Only One Arsenal Awards 2011

Let’s be honest 2011 hasn’t been the best if years for the Gunners, it’s been riddled with injuries, cock up’s and it could of been so different. However it hasn’t been all doom and gloom. So this the Only One Arsenal 2011 Awards were Ryan, Myles  and myself (Luke)  have voted on our lows and highs of this year.

Player of Year: Robin Van Persie

We couldn’t look beyond Robin for this award with 34 league goals in 42 appearances he is so close to breaking Alan Shearer’s record of 36 goals in a calendar year and he still might depending on his performance vs QPR.  He has also taken over as captain from Cesc Fabregas and proved people that were at first weary of leadership skills that he is more than up to it. Robin also wins Goal of the year for his stunning volley vs Everton.

Let’s hope Robin stays fit in 2012 and signs a new contract. You never know he may even get to lift a trophy as the Arsenal captain in the year ahead.

Here are some videos of Van Persie in 2011

Best Win: Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona (Other nominations include Arsenal 1-0 Man Utd, Chelsea 3-5 Arsenal and Udinese 1-2 Arsenal) 

This match had it all a good atmosphere, good football, world class players, a comeback and an upset but most importantly a Gunners win verves the best team in the world. A goal after 26 minutes by Barcelona could of been followed by more as the Spanish team all but dominated in till 12 minutes before time when Robin Van Persie scored from a acute angle this point in the game changed then just minutes later Arshavin scored a winner in the words of Arsene Wenger it was ‘a special night’

Worst Defeat:  Birmingham 2-1 Arsenal (Other nominations include Man Utd 8-2 Arsenal, Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal and Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool)

However bad is losing to the Spuds or getting trashed 8-2 by Europa League team Man Utd the Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham started our slump, hangover, crisis or whatever you call it which went a good way into this season it also was a good chance to end out trophy less spell. I still think what if?

Breakthrough Player (not inc new signings): Wojciech Szczesny (Other nominations: Koscielny, Ramsey, Wilshere, Frimpong and Coquelin)

Two years ago Szczesny was on loan at League 1 side Brentford he won applauds from his manager there he then went on to make his Arsenal debut in late 2010. In 2011 he has made a few mistakes (but who hasn’t?) but has also made consistent performance something which Arsenal lacked in goal up in till his rise. For me his best save this year was vs Udinese to stop Di Natale penalty and stopping Udinese getting back into the game.

Flop of the year: Andrei Arshavin (Other nominations: Chamakh, Diaby, Almunia, Squillaci)

For me Arshavin saved himself from this award thanks to a goals vs Barcelona and Swansea. However for £15 million pounds he paid him you could expect him to at least be able to make simples passes and break into a sweat.  How long Arshavin career will go into 2012, we will have to wait and see.

Signing of the Season: Mikel Arteta (Other nominations: Gervinho, Santos, Mertesacker, Jenkinson and Chamberlain)

Arteta has fitted into our midfield like he has been playing with us for year this is no doubt due to his vast experience in the premier league with Everton. He has also not yet played with Wilshere so he looks a steal for the amount we paid.

Cock Up of the year: 2^nd Half vs Newcastle (4-4) (Other nominations: Squillaci and Almunia vs West Brom away, Carling Cup miss kick, Liverpool Home Eboue late Pen 1-1, Liverpool Home Miquel/Ramsey O.G. 0-2 and Olympiacos 2^nd goal away’

Well there have been quite a few Cock ups. However due to a red card, Phil Dowd having a mare of a game (So his usually self) we managed to let a four goal lead slip in the second half. Thanks to that afternoon I still can’t be 100% Arsenal will see a game out no matter how big the lead.

Best Sale: Nasri (Other nominations: Clichy, Eboue, Traore, Fabregas)

I going to be honest I liked Nasri in a Arsenal shirt however after some very average performance during the end of last season to get £24 million for a money grabbing player who we would of lost for nothing a year later is a good deal. Thanks City and Enjoy the bench and the Europa League Na$ri

Most Improved- Koscielny (Walcott, Song, Szczesny, Ramsey)

Also known as Mr Consistent Koscielny has become one of the best centre backs in the league he has handled the likes of Messi, Dzeko, Aguero and Mata sometimes with ease. He has made a couple of mistakes but this is to be expecting especially in his 1^st season at Arsenal and he has now earned a call up for the French national team and he himself has said he is surprised at his rapid rise.  I am sure he will become one of the Premier League best in 2012 and years to come.

