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Originally Posted by Dog Toffee
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:haha:Quote:
Originally Posted by Dog Toffee
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:doh:Quote:
Originally Posted by Dog Toffee
I think the point is he can tackle, is competitive and would add bit and aggresion to our midfield, something none of the players mentioned really do.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dog Toffee
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/...-lack-of-driveQuote:
Former Arsenal and FC Koln striker Tony Woodcock believes the Premier League side lack the "drive and consistency" that they need to challenge for the title.
Ahead of Saturday’s friendly clash between his two former sides, the man who scored 68 goals in 169 matches for Arsenal, pointed out that they were given several opportunities to win competitions last term but failed in their quest to end a trophy drought that is now six-years long.
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Speaking to FC Koln’s official website, Woodcock said: "In the past two years, Arsenal have not had enough drive.
“This, of course, is at a much higher level than Koln. Arsenal were given the chance to be champions. In the decisive games, they lacked consistency.”
Woodcock added that he is looking forward to seeing the teams pitting themselves against each other, adding that Arsene Wenger's side are very much the favourites.
He continued: "I saw both teams very many times. If Arsenal fulfill their full potential and Koln too, then Arsenal will win. I'm an Koln fan, but everyone should approach this game realistically.
“Arsenal have great players and play a great style of football. Nevertheless, there is also criticism in London, because the fans want to win titles.
“In the past five years, Arsenal have won nothing, and the upcoming match will be very exciting. I think the game is very interesting for both teams. Arsenal are the clear favourites, but last season Koln looked good against some top sides.
"I seriously hope that Koln win. The great fans in the RheinEnergieStadion deserve it. But it will be very difficult. But it is a friendly game, wherein the focus is of course that no one gets injured.
“But especially for Koln this is a great opportunity to measure themselves against an absolute top club in Europe. It will be a great game."
Never heard of him but hes spot on
Parker is much better than dross like Denilson (whose departure leaves a space in the squad), Diaby and even Song. There are better players out there, and we should be after them instead but if we did get Parker, I wouldn't complain, because he has many of the qualities lacking in our midfield, namely drive, determination, grit and a style of football that keeps things simple, but has enough technical ability to take on a more creative role in midfield.
He really isn't 'much better' than Song though, different player ofc, Parker's more of a driving force in midfield but not the guy we need to fill in at CB and cover our FBs imo. Still like him here though as he's got the experience and presence we need in midfield, although it's more just experience he gives with Wilshere/Ramsey able to provide presence I guess, still useful.
Fab and Nasri are leaving or dont have their heart in the right place! He is definitely better than Song and even if you or some dont agree with that, he definitely will be a very good back up to Song. Ramsey is promising but is he there yet? He just played a few games after injury but is nowhere guaranteed to be close to the level we need to challenge for honors.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dog Toffee
I'd get Parker in a heartbeat.. Someone with balls and plenty of heart. Something which bar Wilshere, none in our team seem to have. So what he is over 30.. I bet he can outrun donkeys like Diaby, Arshavin, Chakma and Denilson all day!
He thinks we play better football now? :blink:Quote:
PATRICK VIEIRA warns Arsenal must toughen up to end their six-year trophy drought.
The skipper of the Gunners 'Invincibles' team of 2004 fears his old club have become a soft touch.
Manchester City new-boy Gael Clichy admitted he was shocked how intense the training was compared to the Emirates.
And legendary Highbury hardman Vieira reckons the other title contenders simply have more power than Arsene Wenger's men.
He said: "Since I left Arsenal there are new players, a new generation and maybe a new philosophy because now they play better football than we used to do.
"The passing, the movement is better and they are faster, but our team was more physical and responded better to the English game. We had everything, and maybe now Arsenal lack the physical aspect of the game.
"They lost the physical aspect but have gained in the technical aspect. Maybe it's the balance you need to find to win trophies.
"If you look at Manchester United, Chelsea and City, the physical aspect of the game is there.
"The big problem in the last few years has been the physical difference between Arsenal and other clubs."
