Forward Archives - Arsenation

The RVP Ramble

Jul 052012

Robin Van Persie’s statement – It’s a sad day for the Arsenal Football Club…

A ramble on how Robin Van Persie’s statement ruined my day…

Ramble – Talk or write at length in a confused or inconsequential way. (so yes if you don’t understand what is going on while reading this, neither do i.)

So I woke up today, on the 5^th of july 2012, in an already confused mood. As i am an Australian, and a New South Welshmen, I had just witnessed NSW losing to Queensland the night before (4^th july) in the Rugby league State of Origin decider by 1 point, meaning we have lost the series 7 times in a row, the specifics of this game are not very important, but losing by 1 point in a decider is tough to face in any sport. Then after the game I felt even stranger, as I found out German Striker Lukas Podolski, has been officially signed, and added onto the arsenal.com website. So basically I went to bed happy and sad…yeah not a good thing to do.

The next day, I woke up, and checked my twitter on my phone for news on arsenal as I normally do. Someone tweeted that RvP was a traitor and that he hated him forever…not a good start, Then I scrolled a bit more and realised it wasn’t the only one… So I went on his official twitter account and saw:

“Robin van Persie @Persie_official Update for the fans http://robinvanpersie.com/2012/07/04/update-for-the-fans/”

At first I thought, “Wait, why is everyone complaining? All he said is that he wasn’t going to sign a contract extension”. You see this is one of those situations, where the more you think about it, the worse it gets, this was certainly the case.

Gutted, distraught, angry, let down, astonished, sad…to sum up I felt pretty confused, and for no real reason at all. Robin hasn’t actually left, he just said he wasn’t going to sign. But it was basically a “come and get me plea” wasn’t it? I was so certain throughout the Summer (well technically winter for me) that Robin would resign, I thought that he was a different player than the likes of Samir Nasri (who left for money) and Cesc Fabregas (who left for his boyhood club) both were young, naive, and did not spend as many years at Arsenal as Robin did, but maybe I was wrong.

I decided to gather some opinions on what rival fans thought about the statement, specifically from a united fan, Liverpool Fan and a Spurs fan(yes, really!), who all shall remain nameless. So what did I gather?

I asked the Liverpool fan first, or should I say rather, he tweeted his opinions on the situation. He blamed RvP and the questioning of Loyalty, saying where are players like Terry, Gerrard and Giggs now? Liverpool fans probably have some sympathy for us, as they went through a similar situation with Fernando Torres, leaving the club to a rival club in Chelsea for a hefty price and wage increase, Robin looks like he’s about to do the same…

The United fan blamed Wenger, he said why did Wenger buy players to specifically accommodate for 1 player (in Giroud and Podolski) when we needed reinforcements in the midfield and Defense to be considered title challengers? It was a fair point I thought. M’vila has been in the rumour mill for months now, and even now reports are still saying he is close to signing and others that say the deal is off. I think united fans too, would understand to an extent what we are going through, with Wayne Rooney only recently requesting a transfer request, and then doing a u-turn on it later only to renew his contract. How would i feel if robin did that with Arsenal? I don’t know…

The Tottenham fan, was an interesting one, because unlike 99.5% of them, he was actually sincere and sympathetic (I know right?), saying that if/when Modric leaves, he thinks he will feel the same way, and that no player is bigger than the club.

So what did I gather from all this? More questions. Will he do a Torres? Will he do a Rooney? How would I feel if he stayed now? I don’t know. I even considered changing clubs! Yes I know! But when I hear RvP talk about Gazadis’ and Arsene Wenger’s ambitions like that it has to make me wonder, am I supporting the right club? I have only been supporting the club for a few years (and only last season was I truly devoted to the club) and haven’t witnessed the club win any trophies yet. I’m just fed up with the club going back to square one after all the improvements from last season.

“Out of my huge respect for Mr. Wenger, the players and the fans I don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward.”

Who knows, maybe this will mean Walcott can finally play in the middle where he was signed to play for in the first place? what will become of Robin? Will he still be captain? Will he be stripped of his captaincy but let go at the end of the year for a free transfer? Will he go in 2 weeks or before this transfer window closes? Is the Self-sustaining model we pride ourselves in really the only option or should we give in and get the board to break their banks and let Wenger spend big? We will have to wait and see…

The only thing I can confirm is: once a gooner, always a gooner. Just because a player leaves, even if it was the captain and best player, there is no one higher than the football club itself, whether a player, captain, manager or even board member. You should always support your club, no matter what. Tomorrow, im even planning to go to out in my Arsenal Jersey, just because it seems right and I hope many join me in doing this. Arsenal till I die.

