OleOle - The Football Fan's Network

Arsenal HQ, Welcome to Summer

2008-05-13 18:15:21

Hello, folks.

First off, I had an Arsenal Blog last summer, and god knows what happened to it. I worked on it every morning, quite diligently, until an odd message in Czech informed me that the web host had gone bankrupt or simply...dissovled. Ah, just like Aliadiere's dignity.

Anyway, here's the new digs.

And lucky for me, I get to start it right when the only Arsenal news is transfer speculation. Will Hleb buy himself out? http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_3560258,00.html Or will we add a dangerous player from the French league? http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_3555527,00.html

Who knows? I, for one, hope we sign Hatem Ben Arfa, above. Vat vill Venger do?

On a more trivial note, if that is possible, I did find out an interesting and useful fact. It so happens that Tiger Beer is one of my favorites. Today, while reading from their website, I found out that Arsenal and Tiger Beer have a lovely commercial relationship: Tiger Beer is the offical beer of Arsenal in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, and more. I don't know, exactly, how this information is truly useful, especially for a fellow like me in the States, except that maybe I'll feel more...supportly...if I drink Tiger beer more often.

Enough of that. I hope to see a signing soon, and I'd like a solid defenseman, a good DM, and a winger, perhaps one who can play up front, too. Asking a lot, I know, but we need to replace the departed Flamini, have more depth in defense, and make sure that we can be strong in attack if Eduardo, Rosicky, and RvP face injury. (Well, Eduardo is obvious; the other two just seem to break all the time)

So, here's hoping.

talk to you soon.

FIFA wants to limit the number of foreign players in the European clubs - Do you agree???

2008-05-13 15:34:29

So once again Mr. Sepp Blatter wants to control the number of foreign players in the european teams.

Great idea but very much improbable that will be approved by the UEFA members. And that's about it.

But I decided to write (and read your opinions) about it.

Mr. Blatter's idea is not just bullocks. It does have a good intention behind it. He claims (and he's right) that the way the big clubs are right now make it impossible for a smaller team to fight for a league title. And that is very bad for football, very bad for the national teams but very good for global business for those big clubs.

When we see a team like Arsenal for example. 25 foreign players and only 12 Brittish on the 2007-2008 squad. With Internazionale Milan from Italy it's even worse. Out of the 29 players on the regular first team only 4 are Italian. It's not rare to see Inter playing with a starting XI that features only Marco Materazzi as an italian born player (well and then he gets a red card and Inter ends up with 10 foreign footballers on the pitch).

It is a pleasure for the fans to see their team win titles and sweep their rivals off the map for one season but when it happens like in France where Olympique Lyon (10 foreigners) is about to win the French League for the 7th time in a row, I start to understand (and partially agree) with the FIFA President.

The main difference between me and SOME other people that write here at OleOle is that I'm absolutely NEUTRAL.

I love good football and I know some of you will say "if you love good football you should love the foreign presence because they give quality to the Brittish teams".

They do. The English sides of Manchester United and Chelsea fought for the league this season and going to play for the continental title thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo, Tevez, Vidic, Anderson, Ballack, Drogba, Cech, Essien, etc...

Of course there is also Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Wayne Rooney BUT neither of the two teams could rely on an all-Brittish squad to get this far in the tournaments. WE KNOW THAT!

And as the powerful clubs become richer, more international and consequently more powerful we see the National Teams becoming weaker and weaker. England out of the Euro ... hmmm... that might say something...

So, (try to) leave your passion aside just for little bit and think how much more exciting would be if we had other teams besides Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and ManU in England, Real Madrid and Barcelona (and sometimes Valencia) in Spain, Juventus, Inter and AC Milan in Italy, Olympique Lyon in France.

What's your opinion on this?

WARNING!

2008-05-13 15:02:27

ello all

Before I go any further, the posts prior to this are much older than the publishing date suggests. i just moved them from my blog. the time of their writing is quite clear from the content. anyway just wanted to make sure you all don't think I'm off my loop or anything. I am fully aware the season is done.

