Happy With Silvestre Signing? - Vote Now

Good day all.

We have a new poll for you to vote and give your comments about the Silvestre signing. Please vote on the poll on the right hand side and share what you think in the comments section below.

Also if you didn't read my comments on the move and our squad options, you can read them here.

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Why Silvestre Signing Makes Sense / Xabi Alonso…Yes Please / Squad Options Explored

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By Bilal Zaidi

This has got to be one of the weirdest signings we have ever made in recent times but in typical Wenger fashion. We have signed Silvestre from Manchester United for a reported £750,000. He is 31 years old and he has signed a two year deal which breaks Wenger’s policy of only giving over 30’s one year deals. Remember this was the same for Bergkamp, Lehmann and all the others who stayed extending their contracts year after year.

Why you might ask? Maybe because Wenger has paid money for him from a rival club, so to let him go after one season on a free might be a bit of bad business. Silvestre was rated very highly in my eyes a few years ago and had/has everything to be a fantastic centre back. He has a decent physical presence, pace (at least he used to) and experience at the top level. Whether he is still up to the job will be found out soon.

He is French just like captain Gallas, Clichy and Sagna as well as Mr. Toure who speaks French from the Ivory Coast. If he plays at left back he has another French player to link up with on the left in new boy Samir Nasri. Even though I am slightly sceptical about his injury fears, especially with our recent record...this may just be exactly what we need.

How long have Arsenal fans been ranting and raving about ‘experienced signings’ and ‘no kids’? Well there you go...a player who has played 40 games for France and 361 for Manchester United. He is a winner...he knows how it feels to win the Premiership, Champions League and FA Cup. He is also left footed which means a more balanced defence.

He can play at centre back or left back which is exactly what we needed. We need cover for Clichy since Traore definitely doesn’t look up to the job right now, he still looks very raw defensively. A very cheap signing who has a vast amount of experience in the English game makes a lot of sense.

This gives us the flexibility to play Toure in central midfield anchoring with Cesc if that is how Wenger see’s it. But I still think either Inler or Xabi Alonso may come through.

Silvestre could simply be solid back up for Toure or Gallas and Clichy. Wenger has made a signing for NOW...finally...no 12 year old young Freddy Adu superstar prodigy that has ‘potential’...but a player that can slide in right NOW.

Xabi Alonso would be a perfect signing in my eyes over Inler who has never played in the premiership before. Alonso is Spanish and could form an unstoppable partnership with Cesc. Regardless of not being available now for the group stages of the Champions League, Alonso would still be a great signing if it still goes through.

If Alonso comes in I will be more than happy about our squad’s capabilities this year...no exaggeration.

Our team could now have the following options:

.........................................Almunia
.........................................Fabianski

Sagna..................Gallas....................Toure....................Clichy
Eboue................Djourou................Silvestre..............Silvestre
Toure................Senderos..............Song

Walcott...............Cesc......................Alonso..................Nasri
Rosicky..............Denilson.................Toure..................Rosicky
Eboue.................Ramsey.................Eboue....................Vela
Wilshire.............Diaby.....................Song......................Diaby

............................Van Persie....................Adebayor
.............................Eduardo.......................Bendtner
..............................Vela
.............................Walcott?

Comments on our squad options are welcome as always in the comments section below.

The next few days can either be very exciting for us or very disappointing. Come on Wenger, surprise me.

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Emirates Has No Atmosphere but is Fantastic Business Model / Suits To Football Matches? / Time For a Change

By Bilal Zaidi

Anyone at the match on Saturday? It was beautiful for me to start off this season with seats in perfect view. I was blessed with 90 minutes of viewing pleasure from the middle tier, third row from the front and central right position of the half way line. Just like my position in the stadium, I couldn’t help but notice that I was in the stand which was also ‘centre right’ in more ways than one with only four or five people (including myself) wearing an Arsenal shirt.

Now don’t get me wrong, I like suits and shirts as much as anybody else. I also respect that people pay with their own money and can do as they please and wear what they want to an Arsenal game. The Emirates is a remarkable business model which has been segmented into several sections to accommodate the diverse range of people that a club like Arsenal would attract. Families now come to watch a football game, have a nice lunch and ‘bonding time’. Great to see.

However, it was clear to see from the noise levels that segmenting with priorities has meant our beloved new stadium is awfully quiet and lacks atmosphere. We have one of the best stadiums in the world but our atmosphere doesn’t come close to what it could be.

This is my plea to every Arsenal fan who ever attends a game to try their best to get behind the team and create some atmosphere. Clapping is jolly good and I am not saying one has to be colloquial in their approach in getting behind the team. A good old “QUIIIITE RIGHT...ENCORE...SPLENDID” would be a great improvement on what I heard and felt on Saturday. In the same way, let’s not rule out a nice “FUKIN GET IN THERE FELLA...COME ON SON” etc etc. Arsenal is a London club with fans from all over the world. In such a diverse and cosmopolitan city it is inevitable that the support and fan base should represent this too. Gone are the days of the old so let us now look together to the future. We all come from different backgrounds, different mentality’s and from different parts of society.

