A case for the defence

Arsenal are in a quandrary...Personally I think from day 1 they expected Sol to sign on again. I really believe it. Up until his confirmed departure to Newcastle whilst Wenger acknowledged that nothing was certain and reinforcements may be required. Now we're in a hole.

We need to sign a minimum of two Centre Backs, but the real problem is everyone knows it. Add a couple of million (at least)on the price tag of every defender that a rumour sprouts about. It also leaves us with a severe lack of Premiership experience in central defence. Vermaelen has only completed one season and Djourou has never completed a season due to injury. Koscielny naturally is the newbie and will look to them for advice, player information and general tips.

We really need to sign an experienced Premier League defender, at least one. Its not a want, or a wish, nor a thought borne out of too much Football Manager, its a NEED. We need someone who can just drop in and play from Day 1, like the Verminator was able to do because he had Gallas and a bit later on Sol to talk to him and guide him. I'm not going to start throwing names at you. We all know who Arsenal are linked with now and in the past, I have my favourites and I'll hold them close to my chest for now. IWBIWISI (I will believe it when I see it) will keep me from any unnecessary disappointment.

I'm looking forward to the games this weekend, I'll be watching Arsenal v Celtic in glorious 3D at my local watering hole, so that should be a laff :)

Til next time Gooners.

oh, check out my other blog

http://fitfornowt.blogspot.com

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Affirmation? A formation...? Meh.

...apologies, its an awful title for the article.

Onwards gentle reader, to the crux of the article. Namely Formations, the way Arsenal should line up next season. With regards to football, its formations, combinations, personalities and evil machinations that make up matches.

Everyone who plays Football Manager, or its bastard love-child Championship Manager (I know you people are out there....cross over from the dark side, its warm and we have cookies!!) will know their favourite formation. I tend to adjust my formation, tweak if you will, for each opponent. whilst taking into account squad availability and balance and its clear that Arsene does this to a point.

Arsenal, for the majority of last season played 4-3-2-1, with Song dropping off the two central midfielders to cover when we were under pressure. It provides 5 bodies across the middle of the park when we are without the ball and 5 to defend when attacking (leaving Song and our defence to cover).

I believe that the Striker absences (much mentioned by all) caused us serious problems last season. Not necessarily for the absent goals but the extra pressure it put on Arshavin and other players to step up and save us in games. I'm not convinced that the battering Arshavin took trying to play the lone front man didn't have an effect on him when the run in began, he looked exhaused in the last 5 games of the season.

The one problem with 4-3-2-1 is that you sacrifice a striker for a holding midfielder, so you lose a bit up front, you can't pressure as high up the pitch and you rely on your midfield stemming the tide. Against a mid-table side I think it worked well, against the top sides we didn't ask enough questions. We fought, we never surrendered but we certainly never played the Arsene way and didn't once stamp any authority on the games.

I don't argue at all with 4-3-2-1 when we are playing away against the top sides. To go all out would be foolish (although unexpected) and we would stand a chance of nicking a result on the counter. Playing away at Bolton, Blackburn and other places very close to my current home doesn't warrant this kind of security. We need to get our fear factor back. We need to go out and annihalate a few teams this season and I think we could achieve this by going 4-2-4. This would consist of Nasri and Arsha on the flanks, RVP and Chamakh in the middle, Fab4 and Song in the middle and a stern word with Clichy and Sagna to be a bit more disciplined to keep the home fires burning.

When teams park the bus and trying to get at us, we should not be afraid of them. We can't molly-coddle our defence in games like this. We always seem to lose to a crappy set piece...so don't give them the chance. Play 4-2-4, play for 80 mins in their half and make them make the mistakes. Trust me, a few teams will stop thinking about "Getting up them" if they're worried about getting smashed 4 or 5 to nil. Remember, the best form of defence is attack and with the versatility of players we have we could turn it into 4-2-3-1, 4-3-2-1 or even 4-5-1 if we wanted to defend a decent lead but we have to get one first.

