Welcome Declan Rice

[rodders999]

You fucking QTW


















quote tower wankers

[nut flush gooner]

How good is he at pointing?

Don't worry Andrew, I mentioned it on here a week or two ago....he points very well. If that's the only similarity to dearly departed Granit, then I can live with it (annoying though it is).

Yes, indeed you did and it was explained to you that when Rice is pointing it's because:

He reads the game very well; far better than those of the team he played for at the time
He see's when there is danger or when something is about to go pear shaped - And so besides 'pointing', he also Shouts a Lot, why? Because he is a Leader and takes responsibility.

Unlike the wannabe Hard Man who for some delusional reason imagined he was a leader; instead of the Accident Waiting to Happen, which he was, is and always will be....Which leads me to: What the fuck's with the "dearly departed Granit" Shit- ??? Don't tell me you think we shouldn't have sold him!? - Or that you rate him!? His Monicker was 'Clive' and that was being kind... With CliveElCunto now gone from our ranks we automatically become a Better, Stronger Squad.

Oh, you explained things to me eh? Take a look at my response to your post and you'll see that I "explained" how the great leaders we've had over the years, McLintock, Adams, Vieira, all managed to lead without pointing all over the gaff. I think DB10 summed it up quite succinctly when he said that true leaders lead by example and vocal motivation and that bullshitters point.

Not sure what your second paragraph is all about. Maybe you got on the bottle a bit early today? You're drawing some pretty wild conclusions from the phrase "dearly departed Granit". Do you genuinely think that it implied regret that he was gone, even though the sentence it was contained in made it absolutely clear that I hoped pointing was the only thing that Rice had in common with Xhaka. For the record, you won't find anyone on here...and I mean anyone....that was complaining about Xhaka earlier than I was.

Not sure what your issue is, but give it a rest.

I disagree about Adams here, he pointed more than any other captain we have ever had. He also was extremely vocal. When we conceded a goal back in the day Adams would be the first player clenching his fists saying come on lads let's step it up.

There was a famous incident where before a NLD, he had Lee Dixon pinned up against the dressing room wall and telling him we don't loose this game, Dixon got it from that moment.

Now onto Rice, it's deeper than getting someone who points a lot. These days captains aren't in the Adams/Keane mould, they are much more refined. The thing is with Rice, you can see he's a very intelligent young man who is years ahead of where he should be in his development.

If I was Arteta, I would be instantly handing the captain's armband to Rice, but in all honesty to manage squad harmony that probably won't happen this season. I am sure when Ode realises where the leadership is coming from on the pitch he won't have a problem standing down. Arsenal did save his career after all.

[OneBardGooner]

Yeah! You Tell Em Rodders!

he started it!

[Bennett]

Excellent, if expensive, signing. Think he'll be great for us and more expansive in his game...love his attitude. Can only now hope/dream for a 25 goal a season striker to convert the chances we create...a peak Wrighty in his pomp type!

[Retro Gunner]

How good is he at pointing?

Don't worry Andrew, I mentioned it on here a week or two ago....he points very well. If that's the only similarity to dearly departed Granit, then I can live with it (annoying though it is).

Yes, indeed you did and it was explained to you that when Rice is pointing it's because:

He reads the game very well; far better than those of the team he played for at the time
He see's when there is danger or when something is about to go pear shaped - And so besides 'pointing', he also Shouts a Lot, why? Because he is a Leader and takes responsibility.

Unlike the wannabe Hard Man who for some delusional reason imagined he was a leader; instead of the Accident Waiting to Happen, which he was, is and always will be....Which leads me to: What the fuck's with the "dearly departed Granit" Shit- ??? Don't tell me you think we shouldn't have sold him!? - Or that you rate him!? His Monicker was 'Clive' and that was being kind... With CliveElCunto now gone from our ranks we automatically become a Better, Stronger Squad.

Oh, you explained things to me eh? Take a look at my response to your post and you'll see that I "explained" how the great leaders we've had over the years, McLintock, Adams, Vieira, all managed to lead without pointing all over the gaff. I think DB10 summed it up quite succinctly when he said that true leaders lead by example and vocal motivation and that bullshitters point.

