Mister Spruce

The Consequences and Repercussions of Wanting To Want-Away

2012-08-21T18:58:00.000+01:00

Hmm...So this is what it feels like sitting on the bench where nobody gives a pig's shit about you.

And it's with great sadness that I present this news to you; Robin van Persie was unable to score on his Man-United début. Oh, and yes, he was on the bench for most part of the match.*Snif* The news breaks my fragile heart...yeah right!

Play the video to check out my reaction*Evil Grin*

It's the twitter special today, and I've taken it upon myself to bring to you the digital rantings of fans and great Arsenal bloggers alike on twitter.

Nice début ay lad!? Y' ex-mates Verm and Kosc are 'avin a mighty big laugh at yer stupidity now. The girl in the video's bowling with laughter too, a mighty strange one at that... ha!ha!ha!ha! *cough!* and more ha!ha!

So RVP had a great debut.. twitter.com/norajenkinson/…
— Nora ☂ (@norajenkinson) August 20, 2012

Even yer' country mates are bowling over at ya! You've become such a joke! You see, prayers work, especially when they come from the hearts of bleeding fans...

Great victory by Everton... Congrats to @johnheitinga and to @persie_official with his debut for Man Utd!!!
— Wesley Sneijder (@sneijder101010) August 20, 2012

Oh, yeah, and lest we forget, how's the little boy doing? I hope he doesn't wet his nappies and cry in his sleep. We'll happily donate for you to get him an ice-lolly.

hahaha “@gingers4limpar: Seems like a good time to roll this one out again... twitter.com/SexyFootball_E…”
— James Doherty (@the_ex_tuft) August 20, 2012

The little boy inside Robin van Persie is screaming for his mummy.
— arseblog (@arseblog) August 20, 2012

And while you're at it, remember yer new club went on the stock exchange, prices fall mate, and when the Glazier family are done syphoning funds from yer new base, the salary backlog will rear its ugly 'ed. If that happens, you can come back though, we're very forgiving; just a few seasons in the youth team and you'll be up and running.

Y U NO GOT RECEIPT FERGIE? twitter.com/arsenalfamily/…
— Arsenal Family (@arsenalfamily) August 20, 2012

RvP: Hey Roo, wait, listen, err..y'see it was like I was trying to shoot and then I felt a crack in my glass ankles and then...
Roo: Oh! Shataap!

Aaaah, the joy of the fans...sweet.

I can't express how happy I am to see United lose and Van Penis looking up the table at Arsenal. AFC need to make sure it stays that way
— Daniel AFC Cowan (@thedanielcowan) August 20, 2012

Just so you know, our dream of having another "Invincibles season" is still on. #COYG
— The Funny Gooner (@FunnyGooner) August 20, 2012

The consequences and repercussions of wanting to want-away people. Learn...
— Mister Spruce (@MisterSpruce1) August 20, 2012

Thanks for reading! If you liked this post, don't forget to share, Like, Stumble-upon and spread.Thanks in advance.

Yours in football,

PS: Leave a comment, they're the life blood of a blog. Thanks

Are We Ready For A Title Challenge?|The End Of A Song

2012-08-19T18:57:00.000+01:00

I can't believe you missed that dude! That was a friggin' sitter!

Okay, so maybe my expectations were a little too high and I need to be patient enough to allow the lads gel as a unit. Doing my mantra now....breathe.

Truth be told, I expected more from Gervinho, Ramsey and yes, Giroud. Let's have a brief analysis of the match shall we?

The Good:

The game started at a slow pace, the passes where a bit unsure but the boys started to get a hang of it by the 10th minute. I was personally happy with Gervinho, Artets, Diaby and Cazorla. Gervinho fought for almost every ball. He and Arteta were almost everywhere - penalty box, defending third, half way line, final third...they were all over the place. Gerv. switched flanks, went forward, won balls, was in defence, he was all over the place.

Artets looked like he was trying to fill in the DM position, at least, methinks so. He looked more disciplined at it than Song though and his tackling and ball steals where 60%ish. He generally looked good on the ball.

Diaby played well; period. Okay, let me go on a little bit more.

Although I would have preferred that he didn't go forward as much (I think that should have been Cazorla's job), he played in good passes and was generally nifty with the ball. Touch? Would grade him 78%ish.

Who am I to pass the bloody ball to?

Santi was as usual skilful on the ball. His shot in the early minutes of the game sure gave Mignolet something to think about. But, I daresay O'Neill gave two basic instructions to his boys - Mark the hell out of Cazorla and Lucas AND do not give Arsenal space to play.

However, Santi was still able to create the best chance of the game by setting up Giroud with a beautiful pass, one which he err... you know the rest.

"All the chances were created by him (Cazorla), basically." - Wenger.
— Daniel AFC Cowan (@thedanielcowan) August 18, 2012

The other players generally had a good game. The Verminator made some good steals, Wojciech made a couple of saves, Mert and Gibbs were all right, same old.

The Not So Good

Santi and Diaby: I believe Santi was playing too deep a role in the midfield and Diaby was doing all the forward runs; it should have been the other way round. Not to say that Santi wasn't doing forward runs, we were just seeing more of Diaby in-front rather than Santi. Or what do you think?

Walcott: Is it just me or does Walcott still have to work on his crosses, ball control, heading and awareness? His crosses were neeee, and his one header was neeee and his awareness was hmm... Still, Walcott made good runs and generally upped the otherwise slow tempo of the game when he could.

Gervinho: Although, I think he was pretty good in his awareness, forward runs and defending, I'm upset that he was still trying to pull off a 'Nasri'. I know, you'll say he was trying to find space and such but I really don't understand why he must want to score all the time and dribble all the way to the goal line. smh.

Breathe, breathe, dribble to the goal line.

Lucas: Poor guy is still trying to adjust to Premier League football. His alertness is still a bit low and he was bumping into 'himself' and other players often. Add that to the fact that he had Sunderland players practically glued to him, the poor lad had no space to play. His off the ball skills didn't really show up today.

The 'What-On-Earth-Were-You-Thinking'?

We lacked sharpness in attack (especially in the final third) and given that that's were we've spent all our money and most of our time, the team has to go back to the drawing board. Wenger himself admitted this.

I think we should opt for the basic 4-4-2 with one striker slightly ahead of the other. Playing Walcott upfront with LP or Giroud?

One of the qualities of a good winger apart from speed is the ability to make accurate crosses and Walcott isn't the best crosser we have. His composure in-front of goal's way better than his crosses, and for those of you who might complain about height, Tevez and Maradona aren't the tallest guys around. Plus, Theo's burst of speed would be a great asset just like Tevez's is, or what's your take on that?

Having Gerv/Arsh and the Ox/Santi on the wings with Santi/Wilshere/Nuri and Artets/Diaby in central midfield? Again, what's your take on that?

Aaron Ramsey...I just don't know; should have left Diaby on the pitch, he was a lot more effective than Ramsey. I really don't think Ramsey had any impact or effect on the game.

Giroud. Well, you know like I now that we all think he 'shaited' on the best chance of the game because, well, he did. To err is human however and to forgive and be patient is divine, nuff said.

“@1davidwall: Only 5 of Olivier Giroud’s 33 league goals with Montpellier came with his right foot.” One chocolate leg for another
— Arseholic (@Arseholic) August 18, 2012

Are we ready for a title challenge?

Uhh...that's a pretty hard question to answer right now. Ask me after 2 more games, deal?

Well, it's hard to say now. I watched the Tottenham and Newcastle match, I caught glimpses of what Westbrom did to 'Liverpill' and err...mates, these guys are not playing this season. They were more coordinated than we were.

More of the same from West Brom. Excellent Yacob compliments Mulumbu. Lots of fire power. Lukaku super. They'll do fine.
— Jamie Sanderson (@YoungGunsBlog) August 18, 2012

We've got A LOT of work to do, we need to be able to play like well-oiled wheels. I leave you with the musical below, we need to get down to business to defeat the league.

In other news, we have finally reached the end of 'A Song'. The news of Barcelona finally agreeing to terms with Arsenal filtered in just after the match between Sunderland ended. Let's hope Sahin's in the works and that the team plays with greater fluidity as a unit and with more precision in attack.

Wenger on Song: 'He expressed a desire to go to Barcelona. We have other options. You have to be patient on new signings.'
— Jamie Sanderson (@YoungGunsBlog) August 18, 2012

RT @liverpoolscout dreadingpossibility that Rodgers posed to Sahin: Watchthis weekend then you'll know what to do - yes sign for Arsenal
— Mad ad man (@Lordhillwood) August 18, 2012

What's your take on the game? Can we compete?

That's all for today lovelies! See you when I'm done with the bare necessities of school assignments.

Yours in football,

Let's Give Robin van Persie Our Blessings...This Way

2012-08-16T19:02:00.000+01:00

I just had to go to church and reflect...that is, after I got sober

So my heart has been broken, I've drunk a little too much scotch, I've been through a roller-coaster of emotions - Anger, Nausea (If that's an emotion), Contempt, Depression and then indifference. That's where I'm at now.

