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Manchester United vs Arsenal, 8-2: Full time analysis and player ratings

Written by Chris on August 28, 2011 – 22:05

The Gunning Hawk - ForumOld Trafford, Manchester

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. That’s right, this was not a training session, this was Premier League football, we conceded eight goals, we are eight points from the top and don’t ask me what the future holds for Arsenal Football Club.

When the starting line-up was announced I knew that there could only be one result this afternoon and please raise your hand if you thought we could get something away from Old Trafford against the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young and Luis Nani.

Our bench featured Ignasi Miquel, Gilles Sunu, Oguzhan Ozyakup, Henri Lansbury, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Marouane Chamakh, the bench you would expect to see in the Carling Cup. Their bench, featured Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Ji-Sung Park, Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez.

Ultimately, the conclusion is the same one from last season, you cannot put so much pressure on players aged 19 or 20 and expect them to perform when there are no leaders on the pitch to guide them. I know, I mentioned it before, but the way Clarence Seedorf approached Ignazio Abate when A.C. Milan won the Italian Super Cup in China this summer was admirable as the 24-year old understood that who was in front of him was a 35-year old with plenty of experience, hence one to listen to.

Today we witnessed the opposite with Theo Walcott telling 19-year old Carl Jenkinson that his positioning was very poor and with the youngster not interested in the advice of his team-mate and this is clearly why many of our players have a long way to go to mature as footballers and as men.

What is worrying, really worrying is that we approached this game with the best possible mental strength after the Udinese and with Arsene insisting that he has full confidence in his players.

Granted, missing Thomas Vermaelen and Bacary Sagna in the defensive department means starting the game from 2-0 down but please let’s understand that this is the same Thomas Vermaelen who was not replaced in January because a newcomer would have killed the progress of Johan Djourou and Laurent Koscielny and Bacary Sagna’s backup, Carl Jenkinson, played and failed miserably as I doubt that Emmanuel Eboue would have been as equally shocking today.

In a way, that we were going to be torn apart as soon as we were going to play against a good team is something that many could see coming a long time ago. I’m in fact curious to know our record since we lost the Carling Cup as I’m not sure we won more than four games since then. Clearly, Arsene Wenger needs to act quickly to fix all the weaknesses in his squad, even if time is clearly running out.

To conclude, credit to the travelling fans who kept chanting and encouraging the team until the very end, we all know how it would have finished had we played today’s game at the Emirates, venue where our next game will take place on September 10 when we will be back from the International break.

As always, whether you agree with my ratings or not, submit your own at Arsenal Interactive and make sure to share them on Twitter and Facebook.

Match Video Highlights

Match video highlights are available in the Videos section of our website. If not there yet, rest assured they will be up in a matter of hours.

Player Ratings

Szczesny: 5 – At fault, together with the two centre backs when we conceded the first goal of the game as he should have been more alert of the danger. Produced two good saves in the second half(minute 47 and 58) but way too often he was caught out allowing the United players to chip him, even from the edge of the penalty box.

Koscielny and Djourou: 4 – Embarrassing, the way these two kept on losing their men. Laurent lost Danny Welbeck when he tried to play him off side in the 6th minute, with Johan continuously placing himself in wrong positions such as when we conceded the sixth, completing losing Park. And of course, like the goalkeeper, they should share part of the blame for the first conceded goal.

Jenkinson: 3 – I struggle to remember such a shocking performance from an Arsenal player in these last few seasons. It’s impossible to list all the mistakes he made in this game, let’s just say that if Arsene honestly believes he is a good backup for Bacary Sagna, we’re in deep trouble.

Traore: 4 – Like Johan Djourou, horrible with his positioning and way too easily beaten in one-on-ones. No idea why he cleared the ball in the danger zone when we conceded the second and no idea why he was on the right-hand side of the penalty box when we conceded the fifth, playing Nani onside.

Coquelin: 5 – Today’s icing on the cake, a player who never featured in pre-season makes his debut, at Old Trafford, against Manchester United. Make no mistake, he showed strength when he robbed Wayne Rooney in the 9th minute and determination minutes later when he won the ball with a brilliant tackle but come on, you don’t face the Red Devils with inexperienced players like Francis, no way.

Ramsey: 4,5 – This is a very difficult decision but Arsene has to take it: loan Aaron out, for his own good. He is too slow for Arsenal and I doubt time will heal his problem although knowing Arsene he will insist and insist with him until he ends up like Denilson.

Rosicky: 6 – Better than Aaron but also gave possession away cheaply, especially in the first half. Having said that, he produced a number of top-class passes for his team mates such as the quick pass to Theo when we scored the first and the delicious chip over the top for Robin on minute 51 and also.

Arshavin: 6 – Oh look, it’s Howard Webb! Many celebrated before the game believing that they will have an excuse to use in case of a defeat but ironically enough we were lucky to have him as referee today. Andrey should have seen red for two high-footed tackles but was lucky to still be on the pitch in the second half. As for his game, it was his usual hot and cold as he was however one of the few who wasn’t shy to test the goalkeeper from long range, forcing at least two saves from De Gea.

Walcott: 5,5 – Scored, fair enough, but too wasteful in front of goal. I cannot understand why he keeps making mistakes that by now he should have learned to avoid, it seems he does well in one game but goes to square one in the other.

van Persie: 5,5 – I feel for Robin but he needs to be partly held responsible for today’s result. Wasted a very good opportunity from a rebound in the 30th minute of the game, missed the penalty that would have levelled things up and should have done better when picked by Tomas in the 52th minute. Luckily, he made no mistake when we scored the second.

(Subs)
Lansbury, Chamakh, Oxlade-Chamberlain: No Vote – Even if he played more than 30 minutes, the only time I realised Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was on the pitch is when he chased Manchester United shadows late in the game. The other two was equally anonymous.

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  • gooner montreal says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:23

    yes , no comments .
    Now , we fully understand why Clichy , Cesc and Nasri have left .

    Reply to this comment »
    • PhiilyGunner says:
      August 28, 2011 at 23:26

      I see RVP and Sagna leaving soon….God help us..

      Reply to this comment »
      • gooner montreal says:
        August 29, 2011 at 0:20

        We should help ourselves, we have money ( a lot ) and we know pretty much what is going on , the is not an accident upon us , like hurricane Irene pouring tons of water and falling trees on top of cars in Montreal .
        Unfortunately we decide to do nothing and do something only at the last minute of thee last hour in order to appease fans , those fans who day job , work like donkey to pay for their club and the club takes those fans for granted.
        What happen with happen , there is not much we can do , it is now like a train running ahead at 100 mph without any conductor on board

        Reply to this comment »
    • Waleed says:
      August 29, 2011 at 1:01

      We wouldn’t be in this position had they not left. Chicken or the egg

      Reply to this comment »
  • Peter says:
    August 28, 2011 at 23:12

    The same old story, defenders urgently needed.

    Reply to this comment »
  • uz says:
    August 28, 2011 at 23:53

    elsewhere,AW would have been sacked.Like it or not,as long as this man is in charge,this arsenal team may be relegated.So sad

    Reply to this comment »
  • taintrin says:
    August 29, 2011 at 0:26

    I have a few comments.

    Since the memorable ”Invincible” days, the club/manager have sold all our best players, and bought in cheap substitutes.

    Its hard to believe that since a record breaking unbeaten season in 2003-2004, to a record breaking defeat in 2011. Just cant believe how its come to this. !!!!

    I don’t expect any “super-quality” signings by wednesday night. Unless they think a South Korean striker from a relegated club in France, for £2.6million is good (no doubt a commercial deal – for the Asian market).

    There is also no doubt that are remaining 4 top quality players (Van Persie, Wilshere, Sagna, Vermaenlen), will be considering their futures soon.

    ARSENAL – TILL I DIE

    Reply to this comment »
  • andykal says:
    August 29, 2011 at 0:42

    As an Arsenal fan this is the lowest point. I actually genuinely fear relegation. I cannot see any light and I cant even find a tunnel. Wenger is stubborn. I am pro Wenger but this stubborness is killing the team. The overall ethos is right but the transfer policy is a disaster. Everyone and thier dog knew that Fabregas and Nasri were leaving. Why not sign players early? why? why? why?. I am exasperated, depressed and had enough.
    We are humiliated and destroyed and even if we beat Man utd in the future this will always be there in black and white and in history.
    We are finished. I paid £1800 for a season ticket and I feel psychologcally raped by the club. Had enough!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply to this comment »
  • Unbeaten 49 says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:14

    I though this would be your easiest player rating ever.. Just give everyone 1 or 2 points

    Reply to this comment »
  • Maximus says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:17

    My friend Chris, I read your blog regularly, and I couldn’t really understand when you praised Jenkinson in all his games. At last you gave him a miserable score.

    Reply to this comment »
    • bob says:
      August 29, 2011 at 4:00

      he actually played well in the other ones.

      Reply to this comment »
  • jonesmalo says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:22

    Not good enough. At least Wenger can’t use the excuse of youth anymore. Manchester United’s team was just as inexperienced – just vastly superior. My darkest day as an Arsenal supporter. Then again, it was the worst defeat suffered boy this club in what, 100 years?

    The chickens have finally come home to roost.

    Reply to this comment »
    • mike says:
      August 28, 2011 at 23:35

      You are almost right – apparently the last time Arsenal conceded seven was in 1927. I do not know whether or not they ever conceded 8.

      Here’s one more record that you “in Arsene we trust” guys can use when you sing his praises

      Reply to this comment »
      • Haris says:
        August 29, 2011 at 1:14

        I don`t think there are anymore fans who trust him.

        Reply to this comment »
  • Francis Govia says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:22

    What is clearly missing from Arsenal is leadership. Arsene’s recruitment of talented young players is brilliant, but his disaffection for experienced players is wrong, and imperils Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League. Clearly, Arsenal need leadership in defense and in the midfield. Not that age is an indicator of leadership, but there are times when a crafty experienced player like a Di Natale has more to contribute to a team than a young blood (like for example, Oxlade-Chamberlain). Frimpong is a leader. He hustles. He fights. He makes a statement whenever he’s playing. In spite of his youth, ou can see determination in his eyes. Ramsey, Rosicky, and Arshavin are not leaders at the moment. They are tentative and unsure of purpose when we need them to step up. A leader is focused. He is a catalyst for change – and often brings out better in others. We need players who can step up and fight in the trenches. We need to make the midfield more fluid, and have players making the pass quickly when the openings are presented. Arsenal need to buy new players and sell some on the roster. Without Vermaelen and Sagna our defenses are in disarray. Without Song and Frimpong we cannot hold our own in the middle of the park. Without Gervinho, we have no player available to set the adversary back on their heels, and make Van Persie an immediate threat. (Walcott needs to work on some craft other than his speed and look up and cross into space so Van Persie can step away from defenders for a tap in). All the other top teams in the Premier Leagues have many gifted and experience players to come off the bench that in comparison Arsenal look misdirected and less progressive. We lack depth. Manchester United exposed and exploited our short comings, and there will be other lesser opponents that will do the same if we do not rectify them. It’s tough for Szczesny to do a great job when he’s playing goalkeeper and sweep. He is a bright spot on the team but he cannot be expected to stop the trashing we are/will be getting. Arsene has to act quickly in the last few days of the transfer window because the call to break things to fix them will become louder and more incessant as fans become less and less tolerant of his vision. Surely he must realize that he is not doing “the best thing for Arsenal” right now. He has to change.

