The Blazing Cannon

Bacary Sagna, Freddie, and More Arsenal Stuff

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 19:11:34 -0500

Hello again, the anticipated arrival of Auxerre right back, Bacary Sagna (I always thought it was Bakary..but who knows), to Arsenal has been completed today. The transfer was undisclosed but im hearing figures of around 5 million pounds which could rise to 7 million pounds. The 24 year old will wear the number 3 shirt previously worn by a major cunt. (As I'm sure you all hate to remember)

Some photos and quotes here. I must say the new kit fonts, I dont like them, the letters look far too small.

Sagna himself seemed pretty happy, saying the usual junk new signings say. "Bak" as his nickname goes also gave a little insight on himself and the transfer, saying that he prefers playing at Right Back although playing at Left Back (like the cunt, remember) achieves "The same result." Another positive is he expects to adapt to the english game immediately. Unlike the big clumsy guy from brazil we had last season...ugh.

Many people have raised question marks as to why Sagna has been signed given that Hoyte and Eboue have both recently signed long term contracts. Although Wenger does claim that Sagna can play in midfield a bit, I suspect he'd only play there in case of emergency. Eboue, I think will shift into right midfield next season leaving Hoyte and Sagna in Right Back. Due to Eboue's main weakness being defense, and his danger when he attcks (see Van Persies Blinding goal away to Charlton, Henry's Header against Porto at the Grove, or even the cause of the free kick that gave us the goal in the champions league final) and you feel Eboue could make a good Right winger. But that's strictly my opinion, I do believe it strongly, though I must say. Besides one of them could always move to left back if needed and we could find cover for right midfield somewhere as well.

I must ask though, Where does this Matty Flamini? I heard a week ago that he had spoken to Wenger at the beginning of Pre-season training, and he had agreed to stay and play at rght back. I'm thinking for a player who had announced in February that he is leaving, and whom Wenger hadn't played since then, what's taking so long for him to leave. I feel he is underrated and I'd like for him to stay and fill in at Left Back or something, but for a transfer that seemed so concrete, what is taking so long?

In other news, Freddie's high wages appear to have stopped his Fiorentina move, instead he could be going to Manchester City. Seeing him play for another England team would be very sad indeed,but he loves Arsenal, and we certainly Love him, we all knew his time was coming. All I can say is; Thank you for everything (including the 5.5 million quid we'd get) and Best of Luck, Freddie!

Reported Arsenal target, Ryan Babel has signed for Liverpool for about 13.5 million pounds. While I think the fee is a little outrageous, I like Ryan Babel, a lot. I would have liked seeing him here, he is a pacy, skilled, young winger. What makes me think though is that his move comes 10 days after he claimed "As for next season I will be with Ajax. But I will no doubt be an Arsenal player" hmm..I'm clueless on that.

The Independent still thinks we could sing Oba Oba, I don't know..we could but I doubt Wenger would want all of RVP, Adebayor, Dudu (cuz I refuse to call him Eduardo), Bendtner, Martins, and possibly Theo, in attack. It seems to crowded, plus having oba would take time away from Bendtner and Theo, So I don't think it will happen.

I honestly believe this is all for the transfer window, except for those 16 year olds Wenger signs, keeps for two seasons, then sells them for quite a bit more than what he paid to some other team. Pretty smart investment if you ask me.

Squash any shit rumors you hear about Wenger telling Cesc to wait one year before they both move to barcelona simply because it's a ple of Horseshit.

Villareal's player of the year award went to Pascal Cygan. Funny stuff.

Any news on Giles Grimandi filling in the Dein role, (no not the backstabbing the rest of the board and trying to sell us to an american role, the other role, the football one) Or any news of the still confusing "third Kit" issue would be appreciated, as well as your comments.

Thanks, have a good one! ( I'm sure I forgot something..)

3rd Kit Not A 3rd Kit At All

Wed, 4 Jul 2007 10:23:04 -0500

STOP Everything!

Yesterdays reported 3rd kit that appeared on Gunnerblog, and that I commented on has turned out to be Arsenal's Training Top for the 2007/2008 season. I spotted it on the club's official website. Well it looks pretty nice for a training top. Congrats to a guy who posted on my comments and said "the 3rd kit" would look better if it were a training top. Nice eye.

