By Ian Grant
Dudek
Chris Wood
For the life of me, I can not understand why we missed the chance to sighn dudek, saving one and a half million in the process. Was it because wright is english? had we signed dudek we would be six points clear at the top !
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Dudek was from Feyonoord not PSV.
Tony C
Dear M. Palmer
Just a quick correction for you latest article….It wasnt PSV but Feyonoord….
Thanks…love your articles and your book…keep it up.
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Anelka and the book
Mark Burland
Firstly, in your latest article, why did you devote most of the piece to Anelka and then say you don’t want to write about him until 2022?
Secondly, I’d just like to sum up what I and many of my fellow readers feel, since the success of your book:
“And I’ve had appreciative messages from Brazil and LA this week, which is nice. Global game, global club, global book….global ego.”
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Recoba and Man U
Personally, I think that Recoba is one of the most potentaly talented players in the world and is a big threat to Arsenal if man u get him.
What do you think of Recoba?
Do you think that he could have an impact in english football? Do you think that Recoba might go to arsenal?
Do you think that Recoba would fit in at arsenal?
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Freddie’s first touch
Simon
Someone should tell Ljungberg never to control the ball when he gets a scoring opportunity.
When was the last time he scored after more than one touch?
If you could you wait to tell him until after the Premier League season so he’ll score more for Sweden and less for Arsenal I’d be very pleased.
Swedish Liverpool-fan
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Away form
Paul Ablett
I have theory that our away form is good because the players don’t hear much from the crowd at home unless either they score or the away supporters start singing. This puts pressure on the team to impress us and get the party started.
Away they don’t hear as much Gooner noise yet the travelling fans are probably more vocal than at home.
As a regular to the North Bank, I am dissappointed when the ‘library’ effect takes over the crowd. If you try to start a song, people look at you as if you are odd.
I have worked out that the usual song motivators don’t go to the Sunday Sky games but probably go to the pub to watch it.
Consequently you end up with a ‘tourist’ crowd who see one or two games a season and wouldn’t be seen dead singing unless there were at least 20 others already in song.
Even the Clock End is silent these days and there is little banter between the two ends.
In fact Viera’s song was almost unheard of at the Liverpool game (mind he had a crap game).
WE HAVE TO SING UP TO GET THOSE HOME RESULTS ROLLING..
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Vieira
Tom Dennerly
In light of his recent performances, do you think that Patrick Vieira has lost some of his will to play for the Gunners and is instead merely killing time until a move to a big Spanish or Italian club in light of his recent performances, or do you still feel that Vieira will remain after this season, if we pick up some silverware?
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Why Man Utd, and not Arsenal will triumph in May
Justin Granshaw
Dear Myles,
I am a lifelong Arsenal fan and have been attending matches for the last 23 years. (I won’t tell you my age.?!!)
I have been reading your comments, articles and reviews for some time now with interest. Most of what you write is sensible thinking and makes good reading for any true Arsenal or football fan. This is the first time I have actually got round to writing an e-mail to you, and hope it won’t be the last.
Anyway, on with my points.
Firstly, regarding the goalkeepers you are right. Taylor is a good keeper, especially for his age, but he just does not have the experience or presence for us to win the League. He also tends to dither with choices at crucial moments, such as the Riise goal yesterday. He is a good goalkeeper, but not a great goalkeeper, and great keepers like Schmeichel and Seaman are the ones that will help you win titles.
My next point is our strength in depth. Yes we do have it, but unfortunately not with players like Grimandi, Stepanovs and Luzhny. Grimandi will never be good enough to partner Vieira in the centre of midfield. He was a good utility player for us about 2/3 years ago, but that’s as good as it gets. Vieira is a defensive midfielder and needs an attacking creative partner. Grimandi does not show enough urgency, and when playing with Vieira, we are much too deep and defensive with both of them. Parlour would be my first choice and Van Bronckhorst second, but why do we buy someone like Edu, and when an opportunity arises we don’t give him a chance.? He should have played yesterday instead of Grimandi. If you are to get a chance, it shouldn’t matter whether it is against Derby or Liverpool, because if you are a good enough player, you should be expected to face anyone.
My point is, would you find Grimandi in any recent Man Utd squad, being picked above Scholes, Butt or Chadwick.? I wouldn’t have thought so.
