Today we have a brand new guest poster Tim Head (@foreverheady, should you want to follow him on twitter,I suggest you do just that)
“There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. Omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat. And we must take the current when it serves, or lose our ventures.”
Or so said Brutus towards the end of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, suggesting that at key moments in a life the onus is on us to see when is the time to actively determine our own fortune and then to act swiftly and decisively. Is it that time for The Arsenal? Is this Transfer Window the moment to strike and seize success, taking Fate into our own hands and bending the whims of the footballing Gods to our promptings.
It is certainly tempting to answer in the affirmative, as the tide has certainly turned for The Arsenal this season (or to be more accurate since last March) and, injuries aside things do seem to be going our way. There is a sense of irresistible momentum engendered by harmony, confidence, skill and hard work. The Emirates is beginning not just to rock but to be a rock too, and even the pundits are starting to change their tune. The TV companies certainly are: witness the constant rearranging of games so that Arsenal’s matches are beamed round the UK at prime time, and the subsequent widening of the fan base, compelled at first by results and success but latterly and more importantly by the beauty of watching The Arsenal play the Arsenal way.
And yet, despite all of this, despite the league position and the Champions League success, the nagging doubt remains in some minds that man for man our squad is not quite as strong as Manchester City’s or Chelsea’s, and that we will once again founder against the might of Bayern. That, in short, new players are needed, and in particular two talismanic figures must be bought: a Henreysque striker and a Vierra like midfielder. Costa or Cavani, Pogba or Gundogan should do the trick, for no leagues will be confidently won without them. It is a tempting dream, and one that has no doubt passed fleetingly across most of our minds, and perhaps too the minds of Stan, Ivan, and AW. And surely now is the time to make that dream a reality, continues that narrative. January is not a good time to buy may be the accepted wisdom, but a World Cup summer isn’t great either: not only may prices be inflated, but pre-season is affected too. There is definitely an argument to suggest that a positive start to the 2014/15 season would be best achieved by players who have been bedding in since February. We have the money, and not only should we spend it, we should borrow against our earnings for the rest of this giddy season and spend double: what a position we would be in with £120 Million’s worth of new players come the First of February, what a message that would send to the footballing world.
It certainly could be done, and it wouldn’t altogether surprise me if something like that were attempted. After all Ozil’s recent video on the official website is like a prospectus aimed at attracting top, top world players, and if anyone doubted Arsenal’s ambition, or the reason the move to the Emirates was made, they certainly should not be doubting it now. I would just point out though that it is always dangerous to think that only one thing is lacking, that if only we had player x or player y everything would be alright. We probably already have all we need to succeed given reasonable luck and reliable refereeing, and given the scarcity of players on the market who are better than the excellent ones we already have, I think it unlikely that any significant signings will be made. One thing I do know though is that Arsene Wenger knows exactly what he is trying to do, and that if he thinks anything is possible he will work harder than anyone to make it happen. But he will also remember that although Brutus was an honorable man, he misjudged things horribly and ended up falling on his own sword. Perhaps after all we must count the blessings we already have, enjoy what is in front of us, and stop wishing our life away. But then again, it’s good to dream…..
Positively Arsenal 
Not the usual type of post for positively arsenal but non the less enjoyable.
I’m not so sure the club needs that much more to be on a par with city and with regard to chelsea I’d say we’re better already. I may have on my rose tinted though who knows. I’m happy to believe it and our league position will cement them.
That said I do find myself thinking what if we had…. player x.
But you know what I spend most time thinking. Diaby, diaby is better than him and him and him and all of them. If we had Diaby we’d be 10 points clear and yaya toure would be a pretender.
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Wonderful piece,I hope its the first of many.
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Els.I think the headline I added has confused you.
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Great debut Tim,only this morning I saw a retweet from the end of August where Gunnerblog was accusing the manager of being a gibbering wreck,most of the so-called blogging elite soiled their trousers round about then,I hope they’ve learnt their lesson,I doubt it though..
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Yes Mel,almost to a man(and woman) the bigwig Arsenal bloggers fucked up royally.
