no doubt he wants to proven wrong and nothing would make him happier than us doing well next season. IWW loves the Arsenal (FACT) and if pricks on here who are no more than 15yo want to slate him then fuck em.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:53 am
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    I think this is the season for wenger to spend big.(ish) Because next season 2009/2010 he’ll have TOP loanees returning:
    Merida
    Boletho
    Barazite
    Gibbs
    Randall
    Simpson
    Gilbert
    Lansbury

    Even if we only keep 3 (imo Merida, Boletho & Barazite) we can make up to £10m from the other 5.
    Its a win win situation-strenghten the squad and make enough for another international.
    Oh yeah, Wilshire & Coqelin look capable of pushing for a squad place next season.
    Chin up boys!

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:56 am
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    I love Ian Wright for what he did whilst he was here and do believe that he still loves the club BUT he should learn to keep some things to himself! I am not an arsenal legend, never have and never will play for the club but i would never in a million years say i want someone else to win the title over Arsenal. Also can i ask the people that go on bout ref decisions to stop blaming that, in most games that we drew last season we had more than enough chances to finish the game off, it is our fault we didn’t win last season no one elses! I think that this season we will be less nieve and also think that a lot more players will chip in with goals from midfield etc, that swhy i am looking forward because i think that we will create so many chances in each game this season!
    Also for the record i am 21 :-D

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:56 am
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    Arsenal have many foreigners in their ranks and haven’t fielded many English lads for the past two years. The media have made sure to touch on this ever since that fucking prick Alan Pardew poured cold water on our successful run to the CL final a couple of years ago saying how can English people be proud of Arsenal for reaching the final whilst having hardly any English players on show (fucking racist twat, i believe this is the real reason AW wanted to knock him out that time on the touchline). The media just wont let it go. The Sun is a fascist newspaper, anyone living in England knows that (and is even more obvious when you are an ethnic minority like myself). That’s why Gooner’s everywhere are asking themselves “Why have the media got something against us?”. People need to see the bigger picture.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 12:01 pm
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    I think there must be something really strange about a person who thinks IWW was wrong to say he wants his sons team to win something. I couldn’t give a monkeys how loyal someone is to their team, if their son played for another club then you’d want your son to win things. Loyaly to your son over any football team comes first everytime.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 12:04 pm
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    PeteE, Mutafaca and Clacko thnx for replying comeone post you’re age it seems me and Mutafaca are the oldest ones around, are there any peepz here coming to the Amsterdam Tournement here in Holland?!!

    Reply
  • July 29, 2008 at 12:06 pm
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    Ian Wright as a player for Arsenal earnt his so called legendary status. But as a pundit for MOTD, Talksport and the Sun, he’s deeply embarassing & unimpressive.

    He’s so bad that trainers at the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development probably show videos of him during their training sessions, as an example of how not to be a media pundit.

    Although I’m not that old, I’m already nostalgic for the days when Ian Wright was simply paid to be seen (on the pitch) and not heard.

    Ian, silence is bliss!

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  • July 29, 2008 at 12:07 pm
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    Mate i well wanna go to that tourny but can’t afford it, gonna go to the England friendly instead!
    How broke am i haha!

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  • July 29, 2008 at 12:14 pm
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    “I think there must be something really strange about a person who thinks IWW was wrong to say he wants his sons team to win something.”

    Nothing wrong with that, but definatly summin wrong with him saying he doesnt think we have a chance of finishing in the top four. Thats just disrespectful. But i dont think hes ever got over Wenger slowly ushuring him out the door towards the end of his career,

    “I was desperate to finish my own career in that red shirt but, for one reason or another, I was moved on.”

    I think hes just plain wrong. I believe the majority of our big names do want to stay. I cnt see Sagna, Gallas, Toure or Clichy doing a Cole, Reyes or Flamini on us. By the same Token i think Rosicky and Van Persie will stay with us until their time here is gone or they descide to retire. Fabregas should stay into his late 20’s, which will be a long time yet, and possibly forever, u neva know. Adebayor is an awekward one but i think the media jumped on his wage rise requests and blew them out of proportion. He wasnt askin for 100k+ a week, only 70 (yea i know, only seems a strange word to put in there but in modern day football terms 70k isnt extravigant), and its fair enough seeing as we have other players on that kind of wage and hes one of our top performers.

