Arsenal v Sunderland 19.45 at home

[Globalgunner]

Started the thread. Needed doing
Are we winning this? Does it matter anyway?
Will the fans stay away in protest.....? Suspense is killing me.

[GP]

4-0

[Letters]

Probably win. Probably doesn't matter.
Although, would rather go into the Cup Final on a good run of form.

[Marc Overmars]

2-0.

[Niall_Quinn]

Why don't we NOT start the thread. I thought this was a boycotted match?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hope we win. Can't be having Moyes happy.

Arsenal: Cech, Holding, Mustafi, Monreal, Bellerin, Ramsey, Xhaka, Gibbs, Ozil, Alexis, Bif.

Alexis is an animal.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

If I can't hear a dog barking outside the ground I'm going to be very disappointed

[GP]

Atom y Humber :bow:

[Power n Glory]

Hope we lose! Reasons....Wenger needs to be taken down a notch. The guys way too arrogant.

[Cripps]

3-0

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Hope we lose! Reasons....Wenger needs to be taken down a notch. The guys way too arrogant.

Because losing has really humbled him of late

Doesn't really matter what happens. My only hope is to hear people coughing in the stands

[Marc Overmars]

Because losing has really humbled him of late

Doesn't really matter what happens. My only hope is to hear people coughing in the stands

You hear that most weeks at the Emirates anyway. Dead stadium.

[Niall_Quinn]

Well, Wenger has asked the fans to ignore the boycott and several influential supporters' groups have asked the fans to stay away for this one, irrelevant match - just the one.

We will see what Arsenal fans are made of.

Either way, Wenger has nailed and welded his failure by splitting the fan base. Not that the cunt or any of his mates care a jot.

[Niall_Quinn]

I also don't think it's too much to give the team a bit of a kicking tonight either. After all, they have been massive failures themselves. One match out of 38 in which some displeasure is expressed at the totally unsatisfactory effort? Not unreasonable at all.

So no - tonight I don't think there's any obligation to support the team, the manager or the club. None are worthy of that support as things stand. This has nothing to do with the blind loyalty that Wenger and his mates would love to see. This is about holding those bastards accountable, or at least informing the abusing cunts that the fans aren't as stupid as they are treated.

[Marc Overmars]

The lower tier is looking pretty bare.

[Globalgunner]

Stadium does look half empty. NQ. Did you book the plane? I sent you 50p

[Niall_Quinn]

The lower tier is looking pretty bare.

Has Sky highlighted it?

[Niall_Quinn]

Stadium does look half empty. NQ. Did you book the plane? I sent you 50p

I could only get a Stuka, if that'll do. I'll call Bouldy and tell him to go for a piss just beforehand.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Disallowed goal for Alexis, well Bif really, handball from Bif.

Also, Tony Gale co-commentating. :sick:

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Just a shout out to Zim who apparently thinks the fans are content with the current goings on because people didn't whinge enough on AFTV on Saturday.

[Marc Overmars]

Has Sky highlighted it?

No idea. Only briefly turned it on out of curiosity to see.

No chance I'm sitting through this.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Pickford saves from Bif.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Bif missed a sitter, really.

Well I say missed a sitter, more like missed the opportunity to miss a sitter.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Good effort from Bellerin on his chocolate leg.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Holding does have some mental dribbling skills at times.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Xhaka mini-boom, Pickford saves.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Alexis shoots, blocked. Xhaka shoots, wide.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ramsey was pulled back, should've dived.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Alexis scuffer.

Bellerin booked.

[Globalgunner]

Holding does have some mental dribbling skills at times.

Best signing of the summer TBF

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Stunning control from Bif, didn't bother staying onside though.

[GP]

Those fouls in the box are never given.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Our play has fallen off a cliff since 20 minutes.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Who is Gibbs crossing to? :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Cech saves nearpost from Ndong.

[Özim]

I see the mass stay away isn't going very well then, a few empty seats but probably more due to the fact we're playing a relegated side in a nothing game.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Idiot Bellerin.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Pickford saves from Ramsey.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Holding, free header, shit header.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

0-0 HT. Alright for the first 20 minutes but took a nosedive since, then the sloppy usual play kicked in.

[Power n Glory]

I see the mass stay away isn't going very well then, a few empty seats but probably more due to the fact we're playing a relegated side in a nothing game.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C_-KIC6UQAADfFp.jpg

You won't get the full picture from the TV.

[Özim]

City 2 up, relying on Liverpool to drop points at home to Boro, not going to happen.

[Niall_Quinn]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C_-KIC6UQAADfFp.jpg

You won't get the full picture from the TV.

Still looks pretty populated. Well at least we know who supports Arsenal and who supports Wenger now.

[Özim]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C_-KIC6UQAADfFp.jpg

You won't get the full picture from the TV.

I'm watching it I can see some empty seats, but it's not that bad, it's filled up since then so that pic isn't accurate.

[Power n Glory]

I'm watching it I can see some empty seats, but it's not that bad, it's filled up since then so that pic isn't accurate.

From my experience at the Emirates, that's bad.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

I've seen it, there are areas that are definitely sparse. That stadium is half empty.....but of course that wouldn't fit into your narrative of blaming the fans Zim.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Monreal is so bored, tried scoring the greatest OG of all time.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Indirect free-kick. :bow:

[Penguin]

Why was Cech so far away from the nets anyway?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Xhaka was alert, well played though.

