To Keep or Not To Keep Part 1: Theo Walcott

Afternoon all,

Despite the intense speculation regarding imminent transfers, medicals and the like, it is fair to say there is not an awful lot going on in the goonerverse. So much so that every “news story” seems to be a rehash of the same old speculation repackaged with interest inducing headings.

What I hope will be a better read and certainly serve more purpose is to start a mini-series focussing on a number of players who seem to split opinion amongst football fans. Hopefully over the course of the week or so I can give a balanced (can be hard for me) account of strengths, weaknesses and more importantly; if they can play an important part in the coming season. There are a number of players that seem to divide opinion in the Arsenal squad not least of all, the apparent “deadwood” we have in Bendtner, Park, Arshavin, Djourou, Squillaci and of course Chamakh. In addition there are many more that divide opinion despite their undoubted ability/potential in the form of; Ramsey, Gibbs, Diaby and even Gervinho.

However our first point of call today is someone that splits opinion the most Theo Walcott. His performances vary from the sublime to the ridiculous and with only a year left on his contract, with contract talks apparently stalling, many wonder whether he is worth keeping on.

Theo Walcott signed as a 16 year old with bags of potential and pace to frighten even the most veteran of defenders. He came with not only huge potential but unsurpassed expectations which were further increased by his selection for the 2006 world cup squad despite still not having played for Arsenal. Without a single appearance in the competition some already began to doubt the young forward.

However following the difficult summer, Theo finally made his Arsenal debut and though his talent was clearly raw, his blistering pace meant that he had an immediate impact creating an assist to save a seemingly lost game against Aston Villa. I have created a table detailing his Arsenal appearances, goals and assists to give some indication of his impact on the team.

		Appearances	Goals	Assists	Goals Contributed	Games per G.C
Arsenal	2006–07	32	1	7	8	4
	2007–08	39	7	5	12	3.3
	2008–09	35	6	4	10	3.5
	2009–10	30	4	2	6	5
	2010–11	38	13	9	22	1.7
	2011–12	46	11	13	24	1.9
	Total	220	42	40	82	40

As you can see from the about table, aside from a little dip in the 2009-2010 season Walcott has been on a general rise in productivity. He in the last couple of seasons, has contributed 20+ goals through assists and goals at a rate of under goal/assist per 2 games. This certainly isn’t bad but by the same token is not world class. In perspective to the Arsenal team though, this represents the most prolific return outside of Robin Van Persie.

According to EPLindex.com he took a total of 58 shots and scored 11, he completed 665 passes out of an attempted 839 which represents a pass completion rate of 79% and created 33 goal scoring chances. These are all fairly decent numbers on the surface but certainly have significant room for improvement. I suppose the most important statistics are his goals and assists which are combined second highest at the club behind Robin Van Persie suggesting he is very important to the team.

Player	Apps	Minutes played	Assists	Assists Per Match	Assists Per Minute
Song	34	2999	11	0.32	0.004
Walcott	35	2747	8	0.23	0.003
Gervinho	19	1685	6	0.32	0.004
Rosicky	28	1759	4	0.14	0.002
Ramsey	34	2465	4	0.12	0.002
Arteta	29	2475	2	0.07	0.001

As you can from the above table on Assists in the Premier League, Walcott certainly played an important role in the goal scoring department whether it through goals or assists.

When you delve a little deeper though and look at his overall game, something which has been criticised you can see there may be some reason behind the criticism.

Player	Apps	Minutes played	Attempted Passes	Passes Completed	Pass completion	Passes completed per minute
Arteta	29	2475	2229	2023	91%	0.82
Ramsey	34	2465	1925	1681	87%	0.68
Rosicky	28	1759	1275	1087	85%	0.62
Gervinho	19	1685	615	521	85%	0.31
Song	34	2999	2248	1895	84%	0.63
Walcott	35	2747	839	665	79%	0.24

As you can see in terms of pass completion he is far lower than the rest of the team at just 79% averaging just 0.24 passes per minute. This suggests that he can go missing for large portions of the match and despite playing 2747 minutes only attempted 839 passes. Of course his role is not centered around passing and you would expect him to have a lower completion rate than Arteta/Song/Ramsey given he plays higher up the pitch. This is somewhat corroborated by Gervinho’s similarly low numbers in this regard. Even so, it is clear that he could and should do better, especially in a team that needs to retain possession to assert it’s authority on the match.

