By Aries
1. Sebastian celebrated his 30th birthday eight days ago on the 11th August
2. He was born in Toulon, France and has represented his country 21 times. He played in France’s defeat to South Africa in the recent World Cup.
3. He is only 6ft (1.83 m)
4. All his clubs bar the current one, Seville, have been in the French leagues. Toulon, Monaco B, Monaco, Ajjacio, Lyon
5. He has played 49 times for Sevilla scoring one goal
6. He played for Monaco in the Champions League final against Mourinho’s Porto losing 3-0
7. He won the French League championship twice with Lyon in 2007 and 2008
8. His goal scoring record is not that great. Played 372 games in total and scored 23 goals
8. Sevilla sporting director Ramon Rodriguez 'Monchi' confirmed: "The player asked not to play (against Braga in the CL qualifying game) because of the offer from such a big team” to ensure he won't be cup-tied in the competition for Arsenal.
9. Squillaci is said to support the eboue cause as he is a rastafarian eboue follower.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Cheer up... Wenger made the wrong choices
By 1970’s Gooner
I was left disappointed rather than relieved at the end of Arsenal’s game last Sunday at Anfield.
Disappointed because facing 10 men we not only allowed them to score but also could not put them under the necessary pressure to get not only an equaliser but also a winner.
But when you think about it further, the performance should not have been a surprise.
For a start Arsene Wenger made the wrong choices for the starting 11.
Arshavin has been non existent all throughout the friendlies (and I watched all of them). He in no way deserved a start against Liverpool. He was a passenger, often giving the ball away.
Strange as he was not involved in the World Cup. Better to have started with Walcott who has looked sharper lately.
Secondly starting with Wilshere in the middle of the park was another decision that did not work.
The boy has potential for sure but to start him away from home and against Liverpool was asking too much.
And he was to be partly blamed for not controlling the ball outside the area which eventually resulted in their goal. He made the same mistake in the first half which resulted in a dangerous move by the opposition.
Better to have started with Rosicky who indeed looked the most creative and penetrative Arsenal player when he came on.
I do not see Wenger making those choices again unless he is forced by injury or these players improve their performances dramatically.
And therefore Arsenal’s first 11 will surely not be as weak again.
And there are two more reasons to be cheerful.
The first has to do of course with the likely return to the first team of three vital cogs in Arsenal’s engine: Song, Fabregas and van Persie.
Their stand ins left a lot to be desired. Especially Chamack.
He will turn out to be an excellent buy by Wenger but on Sunday he repeated his performances in the friendlies: lacking control of the ball and also penetration.
The second has to do with Almunia.
He is Arsenal’s best goalkeeper at the moment but will not be when Given or Schwartzer arrive.
I don’t think that either of those goalkeepers would have let Ngog’s effort at the near post (which was a carbon copy of Imbrahimovic’s goal for Barcelona at the Emirates remember?).
So cheer up…..
I was left disappointed rather than relieved at the end of Arsenal’s game last Sunday at Anfield.
Disappointed because facing 10 men we not only allowed them to score but also could not put them under the necessary pressure to get not only an equaliser but also a winner.
But when you think about it further, the performance should not have been a surprise.
For a start Arsene Wenger made the wrong choices for the starting 11.
Arshavin has been non existent all throughout the friendlies (and I watched all of them). He in no way deserved a start against Liverpool. He was a passenger, often giving the ball away.
Strange as he was not involved in the World Cup. Better to have started with Walcott who has looked sharper lately.
Secondly starting with Wilshere in the middle of the park was another decision that did not work.
The boy has potential for sure but to start him away from home and against Liverpool was asking too much.
And he was to be partly blamed for not controlling the ball outside the area which eventually resulted in their goal. He made the same mistake in the first half which resulted in a dangerous move by the opposition.
Better to have started with Rosicky who indeed looked the most creative and penetrative Arsenal player when he came on.
I do not see Wenger making those choices again unless he is forced by injury or these players improve their performances dramatically.
And therefore Arsenal’s first 11 will surely not be as weak again.
