TGFcast Episode 3: Arsenal’s Weakest Link

The third episode of the TGFcast is available now through the link below and also on the podcast page at goonerforum.com. This week features a first team update, youth team update and youth player profile with Sanderson of Young Guns, as well as our weekly debate segment featuring TGF members. This week’s debate topic is: Who was Arsenal’s weakest link this season? Feel free to leave your comments to the debate question below.

TGFcast Episode 3: Arsenal’s Weakest Link

Also you can subscribe to the TGFcast through an RSS feed by opening this link in your browser or adding it to your iTunes: TGFcast RSS Feed<!–

Arsenal Dismantle Derby

Arsenal took Derby apart in a 6-2 thrashing at Pride Park. And they didn’t even go out of 2nd gear!

Adebayor: Hat trick Hero 

 

—-Bendtner—van Persie (Adebayor, 40)—-

Walcott—————————-Eboue

——Fabregas—Denilson (Gilberto, 64)——

Clichy—————————-Toure (Djourou, 78) 

——Song——-Gallas—————-

———-Fabianski—————

 

The scoring was opened by Young Dane Nicklas Bendtner on 24 minutes after some clever play with Robin van Persie. Derby were quick to equalize, however, as Jay McElevey took advantage of the inexperience of Song and Fabianski to make it 1-1. Several minutes later Robin van Persie scored his first open-play goal since returning from injury, after he was putting through by a long ball from Kolo Toure. He was substituted shortly after as a precaution. Gooners were made to wait until 59 minutes for the 3rd, when Emmanuel Adebayor scored a tap-in for his fourth goal against Derby in two games. Derby then equalized through a very cool finish from Robert Earnshaw, who did a rather silly dance. Walcott scored then two minutes later, after a brilliant pick out by Gilberto, and a great finish, a la Thierry Henry. Adebayor then wrapped up the points after a Clichy cross found him unmarked for another tap in. He and Eboue then made Earnshaw look like a complete moron, after replicating his dance, in a much more African and attractive manner . Adebayor got his hat trick in stoppage time after rounding Roy Caroll for a THIRD tap-in, and he made sure that Derby would never forget his name, with two hat tricks against them this season. 

 

Our attacking performance was promising, although we never left 2nd gear, and it was good to see Walcott and Bendtner getting on the score sheet. Defensively Song still has to sharpen up, and it was not okay really that we let in two goals against Derby, but there is time for improvement in the summer. Hoyte looks set to leave, after he was not even on the bench when the right-back spot was available. He is obviously not trusted by Wenger.

A few points: 

1. Walcott is a completely new player from the beginning of the season. He deserves to start next season if Hleb leaves.

2. Van Persie and Bendtner looks like a classier strike partnership than van Persie Adebayor, but then again, Ade did score a hat trick. Keep what I said in mind for the future though.

 

So we should be looking to finish strong, probably with the same squad as today for the next two games.

Can’t wait for summer.

Coming up: New player profiles, Possible Transfer Targets, and Preview to Everton, along with other stuff…. 

K-PO, Proud Hardcore member of the Gooner Forum

 

Is the pendulem swinging from Arsenal to Spurs?

On the goonerforum we have a few non Arsenal fans that regularly post there footballing views and its nice to see what other fans have to say about the Arsenal. We now have a comedian Spurs fan who thinks that the shift of power has turned from Arsenal to spurs. Please see the following thread and try not to wet yourself laughter.

Quote “anti-vermin” from the thread The pendulem is swinging from Arsenal to Spurs

Is the writing on the wall?
First Woodgate snubs the arsoles & then Modric, who’s next?
Backed by the vast wealth of ENIC Juande Ramos has shown that he has a magic touch in the tranfer market & that THFC have the reputation & the where with all to attract top players.
Next month Spurs will annouce there plans to expand WHL to 55,000.
It will be done in stages so as not to strap the club financially.
Meanwhile down at the effeminates, there is no big money to spend on new faces, The older experianced players have been shipped out to cut the wage bill, not cos they are passed there best & AFC continue to scour the african continent looking for CHEAP alternatives.
The likes of flamini & hleb may leave cos of your clubs reluctance (or is it inability?) to pay the going rate.
IMO 15 years of pain, abuse & p!ss taking are coming to an end.
The 2 players iv’e mentioned are just the first. More quality players will be ramping up at WHL very soon.
Time’s, they are a changing.

www.goonerforum.com

Arsenal For Champions!