Player	Apps	Minutes played	Chances Created	Chances Per Match	Chances Per Minute
Arteta	29	2475	58	2	0.023
Ramsey	34	2465	51	1.50	0.021
Rosicky	28	1759	37	1.32	0.021
Song	34	2999	35	1.03	0.012
Walcott	35	2747	33	0.94	0.012
Gervinho	19	1685	30	1.58	0.018

Again you can see that when it comes to chances created Theo Wacott lags behind the competition on the whole. 33 chances created, though respectable is far lower than the 58 by Mikel Arteta, especially when you consider the “Chances per match” column. His is the lowest and again this is an area there is plenty of room for improvement.

Despite the negatives, and believe me I am not blind to them, Theo is clearly a player that has the ability to cause problems and more importantly create goals. He was our second highest scorer and second highest assist maker in all competitions. For this alone combined with his age of 23, I would say he is worth persisting with and securing into the long term. There are not many 23 year olds around the world with the level of experience, goals and assists as Walcott and at the age of 23, it would seem criminal not to see him into the peak years of his career given the level of support we have given him in his career.

Also as a side note, I am more then aware of the pitfalls of statistics so from a personal point of view regarding his ability I would say there is much to be desired. I think he is technically one of the weakest players in the squad and does sometimes struggle to get involved with the game. This highlights his importance even more in a perverse way, showing that despite his lack of (relative to peers) skill, he is still able to be an effective player capable of a moment that can change the match.

I say he’s a keeper.

Let me know your thoughts below.

GoonerVerse.

Shattered Reality : Robin van Persie Must Leave!

Good Evening Goonerverse!

The past week has been an interesting one from a sporting perspective. With The Olympic Games in our back garden, fully ruining our journeys to work (well, some of us anyway), I was reminded of the frenzy of excitement and expectation that competitive sport brings into our lives.

The collective national pride when our fellow Britons compete on the worlds stage, egging each other on to achieve more and to compete against the best is something that should inspire everyone in this green, yet heavily concreted land to always have hope for a better tomorrow.

With that thought in mind, I turn my attention to the upcoming new football season, and the prospects of our team, of which in recent times those relative moments of pride and expectation have eroded away from our memories.

I was accused by a few readers in my last blog that I was a tad negative about our team (Master of the GoonerVerse, I'm talking to you!!!), but I felt that I was realistic in my pure angst and frustration at a seeming lack of ambition in the transfer market and the overpaying of certain average squad players (Denilson, I'm talking to you!!!) which has contributed in part to our inability to be competitive in the transfer and wage department.

Myself and the Master were talking the other day down the pub about the Style of our blogs being very different-the Master is always the optimist, while I am the harsh realist, Good Cop/Bad Cop, if you will. That way the reader gets both sides of the situation from two very different bloggers.

So, I've just read the Masters' last blog, and I disagree with almost everything he said (I'm definitely playing the bad Cop).  his belief that Robin van Persie should be made to see out the remainder of his contract is, in my opinion flawed, but this is why we have opinions, we don't have to agree. Some might say that letting him go shows a lack of ambition, and that he should be made to stay no matter what, but I believe that ship has sailed.

If we had wanted to entice him to want to stay, perhaps we should have had a world class squad in place about 2 years ago that was competitive to make him (and Fabregas, and Nasri, and Clichy) all want to stay because there was a massive chance at winning trophies.

Maybe 2 years ago we should have spoken to him about extending his deal and offering him a little more money to sweeten the deal. On the other hand, maybe if he hadn't written his little piece on his website a few weeks ago questioning the direction and ambition of the club and stating his refusal to sign up for longer, maybe his position wouldn't now be untenable.

He can no longer play for the club. He does not want to be there. His head has been turned by offers from richer clubs offering him ridiculous money, and the possibility of trophies. Nasri was largely shit for City last year, making fleeting and largely unimpressive performances, yet he earns shitloads of money (probably double that of RVP) and has a Premier League medal. Mercenary he is, yet he has his medal, and in his mind he has justified his move.

There is NO point in holding someone against their will. If he doesn't want to stay 100%, which is clear to see, what kind of performances will we get out of him? Is he going to give a shit about the Arsenal cause? Will he put his porcelain body on the line when it really matters? More likely he'll challenge and beat Nicolas Anelka in a sulking competition while potentially damaging the already questionable team spirit in the dressing room.