    Players to sell: Almunia, Squillaci, Traore, Arshavin, Chamakh, and Bendtner. Arsene should keep working to build the confidence of Rosicky, Koschielny and Djourou. 100% Arsenal. I’m not mad. I’m beaten and tired of it.

    Reply to this comment »
    • jonesmalo says:
      August 28, 2011 at 22:35

      Agreed. The team lacks the balance that was the hallmark of Wenger’s past teams. Too many skilful but lightweight players.

      Reply to this comment »
      • Aaa says:
        August 29, 2011 at 1:14

        I think this is intentional. Perhaps the idea is if players can’t rely on their physique then their technical ability has to be immaculate.

        Reply to this comment »
    • soccersurf says:
      August 28, 2011 at 23:15

      no way on johan. guy just ball watches and is frozen. he is horrible as today showed. a liability. cant depend on him, doesnt have the brain. can play very well but at the same time if you are ball watching at his age you are hopeless to be top class, WHICH IS WHAT WE DESERVE!

      Reply to this comment »
      • Hunter says:
        August 29, 2011 at 1:23

        His recruitment hasn’t been brilliant or we wouldn’t have lost by a record breaking score. This club has been used as his experiment for far too long and I’m done with it. The sooner he goes, the better. We knew exactly what we need 2 seasons ago and instead we buy a 17 year old who to be honest is nowhere near what we need not ready for games in the top flight.

        Jenkinson is woeful and I have been saying for weeks that he is not good enough and sure enough he isn’t. When a 19 year old starts arguing with a seasoned professional like he did with Walcott it’s time for him to be yanked. He was out of position all the time and we paid for it. Middlesbrough knew exactly what they were doing when they had him on the bench for most of last season and that’s where he belongs. On the bench in the championship.

        Djourou – right back to square 1. He is back to being as bad as he was the first season e played centerback.

        Koscielny – For all of you slating me for saying he needed to prove he was good enough over the long haul guess what? Just like last year for every good game he has has 2 or 3 shockers. How on earth we paid 10 million for him is a total mystery. If Alex from Chelsea is worth 10 million Kos is worth less than half of that.

        What a complete mess this has turned out to be. Will it be a surprise if RVP and Walcott leave next season when they only have 1 year left on their contract? In the 20 years I have been following this team I have never been so ashamed oh this club. We would have been 100 times better off if Usamov had taken over because he knew exactly what we need and was willing to write off the debt and fund real transfers and wages. Not 12 year olds and not crap average players.

        Shameful.

        Reply to this comment »
    • T Caswell says:
      August 29, 2011 at 1:04

      Great comments although the lack of chatter on tactics is glaring. Arsenal plays a 4:3:3 that continues to misfire due to Wenger’s failed tactics. Two glaring issues with Wenger’s tactics: First, Arsenal midfielders need to press the service if you are to play a high backline. Barcelona’s 4:3:3 aside from superior personnel, relies on pressure all over the pitch to slow the counter, limit long services against a small back line and to limit the result of deep services – corners. Second, Arsenal’s opponents understand the deep flank crosses from a 4:3:3 result in few targets in the area. Thus, the opponents encourage Arsenal to cross the ball with virtually no goals resulting from the low percentage cross. Instead of emphasizing angled runs toward the box that create havoc like Barcelona,, Arsenal gets a 1 v 4 in the box from the crosses or a negative pass to the middle with a packed in D facing the ball.

      Last point – Arsenal buys a young talented Jenkinson and Man U buys Smalling and Jones. Need I say more… On the front line, Man U has 5 World Class strikers and Arsenal has 2.

      Sadly, I think Wenger’s time has passed.

      .

      Reply to this comment »
  • MistaKen says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:22

    What rating should Wenger get over the last few years?

    Reply to this comment »
  • weezyAbo says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:28

    Chris, I would rate Jenkinson more than Troare. Our LB attitude was utterly intolerable during the match. Agreed with other ratings.

    Reply to this comment »
    • Queenie says:
      August 28, 2011 at 23:12

      I agreed with you on this. I have never been more physically infuriated watching an arsenal player like i was watching Troare today. He is literally getting paid to do nothing at all. Absolutely useless.

      Reply to this comment »
      • Harz says:
        August 29, 2011 at 0:14

        Agreed. It was Traore performance which most angered me.

        Reply to this comment »
        • Haris says:
          August 29, 2011 at 0:17

          Yes, he doesn’t care about this club and about his teammates, it has shown mostly in the end when you could see him smiling.

          Reply to this comment »
          • Hunter says:
            August 29, 2011 at 1:38

            Jenkinson is just as bad. Arguing with someone for getting on his case for being absolute crap. His attitude is piss poor and if I were captain he would be taken out back of the changing room and taught a lesson.

            Reply to this comment »
            • Haris says:
              August 29, 2011 at 14:40

              That`s the problem, we don`t have anyone who would do something like that.

              Reply to this comment »
  • Tarik Hussein says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:28

    Arshavin lost the ball 90% of the times he tried to drible, and yes, the ref should have expelled him. He deserves even less than Jenkinson, and no more chances in the starting line-up please.

    Reply to this comment »
  • arsenaluz says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:32

    One more suspension in the books. I figured we would loose but by six? Six?six? Don’t know who will feature for swansea but what I do know we will be missing song,jenkison and gervinho. Could have been arshavin too! Doubt we can make a significant signing before the close of the season. Park looks good but is not cure for what ails this team. At the moment things at the club are in disrepair and what that does is takes a little bit of that prestige that is the gunners. Players will no longer look to the emirates as a destination to ply their trade which is worrying but its only three games and three days to the end of the transfer let’s stay behind the team and hope for the best .

    Reply to this comment »
    • Hammad says:
      August 29, 2011 at 7:45

      I dont think u right on the suspension front. Both gervinho and song returns for swansea

      Reply to this comment »
  • Vic says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:32

    We need change. Wenger era is over. If he continues I don’t think will ever win something.

    Reply to this comment »
  • goonerdan says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:34

    When Johan is in the squad we go tits up, if it’s Laurent and Thomas we’re fine..

    I guess we just start against Swansea and just build from there, it can’t get any worse can it?
    And once again, the Arsenal faithful, 10/10

    Reply to this comment »
  • Clauddd says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:35

    You forgot to rate the fans. Fully deserve a 10, the sound of them singing and supporting reminded me of why i’m an arsenal fan.
    Transfer window isnt over and wenger is a proper manager, today wasnt our day but i can only get better.

    Up the gunners

    Reply to this comment »
    • gooner montreal says:
      August 29, 2011 at 0:33

      claudd ,
      Fans support the club year in year out , they work like donkey to pay the players and AW wages .
      Fans deserve much more that what is going on . As long as fans behave like a bunch of sheep , nothing move .
      It is the chub who takes the fans for granted , ignoring them , it is the club who disrespect fans

      Reply to this comment »
  • Jeroen van Erve says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:43

    Szczesny: good keeper
    Koscielny: not good enough for Arsenal, maybe as a backup
    Djourou: definitely not good enough for Arsenal, sell him asap!
    Jenkinson: to inexperienced player, send him out on loan
    Traore: definitely not good enough for Arsenal, sell him asap!
    Coquelin: good talent
    Ramsey: a good player who needs to grow with better and experienced player around him
    Rosicky: over the hill
    Arshavin: definitely over the hill
    Walcott: good player but needs also good players around him
    van Persie: same as Walcott,good player but needs also good players around him

    Arsenal is lacking experienced players who can the the young players by the hand and lead them to better football.
    Wenger mentioned only to buy 3 players, but I think 3 players is not enough.

    Reply to this comment »
    • tonygunner says:
      August 28, 2011 at 23:35

      Its already to late to sign 3 quality players unless there is an agreement in place.
      That obviously is not the case.
      What world class player would want to come here now anyway?
      Wenger has screwed the club and himself by his failure in the transfer market this summer and will take a miracle to get us out of this mess.

      Reply to this comment »
  • SeanZ says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:43

    Chris agree with most everything but I thought Ramsey played faster today than he has in the past couple of games, made several really good passes and put in a full shift for 90 minutes. Aaron might be the one player in the entire lineup that has played every minute of every contest. I think he’s earned his place in the squad and will continue to improve. He has done well all things considered and I never thought he’d be asked to play as much as he has this early this season. Loaning him out would be a waste of his and Arsenal’s time.

    Jenkinson should not be at fault for Arsene’s crappy transfer summer. Thought he’s shown great effort in the last several games but is in clearly over his head. Arsene should have kept another RB for this season and sent Jenks out on loan.

    Traore should have been sold this summer after his meh spell at Juve last year. Again, not bringing in cover for Glassy Gibbs was a mistake.

    3 reds in 3 matches along with injuries piling up…at this pace we’ll have to field half the reserve team.

    Reply to this comment »
    • Hunter says:
      August 29, 2011 at 1:40

      That’s what was on the pitch today.

      Reply to this comment »
  • Oba says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:45

    Is it true that, Match of the Day has been cancelled… Highlights of United v Arsenal will now be on Crimewatch? :D

    On a serious note Wenger has to go! When we beat Udinese Arsenal fans were giving me the ‘we are back’ thing. No wonder they say we are blind.

    Arsenal fans pay so much and we are entitled to players. It’s a sad time. i 8 – 2 be an Arsenal fan right now

    Reply to this comment »
    • naijagunner says:
      August 28, 2011 at 23:37

      Actually Arsenal games will now be shown on Cartoon Network till we stop playing like kids…………

      (its not funny but pathetic). I’ve been taunted with arsenal jokes and pictures for the past few hours (Thank you Board and Wenger)

      Sad thing is that I still cant see any change coming soon.

      Reply to this comment »
  • johnson says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:52

    wenger should sign players over 30 to add leadership to this squad

    Reply to this comment »
  • Thorough says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:53

    Players to sell: Almunia, Arshavin, Traore, Bendtner…and replace them with who? Nobody. Just like everybody thinks Eboue is bad and we sold him, but how much difference he would have made today? Our coach will never replace. So lets manage to at least keep what we have…first of all.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Roy says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:54

    Wenger should show some dignity and tender his resignation.

    Reply to this comment »
    • Hammad says:
      August 29, 2011 at 7:49

      and then u will go out sign a new charismatic manager and expect him to bring in new players. All just in 3 days. R u in your senses?

      Reply to this comment »
  • Alpha t says:
    August 28, 2011 at 22:56

    The season’s is a write off already!
    If Wenger fails to strengthen the squad adequately in d next 3 days! Then we’ll have to agree that somethings very wrong with our club!
    If I was RVP, I would leave as soon as possible!
    He can do so much better for himself!

    Reply to this comment »
  • Scott (USA) says:
    August 28, 2011 at 23:06

    Wenger knew Fabergas, Nasri and Clichy were going. He bought Gervinho and nothing else. This is Wenger’s doing. Why is it Clichy goes and Arsenal does nothing. Do we not need a Left Back? We needed (need) at least 1 CB. The real truth is we need 2 . Everyone knows that but Wenger. Everyone. We have needed defenders for years and nothing has been done. It’s truely insane. I am sorry but the players is buying are not that great. The team that Manu threw out there today was not that old and if you looked probably close the average age to what we sent out. We have been asking for depth for years . Now it is just plain scary how many players we need to buy. experienced GK. 2 CB. 1 LB . 1 midfielder and 1 striker. Holy crap. It’s going to be a long season and this is all because of Wenger. That’s the facts. He needs to go.