Certainly modifying formations during a game will provide a tactical surprise if nothing else, if a player pops up where the opposition don't expect, that will give him at least a few seconds head start on anyone trying to mark him.

Just a few thoughts on a Wednesday.

WG

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Its 2010, shouldn't No really mean No?

"Arsenal will not sit down to negotiate with us," she said. "There is a lack of will...they just don't want to negotiate." - Barcelona board spokeswoman Toni Freixa

I wonder if someone kept pestering her for sex whether she'd be as understanding as Arsenal are being. Clearly we keep politely saying "No, Arsenal are not interested in talking to you about it" and they just do not take it in.

In a time when "No" rightly means "No", why don't Barca go and pull someone else's plonker...I'm so sick of it I'm writing about it.

Its time Barca faced facts, Arsenal have stated they do not want to sell him. They have categorically stated he will be an Arsenal player next season. Arsenal cannot now sell him. They just can't. They would look weak and easily bullied. No player would be able to be kept to the terms of their contracts. Its a situation that has been created by both sides conducting the discussions in the media. If Barca had kept their mouths shut and just talked to Arsenal, a deal might have been struck, should they have met Arsenal's valuation. Now Arsenal can't let it happen.

Its time Barcelona got the hint. It really is. The never-ending statements coming from their management, their secretaries, the manager and the players is merely making them look daft in the eyes of the media. They asked for Fabregas, Arsenal said No and now they're practically begging.

Its sad, hugely unprofessional and demeaning for all Barcelona players and management to behave in this manner.

Post to follow tomorrow after the friendly tonight.

WG.

..my apologies, I hate rehashing the news, but that quote was just too much.

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Pre-season is such a tease!

I endure a love/hate relationship with pre-season. When I was playing, it would be hard work followed by tough games against better opposition to sharpen us up for the start of the season.

Arsene does it differently, as do most top managers. Even the much-celebrated Emirates Cup is little more than a training match which boosts revenue and showcases this seasons new talent. This raises up expectations and hopes as you see players like Wilshire that practically won the cup by himself last year.

It raises belief and arrogance and sometimes I think the players believe their own press a bit. You can see it in their faces, they expect to walk some games and it cannot ever be like that. You have to be hungry, you have to want it.

I guess we'll see in 5 games whether we have a shot at silverware this season. I still think we need a big mean ball winner although I do think song has the component parts for it should he become more focussed. By way of an explanation, I think Song's a bit easy going, with a bit more focus and intensity he could be a stunning player.

I want Arsenal to be back on top where we belong, we have some of the best support in the world. Let's have the best team.


WG

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Statement from Eduardo - a sign of class

Click here to read his statement on Arsenal.Com

Undeniable class from a class player.

Gone but not forgotten Dudu.

WG

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You wouldn't like me when I'm angry...

...and other such threatening thoughts pass through my mind after reading this excerpt that I snagged from the Daily mail today;

"Flop Gunner! Eduardo was a big shot joining Arsenal...now he's their latest striking failure
By LEO SPALL

Eduardo da Silva joined Arsenal with a big reputation after heading Steve McClaren towards the sack as England manager. But four years on from his goal for Croatia in that Euro 2008 qualifier in Zagreb, he is leaving the Emirates like many before him: with his name almost as badly shattered as the bones in the ankle he infamously broke at Birmingham.
Eduardo, 27, has completed a £6million move to Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk in a four-year deal worth £50,000 a week that brings to an end three difficult seasons at Arsenal and extends the list of strikers who have failed to make their mark under Arsene Wenger. "

Firstly, I'd like to state that if someone broke my leg to the point that I nearly lost it alltogether, I might think twice about jumping in two footed for a challenge. Leo Spall, you're a sensationalist hack with no brains. To compare his name and reputation to a horrific football injury is at best daft and I think you've done yourself no credit with this article.

Secondly and perhaps more importantly, 22 goals in 67 games isnt a bad return. Its not great but for anyone with a memory worth keeping his 9 goals from 9 1-on-1 attempts (before his horrific injury-least I think it was 9...someone correct me!) were stunning, a great finisher and his Arsenal career was cut short well before time.

