Arsenal ahead of Liverpool in race for Clement Grenier

Posted on June 15, 2013 by GilbertoSilver Posted in 2013-14 Pre-season, Featured | 16 Guns

In the past few weeks, Arsenal have been consistently linked with a move for Lyon midfielder Clement Grenier. As of last night, my understanding is that all this smoke has a very real fire at its heart. Arsenal’s interest is genuine. They have already held discussions with the player’s agent, and Grenier knows what he woud stand to earn at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal are not the only Premier League club looking to Grenier to provide their midfield with an … →

Trailer: Sebastien Squillaci – Man of Steel

Posted on June 14, 2013 by GilbertoSilver Posted in 2013-14 Pre-season, Featured | 9 Guns

Proof, if proof were needed, that I have too much spare time. Journey well, soldier. If the embed is playing up click here to go directly to the video.

Over to you, Arsene

Posted on June 8, 2013 by GilbertoSilver Posted in 2013-14 Pre-season | 31 Guns

Ivan Gazidis takes a lot of stick from Arsenal fans. Our perceived lack of ambition is generally pinned on the multi-accented CEO, who is free of the emotional complications most reasonable fans still feel with regards to Arsene Wenger. The refrain was heard frequently at the Emirates last year: “Ivan Gazidis, what do you do?” In the light of this week’s extensive Q&A, I’d like to pose a response: what more can he do? Gazidis’ primary duty has been to … →

Transfer thoughts: Koscielny, Grenier, Higuain, Jovetic and more

Posted on June 5, 2013 by GilbertoSilver Posted in 2013-14 Pre-season | 10 Guns

Football’s annual auction is also known as the ‘silly season’. I’m not sure silly does it justice. For starters, it sounds a lot more fun than the seasonal process of being pillaged, gazumped and ultimately disappointed. This summer, we’re told, will be different. We’ll see. It felt worryingly familiar yesterday when Laurent Koscielny started mouthing off about his future. The quote that made the headlines was: I want to lift trophies and to have a winning record. I hope the … →

2012/13: Arsenal’s Season Blogged

Posted on May 30, 2013 by GilbertoSilver Posted in 2012-13 Season, Champions League, FA Cup, Featured, League Cup, Premier League | 8 Guns

About a year ago I gave a new format a whirl, running through the season as it looked on the blog. As whirl’s go, it was quite nice. A delicious hazelnut whirl as opposed to death by whirlpool. So we’re doing it again. ___ Cazorla makes more sense than Sahin | August 1st 2012 The need for Cazorla is clear. Despite selling both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri last summer, Arsene’s didn’t buy a direct replacement in the form of … →

Gunnerblog End of Season Awards 2013

Posted on May 29, 2013 by GilbertoSilver Posted in 2012-13 Season, Featured | 6 Guns

It’s that time again, when I metaphorically hand out fictional awards to players who will never actually receive them or know they’ve won. Let’s get straight on with it. — PLAYER OF THE SEASON Last year Arsenal hand a stand-out winner: footballer of the year Robin van Persie. In the wake of Van Persie’s departure, Arsene Wenger made it plain that responsibility would have to be shared more equally throughout the team. Nevertheless, one man rose above the rest. It’s … →

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal: Time to shoot for the moon

Posted on May 20, 2013 by GilbertoSilver Posted in 2012-13 Season, Featured, Match Reports, Premier League | 68 Guns

Newcastle 0 – 1 Arsenal Match Report | Highlights | Arsene’s reaction So that’s that. Imaginary red ribbons have been tied around the ethereal fourth-placed trophy. Arsenal have qualified for the Champions League. Well, sort of. There’s still the significant matter of a preliminary round to navigate after Chelsea beat Everton to secure the automatic third spot. It’s a hurdle we’ve overcome several times in the past, and barring an unfortunate draw I’d expect us to do so again. Crucially, … →

Newcastle Preview: Jubilation or Recrimination?

Posted on May 19, 2013 by GilbertoSilver Posted in 2012-13 Season, Match Previews, Premier League | 14 Guns

It’s tempting to compare this to cup final day: a one-off game to decide the destiny of the sole remaining prize on the table. Typically of Arsenal, however, we’re talking about a cup without a trophy; a prize without a medal. Champions League qualification is rightly a priority for the club, but it brings with it no formal garlands. Nevertheless, it’s important. Supporters are generally united in their desire to see Arsenal flex their financial muscle this summer; European qualification … →

Arsenal 4 – 1 Wigan: Our Great Escape is still on

Posted on May 15, 2013 by GilbertoSilver Posted in 2012-13 Season, Featured, Match Reports, Premier League | 52 Guns

Arsenal 4 – 1 Wigan Match Report | Highlights | Arsene’s reaction One win from completing a redemptive rally… There was no ‘Great Escape’ for Wigan, but there may yet be one for Arsenal. Arsenal now know that a win at Newcastle on Sunday will confirm our top four spot. Considering where we were languishing after losing to Spurs a couple of months back, it’s a hell of a turnaround. I think we’re all agreed that qualifying for the Champions … →

Wigan Preview: A relegation six-pointer

Posted on May 14, 2013 by GilbertoSilver Posted in 2012-13 Season, Match Previews, Premier League | 5 Guns

As a man once said: it’s squeaky bum time. I’ll confess: I don’t really know what that means. Not literally. It could refer to the squeaking sound created by edging forward on your seat in excitement, or the flatulence created as a consequence of anxiety. I haven’t got a clue. I’m not sure anyone really knows. People just accepted it and laughed, because that’s what you did if you wanted to stay on Alex Ferguson’s good side. More of him … →