Two signings needed, now

It's been dragging on and the talk of who we'll sign before 1st September is almost exhaustible.

Since the beginning of the season it's showed that we're in need of a world class striker and also another Adam as Arteta hasn't got the legs anymore and Flamini is nothing but a cheerleader.

We have the money - it's time Wenger gets the negotiators to go all out for these signings. If we do that we're in a very good chance of challenging for the Premier League.

Apart from that, happy with the three points against Newcastle United. A shame about Chelsea and Liverpool…

REPORT: Newcastle United 0-0 Arsenal

NEWCASTLE UNITED 0 – 0 ARSENAL

Match Report

Barclays Premier League

St. James’ Park

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Kick-off: 17:30

Arsenal:

Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song, Ramsey, Rosicky, Gervinho, Arshavin, van Persie

Subs: Fabianski, Djourou, Jenkinson, Frimpong, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Frimpong, Walcott, Chamakh

Newcastle United:

Krul, Simpson, S.Taylor, Coloccini, R.Taylor, Barton, Cabaye, Tiote, Gutierrez, Ba, Shola Ameobi

Subs: Fortster, Williamson, Gosling, Obertan, Sammy Ameobi, Lovenkrands, Best

So the excitement around our first game was subdued and after that performance and result it proved that there was nothing to get excited about.

Some players that stood out for me were Gibbs, Song, Arshavin and Gervinho. The partnership of Koscielny and Vermaelen looked strong.

There weren’t many chances in this game. But one moment stood out when Gervinho went down in the penalty area, which a penalty was not given. Joey Barton decided to take matters into his own hands, literally, by lifting up Gervinho, only for a scuffle to break out where Gervinho slapped Barton on the head. Barton went down like a sack of potatoes (more like a sack of s***). This debacle ended up getting Gervinho sent off on his debut, a great way to introduce himself to the Premier League. Gervinho will now be suspended for three matches. A real shame because he has looked really good for Arsenal so far, bringing something different and direct to Arsenal.

So a pretty abysmal first game, but a tough place to go and get a win none the less. Travelling Arsenal fans decided to chant “Spend Some F****** Money!” and this is not for the first time.

Arsenal Return to Training

The beginning of the season starts now, a long way off the first Premier League match. This is because the majority of first teamers returned today at Arsenal training ground at London Colney this morning.

Pictures taken from this morning, which can be seen here, involved new faces. A laughing Ryo Miyachi, courtesy of none other than comedian and Eddy Murphy 'wanna be' Emmanuel Eboué and 19 year-old Carl Jenkinson, signed form Charlton Athletic.

There was no sign of Nasri, Fabregas and even van Persie, however his may be down to International duty. It would have a more pleasing outlook if there were actually new signings in that first training session.

Last of the Invincibles Departs

So the first exodus of players at the Emirates has started. The French and Toulouse born and left back, Gaël Clichy, has parted ways with Arsenal after 8 years at the club. A consistent performer who always gave 100%. His new destination is that of About Diaby's long lost cousins club, Manchester City.


A player who was bought in from Cannes, with a reputation as an attacking left back, but who mainly played in front of Ashley Cole whenever he came on off the bench in his early days. Clichy managed to make enough appearances in the 2003-2004 unbeaten season to claim a winners medal in the Premier League and to this day was the last 'Invincible' left remaining at the club.

Still have a smile on his face come end of season?

As far as I'm concerned the loss of Clichy isn't a big blow as Cole was replaced, who was a much better all round left back than Clichy, so Clichy he can be replaced as well. However this has left a void for any player to make it his own place in the starting line up. I don't think any 'left back' currently at the club (Gibbs, Traoré) can quite cut it yet for a whole season. The thought of Vermaelen being moved to a make shift left back is one I dread to think about. Why take him out of his best position just to fill a hole is beyond me.


Arsenal have been linked with Aly Cissokho from Lyon, who moved from Porto in 2009 to the French outfit. However a 23 year-old isn't really saying he's any better than Clichy. At least replace class with class. But I can't judge the guy as I haven't even seen anything of him. The thing is I could easily name world class right backs, but i can't think of many left backs who we could attract. If someone along the lines of Sagna's defensive ability with the crossing of Daniel Alves, now that would be a dream.


I'd like to say thank you to Clichy for serving the club this long, 8 years in this day and age is quite loyal and a long time. However I do not wish you the best of luck. Who in their right mind would want another club to do better than their own?


The search for the next best left back continues... (maybe get Winterburn out of retirement?).