David “Rocky” Rocastle Day

 

Today marks the 7th year anniversary of the local lad who turned into an Arsenal legend who passed away of cancer aged just 33 yrs.

I was lucky enough to have watched from the north bank the amazing skills and tight control of David Rocastle, But not only did he have all the natural skill in the world he also worked very hard for the team and knew how to track back and tackle. A few memories that stick out for me about the great man was of course the winner in the semi finals in the last minute away to Spurs “the stuff dreams are made of” The goal away to Man Utd when he chipped Peter Schmeical, The dipping Volley from 35 yards away to the Villa. So many more……….

May he rest in peace and the memory of the man live in our hearts forever.

David Rocastle
Personal information
Full name	David Carlyle Rocastle
Date of birth	2 May 1967(1967-05-02)
Place of birth	Lewisham, London, England
Date of death	31 March 2001 (aged 33)
Height	5 ft 9 in
Playing position	Midfield
Youth clubs
1983-1985	Arsenal
Senior clubs1
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
1984-1992 1992-1993 1993-1994 1994-1998 1997 1997	Arsenal Leeds United Manchester City Chelsea → Norwich City (loan) → Hull City (loan)	218 (24) 025 0(2) 021 0(2) 029 0(0) 011 0(0) 011 0(1) 0
National team
1985-1988 1988-1992 1991-1992	England U21 England England B	014 0(2) 014 0(0) 002 0(0)

Check out the tribute Rocastle Website
www.rocky7.co.uk

We never did replace Pires

And if he was still at the club he would be a key player for us still.

Look how many players have filled in at left wing this season.

Diaby
Eduardo
Denilson
Rosicky
Hleb

and none of them have been as good as Pires. Le bobby is having a wonderful season in spain and i still think he could of done a job for us as cover for Rosicky and even Cesc.

All this allowing players to leave based on there age is crazy. We need players like this to win the title and not players who can do a job but nothing more. We need players who can win games and Pires was that type of player.

We miss his goals from the wings. Both Rosicky and Hleb are not goal scores.

We never did replace him.

This is what we have been missing

Full name	Robert Emmanuel Pirès
Date of birth	October 29, 1973 (1973-10-29) (age 34)
Place of birth	Reims, France
Height	1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Playing position	Attacking midfielder, Winger
Club information
Current club	Villarreal
Number	7
Youth clubs
1989–1992 1992–1993	Reims FC Metz
Senior clubs1
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
1992–1998 1998–2000 2000–2006 2006–	FC Metz Olympique Marseille Arsenal Villarreal	162 (43) 066 0( 189 (62) 030 0(5)
National team2
1996–2004	France	079 (14)

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Has It Really Been That Bad?

By -Shaun- 

After our poor 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge, many Gooners have left been understandebly feeling saddened at our current form that has seen our Premier League title hopes take a blow. However, why not look on the positive side?

I know its a bit early to be looking back at this season already, but I’m going to be very positive here, as I think sometimes on the back of a result we dont look at the bigger picture. The question is: Has this season really been as bad as where all making it out to be? For me I have thourougly enjoyed this one, I really am proud of every single Arsenal player. I dont think any of us here were expecting us to be pushing Man Utd and Chelsea all the way like we have been doing. We have had a great season, and really proved everyone wrong about us. The younger ones have had another season uder their belts and are sure to be even better next season as well! Game after game we’ve given it our all, and dug deep for good results. I dont think anyone here can seriously say that our season is a disaster, as it clearly isn’t. I thought this would be just another Champions League spot like before, or maybe even worse, some were tipping it. From day 1 we have been title contenders and we can all look back at this with pride.

I’m talking like the season is over, when actually in reality we still are contenders in 2 competitions, we still could end up with 2 trophies! I know the Premier League looks out of sight at the minute but the Champions League is within our distance, and maybe it is time for us to really focus on that and give it a good go. Even if we end up winning nothing, this season as an Arsenal fan has been one of the best ever for me, we have done great whatever anybody says. One things for sure, Wenger will look back with pride at his players.