As I said yesterday, the change in the Arsenal formation was really the death knell for Dudu but I just wonder if he hadn't have got injured whether we would have won some silverware that season and Wenger would have stuck with a successful 4-4-2 formation? 4-2-3-1 was never going to work for a striker who is quite short, not overly quick and not very strong. Dudu's attributes are all designed for great work in and around the box, similar to Jermain Defoe. Stick Defoe up front by himself and watch him struggle for goals.

All-in-all, I'm pleased Eduardo's got a new club that will play him where he needs, sometimes its easy to forget that despite being paid high wages (not their fault, I don't blame anyone for asking for the money, its the clubs that choose to pay it) footballers are people too, just like you or me. Though its fair to say they are considerably richer than I.

Good luck Dudu, find those goals and prove people like Spall wrong (though he'll probably still call you an Arsenal failure, because he's an idiot).

WG

Player-coach...really?

Mark Schwarzer is being touted as a player-coach prospect. That would be a first, I'm sure Arsene would prefer his players to be focussed on playing and performing, not training up his players.

I think we are really looking at someone a bit more left field, the oft-mentioned Stekelenberg from Ajax would be a good signing, but his age presents a problem, at 25 he is clearly blocking Fabianski's route to the #1 jersey, so its a question of who Wenger wants more.

Personally, I think there would be more weight to the Schwarzer-deal who will hopefully play well for a season or two til our other players are ready. However, this isn't a tactic that has worked in the past. Lehmann leaving left a Almunia and Fabianski and neither of them has stepped up to the plate with little significant impact other than to make the odd glaring cock-up.

I would love to Arsenal to sign a goalie who would garner a bit of excitement. Lehmann I was actually excited about as I'd seen him play for Dortmund and rated him. Almunia does not excite me. Fabianski I like but his composure lets him down, a lot. I feel his mentality is like Senderos, he cares too much. Mannone hasn't really had much of a crack at it, but perhaps he will get a shot at the Carling Cup, unless Chesney stays with us this season, if he does I expect him to play.

I mentioned the other week about heroes, I'm excited to see what happens between now and September 1st.

Blog at you soon..

WG

Tabloid rumour rehash! Its like a blanket party and you're all invited!!

..So bring you own cheese, I fancy Fondou..

So, tabloids eh? Heh, marvelous little beasts..I mantain my IWBIWISI (I will believe it when I see it) system has so far been successful in protecting me from unnecessary hopes and dreams when it comes to players coming in and going out of Arsenal.

However, fresh from the rumour mill of lies, mistruths and downright bull comes this startling fact..Joe Cole has signed for Liverpool on a 4yr deal. I'm totally not surprised, his age and apparently astronomical wage demands did little to make me believe that he would be pulling on our shirt this season although I did give reasons here why it could happen, but wouldn't.

It seems Dudu is off, though yet to be confirmed. If this is true, then I'll be sad to see him go. Pre the leg break he was awesome, I know he can get back to his best if he can play enough games but Arsenal's formation has changed and he doesn't fit anymore. He couldn't be the lone frontman if you gave him a microphone and a cheeky northern swagger...he's just not strong and he's not really a fighter. He is an amazing finisher and will be a great asset to Shakhtar if he goes. I wish him all the best, he gave everything for Arsenal, almost his career and that demands respect. He never complained, he just got on with it.

Despite the continuing reports of Phil "Jags" Jagielka, I just still can't see it happening. Everton will want far too much money for their prized defender. If I was Moyes and Bill Kenwright I'd want a minimum of 20mil for him and use Lescott as the benchmark. "If you have to take him you will pay our price".

So thats not the way we do business is it?

Keep 'em peeled Gooners..I'm sure there will be more gems from the tabs..

WG

A certain tabloid newspaper with another quality article

See below Daily Express article describing the Eduardo transfer to Shakhtar Donetsk. Its nailed on quality reporting...right there...oh yes. Just to clarify though, I don't recall Eduardo being a goalkeeper, or looking anything like that...crikey.

