Gooner Spy

Once, in Meelan. You're not suggesting a collapse of Samson-esque proportions are you?

I think, on his day, there aren't many harder players to play against than him. His work rate is tremendous, always, but as you guys know with Kuyt, work rate isnt enough in a forward in a top team. I think he has loads of strengths, and will continue to improve, but, honestly, I can't see him ever quite reaching that Rooney-Torres-van Nistelrooy level of excellence required in a top team. Now if Van Persie wasnt made of a mix between Balsa Wood and blu tak, he would have that x-factor!

Although he doesnt play in a designated defensive position, don't underestimate his ability to play that role. Ask Pirlo, Gattuso and Seedorf!

I don't think he is, but I think he will be before long.

I could live with that

What do you think of Babel? Seems to be no middle ground in terms of peoples opinions. Some people think he is gonna be world class, if I was being honest, I have seen very little from him. Am I wrong. And re your point above, surely Crouch will start against us - he is the new Robbie Fowler against us!

Thought it was an extremely dangerous tackle. He can't have thought he was out on his own with nobody near him. I honestly dont think the reaction changed the decision, although the injury may have done. And although punishment should not be decided by injury, if the ref wasn't sure exactly what had happened, and then got closer and say that one of the 2 standing players had sustained a gash to the temple, I think he is entitled to look at that and think that it was sufficiently dangerous to warrant a red card.

2.49min is one of the best things i've ever seen in Football.

Didnt having studs up 5 foot in the air, causing a 6 inch gash to a players temple get Mido sent off?

That's where we have (and have done for years) fallen behind in the creativity front. Pennant, Yossi, Kewell and Kuyt are not adequate wide men, not even close. With a 3 man midfield, I always though it was decent all round full backs you needed rather than out-and out-wingers. We are lucky to have 2 of the best, equally happy bombing forward as defending. That and an equally good foil (sp?) for Torres, who is simply amazing. A 20 yr old Michael Owen along Torres would have me soiling myself ahead of the CL QF!

Fair enough, although from what I've seen of Liverpool, which I acknowledge is far less than you will have seen (excluding the last month or so), his creativity is something that would have benefitted you in some games. MAscherano is a World Class 'spoiler' (I dont mean that word to sell him short), Gerrard is simply World Class, but who is the third? If its Alonso (who I really like btw), I would take Fabregas over him because of the player he will surely become.

I think the dislike of Fabregas is the same kind of thing as Ronaldo at the Mancs, Savage everywhere, Jens Lehman with us, Teddy Sheringham everywhere - we love him to bits for exactly the same reasons that other fans detest him. In Cesc's case, its the sheer passion, and the absolute refusal to give up until the game is over that I love, and that can spill over to the point where he goes OTT. I can understand how other may not be keen, but I certainly wouldnt put him in the club. He's just a fantastically gifted footballer who hates to lose. And lets be honest, wouldn't you have him?

That's half the amount Lucas has for Brazil... Just to put it in perspective. Blimey, pedantry is the order of the day here!

Couple of times, not regularly yet.

Be my guest...verify to your hearts content.

That's as may be, but without getting into juvenile debate, I have a home and away season ticket for L'a***, and what you are saying just isnt true. I'm not sure what point youre making really - Wenger found him, got him, played him, and developed him into a good player. Does he not deserve credit for this? Surprised by the Walcott remarks, though I agree, definiely needs to be up front more. Bit like Babel fopr you I feel.

MAte, trust me, he had a brief run (in our CL Final season) at left back as Cole and Clichy were injured, came out that summer and said he didnt want to be seen as a full back, didnt figure much last season as Gilberto and Fabregas were doing well, and was injured. Before the CL run, and since he has always been a CM. Out of interest, what on earth has Theo Walcott done to be in the c*** Club?

That just isn't true. He has played maybe 2/3 games at right back, played about 3 months at left back, as there was literally no alternative, and has absolutely never played centre back. The though terrifies me! We was bought as a CM, and has played roughly 90% of his football there since. Like no other manager has done this? Compare net spends with his peers, and I think Wenger comes out pretty much exonerated for his transfer activity over the years, no? This is a bizarre thread. Flamini has never struck me as snide, or anything other than a hard working, hones player. And its not that I am unable to see the fault in Arsenal players - I can happily state that there is no bigger c*** playing football in England than Eboue at the moment.

On today's evidence, highly doubtful.

That simply isn't just a mistimed tackle.

So he got a three match ban, and we all went on our merry way. Same this season. Surely now is the time to draw a line and say this cant go on?

So, at best, is this not an opportunity for a watershed - this has been coming, and all the tosspieces who bemoaned this becoming a non contact sport, i hope they are happy now. We live in a football world where players simply do not respect eachother like before, and this simply needs to be stopped before Eduardo is given a rehabillitation partner

But there is the world of difference between a tough tackle and a downright malicious one. It's way too easy to play the 'distraught' card, and walk away from it. Its preposterous that this guy will be back playing in 2 weeks time after what he did today.

Apparently, though I havent heard it myself, some 'expert' on the BBC reckoned that Eduard was 'trying to be too clever' on the ball. Bloody hell.

He's not distraught.