Wenger Backs Szczesny’s First Team Push

Arsène Wenger has backed Wojciech Szczęsny’s push for a first-team place, and sympathises with his frustrations over a lack of involvement this term.

Szczęsny ranted in the Polish media earlier this week at his treatment since returning from a loan spell with League One Brentford, accusing the Frenchman of breaking promises and ignoring him. However, Arsène was quizzed about the 20-year-old’s comments this afternoon in his pre West Brom press conference, and issued support for his frustrated prospect.

“He is right (to be frustrated). He must trust us, no club has brought through more young players than us.”

Wojciech has previously endured a fractured relationship with Wenger, dating back to the FA Cup Semi-Final against Chelsea in April 2009. The Pole pressed the boss to be included on the bench, but he opted for fellow rookie Vito Mannone, leading to a nasty revolt.

Szczęsny has revealed his contract with Arsenal expires at the end of the season, and although there has been three meetings over an extension, the club appear to be in no rush to get a new deal signed.

142 thoughts on “Wenger Backs Szczesny’s First Team Push

  • September 23, 2010 at 1:10 pm
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    I don’t really see why he should trust the club. Even though Arsenal, and Arsene, have brought through a huge number of young players, neither of them has been a goalkeeper. And with AWcomments about a goalkeeper needing experience I’m actually quite perplexed as to why he hasn’t been loaned out when he clearly won’t get the playing time needed at Arsenal at the moment.

    Reply
    • September 23, 2010 at 11:52 pm
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      szczesny or mannone should have gone out on loan this year, for sure. i wonder if it’s harder to set keepers up with loans though.

  • September 23, 2010 at 1:17 pm
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    Looks like Arsene is planning to give him some chance to prove his worth.
    After Fabianski’s performance against Tottenham Wojciech’s chances for a Carling cup home draw start is ominous.
    Surely he deserves a chance…

    Reply
    • September 24, 2010 at 9:12 am
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      no. manone is in front of scezney in wengers mind so he will be next to get a chance.

  • September 23, 2010 at 1:18 pm
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    Has the loan deadline passed?

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  • September 23, 2010 at 1:20 pm
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    Oh I’m so gutted…it seems he’ll certainly leave and he is right to do so.

    Wojciech is by far the best goalkeeper talent I have ever seen. Even now he is much better than Almunia, Mannone and his countryman, who’s name I don’t even want to mention anymore. I think the same situation will happen with Kieran Gibbs. They aren’t dumb, blinded by principles, stubborn and ignorant, they see that they’ve surpassed all the competition they could get on their respective positions and now what ???

    Someone mentioned Diaby, Denilson and Song. They got games when they were shite and nowhere near the first team. Senderos alone ruined our Champions League quarterfinal against Liverpool. Denilson was guilty of numbers of goals, Diaby played like a headless chicken and Song’s passing accuracy was below 10%. Fabianski made a number of errors in his every game for Arsenal, Clichy looks fragile and is useless in the attack since the Birmingham game, two and a half years ago.

    Of course Szczesny is frustrated, it’s bloody obvious why, and I’m just hoping that Wenger will open his MIND, because I don’t BELIEVE he’s blind.

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    • September 23, 2010 at 1:31 pm
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      Jesus, you are absolutely clueless
      Song has been one of our best players in the last 2 seasons and he didn’t become this good by coincidence. Fans (?) like you give Arsenal a bad name

    • September 23, 2010 at 1:35 pm
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      Gibbs ain’t leaving Arsenal..no chance.he will go on to captain them in the future

    • September 23, 2010 at 1:37 pm
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      I’ll agree with all that.

    • September 23, 2010 at 1:45 pm
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      Alex Manninger looked like a future great during our 97-98 Championship wining season. After he played in goal for us against Chelsea in the Coca Cola Cup and got hit for 5 his confidence crumbled and he was ruined as a great goalkeeper. I like Szczesny but he’s young, he needs to realise he’s at a great club and the management are trying to look after him. Naturally i dont think he should be behind Fabianski, who would probably be a bad choice as a shelf stacker, but we see 90 minutes football from him every 3 or so months, not days and days in training like Wenger does. I actually think now Szczesny will get his chance, I just hope he has not already made his mind up becuase better players than him have left this club only to regret it 5 years down the line.

    • September 23, 2010 at 4:28 pm
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      no sorry dude, Lansbury is much more captain matierial :D

    • September 23, 2010 at 4:30 pm
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      Don’t understand how so many fans support a whining 20 year old bitching for playing time via the media.

      The hated whipping boys at Arsenal, Diaby, Denilson, Clichy, and Fabianski, have been nothing short of model professionals….no bar fights, no car wrecks, no banging teammates’ girlfriends, and no whining about playing time thru the media. They may be hated but their behavior as young professionals has been impecable.

      What Schez must understand is that there is nothing all that special about being a ‘special young talent’ at Arsenal. Damn near every important player in the team is a ‘special young talent’, that is what AW is building here.

      The other thing he must realize is that 1. Almunia has never been as horrible as Fan Mythology would love to believe, and 2. Almunia has been excellent thus far this season (the Almandor goal wasn’t his fault, it was Kocielny’s—I really like Kos and think he’ll prove an exceellnt puchase, but that said, that was the 2nd goal in 5 matches played he’s cost us). If Almunia keeps up his current form Schez aint’ gettin’ anywhere near the No. 1 shirt this season anyway…unfortunately that means more waiting for you Schez!

      If Scez thinks he’s so special that his career, his future, is being wasted at my beloved Arsenal—Fuck him!

      No player, especially an unproven 20 year old should attempt to boss the boss for playing time via the media. He may be good but he aint bigger than this club.

      “Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out buddy!”

    • September 23, 2010 at 5:15 pm
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      You hit the nail on the head KC!

    • September 25, 2010 at 12:51 pm
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      mate, i totally agree with what you are saying, Szczesny is by far our best goal keeper!!!! I hope Arsene gives him a chance soon, because i dont want to see this talented goal keeper leave us, he could be the next big Dave Seaman only better! :) peace

    • September 25, 2010 at 12:54 pm
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      mate, i totally agree with what you are saying, Szczesny is by far our best goal keeper!!!! I hope Arsene gives him a chance soon, because i dont want to see this talented goal keeper leave us, he could be the next big Dave Seaman only better! peace

  • September 23, 2010 at 1:26 pm
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    Can’t we get him some work on a building site till he is ready ?

    Reply
  • September 23, 2010 at 1:28 pm
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    Jay great work again. You’re always first and highly reliable when it comes to our young players.

    Just one thing, I would love to know what YOU think as well. Your own opinions and views, as compared to simply reporting the latest news.

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    • September 23, 2010 at 1:35 pm
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      I second that. I would be good to hear you opinion on this J

      Thanks

  • September 23, 2010 at 1:34 pm
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    What about havard nordtveit he hasnt signed a new contract as well could he leave on a free as well?

    I cant see szcesny getting a chance when wenger backs fabaianski so much.

    What wenger should have done is put fabianski on loan and put szcensy as a number 2.

    Fabianski has lost his confidence seems to make a mistake in every game he needs to get his confidence back and it usually happens when wenger bigs him up saying he will be a world class goalkeeper. He probably will in the future but we cant let a world class talent like szcensy go on a free

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    • September 23, 2010 at 1:37 pm
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      This must be one of your most respected post you’ve made John. Please no more on Lansdbury

  • September 23, 2010 at 1:36 pm
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    this is gonna be a new flamini. I reckon kid is leaving us next summer :(

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    • September 24, 2010 at 12:01 am
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      Wenger must do everything in his power to keep him, he is the best thing since Casillas and Cech. So he’s being a bit pushy and arrogant. Keepers should have unshakeable belief in themselves. Rather that than being bags or tortured nerves. We have seen how that works out.

