THE WENGER THREAD

[Steve_I]

For what it's worth, I wasn't trying to change your mind (clearly no chance of that! ) but am just genuinely curious to see how a Wengerite would defend our paucity of striking options. (Not trying to start any 'he said she said' bollocks either, as there's far too much of that crap on here lately.)

Fair play sir. The thing is, and this is perhaps the crux, is that I can't necessarily defend not having an adequate/class back up striker. Because I believe he should stay (Arsene not Bendtner that is ) it does not mean I defend everything he does. I think that's a common assumption about folk like me, that we think the sun shines from the proverbial. Clearly it doesn't out of any manager, never has never will.

If I do make an attempt to defend it I would of course say, that I believe when he sees the stirker he is willing to get/ one that he wants at a price he considers appropriate, then I believe he will do so. The bendtner thing, as far as I can see, is simply that Arsene was unable to secure a striker he wanted at end of transfer window and kept bendtner as a 'best available option under the circumstances all things considered'

[MrT]

For what it's worth, I wasn't trying to change your mind (clearly no chance of that! ) but am just genuinely curious to see how a Wengerite would defend our paucity of striking options. (Not trying to start any 'he said she said' bollocks either, as there's far too much of that crap on here lately.)

Fair play sir. The thing is, and this is perhaps the crux, is that I can't necessarily defend not having an adequate/class back up striker. Because I believe he should stay (Arsene not Bendtner that is ) it does not mean I defend everything he does. I think that's a common assumption about folk like me, that we think the sun shines from the proverbial. Clearly it doesn't out of any manager, never has never will.

If I do make an attempt to defend it I would of course say, that I believe when he sees the stirker he is willing to get/ one that he wants at a price he considers appropriate, then I believe he will do so. The bendtner thing, as far as I can see, is simply that Arsene was unable to secure a striker he wanted at end of transfer window and kept bendtner as a 'best available option under the circumstances all things considered'

Higuain was all but done ffs. But in his wisdom decided to piss about for a month trying to sign a player who would have never been sold to us. It's absolutely inexcusable that he failed to secure a desperately needed top class striker. He was more than able to sign Higuain who wanted to come but instead dithered as he is well known for and missed out again.

[g88ner]

Higuain was all but done ffs. But in his wisdom decided to piss about for a month trying to sign a player who would have never been sold to us. It's absolutely inexcusable that he failed to secure a desperately needed top class striker. He was more than able to sign Higuain who wanted to come but instead dithered as he is well known for and missed out again.

He didn't dither on Ozil and he cost a shit load more so maybe he "dithered" for a reason? and I doubt we'd have given Real Madrid £80m for 2 players in a month, so I'm not too upset we got Ozil and not Higuain.

We needed a striker though. That's obvious to everyone.

[1989]

For what it's worth, I wasn't trying to change your mind (clearly no chance of that! ) but am just genuinely curious to see how a Wengerite would defend our paucity of striking options. (Not trying to start any 'he said she said' bollocks either, as there's far too much of that crap on here lately.)

Fair play sir. The thing is, and this is perhaps the crux, is that I can't necessarily defend not having an adequate/class back up striker. Because I believe he should stay (Arsene not Bendtner that is ) it does not mean I defend everything he does. I think that's a common assumption about folk like me, that we think the sun shines from the proverbial. Clearly it doesn't out of any manager, never has never will.

If I do make an attempt to defend it I would of course say, that I believe when he sees the stirker he is willing to get/ one that he wants at a price he considers appropriate, then I believe he will do so. The bendtner thing, as far as I can see, is simply that Arsene was unable to secure a striker he wanted at end of transfer window and kept bendtner as a 'best available option under the circumstances all things considered'

Higuain was all but done ffs. But in his wisdom decided to piss about for a month trying to sign a player who would have never been sold to us. It's absolutely inexcusable that he failed to secure a desperately needed top class striker. He was more than able to sign Higuain who wanted to come but instead dithered as he is well known for and missed out again.

Higuain joining would have been curtains for Giroud and I think that's why Wenger decided against it in the end. It would have been Higuain or Giroud for the striker role as we don't play with two upfront and both of them are out and out strikers. That's why I feel Wenger was going very hard for Suarez, as he's able to play with or instead of Giroud in our 4-2-3-1 system.

[DB10GOONER]

I still don't believe Arsene had any intention of signing any top player for huge money during that transfer window. The business was done so shabilly it practically ensured we wouldn't sign Higuan or the Hound of Anfield.

I think what happened was someone on the board (Stan or Ivan or Sir Chips Whizzbang Botherington-Smythe or whatever the fuck he calls himself) forced Wenger into the Ozil signing.

[MrT]

Higuain was all but done ffs. But in his wisdom decided to piss about for a month trying to sign a player who would have never been sold to us. It's absolutely inexcusable that he failed to secure a desperately needed top class striker. He was more than able to sign Higuain who wanted to come but instead dithered as he is well known for and missed out again.

He didn't dither on Ozil and he cost a shit load more so maybe he "dithered" for a reason? and I doubt we'd have given Real Madrid £80m for 2 players in a month, so I'm not too upset we got Ozil and not Higuain.

