Redsblog

We've Moved!

2006-08-21T17:27:00.000+01:00

That's right Redsblog is no more. We are now officially part of TopGooner.com

The new site is only new so may take a while to get things properly up and running but as of now it is officially what I would call home.

So give us time to work out the niggles and restore all the creature comforts but feel free to use what is up and running of the site now.

See you all there!

http://www.topgooner.com

Arsenal to be seriously loaded?

2006-08-19T02:38:00.000+01:00

The total cost of the Emirates stadium project is £390,000,000.

This supposedly includes the cost of relocating all the businesses that were on the site and building a new recycling plant as well as the cost of converting Highbury into homes and building homes on the other sites as well.

There are more than 2,000 homes being built across the three sites.

It is reasonable to assume that the average selling price of these homes will be £250,000.

This means that over the next 3-5 years as they finish the redevelopments and sell the properties they’ll receive £500,000,000.

Right?

The stadium will have the highest match-day income of any stadium in the world, which is enough to easily service the debt AND we’re going to have half a billion pour into the club?

Am I missing something?

Walcott left out?

2006-08-18T17:27:00.000+01:00

While the big hoo-hah concerning Ashley Cole's exclusion from the Villa game (which is fair enough considering a possible backlash from the fans) goes on, I am more worried about the fact that Theo Walcott has not been included in the provisional squad.

What is the reasoning behind that decision given the fact that Rosicky and Reyes are both out and Ljungberg is being rushed back to be included? Considering his goal for the England's U-21 in mid-week, you would have thought that he would at least warranted a place on the bench.

It also surprises me that the trio of Aliadiere, Song and Traore is included ahead of him. Surely Walcott stood a better chance than Aliadiere- who scored 2 goals in 14 games at Wolverhampton last season. 16 year old Traore is also included but Flamini and Hoyte are most definitely covering at left back.

That's a strange one, any comments?

Site News: Updates, Colour schemes and Dot Coms.

2006-08-17T19:29:00.000+01:00

Apologies for the lack of updates to the site on my half at least but I've been working on securing a brand new domain for the site which will open soon. Expect a fresher, brighter design as I've been hearing some complaints about how difficult it is to read the blog.

The new site will be an expansion on this current one allowing more content then just news and opinion, and so I may be on the look out for more help...possibly.

Anyways that is all you may go about your daily business now.

Arsene's pass masters just 2 players away from another Premiership crown

2006-08-16T17:44:00.000+01:00

The Community Shield revealed just how much a superior technical side Arsenal is to the two current Premiership powerhouses of Chelsea and Liverpool. Arsenal played a superb game against Zagreb, showing slick interchange and brilliant movement. The Community Shield showed two sides supremely confident in their tactical abilities and physical strength.

Arsene Wenger is a visionary. The Emirates Stadium is very much his project. He has a vision of how the game should be played and his youngsters-and recent signings-all point that he wants his players to be lightning quick and highly technical.

Wenger spotted a future superstar of the game in Fabregas. Fabregas will be the cornerstone of the side, the one who dictates the pace and fluency of the game.

Arsene knows that he will not be able to match Chelsea's spending ability as long as Abrahamovic bankrolls them. Therefore, he is building a side that could play the best football in Europe-although some would say that they already do.

Arsene seems to have set his sights on winning the Premiership in the 2007-2008 season. By then, expect Diaby, Walcott, Merida and Djourou to be superstars of the game.

The thing is that this Arsenal side does not have to wait for next season. They can win the title this season. The Community Shield showed that Chelsea could be there for the taking in this coming season. What Arsenal have to make sure is that it is them - and not Liverpool or Man Utd- that is ready to pounce if the unthinkable happens.

To do this, Arsenal needs another central midfielder to Fabregas, Gilberto and Flamini. Diaby has had a serious injury and while he will be back in November, he will certainly need a period of adaptation to reach his peak.

The fact is that Toure, Gilberto and Fabregas will not be able to play 60 games each next season. An injury to either one of them could deeply hurt Arsenal.

If a Reyes - Baptista swap is a possibility, Arsenal should make it happen as soon as possible. Wenger could transform "The Beast" into an all action midfielder. However, a Madrid-based friend of mine has told me that the reason the deal is stalling is that Fabio Cappello himself is not as keen on Reyes and certainly not for the price being mentionned.

