Welcome to the new season of TGIF, or Thanks Gooner It’s Friday. This feature is an opportunity for us to chew over the previous weeks events in Arsenal land. It is sometimes irreverent, often informative but never dull. If there are other categories that you would like to see then please suggest them. The Friday Finger requires parental advisory status some weeks, but I am proud of this feature that was the original inspiration of Perry Groves’ lovechild. So without further ado, lets dive in!
Player transfers are the big issue as the window winds down with 11 days to go. We are strongly linked with Sebastian Squillaci and the process appears to be a little protracted as Sevilla are trying to increase the player’s valuation, but he will come to Arsenal eventually according to our sources. The news of Frimpong’s injury was devastating as he seemed to have put in a good shout for being Song’s replacement. Frimpong has shown tenacity in putting pressure on the ball in midfield and has been a breath of fresh air. We wish him well as he embarks on the next painful six months of rehabilitation. Defensive midfielders appear to be few and far between in terms of quality. I am convinced that Scott Parker would have been an ideal candidate, but perhaps Arsene Wenger has other options closer to home. Surely Diaby could mature into being able to command the position somewhat Vieira style? He has good close control, he can tackle when he puts his mind to it, but his tendency to hold onto the ball and his lower pass completion rates means that he would need to be more focused. C’mon Arsene, work your magic!
With regard to Goalkeepers… Well aAfter Manuel Almunia’s pathetic display at Anfield on Sunday, many Gunners are asking if Arsene Wenger will now take the plunge and sign a new keeper. Manuel Almunia should have parried N’gog’s shot over the bar. We saw Joe Hart perform a string of spectacular saves against Tottenham on Saturday and the former Arsenal target is now destined to stay as City’s number one. I am convinced that Arsene will sign a new keeper, will that keeper will be Mark Scharwzer of Fulham? seeing as my preferred choice of Shay Given is obstructed by Manchester City’s refusal to allow the player to be sold to one of their perceived rivals? Fabianski needs to go out on loan. I am convinced that he is a good keeper, who is going through a crisis of confidence. He needs some good coaching and he will return stronger for it.
Finally the Center back of choice, as you are all aware we have Sebastien Squillaci as a candidate, Per Mertesacker valued at £10million pounds was also a candidate according to media sources for a while. This player from Werder Bremen is very tall (6ft 6in) but not so mobile is my analysis. For a while we were also linked with Sedat Tasci a German of Turkish descent, I have no further news of this Stuttgart player in respect of Arsenal As for the old interest in Brede Hangeland, I cannot see this being revived, especially with the news that Phillipe Senderos has ruptured his Achilles tendon, thus leaving Mark Hughes a centreback short. On can’t help wondering how real was our interest in Chris Smalling before he made his move to Man Utd.
The site had a host of good blogs to feast upon this week. It was never going to be easy to defend the team about the Liverpool result, but all loyal Gooners tried. There seems to be a luke warm response to the excellent news about Arsene Wenger, and a lot of pessimism about new transfers. But I do feel that a significant of Gooners are being impatient and unfair as the transfer window is not yet closed, and there will be much activity over the last three days of the window as agents scramble to get their clients placed at a club. The 25 squad with 8 home grown players has caused the transfer market to take on a degree of reality which is refreshing in some quarters. What amazes me is how Manchester City is going to be able to reconcile this with their current buying policy.
The launch of Arsenal’s fanshare, the naming of the Emirates as North Bank, Clock end are other matters that have been debated. What a pity that the club hadn’t been able to think outside the box when naming the Emirates stadium blocks in the first place. Even a nominal North bank would have helped. Now the “new” North Bank will have as many Clockenders in as original North Bank supporters from Highbury, so don’t expect any emotional chorusing similar to that which we were privileged to experience at Highbury.
Finally, have we all forgotten that this is the 125th anniversary year? The Club have opened new facilities and restaurants. Buying the new home strip will be one way that fans can share in the celebrations. This year’s Charity is Centrepoint, which looks after the homeless youth on London’s streets. Please be a Gooner , but also a Giver.
Genuine Arsenal supporters should take heart from the demonstration of intent of Arsene Wenger. By signing his contract extension until 2014, he has delivered an unequivocal message to the fans which is “I am committed to bringing success back to Arsenal Football Club.” The greatest manager in the club’s history will now see out his career at the club that he has shaped with his own vision. I detect much impatience in the great man’s recent interviews. I detect also a signal to the players, that if they fail to deliver, he will take the drastic action required and bring in ready made talent.
Pre Blackpool Interview
“Point at Liverpool was a good result.
Chamakh gives us other aerial options like Bendtner, Marouane is also very capable on the ground.
The players that he has brought in have the right attitude to play for Arsenal Football Club.
Samir Nasri is out after minor knee surgery, a blow for France also.
Frimpong is out for 6 to 9 months due to a cruciate injury, he is rated highly
All players are available at varying stages of fitness. Denilson is the most unfit having not played since April and has not played a single minute since.
We do not want to rush players back as to play a Premiership season it requires 3 to 4 weeks preparation.
Sebastian Squillaci is one of the players that is under consideration it is too premature to say that he will definitely join us. It depends on the process.
Goalkeepers – Arsene is more focused by getting them into the right frame of mind. A big game on Saturday, and they need to be focused on that game.
Blackpool on a high, having come up and beaten Wigan. They do not yet have doubts and they have a positive wave of momentum, and remain dangerous. We must remain focused. The allegation that they are the weakest Premiership team ever may not be correct, as how many teams have gone to Wigan and scored four goals? This does not suggest a weak team and those commentators may sometimes have to revise they opinions in the light of events.”
As the ink dries on this blog I castigate William Gallas for joining the scum. I cannot wish him him well as most people assumed that he was going to France. To go to our North London Adversaries confirms that the guy is an out and out mercenary. In fairness to him, he was out of contract. But he can never be considered to be an Arsenal legend even having held the Club captaincy. There are some things in life you should never do as a Gooner, and joining the Spuds is one of them…
To Armand Traore for all that he has given to Arsenal Football Club, I really enjoyed seeing this player rise through the ranks and I am very sad that there appears to be a move from the club to Benifica in the offing. Unlike Willy Gallas, I wish Armand well if this deal is concluded. You have shown yourself to be a loyal player of Arsenal and we will always have a soft spot for you. Have a great career.
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