And there are two more reasons to be cheerful.
The first has to do of course with the likely return to the first team of three vital cogs in Arsenal’s engine: Song, Fabregas and van Persie.
Their stand ins left a lot to be desired. Especially Chamack.
He will turn out to be an excellent buy by Wenger but on Sunday he repeated his performances in the friendlies: lacking control of the ball and also penetration.
The second has to do with Almunia.
He is Arsenal’s best goalkeeper at the moment but will not be when Given or Schwartzer arrive.
I don’t think that either of those goalkeepers would have let Ngog’s effort at the near post (which was a carbon copy of Imbrahimovic’s goal for Barcelona at the Emirates remember?).
So cheer up…..
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Rosicky asks for time to think about his move from Arsenal
By 1970’s Gooner
It seems that the rumours about Tomas Rosicky moving away from Arsenal have some foundation.
Turkish newspaper “Hurriyet” is reporting that Rosicky’s agent has already started negotiations with Galatasaray. It seems that Frank Rijkaard, Galatasaray’s coach is in pursuit of a number 10 and Rosicky fits the bill.
It appears that Galatasaray are only willing to negotiate around a transfer price of 5m. Rosicky’s agent has already began negotiations with them with regard to the player’s possible demands. But crucially Tomas has asked for two days to consider the move.
If this transfer materialises it will mean that Arsene Wenger has decided to get rid of the two players that have suffered long term injuries in the recent past (Eduardo and Rosicky).
However Rosicky’s transfer will leave a big gap in the squad in terms of experience and quality.
It seems that the rumours about Tomas Rosicky moving away from Arsenal have some foundation.
Turkish newspaper “Hurriyet” is reporting that Rosicky’s agent has already started negotiations with Galatasaray. It seems that Frank Rijkaard, Galatasaray’s coach is in pursuit of a number 10 and Rosicky fits the bill.
It appears that Galatasaray are only willing to negotiate around a transfer price of 5m. Rosicky’s agent has already began negotiations with them with regard to the player’s possible demands. But crucially Tomas has asked for two days to consider the move.
If this transfer materialises it will mean that Arsene Wenger has decided to get rid of the two players that have suffered long term injuries in the recent past (Eduardo and Rosicky).
However Rosicky’s transfer will leave a big gap in the squad in terms of experience and quality.
Montpelier coach sets price for Spahic’s transfer to Arsenal
By 1970’s Gooner
A lot has been written lately about the “imminent” transfer of the 29 year old defender, Emir Spahic, from the French club Montpelier to Arsenal.
First there was the player’s quotes that the “deal was close” but this was swiftly followed by an official statement by Montpelier itself denying there has been any contact with Arsenal.
"There appeared in the media information that Montpellier are in negotiations with Arsenal regarding the transfer of Emir Spahic. Montpellier deny any contact with Arsenal regarding this issue"
Now we have a bold statement coming from the team’s coach Rene Girard who has set a ridiculous price for agreeing to the transfer:
"Indeed I am astonished. There has never been talk of this departure to the Emirates, he said to the local media and in answering the question of whether he will cooperate with Arsenal if they get offers he replied:
"Yes, but only if the English are willing to pay us 25 million pounds."
This rubbish is to be expected of course as Montpelier know that the player desperately wants to leave and they cannot stand in his way. They are merely trying to up the price as much as they can.
This transfer looks a wise move by Wenger. He will not only make sure that he has enough central defenders but will also be adding maturity and experience at the back.
A lot has been written lately about the “imminent” transfer of the 29 year old defender, Emir Spahic, from the French club Montpelier to Arsenal.
First there was the player’s quotes that the “deal was close” but this was swiftly followed by an official statement by Montpelier itself denying there has been any contact with Arsenal.
