Archive for July, 2007
July 27th, 2007
Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that the internet terrorists chose today to try and bring down this site: it’s a big day in the Arsenal internet community. Not only is it Tom from arseblog’s birthday (Happy Birthday mate), but it’s also the third anniversary of the birth of Gunnerblog. It’s quite amazing to see the changes the site has gone through since that day:
As we enter our fourth year, there’s an even fresher look, thanks to the brilliant work of my chum Gael. However, he’s not been the only person to help out over the years. The aforementioned Tom and arseblogger have been incredibly giving of their time and energies and ability to explain to me what CSS is. I can’t thank them all enough.
In the last year, the number of unique visitors has doubled, and the “Guns” have taken on a life of their own, to the point where I sometimes wonder if anyone’s even reading what I write anymore. It’s exciting to think where we might be a year from now.
Things are still progressing. A new comments system is being mooted, and there are interesting merchandising opportunities on the horizon. If these things never arrive, it’s probably because I’m too lazy/inept to pursue them, but it’s just great that they’re even possible.
So here’s to another three years, another few hundred waffling posts, and most importantly, another First Gun.
July 27th, 2007
Angel Di Maria: the rumour that was then wasn’t then was then wasn’t again. After quotes this morning turned what we had believed to be a hoax into a genuine possibility, the brief flicker of hope was whipped away from us by the news that Di Maria was set to join a cash-flushed Benfica. Alas.
Jose Reyes reportedly has 48 hours to decide whether or not he wants to join Lyon. Considering how difficult he’s been during his time with us, I imagine he’ll decide that he won’t because he wants to go to Real Madrid for £9.99.
Late update today due to some blog-based trauma. You’ve probably noticed the comments are set for moderation, but I only expect it to be a temporary measure. Some idiots ended up bringing the server down, and sadly at the moment I can’t afford to risk that happening again. I’m working on a solution though, so don’t worry.
I’ll try and allow through the comments that aren’t going to stop the website from working.
July 26th, 2007
Whilst Arsene deliberates over his next transfer move, wingers are fast disappearing off the market. The latest to be sold is Portugal ace Simao, who will join Athletico Madrid for £13.4m.
We’ve already seen Florent Malouda, Ryan Babel and Franck Ribery move elswhere. Ribery has started his time at Bayern in spectacular style with three goals in two games, and yesterday netted this brilliant strike:
Even Bolton have got themselves a winger, and literally as I’m typing this Manchester City have bought Martin Petrov for £4.7m. Petrov is a very canny left-sided player, who would’ve done well in an Arsenal shirt. However, at 28 years old, it’s no surprise Arsene wasn’t interested.
There is, however, one speck of hope: Madrid’s purchase of Simao effectively ends their interest in Ricardo Quaresma. Well, one can always hope…
July 26th, 2007
Arsenal’s tour of Austria ended in defeat last night as a side containing the likes of Niko Kovac, the Japanese full-back Alex, and Swiss striker Johan Vonlanthen triumphed over a strong Arsenal team.
William Gallas was captain ahead of Toure and Lehmann, though Arsene would not be drawn on his final decision as to who will replace Henry as Club Captain. He said that he felt centre-backs made better captains than strikers or wide players. Didn’t say anything about Brazilian holding midfielders though…
Johan Djourou pulled out just before kick-off, and I speculated this might have been due to Birmingham City’s interest in the player. However, reports emanating from the camp last night suggested he had picked up a hamstring injury. More to follow, I’m sure.
Tomas Rosicky also picked up a hamstring problem during the game, and was replaced by Bacary Sagna after 30 minutes. However, after the match, Arsene allayed any fears: the injury was not serious.
Looking at the game, there were both good points and bad points. In central midfield, Abou Diaby and Denilson were excellent. Our strength in depth in this area of the field is remarkable. Diaby in particular went on a couple of marauding runs that were typically Vieira-esque. In Gilberto’s absence at the start of the season, he could well flourish.
Bacary Sagna played an hour at right back, and I have to say I continue to be impressed by the French defender. His is strong on the ball and in the air, and has better positional sense than either Eboue or Hoyte. However, he must improve his confidence on the ball: too often he looks for a sideways or backwards pass. I’m sure this will improve as he settles into the side.
Eduardo played a full 90 minutes, initially alongside Robin van Persie and then with an improving Niklas Bendtner. The Croatian’s movement was excellent and Arsene remarked afterwards that he “could have scored four”. But he didn’t. Perhaps it was a lack of sharpness, but he seemed to want to take one more touch than was neccessary on each occasion he was played in. The pleasing thing was that he got into the positions and showed a willingness to shoot when the opportunity arose. He might be the player to put an end to our overplaying, but it’s too early to tell as yet.
Emmanuel Adebayor, Theo Walcott, and Gael Clichy were all rested ahead of the Emirates Cup at the weekend. The good news on Cesc’s injury is that it’s nothing too serious and he might take part on Sunday. You can read a full match report here. I’d give you a link to their goal, but it was horribly defended and would only upset you.
The area of concern for me was still wide midfield: granted, Theo was rested and Rosicky got injured, but having Hleb and Eboue on the flanks just isn’t going to win any trophies.
Afterwards, Arsene was asked about whether he might rectify the situation in the transfer market:
Reporter:Â Freddie Ljungberg has left the club this week – will you be signing any more players now that he has gone?
AW:Â Not necessarily no.
Reporter: You talked about bringing in “super class players” earlier in the Summer Arsene. Will another “super class player” come in?
AW: It’s too early to say that.
Typically cryptic, but at least he didn’t close the proverbial cheque-book. I’d say suggest that he will make a move, but only for the right player at the right price.
The squad fly back to England today. Things could speed up from now.
July 25th, 2007
The team is in. Jens Lehmann returns in goal, with a back four of Eboue, Toure, Gallas, and Clichy. In midfield, Hleb and Rosicky flank Diaby and Denilson, with Eduardo making his first start upfront alongside Van Persie.
The real surprise is that William Gallas captains the side. The possible explanation is that Kolo Toure, who you’d expect to take the armband in the absence of Gilberto, was a late addition to the side after the withdrawal of Johan Djourou. Has he flown back to sign on loan for Birmingham? I doubt it, but we’ll see.
Salzburg’s season is already underway, so this could be a tough test.
Kick off is… oh, now.
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