Up the Arsenal.

Chelsea - Arsenal Preview

   vs.

Barclays Premier League - Round 31
Stamford Bridge, London  23 March 2008 
Kickoff @ 4pm GMT

OUR SQUAD: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue, Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, van Persie, Adebayor, Lehmann, Walcott, Song, J Hoyte, Senderos, Gilberto, Denilson, Bendtner.

MISSING: Rosicky, Diaby, Eduardo

FORM: Chelsea are unbeaten since their loss at The Emirates back on December 16th.  Their last defeat prior to that was the defeat at Old Trafford back in September.  They have won four of their last 6 home matches and are unbeaten in 77 consecutive matches at the Bridge dating back to Arsenal’s victory there in February 2004.  Chelsea are 9-5-0 at home this year while Arsenal are 7-6-1 away from the Emirates.  Arsenal have drawn four in a row in the league and five of their last six matches overall.  Arsenal have only lost once in their last 37 league matches dating back to April 9th of last year.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: Arsenal are 4-4-2 against Chelsea in the league in the last five years.   Arsene Wenger’s career record against Chelsea in all competitions is 16-11-6.

STATS: Emmanuel Adebayor has fallen to third in the scoring charts with 19 after having hit a bit of a dry spell while Ronaldo, 24, and Torres, 20, have continued firing.  Gael Clichy is one of only 9 field players to have played in all of their team’s league fixtures.  Cesc Fabregas remains second in the league in assists with 13 behind Ashley Young with 15.  He is four ahead of Chelsea’s leader, Solomon Kalou with 9.  Fabregas is also tied for third in the leauge with 8 yellow cards this season.  The Actim Index currently places Adebayor in second behind Ronaldo by just one point.  Cesc Fabregas sits in fourth place and Gael Clichy sits in 9th.  The Actim Index takes into account a number of in-depth statistics and come up with an overall figure representing their performance for the season.  They also rank Adebayor as the league’s top striker, Fabregas as the second best midfielder, Clichy as the second best defender, and Almunia as the fifth best keeper.

INJURIES: Arsene Wenger talked about Tomas Rosicky’s nagging injury which has kept him out since January:  “He is not making much progress.  It looks like the tendon of his hamstring is healing slowly.  He has been out now for seven weeks. It is difficult to say to you that he will play next week. In fact it is impossible to say when he will return. He has not practised and I don’t know what to say really. It is a frustration for me and him as well.  He’s a very genuine guy who wants to play. If you tell him to come in tomorrow morning at 4am and leave at midnight so it will be better, he will do it. He has an absolutely genuine attitude and is 100 per cent committed but he’s just not ready.”  For Chelsea, Petr Cech is facing a late fitness test.

TEAM NEWS: Arsene on the team’s recent slump: “I believe that we had a little slow down after Birmingham, but I feel now in training that we’re over that.  This is a good opportunity for us to show it.”  He was also understandably upset as reports surfaced this week that Alexander Hleb had met with his agent in Milan the night before the crucial return leg of the Champions League knockout round.  Rumours abounded that they were actually discussing a deal with InterMilan which the Italian club has since denied.  “I was concerned and I didn’t like that it happened.  If the agent came to the team hotel then he should have asked me for permission to see the players.  You cannot just see the players like that.  All the rest we will keep secret.  But Italy is well known for having good ice cream!”

COMMENTARY:  I believe we will see a very tight game as most Big 4 affairs are.  Neither team can afford to lose and that usually doesn’t contribute to a wide open attacking game.  However, the result from Old Trafford will already be in and, if it’s favorable. may push either or both teams to really go after the victory.  While Chelsea have continued their unbeaten run at home this season with nine wins in fourteen matches at the Bridge, they have had some narrow escapes there to some very questionable sides.  Chelsea’s defense has also looked somewhat suspect at times, Terry in particular on Wednesday against Spurs.  One thing is for sure, come Sunday night, we will have a much better picture of what will need to be done to secure our first Premier League title since the Unbeaten season of 2003-04.