#COYG

By @morphjin

The Curious Case of Robin Van Persie…

Guest Columns, Latest News, Main Blog 2 Responses »

Jun 272012

A great once said “If you can’t dream, can’t imagine, then you cannot achieve anything in your life”. Great words, eh? Let’s imagine then…

Imagine, you are born in city where everyone loves football, it’s a religion to them and they worship the game. Then, you grow up by watching your national team playing a nice passing style of football no one has ever seen. After sometime, the skilled players are replaced by the ones who can’t replicate that ideology of total football.

Then, at 12, you join your local football team. You grow as a footballer there, above every other player of your age; you are tipped as the special one. You make it to the first team at 19 BUT.

You always wanted to play beautiful football. Your dream was always to play for a certain team abroad. 7 years later, your dream is about to be fulfilled. Imagine, you are there where you always wanted to be. Now, after 6 years, you are the captain of the team of your dreams but you have won nothing, the press asks if you wanted to win at somewhere else and you reply,

“This is the best club for me, I don’t want to win somewhere else, it wouldn’t be the same if I win trophies somewhere else. I want to win the Arsenal way”

The season has ended. The manager wants you to sign a contract extension, but you want to see this club winning something, what will you do?? What will your conversation be with the manager? Here’s a raw idea:

Manager: You are the best player we’ve got, here’s your 130,000k per week contract.
You: I don’t think this club is going forward, so I want to leave.
Manager: We can’t afford to lose you.
You: Then improve the squad buy some quality, and I’ll sign on 80,000k per week contract.
Manager: Ok then, but don’t make any comments in the media.
You: (thinking) Yesssss, now the club of my dreams will be competing again.

So, that’s the RVP situation in a nutshell In my opinion. He hasn’t signed yet because we aren’t done with the transfers.

Now, if you think Robin wants to leave. Where would he go?? Manchester City? I don’t think he’ll win the arsenal way there. Barcelona? They don’t have the money to buy a 40m player, let alone a striker. Defense is their priority this summer. Juventus? I think Monsieur Wenger cleared that up before me.

Now imagine Wenger. He started the youth policy, but every year, players left on a regular basis. He coped until last year. Fabregas and Nasri left. Losing 2 of your best players was too much to take. He also wanted to win. Pressure was on him to deliver. So he changed from the bargain loving Wenger to the ruthless Wenger of pre 2004, the one who wasn’t afraid of anyone. So he bought 2 top class strikers before the Transfer Window opened. Do you think he will let his best player go again and start building again?? Is he that fragile?? He wants to win again, you can see that in his eyes… And we want to win again too. So stop believing any of the Bullshit the journalists spray on their newspapers to make them sell. Stay Calm and BELIEVE.

UP THE ARSENAL.

Ps. those quote, about imagining, I made that one up.

Hope you liked reading..

@L_KoscielnyFans

Montpellier Star Olivier Giroud Set To Join Arsenal In The Next 48 Hours?

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Jun 132012

The emergence of Olivier Giroud has alerted several clubs across Europe including: Bayern Munich, Napoli, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Arsenal. The striker is hot property at the moment following a sensational, breakthrough season in France over the course of the season just passed. Arsenal are said to be very keen on the French striker with Arsenal club scout Gilles Grimandi having this to say previously “He’s one of those we’re looking at. It is impossible not to watch him after his development in the past two years”. Giroud is said to be flattered by the Gunners reported interest and strong reports suggest that striker wants to ply his trade in the Barclays Premier League next season, with Arsenal.

So How Has Giroud Faired In France Over The Past Season?

Well, he ended the season as Ligue 1 top scorer, with an impressive goals tally for the season . He is the stand out figure at his current club Montpellier and they of course rate him very highly. As much as Montpellier would love to keep the French striker he seems keen to experience a new style of football elsewhere and with the players clause in his contract believed to be between £12million- £15million Arsenal Football Club could land the French international at a very reasonable price in todays modern transfer market.

Furthermore, Giroud is a good, strong, physical striker who would provide Arsenal with a different option upfront. He showed what is capable of against a strong German team in a friendly earlier on in the season. He scored for France in a 2-1 friendly win over Germany before the start of Euro 2012.