And what a fucking season. The fact that not only top spot, but relegation spots, and 5th place, the most directly influential spots on next year's campaign were all decided on the final day just go to show how incredible a season it's been. Sagna and Clichy and Eboue and Diarra. Fabres and Flam and Jens and Kolo. It's been a fucking roller coaster and bloody hell you throw up here and there and ever since the Brum game its like weve been underwater, but it's been one hell of a ride. I'll probably be posting and revamping the page a bit soon. Till then good bye.

Heres to a good summer of speculation and hopefully elation. Then the fucking Euros. and then back to real football.

Like a bleating Jack Russell!

2008-05-13 14:59:35

ello all!
I don't know when, how and why but at some point this blog turned into a vent space and as I've now learnt is a necessary catharsis for me. Fuck.
I have spent the better part of this past week indoors on account of exams and perhaps it's the claustophobia, but I've had it till here with this.
The other day in the shower it occured to me what's been plaguing me for the past couple of months. I've lost most of my drive. I want to laze. I do not want to do things, I know I honestly do and more than anything else is an overwhelming feeling of just being tired. The problem is I'm satisfied.
A couple blogs ago, much like a victory speech I declared my pride at certain things I'd done and won and that, it seems was my peak. I'm going downhill now. It is the worst feeling to have. The thought that I deserve to rest or that I have earned the right to let certain 'problems' weigh me down because I'm just tired of dealing with it. It's a pain in my fucking ass and I hate it.
But why have I blogged today? In about an hour, Manchester United will face Liverpool FC in a premier league fixture. About two and half hours after that Arsenal will face Chelsea. These two games may not decide, but will definitely be a huge part in deciding where the title of English champions goes. It could be us. Bloody hell it has to be us. We've fought like fucking dogs and mucked ourselves up a fair bit in the process (get well Eduardo) but the 'children' are here to win it. This is as big as it's gotten since the invincible season three years ago when we last one the league, without losing a single game mind you.
This is a time when Arsenal are still achieving. In all possibility, if and when they do achieve, this horrible feeling of satisfaction and being content may strike them too, and from experience I can tell you it can really mess things up (Case in point Ashley Cole). Tonight we could end with our fists pumping and our lungs bursting with the rest of the cunts with their heads drooping. It could possibly not. They said this race would go down to the wire and I think it's safe to say we're ON the wire. It's barbed and it's cutting at the legs but it feels great.
The borrowed thrill of Arsenal still in achievement mode while I sit here like an idiot in chill out mode is in itself exhilirating. Once the exams are done, I begin the next phase of my achieving, hopefully anyway. I look forward to it. And I will always look back at this shit hole of a period of time and only remember that the fucking Gunners rode high and mighty.
Come on you Reds!

Prop an Ass!

2008-05-13 14:09:35

ello all,

So last night it ended. The dream is over and the whole season amounted, once again to nothing. Arsenal are out and if you read the press association's report it's because of 'Ronaldo's confidence' and Manchester United's battling spirit, and Owen Hargreaves' sublime free kick. Perception is essentially reality, and despite video evidence to the contrary, the PA usually get their way with the immense volume of their propoganda.

What gets left out is the mention of just how soft the penalty was- yet again, and ofcourse, how Anderson literally wrestled Adebayor to the ground at the other end in a brilliant place for a free kick, yet the whistle wasn't blown. Ofcourse when Gilberto's toe touches Evra and the entire home support at Old Trafford yell, the objective and entirely fair refereeing had no choice but to award the free kick. Now before I go further, some would say, we probably wouldn't have taken advantage of the free kick on the right of the box, despite the fact that Robin Van Persie was fucking playing. They would even say the referee was fair, which is why Van Persie was booked for going in a second late on Wes Brown.

But pardon me, I would hate to oppose any England loyalists. And that really is what it comes down to isn't it? An Englishmen scores against Arsenal. The irony is painful.

