2010/2011 Premier League Thread

[Locke]

That makes a lot more sense. Then there is traction to the concept that the lack of significant improvement is in some ways attributable to Wenger's stubbornness.

[valo403]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

there is no way there should be a cash crunch there

their stadium with the huge amount of luxury boxes that it has, and being in London, is a license to print money

And they were 5th in average wages in England last season (Chelsea/City/United/Liverpool/Arsenal/Newcastle/Pompey/West Ham/Spurs in order if anyone was wondering, from an ESPN story that was released a few days ago)

there is no way they shouldn't be able to spend, bad ownership if it's true, they have sold out their building (I know it doesn't sound like the stadium is full of fans but it is) and they have gotten CL money every year

They still have to pay the costs of building that stadium, and debt servicing alone is no drop in the bucket. I obviously haven't read their financials, but it's not at all surprising that they could be on a tight budget due to the expenses they have recently incurred.

[NBC]

I don't think that this is going to be a problem.

Blame me for Arsenal's failure this season, says Wenger

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13182718.stm

[NBC]

My sense is that there isn't a "cash crunch" there or "bad management". They have and will continue to have some money to spend but it doesn't look like they are prepared to splash out huge amounts of money for single players. They have a tight wage structure in place and club unity is important to them. Lee Dixon gives a decent 3 minute analysis of the situation there and what they are most likely to do - in the link on my previous post.

I'd expect another £5-10 million defender and a midfield player to be signed at some point. But it probably won't be on the level of other Premiership clubs summer signings.

[Montana Moe]

Apparently, Twitter is not for everybody...

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND and Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson has deleted his Twitter account after becoming fed up with the volume of abusive messages he was being sent – within just two hours of setting up his account.

Link

I think #7 was my favorite.

[Montana Moe]

Regarding Arsenal, as a relatively new supporter, I'll have to defer to the folks here that have a bit more knowledge of how the Premier League operates financially.

All I can judge is what I see on the pitch, and what I see is a team that lacks consistency, and seemingly can't handle pressure of any sort. Sure, they'll show up in a few matches (Chelsea/Barcelona home tilts), coincidentally, both teams that were willing to run and gun with them. When teams take a more defensive strategy, especially lesser teams that are satisfied with draws against the top tier squads, the Gunners don't have the mettle to grind out an ugly winner.

Djourou had been a bright spot this year, yesterday's performance was indefensible. I know Gunners fans are preaching Vermaelen as the savior, but they could certainly use more back end quality.

Cesc being moved would surprise no one. As diane said, Nasri and Wilshere will manage, assuming Nasri is re-signed. I like Szczesny, and the Reina rumors persist, but I agree that Wenger sticks with the two Poles in goal. Almunia can pound sand.

Forward? Who knows? I'd say the only players that are safe would be Theo and RvP. I like Chamakh, and I'm not sure if he just tuckered out mid season, or if Wenger is unwilling to use him and van Persie together.

What a disappointing season...

[Addick]

Originally Posted by Locke

Arsenal have to get a goalkeeper and some defenders who can actually defend.

Getting a new keeper would destroy SZCZ's development. The best reason I can think of for him keeping his spot is that as a Gunnars fan I feel something I haven't with recent keepers, safe and calm.

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

I do think they buy some help this summer, I imagine Cesc is gone (and at this point I don't think that will even hurt their midfield, Nasri and Wilshere can do fine) and they use the 40m quid or whatever it is to buy some CB's and maybe a midfield destroyer

they would be a better off team with the money from Cesc (if it's spent) than with Cesc in my opinion

I have actually been wondering the same thing over the last couple of weeks and especially during yesterday's match. My concern is actually 'space' within the squad. Having Nasri out wide is not the most efficient use of the left wing and it is a position where we can add a specialized player that could also add the mental steel we require. However, what worries me with Nasri replacing Cesc is that when we tried it this season Nasri didn't command as well when it was solely up to him. Maybe this is where the new experienced left winger could begin with his wisdom sharing.

Originally Posted by Locke

I agree, Cesc and RVP look really dejected and I think they have a right to be. Their attack, their midfield are all good, doing their jobs and playing well. But man oh man that defence is terrible and the goaltending is inconsistent.

I don't think this is the entire case. Arseblogger but it best when he said that if it had been Freddie on the breakaway instead of Nasri yesterday it would have been 2-1 to the Arsenal.

Originally Posted by Locke

And, while the shortcomings are massive, they are also relatively easily fixable. Go out, and buy yourself two world class CBs, spend 40 million quid, buy them, and you've got yourself a really good title challenge.

