Arsenal News 24/7Writer: Brice Coffer 
Date:Sunday January 24 2010
Time: 2:48AM
UK time is: 07:30:43
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'If It's Football, It's Vital'
Stoke City vs. Arsenal
Britannia Stadium
24/1/10
13:30
FA Cup Preview: Stoke(a)
After two highly contested physical battles against Bolton Wanderers, Arsenal limp into the fourth round of the FA Cup. Some people will be disappointed if Wenger resorts to a Carling Cup squad, but I'll be disappointed if any of our starters show up on the initial team sheet. Wenger will surely be called a hypocrite, but no one has the upcoming schedule that we do.
Vital Quotes:
Here is Wenger's pre-match squad news: "We have called up Kyle Bartley, Jay Emmanuel Thomas, Francis Coquelin, Gilles Sunu, and Craig Eastmond.'
"Sol will be OK to play [after regaining fitness] but, right now, I don`t know if I play him. However it is a big opportunity for him if he does. I have to make a decision at right back too. Eastmond is possible. We moved him from there to central midfield in the past, so we`ll see. But Coquelin can play right back as well. I want to pick a team which is strong enough to win the game, without ignoring we are under immense physical demands in every single game right now and the fact some players need to have a breather."
Stoke City Team News:
Unlike Arsenal, Stoke have a full-strength squad available as Abdoulaye Faye and Rory Delap have recovered in time for this weekend's match. Thomas Sorenson will continue in goal for Pulis.
Player to watch: Rory Delap
He killed us with his long throws last season. It will be interesting to see how Fabianski deals with the problem.
Arsenal Team News:
See above as Wenger pretty much gives away the team. Silvestre and Campbell will start at the back, while Vela, Walcott, and Wilshere will get to have a go as well.
Predicted Starting Lineup: Fabianski, Coquelin, Campbell, Silvestre, Traore, Eastmond, Jay Emmanuel Thomas, Wilshere, Walcott, Vela, Sunu
Player to watch: Jay Emmanuel Thomas
I've been looking forward to seeing JET in the first team for a while now. He's a big strong lad, and we'll need him to match Stoke's physicality in the midfield.
Ref Watch:
Martin Atkinson is the head official.
Match Prediction:
Once the lineups are announced, Stoke will be the obvious favourites. I think Stoke will end up capitalizing on our weakened lineup, but if they take the kids lightly, the home side could be in for a rude awakening. Stoke 2-1 Arsenal
Next Fixtures:
27/1 (Wed) - Aston Villa (a) - Premier League
31/1 (Sun) - Manchester United (h) - Premier League
7/2 (Sun) - Chelsea (a) - Premier League
10/2 (Wed) - Liverpool (h) - Premier League
Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for the British GP
Seconds Out! Vital Boxing is here!
Your Comments
With the fixtures coming up and our posistion in the premier league. I'm happy to risk going out in the 4th round.
FuiKaka
Quite right to play the youngsters. They aren't the force away from home that can be at the Emirates and I suspect that will be the telling factor today. It's a knockout competition and success in it is dependant on the luck of the draw. Right now our squad just isn't in the shape to commit sparse resources to winning this one. They'll give it a go though.
Amos.
I'd actually be very excited about this line-up. Would love to see those younglings play (Silvestre and Sol aside :P). Nothing to lose and just enjoy an arsenal... how long has that been? :-) If the kids pull this off, we're really in an awesome position to see them again as the next FA game is right between Liverpool and Porto. So they should be motivated that they can obviously create further success for themselves in the long run but also in the short run.
Fabby69
Well Fabregas and Denilson instead of Wilshire and Sunu it seems... 9/11, thats a fairly good prediction :P
Fabby69
Not sure about Fabregas starting. He must have told Wenger he was 100%.
gunnerkid107
haha,oh wow
ajwb
I will think Stoke will be in for a rude awakening, youthful side or not. This is the Arsenal v Stoke City, for crying out loud; they should be worried about us. My only concern is the CB pairing of Sol and Silvestre; too slow. Still, the game is good for Sol's fitness.
Naijagunner
What happened?! Just got home and we're chasing the game.
GoonerLou
DENIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII 1-1
ajwb
Hehehe not sure about the handball in the first place. But such a well-worked goal from Cesc and Den!!! :D
GoonerLou
Clear handball for me. I've liked the way we've grown into the game. I think we could go on to win this. Please no replay though.
gunnerkid107
Just got up,now hoping for a good game. For me the biggest surprise is seeing Ramsey on the bench - I am delighted.
