Vader :bow:Quote:
Originally Posted by Fist of Lehmann
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Vader :bow:Quote:
Originally Posted by Fist of Lehmann
Hate to use him as an example, but although Teddy Sherringham was an old guy, he was very effective because he was able to be in the right place, not needing to do a 50 yard sprint because he was already there.Quote:
Originally Posted by Syn
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-arc...other-players-Quote:
Arsène Wenger believes Mikel Arteta has played a vital role as Arsenal’s ‘quiet hero’ this season.
The Spaniard has been a hit since moving from Everton last summer and he is set to return to Goodison Park on Wednesday night for Arsenal’s Premier League clash.
Arteta has become a mainstay in Wenger’s midfield and the manager is a big admirer of the understated 29-year-old.
“He always gives you a certain level of quality,” the Frenchman told Arsenal Player. “He is always 100 per cent focused and committed and that is what you want from a real professional. He brings the best out of other players.
“I believe he is a winner and a fighter as well. I think he possesses both aspects of the game of a real midfielder - that means he can defend and he can attack. That is what we looked for.”
Wenger also picked out Aaron Ramsey for praise after stepping up to the mark following the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
“It is basically his first full season and he has done extremely well,” said Wenger. “He can learn from the experience of players like Arteta, Song and Rosicky. That is something vital when you want to develop players.
“We lost Diaby as well and people forget that he played a big part in many games last year. I believe that the players who came in did a good job.”
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...r-Perfect.htmlQuote:
MIKEL ARTETA has the boy-next-door good looks, the clean-cut image and a reputation as a model professional.
Type his name into Google with 'controversy', 'trouble' or 'scandal' and guess what comes up? Correct — nothing.
But in an exclusive SunSport interview, the Arsenal midfield star, who turns 30 on Monday, reveals it was not always that way.
For football's Mr Perfect says he was almost led astray into the party lifestyle when he was a teenager trying to break into the big time with Barcelona.
Arteta recalled: "There was a turning point when I was with Barca and staying at La Masia. It's where the club grooms all the young players aged from 13 to 17.
"I was in a room with Pepe Reina, Victor Valdes, Carles Puyol and Andres Iniesta. That was the quality we had there.
"I tell you, even then you could look at a young Iniesta and see that he was destined for the first team.
"You just knew he was going to do very well.
"But there were also guys there who were not so dedicated, who had different characters.
"The ones who would not do this exercise, who would skip this and that in training, who would say, 'Let's jump the fence and go party'.
"Because when you are 'nearly there' as a player, it is easy to lose your head.
"So I did that with them a few times, up and over the wall and into town.
"I didn't really want to do it, I did it because the other lads wanted me to, or were saying 'Oh, you haven't the balls to do it!'
"But then I was caught and Barca were really, really tough with me.
"That was the day that I learned that, if I really wanted to succeed at football, I had to be totally focused on my game — not following those other guys."
Arteta never went AWOL again and, although he did not make the grade in Spain, he has enjoyed seven years of success in the Premier League with Everton and now at the Emirates.
And he is quick to warn any young wannabe player just how dangerous it can be to succumb to peer pressure and keep dodgy company.
He added: "It is partly down to your character and whether you have that kind of personality where you want to go off and do things like that.
"You can normally judge by the way people behave, the way people act. You can also judge by the people hanging around them.
"There's so many people who tell you how big a star you are, how nice you are, how good you are, how lovely you are.
"And when you are young you can listen to all of that. That's why it is vital that you have the right people around you — people who really love you and care about what's best for you.
"People who will say, 'Hang on, be careful, look after yourself, be good', and who are truthful to you and will say, 'You were rubbish today'.
"They are the people you must listen to — not the ones who say, 'Let's go partying' and are always looking to have a better time.
"I was lucky in that I had my mum and dad, who have looked out for me since I was a small boy.
"My mum even left her job to come and live in Barcelona to make sure I was OK because she knew it was my big chance.
"I will always be grateful because now I realise how important they were for me and my career."
Arteta's stunning wife — former Miss Spain Lorena Bernal — is the one who keeps him on the straight and narrow these days.
