Thoughts today return to Hillsborough with the release of papers pertaining to the dreadful events of 15th April 1989; I hope that the families find some closure and are able to at last get to the truth, cutting through the lies which The Establishment have smeared since that day. A lot of expectation has been placed on this event and as Michael Mansfield QC, pertinently observed, the hope must be that everything is released or that the Commission knows what documents are missing and will be prepared to identify them, along with the authorities who still refuse to face up to their own culpability in the tragic death of 96 Liverpool supporters.
Football meanwhile brings its focus back to the clubs following the international break. No reported injuries for other Arsenal players beyond Diaby and Walcott yet and the Schadenfreude over Robin van Persie’s injury may have to wait with Louis van Gaal observing that his substitution of the former Medical Room tennant, was purely precautionary.
For Arsenal matters turn to Southampton. The manager will have the players back tomorrow for training although I am sure that the aforementioned duo have already been to the club for assessment, Walcott was at London Colney when he withdrew from the England squad so surely it cannot have been that hard for him to pop to the doctor and confess to a case of the squitters.
One man who had a productive break was Santi Cazorla. Scoring on Friday, his trip to Georgia saw the Spaniards continue their run of wins in qualifying matches which began in 2007. It is astonishing that they have not dropped a point in these fixtures since the Euro2008 preliminaries, 23 games I think. The Spaniard provided a novel interview whilst he was away, declining a gilt-edged opportunity to decry the club or initiate a public flirting with Real or Barcelona. Worryingly he is using the same English tutor as Cesc; have Arsenal checked his DNA? Cazorla seemed happy about being at Arsenal,
I love the style of the team. Wenger’s philosophy is to control the game and I like to be on the ball. Furthermore, the boss has put me in a position, second striker, with all the freedom I want to have.
You would of course, expect the Spaniard to be feeling good being at a new club and the like but we have seen before that players find adjusting to new circumstances and surroundings, difficult. Vladimir Petrov immediately springs to mind but Jose Antonio Reyes is not too far behind. The interesting aspect came with confirmation that the Arteta experiment seems a permanent move. Cazorla observed,
Wenger wants him now as a defensive pivote and he’s doing if very well. He gives real balance and he can win the ball back and play it out because with the ball he’s spectacular
There has been a clamour for a nominated defensive midfielder and there is no doubt that the club looked at that solution during the summer. However, dropping Arteta back to his original position was not on the cards, particularly given his influence on the midfield last season. Yet in hindsight it seems an obvious solution to the Song problem. Arguably, Arteta is performing the role that Song did to a lesser degree, more disciplined in his movement that the Cameroonian international. Given how far Song had travelled from that night by the banks of The Thames, it is not hard to see that he will become a similar player to Arteta by the time he reaches the same maturity.
But he is gone and like Cazorla, we look to a positive future. The mercurial midfielder enthused about Oxlade-Chamberlain, his lack of fear and confidence that comes from that lack of fear. Whilst there is an element of positive talk about squad members, Cazorla seems genuinely taken aback by the youngster’s abilities. They were not so much on display against Ukraine last night but there is no doubt his talent will blossom over the coming years. A lot of expectation is falling on his shoulder which is only natural and with Jack Wilshere, there is a mouth-watering prospect of the fulcrum of the national team having a proper footballing schooling, knowing not only how to pass but when to do so because that is the Arsenal way.
Elsewhere, excitement built that Uefa’s FFP regulations are going to be strictly enforced with 23 clubs being sanctioned for failure to clear overdue creditors. I suppose that witholding prize money is a step forward but it is not exactly punishing the clubs. It’s a bit like telling a child off and stopping their pocket money until they have tidied their bedrooms. Uefa are not permanently retaining the cash, they will pay it once the debts are cleared. In the sense that their aim is to bring football clubs into the commercial era – arguably they are by not paying their dues in a timely manner – is laudable but to claim this is Uefa baring their teeth is a step too far; let’s hope these teeth are fangs rather than dentures.
And more to the pount, the list of clubs was not full of ‘A-Listers’; they might be big clubs in their countries but major players in Europe is pushing definitions. CF Malaga were one of those on the wall of shame; as if matters were not bad enough, reports are emerging that David Beckham is considering joining a consortium to buy the club. Still with the number of ex-pats on the Costa del Sol, he should feel right at home.
That’s it, can’t be arse(nal)ed with reports about Drogba signing or Walcott to Juventus.
’til Tomorrow
“Speaking of Alek Hleb I loved the player when he was with us. Sad how his tranfer turned out. Got the medals but he was mostly on the Barca bench.”
“I have never felt worse about a player than when Ice Cream Alex Hleb had too play for Birmingham.No matter what he did ,he did not ever belong in that company.”
