So what is going on with Jack?
His halo has slipped somewhat, in fact its fallen off and has been replaced by some little red horns. Well it has if you listen to many experts in the media and our own less than tolerant fickle fans.
He has been caught smoking, drinking and worse of all, keeping company with players from other clubs. The little scoundrel that he is.
He has gone from being
- PFA Young Player of the Year: 2010–11
- PFA Premier League Team of the Year: 2010–11
- Arsenal Player of the Season: 2010–11
To ………….well , that’s the problem, where has he gone?
He was the darling of Arsenal fans in 2011. Being hailed “world class” by all and sundry, and the future of English football.
When he got injured people were moaning like drains , saying stuff like “he’s our second best player” . It was a tragedy to his adoring fans.. I wonder where he would rate now in order of bestness? Mid teens if would hazard a guess at.
Now, here is the thing. He was never that good. He was very good, but world class? Never even close.
People make mad statements like “he dominated Barca when we beat then 2-1 at home” Well, he didn’t. He played very well that night and was as good as any of our players or indeed theirs. But dominate he didn’t. In fact, as I recall, for the most part our midfield was the one being dominated.
Somehow during his unfortunate extended absence he managed to take on a sort of cult status. People seemed to remember him as being a lot better than he had actually been.
Personally I always though Aaron was a cut above him. I always thought we were expecting too much from him. But that’s just me.
The hope is that he can take a Ramsey like leap when he finally has a run of being full fit. His long term injury is blamed for his lack of progress (and rightly so ). But his injury doesn’t make his run into a pack of opponents with no chance of not losing the ball. It doesn’t stop him from completing the simplest of passes. It doesn’t make him smoke, drink and behave like a bit of a yob. And it doesn’t give him a suspect temperament and make him think he can be a hard man enforcer like Roy Keane or Joey Barton.
He is at a crossroad and I’m just not sure he is smart enough to choose the right road to go down.
However, he has tremendous potential still
He is only twenty two and a half years old.
He loves Arsenal.
Arsene loves him. He gave him the number 10 shirt and told him he believes in him.
And look at this 44 seconds in, Andrey Ashavin has a little something to say about his ability and spirit.
My advise to Jack is – Ignore idiots like me, and listen to Arsene and Andrey.
Positively Arsenal 
Anyone seen my tin hat?
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Most definitely end of the beginning. He has the right people around him, and with luck he will start to shine on a regular basis. A few highlights from last season stand out: that goal, a delicate little chip from the right wing that hit the angle, an assist to Aaron that he backheeled against the post in the same game, winning a 30/70 tackle that led to another goal from Ramsey (Cardiff?), a goal and a sublime assist for Giroud against Villa. His pass and move, pass and move is at the heart of Wengerball, and we need to cherish him. The haters are not quite out in force, but are gathering ominous momentum, and this site needs to get wholeheartedly behind the young man.
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Well write something Heady. I will be happy to support the lad.
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Trust George to cut to the chase. Jack is good, not world class.Unless he ups his game, increasingly he will be shown up in a team with at least two worldies (Ozil and Sanchez) and the emerging phenomenon called Aaron Ramsey. I have said it before that Jack can be an excellent deep-lying playmaker like Luka Modric but he has a lot of work to get there. If not, who knows what lays in his future.
PS; George make a correction to the 2nd word of the 2nd paragraph.
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It’s all good George.
FH wrote:
“I see JW as an attacking midfielder in the Ozil mould. Something about the left footedness, the ease with which he goes past one player, the little prompting passes he gives, the two steps ahead vision. The fact that we have two such players is really exciting.”
I agree. Apologies for mentioning the F Word again but once we can get past the immature pining bleaters and have a think then it is the obvious reason why the F Word was told to F off this summer. Only room for one super-duper creative midfielder who is not the quickest or the best at reading the more defensive side of the game (he won’t have Ramsey’s numbers in that area) in this uber squad.
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Modric is an interesting comparison.
Our friend Limpar’s Assist once wrote that LJW had the potential to be better then the former spuddite, I should hope so. As with many and most who write here on PA, his opinion is good enough for me!
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I think he just got into bad company: the English national side.
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In hi earl days Jack did stand out in an an Arsenal midfield which I do not think was as good as that we have today.
We may have had Nasri and Cesc who would get into today’s squad and get regular football but Denilson played regularly as did Eboue, Song was a young player pushing into regular contention.
A few of those players would get nowhere near the first team nowadays.
Above all Jack needs to sort his fitness out and to play regularly.
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Will we find out next that Jacko the Laddo has been having sex with some bird whilst in a hotel the night before an away game?