The other player that could still move to Arsenal is Curtis Davies. A quick and athletic English centre back, Davies will be the perfect addition to the already promising trio of Toure, Senderos and Djourou. Davies can also play at left back. The reason that Lupoli has not yet gone to Derby is that Arsenal want him to be the bait to clinch the deal with WBA.

Get those two players and Arsene's grand plan could come to fruition in 2007, not in 2008.

RG looks at our rivals: Liverpool

2006-08-15T12:54:00.000+01:00

To continue with our season preview, we will today look at Liverpool. I will look at their relevant strengths and weaknesses and predicted finish- though the one on Man Utd (see here ) attracted a few angry responses from some of their fans.

The Gaffer

Rafa Benitez is quietly turning Liverpool into genuine title contenders. His first season (in 2004-2005) was one where he was himself finding his feet in the Premiership but remarkably ended with the Champions League. Liverpool's strong finish last season points to Benitez's growing understanding of the English game. He won the title twice in his homeland with Valencia when Real's Galacticos were in their peak so it shows that he can produce title-winning teams. Coupled with the FA Cup last season and the UEFA Cup at Valencia, Liverpool would feel that they have finally a manager that can can bring their first title since 1990.

Benitez is a quiet man and he did not self-appoint himself as the "Special One" after his Champions League win. He is possibly having the upper hand in the growing feud with Mourinho, though the latter must have a point that Benitez's Liverpoool can sometimes play a defensive style.

Strengths

They play a tactical game that can even gather more cutting edge this season, especially with the addition of pacy trio Bellamy, Pennant and Gonzalez. Of course, they also have a genuine leader in the centre of the park in Steven Gerrard, who drives them on in most matches. Their strong finish last year, the FA Cup win and the win over Chelsea in the Community Shield will make them start the season with confidence. Sissoko, Gerrard and Alonso forms a formidable midfield indeed.

Weaknessess

Scoring goals could still be a problem as an attacking quintet of Crouch, Bellamy, Fowler, Luis Garcia and Sinama-Pongolle will not frighten many Premiership teams. They relied far too heavily on Gerrard for goals last season but it is believed that Benitez is trying to bring in another striker. Their type of football can look laboured at times and they did not impress against Maccabi Haifa and lost a lot of their pre-season games.

Transfer activity

Bellamy and Pennant add much needed pace to the side while Mark Gonzalez already looks like an exciting signing. They lost Cisse, who I thought was a bit harshly treated as he looked their most dangerous forward at times last season.

Prediction

Will be stronger than last season and they won 11 out of their last 12 last season (though that defeat was against Arsenal) Rank: 2nd

God help us all!

2006-08-15T01:08:00.000+01:00

Terrible news today.
Graham "I can't count to 2" Poll is in charge for the first game at Ashburton.
Predictions:
2 Arsenal sendings off
1 Arsenal goal disallowed
1 Penalty for Aston Villa

How will the new stadium affect Arsenal?

2006-08-13T22:38:00.000+01:00

Hopefully this time next week we’ll be celebrating our first competitive win at our amazing new stadium. But while it is jawdroppingly impressive it may be worth thinking about the potential effects the new stadium is going to have on our season. Our top three home record at Highbury last year saved us from the humiliation of being beaten in the league by Spurs.

This season I’m confident that our away form will be much better, notice, for example, how for Cesc’s second goal against Dinamo, he wasn’t bumped off the ball like he would have been last season. Improved away results should mean we can be back in the top two, but that’s reliant on maintaining our home form.

We know what our players can do on a larger pitch, they showed at the Bernabéu how the pace that we have in almost every player is used to full effect. Therefore we shouldn’t be worried about the impact of the new ground on our technical game, there are however question marks over the the psychological impact of playing in unfamiliar surroundings at first.

Hopefully we won’t be seeing a repeat of the European Wembley misadventures. Looking at other teams to have moved grounds recently offers little help as the only two of note have been Bolton who’ve done reasonably well since the move to the Reebok and Southampton who have of course been relegated. One important factor that should make all the difference, is the level of involvement Arsene has had in the design and technical aspect of the stadium. It really has been built around him and his team and should fit like a bespoke suit.

As well as the effect on our players of not being at ‘home’ the effect on other teams cannot be underestimated. When we were on our unbeaten run teams expected to lose to us and that was a powerful advantage. This is something we need to regain and the new stadium could be vital in this respect.