RVP is 29 on the 6th of August (same date and age as me, incidentally) so he doesn't have many years left at the top level, plus his injury record is woeful (same as me, incidentally). He has only played one full season in 8, and has missed a huge percentage of games as a consequence. He is one stubbed toe away from 3 months on the sidelines, being nursed back to health by our Medical Department (yet to achieve it's First Aid Badge from the scouts), so why not cash in big style and let someone else worry about his fragility? Many must have considered that last years' fine health could well have be a one off, along with the impressive goal tally?

I don't want us to continue to strengthen the squads of our rivals in England, so in a fantasy world, I would love Arsenal to play hardball, don't under ANY circumstances let him go to either part of Manchester and ship him off to Juve where that boy will get the living shit kicked out of him by Italian centre halves, frequently returning him to his rightful place on the treatment table. If Juve don't want to risk the investment of huge transfer fee and wages for a relatively fragile old man, let him rot in our reserves, far far away from the First Team where his unhappiness and discontent can't be allowed to destroy team moral, while his contract runs down. He'll then be 30 years old, he'll leave, and no one will offer him anything near what he's worth in wages then!! This of course won't happen, most probably Manchester will beckon, but we will live on. The Club is always bigger then the players.

 Already some exciting moves in the transfer market have been made with the acquisitions of Giroud,  Podolski and the imminent arrival of Santi Cazorla from Malaga, which are all very positive moves. The RVP leave contingency is in place early, which is very good news indeed. On top of this, Wenger has made it very clear that some average squad players have, or are going to be moved on (maybe he read my last blog?!) meaning that the squad is already shaping up for the new season, and we could be in a pretty solid position, regardless of whether RVP stays or goes.

If Steve Bould is able to sort out our Pub Team defence, possibly with the acquisition of further cover in full back and centre half positions, plus our dire Medical Staff somehow get Jacky-Boy fit again (ha!) we will be up there again, hopefully challenging, striving to achieve more and do better this season. Last year our league position flattered us because the quality of the Premier League last year was pretty poor. Surely it won't be as rubbish this year, so we must hit the ground running quickly, and integrate any new recruits as quickly as possible.

I'm very excited about the new season. I'm not overly optimistic or pessimistic, just comfortably sitting in the fence and hoping for a couple more strong additions to our squad to greater facilitate a more competitive season. Whether or not RVP stays or goes, I still have pride, and hope for a better tomorrow. Some might say we will find a brighter day.

Thanks for your time.

Santi Cazorla in London for medical? Plus transfer roundup

Afternoon all,

I just cannot stay away today! In order to not neglect the transfer news hungry among us, here is a quick update on potential transfers in and out of the club at the moment.

The name on everyone’s lips at the moment is of course Santi Cazorla with many (myself included) declaring an imminent transfer. It seems that the financial problems, though of course aiding us in our bid to land the talented winger are also proving somewhat problematic. John Cross at the Mirror talks about how the transfer could be delayed due to the potential sale of Malaga football club due to some complications with management. More sources however are suggesting the deal will be done sooner rather than later.

Spanish based Guardian journalist Sid Lowe took to twitter to excite Arsenal fans in the early hours by stating:

“It's not Cazorla or Sahin. Arsenal want both. They're confident on both too. Cazorla agreed terms w/ Arsenal already. Malag[a] looking for solutions, got stay of execution but situation still urgent. Cazorla sale best way out. Still major confusion, though. Oh, and the other thing.... Cazorla is a brilliant player.

And of course in all this, Cazorla is trying to push deal through. And given situation there are ways of doing that. And, no, until it's confirmed, you can never be 100% sure. (Actually, not true: occasionally deals are done and sat on). Because shit happens. But, yes, I expect it to happen.”

Also John Cross has recently tweeted:

“With #afc Arsenal set to complete a 20m deal for Cazorla, will that soften blow of RvP and ensure he becomes a forgotten man? Major deal.”

Rumours suggest that all the negotiations are nearing a close and that terms have been agreed with the player. He is due, (or already) in London today to complete a medical depending on who you believe. I don't know who to believe to be honest and while I do think that this transfer will/should happen I am not convinced it is at the closing stages just yet.

Pointing towards a positive conclusion it seems but as I said yesterday until it is officially confirmed don’t get too excited. A little bit late for that at my end, I just can’t help it in this case.