[Özim]

I've seen it, there are areas that are definitely sparse. That stadium is half empty.....but of course that wouldn't fit into your narrative of blaming the fans Zim.

There are empty seats but it's a meaningless match against a relegated side, did you expect it to be full? It's certainly not half empty, thought of course that would fit in with YOUR narative.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

There are empty seats but it's a meaningless match against a relegated side, did you expect it to be full? It's certainly not half empty, thought of course that would fit in with YOUR narative.

Except I don't have a narrative. I think its clear that there are far more empty seats than usual even for an end of season meaningless clash (maybe you forget that we played Sunderland at home at this stage two seasons ago).

I think it's abundantly clear people have chosen to stay away from this game, but of course you know better because people weren't telling Wenger to go fuck himself enough for your liking on Arsenal fan TV

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Alexis freekick, hits the wall.

[Power n Glory]

There are empty seats but it's a meaningless match against a relegated side, did you expect it to be full? It's certainly not half empty, thought of course that would fit in with YOUR narative.

Really? With all due respect, you can't really speak on this topic.

[Özim]

Except I don't have a narrative. I think its clear that there are far more empty seats than usual even for an end of season meaningless clash (maybe you forget that we played Sunderland at home at this stage two seasons ago).

Of course you don't.

This season has been a car crash, people aren't going to turn up to watch Sunderland at him at team that have been relegated in a match which means nothing, we're not even in the top 4 this year, we literally have nothing to play for.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Giroud header, just wide it goes.

This hasn't been good.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ramsey's hamstring goes again.

Welbz on.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Gibbs off, Iwobi on.

Wenger really, really hates Theo.

[Penguin]

Gibbs off, Iwobi on.

Wenger really, really hates Theo.

I think Theo's gone in the summer

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Of course you don't.

This season has been a car crash, people aren't going to turn up to watch Sunderland at him at team that have been relegated in a match which means nothing, we're not even in the top 4 this year, we literally have nothing to play for.

I quite agree, it's been a car crash of a season, it's a nothing game so people simply aren't turning up

So by that token does that sound like people are happy with what's going on? Call it apathy call it boycotting. Very different picture than what you were painting of fans

So go ahead do tell me, what's my narrative? ��

[Niall_Quinn]

Still 0-0 :doh:

Seriously? Against Sunderland?

Are we still down to 9 + Bif and Gibbs or has the master Wenger 'fessed up and sent some proper players on?

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Gibbs off, Iwobi on.

Wenger really, really hates Theo.

Deja Vu, could actually copy and paste much of the comments from the same match two seasons ago.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Pickford saves from Welbz.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

ALEXIS!!!!!!!

[GP]

DIRTY SANCHEZ!!!

[The Dismantler]

about fucking time.... :fury:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Clatttermole booked.

[GP]

Cattermole is a piece of shit.

Glad to see the back of the cunt.

[Niall_Quinn]

Alexis is a charitable bloke. He's dragged Arsehole Wenger's rear end out of the fire so many times now, despite the idiot dropping him in favour of... drumroll...

Giroud :haha:

[Özim]

Hallf empty apparently.

http://oi65.tinypic.com/14y5q4l.jpg
http://oi67.tinypic.com/a0w7xj.jpg
http://oi63.tinypic.com/280ku4l.jpg
http://oi63.tinypic.com/5memqc.jpg
http://oi67.tinypic.com/k0nhnd.jpg

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Pickford saves from Xhaka.

[Özim]

I quite agree, it's been a car crash of a season, it's a nothing game so people simply aren't turning up

So by that token does that sound like people are happy with what's going on? Call it apathy call it boycotting. Very different picture than what you were painting of fans

So go ahead do tell me, what's my narrative? ��

It doesn't show anything, if there's nothing to play for and you're not in the top places not a surprise people don't turn up, I never said they were happy, I said they weren't bothered enough to do anything about it, that's very different, thus they aren't unhappy enough.

Matchday fans saviour apparently.

[The Dismantler]

Pickford playing like Nueur :fury:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

ALEXIS!!!!!!

He's coming for you Romelu.

[GP]

Pickford playing like Nueur :fury:

Really? He hasn't chucked one in yet.

[GP]

Pickford :pal:

[Niall_Quinn]

Hallf empty apparently.

Some sections look half empty.

We'll soon find out when they announce the attendance :haha:

[GP]

GREAT touch from Oli to make that one.

[GP]

Some sections look half empty.

We'll soon find out when they announce the attendance :haha:

Only 59,750 today

[Niall_Quinn]

Alexis again?

I wonder how many he'd have scored had fuckwit not replaced him with that turd?

He's one of our most prolific strikers ever now, but not good enough to shift Giroud - obviously. Arsehole knows :bow:

[Özim]

Sanchez scores again, a diamond in a heap of coal.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Freekick to us, dangerous area.

Hat-trick. :pray:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Bif off, Theo on. :faint:

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

It doesn't show anything, if there's nothing to play for and you're not in the top places not a surprise people don't turn up, I never said they were happy, I said they weren't bothered enough to do anything about it, that's very different, thus they aren't unhappy enough.

