Topic: Arsene Wenger

[Cockney-Craig]

Really? I new they started leaving after 60 minutes

it was around that time. people werent leaving before half time.

[Xabi Gerrard]

I've always had a soft spot for Wenger. Between 1997 and 2001 when every other team in the league had fucked up by Christmas, he was the only man giving Man Utd a run for their money till the end. My enemy's enemy is my friend, so for those years I'll always be grateful.

His ideas of how the game should be played are also worthy of admiration. A lot of people on here slate him for trying to play perfect pretty football - would you prefer it if every big team played power football and every poor team parked the bus?

There's precious few innovators in the game. There may be better managers out there but football would be a lot more boring if every manager just used the prescriptive measures to grind out results. Football would be a much better place if there were more managers out there with an idea of how they want the game to be played, and sticking with it despite the rest of the world telling them theyre wrong. Thats one of the things I love about Rafa so much - his pig headedness, sticking with his ideas and more often than not, proving people wrong (sticking with Kuyt is a great example of that).

And fair play to Wenger, because the 3 occasions he has pulled it off have given English football the 3 most exhilerating champions of the Premiership era.

[rossipersempre]

Wouldnt be surprised, that with Barca in town at the moment little Cesc gets tapped up and goes this summer.

I have it on excellent authority (not far off the horse's mouth) that little Cesc was already tapped up last summer. Promises made on both sides (player and Barca) and an agreement for him to ask to return home. Which makes me wonder about the media noises he's making about staying lately.

As for Wenger, well if he wasn't such an obnoxious twat, you could almost feel sorry for him. Houllier-esque. And like poor Ged, it's his failure in the transfer market that's done for him. And for those crediting him with Arshavin, well I also have it on excellent authority that he wasn't particularly keen on the player, certainly not for £15m. It was, in fact, Usmanov who pushed the transfer through at board level, similar to the Parry/Keane thing we suffered (except Arshavin is actually good, and isn't a moaning prick)

[Brian Blessed]

I have it on excellent authority (not far off the horse's mouth) that little Cesc was already tapped up last summer. Promises made on both sides (player and Barca) and an agreement for him to ask to return home. Which makes me wonder about the media noises he's making about staying lately.

As for Wenger, well if he wasn't such an obnoxious twat, you could almost feel sorry for him. Houllier-esque. And like poor Ged, it's his failure in the transfer market that's done for him. And for those crediting him with Arshavin, well I also have it on excellent authority that he wasn't particularly keen on the player, certainly not for £15m. It was, in fact, Usmanov who pushed the transfer through at board level, similar to the Parry/Keane thing we suffered (except Arshavin is actually good, and isn't a moaning prick)

I read that bit about Arshavin on here the other day. And that could have dire consequences for Wenger. They could slowly strip him of power.

[rossipersempre]

I read that bit about Arshavin on here the other day. And that could have dire consequences for Wenger. They could slowly strip him of power.

Really because I think I've posted it only once before having been told by someone who used to be involved at the club, and it wasn't the other day. Would be good to get an independent confirmation of it though. And yes if true, it does point to some board-level lack of faith in him.

[El Campeador]

"We do not feel like we have played the semi-final of the Champions League because we were out of it after 10 minutes." - Arsene Wenger.

Gutless bunch of fucking babies. How many times have we faced impossible situations, and just looked up and said "Right let's have a go, we've nothing to lose"?

What makes it a Champions League semi-final, Arsene, is a memorable occasion. It's a proving ground. Are you good enough? How bad do you want it?

We hit United for two goals in the first half, and two goals in the second half, Arsene, you surrendering gutless bastard. We were in a tighter spot in Istanbul - down 3 goals with a half hour or so left to play. And even a fortnight ago, when your gutless team had nothing to play for in the league and gave us a run for our money, we didn't give up, not even in the 90th minute.

Out of it after ten minutes? Gutless fickle chickenshit bastard.

You never deserved to be in the semi finals of the Champions League if you thought it was over in the first ten minutes. If you give up with 80 minutes to go, you should pack up, fuck off, and give us the pingpong ball that reads "Villareal".

[fowlerisgod96]

I read that bit about Arshavin on here the other day. And that could have dire consequences for Wenger. They could slowly strip him of power.

Maybe for Wenger, not for Arsenal though. Because on that basis the boards transfers over the last year have been a lot better than Wengers.