The atmosphere at the Bergkamp testimonial was strange to say the least, but that was probably more down to the nature of the event than the crowd and I think that Ashburton Grove has the capacity to become a place that visiting teams find intimidating as long as the fans can find their voices. The faster we get used to The Emirates and make it ‘home’, the easier our team will find it to settle in, the less our opponents will look forward to coming and the sooner we’ll be spilling champagne on the pitch.

Be afraid..be very afraid..It's the Ashley Cole TV show!

2006-08-13T12:45:00.000+01:00

The Sunday Mirror is reporting today that Ashley Cole is on his way to our TV screens in an all new fly-on-the-wall TV extravaganza.

The 6 part series will air on ITV in November and filming has taken place since his wedding.

An "insider" whoever that is, claims:

"The series is taking four months to film - and will show how romantic Ashley is. And fans will be able to see how down-to-earth the couple are. They're just a couple of ordinary people living amazing lives.

"They've accepted there will be embarrassing bits, but they're happy to show what goes on in their day-to-day world as the new Posh and Becks."

''It'll show how romantic he is.. and how down-to-earth the new Posh & Becks are''

Well this little excuse for an ego trip takes Mr.Tweedy one step closer to his role as a poor man's David Beckham.

And truly is there anything more romantic than a full television camera crew following you around during your honeymoon? Aaahhhhh.

Cesc Fabregas: A mature head on young shoulders.

2006-08-13T01:31:00.000+01:00

On reading Cesc Fabregas' latest comments about his tenure at the club, it reminded me of what I've thought for some time now, that he is a welcome change to the usual breed of footballer we have become accustomed to in the Premier league.

When comparing him to players such as Wayne Rooney who acts like a high-street chav both on and off the pitch and yet is rarely lambasted for it, (e.g. World Cup stamp, Ronaldo becomes the scapegoat) you can see just how focused and sensible a player like Cesc is.

Already he hasn't got his head up in the clouds like your typical premiership prima donna, despite increasing popularity and inevitably, increased attention from other clubs. Cesc is adamant that he will remain at Arsenal, whoever comes knocking.

"I know I am at a big club with a big team - great players and a great manager. At my age - or any age - I do not think there is a better club to be at than Arsenal."

"People have said that I could be playing for Real, and they came to my agent - but I knew there was not a better club (than Arsenal) to play for."

Cesc is confident of Arsenal's chances this season and is not letting any speculation of transfers both in and out of the club prey on his mind, he shows a clear and an overall determination in the team and realises now this is his chance to shine.

"Of course, the expectation is very high this year. It could be a very good year if we win the Premier League or another important competition."

"I realise that it could be my year and Arsenal's year because we have a great team. If you play well, the team will do well and that for me is the most important thing."

And to think, this boy is only 19! I think he will hit the ground running this season and will prove to be one hell of a player and equally a professional both on and off the pitch.

Henry: I really hope there will be some new arrivals

2006-08-12T04:33:00.000+01:00

Thierry Henry has made it clear he wishes Arsene Wenger to bring in some new blood to the team before the end of the month. Speaking in his column for the Sun, Henry made no bones about it.

"Along with Sol, Dennis and possibly Ashley, Robert Pires has also left us. It’s a big shame they’ve all gone."

"Before the end of this month, I really hope there will be some new arrivals to follow Tomas Rosicky."

However, Thierry is also confident in the spine of team, made up by Kolo Toure, Jens Lehmann and Gilberto.

"They’re no longer the new guys at this club and there is no doubt those three will help this team build on what we delivered last season "

"Jens is so vocal. I’ll admit this but not all players like it as he shouts and has a go. He had a great year last year and was brilliant in the World Cup. He’s an amazing player to have in the team."

"I can reveal Gilberto will be my vice-captain and, while he’s hardly a screamer, he calms the team down. He’s Brazilian. He’s chilled."

"Kolo is more vocal and, like the other two, forms the backbone of the current Arsenal side."

"So those three have a big role — it can’t just be me as leader. And despite the exit of some great players, I’m genuinely excited about this season."

Despite some questions over his deciding to remain at Arsenal with is basis on youngsters making up the bulk of the team, Thierry is confident he made the right choice.

"I have been asked whether there is any regret in not joining Barcelona but of course there isn’t."

"Arsenal is my club, London is my home. I can’t see myself ever leaving this great city."

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Chelsea are lying liars...Cole bid increased.