The main point I am trying to make is that we have one thing in common and that is a love for Arsenal Football Club. I am not trying to be Gandhi-ish on you all but let us collectively improve the atmosphere, noise levels and support of the team. Every individual in that 60,000 stadium can make a difference and express it in their own way. Don’t be afraid to try something new, sing a new song or support in a new way. Be innovative and we can all rejoice together and help our team with the support they deserve. Let’s not judge others, who they are and their attitudes as well as their method of support. Instead, let us all come together and utilitarian-ize (yes I made this word up) our strategy for support to make sure jointly, we all gain.

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LIVE EPL FOOTBALL STREAM: Chelsea v Portsmouth, Manchester United v Newcastle, Aston Villa v Manchester City

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Chelsea v Portsmouth
Manchester United v Newcastle
Aston Villa v Manchester City

Follow the link and choose which match you would like to view. Open in internet explorer for live stream through the webpage. Download sopcast if you haven't already.

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Arsenal v W.B.A - Player Ratings

By Atishay Agarwal

It was like watching last season all over again. We took the lead against a lesser side, dominated possession and passed the ball around with ease all day, but failed to kill them off. In fact, we wasted so many dangerous positions and some glorious chances, and on occasions our attackers looked bereft of ideas in the final third. It’s the first game of the season, though, and what was most important was to get all three points. Here are the ratings:

Almunia - 6 – He was largely untested, though he made one or two good saves. But he still doesn’t come out quickly enough to collect long balls and help his defenders, and some times rushes off his line all the way till the edge of the penalty area when there’s no need to. He’s a much improved keeper from three years back, but he still needs to improve, I feel.

Sagna – 6 – It was a solid if unspectacular performance by Goldilocks yesterday. He was comfortable while defending but didn’t do as much as he is capable of when going forward.
Gallas – 7 – There were times when our defence looked shaky, but Willy was more than effective in one-on-one situations. He saved us on a few occasions, notably when he rushed back and cleared off the line in the second half.

Djourou – 6 – A bit of a topsy-turvy display by our other Swiss defender, as he was composed most of the times, but lost the plot at times, especially at their ‘almost’ goal. Gallas had more than a word to say to him then. Hopefully, it’ll help.

Clichy – 7.5 – Gael was his usual self, and was even quicker than usual. He made a number of interceptions and bombed forward whenever he could. One electrifying run from the edge of our own penalty area in the second half was simply breathtaking. He coped admirably in defence as well, and was untroubled throughout the game.

Walcott – 5 – A disappointing start for Theo to the season which many say will be ‘his’. He gave the ball away a number of times, and his first touch still lets him down frequently. Maybe Arsene should try him up front, what say?

Eboue – 6.5 – I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw him lined up as a central midfielder, and what left me more baffled was that he looked better in the middle than he did on the right last year! He was quite assured in his play, and distributed the ball well. Having said that, some of his efforts on goal were ridiculous and utterly wasteful.

Denilson – 7 – The Brazilian had an impressive game, and dictated a lot of our attacking play. His intelligent run and cut-back set up the goal, and he tried to up the tempo all game with his passing. A definite improvement on last season.

Nasri(MoM) – 8 – Could he have asked for a better start to his Arsenal career? Neither could I! We usually see new signings from abroad go missing in their early games and not make an impact in their first 3-4 months in the league, but he got off the blocks straight away. Apart from the cool finish, his passing, mazy runs, and general play was top notch. Hleb who?

Bendtner – 5.5 – Nicklas started the game well, and passed the ball around impressively, especially the one to Clichy in the build up to the goal. As the match wore on, however, he faded away, and didn’t do anything of note in the second half.

Adebayor – 5 - He was looking dangerous in the first half and troubled the West Brom defence almost all game, but he was guilty of wasting chance after chance for the team. Some of his play was a bit selfish too, and his decision-making in the final third left a lot to be desired. Also, he got more and more predictable throughout the game, which made it slightly easier for them to defend against him. But let’s not criticize him. We know it takes him 3 straightforward chances to score, doesn’t it?

SUBS

Toure – 5 – Why was he playing on the right wing for Christ’s sake? I thought he would take his place in defence, Djourou would switch to midfield and Eboue to right back. Wenger probably thought of giving him just a run out to regain fitness, but we can’t play our players in just about any position on the field, you know.

Van Persie – 5.5 – Robin didn’t influence the game much after coming on, and looked just a little rusty. Extra points for not getting injured.