  • September 23, 2010 at 1:42 pm
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    This is getting a bit much isn’t it?

    Szczesny has played half a season at a struggling league one club and he can’t realistically ask to be our no.1 or no.2
    I still think Wenger should have loaned him out at the start of the season and he hopefully will do in the future but even if we lose him it wont be the end of our club

    He wants game, so does Mannone, so does Fabianski and its hard for wenger to keep everyone happy.

    Wenger should make him sign a new long term contract and if he does loan him out, if he doesnt sign a new contract and leaves on a free transfer then wenger should sell Fabianski next year and buy a keeper that can be our long term no.1 be it Alder, Aginfeev, Neur, Lloris, Da Gea

    But we have lost talented players before and we will lose them in the future but players especially keepers need to learn to be patient

    Reply
    • September 23, 2010 at 1:51 pm
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      Yeah, brilliant idea. We should let Szczesny leave and while he’s on the door, buy a ‘keeper who will be our long term no. 1. :S

      Wenger is to blame because he says Fabianski is world-class, Mannone will get his chance, Szczesny will be Arsenal’s number one, and Almunia plays every week. Something is rotten in the state of Denmark

    • September 23, 2010 at 2:07 pm
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      @me
      how many f@@king times have you seen Fabianski train like Wenger does week in and week out

      I heard people say Walcott was ###@, same for song, same for Bendtner and so on
      and how can you be sure he will be Arsenal’s no.1
      what if Spurs scored 6 against him and he never recovers from that it has happened before then what?

      I never said Wenger got it right but if he doesn’t sign a new contract then he will leave, I dont see it happening because like you wenger too rates him very highly and I am sure he will use him in the cup games in the future but losing talented player isn’t the end of the world like idiots like you make it out to be

      When you have so many talented players someone will always lose out and it happened last year with merida. We move on like any great club does

      But the fact was this was against Spurs and wenger went with experience rather than talent, if it was against league one, champioship club or even a low level PL club then you would have seen Szczesny playing

      Its time for people like you to realise we give youngsters more chances than any other big club and although we will be able to keep most of our talented youngsters because of that we will still lose out on some

      I hope szczesny isn’t on of them but if he is then we can replace him

    • September 23, 2010 at 2:37 pm
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      Do you usually call a person an “idiot” if he/she doesn’t agree with you on any topic. That only makes you an idiot. I absolutely don’t need to see Fabianski in training. He is shite and always will be, and you don’t have to be a scout, you just have to open your eyes while watching him play. I’ve watched Szczesny about 20 times and I’ve seen more than enough to think he deserves to get a chance to be our number one right bloody now.

      Even I would develop some skills if I got 30 games to prove I have some talent.

    • September 24, 2010 at 12:05 pm
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      @ me

      I’m sure u’re a 15 year old…. so immature!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • September 23, 2010 at 1:47 pm
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    I can understand his frustrations. I was extremely surprised to see he wasn’t as least on the bench. Wenger has been very fair to Fab and he is simply not good enough. I would love to see Szczęsny on the bench pushing for no. 1 spot.
    The other decent young keeper i have seen is david de gea but he would cost serious money. We already have Szczęsny on the books, lets use him

    Reply
  • September 23, 2010 at 1:56 pm
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    A lot of our youth players seem to sign new deals just as they go on loan. Maybe Wenger won’t let him go on loan or give him a chance in the cups unless he signs a new deal? You don’t want him coming in, performing really well so someone else offers him a better deal before signing one for us (like Flamini as someone mentioned above).

    Reply
  • September 23, 2010 at 1:59 pm
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    Szczesny has some nerve talking to the press behind his manager’s back. He should be fined. Not even the club captain can speak against The Arsenal and against the manager so why this little squirt? Szczesny has no bloody right to expect that his name will be included in the first team squad just because he impressed for a small club in the last year. He will be brought through at the pace that the team management decides to. His own whims and fancies dont matter. What an idiot he will be if he walks out on Arsenal. He will beg to be taken back sometime in the future.

    Reply
  • September 23, 2010 at 2:01 pm
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    Too young to be starting a revolt and making ultimatums.
    Leads to questions about his attitude.
    Not respectful of other keepers in front of him.
    Shows disrespect to teh club and the track record of wenger and the staff and their work to make him a good player.
    Another one that likes to talk to the papers.
    Good riddance to bad rubbish in my opinion.

    Reply
    • September 23, 2010 at 3:29 pm
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      I agree. What ever grievences he’s had should have been kept quite. He looks talented but with such blatent disrespect to his team mates and management, he’s going to rock the boat.

      I think he was offered a contract but wanted certain guarantees. If he listened to what Wenger has said of him in the past, and what happened with trying to sign a 37yr old Swhazer, then he should realise that Wenger is leaving the door for him to come in the future. Instead he’s thrown his dummy out, and hasn’t signed a new contract. How can Wenger give him a chance now, knowing that he might probably sign for another club next year. I would cut him loose, try and get the most out of Almunia and Fab, and try and sign a top keeper in Jan or next season. Which is what I think Wenger is doing right now.

  • September 23, 2010 at 2:20 pm
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    I Stand by Wenger`s decision on this one…..Just coz he`s promising and had a good spell at Brentford doesnt mean he is ready to be number 1 at one of the best teams in the world….He should have gone on loan again this season,sign a contract extension and take things from there…it would be sad if he left but if he that impatient it`s up to him…

    Reply
  • September 23, 2010 at 2:23 pm
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    good point daniel.On the order than i believe flabianski has had enough chances to redeem himself but hasnt.Knowing AW from past gk decisions he has made he has not been far off correct.from manninger to richard wright to stuart taylor, none have managed to reaally made an impact even at less demanding clubs.

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  • September 23, 2010 at 2:25 pm
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    if flappy is better than chesney then chesney will end up on the building site.

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    • September 23, 2010 at 2:43 pm
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      dont mix experience with talent especially for a goalkeeper
      Arsenal keepers dont feature for 85 mins of 90 mins
      and when they do feature then its all about decision making, do I go for cross or let the defender handle it, its all about decision making and then need experience to make the right decision and all grow from their disappointments

  • September 23, 2010 at 2:30 pm
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    Leaving the pecking order aside, why are we delaying over his contract? Surely it’s a no-brainer for us, Wenger has said many times that he will be our future no.1, so why don’t we try to tie him down to a “long-term” deal ASAP?

    Reply
    • September 23, 2010 at 2:40 pm
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      I think wenger has already had 3 meeting so they aren’t delaying it its on going
      I am guessing he wants reassurances and his outburst has shown to me that he’s still a kid and has a lot of growing up to do

  • September 23, 2010 at 2:37 pm
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    Feygooner, if we have had three discussions with his agent and not reached a conclusion as to his contract what are the possibilities?

    a) His agent wants a super duper high wage for his client while the club is only ready to pay the going wage for a backup young goalkeeper without experience.
    b) His agent wants a 5 year contract which ties the club down while the club will only give him a 3-4 year contract.
    c) The agent wants image rights profit sharing so that his client can mouth off his gob to even more tabloids!

    Reply
  • September 23, 2010 at 2:42 pm
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    I quite agree with Andrew and daniel on this one overall.
    What bothers me the most though is that we are starting to compare Szczesny with De Gea, Lloris, Neuer, … I mean Lloris is a full-time France international with more than 15 caps and 150 games in top division, Neuer impressed in SA, … I’m not even sure Szczesny is a sure starter for Poland u21. Also, Fabianski is not playing THAT much more than him yet does not look threatened by him for Poland first team either.
    So I guess AW, his assistants, and also Polish coaches who are well-known for their goalkeeping school all have a grudge against Wojciech and just want to piss him off as well as most people commenting this situation on here.
    OR he’s not ready and should wait for his chance (although like most people what I see from Fabianski is becoming more and more worrying each time so I understand his frustration).
    Ok sure Iker Casillas got his chance when he was 19, Buffon 18 at Parma, but they were already 2nd choice. Sometimes for keepers it’s a matter of being lucky with injuries to the reigning keepers, or in Casillas’ case, be second string to Bodo Illgner :)
    Im a big fan of Wojciech and I’m sure it will work out as long as he uses his energy on the training ground and not with journalists. A loan in January perhaps to calm him down.