Finally on to my last point, the strikers. I think with a fully fit team to select from, we are the best footballing side in the country. But we are in grave danger of being the best football team not to win anything other than our double. Our build up play is quick, intelligent and beautiful to watch, and I’ve never seen any other Arsenal side play under a different manager as well as we have under Wenger. But at the end of every great idea must be a product, and we certainly do not seem to be able to produce the goals that would lead to dominance.
We create so many chances in every match, but our goals to shots ratio must be amongst the worst. We certainly need Jeffers in the side, or a goal poacher in order to take advantage of these chances. Ljungberg does it for us very well, but we can’t keep expecting a wide midfielder to be in the 6 yard box every time we break forward. Ian Wright would have been in heaven playing for this team, and I really do think we have missed out by not signing Van Nistelroy. I really think this is the one final piece of the jigsaw that’s been missing, and if Jeffers is the one to fill it, then I can see us winning something.
Otherwise, I’m afraid the title is going to Old Trafford once again.
Keep up the good writing.
Justin.
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Isaac Esho
Your reporton the Liverpool Game
I was very interested in your report on the Liverpool home game because i feel that you normally get it right when you analyse arsenal games. but i felt that you were very harsh on Stuart Taylour with regards to the the Riise goal.
In the main I feel that although Taylour made a mistake Luhzny was also culpable. if you look at the goal again you would notice that Luhzny was clearly ball watching when Gerrad hit the pass and hence giving Riise those vital head start.
I do believe that if Lauren was playing he would have caught riise because he has that basic speed.
Continue doing the good work and I continue to look forward to reading your interesting articles.
Isaac
PS I agree with your assertions that we missed Parlour and in particular Ashley Cole.
Very positive about our chances on Sunday at Leeds
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T Joseph
ferguson and cole
Love your site, Myles.
Do you think we will try to get Ferguson of Rangers, to go along with Cole, this summer? And do you think Arsene is at all interested in Carew’s availability? Didn’t he try twice before to get him? Also, do you think the smaller pitch at Highbury is making it easier for the opponents to defend against us, as we seem slower going forward than in the past?
T., St. Louis, MO, USA
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Andrew Rogers
Thanks and Stadium
As a Brit living in the US I really enjoy your stuff — makes me feel as if I’m living a little closer to Highbury. Thanks.
Question: Why are Arsenal only going for a 60,000 plus stadium? Wouldn’t they be better to go to 80,000 plus and become a truely world class stadium — interest in sports continues to grow, so I would think they could attract the crowds — maybe I should bring my American marketing skills to help them. Appreciate your writing.
Andrew
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mattnicholson
Luzhny, Grimandi etc home to Liverpool
Not sure whether Luzhny was simply outpaced by Riise or whether his frequent forays forward had slowed him down but I agree with the comments of Isaac – Taylor was possibly at fault but Luzny was the main culprit, left for dead. Mind you, Riise has a fair turn of Pace and it was a great run. Also, after having played cautiously AND patiently without coming close to catching fire it was very dissapointing to finish the 5 minutes of keep ball that followed the goal with a rash “lets leave spaces” at the back moment. No wonder Wenger looked so exasparated.
Grimandi…….. Much as I appreciate his effort and commitment he surely isn’t a good long term solution. The slow and ineffectual first few months of Van Bronkhursts Arsenal career have just further higlighted the fact that Wenger has never found a replacement for Petit. Carrick is surely worth trying to get (ahead of Cole.)
Parlour may not consistently pass the ball well but he covers so much ground defensively and against Liverpool his runs which so often create space for Pires, Henry et al were sorely missed. Grimandi just doesn’t contribute enough when Arsenal are in possesion although he is a useful player defensivley.
Also, I have seen Edu a couple of times (admittedly only the Worthington Cup Manure game and a couple of games on TV) but surely he should get a chance as he looks strong AND creative with great touch – when is he going to get a chance.
Still enjoying the columns, Myles – keep entertaining us!
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Jarek Grabowski
Strikers
Speaking about Strikers.
I completely agree that Ian Wright, Wright, Wright would love to play in the current team. But unfortunately his time as a footballer has gone. In the team right now we have only TH as a one who fit to the way the rest of the team play. Look at DB, NK, Wilt and Jeff. It doesn’t work. All of them should be sold, pennant bach and one more striker bought. Financially it will be great deal. I can advice you whom to buy.