The deed has been done, what I feared has finally come upon me but, I've turned sober and thrown away my bottle of scotch. I only want to give RvP my blessings before we send him off riding into the sunset.

My Prayer For Robin "villain" Persie

What else was I to do? I became a desperate, desperate fan.

I pray, gather yourselves together that I might tell you what is to befall "the villain" in the last phase of his career.

O harken to the voice of desperate, hurt and ridiculed fans; hear the pain in our silence, see the pain in our smiles, in our reluctance to ever visit Old Trafford again. See, hear and if you can, feel.

He was our first-born, our might, our vigour, the one who scored 37 goals and managed to keep us in the top 3. This gave him pre-eminence in the heart of the management, in the heart of Wenger, in the heart of us - the supporters. ( I know that's not grammatically correct but I'm beyond caring right now)

Ye, we have seen the true man that lies beneath the grey hair - headstrong, vindictive,deceitful and cruel. Ah! The heart of man has been said to be deceitful and desperately wicked, who can know it except the Lord! RvP has made true this statement, we didn't know his heart's intent until he put it out for us to see.

Forgive us Father for putting our trust in the man, in the villain because alas!, he has failed us.

So, from the very depths of our hearts, we offer these blessings:

You, Robin villain Persie shall not excel and have pre-eminence at Manchester United because you have defiled the people of the Canon (us) with your lies of loyalty and service; with your foul mouthed declaration of love and trust.

RvP, cursed be your time at the Old Trafford! Cursed be your first play on the pitch. May the trials and tribulations of Fernando Torres be your portion albeit something much worse.

Ye, a goal drought shall befall thee, that which was akin to the 7 year famine/drought in Egypt. We do not pray for injury, nay, we pray for the confounding of your creativity on the field of play. A situation where you give the opposition valuable passes and score own goals.

A situation where you would be called the worst gamble of the transfer market the English Premiership has ever seen. A situation where Sir Alex Ferguson sends you onto the pitch with much trepidation as he will feel more confident playing with 9 men on the pitch than playing with you as the 12th.

Ah! Ye! And in years to come when we all are no more, in the time when cars shall fly and dogs shall be able to use cell phones, your story shall be used as a folklore to remind want-away footballers of the consequences of wanting to want-away from a club that has given you its everything.

As you leave us, us who have hung on with hope, this is our prayer for you.

~~We wait for your salvation, O Lord! The salvation of Arsenal.~~ And we wait for the salvation of Arsenal.

Amen

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PS: Here are tweets from digitally upset Gooners:

In defense of RVP, every player dreams of playing for FA and alongside referees in their career once, commonly known as Mancheater United.
— The Funny Gooner (@FunnyGooner) August 15, 2012

RT @mcmeiksy: Like this DVD I foolishly purchased, RvP's club legacy is now well and truly in the bin... twitter.com/McMeiksy/statu…
— Tim Clark (@arse2mouse) August 15, 2012

Goodluck on your debut next week Robin Van Persie. Break a leg! #AFC #PunIntended
— Hakimi Asyraf (@whykimi) August 15, 2012

RVP broke ma heart.
— SAM€€R@ME4ME (@rahmaniyasameer) August 15, 2012

We'll win the league this year.Then, I'll personally send an Ostrich's egg to RVP so that he smash it in his face.You can favorite this.
— The Funny Gooner (@FunnyGooner) August 15, 2012

I hope @persie_official enjoys the Bench at united. HE SCORES WHEN HE WANTS HE'S LUKAS PODOLSKI HE SCORES WHEN HE WANTS.
— Arsenal Family (@arsenalfamily) August 15, 2012

"Sorry dude.. I just signed up ur captain =D" My United friend just sent me that. This is just the beginning
— Lalah (@naijaendgooner) August 15, 2012

Hey Don't litter your garbage. @mattsatt_yuston twitter.com/FunnyGooner/st…
— The Funny Gooner (@FunnyGooner) August 15, 2012

Thanks for reading! If you liked this post, don't forget to share, Like, Stumble-upon and spread.Thanks in advance.

Oh! And please leave a comment, they're the life blood of a blog. Thanks

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NEWS UPDATE

News has it that RvP had changed his mind and decided to stay but Wenger told him that he did not feature in his plans. What do you think? Could this be just a 'save face' attempt by RvP's PR?

Here's a funnier side to the story.

Yours in football,

I Told You He Was A Sucker For Us!+ Mirallas in the Works?

2012-08-14T20:08:00.003+01:00

Yes! Finally I'm a Gooner! Gooner DNA certified!

That was the look on my face when news filtered in once again on Lucas' love for Arsenal. He has been quite vocal about his admiration and respect for Uncle Wenger, he makes not attempt to hide it.

Methinks his former club might be a tad disgruntled with the way he's loving us up in the news et al. The way he's on about how much he's at home with us and how he totally adores Uncle Wenger, err...it might send across the message that he wasn't happy there in the first place.

“I have felt like a part of Arsenal from the first day and I am very proud to play here and wear the shirt...”

Here's another:

“You see after the game that [the fans] still love me! I was very surprised about the Arsenal fans because there were a lot in the stadium. I heard them cry my name and I was very surprised!"

Whatever though, he's ours now and ours to keep. After scoring two spectacular goals against his former club, what's not to love. I think we just might have a keeper on our hands.*wink*

It don't matter if I look cross-eyed, I can score a s!*t load of goals.

MIRALLAS' IN THE WORKS

The 24 year old Olympiacos striker has caught our eye...okay, Wenger's eye. And boy! Is the lad something! After scoring 34 goals in 52 appearances at 24 with a £6.5m release clause, we cannot but cash in on this, I mean, wouldn't you?

The lad seems keen on joining us also. Although he has not formerly stated his discussions with us, he has admitted that we have approached his manager.

Here's a few tricks the lad's got up his sleeves, you like? (*raised eyebrow)

By the way, this doesn't negate my clamour for a defence-minded DM, we need this asap. Plus since the RVP saga has anything but abated, cashing in on this dude might be a wise decision by Wenger.

On a lighter note, here's what I found on my twitter trolling regarding RvP's transfer saga:

Hey Fergie, I hear you’re keen on signing Robin? Here you go.Regards,Arsene twitter.com/Arseholic/stat…
— Arseholic (@Arseholic) August 14, 2012

In other news, (and I have no intention of putting up his picture here, it's disgusting and a total turn off!) Jose Mourinho has 'sent an appeal' to the general public to not call him the Special One any more but to call him The Only One (rolling my eyes).

Really, how bloated can this individual get? Even more, how hypocritical... See what he said after asking us to change his 'nickname':

"After having won practically everything, as time has passed I have become less self-centred and egocentric,"

In fact, why do I even bother...*hiss*

@MisterSpruce1

On tweets, here is Arseholic getting really stumped about us selling to SAF, enjoy...

Selling to utd is basically admitting defeat and bending over while having your rival shove their foot up your arse. £22m is good business??
— Arseholic (@Arseholic) August 14, 2012

Reply 1: I'm done crying over spilt milk. If RvP wants to leave come hell or high water, then I say let's sell, get that Olympiacos dude and M'Villa and move on. Man-U sold Ronaldo and survived, so can we.

Such a defeat comes with a cost. On and off the pitch, the cost is much more than £25m. Hence why I think it’s a bad deal for #AFC. #RVP
— Arseholic (@Arseholic) August 14, 2012

Reply 2: Well...true but then again if you follow my reply (1), it won't be that bad, in fact, me thinks we might not even feel it.

I really don’t understand how some gooners are ok with the idea of selling RVP to utd. Just can’t get over it
— Arseholic (@Arseholic) August 14, 2012

Reply 3: Correction. We are NOT okay with it... Okay let me speak for myself here, I am NOT and will NEVER BE okay with it. For this reason, I was taken (my blog link) to a Man-U forum and insulted and cursed! I'm still not okay with it, but what are you to do when 'she's' no longer wanting you?

1. Would give utd more strength on the pitch.2. Weakens us 3. Would confirm we’re a selling club. Rivals will still come for our players
— Arseholic (@Arseholic) August 14, 2012

Reply 4: Rivals will always come but then again don't they always? Also for your points 1&2 refer to my reply (1)

4. Massive coup commercially, would sell loads of shirts for utd.5. Gives utd fans upper hand vs gooners
— Arseholic (@Arseholic) August 14, 2012

Reply 5: I know, I know mate. But that's what you get when you have a want-away star wanting to want-away, if you know what I mean...

However, I think we'll recoup with sale of Cazorla shirts too.

6. Lastly, it really does weaken Arsenal as A brand. Specially with commercial renewals coming up in Q1 and Q2 of 2013
— Arseholic (@Arseholic)
Being a modern football club is more than just the 11 players on the pitch.
— Arseholic (@Arseholic) August 14, 2012

Reply 6: Errr...

That's all folks, that's all.

Yours in football,

Can You Tell a Club With a 100 Year History How To Run After One Good Season?

