Wenger wants Wright-Phillips / Walcott & Van Persie set to play

Wenger today gave us good news on the squad for the game away at Barnet tomorrow. Arsene said “Basically the players that are back in training are available, so you could see Kolo Toure, Manuel Almunia, Gael Clichy, Mathieu Flamini, Denilson, Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor. They are all likely to be included so it should be a very familiar side.” This should produce a much better day out than last years 0-0. The weatherman is also predicting a clear day so that’s even better as I am in some dodgy un-covered stand!!

Cesc seems to have been allowed to make his decision whether he should stay at Arsenal or move to Madrid. He gave Gooners a boost by saying “I have every confidence that the manager will sign a new deal.” This is the first inside statement regarding Wengers’ future. But on the negative side he also said “I know you don’t get many chances like that but I am only 20. Now all I can do is work hard and try to improve. I am very young and hope to similar opportunities in the future,” here’s hoping that doesn’t come around until your 29 Cesc.

Old Pizza Face Fergie has said today he thinks we’ll do equally as well next season without Henry. The Scot said “I’m more convinced they will be in the top four without Thierry Henry.” and “I just thought it was time for him to go. Arsene Wenger knew that, and I think they’ll do better.” I actually agree with him to my shock.

According to sources in Spain (say The Daily Mail) we are stuck with Jose Reyes. The miserable Spaniard has been rejected by Madrid because they don’t think he is worth more than £6Mil. I just hope he doesn’t upset the whole of the squad with his moaning. Imagine being stuck in a room with Jose and Willy.

Freddie’s agent has spoken to Sky Sports today saying that our super Swede does not want to go to another English club out of respect to THE GOONER faithful. With Fiorentina not willing to pay Arsenal’s asking price Freddie could be staying after all.

The OnlineGooner today produced a leaked email they have apparently received, this email was sent from Arsene to the board at the end of the season, they also point out this could be complete bullshit/gossip.

The list goes;

*Jens Lehmann
Manuel Almunia
Mart Poom (2007/08 replacement Lukasz Fabianski)

*Kolo Touré
*Gaël Clichy
*Emmanuel Eboué
Justin Hoyte
*William Gallas
Johan Djourou
Philipe Senderos
Armand Traore
Matthew Connolly (Harvard Nordveit or Joe O’Cearuill)

*Cesc Fabregas
*Gilberto Silva
*Alexander Hleb
*Tomas Rosicky
Fredrik Ljungberg (Bakary Sagna)
Mathieu Flamini (Shaun Wright-Phillips or Ryan Babel or Henri Lansbury)
Denilson
Abou Diaby
Alexandre Song (Fran Merida)
Mark Randall

*Emmanuel Adebayor
*Robin van Persie
Thierry Henry (Eduardo da Silva)
Julio Baptista (Niklaus Bendtner)
Theo Walcott
Jérémie Aliadière (Obafemi Martens or Carlos Vela or Jay Simpson)

So it seems Wenger is now chasing down Martins and Wright Phillips. The signing of Carlos Vela is being held up by his failure to obtain a work permit. If the stars are the starting line up I had better not put that tenner on Eduardo to be top scorer!! Tune in tomorrow night for my Barnet review.

Barnet 0 - 2 Arsenal

The only disappointment of the day came when I go my first glimpse of Eduardo. He walked past me and onto the field wearing Jeans an Orange T-Shirt. I was hoping to see him in action today but will settle for a wave for now!!

Arsenal started with a very strong first XI and as expected totally controlled the first half. The only interruption was the constant fouling from Barnet Midfielder Jason Puncheon, a very poor player even for Barnet, Walcott was rampaging down the right but was fouled three of four times early on. Arsenal struck from a Van Persie Corner on 18 minutes. The Corner was short to Walcott who delivered a brilliant ball which came across Toure and Adebayor hit a lovely half volley into the back of the net.

It was not long before Walcott was banging in the next cross. Adebayor again with a chance but this time screwed wide. Van Persie also missed with a Volley and hit the cross bar with a lovely header.

