Anyway, on to other matters. Sheffield United have
won an independent tribunal against West Ham over that Tevez business. It seems that the Blunts are owed some compensation, and the sum of £30 million has been bandied about. Cripes.
I posted the link 6 hours previous however mine was quite veiled.
I just got back from the Emirates where I had the pleasure of Arsenal destroy Sheffield Utd 6-0!
Carlos Vela scored a fabulous hattrick but Jack Wilshire was involved in everything, superb
That chip was brilliant, in fact everything about that goal was world class.
Anyone seen Emanuel Pogatetz's lunge on Rodrigo Possebon? The lad should be banned for life even if it's just for contesting the fact he was sent off. Disgusting.
Arsenal were a bit good as well, my, my.
Banned for life is a bit far perhaps. I watched it about 6 times now and yes it was a reckless challenge however if the FA aren't going to hand out a life time ban for the
Tatcher tackle (used in the loosest term) or Joey Barton then I can't really see how it is warranted. Over the history of football there have been many worse tackles than that, an extended ban is called for yes.
Yes, but no - Arsene does invest in the academy and that is certainly where the likes of Wilshere are coming from - but he also buys very promising younsters that others have overlooked, who are ready in a year or so. van Persie came for £2 million, and within a season looked top class. Viera came when Arsene came, and immediately looked brilliant. I'm not sure if I've explained it that well - it's that eye for talent that is very nearly there that Wenger has, along with the young development programme.
The difference is the time scales involved Benitez needs semi instant results where as Wenger has almost got himself unsackable. Benitez has bought a lot of young talent who are coming through the ranks, admitedly they aren't as young as Arsenals but still to insuate that this is not happening at Liverpool is a bit far.
It is much debated between Arsenal fans whether Arsene has the money to spend on big name players. Chairman PHW says he does.. but there are other comments, rumours and sources which claim he doesn't. Truth is, no one really knows whether he has to operate on such a tight budget or whether he chooses to. My opinion is that he has probably a maximum of £20 million he could spend on a player.. probably £20 million he could spend in a transfer window. But he doesn't want to stifle out the incredibly promising youth coming through. I agree to a certain extent, but I do think strengthening was needed this summer in midfield and defence.
If he has 20 million to spend on a player he could easily sell 1 or 2 more players to make that 30+ million. Look at Liverpool selling off Sissoko, Finnan, Crouch, Carson, Gutherie, Riise, trying to get rid of Alonso to buy Barry (glad that didn't go through). With those players being sold it is about 70 million (with the added 20 from the initial fund).
People think Liverpool have spent big since the new owners have come through and yes they have spent more than they usually do but all in all the outlay hasn't been all that high. Wenger could easily do the same.
There are also players that are coming up such as El Zhar, Plessis, Ngog, Mendy, Flora to name a few. The success rate of making into the first team is certainly not as high as Arsenal but if they can be feed out to other Premiership teams ala Gutherie and make the club money with some making it through then that is a good start. These things takes years to mature and that is something Wenger has had. Yes he has done very well with the youth squad and it is high strongest point and something that every Arsenal fan should be proud of but I feel that he is valuing it too high and this is ultimately costing the club trophies.
Yeah, I saw the squad - and recommend anyone who hasn't yet seen them to watch the goals. Carlos Vela looks pretty special, brilliant touch, speed and finish.
I only saw the brief highlights shown on a certain football related youtube but he looks like he will be world class.
Hmm... I wonder if a player who breaks the leg of a Manchester United star will be treated as leniently as one who breaks the leg of a Hull City player?
I await the League's verdict with interest.
He didn't break his leg
Possebon, 19, was taken to hospital after the challenge in Manchester United's 3-1 Carling Cup win but has not broken his leg as was first feared.
And in fact he was going for the ball, albeit recklessly, where as Gutherie wasn't.