Star of 2012- A.O. Chamberlain (Other nominations- Frimpong, Gervinho, Coquelin, Afobe, Ryo and Jenkinson)

When we first signed Chamberlain people were saying he is just yet enough young player when we needed something better however now I am sure these people will be the ones wanted him to be in the 1^st team more often. However much I want Chamberlain to be ripping up the Premier League I feel that he gets thrown in at the right time and I am sure this will come in 2012 when he can conquer the 1^st team and maybe even an England call up.

 So I wish you a very happy 2012 and let’s hope it’s a year to remember for the Gunners.

And I leave you with this.......

MATCH REPORT v Wolves [h]. 27/12/11

Let us start from the beginning: This was the first game I’d been to by myself. I left my dad’s house in south London, got on a train to Highbury & Islington (north London) and didn’t see or hear a single Wolves fan. I walked along the famous, brilliant and long Holloway Road; I still couldn’t see or hear any Wolves fans. I hung around outside for a bit when I got to the Emirates, went inside, found my seat in the lower tier of the Clock End, and there they were, Wolves fans!

The game kicked off. I still couldn’t hear any Wolves fans.

The game started as any home game does when Arsenal kick off, the fans started singing and our players each got a few touches of the ball before moving forward. Standard.  The chants roared on and The Gunners quickly got into their flow.

I still heard nothing from the Wolves fans.

Eight minutes in and Wolves were on the attack, only to be stopped in their tracks, the ball was worked to Yossi Benayoun who spotted Gervinho’s well-timed run and put him clean through. Here is when I panicked; I’ve always seen Gervinho as someone who does TOO MUCH when he has the ball. For instance: run, run, run, run, clean through, run, run, run, pass, attack over. So at this point when the big headed Ivorian was one-on-one with Iker Casillas Wayne Hennessey I thought to myself “shit, he’s going to pass or run backward, or something.” I was wrong; he gave me even more of a reason to panic when he decided to go take the ball away from Buffon Hennessey. That’s when I thought “He’s gonna mess it up.” But no, he scored! One nil to The Arsenal, we were all cheering, jumping around, chanting unnecessarily harsh taunts at the opposition fans such as “we pay your benefits!!!” etc.

Silence from the Wolves fans, still.

And that’s when The Emirates turned into complacency central. We created a few half-chances and Van Persie even proved that he didn’t need to pull his leg back cannon a shot towards goal from the edge of the box – which Peter Schmeichel Wayne Hennessey tipped past the post. Another half-chance came when Van Persie was brought down on the edge of the Wanderer’ box, but Arteta decided it would be a good idea to dink the ball into the arms of Hennessey. The Wolves fans were still silent, and that’s when me and the rest of the fans in my section started chanting “WE FORGOT, WE FORGOT, WE FORGOT THAT YOU WERE HERE! WE FORGOT THAT YOU WERE HEEEEEEERE!!!”

Ten seconds later we concede a corner and eventually, a goal (good header from Fletcher, though). 

Now I can hear the Wolves fans, and for the last six or seven minutes Wolves pushed and pushed, and their fans sang and sang. I wouldn’t say the game was turned on its head as the half drew to a close, but it had changed in Wolves’ favour, until about a minute towards the end we seemed to be hurrying the ball forwards, as if there were seconds of the second half. Half time, Wolves fans fell silent again.

The second half kicked off and we looked the stronger side throughout the half, apparently Tommy V got booked in the midst of all the havoc we were causing their defence – must have missed it. My excuse for missing the booking is as follows: There was a fat ginger Wolves fan looking at me, had to double check he wasn’t cursed or something. We had a couple of penalty shouts, both of which I participated in, neither of which I saw.

Throughout the game I noticed several things:

1)      Van Persie snatched at a lot of his chances, a bad day at the office is bound to occur, even to the best striker in Europe, but can we really allow that with cabbages like Chamakh and Park in reserve? No. Spend some money.