Sajit
where is Merida?! is he injured?
Dan_83
an Walcott- how dreadful
Dan_83
What? What did Walcott do?
julieloveshenry4ever
Nerida got a knock v Bolton away, remember? Is it just me or are we losing more of the 50-50s? We are just not strong in the challenges.
Naijagunner
Well, now we are having to chase it again. I think we should go back to our game and keep them pinned back.
Naijagunner
well - there goes the f.a cup - our only realistic chance of silverware this season... well done wenger.....
Dan_83
What score now?
julieloveshenry4ever
Completely DISAGREE with you Dan.
julieloveshenry4ever
Have you actually LOOKED at our next 6 fixtures and the FREQUENCY of them?
julieloveshenry4ever
disagree then - we aint gonna win the league - simple.. we havent got the squad that chelsea have..... we aint gonna win the champions league.... fa cup was the only realistic chance to break the drought.
Dan_83
well everyone knows that a lot of games comes back to back to back ... hence why chelsea will win everything this season - they have the experience and the squad...
Dan_83
We can't get back now; not from 3-1 and what we have seen so far. Something was missing with the lads, this game. Now, we shall be under pressure in the PL. Can we handle it? That will be the question.
Naijagunner
Oh we WILL win the league.
julieloveshenry4ever
LOL LOL LOL !! Another trophyless season.
Big Stu
And nobody's told me the scoreline!
julieloveshenry4ever
3-1
Dan_83
another trophyless season.... how predictable
Dan_83
Yet another chance for a trophy slips by...........
hodfoundgodwithapass
Who let the tiddlywink in? Where are YOU in the table with regards to us? And who held you at the lane last night? Oh that's right a league 2 side. Dope.
julieloveshenry4ever
i actually think we should have gone for this with the full available 1st team. loosing this game might actually have a negative knock on effect on subsequent games. Better to have the f.a cup as a fall back option than depend on an unpredictable premier league trophy
NeoGunner
Excuse me Dan. What DATE is it?
julieloveshenry4ever
full credit to stoke.. played the game in the right manner and fully deserved the win.. as for us, we just hv to put this game behind us and get ready for the league encounter against villa.. we hv got bigger fish to catch and its upto wenger to motivate the players
McGooner
January and we are already out of 2 competitions...
Dan_83
Less fixture pile up the better. Don't care one iota. I only care about Wednesday.
julieloveshenry4ever
and when we lost that will u finally give up on the fact that as good as we can be, we'll never win the league with the squad we have.....
Dan_83
If there'a a worse right back option than Traore someone please point him out. Hopeless.
Wyn Mills
Wenger made the right decision today. Good luck in the next rounds Stoke.
gunnerkid107
Well why don't you get into the manager's seat and understand the true meaning of priorities.
julieloveshenry4ever
Hahaha. Glass half empty then Dan_83? We could have looked to close this out in the last 15 minutes or so but the boss went for the win. By the end our defense looked very old in the middle and very young on the flanks.
Amos.
Oh well,we've got the prem to win
ajwb
priority is to deliver a trophy.. wenger must realise that we arent going to make it to the end with all the injuries and the fact that chlesea are just too strong..... fa cup was the only real chance...
Dan_83
Wenger did EXACTLY what I would have done today.
julieloveshenry4ever
Yep McGooner, no complaints, Stoke did their thing and we were desperately poor in parts, how shocking was walcott? den, fab, mekon, jet, all played like a team of strangers. Stoke are well drilled and used to playing as a team regularly, we didn't have that, just a mish mash of mediocrity. What a waste of 95 mins for Cesc.
nikolaijns
Priority is to win the best trophy and the one you are in the best running for. That's League then CL.
julieloveshenry4ever
It's a knockout competition. You can't plan to win it. So much depends where , when and who you get in the draw. Only Chelsea have a big enough squad to cope with both domestic competitions in most conditions.
Amos.
Yeah well the FA Cup did a lot for Portsmouth eh?!
julieloveshenry4ever
playing fabgregas today was a mistake when u consider the ***** that played around him... either play your first team and win the league or play the whole reserves... ******** stupid wenger... well done....
Dan_83
I thought Campbell actually had a decent game...he was just surrounded by a defence who really were too far casual. In particular Traore, Denilson and Fabianski. We'll be stronger when Song returns.