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Quite agree with your article ……….the omen is good.Hence its time to make bold moves. ! This why I think Morata is NOT what we want at Arsenal right now. Tell no body get me wrong, I’m not under-rating the player. I just feel he may just be too inexperience for the task ahead if Arsenal must win silverware this season !
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Did I misread the article?
I will read it again, but I thought the author was just listing possibilities, not giving a recommendation.
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Excellent piece Forever, crisp if I may say so.
The recruitment question remains open.
I accept that in quantity and quality of attackers/strikers we lag behind Citeh. Anyone who wants an argument on the comparative offensive strengths of AFC and MCFC just ponder the goals scored stats before uttering a word.
And not just Negredo, Aguerro and Dzeko but the missing Jovetic too !
But it is not just about numbers, of players or goals scored, it is about recruiting the right player and getting him to click.
I do not therefore see the BIG signing as likely this window. The noise could disrupt our careful balance. A back up though, a talented, quick, small operator, a rapier to Olivier’s hammer is just what we need and could fit in beautifully.
Interesting to see Akpom off on a months loan at the Bees – it rather underlines how seriously Arsene regards our striking crisis
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Very interesting post, thanks.
Last Summer Arsene and his Deadline Day Daredevils (known to some as Arsene and the Thriftettes http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BQq9xuTCYAAD2HP.jpg:large) pulled off some funky moves. They looked good on the dancefloor. I’m happy watching the show.
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Chuba is a player who seems to have those direct and quick qualities and instinct that Theo brings to the game, it’s why I’m a big fan: Pace! An exciting cameo in the diddly cup against the Baggies. He’s too young and inexperienced for this campaign I guess, Gnabry started his gentle (staggered) journey into the first team last season. Even if Gnabry does play more I dont think he will play many games in succession, not if it can be avoided. As we saw with Chambo in his first few seasons he will be protected.
Ryo, who was a little tender after a run of injuries, could get the start against Coventry. It’s become fashionable for some to try and dismiss Ryo by ignoring his age, experience, and injuries. And by ignoring the comments that came out of Feyenoord. But if Martinez* rates him, then I am happy to rate him too. Wouldn’t be surprised if Ryo goes on loan at some point.
Brentford would have promised Chuba the minutes. Bendtner or Plodders will probably lead the line against Coventry. They both need the minutes, to play, and that would’ve been as big a consideration in letting Chuba go as anything else.
*I have always rated Martinez over Gr*tball merchants such as Moyes. Not many opposing teams get applauded off at TNHOF, which is what happened with his Wigan team (though I felt they only won that day because the Arsenal ‘keeper played with a knock, he looked a little bit dizzy).
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I don’t know how gunner blog has become so influential as his blog is or was a ghost town. I guess he has utilised twitter to maximum effect. Good for him in that respect. I do follow him on twitter (don’t bother with the insidiously and relentlessly Whitney arseblog) if only to pull him up when he starts mouthing off or doom mongeringly. He was at it before the FA cup game.
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interesting post, keep it up. i agree somewhat but i feel certain players are unattainable half way through the season. i know costa and martinez buyout clauses only come in to affect in the summer window. pogba would be a dream signing for me.
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i agree 100% with the concept of making statement of intent that will shock everyone
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and most importantly…besides the actions of management and ownership….now is also the time for the fans to stand up..if we dont believe now how will our players believe? easier said than done, especially in england where flares drums and flags choreos and chanting are alamost seen as criminal offences…..ffs we have cannons…why cant we have pyrotechnics and fireworks in the stands? terror for the rivals
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“why cant we have pyrotechnics and fireworks in the stands?”
They are probably bit worried about burning the place down Hunter, with you in it – a la Valley Parade
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like running through the park naked
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making a statement I mean
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well if we can send dench naked on the pitch holding a knife when united players or city players come out for warm up ….mayeb we do that instead of pyrotechnics…
lets brainstorm
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anicoll5
January 9, 2014 at 4:45 pm
we are not children playing with matches …we are experienced navigators of the oceans and we can operate/handle a flare …. 🙂
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Very good post and very good thoughts. Thanks.
