Re: Arsenal Lobby

[Quinten Metsys]

Re-Signing Thierry Henry,a Huge Mistake by the Gunners

Arsenal needs to slow down and look at its proposed return move for Thierry Henry carefully.

Henry, currently plying his trade for the New York Red Bulls in the MLS, is without a doubt one of Arsenal’s finest ever players.

The majestic Frenchman joined the North London club in 1999, and graced the Highbury (briefly Emirates Stadium) pitch for eight seasons, delighting the Gunners faithful.

In 254 appearances, he found the back of the net on 174 occasions.

Accolades of an individual and team nature flooded Henry’s ever-growing trophy cabinet.

PFA Player of the Year, PFA Team of the Year, Footballer of the Year, two-time Premier League Champions and three-time FA Cup winners.

As a result of his impressive resume, Henry was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

However, since his departure from the Emirates, Henry’s career has been on an expected downwards trajectory.

The injuries that plagued his final years in North London followed Henry to Barcelona, where he only scored 35 goals in his 80 appearances before having his role in the line-up usurped by the blistering young Spaniard Pedro Rodriguez.

It was then that Henry was sold on to the New York Red Bulls, where he has toiled away in something of a level of anonymity, at least in comparison to his glory days at the peak of European football.

In his 37 appearances for the Red Bulls, he has netted 16 times.

Not the greatest return for a player that was once regarded as the best striker on the planet.

So with news that Arsenal is on the verge of completing a two-month loan deal for their once-great front man, the rational behind such a move continues to perplex.

While it cannot be questioned that there would be a certain amount of goodwill and nostalgia of Arsenal’s most recent successes, Henry would be a step in the wrong direction for the club.

Even with current forwards Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh set to miss the beginning of the second half of the season due to African Cup duties, turning to a 34-year-old striker with a litany of injury problems hardly seems like the best move to make. Especially when he has been away from the top-level of the game for almost two years.

Arsenal need to stop gazing longingly at Henry through rose-tinted glasses and instead turn their attentions elsewhere.

Another striker is needed for the Gunners in January, but that search should not take them to New York.

[Quinten Metsys]

Arsene Wenger is hoping to get special permission for Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh to report up late for the African Nations Cup.

Ivory Coast winger Gervinho and Morocco striker Chamakh could then be available for the FA Cup tie with Leeds on January 9.

Arsenal boss Wenger said: "They could be available for Leeds if we get the agreement from their countries to keep them two days longer than the official date.

"The competition starts on January 21 and that means they should leave on the 7th, 14 days before. If we get the permission to keep them until the 9th then we will do it. I believe [we will know] next week."

[Quinten Metsys]

Thierry Henry was all smiles in training today as he closed in on a sensational return to Arsenal.
The France legend is set to wrap-up a six-week loan move to the Emirates Stadium — providing the Gunners can iron out an insurance agreement with the New York Red Bulls.

The 34-year-old took part in practice at Arsenal's London Colney training centre this morning.

He was seen laughing and joking with boss Arsene Wenger, Czech midfielder Thomas Rosicky and England forward Theo Walcott.

Henry was also pictured being put through his paces alongside Dutch superstar Robin van Persie, who he will play alongside when Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh compete in the African Nations Cup.

Henry is set to be handed Arsenal's vacant No12 shirt once his loan switch is finalised, with Walcott already occupying the No14 he wore during his first stint at the club.

[Quinten Metsys]

Matt Le Tissier: 'Henry’s return to Arsenal is a cracking move'

Southampton legend says the Frenchman will give Arsene Wenger a great option up front as he seeks to take some of the weight off Robin Van Persie.

[Quinten Metsys]

Arsene Wenger is confident that Jack Wilshere will be back ahead of schedule.

Arsenal midfielder Wilshere, 19, is due to resume running outside next week after stepping up his rehabilitation after surgery on his foot injury.

That is a major boost for Arsenal and England while Gunners right back Bacary Sagna is also on his way back.

Wenger said: "Jack Wilshere does not need to many people to look after his career.The most important thing for Jack Wilshere is that he gets fit again. The positive news for us and England is that he is progressing very quickly.

"I would keep February (as his return date). Jack pushes every day of course to be be quicker than the medical expectations. He might win the battle."

[SamuelJayC]

Neil Warnock is looking forward to seeing Thierry Henry back in the Premier League but is relieved he will not be facing Queens Park Rangers on New Year's Eve.

Arsene Wenger revealed on Friday morning that Henry had accepted an offer to rejoin Arsenal on a two-month loan deal, subject to insurance agreements being reached with New York Red Bulls.