Wyn Mills
yep, my only regret was fabregas playing 90 mins... hopefully, we can get the job done early against villa and look to give him a rest.. surprised to see ramsay back soon
McGooner
..."very old in the middle and very young on the flanks". Very well summed up, Amos. We lacked a balance in the back 4, occasioned by putting strange bed fellows together (all playing together for the first time, at this level, I imagine). Traore just has to shape up, or...... Sol did well, read the game well, made telling tackles, but still lacks some pace, while Silvestre's recovering can be better. I believe the loss will serve the team well as they are 'condemned' to win the league, now. The final push starts from Wednesday.
Naijagunner
For the love of God, will someone please get Gazidis on the phone? Have him sack Wenger immediately and appoint Dan_83 in his place.
gunnerkid107
Get a grip Dan 83, we have *****ign 11 players injured or unavailable out there. Wenger had no choice. And btw, I doubt any of the kids gave a bad account of themselves - other than Theo and Fabianski.
I take a lot of positives from this game.
Sajit
Dan83, I suppose we should just give up all together then shall we? If we had played a full strength team and still lost would that have made you feel better?
DBerg
Dan, give an opinion and whine about it all you want, but at least show a small amount of braincell activity by refraining yourself to have a go at Wenger plz. Because then you go from a doomsayer to a retard.
Fabby69
Finally! Dan 83, a gooner who's telling it as it is!! On this particular site anyway.
hodfoundgodwithapass
Wenger is NOT stupid, stupid. If the limit of YOUR ambitions is to win the FA Cup, then you're not aware that this is Arsenal FC. And I think that the CL is a better proposition for this team to win anyway. That competition suits us better.
julieloveshenry4ever
Told you you'd win nothing. What will Wenger moan about now?
You'll lose at Villa too.
adlington2
GK, with Dan in charge we'd probably sink to league 2. But hey at least we're in for a shout with FA Cup, right and that's more important. Apparently.
julieloveshenry4ever
I thought Ramsey was supposed to be injured. What's he doing coming on in the second half on a quagmire of a pitch like that?
Sometimes you have to question the validity of the injury reports coming out of our club.
Wyn Mills
Fab is captain and should lead out his troops for this one, even if to underscore the importance of the cup to the younger lads. For me, he didn't play at full throttle and does have enough in reserve for the run of games we have coming. Funny, though, that the last 2 goals only came after our 'star men' subs came in, as the Manager went for the win instead of a replay at home. Tells you that the players also have their priorities.
Naijagunner
I'm sorry but WHO exactly are you people again. And your time would be better spent worrying about relegation because Burnley are about to tan your hide.
julieloveshenry4ever
Wyn Mills, some heal quicker and as the Manager said, Ramsey is one of the quick healers; this was a good game to bring him back for as he may have a role at some point soon.
Naijagunner
It was noticeable that after the substitutions Stoke had more joy down our flanks and started winning more in midfield. I thought all our senior players were at half throttle. Tells me the focus is on the league.
Wyn Mills
Hopefully Ramsey is going to turn into one of those hard-as-nails type midfielders as he grows. He reminds me of a more skillful Bryan Robson, if that doesn't offend too many fellow Gooners.
Wyn Mills
chelsea fan here, cant believe some of you are relieved to be out of the FA cup, ffs you've got 3 hard games and liverpoo coming up in the prem in 4 weeks time you may be out of the running for the league, the FA cup is brilliant cup to win, those who can rubbish it are talking through thier backsides. a day out in wembley is a good day out for the fans regardless of the competition
ten men
ten men, that same logic can be applied reversely. Considering our injury list, say we put out a full strength squad today and progressed, but suffered another injury or two. That could have a harmful effect on our next games and we could be eliminated from the title hunt.
gunnerkid107
Shhhh!!! ten men. I prefer them trophyless.
hodfoundgodwithapass
agreed gunnerkid, but talk of limiting your ambitions, ffs why did you bother entering
ten men
I would not have have had Arshavin on the bench never mind playing him, we were on the ascendency when Stoke scored against the run of play. Dan_83 we all know you are Spurs fan trying to infuriate us Gunners, so why don't you just STFU. Cesc and Denilson were played because they haven't played an excess amount of games this season like Gallas and Vermaelen. And Ramsey is a quick healer indeed I saw him get a knock which would looked serious in the champions league but he played the next game.
gronedrone
Ten men, we're not relieved but fact of the matter is with the number of injuries we have, we need to prioritise and quite frankley for me personally the pl and champions league come first. Besides Wenger plyed fab, Walcott, denny, vela and we had arshavin, rosicky and eduardo on the bench, you cannot say he didn't want to lose this match.