All through the Euro Qualifiers Arsene Wenger was the punching bag for a frustrated nation that watched, some of the world's most talented (and highly paid/ exorbitantly paid/ Over paid) individuals flounder and fail. Arsenal don't play enough English players. They are a corrupting influence and have driven all teams to use only foreigners and that is why players like Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard and the remaining squad of 22 in the England team team suffer. Because teams 'like Arsenal' have reduced chances for them.

For anyone who has played a football video game, it is blatantly obvious that on paper, and technically England have one of the strongest teams in the world. They're the team you play with when you're not so good and want a strong team to beat weaker teams!

But no! Arsene Wenger is a blasphemous oaf who has ruined the system. I mean, it must be his fault right?! Who else to blame!? Brian Barwick and his inept administration? No...!! Steve Mclaren's incompetence or Sven Goran Errikson's fearful tactics? No...! Lazy players who don't put in the same effort they do for their clubs? No...!

Really, this Wenger chap is quite the Scarlett Pimpernel. Coming in here producing players like David Bentley, Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell! That Bastard! How dare he nurture Tony Adams? How dare he use Thierry Henry and Francesc Fabregas instead of Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard?! I mean, come on for 112,000 pounds a weak who wouldn't want a 15-18 goals a season striker!?

The propoganda is endless. We've had four blatant refereeing decisions go against us in recent memory, and those are just the four we're 'allowed' to talk about without 'nitpicking.' We've had countless throughout the season. Yet, Wenger is a bad loser and he moans and groans when penalties that shouldn't be are given and those that should be aren't.

To quote Chris Rock, please cut the fucking shit! The team may have it's drawbacks, certainly Alex Song in central defence is nothing else, as is Emmanuel Eboue on the right wing, but for fuck's sake, what team can survive referees who allow players like Anderson to get away scot free, and decide that any touching in the penalty area is a foul?! What team can survive a Middlesborough game where the offside rule is re-written?!

But most importantly what team can survive an entire fleet street agenda against it!? When we beat Derby, Soccernet says it's because they're crap. Acceptable. But when we trounce AC milan, the only 'expert opinion' peices ESPN have to offer are about the aging decline of AC milan.

I end with another quote. This time from the Absinthe fairy in Euro trip: "Now that's some fucked up shit." That is all.

New Terras Home Kit, anther picture found...

2008-05-13 13:39:30

Eagle eyed Terras fans will have noticed that the club debuted a new home shirt for the last match of the season against Alty the other week.

The kit, made by grass roots football shirt specialists Prostar features a pinstripe design in the clubs claret and blue colours.

After a tricky period where rumours circulated that the club was looking to change the colour of their home kit to blue, we should all be thankful for this. The kit police over at the Colours of Footaball forum have already shown their distain for the kit (link here- note you will need to be registered to view the thread) but I kind of like it. The last two home shirts have been very similar so it is nice to see something different.

Anyway, here is the photo from the Prostar blurb... Our version comes with white shorts and blue socks...

Very Quiet Day today....

2008-05-13 10:31:48

Morning my fat little gooner friends. Todays another quiet transfer day, however even if there arent many rumours, we can all be sure that a signing will be made in the next few weeks. My money is on Ben Arfa, or Aaron Ramsey, one of the people that is linked with us today. So, lets get started....

Rumour of the day - Aaron Ramsey (Club: Cardiff - Position : Center Midfield)

Well, one of the hottest rumours around is that we were after a kid called Aaron Ramsey who plays for cardiff. (you can watch him in the fa cup final, by the way) Hes supposed to be a midfielder with an eye for a pass, someone who can set up goals and can manage to find a pass or shot under pressure.Apparently, these qualities intrigued Mr Wenger, and there seems to be genuine interest in him. Ive seen Aaron play for cardiff a few times myself, and he does seem to know how to pass and move constantly but I need to see more of him still.

