Are Arsenal serious?

It never rains but it pours - or should that say "poors" for recent Arsenals performances, and especially in rain soaked Swansea.
Another poor performance from Arsenal with many question marks appearing - with no answers.
Arsenals poor performance in last weeks Champions League game against Anderlecht was then followed by a poor performance at Swansea. Just not good enough if they are  serious about winning trophies this season.
Many are blaming defeat at Swansea at Monreal for another ineffective performance in central defence, but we all know that Monreal is not a central defender. So whose fault is it he has to play there?
Again, its Arsenals transfer policy and defensive qualities that needs to be looked at. Simply not good enough.5 Goals conceded in past two games against good -but not great teams.
The real question is "Are Arsenal REALLY serious about winning the Barclays Premier League -or the Champions League?" - obviously not.
Any champions needs a rock solid defence. Thats obvious - but Arsenal just dont have one. Nowhere near solid enough.
Arsene Wenger will be under pressure -and so may be his position as manager if he does not address the defence options he has, and act quickly by buying 3 quality defenders in the January transfer window.
The balance of midfield is not right. Too many similar players -each trying to do the same job. Cazorla, Wilshere, Rosicky, Podolski, Ramsey, Ozil are too similar.
 Its not as simple as having quality players. In simple terms Arsenal need to have an equal or  better squad than their major threats to winning trophies. The question must be "Would Giroud , Welbeck, Cazorla, Flamini, Sczzesny, Arteta, Debuchy, Monreal, Mertesacker, or Rosicky,  get in the Chelsea, Manchester City or Manchester United team?" -......................No they would not.
Arsenal have big questions to be answered -and soon - but will they be answered and get Arsenal to be where they want to be? 
                      

Arsenal mess it up again

Arsenal, yet again, shot themselves in the foot in yesterdays Champions League game against Anderlecht. 3- 0 up after 58 minutes, and smiles are everywhere in the Arsenal camp - and thats the problem!
If Arsenal would have been 1-0 up at 60 mins they would have stayed focussed. Concentration would have been good, and they certainly could not, and would not have taken their foot off the pedal. As they did!
The only positives to be taken are that Arsenal will probably still qualify for the next stage of The Champions league , and in some way more importantly -they must learn the lesson from last nights game. ie In the Premier League or The Champions League you cannot drop your performance for one minute.
Arsenals weak points were highlighted yet again. With huge question marks with the defence. It will be interesting to see who Wenger signs in the next transfer window in January 2015 to attempt to improve this area of the Arsenal team.
Are Arsenal serious about really wanting to win the Champions League? or the Premier League? If so, Wenger must get the cheque book out and buy quality in key areas. Which areas and players are fairly obvious. Central defence  is not strong enough, and there are serious question marks over players such as Arteta, Monreal and Flamini.
My guess is that Wenger will buy one quality player -and that will be it. Arsenal fans will still live in hope ,yet knw deep down inside that its not enough.
                    

Arsenal title charge?

Today Arsenal welcome Burnley and nothing less than a good victory will do for Arsenal. This is a must win game for the Gunners. The league table is starting to take shape, and the interesting thing for Gooners is that cracks are appearing in the title charge of Liverpool, and also Manchester City. Today gives Arsenal a great chance to keep in the title race.
Liverpool travel to Newcastle United, and Manchester City play at home to Manchester United on Sunday. Both Liverpool and Manchester city may well  drop points this weekend, and Arsenal can take advantage.
The return of Theo Walcott will boost Arsenals squad, and Arsene Wenger may well choose to play Theo for at least 45 minutes against Burnley.
One word of warning. Burnley will not lie down easily. They are finding the Premier League tough, but will give 100%, and Arsenal need to be at their best. Having said that, I can see Arsenal scoring 3 or more goals today against Burnley.
                                 