2006-08-12T00:51:00.000+01:00

Despite claiming quite forcefully that they would "not pay £1 more" for Ashley Cole, Chelsea have reportedly upped there bid by 7 million £1's more.

According to various sources including the Telegraph, Chelsea have re-submitted a transfer in the value of £23 million pounds, closer to Arsenal's original valuation of the player at in between £25-30 million.

So what happens now? Well It's still lower then what Arsenal want but to be honest I don't care any more I just want to see this done and dusted and I'm sure any Chelsea fans reading this agree.

Cracking the Reyes/Ribery Enigma

2006-08-11T15:00:00.000+01:00

No pre-season story has had as many twists and turns this year as the ongoing transfer sagas of Jose Reyes and Franck Ribery. With stories coming out every day seemingly contradicting each other, with one person promising to stay and then tomorrow he's on the brink of leaving.

So what the bloody hell is going on?

Firstly let’s look at Ribery. Arsenal had been linked to Ribery leading up to the World Cup, with Wenger apparently using the competition to judge the player; Ribery had also been flirting with a move to Lyon for some time.

After the tournament rumours spread of Ribery joining a host of other clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham (!) and Lyon amongst others. But these were quelled with Ribery coming out Thierry Henry style and committing his future to Marseille.

Only for days later for him to change his mind and say he wants to move to a particular club to play Champions League football. Arsenal were linked with an imminent move, however Wenger categorically denied it and eventually Ribery changed his mind again, claiming he now really wants to stay at Marseille.

And he we are today. My theory on the subject is simple; Ribery (who is not the most loyal cookie in the jar) wanted to leave Marseille, to Arsenal or Lyon. However Wenger had no such interest in a move and Lyon's apparent bid for the player turned out to be false, so Ribery is forced to stay at Marseille as seemingly no-one wants him, and he needs to get the fans back on his side after angering them by threading to leave. And the best way to do this is to commit yourself to the club publicly hence the second statement of wishing to remain...simple.

Now onto Reyes.

You'd be forgiven for thinking Reyes is seemingly suffering from schizophrenia with the amount of contradiction in the press.

There had always been murmurs in the background of an apparent Reyes move to Madrid, but this came to the forefront when Spanish publication, Marca, claimed he desperately wanted a move to Real. Reyes came out on the Arsenal website categorically denying it. The exact same thing happened in the next few days with Reyes claiming he wanted out and then saying Marca made it all up.

All seemed settled then. Until we saw a picture of Reyes in a Madrid shirt posing and clutching the badge. This was seemingly an innocent picture however as it was taken privately before Arsenal's match with Madrid.

And then Reyes didn't play in Arsenal's Champions League qualifier. The match would have cup-tied him if he went to Madrid. However Wenger said he didn't play him as all the talk of his future "unsettled" him. Believable but suspicious.

So everything seemed fine and dandy, until Reyes appeared on both the cover and the website of Marca. And the words "Oh for fuck's sake, Jose!!" sprang to my mind.

And then yesterday he was in the team photo whilst Ashley Cole wasn't, so what does that mean!

My theory then. Reyes wants a move to Madrid but he's had some trouble trying to tell Wenger about it, who wants Reyes to stay. If Real are interested and Wenger wanted rid of Jose he would be gone by now. But Wenger does not like to be proven wrong, he does not want Reyes to be seen as a flop.

Wenger wants to hold onto Reyes and I think will try quite hard to make things as difficult as possible for Madrid to get their man. Hence the recent dangling of a Baptista shaped carrot in front of Arsene's face. With the addition of money plus a Baptista swap it may just be enough to make Wenger forget about Reyes and let him leave.

Well that's what I think anyway....

Hot Prospects II: Nicklas Bendtner (with video)

2006-08-10T23:22:00.000+01:00

Continuing on from my last venture into Arsenal's reserve team highlighting the potential of Arturo Lupoli, my attention is switched to that of temporary Birmingham employee, Nicklas Bendtner.

Despite having a surname I still struggle to spell, Nicklas has some talent. Actually that's an understatement, if you haven't already watch the accompanying video with this article and you'll see what I mean.

Having already showed a promising future partnership with Lupoli in the reserves last season Bendter made his first team debut in the league cup in the 3-0 win over Sunderland. Whilst he has yet to score in his few appearances for the first team his record in the reserves is impeccable, netting 27 times last season from 30 starts.