    Reply to this comment »
    • nestors says:
      August 29, 2011 at 0:03

      totally agree, man u showed a really young team, and they were playing really good.
      Wenger needs to go, or this will be a long, long season.

      Reply to this comment »
    • gooner montreal says:
      August 29, 2011 at 0:09

      Scott ,
      AW knew what is going on when we were faltering back in the winter of 2011 and that is why he played Wilshire like mad , to get the guy as much experience as possible before Fagergas leaving .
      And remember years ago , we have to endure mediocre quality like Bentner , Sylvertre .
      AW always want to buy on the cheap and expect to polish them to the best , it happens with a few like Cesc and Nasri , but it doesn’t happen to many of them , and this is what we end up now , a team of mediocre quality and the new signings are of unknows and of suspected quality , it is the signing at the last minute of the 11th hour ,
      Remember one thing : arsenal fans know , not AW know : I trust more the common sense of hundred thousand people .

      Reply to this comment »
  • soccersurf says:
    August 28, 2011 at 23:08

    agree, rvp deserves better

    traore and johan are clowns and arhsavin is the chief jester

    it is very clear he is not mentally cut for the premier league

    Reply to this comment »
  • Kevin says:
    August 28, 2011 at 23:10

    Any other club and heads would start rolling this evening after that display…ofc, this is Arsenal, so we fans have to sit quietly whilst Wenger continues his experiment with his “quality players” (coughcough), with the greedy board’s full approval.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Bayonne Jean says:
    August 28, 2011 at 23:12

    If anything in this match showed that the Wenger era is past its shelf life. the dust up between Jenkinson and Walcott underscored it. There’s no cohesion, no leadership whatsoever. And no more malarkey about having such a young team — United were on average just as young, but quicker, stronger, more in tune. Watching this match was like an Arsenal squad of not even three years ago pick apart one of the prem minnows with sharp, incisive, forward-thrusting quick attacks, making the other side look out of their depth. But it’s the Arsenal that is floundering, and will continue until there’s a new voice….

    Reply to this comment »
  • coob23 says:
    August 28, 2011 at 23:12

    you know what, i find it impossible to be angry with the players, it’s completely wenger’s fault that it has got to this… both fullbacks with less than minimal experience, the player supposed to be covering them making his debut…
    way too harsh on jenkinson, even though we were 6 down, he marauded forward and set up van persie, constantly running, and he put in hard tackles to… it’s not his fault how exposed he kept getting, traore was awful, he will never be good enough.
    koscielny was much better than jd20- he made what 7 intercepts, 4 tackles, 0 fouls, he was the lone trooper in defence for me, djourou is so very shite, he has to go or very rarely play. agree coquelin was very good, shining light… arshavin has the worst end product, i thought walcott was our better attacking player, making good runs and fighting for the cause.
    van persie- awful, what sort of captain is he to not stand up and rally the troops, we missed vermaelen so badly, but if we have to rely on him, what the hell is the problem…
    to be blunt, we are , we need a huge shake up… and i mean huge

    Reply to this comment »
    • gooner montreal says:
      August 29, 2011 at 4:25

      jenkinson get pay well ? gerv get pay well ? frimpong , song ? they all get pay very well , they should do their job , not to get red card and leave the club in such a bad shape .
      Think a moment , there are an another 19 clubs in the EPL , why the other clubs don’t get red cards as much as we do . Just think , you find the answer yourself .
      If at work , you behave like above , will you still keep your job ?

      Reply to this comment »
  • Ibraheeym says:
    August 28, 2011 at 23:13

    How i wish Wenger would learn a lot and take Positives from this game.

    Reply to this comment »
    • Gunzblazin says:
      August 29, 2011 at 3:46

      you mean positives in that this team is not “SUPER” “DUPER” QUALITY”, and he needs to buy good players, he needs to realise that we dont need anymore 16yr old kids, we need strong characters who can stand and be counted, he needs to spend some money and buy some quality players that are needed, these are the positives wenger can take from this thrashing.

      Reply to this comment »
    • Jim says:
      August 29, 2011 at 6:24

      There’s more chance of me winning the Nobel prize than Wenger learning. He hasn’t changed for 6 years and he will never change.

      Reply to this comment »
  • Pat Rice says:
    August 28, 2011 at 23:14

    Arsenal’s best signing right now would be David Dein… He got us Geogre Graham, Dennis Bergkamp and the man himself Arsene Wenger.

    I firmly believe that the blame can’t only be placed on Wenger, actually the majority of the blame should be on the board.

    David Dein was ousted as soon as he showed sign of wanting to spend and lack of believe in this self sustaining business bollocks… Uzmanov is being ousted too for wanting to spend big. Wenger clearly can’t be only at fault and I’m not defending him completely, but if you looked at his reactions these past few games, you cant tell me Wenger has that much blind faith in this weak weak team he would rather not buy and attend to our problems?

    Wenger needs help and David Dein was the man who lifted most of the pressure off Wenger.

    The sad truth is that what I witness today was the big strong tide of the “age of big spending” in football which is far too big of a wave to ride against.

    Reply to this comment »
  • summerbreez says:
    August 28, 2011 at 23:21

    I was scared this would happen i knew alex would disintegrate Arsenal he new we were short and the game plan was run at us so they can score early thats just alex

    now i fear our team will go in the dumps for the next few games we need to buy now or we will be moving to league 1

    The midfield was not there today the team had no plan cant understand why we did not just defend we were short Arsen today did wrong in his tactics

    I could not watch after the fourth goal and to see 8 I am now going mad and uncertain how MR wenger is going to re act to change it around

    the best solution is having 4 to 5 new players and really good players to bring confidence back to the camp else i dont know how we can move up from here

    Reply to this comment »
    • gooner montreal says:
      August 29, 2011 at 4:31

      summerbreez , the summer is over in the next few days , there is not much to do , anything arsene do in the hurry will lead to more catastrophe , it is better to do nothing , it is pretty late .
      it is a bit funny , arsenal fans are like guys addicted to weekly lotery . as things go , there is pretty much it will go as is , arsenal club must go thru the dead valley and that is .

      Reply to this comment »
    • Paul says:
      August 29, 2011 at 8:32

      Good to see that you are finally catching on.

      Reply to this comment »
  • HmmGunner says:
    August 28, 2011 at 23:24

    I must say I disagree with a few of your ratings today. First and foremost I cannot understand how Traore, Djourou and Koscielny have the same rating. Traore had an absolute nightmare but I felt his task was much more difficult that Djourou’s, who failed to make any positive impact and managed to get worse as the game went on. Kos on the other hand made numerous blocks and challenges and generally seemed to be the only player we had who knew how to defend. Also, as much as I have lamented Ramsey over the past few weeks, today I felt that he was a lot sharper, and if only he could (and would) shoot, then he could easily have had a brace. I think RvP has to take some responsibility for this as well because I saw no leadership from him throughout the match. I understand he was detached from play for long periods but I expected more of his presence. I think the main blame today has to go with Wenger, however. Not just because of the personnel he left himself with but mainly the changes (or lack of) in tactics despite us getting battered. The ridiculous high line was maintained the entire match and the decision to take off Coquelin, our only holding midfielder, and bring on a 17 year old attacking winger making his debut is simply baffling. Not long after this, the goals started flooding in and the attacks kept on coming due to no midfield barrier. The buck firmly stops with Wenger on this one.

    Reply to this comment »
    • Davi says:
      August 29, 2011 at 1:38

      I agree with your assessments of the players performances. One thing on ramsey though, he did look reasonable going forward but I don’t think he contributed as much defensively as was required. Perhaps he was told to take the “fabregas” role for the game, but he should have known, as cesc would have, that he needed to react to the state of the game, and drop back at times.
      I was really impressed with Coquelin, given that it was his first game under such difficult circumstances. He never hid for a moment and put in some brilliant challenges. Needs to develop his use of the ball a bit better and could have done more to stop young’s first goal, but apart from that he didn’t do much wrong imo. Nonentheless he shouldn’t have been put in this position today and he should have had much more help. 1 DM was never going to be enough and although rosicky did his best to help out, I thought he needed someone to actually be sitting alongside him, rather than him being the only real protector of the defence (if this makes sense).

      Reply to this comment »
    • ZOOL says:
      August 29, 2011 at 2:07

      agree with you.. i compeltely understand that we’re short in players through suspension n injuries.. but to still play the high line defend throughout the match, and a single and rookie DMF,its a suicide.. poor jenkinson,he didnt get enough protection from midfield.
      it was Wenger to blame,and of course,on the pitch,van Persie failed to lead,even himself..

      Reply to this comment »
  • Haris says:
    August 28, 2011 at 23:37

    I think Arsenal fans should organize on facebook and go in front of the Emirates and ask for new signings or Wenger to leave.

    There is no excuse when you lose with 8-2 , It would be understandable if it was 3:0 even 4:0, ha and me even saying this shows in what situation we are.

    I think the first comment is the best…

    no comment.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Aussie Jack says:
    August 28, 2011 at 23:39

    There was a time, believe me, when the fans went to the footie on a Saturday afternoon to appreciate the skills of the game, expand their lungs, get rid of their worries and weekly work pressures and end up in the pub to sink a few. They had little interest in `the board of directors`, shareholders or internal politics and kept their comments centred around the result, the match and next weeks game. Mind you we didn`t `twitter` like old women either.
    The relationship between management and supporters needs to be more `transparent` without divulging company secrets. The fans should be aware of the amount alloted to the transfer budget, this should be monitored and the board made accountable for it`s distribution. The negotiating staff need to be put on a refresher course or simply sacked.
    Good strong business guide lines need to be laid down and flirting in the `bargin basement` discouraged. Whilst the selection of recruits by name should stay with the manager (Wenger) the supporters opinions on positional recruiting should be taken into consideration and appreciated by management.
    Without going into the business aspects it would be better to have a major shareholder with no more than 49% of the shares, the rest availble to others and maybe floated.

    Finally, my own views on the present staff. The GM needs to be changed and someone like Dein put in his place. The coaching staff needs to be scrutinized and dear old Pat Rice should retire, we need a new face (or an old one) in the dugout. As for Wenger he needs to be “told the story of the three bears” by someone he respects like Dein, maybe?
    I don`t think it would help him leaving right now.

    I was very despondent (like everyone else) when I first saw the result, infact I was shattered but I did expect a 3-0 drubbing. However, maybe this is the `wake up call` Wenger needed so lets see what he does with it.

    Reply to this comment »
  • George says:
    August 28, 2011 at 23:42

    Is there a place where I can hide ? Just wondering !

    Reply to this comment »
  • Haris says:
    August 28, 2011 at 23:44

    If this was any other club, any club who really cares about the supporters and trophies they would sack Wenger. 8:2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    And the only thing that I really can`t understand is how on earth is it possible for fans still to keep saying that Wenger should stay….

    If one really cares about this club he would do something to stop the club from going down.

    How long do you think it would take Jack, Robin, Bakary, Thomas and the others to leave…the same way Samir and Cesc left. And I`m pretty sure that Gervinho has second thoughts in his decision to come to Arsenal.

    Reply to this comment »
  • willy young says:
    August 28, 2011 at 23:57

    My Son ( 11 yrs )watched today and asked why do we have to be Arsenal fans it’s embarrassing and he is sick ogf getting stick from everyone.

    I told him its family tradition and there is no choice.