"There appeared in the media information that Montpellier are in negotiations with Arsenal regarding the transfer of Emir Spahic. Montpellier deny any contact with Arsenal regarding this issue"
Now we have a bold statement coming from the team’s coach Rene Girard who has set a ridiculous price for agreeing to the transfer:
"Indeed I am astonished. There has never been talk of this departure to the Emirates, he said to the local media and in answering the question of whether he will cooperate with Arsenal if they get offers he replied:
"Yes, but only if the English are willing to pay us 25 million pounds."
This rubbish is to be expected of course as Montpelier know that the player desperately wants to leave and they cannot stand in his way. They are merely trying to up the price as much as they can.
This transfer looks a wise move by Wenger. He will not only make sure that he has enough central defenders but will also be adding maturity and experience at the back.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Fabregas in Spain celebrations wearing a Barcelona shirt (video)
By 1970's Gooner
'All I can say is that this is for all the Arsenal players and fans, they are a world-class club,'I am an Arsenal player and I am proud to be.'
Thus spake Cesc Fabregas...
Reading these comments right after Spain's World Cup triumph gives me the impression that he doesn't look like he will be leaving after all.
He was so embarassed when his felllow team mates, Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina and Bernabeu skipper Carles Puyol, had a chuckle at his expense by holding his arms, enabling Gerard Pique to push a Barcelona shirt over his head.
Fabregas smiled but as you can see he was clearly trying to get out of the shirt....
'All I can say is that this is for all the Arsenal players and fans, they are a world-class club,'I am an Arsenal player and I am proud to be.'
Thus spake Cesc Fabregas...
Reading these comments right after Spain's World Cup triumph gives me the impression that he doesn't look like he will be leaving after all.
He was so embarassed when his felllow team mates, Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina and Bernabeu skipper Carles Puyol, had a chuckle at his expense by holding his arms, enabling Gerard Pique to push a Barcelona shirt over his head.
Fabregas smiled but as you can see he was clearly trying to get out of the shirt....
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Video van Persie scores again. Top scorer in the World Cup?
By 1970's Gooner
Robin van Persie has been on a hot streak ever since he so belatedly made his come back for Arsenal in the Premier League. He has been scoring freely for Holland in their friendlies prior to the World Cup.
His latest is against Hungary which you can see on the video above. He received the ball from Kuyt on the edge of the area and put in a delightful curler round the goalkeeper. This was Holland’s equaliser after which they went on to win 6-1.
Can he end up top goal scorer in the World Cup?
The answer is yes provided he keeps free of injury. I would put a bet on him to do what injury prevented him from doing for Arsenal this last season: score those amazing goals and help his team to glory…
Robin van Persie has been on a hot streak ever since he so belatedly made his come back for Arsenal in the Premier League. He has been scoring freely for Holland in their friendlies prior to the World Cup.
His latest is against Hungary which you can see on the video above. He received the ball from Kuyt on the edge of the area and put in a delightful curler round the goalkeeper. This was Holland’s equaliser after which they went on to win 6-1.
Can he end up top goal scorer in the World Cup?
The answer is yes provided he keeps free of injury. I would put a bet on him to do what injury prevented him from doing for Arsenal this last season: score those amazing goals and help his team to glory…
Friday, June 04, 2010
Vela sinks Italy (Video)
By 1970's Gooner
Carlos Vela has began to convert the chances his Mexico team mates are creating for him.
In Mexico's first friendly almost two weeks ago he missed two clear cut scoring opportunities against England at Wembley and I thought, here we go again...
But now he is back on track. He drifted into space behind the defender and in one movement he slid the ball home to score the first Mexico goal in their victory against Italy last night.
I have the feeling that he will be a revelation in the World Cup which will be good news for us Gooners as he has not really fulfilled his early promise when he first arrived.
Carlos Vela has began to convert the chances his Mexico team mates are creating for him.
In Mexico's first friendly almost two weeks ago he missed two clear cut scoring opportunities against England at Wembley and I thought, here we go again...
But now he is back on track. He drifted into space behind the defender and in one movement he slid the ball home to score the first Mexico goal in their victory against Italy last night.
I have the feeling that he will be a revelation in the World Cup which will be good news for us Gooners as he has not really fulfilled his early promise when he first arrived.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
At last Wenger has said what we all wanted to hear. But it's not enough.
