May 9th, 2008 01:02am
GilbertoSilver
Hello all. I’ve missed you, having had a barely-earned day off from blogging yesterday to facilitate a thoroughly enjoyable lie-in.
We’ll start with the news that Aleksandr Hleb will seemingly be on his way within the next fortnight. Allow his agent to explain:
“Alex is preparing to make one of the most important moves of his life.
He is leaving even though Arsenal want to offer him a new long-term contract.
Only time will tell if it is the right decision but there’s no way back now. Everything will be settled in the next two weeks.”
He doesn’t leave much room for doubt, does he? Whether or not Hleb will invoke the Webster clause and leave for around £3m, or whether Inter will come in with a more reasonable offer and preserve the gentlemen’s agreement struck between the former G14 clubs not to abuse the ruling remains to be seen. Either way, it would be a significant surprise to see Hleb at the club come August, despite Arsene’s protestations.
Something about Hleb’s departure leaves a bad taste in the mouth. I suspect it’s the fact he will presumably cite our failure to win trophies, ignoring the fact that his plain refusal to score goals is a major factor in that failure. Whilst he is extraordinarily technically accomplished, I think the Belarussian would be easier to replace than Flamini - the Frenchman has a mental toughness that Hleb clearly lacks.
To be honest, I’m feeling pretty excited about who Arsene is looking to bring in this Summer. The AST revealed that he is looking for a powerhouse centre-back and a creative player (possibly to replace Hleb). Throw in a replacement for Flamini, and our team could be surprisingly different come next season. Hopefully ‘good different’ - ‘bad different’ is the kind of different teachers use to describe odd children that grow up to become serial killers.
Speaking of difference, who knows if we’ll even have the same captain next time round?
Anyhow, on to the Cesc Fabregas Show Competition. Congratulations to Tom Watt, who correctly answered that the shirt that Fabregas was just too cescy for on his debut was adorned with number 57. By a horrible coincidence, that was the same question that was posed over on The Cannon. I hope Tom didn’t win there too - that’d be rather unfair. Regardless, your tickets are in the post - enjoy!
I’d like to finish by offering a hearty congratulations to my pal arseblogger, who is about to make arseblogging his full-time, real-life ‘proper job’. At this point, I’d like to say that if any mildly idiotic (and overtly generous) businessman wants to pay me vast sums to write this garbage for half an hour each day, I might just be available. Thanks.
May 7th, 2008 07:31am
GilbertoSilver
If you’ve read pretty much any Arsenal blog in the last few weeks, you might have come across some of the promotional material for Cesc Fabregas’ forthcoming TV Show, in association with Nike. It promises to be quite an occasion - the programme will reportedly feature a host of cameo appearances from other athletes and stars of the game, including Arsene Wenger.
Only 400 tickets are available, and one lucky Gunnerblog reader will win a pair of them. All you have to do to claim the tickets is answer the following question:
What number did Cesc wear on his Arsenal debut?
Email your answers to cesc@gunnerblog.com and I’ll announce the lucky winner on Friday. You should be forewarned that the filming takes place on the evening of Tuesday May 13th in a London Studio - only fans who would be able to attend need apply. Good luck!
May 6th, 2008 03:40am
GilbertoSilver
The iconic red and black stripes are known throughout the world. The San Siro holds 82,955, and in Kaka they have arguably the world’s greatest player. Above and beyond all that, AC Milan are one of the most winningest clubs in the world, with 17 Serie A titles, 7 European Cups, and a World Club Cup to boot.
So why are people surprised that Mathieu Flamini has left us to join them?
Whilst Arsene Wenger has worked wonders in transforming the reputation of Arsenal, and has undoubtedly cemented it’s position amongst Europe’s elite, we cannot claim to sit atop the same pedestal as the likes of Milan, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and (much as I hate to say it) Manchester United.
A French kid of Italian parentage, growing up on the Mediterranean coast, was always more likely to dream of growing up to represent the Rossonieri than the Gunners. Throw in the fact that he’ll be earning several times what he currently does at Arsenal, and Flamini’s decision is easy to understand.
It’s about money, and it’s about security. Flamini probably hasn’t forgotten that just a year ago Arsenal would’ve been happy to see him sign for Birmingham. In the space of twelve months, his reputation has shot up to see him recognised as one of the best midfielders in Europe. Acutely aware of the fickle nature of football, Flamini has capitalised on this to secure his dream lifestyle whilst the iron is piping hot. Who can honestly say they wouldn’t have done the same?