    But we’ve never one a trophy he says. Sadly in his memory we havent

    This will impact on the club he does not want to go or have the kit

    We seriously could get relegated it is that bad 3 wins in 18 matches since Brum

    Reply to this comment »
    • svevo says:
      August 29, 2011 at 2:11

      “My Son ( 11 yrs )watched today and asked why do we have to be Arsenal fans it’s embarrassing and he is sick ogf getting stick from everyone.

      I told him its family tradition and there is no choice.”

      The last thing that I wish to do is to introduce politics onto this board. Apologies to the moderators if this is inappropriate.

      Nonetheless – with the indulgence of the moderators – Noam Chomsky has interesting things to say on just this topic.

      You can look up the actual quotes, but basically, he points to tribalism and “jingoism” of things such as sports loyalty.

      However, on the other side, he is tremendously impressed by the fact that in the sports arena at least, the fans display an incredible amount of expertise and intelligence on this topic. In this arena at least, they are also willing to stand up to authority. He uses the example of call-in radio wherein basketball fans are fully prepared and capable of entering into long and complex arguments with eg. the coach of the Boston Celtics.

      Reply to this comment »
  • daniel frawley says:
    August 29, 2011 at 0:00

    as a loyal gooner for 40 years, i have never seen such a shambles.we were absolutley hammered today.outside of our best players movin for a bigger wage,injuries and suspensions,we r so goosed 3 games in.transfer window closes in 3 days.arsenal fc pleeezzzzeeee splash the cash on establashied players,not 18 year old kids from france etc.we deserve better.miffed.

    Reply to this comment »
  • alex says:
    August 29, 2011 at 0:01

    You’d think this would make Wenger finally act, but is it too late?

    At the start of the transfer window, I knew that Cesc and Nasri were likely to leave. Clichy left fairly early on too.
    Why didn’t Wenger accept bids earlier, given that we were never going to hold onto them? That would have at least given him time to adequately replace them – what you have now is teams knowing that we are desperate and will therefore sell their players to us for hugely inflated prices, great financial policy that.
    We simply do not have a left back of Top Table Premier League quality. We had an opportunity to buy Enrique, for example, who is a far better player than anyone we’ve got.
    Moving on from the defense, which, despite being our biggest weakness last season, has not been improved at all, our midfield.
    Our midfield was the best in the league last season, IMO. We lose our two best players, and they don’t get replaced. We buy Gervinho who I believe is a quality player, is not the player we needed. Although I’m not complaining that we signed him.
    We were missing two players from that midfield today and of course that made a difference, but how many times have we seen Arsenal fall apart in seasons partly because of injury? Has Wenger not yet learned that to be successful you need to have DEPTH? Clearly, we have none – you pointed out our bench today, a handful of PL experience between them.

    You put replacements for Cesc and Nasri, plus a decent backup for Song and suddenly we have a competitive midfield. How hard is that?

    I mean this is nothing we didn’t already know. This defeat just serves as a reminder who is responsible for the state we’re in – Wenger, for not acting, for managing this whole situation very poorly. Many of the players who played should not be playing in Arsenal’s first team at all – that is not their fault.

    Three games into the season, and any hopes we had for a Premier League trophy are surely dashed. We have gone backwards from last season in a big way, and that is unforgivable. The true test of a manager is how they respond when things don’t go their way. United lost arguably the best player in the world a few seasons back in C. Ronaldo – it didn’t affect them too much, did it?
    These last few days of the transfer window represent Wenger’s last chance. We are fighting for fourth spot so early on in the season, and I have to concede it is not looking likely that we’ll get that spot, with United, Chelsea, City and even Liverpool looking far superior to us. We may not even finish above Spurs.
    I have the utmost respect for what Wenger has done for this club – what is it, 11 years in a row of top 4 football – but how he has reacted between this season and last is not the reaction of a top quality manager. We should start our search now for a new manager, as replacing Wenger at this point is every bit as important as replacing Cesc Fabregas.

    Reply to this comment »
    • Stephen says:
      August 29, 2011 at 0:20

      Spot on Alex!

      Reply to this comment »
    • gooner montreal says:
      August 29, 2011 at 1:36

      alex,
      aw has the youth academy , it is his trusted reverse poll of talents and that is why he was unmoved .
      we , arsenal fans , get panicked as club after club upgraded themselves vastly this summer . arsenal get caught by surprise and now is unprepared .
      It is too late now , the new signings are what is left on the market , the best are already bought by somebody else .
      new signings are just to appease fans , nothing else.
      there is nothing much to do , too much pain , just try to forget arsenal for a while

      Reply to this comment »
  • Gunner says:
    August 29, 2011 at 0:01

    Ideally we should buy a back-up right-back, a central defender, a left-back, a defensive midfielder, an attacking midfielder, a winger and another striker. That makes seven players.
    If we get three before wednesday midnight we’ll be happy.
    Big troubles coming up. We’ve got no decent back-up, and our starting eleven is never fit. In other words, we’re more or less screwed.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Shafiu says:
    August 29, 2011 at 0:05

    I don’t even know what to say. In my life i never experience a defeat like this. Today i have d record of such defeat. Any way it’s a lesson to us and prof.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Stephen says:
    August 29, 2011 at 0:12

    Times up! The rot started last season when it was evident that we needed a central defender, left back, defensive mid-fielder, and a striker to realistically challenge for honors. To add injury to insult, two of our best players leave and Wenger has not only failed to plug the gaps from last season, but has not replaced the void left by the departure of our best players. Why does he insist on buying young, unproven talent when the likes of Mata (and Nasri today) display quality from day one? The fact is, despite the injuries and suspensions, we should have a better squad than the one that started today. I believe he has three days to save his job and the team. Unfortunately, I do not trust Wenger with the funds that he has available to rebuild the team. He’s incapable of identifying what are the blatant needs of the team. Additionally, he is hung up about buying quality when he has the likes of Diaby, Gibbs, Traore, Squillaci, Chamackh, and Song in the team. I love Wenger, but it’s time for change!

    Reply to this comment »
  • gt says:
    August 29, 2011 at 0:16

    I don’t think even Hangzhou Greentown (remember them?) would concede 8 goals to Man U. Absolutely shameful. I probably won’t open Facebook for a week until all the abuses are over. Maybe that won’t be long enough.

    Reply to this comment »
  • bex says:
    August 29, 2011 at 0:30

    I have a feeling that wenger sign because he will feel that our injured players will be coming back

    Reply to this comment »
  • k02 says:
    August 29, 2011 at 0:34

    Firstly I think all us gooners should applaud the travelling support today, they were absolutely top notch. I am personally still on the fence on whether wenger needs to go. Is it simply Wenger taking the heat for the board from fans and media OR has he unfortunately become a musician/band that had been great in there heyday, but has been unable to progress with the times.

    This is not 1998 where you could find quality middle aged players (24/25) for cheap without another club taking notice. As i guess most of us heard wengers interview before the Udinesse game saying how it would be difficult to question his previeous accomplishments in the transfer market. We havent won nothing in 6 years a period, in which Wenger has bought in more horse shit than the Ascot, coincidence? maybe.

    During this transfer period we have been given ample time and a number of oppurtunities to bring in ESTABLISHED and EXPERIENCED (Im not talking dinosaurs) talent to the club. Lets see we have had the chance to bring in jose enrique, alvarez, jagelka, cahill, parker and a hoast of others. Instead Wenger has relied and persisted on the likes of diaby, denilson djoruru, bendtner, senderos, eboue,almuni, fabianski, arshavin, traore, squallaci, chamakh etc. If u ever wanted a team of premier league mistakes then look no further. This above all has pissed off many of us, Wengers ignorance and inability to see what every one else sees. I still believe in Wenger, to a degree, in his philosophy. But his failed youth experiment did not work admit it and find an alternative solution. I dont know mix in some old in with some of the new and maybe just maybe we will have a fighting chance in some form of success.

    Wenger after the game said something to the extent of in this country after you loose a game the solution is to buy play players. If you get beat 8-2, I think universally the advice would be to go out and buy players, something is really wrong if you feel the contrary.

    Mr Wenger youre ratio in finidning gems from other leagues to brinning in dead meat is detiroating, deterioating fast. You are becoming a parody of your self and we have become the laughing stock of the league to utd fans having empathy for us. What other football club would have lost a final to a relegated team?

    If you thought barcas 5-0 thrashing of madrid was bad, todays result will send shockwaves across Europe of a humiliating defeat, which will most definitely have a subsequent impact upon the appeal of the club and have had tarnished the clubs legacy. Todays result only confirms cescs and nasris reasons to leave the club and judging by this seasons performacnces. It shouldnt of been a difficult choice to make.

    Know letes bring in Cahill and Baines, as Everton are in a bit of financal mess, to the delight of wenger and the boards ears they should be able to negotiate a reasonable price for him. A centre forward (maybe darren bent) and midfielder it would be a tremendous for everyone at the club. Dont worry I am not delusional and know this will not happen but the point being we need massive improvements. Plus the verdicts are still out on the players that wenger has bought in.

    P.s apologies for the bad grammar and spelling, I have resorted to have taken my frustration out on the keyboard.

    Reply to this comment »
  • dan says:
    August 29, 2011 at 0:34

    COME ON JUST BID 20 mil pounds for cahill and they’ll sell!!! stop beating around the bush with these 6 mil and 10 mil bids WTF, i guess wenger still thinks squillaci is better than cahil *sigh* while you’re at it bid for huntelaar because hes the perfect goal poacher, also buy yann m’vila so he can push wilshere up to cesc’s position leave ramsey on the bench

    Reply to this comment »
  • Francis Govia says:
    August 29, 2011 at 0:44

    Respectfully @ Thorough: If you follow Arsene, his excuses are, first, there are not any good players in the transfer market good enough for Arsenal, or two, the good players that are available are overpriced. So let’s play on Arsene words a little more. Suppose you want to build a house, and you discover that the supply of building blocks are acute so demand is pushing up the price (and that condition is unlikely to change) do you decide to keep your money in your pocket, or do you bite the bullet and build your house? Do you buy a turnkey house (Cahill) at the going price, or do you let your family (fans & players) get disenchanted with the progress you’ve made in that department — that they’ve become the laughing stock of the village?
    In Arsenal case, Wenger decided to buy a turnkey house (Cahill) but the seller (Bolton) knowing the cost of building blocks said no to the offer. So what would you do if that was you, Thorough? Maybe you’d buy the next best house and try to make it do.
    If you decided to build a house and some of your building blocks are bad, don’t you throw them out and get some new ones? I don’t think you would elect to keep them as the cornerstone of your house. So in this case let’s sell Almunia, Squillaci, Traore, Arshavin, Chamakh, and Bendtner. They’re not working for us. Perhaps, they will have the opportunity to excel elsewhere. In the global world of football, there are other players that could be given a chance at Arsenal. Bring in some warriors with experience. We don’t need to have everyone with “a special football pedigree and youth.”
    The facts are Arsenal waited too long to buy new players and integrate them this season. Second, Arsenal are placing too much emphasis on youth, and appear risk averse towards players with experience.
    There was a time was apprenticeship was important. A young tradesman became an apprentice to a person of the trade so that he was taught to avoid the pitfalls of his elder tradesman. Who are there to help these young guns at Arsenal? As a Gunner, doesn’t it feel weird to see Patrick Viera sitting in the stands and contributing to the dynamism at Manchester City? According to the reports, Viera was also instrumental in bringing Nasri to City. Did you see Nasri’s game today? He was awesome. Why aren’t we striving for that continuity at Arsenal? Following trends at Arsenal, a player as gifted as Van Persie will soon have no further role to play at the Club. He will be too old and sold to another team at the end of his current contract. That team will have his knowledge and experience to use — though his game may have slowed. Moreover, following your logic, we should hang on to players who are underperforming because Wenger will never buy another player to replace them. Is that a good enough reason? Let’s aim at a solution to our problems. 100% Arsenal.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Iftekhar hossain says:
    August 29, 2011 at 0:57

    When you are a selling club, you know you are not competing for championship. And when your manager thinks he is working hard to bring players and in reality he is haggling over cheap bargain and negotiating for lesser player and only admitting he needs one defender when he needs three you know your club is in trouble, deep trouble. Arsene Wenger will go by next season but only after Arsenal finishing 6th and after RVP and Walcott leaves.