I like the boy, but he has a lot to learn and now is not the time to rest on his laurels and start acting like jack the lad. I dod wonder what the fuck he was doing going on holiday with Joe Hart? Perhaps he didn’t have much choice after England went out of the WC, who knows. But his biggest problem will be when he gets back to training and what AW is going to be saying to him.
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Joe Hart has danced on table tops when he’s been out on the piss. Same person is alleged to have done some dodgy stuff whilst keeping goal (I won’t go further but check out his form during the last season).
It’s interesting that England, in order to qualify for the WC, had to use JW and the Ox. If Roy thought he could’ve left out Arsenal players, he undoubtedly would’ve done. (Gibbs? Jenkinson only got played to make sure he didn’t play for Finland). These young Arsenal players have CL experience. Baines, Henderson, Sturbridge, Sterling, Jagielka, Johnson (who are you, who are you), what real experience have they had, other than being fawned over by certain Englishers – just cos they play for clubs in the favoured Norf West? There are sites out there that claim Hodgson picked players mainly from 4 agencies, one of whom represents him.
When Jack plays for England the team can better keep the ball. Ditto, Ox. I’d thought Pirlo had an amazing game against England – until I saw his ineffectiveness during the remaining Italy games. Henderson, haha.
Walcott, Wilshere and Ox have been kicked, often, during last season (and before). I find it interesting that these English players are not protected, by simply giving at fouls against the kickers. Wilshere has injuries not because of overplaying, rather, through being over kicked. You can’t touch the Norf Westerners. The plundits all bleat about Wilshere hanging onto the ball too long, but the fact is, Jack is well capable of running with the ball, and if he didn’t get his ankles kicked around (by opponents’ frequent assaults, including international matches), I believe we wouldn’t need a discussion about whether Jack is Good or World Class, as he would’ve played many more matches and therefore be even more confident/successful.
Wilshere makes headlines for being caught smoking a fag twice in one year. Fk me, the mans a liability, innit? Jack should shag grannies, practise spit-roasting, and be seen totally and utterly pissed out of his brains, then drive drunk, miss training, commit racist acts an’ shit. That way he’d be appreciated more. (A Cole. J Barton are but two who’ve not done bad despite their odd deeds, no?)
I see JW10 as a dynamic all around midfielder, whose potential is unlimited, due to his ability and his football education. I’m convinced that if he played for some norveners, he’d be seen as king cock, or summat. Fact is, he plays for Arsenal, and “they” don’t like Arsenal, so opponents will be allowed to keep kicking Jack, unpunished, cos he’s a Gunner. Just like they’ve kicked Walcott. (You know this is all true by the way there’s no retrospective action taken following various crippling so to Arsenals players).
Ah well. That’ll pissed some of you off. Think I care? I’ve had my say. IMHO, tee hee.
Mickey Finn
July 18, 2014 at 1:33 pm
Spot on.
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I like Jack in a free role in the middle or on the right. I don’t think the deep play maker position suits him at all. His vision and passing are wasted there. He needs to be close to the opposition penalty area playing give and gos with Olive and Alexis.
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The conventional wisdom is that JW is an attacking mid, final assist and a few goals. Another view is that he has some stubborn defensive and keep-ball qualities too and potentially a deeper player who can work the ball up. A less common view is that he could develop in interesting ways specifically on the left channel of midfield. Simple fact, he has not really dominated in any one, but shown flattering (occasionally to deceive) promise all over the park, patchy of late. He’s better than stats and some dire (boring) performances indicated; injuries – the toxins of not playing regularly – have held him back. He’s instinctive, not a positional “thinker/plotter” and such players need patterns and regularity around them to bubble, note that his most promising was when “F word” provided solidity. I see him a little ahead of Aaron on the park now with license to attack, pass, run; but he can replace Aaron too at times. Maybe some games will see Ozil left or right flank, and Jackie worrying the parked buses. One thing for certain, he’s a useful asset even in lesser form, much as Shotta has said, he’s good, not great. But AW always says let the kids develop, give them space. Jack is Theo 2-3 years ago. He needs to find and be himself . I don’t mind his tattoo British spirit bollocks, it’s a phase, and a little Arsenal tough guy there won’t hurt, Arsenal has almost always had one.
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Zimpaul,
Very well said, concise, factual and unemotional, unlike some ranty gits on here. Oh…
H13
I wish I hadn’t seen that .jpg. Now I’m having a perspective attack.
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hahaaa ranteta…that evil putin..how dare he invade sevastopol/crimea the fucking hitler!!!
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Rantetta
There can be no denial:
The F word was kicked out of the league, we all saw it, a lack of protection the likes of which he will receive whilst playing for Gazprom Inc. The Gardner kick at Birmingham just before a WC, not even called a foul: the MOB were ‘avin’ a laugh!