    Reply
    • September 23, 2010 at 2:47 pm
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      people bring up casillas but casillas was playing for three years in real madrid b side before making his jump so he had plenty of experience

      has szczesny even played 10 games for reserve pr played an entire season on loan?

      yes casillas became madrid no.1 at 19 but he lost it as well because of poor decision making and then regained it at 20

    • September 23, 2010 at 9:21 pm
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      of course he’s a sure starter for polish U21. he didn’t play in their last 2 games simply because poland had been eliminated already, those 2 were just meaningless games. he actually played for their U20 in a 4-nation tournament at the same time and was doing pretty well as he helped the team beating italy with 1-0.

  • September 23, 2010 at 2:44 pm
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    should be instantly promoted as No.2 and play in all Cup matches

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  • September 23, 2010 at 2:50 pm
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    Szcemsy isnt going to a sign a new contract hes not even a number 2.

    I am an Almunia fan i really like him think hes a top goalkeeper but fabianski even though hes 25 hes made too many mistakes and doesnt look confident.

    Surly bring szcensy as a number 2 so at least he feels wanted. I feel sorry for vito mannone as well top bloke doesnt moan or whinge and a good goalkeeper as we;;

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    • September 23, 2010 at 3:17 pm
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      I think he will sign a new contract but wenger will need to assure him of first team football and probably send him out on loan immediately

      Mannone had a torrid loan spell and he probably feels more at home at arsenal (I think) rather go out on loan

      I have seen Fabianski command the box, makes saves that will make Szczesny saves look like child play but his arsenal displays have been horrifing to say the least
      and I didnt understand why until I saw Foster playing for Birmingham

      Foster has been great for Birmingham but was horrible for United and I think its the same case for Fabianski. Some players cant handle the pressure that comes from playing for us or at united
      if they miss a cross or let in a goal they are forgiven at a small club but do it for united or for us and you will be crucified, papers will write about, new reel will show it at least 50 times a day its just too much pressure

      some can take some cant and I think fabianski is one of those who can’t take it

      I can understand why wenger bought him and has stuck with him because he was the best at warsaw but even I think he will be sold next year.

      If Szczesny leaves on a free next year the it will be because he was patient enough not because of wenger or fabianski or someone else
      He isn’t showing his maturity by coming out in the media and “attacking his manager”

  • September 23, 2010 at 3:38 pm
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    Another really great talent who might well leave at the end of the season. Flamini was our best player in 07/08 but we held off offering a contract and he left, merida was one of the best young players in europe but we didnt tie him down and give him enough opportunities, so he left and now it wouldnt surprise me to see the same happen to szczesny.
    I hate to unload on individual players, but how many chances does fabianski need? He keeps messing up – give someone else a chance! It really reminds me of walcott. For the last 4 years he has been pretty awful, but continued to get games every time it was practical. Its only now that he actually looks like being any good, and im glad, but it really wasnt worth it. Fabianski seems to be another wenger favourite. I thought he was very talented when he first came, but he seems to have lost it mentally, and when a player continues to fail with his opportunities, its time to give someone else a go. Whether mannone starts with szczesny on the bench or the other way round, someone else should be given the shot

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  • September 23, 2010 at 3:56 pm
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    This is absolutely ridiculous. The kid had a decent loan spell at a League One club and he thinks he’s ready for the Premier League? He made some wonder saves, but at a level where Fabianski would look a world beater, and from what I’ve read Szczesny also made his fair share of clangers while at Brentford.

    He needs to supress his raging ego and listen to Wenger and the staff, and have some respect for their decisions as well as for his fellow goalkeepers. Wenger will decide when he’s ready, and if he’s not happy about that arrangement then he can bugger right off.

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    • September 23, 2010 at 6:03 pm
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      If almunia, mannone and fabianski had this kind of ego they’d be far better keepers. It’s his mentality that puts him above our other keepers currently imo. I wouldnt for a second question the raw talent of any of our keepers. Almunia has made some of the most amazing saves I’ve ever seen, but he hasn’t always shown the mental strength that is required of a top-class keeper. This season he looks to be a bit stronger again, as he was for most of the 07/08 season, but fabianski has never looked strong enough really.
      Szczesny has the mentality of a winner, (at least that’s what I see in him), as well as having the required talent level. Every top player has a big ego. I’m sure he wouldnt be absolutely perfect if he was put into the 1st team now, but I personally dont think he would be worse than fabianski, and would possibly be better than almunia.

  • September 23, 2010 at 4:23 pm
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    Find it hilarious that he is harping on about the club not being interested in getting a new contract sorted.

    Be careful son – you are a total nobody at present and at one of the best clubs in the world. We all admire your ambition but if you leave at the end of this season due to your outbursts I guarantee you will never play for a bigger, better club ever in your career. Who is seriously going to pick you up and put you in the 1st team as all you’ve done is play youth/reserve football and half a season at Brentford.

    Be. Very. Careful

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    • September 23, 2010 at 4:49 pm
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      Good point. He must be deluded if he believes he could leave Arsenal and walk into the no.1 spot at a decent European club.

      Almost as deluded as the Arsenal fans who are proclaiming him to be better than Almunia and Fabianski when they haven’t seen him play. Any player can look world-class in a video highlights reel. There’s no doubt he’s talented with wonderful reflexes, but how does he perform with crosses, long balls and set-pieces? At 20 years old he hasn’t finished his physical development, how would he cope with some Stoke-esque man handling?

      If Wenger says he’s not ready, then he’s not ready. He needs to shut up and focus on his own development instead of what people are doing around him. He’s already creating a reputation for being arrogant, impatient and disrespectful. I can’t believe some people are actually supporting his petulance against Wenger, trying to bully his manager and his club.

    • September 23, 2010 at 6:09 pm
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      Obviously he wouldnt walk away and get a no1 spot at another big club, but he might get to be no2. He should really be our no2 now.
      Otherwise he could go to a slightly smaller european club and win a no1 spot, from which he could work his way back up to a top club. I think it’s more about playing matches than playing for the top side for him at this point. Maybe hes being a bit impatient, but he should at least be getting some opportunites on the bench given fabianski’s form over the last 6months, where I cant remember him having a game without some kind of mistake..

  • September 23, 2010 at 4:46 pm
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    JS off topic but how highly do you rate josh rees?

    From what i have seen from the under 18s he looks a real talent.

    Hes one of those players like ramsey, lansbury controlling play, pass it creating chances or getting into goal scoring chances. Hes also very good with the ball know how to evades tackles.

    I have been really impressed with him.

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  • September 23, 2010 at 5:18 pm
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    Wrenny

    you make some outstanding points.

    I often feel that players who are out of the side for a long period or players who just don’t play very quickly become class acts. Not that long ago many, many Arsenal fans were clamouring for Fabianski to be no1 not Almunia….. well look at what happened there!!

    Szczesny has barely kicked a ball for us yet he is deemed world class by some. Some even compare to Casillas who was playing regular for Madrid at 20. YES. thats because Casillas was a class act and physically ready.

    I’ve seen Szczesny up close at Barnet pre season in the warm up and he looks a very, very this wiry keeper. As you say Stoke and Blackburn would maul him

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    • September 23, 2010 at 7:42 pm
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      I think we’re on the same wavelength here Monty!

      You’re absolutely right, “absence makes the heart grow fonder” and this has happened with many fans’ attitude regarding Szczesny. In less than a year he’s gone from a great talent for the future to the best goalkeeper we have, even though we haven’t seen him play.