Toure showed great control at the back and Flamini had a great first half showing good energy. At half time Wenger made 6 subs and gave Arsenal a more youthful look giving Havard Nordtveit and Luka Fabianski their debuts for the club. Making these subs always upsets the balance of the team. Left Back Armand Traore came on wearing the 14 shirt and there is no better person in the squad to take on Henry’s number. He is totally cool and calm on the ball and a massive prospect for the future. Henri Lansbury was introduced when Barnet’s worst player again made a dreadful foul. This time Jason Puncheon has what he wanted. Denilson was injured, the frustration of Walcott embarrassing him time and time again had clearly go to him. Denilson had to be stretchered off. In his post match interview with arsenal.com Wenger said Denilson would only be out of training for a couple of days.

Lansbury played well from the right of midfield. Half time sub Nacer Barazite scored. Nacer played in Arsenal’s youth cup run and really cracked in his shot from the right side of the box. After the game Wenger likened him to a Dennis Bergkamp style player. High praise indeed. This lead to three further subs Fran Merida, Rui Fonte, and Paul Rodgers were introduced. It was now a totally different XI and the game was winding down. Barnet even bought on a guy who’d played £10K to appear in the team.

In Arsene’s post match interview he spoke about Reyes and said ‘I think he will go, and we will help him to go to Spain’ he also said ‘Despite global warming it is not warm enough in England for him’ Now that made me laugh our loud. Of his own contract he said he has always ‘shown commitment in the past and I have never cared to much about the weather - I will come out in the right moment, maybe when you don’t ask me the question’.

Arsenal Line-Up:- Manuel Almunia (Luka Fabianksi, 46), Kolo Toure (Paul Rodgers, 66), Kerrea Gilbert (Havard Nordtveit, 46), Gael Clichy (Armand Traore, 46), Matty Flamini, Alex Song (Gavin Hoyte, 46), Mark Randall (Kieran Gibbs, 46), Denilson (Henri Lansbury, 56), Theo Walcott (Fran Merida, 66), Manu Adebayor (Rui Fonte, 66), Robin Van Persie (Nacer Barazite, 46).

Not much else to talk about on a game day so thats all from me . . . God I’m glad football is back.

Wenger and Freddie Stay

The main Arsenal news today still revolves around our former striker Thierry Henry. Arsene has spoken to The News of The World following the Barnet match and said, “We’ve lost a world-class player. Nobody will ever reach his numbers in the history of the club”. But he was quick to say “But he’s nearly 30.” Wenger has never been over-ly bothered about keeping his oldies, even Bergkamp only stayed because his desire to be at Arsenal was so strong. The other Henry story today is that he had split with the Mrs. Perhaps Claire is a fan of the Rain?

Birmingham have made a move for Armand Traore who I think looks absolutely shit-hot. It would be a loan move but I am not sure Arsene would want to loose his second choice left-back. Maybe the move would be until January when Toure has to go to the African Nations Cup?

Arsene’s comments after the game have been taken in different ways depending on what headline you’d like to read. The People newspaper think Wenger is off whereas the News of The World say he is staying!! Although I have felt Wenger would go next summer I feel positive about his comments I printed yesterday and think he may now be staying. Maybe he is saving the announcement encase we need a boost on the field as the season kicks off.

Positive news about Freddie, Wenger also said yesterday he is 90% sure Freddie will stay, I for one am happy with that. You need some experience around our young squad. Personally I am upbeat about the season and am looking forward to the big KO.

See you tomorrow.

Number 14 - Rodrigo Palacio

Another summer day another Arsenal transfer rumour. The Sun link Arsenal with a £15Mil move for Rodrigo Palacio the Boca Juniors number 14. Rodrigo is a forward and is thought of as the best forward in the Argentinean league. I think his ponytail will have to go though before he takes over Henrys’ shirt.

The Sun also lead with a headline ‘Gunners beg Arsene to stay’ then they quote Peter Hill-Wood as saying “I very much hope he will sign.” hardly a beg but at least they may ask him to stay on. Hill-Wood also spoke on Arsenal.com saying Arsenal have “never been in a better position”. This is a clear sign money is there for Wenger and it is Arsene who chooses not to spend it. I am happy with that as ‘Arsene Knows’ after 10 years I think all Gooners should stick behind the gaffa. The Beast officially returned to Real Madrid today, on paper anyway, he scored last night in the Copa America final. But after that he was back to his usual inconsistent self and even tripped over the ball!! Brazil won out 3-nil winners, despite the fact Gilberto wasn’t playing, I was happy for Brazil to win.

Some websites are hinting that Freddie did not travel to Austria. This would point to the fact he is still looking at a move away from Arsenal. It seems his £70k wages are the problem but none of this has been confirmed by any official source. I guess we’ll see on Thursday if Freddie is there or not.