2)      Yossi Benayoun is a fighter, I like that. We need more players like him, just younger and more talented (not saying he lacks talent, but we can afford better). Spend some money, and buy Yossi before his loan runs out.

3)      Arshavin and Chamakh’s introduction had about as much effect on the game as I did singing (and swearing in frustration) from the other end of the stadium. Replace them, to do that, you need to spend some money.

4)      Wolves’ players and fans lack etiquette. Not as bad as Stoke Rugby Club, but still.

5)      Arsenal fans are hilarious but very cruel, singing “WE PAY YOUR BENEFITS” to the Wolves fans. I get EMA, so everyone contributes to my benefits. I’ll bare that in mind next time I chant that at a poor person.

6)      Djourou thinks he can take it past whoever he likes, when he really can’t. He is no adequate replacement for Sagna and to be fair, neither is Jenkinson. Spend some money.

7)      Vermaelen was brilliant at left-back, but he’s sensational at centre-back. We need cover for Santos. Spend some money, and sell injury-prone Gibbs whilst you’re at it, Arsene.

8)      Wayne Hennessey decided to emulate some of the greatest ever goalkeepers.

This is slowly becoming tedious so I’ll cut a long story short. We drew a game we needed to win, we waste more chances than we create, our fans are better than Wolves’ fans. Arshavin is shit. Chamakh is worse. Djourou is cocky and has silly hair. So what next for The Gunners, with Robin in need of a rest, but three goals away from breaking a record, what’s Arsene gonna do? But more importantly, how will the team perform against QPR on Saturday?

Oh and on the journey home I saw a man wearing boots with ski-socks poking out, his trousers were tucked into his ski-socks. He was not wearing an Arsenal shirt, thankfully.

Follow me on Twitter: @MylesBurrell – tweet me your thoughts on this post, or leave a comment below.

Faith

After all the news and worry about players Arsenal football club could sign,it would now appear our lasminute.com players have started too look real quality buys.
I will be the first to say that Mertersacker has made some mistakes but at least he provides strong competition for places in the back four,
Gerviniho is starting too look a great buy he still needs time and appears to be a touch or two away from becoming a great player;his positioning and movement on and off the ball is great,he looks like he understands the "Arsenal Way" to play football.
We look now to have real depth in places all over the pitch,
Arteta, I believe has helped ramsey develop more as a playermand our hero Jack Wilshere looks like he is itching to play with this team,we all know that RVP is loving football with the current squad it would appear that the recent additions to the squad have breathed some life into our dutch super star!
Yet people still seem too think we need more talent the truth is can you really ever have to much talent? I guess the answer is no.
But given the summer, to much talent is a curse at Arsenal,it means your time in the red side of london is nearing its end,and a big money move is around the corner!
I don't think our dutch superstar is considering a move away just yet,instead I would think he is praying every night to stay fit for the Arsenal.
If Arsenal were to recruit more talent then the names we have already been linked with would be great additions to our squad,I don't think we are as desperate as the papers like to make out for a "top signing",are we?
Already this season "top"players have shown very poor form for heavy investments,when the fact is on a shoe string budget Wenger has bought players that are putting in great performances,it feels like we have genuine match winners on the pitch now,and with Diaby coming back to the squad, we suddenly have more depth in midfield.
There are a lot of Diaby haters out there,and I hear you,but if the guy stay's fit,he could turn out to be some player,would you dare doubt Le Boss?? For me if AW rates him he is a talent.
Things are really looking up for the Gunners,yes there is a lot of football to be played,but 5 games into this season where did you see us?the staff have really turned it around,
The only bad news has been talk of Le Boss moving on,I feel this is a topic for another blog,but in this writers opinion.....off where??what huge team would want a guy who doesn't spend big,and isn't used to mega stars in the dressing room?!I think AW and Arsenal are a match made in heaven,the future is looking good,start getting your hopes up Gooners!!!
Ryan (@Ryanvr46 )

Arsenal Player Ratings vs Norwich

Arsenal Player Ratings vs Norwich

Szczesny- 6
Koscielny-7
Mertesacker- 6
Vermaelen- 7.5
Santos- 7
Ramsey-7.5
Arteta- 7.5
Song-6
Walcott-9
v.Persie- 9
Gervinho-6.5

Pessimistic Gooners

Pessimistic Gooners
Why does it seem so hard to write about our great club when things are going well?