    Reply to this comment »
  • charlie says:
    August 29, 2011 at 1:12

    This has been a painful and unpleasant experience but we as a club will come out of this stonger and better for it…..believe me. I liken it to visiting the dentist. We have FINALLY been exposed. Like many here I blame Wenger. I am sick and tired of his excuses. I am sick an tired of hearing about how difficult it is to find quality when we have the likes of Almunia, Fabianski, Squillaci, Djourou, Diaby, Chamakh, Bendter, Traore, rotting away in our squad. In addition we recently offloaded Eboue, Denilson so this list could have been longer.NONE OF THESE players should appear in an Arsenal shirt again…..EVER. Then we have the likes of Koscielny, Jenkinson, Gibbs, Arshavin, Rosicky…..grrrr…..useless but grudeingly they can stay till we get through this trasitional period in the clubs history.

    The only, who I would call quality (no idea what Wenger call is because he seems to see quality in our players where there is none, while failing to see quality in other teams player when money is at stake….but I digress, I would say we have quality 1st team players in Vermaelen, Sagna, Walcott, RVP, Wilshire. Thats it. Make Vermaelen captain. NOW.

    Drop Rosicky, Traore , Arshavin, Djourou for there attitude today as a minimum. Maybe even fine them….I really dont care anymore

    Reply to this comment »
  • Ercs says:
    August 29, 2011 at 1:12

    Such a shame really. I’m a Liverpool fan all my life, 36 years and I’ve seen the good days and have now endured 20 years without a title.
    The really saddening thing is that as a Liverpool fan, I can see Arsenal slipping down their own slippery slope.
    It’s a sad sight to see and for all purist lovers of football it would be nice to see Arsenal back to those invincible days. Piece out, Liverpool fan feeling your pain.

    Reply to this comment »
  • sam says:
    August 29, 2011 at 1:17

    although i am not please with wenger i think sacking him is what most anti arsenal want.
    if it was possible we should start with the board, calling for wenger to resign now is like saying mancini is a better coach which i doubt seriously.
    the difference between them is wenger has limited found and mancini has plenty of cash to spend.
    hopefully they will stop haggling over few bob and buy the players we need because we are seriously behind. while we are sleeping, manchester rivals have been building galacticos trying to outdo each other. its not too late to catch up we have to act fast and buy players that will get us through january then bring more reinforcements to carry on fighting till may.
    there is no more statement like we have a very big squad to compete, no we don’t. we are virtually out of top 4. manchester united, city,chelsea and liverpool sneaking in.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Andy says:
    August 29, 2011 at 1:25

    Here’s one silver lining to take out of this. At least all of the bandwaggon Arsenal fans have jumped off the Gooner train. Those who have sticked around I want to applaud you all. It makes me proud to call myself a Gooner when surrounded by fans who still care and still keep the faith. It can’t get worse then this. Here’s to hoping we wake up tomorrow morning and learn that Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard, Yann M’Vila, and Park Chu-Young are all headed to the Emirates! Come on Arsenal!

    Reply to this comment »
  • Davi says:
    August 29, 2011 at 1:30

    Fair ratings and comments, except on Szczesny, who I don’t think was really to blame for any of it, except perhaps the rooney fk that wrong-footed him. Overall he did very well imo.
    Obviously a horrible result, but a predictable one. We were a bit unlucky today in many ways because had RVP taken his 3 chances, we might well have been alright. After Utd got going, we lost our confidence completely and were completely open. Also about 5 of their goals were just out of this world and pretty unusual. We probably should have done more to block their shots, but you still wouldn’t expect any team to hit so many amazing goals in a single match.
    That’s not to say this didn’t expose a lot of faults with the squad/manager. I don’t want to go overboard on wenger, I still support him, but merson did get it right after the match in saying he should have made tactical adjustments to ensure we were a bit more solid defensively. He said playing this way with such inexperienced players against an in-form Utd was like sending lambs to the slaughter, and you can’t help but agree.
    Felt very sorry for the two fullbacks who both started ok, but were just worn down over the course of the game and looked very short of confidence by the end of it. They needed more protection. A more defensive 4-5-1 might have been a better bet, but the squad is so depleted at the moment, it’s hard to say who we could have put in to fill those positions. We HAD to start with someone like coquelin, chamberlain or lansbury, who have had very little 1st team experience, particularly with arsenal – there was just no-one else.
    I like Djourou, but he has been horribly off form since his shoulder injury, and his weakness against wellbeck was really the catalyst to our downfall. We were growing in confidence up until that point, and holding our own reasonably well, although we did have enough chances to get back into it. RVP did let us down today as well with his finishing. Perhaps it’s not really fair to be relying on him so heavily (arshavin could have scored a couple of times as well), but if your main forward is going to miss chances like that in a big game, it’s as bad as defending poorly.
    I don’t understand the way arshavin behaved today. He actually played very well in spells, much better than he has for a long time, but he was VERY lucky not to be sent off – the first foul on Jones was really no different from the one made by shawcross that broke lansbury’s leg!
    Webb actually had a very good game for once (apart from the arshavin thing) – both penalties were correct and had no option but to send off the unfortunate jenkinson (who’s 2nd bookable foul was unintentional, but still a bookable foul). He didn’t send off arshavin when he should have because he always bottles the decision with big-name players, as he’s shown over and over, but that was only to our benefit. He is a Utd man, he’s shown it consistently, but they didn’t need his services today.

    Reply to this comment »
  • TheIceManCometh says:
    August 29, 2011 at 1:30

    To those that read my piece earlier this summer comparing Cahill and Samba to Koscielny and Djourou, I would to say that I’m here to admit how wrong I was. Cahill would at least be third choice if not starting today. Djourou has just been awful since a certain patch last season. I just watched the game, and I couldn’t stomach it anymore how woeful the defense played; I mean for f–k’s sake, how did Welbeck score of that floater? So, there you have it. I completely saw the wrong thing, and if Arsene doesn’t sign players (at least three now), especially an experienced center back, his time could be done. Or someone will burn down the Emirates. Something has to give at this point, whether it’s the board, Arsene, or Gunnersaurus, someone has to pay if the deadline passes without signings. Kudos to the away fans for their display of bravery in the face of humiliation.

    Reply to this comment »
    • TheIceManCometh says:
      August 29, 2011 at 1:32

      And the difference between United’s youth vs. Arsenal’s youth: Ferguson loans his youth to EPL sides, and you see the experience and confidence they have; Arsene loans to continental sides. I don’t know why that is the case, but something I’ve noticed over the years. Might be the difference between Arsenal development.

      Reply to this comment »
  • s j little says:
    August 29, 2011 at 1:33

    Email from my son after he took his son to see Exeter vLpool
    “Seen real football real players real crowd
    Cheaper beer better food and best of all
    NO DIVERS CHEATS OR DIVAS”

    Incidentally my grandson went to two Arsenal Soccer schools but says the Exeter one was much better and taught him more. The Arsenal soccer school picked a young school
    boy that was.nt even interested and is by no means the best in his local team!
    Least of all is he the fighting type . isnt this a indicator of whats wrong at Arsenal apart from having a greedy useless board of directors!
    Would exciting players ever have made now? Most of the best professional players were
    equiped to master the position they played in whereas today they would never get ipast
    the schoolboy level because coaches only want “Fiddle footballers”

    Anyone who has studied football knows you build a team from the back. But Wenger has clearly always stated he does not rate the goalkeeper or back four. Lucky for him Geo
    Graham left him a defence! Since that went we get Almunia,Luzhy,Stephanos,Cygan,Sylvestor,Senderos,Squallaci,Djourou,Traore, oh its
    too rediculous to believe!

    Reply to this comment »
  • Scott (USA) says:
    August 29, 2011 at 1:35

    Wenger won’t sign anyone because he doesn’ want to hurt the development of players like Traore and Djourou….. We need to buy at least 5 players and Wenger can’t pull the trigger on one signing unless its a kid. It’s gonna be one long season and next season we won’t have Champions League. Think it’s hard to get world class players now ? Wait till next season. This sucks.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Gooner13 says:
    August 29, 2011 at 1:40

    So much for the competitiveness of Premier League football.

    Reply to this comment »
  • soccersurf says:
    August 29, 2011 at 1:44

    CHRIS – Curious how you justify giving John and Traore a rating of a 4… they let in 8 goals. If they had let in 10 would it be a 0. Because in my opinion 4 is way too high for the criminal defending we saw committed.

    Reply to this comment »
  • steve die hard gunner says:
    August 29, 2011 at 1:54

    I saw this bad loss coming and wanted it !!!
    I dont believe I even thought that… let alone blogging it …. but this disgraceful loss is maybe
    and I say maybe the only thing apart from exit from the C league… or exit to Udinese that will or wouldv’e been enough to shake up Wenger and the money grabbing lack lustre non -ambitious board to start the rebuild of a proper Arsenal team ..

    A proper team with steel , experience, youth and flair

    not a flimsy, fragile, injury prone over hyped bunch of ‘ potentials ‘.

    Arsenal are like the addict that is in major denial until they hit ROCK BOTTOM
    Wenger and the board will … maybe just maybe do something sensible now and stop trying to kid us with ghost signings and hype …. or continue to sit on their big money….

    How is that Chelsea and Liverpool Man U City Sunderland and the rest of the PL teams can just go and buy players ….. but we haggle like were at Petticoat Lane market or something … haggling over every little penny and then say there are no quality players out there.
    Why didnt we get Mata??? Alvarez SAMBA !!!! And what if Scezny gets injured what then …

    I have been going to Highbury since 9years old I’m now fifty ..

    I’m disgusted , Wenger has built the club but not the team there is no squad … and we are no longer compettitive…. I could see the exodus from Arsenal since last year .and now its come to pass and we cannot attract players now or even last year …
    .
    Its virtually too late now We should have bought Samba on August 1 2011 then Cahill
    etc we need a Billy bonds /Viera in midfield we need about 6 players in truth .

    Can someone tell me why we are selling half our team to Man City…. Ade ,Toure , Nasri Clichy,, whos next RVP and Wilshire no doubt !!! Whats that about ?? No sensible manager sells his best players to one team and a major top 4 rival .. thats madness!!!!

    Arsenal could have been great dominating the PL now … last year that CUP was ours for the taking but we didnt strengthen …. we dont strengthen when were ‘ invincible ‘ now we are
    weak and ‘ vulnerable ‘ no team will fear us …in fact we fear most teams in the PL .Were on a very slippery slope.

    Time for The Wenger experirment to well and truly end !!!!!!

