A guest post from Rich @AlternativeArse
Everyone, stop the press.
Our most hated manager has finally dipped way down into those deep, deep pockets, battled past the moth hordes and opened the war chest of squillions to purchase a player who is going to win us, well, everything.
It’s bold move, a real statement and one that will hopefully give the squad that outlet for the weekly goal-a-thon we all pine for, especially against Huddersfield.
Lacazette score an impressive 27 goals last season in the French league. The season before he netted 21 and prior to that in 2014/15, he put away another 27. That is some impressive striking, French league or not.
I’m excited. You’re excited, we’re all excited. We might win something….again! Ozil might find an outlet for the 98 ( yes ninety eight ) chances he created last season in the league. The potential is great. It’s the player that we have needed, he’s the keymaster, the one to unlock all the doors and turn our library into a performance theater.
But what if he doesn’t?
What if he gets to Arsenal and bags an injury? What if he doesn’t score for 10 games? What if he takes a whole season to settle in? What if he doesn’t settle in?
As exciting as it may be, we have to keep our feet on the ground. We have a quality squad and Lacazette is a handsome addition; an exciting prospect of great potential. But in reality, Arsenal have just spent £50 million on potential.
That’s a lot of money to invest in something that might not work. Then what? What do we do if it doesn’t?
Well, we have Giroud.
You may scoff at that. Lacazette is far better than Giroud, he scores more goals and cost more money.
Yes he did and yes he does. But please be a little more savvy, oh connoisseurs en football.
Giroud wasn’t just a stop gap.
Giroud is quality.
Olivier was a steal of a purchase in a transfer market that Arsenal have inevitably had to link arms and play along with – played perfectly in a wonder deal by Wenger. You only need to look at the beautiful man’s form for France as explanation. In 67 games he’s netted 27 times. Over a period of 6 years.
Lacazette has netted once in 11. Over a period of 4 years. World class striker?
And let’s not gloss over last season statistics either. Believe it or not, Giroud was actually comparable to Lacazette in all match statistics bar one – His time on the pitch.
You see for Giroud’s 1,209 minutes strolling the turf, he managed statistics that fall very close to Lacazette’s tallies, but the important factor that we must bear in mind is this:
He’s not as quick.
Giroud made 18 appearances as a sub, Lacazette made 2. Lacazette played for a total of 2408 minutes; Giroud only 1198. Effectively, Lacazette played over 1,3 90 minutes games more than big Olly.
No wonder he has better statistics, he had more opportunity.
Look back to 2015/16 and you get a better comparison;
Giroud played for 2431 minutes – Lacazette 2962 (an advantage of 5 games ) Giroud scored 16 – Lacazette 21. Giroud’s shot per game 2.7 – Lacazette 2.8 However, look deeper and for every 90 minutes played in 2015/16 and Giroud led Lacazette in shots taken 3.7 to 2.9
Sure, Giroud doesn’t appear to be as good a finisher, but his footballing prowess is comparable. Different, but comparable.
The question is, is Lacazette better than Giroud ?
Giroud offers elements to the game that Lacazette doesn’t and vice versa. He just didn’t cost a ridiculous sum, and if Giroud does leave the mighty Arsenal he will be missed. Not just for his chiseled beauty of course, but for his part in some of the finest footballing moments we have witnessed in the Premier League in recent years if not history.
In no way has he received enough credit.
The goal against Norwich. The scorpion. The FA Cup. The other FA Cup and the last FA Cup and all those near post touches to mention but a few moments of splendor.
Giroud wasn’t a stop gap.
Giroud has been class when you actually look at what he does.
Positively Arsenal 
WWB
Was that player Rio Ferdinand?
Wait! I think I know the answer to that one.
Not sure if choosing the easy option in a civil war is anything to be lauded or critiqued, but it is predictable and is to be expected.
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Always loved Ashley Cole as a player.
Sadly, back in those dark days, perhaps mistakes were made on both sides, perhaps for good reasons. But have read the club and Wenger rate him and he has been back on visits, even if below the radar.
A Shame we lost him, but life goes on
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WWWB,
You said you did not know why the Arsenal fans called Cole ‘Cashley’ – so I was trying to explain why, and it is based on what Cole said in his autobiography, using his words – not mine.
This is what he also said in March 2017;
Callum Davis – Journalist
22 MARCH 2017 • 9:34 a.m.
Ashley Cole has opened up on the circumstances that saw him leave Arsenal and has admitted he cannot help but laugh at their lack of success since his departure.