Matchday fans saviour apparently.

First of all even your pictures show more bald patches in seats than I have ever seen at a game at the Emirates (including the pre season Emirates cup)

"Not unhappy enough" - again so basically it's based entirely on your skewed perceptions based on watching Arsenal fan TV

All I would say is I encourage you to go to the Emirates and tell the fans they aren't doing enough to get Wenger out of the club, see what kind of response you get.

[Niall_Quinn]

Bif off, Theo on. :faint:

We're up to 11 vs 11

Sensible tactics tbf

[GP]

Mustafi off the bar!

[Globalgunner]

Pickford seems to be a genuine talent.

[Niall_Quinn]

Pickford seems to be a genuine talent.

He moves well.

[Özim]

First of all even your pictures show more bald patches in seats than I have ever seen at a game at the Emirates (including the pre season Emirates cup)

"Not unhappy enough" - again so basically it's based entirely on your skewed perceptions based on watching Arsenal fan TV

All I would say is I encourage you to go to the Emirates and tell the fans they aren't doing enough to get Wenger out of the club, see what kind of response you get.

There are empty seats I stated as much, but it's not a ridiculous amount and certainly not enough to show people are not putting up with it anymore, it's easy to spin that as an end of season games against a relegated team.

No it isn't it's on the basis that Wenger is under no pressure, if he is tell me how and what part of that is due to the fans?

Apart from the odd banner, I don't hear any Wenger out chants, don't hear about any significant demonstrations or mass walkouts, so I'm not sure what it is your alluding too. Yes when we were losing things were happening but that has died down significantly since we've been winning a few games.

[GP]

Walnut :doh:

[GP]

We should offer Walcott to Monaco. Straight swap for Mbappe.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

More points than last season. :cloud9:

[Penguin]

Just hit it with your left foot Theo!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

2-0 FT. Gave them a hiding.

[Niall_Quinn]

Goes to the final game. Pep vs Klopp vs :doh:

[Niall_Quinn]

Have we paid Alexis yet?

[Letters]

More points than last season. :cloud9:

Progress :bow:
Wenger :bow:

[Özim]

5th place is the new 4th place.

[Niall_Quinn]

7 ahead of Maureen :haha:

Got caned by Wenger :haha:

[Letters]

Come on 'Boro :dance:

[Niall_Quinn]

http://www.squawka.com/comparison-matrix#premier_league/2016/2017/alexis_sánchez/641/641/1581/0/p|premier_league/2016/2017/olivier_giroud/641/641/115/0/p#total_score/attack_score/defence_score/pass_completion/key_passes/assists/chances_created/goals_scored/total_shots/shot_accuracy/tackles_won/successful_take_ons/aerial_duels_won/total_duels_%#avg

Wonder how much we paid for our stats package? Fucking thing must be broken I guess.

[Marc Overmars]

Come on 'Boro :dance:

We were helped out by a relegated team on the final day last year...

Although this would be something else if we scraped in.

[Niall_Quinn]

Liverpool won't let it slip. Not now that Gerrard has fucked off.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

If we were playing at Highbury the attendance records would be considered quite high (38,000 capacity)

But according to Zim despite this unprecedented low turnout, that fans aren't doing enough. That Wenger will spin it to make it appear normal (he'd do that even if there was only thirty people in the whole stadium).

For a club like Arsenal which is prime location for tourists buying up tickets, 20,000 people not turning up even for a nothing mid week clash shows something is wrong, and it shows that because it was a nothing game a considerable amount of people took the call to boycott.

Zim thinks the fans should be as frenzied as there were after the losses to west Brom and crystal palace, but name me any frenzied outpouring of anger from any club that has won four on the bounce.

Even if 4th place was still a possibility and as many people were no shows, Zim would still call it a poor showing.

Please someone take to the streets and start a fire, smash Windows, jump up and down on cars and tell people you won't put up with it anymore. Zim needs turmoil to sustain him.

[Letters]

I think if Liverpool were going to slip it would have been last weekend.

Oh well, it would be good to go into the Cup Final on a good run.

[Marc Overmars]

I think if Liverpool were going to slip it would have been last weekend.

Oh well, it would be good to go into the Cup Final on a good run.

Despite the good run, I think it's really going to sting this lot not qualifying for the CL. It's what they've prided themselves on for years.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Chickens and roost...mmm chicken.

Anyway, you let standards slip, eventually you fall below it. We can't rely on Satan forever.

[Niall_Quinn]

Despite the good run, I think it's really going to sting this lot not qualifying for the CL. It's what they've prided themselves on for years.

What, being thrashed by Barca and Bayern? At least we won't have to suffer that next year. Unless Wenger decides the step down to the worst cup ever invented is an opportunity to lower the standards even further.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

I think even if Wenger signs a two year contract it's at best 50/50 that he avoids getting sacked before the end of it

Kroenke sure as hell does not care about us as a football club, but he will care about anything that has a detrimental effect on his share values.

Despite Wengers late recovery, it is the involuntary muscular jerking of a cadaver. The type of results we've seen this season are going to become more commonplace and more frequent.

In fact I'm quite happy to say that Wenger signing a new deal is the guarantee that his tenure ends in ignominy rather than the soapy tit wank he's been looking for.