He offers a different option to that of Lupoli in that he has a much larger physical impression, standing at 6'3", this counteracts seemingly the only criticism of Lupoli, in a partnership that gels incredibly fluidly already.

Whilst on loan at Birmingham this season Bendtner has already made his mark. Having scored on his debut and turning up a man of the match performance in his second game.

And the good news is he's due back in January!

Are Chelsea scared of Wenger?

2006-08-10T10:51:00.000+01:00

The recent news is that Chelsea have had an offer turned down for Ashley Cole because it was too low. The offer is rumoured to be in the region of £16 million which is ridiculous, seeing as unproven English players can go for £21 million.

Now we all know Chelsea can afford this, we know, Chelsea know, but more importantly Arsenal know. To meet Arsenal's interpretation of Cole's value Chelsea are looking at in between £25-30 million, so why aren't they forking out?

Well you could tell something was up when Mourinho was saying a few days earlier how he was ready to look elsewhere and had the nerve to set a deadline for Arsenal, and now with deliberately undervalued offers Chelsea think they are turning the screw on Arsenal. When in reality they are not. The pressure is not on Arsenal to sell, we don't need the money desperately and there is a possibility Cole could even remain at the club, he's still got 2 years left on his contract.

What I think they are up to is simple. Chelsea do not want to give Arsenal some serious spending power in the form of £25 million+. That kind of money in Wenger's hands is worth at least double what it is to Chelsea...and they know it.

The thing is the pressure is not on Arsenal but Chelsea, Wenger has hinted that if things aren't sorted out by the home leg of the Champions league qualifier Cole will play and probably stay where he is.

Oh well there’s always Wayne Bridge ey?

Chelsea/Cole Statement: "no agreement can be reached"

2006-08-09T20:54:00.000+01:00

An official statement released by Chelsea has claimed Arsenal have turned down an offer for Ashley Cole, stating it is too low.

The official statement read as follows:

"Chelsea FC has been in discussions with Arsenal Football Club for some time over the possible transfer of Ashley Cole.

“Chelsea has made a very substantial offer for the player. Although discussions have continued, Arsenal’s valuation of the player does not match Chelsea’s and therefore no agreement can be reached in the current circumstances ."

It is rumoured to be in the region of £16million pounds, and this is coming from the club who paid £21m for Shaun Wright Phillips and a market where English players such as Carrick can be sold for £18m.

Tut.

Franck Ribery: Buying into Disloyalty?

2006-08-09T17:10:00.000+01:00

As you are aware the buzz at the moment (and for quite some time now) has been about Franck Ribery potentially joining Arsenal. But with the debate about Ashley Cole's loyalty raging on, isn't about time we looked at what we could be getting our selves into?

Firstly let's look at Ribery's record of previous employers:

2001-2002 - US Bologna
2002-2003 - Olympique Ales
2003-2004 - Stade Brestois 29
2004-2005 - FC Metz
2005-2005 - Galatasary
2005-2006 - Olympique Marseille

So if he where to come to Arsenal that would be an unnerving 7 clubs in 5 years.

He's no stranger to controversy either, having simply walked out on his contract at Galatasary, however he did claim unpaid wages.

His word doesn't seem to be worth much either, a few weeks ago he said this:

"I have a contract that lasts for four more years and for four years I am at Marseille. I love this club, the people and the fans."

Only for days later to say he wants out of the club.

"My wish is to leave Marseille,"

"I want to play in the Champions League and to keep improving. The (Marseille) club officials know where I want to go and the club I wish to sign for also know it. Now they have to reach an agreement."

Now he's a fine player and I know there are two sides to every story, I'm not one to judge a book by its cover. However with the stories of Reyes and Cole wanting out of the club, this is something to be wary about.

Possibility of Ashley Cole staying put at Arsenal.

2006-08-09T11:18:00.000+01:00

There have been some intriguing comments made to the press recently which partly hint that Ashley Cole's transfer to Chelsea might not be as clear cut as originally thought.

Today, Thierry Henry has been quoted as saying he would like to hold onto Cole if he had the chance, and losing him would be a massive blow. Henry fears a Vieira-esque situation in which the absence of the player last season was a mental loss to the players.

"Obviously we want him to stay. He is one of the best left-backs in the world. We would miss him badly,"

"I don't know anything about the situation with Chelsea. But if he goes there it will look like we are trying to catch a team at the same time as giving them one of our best assets."