The Emirates Cup is just around the corner, it’s an exciting build up to the season with two big home games back to back, Wenger told arsenal.com today that “it will be the first time our new signings would have played at Emirates Stadium for Arsenal, and the sides we field will be very strong.” Hopefully everyone makes it through the next two pre-season games fit and we will all have a great weekend.

Arsenal: Sack The Board?

Arsene today came out on arsenal.com and told Gooners the reason why he has not secured a ‘director of football’. Arsene said “I wanted to do it before the end of the season when I started buying and selling,” he said. “But then I thought that now is the worst time because I have no time to tell someone how I want to do things.” At the moment the gaffa is happy working with the current board “I did not want to unsettle the team before the end of the transfer market. So at the moment I work with Ken Friar and it is working well for us.” Chief scout Grimandi is the media and the fans favourite to fill the role.

Wenger was keen to ease the pressure from Eduardo (arsenal.com). He points to the fact that DUDU is more of a team player. He likes short passes and getting into the box to finish rather than picking up the ball and running 40 yards with it to score. It may actually help the team having a lead man rather than us being frustrated that nobody would be forward to finish off our fast breaks.

The Palacio rumours that surfaced yesterday have been rubbished by his agent Sky Sports quote him as saying “Nobody has got in touch with me. Rodrigo still has a week of holidays and I have said to him to rest calm because what has been said does not exist.”

A debate on RedActions forum has developed over ‘Sack the board’ chants heard at Barnet on Saturday. I totally disagree with these chants and feel that any more upheaval would seriously damage our season and reduce the chances of Wenger staying which is by far the most important thing for Arsenal. As stated above if Wenger is happy with dealing with Ken Friar then that is good enough for me.

Fans Views

Nick K - “Both he (Henry) and Vieira left due to “lack of ambition”.

“The scary concept for me is the “Arsene knows” concept. That’s what I said with all belief, on Vieira leaving. Here we are trophy less 4 seasons later. yes we have great ground, great facilities and NO f’ing trophies.”

“Arsenal fans need to wake up, smell the coffee and order a super-size yankee energy burst pls …….”

“replacing the board NOW with the rich yank certainly is my view.”

“does money equal success anyway?? we know this is not the case as there is more to building a great team than simply accumulatiing the best players. chelsea’s biggest downfall under raneiri was signing too many players, and now mourinho is falling into the same trap.”

Steven P - “I’m far from an unreserved admirer of the current board but I think this is a case of “be careful what you wish for”. Very few “investors” in football these days are looking to put money in. They’re looking to take it out. The Glazers have now run up the debts at Old Trafford WELL over £730 million with this summer’s spending spree. ALL the fees have been paid for with tick. If you look at the United accounts
they’re not paying ANYTHING off the loans they took on to buy the club then dumped on the club’s accounts. They’re only paying interest.”

“One poor season and no CL football the following season and the club will rapidly go nipples up financially. “

Tony - “When I first bought my season ticket at Highbury there was no waiting list, you could choose to sit anywhere you fancied, and we were down to crowds of 25,000 for some games. Such crashes can happen, and if the club is lumbered with impossible debt that’s when it all falls down. Remember no one predicted Leeds demise at the time. Steven is 100% right. Be careful what you wish for.”

Ben R – “Liverpool have signed Torres, Benayoun, Babel, and Voronin, I am not exactly quaking in my boots. Torres will probably be the only one to start the first game of the season and he only scored 14 goals in Spain last year. He’s panic bought because he couldn’t get who he wanted.”

“Uni-ched are buying players on tick and the chavs buy and buy so everyone’s so unsettled they can’t perform. Ronaldo(prick) had a stormer last season, can he repeat it, is he loyal enough to stay around?”

“We are definately the third/fourth best team in the league, without Henry, and if the key players Toure, Clichy, Fabregas, Gilberto, Van Persie stay fit. If they click we’ll be first or second. Van Persie has the potential to do what Ronaldo(prick) did last season.”

“As for those tramps down the seven sisters, Who?”

Rob G - “My opinion is that I’m not for the American until we know for sure his agenda.”

“Anyone pumping millions into Arsenal will not really change our signing structure as that is just not Arsene’s way. However, reduction of our large debts would always be welcome so it’s not something to dismiss lightly.”