We are in a great run of form; RVP has for me made it clear he is a gunner to the soul ,Tommy V is back and LK looks awesome and suddenly all Wengers talk at the beginning of the season about having to many good CB is starting to ring true.
LE BOSS has done it again tricked us all we have suddenly depth in most positions and still our super star JW is out.  (he should start training again Mid-December.)

Yet I sit here and none of these facts stick in my mind no for me all that sticks out is why did silent Stan go to the training ground to see the players? and what did he say?
Being totally honest with you, I miss the days when the only names of people related to the club that fans knew were 11 players, a few subs and the manager.
Since that easy jet flight over Chelsea and the dopey looking russian buying Chelsea from a bird’s eye view, It seems everyone is interested in who runs the club, who pays the bills, who decides on a revenue stream and who makes the tea!

This has become the norm so much that it often dominates the sports headlines more than the results in fact I'm starting to think that the result is the last bit of news behind, the owner, who slept with who and the reaction when he was substituted etc!

For me the best owners for a football club are the ones no one knows, the ones who keep their mouth shut and pay the bills. I know "silent Stan" isn't our owner, but he is as good as ,yet even being silent has landed him in trouble with us,

It’s a funny old world they always say in a way I feel for Stan it can't be easy. I mean sure we make him more money than any other investment he has made in the world of sport and yes we complain about high prices but we haven't given him the right to remain silent.

What worries me most though is still the idea of him turning up to the training ground some have said maybe he was saying hello, some say he was showing he cares, but surely if he cares he would talk to us the fans? Just to give us some idea that he understands what we are going through, I would even settle for some cheesy Hollywood line like "we are all in this together" or anything!
For me none of the above fit, I feel it was all a publicity stunt the timing for me was to "american" it was too "the press are there,you best be"  maybe we have all got it wrong, but for me it feels like a takeover like the final slap in the face for Usamov and Dein.
Stan turning up too mark his territory showing he can go anywhere and that the players are his/
This is the news that all us pessimistic gooners have been waiting for finally something to worry about!

Ryan.

Arsenal Player Ratings vs West Brom

Arsenal Player Ratings vs W.B.A

Szczesny- 6.5
Jenkinson- 7.5
Koscielny-7
Vermaelen- 8
Santos- 6.5
Ramsey-7.5
Arteta- 7.5
Song-7.5
Walcott-6.5
v.Persie- 9
Gervinho-6.5

MATCH PREVIEW vs MARSEILLE [h].

Please excuse any and all spelling/grammar errors because I used GoogleDocs for this (to try it out) and the dictionary didn’t even have the word “preview” in it.

Let us reflect on the Chelsea game for a few seconds... Wow. That’s all that can be said. Now I wasn’t fortunate enough to attend the game OR see it on television, but from a 3-5 scoreline (and highlights) you can’t say the fixture wasn’t exciting. A Robin van Persie hattrick, a goal from a André Santos (disappointing in the first half) , and an impressive display (and a goal) from Walcott amounted to a very VERY important three points for The Arsenal.

The question is: do we look to rest players for the Marseille game and focus on getting back into the top four in the league (vs West Brom on Saturday), or do we try and go out for the win against Marseille? Resting the Dutch master for this game would be foolish, a seasoned striker like him would do well against a team like Marseille, and with Chamakh not being the sharpest tool, starting Van Persie seems fitting. However, with Park showing us how fantastic he is against Bolton, will he be started alongside RVP in a 4-4-2? Or will he be saved for the West Brom fixture on Saturday? It’s hard to tell with Wenger’s faffing around with selections (especially Park).

Marseille, as we know, are a very strong side. They have achieved four domestic wins and two draws (out of a possible six) in October alone. We need to keep our feet on the ground for Tuesday and not get too carried away with the Chelsea result. But can you blame us if we do? Yes, there is absolutely no room for complacency at this stage, especially as we are just getting back into our stride with eight wins in our last nine games.

Key man for Arsenal: Robin van Persie (for obvious reasons), providing he isn’t rested, otherwise it’s the ever-present Aaron Ramsey who has been instrumental for us this season in the middle of the park.