Not sure what your second paragraph is all about. Maybe you got on the bottle a bit early today? You're drawing some pretty wild conclusions from the phrase "dearly departed Granit". Do you genuinely think that it implied regret that he was gone, even though the sentence it was contained in made it absolutely clear that I hoped pointing was the only thing that Rice had in common with Xhaka. For the record, you won't find anyone on here...and I mean anyone....that was complaining about Xhaka earlier than I was.

Not sure what your issue is, but give it a rest.

I disagree about Adams here, he pointed more than any other captain we have ever had. He also was extremely vocal. When we conceded a goal back in the day Adams would be the first player clenching his fists saying come on lads let's step it up.

There was a famous incident where before a NLD, he had Lee Dixon pinned up against the dressing room wall and telling him we don't loose this game, Dixon got it from that moment.

Now onto Rice, it's deeper than getting someone who points a lot. These days captains aren't in the Adams/Keane mould, they are much more refined. The thing is with Rice, you can see he's a very intelligent young man who is years ahead of where he should be in his development.

If I was Arteta, I would be instantly handing the captain's armband to Rice, but in all honesty to manage squad harmony that probably won't happen this season. I am sure when Ode realises where the leadership is coming from on the pitch he won't have a problem standing down. Arsenal did save his career after all.

Ok, fuck me, last time with this stupid argument.

I made the point a couple of weeks ago that pointing at set pieces when giving instructions for who needs to be picked up, is perfectly normal. I also have no problem in open play when you're covering the man with the ball and another opposition makes a run into space and needs following. That's the sort of stuff Adams did. What I don't get is what Xhaka does and dare I say it, what Rice tends to do, which is point to instruct another player where to play the ball to (and I'm not talking about a one-two move where a player wants he ball back).

The pointing I'm talking about is unnecessary and is either the obvious pass anyway, or is completely ignored by the player in possession. I genuinely believe hat Xhaka does it because he's terrified of getting the ball in a position where he might be closed down, so he points elsewhere. Having seen plenty of Rice, I don't think that's what he's doing, I just think it's an irritating habit, which would piss me off if I played with him.

Finally, if that's the only thing that bothers me about Rice, then I'll be a happy bloke.

Oh...and as for being vocal, clenched fists, dressing room "encouragement", I have absolutely no problem with any of that. As for the captaincy, I don't see Odegaard willingly relinquishing it and if Arteta has ideas of passing it to Rice, then he'll have to handle that very carefully indeed. Odegaard is no captain in my book and I've no idea what Arteta was thinking about by giving the job to him. Maybe it was to keep him sweet, which was a Wenger tactic. He doesn't drive or motivate the team around him and the captain should be the one who bollocks players for disappearing during tough matches, not the one who actually disappears.

[Retro Gunner]

You fucking QTW

















quote tower wankers

Sorry, I've just made it worse.

[nut flush gooner]

Don't worry Andrew, I mentioned it on here a week or two ago....he points very well. If that's the only similarity to dearly departed Granit, then I can live with it (annoying though it is).

Yes, indeed you did and it was explained to you that when Rice is pointing it's because:

He reads the game very well; far better than those of the team he played for at the time
He see's when there is danger or when something is about to go pear shaped - And so besides 'pointing', he also Shouts a Lot, why? Because he is a Leader and takes responsibility.

Unlike the wannabe Hard Man who for some delusional reason imagined he was a leader; instead of the Accident Waiting to Happen, which he was, is and always will be....Which leads me to: What the fuck's with the "dearly departed Granit" Shit- ??? Don't tell me you think we shouldn't have sold him!? - Or that you rate him!? His Monicker was 'Clive' and that was being kind... With CliveElCunto now gone from our ranks we automatically become a Better, Stronger Squad.

Oh, you explained things to me eh? Take a look at my response to your post and you'll see that I "explained" how the great leaders we've had over the years, McLintock, Adams, Vieira, all managed to lead without pointing all over the gaff. I think DB10 summed it up quite succinctly when he said that true leaders lead by example and vocal motivation and that bullshitters point.

Not sure what your second paragraph is all about. Maybe you got on the bottle a bit early today? You're drawing some pretty wild conclusions from the phrase "dearly departed Granit". Do you genuinely think that it implied regret that he was gone, even though the sentence it was contained in made it absolutely clear that I hoped pointing was the only thing that Rice had in common with Xhaka. For the record, you won't find anyone on here...and I mean anyone....that was complaining about Xhaka earlier than I was.

Not sure what your issue is, but give it a rest.

I disagree about Adams here, he pointed more than any other captain we have ever had. He also was extremely vocal. When we conceded a goal back in the day Adams would be the first player clenching his fists saying come on lads let's step it up.

There was a famous incident where before a NLD, he had Lee Dixon pinned up against the dressing room wall and telling him we don't loose this game, Dixon got it from that moment.

Now onto Rice, it's deeper than getting someone who points a lot. These days captains aren't in the Adams/Keane mould, they are much more refined. The thing is with Rice, you can see he's a very intelligent young man who is years ahead of where he should be in his development.

If I was Arteta, I would be instantly handing the captain's armband to Rice, but in all honesty to manage squad harmony that probably won't happen this season. I am sure when Ode realises where the leadership is coming from on the pitch he won't have a problem standing down. Arsenal did save his career after all.

Ok, fuck me, last time with this stupid argument.

I made the point a couple of weeks ago that pointing at set pieces when giving instructions for who needs to be picked up, is perfectly normal. I also have no problem in open play when you're covering the man with the ball and another opposition makes a run into space and needs following. That's the sort of stuff Adams did. What I don't get is what Xhaka does and dare I say it, what Rice tends to do, which is point to instruct another player where to play the ball to (and I'm not talking about a one-two move where a player wants he ball back).

The pointing I'm talking about is unnecessary and is either the obvious pass anyway, or is completely ignored by the player in possession. I genuinely believe hat Xhaka does it because he's terrified of getting the ball in a position where he might be closed down, so he points elsewhere. Having seen plenty of Rice, I don't think that's what he's doing, I just think it's an irritating habit, which would piss me off if I played with him.

Finally, if that's the only thing that bothers me about Rice, then I'll be a happy bloke.

Oh...and as for being vocal, clenched fists, dressing room "encouragement", I have absolutely no problem with any of that. As for the captaincy, I don't see Odegaard willingly relinquishing it and if Arteta has ideas of passing it to Rice, then he'll have to handle that very carefully indeed. Odegaard is no captain in my book and I've no idea what Arteta was thinking about by giving the job to him. Maybe it was to keep him sweet, which was a Wenger tactic. He doesn't drive or motivate the team around him and the captain should be the one who bollocks players for disappearing during tough matches, not the one who actually disappears.

Why is it an argument rather than a discussion?

I never saw Xhaka as a leader, nor do I really see Odegaard as a captain but he fits the mould of what is expected in modern day football. I don't know perhaps I am a bit old-fashioned with that.

With Rice, he's a bit more than a pointer he's an organiser more in the Adams role, and he plays the perfect position to organise the team, watch him when he comes to play for us. You will see it more as the season progresses and he settles in.

The transition from Ode to Rice, is all about man management something Arteta will have to handle. But again I think you will see it on the pitch, Rice has much more of a presence than Ode and if he is honest then he will accept that within a few seasons Rice should be the captain. Don't forget Arsenal saved Ode's career.

[Retro Gunner]

Yes, indeed you did and it was explained to you that when Rice is pointing it's because:

He reads the game very well; far better than those of the team he played for at the time
He see's when there is danger or when something is about to go pear shaped - And so besides 'pointing', he also Shouts a Lot, why? Because he is a Leader and takes responsibility.

Unlike the wannabe Hard Man who for some delusional reason imagined he was a leader; instead of the Accident Waiting to Happen, which he was, is and always will be....Which leads me to: What the fuck's with the "dearly departed Granit" Shit- ??? Don't tell me you think we shouldn't have sold him!? - Or that you rate him!? His Monicker was 'Clive' and that was being kind... With CliveElCunto now gone from our ranks we automatically become a Better, Stronger Squad.

Oh, you explained things to me eh? Take a look at my response to your post and you'll see that I "explained" how the great leaders we've had over the years, McLintock, Adams, Vieira, all managed to lead without pointing all over the gaff. I think DB10 summed it up quite succinctly when he said that true leaders lead by example and vocal motivation and that bullshitters point.

Not sure what your second paragraph is all about. Maybe you got on the bottle a bit early today? You're drawing some pretty wild conclusions from the phrase "dearly departed Granit". Do you genuinely think that it implied regret that he was gone, even though the sentence it was contained in made it absolutely clear that I hoped pointing was the only thing that Rice had in common with Xhaka. For the record, you won't find anyone on here...and I mean anyone....that was complaining about Xhaka earlier than I was.

Not sure what your issue is, but give it a rest.

I disagree about Adams here, he pointed more than any other captain we have ever had. He also was extremely vocal. When we conceded a goal back in the day Adams would be the first player clenching his fists saying come on lads let's step it up.

There was a famous incident where before a NLD, he had Lee Dixon pinned up against the dressing room wall and telling him we don't loose this game, Dixon got it from that moment.

Now onto Rice, it's deeper than getting someone who points a lot. These days captains aren't in the Adams/Keane mould, they are much more refined. The thing is with Rice, you can see he's a very intelligent young man who is years ahead of where he should be in his development.

If I was Arteta, I would be instantly handing the captain's armband to Rice, but in all honesty to manage squad harmony that probably won't happen this season. I am sure when Ode realises where the leadership is coming from on the pitch he won't have a problem standing down. Arsenal did save his career after all.

Ok, fuck me, last time with this stupid argument.

I made the point a couple of weeks ago that pointing at set pieces when giving instructions for who needs to be picked up, is perfectly normal. I also have no problem in open play when you're covering the man with the ball and another opposition makes a run into space and needs following. That's the sort of stuff Adams did. What I don't get is what Xhaka does and dare I say it, what Rice tends to do, which is point to instruct another player where to play the ball to (and I'm not talking about a one-two move where a player wants he ball back).

The pointing I'm talking about is unnecessary and is either the obvious pass anyway, or is completely ignored by the player in possession. I genuinely believe hat Xhaka does it because he's terrified of getting the ball in a position where he might be closed down, so he points elsewhere. Having seen plenty of Rice, I don't think that's what he's doing, I just think it's an irritating habit, which would piss me off if I played with him.

Finally, if that's the only thing that bothers me about Rice, then I'll be a happy bloke.

Oh...and as for being vocal, clenched fists, dressing room "encouragement", I have absolutely no problem with any of that. As for the captaincy, I don't see Odegaard willingly relinquishing it and if Arteta has ideas of passing it to Rice, then he'll have to handle that very carefully indeed. Odegaard is no captain in my book and I've no idea what Arteta was thinking about by giving the job to him. Maybe it was to keep him sweet, which was a Wenger tactic. He doesn't drive or motivate the team around him and the captain should be the one who bollocks players for disappearing during tough matches, not the one who actually disappears.

Why is it an argument rather than a discussion?

I never saw Xhaka as a leader, nor do I really see Odegaard as a captain but he fits the mould of what is expected in modern day football. I don't know perhaps I am a bit old-fashioned with that.

With Rice, he's a bit more than a pointer he's an organiser more in the Adams role, and he plays the perfect position to organise the team, watch him when he comes to play for us. You will see it more as the season progresses and he settles in.

The transition from Ode to Rice, is all about man management something Arteta will have to handle. But again I think you will see it on the pitch, Rice has much more of a presence than Ode and if he is honest then he will accept that within a few seasons Rice should be the captain. Don't forget Arsenal saved Ode's career.

In all fairness Nutty, I wasn't really implying you when I said "argument", but you're right, a discussion is what it ought to be. I don't disagree about Rice being "more than a pointer" and we're certainly short of on-field leaders, so let's hope he can inspire and organise those around him.

I don't think he'll have much of a problem having more presence than Odegaard, who doesn't really have any! A good technical footballer, but never a captain in a million years in my opinion.

I think we've paid way too much for Rice, but you have been a strong supporter of making the signing from day one. I'll be delighted if you're right and he's ours now, so I'm wishing him nothing but good luck.

[rodders999]

You fucking QTW

















quote tower wankers

Sorry, I've just made it worse.

You sir, are now on the list

[Retro Gunner]

You fucking QTW

















quote tower wankers

Sorry, I've just made it worse.

You sir, are now on the list

Please be gentle with me.

[the playing mantis]

You fucking QTW


I blame brexit!














quote tower wankers

Sorry, I've just made it worse.

[nut flush gooner]

Oh, you explained things to me eh? Take a look at my response to your post and you'll see that I "explained" how the great leaders we've had over the years, McLintock, Adams, Vieira, all managed to lead without pointing all over the gaff. I think DB10 summed it up quite succinctly when he said that true leaders lead by example and vocal motivation and that bullshitters point.

Not sure what your second paragraph is all about. Maybe you got on the bottle a bit early today? You're drawing some pretty wild conclusions from the phrase "dearly departed Granit". Do you genuinely think that it implied regret that he was gone, even though the sentence it was contained in made it absolutely clear that I hoped pointing was the only thing that Rice had in common with Xhaka. For the record, you won't find anyone on here...and I mean anyone....that was complaining about Xhaka earlier than I was.

Not sure what your issue is, but give it a rest.

I disagree about Adams here, he pointed more than any other captain we have ever had. He also was extremely vocal. When we conceded a goal back in the day Adams would be the first player clenching his fists saying come on lads let's step it up.

There was a famous incident where before a NLD, he had Lee Dixon pinned up against the dressing room wall and telling him we don't loose this game, Dixon got it from that moment.

Now onto Rice, it's deeper than getting someone who points a lot. These days captains aren't in the Adams/Keane mould, they are much more refined. The thing is with Rice, you can see he's a very intelligent young man who is years ahead of where he should be in his development.

If I was Arteta, I would be instantly handing the captain's armband to Rice, but in all honesty to manage squad harmony that probably won't happen this season. I am sure when Ode realises where the leadership is coming from on the pitch he won't have a problem standing down. Arsenal did save his career after all.

Ok, fuck me, last time with this stupid argument.

I made the point a couple of weeks ago that pointing at set pieces when giving instructions for who needs to be picked up, is perfectly normal. I also have no problem in open play when you're covering the man with the ball and another opposition makes a run into space and needs following. That's the sort of stuff Adams did. What I don't get is what Xhaka does and dare I say it, what Rice tends to do, which is point to instruct another player where to play the ball to (and I'm not talking about a one-two move where a player wants he ball back).

The pointing I'm talking about is unnecessary and is either the obvious pass anyway, or is completely ignored by the player in possession. I genuinely believe hat Xhaka does it because he's terrified of getting the ball in a position where he might be closed down, so he points elsewhere. Having seen plenty of Rice, I don't think that's what he's doing, I just think it's an irritating habit, which would piss me off if I played with him.

Finally, if that's the only thing that bothers me about Rice, then I'll be a happy bloke.

Oh...and as for being vocal, clenched fists, dressing room "encouragement", I have absolutely no problem with any of that. As for the captaincy, I don't see Odegaard willingly relinquishing it and if Arteta has ideas of passing it to Rice, then he'll have to handle that very carefully indeed. Odegaard is no captain in my book and I've no idea what Arteta was thinking about by giving the job to him. Maybe it was to keep him sweet, which was a Wenger tactic. He doesn't drive or motivate the team around him and the captain should be the one who bollocks players for disappearing during tough matches, not the one who actually disappears.

Why is it an argument rather than a discussion?

I never saw Xhaka as a leader, nor do I really see Odegaard as a captain but he fits the mould of what is expected in modern day football. I don't know perhaps I am a bit old-fashioned with that.

With Rice, he's a bit more than a pointer he's an organiser more in the Adams role, and he plays the perfect position to organise the team, watch him when he comes to play for us. You will see it more as the season progresses and he settles in.

The transition from Ode to Rice, is all about man management something Arteta will have to handle. But again I think you will see it on the pitch, Rice has much more of a presence than Ode and if he is honest then he will accept that within a few seasons Rice should be the captain. Don't forget Arsenal saved Ode's career.

In all fairness Nutty, I wasn't really implying you when I said "argument", but you're right, a discussion is what it ought to be. I don't disagree about Rice being "more than a pointer" and we're certainly short of on-field leaders, so let's hope he can inspire and organise those around him.

I don't think he'll have much of a problem having more presence than Odegaard, who doesn't really have any! A good technical footballer, but never a captain in a million years in my opinion.

I think we've paid way too much for Rice, but you have been a strong supporter of making the signing from day one. I'll be delighted if you're right and he's ours now, so I'm wishing him nothing but good luck.

Mate I agree with what you say about Ode, never seen him as a leader. But just a bit of context and I have been following Arsenals finances for a number of years now, if you think there is an insane/unhealthy amount of money in football that is about to explode exponentially over the next few years, partly because of the Saudi's (its inevitable some of their money will feed its way into our game in some form) and partly because of the CL growing in size. It will be pretty much the top 6 in a few seasons that qualify.

That European Super League is just a matter of when not if IMO, and the consequences of this are £100m transfers will become the norm rather than the exception. Did we overpay for Rice? Maybe, but its more than that for me, its a statement of intent that I haven't seen from the club for a number of years. Back in the day we battled it out against Manure for the top honours, if we can do that against City then I will be more than happy.

Other fans have gone back to hating Arsenal again, the latest digs being how we can make the signings this summer without falling foul of FFP, I have seen a few great pieces about our current financial state that show how good a job the board has done over the last few years in bringing down salaries. That has played a large part in giving us the leeway to recruit at the levels we have done this summer, the incoming revenues from the CL and the Prize money for finishing 2nd in the league will help support our record spending. Our gate receipts are set to break all records this year, I have no doubt about that. They may well go over £100m. Our total revenues, are heading towards half a billion quid. So yeah let the haters hate, its a sign we are on the right track at last!

[augie]

I disagree about Adams here, he pointed more than any other captain we have ever had. He also was extremely vocal. When we conceded a goal back in the day Adams would be the first player clenching his fists saying come on lads let's step it up.

There was a famous incident where before a NLD, he had Lee Dixon pinned up against the dressing room wall and telling him we don't loose this game, Dixon got it from that moment.

Now onto Rice, it's deeper than getting someone who points a lot. These days captains aren't in the Adams/Keane mould, they are much more refined. The thing is with Rice, you can see he's a very intelligent young man who is years ahead of where he should be in his development.

If I was Arteta, I would be instantly handing the captain's armband to Rice, but in all honesty to manage squad harmony that probably won't happen this season. I am sure when Ode realises where the leadership is coming from on the pitch he won't have a problem standing down. Arsenal did save his career after all.

Ok, fuck me, last time with this stupid argument.

I made the point a couple of weeks ago that pointing at set pieces when giving instructions for who needs to be picked up, is perfectly normal. I also have no problem in open play when you're covering the man with the ball and another opposition makes a run into space and needs following. That's the sort of stuff Adams did. What I don't get is what Xhaka does and dare I say it, what Rice tends to do, which is point to instruct another player where to play the ball to (and I'm not talking about a one-two move where a player wants he ball back).

The pointing I'm talking about is unnecessary and is either the obvious pass anyway, or is completely ignored by the player in possession. I genuinely believe hat Xhaka does it because he's terrified of getting the ball in a position where he might be closed down, so he points elsewhere. Having seen plenty of Rice, I don't think that's what he's doing, I just think it's an irritating habit, which would piss me off if I played with him.

Finally, if that's the only thing that bothers me about Rice, then I'll be a happy bloke.

Oh...and as for being vocal, clenched fists, dressing room "encouragement", I have absolutely no problem with any of that. As for the captaincy, I don't see Odegaard willingly relinquishing it and if Arteta has ideas of passing it to Rice, then he'll have to handle that very carefully indeed. Odegaard is no captain in my book and I've no idea what Arteta was thinking about by giving the job to him. Maybe it was to keep him sweet, which was a Wenger tactic. He doesn't drive or motivate the team around him and the captain should be the one who bollocks players for disappearing during tough matches, not the one who actually disappears.

Why is it an argument rather than a discussion?

I never saw Xhaka as a leader, nor do I really see Odegaard as a captain but he fits the mould of what is expected in modern day football. I don't know perhaps I am a bit old-fashioned with that.

With Rice, he's a bit more than a pointer he's an organiser more in the Adams role, and he plays the perfect position to organise the team, watch him when he comes to play for us. You will see it more as the season progresses and he settles in.

The transition from Ode to Rice, is all about man management something Arteta will have to handle. But again I think you will see it on the pitch, Rice has much more of a presence than Ode and if he is honest then he will accept that within a few seasons Rice should be the captain. Don't forget Arsenal saved Ode's career.

In all fairness Nutty, I wasn't really implying you when I said "argument", but you're right, a discussion is what it ought to be. I don't disagree about Rice being "more than a pointer" and we're certainly short of on-field leaders, so let's hope he can inspire and organise those around him.

I don't think he'll have much of a problem having more presence than Odegaard, who doesn't really have any! A good technical footballer, but never a captain in a million years in my opinion.

I think we've paid way too much for Rice, but you have been a strong supporter of making the signing from day one. I'll be delighted if you're right and he's ours now, so I'm wishing him nothing but good luck.

Mate I agree with what you say about Ode, never seen him as a leader. But just a bit of context and I have been following Arsenals finances for a number of years now, if you think there is an insane/unhealthy amount of money in football that is about to explode exponentially over the next few years, partly because of the Saudi's (its inevitable some of their money will feed its way into our game in some form) and partly because of the CL growing in size. It will be pretty much the top 6 in a few seasons that qualify.

That European Super League is just a matter of when not if IMO, and the consequences of this are £100m transfers will become the norm rather than the exception. Did we overpay for Rice? Maybe, but its more than that for me, its a statement of intent that I haven't seen from the club for a number of years. Back in the day we battled it out against Manure for the top honours, if we can do that against City then I will be more than happy.

Other fans have gone back to hating Arsenal again, the latest digs being how we can make the signings this summer without falling foul of FFP, I have seen a few great pieces about our current financial state that show how good a job the board has done over the last few years in bringing down salaries. That has played a large part in giving us the leeway to recruit at the levels we have done this summer, the incoming revenues from the CL and the Prize money for finishing 2nd in the league will help support our record spending. Our gate receipts are set to break all records this year, I have no doubt about that. They may well go over £100m. Our total revenues, are heading towards half a billion quid. So yeah let the haters hate, its a sign we are on the right track at last!

See for me a signing of intent is more about the quality of player signed rather than the cost - imo a signing of intent is either of the real madrid midfielders (camavinga or Tchouaméni) or bellingham (£10m more is all) or the napoli striker, rather than overspending on a good but not top quality player

[nut flush gooner]

Ok, fuck me, last time with this stupid argument.

I made the point a couple of weeks ago that pointing at set pieces when giving instructions for who needs to be picked up, is perfectly normal. I also have no problem in open play when you're covering the man with the ball and another opposition makes a run into space and needs following. That's the sort of stuff Adams did. What I don't get is what Xhaka does and dare I say it, what Rice tends to do, which is point to instruct another player where to play the ball to (and I'm not talking about a one-two move where a player wants he ball back).

The pointing I'm talking about is unnecessary and is either the obvious pass anyway, or is completely ignored by the player in possession. I genuinely believe hat Xhaka does it because he's terrified of getting the ball in a position where he might be closed down, so he points elsewhere. Having seen plenty of Rice, I don't think that's what he's doing, I just think it's an irritating habit, which would piss me off if I played with him.

Finally, if that's the only thing that bothers me about Rice, then I'll be a happy bloke.

Oh...and as for being vocal, clenched fists, dressing room "encouragement", I have absolutely no problem with any of that. As for the captaincy, I don't see Odegaard willingly relinquishing it and if Arteta has ideas of passing it to Rice, then he'll have to handle that very carefully indeed. Odegaard is no captain in my book and I've no idea what Arteta was thinking about by giving the job to him. Maybe it was to keep him sweet, which was a Wenger tactic. He doesn't drive or motivate the team around him and the captain should be the one who bollocks players for disappearing during tough matches, not the one who actually disappears.

Why is it an argument rather than a discussion?

I never saw Xhaka as a leader, nor do I really see Odegaard as a captain but he fits the mould of what is expected in modern day football. I don't know perhaps I am a bit old-fashioned with that.

With Rice, he's a bit more than a pointer he's an organiser more in the Adams role, and he plays the perfect position to organise the team, watch him when he comes to play for us. You will see it more as the season progresses and he settles in.

The transition from Ode to Rice, is all about man management something Arteta will have to handle. But again I think you will see it on the pitch, Rice has much more of a presence than Ode and if he is honest then he will accept that within a few seasons Rice should be the captain. Don't forget Arsenal saved Ode's career.

In all fairness Nutty, I wasn't really implying you when I said "argument", but you're right, a discussion is what it ought to be. I don't disagree about Rice being "more than a pointer" and we're certainly short of on-field leaders, so let's hope he can inspire and organise those around him.

I don't think he'll have much of a problem having more presence than Odegaard, who doesn't really have any! A good technical footballer, but never a captain in a million years in my opinion.

I think we've paid way too much for Rice, but you have been a strong supporter of making the signing from day one. I'll be delighted if you're right and he's ours now, so I'm wishing him nothing but good luck.

Mate I agree with what you say about Ode, never seen him as a leader. But just a bit of context and I have been following Arsenals finances for a number of years now, if you think there is an insane/unhealthy amount of money in football that is about to explode exponentially over the next few years, partly because of the Saudi's (its inevitable some of their money will feed its way into our game in some form) and partly because of the CL growing in size. It will be pretty much the top 6 in a few seasons that qualify.

That European Super League is just a matter of when not if IMO, and the consequences of this are £100m transfers will become the norm rather than the exception. Did we overpay for Rice? Maybe, but its more than that for me, its a statement of intent that I haven't seen from the club for a number of years. Back in the day we battled it out against Manure for the top honours, if we can do that against City then I will be more than happy.

Other fans have gone back to hating Arsenal again, the latest digs being how we can make the signings this summer without falling foul of FFP, I have seen a few great pieces about our current financial state that show how good a job the board has done over the last few years in bringing down salaries. That has played a large part in giving us the leeway to recruit at the levels we have done this summer, the incoming revenues from the CL and the Prize money for finishing 2nd in the league will help support our record spending. Our gate receipts are set to break all records this year, I have no doubt about that. They may well go over £100m. Our total revenues, are heading towards half a billion quid. So yeah let the haters hate, its a sign we are on the right track at last!

See for me a signing of intent is more about the quality of player signed rather than the cost - imo a signing of intent is either of the real madrid midfielders (camavinga or Tchouaméni) or bellingham (£10m more is all) or the napoli striker, rather than overspending on a good but not top quality player

Disagree, Rice is world-class. He proved that at International level. I know you are not an England fan, but watch his display vs Italy away. His levels at club level are about to move up with Arteta as his coach.

[augie]

I watched him in the world cup nutty and I honestly thought that he was the weakest player on that england team by far - they have an excellent attack, and have some good defenders, but I would always seem him and the knobhead everton keeper as the weakest players in that england team. Like I said previously, I dont dispute that he is a good player, but for me he isnt anywhere near a 100m player (although I'm not sure any cdm is), and I would have paid 50m tops for him