In other news the Daily Mail claim that Brian Marwood and Manchester City are turning their attention elsewhere in the race to sign a striker. I would hazard a guess that this is a bit of spin to perhaps help them in their negotiations with Arsenal/the player.

I guess that probably hits the nail on the head. Not unless you count news that Park has attracted the interest of Blackburn Rovers. Don’t think much will come of that one to be honest.

Until tomorrow,

GoonerVerse

Shattered Dreams: Robin Van Persie must stay!

Morning all,

The evening is warm but there is a chill is in the air. Arsenal are leading Real Madrid by a goal to nil with minutes remaining in the Champions League final. Despite dictating possession for the majority of the match, Real Madrid have failed to penetrate, until a through ball by Ozil finds Ronaldo who leaves a flat footed Koscienly behind. As he races towards the Arsenal goal confronted by an oncoming Szczesny he steps over twice before rounding the keeper to his left. The stadium is silent. Still. Ronaldo, with minimum back lift rifles the ball goalward. A scrambling Szczesny can do little as a last gasp effort to save his shot is in vain.

A familiar feeling settles among The Arsenal faithful. Dejection fills the hearts of all those watching. Shoulders are slumped as the ball is slowly taken back to the centre circle until Robin Van Persie grabs the ball from Abou Diaby places it down purposefully and visibly lifts the players. He looks upbeat. The ball is played neatly around and Cazorla has a neat exchange with Jack Wilshere. With seconds left of normal time, Wilshere attempts an audacious chip but can only hit the bar. Van Persie applauds the effort. As the end approaches, Arsenal regain the ball and work it around well with some fantastic movement from Podolski on the left opening up some space for Van Persie. Cazorla threads the eye of a needle with a delicious pass which is cushioned perfectly by Van Persie on his right foot onto his preferred left foot. He is through and chips an oncoming Casillas. Ramos slides and is agonisingly close but cannot prevent the inevitable. The crowd erupts and Arsenal are surely the Champions of Europe. Elation fills my heart and I am finally content with my life. That is, until I wake up. The sinking feeling when you realise it was all a dream and you turn over and bury yourself back into your pillow.

As interesting as that must have been for you, it was not without purpose that I shared with you, the dreams of a mad man. It made me think about what could be and what should be.

Yesterday I purposefully navigated my narrative away from the subject of the Captain's future for a number of reasons. I wanted a positive post full of hope highlighting a feeling of excitement among fans (especially with the "imminent" transfer news). I also feel it has been talked/written/speculated about so much so that talking about it yet again would be pointless.

However with the increased speculation of incoming talent and my own proclamation of hope yesterday, it got me thinking about his future yet again. I re-read the statement he released and aside from it enraging me it really made me curious as to what might happen.

“Out of my huge respect for Mr. Wenger, the players and the fans I don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward.”

This is clearly throwing down the gauntlet and attempting to ensure that there can only be one outcome. The vultures at City were already circling but they must have been delighted when their job was made exponentially easier following this statement.

So what are we to do as a club? Are we to give in to yet another mercenary who this time hides behind the guise of the direction of the club? I understand the stance that many have with regards to wanting to cash in on the player and move on but I, for the life of me cannot accept this. I do not think we should sell him as it is yet another admission of our diminishing power at the summit of the world’s super clubs, of which we certainly are one.

So what is the alternative? Well, quite simply keep him for the year and then he can see his contractual value decrease significantly which only serves to shoot himself if he so chooses to go down that route.

He is an Arsenal player and unless a sizeable offer (which he agrees to) comes from abroad then under no circumstances should we entertain the notion of him playing for our direct competitors. Aside from it directly weakening us, it by the same token strengthens our opponents and that is something which I think will cost the club far more in the long term. Worrying about the loss of a £20million transfer fee might well be short sighted. In fact I would argue that the cost of selling him now could in theory cost more in the form of losing out on Champions League football. In all honesty I think we have strengthened in a way that we can cope with his departure to some extent so I do not see us dropping out of Champions League football but it is of course a possibility.

At a minimum we should keep him until the last day and play him in the first few games of the season so as to ensure that our two new strikers gain some acclimatisation time. Despite my introduction, I am not living in dream land and neither am I naïve to the fact that, in all likelihood neither of the aforementioned scenarios are going to happen or are even likely. I fully expect the club to try and cash in and sell him to Manchester City in the near future which is a complete shame.