4-nil a wonderful result for fans

Lets not get carried away however, Barnet were a shadow of the team they were last season.

It should be unsurprising that the first pre-season games are strewn with mistakes, un-stellar (if thats even a word, or appropriate description) performances and lung busting runs to get rid of the summer play-weight.

I have a few things that I noted whilst watching the game. Arshavin looked brighter this year, he looked like he wanted it more. I don't know if thats down to being more settled and having a more relaxing summer but he generally looked a hell of a lot happier.

Rosicky looked pretty good for the old-fart he's becoming, I hope he can stay injury-free as I really rate him as a player who can cook up something special.

Jack Wilshire looked good in the centre, admittedly he was given time and space but he created chances and looked very lively. I think Wenger might want to give him a short loan spell and bring him back in Jan as a run in to the end of the season to give us a needed boost in the fit-players dept.

Koscielny also did ok. His reading of the game was pretty good. His slight frame is a worry as was his wayward passing at times. Items to be sorted in pre-season I hope.

There were a few players playing for their next season I felt, trying to show Wenger that they belong, or that they deserve further opportunities. Jay Simpson scored two goals and looked very lively up front. His strength and pace are great assets but I think he lacks the creativity that Wenger craves in his players. A move to a Bolton-esque team would be a huge benefit to him and I think he would be a success in the Prem.

Jay Emmanuel Thomas is another player that needs Prem game time to refine his game, a move to West Brom or one of the promotion hopefuls would be a huge benefit. Maybe a trip back to Blackpool? Should they sort their ground in time anyway.

Frimpong, what to do with him, a busy, combative midfielder with a decent bit of power and pace. He lacks composure and I think better opposition may have a bit too much nounce for him. I think he needs first-team football at a decent level, maybe championship or league one to round his game.

Nordveit, out of position on the right, but coped well with what was in front of him. I want to see more of him at CB over pre-season. I think Wenger's going to keep him at home as a sub for the Prem to save buying someone.

Transfer Gubbins

I underlined it, get me. All professional and stuff.

Phil Jagielka - Absolutely love him on FIFA, he's good on Footy Manager and he's a great defender in the prem. A lesson to be learned is this, Joleon Lescott. Everton didn't want to sell. They refused to be bullied and got a lot of money for him. Anyone that thinks Wenger would sign him for £18 million is bonkers. Perhaps more bonkers than Dizzy Rascal. We've never spent that sort of cash and especially when its obvious Everton would want way more than that for him.

I think our CB reinforcements will come through from within. You can hold me to that, and then call me stupid when we sign Jagielka for £35million..and not before.

Inaugural things...

...sounds like an odd-yet brilliant Stephen King novel, I'll send it off as a working title...

Soooo, Barnet v Arsenal, the first pre-season friendly.I cant wait to have a looky on Arsenal.com later and watch the game.

The squad list can be seen here

Its a great opportunity for us to see the new signings stretch their legs for the first time and see if Arsene has any tactical surprises for the new season. Needless to say, much fun to be had prior to the game in the pub round the corner, us gooners usually mob it.

I am particularly looking forward to Chamakh...when I watched him last season for Bordeaux I thought he carried himself with an aura of confidence (that he backed up immediately by performing well) and he troubled every defence he played against. I like him a lot. He performed admirably up front in the champions league so I can't wait to see him pull on the shirt.

The formation will need looking at I think...I just cant see 4-2-3-1 this season...I think 4-4-2 will be back, something like this:

Keeper (hopefully someone new)

Sagna - Vermaelen/New CB - Djourou/Kosciely - Clichy

Arshavin/Rosicky - Fabregas/Ramsey - Song/Denilson - Nasri/Diaby

Bendtner/Chamakh - Van Persie/Eduardo/Walcott

Personally, I like the 4-4-2, its the most successful Arsenal formation under Wenger and I think he'll want it back. Its our identity and the way we play works very well with it. I just wonder whether its had its day in the Premiership. With many teams playing 4-2-3-1, we'd see our midfield outnumbered, space would be difficult and we would have to rely on the speed of our game and the triangles and combinations that we work so hard on in training.