The former England left-back joined Chelsea in an acrimonious series of events that saw him and Jose Mourinho charged with tapping-up offences.
Ashley Cole was appearing on the ITV panel show alongside Arsenal fan and comedian Romesh Ranganathan, who asked whether he secretly enjoyed his former club’s lack of success since his departure.
“If I’m honest, yeah, I still laugh to myself to this day,” Cole admitted.
“I had a lot of history there and of course the way I left was maybe dodgy, but I think they showed me a lack of respect, too.
“I have to blame myself too. Perhaps I did things in the wrong way. But when I look back on it now I could blame a lot of parties and it’s now 10 years ago.”
Cole and Mourinho were handed record fines after being found guilty in the Premier League’s 2005 tapping-up probe.
Arsenal defender Cole was handed a £100,000 fine, while Blues manager Jose Mourinho had to pay £200,000.
You appear to disagree with what Cole said – and have not mentioned what you are basing your opinion on?
Not that it really matters – it’s all ancient history – and I no longer care frankly.
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Chelsea stifled Ashley’s true talents, yes, he won the trophies, got the money,but was never free as a footballer there.
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HenryB
I am not sure what your trying to say here.
I have at no time said Cole was innocent , I think the club has been absolved of all responsibility in the situation. The club and the fans want players to show loyalty when it suits them , but players need to be respected too I am talking about players coming from Then Academy,I keep emphasing that because it is not being factored into the discussion.
The fact that he said he is glad that we have failed is more to do with bravado, as the level of abuse he has had to suffer would leave most people feeling bitter.
I might not come across as very bright in your estimation, but I can make the correlation between Ashley and Cashley what I said is I do not understand the hate.
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Oops, I seem to have pressed the wrong button – sorry if this repeats itself.
WWWB,
Actually, I was simply responding to your comment @ 12:05 when you said – “I always find it strange when people call him ‘cashley’” and I presumed you wanted an explanation of why so many fans call him that. Personally, I do not.
I have no other interest in Cole other than trying to respond to you, and neither do I have a particular opinion, its all so long ago, so my response was based on two things – both quoting the man himself, in his autobiography and his recent TV interview.
People can make what they wish of what he said himself – and if you think it is irrelevant, that’s OK too.
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the Arsenal tour squad have boarded the plane. Seems like a lot of youth players included. Nketiah, Willock, Malen, Nelson, Bielik, Maitland-Niles all included as far as I gather.
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ospina, Martinez, Koscielny, Monreal all in the squad, seems Lacazette is there too as is Brammal and Kolasinac
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Travelling squad
Petr Cech (GK)
Emi Martinez (GK)
David Ospina (GK)
Krystian Bielik
Cohen Bramall
Francis Coquelin
Mohamed Elneny
Olivier Giroud
Alex Iwobi
Sead Kolasinac
Laurent Koscielny
Alexandre Lacazette
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Donyell Malen
Per Mertesacker
Nacho Monreal
Reiss Nelson
Eddie Nketiah
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Mesut Ozil
Aaron Ramsey
Theo Walcott
Danny Welbeck
Joe Willock
Granit Xhaka
Read more at https://www.arsenal.com/news/travelling-squad-tour-announced#KVPpdDqBswKGUxxX.99
Read more at https://www.arsenal.com/news/travelling-squad-tour-announced#vr8ZSEjj7GbwIPo6.99
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Travelling squad
Goalkeepers
Petr Cech
Emi Martinez
David Ospina
Defenders
Krystian Bielik
Cohen Bramall
Sead Kolasinac
Laurent Koscielny
Per Mertesacker
Nacho Monreal
Midfielders
Francis Coquelin
Mohamed Elneny
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Mesut Ozil
Aaron Ramsey
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Granit Xhaka
Forwards
Olivier Giroud
Alex Iwobi
Alexandre Lacazette
Donyell Malen
Reiss Nelson
Eddie Nketiah
Theo Walcott
Danny Welbeck
Joe Willock
Looking at the squad, sad not to see Szczesny included, it suggests he is on his way out, the same applies to Debuchy, Jenkinson, Gibbs, Lucas
Giroud being included is good to see, suggesting that he is keen to stay and fight for his place. Same goes for ospina.
there is not a natural right back included in the squad, but Coquelin, ox and AMN can all play in that position, or as a RWB.
Maitland-Niles and Bielik have cut short their summer holidays to get included, good to see.
Very surprised to see Joe Willock included in the squad, he only made his u23 debut in the very last game of last season, so he must have impressed big time in training.