Anyway, the kid (who is 16 years old, by the way) has impressed many, espessially during internationals. Here is an article about steve claridge describing what he (aaron ramsey) is like and how brilliant he is. Anyway, I'll stop talking about him and talk about the rumour, according to the mirror, manchester united has beaten us to his signature so that they can keep him as a long term replacment for paul scholes. I dont buy it, as the mirror is probably the worst of all the rumour sites along with goal.com, so lets see what happens. Id be a bit excited bout the kid, just like many others in our squad. But then again, this kid is supposed to be a mile ahead of youths his age and there have been comparisns with cesc fabregas. Anyway, you can be sure, that we'll hear abut developments soon.

Im expecting a signing today, tommorow or the day after for sure....

If for some reason the Ben Arfa deal collapses because of a 16m price tag one person Id be very keen on having next season is Ricardo Quaresma. The man can play on both wings, would add width, and is not afraid to take a man on. Also, he'd be available for just 9 to 15 m because Porto might get relegated due to the fact that it is involved in match fixing. You can be sure somebody will by Quaresma. I hope its us....espesially if hleb is going.

Anyway, Im off guys....I might pop in for another update later if I hear or see anything interesting....or if im bored....

Later!

TerrasBlog 13/05/08 - Are we Yeovil in disguise?

2008-05-13 08:24:41

Along with most fans of Weymouth I am constantly reminded by various administrations of the club that we should be following the benchmark of our near neighbours and "friends" Yeovil Town FC.

As a club that handled their relegation from the Conference by moving to the easier to win Ryman League as opposed to going the harder Southern League route as we did, I am not so sure they should be admired....

They of course made it back to the promised land of the Conf and managed their move to Huish Park more successfully that a lot of clubs that move house (Southampton or Leicester anyone?). And it is this period in their history that the Terras boardroom wants to emulate I suspect.

I was working in Yeovil during those seasons of success and our company meetings were held in the boardroom at the Huish. To say I took a pounding for being a Terras fan would be an understatement, but credit to them (to use a footballing cliche) they deserve to be where they are.

So can we do a Yeovil and get into the football league?

Well there are a couple of major points to consider.

A Southend fan I know has a theory that it is always harder for seaside clubs to prosper as they have a limited catchment (i.e. half of their possible catchment area is under water).
Despite protestations to the contrary, Yeovil have had a fair amount of money to achieve their dream... the praise you could give them is that they have spent it more wisely that us.

And whilst we could debate the motives, intentions and future plans of Weymouth FC owners past and present, we are where we are with Mr Curtis and have to wait and see his end of summer stadium plans before passing further judgement.

In answer to the question in bold above, I would say that right now I am not that optimistic we will be a league club before the olympics come to the borough, but one thing with this football club is that we should always expect the unexpected and never lose the faith.

The season in five words

2008-05-13 05:32:23

The Guardian has a neat summary of every EPL club this season in the form of a "Report Card". It's all nicely written there. Irritatingly, you need to go to the pages dedicated for the clubs and click on the "Report card" link. So, I thought it would be nice to put it up here.

There are various categories in the report card like On-pitch moment of the season, Off-pitch moment of the season, Greatest goal, Most embarrassing moment, The season in five words etc.

Click through the links for the full report cards while you enjoy "The season in five words"

Arsenal: Scintillating until squad depth exposed

Aston Villa: Good but can get better

Birmingham City: Has anyone seen Carson Yeung? [ Did anyone get it ? ]

Blackburn: Hughes continues to make strides

Bolton: Ugly, sterile, predictable, draining, relief

Chelsea: So near yet so far

Derby: Worst ever Premier League team

Everton: Further progress. Huge summer awaits

Fulham: Desperate. Frightening. Roy Hodgson. Exhilarating

Liverpool: Thank heavens for European football

Manchester City: Unique, Sven, bittersweet, Thailand, political [ bullocks! I'll write a better one: Great start but bitter finish ]

Manchester United: Glory, goals, Munich, harmony, Ronaldo

Middlesbrough: Contradictory, erratic, frustrating, enthralling, purist

Newcastle: Depressing, baffling, bizarre, soapy, improving

Portsmouth: The resurgence under Redknapp continues

Reading: Second-season syndrome strikes again

Sunderland: Tense, atmospheric, puzzling, exciting, satisfactory

Tottenham: Trophy soothes sense of underachievement

West Ham: Win or lose, they're 10th

Wigan: An awful start, excellent finish

Rui Costa retires

2008-05-13 03:28:27

Legendary Portuguese midfielder Rui Costa has brought an end to his illustrious career at the age of 36.

