Arsene Wenger gloats about finishing 4th yet again.
- Thread starter patdog
- Start date
Maybe if Wenger would stop running his mouth about other clubs, they might finish higher than fourth...
Wenger - I love him, but he makes me nuts...
That article was a bit contrived since it didn't reveal any quote where Wenger "gloated" about 4th. I'm an Arsenal fan and probably follow them and the BPL far more than I should - and I haven't heard him say anything "gloating" this season. I think he's learned to knock that crap off. However, I do think he's a fantastic manager and does more with less than anyone in the top tier of the league.
Having said that, if you look at their record/results for the last 10 years, the downturn began when David Dein left and Wenger was in sole charge of running the transfer market. Dein seemed to be the "closer/dealmaker" who loved to wheel and deal. Now, Wenger is trying to do that and is pretty crappy at it. You almost sense he detests that part of the job. He seems to be locked in the pre-Chelsea/Man City Era (before the Russian oligarchs and Arab shieks started throwing millions around) and undervalues EVERYONE. In Wenger's defense, I think the club was significantly hamstrung, more than he'd ever say, by the debts on their new stadium, but that's past, it seems. I've started to grow frustrated with his cheap-*** ways and pray that he'll spend some of the reported $100 million transfer budget he has this summer. But, I'm not hopeful at all. I've seen this movie before.
They probably could have won the championship this year if they'd had some decent depth because, by January/Feb, their main guys (Ozil, Giroud, Ramsey, Wilshere) were completely gassed - or injured - from playing so many minutes without a break.
That article was a bit contrived since it didn't reveal any quote where Wenger "gloated" about 4th. I'm an Arsenal fan and probably follow them and the BPL far more than I should - and I haven't heard him say anything "gloating" this season. I think he's learned to knock that crap off. However, I do think he's a fantastic manager and does more with less than anyone in the top tier of the league.
Having said that, if you look at their record/results for the last 10 years, the downturn began when David Dein left and Wenger was in sole charge of running the transfer market. Dein seemed to be the "closer/dealmaker" who loved to wheel and deal. Now, Wenger is trying to do that and is pretty crappy at it. You almost sense he detests that part of the job. He seems to be locked in the pre-Chelsea/Man City Era (before the Russian oligarchs and Arab shieks started throwing millions around) and undervalues EVERYONE. In Wenger's defense, I think the club was significantly hamstrung, more than he'd ever say, by the debts on their new stadium, but that's past, it seems. I've started to grow frustrated with his cheap-*** ways and pray that he'll spend some of the reported $100 million transfer budget he has this summer. But, I'm not hopeful at all. I've seen this movie before.
They probably could have won the championship this year if they'd had some decent depth because, by January/Feb, their main guys (Ozil, Giroud, Ramsey, Wilshere) were completely gassed - or injured - from playing so many minutes without a break.
The English press is notorious for trolling with headlines that aren't really supported by the article. Wegner is sort of a economist's manager. He likes to buy young players who fit his system and bring them through, and then sell players when the offer makes economic sense. Ultimately, that gets you finishing just about the spot where your turnover and wage bill says you'll finish, and that is what Arsenal have done. They have a great shot at the FA Cup, so the trophy drought can end.
p.s. Note that this is a Spurs supporter taking up for him. I think he gets a bad rap, although douchiness does seem to be something he selects for in players.
p.s. Note that this is a Spurs supporter taking up for him. I think he gets a bad rap, although douchiness does seem to be something he selects for in players.
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They desperately need a striker who is an elite finisher and can run past someone, anyone. Giroud is none of those. The midfield is full of stars and they need a central defender.
The central defense was strong, but they could use some depth. I agree that they need a runner or two to go with all of those passers.
Losing Ramsey was a blow, but so was losing Wolcott. He is one of the few guys who runs and gets past the defense to accept some of those passes. Was Podolski hurt earlier?
Losing Ramsey was a blow, but so was losing Wolcott. He is one of the few guys who runs and gets past the defense to accept some of those passes. Was Podolski hurt earlier?