[Niall_Quinn]

What about the Europa League effect though? I was reading that between 2005 and 2015, participating teams have finished, on average, 2.5 places below the prior season. We need a smart manager who can manage the squad with a proper rotation policy. Instead, we have Wenger. This coming season might result in a lot of damage being done that could then have a knock-on effect in terms of transfers, retaining players, sponsorship. So sure, Kroenke might get pissed if the money dips, but by allowing Wenger to stay on he might need to get used to reduced revenues for a while. And that will mean absolute zero fucking investment, we could stay in the hole for a good few seasons. On the other hand, it might cause the fucker to sell up and swarm to another harvest.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Logged in to check the score before I go to bed. Just realised this will be the first season since I moved to London in 1991 that I won't have attended an Arsenal match.

[AFC Leveller]

Alexis is on 23 league goals, 1 behind Lukaku. There is a real chance he can win the golden boot despite wenger's best efforts.

And to think some fucking pundits / journos had Mand/lallana in their team of the season ahead of him LOL clueless cunts.

[Niall_Quinn]

Logged in to check the score before I go to bed. Just realised this will be the first season since I moved to London in 1991 that I won't have attended an Arsenal match.

Just goes to show, never give up, try, try until you succeed.

[Power n Glory]

Logged in to check the score before I go to bed. Just realised this will be the first season since I moved to London in 1991 that I won't have attended an Arsenal match.

Was it because of the boycott? I don’t go to many games but could have gone yesterday and chose not to because I was reminded of the boycott. If it weren’t for being on GW and NQ reminding me, I would have totally forgot and gone to the game. It’s good to see the word spread and we need more of this. Thanks to various social media outlets, blogs and platforms, it’s much easier to spread the word. When talks of boycotts were proposed before, there was always the fear that non regulars would take the place of regular attenders. That wasn’t the case yesterday and breaks that fear that any action is pointless. I think most people want to do something because nobody is happy with the way things are now,

The press are running stories of Emirates being half empty and thousands boycotting the game and I’d say we’ve got the message across. Even if Wenger tries to spin it as an odd day in the week to play a game, the general consensus is that this was a boycott. It’s caught the attention of the mainstream media and let’s hope it catches on with someone that has Kroenke’s ear. Credit to all those that got the word out and started it. Heard it from Le Grove and I’ve always wished Arseblog would use their platform to make a similar statement. Not too late to. As said, if it weren’t NQ mentioning it again on here, I’d have gone.

[Özim]

I think even if Wenger signs a two year contract it's at best 50/50 that he avoids getting sacked before the end of it

Kroenke sure as hell does not care about us as a football club, but he will care about anything that has a detrimental effect on his share values.

Despite Wengers late recovery, it is the involuntary muscular jerking of a cadaver. The type of results we've seen this season are going to become more commonplace and more frequent.

In fact I'm quite happy to say that Wenger signing a new deal is the guarantee that his tenure ends in ignominy rather than the soapy tit wank he's been looking for.

Not a chance, the board support Wenger 100%, the only way he'll leave is if he wants to.

[Power n Glory]

Not a chance, the board support Wenger 100%, the only way he'll leave is if he wants to.

What is your purpose here? You want people to take more action but take the opportunity to publicise the fact that our actions mean nothing. But when people actually try to do something you say it’s not enough and play down the boycott’s effect. This is not constructive. It’s a bit clichéd but you’re now part of the problem.

[Özim]

What is your purpose here? You want people to take more action but take the opportunity to publicise the fact that our actions mean nothing. But when people actually try to do something you say it’s not enough and play down the boycott’s effect. This is not constructive. It’s a bit clichéd but you’re now part of the problem.

There's no purpose, it's reality, the only way to get him out is for fans to make it impossible for him to stay basically, where he decides it's just too much hassle to stay on, the board aren't going to get rid of him, he's not going to fall low enough in the table for them to do that, they back him 100%.

If he feels he's universally not wanted, he might decide it's time to call it a day...but you never know with Wenger, he might take the opposite stance just to prove people wrong. We're in a very unique scenario here where someone has had power for 20 years and controls many facets of the club, way more than he should and where the board are universal and unwavering in their support for him.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Was it because of the boycott? I don’t go to many games but could have gone yesterday and chose not to because I was reminded of the boycott. If it weren’t for being on GW and NQ reminding me, I would have totally forgot and gone to the game. It’s good to see the word spread and we need more of this. Thanks to various social media outlets, blogs and platforms, it’s much easier to spread the word. When talks of boycotts were proposed before, there was always the fear that non regulars would take the place of regular attenders. That wasn’t the case yesterday and breaks that fear that any action is pointless. I think most people want to do something because nobody is happy with the way things are now,

The press are running stories of Emirates being half empty and thousands boycotting the game and I’d say we’ve got the message across. Even if Wenger tries to spin it as an odd day in the week to play a game, the general consensus is that this was a boycott. It’s caught the attention of the mainstream media and let’s hope it catches on with someone that has Kroenke’s ear. Credit to all those that got the word out and started it. Heard it from Le Grove and I’ve always wished Arseblog would use their platform to make a similar statement. Not too late to. As said, if it weren’t NQ mentioning it again on here, I’d have gone.