      He does look wiry, he really needs another year or two to fill out and reach physical maturity.

      As for Szczesny’s confidence (or arrogance, depending on which way you look at it), Bendtner also showed that same high level of self-belief, saying in interviews he deserved more games, but for a long time failed to prove himself on the pitch. Just because Szczesny believes he’s ready, does not mean he is. And it also does not excuse his lack of respect towards the manager and his teammates. Wilshere and Cesc have shown great confidence and belief in their abilities on the pitch from a very young age, but have always shown utmost respect to the people in charge.

  • September 23, 2010 at 5:54 pm
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    Has anyone bothered to see Fabiansk’s howler against Tottenham again. Wenger says that our goalie isn’t to blame, but it is obvious as hell it’s a classic howler. And precisely that is the point I’m trying to make. Many players get their chance, so why defend them when they make a mistake, and why not give Szczesny or Mannone a chance to be our second goalies, and ship out Fabianski if any other club in the world wants him,.

    The same thing happened in FC Bayern M. Their first choice became Michael Rensing, and following a poor start of the season, he was replaced by Hans Jorg Butt. He’s now a FREE AGENT.

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  • September 23, 2010 at 6:41 pm
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    Look everyone…it took Arsene 5 years of non stop nagging from us all about his lousy taste in defenders and how they were costing us titles and cups. He would not lsiten until it was so bloody obvious and 4 old second raters had left in one go , and he had no choice. The difference has been incredible already….we now have two very good defences. Now he needs to be blasted by us and the media to get him to see that fabiansky is not only a flop but that every single game he has played includes a howler. The Spurs one is so clear Im ashamed that Arsene tries to defend it! If as I guess..Chesney leaves for a few million or for free because AW will not bend and negotiate a new long term contract now AND gine him a seat on the bench for this year…..we willl regret it over & over again. ANDDDDDDDDD Im an Arsene fan!!!

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    • September 23, 2010 at 7:59 pm
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      EXACTLY!

    • September 23, 2010 at 8:09 pm
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      Are you having a laugh?

      If Wenger had listened to the fans and the numbnuts in the redtops we would have Upson and Cahill at the back. It was his ‘lousy taste’ in defenders that have brought us gems like Koscielny, Squillaci and Vermaelen, it had nothing to do with nagging from the ignorant press.

    • September 23, 2010 at 8:11 pm
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      U really wish it was your nagging that got us 2 shinning new defenders!

      AW scouts players for up to 2 years watching for attitude, mentality and all that before they are eventually bought so he obviously had them up his sleeves a while back and nothing desperate about going for them!

      i agree with dan and a few others that the young ,man should watch his steps.

      Upson, Bentley, flamini, diarra, hleb all thought themselves greater thsn the club at some point in their careers, am sure they would have done a few things differently on hindsight!

  • September 23, 2010 at 8:17 pm
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    the ball was shot by keane with a view to scoring. our keeper could have saved it, he did try to. i don’t consider it a howler. its not as if i was going out or hit the bar and hit him or any of those dramatic stuff that deserve to be called howlers!

    Reply
    • September 23, 2010 at 8:45 pm
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      hahahaha “with a view to scoring” :D No, he shot it with a view to miss.

      OMG he did try to…Give him a f#*”?’ raise, the lad TRIED to save it.

      And the thing you mentioned, the ball hitting the bar and then the goalie isn’t a howler at all, it’s just bad luck.

  • September 23, 2010 at 9:03 pm
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    whatever…. i don’t see any howler in a keeper not stopping a well taken shot… at times, give credit to the scorer toom even if its keane LOL

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  • September 23, 2010 at 9:48 pm
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    Szczesny and Mannone both have a right to be slightly aggrieved by their non selection this week imo.

    Almunia is number one and thus first choice for the Premier League and Champs League. As number 2 Fabianski is the FA Cup keeper, and the first deputy when Almunia develops one of his infamous “chest infections”.

    Szczesny needs to show whether he can cope with the stresses and mental battle that comes with representing a big club, but there is only so much you can show in training. He needs minutes on the field in competitive games.

    With 4 keepers on the books, it seems silly not to have sent one out on loan in pre-season. Part of Szczesny’s comments alluded to the fact that with the season having kicked off, teams are already settled and most have in the players that they need. The loan market for Championship teams is still open i believe so hopefully he can navigate a move away but it certainly won’t happen if he doesn’t sign a new contract before hand.

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  • September 23, 2010 at 10:09 pm
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    I don’t take kindly to arrogance. As was already said before, if it wasn’t Spurs, he would have played in the last round of the league cup. Fabianski will play in the fa cup. What he needs to do is sign a contract and shut up. He will get his chances, of that I am sure.

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  • September 23, 2010 at 10:39 pm
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    david seaman sould be number 1

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  • September 23, 2010 at 11:31 pm
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    I’m surprised that Wenger has allowed the kid to get so close to the end of his contract. He has loads of self-belief, and he might just walk away if he thinks he’s not going to get the games he deserves now.

    I’d really hate to lose him, he’s the best talent I’ve seen since Casillas and Cech. If wenger loses him, he absolutely must go out and buy a top quality number 1 like Neuer or Adler to compensate for the loss, because to lose the talent of szczesny would be a massive blow, and the club needs a world class keeper now.

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  • September 23, 2010 at 11:35 pm
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    wtf was almunia doing on the bench against spurs? that was pointless, and probably made mannone and szczesny really question where they stand in wenger’s plans.

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  • September 23, 2010 at 11:39 pm
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    The thing I don’t understand is why he had to go to the media and say how Wenger is mismanaging him and breaking promises etc, etc. Why didn’t he go to Wenger and talk to him before he talked to the media, if he had to divulge anything to the media in the first place?? GOING TO THE MEDIA AND COMPLAINING WAS A HUGE, HUGE MISTAKE!!!! I hope they can sort this all out and he can become the gooalkeeper he thinks he should become at Arsenal.

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    • September 23, 2010 at 11:49 pm
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      on the plus side though, the best keepers are big, arrogant and dumb. i already knew he was big and arrogant, now we know he is dumb.

      wenger should sweeten this kid up immediately, give him some games and get him signed up.

      when he is playing he won’t complain and all will be forgotten.

      we need a keeper who is absolutely certain of himself. i’ve had enough of these keepers who are riddled with self-doubt.

  • September 23, 2010 at 11:44 pm
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    the problem is fabianski…we spent so much money on him, and he has been so woeful, that wenger feels he has to build him up again…nobody will take him on loan or buy him…shit, wenger put him in the shop window in poland and he conceded 5 goals. wenger has to give up on him to make space for mannone and szczesny. dump fabianski or lose szczesny, it’s that simple. fabianski should go home and rebuild his career where he’s comfortable. sorry to be so harsh on him, but it’s not working out.

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  • September 23, 2010 at 11:50 pm
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    The only reason that he used Fabianski against the Spuds was because he wanted to protect Szczesny from a cauldron of an environment. That is my opinion and that is how I see it. Szczesny will start the next round in the league cup I’m sure of that. IF he doesn’t, then I will start to wonder what is happening. I’m not gonna question Wenger on this one yet. I may never because we don’t know exactly what is going on behind the scenes. I don’t know why everyone is getting all worked up over this. It’s a simple matter really. The most pressing concern is that of his contract. He needs to sign one in order for him to get any serious chances. That is what happened to Merida. He needs to sign a contract as soon as possible.

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  • September 24, 2010 at 1:16 am
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    For god sakes people are getting lost on this situation. I will break it down for you.

    Step 1 – Szczesny is our future number 1. Wenger has clearly stated that.

    Step 2- Wenger was not going to through him to the Wolves at Tottenham and risk having his confidence shattered.