We Will Not Fade Away!!

While many Gooners are understandably upset about the team’s recent form in the league, it would far too premature to say that we’ve “officially blown it.” Being effectively three points behind but with a trip to Old Trafford in a couple of weeks means its far from over. Of course, if we don’t start winning now then that match will be a formality. The team’s performance this year has raised our expectations but we shouldn’t forget that this is just the beginning of what looks to be a long period of success for the club. Many pundits predicted us to finish fourth or worse. Even I thought we would finish 3rd and get to the Champions League Quarterfinals.

Now we do have issues and areas that need to be addressed. For instance, more experienced backup players and what seem to be chronic injuries to a few players. But if we don’t win the league this year it’s not the end of this team. We are young and are already a year or two ahead of where even the more optimistic fans thought we’d be. I could understand the dramatic pronouncements if we were an older team in what might be their last shot at a title but we will be contending for the League and the Champions League for years to come. We had to pay a price for it, namely the last two years, but it all seems worth it now.

If we don’t win the league, I will be as gutted as any Arsenal supporter. But I also realize that we are at the start of what may be the most glorious period in the club’s long and already glorious history. Having said all that, it is not over by a long shot. We have 8 games remaining are only behind three points (conceding United a victory against Bolton). United have not shown great form as of late either. They barely squeaked by Derby on the weekend and did the same against Lyon over two matches. They also fell to Pompey at Old Trafford. United are not infallible and will drop points between now and the end. If things stay this tight and we go to Old Trafford and get the points (like we did last year) then the title race looks alot different. Of course, we are still way behind on goal difference so we have to beat them on points. The psychological blow to United of being defeated at home by us could be the catalyst that seals the league in our favor.

So while calls for Arsene’s head on numerous Arsenal forums abound, I think we need to take a step back and look at it from a different perspective. This can be extremely hard when you’ve been embroiled in a neck and neck title race for the last 6 months. The pessimism shown by many Arsenal fans leads one to wonder. Shouldn’t being a supporter mean having faith in your side? Haven’t these players and the manager earned that through their performances for most of the season. We have seen some glorious moments this season including the wins against Tottenham, Milan, Blackburn in the Carling Cup, etc… Unfortunately they have been mitigated by some horrible results. We have shown character and spirit all year long. No team has a better record after trailing by one goal than Arsenal. How many times this year have we secured points in the dying minutes of the match? In fact, we score more goals in the last fifteen minutes of matches than we do over the other 75 minutes. This team will not just fade away and hand the title to United as we did in 2003. So, even though it’s not looking good, it’s not over by a long shot.

I would say that, despite their flaws, the players have earned our respect and our support this year and it would be a great disservice to them and the club to write them off before the final whistle is blown.  The sun has not yet set on the Arsenal.

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We Have Officially Blown It

Sitting 5 Pts clear at the top and all going well. But after 4 draws in a row and picking up only 4 pts out of a possible 12 in the league I think can say we have officially blown it.

Utd now ahead of us level on games,Chelsea now only 2 points behind us. I am starting to think we wont even finish in the top 2. and if they beat us next week they will move above us into 2nd place.

Were did it all go wrong for us?

Its easy to point fingers but certain players have been come good at the key time of the season. Adebayor has not scored in the league since the Blackburn game in early Feb Hleb who had a great start to the season has dipped the most in recent games. Cesc has blown hot and cold over the past few weeks. And Almunia has only had a few things to do in recent games but yet everytime the other time hit the target they score ?