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great post foreverheady which reflects the malaise in most gunnerheads at the moment.
Dex: I didn’t think gunner blog was supposed to be taken seriously he is the ARSENAL version of alf garnett , a parody of himself.
I’ve got to comment on two classics from the podcast firstly Ronan saying we shouldn’t worry about the league title but just enjoy the wonderful football we are being served up and then the extremely heartfelt line from George “fuck football” , brilliant.
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on another point Chubas loan to Brentford was originally put on hold and so now this is going ahead does this mean we are closing in on a new signing or is it just that Yaya and Nic are back mmmm
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A or B.
Wouldn’t like to speculate, as players have been loaned/sold in the past without new arrivals, erm, arriving! Wenger has been quoted as saying Theo’s injury will hasten his transfer dealings though.
Bendtner is 3 weeks away from training apparently. And as for Yaya? I haven’t seen any timescale for his eagerly awaited (by me at least) return. Hopefully the Coventry game.
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I had Nic has made a sooner than expected recovery and Yaya is close too, ox, and Benik all playing at Fulham tonight
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According to AW today, Nik’s 3 weeks away.
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I stand corrected ….damm twitter
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Think it was based on a cryptic NB tweet…
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Nice post Tim. I agree that it is unlikely any ‘significant’ signings will be made and am happy enough with what we have and that, if the appropriate opportunity did present itself then Arsene would do his damndest to grab it if he thought it the right thing to do. Until such time as he acts, I’ll sit here content in the knowledge that he knows…
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I still hold an optimistic belief that young Sanogo may prove to be the real deal. He hasn’t had much of a chance for us yet, but his movement and awareness that helped set up Ramsey’s snap volley in the home tie against Fernabrace shows what he can offer to bring others into the game. And his goals for the French junior team in the summer show he can take chances too. I like the fact he has been “injured”. More like a general strengthening and conditioning regime I suspect.
Thanks for the nice comments everyone: it is a privilege to be getting to know you all.
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nice to see ox come through 45 mins and looked sharp and dangerous apparently
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“Perhaps after all we must count the blessings we already have, enjoy what is in front of us, and stop wishing our life away. But then again, it’s good to dream…..”
I think you’ve summed up the fans dilemma. Arsene has to decide whether to stick or twist. There are risks either way and as much as we want guarantees, we just have to trust his judgement and hope for the best or we’ll drive ourselves to distraction with ‘what ifs’!
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foreverheady January 9, 2014 at 8:22 pm
the priviledge is ours
the stone that the builder refused …will always be..the head cornerstone
totally unrelated.
2014. all-in !
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HUNTER
that’s straight out of the old testament. Been thinking of tattooing it of my forearm. Its either that or a cannon & balls.
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FOREVER
very well written and enjoyable to read mate. Can’t wait for your next one. for what is worth I think AW will buy this window.
One for sure to cover right WIng forward. Possibly two. All depends on the opportunity presenting itself. we will possibly pay over and above market for the first one. Hope we can get experience and maturity. And the new player can hit the ground running. not to worry , our scouts on the look out. We will come out from TW stronger and even more belief.
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the old testament? i heard it from bob marley, in the film documentary. epic.
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Many thanks for a nicely nuanced assessment.
“We probably already have all we need to succeed given reasonable luck and reliable refereeing.”
So, given that we may well not have reasonable luck and we almost certainly won’t have reliable refereeing, do we still have all we need?!?
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carlos bacca or graziano pelle
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I love Whoscored.com. That sites the reason the spuds signed Lamela et al.
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miroslav klose loan ..?? .stop gap obviously but a very serious stop gap
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As i said… I love Whoscored.com. That sites the reason the spuds signed Lamela et al.
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djibril cisse …hahaa
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who is lamela ?
we all know klose and what he can do…
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i typed belgian league stats top scorer, then croatia, then france, then holland….
i had an inspiration with david villa and quagliarella….futile..
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eddie johnson …scored 17 goals for kansas city wizzards and 23 for the seattle sounders
🙂 him!!!
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Isn’t Lamela the glittery stuff you put on your Christmas Tree that ends up everywhere but where you want it and then needs to be got rid of in January?