Not a bad looking training top to be honest...but the mystery remains what is our 3rd kit for next season? I honestly think Arsenal will do what they've been doing for the past few seasons and use the previous away kit (in this case last years yellow one) as the third kit.

As you were.

New 3rd Kit Mysteries for Arsenal?

Tue, 3 Jul 2007 17:37:37 -0500

Hello,

Sorry but I have to make it a quick one today. I've been doing a lot of thinking about the 3rd Jersey that seemed to circulate around the net a few weeks back, even I wrote about it in my first blog post. I was thinking how odd it was that Arsenal never mentioned the jersey at all, they didn't market it once, whereas they have marketed the white kit extensively since the last game of the season or so. Then, I wondered how odd it was that only some weird danish site had mentioned the 3rd Kit and how they had it on sale. Surely a brand new, yet to be released kit would be released for the normal price, not on sale before it even comes out.

Ironically, Gunnerblog yesterday put that picture you see up there on his site yesterday, and seemed confused by it. Again this raises the question of why Arsenal have not marketed the kit, either it's becuase they havent got round to it, or they wont (i dunno?) Or It's becuase its a fake thoery and their is no 3rd Kit. Yet again though, one would think Arsenal need a 3rd kit since many teams play with Red, and White on their kits i.e Charlton, Middlesborough, Sunderland, Man United, PSV, Ajax, Feyenoord, Benfica, etc..so surely a 3rd kit is a must.

Another question I have is why is this 3rd kit pictured in front of a poster displaying the White kit. Surely the "3rd Kit" should have its own advertisement. Besides I find it surprising that a store would have a kit on display when the club itself has not mentioned a 3rd kit at all. One other thing I found peculiar was how this kit and the white kit have the same colored shorts, but thats not really a big deal...

Anywas whether or not we have a 3rd kit...I have no clue at all. I'm as clueless as the hideous prick Martin Jol was when he signed Bent for 16.5 million. I think it's pretty much safe to say the previous 3rd kit on that danish site isn't genuine though. Shame it had a nice looking collar...oh well. More on the crozillian and other Arse stuff tomorrow.

Your thoughts on the 3rd kit?

Eduardo Da Silva Da Gooner

Mon, 2 Jul 2007 16:52:02 -0500

It was all very silent and boring then..BOOM! Wenger Signs Dudu

Hello Everyone,

Let me start of by saying, signing Dudu (not to be confused with Brazilian Brazilian Dudu) ruined my blog post. I was going to discuss all the options and possibilities and what I would do and follow it up with a post about what would be most likely to happen but thats all rubbish now. Wenger has made a signing just a day after returning from his health spa week retreat in Italy.

I must admit this signing caught me by surprise, and is typical Wenger. The one thing I've always told people about Wenger is that you never know what he'll do. While that may be good for the club, as fans it gets kinda boring not having any rumors to read about and fantasize over. Its a simple and quick "Ok we have signed this player" kind of thing with Wenger. There is no "We might sign," or "We are working out the details". Also, I must admit I have only seen Brazilian-born Croat Eduardo Da Silva AKA Dudu once, against Arsenal last August. However, thanks to Arseole you can get a description of the player and an interesting compilation of the goals he's scored. I've also read that the 24 year old striker scored 34 goals in 32 games, or 32 in 34 which I must say sounds pretty impressive (albeit in the Croatian League). A bonus though is he shouldnt have those gay "settling in England" issues that Reyes n Julio Bullshit Baptista had since..well..the weather in Croatia is differt than the weather in Spain. He seems pretty happy though.

In my opinion, this move excites me. Arsenal have needed a pure goal scorer in recent seasons. One who can just add a lethal final touch from anywhere around the goal, and Eduardo Da Silva looks to be him. Furthermore, In Arsene I Trust Fully.

While the transfer was listed as having an undisclosed fee i read on gunnerblog and heard on different forums that he could have cost 16 million pounds, the same 16 we got for Henry. (a disgustingly low fee for Titi) If so, then that worries me a bit, his youtube video may look promising but at the end of the day hes inexperienced and played in the croatian league 16 mil might be overdoing it a bit. Nonetheless best of luck to him, and Arsene Knows. (Sky sports claim their "sources" say the deal was around 8 million quid, but zagrebs president thinks it was around the 16 mil mark)

With Arsene back, expect more activity but not too much. Contrary to what Cesc's Agent thinks I doubt Wenger will do more than add 1 or MAYBE 2 more first team signings. He may add 3 or 4 16 year olds but as for ready-to-go signings I dont see anyone other than Sagna coming in.