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looking at the squad our most senior starting 11 out of that would be
in a 3-4-3
Cech
Koscielny Per Monreal
Oxlade-chamberlain Ramsey Xhaka Kolasinac
Ozil Giroud Welbeck
in a 4-2-3-1
Cech
Coquelin Per Koscielny Kolasinac
Ramsey Xhaka
Walcott Ozil Welbeck
Giroud
senior players not back in training yet – Alexis, Bellerin, Holding, Chambers
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the youths that have been included
Bielik – Central defender that can also play CM, several championship clubs trying to sign him on season loan, Norwich and Notts Forrest very keen
Bramall – young left back signed from non league earlier in the year.
Maitland-Niles – versatile midfielder, who can play right back too. Impressed for England U20’s this summer
Nelson – viewed by many as the jewel in our academy crown, wide midfielder or CAM, lots of tricks and flicks, with lots of end product, slightly built
Malen – Dutch youth, can play any of the attacking positions, not the tallest but has stocky build, got better and better for the u23’s last season after a slow start.
Nketiah – mr goals, former CFC youth, was let go by them cos he was judged to be too small, he is slightly built, but has continued to have an impressive goal return as he progressed up the age brackets.
Willock – the big surprise pick, many thought he had left this summer along with older brother Chris, was good for our u18’s last season, but only made u23 debut right at end of the season, so was not expected to be near the first team squad this summer. Will the last of the Willock boys finally see one of them make their mark on the Arsenal first team.
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Just noticed that Chuba Akpom did not make the squad, again raises question marks over this AFC future.
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injured players
Cazorla, Wilshere, Gabriel, Reine-Adelaide,
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“Very surprised to see Joe Willock included in the squad, he only made his u23 debut in the very last game of last season, so he must have impressed big time in training.”
Could just be making up the numbers given the absence of a few first teamers. Also other youngsters have gone on tour in the past without it leading to anything significant.
“Just noticed that Chuba Akpom did not make the squad, again raises question marks over this AFC future.”
You’re probably right, but he could also be close to a season long loan deal or injured.
“senior players not back in training yet – Alexis, Bellerin, Holding, Chambers”
You forgot Mustafi
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Thanks for that info, Eddie, very interesting.
[Pity you could not manage to sneak me on the ‘plane as a lanky ball boy.] lol
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with Per and Steve Bould there we have both a lanky ball boy and a lanky bald boy, so no room for you henry.
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i’m new to twitter but does anyone else find it funny when someone mistakes
subjectively for objectively
and
fact for opinion
objectively speaking my opinion is subjectively fact if you know what I mean
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Football.LondonVerified account @Football_LDN 3h3 hours ago
The Irish Herald have published a picture of Stormzy instead of Romelu Lukaku on their back page.
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Jens Lehmann has confirmed that his contract with Arsenal is for two years(same as Wenger and rest of his coaches) with no exit clause. He also said that he is here to learn, that he will be mainly up in the stands on match day and not on the bench. He hopes his time at Arsenal will help him progress on to becoming a team manager/head coach
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Eddy,
Nice one? 😀
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Eddie,
I think both Mad Jens and Per can and will make very good managerial material — tho that is a subjective opinion and not a substantiated fact. 😀
[Has Anicoll sold you a cheap dictionary? Give it back – it’s probably mine!] 😀
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non football question for you all re car insurance, as you may or may not know, here in Ireland we are getting completely fleeced for our car insurance, over the last two years it seems everyone got at least one hike of minimum 30%, last year I was asked double despite no claims, no penalty points etc, I changed provider but still went from €450 to €650. Its a 9 year old car. Got my renewal price today, a hike of €100.
The insurance companies have made it clear that they don’t want to insure any risk, be that young drivers, or old drivers, high cc cars, or older cars. In fact I was told straight out that they want to only insure the 30-60 age group but in new cars with an engine no more than 1.2ltr and anyone else will get big hikes and keep getting them. In fact anyone they don’t want to insure they just quote them over the top prices.
anyway my question is about the usefulness or otherwise of having my no claims bonus covered, it adds €93 to the premium. is having no claims bonus covered worth it or not.
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Apologies. On returning I realise I have realised that I have inadvertently committed a PA cardinal error, altho hopefully not a capital one.
If I can toady up to you, Anicoll, and let you keep my dictionary, perhaps you would be good enough to remove those little lemon faces in my comments to Eddie, please, I would be grateful.
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Eddy,
I am no expert, but I do know car insurance costs have increased in the UK, and this is a note you might find interesting.