    Step 3- Almunia is a better option at the number 1 at this exact moment so Szczesny was not going to be thrown in to the starting keeper role.

    Step 4- Hence these are the reasons he has not featured this year, and it would have been the same at ALL big clubs.

    Step 5- A 20 year old no name should never be calling out Arsene Wenger in the media. What is wrong with these people that agree that this is ok?

    Step 6- Train hard, be patient and when your chance comes…..take it.

    Step 7 and the final step- SHOW RESPECT TO THE CLUB AND THE COACHES.

    Reply
    • September 24, 2010 at 2:25 am
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      is that you shane? or have you hijacked shane’s PC
      can’t believe your posted that :D

    • September 24, 2010 at 6:09 am
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      Yes this is the normal Shane. …….not sure what you mean by that mate

  • September 24, 2010 at 2:42 am
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    If you love him let him go!

    At the risk of a Flamini fire storm! Arsene is right and Sczech is wrong. As adults, we see mistake after mistake of players and Sczech is about to make one! I say be patient young lad… be patient! You will regret it.. you will regret it.

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  • September 24, 2010 at 3:18 am
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    Wellington Silva seems to have let the ‘fame’ and ‘stardom’ go to his head now. And it is even worse for Neymar. I don’t understand it – they should mature. I am only a little bit younger and I can assure you I would not let that happen to me so why have they let that happen? Santos have sacked their coach (who has been incredible for them this year, with the results, nurturing of talent, and signings for the team) because Neymar had a tantrum, so he suspended him for 2 matches (rightly so). I would like the Santos coach to come over a manage a PL team, he is a bit like the Brazilian Wenger.

    http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog/dirty-tackle/post/More-links-And-Neymar-having-a-temper-tantrum-o?urn=sow-270334

    Thats the link for his tantrum.

    Wellington awarded himself a holiday as Fluminense had a striker crisis and desperately needed him. My goodness he needs his attitude sorted out as well.

    I would really love to see Neymar and Ganso sign for us (I know we have incredible talent in their positions already, but the best should play).

    Reply
    • September 24, 2010 at 6:08 am
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      You do realize how much Neymar and Ganso would cost right mate?

    • September 24, 2010 at 9:00 am
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      you know how poor these kids are growing up so when they get what they never had its normal for them to let it get to their head
      its the coaches job to get the players in the right frame of mind and wenger did it with denilson I am sure he will do it with Silva

  • September 24, 2010 at 8:13 am
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    hey lads this is my first time posting and i love this site, its good to see someone keeping us up to date with the youth of arsenal.
    on subject, i think wenger is a fool for keeping faith in crapianski i really hate that keeper he is so unreliable its not even funny anymore, i dont see what wenger see’s in him. we have 2 perfectly good young keepers in manonne (who was excellent in almunia and crapianski’s absence last season against fulham) i think wenger should wake up and get rid of crapianski and almunia and give the 2 young lads a chance.
    put it this way last season manonne kept us in that fulham game, can anyone remember the last time almunia or crapianski managed to do that………………..cos i dont.
    anyway thanks for reading my opinion.
    cheers from ireland michael :)
    come on the gunners…

    Reply
  • September 24, 2010 at 8:31 am
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    Yep – but Neymar looks like he could be better than Messi (If he coninues to improve his attitude and attributes), and Ganso is already a better team player than Arshavin, and will be better.

    25-30 for Neymar,
    Ganso has a 15 million buy out clause but is injured.

    Santos have some very good players coming through at the moment apart from those 2.

    imscouting said we have 50 million british pound sterling to spend in january.
    Who would you like us to sign?

    Reply
    • September 24, 2010 at 7:01 pm
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      What are you talking about man? Didn’t chelsea offer 35 million for Neymar already and no way Ganso has a 15 million pounds buy out clause. Also talk about over hyping. Neymar is no where near as good as Messi was at his age and Ganso is not better than Arshavin right now.

  • September 24, 2010 at 8:40 am
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    I would love for us to sign:

    Jan Vertonghen and Scott Dann for our defense.
    Shinji Kagawa and Lee Chung-Yong for midfield.
    Yoo Byung-Soo for our attack.

    If the 50 million pound budget is correct then the signing would work out:
    Vertonghen for 10 million.
    Dann for 7 million.
    Kagawa for 5 million pounds.
    Chung-Yong for 8 million pounds.
    Byung-Soo for 3 million pounds.

    Works out at 35 million pounds.
    I would like to spend the rest investing in some of Neymar’s and Ganso’s contracts.

    I know we won’t be spending more than 15 million on two players as Wenger spending 35 million would defeat the purpose of our young players and his philosophy, but I guess we can dream that some players will come and join our family in january (or more reserves are promoted and play).

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    • September 24, 2010 at 7:04 pm
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      Where would all these guys play? We don’t need 5 players.

      If we had money to spend than aside from a keeper, i would want an actual winger that can run at players instead of always having to perfectly pass a team to death.

    • September 25, 2010 at 3:25 pm
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      Scott Dann????

    • September 27, 2010 at 12:06 am
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      We need maybe one of those players in Jan V. Neymar would be a waste as Wellington Da Silva will fill that role with ease

  • September 24, 2010 at 12:04 pm
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    Just a view on Szczęsny. I watched him play for Brentford a couple of times last season and also in the Carling Cup against WBA. On all occasions he showed some uncertainty dominating the area, particularly dealing with curling crosses/corners. My view at the time was that he needed to develop all aspects of his technical game before he could be thrown in to start for a club like Arsenal. But clearly, given the form of the other keepers, Wenger has needed to hold onto Szczęsny just now, rather than send him on loan.

    His chance will come; he needs to be patient and he will be rewarded.

    But I would trust Wenger to know what’s best to develop young players, rather than the judgment of fickle fans or indeed most other managers. Clearly Szczęsny is a spikey character and needs managing, but we can’t go giving first team shirts to those players who act the most like spoilt brats. If he leaves he leaves; it’d be a shame but I felt the same when Bentley, Stack, Bothroyd etc left – you don’t get far in the game if you cannot show respect to your superiors.

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  • September 24, 2010 at 1:35 pm
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    JS u heard Wenger on ATVO he really rates henri lansbury highly.

    And his attitude seems to have changed. I remeber you talking about his party attitude and too laid back.

    Well it looks like hes changed alot, wenger rates him highly looks like he might be part of the first team squad.

    He said hes got “qualities thats very difficult to find in modern football”

    I am just so happy he got a chance and played ok but its his first game in a long time he will only get better

    Reply
    • September 24, 2010 at 2:34 pm
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      Just saw the article
      never really thought about his movement in the box and stuff like that

      I hope he makes it at arsenal but with the competition its hard to see him becoming a regular but on the flip side with the injuries we suffer who’s to say he wont get a chance

      I dont see him as a winger more as a deep lying CM the position wilshere has been playing , he can utilize his long shots from that position and really do some damage and he also has a engine that never stops working in his favor

    • September 24, 2010 at 7:07 pm
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      I like Lansbury. He definitely is not a winger though. I don’t think he will be a starter anytime soon but not all players can be. You need your John Oshea’s and Eboue’s.

    • September 24, 2010 at 8:41 pm
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      Lansbury is quite similar to Ramsey in my view – wonderful passing, vision, and a great engine. I think he has a definite future at Arsenal.

      I believe Wilshere will follow the same path that Cesc has, beginning as a deep-lying playmaker and then moving forward into the more advanced role ‘between the lines’, which Cesc presently occupies, when Cesc leaves for Spain. That will allow one of Ramsey or Lansbury to take up Wilshere’s vacant position in CM/CDM.

    • September 24, 2010 at 8:51 pm
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      Cesc was never a deep lying play maker mate. That is like Pirlo style. Cesc played as and out and out center mid in a 2 man midfield and then obviously gained more freedom to attack at will in the 4-3-3 and now more of a 4-2-3-1.