    Hleb has gone and we’ve replaced him with a better player in Nasri, Lehman and Gilberto have gone but it was their time i think, and Flamini has gone which is the big one, but u have to feel that some1 out of Diaby, Denilson, Song and Ramsey will beable to step into his place and do well next season, and Wenger might even yet sign a replacement.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 12:19 pm
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    its always an exciting time 2 b a gooner!

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  • July 29, 2008 at 12:31 pm
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    I’m 26, going to be 27 soon enough. I think Ian Wright and dave need to think again. They chat so much shit. Flamini and Hleb go and somehow we won’t make top four. Who’s going to replace us? Everton? Villa? Man City? Do you really believe that? Don’t say Spurs, how the fuck are they suddenly going to leapfrog all those teams that were ahead of them? Modric? Gomes? Dos Santos? Bent? That is four players, I think they are going to need a bit more than that. Minus Robbie Keane.

    We now have Vela, Ramsey, Nasri, plus whoever is promoted and whoever else comes in. I am more optimistic about this season than the last one, and I still knew we’d finish top four in that one.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 12:36 pm
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    Finishing top 4? Wright have smoked some bad weed, finishing 4. would be a disgrace! We’re good enough for gold imo! Chelsea may have many expensive quality players, man u may have a lot of shitty Neville’s and a couple of disgusting Portuguese shitsneezers, but we play football, and have gods as Fabregas, Toure, Sagna, Clichy, Van Persie! yeaah

    (my sentences prob. don’t make any sense, but I haven’t slept for 39 hours, so I’m excused. Aight?)

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  • July 29, 2008 at 12:38 pm
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    omg fabregas just got a statsboost at FM :O Didn’t know he could be boosted any more, he’s god in the game like rl. hehhehehe :)

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  • July 29, 2008 at 12:41 pm
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    The real test is going to be in the coming matches starting with Stuttgart. It was interesting to see how well these players play in these matches. I want to see Bendtner improve his link up play, W

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  • July 29, 2008 at 12:41 pm
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    I’m 69…and the grandfather of several posters on this blog.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 12:42 pm
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    hehehhe we have a “bent” for less than 16.5m

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  • July 29, 2008 at 12:42 pm
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    The real test is going to be in the coming matches starting with Stuttgart. It was interesting to see how well these players play in these matches. I want to see Bendtner and walcott improve their link up play, Wilshere playing better on the left to see his limits, Diaby as the 2nd CM as I think Denilson or Ramsey (at the moment can’t cut it).

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  • July 29, 2008 at 12:45 pm
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    Wilshere is like Fabregas, too good too early! But Fabby got the chance tho. But Wenger won’t do the same with Wilshere, the shitty media in this country will get him killed. Yeah, literary.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 1:02 pm
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    Pete for all our sakes and purely comic value, never sleep again haha! :-)

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  • July 29, 2008 at 1:07 pm
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    OK, i will try to stay awake until i faint!

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  • July 29, 2008 at 1:20 pm
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    I don’t knowwhether it is ‘exciting times as an arsenal fan’, let me explain…..

    Around four years ago…..that was when it was excitin being an arsenal fan as we had just acieved invinsibility and the team should of really pushed on. However we have gone backward sif anything! Yes we have some great youngsters coming through, but do we have a team to compete for the prem, I don’t think so! If we had kept hleb/flamini the maybe so. But instead we have let two excellent players leave. The squad did not need thinning it needed reinforcements. Yes I know we have brought in Ramsey and Nasri as well as the return of Vela, but to out of them are yet to play english football let alone premiership and three of them are yet to play premiership. If we are going to compete with the best then we certainly need a strong centre midfield player and a centre back….if not then Im sorry but its another yr without success! I think its time people take there blinkers off! I love arsenal and arsene wenger but we certainly need two experienced/class players in those positions! With back ups in hoyte and senderos, im afraid that is scary!