Yes we can blame injury’s, Pitches, Was he offside or not but the fact is this we have blown a 5 pts lead and taken only 4 pts out of 12. We can only blame ourself

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Arsenal V Middlesbrough Match Preview

Arsenal V Middlesbrough Match Preview

With the glamour and romance, of today’s Champions League Draw, it’s hard to forget we have to get back to the “bread and butter” of the Premiership tomorrow evening in the late kick off against a hard working, well organised Middlesbrough side at the Emirates Stadium.

Our Premiership form, well in-fact our form all together, has been poor in recent weeks in the order of the day definitely three points to keep the pressure on Manchester United.

Team News:

Arsene Wenger confirmed yesterday that French midfielder, Abou Diaby will miss the game, as well as Tomas Rosicky, despite Wenger claiming over 2 weeks ago, the Czech maestro would be back in “10 days” after being out injured for the past 25 years!, however there is some good news.

Central midfielder, Denilson is expected to be back after a knock on his ankle against Colorado Rapids and should start from the bench, Theo Walcott also got an injury in that match and he will have a late fitness test, so Wenger team could change, even tomorrow afternoon if the England Under 21 star fails, Emmanuel Eboue returns from suspension and could start.

Now, you may think i am trying to trick you, but no, Robin Van Persie is actually fit. yes you did read it correctly, and he is pushing for a starting birth, with Nicklas Bendtner dropping back to the bench, joining Gilberto, Lehmann and Alex Song we will have a strong bench, but Le Boss has a selection headache at the back, does he stick with the impressive Phillipe Senderos, or bring Kolo Toure who is now fit back into the line up? we will found out tomorrow !

Stats And Facts

Now Thanks to forum member “Natsteel” we can bring you some stats and facts so you can wow your friends at the game tomorrow or whoever you watch it with, but if you have nobody, why not come join in our friendly forum, and offer your debate?, more on that later, to the stats !

* Arsenal are win-less against Boro in three matches since the 7-0 win on January 14th, 2006.
That 7-0l win was also the only time up to the present that Arsenal kept a clean sheet against Boro since August 24th, 2003. Arsene is 16-4-6 in his career against them.

* Middlesbrough, are win-less in 3 overall and 4 straight away. Their last victory was 1-nil home to Fulham on February 9th, 2008.

* Boro have 12 more yellow cards than any other team (69 in 29 games) with Boateng ( and and Rochemback (7) the biggest offenders.
If games ended at half-time Boro would be 6th in the league. They have 14 points from 15 away matches.

* Stewart Downing and Gael Clichy are two of only 13 players who have played in all 29 league games so far this season.

* Middlesbrough are the only team to have beaten Arsenal this season.

Interesting stuff there, so were facing a team, which are physical but often inconstant, but we have the home advantage, however Gareth Southgate takes positives from them beating us at the Riverside.

“Of course Arsenal are the favourites, but we will take encouragement from being the only team to beat them this season, we will have to be at our very best, and they will have to be a little below par for us to get anything”

Middlesbrough Team News

Boro had doubts over £13 million pounds hit-man Alfonso Alves, but the big Brazilian, (who reminds me of Julio Baptista), trained yesterday and is in the squad, as is former Gunners striker Jeremie Aliadiere who ran the show against his former employers in the 2-1 defeat earlier this season, after his 4 game ban.

Score Prediction? My View

Arsenal 2-0 Middlesbrough

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C’mon You Gooners !

The Jekyll And Hyde That Is Arsenal FC

Arsenal have recently shown how unpredictable they are, From comfortably beating AC Milan in the San Siro and looking like the best team in Europe to the woeful performance away to Wigan.

In my opinion the reason behind this is that certain Arsenal players find it hard to raise there game to the lesser sides. Its quite easy to get yourself motivated for a game in front of 80.000,but on a cold wet muddy playing surface away to sides like Wigan and Boro we have not shown the same desire.

Why is that? Do the Arsenal players feel they just have to turn up at sides mentioned above and win automatically? At times this season we have seen both sides of Arsenal ( The Jekyll And Hyde ) But for us to go on and achieve something this season we really need to show the same commitment as the AC Milan game.