Arsenal to win easily at Sunderland

Arsenal should win easily today against a shell shocked Sunderland team after their 0 - 8 demolition at Southampton last Saturday.
Arsenal welcome back Walcott to the squad and should have too much quality for Sunderland.
Expect Sunderland to huff and puff for the first 20 minutes, but I will be surprised if Arsenal are not 2-0 up -or better -by half time.
The bed wetters will worry that Arsenal have defended badly so far this season, and have won fewer games than expected. But Arsenals quality, and passing game will surely do to Sunderland what Southampton did to them last week. Ok - maybe not 8-0! but I am expecting a 3-0 Arsenal win.
Walcotts return will boost Arsenal and I expect the season to go up a gear as from Today.
Today wont be a classic game of football. Sunderland will be up for it - but I expect the game .to be over as a contest after 25 minutes
                                   

Arsenal sink or swim?

Arsenal lost 0 -2 to Chelsea, and some Gooners are already giving up on the title race.

Dont.
Yesterday was not Arsenals best day. Too many players just did not perform. Surely the players saw the importance of that game? Not only would an Arsenal victory pegged back Chelsea - who seem already thinking they have won the league, but it would have given everybody confidence in Arsenal to make a serious challenge for the title.
Why dont give up?  Firstly, Arsenal will be so much stronger soon. Walcott, Ramsey, Debuchy, Giroud back soon in the squad. Also the next transfer window MUST give Wenger the chance to build where he needs to. Those transfer targets must be identified now, and brought in in January.
It sounds obvious to say "throw money at it" but Arsenal do not have a choice. The squads at Manchester City, and Chelsea are stronger - very few would argue with that. Manchester United will strengthen in January -  they see they need to have a stronger squad - just as Arsenal do. Liverpool too will not lie down and slip down that Premier League. They will sign big in January.
So Wenger needs to take a long look at some players who Gooners love - but are just not doing it. Who? Cazorla,  Flamini, Arteta, Podolski, and Wilshere for a start. If those went on the transfer list, would Chelsea or Manchester City, or Manchester United be interested? -No I dont think so.
So Gooners - there is no need to panic. But Gooners must be hoping that Arsenal compete to sign world class players as soon as possible and not have yet another season which promises much -but delivers little.

                                    

Arsenal to stuff Spurs

I have never been more convinced of a win for Arsenal against the not so mighty Spurs today. Arsenal, especially at home, will beat a spineless Spurs team easily.
Why?
Easy..............Arsenal have more quality, desire and balls.
Believe me Arsenal fans its an easy win - I just hope its not too boring as a game,because the gunners will win by at least 3 clear goals.

Well, Well, Well ........Welbeck IS going to be a great signing for Arsenal

Arsenal fans were divided regarding the signing of Danny Welbeck in the recent transfer window- especially at a transfer fee of 16 million pounds.
I predict that Danny Boy will prove to be one of the best signings of the recent transfer window. 
Why? Firstly, he has pace, quality and experience of the Premier League. Welbeck knows the Premier League well . His days at Sunderland on loan, and ofcourse Manchester United put Danny Boy more than ready to lead the Arsenal attack. Added to that is his International experience with England and Champions league experience too.
Many Arsenal fans were underwhelmed at the signing of Welbeck but he ticks all the boxes that are needed to be a big part of Arsenals attack on all fronts this season.
Wenger WILL make Welbeck a better player. Welbeck will be surrounded by players he knows - Wilshere, Walcott, Chambers, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gibbs from his England International experience -that can only help Welbeck settle in.
Players such as Ramsay, Ozil, Cazorla and Sanchez will provide Welbeck with the service he needs, and we will see a successful season not only for Welbeck, but also for Arsenal.

Arsenal sign Welbeck - good enough?

How many transfer windows will go by without Arsenal showing real intent to challenge for the top honours?
Yesterday was transfer deadline day and Arsene Wenger is not at Arsenal - he is in Italy. To be fair, he was there to support a charity event - which is to be applauded,  but which other Premier League manager was away from their club on this important transfer day?
More importantly Arsenal fans are underwhelmed at the signing of Welbeck. Another gamble? Probably - a good player but have a look at the strikers at Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and now Manchester United , and compare them to the options Arsenal have in the strikers department. 
Arsenal fans see what  other top premier league teams are doing - signing top quality players -and prepared to pay the going rate for them. Arsenal keep buying 'potential' - and this  does not convince Arsenal fans that Arsenal are serious about challenging for the top spot in the Premier League, or Champions League.
To be fair, signings such as Ozil and Sanchez have showed ambition, but Arsenal fans can still see the weak areas of Arsenals squad,and fear that Arsenal's squad just is not good enough to compete with the other top teams of the Premier league,and in the Champions League.
Welbeck is a good player, and under Wenger he may well prove to be a good signing. Arsenal fans, yet again, were looking for Arsenal to make a statement of intent in this transfer window and are left feeling underwhelmed.
PS.................................Just Watched Welbeck in the Switzerland v England game. Ladies and Gentlemen - we have a bargain!