Precisely, basically to cut a long story short I use Twitter too much but it was going viral with #Emptirates

Maybe Wenger is in a bubble, but there are people at the club that are pretty media savvy and they will be worried about this becoming a repeat occurrence especially with the renewal of season tickets coming up.

I was as negative about the futility of the situation as Zim, but actually despite certain media attempts to paint the fans as entitled and ungrateful.....the message has got through. I don't think there has been anything even remotely disrespectful (which i think would be counter productive), and i think the fans despite the constant haughtiness from those who seem to think Wenger has a divine right to stay here as long as he wants have been clear in their message.

They aren't calling for him to be sacked, they are saying there is no justification for him to be given a new contract.....it's not the same thing.

Whatever the motivations of Gazidis and Keswick, whatever the extent they are part of the problem....the situation is embarrassing for them. The arrogance Wenger seems to show does not befit how the team have performed this season, and that is the sign of a man with far too much power.

[Niall_Quinn]

Was it because of the boycott? I don’t go to many games but could have gone yesterday and chose not to because I was reminded of the boycott. If it weren’t for being on GW and NQ reminding me, I would have totally forgot and gone to the game. It’s good to see the word spread and we need more of this. Thanks to various social media outlets, blogs and platforms, it’s much easier to spread the word. When talks of boycotts were proposed before, there was always the fear that non regulars would take the place of regular attenders. That wasn’t the case yesterday and breaks that fear that any action is pointless. I think most people want to do something because nobody is happy with the way things are now,

The press are running stories of Emirates being half empty and thousands boycotting the game and I’d say we’ve got the message across. Even if Wenger tries to spin it as an odd day in the week to play a game, the general consensus is that this was a boycott. It’s caught the attention of the mainstream media and let’s hope it catches on with someone that has Kroenke’s ear. Credit to all those that got the word out and started it. Heard it from Le Grove and I’ve always wished Arseblog would use their platform to make a similar statement. Not too late to. As said, if it weren’t NQ mentioning it again on here, I’d have gone.

Protests weren't too bad actually, and I bet quite a few of those who did turn up were one-time opportunists who probably don't get the whole Wenger thing anyway. Not buying into the idea the thousands stayed away because it was Sunderland. There was more to it than that. Looks like many regulars made their feelings known by their absence. The media is paying attention, as you say. I wonder if Kroenke can be persuaded to pay attention too?

Talking of AFTV, I notice all the regulars attended. I wonder what the thinking was there? Most of them are Wenger out and they must have known about the boycott. So what are they doing turning up? If they absolutely must get their YouTube fame fix, stand outside the ground for the duration. Seemed a bit weird that none of them participated in any way. Did any of them even mention it, apart from commenting on how poor the atmosphere was?

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

There's no purpose, it's reality, the only way to get him out is for fans to make it impossible for him to stay basically, where he decides it's just too much hassle to stay on, the board aren't going to get rid of him, he's not going to fall low enough in the table for them to do that, they back him 100%.

If he feels he's universally not wanted, he might decide it's time to call it a day...but you never know with Wenger, he might take the opposite stance just to prove people wrong. We're in a very unique scenario here where someone has had power for 20 years and controls many facets of the club, way more than he should and where the board are universal and unwavering in their support for him.

Again you make these statements based on absolutely nothing.

Arsenal's league position governs it's share value, if you don't believe Kroenke will fire a sports manager who is underperforming and costing him money just ask Jeff Fisher.

[Niall_Quinn]

Wenger has been a lot more careful with his words post protest too. His, "Don't care, we already sold the tickets", attitude has turned into something far less abrasive.

[Özim]

Again you make these statements based on absolutely nothing.

Arsenal's league position governs it's share value, if you don't believe Kroenke will fire a sports manager who is underperforming and costing him money just ask Jeff Fisher.

Really, you don't think Kroenke has a good relationship with Wenger, you don't think they might actually be on friendly terms now?

Wenger has made them money, the board have known Wenger for years and back him 100% as well, it's all a bit of gentlemans club.

I don't know this Fisher guy, but I'm willing to bet he wasn't manager for 20 years.

I'd love nothing more than for the above not to be true, but that's what I believe, to me it seems their support is unwavering, where other clubs would have come down hard after some terrible results, our club has just sugar coated it. Arsenal isn't some normal sports team, it's a club where someone is ingrained in the clubs culture and where almost everything revolves around one man.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Protests weren't too bad actually, and I bet quite a few of those who did turn up were one-time opportunists who probably don't get the whole Wenger thing anyway. Not buying into the idea the thousands stayed away because it was Sunderland. There was more to it than that. Looks like many regulars made their feelings known by their absence. The media is paying attention, as you say. I wonder if Kroenke can be persuaded to pay attention too?

Talking of AFTV, I notice all the regulars attended. I wonder what the thinking was there? Most of them are Wenger out and they must have known about the boycott. So what are they doing turning up? If they absolutely must get their YouTube fame fix, stand outside the ground for the duration. Seemed a bit weird that none of them participated in any way. Did any of them even mention it, apart from commenting on how poor the atmosphere was?

I think we do benefit a lot from selling tickets to tourists, we are one of the nearest clubs to central London and although it's not a reputation that is founded on anything substantial lately, we do have a reputation for good football.