I understood and accepted the decision but not the method he chose to follow – strike etc.
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perspective attack ???? lol ……ive started the strong chemicals mate …i want to see/experience that magical trip of jack being similar to ozil… sound the alarmas, bring the chopper and the tranquilizers…celine dion vs miley cyrus…
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And of course the Ox’s season was taken from him by the Taylor during a “performance” which meant that Riley’s transparent apprentice was only ever allowed back as 4th official, where he sent off Gibbs for wearing the wrong shirt and having the wrong colour skin, a decision for which the Arsenal lawyers had no problem in getting Gibbs’ ban removed.
There can be no rational denials that opponents are give the freedom to hack a la Brazil 2014. Because they are. And that in the end this observable and recordable pattern (see Untold) cost England more the the Arsenal (Walcott, Chambo…etc.).
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ages ago i phoned up arsene and told him that the culture here will never accept a frenchman with a bunch of kids humiliating the whole of the country in their national sport. he said i was being too negative and cruel on the country’s football culture. he didnt listen. then when he saw his young players whom he had paid omoney for to bring and money to develop/educate getting savaged by tackles he called me back to apologise for ever doubting me. i advised him to keep the best of the best and promote english kids as long as they are arsenelised educated whom hopefully the nationals wont be as inclined to kick the shit out as they did with the immigrant kids.
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Exactly, Finsbury.
Before I go further I’d like to thank you for your posts over the last few articles.
Especially the link to ‘F word ruins Barca’. Man, I got into that – big-time. What a piece!
H13
Drinking water/fruit juices, and generally trying to lay off the crapfood simply doesn’t compare to whatever it is you’re on. Trouble is, I like to think of myself as an athlete (stop fking sniggering). I want my body to be a temple. (As Boris would say, having broken another promise, “it’s an aspiration”!
Having said that, I’d sure like some of what you’re having. It wouldn’t cure the worlds/Arsenals problems, but I’d undoubtably feel better.
Take care. (I mean it. I’m sure it was you we worried about, knocked out in Whitechapel, last year? I’m not lecturing. You’re a valued member of our community.
(You even indulged me re my red and white booths, not to mention, the Crouch End chronicles).
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“red and white bootys”, it should’ve read.
Is that predictive writing thingy like politics, you know, twisting up shit and stuff?
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Having said that, I’d sure like some of what you’re having. It wouldn’t cure the worlds/Arsenals problems, but I’d undoubtably feel better.
well yesterday i had pasta w shrimps and pork belly with chips in chili-mayo sauce and at 00:00 i walked into kfc for a mighty bucket for one plus zinger burger. this was after 5 peronis and three double vodka tonics and a black sambuca shot. after the kfc i tried to roll a j but i couldnt see properly and had a snooze on the sofa till about 4:30 when i was awaken by thunderstorms and the realisation that the balcony doors are open and rain is ruining the carpet.
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magical times
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H13
Did you coach Lord Bendtner, or vice versa?
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the secret dear ranteta lies in toffs of muswell hill. that place has ruined me. they know me by name now and always say hallo when they see me although i can see the terror in their eyes. large haddock, large chips, salad, two coca colas. when i get home i need to place it all on the large rectangular glass oven tray/ pyrex cause the plates aint big enough. especially the nigths with the world cup id do that like 3 times a week. i have a inflated life vest around my waist which is causing me to take all my suit pants for alterations. it can be embarassing at times like when i bend forward to insert my pin on the atm and hear a ripping sound at the back but when i look back at it all im so proud.
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bendtner for president
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I tell you what; you lead a life way more exciting than mine.
Pardon me for a little envy.
The great thing about a KFC bucket is its ability to soak up rainwater or throw-ups.
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Fk! I’m so hungry now.
I had to go to a neighbour and ask her to take up my trousers hem. I decided to make juice for her as a thank you. 1&1/2 medium pineapples, 6 apples and 3 pears. That made nearly 3 pints. For my part, I haven’t eaten yet today. I’ll have some juice I made this morn, soon, but I’m now dreaming of chips and chocolate. Thanks a fking lot!
Fortunately, being financially challenged, I can’t pop out and buy the foods referred to in your above post, which is just as well. It’s all or nowt for me. I’m incapable of having ‘one or two biccys, it has to be the whole pack, so I deprive myself.
Still, I soaked some mung beans overnight and I’ll boil them up later.
Salivating, int ya?
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PG
Where do you stand on the footy front. Seeing how you’re a Northener I imagine you’re a bit fat, no?