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glittery ? and i thought its that piece of mucus-spit you accidently step on with your sole while trying to avoid a hot pile of dog shit – paulinho perhaps….
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PA Exclusive:
ITK expert fan and media mogul PeersMoron has sent in the following transcript of an email chain, recorded last summer. He did not say where it came from, it could be real or it could be gibberish. Probably the latter, just like the football news then.
–
Joe Lewis to Daniel Levy
What is going on?
Daniel Levy to Joe Lewis:
Chelsea gazumped us on the overpriced and overrated player from Shaktar. In all honesty Wilshere and Walcott looked better when they were all on the pitch together, and that was years ago! But, to be fair, he has good agents (plural) and he’s better then Townsend…The Ruskies also offered cheaper gas for the Ukraine, which pipped those holiday tickets to Grand Caymen.
Please forgive me master.
Joe Lewis to Daniel Levy:
Fuck! This thirty mill is burning a hole in me pocket. I need you to get rid. Sharpish.
I am not Allen Stanford, y’know, I don’t mince about hanging around with the plebs(fans and soon to be dispossed local residents and business’) and serfs(players, or players’ partners), or even with the likes of you. You should know how this works by now.
Send, spend, spend!
Daniel Levy to Joe Lewis:
Yes, my master. By your command.
I will find a player, somewhere, anywhere, that I can spend lots of money on.
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Heh
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Theo’s absence still stings, he will be missed. But thankfully his injury coincides with the return of a number of our players, including AOC who himself has missed over 5 months! (And we have NO squad???). The reurning players should all be reasonablt fresh and as long as we keep Villa quiet for the 1st 20 odd minutes, dont gift em any free chances, or allow the ref to goft em a pen! Then we should be fine for the 3 points. Their home form is pretty woeful, although they may once again raise their game against one of the big teams (they beat the Manchester Oilers) and they will inevitably be set up to counter, with Gabby (the diver) looking to fall over anywhere in the area. Benteke hasnt set the league alight as he (and Michu) did last season, but he is still a dangerous player, pretty quick, powerful and good finsher & in the air. Koscielny has the skills to keep him underwraps for sure. The only worry is that the players take their opponents too lightly. However, given the result on the first day of the season against the Villains, I really dont see that happening. Plus, this season, since that opening day Taylor-made abomination, the players have a steely resolve and turn up for every game, regardless of opposition.
Villa were beaten at home by league one opposition, but this doesnt mean our victory is inevitbale. Quite the opposite, in my humble. Lambert will instruct his players to get in our faces and all the other usual Pubis BS, plus they do a few quality player who could hurt us, given the opportunity to. But as I said, I doubt we will take them lightly.
As for who plays, well the back 5 picks itself (Monreal in place of Gibbs), so the only questions are regarding the front 6.
I would go with Flamini & Wilshere as the pivotting defensive holders (think I’ve covered all the flavour of the month labels there!), with Rosicky on the right, Özil central and Podolski on the left, behind a fit again Giroud.
Of course Cazorla could come in, in place of any of the 3 advanced midfielders, Arteta could replace Flam or Jack and we also have AOC, Gnabry in there too! But it’s MY team!!
So, despite everything being a tad down because of the really unlucky injury to Theo, we still have plenty of options.
I am also going for 1-3 scorline and victory for the Arsenal.
UTA
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I enjoyed the podcast, George. I had the same thought about Theo’s ACL–I hope he recovers fully and with te same pace. It is an injury that has often caused a player to lose some speed and explosiveness. His game has developed to the point where he has other significant attributes, none more important than his finishing, but if he drops a few steps, he won’t be as frightening to defenders who hate having him running behind. Fingers crossed he comes back with that lightening pace and full of confidence in his physical and technical abilities.
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Agree with all of that Dex. We have a good record at Villa Park in recent seasons but it is important that we get our foot early on the Midlander’s throat. They have a lot of young players who find it difficult to settle if they are knocked out of their stride.
Let us however be cautious – this same inexperienced Villa side put Citeh to the Sword a couple of months back !
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