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Expectations Waver but Wenger Stays Loyal - Believe In Our Manager & Board

By Richard Popple

There has been plenty of doom-mongering amongst journalists, pundits and opposition fans about Arsenal during previous pre-seasons. Seemingly every summer predictions are made about Arsenal’s lack of depth and the battle we face to beat Tottenham to fourth place and this year has been no different. Football really has become very swallow and completely in awe of money when coming fourth is the be all and end all. Frankly, the predictions and taunting from other fans is becoming a bind for many Arsenal fans, who like myself face questions about our manager and the clubs aspirations. In the past I have simply shrugged off suggestions that Wenger has lost the plot or that the club do not want to take financial risks. But the writing seems to be on the wall, at least for the next few seasons.

Even the most optimistic fan will concede that the possibility of Arsenal overpowering both Chelsea and Manchester United is unlikely at best. Of course this was the concern voiced last season and to some degree Wenger and the team proved people wrong by finishing a comfortable 3rd. But we didn’t win the league and the stats don’t lie. Three seasons without a trophy is a phrase drubbed into every Arsenal heart. Last night’s victory in Holland was professional without being reassuring. I found myself wondering where this current crop of players can lead us this season.

We are of course ravaged with injuries at present and even United or Chelsea would struggle with so many players out. But what have the likes of Rosicky, Diaby, Senderos and Eduardo actually achieved for Arsenal. They are all very talented players and of course Eduardo reserves special sympathy, but the point is, what will these players bring to the side when fit? Having players out injured is a nightmare for any club, but using it to mask a lack of squad dept could also be damaging.

In terms of transfers Wenger has not done anything to reassure the fan this summer. I still harbour doubts over Adebayor’s behaviour this summer and I simply do not buy the ‘Well he didn’t actually say he wanted to leave’ excuse. The fact that he spent three months trying to negotiate deals for more money suggests that we have a power-driven striker who really let last season’s terrific displays go to his head. I detest greedy footballers but I will not single out Adebayor for unfair treatment. With each passing summer the stories of players holding clubs to ransom seems to get worst and if it continues fans will start to step back from the game. We are lucky as Arsenal fans that our club still maintains its morals and if Adebayor has told Wenger that he truly wants to stay and fight for the team then I will give the Togo striker the benefit of the doubt.

Losing players has been another tradition that Arsenal have developed over the last few seasons. This season has been no different although as long as an experienced midfielder is secured we are no worse off than last season. I’m afraid though we don’t seem to be any better off in terms of numbers or defensive security. It does not take a genius to work out that last season’s shortcomings were down to conceding sloppy goals. When Wenger stated at the start of the summer he intended to strengthen the defence every fan breathed a sigh of relief. Unfortunately, the manager has seen something to change his mind. His continued negligence when it comes to our defence I believe will hamper us when challenging for the title. I am not against the manager’s methods. Every club in the world would be delighted if their team played like Arsenal, or if youth players were given a chance to blossom and become stars for the club.

His tactical knowledge is superb and his ability to lift players and instil a never-say-die attitude should be applauded. He is the most successful manager in the clubs history and will always have a place in the club’s future. I’m delighted that he has never left Arsenal and he most certainly won’t be pushed, but Arsene knows one thing. If this season ends in disappointment for the club, nothing will change, no drastic action will be taken and more talent will leave, whilst others arrive. There will be no quick fix at Arsenal like at Chelsea or Manchester United. We are in it for the long term and the board and Wenger should be supported and believed in.

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Sad To See Primary School Boy Justin Hoyte Leave As Bid Is Accepted

By Bilal Zaidi

Good day all. The news that Justin Hoyte may well be moving to Middlesbrough is a sad sight but one that was inevitable. He is a rare breed of Arsenal player, coming through the ranks of our academy from a young age. Both Justin and younger brother Gavin went to my primary school and the latter at secondary school also, so it is even sadder to see youngsters who are just like me, moving away from the club that I love. In an Arsenal era which has been dominated by foreign superstars including Henry, Vieira, Bergkamp, Overmars, Fabregas etc, it has always been nice to see a local boy standing side by side. To see Justin on the pitch with Henry and Fabregas, the players that are idolized globally…just added some realism to my view on football.

Hoyte did very well in the past showing he has potential and as a natural athlete he is typical of a Wenger style player. However, with the recent emergence of Bacary Sagna as a solid starting right back, it is very unlikely he would be able to compete against the French international.

It is sad to see, but in reality it is probably the best for all three parties involved. Hoyte will have a chance to play more regularly and that is what he needs at this stage in his career. Middlesbrough will benefit from a good quality, athletic and young English full back for a decent price and Arsenal will receive money that can be re-invested in areas of the squad that are more necessary.

I have followed his career since his days in the youth and reserve team as it isn’t every day that a person you have come in contact with lives their dream and plays with the superstars of Arsenal. I am sure he will do very well at Middlesbrough if he chooses to go there and I would just like to wish Justin good luck with the future. My brother also ironically lives in Middlesbrough so any advice on the area would be happily provided! I hope that Justin’s hard work, focus and drive remain in the North East and he fulfils his great potential.