A good part of the economy has been because Arsenal didn't have any public funding for Emirates Stadium. The acquisition of Ozil has made me confident that Arsenal can make similar future moves.
Ramsey isn't really a guy who will get past anyone. He is very technical and a superb passer. The mids future is bright if they can hold onto him and Wilshere. Podolski isn't someone that will run by guys, he's more the same as the rest, with a cannon of a leg and is capable of playing wide.
They need some strength in midfield and central defense, and their recent link to Lars Bender and Javi Martinez (can play central defense also) would shore up the midfield issue. My comment above wasn't as much about elite speed as it was about someone who can run past someone when really needed and finish the chance. A Benzema or Suarez type. If he wasn't brand new at City I would say Jovetic would be a great fit. He is strong and has good short range bursts, but he can also play the technical ball Wenger likes.
They need some strength in midfield and central defense, and their recent link to Lars Bender and Javi Martinez (can play central defense also) would shore up the midfield issue. My comment above wasn't as much about elite speed as it was about someone who can run past someone when really needed and finish the chance. A Benzema or Suarez type. If he wasn't brand new at City I would say Jovetic would be a great fit. He is strong and has good short range bursts, but he can also play the technical ball Wenger likes.
Yeah, losing Walcott was killer. After that, they had no speed on the wings and every opponent started overloading the middle to shut them down. They definitely need to find another wide player.
I only saw Real Sociedad play once this season (vs Barcelona). Former Arsenal forward Carlos Vela ran Barca's defense in circles that day (RS won 3-1). It made me think what could have been... I've read where Arsenal has a 3.3 million pound buy-back clause on him, but I wonder if there were issues between him and Wenger for Arsenal to cut him loose so early. He's always shown talent and is exactly the type of player Arsenal needs to play off Giroud or alone. He has good speed and is really creative. Vela's also refused to play for the Mexican national team during qualifying and the upcoming World Cup - that's why I wonder if there are serious ego issues with him that Wenger grew tired of. The other Real Sociedad player who was very impressive vs Barca was Antoine Greizmann. He's a wide player and I've seen reports of links to Arsenal - yes, I know transfer rumors are as good as SEC signing day rumors... (He's French, so maybe Wenger will go for him...)
For the Arsenal fans (and Premier League fans in general), if you haven't, check out The Tuesday Club podcasts on iTunes. They are really funny and entertaining. It's done by British comedian (and Gooner), Alan Davies, and rotating cast of 4-5 other friends of his.
I only saw Real Sociedad play once this season (vs Barcelona). Former Arsenal forward Carlos Vela ran Barca's defense in circles that day (RS won 3-1). It made me think what could have been... I've read where Arsenal has a 3.3 million pound buy-back clause on him, but I wonder if there were issues between him and Wenger for Arsenal to cut him loose so early. He's always shown talent and is exactly the type of player Arsenal needs to play off Giroud or alone. He has good speed and is really creative. Vela's also refused to play for the Mexican national team during qualifying and the upcoming World Cup - that's why I wonder if there are serious ego issues with him that Wenger grew tired of. The other Real Sociedad player who was very impressive vs Barca was Antoine Greizmann. He's a wide player and I've seen reports of links to Arsenal - yes, I know transfer rumors are as good as SEC signing day rumors... (He's French, so maybe Wenger will go for him...)
For the Arsenal fans (and Premier League fans in general), if you haven't, check out The Tuesday Club podcasts on iTunes. They are really funny and entertaining. It's done by British comedian (and Gooner), Alan Davies, and rotating cast of 4-5 other friends of his.
The article was dumb but I thought this was funny...
http://www.joe.ie/football/videos/v...ly-respond-to-mean-tweets-written-about-them/
http://www.joe.ie/football/videos/v...ly-respond-to-mean-tweets-written-about-them/
You guys do realize that the, "Dirty Tackle Blog" is a joke blog like The Onion right? It is hilarious, especially the any blog he does about Zlatan, but it is mean to be silly and nonsensical. Just thought I would pass that along.