Dberg
nice welcome back for campell
ten men
Ah. hodfoundspudshavenoclass. Just remind me of Stokes only away win of the season at a full strengthside will you?
Amos.
are you going to play a weakened side against villa with the knowledge you utd on sun
ten men
On and hodfoundhisheaduphis ass - When does your crystal ball tell you St. Totteringhams Day will fall this year?
Amos.
Can't believe the negativity. What COULD Wenger have done, with this injury list then? To say/hint he threw it away is ridiculous. To say he should have gone into the Cup with his best XI is even more so. A loss is still better than a draw given our fixture list and injury list. Come on guys!
GoonerLou
I reckon our kids could have given them another game at home so to an extent Wenger did throw it away by going for it in the last 20 minutes. It might have been the wrong decision but you can understand why he was prepared to gamble.
Amos.
ten men, you are showing all the stupidity that is reminiscent of a chav. With our resources/ injury list/ upcoming fixture list, our management put out a more than competetive side to win the game today. That they did not win is to Stoke's credit. In a cup game anything is possible on the day and maybe you will realise it very soon in the FA cup yourself. Meanwhile, dont worry about our upcoming matches. Watch your own back because the league is up for grabs.
deltaforce
Dan_83, its perfectly acceptable to have a moan after a dissapointing result. But when moaning turns to whining and then sniping at your own team you will soon find that some worthless spuds are your biggest cheerleaders.
deltaforce
Definately the right decision from Arsene. The fact is that, although we didn't quite seem to click, we could have won the game today, and for me that's the minimum requirement for a game like today - to put a side out that's capable of getting us through without harming our League prospects. The fact that we lost today is just a credit to Stoke. Given our injury and fixture lists, we were just unlucky. If the game hadn't come right before the games it has, we would've played a stronger side, and if we'd had a better draw (weaker opposition/ at home) we may well have won. Let's face it, only Leeds got a tougher draw than us, and that's what they wanted.
ArsenalRob
Tut, tut Dan 83. You must tow the party line on this site. No room for freedom of thought here.
hodfoundgodwithapass
lol, nothing better to do in your life than try to annoy gunners? That is actually a joke. I won't even insult your team or players or you, you just do it yourself with these useless waste time comments. Cheers mate, and hope you see the light someday.
Fabby69
So Hodfoundspudscomelast as you're a free thinker - when do you think St Totteringhams day will fall this year?
Amos.
Well hodfoundhehadnonuts, you will have to try harder than that to get a gooner on your side.
deltaforce
Oh bseymour, so who's the idiot now? ............ LOL
ivanskg
Fabby69, please insult away! deltaforce, don't care about gooners on my side. Amos, keep trying!
hodfoundgodwithapass
So Amos, when will St L'Arse winningfeckallagain day fall this year?
HATEtheGOONERS
Thats rich coming from a fan of an incompetent club HTG.
deltaforce
a predictable result away from home with this line-up... also, its really funny that all these spuddies are on here talking after their equally pathetic result yesterday...
TPowell
Jeez dan noones chuffed about going out but get a grip son, you're acting like a feckin ranting spud and all you're serving to do is to feed gobsh11tes like goddisownedanembarrassingdisabledhatingcretinlikehoddle.
nikolaijns
If it does HTG then it'll definitely be after we've celebrated St. Totteringhams Day for yet another season.
Amos.
yep tpowell we go out playing cesc and our reserves to a premier league team away. those doss kvntz will go out at a 3rd division team. It' as good as written they were hilarious yesterday dewoes 4th missed pen in a row, the shocking jenas playing like a 3 year old girl and the useless twitchy, in full on juddering jowel mode keeping his boyfriends on for sexual favours the tax dodging cheating fat scum.
nikolaijns
Amos, Is that you as HATEtheGOONERS?
hodfoundgodwithapass
A City fan told me you can be liberal in your editing and deleting.
hodfoundgodwithapass
Very disappointed but not devastated to lose this, especially with the players we have out. I thought we didn't do too badly considering the team out there. Vela I feel has to start showing more, perhaps getting more aggressive. Beat Villa on Wednesday and all will be well. Simple as.
Gooner_Vin
After your years of failure I suppose it nearly count's as winning something, you must be very proud.