      As for Ramsey and Lansbury….. Ramsey reminds me more of Cesc than anything. The ability to do pretty much everything in the midfield but has that vision not to many players have. The vision to see a pass 2 steps ahead of everyone else.

      Lansbury has vision but not like Cesc and Ramsey. Lansbury is a pure english style box to box midfielder or a deep lying midfielder to me.

    • September 24, 2010 at 9:32 pm
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      What the heck is an “out and out center mid”?

      In a 4-4-2 Cesc used to sit deep, picking up the ball from the defenders. Then taking it forward and threading passes into the strikers.

      Deep lying. Playmaker. Any fool could see that ‘mate’.

    • September 25, 2010 at 5:10 am
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      Wrenny, an out and out center mid is often refered to as a box to box midfielder. A deep lying play maker is some one that always sits deep and picks out passes and never makes late runs into the box or provides drive from the midfield by running with the ball. A box to box midfielder is typically someone that can do most everything and is not one dimensional like a “deep lying playmaker”.

    • September 26, 2010 at 3:38 am
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      You’re trying to sound like you know what you’re talking about Shane, but it’s really not working.

      Cesc idolises Pep Guardiola and bases his game on him, who just happens to be the finest deep-lying playmaker of his generation. Cesc was utilised in the same manner by Wenger for years and years. If you think Cesc was a box-to-box player you haven’t got a clue.

  • September 24, 2010 at 9:06 pm
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    Holly shit…we’re not gonna get Neymar or Ganso guys. I actually like Ganso more (just my opinion) He’s more consistent and is more of a team player. But we aren’t gonna get either of them. I like Ramsey more than Lansbury. But because of Ramsey’s injury, the fight for a place in the team has swung in Lansbury’s favour, for this year at least. I hope both can make it and make telling contributions to Arsenal in the future.

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    • September 25, 2010 at 5:13 am
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      I love Ganso. He is a fantastic player. I am personally not as high on Neymar. I assume a lot of people watch youtube highlights because if you watch him in a game, they would notice that a lot of his damage comes from bad brazilian referring. Neymar always dives anytime a defender gets close and the ref always calls the foul.

  • September 24, 2010 at 10:01 pm
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    david seaman number one

    Reply
  • September 24, 2010 at 10:10 pm
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    People are also forgetting that there is still debt for the new stadium that has yet to be paid off. We might have a profit now, but in the long term, that stadium debt will have to be paid off. I say stay the course with the youth, as we have been, pay off the debt and then go out and spend whatever profit you make. Screw signing up all these big names or players just because we have SOME profit NOW. People are always after a quick fix and it doesn’t work that way IN THE LONG TERM!!!!!

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    • September 25, 2010 at 5:19 am
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      I agree. We don’t need a whole new team. The next step would just to be to add the couple players that put you over the top. A keeper is obvious but a top class winger is the main one for me. Also unfortunately our world class striker (which all big clubs need), is always injured. I do think Vela is the long term answer though so that might not be necessary. Bendtner is another that can become world class as long as his big head doesn’t get in the way. Chamakh is a good squad player but it is fairly obvious that what I have been saying is true. He is a good link up player and good in the air but is not a great finisher and doesn’t have the ability to run at players.

    • September 25, 2010 at 3:20 pm
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      shane;

      You are being way too over the top and too knee jerky in your critcism of Chamakh. He is EXACTLY the player this team needed; someone who offers us a threat in the air, can hold the ball up really and bring others into play. we done neccesarily need a 20+ goals a season striker as our goals are spread throught the team.

      He has been great for us so far and has only just started here.

      Some people just are never happy it seems/ Baffling really.

    • September 25, 2010 at 9:52 pm
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      Mug, what are you talking about? Everyone knows every big team needs a world class striker. Did you not just watch the west brom game? Chamakh had not 1 shot the whole game. Chamakh is a average striker that is good at that things both you and I mention. I have said he is a good signing because he brings depth and another option so just because I am a realist, I am not happy? Do you know what is often the difference between a good team and a top team? A world class striker. Like I said we have one, he is just always injured.

      If you want to have blind belief and no opinion than that is fine by me but I do not.

  • September 25, 2010 at 3:14 pm
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    seaman number one

    Reply
  • September 25, 2010 at 5:09 pm
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    Cant wait to see Szczesny wearing number 1 shirt after tonight’s game.

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  • September 25, 2010 at 8:43 pm
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    How the hell did west brom beat us.It’s a disgrace how is it that we always get the bad look.

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  • September 25, 2010 at 9:47 pm
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    How injured is Almunia?? I mean seriously how injured is he?? At least if he is injured he has an excuse. If he was injured badly enough he should have come out at the half. Call me a loser but this just ruined my week. I mean i’m gonna miss the champions league match because I am away from a television, so this just ruined my whole week. I’m trying to find other simple pleasures besides football, but in the meantime, this loss hurts a lot. Every week I look forward to these matches, and when we lose it really, really hurts. I just hope that this doesn’t ruin our season. I mean what do we do now?? Do we rest our big guns for the Chelsea match and risk losing the champions league match?? Or do we play our big players against Partizan and risk losing them to fatigue and injury for the Chelsea match?? Some idiot on here said that Partizan suck and they have no quality. Well let me tell you this…they have qualified for the champions league, and they are playing at home. It will be cold, it will be hostile, it WILL be difficult for whomever plays in the starting eleven. do you see why I am so worried?? I know this is a youth site, but I am really worried that the 1st team’s season is already starting to unravel. If we play our best against Chelsea I think we will win. BUT we have to have our players fit. And that is where the Partizan match creates the conundrum. Who will be able to play both matches?? Do we start Denilson against Partizan with Song and Nasri in the midfield, or do we risk Jack and Tomas Rosicky again?? We have so many problems now it’s not funny. We have to win at least one of the two upcoming matches without question. Preferably we take points in both matches. I am really concerned :S Man this sucks!!!!!

    Reply
  • September 25, 2010 at 10:11 pm
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    I agree with Shane on the Chamakh issue. I have held off judging him until now, but from what I have seen of him at Bordeaux and Arsenal, he isn’t a world class striker. Van Persie is, but he is always injured :(

    Reply
  • September 25, 2010 at 11:19 pm
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    Diaby / Eboue should take a break on the bench and JET/ Lansbury deserve run outs? So pissed off today Diaby should’ve never play today?

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    • September 25, 2010 at 11:22 pm
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      Lansbury is no where near Diaby’s level.

  • September 26, 2010 at 4:05 am
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    I was at the game, and in my view the main responsible for the debacle were Wenger, Arshavin and Almunia.
    Wenger because from the first minute it was clear that Diaby, Eboue were struggling for fitness. They were already running on empty after 20 minutes. Arsene Wenger need to realise that no matter how good a player is an unfit player is not a good player. He should have played some youngster like JET. They could have injected some urgency in the game. That exactly was Wilshere brought to the game when he was introduced. That was a bad initial selection.
    Replacing Koscielny by Vela and moving Song in the defense was a bold move. I could see what he was trying to do. Howver by moving Song in the defense and leaving Arshavin on the opitch he created two problems. We were already struggling in the midfield because Arshaving was never tracking back (I will come back to that later), but on top of that he replaced our outstanding central defender by somebody who think and act as a central defender. Song was very good going forward to add the extra number, however he went missing on the third goal.
    I know that some people will blame him for the third goal, however contrary to some posting the third goal was not done to Almunia going on a walk about. It was due to the entire defense being out of position. Song acted as a central midfield plaing in the defense. he made the wrong move and assume that somebody in the midfield would cover for him. Nobody did and he was nowhere near the goal line to be able to block the shot (Squillaci was late in realising the problem).
    Arshavin was a disgrace. Nearly all the goals and the offensive position that West Bromwich had were due to him losing the ball and not tracking back to retrieve it. He kept trying the fancy trick that never came off. He kept leaving Clichy facing two player Forcing Song to cover for him and leaving a big hole in the middle of midfield. As Eboue and Diaby were not fit, they were unable to properly compensate Song movement. Check the second goal to see the complete absence of tracking by Arshavin. When he switched to the right, he left Sagna exposed.
    Almunia was excellent in the first half. Even after he conceded the penalty and saved it he was OK. However in the second half after he made a mistake for the second goal he simply was a bag of nerves. Having 20,00 of our own fans castigate him was not very nice. However it is time to use our Polish reserve goalkeeper and I do not mean Fabianski.
    Almunia is a decent goalkeeper but clearly he is not a world class goalkeeper.