The Lisbon-born Rui Costa impressed Benfica legend Eusebio at the age of ten to win a place in the capital club's youth setup. In 1991 Costa won the youth world cup with Portugal before winning the Cup of Portugal in 1993 and the Portuguese Liga in the 93/94 season with Benfica.

But it was in Italy where the cultured midfielder would become famous. In 1994 Rui Costa joined Italian giants Fiorentina where he would win two Coppa Italia championships and beat out the great Zidane to be named played of the year at his position on multiple occasions. In 2001 Rui Costa made the move north to Milan, Costa would win a plethora of honors with the Rossoneri including the UEFA Champions League.

In 2006 Costa took a sizable pay cut and returned home to Lisbon to end his career at Benfica. Made captain for his final game Rui Costa ended his career by handing his red number 10 shirt to his father.

Rui Costa -

1990-1991: AD Fafe (6 league goals)

1991-1994 & 2006-2008: SL Benfica (23 league goals, Portuguese Liga 1994, Portuguese Cup 1993)

1994-2001: Fiorentina (40 league goals, Coppa Italia 1996, 2001, SuperCoppa de Italia 1996)

2001-2006: AC Milan (7 league goals, Serie A 2004, Coppa Italia 2003, Champions League 2003, European Super Cup 2003)

1993-2004: Portugal (94 caps, 26 goals)

Free or Fee?, that is the question.

2008-05-13 02:13:24

Our very first transfer saga. YAY!

Hartlepool's 1 year extension now means Joel Porter is under contract for 1 more year. He can no longer leave under a free transfer unless the club release him. The problem is apparently the guy has sold his house and made it clear he wants to leave. The Phoenix really cant afford to pay the transfer fee as all A-League teams operate under a salary cap, which includes transfer fees, and we are still in the market for another midfielder and 2 strikers (1 if we sign Porter) according to nix boss Pignata.

That leaves Hartlepool with a striker on their books, who they have effectively handcuffed to the club. They will have to sell him on to another club regardless, even if it isn't the Phoenix, as a disgruntled player is never the best idea for most changing rooms.

The English PFA have been contacted to help resolve the issue as the Nix claim to have agreed a three year deal before the contract extension was announced.

It will be at least a couple of days (if not weeks) before we here anything more from the Nix or Hartlepool, but I'm sure that every party to this deal wants it ended sooner rather than later.

till next time

Here comes the summer

2008-05-13 00:37:43

So as the players head off for their holidays the speculation will increase about who's staying and who's going and, most of all, who's coming in.

There was official confirmation from the club of Wenger's quotes about bringing in people quickly and at a meeting with fan's last night Ken Friar assured them that there was money available and Arsene will be able to roll over his transfer budget, which was in surplus remember, from last season. During the session he broke off from discussions to take a phone call from the manager and suggested that a signing was 'imminent'.

Other important points from that meeting were that 92% of the Highbury Square flats have been sold and that no Director of Football position will be filled. The search for a new managing director is well under way and they're hopeful somebody will be announced soon. Thanks to Tim Payton from the AST for the info.

In terms of players Gilberto says he'd love to see out his career with Arsenal and will sit down and talk with Arsene over the next little while. While I'm not sure he should be first choice I'd be happy if he stayed another season. He's a model professional and he adds depth and experience to our squad.

Lille's Jean Makoun is another to add to the list of potential arrivals while the same article suggests we're going to go after Sevilla's Seydou Keita.