It will fully taint the memories of a great player and will again highlight an inability to keep hold of key players.

On the flip side though, it is clear that by keeping him and some further additions we have truly strengthened our side and it would represent our strongest squad in years. If we compare our potential squad to what our squad looked like at the start of last season then you will see there is a huge gulf in quality. For all the complaints about “panic buying” all the players added value to the side with the only exception being the puzzling Park situation. When comparing the squad to the start of last season we can add Santos, Mertesacker and Arteta as well as the more recent additions of Giroud, Podolski and potentially Cazorla and Sahin to what we had at the start of last season. Which is five to seven quality additions better off. Add to that the rise of Oxlade Chamberlain and the return of Jack Wilshere (and Diaby) and we have a completely different side. By keeping Van Persie, even if it is just for the season, would it not be a squad capable of challenging for the trophies? After all that is all the fans want, a side capable of challenging whether we actually win or not.Is that not worth losing out on £20million?

If we take £20million are we going to be able to buy 30 league goals for that level of money? I cannot see it happening and instead what we will have is a period of adjustment which could cost us more than the money we might miss out on. More important than the money though, this should be about principle. Nobody can just handpick our best players every year to strengthen themselves and weaken us. We are no feeder club, we one of the biggest football clubs in the world, steeped in history and tradition and it is time we, as a club believe it again.

It is time for The Arsenal to stand firm and keep the players we want to keep. The statement of intent that this would send out to the footballing world would be similar to the effect of a major signing being unveiled. I would venture to guess that Van Persie would be professional enough to play at his best so I cannot imagine it harming the club. Come on Arsenal, make my dream a reality. I know keeping Van Persie doesn’t guarantee success but it certainly enhances our chances of winning silverware. As the club have told us time and time again, that is the clubs priority.

We can all dream.

Goonerverse.

Cazorla to complete in the next 24 hours? Exciting times ahead.

Morning all,

With so much happening in the Goonerverse since my absence, it is fairly difficult to write an opening to this blog. I could try and put into words the heart ache and anguish Captain-not-so-fantastic has caused me these past few weeks but I fear that it may tell you all a lot more about me then the deceitful means he has used to engineer an exit.

I will however start off in an entirely different direction. One filled with excitement and optimism that has been bought about by intense speculation in the transfer market these past few days.

Whilst I haven’t posted in a while due to a number of holidays, (Vegas, Los Angeles and Barcelona) I have been keeping in touch with all things Arsenal. It has largely been filled with awful “reports” and rumours regarding anybody and everybody either being sold or being signed but in the past few days things have changed. There seems to be some tangible reports linking us to a number of exciting players, players which in theory would greatly improve not only the squad but the starting XI as well.

I have not seen Arsenal fans this optimistic for a very long time and whilst there is certainly an air of doom and gloom with the impending departure of our Captain, there is certainly reason to be hopeful. We have already acquired the services of Podolski and Giroud, both of which look set to play together in a new look Arsenal front line. In addition it looks as though Wenger is in hot pursuit of two very promising midfield additions. By these additions I am of course talking about Santi Cazorla and Nuri Sahin who have both been strongly mooted to be edging closer to being signed. In fact in thecase of the former many reports are suggesting a deal could be finalised bytomorrow. 

It seems that both deals are close but as we know anything can happen so it is important that we do not get carried away before everything is finalised. Either way, the fact that we are ACTUALLY going for these players is a great statement of intent and it really does throw a marker down to other teams but equally importantly our top players as well.

The fact that we are looking to capitalise on the mismanagement of a team which was flooded with cash is sweetly ironic and should serve as a reminder to those wishing for a complete change in direction, that it does not always work out.

From a tactical point of view both transfers make complete sense and could see much needed competition in the midfield area, especially in a creative sense. Cazorla would certainly complement the team and I would back him to have the same effect as his compatriot, Juan Mata, has had over at Chelsea.

In other news it seems as though the Arsenal careers of Bendtner, Squillaci and Park are finally coming to an end as Wenger declared publically that they are close to departing the Emirates.

“Bendtner, Squillaci and Park will be on their way to go somewhere. Arshavin, it depends. We have to sit together and talks. He could still have a future at the club.

We will see how the next few days unfold but it could potentially be a very exciting couple of days at the GoonerVerse so make sure you keep checking back as I will post as soon as we have more news.