Which brings us to the next problem, noone in the league fears us anymore, everyone wants to get in our faces and stop us from playing...so how will we be able to impose ourselves using 4-4-2?

Tactically, this season will be the making or the breaking of the Wenger regime. Its not just about personnel, its about fight, its about doing the dirty stuff whilst retaining our identity and our brand of football. Everyone wants to play like Arsenal, but noone does because to put so much faith in playing football against those that would rather turn it into a war can be foolish.

So is Wenger foolish? I don't think so. He's intelligent enough to know what needs to be done.

As always I put my faith in him, because without him I'm sure we'd be lost. It would take years to rebuild under another manager. There aren't many great managers out there, we've already got one of the best.

So, together gentlemen, once more unto the breach.

WG

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Write like Who?

I write like
Douglas Adams

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Apparently.

The above was thanks to a post on Arsenal News Review. I'm impressed by this gimmick. Being compared to this legend is a massive compliment, even if its not really true...

Blog post to follow later gang.

WG

High Availability & Beer - Part 2 of the Half Yarder and free beer saga

High Availability is akin to prostituting yourself on a second by second basis. Its the easiest way to think about it. With this though in mind, High Availability is a term generally reserved in my circles for an application or service that can be (at any moment in time) switched to another resource without interruption (or very brief interruption) to the users.

In terms of this particular night, High Availability for me was them plying me with free beer and food so that I didn't get distracted and wander off. The clever swines.

However, much of this was finished well before the game started and I settled down into my seat for the start of the game. It was a cold night, so I drank a coffee to take the nip off...wrapped my Arsenal scarf round my face, pulled down my wooly hat and settled in to start singing and enjoying myself, blocking out the suave, yet entirely vacant corporate sales guys.

Onto the match, Arsenal dominated. Absolutely dominated. We were all over them like a moss and we had to score, just had to...I think the pressure was getting to the boys, we were creating chance after chance after chance and it didn't go in. Rosicky missed an open goal from 4 yards. Henry and Robin were trying everything to make the win happen it just wouldn't come.

How frustrating, classic Arsenal possession and no end product, a marker for the frustration of that season. How little I knew it then.

It continued to be an absolute pressure cooker of a game and we should have won by a mile. This was largely the conversation as we all made our way to the Gunners and then to the Tube and back home to Broadstairs.

Full match report can be read here from the lovely guys at Arsenal.com

Til next time

WG

What makes a hero?

In my 29yrs of life I've seen a few Arsenal sides come and go, I've seen Great players, I've seen Good players, I've seen Average players and I've seen Bad players. Importantly, I've also seen Heroes. Players who go above and beyond reasonable expectations every time they pull on the shirt.

A fine example of this is Robert Pires, his shuffling running style and quick feet and his distaste for a tackle (unless you're PV4) sealing the left midfield berth of the invincibles. His link-up play with Henry and Bergkamp was superb. Yet it was something else, whenever he got the ball there was almost a silent expectation that he would produce something wonderful. Often, he did.

When players like Viera, Pires, Bergkamp, Henry, Adams, Ljungberg played they had an aura of something extra about them. I'd hate to play any of them in their pomp and I've love to have them back. I'd even have Mad Jens back in a flash (if he was about 32).

Looking at the Arsenal squad now, who are the heroes? Is it really only Van Persie, The Verminator and Fab4? Ramsey and Wilshire have potential but I just feel like we are missing players that have that bit extra, the aura that comes with knowing how good you really are and wanting to show people that you are the best and going on to prove it. I feel we have too many passengers, too many nice boys who wouldn't say boo to Robbie Savage, let alone kick him up in the air and give him a bogwash.

I want our Awesome-ness back. We've got some good players, some with amazing potential but I want that turned into great talent and great results against everyone in the league. ManYoo aren't stronger, Chelski aren't stronger, The Pool are screwed and Citeh will keep buying players til they find a mix that works.