Jose Mourinho has also been moaning (shock horror!) and is becoming impatient with the move. He has said he will go elsewhere if a move is not completed shortly.

"If we have no solution about him in a couple of days, we turn the corner and we see other faces."

"Ashley Cole has not left yet, and if he does, we still have players who can come in for him or we can buy...the player belongs to Arsenal, we cannot do anything about it."

Wenger has been keeping pretty tight-lipped other than to say he also wants to see the player’s future resolved, one way or the other, pretty quickly.

If Ashley where to stay it would mean having the best left back in the country, but it would also mean carrying the new baggage he's picked up. He might not get the best reaction or support from Arsenal fans having already burned some bridges.

If a move isn't settled soon he could go for peanuts next year or for free the year after that, we will have to wait and see. But for now the ball is in Arsenal's court.

Reyes not playing - speculation increases.

2006-08-08T19:50:00.000+01:00

Jose Antonio Reyes' future is again in question after it was revealed he would not start in tonight's match. Instead he's on the bench fueling speculation of a move to Madrid.

Reyes would be cup-tied for the Champions league if he plays substantially reducing his potential transfer fee.

Tomas Rosicky makes his first competitive start in what should be a straight swap with Reyes.

Now this could be Wenger wanting to let Rosicky start, after all Reyes is going to be more tired then Rosicky who may not play the full 90 minutes, we could just be jumping to conclusions. Then again I could be making excuses, clinging onto any false hope.

If Reyes plays tonight he stays if he doesn't he's gone. That my theory.

Update: Well...I guess that settles that then, Reyes is a goner Gooner.

Arsenal transfer in jeopardy.

2006-08-08T16:33:00.000+01:00

On trial, Ghana defender Shila Illiasu's move to Arsenal could now be hanging in the balance after a dispute between the players former clubs.

The defender is said to have impressed Arsené Wenger, who is reportedly looking to complete a permanent move estimated at £500,000. But everything could be put on hold after Illiasu's former club Faisal are claiming a cut in any transfer fee between Arsenal and his current club Kotoko.

It is feared the transfer could be scrapped entirely if the move gets held up in a dispute.

Lay off José.

2006-08-08T11:28:00.000+01:00

José Antonio Reyes has again come under criticism for posing in a Real Madrid shirt which is the latest in a long line of rumours of the player apparently wanting away from Arsenal.

But people seem to be getting the wrong idea. Reyes has not said once publicly he wants to leave the club. Those photos were taken before last seasons Madrid game, which makes sense, apparently by a friend. The situation is closer to the Barca shirt wearing linesman before last seasons Champions League final. I almost regret publishing them now as people take a look at the pictures and jumping to conclusions, but it's not as if you wouldn't see them anywhere else.

Reyes has not said once that he wants to leave the club; he is part of a propaganda campaign by the publication Marca. This is the same Marca who seemingly fabricate quotes out of thin air, which Reyes is helpless to avoid. Every time one of these stories comes out Reyes publicly denies it what else can he do?

I admit the whole media roundabout over his future has confused me, the British tabloids adding their own spin to the situation only makes things worse, but from now on, unless José comes out and says he wants to play for Madrid or anyone else over Arsenal, he has my full backing.

There’s no denying Reyes may appear homesick, yet I see him trying to give his all every week running his head off and I think he's just as frustrated as everyone else when things don't work out (although he doesn't go as far to express it as a Thierry Henry style punching the pitch).

Reyes might just be a player to watch tonight, he's obviously got something to prove and some new found critics to silence tonight could just be his night.

Ribery: Arsenal £13.5m move in 48 hours.

2006-08-08T01:15:00.000+01:00

The Guardian is hoping to put the final nail in the coffin that is the Franck Ribery transfer debacle.

According to the paper Ribery's agent claims that a transfer to Arsenal for Franck would be "registered with (Marseille's chairman) Pape Diouf within 24 or 48 hours."

The Guardian is a bit more reputable than the tabloids and also quotes from the France Football publication so I take this more seriously than I would something out of the Sun.

I just can't wait for this speculation to end, it's been going on for months now and I'm gettin sick of it as probably you are too.

Reyes wearing Real shirt - What the bloomin' hell next?

2006-08-08T00:14:00.000+01:00

Marca seem determined to make things as difficult as possible for Jose Reyes, creating gossip and speculation seemingly from nowhere, and this just seems to be the latest in a long line of fabrications.