Mathieu Flamini’s close pal, Alex Hleb, has reportedly told team-mates he intends to follow Flamini to Milan by joing Inter in the Summer. Under new regulations, he is able to buy out his contract, rendering us essentially powerless to stop him. Allow a friend to who actually understands the rules to explain how it works:
“He serves notice on Arsenal of his intention to leave. He (and any club he then signs for) are held jointly and severally liable to pay Arsenal for buying out his contract. So once Hleb has served notice on Arsenal of his intention to quit, Inter can quite legitimately say to Hleb “We’ll pick up the tab on this one old chap”, and write Arsenal the (very small) cheque.”
It really is the death knell for the transfer system as we know it, and is forcing clubs to offer players contract extensions with worrying regularity - witness Bacary Sagna being offered an admittedly deserved new deal within twelve months of joining the club.
Amazing to think that after a season in which the self-professed ‘Spice Boys’ - Rosicky, Fabregas, Hleb and Flamini - emerged as our first choice midfield, half of them could be off before next season has begun.
Then again, a glance at our fixture list reveals that the awesome foursome only started three games together this term - a shocking record. If there was ever a time to reshape our midfield, perhaps this is it (though Calderon can back right off).
Losing Hleb and Flamini would only be a tremendous blow if they were not suitably replaced. If Flamini is replaced with someone with more craft, and Hleb with a player who is capable of the occasional shot, then we might even (God forbid) improve.
It’s all down to Arsene. Big Summer for Le Boss. We seem to say that every year…
May 5th, 2008 06:03pm
GilbertoSilver
From the Reserves to the Rossonieri.
AC Milan have confirmed that Mathieu Flamini will join them this Summer on a four year contract, having completed a medical this afternoon.
Flamini will be seen as the long-term successor to Rino Gattuso as Milan’s midfield enforcer.
Flamini’s last appearance for the club came in our Champions League exit at Anfield - doubtless his injury and departure from the field of play had a big impact on the final result.
He is not a special player. Technically, he is accomplished but not outstanding. However, his incredible stamina was reflected in the fact that he covered more ground than any other Premier League player this season. His passing was consistent, and his tackling ferocious. Furthermore, unlike Patrick Vieira and Gilberto before him, he liberated Cesc Fabregas and granted the Spaniard license to attack and score goals.
The race to replace him starts now. It’s a big call, Arsene. Here’s hoping you get it right.
May 5th, 2008 11:53am
GilbertoSilver
This was one of the most awful football matches I have ever been to. At least a friendly is self-consciously low key. This was just boring.
If it wasn’t for the fact that I wanted to stay and acknowledge the players on their lap of honour, I probably would’ve left after an hour or so. We were fielding a considerably weakened side, and neither us nor Everton seemed to have much interest in winning the game. Victory fell into our hands almost by happy accident rather than any purposeful desire.
The highlights were as follows:
- Another very assured performance from Alex Song at centre-back. Whilst he is doing well there, his best performances in the position come in games when we’re primarily on the front foot, and his job is to play high up the pitch link the defence with the midfield. I think it’s clear he’s a defensive midfielder filling in, and not the long-term solution we desperately need.
- An excellent goal from Nicklas Bendtner, who powered in his ninth of the season. This year has been one in the bank for Bendtner - next season, like Song, he can be considered a fairly reliable squad member.
- The farewell to Jens Lehmann, who came on as a substitute and was the last player to leave the pitch. Whatever troubles he’s caused, he was an instrumental figure in the Unbeaten side, the FA Cup winning side of 2005, and of course in our Champions League run in 2006. And off the pitch, he’s always handled himself with class, as this interview demonstrates. Replacing David Seaman was an impossible job, but Jens had the personality and talent to manage it. Now the baton passes to Manuel Almunia - hopefully he can bring similar success.
That was about it really. I watched the lap of honour with particular attention to see if I could derive any hints that certain players might be saying their final farewell. Cesc had his arm round Mathieu Flamini, and was forcing an embarrassed looking Flamini into a half-hearted wave goodbye.
That was followed by the news that Flamini flew to Milan after the game to ink a contract with Serie A giants AC. The figures vary depending on what paper you read, but it’s clear that financially we just could not compete. I think Flamini’s decision to move is understandable. He knows that it’s unlikely his stock will ever be higher. As a free agent following the season he’s had, this is his chance to move to the club of his dreams for money those dreams could not even have contemplated twelve months ago. When you consider that last Summer I expected him to sign for Birmingham, his career has undergone a massive transformation.
