Sunday 29 May 2011

Who needs to go?

I know its not very original to make a post about this but whatever. This is just who I think should be shown the door the season (there won't be many surprises if you've been following). I'm not commenting on any rumours in this post as per usual we've already been linked with every decent player under the sun.

Denilson

Denilson is a player who, to be honest I've never rated. He came in as a young Brazilian who was going to be the next best thing and just needed to mature. Calling this player Brazilian is an insult to their country, he is quite possibly the worst Brazilian footballer to have ever existed. His inability to pass, dribble or shoot does put him at a bit of a disadvantage. Luckily it seems we won't be offering him a new deal.

Bendtner

Yes that's right, I propose that we sell the worlds best player (he said so himself). Bendtner at first appearance looks like a clumsy, bumbling idiot. After watching him play for ten minutes its clear that he's a clumsy, bumbling idiot. Now I'm sure the Bendtner fans out there will be quick to point out his hat trick against Leyton Orient and his well finished goal against Ipswich. But the problem with both of those points is look at the opposition; Leyton Orient and Ipswich. Hardly top notch. His attitude also grates with many Arsenal fans, seemingly thinking he's perfection in boots. Any takers are welcome to his 'talents'.

Djourou

This may be the only surprise on the list. Now he filled in well originally but as the season went on his performance got worse and worse. There have been quite a few goals that he can be blamed for where hes played the ball straight to an oncoming player (Bolton) and has failed to play the offside trap. This isn't the first bad season he's had and although our defence is shaky to say the least he isn't gonna change our fortunes overnight so I think it may be time for him to move on.

Clichy

Gael Clichy has in recent seasons gone dramatically downhill. If I was an opposition manager looking at the back four, along with Djourou, Clichy would be the man who I would try to exploit. He tends to lose track of how far forward he goes and ends up chasing back and the times when he does stay back he backs off players too much and is fairly well beaten. After a certain money grabbing dickhead left for Chelsea, Gael began fairly well but with Gibbs waiting in the wings I think Gael either needs to move on or prepare to make way for Gibbs to mature.

Manuel Almunia
I think many fans will agree that Manuel has fallen out of love with not only the club but many people within the club. Its nothing against him in particular, I thought he was a good keeper a few seasons ago. He used to be able to hold his own quite well on a regular basis. But now with Wojek becoming more and more popular amongst the fans for his impressive performances and Wenger favouring Fabianski above Manuel it seems unlikely that we will be seeing much more of him. 

So they are the 5 players who I think should be moving on, the top 2 in particular as they are simply shit. Next week I'm gonna name a few players who I would like to see at the club but no doubt knowing Wenger we won't see anybody of note. Have a good Bank Holiday.

Sunday 22 May 2011

Fulham (A)

So 4th place again it would seem. Another disastrous game and another disastrous result, admittedly we had a perfectly good goal ruled out but still at the back we were equally as awful as the week before. The first finish was one of quality from Bent but he should have had all the room he had to slot the second away. Hopefully this will open Wenger's eyes to the fact that we do have serious defensive issues, I see that we have again been linked with Chris Samba in the morning papers and personally I would welcome that signing.



Anyway, apologies for the lateness of this post its been a busy weekend. Fulham away is never a fixture that we should see as an easy one. On their day they'll give anyone a run for their money, if they have an off day then anyone can turn them over. After fucking up in recent weeks, we have it all to do and to pray that Bolton pull off a win over Man City to avoid the tedious Champions League qualifications and to be honest I can't see us doing it. Either way a win on the last game would be a nice way to round off another disappointing season.

Nasri faced a late fitness test of which the results I dont know so he may play he may not, Cesc Fabregas however is definitely out with a thigh issues. Gael Clichy is also a doubt with a hamstring problem so Keiran Gibbs may start at left back. Otherwise the same squad that played Villa would be my bet. A solid performance today may go someway to helping restore the fans faith.



As for Fulham the usual threats from Johnson, Dempsey, Gudjohnsen etc. However Arsenal fans don't see it as all bad, we may see a familiar face in Senderos playing in defence for them which may be our main outlet of attack. The Swiss pile of shit was never a fan favourite due to his many blunders over the seasons so it may provide some amusement this afternoon. Hopefully Van P will get on the score sheet to equal the record for most goals scored since scoring 0 since January or something to that effect.

So that sad time is upon us once again, the close of the Premier League season. Another season, the trophy cabinet remains empty. Changes need to be made Mr. Wenger, listen to the fans for once. On a much better note congratulations to the Arsenal Ladies team on winning the FA Cup 2-0 against Bristol Academy, at least they can win something. Check back for updates on news and everything Arsenal, enjoy the last day and come on Blackpool!



Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

Saturday 14 May 2011

Aston Villa (H)

If last weekends performance was anything to go by tomorrow could be a disaster. A truly awful display from the Arsenal who didn't look remotely interested in winning the game. Stoke wanted it more and we simply let them take it. Once again the defensive failing of Johan Djourou were obvious after being beaten by Jones and then simply giving it away. He needs to go along with Clichy who seems to have lost his touch in recent seasons.

Our last home game of the season sees us take on a struggling Villa who could in theory still be relegated. I have to admit I wouldn't mind seeing them go down as I'm no Villa fan. Despite their poor position they're squad boasts some good players. Ashley Young is a threat down the wing and can turn on the pace which unless our defence are on the ball could cause mayhem. Former yid Darren Bent leads the Villa strike force, partnered with the out of form Agblonahor.



From an Arsenal point of view we look to be without player of the season Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas who are both doubtful. I would imagine Walcott and Ramsey will fill in should they both fail their late tests. On a better note it looks as though Thomas Vermaelen will make his first appearance in what seems like an age as Koscielny picked up a knock last week. This is the sort of defender we need and have desperately missed this season.



So we are still 'eyeing second' according to Wenger but I think we need to win just to secure third and avoid Champions League qualifiers again next season. Tomorrow looking at the form should be a game where will go in huge favourites, but as we all know with Arsenal that means nothing. For fans who aren't happy with the recent news of ticket price rises a protest ha been planned outside the stadium before the game.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa

Saturday 7 May 2011

Stoke (A)

Well once again I was totally wrong with my prediction and we played a blinder to get a result that would have been massive had we capitalised on the opportunites we had to gain more points. The performance was great from nearly everyone, Clichy had is moments namely the penalty that wasn't given. Song shut out the United strike force that was only part of a lackluster performance from a team top of the table. A well finished goal from Ramsey being the difference between the 2 teams.

Stoke hasn't been a pleasant place for us in previous seasons. They're rough and ready style has always seemed to put us off as we lack strength. It will be a tough match tomorrow and we are without 2 key players in Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas who aren't fit to play, Djourou is also a doubt but Vermaelen should be available to stand in should he be needed. Wilshere and Ramsey will start alongside Song.



Stoke look set to play with Jones and Walters upfront with Pennant and Delap on the wings. We all know Delap can be devastating with his throws and with Jones providing height upfront our defence will be tested against the dreaded set pieces where we always seem to concede silly goals. Begovic in goal for them isn't a prolific keeper so if we get the chances, we need to take them.



So it will be a tough day for us and if we get a win then it will be a good result. But as we know they will play hard and our team need to be prepared to take the hard hits. The crowd will also be intimidating and loud as they famously are. The game could easily swing either way.

Prediction: Stoke City 1-1 Arsenal