A post from Tim @foreverheady stolen for the comments section without his permission
Leaving aside a couple of free kicks there is quite a similarity between Alexis’s goals this season and Aaron’s from last season. Someone clever would be able to do a video compilation of them both, no doubt, The main difference it seems to me is that by and large Aaron had Ozil playing alongside him and he was able to control the game in a way that we haven’t really seen this season. If Ozil returns to full fitness I suspect we will have an excellent second half of the season, irrespective of anyone else we might buy in January.
At the moment just about everyone who posts on Twitter is saying that Arsenal and Arsene (and they use those nouns interchangeably) lack ambition and won’t or can’t change. It seems to me that it is precisely the opposite of that. We are not doing brilliantly at the moment (and not as well as last year) partly because of terrible injury problems but mainly because we are in the process of trying to ambitiously change from being a fourth place club to a first place club. As any amateur golfer would know, trimming your handicap from 20 to 14 is very easy, 14 to 8 quite easy, 8 to 4 doable, 4 to scratch exceptionally difficult. Those early changes can be made by better management, greater organisation and a few tweaks here and there. The last change probably means a complete swing overhaul and a frustrating period when you seem to be getting worse rather than better. It is tempting then to go back to what you knew and were comfortable with and settle for being very nearly very good.
It will require fortitude and patience but the side will end up better if everyone sticks with the process. If, however, there is so much noise and discontent that the Arsenal board decide that they need to change course and go back to safety then we will never have a chance of challenging Chelsea, City or United. I am aware as I write this of how easily it would be for the likes of Le Grove of ACLF to pour scorn on the idea, and point simply to the need for a powerful defender and more pragmatic match day tactics. And, of course, they would be right to an extent, but I think what we’re trying to do is to play the kind of total football that saw Germany dismantle Brazil and go on to win the World Cup. So it seems to me that while it might be appropriate to criticise Arsenal and Arsene for all sorts of things (and heaven knows I do at times in my more private and frustrated moments) it is about as wrong as it is possible to be to say they lack ambition.
And some words of wisdom from the late great ZimPaul
“”One thing is the frustrated fan hurling cheap insults against any target, including Emmanuel, Aaron, Abou, Theo, Denilson, so many others, and always Wenger by default, to vent their infantile anger at not being at the “top table” of trophies for a rather short spell, without thought of incredible ambitions the club had already achieved, was in the process of achieving, and had set its sights on, and the calm, decent manner it was going about all this. Despicable and stupid.
Then what does one call the informed and erudite fan, who knowingly, willfully set out to manipulate malleable, weak minds with outright lies, selective lies, omission of facts, outrageous claims (often dressed up as modest, humble appeals for change and “end of an era”), manipulating and flinging about all manner of base emotions, with the objective to erode team and club morale, it’s achievements, and get Wenger out?
And then what does one call more influential individuals and journalists, pundits, ex-players, football establishment types, who conjured up and fabricated an entire anti-Wengerball culture, week in week out, appealing to Arsenal’s time-honoured (British) traditions and glories, and so set out and all but conspired to use their influence to destroy Arsenal’s achievements during a vulnerable period of building for the long term?”
When will we ever learn, when will ever learn ?
Positively Arsenal 
Stay on course we must. Yes we have been playing badly but the way some are reacting you would think the world’s coming to an end.
So they want to do a protest to get Arsene out? What a bunch of fuckwits we have in the gooniverse.
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“And then what does one call”…the AAAA and their extreme right old whinging allies?
ZimPaul knew.
https://mobile.twitter.com/hughwizzy/status/532523733454716928
Limestone that link was for you!
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I’ve just been told on Arsenal Times that I am in the employ of Arsenal FC to go on line and back Wenger and the club. The level of these idiots is very amusing sometimes. Anyone who is not whinging and complaining about everything has to be in the employ of the club.
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by the way I was called a club plant for the following post
you will not find me saying he should not have bought more players in the last window, but you are ignoring Chambers as a CB, and the fact Hayden added to the first team squad too.
Also its not a case of no player being available better than Monreal for CB, its about who was available who is better than Chambers and Hayden also, and at what price and willing to come here.
We have had two central defenders who joined other clubs in the summer say that they turned down Arsenal, so its not only about who is available but who is available and willing to join,
we have this thing as fans where we expect every player to jump at the chance of joining Arsenal, without ever considering they might prefer to stay where they are, or go somewhere else, or might want to be first choice somewhere compared to squad at AFC, or they might actually get more wages elsewhere.
We have rumors today that Podolski and Campbell and maybe even Rosicky are seeking to leave in January, why, after all they are at Arsenal, they are all on massive wages, can’t be that they would rather be first choice elsewhere, than bit parts here.