Henry may be available for Monday's clash with Fulham and Warnock has hailed the return to English football of such a legendary player.

Warnock is also exploring the possibility of short-term loans from Major League Soccer, but admits there is nobody else out there of Henry's calibre.

"We are looking in that area as well," Warnock said.

"It is great to get somebody in for a couple of months if you can. Unfortunately for us we have not found anybody at the moment.

"As for Henry, it is fantastic. I do love him. I think he is an amazing player and for me to see him back in the Premier League [is brilliant].

"I am just glad the transfer window does not open until 1st January.

"He is everything you like about football and oozes class.

"I don't think age matters really when you have got experience. He is going to get plenty of the ball, plenty of opportunities the way Arsenal play and I think he will do very well.

"They say you should never go back, but in Arsenal's case they have lost a couple to the African Nations Cup.

"It can only help them. It is not as if they are signing him for two years.

"I don't know where they can go wrong for two months. I think it is a fantastic signing."

[Jamin]

[SamuelJayC]

Phil Jagielka:

"It was difficult to see Arteta go. He spoke about 15 different languages so he was always good in the dressing room"

"Sometimes you don't know what you've got until it's gone."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/dec/30/phil-jagielka-mikel-arteta-everton

[Sri]

Anyone who is interested in doing a write up could probably do a summary of 2011 with statistics (not just the RvP ones ) and probably growth of players and stuff.. Just an idea..

Usually, I'd do it myself. But I am travelling a bit and on vacation, so have to leave this to someone else, if interested.

Btw, a special thanks to Sina and MJ and Ali for filling in with the Goal of the Month reviews and the match previews with Sam in my absence. Hats off to you guys, great job

[Sina]

SONGED

[Sina]

Van Persie: I love London and watching my kids grow up here

Robin van Persie has given his biggest hint yet that he wants to stay at Arsenal when his contract ends in 2013.

The Arsenal captain, who Saturday finished one shy of equalling Alan Shearer's 36-goal tally for a calendar year, has yet to sit down with Arsenal to talk about extending his deal.

It has encouraged Manchester City, who hope to sign him in a £30million deal at the end of the season.
And, though Arsenal are ready to offer Van Persie a club-best £150,000-a-week deal to keep him, Van Persie will not hold contract talks with chief executive Ivan Gazidis until the summer, and he has previously spoken about his frustration at the club's failure to win major trophies.

But the Holland striker, who has two young children with his wife Bouchra, has revealed that his ideal future would be to remain in London.

He said: 'We love the life in London and I enjoy watching my kids grow up here. They grow up like the English kids with good manners and values of England.

The place where we live, just outside the city, is fantastic. We have everything we want.

'The English people are so incredibly polite where I live. People are nice here. That makes life a real pleasure.

'My children have become more English than Dutch. They have taken up the culture and values of England.

'It makes me melt at times when I see how well my children are doing here. When Shaqueel has half-term with school, he does not want to go back to the Netherlands any more.'

Van Persie has also paid tribute to Arsenal fans in an interview with a Dutch newspaper, saying that listening to them chanting his name is among his biggest thrills.
'That is the biggest compliment I could wish for,' he said. 'Arsenal fans are real lovers of the game.

'They don't miss a thing. I like the banners, everything they do. When I come on to the pitch, I hear them chant.

'At Arsenal the fans so want me to do well. And that gives me a kick. That's what I do it for. As a thank you, I want to give them so much in return in matches.'

Despite the departure of team-mates and friends Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy, Van Persie says he is confident about the club's future.

'No player here is bigger than the club. Arsenal will always come first. Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Robert Pires and Dennis Bergkamp used to be the players who people came to the stadium for.
'They thought there would be nothing once they had done. But here, at Arsenal, everyone can see that young talent grow into new stars.

Look at Theo Walcott, look at Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere. Young players are given the opportunity to grow and develop.'

Van Persie took over the captaincy at Arsenal when Fabregas left for Barcelona last summer and has already been compared with legendary Gunners skipper Tony Adams.

'I feel flattered but Tony Adams was by far the best captain Arsenal have had. If he could return in some capacity, I will be the first man to support this. He is the perfect example of a born winner.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2080809/Robin-van-Persie-says-loves-London.html#ixzz1iCdwHgqC

[TalkingReckless]

Jack's son

and it's Jack's Birthday

[beatrixasdfghjk.]

Anyone who is interested in doing a write up could probably do a summary of 2011 with statistics (not just the RvP ones ) and probably growth of players and stuff.. Just an idea..