    Last but not least although I like Woolcott he’s too soft and hasnt developed much since the day he arrived …if he was at that old trafford club which i hate but respect the manager and how he does it ….Woolcott would have improved and would be more consistent he would be on fire ..like ashly young in my opinion.
    Im a Gunner for life
    but weve lost our way … our fire power and were continually shooting blanks……

    RADICAL OVERALL NEEDED

    OH AND FOR THOSE WHO SAY THERE ARE NO MANAGERS OUT THERE

    FRANK RYKAARD , ANCELOTTI, L . Van HAAL, Your Nan, My Nan, DESPERATE DAN DENIS THE MENACE ALL WOULD BE BETTER THAN WENGER RIGHT NOW ..Hes PAST HIS SELL BY DATE IM AFRAID …..
    THE ONLY THING TO SAVE HIM NOW IS TO BUY QUICK, BUY BIG NOW AND AGAIN IN JANUARY HE NEEDS TO BRING IN AT LEAST 4 PLAYERS NOW ( But its too late he will get snubbed and humiliated and pay too much ) CATCH 22

    WE CANNOT WAIT TILL JANUARY WE HAVE A BRAND SPANKING NEW STADIUM WITH EMPTY TROPHY CABINETS ITS A DISGRACE … HE HAS HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO REBUILD AND HE’S BLOWN IT !!!!!!!! ALL HE CAN DO FOR THIS SEASON IS TRY AND REGAIN A LITTLE DIGNITY BUT WE WONT PROBABLY WIN ANYTHING FOR ANOTHER 3 YEARS WE COULDNT EVEN WIN THE EMIRATES CUP …WHAT A DISGRACE !!!!

    Reply to this comment »
  • furk says:
    August 29, 2011 at 2:06

    just to make it clear.i am not taking wenger’s side but you have to admit that we would not have lost so badly if we were not missing 6 first team players, overall 9 players missing and the fact that we had two european games in between

    Reply to this comment »
  • ? says:
    August 29, 2011 at 2:13

    Without a change in the wage structure we can’t offer top players £100,000+ wages

    Reply to this comment »
  • billp79 says:
    August 29, 2011 at 2:15

    Nobody to blame except ourselves…when we had the talent, we didn’t reinforce the talent…
    why would anyone agree to terms with us now?
    Wenger gambled on youthful players that didn’t pull through for him… now he is left with the crumbs.
    Can he make loaves of bread…doubtful.
    1. Man City
    2. United
    3. Liverpool
    4. will be a struggle…if we don’t make it we will lose not only revenue and marketing value…

    to Stephen the rot started with Barca…when a captain can’t honor a contract…and is homesick….what next? If he can’t believe…why should anyone else.
    Chelski and City will only pick off our transfer targets and poach our players from now on…the problem is they have deeper pockets…so we do the only thing we can do…develop players and hope they don’t abandon ship…we’re starting over.

    16 years on the trot is under siege… either better marketing or better loans is the only way…I fear.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Roachy says:
    August 29, 2011 at 2:31

    Enricke sold to Liverpool for 6m, what a bargain…..Gibbs is made of glass so why didn’t we get him.
    Surely Wenger knew Cesc was leaving this year, and Nasri was also extremely likely to go.
    Even if he wasn’t 100% of either one going, I think everyone but Wenger could guarantee that 1 of the two would be definately leaving Arsenal? In which case buy a Mata, or a Hazard.

    Wenger cannot be blamed for the extreme number of suspensions or injuries we currently face. Yes sure, we have more than our fair share every year but this number is ridiculous.

    Whats surprising about the game is that we created just as many chances on goal as ManU did, but we were so aweful defensively wereas they were far better structured. I just hope Sceczney’s confidence hasn’t been shot to pieces.

    I now think that whilst Wenger has tried to defend his team post match, (he had to because if he admitted he needs to buy more players, prices will go up) he and the board must now admit that arsenal has to strengthen.

    Hazard, Cahill, M’Villa, just to start!

    Reply to this comment »
  • Matt says:
    August 29, 2011 at 2:35

    Now I am hoping that no one will use the “look at all of the players missing” excuse!!!!

    Lets not be fooled by this, as all of the players who started the game yesterday were players bought into the squad and deemed to be good enough by Arsene Wenger!!
    There are only 2/3 players who will be returning who could be considered better – Vermaelen,Wilshire & Sagna…….they may have helped keep the score down a bit but it would still have been a heavy defeat…..and I don’t count Squillachi,Song, Diaby, Frimpong, as better quality plus Gervinho again not sure as he has yet to face any EPL opposition of any note, against Newcastle he was pretty ineffective in that game before being sent off! There is also Chamakh, how poor was this acquisition and Chamberlain, 12mill for another kid when it could have been put towards a Quality experienced player!

    I must admit I was a bit suspicious yesterday when the news came out that Both Sagna & Vemaelen were suddenly going to miss the game – Was this Sus or What? I said to my wife that it had all the signs of Wenger pulling a fast one as I think he feared that we were going to lose big time and with them missing he could blame it all on having so many players out especially in defence and he could then deflect the blame away again! Maybe they were genuine but I still think it smells!

    I, along with countless others have been saying for the last 4 years that Wenger has lost the plot and his policy of buying cheap and young is not working, and will not work, at least not to be a top EPL side.

    This result was almost predictable, I actually said 6 or 7, but even I didn’t think that it would be 8!!! 8…..now just take that in for a moment and think, how many managers would survive a loss like that together with a run that the side has had since April??? Let alone the fact that no real TOP club would accept the fact that nothing has been won since 2005 (and signs were there that things were going wrong then) not to mention that it has now been 7 years since we won the championship!

    I think Wenger will now probably buy just one player before the window closes so that he can take the steam out of the critics and fans who want are almost begging for him to sign someone….. he’s pretty clever that way…. as he is with a lot of the promises and statements he has made in the past, most of which have been proved to be untrue.

    I want all of you Arsene Knows Best fans to take this in

    1 – we have now gained 13 points from 14 league games…. if that continues we will be relegated.
    2. Arsene now holds the records for …..
    * The biggest lead lost in the EPL 4-0 v Newcastle last season – what a joke
    * The first time for 115 years that the club has conceeded 8 goals in 1 game – unbelieveable
    * The first time Man Utd has ever scored 8 against an Arsenal side – what a disgrace

    My personal favourite is the only Arsenal manager who has destroyed an invincible club in just 24 months!

    I firmly believe that Wenger should have been retired honourably 3/4 years ago….now sadly he is going to have to go almost in disgrace, but he is to blame for his own situation. No club or coach who consider themselves a TOP club would ever dream that they could rely solely on buying cheap and youth…….it is a fool who thinks otherwise. What is worse is that the board have it on record that Wenger has tried this before (at Monaco) and he failed there and was sacked but then he did not have a quasi board who are happy so long as the money keeps rolling in….to them the actual playing side is an ancillary part, a point actually made by Hill-Wood a couple of years ago.

    What is even more galling is that Elisha Usamov offered the board 200 mill to buy players (no strings) BUT THEY TURNED HIM DOWN, no doubt because he did not fit into Hill-Woods view of an Arsenal director, but then again neither did Kroenke but then it all changed – I wonder why??? But tell me – exactly how much benefit have we seen from Kroenke becoming the owner of the majority of Arsenal share??? I will tell you what NOTHING!. Whereas Usamov would have put in money, installed Dein as Chairman or Director with power to sort out the club, and Dein always encouraged the buying of TOP players because he believed that to become a TOP club we had to have the TOP players. My god what different situation we could have been in now.

    It does not take a brain surgeon to work out that we need urgent action

    First Wenger must go, he must be replaced with a manager of quality, wiith the brief and backing to build the side quickly with TOP Quality players…
    Second spend big on players…..but unfortunately he would not be able to do this until January but these deals could be prepared and done in the background in advance so that things would begin immediately the window reopens.
    Third the style of the side might have to be sacrficed slightly in order to preserve our position until the reinforcements arrive in January.
    Forth the fans will have to be made to understand that to undo the damge and rebuild the side back to the TOP would take at least 2-3 years (short of a 250 mill being made available to spend – ELISHA where are you? HELP)

    Please open your eyes and stop the midless support of Wenger the club, our club, is bigger far more important than this man, there is life out there after he has gone… there was before he got here….. remember his success was built on the back of a side that was 90% there already! WENGER MUST GO…..and if possible get USAMOV to take over the club!

    Reply to this comment »
  • Frankie says:
    August 29, 2011 at 2:40

    I knew we were gonna get hammered when I saw the starting line up, And yes we did!!!!!

    And I am totally destroyed never in my life have I seen arsenal play so badly….

    Our team was week and our bench was poor.

    I hope Wenger sorts it out, we dont need super stars we need some steel in our team, and if wenger doesnt sort it then we are gonna get destroyed this season.

    Its all very unbalanced at the moment, certain teams can buy anyone and we can buy no one. But in reality football has always been like this. we have just been lucky enough to have enough quality to see it through, but now when the teams down to the bare bones we get absolutly smashed.

    There really is no answer to it, we can not afford to play the way we do. because money is the winner in the modern game. and we have none, forget transferes fee its the wages we cant pay, so we will always only have unknowns or rare gems.

    I still love arsenal, if Sir alex had the same wage structure and financial limitations he wouldnt be able to do any better, coz money talks ………

    So get of wengers back and the players backs, you can only play with the players you have, stop dreaming of the football manager shopping list, its not gonna happen……

    Reply to this comment »
  • ShootingGun says:
    August 29, 2011 at 2:42

    I just have to write something.i never say this in all my years association with arsenal: Arsene, u have to go now. if u dont, then do what everyone think is common sense. sign players if u have let others go.

    LIverpool did that when they let torres go. its not rocket science or even complicated football tactics. its only common sense.

    any company who lost an employee would replace with another at the same calibre. nobody would hire stockbroker if they lost an engineer.common sense, that’s just it.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Deluaro says:
    August 29, 2011 at 3:21

    Poor Jenkinson should not have been put through this with his lack of experience. On both fouls especially the second one, he didn’t seem to know what he had done wrong.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Allison says:
    August 29, 2011 at 3:31

    Question: Does Arsenal have even one player good enough to start at Man. United?

    Reply to this comment »
  • Bouba says:
    August 29, 2011 at 3:45

    Well dear Chris, I sometimes wonder if we do watch the same game…!!

    Arshavin was a catastrophe, we even wondered at one point if he was still on the pitch ( how you gave him a 6 is beyond me )…

    Anyway, we were right for the taking… Fresh and Bleeding, ready to be snapped and slapped…

    Arsene Wenger has shown since last season that tactically he was already short ( can not understand why we are still playing that senile 4-5-1 )…
    His management qualities have not evolved with time… Football changes every year…

    What is the solution? Forget about any title, forget about a top 4 finish and forget about the rest… His dear youth policy has failed with disastrous consequences.

    We looked like a league 1 team or even worse.

    Panic buying? may be, may be not…

    Is he going to spend heavily for the last days of the transfer? (2CB, 2MD and A strong point striker )

    We need so much…

    Like Paul Merson said, the injuries of some our players are not an excuse, because none of them would, for example, get in the Man U first team…

    For the past 6 years, the team has gone weaker and weaker…

    The only worry was to save money, recruit “smart” ( yeah right !! ) and develop young talents.

    He has failed and it is too late, I think.

    I also think that this a season for nothing, we won’t achieve anything this coming year.

    Well Nasri, Clichy and at a lesser degree Fabregas, saw it coming… Nasri made the right decision and is already enjoying his football at Man City ( same thing for Fabregas )… That’s not a coincidence, we are ( Arsenal ) rubbish and now a disgrace to watch.

    Wenger, it is in your hands ( well the board and “greedy” Gazidis too )… What are you going to do??