We should be challenging again. We have a right to wonder if we can win it. I think we can, with reinforcements in the right areas and maybe a hero thrown in.

WG

I went dutch....so that didn't work out so well...

Sooo.....Holland 0 : 1 Spain..

Well kinda nailed my prediction....I was right that Van Bommel would bully Spain, between him and De Jong they kept Xavi and Iniesta out of the game for most of it and Van Bommel didn't get himself sent off...lucky git. De Jong owes Webb a present of some description for his karate kick on Alonso..bit of a shocker that.

All in all I'm pleased with the result, my bets didn't come off due to extra time, the scoreline etc but I'm pleased for Spain, they defended well and created good chances. Sneider and Robben linked well last night again, Robben being the target for a fair few clever balls over and through the back line and Iker Casillas was masterful in goal to keep him out. In truth it was a fitting end to a good world cup. Two teams at the top of the worlds game, both with equal potential to win (for differing reasons) and it was an interesting spectacle.

Now for us Gooners its time to start scouring for transfer news, rumours and scuttlebutt hoping for some little smidgeon of information that gives us hope.

As yet its not really been forthcoming, rumours about Almunia being shipped out, Big Sol looking for his last paycheck and the apparent arrival of Mark Schwarzer and Joe Cole, all of which I will apply my IWBIWISI (I believe it when I see it) system to and see what happens. I am excited however for the new season and I can't wait to see what new bodies run out at Barnet on Saturday.

Til the next post Gooners!

WG

Onto Arsenal

Well, thats bloody annoying! Koscielny signs. This causes me a problem. He was listed on the Transfer-linked section on Arsenal.com. So now do we pay more attention to it as its produced a legitimate transfer after gossiping about it?

I don't know and that annoys me. A lot. I much preferred when I could easily say I will believe it when I see it on Arsenal.com. Now what the hell am I supposed to think?

As transfer rumours go, We're linked with Tasci, Jagielka and millions others. As with Koscielny I think it will be a bit unexpected. However, Wenger has said there is a need for more experience, perhaps a more established premier league defender would fit the bill, but certainly not his transfer budget I think. Especially as Koscielny cost more than Wenger wanted to spend (apparently 10m) when we initially (if sources are to be believed) went in at 4.5m.

So, I wonder, with the mooted transfer cost of Chamakh being in the region of £15m (I'm assuming this is wages and bonuses) how much is left in the infamously tight, padlocked petty cash kitty of Arsene Wenger. Certainly much has been made of the profits made by Arsenal PLC but how much heads towards team development I wouldn't like to assume.

Food for thought, certainly I think we'll see more activity on this front from Arsenal this week before next weekends annual friendly at Barnet. We know Wenger likes to get his transfers in before pre-season.

So...lets hope for progress on this front soon!!

WG

Holland and Spain win in style - a brief roundup, and Final Predo

So, Holland and Spain won, I'm really pleased with that. Its always a great tournament when the best teams win throughout (a daft thing to say, but you'll see my point in a min..) without the almost unlawfulness of Penalties, nor dodgy decisions.

In truth, on the worlds biggest stage, its almost setup for Ref's to make cock-ups, but I do think there hasn't been as many as in previous World Cups, although I'm willing to concede if sufficient evidence is presented.

I watched both games, fervently supporting Holland and Spain. For Holland, I love the way they play, they fight for everything and there's always been a soft spot in me for the ever promising, but never delivering teams. Its always intrigued me that for a team that openly admits their volatile personalities leads to them having a self-destruct option...there's always some daft bugger who keeps pressing the button. I'm so pleased that this time, it appears they're sick of it. They've got a unity they've not had for years and there appears to be no more player power. Good luck to them.

In Spain I knew what I'd get. Barcelona-lite. Xavi and Iniesta are two of the best midfielders in the world at what they do, they harry, play short, quick, dynamic passes between them to open space and create opportunities. They compliment each other perfectly and Spain would be an entirely different side without them and to my mind, a much less successful one. They allow Spain to carry two water-horse type defensive midfielders in Busquets and Alonso. They bring other players into the game with every pass. God help Spain if they get injured and Fabregas can't replace them for one reason or another.