“I am however in favour of the immediate removal of Edelman. This man knows nothing about our traditions and heritage and cares not a jot about our fans.”

“Ultimately, if we ever lost Arsene due to boardroom strife, then as far as I’m concerned, the whole board should walk in shame. Until this happens, lets keep our council and watch it unfold.”

What’s your opinion?

For those of you who were planning on rushing to buy tickets for the Fulham game arsenal have announced the Silver Level sale has been postponed until further notice due to technical difficulties. Let’s hope the season doesn’t start so slowly on the field.

Gooners to be top of the league in October?

Despite the usual transfer rubbish this is the part of the season that fills me with excitement. It’s all starting again there’s no disappointment of poor performances or bad results to look back on and all the players are lifted with the fact they have a ball at their feet again.

After reading Frank Stubbs blog on the Arsenal website today it’s really got me jealous I’m at home in the rain working!!  Why I haven’t gone to Austria this year is beyond me. With the access you have to players, the good beer and food, and sun, there is no good reason not to take in this part of pre-season.

Today was the first real hard training session of the pre-season trip to Austria and it was played out in front of the travelling Gooners and in near 40^oC heat. Richard Clarke was happy to point out Wenger “seemed in good spirits. This is, after all, one of the purest times of the football season for him. It is total preparation - no disturbance, no pressure. A time to ingrain good habits.” Richard also seemed impressed with Nicklas Bendtners’ form. Bendtner pointed out on arsenal.com he is keen to impress and feels he is ready to make his mark in the Arsenal team.

Freddie was there despite previous reports he has not travelled and Sagna and Eduardo were also involved in the session. Happily Denilson was also involved a relief after he was stretchered off against Barnet.

Fabregas was also on arsenal.com today saying he believes Arsenal will definitely be able to cope with the loss of Henry and Arsenal will challenge for the title, champions league, FA Cup, and Carling Cup next season. Fabregas also said he wants to be Arsenal captain one day which is a very positive statement from a player we feared might leave.

The Onlinegooner has a further photo of the new Arsenal third shirt that is blue and burgundy.  It would be very strange seeing Arsenal in that kit but the white kit certainly has taken off, so I guess, why not?

The final story comes from something Wenger said yesterday. Arsene has said that we lost the title against the bottom half of the table. He said that we were top of the league in matches against the top four, second in games against the other top half teams and he went on to say “that is where we will have to be much more efficient this season. We have to be consistent in our mental preparation, in our ruthlessness as well.” Wenger and Toure have both pointed out in recent days we will be better at home next season, to me this is where we fell away last term. Games against Villa, Boro, Everton, Newcastle, and Pompey were draws but they were played out as Arsenal wins. Arsenal controlled these games and I am sure the fact they felt like away games or games at a new ground lead to them only being draws. We had chances to win all these games and we would have been 15 points better off at Christmas. It would have left us top of the table and despite the loss away to Sheffield Utd we would have been likely Champions. But the points weren’t ours and the season fell away. If Arsenal can fly out of the traps and win against Fulham, City, Pompey, and Derby we’ll really have momentum especially if we can avoid defeat at Blackburn and the Scum. The Chavs also play Scouse and Manure so we could be clear at the top come October. Wishful thinking?!?

Genclerbirligi 0 - 3 Arsenal

Arsenal were in shock within the first minute as Genclerirligi brought the best out of Almunia. It was a great save. The next chance also fell to the Turkish side this time it was the post that saved Arsenal. As the game wore on Arsenal took control.

Arsenal did manage to break the deadlock before half time and it was a fine goal. Walcott broke and delivered a brilliant ball for Van Persie to finish. Arsenal then took total control of the game and really impressed in the second half. Despite the mass substitutions Arsenal had great rythymn, I know this is only a friendly but it’s hard not to get excited about.

Walcott got his goal on 51. Adebayor was playing really well at this point and combined with Denilson and then Walcott. Theo struck across the keeper for 2-nil. Adebayor again set up Van Persie for the third goal. It was a typical Arsenal break with the Dutch man finishing well.

Fabianski made equally good saves in the second half and this could be a really good battle between him and Almunia for the number 2 GK spot. Sagna made a solid debut and Adebayor was in really good form although his finishing was something I’d rather forget. He really needs to sharpen his instinct for goal because his general play is fantastic.

