The Official 2010/11 Thread for Arsenal F.C.

[Addick]

Disappointing, poor squad selection by the gaffer. Even without Cesc and Song this match could have been easily won.

[Montana Moe]

Arsenal draws Barcelona in the C.L. Should be interesting...

[Addick]

If you want to be the best, you need to beat the best.

[Montana Moe]

Would be tough to avoid them altogether. May as well get them early, should be quite a challenge...

[Barnet Flame]

While it is true that to be the best, you have to beat the best, you can make things a bit easier for yourself by ensuring that you don't have to beat the best til later in the tournament.

Arsenal failed to do this and as a result they are most likely going out in the Round of 16 rather than the likelihood of being favorites for the quarter finals had they drawn Roma as Shaktar had.

Wenger sealed the team's fate by his shambolic team selection against Shaktar and the less said about the performance against Braga, the better.

This team aint winning anything this season.

[Finny61]

I have been busy lately but I happened to notice no games (postponed?).

[Addick]

Transfer News:

Originally Posted by Sky Sports

Wegner May Sign Defender
Arsenal Wait To Learn Severity Of Squillaci's Injury

10 January 2011
Skysports.com

Arsene Wenger admits he may have to dip into the transfer market depending on the severity of Arsenal defender Sebastien Squillaci's injury.

Squillaci suffered a hamstring injury during Saturday's FA Cup third round draw with Leeds United and is waiting to learn the extent of the damage.

The Frenchman joins Thomas Vermaelen on the sidelines and a lengthy spell out of action for Squillaci could force Wenger's hand.

Complete Article

If a reinforcement is required, I think it is imperative that the player is experienced enough to slot right in. Basically, they need someone from another premier league club.

[DeanOMac]

Originally Posted by Addick

Transfer News:



If a reinforcement is required, I think it is imperative that the player is experienced enough to slot right in. Basically, they need someone from another premier league club.

Gary Cahill would be good, but likely too expensive. Although with Bolton interested in taking Vela on loan, that could potentially reduce the fee and Wenger does have a relationship with Coyle.

I'd take a pass on Sol for sure. That's twice he has chosen to leave the club, and if he can't make the Newcastle starting 11, I don't think he should be making our starting 11, injury crisis or not.

Much rather have Mertesacker or Upson (just as a stop gap), but I feel like those are just names tossed out randomly by the media.

These injuries could be a blessing in disguise as Squillaci and Koscielny have looked very inconsistent, so Wenger can take this opportunity to sign a legitimate centreback and blame it on injuries, since he seems to be fiercly loyal to his players (although I doubt he will sign anyone major).

[d_phaneuf]

I would love Arsenal to sign Upson

[DeanOMac]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

I would love Arsenal to sign Upson

Yeah I don't think he's that good, but as a 6 month fill in, I wouldn't mind him, but would strongly prefer Mertesacker. Although all this talk is pointless as we are likely to get an unknown player for 2 million or less.

There is always the outside chance he pulls a Keown, who also left Arsenal, but then came back and was excellent. Of course Upson has maybe half the ability of Keown so that's not likely, but dare to dream.

[Pagal4321]

Sounds like Arsenal are playing truly dreadful football against Ipswich right now.

[Montana Moe]

You would be correct, sir. No energy in that match at all.

[united]

philmcnulty
Arsenal confirm Carlos Vela has joined West Brom on loan until the end of the season. Worth keeping an eye on how he does there

[Montana Moe]

Looking forward to seeing how he does with some quality playing time. I still think he can be an asset to Arsenal in the future.

[Barnet Flame]

Vela is far too lightweight for the EPL, we need to stop wasting our time with him after the loan period and just get rid of him. As long as he is on our books, Wenger will count him as part of our cadre of strikers and use that as justification for not buying in a postition where we are desperately weak.

[Montana Moe]

Fabianski Done for the Season

Link

The Polish goalkeeper had taken over from Manuel Almunia as Arsenal’s first choice following a string of impressive performances.

The 25 year-old saved a penalty against Partizan Belgrade in the Champions League in September and retained the first-team jersey until early January when he suffered a shoulder injury.

Fabianski had been nursing the problem for a while and aggravated it during the warm-up to the Manchester City game on Jan 5, though he did play.

Szczesny is doing well, though he seems to have one boneheaded play every game. I actually prefer him to Fabianski, TBQH.

Almunia has handled being second fiddle well to this point, and played well in the FA Cup. I just hope I don't have to see him being the #1 any time soon.

[Addick]

Originally Posted by Montana Moe

Szczesny is doing well, though he seems to have one boneheaded play every game.

Do you mean one poor/short clearance every match? Aside from his usual flub of one of his goal kicks, I don't really remember any reoccurring blunders.

[Montana Moe]

Yeah, I guess that's what I was looking for, couldn't find the words last evening.

I think he's doing a great job, but there always seems to be one moment that leaves your head shaking a bit.

[Addick]

I never want to see Diaby in an Arsenal shirt again.

[Montana Moe]

I was only able to watch the first half, seeing the final score made me ill.

Not sure if I feel better or worse after the Wolves victory. One point closer, but two less than they should be...