[Brian Blessed]

Right, which is why I said for Wenger

[Brian Blessed]

Really because I think I've posted it only once before having been told by someone who used to be involved at the club, and it wasn't the other day. Would be good to get an independent confirmation of it though. And yes if true, it does point to some board-level lack of faith in him.

Just checked and it was the post from you about 2 weeks ago.

[rossipersempre]

Just checked and it was the post from you about 2 weeks ago.

Ah there you go then

[Brian Blessed]

Ah there you go then

First party confirmation

[Ray K]

I have it on excellent authority (not far off the horse's mouth) that little Cesc was already tapped up last summer. Promises made on both sides (player and Barca) and an agreement for him to ask to return home. Which makes me wonder about the media noises he's making about staying lately.

If that's the case, he'll be spending a lot of time with his old pal Alex Hleb on the bench. Cos he ain't going to replace Xavi or Iniesta, or Toure/ Keite.

[Stussy]

Wenger has no excuses now. The result last night was one that will go down in infamy unless he can redeem his team next season. It could be the making of the man, or it could actually be one of those results that shatters the self-esteem of a manager, a team, and a club for an era or football cycle (a football cycle is a generation like how cat and dog years aren't equivalent to human years)

What we do know is Arsenal and Wenger are devoid of any fight, any self-worth, any honour and dignity. Unless he learns from this, installs steel and fear in his side, this could be the ending of him. To watch your team getting humiliated like a whore in a porno movie on this stage of European football is almost as bad as it gets. There can be no hiding from it at all. They had 80 minutes to scrap it out with the c-unts and couldn't even muster a headbutt. Hard to see Arsenal living this down for a long, long time.

Having said that, if they take points off the mancs none of the above applies and I like him.

[Canada Loves Anfield]

You know what El C - you are fucking spot on mate. That's what I was thinking when I saw that quote - spineless fucking bottlers the lot of em. Just like some Mancs thought the title was over when they went down 2-1 to Villa - they just dont fucking build em like Liverpool supporters in my opinion.

[Lush is the best medicine...]

Empty seats before half time..

this is what happens when you sell out to rich fair-weather fans

[Manila Kop]

Arsene, you surrendering gutless bastard.

Top rant that. I was waiting for cheese-eating surrender monkey though 

[El Campeador]

Top rant that. I was waiting for cheese-eating surrender monkey though 

You should have heard me on the blower to my Arsenal mate last night. Gave him such an earful that he asked me "Which one of is the Gunner here?"

To which I promptly replied "Obviously not me, you think cvnt, since I actually give a toss!"

[Manila Kop]

Speaking of Gooners giving a toss...this is pretty sad.

Kenyan Arsenal fan hangs himself after Man U defeat

[MagicHat]

Empty seats before half time..

Must have seemed empty for some time with people leaving, apparently, and a bomb scare at half time meaning a sizeable section of the stadium couldn't get in for a bit

And for those crediting him with Arshavin, well I also have it on excellent authority that he wasn't particularly keen on the player, certainly not for £15m. It was, in fact, Usmanov who pushed the transfer through at board level, similar to the Parry/Keane thing we suffered (except Arshavin is actually good, and isn't a moaning prick)

sorry, the two guys the board hate our new in charge of our transfers? The board are more likely to give Roman control of our transfers then Jabba and Dein. That and the fact Wenger hasn't immediately resigned due to interferance and Kronkanehasn't begun an immediate anti board manoeuvre makes me think that isn't true

[Ray K]

This is Myles Palmer take on things (from Arsenal News Review):

Big long build-up, tons of hype, crazy promises - followed by a big let -down.
 It was like the Ricky Hatton fight.
This Champions League semi-final second leg lasted less than eight minutes.

I lost my bet when Ji-Sung Park scored after 7.13 minutes.

Cristiano made Park's goal, then scored two more, one from a 41-yard free-kick and the other from an astounding Rooney-Park breakaway which he finished magnificently.
For once Cristiano had a great night in a big game.

BECAUSE HE WAS PLAYING AGAINST A WEAK TEAM.

The worst team in the last four by a mile.

After 11 minutes it was 0-2 and I started looking forward to tonight's Chelsea-Barcelona semi-final.

A Manchester United-Barcelona final would be a fabulous spectacle for the world to watch. Either team would be a worthy champions and both clubs have the ambition that Arsenal lack.

I was cheated last night because I didn't see a football match.

Sixty thousand people, 150 boxes, millions of pounds spent,  hundreds and hundreds of staff  working to present a sporting drama lasting an hour and a half, a hundred articles saying 90 MINUTES THAT WILL DECIDE ARSENAL'S FUTURE......and it all went PHUT! in eight minutes.