    One of the few plus point of the game was nasri. He was excellent today. He played like a man possessed today. He was making run, shooting, tracking back, tackling. Everything that some of our player were shirking away from doing.

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  • September 26, 2010 at 4:32 am
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    I don’t know, as much as I defend him, I blame Wenger for the team selection. It was obvious that Wilshere and Rosicky needed to be playing. Even before a ball was kicked. They could have been rested if we didn’t do anything after 60 or 70 minutes. INstead, he waited until we had done nothing for 60-70 minutes before he decided to put them on. This was the biggest factor in the loss. I trust Wilshere more than I trust Diaby, and I trust Rosicky to make a more meaningful offensive contribution to the match than Eboue. Eboue is a right back. We basically had two right backs on the field at the same time with him and Sagna on the pitch together. Wenger was too cautious in his team selection. This has happened too much for my liking over the past few seasons. If we can see the problem, then why can’t he?? THIS IS THE ONLY CONSISTENT COMPLAINT I HAVE WITH WENGER. HIS TEAM SELECTION AT TIMES. I think he is brilliant otherwise, but sometimes his team selection just makes you facepalm, you know what I mean??

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  • September 26, 2010 at 9:19 am
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    People are getting a little lost here. First off stop with the slaughtering of Diaby. These are not robots. They have bad games. He has been top class for a while now though. Also, Arshavin isn’t lazy or anything. He simply doesn’t have great endurance. If he played in his normal position all the time than you would see the best of Arshavin. I do agree that I am tired of seeing Eboue at winger. I love Eboue but he is a right back.

    Now on team selection. How can anyone blame Wenger? It was westbrom. Who ever Wenger picks should be able to beat Westbrom. Now once we went down 2 goals, taking of the defender was stupid. It just left us chasing and in chaos. I think he panicked because of the shitty Arsenal fans that love to moan and groan in the stands. What needs to happen is we need a new physic, training method or something because our players are a bunch of vagina’s. We will never win the title with our best players missing half the games each year. At least Arshavin manned up and played through his injury last year.

    I am also sick of this 4-2-3-1. Go back to what we played last year please. Over all, it is no need to panic. We are still in 2nd and at worst 3rd after today.

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    • September 26, 2010 at 9:21 am
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      O, ya….. There are 2 leagues I can’t stand to watch anymore. Almunia make another blunder and Chamakh get the ball and just shield it until he loses it. Seriously, if Chamakh starts the majority of games for us, we will not win a trophy. Ok player, but this is Arsenal.

  • September 26, 2010 at 10:01 am
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    why was west brom wearing their their home strip at the emirates yesterday. both arsenal and west brom were wearing white shorts and they both had white in their top. for a team like arsenal who rely on instinct and quick short passses, a team wearing the same shorts is detrimental and it is so much easier to pick out a fellow team mate if they are wearing a contrasting colour to the opposition. szczesny should be given a chance now, thats two mistakes almunia has made this season, one in the liverpool match and one in the west brom match. i’d also like to see clichy do a bit more, he is amazing at going forward but he just doen’t do it often enough.

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    • September 26, 2010 at 10:42 am
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      I will agree on the clichy thing. I have been a huge fan of his but he hasn’t really made that step up in the last couple years. He has all the tools to be the best leftback but something seems to be lacking.

  • September 26, 2010 at 2:16 pm
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    Both our full backs got roasted yesterday. Arshavin does not look interested. All our keepers are as bad as each other. Eboue should not be played in midfield especially not with diaby. Wilshere is ahead of diaby for me. He barely loses the ball whereas that is all Diaby does. People say his height and strength is better than jack’s.that is bullshit jack gets stuck in and loves it diaby is weak and his height is never used as he never goes into an aerial dual. diaby is not good enough for arsenal and stop all this he had an injury 4 yrs ago shit. He’s played 100+ games for us and is 24. When is this ‘potenial” ever going to be realised

    Reply
    • September 26, 2010 at 10:52 pm
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      show some him some f****** respect, he didnt ask to have his leg broken you know

  • September 26, 2010 at 5:08 pm
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    Why when we lose do we all of a sudden just get the comments like ‘Chamakh aint good enough because he didnt score today’ and ‘It’s Arshavins fault’ ? Leave it out,we should have won yesterday but the main reason was that we played slow with a real lack of movement and passing creativity,plus West Brom came with the intent of pushing us back and closing us down early in a similar style to what Barcelona did last year,they were brave in their decision and it could’ve back fired badly if we’d been on song but we weren’t and they took advantage of that.
    I do think that Diaby will end up a casualty of our team eventually though as we are moving towards having the energetic 2 creative midfielders alongside a holder in Song and I just don’t think Diabys got it in him,Fabregas,Wilshere,Denilson,Nasri,Ramsey and Rosicky will fill the spaces while Diaby will end up going up against Song for a starting spot and I know who I’d prefer.

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  • September 26, 2010 at 7:05 pm
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    bring back david seaman

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  • September 26, 2010 at 9:08 pm
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    Where does all this Diaby bullshit come from. It is actually starting to irritate me. He has one bad game after coming back from injury and now he is no good. Yah, that makes sence..

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  • September 26, 2010 at 10:22 pm
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    I have never been a huge fan of Diaby. He is gifted in some areas, but he isn’t a pure playmaker and he isn’t a pure defensive midfielder. He shows promise in some areas, but how long has he had to develop?? Ramsey will be a much better player in my opinion. I know he is injured right now, but if he comes back at the level he was at, he would be ahead of Diaby for me. My first choice midfield as it is right now would be Song, Wilshere, Cesc, Nasri and Arshavin. Rosicky would be my first choice alternate. Anyone who would argue with that is pretty delusional to me. These 6 have proven their worth repeatedly this term!! IF WE PLAYED 4-2-3-1 with everyone healthy then Jack Wilshere would be in the 2 somewhere even though that isn’t his natural position and Cesc, Nasri and Arshavin would be in the 3. Now when Cesc leaves, Wilshere might step up into the 3 leaving a space open for either Ramsey or Diaby. I know which one I would choose when they are both fully healthy. Diaby is a good squad player, but Ramsey could become an Arsenal great if he can pick up where he left off from before his injury. So inshort, Diaby is a good squad player, but he isn’t a starter for me. NOW AGAINST WEST BROM, we had Wilshere, Song, Rosicky, Arshavin and Nasri healthy…Wenger chose to start only 3 out of those possible 5. It backfired completely and he should have changed at the half. NOT at 60 or 70 minutes. He does this all the time especially when we are playing poorly and that is where he puts himself in a situation where he should be criticized. I know it was only West Brom and I believe he started the right players. BUT at the half, he should have made the two changes and brought Rosicky and Wilshere on. There is no getting around this. So this is why Diaby and particularly Wenger are being criticized Shane. And rightfully so.