Arsenal Transfer Deadline Day

Arsenal failed to beat Leicester City yesterday, and the question every Arsenal supporter is asking is why is Arsene Wenger not seeing what most Arsenal fans see? - Sanogo is not ready to lead the attack at Arsenal. Added to that is why has Arsene not added to his squad? -especially in central defence and striker.
Today is transfer deadline day and ,as was shown at Leicester City Arsenal just do not have enough quality options if Arsenal are serious about mounting a challenge in all competitions.
The other aspect that bothers Arsenal fans is that it is not as simple as what Arsenal do. We have to compete with the other top teams, both here,and in Europe and Arsenal fans look at the squads of Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and now Liverpool are buying in both quantity and quality.
Arsene has a reputation for not splashing the cash. Personally, I do not think Arsene is to blame for this lack of spending. It looks like he has a budget and thats the end of it.
Another concern is midfield. Arsenal have undoubted talent in this area. But Ramsay, Wilshere, Cazorla, Rosicky, Ozil etc seem to be quite similar players. Again, look at Chelsea;s midfield -and their options.Same can be said of Liverpool and Manchester City - options and game changers on the bench -Arsenal need those -and hopefully it will be today that Arsenal move in that direction by making serious offers for the likes of Falcao, Carvalho and Rabiot.

Arsenal to sign Borussia Dortmund star?

Arsene Wenger is interested in making a bid Borussia Dortmund’s Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos in this transfer window -according to The Daily Mail.

1. 

   Name in home country:	Σωκράτης Παπασταθόπουλος
   Complete name:	Sokratis Papastathopoulos
   Date of birth:	Jun 9, 1988
   Place of birth:	Kalamata
   Age:	26
   Height:	1,86 m
   Nationality:	Greece
   Position:	Defence - Centre Back
   Foot:	right
   Players' agents:	Sports Connection
   In the team since:	Jul 1, 2013
   Contract until:	30.06.2018

Giroud out - Remy in?

Arsenal have been rocked with the news that Olivier Giroud will be sidelined for up to  3 months. Giroud came on as a second half substitute against Everton on Saturday and injured himself sustaining a possible broken ankle.
Arsene Wenger may well move quickly in this transfer window. Remy of Queens Park Rangers is believed to be a target for Wenger.

      

Wenger worried?

Arsene Wenger probably does not know if he should feel happy, relieved or worried after yesterdays 2-2 draw at Everton.Everton will not lose too many games at Goodison Park this season and so a draw is a respectable result for Arsenal.
The worrying aspect for Arsenal after the Everton game, and also last weeks game against Crystal Palace is that Arsenal just dont look convincing. Late goals for Arsenal  in both games showed character , but both games showed Arsenal to have problems. Problems that may need urgent action if Arsenal are to win trophies this season.
Arsenals midfield has undoubted talent ,and yet it fails to deliver. Too many question marks about Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain and others. For me, there are too many similar players in Arsenals midfield. Arsenal need players that have a specific role and not just a collection of players who offer similar problems to opponents.
Walcott returning and one or two signings may help fix this problem. At the present time there is not enough pace , and defensively Arsenals midfield needs to be stronger.
Transfer rumours appear almost every day linking Arsenal with "holding midfield  players", and Arsene Venger must sign at least one if Arsenal are to compete well  in the Barclays Premier league and also in this seasons champions league.
               

Arsene Wenger unhappy with Ramsey red card

Arsene Wenger has criticised the decision to send Aaron Ramsey off during Arsenals' 0-0 Champions League draw against Besiktas.