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how much are you lot getting, I could do with a few bob
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Eduardo,
If I could be arsed ( I can’t) I would comission an anthropologist to observe the AAAA for a while. And then post them the results haha! The AAAA have actually done this previously themselves when they trolled themselves by choosing to pay a third party to compose a report on AFC which they thought would be useful. Well, it was useful. To the likes anyone but themselves. Because it stated the bleedin’ obvious.
So the AAAA had to ignore their own report. Which they paid money for. Makes you think how’d they’d get on trying to manage a football club! It’s too funny.
Word of advise if you don’t mind me saying. Save your time with going to sites like the. One you mention. Just chat here! Say what you like. Hopefully it’ll be interesting (IBSF).
Save the enery or electricity. Think of the trees, and the birds, and the bees and the little fishes. They don’t deserve all that CO2 and noxious methane being pumped out by such Arsenal-holes.
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Alexis has made a very interesting statement.
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thank FH.
R.I.P zimpaul.
to stay on course without further misharp, arsene needs to device a means to protect chambers against di maria and possibly luke shaw when we meet them after break. he cant allow him to be exposed against these two pacy players. maybe to instruct ox to curtail his attacking foray in favour of helping chambers or sacrifice either welbeck or ox to accommodate bellerin in the team.
at the moment we need to tread cautiously. a draw will be a good result. especially if we are able to keep a clean sheet.
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What’s Alexis statement?
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Something about enjoying his training etc. with the gaffers role highlighted. Links please George?
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I think I’ve just had a eureka moment. They are so rare it’s hard to tell.
When Arsenal first bid for Hunter’s favourite player there were quite a few who weren’t convinced that Suarez would not be able to raise his game for a few years to the very peak, that he was a ball hogging selfish player who had not previously been, possibly, adapting a new role and the PL, in his team? I didn’t watch all his games so I don’t know! But it’s just a consideration. I thought those people were focussing too much on unimportant stats (some are important!) and not the players natural development, he was which was a similar age when Judas changed from a forward to a striker. Not even Suarez was at his best in his first period.
If this is Sanchez’s form whilst he’s adapting, well, then I can’t wait to watch him play when he’s settled into the league and squad etc.
I haven’t watched the game against Dortmund again *coughs* but as his self-declared biggest fan I felt Sanchez had a bit if a stinker against the genge-pressing loons who’d already waved goodbye to the Bundesliga as they chose blow their legs for the next period during that first CL game*. So that upcoming Dortmund game will be a measure of his progress.
*Klopp’s gone for the full Genge this season because he’s waved goodby to the league from the beginning, a calculated gamble. As with Biesla’s club teams (spell at Bilbao etc.) it seems that such hardcore play can work in the cup competitions, but not as Klopp has already admitted when you are competing in a competitive league and the CL. That Bilbao team were dead on their legs in their last few games, which was a shame.
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“Now that I’m here, sometimes I stop to look my teammates in practice and I realize that I’m surrounded by a lot of quality. I have been impressed by the attitude and talent. I know that with this group we can win many titles in the coming years. I’m convinced.”
“I’ve been impressed,” he continued. “I love how they look and create spaces, individual and collective movements.
“I tell you seriously, I like what I see so much that I have repeated many times that if we have the winning mentality needed, and if we are positive and go out to win every game, I know we can win in any competition.”
On Danny Welbeck.
“I love playing with him,” he said. “He has a great touch and he’s a goalscorer. He’s been a great signing.”
“Clearly I need to improve and that is what I say in the dressing room: I could dwell a little less on the ball, use one-touch play to facilitate counterattacks. That is vital. I must learn that because the rapid transitions are key in this league and with this team.
“This football [in England] is hard, very hard. It’s a struggle to adapt. Of all the leagues in which I have played, this is the most complicated. I like the challenge, but it’s not easy!”
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I liked Sanchez before we signed him, loved him once we did and after hearing those comments I can’t find words. When he and the rest of the team start to play as one (which could take a while still) it will be something to behold. Add to that whatever signings we make over the next few windows and how could you not be excited for the direction of this club?
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Fins, will check out that link, thanks! I hadn’t planned on dortmund and it might be sold out but I will look into it because it would be great to say hello! I am also awaiting Wind of Winter (come on George–not you PG!-you can do it!), so we may have more than Arsenal to chat about!
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Great statement from Alexis. He is obviously a team player in attitude even if not always in execution (and frankly sometimes we do need that directness) and layksite’s stats are also very useful. It is a period of adaptation for him and also for the rest of the team. We have not played the truly beautiful attacking/passing game that consistently ourselves the last couple or even three seasons. We’ve been evolving and adapting to loss of players, injuries, tactical developments and so on as well. Arsenal isn’t and hasn’t been static. I just feel that what is great about Alexis is that he is a fighter with a big heart. What I also see is humility. Bodes very well. And that isn’t to say that there isn’t an important set of insights and analysis in George’s piece before.