Arsene spoke about Eduardo and revealed that physically he's expected to make a full recovery. It's the mental side of things he has to get on top of. And that is going to be the big battle, I think. It does take great strength of character to come back the same from an injury as serious as that but the Crozilian is strong in the head anyway. Fingers crossed that the physical side of things goes well and he doesn't end up like Diaby who, since his horrific injury, has been plagued by constant niggly injuries.

The Sun says Jens Lehmann has taken a parting shot at Arsene Wenger by suggesting if he were a coach in Germany he'd have been fired. I'm not sure it's a parting shot, just a comment outlining the differences in the football cultures - Arsenal are looking at continuity and longevity rather than short-termism.

The boss reveals that he sees Theo Walcott as a winger for next season despite his long term future lying up front. He says:

Education-wise, it's fantastic for him to be playing in midfield first. He has to play for the team, he has to work, he has to run back, to close down and still keep his potential to go in behind defenders at the right moment.

I really would have no problem if Theo were to start next season as first choice on the right hand side of our midfield. We saw over the final months of this season how much he improved and what he brings to the side in terms of pace, attacking threat, goals and assists - something which other players who played in that position this season did not. Another season where he matures more, gains more experience and provides some end product would be perfect for the young man. I think now that the boss needs to prove he's got faith in him by playing him more regularly as you do get the feeling that with that extra confidence Theo will theriouthly thrive.

Meanwhile Man United are set to beat us to the signing of Cardiff startlet Aaron Ramsey. I know our interest in this young man is very real, so it'll be interesting to see if we try and compete.

And that's about the size of it. Thanks to everyone for your feedback re: the move yesterday. Of course there are always little snags when moving a site so large and we've tried to keep on top of everything. If you do notice anything else please drop me a mail.

Update: There are some issues with the RSS feed which we know about.

Right then, more tomorrow.

Heres to next season!

2008-05-13 00:11:44

So after leading the Premiership for so long to miss out on winning it by a mere 4 points is hard to take. We have dazzled at times, frustrated at others but always and i mean always entertained. With the injuries we have had, the thinness of our squad at times, the heartbreak we have faced, the psychological impact of Eduardo's horrific injury coupled with the crushing and ultimately embarrassing defeats to Sp*rs and Man U in the cups, to take all of this into account and consider that we only finished 4 points off top spot and only 2 behind Chelsea, we can smile because this season has been a success. We have not taken young baby steps forward from last season. We are talking strides. Strides towards a future where Arsenal could dominate.

Next season we will be stronger, wiser and more confident than ever. I literally feel we are on the brink of this team breaking into its true capabilities. Lets hope this comes to fruition.

The Beginning....

2008-05-12 16:48:59

Ok let me start this blog by first saying im a gooner fan....aint it obvious?!! Anyway, so the purpose of this blog is to give all of us gooners the chance to get up to date with any transfer rumours out there. I will NOT spend much time on arsenal matches in the beginning, but if i do it will be briefly, along with any other interesting news i find.

Okay, might as well get started with transfer rumours then..

Transfer Rumour Numero #1: Hatem Ben Arfa (Left Winger/Midfielder)

Ok most of us by now, know that Ben Arfa has been linked with us in a 16m move. (courtesy of the scum....er....sun) At first the rumour was vague and most likely to be bull shit. But today Ben Arfa has admitted that arsenal are interested in him, he said:

"It is true that we have spoken about Arsenal, but we will see how it is going to happen," he told L'Equipe.

"If I stay at Lyon, it is to play. Wherever I go, it will be to play.''

''The season is not over yet, two games are remaining (one in Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France final).''

"Today I am at Lyon. We will see what tomorrow is made of. I try to give my maximum and to give everything when I am on the pitch."
"It is frustrating when I am on the bench but it is part of the job."

He hasnt really confirmed if we have paid 16m, and hes given the traditional response all players give before they leave a club by saying that the season is still not over, blah blah. We've heard it before, and im pretty sure this is one transfer that could realistically happen. I think he would certainly be a good addition to the squad and it will be interesting to see how he fits in. Hes young, can pass, and loves dribbling and taking players on. This is the kind we need at arsenal, maybe this was the 'creative midfielder' wenger was talking about.