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  • July 29, 2008 at 2:05 pm
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    I wouldn’t judge any players on this game. Even Eboue could look like Ronaldo against this team.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 2:11 pm
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    People need to take their blinkers off about Hleb. Flamini is our only real loss, in terms of someone who would play regularly and make a consistent contribution to the team. I felt Hleb, Eboue and Senderos needed to be moved on. 1 out of 3 is progress at least. People need to get over ‘he hasn’t played Prem before.’ Quality is quality and will shine through. Torres, Santa Cruz, McCarthy, Anderson, Eduardo, I could go on and on.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 2:17 pm
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    I never really cared much bout losing Hleb, and Flamini because he worked so well in pair with Fabregas, and with the rest of the team. As a soloplayer he’s not the best one, but when he found that teamwork with the rest it just clicked us towards the silverware!

    It was a big loss when we lost him to injury in the Quarterfinal against LFC.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 2:50 pm
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    Don’t pay attention to ian wright wright wright. He sed the same thing last season and we nearly won the thing. I think hes just upset that wenger doesnt want his son and bradley is a thief.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 3:17 pm
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    Ian Wright being an ex arsenal player and legend you would think he would support the club.., i mean top 4 finish? they said we wouldnt last year but we finished third only 4 points beind the eventual winners while spurs won a beer cup =/ and finished 11th..
    looking forward to seeing ramsey and wilshere developing.. wilshere looks a real class act and very mature for his age and bags of pace!
    ramsey has great vision but its not quite there yet..

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  • July 29, 2008 at 4:24 pm
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    I think simpson is rated ahead of barazite but behind walcott bednter and vela but ahead of the rest i think he will stay cant judge his future on 1 game plus he was unlucky

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  • July 29, 2008 at 5:10 pm
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    I just read the Ian Wright article and for me the isn’nt anything bad about what he said he is just expressing his fears and I am sure all of us share the same feelings no one here can put their head’s on the block and say Arsenal will won the league, I dont think so we have lost Hleb and Flamini and only have Ramsey and Nasri and they have no experience when it comes to playing in the EPL but then I haeve a hope and a dream that they can actually be better than the 2 we lost but its just wishful thinking and I am excited but I respect some1 who has a different opinion to mine so I understand what wright is talking about

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  • July 29, 2008 at 6:13 pm
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    I think Arsene should consider loaning Wilshere to a Spanish side after he turns 17. There he will be allowed to develope without the media killing him. Lansbury should also be loaned out in January to a championship side.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 7:07 pm
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    I really enjoy this site but can’t help getting fed up with the short sighted comments from some of the bloggers. Please remember that these matches are friendlies. This time last year I saw Palace draw with Everton and apart from Arteta, Everton looked really average, look how they finished though.

    We’ve had the majority of our players called brilliant and rubbish over the space of two weeks! Theo, Nick, Jay Simpson. With young players you have to accept they’re going to have off days.

    And as for Gavin Hoyte, leave out the chuckle brother stuff. That tag surely lies with Gallas and the rest of our firdt choice central defenders who cost us time and time again last season. Both the brothers played well last night, admit it. Both the lads will make it.

    Finally if we want a good replacement for Flamini why not re sign Harper from Reading. Won’t cost the earth, and is a top player.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 7:35 pm
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    I am 46, for the record.

    I was an Arsenal fan long before Wright arrived, and I am still an Arsenal fan.

    Wright was a great player for Arsenal, but his playing career does not buy him the right to bad mouth the club at every opportunity.

    The issue is, Wright is not the brightest light in the harbour, he’s bitter about Arsenal and Wenger, and no matter what he did at the club, right now he’s proving himself to be an arsehole.

    This is not the first or even the second or third time he’s had some guano to sprout about the club.

    He needs to know Gooners think he’s behaving like an arsehole, and it would be a lot better if he just shut his ignorant gob right now.

    Respect is earned, it can be very easily lost.

    Wright is managing to trash any that he might have expected from Gooners.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 8:36 pm
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    Well said Mike, agree 100% mate

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  • July 29, 2008 at 9:06 pm
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    Mike, preach on brother.

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  • July 30, 2008 at 1:27 am
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    The reserves just keep spitting out quality players! Hope they keep it up, it can only mean good things for the league.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 4:31 am
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    JS – brilliant blog for someone your age. Looks like it’s not just on the pitch we have talented youngsters coming through – imagine how good you’ll be at 24! Keep up the good work fella.

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