“There was always something unique about Hleb – infinitely tricky – dribbling to the sound of his own drum – never has any player caused me so scream SHOOT so often”
I never saw a harder working player (midfield/forward) for Arsenal…..integral part to Arsenals success in 07/08. It didn’t matter to me that he couldn’t hit either side of the barn…..he won so many tackles and made brilliant link ups with teammates…..just a dominate force in our starting XI.
I imagine he could play 1v5 inside a goal box and never lose possession.
His departure would initiate the exodus of so much talent – for various reasons:
Flamini, Toure, Gallas, Ade, Clichy, Nasri, Cesc, RvP, Song….
How can a club, with such a global identity, and a brilliant manager with an eye for talent, allow these players, all in their prime, to depart?
Have we sold enough players yet to have paid off the f*cking stadium?
No one is entirely to blame?? Pah! Everything is usually my fault isn’t it ?!
Thanks for that Article, Yogi.
Very touching. I only hope that the families get justice. I cannot imagine how they feel, even after all this time. heart breaking.
Arsesession, anything positive to say about Arsenal?
Looks like we finally have a TEAM. I believe getting rid of those who wanted to leave has done the trick. A team that seems to be void of players who think too much of themselves, a team full of hungry players wanting to serve as best they can.
I think TV is an excellent captain. Check the intensity he is playing with, the man is no nonense. He is also a little careful with getting forward.
Hoping that OG gets a goal this weekend. Once that pressure is of he will score nuff goals.
Not really, George. Did you follow the news at the time, when a Cambridge University don spotted that the government’s “dodgy dossier” on Iraq alleged WMD had been cobbled together with bits of string, plaigarised PhD thesis, and snippets – falsified – from Jane’s:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glen_Rangwala
A lot of people died because of that, disinfo deliberately assembled to make a case for war, including of course military personnel, but also innumerable Iraqis, women and children among them, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, in total.
Blair lied too in his Mansion House speech, stating that Iraq missiles could reach Britain in 45 mins – which, as Hutton discovered, was absolute cobblers:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2003/aug/16/davidkelly.iraq
International legal expert Philippe Sands has been on Bliar’s case for a while (see his 2005 book, Lawless World of which I have a signed copy somewhere):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bush-Blair_memo
I sincerely hope it doesn’t take 23 years for Bliar to get his. It will certainly never be forgotten, how he lied, not by me, at least. He lives in infamy. And after that, he can rot in hell.
Here is the logic for Yogi’s desire not to deal with Drogba rumours.
He is in China because they will pay him 200,000 p/w
He will not change club unless someone matches that money or betters it.
Arsenal do not pay 200k for anyone.
Ergo he cannot be coming to Arsenal.
Nice to see a picture of ‘Little Napoleon’.
Even if Arsenal did pay such obscene wages why would AW want to do so on a striker who is past his best?
I have seen enough in OG to be confident he will come good.
Jonny ,Even the suggestion that we will sign him is laughable.
How would Drogba even fit into our game plan? I just don’t see any logic behind getting him. It makes no sense.
.
Jonny @ 6.42 is your best comment ever.
PG
He’s a man of few words. Not the strong, silent type you’ll understand, just a limited vocabulary…
Since things are pretty slow here maybe I can get this question finally answered.
What does RASERS stand for/mean?
And how are boy wonder Jack W and Sagna doing?
Are they still in rehab/protective boots ambulating with crutches or are they running and trying to get their strength and conditioning up?
PG
killed by an angry mob protesting at a film made by an Israeli extremist that ridicules the Prophet Mohammed
So not an OTT reaction then?
******
I was always very skeptical of the conspiracy theories about Zionist Power until I moved to the US and realized just how strong and powerful the Jewish “lobby” is. It is frightening the power they have over the Administration and US Foreign Policy.
I was in the Public Gallery of the House of Commons today when Cameron made the shameful apology for the Hillsborough tragedy. The deliberate cover up by sections of the South Yorkshire police, the fact that scores of victims did not die instantly (but could have been revived) and the disgusting gutter press front page of The Scum (Murdoch’s Sun newspaper) that stated that Liverpool fans stole from the bodies of dead fans needs to be addressed at last. Banning Murdoch and the Sun from the media industry would be a begining.
The sight of Liverpool MP Maria Eagle quietly weeping was very sad.
MD,I am an expert on US politics.
I saw every episode of “The West Wing”,twice.
PG I am impressed. And you know how close to the real thing the West Wing is?
Who watches the watchmen?
Ah, Rorschach is the one who watches. I wonder what it is that he sees.
Did I ever mention that Alan Moore is a farking genius?
Mr.Moore had plenty of inspiration at that time when he wrote V for Vendetta ( described by Iain Sinclair as one of the best modern british novels) and The Watchmen. Worth reading.