For the final, its so hard to pick a winner. Stepping out on a virtual limb, I'm going to go Dutch. I think Holland will nick it. My reasons are these;

1) Van Bommel can disrupt Xavi and Iniesta, he'll batter them and he probably wont even get carded for it. Immense player.
2) Sneider and Robben are two massive game players who can create something out of nothing, Holland's counter attacking will rest on these two and I think it will pay dividends against the ever-complicated triangles of Spain.
3) Holland's strikers are due a goal, Van Persie will be super-hyped up for this game and a hungry striker is a dangerous one.

However, on the flip-side.
1) Iker Casillas is an amazing 'keeper and his central defence of Puyol and Pique have been stunning.
2) Villa is the most dangerous striker on two legs I've seen in a while, he's not quick but he's bloody clever and defenders fear him.
3) If Busquets and Alonso can bully Van Bommel into submission/retaliation and get him sent off its a Spain win.

So, bet as you will gang, I think I'd put money on Holland, the odds favour Spain but I think its worth more of a punt than the bookies are giving credit for.

Til next time

WG

A touch of class.

I put up a post the other day suggesting that people should be more respectful to those that spend hours writing blogs etc for their benefit. This was directly influenced by the level of criticism levelled at Myles Palmer - journalist and writer of some note.

As an amateur blog writer, Myles is a strong influence along with East Lower, Goonerette's, Gunnerblog, Arseblog et al. You're all my heroes and heroines and why I do this blog.

...And because I'm a smug opinionated oik. But knowing it is half the battle.

Needless to say I continue to be in full support of Myles and all Gooner blogs that have a constructive purpose. I congratulate you all on creating such a strong blog community.

WG

A Half-Yarder, a bore draw and free beer - Part 1.

As a second installment in the "Get to know WiganGooner" story, this one begins on a cold, autumn night in the Emirates...

I'd never been to a corporate event at Highbury, needless to say I scoffed at the suggestion. However, being an I.T. geek and installing a specialist bit of kit, I got invited to a corporate event at the Emirates on a champions league night (I'd never seen a Champions League game except on the telly so I had to go)..needless to say I was very grateful to Computer Associates, so I jumped on the train at Margate immediately after work.

I ended up nattering to a few Gooner mates on the train and the journey soon passed, though not quick enough for me, I wanted to get to the pub! So Victoria came and then onto the Tube up to Green Park then onto the Picadilly line up to Arsenal. A quick escape from the station and then a swift jog to The Gunners for a few pre-match beers...great company...great atmosphere!!

Swift realisation followed that I really had to get to the stadium to meet the rep, downed pint and ran my little legs off back to the stadium, then round the stadium to the right entrance and in...what a mission.

So, for those that haven't been in the corporates at Emirates this is what I was faced with. The corporate booth is a small, rectangular room, with double glazed doors out onto the seating provided for game time. In the room was a large table, set with about 12 chairs, a large fridge full of beer and several cheery sales folks and account managers from CA.

Coming up, Arsenal v CSKA Moscow, I felt a sense of excitement. We were doing well, the team was playing with energy and passion. I couldn't wait. I had another beer. It was 30mins before kick-off and I had to do a bit of corporate schmoozing...tell all these potential customers and resellers about my experiences with the product and how easy it was to use...good thing I was getting a good reception..otherwise I'd have had more beer!!

...Part 2 to follow soon.

WG

Beatnik tired of taking a beating.

I've been reading blogs and websites about Arsenal for years. I've always found them interesting and insightful. Differing opinions are what makes the world tick. Its what breeds competition, progression and invention.

Specifically, I've been reading Arsenal News Review for years, Myles Palmer is a wonderful writer whose thoughts and opinions always give me pause for thought. I either agree with him or wholeheartedly disagree, but he's an inspiration and one of those that made me write what I do today, untrained and unprofessional as my site is in comparison.