2012-08-13T18:27:00.000+01:00

If you break his pretty legs...

You little wanker of a player... you think you can tell a club with over 100 years history how they should be run after 1 good season?
—? (@onearsenewenger) August 12, 2012

And that was what caught my attention in the twitter-sphere after our game with FC Cologne. And I amply agree with the above tweet. Arsenal has refused to become a one-man club; or so the story goes.

Okay, here's my quick confession. I didn't get to watch the match as Firefox and Google Chrome bailed out on me. The live streaming services refused to sort themselves out, all the logistics...darn! So I comforted myself by watching live commentaries via Arseblog's liveblog.

It was a reasonable substitute though, you can count on Arseblog adding humour to the digital commentary. That guy cracks me up sometimes, he and Arseholic.

Anyway, from the little I was able to watch (replays), RvP looked a tad disinterested when he was called up to get in the field of play. Yeah, I know, I heard the boos too but dunno where that came from, was it us or them? I'm sure young man Persie was a bit upset that his magic was not needed for the win, may be why he was sulking (at least he looked that way to me).

If we can, let's keep him; that is, if he's happy to stay.

@onearsenewenger with the RVP issue, I’m as confused as Ricky Martin in a closet. One day I want him to stay, one day I want him to fuck off
— Arseholic (@Arseholic) August 12, 2012

So, back to Twitter-sphere, BTW, this was where all the fun was happening and I highly suggest you have twitter on while you watch a match; Arsenal fans can be doubly hilarious:

RVP is like an ex who cheated on you. You'd take her back because she's extremely hot but you wouldn't trust her fully again
— Daniel AFC Cowan (@thedanielcowan) August 12, 2012

And this:

FT. Great work out. Cazorla, Podolski and Giroud ace. Gervinho super. Vital minutes for all. Whisper it, but side looks good. 4-0.
— Jamie Sanderson (@YoungGunsBlog) August 12, 2012

And this too:

Just caught the game on espn. Initial reaction: Santi Ca-PHWOAR-la. Some Cescual passes in that 1st half.
— Tim Clark (@arse2mouse) August 12, 2012

However, from the clips I watched especially the last minute attempt at goal by Gervinho, I will say that he held on too long to the ball much like Nasri. You don't need to dribble the ball into the net, just shoot! Anyways, that aside, Gerv. had a good run-out.

Santi? Sublime. Pure class.

Did you watch his passes? Did you watch his corner kicks?

Blowing a kiss from up North to Wenger down South, Cazorla's one of our best signings yet. Pure quality.

Hahlah, Hahlla, Hahllla, Haaaaahllllllaaaa!!! This commentator does have some extra air in his lungs, lol!

On to other news. I caught scent of info that some other English club was trying to beat us to M'Villa. I hope WE are the ones rumoured to be beating ourselves to the signing...if you know what I mean.

#ArsenalFC #Arsenal #afc: English club submits M’Vila bid goonersource.co.uk/2012/08/englis…
— Gunners News Online (@ArsenalGNO) August 12, 2012

Hopefully we can sell off some like Diaby, Squil and maybe Chamakh to bring in M'Villa or what do you think?

Do you think Song will stay and play a dominant role in our DM?

Do you also think we should keep Arsh after the brilliant runs he made in our match against Cologne?

Your turn.

Yours in football,

When Loyalty Is All That Matters|The Consequences of being a Nut-Case

2012-08-11T19:56:00.002+01:00

We didn't move for lack of ambition...

Evening friends and football pundits alike. As you know, there's nothing much happening in the news and writers can't wait for the season to start so we can put the tactical side of our brains to use.

However, I stumbled-upon (as usual) some not too old news and wanted to ask you for your opinions (as usual, again). I have come across some of the most intelligent, convincing, analytical and persuasive arguments from some of the readers of this blog. It almost makes me want to pack up shop and go home.(facepalm)++

So, here's what I stumbled upon...

Juve won the Serie A last season and had an unbeaten run; prior to this time, they had only been in the Serie A for 4 years since their relegation to Serie B for match fixing. Stars like Ibrahimovic and Thuram left on the 'first flight out of Casablanca', they were in no way sticking out their necks saving private ryan aka Juve.

But...

Buffon stayed. One of the best goalkeepers the world has seen in a while; he stayed and fought for a club he believed in. I remember many clubs were hot on his heels, this was their chance to grab the guy who messed up the chances of world class strikers. Long story short, he stayed.

Del Piero. Some people say they've given their all in 8 years, well, some people keep giving after 19 years. Not going to say much on Del P's matter, I only ask that you read and reflect on his words below:

...On 30 June Del Piero wrote an open letter to the Juventus fans thanking them for almost two decades of support, stating, "Above all what remains is the fans, you who are Juventus. That jersey that I loved and will always love, that I desired and respected... From tomorrow I will no longer be a Juventus player, but I will always be one of you. Now a new adventure begins and I am as fired up as I was 19 summers ago." ( For more, check here)

Pavel Nedved is one player known for his tireless runs, his energy as well as his goal scoring ability. The man nicknamed Furia Ceca (The Czech Fury) did not, refused, adamantly to move an inch when Juve were relegated. When he left, he moved on to join the Board of Directors at Juve so, he never really left or did he?

I see the same quality in Thierry Henry albeit that he moved to Barca and the New York Bulls. We all know that if we were to bid for him from Barca, he would have been back in a heartbeat.

However, if we look at all these players closely, we may find that they belong to a certain generation of footballers. Players of a certain age group, Players who had the name of the club tattooed on their hearts.

Or what do you think?

Juve after their relegation worked together as a unit with whatever players they had left that stayed. Four years later, they won the Serie A title and... ahem! Allow me to add that they had the best defensive unit in the Serie A, conceding only 20 goals, so you see, when next I scream "The Defence!!!", give me elbow room.

We're hoping Stevie would knock it into their brains this season, I hear the dude takes no prisoners. He is not to be messed with, which is, in my opinion, nice.

In other news, we see the consequences of consistently being a total arse-wipe. Joey Barton gets to toot his horn with Blackpool (for those of you who don't know, Blackpool are a League Two side). Let's hope they break his leg and he can finally retire to radio commenting however, methinks our airwaves will be filled with curses and swear words. Or maybe he'll do commentaries for only Sunday League matches.

Yup, I'm done! Looking forward to your inputs.

Yours in football,

"What Was I Thinking?" - Robin Van Persie

2012-08-06T19:39:00.002+01:00

What was I thinking?...

And so we're in a stronger position than we were last season. If Santi struts his stuff like he should and LP (Lucas) and OG (Oliver) settle in nicely, some folks won't think themselves indispensable.

I believe with Juve and Manchester City doing a rewind on their offers, RVP would see that what he did was place an accumulated load of shit (and I mean literal poop) on his lap and he just might have to clean the mess on his own. He must be asking himself the question - "What the hell was I thinking?"

Does RVP want to leave now?... Well, I would say not as much as he wanted to in the beginning. He seems to have played deaf and dumb more out of embarrassment than rebellion. In this situation, it would be wise for a player who has grown as much grey hair as he has ( I noticed a huge increase since his transfer saga began) to choose his words carefully. We'll forgive you if you apologise though; just be a man about it.

Another signing (albeit on loan) that would make the Dutchman scratch his head would be Nuri Sahin. A player with a lot of class and creativity, one cannot but compare our midfield with Manchester City's and Chelsea's if that transfer comes through. My only problem though is that we'll need to shed some MD's, let some go; we'll save money on wages, the MD's get more playing time, everyone's happy.

Rumour also has it that if RVP stays, he'll most probably retain the captain arm-band. I totally will not support this move, the fans have lost a lot of faith in him and young players need someone with his head blots knotted right to look up to.

My advice to RVP? I really don't have any. Should he stay and bask in the new Arsenal with ambition? or go to... well, no one seems to want him that much now. Maybe China.

Watch the Arsenal Analysis from the Guardian.

Full Story: The Guardian

Yours in football,

Sex, Love, Other Drugs and Arsenal

2012-08-04T07:00:00.000+01:00

SEX

Brian's 'hanging out' with Kate. The three months together have been ballistic. Sex... The sex is good, in fact, too good; maybe inconsistent because of their busy schedules but still, it's frigging good. The fourth month drags in, Brian begins to tire of their scheduled trysts. He and Kate start to argue a lot, they put each other down at every chance. It's still a relationship of sorts but well...

Arsenal 'Sex' Fans: There would always be folks who confuse sex with love. Sex is an expression of love but not always. You have fans who 'loved' the club after the 49 game unbeaten run, the time of the titles and the invincibles. Good. But I ask will they stick around while we're stuck in the trenches?

We've had problems at the club, no doubt. But things don't get better by swearing, tearing the club apart and forming factions. These one's have forgotten the motto of the club. If your feelings for the club are fleeting, like sex can be, then please, don't stay, even for the trophies.

UPDATE: Players who fall into this category: RVP, Nasri, Toure, Adebayor and all other players with whom their relationship with Arsenal was and does seem fleeting...