HATEtheGOONERS
HTG, a very intriguing comment from the fan of a club that has - a) NEVER been in the EPL title race and b) NEVER qualified for the CL. Keep sipping from your milk cup tiny tot!
deltaforce
When alls said and done spud b11tches. Look at the table and see the 10 point difference. What the hell will it be when you start throwing your grubby shekels into your new shrine to mid table mediocracy? championship thats what.
nikolaijns
Talking to a City fan hodthinksspudsareafarce? Were you asking how long before they snatch your treasured 4th spot? Or is that Villa or maybe 'pool seeing as they turned you over? Perhaps you were asking him when he thinks St Totteringhams day will fall this year?
Amos.
nikolailjns, you are better than Spurs, well done. Now tell me are you happy with the way things are going?
hodfoundgodwithapass
Likedeltaforce said your history aint feck all, almost 50 years til you losers have done anything leaguewise and CL is a far off distant dream to your comedy club. Haven't beaten us in the league for almost a decade, it truely is an embarassment to have you twisted little bitters as neighbours.
nikolaijns
Happier than u muppets judging by the infinite comments of backbiting, teeth gnashing, 'arry bashing and jenas slating that passes for constructive comment over at the fiery sshhitepit that is vital scum
nikolaijns
'tis embarrassing to have them as neighbours Niko. But think what it must like to be a spud? All those years of humiliation and mediocrity. Forever in the shadow of Arsenal a far, far, far more successful club. Any know the result when Spuds played Stoke at home? I can't be bothered to look it up.
Amos.
Btw If there is a God (yeah I know but you've found me in a leniant, open frame of mind) he would thrown down several shades of wrath at hoddles disgusting comments regarding the disabled, how the feck can you feel comfortable still deifying a nadsack like that?
nikolaijns
Amos, I think you'll find that's your 4th spot they'll be taking in future.
hodfoundgodwithapass
Tbph I'm happy that nobody got injured today (except that Silvestre took a knock), that we're well positioned in the PL and the CL, i.e. our priorities fish to fry, that some of the players are coming back, especially Ramsey and Denilson, that we aren't Liverpool fans in short.
GoonerLou
hodfound, oh yeah your last league trophy is going to turn 50 next year. Do buy some DVD and mugs to commemorate the occasion. Our expectations of achievement are different and higher than yours. That said, not many of us have an overwhelming sense of entitlement. We are challenging for two of the most coveted trophies in the game. What more could a rational fan as for?
deltaforce
Hod define 'future' - another 50 years?
GoonerLou
Stoke played better than we did, that's what happened imo!
hackneyval
So your crystal ball is working then hodthinksarsenalareclass? Don't look like City'll take our place this season but I take your point it isn't your 4th spot is it. My mistake - I was too presumptuous on your behalf. So with your crystal ball working again when does it say St. Totteringhams day will fall this year?
Amos.
A neat summary of the day hackneywal. Onwards and upwards.
deltaforce
I think you'll find all the bitterness and hatred has not come from me. My crime seems to be suggesting Arsenal's recent glory days are over and that Spurs are getting better.
hodfoundgodwithapass
You know guys, when I saw Silvestre hit the ground, I thought "Oh thank goodness it's not the Verminator playing today!" It dawned on me how much I agreed with the starting lineup because there's really absolutely no room for Wenger to play the first-teammers - Cesc only played as Wilshere was ill. I thought I didn't even want to see Den there but what other options did we have? Someone might have said we shouldn't have loaned out the likes of Simpson, Gilbert, etc. But then who would've thought Merida, Wilshere and Ramsey couldn't start and Theo and Vela would be poor up front? It's all hindsight I'm afraid. The team out there was good enough to win the game, despite a poor performance. It's the defensive unit that let us down, including the DM bit.
GoonerLou
Spurs are getting better - but only better than relegation struggles for part of the last 2 seasons. You aspiration is our minimum achievement hodfindsjenascantpass. We are also better than we were last season and the club is certainly financially stronger which should ensure many glory days are still ahead of us. Your only crime is one of gross ignorance. Rather like Hod himself in a way.
Amos.
If we bounce right back against Villa, we'd start to realise it's probably worth it. I don't think we'd let this drag us down like the kids did 2 seasons ago. We'll only know whether this was a worthy gamble after we got through the coming 4 league games. Time will tell indeed.