    Reply to this comment »
  • Bouba says:
    August 29, 2011 at 3:58

    The fans who travelled to Manchester should get their money back.

    From now on they should pay us to watch them ( Wenger and his less than average players )

    Reply to this comment »
  • ian says:
    August 29, 2011 at 4:47

    Stay calm. It’s early season. We aren’t going to win the title, but we’re not going to get relegated either.

    I’m struggling with the praise and sympathy for RVP. We lack a leader (until Frimpong gets back on the pitch. I agree with the comment above- the guy has a fire and makes sure that not only he is marking, but that the rest are as well). RVP has the captain’s band, but when was the last time you saw him actually leading? It wasn’t just that he missed the pen- it was that it was poorly placed (actually, maybe he should have aimed between De Gea’s ankles…..he will be the downfall of ManU this season, I think).

    We used to field second teams in the Carling Cup. Remember beating Liverpool at Anfield a couple of times? It’s no excuse for the showing today.

    Szczesny….the rating for him was unfair. The reason he was out was because of the high line that the defense was taking. As for the first goal, if he didn’t call for it, it was up to the CBs to clear…..but they watched instead.

    Still….let’s see how we go for the rest of the season. The result indeed shows we need a few more signings (WHY DIDN’T WE PICK UP CHARLIE ADAM!!!!!???? 6m pounds….he would have given us a big step towards all we need in midfield.).

    Reply to this comment »
  • Gunner12 says:
    August 29, 2011 at 5:05

    Today I’m just sure of one thing……. I’ll be an Arsenal fan till I die, no matter what happens…even if we get relagated.

    I don’t think that sacking AW is the best thing that could happen to the team, COME ON, we are talking about the guy that made “The Invencibles”, if he was able to do that 7 years ago he is capble of doing it agrian; he has lost it, yes, but I hope (and kinda sure) that this awful result made him rethink some stuff.

    Talking about players, Chris, you are total right; you looked at the bench, and it was a Carling Cup bench…. you looked MU bench and….well, you know. I’m sure that those 19 year all kids are tallented, but THEY ARE NOT MATURE ENOUGH…. maybe the only “little” ones up to the task are Jack and Szczesny…. but why did they had to sell/loan players and not buy a crap!!! If we don’t have any one, why the the loaned Vela and not e ven bought one damn player! I really hope that before 31st we have at least some defense, if not…. this is going to be a really really really tough first part of the season

    Good night every one, and remember TOGETHER WE STAND! =)

    Reply to this comment »
  • arsenaluz says:
    August 29, 2011 at 5:19

    Well ……I have got some good news for fellow gooners….u ready? Here goes the gunners just won the Title!! ..eer the lady gunners that is ..looks like the guys should look at the ladies for guidance, confidence, hell anything!! Might as well sign some of these ladies on to the mens side b4 the window closes :) ..a little humor is all I got this Sunday .have to look on the brightside

    Reply to this comment »
  • Cameron says:
    August 29, 2011 at 5:20

    @ Chris
    Our stats are 2 wins in 14 premiere league games since the carling cup and 13 points in those 14 games.

    Sad day for Arsenal. Shows that the team are sorely lacking but the Manager / Club refuses to spend and strengthen. This has been going on for years and even in the face of what has happened still refuse to spend.

    I am an optimist in that Walcott has scored three goals, RVP is off the mark, once the squad settles could be a good one in a few years. Here is hoping for a mircale but first time I have ever thought Wenger isn’t the man. Tactics awful, failed to hold on to key players, failed to strengthen, failed to replace players who left.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Giner says:
    August 29, 2011 at 5:34

    The question is, with two billionaires on the board WHY hasn’t Wenger spent big money on some experienced quality. I mean, purely from a business point of view, the directors should surely be looking for a decent return on their investment which they know can’t be realised by keeping a tight rein on Wenger’s spending. Now, with the recent offloading of players bringing in an additional 70-80 million, what is his problem. Surely someone in the boardroom is asking what are we going to do now – do they even talk to each other up there?

    But here we are with a couple of days left in this transfer window and, apart from some South Korean no-name, we have no one on the horizon. Okay, if target players are not available, we’re not getting them at any price. And big deals are not done in a couple of days. It pains me to say this, and I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t see us even finishing in the top ten this year.

    This whole policy of putting his faith in youth is blowing right up in Wenger’s face.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Personal Jesus says:
    August 29, 2011 at 5:34

    David Dein back ! And quick…

    Reply to this comment »
  • IndoArsenal says:
    August 29, 2011 at 5:50

    I don’t know why many people praise for RVP for me RVPn is not our no 9…. Please buy a world class striker, a striker like rooney, or drogba, how come our no 9 miss a chance from a penalty spot ? if only that penalty is scored, maybe the outcome will be different, since our match will be leveled from that minute, I think MU 1st goal happen because of miss communication between our defender, but if that penalty is scored, maybe we can get a better result, so please buy a killer striker and move RVP to no 10 position

    Reply to this comment »
  • aimar says:
    August 29, 2011 at 5:57

    what walcot tell jenkinson? do they argue each other

    Reply to this comment »
  • Bobskis says:
    August 29, 2011 at 6:55

    If The Board wont lift their 90K cap on players salaries, we’ll never be able to compete with the big names and hold onto any of the players Wenger has worked hard in nuturing. Hence Nasri, Flamini, Hleb, etc…

    The Board are filled with multi-millionaires but are being too extreme with the capitalist ideology to the point of effecting the overall strength of our beloved institution.

    Wengers is the best long term manager there is bar none.

    Wenger stated he wanted to keep all our players of class, but their heads got turned for one reason or another. If we had the money to bring in and keep established players we’d have a more solid and attractive squad.

    We all need money to put the food on the table, thats human nature. The Aresnal board need to recognise that players are humans and not just “assets” to sell and profit on in the future.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Kanishk says:
    August 29, 2011 at 7:14

    A huge AFC fan from India here. And these are some of my queer observations from the game.

    1. Lets do away with the young team bullshit Wenger. The youth project has failed, miserably at that. Period. The only thing it has succeeded in is those players developing at Arsenal and seeking greener pastures elsewhere. We have become a selling club like Ajax and this isn’t the Dutch Eridivise where you can continue to succeed after selling your best players. This is the Premier League for god’s sake !

    2. There is absolutely no focus on defense in this team ! A championship side or even a League 1 side would have better defensive organisation. And its not as if this squad is far from the squad that would actually be there is it? I mean, if Gibbs gets injured, Traore is our LB cover. If Sagna is out, Jenkinson is out cover for him. And I’m pretty sure Gibbs has missed twice as many games as he has played over the last few seasons. And in any case, Gibbs isn’t good enough to be first choice as well. Ideally it should have been Baines/Enrique with Gibbs as replacement and Sagna with Eboue as replacement with Jenkinson out on loan and Traore sold. Maybe Armand has potential but he has no passion for the club which you could see from his shambolic defending (the worst LB performance I’ve ever seen). And he still had the balls to be smiling after the game ! How pathetic is that?! Enrique was available for 5.5 million. Isn’t that buying on the cheap that Wenger so loves?

    Why did we continue to keep the high line even though it was failing miserably? Does Wenger even know what a high line is? I say get George Graham back ( a la Kenny Dalglish for Liverpool). One nil to the Arsenal is better than 8-2 against the Arsenal.

    If you look at the first two free kicks that Rooney scored. Firstly in the first case, there was no man on the line, and guess what, our wall felt it was not worth the effort to even jump to try and block the free kick ! And guess what, they did the same thing again. Talk about learning from your mistakes. Furthermore, when they showed it in slow motion, Rosicky wasn’t even looking back to see where the ball was going when Rooney hit it. He had already started moving forward. That is all that this team is right now. Players told to do their part, no collective effort whatsoever. No passion, no cohesion.

    3. We were with our first choice CB and our first choice replacement. United were without both Vidic and Ferdinand and their first choice RB in Rafael. They were the champions last year. But they still invested heavily over the summer. Everyone did. But Arsene didn’t , even though we had the worst record amongst all teams going into the end of last season. United were as young as us. But they were properly coached. We were just young. Period. This isn’t fair on the likes of Jenkinson and Miquel (who was impressive btw, probably thats why he was taken off, because this club has started saluting mediocrity). We sell our Clichy and Nasri to City whereas Mancini blatantly denied Arsenal the chance to sign their second rate goalie in Given last year saying it would strenghten a big club rival. Maybe Arsene doesn’t think of us as a big club anymore.

    Djourou will never be good enough .Arshavin should probably be shipped off to Anzhi and join the Russian brigade there.

    we need a left back ! (baines/cissokho)
    we need a CB (Cahill)
    we need a striker to play 4-4-2 with RVP (not Park Chu whatever his name is).
    we need a replacement for Cesc/Nasri (has to be Hazard/Kaka).

    The worst thing is. Even if we signed those players. We would still not be financially broke. But these signings still aren’t made.

    Players who will lift up the place are needed. Not mediocre players doing just the opposite.

    - Kanishk.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Shari says:
    August 29, 2011 at 7:43

    I was speechless and kept shaking my head over the course of yesterday’s match. Totally unbelievable! It was like united played against a league one side. What a tragic defeat, and the most embarassing one. The defensive department was a total joke, the forwards were poor, missed many chances to score, and the midfields were lost. So sad to see.

    But I’ve made peace with that embarassing result. Many of the players that played yesterday aren’t our first team regulars. Had we played with vermaelen, sagna, wilshere, song, I believe the result wouldn’t be that tragic. What’s more, it’s just the beginning of the season, it’s not that this season will end in 3 weeks time and we’re about to decide the league champion. There are still 11 months to go, more than 30 games to play. I saw arsene’s face during the match, it clearly portrayed his frustration, and he repeatedly shaked his head. I believe yesterday’s embarassment taught him and the players important lessons.

    Yes sometimes we may lose, sometimes we may win. We can’t always win (as I believe it’s the law of the universe) but we also won’t always lose. This applies for all teams, not just ours. But win or lose, both situations offer us lessons that can make us stronger and better. That is if we learn from those lessons, if not, then we’re doomed.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Tacklr says:
    August 29, 2011 at 7:45

    I think this is beyond Wenger. I’m not going to defend him, but I believe the mess is from the boardroom. The Wenger and the Board at Loggerheads article makes sense today. We can read from his words from the last few games:

    “But I am not the only one to work on the case.” ~ Arsene Wenger

    I would like to hear his resignation today, though. We would really know the truth behind this debacle.

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  • Hammad says:
    August 29, 2011 at 8:15

    ok so it was a very disappointing loss and i think i would always be reminded of that by my chelsea, liv and manu friends. The question is, where do we go from this?? Now i want most of the readers out there to join me in as I draft a road map clearly answering your queries and panning out the reasons why are we in so much mess.

    To start off, lets talk about arsene. This man has lost it tactically, he has no idea what to do when things go wrong. He has become astute and stubborn in the way we play. Why is that? Its the barcelona fever. Now dont start yelling that barca do this and barca do that. I know how they play and how we play. Unfortunately we have not been able to replicate them and as stubborn as wenger is he is not ready to accept it. All he sees is, barca also plays a certain way. If they can unlock teams with just one single plan then why cant we do? But what he forgets is they have mastered their art while we are not well versed in it. We may never be. That’s the reason we have no plan B, becoz arsene is inspired by spanish and barca style of play.