I feel a ban coming on. “It’s only banter”, m’lud.
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i dont know man i got a 15 pound box of chocolates from m&s at lunchtime and have finished half the box…maybe i should offer some to the colleagues..rude not to. but its my birthday..they shoudl be offering to ME..not the other way round..grrrr…sound the alarms !!
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Arrrrhhhhh! Should’ve read Foody front! Not footy. I know where you stand on that.
Wheres the podcast, lazy git?
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well technically its not my birthday but it was the only excuse i could give when people saw me walking in with the chocolates …holding in both arms….. ” wtf is that?!”…” oh ehmm its my birthday..want one?..ill give you later”
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run forrest!!
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I’ll presume that’s £15 box of chocs, or do you mean 15lbs. Either way, my tongue’s hanging out.
As you know, I’d like to one day move to Crouch End/Muswell Hill, if only to ogle (and hopefully, fornicate) with all them drunken girlys that roam the streets. I’d avoid Cran-whatever-it-is Gardens though. There’s a bit of history there, I believe.
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Oh lor, it’s not even ya birthday. Boy, you need no excuse.
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no but i think ill go wiht it as well tonight with them them drunken girlys that roam the streets of Crouch End…love it how they have this aura of artists and poetry/painting culture around here…hilarious…..after three drinks no art involved . just discovery channel…..
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Cougar End
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but that is also art…is it not?
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and here comes the dilema
to art or not to fart ?
raise or call ?
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aaaaaaand cut! friday has arrived.
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Haha, I was thinking about the Art-ness of Muswell Hill when I last wrote. Fact is, there are plenty girlys round my way. I don’t drink though and all the girlys are in the pubs, or sitting on the pavements queuing for tickets at the local concert hall. (The latter – not so fancyable). Then, if they no anything about football, they’ll probably be fans of Chelski. I’ll always choose self pleasurement over that lot.
Damn, that’s reminded me of the last time I went to a pub. Prince of Wales, Kilburn.
A blonde lady, drunk, spotting me watching MOTD, enquired as to who I supported. When I told her Arsenal, she retorted with, “oh I might have guessed. Them French poofs”!
It was the first time I’d been to a pub for about a year. Needless to say, our tete a tete finished abruptly.
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someone needs to tell him that ramsey is on our team…
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diaby and carl are petrified… like.statues …diabby has the omg look and carl the oh shit look on thier faces
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Nah, they’re competing. Who knows what the Boreham Wood centre half will have up his sleeve. Diaby and Jenks, on opposite sides are merely primed to get the knock-down. It’s a mans game, tee hee.
Matti-you and Laurent know about high boots and low fouls:
http://youtu.be/5YU1Q-LnvqY
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Hey, Hunter, how come you haven’t issued an apology for the “react like girls” comment you made yesterday? I value our female teammates and I don’t want to see them having to put up with sexist crap. Go on then.
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Good to see ARSHAVIN. Nice writeup GEORGE. we all like JACK & support him . We would very much like to see him hit his potential. Some of his behavior and words are a bit worrisome and we can only hope he becomes more focused and ARSENAL-centric in his priorities. We so many great role models in the club he will make the right choices and we will all be saying ” jack is back”. before long.
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lol …any minute i will have t apologise for everything i say..i never meant any harm..our females are ladies not immature girls/boys…children if you like. ..sorry if i offended for the zillionth time, alabama im sorry…replace girl with silly little virgin boy… what sexist crap? will i have the males now asking me to apologise? hehe…
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imagine taking a boy or a girl to hammleys and not buying him/her the toy of his/her personal preference….chaos..war… vietnam…maybe i have to develop a lexicon and thesaurus to accompany my comments. but if you say to the young man young woman ” no i wont buy you a ferrari for your finsihing your degree how is a smart or punto”? they wont be such a war….it was an idiom used to express the lack of maturity of fins for throwing his toys on the ozil /cesc farce of a discussion…. but its become customary to single me out for isolated phrases/words. its like some of you are allowing the tree to hide the forest behind it. yesterday or whenver i wrote fuck israel. let me know who is next for an apology….buueeeehhhhmma.
.
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Stop moaning about Hunter, you are sounding like Girls.(see what I did there?)
Its a football blog, not a coffee morning at the vicarage,
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yeah well im not offended as easily though nor do i ask anyone to apologise for anything they say ? ..hehe…
football blog yes ok ….. you say that now but when i was writing about football ( suarez luiz 7-1 hummels djourou ozil cesc ) there were again complains. make your minds up ..heh
if after these couple of years you still havent figured out my humourous ‘dont give a fuck’ attitude when i write comments then dont ask me to apologise for your misinterpretations….ok boss?
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