As we're unlikely to see terraces again at football, this is the virtual equivalent where you can chat to your hearts content about all football matters and, obviously, Arsenal in particular. This forum encourages all Gooners to visit and contribute so please keep it respectful, clean and topical.
>From L'equipe.....
(slightly different from elsewhere including comments re Nic Anelka)
Arsenal are going to surprise a few people
Two days before the Premier League kicks off, William Gallas, who confirms he staying with Arsenal this season, is feeling optimistic. The Gunners defender and new vice-captain has no doubt that Arsenal will fight for the title. As he declares: "There is a new spirit at the club"
Q. Can Arsenal, clearly outpointed last season by Manchester United and Chelsea and now without Thierry Henry, challenge for the title this year?
"In my eyes, yes. Most of the young players have learned from last season.
They want to show that you can put your trust in them. There is a new spirit in the club, a will to excel themselves and fight for their teammates. A sense of togetherness above all else. The desire to win is there. People think that that will not be apparent this year. But I think it's going to come through. We want to show what we're worth. And our strength is our togetherness."
Q. How did you feel about Thierry Henry leaving?
"My reaction was to wish him good luck at his new club. He made his decision. He has his reasons. It's always a blow when a big player leaves the club. But we need to turn the page. And do it quickly. "
You're not worried?
"No, not at all. On the contrary, when I see the young players developing, I am impressed with the potential of the team. We're getting stronger. I think that Arsenal can cause an upset this season. In your eyes, perhaps not. But I believe it. People will need to take notice of us. And Arsenal will surprise some of them.
Q. Nicolas Anelka is still rumoured to be coming. What do you think about that?
"That would be a good thing. It's a long season and it is important to have a large quality squad."
Q. Last year, you were dissatisfied with your performances and were disappointed by Arsenal's.
How do you feel today?
"My head's in the right place. I still have objectives this year and I hope to achieve them.
With Arsenal?
"Yes". (He smiles.)
My mate added this to the e-mail;
No doubt we can expect the Sun/Mirror/Mail to catch up with this tomorrow, except....
- "Get Nic or I walk" says William Gallas
- William Gallas has sent an ultimatum to Arsenal's tight wad
board raising the spectre of a Stan Kroenke takeover.
good interview,, funny bout the red tops,, get nic ur i walk,, lookin 4ward 2 readin that 2mrw,, think big willy was sat down by aw and told its time 2 shut up and do your talkin on the pitch,, a fit hungry willam gallas is still one of the best centre half in the game,,
must say I am impressed that gallas has handled the interview this way ... suppose after his previous outbursts, gooners will want to see him consistently in this mould to start trusting him again ...
with him feeling this way and saying these things, its bound to rub off on the younger players ...
Ever so slightly over rated and only really plays for himself. A true mercenary of the game if you ask me. I don't trust the falla at all.
I had a problem with Sol playing for us for obvious reasons but his performances outweighed that. This guy I just can't take to.
I have played back a few of the recent games and concentrated on watching how the defence performed. If you watch Gallas in particular, he really isn't as good as you think.
A prime example, his attempt at preventing the Inter goal was very poor. Like all players, he is prone to errors and its his pace and Kolo's covering that rescues quite a few situations.
Don't get me wrong, I think he's a very good player. Just not that good.
Gallas is a good defender, my quibbles with him is if he and Toure are too similar to work with each other and his tendency to mouth off to the press but injury aside, I think he was a good addition to the team.
I don't understand really this mistrust of Gallas.
Now I know what he said was wrong when he blabbed to the papers and I hope he got bollocked for it!
However the kind of passion we saw at Old Trafford last season and even after winning a mickey mouse cup tells me he has the balls to fight for the cause!
I rather he cared and shot his mouth off than didn't care picked up his salary and quietly didn't give a toss! Both are wrong maybe but I know the lesser of the two evils!
Gallas is a great choice as leader as far as I'm concerned and I will be dead hapy to see him lead the lads out Sunday!
True he didn't have the best of first seasons although different positions and injury conspired against him! I wouldn't mind a tenner on Gallas leading the team so well he gets player of the season!
cant understand why people are givin out,, 2 me gallas is a winner,, the man can fight and will speak and giv advice 2 the younger players,, the captains armband will be the makin of him as a gooner,, again i also feel that as a centr half hes more suited 2 the role then a centre forward,, in fairness 2 the great player th14 was,, he was no leader,,
Gus, I'm not putting Henry up as a good example of a Skipper, far from it. I thought he was a bad choice at the time too but we all know that was all about appeasement.
Gilberto has put the time in and not only played well last season but did so as a captain too. He is the absolute natural choice, with Kolo as vice captain.
Gallas been called Billy Big Bollocks here already. Well you ain't seen nothing yet. Mark my words.
in the game,,