LOVE

It'd been 40 years; and it still seemed like yesterday when they took their vows. And no, it wasn't all rosy. Jake and Laura went through hell and high water. They stuck it out when there was plenty and when there wasn't; when they're kids behaved badly and when the kids did them proud. The passion from when they both said "I do" somehow managed to not die...

Arsenal 'LOVE' Fans: Some of us have seen our fathers and those before them pledge allegiance to The Royal Arsenal. Some have just come to love this club with every fibre of their being even if the Arsenal cupid shot them just now, at our most tumultuous moments.

Still, these fans love and remain loyal whether it be in the pits, in the trenches, in the Coca-Cola Division (God forbid though) or at the Marriott sipping tea with the Champions League cup in our trophy cabinet (Amen). Love is love, period. It can't be explained.

UPDATE: Players who fall into this category: Henry, Bergkamp, Tony Adams, Arsene Wenger (You have to admit the dude's in love with us).

OTHER DRUGS

Joey never had the balls to talk to girls at parties. Call him a loser, whatever. But with a mixture of meth, coke and alcohol, he was on point...for a while. After sometime, he didn't really make much sense, blabbed a lot, pissed people off and generally turned loser again.

Arsenal Drug Fans: These ones are the dregs of the club who being on a high of whatever crappy emotion they're feeling, fail to make constructive contributions to Arsenal forums, blogs, seminars and the like. They get their kick by making people feel and look stupid for supporting this club and giving their piece; they fail to take an unwavering stand on whatever decision they stand by. I've' come across many of these.

UPDATE: Players who fall into this category: Errr...Joey Barton? lol!

In my 15 years of supporting this club I have never seen us so internally divided as when RVP decided he wasn't signing. Those in the love camp sometimes were blinded by emotions, I admit, I was at some point.

I write this post with the simple request that as the new season approaches in about 2 weeks, let's put up a united front for the team, for Wenger and sometimes, for the board.

Yours in football,

It's All Your Fault!: Wenger Points Fingers and Other News

2012-08-01T18:58:00.000+01:00

Hello people, how y'all doing? (As Americans say). There is'nt much going on in our camp apart from the fact that our boys are back in training and rumours of Cazorla arriving 'Ol England for medicals. Again, I repeat, I will wait out my champagne purchase until I see the dude take a picture holding up our kit with his name and number at the back. (Call me a fan of little faith, whatever.)

However, there's some blame game report that landed on me table and I thought to let you know that I do agree with Wenger, he does have a point... Ever since the Russian and Arab oil magnates/big spenders got into the game, the clubs without similar financial backing have been seeing red (no offence to my Russian and Arab friends but, you've got to admit it at some point). I made up a list of "It's Your Fault's" that have possibly gone through every Arsenal fan's head and wouldn't mind your ever intelligent and constructive inputs.

So, let's start the blame game...

It's your fault football in Europe has become so damn tough. Clubs you buy like Chelsea, Man-City and PSG make competition for the best players something akin to a bloody massacre. You turn otherwise prestigious clubs into feeder clubs. How? See what you've turned Arsenal FC and AC Milan into, what do you call that?

You've turned otherwise content toddlers (Nasri, Thiago Silva, RVP, Clichy, Adebayor, Kolo Toure) into greedy ogres by sprinkling their wage views with pornographic snap shots of what earning £250,000 after tax on income, petrol, house-keeping, groceries, haircuts and LV bags would look like.

It's your fault that Arsenal Fans and AC Milan fans are for the first time in a long while at logger heads. Dissenting camps have been formed on the basis of "To sell or Not To Sell". It's your fault that the arses of the Arsenal Board of Directors have been splashed on newspapers across the globe because the issue of spending more than a club makes and allowing money-bags on the board had become more important than keeping, improving and re-assuring the talent we had on ground.

It's your fault that other clubs want to be like "The Joneses" aka YOU so you have clubs like Malaga shinning for a brief moment and then struggling to keep itself from becoming extinct. It's to our gain though, as we just might land Cazorla *wink*

And then, it's your fault that Wenger's ageing more than he should, I mean, look at the guy! He doesn't look like someone earning £7m a year because the stress of just thinking of how to manage the club on a tight budget and which of his players is going to get hypnotised next by you is enough to give anyone a heart attack. It's your fault that even want-away player RVP is greying, he's looking older than his 29 years. It's even your fault that Clichy who you stole from us also carries that stupid hair cut, that's what happens when you have too much money than you know what to do with; you start having Balotelli and Clichy haircuts for God knows what sake.

Full Story: Bleacher Report

The End.

Yours in football,

Not Again!: Barcelona's After Song and Other News

2012-07-31T19:00:00.000+01:00

Oh Crap! Not Again! Not Song!

Good evening people; it is with great dread and sadness that I write this post. It seems our enemies are not done yet being satisfied seeing Arsenal fans in a fix. They intend to wreck our game plan on all fronts. News filtered in this evening that Barcelona has placed or rather, planned to place a mouth watering bid on our best DM player Alex Song. After Seydou Keita's exit from Barca, they believe Song can replace Keita's role in their DM as their bid for Atletico Bilbao's Javi Martinez hit the rocks.

I however ask - "Can Barca please look elsewhere?" Song might not have as much clout as RVP but with Wilshere in casts, losing him will terribly open up our MD and DF. Signing Cazorla (if Wenger decides to or if we have the required funds) will definitely not help matters if Song leaves.

Remember how we dreamed and wished and hoped M'Villa would come to Arsenal? In fact, in our minds, he was already given an Arsenal shirt number and was playing for us; some had even thrown in a goal for him; well, that transfer is yet to happen. The post about crossing our fingers and waiting to see if Wenger actually signed Cazorla wasn't received well by some Arsenal fans. If you listened carefully to the video press conference, Wenger said he was not signing anyone yet in response to questions asked about Carzola's signing, we'll have to wait and see. I hate having my hopes dashed, waiting to hear from Wenger himself saves me a lot of heart-ache. Let's hope Barca steal Lampard or Shinji Kagawa instead; I really can't bear to think that Song might be next in line.

With those passing skills, it's no wonder Barca's after our boy, smh!

Full Story: The Week or Talk Sports

LIKE M'VILLA, CAZORLA WANTS TO BE WITH ARSENAL

I want to be a Gunneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrr!!!

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Apparently, we're getting some love from Santi just like we did from M'Villa. He wants to hop on board and can't wait. What's not to love about a club whose fans stick behind a player whenever, however, whatever; pity some players (no names called) don't seem to appreciate our ability to stick with them through thick and thin. Santi, we'll have you any time mate so long as our budget, Wenger and your club allows. See you around; hopefully.

Full Story: Sports World Report

HENRY BELIEVES WE'LL DO JUST FINE WITHOUT RVP

Whisper: We'll do just fine without you mate

The king himself has said the club would survive without RVP. Although Henry reiterated his hope for RVP to stay, he also mentioned that RVP leaving wasn't the end for Arsenal:

“When I left, everybody cried, but then the year after they went on a run of being eight points ahead. Everyone comes and goes...

We all want...okay, most of us want RVP to stay despite the fact that we're angry about his choice of words on his planned exit. I do agree with the King, players come and go but the club remains.

Full Story: Islington Gazette or Crunch Sports

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If you want your tweet featured, buzz the inbox.

IamArsenalistic
RT @IamDrDanny: Video Of Arsenal-FC Stars Dancing Azonto In Lagos | 247 Nigeria News Update

Aikay_AFC
RT @ArsenalTrend: Good news that Van Persie will be in the squad to play FC KOLN next week.

Jimmy_Chilides
Malaga FC Local newspapers says announcement of Santi Cazorla transfer to Arsenal is likely to be confirmed today

Aqib96PD
RT @Gooner1886_: We are NOT RVP.FC we are Arsenal.FC the greatest club in the world if you don't wanna play for us then fuck off we will still be AFC forever

DazAtk22
RT @FourFourTom: Rumours are circulating that Barcelona want Alex Song for €15mil. In my opinion, that's nowhere near enough for a ...

Yours in football,

Another One Bites The Dust: "£18m Bid for Cazorla?; Nuri Sahin?

2012-07-28T19:00:00.000+01:00

Breaking News: Arsenal Bid £18m for Cazorla!
Cazorla Replies: ¿En serio? Arsenal quiere gastar tanto? (Really? Arsenal want to spend that much?)*Sarcasm*

ARSENAL FC NEWS UPDATE

Uncle Wenger says we're not signing anyone yet, period. Oh! and, when he does decide to sign, he'll let us know. This video was released by AFP some hours ago and I thought it would be best for readers to hear straight from the horse's mouth...(and, I am in no way calling Wenger a horse.)

If you think video is boring and you prefer to read, see the Full Story: IOL Sport

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Before that, I had posted this:
News has filtered in that we have slapped €23m (equivalent of £18m) on the table for Santi. It is pertinent to note however that Malaga have sorted out some of their financial distress hence, they just might not lap up our offer just yet. Our game with Manchester City however has at least proven me right to some extent. We need to up our defence, especially the full-backs if we are to have any chance of making the top 4 this season; either that or all our players are to take a crash course in defensive team work. There is no point scoring as many goals as you're conceding which, let me remind you was what happened last season. all we hear about is the signing of MD's and ST's, let's think about closing up our arses aka back-end.