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Another excellent post and the comments top notch cant help but get educated each time I come on here
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Winter is coming.
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Most of you know of the admiration and the importance I give to Grit at the top level of sport (A low low importance! Technique first, the rest can follow…)
I am happy to report after a conversation with a good friend and neighbour that Islington Council have worked out that it’s an El Ninio year and have therefore stockpiled some grit. Hopefully the roads etc. should be alright for those travelling from afar if we get hit with a freeze. Not sure who is responsible for the stadium concourse. I think it’s the club, so, they’d better have some grit too!
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Technique first and the rest can follow because if you don’t have the grit required to work on your technique then you are in the wrong game!
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FH, thoughtful and well written piece, many thanks.More articles please.
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I cannot be bothered with those who claim to be supporters, and blame The Arsenal, because it is raining.
When employing anyone, the c.v. can cover a lot of ground. The c.v. will not tell me if the applicant, snores, belches at the table, seeks to belittle any perceived rival, etc. etc. It is the same with selecting a team, no Roger Knights. A certain person is a member of the Essex Cricket Club, so I will leave it with him!
Him, a very good article.
Of course, onward and upward, as Soton will soon become a cropper!
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glad Alexis came out with that… he must have noted the fact everyone thinks he alone i arsenal’s saviour… of course no credit to the one that located him in the first place… the sad part is that the irony is lost to them..
have been rading but not posted for a while… been busy… all should keep up the good work of staying positive and on course… we will get there
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Good on, Alexis. He has that fire in his belly doesn’t he. Made our old pal Jonny over at that censored so called think tank look like a right muppet didn’t he? Funny how it’s crickets over there on that front. Rather moan about a potential one year extension for our midfield mastermind Mikel Arteta. Gotta pick your battles I suppose.
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Nice one Tim, ZimPaul was fantastic wasn’t he? The more I read and hear about Alexis the more impressed I am impressed with him,I think he could become one of our greats I really do.
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More formidable writing on here. Thanks.
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It’s so reassuring that one can come on to PA after being otherwise distracted for a few days and find an intelligent and sensible piece of writing. Thanks Tim and thanks to all the commentators.
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Ramos on Cesc/Costa leaving Spain squad: “I’ve played before despite niggles. It depends on the DNA of the player”
Ouch!
I’ve always liked Ramos…
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Ramos 1 – born again chavs 0
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Cesc used to play despite thee knocks and niggles until his hammier were out of kilter, but this is clearly Mou’s influence. We’ve seen this before.
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Hi all. Been away and just catching up on the recent posts and comments.
PG – I really sympathise with what you said on the post about feeling like you’d had enough. I came here recently after contributing regularly on a couple of other blogs (no names) because I got fed up with all the moaning. It was like they were just lining up, hoping something would go wrong so they could have a good moan. Anyway – now I’m moaning haha – I just gave them a belly full and said farewell. So I’d be really sad if you packed it in, but at the same time, I’d understand. Having to constantly monitor the site to get rid of the moaners is no fun either. Hope the rest of us can help keep your spirits up – we all need it at the moment when things aren’t really clicking, for whatever reason.
Thanks too for the Alexis statements – he really is something. If anyone can raise the squad’s spirits, it’s him. Oozes positivity.
As for the current post, I couldn’t have said it better myself. The injury situation has obviously contributed heavily to the glitches in the machinery. I just want to point out that we’ve suffered right through the team – defence, midfield and attack. I see Abou is out again for a long spell which just about ends all remaining hopes I had of seeing him playing regularly. Damned shame.
Great to see that Ollie has made a swifter than expected recovery – that must be a good omen – can’t remember the last time that happened.
Yes, we’re far behind in the PL and Chelsea are looking nailed on already but the season isn’t over yet. Plus we’ve all but qualified for the knock-out stage of the CL which won’t be until February when hopefully most of those injured will be back by then. A nice easy FA Cup first game in January would also help, so there’s plenty to play for.
Alexis is right – there is silverware to be won.
And if we don’t, what the hell.
We’re still the Arsenal.
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Bit like the variant handball rule that now consistently appears to apply during Gazprom games – Chelsea players can’t handle the ball, because the rules for them are different.
But there is a difference. The Welsh players and managers never teared into Giggsy like this. Ramos would’ve been a key figure in hounding out Mourinho from Madrid, and would’ve made Maureen’s last year miserable for the poor blighter. He’s not so fond of Spain and the Spanish hacks, the FA, everyone, they all are not as fond of Mourinhio as Murdoch and Mendes. At a guess I would imagine that there’s more going on here then just wanting to protect a player.
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Tbf Diaby’s career was pretty much over after that big ligament injury, not forgetting the Essien stamp.