Sagna has previously stated his desire to join Arsenal, as well as Auxerre's president claiming Sagna seems set on joining Arsenal. With Sagna being a right back, and Hoyte and Eboue just signing new long term deals I am a bit puzzled by this. If Sagna does come in I expect either him or Eboue to, with time, move onto the right side of midfield. Wenger converting defender to midfielder and viceversa has proven to be a success, just look at Kolo, Lauren, Djourou etc. Let's not forgot also that Eboue has played right midfield a few times, and our only goal in the Champions League Final came as a result of a free kick, caused by Eboue plowing down the right side of midfield. Also he isn't that good defensively.

I must say however Sagna coming in doesnt sound like a Wenger move, theres simply been to much talk and stuff said about the deal, I also dont remember Wenger signing a player who's said prior to the deal that he'd love to play for Arsenal. To me that sounds like the player is calling to attract Wengers attention, rahter than an "I'm coming" sort of thing.

I think that should be all for today, my next post will be rumors of any more transfers including my opinion on who I'd get, followed next buy what I think Wenger will do.

Take care for now, and thanks to everyone who comments, your feedback is not only interesting but also helpful.

P.S: To one of my good friends who knows who that person is, i hope ur having a "craaaaaazzzzyy" time "hahaha"

Henry Situation is a Lose-Lose Scenario for Arsenal

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 16:25:49 -0500

Two weeks into June, The La Liga still hasn't finished (and it is proabaly one of the most exciting title race finishes for a few years in all of europe), the under 21 championships are underway, copa america is set to start soon, The bungs inquiry report has been released, and new kits are being revealed day in day out yet none of the tabs can stop talking about Thierry Henry and his bloody childishness.

Don't get me wrong, I am a huge Arsenal fan, and a big admirer of Henry, when fit he is arguably the best and most consistent player in the world. Seeing Henry leave would sadden me, and also worry me, but i must say hes just being stupid, arrogant, spoiled, and inconsiderate.

Last year, he shat all over Arsenal and the fans all year long till he decided to stay, he claimed it would be his last contract, that he'd retire with arsenal and what not. This year the rumors have heated up once again and all he can do is lead and mis-lead. "For Now, I am with arsenal", "It's great to hear Milan want me", "Who knows what will happen, at the moment I'm with Arsenal", "David Dein leaving was not a clever move" " I am a big girl" Why must he spur on witless journalists with remarks like that. They'll just make up absurd stories headlined with "DEVASTATED HENRY GOES MENTAL OVER DEIN EXIT" or "HENRY HOLD SECRET TALKS WITH GREAT MILAN; CONTRACTS ALREADY AGREED" I as an arsenal fan find it insulting that my team captain A) has no respect to the fans, B) has no respect to the club or the board, C) Has no loyalty to the club that made him and D) Gets involved with topics that he knows aren't for him to discuss such as the board's decisions. Arseblog touched on this quite a bit recently, and I must agree with him.

So anyways onto what could happen I see 3 options and all of them are a lose lose situation for Arsenal, I think regardless Arsenal will come out of this ordeal hurt, even if slightly.

Scenario 1) Henry stays after billions of rumors and stories, The rate of Arsenal Fans with heart problems will increase due to the tabloid stories, but at the end of the day of most affiliated with the club will feel releaved. Henry will come out with typical player bullshit about "I love this club, it's My home, I want to make sure Arsenal reach the top again, the fans make me feel wanted"

Problem with scenario 1) Henry will continue to slam Dein's exit, or the water flavor, or the tie Wenger wears, or something else he should not involve himself in. The tabs will never stop springing up stories, the rumors will NEVER die down. The minute arsenal play a bad game or henry plays bad there will be "Henry Regrets staying, Opens Barca Door" headlines all over the place and the cycle of heart problem-filled summers continues.

Scenario 2) Henry goes to barca in exchange for Eto'o and POSSIBLY some small cash amount

Problems) Well, Titi is MUCH better than eto'o i know everyone in the world highly rates eto'o but for some reason I have never been convinced..regardless Eto'o is no henry, at all. Plus Henry is our captain, he understands the league, the team, the philosophy of the team, etc Eto'o would need time to settle in, get used to weather and use all the other Baptista Excuses. Plus Eto'o claims he doesn't want to leave Barca. Basically Henry is too big to be replaced by Eto'o and at this current time, Arsenal needs his quality and experience.