Well, my hope has been renewed after the very recent defeat of Manchester United to Chelsea. We are still in the title race.

Call me crazy, say I’m just setting myself up for the fall, but fuck it. I support Arsenal F.C and we’ve over come bigger odds in the past.

I don’t like the attitude that’s been infecting us lately. “Oh, Sagna is out for the rest of the season. Fuck it, we have nothing to play for. ” Things like that affected our attendance at the Reading game.

Well, it’s not fucking true so I urge all you Arse supporters to join me in being that extra bit needed for the final push.

No one thought we could do it in ‘89. Guess what? We fucking did!

Yeah, it’s going to hurt if we don’t do it, and less face it, the odds are not on our side but if we don’t believe, we will win fuck all. Imagine the elation if we win the league. After all the injuries, the unjust decision and the frustrations. To come through it all as Champions would be pure bliss. Bigger shocks have happened in the past.

	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Man Utd	36	16	1	1	43	6	9	5	4	31	15	53	81
2	Chelsea	36	12	6	0	35	12	12	3	3	27	13	37	81
3	Arsenal	35	13	5	0	36	11	8	6	3	30	18	37	74

That is how the English Premier League Table stands at the moment. If we defeat Derby, we will be 4 points adrift with two games to go. Let’s face it, even in our weakened state, we should be able to defeat Derby.

I hope to hell that one of our players is making a similar speech in the dressing room at the moment. We need to fire the lads up, so let’s hope Wenger plays a strong side in our last few games.

All we need if for United and Chelsea to drop two points. Newcastle are on shit hot form and United always drop points to West Ham. Who’s to say that they will both collect all three points from these games. Especially as they both have the Champions League to worry about.

It’s not in our hands, we still have to beat Everton but it’s still possible isn’t? So why the fuck are we giving up now? Now when it’s most crucial to win our remaining games. It’s still fucking possible so fucking come on Arsenal!

We will follow Arsenal over land and sea ( and Leicester), so let’s follow them over these last few games of the season, onto victory!

UP THE ARSENAL! COME ON YOU GOONERS!

Another depressing summer ahead for Arsenal fans

Why is there always so much uncertainty with Arsenal every summer? For the last five years Gooners have had to deal with depressing times over the summer break. We’ve had it all from takeovers to is Wenger leaving all the talk about Henry leaving, Ashley Cole, Vieria every summer for years.

Over the past few seasons we have been linked with countless players like Ribery all summer and then sit back and watch them move to a different club after all getting our hopes up. Now with Spurs signing Modric after it was seemed for along time he was Arsenal bound I feel its going to be yet another long depressing summer ahead.

Now there is doubt about the players at the club. Hleb and Flamini look likely to leave. Jens and Gilberto with there best days past them. And with the big clubs like AC Milan and Real Madrid sniffing around Adebayor and Fabregas no doubt there agents will get the press talking about a summer move away from Arsenal.Wenger has said that he will maybe sign 1 or 2 players in the summer? Is that going to be enough? Personally I don’t think so. If we were to lose both Hleb and Flamini then we would need 4 or 5 new signings. Its going to be a very long stressful summer for all Arsenal fans with all the transfer rumors, No doubt our rivals will all go out and spend big as we just sit back and sign a few more kids or unknown players per usual. I remember the summer when we signed Sol Campbell I was so looking forward to the start of that season with high hopes and it proved to be a great season.

I pray that Wenger breaks the bank and signed world class players that can do a job for the club today and not in 2015. But I doubt it…… A frustrated gooner

www.goonerforum.com

Arsenal Travel To Derby With Only Pride to Play For

So the pointless games have begun. 

Theo Walcott: Set for another Start

 

So now we begin to rest players as the finally realized that there will not be silverware this season. This game will probably involve a lot of reserves, and players who didn’t get very much playing time this season. I expect Song, Fabianski, Hoyte, Denilson, Traore, Bendtner and Walcott all to be involved. 

Hleb, Diaby, Sagna, Rosicky and Eduardo have all been ruled out for the season, and Fabregas should get a break after a tiring season, I expect this squad: 

—Bendtner—van Persie—

Traore—————Walcott

—-Denilson–Gilberto——

Clichy————–Hoyte

—-Toure—-Song——

——–Fabianski——–

Bench: Mannone, Djourou, Fabregas, Barazite, Adebayor

This should be a strong enough squad to be Derby with, and it will give Bendtner, Denilson and Traore valuable experience, especially if Derby really bring the game to us, like they did to Manchester United. 