The only thing im not sure about is, why hasnt Ben Arfa, easily one of lyon's best players besides Benzema not getting first team football? Hes been impressive for lyon and its surprising he hasnt got many starts.

But I guess he still has proven his ability for lyon anyway because he was crowned ligue 1's young player of the season. Im definitly excited about him and you can be sure that arfa will be fighting for a first team place as left winger immediatelly. Heck, he might even replace hleb, if he is planning to go to Inter.

Ouch, just realised ive waffled quite a bit, time to move on to transfer rumour #2:

Transfer Rumour Numero #2: Jean Makoun II (Defensive Midfielder)

Jean Makoun is another rumour that was going on a few days/weeks ago and his name has constantly come up with arsenal. Apparently, we have made enquiries for him, and face competition with spurs for his signature.

Quote from skysports:

Meanwhile, the Gunners are desperate to find a replacement for the Milan-bound Mathieu Flamini and see the Cameroonian as the ideal candidate.

Arsenal are rumoured to have already made tentative enquires as to the player's availability and may return with a firm offer.

Sounds gibberish to me, but I would love it if he came. I have a high opinion of the lad, and I think he would fit in straight away. Id say hes as good as Flamster except maybe his first touch and finishing can be frustrating at times. Nonetheless, hes a good player, and im sure Lille OSC will want at least 5 to 10m for him.

Transfer Rumour Numero #3: Vincent Kompany (Central Defender/Wing Back)

There are vague rumours out today that Arsenal are looking at Vincent Kompany... If thats the case, ill be extremely happy....why? Because Kompany is and could be one the best defenders on the planet. He can definitly tackle, and can mark very well. He doesnt have too much in the 'brute strength' department but if you look at the manc ferdinand, you'll see he doesnt have much strength either.

Kompany is also quick, can pass, and can attack very well...! Just take a look at this video if you dont believe me!

Kompany would be an excellent defender, and im sure wenger must at least have him in his thoughts, this guy could deal with those 'long balls' wenger was talking about and be a real impact player on the squad. We'll see what happens later....

So thatll conclude todays rumours...

But before i say goodbye, here are the positions I think Arsene will work on/and needs to work on before the transfer window shuts:

-1 Defender needed (one who can deal with long alls and ariel balls)

-1 Winger needed (Backup for injury prone rosicky, and can play instead of eboue...plus with the possibility of hleb going, one is definitly needed.)

-1 Defensive Midfielder (replacment for flamini who will join ac milan)

Well thats about it, Im off.

Have a nice evening.

And so it begins

2008-05-12 16:19:40

All things begin somewhere. Some grand, some not. I leave it up to you to decide where this bit of nonsense will rate.

As the 2008 season ends, I have come to realize that although there are many Arsenal fans around the world, many of whom are quite vocal about their opinions, I find myself oftentimes in disagreement or out right shock in those opinions. As such, I am happy to add my own bit of perspective to the fray.

First and foremost, I would like to thank the Arseblogger for his most excellent blog. If you have not had the opportunity to read his daily dose of news and wit, you have missed out on the best (in my opinion) of whats out there. I am addicted to the weekly podcasts as my favorite guilty pleasure. And while I share many a view of the football world with the Arseblogger, I will do my best to not repeat his views here, but offer my own Yankee perspective.

So, as a visitor to London as a student in 1990, I had the fortune of attending University College in N. London and falling into a group of mates who were Arsenal fans. Now being a soccer player for 16 years at that point, growing up in Rochester, NY and being a staunch fan of the Rochester Lancers, I thought that I had a pretty good understanding of the game. I can hear you chuckling even as I write this. Well, needless to say, that I was to be set right upon my first visit to Highbury. The electricity, the pace of play, the sheer SIZE of the game literally blew me away.