Vieira says Barcelona are proof you can win trophies by playing the beautiful game but says the Gunners lack belief.
He added: "Barcelona show it is possible but the Spanish league is different to the English league, and in the Champions League are they like Barcelona?
"There is a big expectation now for teams to try to play like Barcelona, but there is a balance that every team should have, especially for the English game.
"In the end what is important is when everyone works out who has won what in the last few years."
Vieira has accepted a coaching and ambassadorial role with City and was speaking as the club announced plans to create a football facility in Los Angeles to serve local children.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have made it clear that Barca will be wasting their time if they make an improved offer of £35million for Fabregas as they hold out for £40m.
The team skipper will not travel to Germany ahead of a match in Cologne tomorrow followed by a four-day training camp.
Manuel Almunia and Nicklas Bendtner will also remain in London while they negotiate moves while Abou Diaby and Emmanuel Eboue are struggling with injuries.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...#ixzz1SqQl2isC
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/...b-may-struggleQuote:
George Graham believes that Arsenal may have to end up fighting to remain in the top six, let alone the top four in the years to come.
The Gunners finished fourth in the Premier League last season, and now have to play a qualifier to make their way to the group stages of the Champions League.
And the former boss believes that the lack of silverware, rigid wage structure and the considerably less spending on big players means that the north London outfit could struggle to keep up with the rest of the pack in the coming years.
"The simple fact is that Arsenal could well be facing, in the next few years, the prospect of a battle to stay in the top six rather than the top four finish that Arsene has brought them – against the *financial odds – every year," Graham said, according to The Mirror.
"To compete for the title this year is going to be a huge task.
"You look at what Manchester United and Manchester City have spent already and what Chelsea are capable of spending.
"There is the prospect that Arsenal could be in the same kind of bracket as Everton and Aston Villa.
"The best players will naturally congregate at the most successful clubs. That is just common sense.
"And those clubs will pay wages that Arsenal cannot match and pay fees that Arsenal cannot lay out."
However, Graham insists that this is not a reflection on current boss Arsene Wenger, who he holds in high regard.
"Don’t get me wrong, I think that Arsene has done a fantastic job at the club.
"If you look at the money he has spent and the money he has re-couped in his time as manager, his achievements have been little short of remarkable.
"But the whole financial scene has changed now. He used to basically have the French market to himself because of his knowledge and *contacts. He hasn’t now. Other clubs have caught up.
"And there are three clubs now who can pay high fees and high wages – higher fees and higher wages than Arsenal. That restricts him.
"He has still managed to keep the club in the Champions League *places every year and that is some record.
"But when it comes to finance the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City now have more cash at their disposal and when it comes to fees and wages, Arsene – and Arsenal – cannot compete. That is the reality."
http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-ne...e-for%E2%80%99Quote:
John Hartson has written off Arsenal’s title chances for next season – and says his former club will do well to finish in the top four.
The Gunners have never finished out of the Champions League qualification places since Arsene Wenger took over the reins in 1996.
However, Hartson believes the lack of serious spending this summer and the ongoing uncertainty over the futures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri will see them slip further behind Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City.
“I think top four is the probably the best Arsenal fans can hope for”John Hartson
“My thoughts on Arsenal are pretty much the same as I thought last season,” said Hartson, speaking to Stubbs and Quinny. “I didn’t think they had that top, top striker to go and score 25, 30 goals to get Arsenal right in the mix. The Fabregas and Nasri thing is dragging as well.
“I do like Arsene Wenger as a person and he’s done well at Arsenal, not in recent years but over the piece he’s been good for the club. But I just feel if they get into the top four with other teams getting as strong as they are, with Manchester City, Man United and Chelsea spending and then you have Tottenam and Liverpool to compete with, I think top four is the probably the best Arsenal fans can hope for.
“That is not good enough for an Arsenal fan. Arsenal want to be talking about winning titles and things, not finishing in the top four. But I think if they do finish in the top four, it will be a good season for them."
Cant disagree with any of that. Our expectations have dropped thanks to Wengeritis and if we can beat Spuds and Liverpool to 4th, its a good season