Speculative, no? 

Honestly, I was thinking about it the whole time I watched Chelsea tie, and then lose to, Manchester United.  I kept harkening back to our loss vs. Barca two years ago (we played so well for so much of the match) and to our games this season. 

Frankly, with a healthy squad, I think Arsenal would have beaten either team yesterday.  Sure, I'm biased, but I think that both Man U and Chelsea were lucky (read: ref help) to beat Arsenal in the final weeks of the EPL campaign.  Chelsea had that nasty "play the ball back deep and press, even after you put the ball out for our injury " move, which led to the goal, and an even further loss of dignity, if you ask me.  Funny how they got so pissy about it when Tevez was involved in a similar play.  A the Bridge, an off-sides call not was not seen as well.  At Old Trafford, Man U had a free kick (goal by Hargreaves) off of a dive--replays show that Gilberto didn't come near him.  And of course, Man U gave away only one penalty kick all season.  Hmmmm.  Wow.  And Hmmm.

However, even if you take away my whining, Arsenal typically rises to big occasions. 

A friend of mine pointed out that when good teams play each other, it is often the ref who makes the game--the teams are too even to separate.  Worth considering.

Also--watching Ashley cry.  Watching Ronaldo miss.  Watching Anelka get blocked.  It could have been worse. 

Transfer rumors--still nothing definite.

See ya.

Happy Monday?

First up, three of our French players have been "ignored" by their national team.  Clichy, Diaby, and Sagna will sit out for Euro 2008.  If you ask me, I feel bad for them, assuming they wanted to represent their country, buuuuuut I feel super mega happy for Arsenal, who will need and want rested players for the CL qualifiers and the start of next year. 

I'm not so sure that Diaby is world class yet, but the additional experience would do him good, of course.

The other bit of news is that we've been linked with a number of French players now, but really, who knows what the chances are.  I'd give you the names beyond Nasri and Hatem Ben Arfa, but if I linked every name we'll be associated with, there'd be no end to the list.  All speculation and rumor, right now. 

Arsene, change that! 

And finally, it looks like Lehmann may head for Germany.  Good for him.  I always liked him, especially for how scrappy he is.  Jens reminds me of a hockey goalie....without skates.  And pads.  And a mask.  But just as pissy.

Shin out

Hello, kids.

Looks like we've got some questions to ponder.

Question one:  Based on recent rumor, and tough to believe based on pricing, will Arsenal make a bid for Samir Nasri?  ooooooooh. 

Question two: Did Jens Lehmann and Manuel Almunia really shake hands?  And, during said shake, did Jens step on Manuel's foot and then punch him, just a little, in the kidneys?  Probably.

Question three: Not an Arsenal question but still exciting: will the EPL's most prolific scorer and serial diver consider a move to Spain?  C. Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world right now; could Real Madrid really offer up the cash that Manchester United would require? 

Answers.

One: Samir Nasri?   

I wouldn't complain.  I've watched him in a few games, and he seems creative, quick, and dangerous.  Sort of like Rosicky, sort of like Messi, and young enough to improve a great deal.  The high price isn't very...Wengeresque...so this falls very deeply in the realm of rumor.  I'll call Arsene later and find out.

In the meantime, Arsenal are reportedly offering some of their current players, Clichy, maybe Sagna, new, improved deals.  Hurrah!

Two--Jens and Almunia?  BFF. 

NO WAY.

Though Jens has the smoothest, silkiest voice ever.  Hard to believe.

And question the third: Ronaldo to Spain?  Maybe.  I don't know why C. Ronaldo would admit to such an interest right before a CL final.  I also don't know how much money it would take, besides buckets, buckets, and more buckets. 

But even if he did leave, Manchester U. would get so much money in return that they'd probably just buy a whole other team --maybe Lyon, maybe Everton-- and just put them on the bench.  They love to spend big. 

Well, we shall see, shall we not?  shant we?  should we shant?  whatever.

Hiya.

There isn't a ton of Arsenal news at this moment.  Rumor has it that Hleb has made an awkward request to leave the brutal chaos that is London--

--to head for more pastoral settings.  Milan?  Detroit?  Well, whatever. 

And Wenger has said that next year's Champions League qualifier may be tricky, as so many players will be fatigued from the Euro 2008 tournament. Arsenal is likely to have 10 or 12 players in that competition.  Geez. 

But what I'm most worried about and interested in discussing is the effect of cash money bling on the game, on transfers, team make-up, etc.  Looking at Italy, Spain, and England, the teams with the most cash are certainly all near the top.  There may be exceptions, of course, but one might easily point out how the wealthiest teams can casually outbuy any mid-table squads.  Or one could consider how Flamini, at contract's end, leaves for the clear offer of more cash, cash that Arsenal may not have been able to match.  And then there's the waste that happens when promising and expensive (SWP) players end up on the benches of teams already super stacked.  And other players then leave those heavy squads and act as though they deserve Saturn and all of its moons--example, Diarra being so surly about starting for Arsenal's midfield.  What?  Remove Cesc and Flamini?  brilliant..... 

Finally, I can't believe that Manchester United is being promised more money for this summer.  Last summer's splurge wasn't enough?  Perhaps I'm simply bemoaning the fact that Arsene doesn't spend big, when/if he can.

So, I'm still forming my thoughts on that one.

And in blog news, a good friend of mine is going to join the team.  He loves Torres.  You'll see.

See ya.