Whilst I can understand Robbie Lyle himself attending, Troopz and DT?......as much as I think DT has become a great deal more coherent and less vitriolic anger in the last year (he was when they had that bell end Gary Neville on the show the most articulate of the four) I do think again he's in the business for himself as a vlogger (again it's a growing industry so can't blame him).

[Niall_Quinn]

This was never the vision for this masterpiece of a stadium. It deserves so much better than nights like this.

When Arsenal departed their spiritual home in 2006 supporters were told it was for the greater good.

They were promised special nights; with a special team to grace a special new stadium.

The old Highbury's unrecognisable now. So is that original vision.

In fairness to Arsenal, they got the special stadium bit right. The Emirates remains a first-rate venue.

But on the pitch, this club is anything but special.

Sami Mokbel, one of the more pro-Arsenal journos. And that's it. When you ask the fans to buy a vision (and I mean literally buy, with the highest ticket prices in the world), when you ask them to sacrifice trophies and the highest level of football excellence, then you'd better deliver on your side of the deal. The club built a stadium (now leveraged by the owner), but the rest of it has been one giant piss take. There's no entitlement here. No lack of gratitude. What we have is a broken deal. The fans faithfully kept up their end, packing out that stadium week in, week out. Buying the 750 different kit launches. Paying up the sky rocketing amounts to catch a glimpse on TV. Pulling extra notes out of their noses for BT's arrival. Tick all those boxes, that work was done.

The club? They have delivered much too. Excuse after excuse after excuse.

[Power n Glory]

There's no purpose, it's reality, the only way to get him out is for fans to make it impossible for him to stay basically, where he decides it's just too much hassle to stay on, the board aren't going to get rid of him, he's not going to fall low enough in the table for them to do that, they back him 100%.

If he feels he's universally not wanted, he might decide it's time to call it a day...but you never know with Wenger, he might take the opposite stance just to prove people wrong. We're in a very unique scenario here where someone has had power for 20 years and controls many facets of the club, way more than he should and where the board are universal and unwavering in their support for him.

We're in a situation where they don't have to fire him. They don't have to give him a contract. Also, I don't think the support is unwavering. We've already heard reports of unrest and it makes no sense for them to keep Wenger on if he ends up costing them money. Isn't the money the reason why we all feel he has so much support from them in the first place?

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Really, you don't think Kroenke has a good relationship with Wenger, you don't think they might actually be on friendly terms now?

Wenger has made them money, the board have known Wenger for years and back him 100% as well, it's all a bit of gentlemans club.

I don't know this Fischer guy, but I'm willing to bet he wasn't manager for 20 years.

I'd love nothing more than for the above not to be true, but that's what I believe, to me it seems their support is unwavering, where other clubs would have come down hard after some terrible results, our club has just sugar coated it. Arsenal isn't some normal sports team, it's a club where someone is ingrained in the clubs culture and where almost everything revolves around one man.

Kroenke is a businessman and a pretty ruthless one, he and Wenger according to reports haven't even spoken in 2017

Wenger has made them money, but the point is he's on a downward trajectory and the longer in continues the less money he will make for the club

How long Jeff Fisher had been at the club is irrelevant, he was sacked six months after being given a contract extension after going on a losing run.

Your belief is based on a sense of negativity, you feel negative i appreciate that.....but it doesn't make you objective in your viewpoint.

[Marc Overmars]

I wonder how many will stay for the lap of "honour" at the end of the Everton game. That will send another message.

[Özim]

We're in a situation where they don't have to fire him. They don't have to give him a contract. Also, I don't think the support is unwavering. We've already heard reports of unrest and it makes no sense for them to keep Wenger on if he ends up costing them money. Isn't the money the reason why we all feel he has so much support from them in the first place?

I'd agree money is the main point, but I'd add Wenger has been there 20 years, has a lot of board support and has been Kroenke money and I'm not sure that's going to change, right now it's not affecting them because the tickets were sold, if season tickets sales were down then you never Kroenke might decide he needs to let him go, but didn't GB say he ran the Amercian franchise into the ground?

[Niall_Quinn]

I think we do benefit a lot from selling tickets to tourists, we are one of the nearest clubs to central London and although it's not a reputation that is founded on anything substantial lately, we do have a reputation for good football.

Whilst I can understand Robbie Lyle himself attending, Troopz and DT?......as much as I think DT has become a great deal more coherent and less vitriolic anger in the last year (he was when they had that bell end Gary Neville on the show the most articulate of the four) I do think again he's in the business for himself as a vlogger (again it's a growing industry so can't blame him).

Agreed, Robbie has to turn up. That's his job now. But what about Moh, for example? 5 million words a season, but he has nothing to say about the boycott last night? I wonder was it agreed beforehand not to mention it, to avoid any of the nastiness we have seen in recent weeks? If so, and it's pure speculation, it would be a disservice to the idea of a channel that has the specific purpose of giving the fans a platform to discuss the immediate issues. Claude as well. All his claims that if Wenger stays, he's out. But he can't even manage it for one game. I AFTV a different thing now, in effect disconnected from the fans? Its own little bubble?

[Özim]

Seems now that top 4 has as good as gone the fans are turning on the club and Wenger, that can only be a good thing.