And the one who will be cheering him on today as Arsenal try to pull further away from London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea to secure automatic qualification for the Champions League by securing third spot.
Roberto Di Matteo's Blues take on Spurs at Stamford Bridge this lunchtime, with the in-form Gunners welcoming Aston Villa to the Emirates later.
But the Spaniard insists he and his team-mates will not be distracted by the London derby across the capital — only focused on beating Villa.
He added: "We can't afford to drop any points and we can't afford to think it will be easy.
"We have to respect Villa, not just expect to win. It will be tough.
"Before the game we will have a look at the other game, we will see how they are doing. But, to be honest, it doesn't matter what goes on there. I don't even know if it's better for us if Tottenham win or Chelsea win.
"And anyway, we can't do anything about it so it's best to shrug and say whatever happens, happens... and just concentrate on us getting three points."
Then he can give it back to all the Tottenham fans who have been ribbing him since his move to North London.
Arteta revealed: "I've had a lot of people coming up to me in the street saying, 'I'm a Tottenham fan, we are 10 points ahead of you, we are this, we are that'.
"Don't get me wrong, they were nice and it was good fun — they were so excited for their team because normally it is the other way around.
"Normally it is Arsenal so far in front — and hopefully it will be again on Saturday night."
Good excuse for a party then, Mikel. Where are we going?
The GHEL force was strong in this one from a young age
http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/golazo-free-kick-mikel-arteta-v-aston-villa/
Gorgeous :bow:.
The goal was good too.
About time he pubbed one in from 30 yards like he used to do for Everton. :bow:
My favourite part of the clip was from 0:03 to 0:06.Quote:
Originally Posted by Master Splinter
Barca youth products. :bow:
Anonymous for 90 odd minutes then he goes and does that
Arteta :bow:
"it was gathering pace all the way"Quote:
Originally Posted by Master Splinter
No it wasn't. Newton would be rolling in his grave.
:doh:
HB Mikel Arteta. :bow:
30 today. You know what that means - the club will be looking to force him out asap.
Lets hope so
Nevertheless
hb
http://i.imgur.com/Ve52c.jpg
:bow:
Almost as godly as Sagna.
Should be in the Spain squad this summer tbh.
He was awesome today, outstanding goal too. Nice one Mickey!
It is funny how he is miles away from it, yet England can count Barry as a first-teamer. And by funny I mean gut-wrenchingly depressing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marc Overmars
This shame he won't be, heck id take him in the england sqaud miles bettet the most.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marc Overmars
He's the best ever Spaniard we know imo.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marc Overmars
England. :lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by McNamara That Ghost...
Disgusting footballing nation.
Should be captainQuote:
Originally Posted by Marc Overmars
The Arteta of old he was today. Well the Everton one. Before Wengeritis infection
Ach: Arteta to score :haha:
Biggest mong on GW.
So whos this guy then?Quote:
Originally Posted by The Ogg Monster
:haha:Quote:
Originally Posted by The Ogg Monster
Ach even getting picked on by newbies.
:lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlie the Gooner
Thats being picked on?
And i doubt hes a newbie. Quite obvious who it is really. A poster who has history of making accounts just to WUM but is immune to being banned.
Oh well i as i do with all his other accounts will just laugh at him
Either the mods, Cripps or Ach himself. :lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by Ach
Your worst nightmare.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ach
So who is heQuote:
Originally Posted by Ach
Mr Singh ?
No idea...Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlie the Gooner
Dont really give a fuck either.
We won today and thats all that matters.
If he wants tp have a laugh at me for laughing at Arteta whos been a bit shit this season regardless of the goal today then thats up to him
Il just celebrate the win as all true fans are doing
I was just joshing (joking) fella don't take it personal. like you say we won all that matters.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ach
Good performance today, more progressive in his passing and decided to have a crack from range, which he should do more of.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/...-league-artetaQuote:
Manchester City are favourites to win the Premier League title this season, believes Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta.
The two English teams face each other in a pre-season clash in China on Friday a little over two months after the Blues beat Manchester United to the top of the table on goal difference.
Arteta, 30, believes Arsenal can challenge for higher than third place this year but accepts that Roberto Mancini’s side will be top dogs.
