***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

[KG]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

I was already nervous before we started preseason training.

It's hard not to judge these games, but we shouldn't, but it doesn't mean I do not as like I said, it's hard not to.

I'm almost certain two years ago Chelsea had a horrible preseason in terms of loses, yet they won the domestic double. Not saying we will, but in general it seems to not be a barometer to follow.

SZCZ said they've been working hard on corners and set pieces in training, but it still worries me. Especially our stupid zonal marking.

Zonal marking and our high line are going to kill us, again. Well, if anything does it'll be those two. I think we're set for a year where we actually score when we couldn't last year but still can't stop anyone.

Zonal Marking on set pieces was our downfall for 2 years. Even in the title winning season 2 years ago we conceded so many goals off set pieces despite having big physical CBs. The switch to man-marking and bringing back Drogba to defend helped tremendously.

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Zonal Marking on set pieces was our downfall for 2 years. Even in the title winning season 2 years ago we conceded so many goals off set pieces despite having big physical CBs. The switch to man-marking and bringing back Drogba to defend helped tremendously.

I recall a few years ago when you guys gave up goals from set pieces as much as we do now. I really wish we would switch, but I don't see it happening.

Zonal marking at it's core just causes such an issue of, 'well that wasn't my area' which is a lot easier to just get away with than, that was your man, you're at fault. Period.

[Perceptor]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Back just in time for the season eh boys and girls?

My thoughts

1. I love Cesc, but it's time for him to go. Let's be honest, he wasn't the same player last season and his injuries and Barca distraction were contributing factors. I'm glad Arsenal's holding out, but a 40 million bid should end this. This has dragged on and distracted the club long enough. Cesc was a great player for us and as sad as I am to see him leave, this whole saga has become nauseating for me

2. I hate Barca and its players. From Xavi to Pique to Pedro, they all make me sick with their superiority. I love how they play football, but they have turned into arrogant bastards and their tapping up of Cesc has been horrible. I hope they lose next season and get humbled.

3. Samir Nasri's not much better either and if he won't sign a new deal, sell him off. I liked Nasri and thought he'd be an Arsenal player for a long time, but his actions demonstrate he has no loyalty to Wenger or the club. He faded badly last season and I'd take the 20 million or so and buy Mata.

I think we'll be hard pressed to win anything as is and if we make the CL, I'll be happy. Having said that, I remain optimistic and hope to see the club come through. We do have some great players like Jack, RVP, Gervinho, and Ramsey.

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Back just in time for the season eh boys and girls?

My thoughts

1. I love Cesc, but it's time for him to go. Let's be honest, he wasn't the same player last season and his injuries and Barca distraction were contributing factors. I'm glad Arsenal's holding out, but a 40 million bid should end this. This has dragged on and distracted the club long enough. Cesc was a great player for us and as sad as I am to see him leave, this whole saga has become nauseating for me

2. I hate Barca and its players. From Xavi to Pique to Pedro, they all make me sick with their superiority. I love how they play football, but they have turned into arrogant bastards and their tapping up of Cesc has been horrible. I hope they lose next season and get humbled.

3. Samir Nasri's not much better either and if he won't sign a new deal, sell him off. I liked Nasri and thought he'd be an Arsenal player for a long time, but his actions demonstrate he has no loyalty to Wenger or the club. He faded badly last season and I'd take the 20 million or so and buy Mata.

I think we'll be hard pressed to win anything as is and if we make the CL, I'll be happy. Having said that, I remain optimistic and hope to see the club come through. We do have some great players like Jack, RVP, Gervinho, and Ramsey.

Cesc returned to training today and I still don't think Barca will offer £40 million. If they do, he's gone.

As for Barca, I think this is Real Madrid's year in La Liga, so that will be one less thing they win.

Nasri, he's a prick, I wish we'd cash in on him. There are reports that City are going to offer £22 million.

[Perceptor]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Take the Nasri money and sign Mata He's a great player. Yes I do think Real will win this year. Jose has done well enough with getting new blood in for the season and the team is younger.

[Altimus]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Madrid's year is EVERY year.

As far as Cesc, I hope Arsenal deny it. A part of me wants it to happen just so it's finally over. I prefer he goes else where and Barca start bringing Thiago more into the games.

And Perceptor, one minute you root for Barca, the next you hate them. I'm confused.

[Perceptor]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Madrid's year is EVERY year.

And Perceptor, one minute you root for Barca, the next you hate them. I'm confused.

I'm an Arsenal fan first and it's hurt how bad some of those Barca guys clamoured for Cesc and slammed Arsenal. I love how Barca play, but at the constant Cesc chasing and Barca arrogance got to me. That's why

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

I used to enjoy how they played, until this last year when they lowered their standards and started being more and more classless.

It's to the point where I just enjoy Messi, as everyone else on there is either classless while playing or likes to talk about Cesc's DNA. I can no longer look past their poor on the field behavior and only to their playing style. This last season was too much.

[Altimus]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

I'm an Arsenal fan first and it's hurt how bad some of those Barca guys clamoured for Cesc and slammed Arsenal. I love how Barca play, but at the constant Cesc chasing and Barca arrogance got to me. That's why

Gotcha.

I can't defend the arrogance but at the same time I can't shake my head too much at it. Especially at the Spanish players. Euro Cups, World Cups, CL Cups, Spanish Cups, League Cups, etc.

[KG]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Gotcha.

I can't defend the arrogance but at the same time I can't shake my head too much at it. Especially at the Spanish players. Euro Cups, World Cups, CL Cups, Spanish Cups, League Cups, etc.

Exactly. You have a group of guys on some historic runs. Arrogance is to be expected. As for Cesc, id imangine that if he's sold Wenger already has a move in place. Worst case scenario would be selling him and sitting idle. Arsenal fans would revolt and with good cause. A Cesc-less Arsenal would be battling it out for a Europa spot.

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Exactly. You have a group of guys on some historic runs. Arrogance is to be expected. As for Cesc, id imangine that if he's sold Wenger already has a move in place. Worst case scenario would be selling him and sitting idle. Arsenal fans would revolt and with good cause. A Cesc-less Arsenal would be battling it out for a Europa spot.

Arrogance has nothing to do with systematically unsettling the captain of another club. To me, there are many separate layers. I don't care if they think they're the best club in the world right now, because they are. But the way they do business is extremely distasteful and disrespectful. Sadly, for some reason it's allowed.

As for a Cesc-less Arsenal, I think even with him this year we'd be in a serious battle for 4th. Without him, I don't know what we'd do with the cash. The obvious answer is Mata, but would Wenger drop a ton on him, even if we get money from Barca? I do not know.

[Bgeezy87]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

With or without Cesc(hopefully with) I for one am looking forward the progression of Aaron Ramsey this year

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

With or without Cesc(hopefully with) I for one am looking forward the progression of Aaron Ramsey this year

I'm so excited to see him get some playing time. I recall two years ago I said he could replace Cesc and I still think that. He's going to be a GREAT player.

[Bgeezy87]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Everybody seems to be all gloom and doom about the upcoming season but I think this team is going to be a lot of fun to watch and will surprise a lot of people.

[misterbroom12]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

I was writing the date down today at work and someone commented on how time flies and the summer is almost over. My day was ruined then becuase I came to that reality that this was the case and Arsenal still have signed ONLY Gervinho (of note) Where is our new CB?!?!