Emmanuel Olisadebe. Nigerian born Polish guy. He is great with Ian Wright “eye” on the goal. He as a IW doesn’t see anything but the goal. He is even quicker than TH. He helped us to be first in Europe (excluding France) to qualify for the Word Cup.
Now he is i Greece in Panatinaykos, but unfortunately they play as Liverpool (shit game where even Pele wouldn’t fit).
My advice is to try him (I heart hat he can be avalible), in one week training with the rest of the team. I am sure AW can be impressed by Olisadebe.
Regards from Polish Gooner.
Jarek.
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Hi Miles,
This is the first mail I’ve written to you but after getting your book for Christmas and being an ANR subscriber for over a year now, I must tell you how excellent I think your and Ian’s site is.
I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Professor’ and look forward to a new ANR subject each day.
Your approach is refreshingly different and your insightfulness top class.
Recently, you mentioned that Joe Cole will be at Highbury next season!! Now, while I was delighted to hear this news, I was nonetheless very surprised with it.
I found it difficult to see West Ham selling one of their most
prized assets especially after selling Lampard last summer. Can you comment on this please as I believe the Upton Park’s faithful’s loss would most certainly be all Gooners gain.
Keep up the good work,
Best wishes,
Ken.
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Mike Graham
Mark van Bommel & Vieira
“VAN THE MAN FOR GUNNERS?
The day after Real Madrid confirmed they’d love to buy Patrick Vieira, Planetfootball claims Arsenal are eyeing up PSV Eindhoven and Holland midfielder Mark van Bommel as a possible replacement for their French ace.
Van Bommel, who scored a corking goal against England at White Hart Lane in August, is under contract at PSV until 2005, the story continues, but a bid of around 15m – surely less than Vieira would fetch – could convince the Dutch side to sell.”
Just a rumor, what do you think?
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steve whittle
Its a long way for a draw!
along with 30 other gooners i live and work in poland and its rather cold out here -25 the other night plus snow and wind so a welcome regain your sanity trip to blighty with the bonus of us v the scousers seemed just the ticket
After 15 minutes of watching arsenal splutter without parlour bolstering up the right side and no cole or lauren to get forward i hoped that liverpool’s determination to achieve dullest team of the millenium would realise itself in one of our team doing something brilliant and winning 1-0
Pires was fantastic at times a one man team in one attack he steamed passed a midfielder beat two defenders crossed in the ball and yes as usual no one was in the box
The public and press in uk seem to blame pinnochio thompson as the clock sang to him but the fact houllier is off sick has nothing to do with it remember the cup final ? they were just more boring on sunday
On the way back to Warsaw I bumped in to Freddie Ljunberg on the Heathrow Express .
I asked him why he looked so drained in the second half.
He said they knew that the minute McCallister came on they would have to do twice as much running to try and break them down and this is why Pires got cramp.
He said that although he got round Dudek he was pushed so wide he could not meet the target. When asked about their goal and where Luhzny was, he subtly looked out of the window.
Anyway as I said we can still win it and he agreed that if we beat Leeds and Man U and do not slip up it’s there for the taking. What impressed me was his lack of arrogance and willingness to discuss the game with a fan and his confidence that we are the best.
We parted at terminal one. He could not believe they had fans in Poland and wished me well asking if we got to see all the games which we do. So a draw and a miserable day turned out ok after all.
Also can I say that this site is great for all us guys out here as it gives us access to a more intelligent football debate sadly lacking elsewhere
regards steve whittle
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Alfonso
WHAT WAS THAT ABOUT REAL ..??
Dear friends,
I simply want to make clear that Real intentions to sign Patrick Vieira are perfecly legitimate.
What’s wrong with wanting to sign good players?? As if Real would hesitate to pay sellers a high price. I do understand your let down with Vieria, if Raul or Hierro wanted to move, lets say to Juve or Man u I would feel the same (but I wonder why that’s not the case).
I do agree with you that if Vieira wants to move he should announce it in public, in a straightforward and sincere way…but please don’t blame Real for wanting to sign him.
Real, trust me, will be direct in the negotiations (in case they take place) with Arsenal, they will simply ask how much does Vieria cost and Vieria will have the final word.
I do invite Arsenal to come to Real, Barca, Deportivo or Valencia and do the same if it feels it needs to sign new players (money isn’t a problem for English clubs as far as I know..was it 15M for Shearer to move to Newcastle??).