Surprise package for Arsenal (if he comes on or is actually picked): Park Chu-Yung, I honestly believe that his inclusion in the starting-eleven will add some extra depth and ruthlessness to the side, something that Chamakh cannot offer, especially on the European stage.

Danger man: It would be foolish not highlight the the threat of Loic Remy against our - let’s face it - vulnerable defence. That being said, Vermaelen is due back and I’m sure Wenger will have a thing or two to say about the defending against Chelsea in the first half. The French striker has scored a mediocre 12 games, 5 goals, the most recent goal coming during Marseille’s most recent fixture - a 3:2 win away from home against a struggling yet resilient Dijon [mustard]. - sorry

I think Marseille will look to apply the pace and technique of their wingers against our not so great full-backs, André Ayew (not to be confused with teammate, and brother, Jordan Ayew) will be giving both our full-backs (presumably Santos and Jenkinson) a run for their money - I can see him switching flanks, as he is almost ambidextrous.
Us on the other hand? I think the use of our spine (Vermaelen, Song and RVP) + Ramsey is our key [well pointed out by @WengerBoy1]. If we keep the ball down the middle, with Ramsey being the creative hub, we can slice open the likes of Diawara, M’Bia and N’Koulou - depending on the starting partnership Monsieur Deschamps picks.

Predicted Arsenal line-up:

Szczesny

Jenkinson - Koscielny - Vermaelen - Santos

Arteta - Song - Ramsey

Walcott - RVP - Arshavin.

I am aware that I did mention earlier how I’d like to see Park alongside RVP and I do think he’ll play second half, as well as being the surprise package. I am also aware that this squad is the bulk of the weekend’s Chelsea-bashers. These boys’ll have enough in the tank.

This could all be wrong, by the way. I don’t see the point in predicting Marseille’s squad because:
1) Deschamps is weird.
2) I don’t know much about Marseille apart from the fact that they’re good.
3) Who gives a shit? We’ve come to see The Arsenal.

That’s about it.

Follow me on Twitter (@MylesBurrell) because, as sad as it is, that’s the best way to contact me because I spend most of my time there.

Out.

Arsenal Player Ratings vs Chelsea

Player Ratings

 Szezesney- 7- Solid as always and can’t be blamed for any of the goals however did run out rashly and brought down Ashley Cole (High Five)

Djourou- 5.5- Had problems with A.Cole despite improving in the second half he was subsititued for young Carl Jenkinson.

Metresacker-5- Very Disappointing for both Lampard’s and Terry’s goals, however did make a couple of good interceptions.

Koscielny-8.5- Didn’t do much wrong and got us out of trouble multiple times. By far the best defender on the pitch today. I reckon him and Vermaelen should be out CB pairing for the majority of games. Outstanding.

Santos-6.5- Had an odd game he looked slow in the first half and couldn’t deal with Sturridge on the other hand he took his goal well which seemed to give him a whole new leg of life.

Arteta-6.5- Quiet in the first half but kept us going in the second with some intricate passes topped off with a assist for Van Persie’s 3^rd.

Song-7- Had Mata in his pocket despite a slow start.

Ramsey-8.5- Before the game on Tuesday I got his name on the back of my shirt a lot of people said why him? He answered that today with good runs and passes into the box. Dare I say but almost Cesc like.

Gervinho-7.5- Missed a sitter early on however his skills caused Chelsea’s defence problems and also assisted both Van Persie and Santos.

Walcott-8- Won the battle vs Cole, created chances and scored a cracking goal. More of the same needed.

Robin Van Persie-9(MOTM)- Captain Vantastic, Hat-trick Hero, 28^th in 27 now. Need I say more?

Subs

Jenkinson-6.5- Put on a decent shift. Vermaelam – N/A (Came on 88^th min) ,Rosiscky- 6- Had little time but made some neat passes.
OVERALL (TEAM): We showed great skill and Character however defence STILL needs work.

Please leave a comment or tweet us your match ratings.
Luke (@Arsenal_RTS)

A Game Of 2 Halves

"Enough is enough"- Gary Neville these are the words from our once great enemy, a man I'm sure we have all hated and shouted at the TV when he played. Yet even he has become so upset with our defence he can no longer watch.