We needed a striker though. That's obvious to everyone.

Still maintain Ozil was a panic vanity signing forced upon him. But as happy as I am with him joining us, we had a ''top top quality'' striker ready to sign well before Napoli decided step in.

[MrT]

For what it's worth, I wasn't trying to change your mind (clearly no chance of that! ) but am just genuinely curious to see how a Wengerite would defend our paucity of striking options. (Not trying to start any 'he said she said' bollocks either, as there's far too much of that crap on here lately.)

Fair play sir. The thing is, and this is perhaps the crux, is that I can't necessarily defend not having an adequate/class back up striker. Because I believe he should stay (Arsene not Bendtner that is ) it does not mean I defend everything he does. I think that's a common assumption about folk like me, that we think the sun shines from the proverbial. Clearly it doesn't out of any manager, never has never will.

If I do make an attempt to defend it I would of course say, that I believe when he sees the stirker he is willing to get/ one that he wants at a price he considers appropriate, then I believe he will do so. The bendtner thing, as far as I can see, is simply that Arsene was unable to secure a striker he wanted at end of transfer window and kept bendtner as a 'best available option under the circumstances all things considered'

Higuain was all but done ffs. But in his wisdom decided to piss about for a month trying to sign a player who would have never been sold to us. It's absolutely inexcusable that he failed to secure a desperately needed top class striker. He was more than able to sign Higuain who wanted to come but instead dithered as he is well known for and missed out again.

Higuain joining would have been curtains for Giroud and I think that's why Wenger decided against it in the end. It would have been Higuain or Giroud for the striker role as we don't play with two upfront and both of them are out and out strikers. That's why I feel Wenger was going very hard for Suarez, as he's able to play with or instead of Giroud in our 4-2-3-1 system.

Higuain is much better than Giroud, it's that simple. He should have gone all out to get him. Suarez was never going to be sold to us.

[LeftfootlegendGooner]

Thought this was funny https://twitter.com/gunnerblog/status/3 ... 4003057664

[Sam59]

On a lighter note anyhow, hopefully everyone can get in their Xmas orders for this tasteful little homage to OGL
http://arsenaldirect.arsenal.com/novelt ... invt/a8287

Looks quite robust, so would probably survive being kicked (like a water bottle) or hurled against the wall.

[Wenger = GOAT]

I still don't believe Arsene had any intention of signing any top player for huge money during that transfer window. The business was done so shabilly it practically ensured we wouldn't sign Higuan or the Hound of Anfield.

I think what happened was someone on the board (Stan or Ivan or Sir Chips Whizzbang Botherington-Smythe or whatever the fuck he calls himself) forced Wenger into the Ozil signing.

Arsene could sign Messi in Jan and win the treble and still no one here would be willing to give him any credit

[Wenger = GOAT]

I'm still a bit on the wary side regarding us.

We all know how easily we crumble when we're on top towards the end of the season [although it's been different past two seasons but that's because we've got nothing to lose by that point]. Still have nightmares about our 10/11 season where we should have definitely won the league.

But one thing which has impressed me with Wenger is that somehow he is playing tactically especially the last two games against Dortmund and Liverpool. He hasn't just given the usual ''go out and express yourself'' malarky to the players. They definitely seem to have had tactics fed to them pre-match. Long may this continue.

Still need another striker in Jan. Ozil actually seems a wise buy now considering how short in options we have been in that position for the past month or two due to injuries. Can't wait till we get Podolski to come back who can be used as a backup striker. Also impressed with how Giroud's holding up having played so many games.

And people saying that we have to beat the big teams: we actually don't. As long as we keep beating the lesser teams we'll canter to the title. Look at Man Utd last season, their results against the big teams weren't very impressive and they dominated the league. Arsenal's main weakness in the past few seasons [especially when challenging for the title during the 07-11 preiod] was our inability to kill small teams off. We've found that ability and we're having no problems putting the finishing touches against the lesser teams.

[DB10GOONER]

I still don't believe Arsene had any intention of signing any top player for huge money during that transfer window. The business was done so shabilly it practically ensured we wouldn't sign Higuan or the Hound of Anfield.

I think what happened was someone on the board (Stan or Ivan or Sir Chips Whizzbang Botherington-Smythe or whatever the fuck he calls himself) forced Wenger into the Ozil signing.

Arsene could sign Messi in Jan and win the treble and still no one here would be willing to give him any credit

Again a ridiculous thing to say. On so many levels.

You seem to be implying that we should be satisfied and grateful that Arsene has done his job because we signed one top player (in an area where we have numerous options) whilst he ignored the areas that REALLY needed improving; keeper, CH, striker, maybe LB?

And this is the same Arsene that has failed miserably to win a trophy every single season between 2005 and today. And now suddenly he is going to win the treble?

Onto Messi. Really?

Firstly do you actually believe Arsene would sign Messi if the oportunity arose? Would he be happy paying what £100million - £150million and £250K+ in wages a week?

Secondly, fantastic player that Messi is, anyone with half a brain would admit the £100million - £150million would be better spent on buying most of the following; a new top level keeper, another top CH, a striker and maybe an LB.