By 1970’s Gooner
I made a plea to Arsene Wenger and Arsenal Football Club right at the beginning of the Fabregas transfer saga.
“Say it loud, say it clear Mr Wenger: “Fabregas is going nowhere” was the title of my post.
I was desperate that a clear and definitive statement should come out of the official Arsenal or Wenger’s lips stating categorically that this transfer was definitely not on.
And thankfully, albeit belatedly, we got it today.
“…yesterday evening we received an offer from Barcelona for Cesc and in response, we immediately and resolutely told them once again that we have no intention of selling our captain.
'To be clear, we will not make any kind of counter-proposal or enter into any discussion. Barcelona have publicly stated that they will respect our position and we expect that they will keep their word.”
The chances of Arsenal selling Fabregas this season have now diminished.
Yet it can be reversed if Cesc himself turns against the club that nurtured him since he was 16 and against Wenger to whom he owes pretty much everything in his football life. It would also require a massively improved offer from Barcelona of say around the 50m to 60m mark.
The probability of these two factors occurring is pretty low in my opinion. Cesc has said that he will leave the whole matter to Wenger himself and that he fully trusts him. Also Barcelona have already paid out 42 m for Villa. They have limited resources left to go into a heavy bidding war for Cesc.
But I feel that all these goings on are clear indicators that this season will most probably be Cesc’s last in an Arsenal shirt. Unless….
Unless Wenger realizes that now is his last opportunity to really build a competitive team around his most precious footballer.
That now, this summer, is the time to go out and buy those quality players that will make a difference and propel this club back into title winning performances and Premier league domination.
Let’s pay the right price for a quality goalkeeper, for another two central defenders and for another defensive midfielder. Not stingily buy geriatrics or kids and ask them to perform way above their level.
Let’s go for it NOW, because next season WILL be too late. The bird will have flown out of its nest…
I made a plea to Arsene Wenger and Arsenal Football Club right at the beginning of the Fabregas transfer saga.
“Say it loud, say it clear Mr Wenger: “Fabregas is going nowhere” was the title of my post.
I was desperate that a clear and definitive statement should come out of the official Arsenal or Wenger’s lips stating categorically that this transfer was definitely not on.
And thankfully, albeit belatedly, we got it today.
“…yesterday evening we received an offer from Barcelona for Cesc and in response, we immediately and resolutely told them once again that we have no intention of selling our captain.
'To be clear, we will not make any kind of counter-proposal or enter into any discussion. Barcelona have publicly stated that they will respect our position and we expect that they will keep their word.”
The chances of Arsenal selling Fabregas this season have now diminished.
Yet it can be reversed if Cesc himself turns against the club that nurtured him since he was 16 and against Wenger to whom he owes pretty much everything in his football life. It would also require a massively improved offer from Barcelona of say around the 50m to 60m mark.
The probability of these two factors occurring is pretty low in my opinion. Cesc has said that he will leave the whole matter to Wenger himself and that he fully trusts him. Also Barcelona have already paid out 42 m for Villa. They have limited resources left to go into a heavy bidding war for Cesc.
But I feel that all these goings on are clear indicators that this season will most probably be Cesc’s last in an Arsenal shirt. Unless….
Unless Wenger realizes that now is his last opportunity to really build a competitive team around his most precious footballer.
That now, this summer, is the time to go out and buy those quality players that will make a difference and propel this club back into title winning performances and Premier league domination.
Let’s pay the right price for a quality goalkeeper, for another two central defenders and for another defensive midfielder. Not stingily buy geriatrics or kids and ask them to perform way above their level.
Let’s go for it NOW, because next season WILL be too late. The bird will have flown out of its nest…
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Say it loud, say it clear Mr Wenger: “Fabregas is going nowhere”
By 1970’s Gooner
Fabregas’s departure, if it materialises, would be the final nail in the coffin of Arsene Wenger’s football model of development.