    Now switch on to the transfer activity. He has left it late, i am afraid very late. He should have got rid of the likes of fabregas and nasri earlier in the window and should have re-invested in his team. Why has he done that?? Well i’ll answer it in the next few paragraphs.

    So what should we do with arsene?? Sack him. Show him the exit door! We only have 3 days left of the market. Come forward those who think we can find a charismatic manager who will then go out and find players according to his style of play and will gel this team together. Remember u have 3 days to do so! (contd in the next post)

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  • Hammad says:
    August 29, 2011 at 8:44

    those of u thinking i am just stating the norms and i agree some might have started yawning, well if u r interested then most welcome otherwise u all can walk away. Han so where was I?
    Yeah addressing the obvious problems which u all know.

    Now focusing the spotlight away from the manager, well i am salivating at the prospect of having a go at the board. Remember there are always two sides to the coin. Most of u must have been reading about wenger vs board comments, well I can actually say I can almost confirm it to u all that it does hold some truth.

    Fans who have been slating wenger for making it so late on the decision to let fabregas and nasri go and then bring in reinforcements, well they are half deluded. As u must have been reading, arsene wanted to raise the wage ceiling of the players i.e nasri and co, and was convinced he could make fab to stay by showing intent in the market. What happened to the manager who always believed in self sustainable model?? Well after seeing the commercial deals being brought in by manc, he was convinced that the fair play rules will be made a total mockery by those who buy big and he knew uefa wont be able to cope with them. Remember what platini said, ” Its good to see that PSG has been bought by the Qataris. Its good for the club.” Mr Platini what happened to the ideas which you used to advocate that these billionaires will ruin the spirit of the game. In a nutshell, wenger was right when voicing his opinion that we needed to raise our wage structure to be competitive. By raising he did not meant raising a few quids. He wanted a massive change or otherwise he feared that arsenal would be left behind. The board refused to do it and could only offer ansri upto 115k pounds per week. I know most of u will shout he never deserved it by just being gud for only so so months. But wenger knew he was very close to being unleashed that’s why he wanted to keep nasri. He waited that board might surrender to his ideas but what he forgot was there was someone at the helm to challenge his decisions now. The board and arsene went into a deadlock. Not being offered competitive wages, nasri’s head was turned by the glowing lights of blue side of manchester. He stalled on the contract and then thje board forced wenger that he would have to let go of nasri which eventually happened and that’s why it took him so late. What’s with the fabregas saga?? Wenger wanted to bring in high quality palyers, “super quality” as to quote. Board was in full financial backing. But it again entered a stalemate, when board refused to meet the demands of the star players i.e their wages. When star signings were not made, fab realized it was time to go. Whatever chance arsene had to convince him was gone. Fabregas was gone. Seeing fabregas and nasri leave, wenger became more stubborn than ever and he started dealing on the transfer front strangely. Arsene was told on the members day that fabregas and nasri will be gone. People would argue then why did mata never arrived. Obvioulsy his wages were not that high. To tell u a bitter truth, it wasnt us who rejected him it was mata who rejected us. Clearly seeing fab and nasri were on their planes he could see the lack of ambition. But obviously arsene is too proud to accept that it was mata who rejected us. We offered him higher wages than chelsea but ambition was the missing ingredient. When arsene saw board did not obliged by his desires, his ego kicked in. He went into a war and refused to sign in players which board wanted. That’s why u often hear, money is there but arsene is not spending it. The clash of the egos and to show who is the boss, brought this club into darkness and it remains there.(contd in my 3rd post)

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  • Hammad says:
    August 29, 2011 at 9:01

    Dont worry I will try to make this post my last 1.. So cheers!

    Remember when he said, ” U will be surprised to know what i rejected to stay here”.
    The sudden murmurs, ” I wont walk away” and blah blah blah.
    All these started pouring out. Realizing that the club was in utter turmoil wenger finally conceded the idea he had to do something on the transfer front. So he did not tallied either his wanted list or the boards and decided to go out for players totally out of the blue.
    “I am ready to take gambles in the market”. Wenger had clearly decided that he would go for complete unknowns(i know he always do that but this time they were not even in his list or way down the pecking order). He has palnned to make some cheap signings and hoping that some of them can prove to be a bargain and help us finish 4th(park chu young anyone!). He is not preparing us to lead as challengers for title. He is simply preparing for his departure next summer. He is working towards another top 4 finish( its very important since the club is on always on the break and the year we do dump out of that position we will be in shambles. I am telling you. I have read enough financial reports to suggest that). Once we secure that position he will walk out next summer.

    So what can we expect??

    Arsene will continue with one approach tactics might go for a bit more directness this time. He will again piss us and the board off by continuing with cheap deals in the next days of the window. Board might force him to do something drastic but it is highly unlikely. His ego wont let him surrender. Do u wonder why he hasnt signed cahill or anyother?? Well cahill was never in his list. He wanted something much more grand but again the wages issue. Closing of the market might turn him off and he may agree to bring in cahill(who is supposedly the board’s target not wenger’s). Hopefully some of the signings will pay off and we will fininsh in the top 4(very unlikely) and then he would walk walk away. If the board will see him failing in this objective they will kick him out. Arsene’s era is coming to an end and I for one hope that it does not plunges us with it to dark depths.

    If u agree or disagree u r totally entitled to do it. I am ready to answer the critics even. Gooner 4 life!

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  • Hammad says:
    August 29, 2011 at 9:04

    sorry to annoy u all once again, arsene is also responsible for the crisis as well. His stubbornness in not giving in with the transfer targets of the baord ahs brought us to the stage where we do not have much players and neither do we have enough time to bring them in. Something would have yo be done very fast. And to all those planning a protest at emirates against swansea, a piece of advise, “Have a go at wenger as well as the board. THIS IS NOT ONE MAN’S FAULT”

    Reply to this comment »
  • Hammad says:
    August 29, 2011 at 9:25

    AND IF MY POSTS WERE ALL FALSE OR MADE UP, answer me one thing. It has been a week or so since these rumours about wenger at loggerheads with the board started. We all know arsenal is a sports franchise, an international brand. Dont tell me that no one cares enough about these circulating rumors and cannot take the pain of coming out and rubbishing them. Remember what persie said afetr the udinese leg, “Hopefully we now will have the money to bring in players”. The transfer kitty in our bank is modelled to cope up with everything. We have 70mILL-100mill as our transfer kitty but it is there to cope up with the signings of new players, their wages and renewing contract of current players. Obviously the sum is not enough to meet the wages of star players. Its just not enough!

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  • DEMIS says:
    August 29, 2011 at 10:30

    what is going on…

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  • Guyfox says:
    August 29, 2011 at 10:37

    I still maintain, this high line will put us in serious trouble in other games. In my own opinion, the switch in formation was done to free up fabregas and have a more fluid middle and front. Now Cesc is gone and Nasri too. All other players are used to playing from the wings. United had no holding midfielder of any sort, Anderson and Cleverly both defended and attacked, look at their work rate. First, we must learn to defend collectively and stop this highline. i wouldnt fault Sczezzy cos with the defence so far away from him, he has to double as a sweeper too if the ball is placed over and we saw this happen so often yesterday. i will say we switch to a 4-4-2. We have players in the squad who are natural wingers. I wouldnt say Cleverly and Anderson are very creative middlemen but they did their job admirably well. Lets not forget that Man U still got Fletcher and Carrick. Come on, lets stop kidding ourselves. All we need is a change in attitude, a change in philosophy, new players or not. Any new player who comes in will be affected by the team negative morale and wont play well too. We’ve had a woeful pre-season, a horrifying start to the season. I’m really thankful for the international break. Some rethinking has to be done, some rebooting. Cesc is gone. We need to restrategize and this wont stop us from playing beautiful football. Man U dont measure up to Barca anyway but they put 8 past us. Sacking Wenger may not be the solution we seek. We need a revamping of our mindsets. Take heart all gooners, at least we know the only direction we can move is up. Up Gunners.

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  • nasgunner says:
    August 29, 2011 at 11:53

    What can I say? It is a very harsh beating. It makes you question, ” Is this a crisis needing a major revolution (note that many clubs will consider this a reason to expell managers) or just a temporary setback which the gunners will forget in a couple of weeks?”

    And to think that Wenger blames injuries for the result. I have just ONE suggestion to the manager. CHANGE THE FITNESS COACHES AND BRING BASKETBALL COACHES TO OVERSEE PHYSICAL FITNESS

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  • USAGooner says:
    August 29, 2011 at 14:33

    Chamakh made an appearance yesterday?

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  • USAGooner says:
    August 29, 2011 at 14:48

    All jokes aside, there were so many things wrong with yesteray’s performance that it would be impossible to list them all. To make it worse, I was watching the match with a friend of mine, who is a ManUre supporter.

    As soon as I saw starting XI, I knew it was going to be a very long day, and to have one player on the bench that has ever started a premier league match is disgraceful. Utd had a youthful side out today, and they were miles better in every aspect of the game. Their bench featured the likes of Giggs, Berbatov, Ferdinand and Park. Our bench had Chamberlain, Lansbury, Chamakh, and Miquel. Talk about a huge gap in talent.

    Arsenal insist on playing a high line at the back which gave Utd loads of space to exploit behind out back four. I don’t have a problem with pushing our defenders out of the back, but they have to recognize when to drop off and absorb the pressure, otherwise, the speedy midfielders will be making runs through our defense at will. For Wenger to say we have adequate depth in defenders is ridiculous with the like of Jenkinson and Traore. They were both embarrassing yesterday and if they never wear an Arsenal shirt again, it will be too soon.

    Aaron Ramsey isn’t good enough. Period.

    Coquelin??? Never heard of him. Adequate talent and depth in the squad my arse.

    After the first few weeks of the premier league, it is apparent that Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, and Man United are all better than us. I know we were missing seven first choice players yesterday, but UTD had their kids out too for the most part and look at what they did to us. Yesterday’s game was an absolute disgrace. I’m not ready to call for Wenger’s head just yet, but another performance or two like that, and it will be clear that a change needs to be made. For now, I would be satisfied with Wenger spending some of my hard earned money I’ve given to the club through the membership I have on their site, kits that I have bought, and matches I have attended. PLEASE, FOR THE SAKE OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEXT YEAR…..SPEND SOME MONEY!

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  • Ameen says:
    August 29, 2011 at 14:55

    Come on Chris,Yesterday Ramsay was the best player on the pitch.
    although i don’t like him much but yesterday he did play a good game.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Tommy Angel says:
    August 30, 2011 at 4:47

    All I know is there is something very wrong in this club… deep inside the club management. This has been a problem for last few years. Somehow it had been kept hidden. But now it’s showing up and showing up bad. That’s why Fab, Nasri, Clichy have left. That’s why top quality players are not interested to join our club (at the same time as everybody knows we are not approaching many of them). Nasri came because he was a compatriot with Wenger. But now he knows he has made wrong decision and hence left. Vermaelen joined because Dutch league is not one of the top leagues in the world. And I think if he has a decent, injury-free season, he might leave next year for Man City or outside England. I don’t know what Sagna ad RVP are doing. They should leave for their own’s sake. Now we are left with Wilshere. I am sure in few years he will leave for better teams such as Man Utd, Man City or Chelsea.
    Nothing is left in this club for which we can be proud of and I fear next year or may be next to next year we will be fighting for top 10 finish in EPL.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Tommy Angel says:
    August 30, 2011 at 16:51

    Forgot to mention David Dein in my last post. He is probably the best example of someone who was pissed off by the club management and left…

    Reply to this comment »
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