15 JUNE 2017 • 10:37AM
Have you noticed your car insurance premium increased in 2017? Car insurance premiums have increased by seven per cent over the past year – which is an extra £35 per driver than 2016, and £116 more than in 2015. And new rules could mean they will go up even further in 2017.
Why have car insurance premiums increased?
March 2017 saw a major change in the Ogden Rate, which is the way personal injury claims are calculated. When someone gets awarded compensation for a personal injury claim, the lump sum they receive is often invested to maximise the amount in time. So the amount the insurer has to pay out has been subject to a discount rate of 2.5%.
However, with interest rates having been low for so long now, the Ministry of Justice has reduced the discount rate to minus 0.75% – meaning the payout is higher, but at the expense of the insurer.
So insurance payouts are expected to become much higher – which in turn, means that the extra anticipated costs are being passed on in the form of increased car insurance premiums for drivers.
Another factor is that new cars are increasingly high-tech, and repairing modern electronic features can come at a cost that impacts the insurance premium.
The relative weakness of sterling in the past year or so has made buying in spare parts more expensive as well. In fact, the ABI said earlier in 2017 that the average annual comprehensive policy cost £462 in the final quarter of 2016 – an all-time high.
Will car insurance prices go up more in 2017?
It’s looking like it. The average cost of car insurance could go up by £75 a year, experts have suggested, with premiums for older drivers (65 and over) going up by £300 and those for young drivers (22 and under) increasing by up to £1000 a year.
Huw Evans, director-general of the Association of British Insurers (ABI), called it a “crazy decision”, adding “claim costs will soar.”
[Brexit negotiations have weakened the pound sterling against the Euro – so consider yourself lucky, Eddie.] lol
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Oh, dear. Back again and Anicoll has still not rescued me from disaster — but I guess I am not a damsel in distress – not even a damselfly!
I cast my blogging destiny onto the cruel wings of fate. Ergo, Cogito confortabo lumbos – I had better gird my loins. lol
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Be calm Henry – breathe slowly and deeply – you shall go to the ball.
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As for car insurance costs in the UK the price of premiums has risen fuelled mainly through the cost of repair and parts. Insurance premium tax has also contributed +10-20% since its introduction in 2011.
Insurers claim it is a “highly competitive market” but if you look at the £100 millions of profits Direct Line and Admiral make year after year, about 15-18% of premium income, it is nonsense.
The discount rate is a red herring in as much as the number of cases in which there is a significant future loss of earnings or costs of care is small, maybe 4,000 a year, and have never heard the insurers shouting about how they have been making money since 2008 on the artificially high 2.5% rate.
And note well – the discount rate will be changed from -0.75% back to at least 0% and perhaps as high as +1% in the next few months.
Trust me – I am really the Lord Chancellor.
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Or the pond in my case masterful One, where any half decent damselfly lurks!
Thank you in advance for saving my worthless hide — umm mixed metaphor there, as I am sure damselflies have exuviae, and don’t have hides – worthless or not. Oh, well – sod it!! lol
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Whoooo —- that’s a relief —- the Lord Chancellor and not the Lord High Executioner!!
Time for a beer to celebrate.
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Back from vacation girls and boys. Hope to resume normal service this weekend. In the meantime scores of work emails still remain unread. I dread the 1st week back.
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Folks (and by that I mean on-the-ball Eduardo) is it right that first 3 or 4 games of tour can only be watched in Uk on something called Premier Tv, another subscription only cable channel?
Seen conflicting reports, including one saying all games live on arsenal site, but looked on arsenal.com and it only seems to be live commentary.
Don’t know whether to laugh or curse if paying top whack for two different sports channels still isn’t enough to get all the games. Club’s choice to sell rights?
I’m needing a fix pretty bad by now.
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man utd have spent more since sir alex retired than they did in his 26 years as manager of them.
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Rich it does look like its only audio on Arsenal player, should be a stream out there for it
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Cheers, Ed.
Had a look at premier sports – virgin, sky or an online package- 10 quid.
Hate to pay any more but I do need a fix so am tempted. Streams never work out for me.
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Eddie/Rich,
I think you will find the Australian/China games will be on ‘Arsenal Player’ as a video.
I have just had a quick look – Arsenal.com is not always clear – and the first game kicks off on Thursday at 11 a/m UK time.
As I said – AFC.com is not always clear, but it is claimed that;
How can you watch?
All of the team’s pre-season games will be streamed live on Arsenal Player.
Matches from the Emirates Cup will also be shown live on BT Sport or Sky Sports.
Arsenal’s PR could be better.
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New post up
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Sir, every word you said. Truth. Respect.
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