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    • September 26, 2010 at 10:47 pm
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      I bet as soon as Ramsey has a bad game due to his injury he will go from “arsenal great” to “good squad player” in your eyes. Before abou had his leg snapped in half, he also looked like he could be an arsenal great, not that it matters to you……

  • September 26, 2010 at 11:03 pm
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    Hey, I have seen Ramsey have bad matches as well. I have seen enough evidence to form my own opinion of players. It`s nothing to get upset about. Geez. Diaby will grab you a few goals here and there, but he doesn`t have that overall quality that Wilshere or Ramsey have. he just doesn`t have it in my opinion. It`s only my opinion.

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    • September 26, 2010 at 11:10 pm
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      My point is its unfair to be so critical about a player who hasnt been able to get into a run of form because of constant injuries that are an after affect of a horrendous injury caused by a horror tackle. It will probably take ramsey at least a year, probably more judging by diaby and eduardo, to get back to his best, if he ever does – after all both diaby & eduardo are still struggling

  • September 26, 2010 at 11:03 pm
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    Milo……

    For one Diaby is a box to box midfielder. I really don’t see how anyone could not like Diaby but hey, it happens. So basically I won’t argue with that. On subbing at half….. who subs at half? Almost no manager. You demoralize your players long term if you do that. The funny thing is everyone was saying Nasri is good enough for awhile now but after the westbrom game, now he is awesome. That is what happens though. Most people get blinded by one good game or one bad game and flip flop their opinions back and forth. My opinions are done over what their actual skills are, potential and how they perform over a long period of time. Example, Chamakh is good at link up play and in the air and is poor at taking defenders on and finishing. My opinion has been the same for 3 years now because that is what he is.

    Nasri- Good at link up play and ball control. He is a good finisher as well. He lacks a bit of pace and for a play maker, he is not that great at picking out the final pass.

    Diaby- Great ball control, provides great drive from the midfield with his dribbles. Good tackler, has pace and strength, good link up player, has the endurance and a pretty decent long shot. Has height and is decent in the air. He has all the tools to be a great box to box midfielder.

    These opinions will be the same and not changed by just 1 or 2 games.

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  • September 26, 2010 at 11:05 pm
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    By the way, I like Ramsey as well. I think we have atlas 5 future world class center midfielders in Fabregas, Wilshere, Song, Diaby, and Ramsey. It seems like everyone thinks a team is made up of just 11 players.

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  • September 26, 2010 at 11:09 pm
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    I agree with your summary of Nasri. I don`t agree with your opinion regarding Daiby though. I have never liked his passing. I have always liked Nasri and I have never wavered from that opinion. Diaby just keeps making people frustrated. Those who don`t like him are called plastic fans while the others who love him keep making excuses that he is coming back from injury etc. etc. We played so poorly in the first half that it merrited a change during the break Shane. We were awful and everyone could see that a change was needed at the half.

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  • September 26, 2010 at 11:20 pm
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    Milo…. once again mate… This is what usually happens at half time. The coach gives a speech and hopes that the team comes out and plays better in the first half. If they don’t then you make a sub or 2. You can’t sub players off at half overtime you have a bad first half. Like I said, it will do more harm than good because it demoralizes players.

    On Diaby, I have never made excuses for him. He had a bad game but that doesn’t make him a bad player. He has had plenty of good games as well.

    Plastic fans are ones that say every player is bad after every games, like if Nasri plays bad a couple games…they say he sucks and then Arshavin has a bad game so they say he sucks. Also they people that think we need to sign 10 new superstars and get rid of 15 players. You don’t have to like Diaby if you don’t want. That is your opinion, i just don’t get it…lol.

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  • September 26, 2010 at 11:22 pm
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    Guys he`s had 4 fucking years to recover. I don`t wanna hear that bullshit anymore. He`s a good player but he shouldn`t be 1st choice. CHRIST, 4 YEARS PEOPLE. PULL IT OUT!!!!

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  • September 26, 2010 at 11:27 pm
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    Milo…what are you talking about. He has been good. We were saying it is his first game back after his recent injury. He has become a starter for the France national team as well in this time period. He was one of our best players last year. I don’t get you anger.

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  • September 26, 2010 at 11:27 pm
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    I don`t know what to make of Arshavin so I haven`t really formed an opinion of him. I have always like Eboue, even though he isn`t really a right winger and I`ve always liked Deniloson even though he shouldn`t start all the matches. Shane i`m not saying you have to make halfd time substutions all the time. I`m just saying that when we are playing that poorly, it needs to be done!!! We will not play so poorly all the time. That circumstance called for halftime substitutions and once again Wenger didn`t do it.

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  • September 26, 2010 at 11:30 pm
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    I give up on the Diaby front, but I don`t give up on the fact that he shouldn`t start the majority of matches and I also don`t give in to the fact that changes were needed at halftime.

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  • September 26, 2010 at 11:48 pm
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    I WOULD start Diaby the next match against Partizan because he needs a chance to build up his form and return to what he was last year. Saying that, IF he can get back to where he was last year in a few weeks or so, i still wouldn`t have him in my ideal starting 11. I don`t think our season is over like some people I have read do. We can get back on track without a doubt. I`m not particularly worried about our goalkeeping situation. Wenger can see what is happeneing and what isn`t. If Almunia was seriously injured, then I certainly am not worried because that means he was trying to play on and help the team win. It might have cost us in the end but I admire that a lot. If he is injured seriously, I trust that Wenger will select the proper alternative. (not Fabianski), (not yet) he needs to get SOME of his form back before I trust him.

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  • September 27, 2010 at 12:15 am
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    Hi J.,

    Hey man I would like to congratulate you on the new look of the site! It’s fantastic! I love it! I hope it increases your readership by multiples.

    An excellent new look for the best AFC site out there! Way to go man! Thanks!

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  • September 27, 2010 at 1:15 am
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    Arshavin is a great player but he is often played out of position and he is a bit past his prime unfortunately. Arshavin’s natural position is in the whole right behind the striker. All of his attributes are fit perfectly to play there. His vision, dribble abilities and his finishing ability. Especially with his great shooting from around the top of the box. The things that he isn’t great at is tracking back and that is because he doesn’t have the greatest endurance. Playing him out wide just tires him out which has a negative affect on his attacking.

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  • September 27, 2010 at 3:22 pm
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    Hate to admit it but I’m not liking the new look site,sorry guys.
    I think the point coming across is that we are a passing team that likes to use quick movement and penetrative passes to win games yet what you get with Diaby is a little less than what Fabregas,Wilshere,Nasri,Ramsey,Denilson,Rosicky and even Song offer,he’s agood player but I truly believe he won’t be anything more than a squad player in the coming years.
    To say that he’s a regular for France and that makes him a great player is a bit far fetched too seeing as he hasn’t played alot for them yet when he did get a run for them they went through their worst run of games in the last 15 years.
    Plus what’s with the stick of Chamakh,just because he didn’t score against West Brom?He offers us the things we have needed for years,someone who’s got the ability to hold up play,a threat in the air of real quality,a great work rate and the ability to time his runs very well,he’s different to our other options and he aint first choice remember,I’d much rather have him than not.

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  • September 27, 2010 at 3:25 pm
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    Off down to Barnet tonight,anyone know if Szczesny or Mannone will play?Plus what’s the update on Nordtveit,is he still injured etc?

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  • September 27, 2010 at 5:58 pm
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    Szczesny deserves a chance..at the moment both Almunia and Fabianski are big flop so he has to get a chance.

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  • September 27, 2010 at 8:00 pm
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    yeh i agree seaman should be number one in goal

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  • September 27, 2010 at 8:25 pm
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    SuperRob… If you have read any of my comments, I have said the same things for 2 years now. I find the love of him kind of crazy. Sure he can link up and is good in the air but that is it. I think over the course of the season, you will come to agree with me. He is simply an average player.

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  • September 27, 2010 at 8:26 pm
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    Also I said I am glad we signed him because it gives us depth. I also said that if he plays the majority of the games, we will not win the league. Big clubs need a world class striker which we do have but he is always injured.

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