GoonerLou
hodfound, you really crack me up! 1) You come on our board and try to incite us b) You get a right bollocking as a result and then you claim that we are bitter and full of hate! Watch out for the men in white coats outside your room.
deltaforce
What else if not hatred or bitterness is the basis of you being here then ohworshipperofthosethathateonthedisabled? envy? inferiority complex? or just somewhere to escape the turgid blatherings of the likes of cockeril?
nikolaijns
deltaforce, someone suggested I was bitter and hateful and I refute that. If you look back in this and other threads Youll see I'm not and that others are. I've always been respectful. As for the buying of mugs see your mate nikolaijns I know he owns at least 1.
hodfoundgodwithapass
Wouldn't buying mugs involve buying back players for twice what you sold them for hodfoundtwitchybehindbars? Perhaps you could get Eileen Drewery to read the tea mugs to tell you when St Totteringhams Day might fall this year.
Amos.
yeah i own you you mug
nikolaijns
Maybe buying may be the solution to your problems Amos. Or is Wenger too stubborn?.
hodfoundgodwithapass
Or do you actually have funds?.
hodfoundgodwithapass
Well hodfound, the cup Niko owns is rather priceless! Winning the league at WHL was awesome. I respect the fact that you have not been abusive. But it does seem amazing that you come on here claiming that we are on the way down when we have almost finished rebuilding for our next period of dominance. If that sounds deluded to you look at the facts - a) Our team is youthful and highly talented with just the right mix of high quality senior pros b) They are showing both technical improvement and mental fortitude every year c) Our finances have never been in better shape and d) We have one of the finest manager's in the world. If these are not the ingredients of success, I dont know what are.
deltaforce
hodfound, dont let the media fool you, we are minted. The most profitable club in the EPL and one of the top 3 in the world. AW is careful with our money and does'nt spend 14 million on a Palacios or Bentley. He would rather get Arshavin with that sort of money.
deltaforce
yeah buy buy buy spudfoundaskinnycockinhismouth, like 17 mill for Bentley? like 16.5 for Bent? like desperately buying back Dewoe and pointyshoutybloke then tearing them a new one on vitalskinnychicken evey time they don't win you a game? Like buying the beanstalk then whining on about all the long balls up to him and how that isn't the way of the anorexic poultrey? You're a joke club with a shocking history of purchasing with sod all gameplan, look at all the players who've regressed into a shadow of their former selves the minute they touch the fetid turf at white heartbreak lane.
nikolaijns
deltaforce, point a: fact, point b: very shaky ground, point c: remember the banks, point d: is he getting worse like Rafa?
hodfoundgodwithapass
im glad you lot went out its what you deserve for continually playing kids, it really *****esssss me off how ur french frog demeans every demestic cup compitition the fa should punish you and your manager for not feilding english players (and b4 you say ramsey and ballcock that doesnt make up for 10 years of not fielding a single english man) you soft sourthern tramps
mark.mcfc.wedged
I did say ignorance was your crime spudwithhisheaduphisarse. The stadium debts which are declining year on year are in long term bonds and don't involve the banks. On the other hand your debts trebled last year so ours are declining while yours are growing spuddontknowelbowfromarse. We are making profits to invest while without selling players you are making losses and increasing borrowings. Such ignorance - but you're a spud - ignorance is what spuds do best.
Amos.
hodfound, point b is a fact too. Lets look at the players who have become bonafide stars this year compared to last year - Alex Song, Thomas Vermaelen, Denilson and Aaron Ramsey. With each year you will find that some of our young players hit the big time. Our record in player development is second to no one. Point c) What do you mean remember the banks! We pay an interest of 20 -22 million pounds a year to the banks from our profits (which are over 50 million pounds) and make a profit of over 30 million pounds a year. Our terms of debt are long term and at very low interest rate. Amos can illustrate this point better than I can. Lastly Wenger is so far ahead of most of his rivals its scary. He develops his own team which he supplements every year with 1-2 senior players from the transfer market. His teams from the reserve team to the first team play attacking and winning football with robot like uniformity and he just seems to get hungrier to win every year. Most gooners would'nt swap our state of affairs with ANY other club in the world.
deltaforce
Bit rich come from a supporter taking his money from the oppressed poor of an oil rich autocracy! That wedgie must be causing you some discomfort to be so bitter. As it happens we fielded CL team this season with the biggest contingent of English/British players for decades. See you've been buying a few of our unwanted non-english players too. Strong stench of hypocrisy wafting down from Wastelands lately.
Amos.