Welcome to the club Gary!

It seems that everyone has had enough of watching our once great defending become a joke. This is because we are most people's "second" team, we are loved by so many neutrals because we play the game as it is meant to be played. (Well we used too!)

Part of attacking is defending anyone with a basic knowledge of the game knows that there is no point in scoring 5 goals to concede 6 and it’s better to concede 0 and score 1.

At Chelsea once again our defensive problems were all too clear Chelsea got down our flanks at us leaving Santos and Djourou with bewildered looks on the faces, Mertesacker's 6.5ft height didn't help him in a single aerial battle as his positioning meant he may as well have been 4ft.

To be honest this isn't about individuals, the problem is much deeper, it is a fundamental basics that no longer exist in the way we play, it is a huge problem that threatens to destroy all the hard work AW has done to get our team attacking; we as "sofa managers" can all see the problems our line, our man marking which have been shocking and worthy of criticism from all in football,we as Gooners have taken this criticism very well without much reply.

However what isn’t deserved to be criticised is our clubs honour, our captains honour, and the outstanding record our great manger has at OUR glorious club, that we as LOYAL Gooners  can no longer take.

That was proved today at Chelsea, I appreciate you all couldn't be there in person, but as a club, Arsenal football club heard you all today, we proved to all the "haters" that what is left at our club after a mist players leaving, unexpected injuries is a never say die attitude to the way the game should be played.

Finally we can look at our players and see the pride they have in our Gunners and what guns! Guns that today sank a Chelsea ship that at home have looked unsinkable! Today we played the Arsenal way in the second half our movement and ball control was sublime, our patience in our football unshakable.

We played in triangles, we played with pace, in the second half our defence was strong, diving in front of fierce shots from Juan Mata (who choose the wrong club) just for the badge ,just for the club ,just for you!

They showed guts today and also showing why this team, like all great Arsenal teams of the past, don't know when there beat!

I could write for hours about individual players and about the beauty of our game today but I will leave that to better men then me I'm just a humble Arsenal fan who feels blessed to have witnessed the beginning of our charge to the top.

Today we played and defended as a team, we worked as a unit, we left it all on the pitch, today our 11 men fired our cannons with pride and passion, thanks Arsene, thanks lads, forward together!
Ryan

The 'Arsenal' Way

In the last ten years of world football there has been a shift in how the beautiful game is played.

Most people have used the term the "Arsenal" way this means triangles of players inter changing and moving forward using space in between the opposing midfield and defending lines. Using anything from four or ten passes to counter attack with blistering speed and a ruthless cutting edge going forward and looking for goals no matter the score.

If as the defending team you were lucky enough to survive this onslaught, you would be hounded by 11 men until the ball was stripped from you again. This is now the Barcelona way and it is truly the way football should be played,
This style of play relied on 10 outfield players of a certain standard; all had to have a football brain and to know their jobs in an out,

As well as individual skill it required discipline from all members of the team and a mindset ingrained in Arsenal football club however a lot has changed since that infamous team of 2005 and 2006,I am aware that we have lost some great players over the years and no more recent then this season,

But I fear more than that we have lost a mindset that defined our club, Barcelona have some great players but they don't have 11 great players they have a mindset that if you pull the Barcelona shirt on you play a certain way.

For all our talk of them being pre maidens, do you know another team that work as hard in 90minutes of football?
My point is that you don't need 11 great players but you do need a team willing to work its heart out, willing to leave it all on the pitch, to play for the shirt because they understand what it means to be wearing it.
The Arsenal team we have now seem to have lost their way we no longer play with the triangles going forward and we no longer get from box to box in 5 passes,

During the recent Marseille game we had a huge gap between our midfield and our attackers, meaning   Song and Arteta had to force passes through the lines that  weren't even there also when the players looked for options there seemed to be little options for the player on the ball.

This is not down to personal missing but down to a mindset that is no longer at Arsenal FC. Wenger and the coaching staff need to get the dressing room back, they need to get the players back playing the Arsenal way and we as fans deserve to see the beautiful game played the right way.

Ryan

Team Positive.