I do not expect you to support Real but please show some respect, I think we deserved to be respected as a club, especially coming from a British person who most likely has heard about the memorable football that Real diplayed almost forty years ago in Glasgow against Eintracht Frankfurt in the European Cup Final.
Please don’t get me wrong, after having lived in England for six years, I am one of the greatest admirers of British football and British culture as a whole, and for this same reason I felt that replying to you would be worth it.
Yours,
Alfonso
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David Evans
Vieira
Myles
Agree 100% that Vieira should be dropped. I go to all the games, home and away, and I refuse to sing Vieira’s song and have done ever since last summer, unlike most Gooners. I just visualise him in a Man U shirt and it makes me sick… I’d sell him to Madrid now if the rumours are true that they’ll give us 50m.
What’s the point of playing someone who just doesn’t care? We could sign two really top quality players with 50m, players who’ll give 100pc…
Kind regards,
David Evans
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Peter Gasston
Patrick Vieira
Must disagree with your shocking attack on Vieira for being ‘disloyal’.
By joining in with the tabloid speculation about whether he goes or not, you are pandering – as the tabloids do – to the lowest common denominator.
Patrick Vieira has been supposedly leaving Arsenal for the last two seasons – for which you give explanations with no factual backing – but is still here, and is on record as saying he is completely happy.
All you are doing is speculating, the same as any tabloid, but you present it as fact. I think you ought to make more clear that your website is an opinion column, instead of claiming it to be a ‘News Review’.
Barrie Whipp
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PV4
50m?
Yes please Senor.
Best midfield player in the world? Nope.
No premiership goals in 2001, not the player he was, probably won’t displace McManaman at Real once they work him out.
Anelka 22m Henry 11m
Vieira 50m Davids 25m
We’ll pay cash for Ashburton at this rate
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Henry Moss
paddy v
dear myles
You are absolutely right about viera. this season he hasn’t played anything like he is capable of playing. i’m sure it’s to do with transfer distractions. it also affects the moral of the team.
Put him up for auction, no one is bigger than the afc, and let him regret his leaving as real ruins him and we go on to greater glories without him.
great web site.
henry
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Mike Adams
Vieira
a bit harsh on Vieria today … eh Myles???
Thought your piece today was a bit out of charachter for you … jumping on the media bandwagon … believing too many assumed facts.
I like almost everything you write on here .. but tonight your column reads like something from the Sun without the “Paddy ate by pet Frog” headline.
Why do none of the tabloids or spanish press not have any pictures??? wasn’t he there for 2 days if we are to believe the gutterpress??
Dissapointing … lets wait for the big man to speak … Wenger thinks its all rubbish and that’s enough for me … AW is a man of integrity!
MikeA
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Steve Phillips
Viera and Edu
Myles:
Your point about Viera playing a load of crap is right on. Regarding the Real Madrid trip last Friday, no player should be above his team, and he has no business negotiating next year’s contract while still in the middle of so many important games – EPL, FA Cup, Champions’ League. His mind should be on the job in hand. Sell him. Ask a lot.
The club could probably do with getting rid of his attitude. The money could buy virtually anybody. This all rather reminds me of the Anelka farce.
Regarding Edu, I’ve certainly not seen him play, and only have game reports to go on, but he sounds like a player that AW may have plans for.
They have certainly jumped through the hoops to get him there. They appear to be developing him slowly, letting him see the English game, and getting him up to the pace. He certainly won’t get the kind of time he’s probably used to in order to play the ball.
If he IS the next midfield playmaker, they’ll probably have to play someone hard with him.
Enjoying your writing. Keep it up.
Regards
Steve Phillips
Lifelong Gooner
Vancouver, Canada
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mark pinnes
principles…
Interesting, but reactionary….
Your piece on Vieira’s attitude is quite accurate, he’s not been up to scratch, he looks over the improving (and quite excellent Pires) and doesn’t match his commitment – he seems to have confused taking a back seat with restraint… It’s a bit strange, and a lot disappointing – he said in an article last week “Sometimes I don’t deserve the adulation I get.” He knows it too and isn’t ashamed to say it.
But AW is a creature of small moves, he won’t do anything rash – he never does. As for dropping his Captain for three games when he’s building a team to challenge for honours would be de-stabilising. I agree with your principles wholeheartedly, but they should deal with it internally – harshly, but internally. The man PV4 is a colossus if properly motivated, and as the season gets closer to its finale, and he sniffs honours, he’ll buck up his ideas…. (Or is that blind optimism)
Kindest regards,
Mark
PS. I almost always agree with your football, but country music? I’ll take a lot of persuading…
Ian replies: Thanks and by the way, 8651.