What is important now is how he is replaced: Will Gilberto decide to stay and compete for a place alongside Cesc? Will a new player be brought in, such as Football Manager stalwart Jean Il Makoun?
Well, we’ve got all that glorious fun to come. And I haven’t even mentioned Hleb…
May 4th, 2008 12:33pm
GilbertoSilver
Our ridiculously faint hopes of winning the title disappeared yesterday, with West Ham capitulating in style to a rampant Manchester United. Nanny, meanwhile, got himself sent off for following up a headbutt with this ridiculous piece of play-acting. Assuming that the winger didn’t collapse to the ground out of a dehabilitating bout of regret, he really ought to have his ban extended for something as plainly fraudulent as that.
So whilst we no longer need a win to keep our season alive, we nonetheless ought to try and round off the season in style. It’s our final home game today, and whilst I hope the fans give the players the ovation they deserve, I also hope the team pull out a performance to match the fantastic support they’ve recieved all season.
Reports in Italy suggest that Mathieu Flamini has signed a four year deal with AC Milan for about a billion pounds per minute. However, this morning I saw a bit in The Sunday Times suggesting he’s on the verge of a move to Inter. That leads me to believe that no-one really has any clue where he’s going to be next season, but it’s probably not Arsenal. Flamini is likely to make a farewell appearance from the bench today.
The Times also had a little quote from Aleksandr Hleb’s Italian agent (I can’t remember his real name - let’s call him ‘Cunto’) suggesting that Hleb would like to play for Barcelona next season. The same Alex Hleb who was practically bullied by Thierry Henry to the point where he is now physically unable to score. Good one, Cunto.
There might be a few farewell’s today. Don’t be surprised if Lehmann, Gilberto, Hleb and Flamini are the last to leave the pitch after the whistle. Between them, those players have amassed a lot of Arsenal memories over the years, and I’d be relatively surprised to see any of them at the club come September.
Today is Cesc’s 21st Birthday. I can think of a good present: the captain’s armband…
May 3rd, 2008 01:53pm
GilbertoSilver
There’s quite a lot of it about, actually. Which is lucky, otherwise I’d just be rambling. Much like this.
The biggest news has been the departure of Managing Director Keith Edelman. Edelman had done a good job in a rocky period of transistion for the club, overseeing the move to the Emirates Stadium, but the board will now look to bring in a replacement with football experience. Ken Friar, the man for all seasons (quite literally), will do the job in the interim. Edelman was criticised for corporate traits such as referring to fans as “customers”, but I’m sure that eventually we’ll look back on his time with the club as part of an essential process of modernisation. However, now we’ve reached the end of that occasionally bumpy ride, the board will be re-organised to suit football matters. As Arsene admits, those changes may even see the mooted Director of Football role finally introduced.
One departure that will certainly have an effect on on-field matters is that of Mathieu Flamini, who inches ever closer to the exit. Arsene has asked for a deadline extension, but come Monday morning he’ll surely still be claiming the dog ate his homework. Le Boss says:
“Ideally I want him to stay, but he’s free. That means if you get £2million here, £4 million somewhere else, you can go to the one who gives you four, or you can as well stay to the one who gives you two.”
I doubt Arsene needs his economics degree to work out what Flamini is likely to do.
Arsene has stated that he doesn’t expect to lose anyone else, and has declared his intention to report Inter Milan for meeting Aleksandr Hleb whilst he is under contract. I hope he dished out a mighty fine to Hleb too, who was completely out of order to meet with Inter whilst we over there playing against AC. The whole incident will have infuriated Arsene, and if he can get a decent fee for Hleb, I think he’ll take the money rather than keep a player whose mind is on moving away - and maybe replace him with the scorier Niko Kranjcar…?
West Ham are trailing to United as I type this, meaning our slim title hopes could be over within 40 minutes.
May 1st, 2008 01:08am
GilbertoSilver
Time’s up, Mathieu. April has been and gone, and Flamini has not signed a new deal. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that if he was going to accept the offer currently on the table, he might’ve found the time to stick his signature on the deal at some point in the previous month. Sadly, it seems that one of the stars of our season is on the way out, and Flamini may have played his last game for Arsenal.
And so, speculation about who could replace him is bound to step up another gear. My previous suggestion was Gareth Barry - a story later picked up by The People. However, many people complained (and rightly so) that being English would sky-rocket Barry’s price into the realm of £15m+. Well, today’s suggestion would cost absolutely nothing at all.
It is quite remarkable that Kolo Toure has never played in central midfield - he’s played just about everywhere else in the team. After coming into the side as a left-winger, he’s played right-wing, both full-back positions, centre-back (of course), and even upfront.