[Özim]

Kroenke is a businessman and a pretty ruthless one, he and Wenger according to reports haven't even spoken in 2017

Wenger has made them money, but the point is he's on a downward trajectory and the longer in continues the less money he will make for the club

How long Jeff Fisher had been at the club is irrelevant, he was sacked six months after being given a contract extension after going on a losing run.

Your belief is based on a sense of negativity, you feel negative i appreciate that.....but it doesn't make you objective in your viewpoint.

Maybe but as mentioned above he ran his American team into the ground didn't he? At the moment there's no money lost, tickets were already sold, if season ticket sales are slow perhaps it might change something.

I'll make this clear, I sincerely hope Kroenke is thinking what you say he's thinking, I'm just not convinced.

[Niall_Quinn]

I wonder how many will stay for the lap of "honour" at the end of the Everton game. That will send another message.

I think on that one it would be right to stay and give the likes of Alexis a clap. A bloody prudent too. Any little thing to avoid him fucking off will help. Ox stepped up in the final weeks, despite being messed around all over the shop by Wenger. Bellerin lost form but never forgot the fans. Cech is a pro through the good and bad and has fought back into form. I'd even say Theo wasn't horrible this year and we haven't seen any moaning from him over Wenger's strange campaign to ostracise him from the remainder of the season - although is that a good or a poor response? I think Kos always tries, sometime on his own. And kids like Holding and Iwobi deserve a nod for being thrown in at the deep end and managing to stay afloat and even thrive.

So it might be a bit unfair to tarnish all with the one brush.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Agreed, Robbie has to turn up. That's his job now. But what about Moh, for example? 5 million words a season, but he has nothing to say about the boycott last night? I wonder was it agreed beforehand not to mention it, to avoid any of the nastiness we have seen in recent weeks? If so, and it's pure speculation, it would be a disservice to the idea of a channel that has the specific purpose of giving the fans a platform to discuss the immediate issues. Claude as well. All his claims that if Wenger stays, he's out. But he can't even manage it for one game. I AFTV a different thing now, in effect disconnected from the fans? Its own little bubble?

I think Claude is afraid to be on his own, otherwise the bottle of Johnny Walker and the cabinet full of temazepan starts calling for him

[Power n Glory]

I think we do benefit a lot from selling tickets to tourists, we are one of the nearest clubs to central London and although it's not a reputation that is founded on anything substantial lately, we do have a reputation for good football.

Whilst I can understand Robbie Lyle himself attending, Troopz and DT?......as much as I think DT has become a great deal more coherent and less vitriolic anger in the last year (he was when they had that bell end Gary Neville on the show the most articulate of the four) I do think again he's in the business for himself as a vlogger (again it's a growing industry so can't blame him).

If I remember correctly, the boycott was just one of the ways fans could participate. There were ways to take part on Twitter by tagging our sponsors and team, I think they also called for anyone that usually watches on Sky to switch off….for those that still wanted to go to the game, bring a banner or protest before the game. Anyone and everyone could have got involved and all done respectfully. I’ve heard DT and co say they won’t stop going to games just because of Wenger and have had to defend themselves when people have suggested they should stop going. I won’t knock them for going because they’ve been a huge part of why this has happened. I won’t knock them.

[Niall_Quinn]

Kroenke is a businessman and a pretty ruthless one, he and Wenger according to reports haven't even spoken in 2017

Wenger has made them money, but the point is he's on a downward trajectory and the longer in continues the less money he will make for the club

How long Jeff Fisher had been at the club is irrelevant, he was sacked six months after being given a contract extension after going on a losing run.

Your belief is based on a sense of negativity, you feel negative i appreciate that.....but it doesn't make you objective in your viewpoint.

There's another thing lurking in the background - this 2019/20 Euro Super League. This thing hasn't gone away and, if anything, is quietly gathering steam. Who will be the 4 or 5 English clubs to cement their place at the top table if that horrible idea takes form? On pure financials alone, the chavs and the gypos. On history, Utd. That leaves Liverpool (already one of the "Big 5"), the spuds (with their upwards trajectory) and us (yes, "Big 5", but also heading down). A couple of years in the Europa while the spuds play the CL - I wonder? Can Kroenke take the risk of missing that boat, or even allowing the slim possibility of missing out? Wenger has already demonstrated time and again he can't master the Euro stage. Kroneke will have all the inside information he needs on this one. Just like I'm sure he had the inside track on TV deals when he made his initial "investment". This could be the big move where national football is pillaged and ditched and 100% of the resources end up in the pockets of a few elite teams. A bit like that banker bailout and maybe even necessary to keep this ridiculous money train on the rails.

[Niall_Quinn]

If I remember correctly, the boycott was just one of the ways fans could participate. There were ways to take part on Twitter by tagging our sponsors and team, I think they also called for anyone that usually watches on Sky to switch off….for those that still wanted to go to the game, bring a banner or protest before the game. Anyone and everyone could have got involved and all done respectfully. I’ve heard DT and co say they won’t stop going to games just because of Wenger and have had to defend themselves when people have suggested they should stop going. I won’t knock them for going because they’ve been a huge part of why this has happened. I won’t knock them.