As reiterated on this blog on many occasions in the past this model of football development needs two vital ingredients to stay firmly cemented in place if it is to succeed.
The first is to strike and then keep in place the right blend between talented and technically gifted youth alongside experienced and hardened professionals.
In this way the team can be competitive against the more hardened teams at the top of the League, win trophies and at the same time bring on the youngsters under the guidance of the more experienced players to full football fruition.
A bit like Manchester United.
This Wenger has failed to do. He let or was not able to keep through stinginess and probably stubbornness (in not granting more than one year extensions to players over 30) experienced players who could have provided such a balance.
Players like Pires, Flamini and Hleb from the recent past. And if you want to go back a few years, remember Edu?
He left because Wenger and Dein tried to play hard when his contract extension was up for renewal. If he had stayed I have no doubt we would have won the league again at that time…
The second element is the need to keep the stars of the team while releasing the more aged players who have had their best years at the club, often at remunerative transfer fees.
Players like Vieira and Henry left leaving behind their best football years fetching about 15m each.
This policy keeps the finances in a healthy position ready to buy the next bunch of stars of the future. Players like Ramsey, Wilshere will be and like Fabregas once was.
Vieira, Henry, Overmars and Petit all, of course wanted out – but they were either 30 or approaching 30.
Which brings us to Cesc. If he leaves he will be leaving just at the time when he will be reaching his prime. He is only 24 and will be the youngest star to want out.
This past season has been Fabregas’s best.
Wenger pushed him just in front of two holding midfielders and granted him the freedom to roam in support of a main central striker. And he has excelled, providing more assists than any other player in the Premier League and scoring 19 goals!
Fabregas’s departure would give the message that Arsenal will for ever be a work in progress, getting near but not near enough, often clobbered by more street wise hardened opponents.
If you want to win titles and glory then don’t go to Arsenal….
In this coming season we are likely to see a physically and mentally more mature Fabregas ready to become a truly world star.
But will we? Is Wenger going to stand up to Barcelona, the money men, the Board and more importantly the player himself and say it loud and clear:
YOU ARE GOING NOWHERE
Fabregas’s departure, if it materialises, would be the final nail in the coffin of Arsene Wenger’s football model of development.
As reiterated on this blog on many occasions in the past this model of football development needs two vital ingredients to stay firmly cemented in place if it is to succeed.
The first is to strike and then keep in place the right blend between talented and technically gifted youth alongside experienced and hardened professionals.
In this way the team can be competitive against the more hardened teams at the top of the League, win trophies and at the same time bring on the youngsters under the guidance of the more experienced players to full football fruition.
A bit like Manchester United.
This Wenger has failed to do. He let or was not able to keep through stinginess and probably stubbornness (in not granting more than one year extensions to players over 30) experienced players who could have provided such a balance.
Players like Pires, Flamini and Hleb from the recent past. And if you want to go back a few years, remember Edu?
He left because Wenger and Dein tried to play hard when his contract extension was up for renewal. If he had stayed I have no doubt we would have won the league again at that time…
The second element is the need to keep the stars of the team while releasing the more aged players who have had their best years at the club, often at remunerative transfer fees.
Players like Vieira and Henry left leaving behind their best football years fetching about 15m each.
This policy keeps the finances in a healthy position ready to buy the next bunch of stars of the future. Players like Ramsey, Wilshere will be and like Fabregas once was.
Vieira, Henry, Overmars and Petit all, of course wanted out – but they were either 30 or approaching 30.
Which brings us to Cesc. If he leaves he will be leaving just at the time when he will be reaching his prime. He is only 24 and will be the youngest star to want out.
This past season has been Fabregas’s best.
Wenger pushed him just in front of two holding midfielders and granted him the freedom to roam in support of a main central striker. And he has excelled, providing more assists than any other player in the Premier League and scoring 19 goals!
Fabregas’s departure would give the message that Arsenal will for ever be a work in progress, getting near but not near enough, often clobbered by more street wise hardened opponents.
If you want to win titles and glory then don’t go to Arsenal….