 Ramsey was sent off in the 80th minute for  a second yellow card.
 Wenger was furious with the decision after the game.

"We could have won it but they had chances as well. In the end we didn't lose and hopefully we will make it at home," he told ITV. 

"Both yellow cards for Aaron Ramsey are unbelievable When you see the fouls they have made today it's not serious. Just not serious.

"It was a game played with a frenetic pace. We didn't lose the game and hopefully we'll finish the job at home."

It was Ramsey's first red card of his career, and means he will be unavailable  when Besiktas travel to the Emirates next week for the second leg of the tie. 

Wenger says Arsenal must win against Besiktas

Arsene Wenger has said that Arsenal are "desperate" to qualify for the  group stages of the Champions League and said Arsenal must  beat Besiktas.

Wenger added - "We are desperate to do it because we want to play in the Champions League and we know how big these games are," said Wenger. "We are desperate to go through. No matter what it costs we want to go through."We always have a difficult draw, we had Fenerbahce last year, this time we have Besiktas, so it is difficult."

Captain Mikel Arteta believes the players will relish the intimidating atmosphere.

"They will be in our face, but I like playing in atmospheres like that," he said. "It is different to what we are used to here in England and it's attractive to the players.

Besiktas v Arsenal - Tuesday 19th August 2014 -kick off 7-45pm

Arsenal team v Crystal Palace

Arsenal kick off their 2014/15 Premier League season with a home game against Crystal Palace, kick off 5-30pm on Saturday 16th August. Arsenal fans will be looking for a very positive start to the season, and Arsene Wenger will be looking for a convincing performance,and result against a Crystal Palace. team that is still reeling from the news that Tony Pulis (Manager) had left the club 48 hour before the start of the new season.

 Team news for Arsenal 

Teamsheet for today's game: Szczesny, Debuchy, Koscielny, Chambers, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere, Ramsey, Alexis, Cazorla, Sanogo

Napoli star to Arsenal?

Arsenal are showing an interest in Napoli's Eduardo Vargas. 
The 24 year old has  been cut from Napoli’s Champions League squad for the qualifying round,
This  means if he was to move to Arsenal Vargas would not be cup-tied for Arsenals Champions League campaign. 

This is seen as a clear indication that Vargas will be leaving Napoli in this transfer window.

Valencia are also said to be interested in signing Vargas. Vargas was on loan at Valencia last season, and impressed the club enough into considering a permanent move.
Last season, for Valencia, Vargas made 25 appearances, scoring five goals before being picked for Chile’s 23-man World Cup squad.
             

Arsenal betting on new season

Arsenal are 4th Favourites to win the Barclays Premier League in the coming season according to leading bookmakers Ladbrokes.

To win the Premier League Ladbrokes have the following odds
Chelsea 15/8
Manchester City 15/8
Manchester United 5/1
Arsenal   13/2
Liverpool   11/1


Arsenal to finish in top two   -  11/4

Arsenal to finish in top four  - 1/2

Arsenal to finish in top six -  1/25

Arsenal to be relegated - 1000/1
    
    (Ladbrokes odds as of 13th August 2014)

                           

               
                                    
                                 

                  

                

Arsenal striker talks up Arsenals coming season

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has sent out a strong message to the rest of the Barclays Premier League teams.
Giroud believes that the Arsenal team can only get stronger throughout the coming season.
Giroud said “When our Germans join us, we will be stronger for sure and hopefully until May,” said Giroud.

“That (the championship) is the target. Last year we did well until March. We had a bad run after, but we really wanted to come back and be stronger than last year.”

                       

Arsenal Community Shield player ratings

Player Ratings for Arsenal players v Manchester City,
Community Shield, 10th August 2014.

Arsenal
Szczesny                  7
Chambers                8
Koscielny                8
Gibbs                       8
Debuchy                  7
Wilshere                  7
Ramsey                   9
Cazorla                    8
Arteta                      7
Sanogo                    7
Sanchez                   8

substitutes
Monreal                   7
Rosicky                   7
Flamini                    7
Oxlade-Chamberlain 7
Giroud                     7 

My nomination for Arsenal player of the Community Shield
                        

              

Arsenal's Mertesacker, Podolski and Ozil return to training

Arsenal's Mertesacker, Podolski and Ozil  return to training today. All three missed yesterdays Community Shield victory over Manchester City, due to being on holiday.
              