As all football people and lovers of sport understand and appreciate the club are simply doing the right thing by the player. Which is why those away fans stranding Diaby when he came on at the end of last season was so damn cool. The Groaners only expose themselves by even attempting to pretend that the club considered him to be a part of the first team squad this year (“he’s not ready” they told everyone).
He looked good for fourty five minutes opposite Davis, Schneidy and Wanyama.
One of the most incredible footballers I have seen (I’ve seen a lot less then most!).
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Loomer
Good to see you on the last thread. Come back soon, and don’t worry about the Groaners. I stopped paying attention when they were too busy “raining blows” upon their foes and groaning after the last 5pur2s game: in their desperation to hasten the end of an era they could be observed to have lost the plot, and probably this past summer they couldn’t even celebrate the cup.
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stranding < singing for
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Aman
I have found hunter. He’s found his way onto Untold.
Because of the frequency of the failed efforts by Le Groaners to undermine that site he may find himself having some fun.
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Evening Positivistas and it has been a long, long week with no real football on offer. The only interest has been the rumbling of the guns from the Front as the Black Scarfers clamber up on the parapets in preparation for another dash toward the barbed wire and hail of lead served up by Fort Wenger.
I anticipate a long, cruel and entirely pointless campaign, again.
I suppose I will drag myself in front of a TV for the Scots Irish clash – Does anyone know are there any other decent games on in the next few days ??
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it seems that the Diaby injury rumors are false, was it just another attempt by the moaners to stir up shite.
Giroud was back in training today, photos up on Arsenal.com
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Thanks fins, hope he’s having fun over @ Untold.
So good to see OG back.
Watch out doomerlings, its almost smackdown time!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Interesting thoughts there, Fins, about the Ramos comments. He and Mourinho definitely do not get along…
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Serbia vs. Denmark is possibly a contender.
Uruguay play Costa Rica at eleven tonight but it’s only a friendly game.
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Jenkinson!
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Excellent post Tim.
The uber bloggers and media rent-an(negative)-opinion crowd would have you believe that Arsenal are rubbish, the players are poor and the manager is past his sell-by date. It seems that not everyone is buying that narrative. I was so busy at work today I did not have a chance to log on for tickets until I got home this evening yet the next game is sold out? Who are these 50,000 + losers still buying tickets to watch this shower and how crap do they have to be before I can get a ticket to see them?
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Thanks for the video of Carl’s goal Fins. I really hope he is due to return to Arsenal. He would run through barbed wire for the club, and there is no harm in having some of that mentality in the squad.
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Sanogo captained the French U21’s v Italy U21’s tonight and Akpom scored for England U20’s on Wednesday
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Things I read yesterday, none of which I suspect are true or which have been spun negatively.
Ozil not back until January – a further 7 weeks out (which kind of tallies with the original prognosis).
Ozil hates his father for having duped him into signing for Arsenal where he is bitterly unhappy.
Sanchez doesn’t understand a word Wenger is saying and feels the side lacks a winning mentality.
Diaby is out for ever and is the reason why a defensive midfielder was not signed
Jenkinson’s form for West Ham and England makes a mockery of the decision to send him on loan but shows how much players improve when they are properly coached.
And all that is just on a normal Thursday. The day before the papers were full of dissent among the back-room staff. Somebody, somewhere is orchestrating an all-out attack on the club aimed at a chronic destabilisation of the fan base. It worries me very much indeed. I think it also worries me that AU has been so noticeably quiet over recent months.
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This attack on the club is blatantly obvious, undeniable and has been going on for a few years now
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Fins, it started when Usmanov came on the scene and I have always believed and continue to believe there is no coincidence, even if it makes me seem like a crackpot conspiracy theorist to some people.
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“Hostile corporate takeover” is a term that accountants and people use everyday in their working lives. If those references are all conspiracies then there must be a lot of theoreticians out there!
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I wonder why no uber blogger or parasitic worm, sorry I mean Arsenal “supporting” journalist has ever written about the slightly melodramatic death bed handover from the blood diamond geezer Fizman to the current owner.
Is there not a story there?
Is this startling and obvious vacume in the AAAA narrative, the constant bleating, not just a little bit smelly?
I suppose it’s easier to make money by writing about the Invincibles, writing about dressing room bust ups (in a dressing room no less!) pretending that is some kind of exclusive whilst you are obviously attacking the club…
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But they haven’t yet managed to get a picture of AW eating a bacon sandwich.
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…no wonder Adrian Clarke is on every bloody podcast. He’s one of the few people out there who talks about the actual football. Which is what football fans like to hear. The kind of plundit Clougie might’ve approved of. He’s become so popular so quickly because he is that much better then the collection of weirdos who aspire to be like Alan Partdrige (we can include men and women here, unfortunately) that poor football fans have to endure.
It’s not we who should be thanking Limestonegunner (& Matt), it should be Adrian Clarke haha!
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New post is up and running http://wp.me/p37nXa-17t
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