 

I really don’t think Derby will be to much of a problem for the young team I just suggested, and I will predict a 3-0 win. I think the key man will be Walcott who I think will score, along with van Persie and Bendtner. I really want Walcott to just blow Derby out of the water. He should score a wonder goal, cross for Bendtner, and square it for RvP to lash into the top corner from the arc. Walcott needs to perform to prove to Wenger once and for all that he is more useful that Eboue. Hell, at this stage, even Wilshire, a 16-year-old, is more useful that Eboue. Did Eboue ever assist a goal and score a wonder goal in the Reserves? Nope. End of story. 

 

This squad should also be used against Everton and Sunderland, possibly with the likes of Barazite or Nordtveit being included on the bench against both of them. 

I’m just looking forward to the summer, new signings, and a new chances at trophies. 

K-PO, proud Hardcore member of the Gooner Forum. 

 

The Importance of Alex Hleb

I wake up every morning at about 10 in the morning and the first thing I do is check to mornings football news. Who is in and who is out? Lately there have been a lot of rumors linking Arsenal midfield ace Alex Hleb to a number of European clubs, most notably Barcelona and Inter Milan. These rumors really started to materialize with the now infamous Gelato meeting that took place between Hleb, his agent and Inter officials while Arsenal were in Milan for the first leg of the knock out stage for the Champions League. Since then, rumors regarding the player’s future have been circulating quite regularly, even prompting Arsenal manger Arsene Wenger to comment that the club’s potential should be enough to keep the highly rated midfielder at the Emirates.

As with any highly skilled player, rumors are bound to surface regarding transfers to new clubs. However, Arsenal must do all that they can to make sure these rumors stay just that, rumors. To lose Alex Hleb after the season both he and the club have had could prove to be tricky at best. Alex has been an integral part of Arsenal’s attack this season, providing precision passing and even showing an eye towards goal (only on a few occasions, as most Gooners will tell you). Many bring up the winger’s lack of goals and assists as reasons to why Arsenal might not miss the player. However, Hleb’s 11 assists and 4 goals in all competitions have not told the whole story.

Alex Hleb’s contribution to Arsenal lies outside the numbers. Anyone who has seen the 26 year old Belorussian play this season has been witness to the intangibility of his value to the club. Darting runs, unmatched ball control, precision passing and a wicked shot all combine to make this player indispensable. While the numbers might not be there, Gooners must focus on his possession, his ability to beat defenders and his talent that puts him in places that gets other involves. I wonder, if one where to count, how many goal chance Arsenal have had due to a pass by Hleb, or from his ability to force the second defender. Alex Hleb is finally finding his footing in our side and in the Premier League. He has become a vital part of our team, and, with some off season training, could develop into a more productive goal score.

With the Boss’s desire to keep the team together coupled with the draw out episode concerning Mathieu Flamini’s future, the last thing the team would need is a further shake up in the center of the pitch, where we have been so good this season. Alex understands out system and has turned into a true Arsenal player. To lose him now could be a huge setback towards success next season. Hanging on the the player is key, and Wenger seems to agrees.

Credit to triplec1988

www.goonerforum.com

Who do you think should be the Arsenal captain (Podcast)

Who do you think should be the Arsenal captain? A view from the fans plus the first team update.

Check out what members of the forum have to say about who should be the Arsenal captain.Click Play,Enjoy

Join the forum www.goonerforum.com

It’s Time For Theo

It was one of Walcott’s rare league starts this season and, for me, the game against Reading was a rare chance to see the 18 year old who has been under the spotlight for the last month or so finally in action for a complete 90 minutes. Walcott’s recent form has earned him an eligible starting place in the squad, according to fans, and, for once, Wenger decided to go with the fans on this and start him ahead of Eboue on the right.

The promise was big when Theo arrived and Wenger always asked us to be patient and give Theo more time. I, for one, was one of the doubters and one of those who at some moment of frustration scapegoated Theo. But now I realize that the boss is right, All Theo needs is time, and plenty of it, to sharpen the skills that he has shown today.