Robbie Savage slams the FA decision to award the Community Shield man of the match award

Robbie Savage has hit out at the FA's decision to award the Community Shield Man of the Match to Olivier Giroud.
Giroud did score an excellent goal, but only played for 45 minutes of the Community Shield. Most observers applauded Giroud's excellent strike for Arsenals third goal, but commented that Giroud did little else. Giroud touched the ball 18 times, and completed 12.

Robbie Savage put this on his Twitter page on Sunday Evening.

Robbie Savage         ✔ @RobbieSavage8

Follow

Obviously a lot of wines drunk today ? RT @FA: Today's man-of-the-match is named as @Arsenal's third goalscorer Olivier Giroud. #Shield

10:51 PM - 10 Aug 2014

Fair comment from Robbie Savage?

Who do you think was the Community Shield Man of the Match? 

For me, it was Ramsey.

     

                              Photo -Ex Professional footballer,and now pundit Robbie Savage

                                       

Community Shield result - Arsenal 3 Manchester City 0

An excellent all round team performance from Arsenal, with flair, style and quality in all departments. A determined and well organised Arsenal team showed they are more tha ready for the forthcoming season.
Ok its a friendly, and pre season ,but this performance will give Arsenal supporters renewed belief, and optimism for the coming Premier League season.
 Arsenal started the game well with a positive and forceful approach to the game.Fitness levels and confidence looked good in all areas of the pitch.
Arsenals first goal came in the 21st minute courtesy of a finely taken goal by Cazorla. A sweet strike with his magic left foot from the edge of the penalty area.
Arsenal were working very hard off the ball, and Manchester City struggled to get any rhythm into their game. Arsenal supporters were enjoying the day!
After 42 minutes Arsenal increased the lead with a typical Ramsey goal. Some fine work on the edge of the penalty box from Sanogo led to a pass to Ramsey.An excellent first touch by Ramsey created a clear opportunity for himself to slot the ball passed Caballero, the Manchester City goalkeeper. 2-0 to The Arsenal!
Manchester City seemed rocked by being outplayed, and outfought in the first half, and  Arsenal were worthy of being 2-0 up at half time.
The second half was much the same. Manchester City did get back into the game with some good passing and movement, but Arsenal defence coped well.
The goal of the game came in the 61st minute with a fine strike from well outside the penalty box from Giroud. A superb left foot strike made the score 3-0 to Arsenal. 
A well deserved win for Arsenal, and another trophy makes its way to the Arsenal trophy cabinet.

                              Cazorla's goal after 21 minutes

Arsenal German World Cup star raid?

With the transfer of central defender Thomas Vermaelen to FC Barcelona Arsenal are said to be stepping up their efforts to sign a replacement central defender before the end of this transfer window.
Arsene Wenger is said to be an admirer of Mats Hummels - especially after his impressive performances for Germany in the World Cup, and would like to have a central defensive partnership of Hummels, and Per Mertesacker at Arsenal this season.
Borussia Dortmund are said to want a transfer fee in the region of 25 million pounds. (31 million Euros)
Manchester United are also said to be very interested in signing Hummels.
                              

Samir Nasri says Arsenal fans are stupid

Samir Nasri has blasted the "stupid" Arsenal fans for holding a grudge against him for signing for   Manchester City in 2011.

The 27-year-old has lifted the Premier League title twice in a three-years at Eastlands, and the midfielder has said that financial gain was not his primary motive in leaving Arsenal.

"I just think the abuse I get is stupid. I'm not an Arsenal fan, I am not from London," he told The Mirror.

"To be honest we are players and we are just looking at what are the best interests for us and our careers.

"When Manchester City came for me it was the best choice to come here. Since coming to City I have won ­trophies and I have a better life so I am really happy about everything."

                                            

                                            

Wenger backs Wilshire

Arsene Wenger has said that Jack Wilshire is ready to make an impact following his injury problems.