In this coming season we are likely to see a physically and mentally more mature Fabregas ready to become a truly world star.
But will we? Is Wenger going to stand up to Barcelona, the money men, the Board and more importantly the player himself and say it loud and clear:
YOU ARE GOING NOWHERE
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Arsenal fans demand a new keeper
By 1970’s Gooner,
Arsene Wenger made an extraordinary statement in his weekly letter to the Arsenal fans. I get it on my e mail but I almost always ignore it as it usually reiterates an amalgam of his post match comments.
This time it attracted my attention as it was very direct and a little bit angry.
He asked the Arsenal fans to leave the transfer policy to him and we will see the results…
Is he getting fed up with everyone telling him to buy and buy and buy?
You bet he is.
But I am with the majority of the fans who are desperate and fed up to watch year after year talented youngsters play attractive football but get slaughtered by the big guns when the business part of the season arrives.
And there is one transfer that simply has to happen if we are to have a cat’s chance in hell to win anything next season and that is buying a new first team keeper capable to pull out those performances that will win you those points that Almunia and Fabianski certainly failed to do.
Van de Sar has been doing it season after season with Manchester United. Funnily enough Wenger passed on the chance to make that call that Van de Sar was expecting from him when leaving Fulham!
Shay Given, one of the best keepers in the League, was similarly available but again Wenger passed…
Petr Cech has been a top class keeper with Chelsea during those title winning years inclusive of this season of course.
Even Spurs have a better keeper than us. Gomez singlehandedly destroyed our chances to win the title.
I need not go on and on.
In fact the vast majority (82%) of nearly 2000 Arsenal fans that voted on our poll (see above) are clear that if Wenger does not sign a new keeper our chances of winning the title next season will evaporate EVEN if we buy all the outfield players that we need!
That is a strong message indeed.
There are numerous goalkeepers out there who are infinitely better than our lot.
David James may be old but so is Van de Sar. Joe Hart or even Shay Given at Manchester City, Gordon at Sunderland, Green at West Ham, Schwarzer at Fulham.
The list is endless and there are many, many keepers abroad which I am sure if Wenger puts his mind to it can come up with a decent choice.
But will he bother?
Arsene Wenger made an extraordinary statement in his weekly letter to the Arsenal fans. I get it on my e mail but I almost always ignore it as it usually reiterates an amalgam of his post match comments.
This time it attracted my attention as it was very direct and a little bit angry.
He asked the Arsenal fans to leave the transfer policy to him and we will see the results…
Is he getting fed up with everyone telling him to buy and buy and buy?
You bet he is.
But I am with the majority of the fans who are desperate and fed up to watch year after year talented youngsters play attractive football but get slaughtered by the big guns when the business part of the season arrives.
And there is one transfer that simply has to happen if we are to have a cat’s chance in hell to win anything next season and that is buying a new first team keeper capable to pull out those performances that will win you those points that Almunia and Fabianski certainly failed to do.
Van de Sar has been doing it season after season with Manchester United. Funnily enough Wenger passed on the chance to make that call that Van de Sar was expecting from him when leaving Fulham!
Shay Given, one of the best keepers in the League, was similarly available but again Wenger passed…
Petr Cech has been a top class keeper with Chelsea during those title winning years inclusive of this season of course.
Even Spurs have a better keeper than us. Gomez singlehandedly destroyed our chances to win the title.
I need not go on and on.
In fact the vast majority (82%) of nearly 2000 Arsenal fans that voted on our poll (see above) are clear that if Wenger does not sign a new keeper our chances of winning the title next season will evaporate EVEN if we buy all the outfield players that we need!
That is a strong message indeed.
There are numerous goalkeepers out there who are infinitely better than our lot.
David James may be old but so is Van de Sar. Joe Hart or even Shay Given at Manchester City, Gordon at Sunderland, Green at West Ham, Schwarzer at Fulham.
The list is endless and there are many, many keepers abroad which I am sure if Wenger puts his mind to it can come up with a decent choice.
But will he bother?
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