Enjoy This Goal by Santi

SO WHAT WERE YOU SAHIN?

I know, that sounds like a lame phrase but with all the rumours, I couldn't help asking "What were you saying (Sahin)? Before the update came in on whether or not we were signing anyone, rumours had started to crawl into my flat from under my door that Sahin had been thrown in the mix. However, Uncle Wenger from the news report above has settled the dust so, it's left for us to wait and see; keep your fingers crossed.
Full Story: Nuri Sahin Rumours

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If you post interesting tweets you want to publicize on Mister Spruce, buzz my inbox

ArtOfCannon
Haha, Chamakh may lack confidence of Arsenal fans; but he sure doesn't lack marriage proposals.

gunnerstuff
Arsenal will play the last pre-season friendly of the tour of Asia tomorrow against Kitchee FC in Hong Kong at 10:00 BST.

diondozzell
Arsenal FC is what i live for

ahmedarse
RT @Arsenal: Arsenal training in the impressive Hong Kong Stadium, where they will face Kitchee FC tomorrow

RyanElWalcott
RT @Jimmy_Chilides: The fee offered last night by Arsenal FC to Malaga is apparently the exact fee which is needed to raise in order to clear the clubs debts

venomous_haf
RT @MERCY_ARSENAL: Fastest Footballers in the World 1:Theo Walcott [ARS] 100m 10.3s. 2: Cristiano Ronaldo [RM] 100m 10.63s. 3: Ryo Miyaichi [ARS] 100m 10.84s.

NickAmes82
Early start at Luton with Lukas Podolski, Per Mertesacker and Bacary Sagna. We're off to Lagos - much more to come...

Qweezy_1
No boko aram pls ooo"@DailyPostNgr: Arsenal first team players Lukas Podolski, Bacary Sagna and Per Mertesacker are on their way to Lagos

@MisterSpruce1

Yours in football,

"I Want Santi Carzola"- Arteta; RVP baffles Hill-Wood...

2012-07-26T19:20:00.001+01:00

I have a dream, that one day...

Mikel Arteta has spoken of his wish to play alongside his countryman Santi Cazorla.

Arteta goes on to say that while he cannot speak for the Arsenal, he knows that Santi is a top class player that would bring a lot of quality to the club.

You have to take into consideration the fact that all our excellent MD's seem to be jinxed with the injury curse plus Cazorla has a lot more experience and is more versatile than baby Walcott.

We're keeping our fingers crossed hoping that we can lose some and win some before the transfer window closes.

Full Story: Daily Mail

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RVP BAFFLES PETER HILL-WOOD...AND US TOO

Err...Do I look like I'm confused? Pouty faced? Yes. Confused? Well...

Poor Peter, he doesn't seem to know what's hit him. I think he's just "logging-on" his brain's computer. Well, we all did that a long time ago, pity he's just getting a reality check. Hill-Wood said:

"To be honest I do not understand him at all. I understood Cesc Fabregas wanting to go home to Barcelona last summer. I had sympathy with that.

"But I thought Robin was happy at Arsenal, especially after the season he had with us."

Sorry Pete, we all got hit bad too but, we've wiped our tears and moved on, hop on board mate.

Full Story: Crunch Sports

The OX Works on His Defence, I Hope The Rest Of The Team Does

Oxlade is eager to improve on his defensive skills and seems to be a very willing learner. Let's hope the rest of the team learns to work together as a unit to defend and help the back four, we know that's our weakest link.

Full Story: Soccerway

If you'd like your tweet featured, just gimee a buzz.

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JasonBoyne94
RT @samuelj29060: Guardian: Arsenal set to sign Cazorla from Malaga for £15.6m. Bendtner & Arshavin close in on exits

Vermaelen05
Tevez + Nasri = £50m. Carroll + Downing = £55m. Torres = £50m. The Invincibles' starting XI = £44m. Astounding

Emiel_121
My 200th has to go to@cesc4official. Thank you for your time at Arsenal FC. You will be remembered. Once a gooner, always a gooner.

EriksenDaily
Arsenal Transfers: Tracking All the Latest Rumors and Updates

Daparty4real
Van Persie motives baffle Arsenal chairman Hill-Wood

oldskoolwolf
“@Arsenal_RTs: Any (real) Arsenal news today??”<<<<< yeah there's no news lol

Follow me on twitter @MisterSpruce1

Yours in football,

Arsenal News: Wenger Say's We're Not Done Buying, Signings Excite The Ox, Henry III

2012-07-25T19:03:00.005+01:00

Seriously, you've got to believe me. We'll be spending another £2,000 on that player from Mali...

Evening dear friends. Woke up rather late to scavenge for new and alas! Uncle Wenger greeted me with news that you and I want to hear - "We're not done buying, our cheque book's still open for this transfer window".

He mentioned this at a conference in China following questions about our bid for Niang and Carzola. Anyway, I have chosen to hold my excitement in check. You see, there are a lot of things a man can say when under pressure from the press and from the fans; my advice - Let's watch and see.

MORE ON ARSENAL'S TRANSFER MARKET WALTZ

Uncle Wenger has denied closing in on Santi Cazorla contrary to what we've been seeing and hearing on this other side of the continent from the some news reports. A Malaysian newspaper just released the report about 15 minutes ago. Wenger however does not deny that we are interested in the dynamic MD, but he says the negotiations are still on-going.

With Baby Walcott's deal not tidy yet, we're keeping our fingers crossed hopefully hoping.

Full Story: Taipei Times

Wenger still is of the opinion that RVP should stay, and like Arseblog said, the 'R', 'V' and 'P' keys on my laptop are beginning to wear out. However, I have not been so disappointed at BBC news as I was today.

BBC Sport news are blatantly, unashamedly advising RVP to sign for Man-U! How can you make that decision for a play BBC? Is it not left for the player to decide? Are you trying to use the persuasion of the press? I'm beginning to believe Luiz and the part of his claim that said Ferguson had tentacles in high places. I think Wenger should start hanging out with people in parliament too, or what do you think?
Full Story: BBC and Crunch Sport

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NEW SIGNINGS EXCITE THE OX

The Ox is quite happy with the squad we've got in the bag right now. He's also made glowing remarks about OG (Oliver Giroud) and LP (Lucas Podolski). I give it to the lad though, that's some good head he's got on his shoulders; he's not all bloated about his performances.

KING THIERRY HENRY III

On my honour as a Gooner...Hasta la vista baby - I'll be back.

I've never seen such loyalty in a loooong time. This legendary dude wants to be back and about at the Emirates in whatever capacity, heck! he'd take up a cleaning job at Holloway road if it just meant that he could hang out with you, me and Wenger. We're not complaining Henry, stroll in any time.
Full Story: Arseblog News

NOT AGAIN ROSICKY?!

I feel for you mate, we can do you that Wolverine metal bone thingy, then you'll be indestructible.

Does anybody know how we can help this dude? He's a pretty good play-maker and you saw the impact he had when he was fit but every now and again...aaarrgh! I'm so upset for him!, especially since he's one of our better MD's with experience and all. Could we do that stuff they did on Wolverine to this dude so that his bones become steel? All our creative MD's are all in casts, is Ferguson jinxing us? Get fit soon Rosicky.
Full Story: Arseblog News

Find all Premier League Transfers to date: Daily Mail

ArsenalGNO
Arsenal FC: Arsenal have some tactical work to do and some physical work also but it is looking good

aug_ann7
RT @ArsenalFC_PL: Arsenal FC: Arsenal confirm 2012/13 squad numbers: Giroud will wear No 12 while Szczesny is Club's new No 1

FourFourTom
Both the Guardian and the Telegraph now say Arsenal are closing in on Santi Cazorla.

nomaan4u
#AddictedTo football and Arsenal FC

_ItsEmilie
RT @_Villament: #AddictedTo Arsenal FC

chezandstatus
RT @Arsenal_Core: Let's support King Henry to comeback to Arsenal FC. I'll accepted him as a player, coach, backroom staff, or even a club's director! #AFC :)

duke_of_cool
RT @ArsenalPro: Is Coquelin our answer to M’Vila? | Should we sign Niang if we have Afobe? | Arsenal are in for C...: Cazorla l...

Follow me @MisterSpruce1

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Yours in football,

Such Impunity! Such Nerve! : Alex Friggin' Ferguson!

2012-07-19T18:50:00.000+01:00

Hmm...Arr-Vee-Pee willintly do nicely ower at Mancheestah!

Never felt so insulted in my entire life! Such impunity! Such nerve! Was about working on some other project when this news pops in me face - Fergie Tells Pals That He's Confident Of Landing RVP.

I mean, what is that?! I think I would literally faint if that happened. RVP in a Manchester United Shirt? Nooooo!