A Shame they were made into such crap movies.
Paul-N
There are many positives starting with Bould and continuing with the additions of experience over the past few seasons.
“If” Theo moves on, how will you feel ? ….especially having to read others discredit his time at Arsenal….unfairly picking out selective moments of poor performance.
As a fan, we all have favorites….then to see them leave is heart breaking. imo
Meh.
Bellerin with a redd card and a goal for Olympiacos in the last minute. 2-0 to the home team.
ffp or else!
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1157172/rummenigge:-psg-must-face-sanctions?cc=3888
Arsesession,
i see u are in a very delicate mood, my friend…
I’d implore you to buckle up, keep the faith & lean closer to Paul-N’s wise words…
“Looks like we finally have a TEAM.”
yesir..sure does feel that way
would be nice to reprise CL 2005/6…
highest point total in the group stage..we ended up in the final.
Season Gr P W D L F A Pts Pos
2005/06 B 6 5 1 0 10 2 16 1
Purple Double beckons…
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/44906/behind-the-numbers-
I miss Dexter…
like george says there were many people to blame for hillsborough, firsty it happened at a time when the atmosphere and attitude towards football was very bad and thatchers goverment at the time would have been happy to have it shut down.The goverment was also used to cover ups and so the police would fear nothing from above. The F.A. were quite happy to see the Liverpool fans(who had the larger support) cramed into the smaller end(forest with the smaller support got the home end).The F.A and police treated supporters like cattle this was the norm around football. Remember this was around the time chairman bates was trying to erect electric fences at the bridge.It is also worth remembering Highbury was banned from holding semi-finals because of its refusal to erect fences. so yes there were lots of people to blame for that day and the lies that followed not just the police but the society that let it happen.I was in the north bank that day and the pictures on the tv when I got home will haunt me forever because of the reality on another day it could of been me,I can only imagine how the families involved feel and tried to cope, I hope today gives them some comfort and they keep fighting to get all the answers around what happend before, after and on that trajic day.My heart and support goes out to them
MD in England?
Lock up your pasty recipes.
Yeh, where on earth is Dex?! come home mi bredrin!
Arsesession, i am really not worried about players leaving. I will support those who want to stay.
Arsenal!!
consolsbob
September 12, 2012 at 9:22 pm
MD in England?
Lock up your pasty recipes
****
Also looking to branch out into Essex Cream Teas – Essex Scones and Essex Double Cream (I think Sainsbury’s might sell scone mix but couldn’t find any at Waitrose White City Westfield Mall).
Bleugh.
So Arsene is being offered a new deal.Le Grove will be gutted.
George,
How do you know?
He hasn’t signed yet…… they may be delighted.
Knowing our recent luck.
MDGunner at 7:24 pm
“I was always very skeptical of the conspiracy theories about Zionist Power until I moved to the US and realized just how strong and powerful the Jewish “lobby” is. It is frightening the power they have over the Administration and US Foreign Policy.”
That will be why Israel is allowed by the international community to get away with ethnic cleansing and genocide then. It is too fatuously ironic for there to be no good reason.
Anyway it is probably a good thing that someone is bothering with American foreign policy in America, as American’s, by and large, don’t. Before you get too carried away though, remember that the Israelis hated the Arabs long before it became fashionable and acceptable around the dinner table, so they must be right about some things. (unless you count the Crusades, in which case that argument might be somewhat compromised..)
Thinking further, do you think it is the Israelis who made Americans play football in such a strange way too?
I would like to think so.
Aman,
First and foremost I admire and respect your seemingly endless optimism.
Trophies are not a priority for me, but I enjoy watching our team play with some
consistency – beating the teams we’re supposed to beat and give our major competition a run for the money “consistently”. Last season was a big improvement for performing well against our major competition…..but we still struggled down the
stretch.
Certainly anxious to see our new signings, those returning from injury, and have cautious expectation of our youngsters …..in the end, hopeful to see a new upgraded style of play evolve and that injuries don’t impact our performances.
Paul-N
Every fan follows their club for various reasons. You’ve stated your reason, and I’ll leave it at that.
I second Philmar. Wtf does RASERS mean? Apart from being an anagram of ARSERS… um, that didn’t seem to work.
Anybody who thinks the Israeli-Palestinian tragedy is a black and white affair with a good and bad side is wrong. It’s just not that simple.
Religious extremists on both sides showing the worst sides of religion. The Israeli human rights and Peace movement gives me a bit of hope. I’ve been hoping that the Orthodox Jews will lose their draft and tax exemptions… Much more difficult to be a Hawk when it’s your kids in uniform.
RK
Real Arsenal SupportERS if I can remember correctly from that far back.
New post is here, Truth At Last, Now For Justice & Arsène’s Contract Talk
http://t.co/CVgrx5rl