Could He Potentially Have The Same Impact As Koscielny Has Had Since He Left France If He Were To Join Arsenal?

Olivier Giroud is definitely a striker to look out for! Although, he was an inexpensive risk when he joined Montpellier he has certainly proved to be a bargain for the French club. He has only recently emerged as a quality striker over the course of the last two seasons, but he looks a very able striker who could complement Robin Van Persie and Lukas Podolski greatly. He would be a great addition to the Arsenal squad and provide ideal, much-needed striking competition. A move to Arsenal would suit the player and he would surely improve his game further by joining the Gunners. His movement and goal scoring prowess will boost Arsenal’s attacking options significantly, further easing the pressure off Robin Van Persie if he remains an Arsenal player. Some people believe that signing Giroud from Montpellier will signal the end of Robin Van Persie’s time at Arsenal, however, the club remain determined to keep hold of the Dutch striker. The prospect of Van Persie, Podolski and Giroud all available as attacking options for the London giants is mouth-watering.

Moreover, Arsene Wenger’s knowledge of French football has served the club very well in the past with the likes of: Robert Pires, Thierry Henry, Emmanuel Petit, Anelka and many others all proving to be great purchases.

Montpellier manager Rene Girard also told French Radio Station RMC recently that “Arsenal are very interested and Giroud wants to play in England, if Arsene agrees with the president, he will sign for them,” further increasing the likelihood that the player will join Arsenal.

In my opinion, Giroud would be a great signing for Arsenal without the hefty price tag of other players available on the transfer market. Consequently, the move could be completed in the next 48 hours with the chances of the player joining Arsenal looking highly likely. But, until a deal is done we must wait and hope…

Please follow me on twitter: @JasonBoyne94 for regular article updates and more!

Feel free to check out the video of Montpellier’s star striker in action below

Do You Rate Giroud Football Fans? Are You Impressed By What You Have Seen Of The Striker In The Video?

Feel free to comment below football fans, all feedback is much appreciated!

Is A Summer Move To Arsenal On The Cards For Matias Suarez?

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Apr 272012

Rumours continue to circulate regarding the future of Anderlecht striker, Matias Suarez. The striker was previously linked with a January move to Arsenal but this move failed to materialise. There was also talk of a pre-contract agreement with several reports from across the globe suggesting a summer transfer was on the cards for Suarez. However, this talk was since dismissed by the player’s agent as well as, various other reliable sources at the time. The South American forward can also play on the wing, making the player an interesting prospect for any interested club.

When questioned on a possible move away from the club in January Suarez had this to say “I do dream of a big transfer, but at the moment it is quiet. I want to be champions with Anderlecht.” The player has clearly signalled his intent to move away from the club in the summer and a potential move to Arsenal does indeed excite the player. Arsenal club scouts have watched the player in action this season and have alerted to player to the attention of Arsene Wenger.

Anderlecht value the player at about £10million but Arsenal will face stiff competition with the likes of: Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United all said to be keen on the player. The forward was Belgian Player of the Year in 2011 therefore, Arsenal will need to move quickly to secure his services in the summer or risk missing out on the talented Argentine.

So How Has Matias Suarez Faired In Belgium’s Top Flight This Season?

Well in the Belgium Pro League (Belgium’s top league) this season Mathias Suarez has played 27 games so far, scoring 13 goals along with 8 assists to his name so far. His overall goals to game record during his time at Anderlecht isn’t the most prolific but a move to a BIG European club such as Arsenal could really push the player to bigger and better things in the near future. It is also important to consider the player has only played in Europe since 2008, so he has adjusted greatly since then. Moreover, Suarez (aged 23) is ready to make the next step in his career to better his all round game alongside Europe’s elite.

The striker is a team player and would fit in with Arsenals attacking philosophy. Matias is a pacy forward, with a good all round game and South American flair. Suarez would spice up Arsenal’s attacking line up and could form a lethal partnership alongside Robin Van Persie. With Arsenal expected to strengthen significantly in the summer the likes of Podolski and Suarez could really compliment RVP yet also, ease the goal scoring pressure off of “Reliant Robin”.

Do you rate Matias Suarez? Would he make a good addition to the Arsenal squad?

Please follow me on twitter @JasonBoyne94

Feel free to comment below and watch the player in action in the attached video underneath!

The video below shows Arsenal fans exactly what they can expect from the Argentine if a summer move to Arsenal is in the pipeline.