Saturday 30 August 2014

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

Tuesday 26 August 2014

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.



      

Sunday 24 August 2014

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.
               


Tuesday 19 August 2014

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. 


Sunday 17 August 2014

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

Saturday 16 August 2014

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

Thursday 14 August 2014

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.
             



Tuesday 12 August 2014

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)

                           

               
                                    
                                 

                  

                

Monday 11 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.”
                       


Sunday 10 August 2014

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.


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

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.
                              

Saturday 9 August 2014

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.
                                


Friday 8 August 2014

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.

Thursday 7 August 2014

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  Germany
Age:25
Nationality:Germany  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  Germany

Costa to Arsenal?

Arsenal said to be closing in on Shakhtar Donetsk player 
Douglas Costa, 
Costa ,an exciting winger/forward is said to be keen on playing in the Barclays Premier league.
Transfer fee is said to in the region of 15 million pounds.
Everton are said to be also interested in Costa, however the valuation may be higher than Everton are willing to pay.
                                 


Wednesday 6 August 2014

Carvalho to Arsenal?

Highly rated William Carvalho is being linked with a move to Arsenal. The 22 year old Sporting Lisbon defensive midfielder would be a welcome addition to the Arsenal squad.
Many Arsenal supporters have been keen to see a defensive midfield player signed during this transfer window.
Some are expecting this signing to be completed in the next 7 days 
-  lets hope we see Carvalho at The Emirates Stadium soon.
                    

                                                                William Carvalho

Man Utd star to Arsenal?

Rumours circulating that Arsenal are to make a bid for Phil Jones of Manchester United in this transfer window.
Arsene Wenger is said to be an admirer of Jones, and would welcome Jones to boost his Arsenal defence this season.
Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal is ,as to be expected, tight lipped about any comings and goings at Old Trafford. But speculation is that Van Gaal may well let Jones leave  if Mats Hummels arrives at Manchester United.



Agger........do - Swop Anfield for Arsenal?

Today we hear that Arsenal are interested in Liverpool's Daniel Agger.
If true, this must be an indication that Vermaelen is on his way out of Arsenal.
UK radio pundits seem to think Agger would be happy to leave Anfield, and sign for Arsenal in this Transfer Window.
A good signing for Arsenal?.......................I think so.





Vermaelen .....................Big Decision?

Should I stay or should I go?

Vermaelen, like many other top players is weighing up his options in this transfer window. Last season was frustrating for Vermaelen and top European teams are big admirers.
Arsene may well have an impossible job on to keep Vermaelen at Arsenal. General opinion is that Vermaelen will be sold, but Arsenal are not keen to offload him to a Barclays Premier League team.
Having said that, I would not be surprised if Chelsea or Manchester United sign him. As a long shot - take a look at Liverpool signing Vermaelen.
Khedira latest....
Reports from Spain indicate that Real Madrid  are looking to offload Khedira.
Arsenal are very  interested -but wage demands seem to be the problem so far.
Arsenal need Khedira. He could make a big difference to Arsenal this season.
A waiting game? Yep..............but my guess is that Khedira will be an Arsenal player in this transfer window.


Monday 4 August 2014

Arsenal transfer news..................
Athletic Bilbao are looking to the reinforce their squad with the addition of Arsenal duo Mikel Arteta and Nacho Monreal, Metro reports.

Praise the Lord!!! Arsenal should be happy to offload these two.

         
                               Arteta hears the news that he may be on his way back to Spain?

Arsenal.........................
Firstly, Arsenal fans dont expect much difference from last season. Ok you have signed Alexis Sanchez - a good player. But Arsene will do what he always does. Stick to his outdated principles - and the season will be only slightly better than last year.
Arsene is a good man, and good manager but he fails to see other teams dont hesitate in getting rid of overrated players. Does he not look at Manchester City or Chelsea and see that their managers simply will not be patient - they cannot afford to -they will be sacked. But Arsene waits patiently for the sun to come up and win The Barclays Premier League and  it wont for Arsenal.
Great team to watch - but not winners.Too many passengers.
In short the following must be done IMMEDIATELY if Arsenal have even the slightest chance of winning or runners up in the Prem.
Firstly, the goalkeeper - Szczesny. He has to go - he is suited to a team in mid table - and I am being kind here. Do Arsenal supporters really think he is a top keeper? - dont be stupid. If he goes on the transfer list today could you see Chelsea, Manchester City ,or European giants coming in for him? - no chance mate.
Keepers can win you games - and this season he can, and almost definetely will lose Arsenal games.
Secondly, Gibbs has to go. Yes he's ok but not in the class of a top defender. Also with many teams moving to a 3-5-2 formation he is lost in that. Just not good enough. When you think of the class of Ashley Cole at Arsenal a few years ago, how can you replace him with Gibbs or Monreal?
Next is yes -you guessed it - Monreal - sorry mate but sign for Stoke or Newcastle or Hull - thats my advice for him,and for Arsenal.
Whilst on the subject of defenders, what the hell was Arsene thinking of when he signed Debuchy? - Newcastle fans hardly cried buckets when he left. Ofter found lacking in his defensive qualities - watch out for him being out of position many times - it will cost you Arsenal.
Arteta is past his sell by date and there must be better than what he has to offer? Arteta picks the ball up in acres of space in his own half and passes to the Arsenal lad standing next to him - thats it.Nothing else. Dont give me his "range of passing garbage" - long gone. Off to Spain or Italy asap.
Wilshere is an interesting one - rated him a year or two ago but reckon he has been far too laid back and used the ' had injuries' ticket too much. Take a look at Ramsey mate - and do what he does. Would not surprise me that Wilshere is off somewhere in January 2015 if he dont buck his ideas up.The same can be said for Podolski and Cazorla.
Giroud - He should thank Arsenals midfield for making him look better than he is. Overrated and lazy - just want to score the odd goal, and work on his hair gel too much. No wonder Arsenal signed Sanchez.
Arsene - sign Khedira, and make a cheeky attempt (like you did for Suarez) for  Schweinsteiger- expensive ,but do you want to win this Premier league or not? With those two,and Ozil you can challenge.
In conclusion, Arsenal will be lucky to be in the  top four at the end of the season. I predict 5th.- and dont blame injuries. If Arsenal win the league I will paint my head.
prediction - 5th
Key player - Sanchez
Sell - Szczesny, Arteta, Monreal, Gibbs.
Dont sell - Vermaelen,- a serious mistake if you do sell.
prediction for next game - Arsenal 1 Crystal Palace 1
latest Arsenal news to follow soon



                         Young Arsenal supporter finds out Giroud is still playing for Arsenal.