I personally would stone RVP's with my shoes if he signs for Manchester. I mean I dislike Manchester United so much I banned myself and anyone from ever writing about the team even if they win the Champions League (dunno how they'll pull that off with Barca alive).

I'd prefer RVP to go with Manchester City, well, just because (although I'd like us to sell him to some Qatar club where the sun's going to peel off his skin and £500,000 wouldn't be able to remedy it). If he so desperately wants to win trophies please Uncle Wenger, sell him to Inter Milan or Juve or Barca or Real Madrid. I'd prefer he move to China, Siberia... anywhere but Manchester United, please!

Do you know the torture we would go through every time Arsenal has a game at Old Trafford? What the Man-U fans would put us through every time RVP steps out in a Man-U shirt onto the field of play?! OMG! for the life of me, I don't want to think about it, my heart might fail and I'll need a surgical by-pass.

Please Wenger, no matter what they offer you, I beg you with all that's pure and holy and un-vile, don't sell RVP to Manchester United, it'll terribly wreck my bragging rights.

Story: The Mirror

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Yours in football,

Arsenal News: Can We Get This Vow From A Certain Somebody?...

2012-07-18T20:10:00.001+01:00

On my honour dudes...super glue to my ass at Spurs

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I almost didn't curate any news today. I was trying to gather all relevant rss feeds that spread the word about us...and then I bumped into this particular (pahr-ti-kiu-lar) piece of news that caused a tinge of bitterness in me 'art (heart) -Van der Vaart vows Spurs stay

I don't know if you understand the strength behind the word "vow"? A brief definition:

1. An earnest promise to perform a specified act or behave in a certain manner, especially a solemn promise to live and act in accordance with the rules of a religious order:

2. A declaration or assertion, to promise solemnly; pledge.

And then I wished we could have that sort of allegiance from a certain somebody. You'll probably bump into news about him on your way through this page. However, I congratulate Van der Vaart, even with rumours that his wife wanted to leave and interests from other clubs, he's dug his foot in; it shows his strength of character, something he could teach a certain country-man of his.

Full Story: Soccerway

THE "CERTAIN SOMEBODY"...WHY ARE WE SHOOTING OURSELVES IN THE FOOT?

Y'all don't know what's coming...*Evil Grin* Greedy, Wanton, Despicable me.

I don't know if it's an act of desperation or lack of foresight but it's been all over the rumour-sphere that our management intends for RVP to see out his contract with us. Is that a ploy to make him re-think his carefully hatched plan to leave us? Or worse still , do we intend to keep him so that he gets to leave on a free transfer? 'cuz, I'm not getting it at all.

See, when you keep a player against his wishes, it tells on the quality of performances he'll deliver. I believe we'll be shooting ourselves in the foot by keeping him and at the end get nothing from him on the pitch or in the bank. RVP's sale can give us two good defenders or M'Villa and one defender, think about it Uncle Wenger.

Full Story: Yahoo Sports

The Week however takes on a different view from mine on this matter as they believe Arsenal want to punish RVP by keeping him till he's 30 years old when no one would pay big money for him. One question though, will that be to our loss or gain? An old, unsettled and unhappy player won't do us any good. My two cents.

ARSENAL'S GAMBLING AGAIN

We're going to be left naked if we don't tie up deals or cash in on want-away players.

You know the symptoms of the "double-ender", you lose body fluid both ways. You heard me complaining about our impending loss of revenue from not selling RVP now. Well, seems we're doing the same thing with baby Walcott.

If we don't sell him or renew his contract before he turns 24 and he chooses to bail out on us, we are supposed to get compensation for our "investment" in him. However, he turns 24 before his contract ends and we lose out on the compensation we would have received. Please somebody ask Wenger and management what the plan is ? This is too risky a gamble.

Full Story: Todayonline

WILL HE BENEFIT THE TEAM?: ARSENAL AFTER PAULINHO

Rumour has it that we're slapping a £9m transfer fee on the table for this dude. I'm curious to know what this lad can bring to the table. Looking at his stats.- 21 goals in 122 games, fantastic aerial ability, nerves of steel so much so that he snapped his dislocated knee back into place and continued playing (Wilshere could learn a thing or two from this lad)...

I think we could use this guy in DM if Uncle Wenger's really serious about buying him. He's got the height, the strength and tenacity and just maybe the skill. He's playing AM for Corinthians though, what's your take?

VERMAELEN FEATURES IN MORTAL KOMBAT

I'm trying my hardest not to laugh here...Ox! Stop pulling my knickers...

My! Doesn't Verm. look like something out of my Mortal Kombat video game? The video shows a terrible "facial" acting performance from Verm. He looked like he was being tickled and was trying very hard not to laugh,lol! Watch his face closely in the video below...

This, by the way, is what tough looks like... The guy ain't playing.

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The Others...

SERIOUSLY LUIZ?

Seriously, did I say that? I don't even believe myself.

Personally, I think the dude wanted a piece of the action. I'm sure he figured since everyone seemed to be in the news, he could as well look for elbow room and force his way in. Here's a small aside:

Luiz is lazily watching BBC Sports on his 65 inch Sony Smart Screen TV...

Luiz: (Thinking) Hmm...Everyone seems to be in the news these days. Rooney's been said to understand only Scottish. Terry's leaving the headlines bloody, RVP's leaving Arsenal fans livid; A.Cole, The Ferdinand boys, Forlan even lil' Andy are all splattering the pages of newspapers...I need to do something about this!

Maybe I should tell Brendan that I will leave Liverpool if they don't pay me £300,000 a week after tax on income, petrol, water, electricity, decorating and clothing.... or, I could smash my Ferrari into Harrods and maybe claim I was actually sold one without brakes...Naaaah!

Aha! I could bring up that thing between me and Evra again and claim that Manchester United connived with the political powers that be to render my services to Liverpool useless. I figure I can say that I was framed and suspended so that I wouldn't help Liverpool win the Championship and qualify for the UEFA Champions League... That would prove interesting! Now, what was it that happened between me and Evra again...

Full Story: The Week

Arsenal

Four first-team stars will travel to Nigeria to meet supporters and take part in activities with regional partners

MickTheGooner

EXCELLENT NEWS: Sagna & Wilshere recovering well & although won't make Arsenal's Asia Tour, could be ready for start of season. (Telegraph)

Istakoza_Freak

RT @GoalUK: Lukas Podolski eyes success with his new club Arsenal, but admits title may be beyond them

MrTuesday_Mardi

RT @BarclaysLeague: Podolski targets Arsenal title challenge: The 27-year-old Germany international moved to north London after leav...

Im_MushtqFwzr

Off to check on some Arsenal news,then to sleep In sha Allah . Feeling a bit worn out today...so good night dear tweepsters.

adrianhariz

Niang jadi trial ke spurs gak sih min? @IndoSpurs RT @DuniaSoccer: Arsenal Bujuk Niang, Man. City Menguntit

@MisterSpruce1

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Yours in football,

Arsenal FC News: Flogging A Dead Horse And News

2012-07-15T19:00:00.000+01:00

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THE RVP TRANSFER ISSUE = FLOGGING A DEAD HORSE

No offence Bleacher Report but, you're "over-flogging" this RVP stay-RVP freeze mid-air- RVP go issue. I mean, if I bump into another blog or news site giving me more on this RVP saga (that is, unless he has publicly made it clear that he wants to stay), I'll probably pull my hair out.

That's not me though?

When you wake up in the morning it's RVP, you go grocery shopping at noon, still RVP and Arsenal; when I decide to spend some time reading what good others have to say about our club on blogs, forums and news sites, it's RVP! Can we just take a breather?(as Americans would say).

You know what they say about beating a dead horse don't you? Or better still, slaying the slain? When a line of conversation or an issue is already done with but then people keep blaaa'in about the issue? Yup, that's the way I feel about RVP and the whole transfer saga thingy.

That said, the Bleacher Report did provide some good points on why it would be a wise move on RVP's part to stay with us. I am of the opinion that wisdom is an application of common sense. However, it has been generally observed that common sense isn't very common. And I'm not implying anything...*wink*
Full Story: Robin Van Persie Would Be Wise to Return to Gunners

VICTORIA CONCORDIA CRESCIT: LUCAS' GOONER BLOOD TRANFUSION COMPLETE

LP has never hidden the fact that he is a fan of Uncle Wenger. I can just imagine him looking up to Wenger with so much admiration. Wenger's achieved a lot with Arsenal, no doubt; it's just that he gets on my nerves most times at each transfer window,smh.

Anyway, LP has made it clear that he's looking to work with RVP and really wants him to stay. He also made mention that he had looked forward to playing alongside RVP for a longer period of time. I'm happy he's looking at the benefits to the club on a larger scale and doesn't want the team to be centred around him like some new signings are wont to do. Hmm...I wonder the kind of partnership he and Lucas would form on the pitch...

Okay, here's me dedicating this song on behalf of Lucas Podolski to RVP...

...and if after this wonderful/heartfelt "I-want-you-to-stay" song RVP decides to leave, then I see his stint with whatever club he moves to ending up like Torres' with no recovery.