Yes, that's right actually. That's why I didn't watch the game last night. Although I couldn't quite resist tuning into GW to find out what was happening. I wonder is anyone trying to measure the full reach of the protest?

I understand why the AFTV lot won't commit to boycotting every match, they are Arsenal fans after all. But this one-off match, against Sunderland? I think the absence of that lot would have sent a message. Instead we had business as usual and barely a mention. Isn't that exactly what Wenger and the board want - business as usual? And silence?

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

If I remember correctly, the boycott was just one of the ways fans could participate. There were ways to take part on Twitter by tagging our sponsors and team, I think they also called for anyone that usually watches on Sky to switch off….for those that still wanted to go to the game, bring a banner or protest before the game. Anyone and everyone could have got involved and all done respectfully. I’ve heard DT and co say they won’t stop going to games just because of Wenger and have had to defend themselves when people have suggested they should stop going. I won’t knock them for going because they’ve been a huge part of why this has happened. I won’t knock them.

It's entirely up to them of course. Like i said in DT's case, he's also branching out by himself as a vlogger.....so people who want to look at his face as he reacts to what he's watching on the pitch......well they have that luxury.

It's still better than the expletive laden post match rants he used to do from his bleak looking bedroom.

[Niall_Quinn]

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/05/17/00/406743FD00000578-4512678-Defender_Lamine_Kone_could_have_a_career_in_WWE_so on_if_this_mom-a-21_1494976655930.jpg

Defending?

[Niall_Quinn]

It's entirely up to them of course. Like i said in DT's case, he's also branching out by himself as a vlogger.....so people who want to look at his face as he reacts to what he's watching on the pitch......well they have that luxury.

It's still better than the expletive laden post match rants he used to do from his bleak looking bedroom.

You could vlog about the boycott from outside the ground. It's hard to know why somebody central to the whole Wenger Out campaign passes up the opportunity to join with other fans in doing something to underpin that position and perhaps fire a more potent message at the board.

[Power n Glory]

Yes, that's right actually. That's why I didn't watch the game last night. Although I couldn't quite resist tuning into GW to find out what was happening. I wonder is anyone trying to measure the full reach of the protest?

I understand why the AFTV lot won't commit to boycotting every match, they are Arsenal fans after all. But this one-off match, against Sunderland? I think the absence of that lot would have sent a message. Instead we had business as usual and barely a mention. Isn't that exactly what Wenger and the board want - business as usual? And silence?

Some people just don’t agree with boycotting games. Some may just be proud to say they’ve gone to every game to support the club despite the shit results. I don’t know. But the purpose behind yesterday was to try and send a message the club and in a way that unites the fans. I guess by not mentioning it on AFTV it stops the debate on whether boycotts are right or wrong. I wouldn’t want anyone there to use that platform to suggest that we’re not real fans for boycotting. We don’t need to fight each other to get a message across. Everyone had a way to take part.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Was it because of the boycott? I don’t go to many games but could have gone yesterday and chose not to because I was reminded of the boycott. If it weren’t for being on GW and NQ reminding me, I would have totally forgot and gone to the game. It’s good to see the word spread and we need more of this. Thanks to various social media outlets, blogs and platforms, it’s much easier to spread the word. When talks of boycotts were proposed before, there was always the fear that non regulars would take the place of regular attenders. That wasn’t the case yesterday and breaks that fear that any action is pointless. I think most people want to do something because nobody is happy with the way things are now,

The press are running stories of Emirates being half empty and thousands boycotting the game and I’d say we’ve got the message across. Even if Wenger tries to spin it as an odd day in the week to play a game, the general consensus is that this was a boycott. It’s caught the attention of the mainstream media and let’s hope it catches on with someone that has Kroenke’s ear. Credit to all those that got the word out and started it. Heard it from Le Grove and I’ve always wished Arseblog would use their platform to make a similar statement. Not too late to. As said, if it weren’t NQ mentioning it again on here, I’d have gone.

I just decided earlier in the season that I wasn't going to give the Club any money other than my Silver membership. I also told my friends and family that I don't want any Arsenal merchandise bought for me.

I realise the membership was dead money, but I've kept it in case the situation improves some day.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

I just decided earlier in the season that I wasn't going to give the Club any money other than my Silver membership. I also told my friends and family that I don't want any Arsenal merchandise bought for me.

I realise the membership was dead money, but I've kept it in case the situation improves some day.

That seems pretty sensible to me

I have never gone to more than a few games every season anyway. But this is the first season in almost 15 years that I haven't gone to watch at least one game.

The last game I went to see was January last year (FA cup game against Sunderland)

[Marc Overmars]

I did go to a handful at the start of the season when we were playing quite well, but after Christmas it was very obvious where things were heading. Just isn't worth the time nor money if you're not getting the enjoyment out of it anymore. Plus other priorities have arised for myself personally so the club can most certainly take a back seat.

They can take my Silver money no problem, that's an investment for the future, but I can't imagine I'll be attending any games next season if we don't have a new manager.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Well said.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Speaking of which....I expected to get on to silver years ago and still haven't!

[HenryForever]

Arsenal showed a good game. Please, applaud them. In the summer they should change something in game

[Niall_Quinn]

This game dragged on a bit.

[Letters]

WengerTime :bow:

[Letters]

I think this is my new favourite first post by the way :lol: