Flamini

[Nos89]

Well, he's said that feels that he owes the club something and he managed to convince wenger to give him the chance to rectify what clearly we could've achieved had he stayed, wasn't he the first of wenger's boys to jump ship? To change the mind of someone as stubborn as wenger he must've been brutually honest with himself and with wenger. Didn't we get to champions league final with him as an emergency left back??? At least he didn't cost us a transfer fee in coming back to the club that's got to be a bonus.
so far so good with him and he has the bite we've been missing...

[goonersid]

Well, he's said that feels that he owes the club something and he managed to convince wenger to give him the chance to rectify what clearly we could've achieved had he stayed, wasn't he the first of wenger's boys to jump ship? To change the mind of someone as stubborn as wenger he must've been brutually honest with himself and with wenger. Didn't we get to champions league final with him as an emergency left back??? At least he didn't cost us a transfer fee in coming back to the club that's got to be a bonus.
so far so good with him and he has the bite we've been missing...

I think you've solved your own conundrum there.

[Arsenal Till I Die]

Arteta is the better DM imho. Doesn't give away as many stupid free kicks

Can't agreee with the latter part of this statement.

Arteta - towards the back end of the last season - gave away quick a few silly fouls because his legs had gone and he couldn't get the ball. Bayern away being one of them, we could of gone on a 90th min break for third if Arteta didn't hack one of their players down. The player was going to run into two of ours and was unlikely to keep the ball at that point.

I don't think Arteta is a reckless player, he's a good reader of the game when he has the ball at his feet but due to his age he's lost the ability to continue a full game. I think Flamini starting and if needs must bringing Arteta on for either attacking or defensive purposes later on.

[augie]

Well, he's said that feels that he owes the club something and he managed to convince wenger to give him the chance to rectify what clearly we could've achieved had he stayed, wasn't he the first of wenger's boys to jump ship? To change the mind of someone as stubborn as wenger he must've been brutually honest with himself and with wenger. Didn't we get to champions league final with him as an emergency left back??? At least he didn't cost us a transfer fee in coming back to the club that's got to be a bonus.
so far so good with him and he has the bite we've been missing...

Wenker, in recent seasons, has shown a major weakness for signing players who had previously left - when you are not sure or confident of your own ability in the transfer window then it is easier to opt for old players that you know. Of course it also helps that those players were all available on freebies

[northbank123]

Arteta is the better DM imho. Doesn't give away as many stupid free kicks

Can't agreee with the latter part of this statement.

Arteta - towards the back end of the last season - gave away quick a few silly fouls because his legs had gone and he couldn't get the ball. Bayern away being one of them, we could of gone on a 90th min break for third if Arteta didn't hack one of their players down. The player was going to run into two of ours and was unlikely to keep the ball at that point.

I don't think Arteta is a reckless player, he's a good reader of the game when he has the ball at his feet but due to his age he's lost the ability to continue a full game. I think Flamini starting and if needs must bringing Arteta on for either attacking or defensive purposes later on.

Arteta is the better player imo, but Flamini is more accustomed to the role. Two very different options in the position and one that - if used properly - could be very useful. Whilst I agree that Arteta isn't reckless and he's been consistently up there with our best performers for the last 2 seasons, even though he's been a bit off the pace Flamini's decision-making in terms of when to press, when to sit and when to mark has impressed me.

Perhaps Flamini would generally be a preferable option away from home and/or against teams with counter-attacking potential, and Arteta would generally be preferable in games we're likely to control more or less throughout. Obviously talking in very broad and hypothetical terms and would depending on their form, fitness and who else is playing.

Also don't think that Arteta suddenly has to be limited to this role and could play alongside Flamini.

[arseofacrow]

Flamini's got balls

[officepest]

I can't say I was over the moon when he re-signed but I have to say I've been impressed with him so far. He's a mouthy so-and-so and has parlour-esque enegry levels. A good squad option to go with our multitude of tippy-tappy ball players.

[Old Oak Gooner]

I feel compelled to write a line or two about The Flamster, after jumping ship and getting all Billy Big Bollocks on us, l did not welcome his return, but l have to say he has turned my opinion around of him, he is good or if not better than we he left! Watching him organise and generally bollock team mates is refreshing to see, and the positive words in the interview after the game, with an added bonus of playing really well and more importantly- GETTING STUCK IN,l say welcome back Mathieu, it is nice to see you home.

[northbank123]

Still harbour resentment towards him and not sure he'll be able to hit the heights of 07/08 but it does reassure me somewhat that we have a player who can play that role without distraction or temptation in the squad.

[SteveO 35]

A poor man's

[1989]

I feel compelled to write a line or two about The Flamster, after jumping ship and getting all Billy Big Bollocks on us, l did not welcome his return, but l have to say he has turned my opinion around of him, he is good or if not better than we he left! Watching him organise and generally bollock team mates is refreshing to see, and the positive words in the interview after the game, with an added bonus of playing really well and more importantly- GETTING STUCK IN,l say welcome back Mathieu, it is nice to see you home.

There was one challenge that Charlie Adam didn't particularly enjoy (was slightly two footed I think). Good to see the shoe on the other foot for a change.

[donaldo]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/footba ... .Ozil.html

[augie]

A loose cannon with those reckless tackles but then I didnt want wenker to sign c*** in the first place

[northbank123]

I feel compelled to write a line or two about The Flamster, after jumping ship and getting all Billy Big Bollocks on us, l did not welcome his return, but l have to say he has turned my opinion around of him, he is good or if not better than we he left! Watching him organise and generally bollock team mates is refreshing to see, and the positive words in the interview after the game, with an added bonus of playing really well and more importantly- GETTING STUCK IN,l say welcome back Mathieu, it is nice to see you home.

There was one challenge that Charlie Adam didn't particularly enjoy (was slightly two footed I think). Good to see the shoe on the other foot for a change.

While on one hand there is something pleasant about somebody who's willing to nail Scum and Stoke players, that's two completely needless red cards Flamini could have had already. Unless he engages his brain when tackling he's a red card waiting to happen.

[arseofacrow]

I feel compelled to write a line or two about The Flamster, after jumping ship and getting all Billy Big Bollocks on us, l did not welcome his return, but l have to say he has turned my opinion around of him, he is good or if not better than we he left! Watching him organise and generally bollock team mates is refreshing to see, and the positive words in the interview after the game, with an added bonus of playing really well and more importantly- GETTING STUCK IN,l say welcome back Mathieu, it is nice to see you home.

There was one challenge that Charlie Adam didn't particularly enjoy (was slightly two footed I think). Good to see the shoe on the other foot for a change.

While on one hand there is something pleasant about somebody who's willing to nail Scum and Stoke players, that's two completely needless red cards Flamini could have had already. Unless he engages his brain when tackling he's a red card waiting to happen.

You have to take the rough with the smooth mate.