Team Positive
With Arsenal now climbing to the great heights of 7^th in the Premier League there are plenty of reason to be positive. I have written about just 3 of these.

Good Form
Apart from the afternoon at White Hart Lane our form has been respectable since the Shrewsbury match, the performances may have not been the best but 3 points is 3 points. So the run (apart from Sp*rs) now goes back to the Shrewsbury home game in the Carling Cup, the result isn’t to significant but the fact our last match in the competition was the Final which started our ‘Slump’ is. After almost half a year our ‘Carling Hangover’ was over something which in my opinion was worse than missing out on the trophy itself. With Chelsea next week I can’t see why we can’t pick up a point of three.

Our Squad

Our squad isn’t as good as it could be however we do have World Class players and other good players  in it unfortunately the majority are injured and when they come back the team will be even stronger especially if Wenger  also dips into the January transfer market.  

Position in the league

We are now only 2 points behind Liverpool, 3 behind Tottenham (they have a game in hand) and 6 behind 3^rd & 4^th place Newcastle & Chelsea. After playing only 9 games and form we have been and dare I say it players we lost isn’t as bad as the Media have made it have been and finishing 4^th now looks much more Realistic.

Between now and the end of the season their will up’s and downs but one thing is for sure their is Only One Arsenal.

Luke

Finance Vs Trophies

Finance Vs Trophies

The time has come in the season to weigh up our ambition for the year and look deep into our squad of players and see if we believe in them enough to match our aim.

Historically not a year has passed since 2005 that a section of arsenal fans haven't questioned the once unquestionable professor on his ability to buy the right players, to spend the right money so we can finally win back some pride this until now has been a small section of the fans.

Fans that didn't remember how bad things were before "Le Boss" turned up at our club we had a side that was unprepared for the change in the way football was going to be played ,back then Wenger had seen the future and he knew what type of players were needed to compete at the highest level.

Then in came Dennis and Co and the rest was History.

Te arrival off Wenger also changed things off the pitch as he insured that like NO other club in the world our club is safe for generations, he has insured that the crazy weekly wage some teams pay didn't happen at Arsenal and that players played for the love of the game and the club not for how many Ferrari’s they could buy.

Wenger has seen our club through its biggest transition this is the move from Highbury too the Emirates, one of the best modern stadiums in the football world.

Somehow while achieving all this we have won league titles and Domestic Cups and only the Champions League has escaped us, we have always finished within the holly top 4 and never once really looked like being outside it. He (Wenger) has bought to our team some outstanding players and these players have changed the game of football. Our club still stands in great shape despite all our rivals needing to sell their clubs soul s something we have always firmly had. We are the 3rd highest valued club in the world, were we to sell, it would be for around £1.7BN which is remarkable given our clubs once very humble beginnings 125 years ago.

Yet the cry from fans will always has been that we haven't won anything, the fact our club is the ONLY football club in the top flight in Europe that aren't in debt isn't important, the fact that we have morals on how much a player should take home each week is also seen as irrelevant.

So would you as an Arsenal fan be happier in debt? And having won a trophy or Two? Knowing that a change in the stock market could sink 12 5years of history overnight? Also in our league like no other in Europe money doesn't equal trophies. Clubs have spent hundreds of millions just to be satisfied with a top four finish!

Yes there is a half way point between heavy spending and success and Little spending and little success. I want to see top players win every competition we are in.

However if you were "Le Boss" having seen clubs crumpled and crippled by debt having won nothing having spent 15 years being frugal with money and still finding world class players, would you be so keen to quickly blow £71M?

Please feel free to leave a comment with your view.

Ryan- (@Ryanvr46)

Welcome

Hello and Welcome to the Only 1 Arsenal blog!

We hope you enjoy our pieces about the mighty Gunners, We welcome feedback which you can do through twitter (@OnlyOneArsenal) or on email only1arsenalblog@gmail.com

So who writes for us at the moment ?
The only two writers are me Luke (Twitter: @Arsenal_RTs) and Ryan (Twitter- @Ryanvr46). You can see more about us in the 'about us' page. We also hope to announce a new writer soon!
The opening piece is called 'Finance vs Trophies

If you have any inquiries please just tweet or email is we all appreciate feedback. We hope you like the blog.