The 22-year-old  has been restricted to  86 appearances for Arsenal in 6 years.

However, Wenger  claimed that this could be the season when Wilshere shines for Arsenal.

"He was until now a doubt a little bit through injuries," The Telegraph quotes Wenger as saying. "At the top-level you need to be consistent with your presence.

"You can play six, seven, eight games and rest one or two but you have to play six, seven on the trot. I think he will be capable of doing it. He prepares well. He has no ankle problem any more. It could be his year."

Arsenal face Manchester City in the Community Shield this afternoon kick off 3pm.

                                         

                            

Arsenal in for Chile Striker?

 Arsenal are said to be close to be making a bid for Eduardo Vargas of Napoli. Vargas is said to be unhappy at Napoli, and would like to play in the English Premier League.
Venger is said to be an admirer of  Vargas after his impressive performances for Chile in The World Cup.
Valencia are said to be interested in Vargas, but it is generally thought that if Arsenal make a bid soon, then the transfer could be made for the 24 year old striker before the start of the Premier League Season.
                

                              

Arsenal player loan to Newcastle United?

The Newcastle Chronicle is reporting that  Costa Rica starlet Joel Campbell may be offered a loan move to Newcastle United in this transfer window.

Campbell has had  loan spells at FC Lorient, Real Betis and Olympiacos.

Campbell is said to be keen to play in the English Premier League, and would welcome a loan move to gain much needed Premier League experience.

Newcastle, QPR, Hull and Sunderland may also be interested in a loan move for Campbell.

                                

Community Shield Preview and Team News

                                                                The Community Shield 

                                                                Kick off at 3pm on Sunday August 10.

                                                                at Wembley Stadium.

Arsenal and Manchester City have both stressed the importance of Sunday's Community Shield. 
Manchester city's manager Manuel Pellegrini said 

"It is not a friendly match," he said. "It is an important game against an important team in Arsenal. 

"Maybe both teams, Arsenal and our team, do not arrive in our best moment because both have a lot of players who have just arrived from the World Cup but I think it will be a very good game and important for both teams to win it."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said "It's exciting for us to go back to Wembley. Ideally you want to start strong. We are not maybe ready physically but we should be better on Sunday. It's a good test, good to play Manchester City because they are an interesting opponent." 

Team news - Arsene Wenger has said that the squad for The Community Shield will be similar to the squad for the Monaco game - unless a new player is signed before Sunday.

Manchester City team news - Pellegrini has said that Frank Lampard will take no part in the game.


         Arsenal dressing room at Wembley today
                    

Arsenal team to play Man City: Szczesny, Debuchy, Koscielny, Chambers, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere, Ramsey, Alexis, Cazorla, Sanogo

Cavani to Arsenal?

Edinson Cavani's agent says Liverpool and Arsenal have both made "proposals" to the PSG striker. (Source: Daily Mirror)

Arsenal Champions League play off draw made

Arsenal will play Besiktas   (Turkey) in the Champions League play off.
First leg of the Champions league fixtures will take place on August 19/20, with the second leg being played on Aug 26/27
First leg at Besiktas.

PSG star to sign for Arsenal?

It has been reported that Arsenal have opened talks with Paris Saint Germain about the possible transfer of 19 year old midfielder Adrien Rabiot.Rabiot has turned down a new contract offer at PSG at the end of last season.
Arsenal are said to be opening talks with PSG about a possible transfer, and would be offering Rabiot a large increase on his 8,000 pounds per week salary.Rabiot is valued at around 8 million pounds.
Chelsea are also said to be interested in Rabiot.

                                 

                 

Another Arsenal target?

Arsenal are said to be interested in signing Marco Reus from Borussia Dortmund. 
Reus rejected a new contract last week and this has alerted Arsenal to make a possible bid. 
Arsenal may well face competition for Reus from Manchester United, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

                                      Player factfile

Date of birth:	May 31, 1989 in Dortmund
Age:	25
Nationality:	Germany
Height:	1,80 m
In the team since:	Jul 1, 2012

Contract until:	30.06.2017
Current club:	Borussia Dortmund
Position:	Left Wing
Players' agents:	SportsTotal
National player:	Germany