[Wenger = GOAT]

You seem to be implying that we should be satisfied and grateful that Arsene has done his job because we signed one top player (in an area where we have numerous options) whilst he ignored the areas that REALLY needed improving; keeper, CH, striker, maybe LB?

I agree that at that point signing Ozil didn't look much of a priority, but look now. If we didn't have Ozil our options in midfield would have been very short in the past few weeks, heck, we'd probably had to play Gnabry or some reserve player there.

The only criticism is that we didn't sign a striker, that is almost criminal, agreed.

Don't really need a LB and keeper position sorted with Viviano for this season [which seems to really have given Chesny a kick up the back side as he's performing quite well recently].

But still like I said no credit is given to Wenger for making this insightful signing, it has lifted the club and the overall mood yet criticism is levelled at his shortcomings all the time. Credit needs to be given where it's due.

And this is the same Arsene that has failed miserably to win a trophy every single season between 2005 and today. And now suddenly he is going to win the treble?

I never said that he will the treble. You've taken my words too literally. I said if he were to achieve that guys here still wouldn't give him credit.

Heck if we went unbeaten in all competition for the next 5 years most of the guys here still wouldn't eat their pie and would still want him sacked.

Onto Messi. Really?

Firstly do you actually believe Arsene would sign Messi if the oportunity arose? Would he be happy paying what £100million - £150million and £250K+ in wages a week?

I never said it was realistic. I was just using it as an example that even if Wenger did the seemingly impossible the guys here still wouldn't let go of their seething hatred of the man. In essence the Messi example was a hyperbole.

Secondly, fantastic player that Messi is, anyone with half a brain would admit the £100million - £150million would be better spent on buying most of the following; a new top level keeper, another top CH, a striker and maybe an LB.

We don't need another 'top' CH, we just need another decent level CH to cover for Mert and Kos who have been excellent so far this season, best defence in the league by far. LB isn't much of a concern we've got Gibbs [who admittedly looks a little shaky] and Monreal who looks pretty solid. If Kos and Mert keep playing like this I have no doubt we'll have one the best CH pairings in the world if not the best. Their performances from the tail end of last season to current has been excellent.

If anything we need to sign a RB with the expected departure of Sagna at the end of this season. Striker is a must, guarantee Giroud will be worn out by next month at this rate. Also agree with signing a keeper.

If he doesn't sign a striker then, well, he is deluded but that isn't something which wasn't known before. Guess we can always play with a false 9 when Giroud gets injured, still a better option than starting the Danish Samurai.

We also have adopted, for once, some tactics in relation to the opposition which we haven't seen much of in the past 17 years, this was also a big criticism of a lot of members on here but no one mentions this side of Wenger's improvement this season.

Still I'm not saying we're gonna do anything great this season [read my doubts above] but it's certainly nice to have some positivity attached to Arsenal for once and it'd be nice if we could keep the negativity to one side for the time being and enjoy this good run of form because with Arsenal and Arsene you never know when it's gonna come crashing down.

[northbank123]

Higuain joining would have been curtains for Giroud and I think that's why Wenger decided against it in the end. It would have been Higuain or Giroud for the striker role as we don't play with two upfront and both of them are out and out strikers. That's why I feel Wenger was going very hard for Suarez, as he's able to play with or instead of Giroud in our 4-2-3-1 system.

Higuain is much better than Giroud, it's that simple. He should have gone all out to get him. Suarez was never going to be sold to us.

And that's it - forget all this bollocks about how signing X will 'kill' Y, it's just not justification.

For a start, it would only have been 'curtains' for Giroud in the sense that Wenger is incapable of playing anything other than his precious 4-5-1, no matter how little benefit we reap from it. Only having room for one useful out-and-out striker in the squad is crap. And even considering that, it's healthy to have 2 players competing for the same place as it keeps them hungry and wary of the other snapping at their heels, not to mention their different styles offering tactical versatility.

I dread to think how much this mentality has held us back over the years. We all know the quotes about Alonso/Denilson/Song but I wonder how many other times Wenger has declined the opportunity to sign a player who would have improved us because he wanted to shield a young player who has then not really gone on to deliver.

Ferguson could have declined to sign van Persie on the grounds that it would severely hamper Hernandez and Welbeck (particularly given the relative ages and injury record) but he didn't, and as a result they won the league at a canter and the latter two are hungry to take any sniff of a chance they can get (contrast this with Bendtner). So for us to pass up the chance of signing a much better (and 2 years younger) striker in Higuain on the basis that it would kill Giroud (who despite his huge improvement this year should hardly be guaranteed an unchallenged starting berth) doesn't wash.

[SteveO 35]

Wenger is very fortunate that Giroud has managed to keep up the level of performance that he has done so far and that he's stayed free of injury. We always pick up several injuries and he is now the single most important player on the field - not because I suddenly think he's world class, but because this board and manager failed inexplicably to sign any other player capable of playing there

I actually think we could go on a losing run of 3 or 4 games if he got injured now and we were reduced to playing that usless gum chewing arrogant lump of Danish lard up front