More woe for Wilshere
Arsenal youngster is not expected to be fit for the start of the new season
He told reporters: “I think Manchester City would be the favourite team in next EPL season. If we could beat them in Beijing, it would be a bright start for a new season.
“Anyway, Arsenal also has a big chance to fight for the title, if we could show our abilities totally, we could overcome any rivals.”
The former Everton player was a regular under Arsene Wenger in the 2011-12 season after signing for the Gunners on transfer-deadline day last summer.
Arteta said he hoped to impact more in attack this campaign, adding: “At least I should score more than 10 goals. I believe I could do that.”
So far this summer Wenger has lured Germany attacker Lukas Podolski and French striker Olivier Giroud to boost the Gunners attack.
Arteta praised the pair, saying: “Podolski could play in my positions in the pitch.
“Giroud played quite well in last season in Ligue 1. He was the top scorer. Both of them would strength the attacking.”
Arteta was brought to the Emirates Stadium a year ago to help fill the void left by Barcelona-bound Cesc Fabregas, and the Spanish playmaker admitted he believes the two are comparable.
“We are actually similar in some way,” he said. “But there are still something different.
“He would like to play behind our forwards, and my position is a little bit deeper, as a defensive midfield.”
Spain’s 4-0 thrashing of Italy in the Euro 2012 final cemented the nation’s place as the top international side on the planet, and Arteta revealed he would love to be part of their 2014 World Cup squad.
“Spain have more talent players that we have never seen before,” the Arsenal player continued.
“There are battles for all 11 positions. I still work hard, I hope I could have a chance to play for my country in 2014 Brazilian World Cup.”
Arteta, who played for Barcelona during his youth, admitted the style of play at Arsenal is not to dissimilar to that of the Catalan club.
“We have the similar football philosophy - keep the ball, attack forever and [be] skilful," he said.
“As a player who started football career in Barcelona, I would always like to play football like this.”
Good to see he admits he was a bit shit attacking wise last season
Arteta :bow:.Quote:
Orbinho @Orbinho
Joe Allen today 74 passes 93% completion. Nuri Sahin 45 passes 93% completion. Mikel Arteta 92 passes 95% success rate.
Time for Spain to cap him tbf.
Better than Xavi and Busquets.
Arteta was immense in DM role today.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marc Overmars
Impressive stats although passing sideways is not very threateningQuote:
Originally Posted by Master Splinter
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/...-a-deeper-roleQuote:
Mikel Arteta has said he is happy to do "the best thing for the team" and play in an unfamiliar deep role in Arsenal's midfield this season.
He also revealed that manager Arsene Wenger had assured him that moving from his normal position was in the best interests of the squad as a whole - which the Spanish midfielder says is a big change, but one he is prepared to undergo.
The 30-year-old acknowledged that during his side's 1-1 draw with Manchester City it was important to have a creative yet physical presence in the centre of the pitch.
"It is a big transition but it is more a mental thing. The boss is convinced that is the best thing for the team and I am too, so let’s do it," he told the club's official website.
"If it works, and in games like that where you probably think you need a more physical presence but you still create and are able to match the physical ability and the way they play, it reinforces your belief. I am totally happy that is a good way to play."
With the result against City, Arsenal maintained their unbeaten start to the new season - which Arteta said was down to the attitude of all the players - arguing, in fact, that his team were the better side at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite praising the Gunners' mentality, he also warned that they need to be more consistent in the future if they want to challenge for top honours.
"The attitude has been spot on and we know it can only be like this," he added.
"It cannot be any other way for a game or 20 minutes in a game when you relax, because you are going to pay for it and against big teams like this, even more.
"For us, it’s good because we believe that we are as good as them, at least. I think on Sunday we were better than them. If we are, then all we need is consistency."
Good team player and someone we can do with v the big teams when we need to keep the ball but against the Sunderlands/Norwichs etc, he needs to be more creative
which is exactly what song tried to do last year resulting in us conceding stupid goals because there was no one back to help cover the defence.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ach
Against Sunderland on the opening day, Arteta was the most frustrating player on the pitch.
He had lots of possession but did f all with it and it was the same last season even with Song in the side.
We know he can be creative so he needs to try it more often