Before I go, some of you will have noticed that Simon Chapman, a friend of mine has recently started writing here. Make sure you keep in touch with his thoughts/rants as and when they come. They are both entertaining and thought provoking and provide a completely different perspective on all things Arsenal.

Until tomorrow,

GoonerVerse

The Curse of The Captain's Armband

Good Evening Members of the Goonerverse, I'm Simon Chapman, and I'm posting my second blog on the Goonerverse Website, I hope you like it.

Picture the scene: It's 2005, the FA Cup Final at The Millennium Stadium, a solitary year after the 'Invincibles' season, with Arsenal looking anything but, having been completely outplayed by Man Utd from start to finish, yet somehow showing a gritty steel and determination to block every attempt on goal. Some might say they parked the bus, others would claim a defensive masterclass was performed (bit of a stretch, I think we were bloody lucky).

Some of us who are old enough will remember that the game went to penalties, the Ginger One missing the Mancs second kick, leaving them playing catch up in the shootout. with every subsequent kick dispatched, the symbol of Arsenal's Grit, determination, power and passion steps up to the plate. The Captain, one of the best midfielders of his generation, plucked from Milan 9 years previously (I'm sure he loved spit shining Desailly's Boots) Patrick Vieira stepped up and knocked the ball beyond Roy Carroll's flailing arms, and so winning us our last trophy, and symbolically beginning a steady decline that we are yet to recover from.

Those who have followed Arsenal closely will recognise that Vieira leaving after several Summers of flirting with Real Madrid was the beginning of the breakup of the Invincibles team, and since that penalty in May 2005, we have lost 3 of our Captains to European rivals, and are set to lose a fourth this summer.

Of course with the financial burden of building a new stadium which we moved into in 2006, we always knew that maybe for a little while there may be a slightly barren period as we fail to compete with the big spenders while paying crippling interest payments,  but of course UEFA Fair Play will be our saviour, destroying Citeh and Chelski with their twisting of the transfer market, buying up all the good (in some cases average) talent and playing stupid amounts of wages in the process. That'll save us, with our prudent spending and sound P+L!

Us fans will be happy with 4th Placed finishes, as long as we're still watching European football on SKY (please, never Channel 5!!) as long as we continue finishing above the Spuds year on year, surely that will make us happy??

Not really. Football fans are, on the whole not a particularly cerebral bunch. Our emotions are ruled by the heart rather then the head, and although Wenger and Gazidis stand up proudly next to the end of year financial Statement, like a new married couple parading around a new born child, I'm certain the majority of fans would rather them proudly parade a Champions League or Premiership trophy, no matter what the cost.

The flip side of Financial Prudence is the situation that Rangers now find themselves in, so perhaps our situation is not so bad. As a friend of mine said today 'at least you'll be able to tell your grand kids in years to come about your team that still exists!' Rangers are an extreme example of poor financial planning and management of resources, but surely there is a middle ground to be achieved?

The saga that continually blights us year on year is the inevitable loss of our captain. Arsene seems to believe that making his best player captain will bestow upon him a greater sense of  responsibility and loyalty to the club and fans that will pull on his heartstrings so that he continues to stay in a noncompetitive team with an unbalanced squad full of small, fragile misfits with some seriously average players on ridiculous amounts of money. The main culprits are diabolical Diaby, who we reportedly pay £60k a week for 3 games a season, while babysitting our Physio the rest of the time, the simply awful Denilson on £60k a week for sideways passes, while the arrogant Bendtner, on £52k a week, who is apparently 'amazing' according to his reflection in the mirror cannot guarantee a starting place on loan in a shit Sunderland team).

How can we, in all honesty be angry with players of the calibre  of Vieira, Henry, Fabregas and now Van Persie wanting to leave squads that are full of mediocrity ? How has Wenger built such average squads? Because of his stubborn method of making cheap young players (stolen from foreign clubs' academies) stars, but more often then not failing in this quest to do things on the cheap.

I do genuinely find it amazing that we've not fallen out of the top four yet, and in many ways a huge amount of credit is due, but come on, show a bit more ambition!! Buy some decent players! stop buying kids who 'might' be good some day! Maybe if the club didn't shell out so much loot on such awful, awful back up players every year, perhaps we would have been in a stronger position to be financially competitive? Would Van Persie be wanting to leave if we'd put our necks out last summer and got Mata and/or Hazard before the big spenders even knew who they were, while refusing to offer our crap players big contracts and offload the freeloaders?