Mark mcfc, fans like you are relics. You belong to a bygone and backward era which will get swept away. Even spu*s are a bigger club than your sorry lot. Retard.
deltaforce
Mark you gimp, do you realise that you only fielded 1 English player in your win today. What a pen1s
paul_ownz
I think Wenger's been the best around for a long time. I also think his better days are behind him. Unless , his hands are tied and he cannot spend. If he can spend, and he's choosing not to, you are in big trouble.
hodfoundgodwithapass
What big trouble is that? We are 10 points ahead of your lot and can invest wehre and when we wish. You've pledged a fair amount of your assets to support borrowings already and are set to pledge more in the future. Your intangible assets are worryingly overvalued. I reckon that it's your lot headed for **** street if you're not careful hodthinksspudsareafarce.
Amos.
deltaforce....are you suggesting Palacios has been a flop??? Coz if you are your'e blind. Wilson has been a fantastic signing, gives us so much steel in midfield and for the most part has been outstanding, what are you on about? As much as i actually rate Song whos come in and started to fill Milan sub Flaminis boots (I remember when you used to boo song) Palacios is a far more complete player imo.
HuddersfieldYiddo
demestic? feilding? sourthern? Lets face it you don't dress yourself do you? tragically thick manc w.anker.
nikolaijns
Really HY then explain why most of your board think wilson has been regressing this year then?
nikolaijns
HY, first of all by not responding to my jibe about Bentley you admit that he has been a flop. Second, I am not claiming that Palacios is a flop. What I am saying is that he is not worth 14 million pounds by a long shot. Palacios has very good work rate, tenacity and physical presence. His passing range, vision and long range shooting are below par. I beg to differ on your estimation of Song. Song has great attributes - Passing range, strength, ability to retain the ball and reading of the game. He is a FAR superior player to Palacios in my opinion. Give it another year and am sure you will agree too.
deltaforce
I mean the vital sp*rs board of course - clueless though they are, even they have more savvy than Levy and co.
nikolaijns
niko he went off form for sure for a few weeks. Hardly makes the guy a flop. Hes also had 13 round trips to Honduras in 2009 and his brother was murdered in the summer. delta Palacios has great skill and like Song is still young and can improve sure. Like i said i like Song but Palacios really is ******** quality...reads the game so well and very strong. £14m in todays market...an absolute snip. I mean Lassana Diarra went for £24m who Le Prof expertly let go for £5m. And if you still had Flamini would Song even be playing at the moment?
HuddersfieldYiddo
Oh and Bentley.....shocking flop. Why Ramos is buying a slow Right Winger for £15m (half of which is going to you lot) when we've got Lennon in the same position is just madness. Welcome to the madness that is THFC, at times its really hard you know!
HuddersfieldYiddo
how did Ramsey play today. he is supposed to be out for 3 weeks, thats what wenger said..
luckys_10
HY, we got 5.5 million pounds for Diarra plus 20% of the 24 million pound transfer to the Madrid mob as sell on fee. That makes for a grand total of 10.3 million pounds for the dolphin headed troublemaker. Fair deal.
I dont doubt that Palacios is young and can improve but there are some attributes that can not be taught. Reading the game for one. Palacios REACTS to the game. Song is fast developing the knack of proactively eliminating threats before they emanate. Lets see who comes out better HY. As for your question about Flamini and Song, its an obvious question. Ofcourse Song developed because Flamini left. Thats they way young players develop all around the world - through opportunity.
deltaforce
Yes Sir time will tell. Interestingly we've also been linked to Flamini in the transfer window, oh the madness...
HuddersfieldYiddo
Fair play to you HY. Flamini (if the rumour turns out to be true) can definitely add tempo and steel to your game. He would need some time to acclimitise being a defensive midfielder again though having being played as a sub right back for Milan.
deltaforce
I know about Wilsons brother HY very sad, I personally think he's been one of your better signings, not saying he's a flop but you lot are in true impatient fickle spud fashion on his back, I do read a lot of posts on VS so I see what gets posted but unlike hodfoundgodandlosttheplot I'm not on your site every time you lose.
nikolaijns
niko fair point but where exactly ARENT there morons on Vital Football. Tbh @ the lane you rarely hear boos or such bar the odd idiot who let Assou-Ekotto know what he thought of him (bet he regrets that now) and although ive still yet to visit The Emirates just from reading on here that you have fickle fan issues of your own on a match day with boos etc. Yeah Flamini is class, but im sure its our destiny to play Jenas every season, and it probably wont happen.