Even though Walcott was definitely “Man of the Match” against Reading and his performance was a huge leap forward, there are still some aspects of his game that he should work on and they are:

1- His runs: Walcott uses his pace to get by defenders but usually drives himself into very tight positions that he can’t really make use of the ball anymore but I guess that comes with experience and more games

2- His left foot: In some incidents the split second it took him to take the ball from his left to his right costed him a decent shot and that clearly showed when he moved from the right to the left when Hleb was out …

3- His vision: He should have more sense of where every player is because some of his passes fall too short or go too long and some go behind a player

On the other hand, Walcott has plenty of assets to offer for any manager to work with which include his pace and skill and he doesn’t really lose his balance very quickly … even when he trips he gets up real fast or keeps himself from falling and goes on. That is really a very good asset and combined with pace and skill can be deadly provided, of course, he gets a good run of games to gain the experience needed to make him a world class player. Theo just needs time, that’s evident. He needs more starts during the remainder of the season and next season and he will come through.

Cesc seems to be working out a good understanding with Theo as well in passing and, while I guess it might have something to do with him giving Theo confidence, I do believe that the two have a good understanding and a good relation. Just the idea of Theo and Cesc next season in full gear is mouth watering. Seeing Walcott out there gets me all excited about next season. I hope it doesn’t run short on its promises to be our season.

by Zickar, TGF

Arsenal Thrash Reading Despite 2-0 Scoreline

Arsenal beat Reading 2-0 at the Emirates thanks to goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Gilberto Silva. 

Our Goalscorers

 

Arsenal started the game a bit shakily, but had two early chances that should have been scored. First Hleb brilliantly sent through Fabregas, but he was immediately surrounded by defenders and could only weakly shoot straight at the keeper. Then Adebayor had a free header but mistimed his jump and it went well wide. Then the goals came after Toure sent a cross to Adebayor who controlled it brilliantly, and finished it with a problem for his 21st League goal of the season. Shortly after, on 38 minutes, we saw Gilberto get his first goal of the season when he finished from the top of box, taking a deflection on the way through. Van Persie then began to wiggle his way into the game with a low free kick that went just wide, and then shot it right at the keeper after Adebayor squared it. 

The second half began quietly, but on the 70 minute mark we saw van Persie hit the bar/post after a blazing freekick, and then Theo Walcott also hit the woodword with a left footed shot. After that Fabregas had a shot cleared off the line, and the match was finally brought to a close. 

In defense the man who stood out was Alexandre Song, who looks a lot more comfortable on the ball, and just very much improved in general. Just another example of Wenger’s magic. Think about the improvement since he joined us on loan in 2005/06. Unbelievable. Meanwhile, Theo Walcott was once again impressive in attack, and unlucky not to get o the scoresheet, while van Persie is still edging his way back to fitness, and Fabregas was back to his normal self, pulling the strings. I’m very happy for Gilberto to get a goal, and he really deserves one for his attitude this season. Meanwhile we also saw a welcome return for the long lost Denilson, who hasn’t been seen for some number of months. 

So we are finally back to winning ways, after 4 games without a victory. It looks like the boys are going to finish the season strongly, and I really hope we thrash Derby, Everton and Sunderland. 

 

Match Ratings: 

Lehmann: Brilliant home farewell. Didn’t have very much to do but when he did he saved it well. 7/10

Toure: Did well before he went off injured. Great assist to Adebayor. 7/10

Gallas: Solid. Not much to do. 6/10

Song: See article, improvement of this kid is incredible. 7/10

Clichy: Commitment is brilliant, always has been, never stops running. 8/10

Walcott: Very promising some good runs, he hit the bar, really should be starting more, especially next season 7/10

Fabregas: Was back to his normal self, pulling the strings and almost scoring on several occasions. 8/10

Gilberto: Solid, his performance of the season, and great to see him get a goal, possibly his last at the club. 7/10

Hleb: Got in a scrap with Murty, but was creative, but didn’t really do anything special. 6/10

van Persie: He’s about one game away from full fitness and scoring. He was involved in most of the attacks, and also most scored 3 or 4 times. He will score against Derby or Everton. 8/10 Man of the Match

Adebayor: Great finish, besides that, nothing special 6/10 

Eboue: Didn’t really do anything, and same with Bendtner

Denilson: Good shot after coming on, but other than that was quiet.