*Evil Grin* RVP's stint at another club...28 matches and an almost goal...

Did I mention beating a dead horse...

Full Story: Lukas Podolski was to play with Robin van Persie

ARSENAL REVIEWS TICKET PRICES

"Arsenal Football Club has announced the outcome of a major review of its ticketing approach ahead of the 2012/13 season..."

Well, this is good for the people who plan to stand throughout the duration of the game, an act I have no plan in participating in. However, I do agree that this gives an opportunity to everyone to attend matches. These harsh economic times aren't sexy on the wallet. We need to save all we can while still supporting the club...

You know it's us who support the club right? New Kit every year, ticket prices, broken hearts...

Full Story: Club announces changes to ticketing approach

Don't forget to make this contagious. Share, Like, Stumble-upon, Spread, make viral...Thanks in advance

The Others...

THE OIL BARONS STRIKE AGAIN

They have dashed the glory aspirations of big teams aka Arsenal and maybe AC Milan now. Since Tevez has made it public that he intends staying at Manchester City and Pato has mentioned his interest in the English Premiership... Yes, I do believe that like us, AC Milan are being forced to "chew dust".

A world class defender and a world class striker? Now, I feel more sorry for them than I feel for us. Imagine losing RVP and Verm. at the same time, I know Thiago is higher than Verm. in defender quality ranks but the thought of it just scares the crap out of me.
Full Story: PSG seal Silva´s services

I THINK OWEN SHOULD JUST CALL IT QUITS

I have finally come to the conclusion that some people don't just know when to stop. Owen's one of them. He admits that he is looking for a new club as his contract with Manchester United has come to an end.

He goes on in this report to rubbish Championship teams, saying he could never play for them because he feels he'd be stooping low. He further mentions that after playing for clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid (did he ever really get on to play on the pitch there? I'd say he was an accessory.), Newcastle and Manchester United, he doesn't think he'll be able to play Championship football.

Owen should not forget that Newcastle was once relegated and in the Championship for a while. He should also not forget the performances we saw this season from the likes on Swansea, QPR and Norwich City. Looking down on people or better still, clubs, never did anyone good.

Full Story: Owen uninterested in Championship football

WOULD YOU FUND ARSENAL'S DREAM TRANSFER TARGET?

Err...would you guys part fund the transfer fees if Arsenal wanted to buy Messi, Aguero, Xavi, Alves or Sergio Ramos? Well, Hamburg billionaire Kuehne mentioned the idea of taxing Hamburg FC fans 100 Euros each (that's about £78) to bring in van der Vaart. Would you?

Full Story: Fans asked to fund van der Vaart transfer

Holy Crap! That's all I can say about the news below. Err...remember my prediction for this season? I don't think Manchester City will win it again.

Full Story: Friendly: Manchester City 0 Al Hilal 1

AFCPortal

TRANSFER NEWS: Arsenal in for Santos midfielder, GANSO. The 22 year old Brazilian is one of the hottest and ...

goal_intl

Barcelona's Afellay offered to Arsenal & Inter: The versatile Dutchman appears to be surplus t...

DatTallDude

RT @ArsenalNewsUK: Believes in Wenger – Poldi, RVP and Giroud could end our title drought.

_Dixsy_Normous_

Lmfaoo , ! David ask a tottenham man for Arsenal news !

iVish_

@iamsrk Hi ShahRukh, Who's your best football (Soccer) team in the English Premiership??

jakeeellmore

Football premier-league: Teenage Arsenal ace set for Birmingham loan move | Radio talkSPORT:

JamesHolmesLFC

I wonder how Borini will click with Suarez. An advantage is he has Premiership experience and knows the English game

EnceOrEnzo

racism is clearly rife in english football, what a poor enditement for the premiership the last year has been

Follow me on twitter @ MisterSpruce1

Don't forget to make this contagious. Share, Like, Stumble-upon, Spread, make viral...Thanks in advance

Yours in football,

Arsenal Gets Teen On Trial...And More

2012-07-09T22:04:00.000+01:00

Don't forget to make this contagious. Share, Like, Stumble-upon, Spread, make viral...Thanks in advance

It seems Wenger is on the heels of young strikers again. News has it that despite the disapproval of Niang's coach at Caen, Uncle Wenger has brought Niang to the Emirates for a trial period.

While this move re-iterates our 'catch-them-young' mentality at Arsenal, it would do us a lot of good if we can catch 'em severally defenders and like players. It is only right that we balance the equation.

Read Up: Arsenal trial Caen teen

KOSCIELNY WANTS TO EXTEND HIS STAY; NOW, WHAT'S COOLER THAN THAT!?

Good news. Kosc. aka Koscielny is more than ready to extend his contract with us. At least this is one top-notch player who'll stay. However, I still stand by my opinion that we are doing something wrong. How can we keep losing players just when they begin to shine?

Read Up: Koscielny keen to extend Arsenal deal

WHAT THE PRESS DON'T KNOW ABOUT US

Here, the Bleacher Report gave a rather in-depth analysis of Arsenal as a club and as a team. The report made mention of the fact that we have gone through so many upsets as a club that we have become numb to upsets, hmm... seriously?

Another point raised by the report was that no matter what, we say or do, we still are suckers for Uncle Wenger. We love him death. Sometimes; true.

Rather annoyingly,the report implies that we delude ourselves with the hope of huge signings which will never happen; like M'Vila. Bleacher report, take that - (Losers!) You just hit us in a very raw spot, cheap shot!

Read Up: Arsenal FC: 10 Things the Media Don't Get About the Gunners

WOULD LOSING THEO WALCOTT WRECK US?

Well..., I've had to ask myself that same question too; I mean, taking into consideration all the uncertainty surrounding the dude, it is inevitable for every Arsenal fan to think about life at the Emirates without Baby Theo.
I think it will be a bit difficult at first - Life without Baby T. Although we've got one or two players with speed, none really measure up to the speed locked up in Theo's legs. The dude is a gazelle. Maybe we'll get Ribery as a replacement... Did I hear you cough?

Read Up: Arsenal Tranfers News: Would Losing Theo Walcott Be All That Bad?

Other news...

Read Up: Keown urges van Persie to stay with Arsenal

Don't forget to make this contagious. Share, Like, Stumble-upon, Spread, make viral...Thanks in advance

BBCSporf
BREAKING: Robin Van Persie signs a new contract at Arsenal FC. Story confirmed by the official Arsenal site...

neuesvomspocht
International (21:05) - Marouane Chamakh vom FC Arsenal zum AC Florenz?: Wie auf zu lesen is...

GoonerMikey
RT @ArsenalPro: What is the future of Arsenal FC?: Robin van Persie, "Mr. Arsenal", the man to bring glory back to Arsenal, how ...

big_goons
No matter WHAT HAPPENS. Arsenal FC and all it's true supporters will survive. Hail Arsene Wenger.

TheLoveDre
RT @madiba4ever: @TheLoveDre @manutd_fc @ManU_FC Wenger and arsenal fans will celebrate the departure of tormentor general. He could score on the Bench!

Yours in football,

Arsenal FC: A One Man Team?

2012-07-07T16:05:00.000+01:00

No news today, just a video that reminded me how passionate I was about the club I've loved for many years.

This video was made possible by my Arsenal fan friends in Egypt, a place where sometimes the love for club takes over the love for country.

To the Board of Arsenal FC; we know that to most of you Arsenal FC is just a business venture, some investment that you need to make profit from; it's understandable. However, once in a while, we'll need you to show passion like Roman Abramovich and act without profit at the top of your list.

To Wenger; you've tried to make the best of what's given to you, I know. Although I don't agree with some of your decisions, especially on how you manage our defence, you're no doubt one of the best managers in the world.

To the rest of the Arsenal fans around the world; let's take a united front and demand that what needs to be done, be done.

Yours in football,

Arsenal News: Reviewing The Performance of Transfer Targets and more...

2012-06-25T01:47:00.005+01:00

Don't forget to make this contagious, tweet, share, spread...

Photo Credits|Goal.com/Getty Images

Well, M'Vila played and to be honest, I was quite impressed. The performance was not out of this world but it was just enough to make me rest assured that if he joined us, we would be for the better.

He didn't lose much balls and he seemed always to stay within his 'catchment' area, a little unlike Song who waltzes about the field, leaving our already vulnerable defence more vulnerable.
However, it's not all good news:

"However, when it comes to tracking runners, Arsenal should be concerned about M'Vila's awareness and reaction speed. Several times he was guilty of slowly trotting around or remaining static, while runners from the Spain midfield simply bypassed his position before he reacted."

You can read more on his performance from Bleacher report below:

Assessing the Performance of Reported Arsenal Transfer Target ... - Bleacher Report
Bleacher ReportAssessing the Performance of Reported Arsenal Transfer Target ...Bleacher ReportArsenal fans had a great opportunity to scout reputed transfer target Yann M'Vila against top-quality opposition in France's UEFA Euro 2012 quarterfinal ag ...