I wasn't surprised to see a walkover. I felt no tension going into the game and no enjoyment during it.

The biggest Emirates game so far was a waste of time, a flop, a vivid confirmation of everything I already knew and most of what I've written this season.

During the first half I switched off the ITV commentary and put on the radio and the ghastly Alan Green was saying, "What can Wenger do now?"

I cannot recall shouting at a radio before. I've shouted at friends and family and strangers and I've shouted at the TV set many times, but never at the radio.

I shouted at Alan Green when he asked, "What can Wenger do now?"

"He can go on the pitch with a microphone at half -time and promise to buy some experienced players on June 1st!"

Wenger is the problem.
Big things are possible but not with the pig-headed Professor in charge. His team has been going backwards for four years. If you keep telling  average players they are good, you build a mountain of bad karmka which will come crashing down and you will be humiliated.

This season was over long ago anyway.

[Alan_X]

He may have gone 4 years without silverware, but his team isn't too far off if he decides to splash some cash this summer. It's easy to identify where Arsenal need to improve. As long as Arsenal remain competitive and keep qualifying for the champions league Wenger will have the job. I'd be more worried about him being tempted by other offers if I was Arsenal.

 It's easy for everyone but Wenger apparently. He's needed to replace Viera, Petit, his defence, goalkeeper and add a bit of experience and steel...


...but he's needed to do that since he last won the League.

[Alan_X]

Really? I new they started leaving after 60 minutes, but before half time is beyond the pale.

it was around that time. people werent leaving before half time.

They were... I saw plenty at Finsbury Park with their shitty flags at 8.15 on my way home last night. They must have left after the second goal....

[LF]

 It's easy for everyone but Wenger apparently. He's needed to replace Viera, Petit, his defence, goalkeeper and add a bit of experience and steel...


...but he's needed to do that since he last won the League.

I don't think he or Arsenal missed out on replacing Vieira, they have done well without him. For me not replacing Gilberto was the thing he got wrong, should have replaced him straight but seems he had a lot of faith in Diaby or Song.

Arsenal just sort of lack that extra class out there, certainly Henry was an one man army out there. Problem is players like Henry come along only once in a long while. His or Arsenal's situation are not as bad as it is made out to be. The emergence of Chelsea and us out of nowhere helped bumped them off too and unlike Ferguson his team has fallen behind. All great managers always pick themselves and their teams up when down.

What he has achieved already is enough to remember his as a very good manager but If he bounces back with Arsenal he will definitely go down as a true great. I do like him regardless of his not so admirable certain qualities and I liked Arsenal as well. As somebody said Enemy of my enemy is my friend  and I do have a trouble adjusting to "hating" Arsenal. It was not too long ago we had sort of friendly rivalry but I guess when it comes to being on top all sets of fans get bitter.

[Ray K]

Didn't he used to be a great manager?

[USC19Babel]

Didn't he used to be a great manager?

No, no, you have him confused with someone else I think; this Wenger fellow hasn't won a thing in years.

[mercury]

Winning trophies is important but there first must be progression in the team.  The latter gives hope that trophies will become reality.  That is the problem of Wenger's Arsenal:  a lot of hot air, a refusal to address the weak areas in the team and a year on year regression rather than progression. 

His team will always have some bright spots, but without doing the boring stuff, like a good drill in defence, that slowly slowly downward trend will continue - like us in the 90's.

I also hate him playing Fabregas to death, that one of the most talented players of his generation could finish - by injuries or burnt out - in mid-20's.   Say what you like about Ged but his care and nurturing laid the foundation of a long career of Gerrard.

[MagicHat]

He has done that to a few players, Clichy, Sagna and Denilson come to mind, he simply does not rotate anywhere near enough

As usual Wenger will face the fans are the AGM, less restrictions this time on what can be asked so this might not be a comfortable occasion for the manager.

[Red_Isle_Chap]

Arsene, quite simply, sort your shit out for this weekend and find someway to get you kiddies to grow some fucking Cojones  and dick over the mancs. Or don't fucking come back next season!

[Liverbird 2010]

Arsenal dont you fucking dare let them kunts run round Castle Grey Skull with that trophy on saturday, grown some fuckin balls you gang of gobshites.

[capt k]

  Say what you like about Ged but his care and nurturing laid the foundation of a long career of Gerrard.

and curtailed the midgets, by playing him too soon too often after hammys