Scenario 3) Henry goes for cash, either to Barca or Milan, if its a cash only deal I'd think Milan have a stronger chance at Henry.

Problems) well its quite obvious, who fills Henry's boots? Especially if the deal is left late, who can arsenal possibly sign? No striker out there is Henry Calibre and could make an impact straight away..torres? eto'o? Villa? etc...no not good enough. While i trust Van Persie a Lot, and Adebayor a bit They would not be enough for Arsenal to be a serious contender in europe or in England. Furthermore his price tag is somehwere around 20 mil pounds which is DISGUSTING. Darren Bent who isnt worth Henry's glove and is inexperience as hell got a fee agreed for 18 million, carrick the shit from spurs got 16 or someting million, and shevchenko got 30 million. 20 million pounds for Henry is DISGUSTING, especially how 20 million wouldn't buy Arsenal a replacement...

Take care!

P.S 2 days ago I would have bet my house Henry was sticking around, as of today...I don't know its 50-50

New Kits For The Wrong Reasons?

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 19:51:45 -0500

This week has seen the arrival of two new kits to the 2007/2008 collection. The home kit stays the same, the controversial (although I must admit I like it, except for those horrible socks) white kit will be the away kit, and the newly released red (and i think black, or navy blue) horizontally striped 3rd kit.

My first impression, great news! Then I thought about a whole bunch of un-related to stuff till it suddenly hit me. Are these kits being released because Arsenal is in a tough shape financialy?

All year long, Keith Adleman and Co have gone on and on about how even though Emirates Stadium has given Arsenal a huge debt, things are pretty good financially and in the long run things will be looking great for Arsenal. And while I don't doubt the latter, it's the former that worries me. I've ignored the claims that Arsene has no money to spend and the club's debt thingy is worse than most people think it is, till the season ended.

Frank Ribery who was admired by Wenger for a while moved to Bayern without any action from Wenger. I ignored that and brushed it off as just Wenger not being interested in him. Then I read all about Wenger saying the team would only add super class players, as of right now, I really don't see Wenger adding someone to the team and I feel thats down to the financial burden. He clearly believes in his youth policy, and I do too, however just like anyone else he knows that arsenal are one or two experienced, class players away from being a top top team. He has the scouts, he knows who's good and who's not, and he knows that an experience player would not hurt at all. However there has been nothing, and I know its very early on in the transfer window, but I honestly think its down to there being a lack of funds.

The alarm really began to ring recently when Henry was asked on Soccernet whether Arsenal made a mistake of being overdependant on the youth policy, Henry said, " I don't know if you can call it a mistake when you have no other choice. At the end of the day, Everybody knows all your resources went into the new stadium, therefore you have to do with what you have." He then continued, "Maybe if we didn't have the new stadium we'd have more players." Worrying stuff.

Which brings me to my main point, last season Arsenal wore the maroon "farewell to highbury" kit and it sold. I mean it SOLD. An old themed kit sells very nicely, everyone knows that, so do the people at Nike and Arsenal. Thus introducing the white kit and lamely giving it the Herbert Chapman theme, will do nothing to hurt sales. Especially seeing how people may have been bored with yellow two seasons in a row and thus be reluctant to spend more cash on a color worn for two years. Thus, as much as I like the new white kit, I feel the Chapman theme and the white kit itself is only being used a quick and easy way to make some big cash.

The third kit came as a big surprise to me, apart from hearing almost nothing of it, until today when gunnerblog and arseblog both linked pictures of it, Arsenal havent had third kits for quite a while. Usually the third kit would be the away kit from the previous season as seen in 2004/2005 when the third kit was the hideous yellow kit with the blue collar used in the unbeaten season, and for the previous two seasons where the third kit was the blue kit used in 04/05 season. Furthermore, for the past two seasons the third kit has never been used. To me the third kit, which will probably only be used three times maximum this season, is another way to make some quick easy cash, introducing a collar which hasn't been on Arsenal kits for quite some time, as well as implemening a stripes look to it, both combine to give it a different flavor from anything gooners have seen over the past few years.

Maybe I'm just being a bit paranoid, and of course it is just a theory, however when you look at all the arguments together, it does kind of make sense, or maybe its just rubbish...

cheers.