The web is full of people who hide behind their computer passing opinion in a very disrespectful manner to those that provide content such as Arsenal News Review. Remember, Myles doesn't get paid for the articles he writes (except maybe a bit of ad revenue) but I'm sure he would rather be concentrating on his books which are hugely successful and a great read.

Myles provides his content subscription free because he loves writing and Arsenal is something he feels passionate about and is certainly knowledgeable about.

To those that criticise his views, I say this, everyone is entitled to an opinion, everyone is entitled to have a blog and say what the hell they like, but have the balls to front up and speak with consideration. You may feel empowered for spouting off, but hiding behind your computer and criticising someone for not agreeing with you is sad. Deal with it. Millions of people don't agree with me and my thoughts every day consciously or not. I want to win the lottery on wednesday, that means a whole lot of folks won't win it, would they want me to have it? HELL NO. But I dont expect hate mail if I do get lucky.

A naff analogy, but its true, if you don't like it, deal with it, criticise if necessary, but above all be respectful. We're doing this for the love of it. Not to attract unnecessary, unwanted and wholy unwarranted attacks.

Myles, I respect you, I don't agree sometimes, but I love reading your work.

Til next time

WG

World cup antics and predo's

Mark Lawrenson sometimes makes a good point. Mainly "The Netherlands". I much prefer to call them Holland, so for the purposes of this article and later ones I will keep this as my nickname for them, a pet name for someone that frustrates me.

There's nothing interesting happening in the world of tabloid media as it again begins to focus on the World Cup for a few days, whilst busying itself with Hodgson and his appointment at Liverpool. Notably he has stated that he'd like his key players to stay, saying that they gave their time to previous managers so its only fair they give him a shot...sounds a bit schoolboy to me..

The usual characters have voiced their approval, perennial warrior Carragher has popped up with his zimmerframe

"I'm really looking forward to the opportunity of working with Roy Hodgson," said Carragher.

"He's got a great reputation and is one of the most experienced managers in the world.

"After this period of uncertainty, his appointment has given us all a lift."

His "experience" is hardly in question, his performances in Fulhams cup run last year were extremely good. However, I wonder whether he should have waited until new ownership of liverpool was in place....*shrugs*..I dont really care but at least he should bring a level of competition out of Liverpool that Benitez didn't. Though hopefully not until after we give them a damn good thrashing..

On the WC, there are some great games today and I have the following Predo's....I generally have tried not to do this before as I wholly expect to be wrong but;

Holland v Brazil : Predict Holland win, but I'd bet on Brazil...the odds are in Hollands favour and personally I predict Holland to get the result, but smart money is on Brazil..

Uruguay v Ghana : Predict Ghana win, I think they're really powerful, fast team. If they stuck it in the net more I'd put money on them.

Muchos Luck to Andy Murray today, I feel that Nadal might give him a kicking.

WG

Its a mad, mad world

Shock horror, much to the media's amazement Cesc has said that he has at no point said he definitely wants to leave.

An exclusive to some tabloid hacks, an obvious thing to say for me.

A few things are clear, firstly Arsenal do not need to sell and value Cesc highly. Cesc has a massive amount of love for Wenger, naturally reciprocated and importantly and possibly the deal breaker, Barca don't need Cesc. They just don't. Cesc has seen this whilst with the Spanish squad...he can't get past Xavi and Iniesta.

Clearly there is the fear that he'd just warm the bench for a year or two til the inevitable decline of Xavi or Iniesta gives him a shot at the first team rather than being a bit part player.

Perhaps he also feels a bit undervalued, Barca not offering more than 35mil when they shelled out 40 and Eto to inter for Ibrahimovic...I know I'd be offended...with his potential, earning power through shirt sales and being the 'local boy come good' I'd be looking at the 50mil plus bracket.

Its all about selling papers really, I don't think he'll go and I think he'll be glad when the window is shut.

As for me, my believe it when I see it mantra is still active

Love you and leave you....for now

WG