The fact is that Toure is an outstanding all-round footballer. He has that typically Arsenal combination of great technique and fantastic physical attributes. He’s as good a tackler as Flamini, and possibly possesses a greater range of passing and certainly shooting. Indeed, his surging runs up the pitch have often led to comparisons with a certain Patrick Vieira.
With the Gallas-Toure partnership almost certain to be broken up, perhaps now is the time to shift Kolo forward alongside Fabregas. That would allow Gallas to be partnered by the awe-inspiring centre-half we’re all praying Arsene buys this Summer.
I have heard suggestions that Arsene doesn’t believe Kolo has the stamina to play in midfield, but he’s currently playing at right-back: a position in which the player is required to get up and down the line for the entirety of the game. Arsene loves to reinvent a player, and Toure has already shown great versatility and willingness to play wherever Le Boss demands.
We’ve got two fairly meaningless games left this season. Go on Arsene - give it a go.
April 30th, 2008 02:51am
GilbertoSilver
The game with Derby was one of the strangest Premier League matches you’re ever likely to see. The gulf in class between the sides was astonishing. Not only are Derby the worst team in the Premier division, but potentially one of the worst in the football league. Of course they have the odd decent player, but the defensive disarray and obliterated confidence has rendered them spectacularly useless.
The first half resembled a cup tie against plucky Fritheringham Town (don’t bother checking - they’re fictional). Despite the huge gap in ability, Derby were clearly keen to make a name for themselves with one big result before their looming return to the Championship. However, just when things were looking up for County, Darren Moore inexplicably passed the ball to Nicklas Bendtner, who played a one-two with Van Persie and fired into the corner.
Derby then managed to equalise after Lukasz Fabianski and William Gallas both failed to deal with a free-kick and Jay McEveley fired in at the second attempt.
However, the first half ended with Robin van Persie (who’d already missed two big chances) bringing down a Kolo Toure ball and smashing it into the top of the net with his weaker right-foot.
The second half started, however, with Robin van Persie going off with his latest injury - just a precaution, Arsene claims. So presumably that’ll be about six months on the sidelines.
The introduction of Van Persie’s replacement, Emmanuel Adebayor, signified the end of the contest. He became the first player to score hatrick’s home and away against the same club in Premier League history, in turn taking his goal tally for the season to 30.
It’s a remarkable achievement. In the past fifteen years, only Ian Wright and Thierry Henry have matched it. If somebody told you the day Henry left we’d have a thirty goal striker anyway, I think you’d have been pretty chuffed, if not a bit disbelieving.
Amidst the flurry of Adebayor goals was a Rob Earnshaw strike in consolation, and a fantastic effort from Theo Walcott. The Englishman had missed a great chance shortly before, but kept plugging away and curled in an Henry-esque effort. For all the goals, check yesterday’s post.
It was pretty entertaining stuff, but not a great advertisment for the Premier League. If this is the fate that awaits this season’s play-off winners, they may as well not bother.
Today is the unofficial deadline Arsene Wenger imposed on Mathieu Flamini’s contract negotiations. On Monday night Arsene was still expressing his hope that Flamini will stay. The silence from the midfield, meanwhile, is ominous. Arsene says:
“I’m waiting for him to come back to me and tell me whether he’s going.”
Here’s an idea: ask him.
Modric joining Spurs is evidence that clubs are already hunting down players for next season. If we’re going to need to replace Flamini, as seems very likely to be the case, we need to get going straight away.
In the meantime, rumours suggest our new left-winger might be 20-year old Bulgarian, Nikolay Dimitrov. Hardly the most inspiring news, but you never know.
Last night I watched United drag themselves over the line to reach the Champions League final, and I realised the critical difference between them and us. Some of their players are almost as exhausted as ours. But when they ‘hit the wall’, they pulled out that extra 10% of effort that you can only summon when it’s absolutely neccessary. I despise United, but watching them defend against superior Barcelona players, it was clear they were reaching very deep to pull those performances out.
A large majority of our squad have never had to do that. This season, our fantastic football meant we had it pretty easy for a good while. However, when the going got tough (and boy did it), none of our players had had to go to that place before, where you feel like you can’t run another yard but you do because you know the ends justify the means.
Still, we’ve learnt a lot this year. If we’re in the same position in 2009, it’ll hopefully be very different.
Tomorrow, I’ll have another suggestion for a possible Flamini replacement. ‘Till then, tata.
April 29th, 2008 07:25am
GilbertoSilver
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