After the game at the pub, I remember actually being angry. I mean spitting, wanting to throw my pint across the room pissed off. "What the hell " I thought (and I am sure yelled to anyone who would listen). What I had grown up with was a grain of sand compared to the Sahara. Upon returning to the US, I couldn't even explain it to anyone here who had never encountered it. I was back in the realm of the blind, trying to explain how red a sunset can be.

Enter Satalite TV!!! Can you hear the angels sing as I say that. I still can. Now you can find me glued to the games every weekend. What is still missing is the passionate, animated and rowdy pub conversation. I spent 9 years in Colorado and had to leave for work just as the Rapids got their new stadium. I love that they are on such great terms with Arsenal and that the clubs practice together. I am now in Florida. . Not too much animated discussion about the gunners here thank you very much. The few premier fans I do run into are generally Man U supporters. Not even good ones (ok, so there is not such thing), but more like Yankee fans (meaning, its the only team they ever heard of so thats the one they say they support).

Enter Ole Ole. Well, if you can't bring Mohamed to the Emeries.... well you get my drift.

So I will be here from time to time and offer up my humble opinion on this and that with the club and hope to spark some of that passionate pub conversation that I miss so terribly. I will hold out for other poor Yanks who have had a taste of the real thing and now look in the window at the feast.

Arseblog joins Team OleOle

2008-05-12 15:20:09

Hello Footie Fanactics,

Are you an Arsenal Fan? Or in fact, do you hate them with all your guts?

Well, either way you will have a lot more to talk about now.

We here at OleOle are very happy and proud to announce one of the greatest signings of the year for our team.

Arseblog is now part of the new OleOle.

If you know Arseblog you know how big this signing is and if you don't know it yet you can check it out here http://arseblog.oleole.com

As for us, we can only give Arseblogger - the man behind the blog - a very warm welcome. OleOle is now your home but like every family you will always have lots of people that love you and also those cousins, stepbrothers and so who will try their best to give you a hard time.

Well I'm sure you're already used to it. Arseblog has been on the web since 2002 with news, discussions, debates, etc... about the Gunners.

Now at OleOle, the World's Largest Football Network, Arseblog will have a world range of fans (or not) to discuss, debate, comment... it's f***ing excellent!

Welcome Arseblog. Help yourself. OleOle is your home now.

Leigh on Sea, more like

2008-05-12 14:28:19

Blah blah blah Arsenal, blah blah blah Flamini, blah blah blah gang buggery

2008-05-12 13:43:30

Last day of the season - and Boooooo ! ! !

2008-05-12 13:29:05

Last day of the league season is always an exciting prospect, especially for the neutrals. This one wasn't an exception either. Arsenal played survival guaranteed Sunderland and a neat finish by Theo meant 83 points for the season. Too bad match wasn't shown live due to 'important' matches of the title race. 83 points is not bad really but such are the standards at the top level that it was never going to be enough. Boss says he will be bringing some fresh face(s) soon and this can only be an encouraging sign especially after this season's disappointment of not winning any silverware. Fingers crossed.

Elsewhere highlight of the day was the Fulham escaping the relegation. It was one of those infamous Houdini acts and I have to say it was quite impressive. For a team which was miles behind the safety zone 2 months ago just refused to lie down. They worked their socks off in every match that they played in last two months and at the end deserved to win the survival battle on expense of Reading and Birmingham. It just goes to show that if you do not loose a battle in your mind at the first place you can always bounce back like warriors and that is what Fulham did this year. Kudos to them.

Booooooooo ! because united won the title. It could have been us but its united this year, so BOOOOOO ! ! !

When stupids like Shiniwatra are the almighties at the likes of Citehs who sacks a manager who does a league double over arch rivals united, such things are bound to happen. And its befitting that boro of all clubs get to do the favor.

A big thanks to my friend Afzal for his sentiments of love and support. God Bless you mate!

Thats about it I guess. More later..

Manuel Rui Costa - One of the most elegant players

2008-05-12 12:30:17

Manuel Rui Costa, one of the most elegant players I have ever seen, announced he would retire from professional soccer after his last game.