There was a bit of niggle in the game, Song was spared a red card, because the ref missed him elbow a Genclerbirligi player at a corner. He did book Eboue late in the second half for a tough challenge, a booking was harsh. Traore also had a tustle with their 24 but I guess as a team who finished sixth in Turkey last season they were frustrated how controlling Arsenal were. I’m not sure what Wenger will say to Alex Song though after his elbow!

The real highlight for me was Eduardo’s 21 minute debut. He played really well. He linked up well with Freddie. First of all Eduardo flew down the right flank and set Freddie up. Freddie flung a header back across goal but he failed to challenge the keeper. Eduardo then twice made runs down the left side, he definatley favoured this side of the pitch, and looked comfortable crossing to Freddie.

Overall a very good performance showing much promise with solid debuts for Bacary and Eduardo.

Arsenal Line Up: Manuel Almunia (Luka Fabianski 46), Bacary Sagna (Manu Eboue 46), Kolo Toure (Phil Senderos 69), Alex Song (Johan Djourou 69), Gael Clichy (Armand Traore 46), Theo Walcott (Alex Hleb 69), Matty Flamini (Abou Diaby 69), Denilson (Cesc Fabregas 69), Mark Randall (Tomas Rosicky 46, Freddie Ljungberg 69), Robin Van Persie (Eduardo 69), Manu Adebayor (Nik Bendtner 69).

Silent Stan back to do business

The big Arsenal news today is again about Silent Stan proposing a Gooner takeover. It had to seemed to have gone all quiet on that front but most papers and sports bulletins have been about Stan’s eagerness to address the Arsenal board.

Most point to worries that Wenger may leave Arsenal as the sudden urgency surrounding a possible takeover. I myself am surprised, a takeover would have been better at the end of May with a full summer to digest any new boards plans, this way it will be too late to impact on Wenger’s plans.

Stan Kroenke is hovering around the 12% mark in terms of shares in the club but is thought to want to form partnership with David Dein to mount a takeover. Yesterday Stan’s agent/pr guy was said to say that Stan was bullish about meeting other board members. Sky Sports Website said earlier that a takeover could happen within days and now is saying he has already team up with David Dein and would mount a takeover very soon.

ANR suggest that Stan and Co could be worth around £5Billion but this relies on some healthy inheritance, as his wife is an heir to the Wal-Mart franchise.

With all bits of news like this firstly you have to take it with a pinch of salt because it is over dramatised and secondly there are positives and negatives. Some Gooners will be all for money being pumped into the club and splashing out on new blood, other will say we don’t need it, Wenger doesn’t want to spend the mega bucks, and we don’t want Arsenal to be privately owned and controlled by one man.

I can see both sides of the argument, I think the club is well run, and becomes stronger every day they fill Ashburton Grove, and I also back the excitement new money will bring to Arsenal. Whichever way Arsenal go the most important thing is Arsene Wenger. He must stay. This could be a long weekend following the Arsenal news because this is sure to be the big talking point until Monday.

The other bit of news also broke yesterday when Arsenal confirmed the third kit is Blue and Red. The kit will be Arsenal’s first choice change strip in European competition next season and will be worn by the Gunners against Ajax in the Amsterdam Tournament.

Have a good weekend.

Ecclestone and Kroenke could start a bidding war

The two dominant Arsenal stories of the weekend revolve around Freddie Ljungberg and the possible takeover of the club.

It seems Freddie may now switch, but not to the first two takers, Fiorentina and Man City, but London club West Ham. West Hams’ chairman is keen to bring in big names to boost moral around the club.  West Ham could pay £3.5Mil for the super Swede.

The takeover talk has switched from Stan Kroenke to F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. The current board appear to be warning fans that a foreign takeover would lead to the club being run as a business and not as a football club. Edelman told arsenal.com “Anybody who invests in a club, particularly from overseas, who maybe doesn’t love the club the way our shareholders do, will be looking for financial returns in the short, medium or long term.” Surely that applies to any major takeover. I can’t see Bernie stumping up £700Mil to buy Arsenal and not want to make a big return. Ecclestone is 76 and owns the company who runs F1 racing, he is from Suffolk, and said the be worth £2.2Bil. As long as he doesn’t try to bung people to allow us to be sponsored by a cigarette company!! This certainly could be what the board were waiting for two big spenders bidding against each other for shares to take control of the club.

Other than that there is not much Gooner news out there. All speculation I am afraid today.

Freddie Leaves

Breaking News: Freddie has left Arsenal for West Ham.