Comments on: The Onion Bag: Arsenal Beat Man U, Madrid Goes Gago, Ronaldinho’s Wicked Strike

By: brokedickrooster

brokedickrooster — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:06:43 +0000

I don’t believe Higuain’s nickname is “Gago.” I think you’re confusing him with Fernando Gago, another Argentine player for Madrid.

By: molemaninthemorning

molemaninthemorning — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:47:18 +0000

mascherano just named argentina captain, good for him. especially since he said he wasnt the right person for it, which of course means hes the perfect person for it. when gerrard gives up the armband in two years its going to the little chief no doubt

By: tyduffy

tyduffy — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:50:36 +0000

Also on the Matuidi front, St. Etienne just hired Damien Comolli, late of Spurs, who spent seven years as a scout for Arsene Wenger.

By: BFFredo

BFFredo — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:48:00 +0000

The problem for me is that such a back 4 gets outmuscled by physical sides — particularly in set pieces (like Rory Delap’s throw-ins or corners).

As for midfielder, I wanted us to keep Flamini, but he was bent on moving to Italy. My problem, as I said, is that I don’t think Arsene wants to buy someone who’d take time away from the other kids he’s got developing.

By: tyduffy

tyduffy — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:39:20 +0000

I also think the midfielder is far more crucial than the defender. A healthy back four of Clichy, Gallas, Toure and Sagna is the most mobile in the Premier League. There are advantages to that, which reflect in Arsenal’s stalwart defensive record in open play. A proper defensive midfielder would breakup attacks and protect that back line.

The only problem is set pieces. I wonder how much of it could be solved by basic concentration and tactics.

By: BFFredo

BFFredo — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:20:06 +0000

De Rossi is too expensive. Inler rejected a move to Arsenal in the Summer. All three would be cup-tied in Europe.

Just throwing names out there. To be fair, I really don’t expect Wenger to buy a midfielder in January. Hell, he might stick to his stubborn ways and not buy a single player.

Matuidi would be a nice fit.

By: molemaninthemorning

molemaninthemorning — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:18:00 +0000

Inler rejected a move to Arsenal in the Summer.

well there you go, couldnt remember why that rumor never materialized

im telling you man, plessis for 30 million. he shut down arsenals midfield, is black young and french, pull the trigger!

seriously though if villa keep losing, wouldnt be shocked to see a move for barry

By: molemaninthemorning

molemaninthemorning — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:13:26 +0000

roma would be retarded to sell de rossi (though they were retarded enough to buy riise) and anyways arsenal cant afford him or veloso. inler was the name over the summer so i wouldnt be shocked.

st.e. are in a shit storm so a sell off could make sense for them

By: tyduffy

tyduffy — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:12:48 +0000

1. Daniele De Rossi
2. Miguel Veloso
3. Gokhan Inler

De Rossi is too expensive. Inler rejected a move to Arsenal in the Summer. All three would be cup-tied in Europe.

By: tyduffy

tyduffy — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:10:23 +0000

who could they get though?
senna is too old to make a big money offer for
de la red may never play soccer again
flamini would be perfect …. OOPS

It will definitely be difficult, as they will probably focus on the Champions League and will need someone who isn’t cup tied.

I think Blaise Matuidi from St. Etienne is probably the best bet. He’s been a favorite of Arsenal scouts and there’s talk of a Â£10m bid for him in January. He’s young, French and fits Arsenal’s setup.

I don’t think Wenger will do it. But, he could also probably pick up Scott Parker on the cheap of West Ham start selling like crazy. He’s not up to the Arsenal standard in terms of skill, but they could use the depth and someone who can tackle.