Granted, so far this summer Podolski and Giroud are in place, but not as back up or to play alongside RVP, instead of RVP, and this is pretty sad. Some might say he is being greedy (reportedly he wants £190K a week!! which some may argue he's worth it, others won't) but perhaps he's right in wanting to leave the club due to their seeming lack of ambition in the transfer market? If you, in the real world worked for a crap company with no career progression, and a better company with prospects offer you double your money, even if you loved your work, would you really stay out of loyalty? I know I wouldn't, I'd be out the door quicker then you can say shitsticks. I know players are paid RIDICULOUS amounts of money, but human nature dictates we always want more-we're hoarders, desiring as much stuff as we can get, and that has always been the truth throughout history. 


Will we win anything in the foreseeable future? Not even a Carling Cup victory is guaranteed these days, and at nearly 29, Robin can't be reliant on Wengers' shonky experiment finally producing trophies. At the end of a career, there is no prestige in playing for a club with money in the bank- players are measured on their medal haul. Sell him, preferably abroad, get as much money as we can, get rid of a few more crap players, and PLEASE REINVEST THE MONEY IN THE TEAM!!! At least give us half a chance of competing next season! Of course, this probably won't happen. The money will probably pay off some more loan interest! 

My biggest worry now is that the heir to the captaincy is the Verminator, so I'm 90% sure he'll be playing in Spain next year, possibly Barca! Oh, Arsene, do you never learn? Give Denilson the Captaincy!! Maybe he'll then fucking leave once and for all!!!


Phew, rant over!!


Thanks for your Time.


Simon

Theo 'runs into a brickWALLcott' -100K a week?

Good Evening People Of Goonerverse, My name is Simon Chapman, a Gooner for about 20 years now. I've been invited by my friend, 'The Master of the the Goonerverse' to stick my 2 pennies in on anything Arsenal that pops into my tiny little brain, and am hoping to contribute every week (depending whether there's anything better on TV to watch) This is my first ever blog, I hope you like it!!

Theo Wallcott, for many years now has flattered to deceive. Since his £12m transfer way back in 2006 (wow, 6 years) how has he come on as a footballer? After 6 years, shouldn't his game have progressed so he is one of the best players in the world? Although supposedly played out of position as a 'wide player' (not strictly true, as we play a fluid 4-3-3 with Theo as an advanced forward, rather then winger), his contribution to the Arsenal cause over the years has been sporadic at best.

Blessed with a sprinters pace, but the stability of a game of Jenga, Theo can outpace a defender, then crumble under a challenge, then go missing for a few games while nursing a little boo boo on his leg. His decision making is still questionable, even though over the years this aspect of his game has improved (13 assists last season when compared with 2 assists 2 years previous to that) but without a bang in form RVP (likely to leave this summer) on the end of the majority of these chances, has Robin made him look better then he is? When RVP leaves, will young Wallcott look as effective?

Theo is in an identical contract situation to Robin (a completely separate issue of much debate) , but who of us Gooners would really be sad to see him go? According to the Redtops, Liverpool and Chelsea are chasing, willing to pay us £15m AND pay him the £100k a week which he wants. £100k a week?? For an inconsistent, fragile players who only seems to turn his performances on about 5-6 games a season, and often against poor opposition (eg the spuds in the 5-2 at the Grove). REALLY??? Is his overall contribution to Arsenal really worth that kind of investment?

According to reports, he is on £60k, and the club are ONLY offering £80k a week. I'm thinking let him leave, take his running into a brick wall (usually a Utd or Chelsea fullback) with him, and take the money to re-invest in another decent forward (ha!!! more likely help service our massive stadium debt, while promoting some 12 year old from France who cost us an Xbox and a packet of Maltesers into the first team).

I say let him rot on Chelsea's subs bench, coming on with 5 minutes to go as an 'impact sub' every 5 games to watch him fall flat on his arse as another full back makes him look like the most ordinary footballer since Denilson (not the Barca one, the shit Arsenal one who we can't shift cos some idiot offered the twat £60k a week!!).

People will always bang on about us selling our best players and how we're going backwards, but I don't see Wallcott as one of our best players. Sell Theo, then unleash the Ox and see him tear the Premiership apart down the right next season!!!!

Thanks for your time.

Simon