As you can see from the picture thats Arsenal forward José Reyes posing in a Real Madrid shirt.

Reyes has been linked for some time now with a move to Real Madrid and just when you thought Wenger had done enough to quell the rumours we see this.

But according to The Sun they were taken before our Champions League match against Madrid last season.

But it seems it has little to do with the rumours of José joining Madrid and is more like the Barca shirt wearing ref before the Champions League final. It's simply Jose being duped by the Spanish media again, after all these come from every Spaniard's favourite rag, Marca.

One man's Gallas is another man's Ashley Cole

2006-08-07T20:45:00.000+01:00

Despite my general resentment towards the 'Ashley Cole Saga' as the tabloids call it, and a new found discontent towards the player, I feel I must partly try to play devil's advocate and come to the defence of the want-away Gunner.

At least partly...

The reason I'm writing this is because looking around various Arsenal sites and forums, including this one, the general feeling amongst Gooners is that Ashley Cole is Satan incarnate for trying to leave his club and refusing to play, your common or garden Judas, whilst William Gallas is the rebel sticking it to the evil Chelsea management.

But to be honest can you really spot the difference? Both players have become increasingly bitter towards their clubs as time has moved on usually stemming from one incident (whether it be tapping up or playing left back and losing your squad number). Both have refused to train or play for the squad during pre-season. Both are looking for moves to their respective club's rivals, yet in the eyes of many Ashley is seen as the villain.

Why is this? Well to hazard a guess it's all about how each player has handled the situation. So far William Gallas had sent everything through his agent, remaining reclusive to the press and effectively keeping his mouth shut. Whilst Ashley Cole on the other hand has looked to capitalize on the situation. Selling his story to the tabloids to flog his autobiography, filling it with sensationalist quotes such as "I reveal the shattering truth" or "Arsenal fed me to the sharks". Ashley Cole is now paraded in your weekly copy of Heat and various other gossip magazines, marrying his superstar girlfriend and seemingly craving the David Beckham celebrity lifestyle, whilst peddling the National Lottery like a media whore.

Gallas is also expected to take a pay cut should he come to Arsenal, Ashley would get a bumper rise earning most likely around £100,000. Gallas is also even rumoured to be looking into buying himself out of contract, losing millions of his own money. But in the world of Premiership football everyone’s got a wallet fat enough to trounce an elephant, so money is rarely a question.

The killer difference for me is loyalty. Ashley Cole, unlike Gallas, is playing for the club he loved, the club he grew up with and the club that gave him a chance. He owes Arsenal, and yet he feels the need to lunch with Chelsea's finest. And to make things worse we gave him a chance, I cheered him on in Paris and applauded him off the pitch, yet he comes out with this "shattering truth" that just throws everything back in your face.

So this looks like the end Ashley, and whatever happens with Gallas I don't care, the question we have to ask ourselves is do we want to buy into the same attitude we are preparing to angrily toss out the club?

Arsenal vs D.Zagreb: A look at Arsenal's line-up

2006-08-07T16:13:00.000+01:00

This is my expected line-up for tomorrow’s game against Dinamo Zagreb, and to me looks like a pretty good team.

Let's start at the top. Wenger has been starting Adebayor and van Persie together in the pre-season freindlys and it looks to have paid off. The two have a much better understanding of each other now and gel well together. I expect van Persie to be the more aggressive of the two, with Adebayor taking on a Bergkamp-esque role of trying to set up an attack.

The midfield looks solid and rightfully so with few problems to worry about. Reyes played his socks off in the first half against AZ Alkmaar but faded towards the end as he tired himself out. I hope to see more of the same but this time he should pace himself. Gilberto can slip back into defensive midfield allowing Hleb and Fabregas to join up to good effect, as we saw in the Alkmaar game. Rosicky is also available and I expect to see him make an appearence but most likely from the bench.

In defence, should Djourou get the nod ahead of Cygan, expect to see a very dynamic and attacking defence all four of them can come forward but I expect the centre backs to leave it to Hoyte and Ebouè to use their pace to come up and down the wings.

My only concern lies in goal. Manuel Almunia fluffed a few shots on goal and crosses in the last game and it's clear the defence don't trust him in the same way they do Lehmann.

Aside from that a strong Arsenal side, but tomorrow’s game is still going to be a tricky one.