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Mark Burland
Myles…
I know I’ve not always had the best things to say about you, but in view of that perhaps that will make this message more sincere. Your last article dealing with Vieira was right on the button. The kind of article you’d never see on a back page.
As I sat watching the Liverpool game with my fellow fans, we all ended up saying the same thing. The centre of our midfield was transparent and I think we have to give great credit to Pires, he was our midfield against Liverpool.
I hope we get to see more of Edu, we could really do with his control on the ball and his long passing. As loyal as Grimandi is, he is not the answer.
Your comment on the difference between Parlour and Vieira is very true. This season the team hasn’t had to or been able to rely on Vieira and I think we’ll be better off for that. I can’t help but think of the contrast between Vieira and Bergkamp, both players have thrived at Arsenal, both are world class, but one of them seems anxious to repay the loyalty and admiration of the fans by taking the money and running.
Right now, that 50million Real were supposedly offering last year sounds pretty good.
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Peter Carleton
Viera
Could not agree more with your Viera article.
The fans and club have shown him far to much loyalty.
I can’t see Ferguson and Man U putting up with any rubbish like this, so why should we?
It is time to act before he causes the kind of unrest he did last summer.
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Olly Derbyshire
Vieira
Your piece on Patrick Vieira is a very well written insightful article, like all your work, but one thing you said I don’t agree with… sure the fans are hero worshipping when they call a player’s name, but I think in Vieira’s case they are also trying their hardest to make him reconsider, due to their love, and continue plying his trade where he is unrequitedly loved.
And despite Parlour’s great form this season, and Arsene’s quote that Edu was the best player pre-season, do you really think that the two of them could combine to boss a game, without relying even more heavily on our wide men, Freddie and Bobby?
Please keep up the good work.
cheers,
Olly
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Sam Farmer
Vieira
Myles,
Great column about Vieira. I won’t get too started on that topic, otherwise, I would never finish. But, have you noticed that he generally only gets booked when he is playing badly?
Sam
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From Kong – Singapore
My name is Kong and i’m writing from Singapore.
Firstly, i would like to let you know that i enjoy very much reading your articles on Arsenal and is always looking forward to it every day.
In fact that i’ve got your book on Mr Wenger “The Professor” which i was into the half way stage. Thanks for
writing about him cos i admire THE man’s ability to transform my gunners into a very attractive side.
I’ve always wanted to write to you and thank you cos from your articles i always gets a true reflection on the things going behind Highbury rather than some other columnists who rubs salt to injury by writing rubbish. I draw a lot of comfort from your article particularly after a gunners defect which you commented on things which i knew but wouldn’t accept.
For example the fact the Vieira is playing craps during that game.
However i was very surprise to read your comment on the latest Vieira saga.
I’d just finish the articles (17 Jan) and thought that i must write to you now.
You must be petty upset by the whole affair cos your “tone” in the article is completely different from those that i’d read previously.
You must had like Vieira a lot, right ? Me too. He’s great, aren’t him ? I mean he’s on the same planet as Zizou so how far off can he be.
When his pre-season saga started i was feeling terrible and to a certain extend it affected my work as well.
I would always check the net and look for the latest news
regarding his commitment and you can be sure of how i feel when i heard nothing from the man that helps clears up my doubt. Don’t footballer says “I love this club and won’t leave unless they sold me” anymore ? Sigh.
Then even when he returns to Highbury, there is still no official comment from him and as a fan, i thinks it sucks.
From that day onwards, i knew he would leave us one day but the strange thing is that i no longer feels any anger (ok, maybe slightly) and instead i wish him all the best in his career.
Come on, THE man had given us 5 years of beautiful football and helps won our companionship as well. Besides as a world champion he would want his club career to follow in that glamours way too. If you feel no love for the club than i can only wish you all the best.
I’ll even watches Spanish league to support you. This is only justice for repaying you on the glory you’d given us.
But the true factor that alters my thought on Vieira is
the fact that i missed out on a greater asset in Arsenal. That’s MR Wenger.
HE brought us the team. Taught them to play the football that we loves to see. And i’m only too too glad that he finally signs the contact although there is no doubts in my mind that he would do that.
Even without Vieira, i’m sure Arsene will guide us thru. He will do the job.
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