Usually, I'd do it myself. But I am travelling a bit and on vacation, so have to leave this to someone else, if interested.

Btw, a special thanks to Sina and MJ and Ali for filling in with the Goal of the Month reviews and the match previews with Sam in my absence. Hats off to you guys, great job

I can do the parts where you shout GOLAZO, GOLAZO!!!!!!!! I'm not really good at statistics . Don't I get a mention for that one really crap monthly review? :lol.

[Quinten Metsys]

QPR boss Neil Warnock has hit out at Arsenal matchwinner Robin van Persie.

The Dutch striker scored his 35th Premier League goal in 2011 – one short of equalling Alan Shearer’s record of most strikes in a calendar year.

Warnock claimed: “Van Persie gets away with murder. It’s the way he uses his elbows and how he fouls our ­centre-backs

I thought AW should report to the FA about one of their players not wearing the QPR jersey but playing in a black referee's kit...Rowan Martin Atkinson...

[Quinten Metsys]

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie is full of pride to follow in the footsteps of Gunners legend Tony Adams — and even admits he would love to see him back at the Emirates in a coaching capacity.

Robin van Persie said: “It is a massive honour that there are people in England who think I am doing a good job as captain and, for that reason, have made some comparisons with Tony.

“I consider Tony Adams as the best captain Arsenal have ever had. He played for Arsenal his entire career and is an absolute legend here. I have met him a number of times, but most of what I know about him is through the real Arsenal people, such as our kit men Paul and Vic Akers and our physio Colin Lewin.

“They have told me so many stories about his leadership – and they know. They were there in the dressing room at the time.

“Tony also had this amazing quality to win matches by his strong mentality.

“He would carry the team and be an inspiration to every player.

“I try to do it my way. I do it differently, but every day I try to make sure, as a captain, that we are a really united bunch of players. If Tony Adams could ever return here at Arsenal in some capacity, I would be the first person to support him. I think it’s crucial to have somebody like him, with all his experience, on our staff.

“I am a big fan of his and I know that the boys would also appreciate his presence. The first thing players do is look at somebody’s track record.

“Also, with Tony as a player you can talk about football, about life and private things, as he has overcome some hurdles in that way. To me, he is the prime example of a born winner.”

[Quinten Metsys]

Robin van Persie has been the goal-scoring sensation of 2011.

In any critical assessment of the Premier League’s best players, Van Persie must rank among the ­absolute elite.

At times during the past 12 months, he has shown a skipper’s example and virtually carried the Gunners with his goal-scoring exploits.

The imminent return of on-loan hero Thierry Henry will provide Van Persie with some support for the next couple of months.

But, at 34, Henry will be ­yesterday’s man as manager Arsene Wenger plots his club’s future.

Here, Van Persie answers the key questions Gunners fans want to know.

How do Arsenal cope with losing so many big-name players?

RVP: “Every big player who leaves Arsenal is a massive loss. But no player here is bigger than the club.

“Arsenal will always come first. You name them – Henry, Vieira, Pires, Bergkamp. People saw these stars shine and they thought: ‘Is there life after Vieira, Pires or Bergkamp?’

“But look at what happens here. At Arsenal you ­always see young, fresh talent grow into the same role as those stars who have left. Other players have ­replaced them.

“Look at Walcott, Ramsey and Wilshere. The great thing about ­Arsenal is that at this club we give young players real opportunities to grow and develop.’’

Why do you look so much fitter than in other seasons? You seem to benefit from it, considering your great form and goals in 2011.

RVP: “In 2011, I was involved in every Premier League game. I didn’t miss one. I also started every game except Stoke City, but against Stoke I came off the bench and scored two goals. There has been a turnaround in my career. I have got to know my body a lot better and I decided to make more of my own choices when it comes to treatment.

“There was also a period in my career when I always wanted to give something extra against the big clubs. It probably has a lot to do with getting older or more mature.

“But I don’t really care who my next opponent is any more, whether it’s San Marino with ­Holland or ­Chelsea or Man United with ­Arsenal. In England, you have a great ­expression — ‘The occasion never gets to him’.

“Great players must ­always ­produce and at any time or in any game. Give them a ball and a pitch and they will show what they’ve got. That relaxed, calm ­spirit you don’t really have when you are young.’’

Arsenal fans want you to stay so much. How do you react to that?

RVP: “It is the biggest compliment I could wish for. Arsenal fans are real lovers of the game. They don’t miss anything in the stadium and are there for the team and the individual players. I have to admit I love banners like ‘We don’t need Batman, we’ve got Robin’ and stuff like that.