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Here We Go Again - Injuries A Problem For Arsenal?

By Renoogami

Standing as we are, on the starting line of the new season, as at this same stage last season, I don’t know whether to be optimistic or pessimistic.

One thing I do know is that if we want to win silverware this season, there’s something that must happen.

It’s very simple, and with a bit of luck it will happen.

I am referring to something – not that we need, but rather something we must do without.

It’s something that all Premier League winners manage to do without.

What is this thing we must do without?

Long-term bloody injuries, that’s what!

Just take a close look at all the Premier League winning teams over the last few years and, whilst one or two have had their share of key players missing for the odd game, none of them experienced long term injuries to more than one player at most.

Yet in the last few trophy-less seasons we have suffered ridiculously long injuries to key players, including Henry, Gallas, RVP, Diaby, Rosicky and Sagna.

Some say it wouldn’t be a problem with a little more strength in depth, but I disagree. There is always a first choice eleven with any successful side – unless you happen to be Liverpool - and they have aptly demonstrated that rotation doesn’t work and they still can’t buy the title. No – chopping and changing players to fit in others – however good they may be – disrupts the fluidity of any good footballing team.

I know it would be nice to sign David Villa, Micah Richards, Robinho, Gareth Barry, Alonso, Shay Given and any one of the dozens of fine players we have been linked with, but in my humble view we have enough players to win us the title - providing most of them can stay fit!

Whilst I have been critical of ‘Basil’ Almunia in the past, it cannot be denied that he looked much better throughout last season once he was established. Lets not forget that fantastic save from git-face Keane against the Frillywhites at the Emirates. Fabianski has also showed us that he should be an able deputy.

We have the best two full backs in the Premier League and good experienced cover from Toure or Eboue on the right and Gallas on the left, plus good inexperienced cover from Hoyte and Gibbs. At their best there are no finer nor quicker centre backs than Toure and Gallas. And with Djourou, Senderos, Song and possibly even Nordvelt, we do have depth. Forget Flamini – yes he was brilliant for us last season but we already have a direct replacement at the club in Denilson. Unlike most pundits, I don’t regard Denilson as being like Cesc at all – he is much more like Flamini. I watched a rerun of one of last seasons games the other day and I reckon Denilson works just as hard as Flamini and has a more telling pass and is always willing to have a shot.

The trouble is we don’t have a back-up defensive midfielder in the squad other than Song (who seems to have been earmarked by Arsene for a central defender role) and this is an area we all know we must be rectified before the end of August. Sadly we cannot rely on Diaby’s fitness. He must be nearly as bad as Rosicky in that he seemingly plays two games and then misses the next four! Until we get a replacement we must presumably rely on (perish the thought) Eboue on the right, and perhaps Traore or even Kieran Gibbs on the left.

From what I have seen of him in the pre season games, I rate Ramsey as being more of an attacking midfielder – again similar to Cesc. We also have Nasri and Walcott, with Jack Wilshere and Mark Randall waiting in reserve.

Our strike force should be stronger this year with the addition of Carlos Vela who looks real class to me.

So up this point I would say that I was fairly optimistic in my forecast of the season ahead.

Then I logged on this morning to read the news that we have Cesc, Kolo, Nasri and Swiss Tony joining the usual sick notes (Diaby and Rosicky) and all will be unavailable for the first two or three games of the season.

So now I am pessimistic in the knowledge that if we sustain too many or long term injuries to key players, there is no way we will be able to win the league title this season.

How many other clubs in the premiership I wonder have 8 (a third!) of their first team squad of 24 outfield
Players unfit for the first games of the season.

All in all it has not been the most encouraging pre season when you consider we have only kept one clean sheet in the 9 games against quite a lot of poor opposition.

Still that one game was against Real Madrid.

I feel quite optimistic again now!

Come on you Gunners!!

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Arsenal Legend Overmars Returns From Retirement After 4 Years

By Bilal Zaidi

Sorry for those who e-mailed in asking where I had gone. I’ve had a hectic couple of months and have not been able to post as often as I would like to. Anyway, I am back with the news that Marc Overmars plans to return to playing football after four years out with the ‘Go Ahead Eagles’.

The Dutch ace is one of my favourite players of all time so to hear this news was fascinating.He is now 35 years old so for him to play a small role is just a bit of random...pleasant news. Overmars said:

“I’m retired for four years now and I train only once a week. But you can
achieve a lot when you really want it. That’s what I want to add to the team
together with my experience.”... “The main reason for my comeback is that I want
to help the club, but it’s nice to play again too.”

Do you remember your favourite Overmars memory? Share yours in the comments section below. More from me shortly. Good day all.

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