Originally Posted by Montana Moe

All I can judge is what I see on the pitch, and what I see is a team that lacks consistency, and seemingly can't handle pressure of any sort.

I have to agree with Moe. While I think we do need competent centrebacks, and the return of Vermaeleen will be like purchasing a new one, our mentality is the largest problem and it requires special attention.

Originally Posted by Locke

I didnt think there was a cash crunch at Arsenal, but people are blaming Arsenal's shortcomings as Wenger's arrogance or shortsightedness and thus his refusal to change his strategy.

I think the problem with Arsene is that he is misinterpreting the data/information/results/feedback that he is getting from his experiment. He needs someone to come along and say, "You are going in the right direction but the litmus paper used in Step 4 is actually changing colours, proceed accordingly.".

Originally Posted by Montana Moe

Djourou had been a bright spot this year, yesterday's performance was indefensible. I know Gunners fans are preaching Vermaelen as the savior, but they could certainly use more back end quality.

Like I've said above, Vermaelen's return will be like acquiring a new CB. The question is should we get another one as well? As someone who believes in Arsene's 'experiment' but acknowledges compromises will have to be made, I think we have to keep space alongside the experienced 'solutions' for young players to develop.

[NBC]

Mario Balotelli car in pound 27 times

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...-27-times.html

Idiot.

[kdogg]

Originally Posted by NBC

Mario Balotelli car in pound 27 times

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...-27-times.html

Idiot.

The source added: "Mario was pulled over by the police and he had £25,000 cash on the passenger seat. They asked him why and he said, 'Because I can'. He doesn't care much for authority."

Balotelli has also paid £300,000 in club fines, most recently for throwing darts at a youth team player.

And on the field he has had ten yellow cards and two reds in only 24 appearances.


Wow...I hope his attitude ruins his career. It would be well deserved.

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by Montana Moe

Apparently, Twitter is not for everybody...



Link

I think #7 was my favorite.

haha omg that made me spit out my drink

[d_phaneuf]

son of a b%^&$

[Locke]

Originally Posted by kdogg

The source added: "Mario was pulled over by the police and he had £25,000 cash on the passenger seat. They asked him why and he said, 'Because I can'. He doesn't care much for authority."

Balotelli has also paid £300,000 in club fines, most recently for throwing darts at a youth team player.

And on the field he has had ten yellow cards and two reds in only 24 appearances.


Wow...I hope his attitude ruins his career. It would be well deserved.

What an idiot.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

son of a b%^&$

You knew it wasnt going to be that easy. Besides....the Europa league is a fine competition....

[rubecube]

Love this quote from Harry regarding transfers:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...europe?cc=5901

"There shouldn't be two transfer scenarios,'' Redknapp said. "If you want to get into the Champions League again you have to keep improving. People say 'If we get in the Champions League we'll buy some great players' but if you don't buy some great players you won't get in the Champions League. That's how it works."

"And people would come here anyway. If you pay them the wages, they'll come. We all kid ourselves. Players say 'I've wanted to play for Tottenham since I was two? I had pictures of Jimmy Greaves on my wall'. It's a load of bull**** isn't it? Here's £80,000 a week. Lovely jubbly! You pay the wages and they'll come. If you don't they will go somewhere where they'll get it. That's football."

[Nuje]

'Arry's always bothered me. That's a violent torpedo of truth from him though (sorry to everyone who hates the whole Sheen thing, but it's the best words to describe what he said). Always enjoy that sort of honesty.

[d_phaneuf]

ya he holds nothing back, everything looks good for next season

he wants to spend (possibly his last year before he takes over England), Levy made a ton of cash this year from CL money, Bale and Modric both stated they don't want to leave and wont ask to

[SuperMatt18]

HORRIBLE call in the Chelsea-Tottenham game.

The linesmen was bullied into calling it a goal by the Chelsea players and fans. Nobody had called it a goal until the players and fans started calling for it.

Replay needs to be instituted into the game because Tottenham can literally lose millions over this call because they could lose a Champion's League spot because of it.

[d_phaneuf]

not shocking, even Fergie can't get calls at Chelsea

it was terrible by Gomes but there was no way thats in, just terrible

[Locke]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

HORRIBLE call in the Chelsea-Tottenham game.

The linesmen was bullied into calling it a goal by the Chelsea players and fans. Nobody had called it a goal until the players and fans started calling for it.

Replay needs to be instituted into the game because Tottenham can literally lose millions over this call because they could lose a Champion's League spot because of it.

Gomes has to learn that whores get paid to open their legs, goaltenders get paid to keep them closed. Get it straight.

[moon]

Now Chelsea get an offside goal.

Not a great day for the linemen in this game.