“I also love it when I run on to the pitch and I hear the entire crowd roar. What bigger ­compliment could I wish for as player?

“At Arsenal, the fans so want me to do well. And that gives me a kick. That’s what I do it for. As a thank you, I want to give them so much in ­return on the pitch.’’

What do you love about London and do you still miss Holland?

RVP: “English people are great to be with, and I find life absolute fun here in London. I see how my kids, (son and daughter) pick up the ­culture, the manners and values of England. They make me melt ­sometimes when I see how they are here in London.

“When my son Shaqueel has half-term, he doesn’t even want to go back to Holland. He wants to be here with his friends. The place where we live is ­brilliant. Great ­restaurants and a ­beautiful park outside our house.

“I also appreciate that I can walk and move in London in a relaxed way. People don’t jump on me in the area where I live. Well, ­sometimes. This week I went 10-pin ­bowling with my son and things got a bit out of hand with the kids, but that was fun too."

[Quinten Metsys]

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants to make Thierry Henry his new assistant manager.

The Daily Star Sunday says Wenger will offer Arsenal legend Henry the job as his new No.2 at The Emirates. Fans’ favourite Henry is rejoining the Gunners on a two-month loan deal from the New York Red Bulls to provide cover up front.

And Wenger will use the period to monitor Henry’s suitability for the prospective position as his right-hand man.

The Frenchman is acutely aware that his trusted sidekick Pat Rice is poised to quit this summer.

And while he appreciates Henry, 34, will probably remain in the MLS with the Red Bulls for one more season, he sees him as a potential long-term ­replacement for Rice.

[Quinten Metsys]

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey is delighted with his progress this season.

He plans to become even more influential in the New Year.

"I’m happy with what I’ve achieved so far, and especially with the way things are going for me personally this season, but hopefully there’s a lot more to come," Ramsey told the Official Arsenal Matchday Programme.

"What happened with my injury is behind me now, and I’m just really glad to be back playing for Arsenal regularly. Before my injury I was just starting to do that, so it’s just nice to be out there every week again.

"I still have plenty of things to learn, but with any luck I’ll be able to bring more to the team in 2012.

"Against Aston Villa I looked a bit fatigued and was disappointed with how I performed, but then I’ve played a lot of games this season and sometimes it catches up with you. I think it was the right decision [to rest me for the Wolves game], because I did feel a bit tired, so hopefully a rest has done me good."

[SamuelJayC]

Happy new year everyone btw!

[Wilson37]

Yeah.. Ramsey needs some rest.. Benayoun to make some starts...

[Sina]

[Jay29]

Anyone who is interested in doing a write up could probably do a summary of 2011 with statistics (not just the RvP ones ) and probably growth of players and stuff.. Just an idea..

Usually, I'd do it myself. But I am travelling a bit and on vacation, so have to leave this to someone else, if interested.

Btw, a special thanks to Sina and MJ and Ali for filling in with the Goal of the Month reviews and the match previews with Sam in my absence. Hats off to you guys, great job

Has anyone actually decided to do this? If not, I could do it.

[Quinten Metsys]

Anyone who is interested in doing a write up could probably do a summary of 2011 with statistics (not just the RvP ones ) and probably growth of players and stuff.. Just an idea..

Usually, I'd do it myself. But I am travelling a bit and on vacation, so have to leave this to someone else, if interested.

Btw, a special thanks to Sina and MJ and Ali for filling in with the Goal of the Month reviews and the match previews with Sam in my absence. Hats off to you guys, great job

Has anyone actually decided to do this? If not, I could do it.

If possible try to include the best goals & assists of 2011 as well...

[Quinten Metsys]

Were this weekend's set of matches,the only ones in which all the teams above Arsenal could not get a victory....?

Mid-table teams FTW

[MJ]

Anyone who is interested in doing a write up could probably do a summary of 2011 with statistics (not just the RvP ones ) and probably growth of players and stuff.. Just an idea..

Usually, I'd do it myself. But I am travelling a bit and on vacation, so have to leave this to someone else, if interested.

Btw, a special thanks to Sina and MJ and Ali for filling in with the Goal of the Month reviews and the match previews with Sam in my absence. Hats off to you guys, great job

Has anyone actually decided to do this? If not, I could do it.

Anytime Sri!

And no Jay, no one has. I'm incredibly busy, barely had time for the preview and I don't think anyone else is volunteering so go ahead if you want. Looking forward to it

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