This is why I hope we draw a big club in the Champions league. Like last season vs PSV we didn’t turn up as most thought the win was in the bag, This is the problem we have with lesser sides. We don’t show them enough respect.

Wenger really needs to fire up the players for every game and not just the so called big games in Europe. From now until the end of the season we should treat every game as if it was vs AC Milan.

Otherwise we are in danger of yet another season that looked so promising but ended trophyless

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Wigan - Arsenal Preview

vs.

WIGAN ATHLETIC - ARSENAL FC
Barclays Premier League - Round 29
JJB Stadium, Newtown, Wigan
9 March 2008 4:00pm GMT

OUR SQUAD (as of Friday): Almunia, Clichy, Senderos, Gallas, Sagna, Denilson, Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Adebayor, Bendtner, Gilberto, Van Persie, Toure, Lehmann, J Hoyte, Traore, Song.

MISSING: Diaby, Walcott, Rosicky, Eduardo, Djourou

FORM: Wigan have won only two of their last seven matches. However, they have won their last two home matches. They’ve only scored three times in their last five matches but have only conceded three as well. They are currently sitting in 14th place with 27 points ahead of Sunderland on goal difference. They are also only two points clear of the last relegation spot currently held by Reading. Arsenal have only one win in their last five matches in all competitions and have drawn their last two league matches after winning four straight. Arsenal currently have a 12 game unbeaten run in the league.

STATS: In 8 of their 19 wins, Arsenal have won by two goals. They have the 3rd best away record in the Premier League behind Chelsea and Manchester United. Emmanuel Adebayor currently sits two goals behind league-leader Cristiano Ronaldo with 19. He is averaging one goal for every 116.2 minutes. Wigan have an equal home record to Tottenham and a better home record than Portsmouth and West Ham.

INJURIES: Robin van Persie seems set to see his first action since January 9th. He has only made three appearances since October 8th. Kolo Toure and Alex Song are probable for Sunday’s match. Theo Walcott injured his thigh during a closed-door friendly against the Colorado Rapids of MLS. Abou Diaby injured his calf during the match at Milan on Tuesday. Tomas Rosicky remains out due to his hamstring injury but Wenger has said that he is “10 to 12 days” away.

TEAM NEWS: In response to the comments by Jose Mourinho, Arsene Wenger said, “What is important for me is to play in a fair way and in a way that people will enjoy. A trophy is what you can show, but the way you play, the way you behave - these are also important. To win trophies is important, but that is not the only thing in sport. Moral integrity is important. For me sport is more than just winning trophies.” Liam Brady, head of youth development and Arsenal legend, has agreed a two-year deal to join Giovanni Trappatoni’s staff with Ireland as an assistant. The club agreed to let Brady do double-duty as they were confident he would still be able to carry out his duties at Arsenal. Arsenal are one of the teams interested in Havant & Waterlooville 12 year old, Ryan Gates. He has scored 95 goals in 40 games for H&W’s youth setup and has attracted attention from Portsmouth, Southampton, and Reading, who appear to be the frontrunners. However, his father has said that he is “totally gobsmacked” by Arsenal’s interest and will tour the facilities of all the interested clubs. He then said, “whoever have the best facilities are the club we will go with.”

by Natsteel @ TGF

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Who do we want in the Quarterfinals?

The draw for the quarterfinals in next Friday the 14th March.

No doubt most gooners will be hoping for a quarterfinal draw vs Fenerbahce. but i feel we raise our game against the bigger clubs, this is why I will be hoping for Roma or Barcelona. I really don’t want to draw any or the English clubs as I fear the game would be very negative and not suite our style.

So bring on Henry and Barcelona, We are ready for you

Teams remaining

Barcelona. Fenerbahce. Man Utd. Schalke. Chelsea. Roma. Inter or Liverpool.

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