More Football News

Photo Credits|The Guardian UK

Dear me, dear me. 'Ol England has crashed out again. The wee lads played beautifully in the first half, fluid passes and all but methinks they kinda lost their focus in the second bit. Lack of composure in front of goal and maybe a=being a little down on luck, the wee lads are coming all the way home. For more, get the full gist below.

PENALTY ANGUISH FOR HODGSON'S ENGLAND
ww.chelseafc.comSunday, June 24, 2012 11:15:00 PM
England suffered penalty shoot-out heartbreak once again as Italy progressed to a Euro 2012 semi-final against Germany...

Soccer Tweets

In Other News, err... I mean, tweets.

SportPoster
#Football: 2. The Gunners 'welcome' two stars into the fold
Monday, June 25, 2012 1:21:33 AM

McEvn
New Arsenal signing Olivier Giroud set to tackle taboos after posing for French gay magazine Tetu
Monday, June 25, 2012 12:57:06 AM

DoPeSwAgPhAnToM
RT @MirrorFootball: Return of the misfits: Wenger to 'welcome' home Denilson and Vela
Monday, June 25, 2012 12:24:32 AM

Yours in football,

Old Musings

2012-06-01T16:39:00.000+01:00

Just wanted to share a post that I wrote on Street Articles in their sports section...

ARSENAL FC

Hopefully, Arsenal's match this weekend will see them book an automatic slot in the Champion's League. We would have done a lot better though if Arsene had listened to me and hired me as a Transfer Market consultant at the Emirates; comon! I'm not that expensive! I mean, all my predictions and promptings (while watching the matches with my mates, oh well! you would think that with all this talk of predictions and promptings I would be a board member by now -rolling my eyes.) have made absolute financial and tactical sense.

For instance, when Thierry Henry was let loose by Barcelona, I personally told Arsene (in my sleep) to pick up this guy for cheap, but no! he picks up M.Chamakh instead. When Viera was on the fringes at Inter, I was like, dude, open yer' eyes!!! But again, no! And Viera goes on to score over 11 goals for Manchester City. Ever since Gilberto and Viera left the DMF (Defensive Mid - Field), well, you know... no offence Song but having those guys around would have made you extra world class.

As Gunners prepare for their match, lets hope they'll have consistency and composure in front of goal. And hire me next season.

And the Lord Said to Wenger...

2012-04-05T15:25:00.000+01:00

My good friend Kobz woke me up with a start, that is, with a message on my phone. The knowledge that I support Arsenal FC and my one-man campaign to be employed as their transfer market consultant is not hidden from most of my friends.
So, here's the message Kobz sent me: "And the Lord said unto Wenger, 'Behold! I have heard your cry and indeed seen the wicked works of the Mancites (Manchester City), the Man-Uzites (Manchester United), the Chelsites (Chelsea) and the Tottenites (Tottenham Hotspurs). I have seen how the Mancites have put their trust in mammon (riches). I will permit them to prosper, for a season. I have seen how the Man-Uzites have leaned on the arm of Fergy, I will pity them also for a season more. However! The sins of the Chelsites and Tottenites are beyond pardon! The Chelsites have made gods of their old prophets (old players) and have not allowed their young prophets (young players) prosper, the Europa League is their punishment! But, the Tottenites have vexed me the most! They have boasted about their skill and quick-footed wingers. They have taunted their better rivals and kicked them as they lay on the ground, as if they did not know that Fabregas had returned to the land of his birth (Barcelona FC, Spain)and Samir Nasri had sojourned to the land flowing with milk and honey, the land of the Mancites (Manchester City). For their sin, I have instructed angels to seal up their goal posts on every ground they play on outside their home ground. In vain will Gareth Bale shoot,and for nothing will Aaron Lennon sprint!Their mid-field will be confounded (confused) even their defence will leak goals. And the angel of Arsenal cried "Lord, the sky is red and thy presence shall come upon Arsenal, send grace to the Emirate stadium". And the Lord said, " I will show mercy on Arsenal, I will show mercy on Wenger and they shall be satisfied with a Champions League Trophy in 2013" ...Arsenal Fans scream " We Believe!!!!!"

Arsenal V. QPR: Arsenal Annoys!

2012-03-31T19:21:00.001+01:00

I cannot but shake my head in disgust. Why Arsenal choose to behave like this consistently is beyond my understanding. Times with number, they act this way, misbehaving, deflating my hopes, dreams and aspirations for them. They play the big teams and trump them, they play the little league and then show no heart, comon!

Queens Park Rangers beat us today not because they were any better but because they showed more enthusiasm. They had more heart. Queens Park Rangers are a club on the verge of relegation and they had that in mind when they played. They put up a fight and won. Arsenal has the habit of relaxing too soon, taking every game after a few consistent wins like a walk in the park. You do not do that! A reason for which I admire Manchester United is that 98% of the time, they go into a match with every intention to win, and see, the facts and results speak for themselves.

Midfielder Adel Taarabt put Queens Park Rangers in front just 22 minutes into the game; imagine! The defence! The defence! I keep telling Wenger, he just does not listen! Now that his prime midfield target Goetz has turned down Arsenal's offer and signed on for two more years with his present club, I hope Wenger re-directs this money trying to get at least 2 good central defenders.

Arsenal's midfield is rated an 89 as it is and that's good enough. A more sturdy defence and a clinical striker combining with Van Persie is what Arsenal needs right now; as it is, Arsenal wasted too many opportunities in front of goal, it happens too often. Alexander Song's blocks today helped Arsenal in more ways than they can imagine. Despite Arsenal retaining more possession,the defence was always left bare when they pushed men forward. Again, I mention, 'the defence'.

Queens Park Rangers showed that they could soak up a lot of pressure and convert attacks when given the opportunity, this they did when Diakite slotted home their second goal. Arsenal tried to respond but, nothing. Today I can say QPR had a way better defensive plan than Arsenal, take it or leave it.
For more information, check 'The Independent'

Mental Mastery!!! - Gunners Looking Good

2012-03-24T18:40:00.005+00:00

Finally! Finally! Arsenal did it! Okay, deep breath everyone, it's not like they won a trophy, (something that seems to have eluded the team in like, what? SEVEN YEARS!!!), but I'm happy for these guys men! They kept on giving it all they had. Personally, I thought Arsenal was going to be relegated this season, no playing!I mean, at some point, they were sitting at 14th on the league table? Really? It seemed as impossible and unbelievable as a house with 36 inch rims...

Today, their game with Aston Villa was one in which Arsenal's attacking prowess showed. The team's fitness level seemed perfect. Their mental mastery of the game was without question OR, maybe their defensive line was not hard pressed, maybe today was just a very good day. Mikel Arterta, Theo Walcott and Kierran Gibbs all strutted their stuff today and Aston Villa had no reply.

Hopefully, the Gunners would be able to keep this consistency, as it beats my imagination why they lack consistency in their winnings. Any Arsenal fan can remember the glory days of the 49 game unbeaten run we had when we had the honour of having the 'French Connection', I don't need to go into that now, you can read that from my last write up. *Sigh*

Experience!Experience!Experience! I shout and scream and yell this again and again, Wengy, Wenger, Arsene, Arseny lovely!(Men! I'm using whatever pet name I can find in my 'Arsenal' to soften the man up to reason, bear with me), please, buy back Henry, if for anything, for the morale boost, he trained with us, though he did not score much but the team kind of came alive, not necessarily in their winnings, but, in the belief they had in themselves. Henry is on fire now for New York Red Bulls; and Viera and Fabregas yes, yes, I know, let's not be reminded of the one's that got away.

Although I called for his head many times at the beginning of the season (football is an emotional game so, DO NOT look at me funny or make me feel guilty), he indeed has done a great job, only as I repeat, listen to people like me, people who have loved the club from the beginning while I was a cherub in heaven, before I was born. Listen to the voice of reason a.k.a mine, and well, other Arsenal fans.

I have said times without number and I fulfil these dreams over my laptop playing Football Manager, CUT DOWN YOUR SQUAD!!! The guy doesn't listen, didn't listen until, well now. Due to the £20,000,000 wage increase the club saw last year, it has decided to trim its squad (I'm rolling my eyes at this BECAUSE, this was what I have been singing into Arsene's ear for the past two years), the list apparently includes the likes of Manuel Almunia, Marouane Chamakh, Sebastien Squillaci, Andrei Arshavin, Carlos Vela, Denilson, Nicklas Bendtner and Chu Young Park. I wonder why Diaby is not on that list and Carlos Vela out of it. Carlos does pretty well for his country and I think if he is given the same chance as Oxlade has been given, he'd improve or, has he been given that already? I cannot remember, he just isn't getting enough playing time. He should go on loan to a second division where he can get enough playing time and improve his mental strength .

Anyway, Wenger can breathe easy now, three points ahead of Tottenham and the season almost over; what more could a manager who was almost hanged at the start of the season ask for? Oh yes! He could ask for one more thing, having me as his consultant/personal assistant on transfer market dealings. *wink*