HuddersfieldYiddo
Please don't come on our site! Ask nicely niko.
hodfoundgodwithapass
I don't do nice
nikolaijns
apart from when me mum phones, then i force nice
nikolaijns
if you can't stand the heat, ask me to leave the kitchen! Of course Amos can delete the posts.
hodfoundgodwithapass
Ha ha thats funny! I didn't think gooners did funny here.
hodfoundgodwithapass
don't flatter yourself hodfoundalucklessfootballkidandmadelotsofmoneyfromhimaftertakinghimtohiscrappyspanishhideawaythensellinghimonforaprofit. you're an unsightly, itchy, boil in the cleft for sure but we've had far worse, you're a bit too...well bland to get overly worked up about. Sorry!
nikolaijns
I can live with worked up , if not overly!
hodfoundgodwithapass
But it seems what you can't live with is posting on your own site? Why have I not seen one post from yourself there?
nikolaijns
Have you looked properly, amongst so many posts? Does my prescence bother you? Do you want me to leave?
hodfoundgodwithapass
Does the truth hurt?
hodfoundgodwithapass
Don't get touchy, but where are you there? Not one forum post, not one article post, the only time I have seen you is here. It's more than a little weird.
nikolaijns
Are you not accepted amongst your own? Do they laugh at you the way they do at cockeril?
nikolaijns
I'm my own man. I make my comments there and move on if noone responds. I'd move on here if noone responds!
hodfoundgodwithapass
I'm my own man. I make my comments there and move on if noone responds. I'd move on here if noone responds!
hodfoundgodwithapass
hmm double post, I sense a hint of nervousness and uncertainty. Your reply (both of them) suggest you are more than a little unhappy with the lack of response what little posts you've made over there have generated. I'm picking up on a strong sense of disillusion with your own hod, can't see that's healthy. Sit back , relax and tell me more.
nikolaijns
Not too surprised at the result. One of my number called it absolutely correct when he said before the game he thought we'd lose by over committing late on in an attempt to avoid a replay. I had zero problems with the team selection pre match so I won't complain about it now. But I'm not happy to be out or even relieved. Momentum is important for the games we have coming up and this was an emminently winnable trophy for us. I would have had no problems with going to a replay because I felt we could have beaten them with a scratch side. I don't really like the fear of replays the club seem to have adopted in our trophyless seasons, it's a tacit admission that the manager doesn't believe in his squad's ability to handle the games and it so often tobs a team of its belief and momentum. I'd have been happy to play a replay in every round if it meant winning it. We used to compete for the F.A. Cup very strongly and it seldom affected our league performance (in Wenger's league winning seasons we got to a semi final once and won the competition the other two times) and I'm not comfortable with the mentality the team seem to have adopted. All in all, Stoke did well and I was convinced that once we equalised we'd win, but Stoke looked stronger at the end.
Little Dutch
Ok dr niko, since you've responded. When I make a post I couldn't care less about the responce, I'm just speaking my mind. If somebody responds to my posts, I'm being polite by answering back. Now be honest and say please leave the Arsenal site!
hodfoundgodwithapass
besymour come oujt from hiding, who;s laughing now , we are still in the cup, yer excuse now is at last you can concentrate on winning the cl ( no chance) or league, how long has it been
123spurs
No stick around sodwithoutanynous. You ain't scoring any points and it's fun shredding your powderpuff little jibes. You seem too feeble to even consitute an irritation. And you probably need the attention :)
Amos.
It's response, although in your case maybe responce is more appropriate. I'm not asking anyone to leave anywhere, you feel more at home here than on your own site that much is clear and your sole raison d'etre is how much 'responce' you can illicit, tell me, and I can assure you this is strictly confidential, when did the relentless bumming first begin?
nikolaijns
bseymour never posts here 123, he's a wind up merchant who only appears on your site, which brings me to ask, ever seen this clodfoundgod chap before?
nikolaijns
I think it's fun you trying Amos!
hodfoundgodwithapass
Was that an answer to me godspurnedhod? If so I'm pretty sure Amos will not accept your invitation to relentlessly bum you, and it's sad that you have to ask strangers to get your rectal kicks.
nikolaijns
niko, relentless bumming must be your area of expertise. Thanks for the heads up on the spelling.
hodfoundgodwithapass
Yeah I feel at home here. Like I did in my schooldays in the Nortn Bank!
hodfoundgodwithapass
North Bank
hodfoundgodwithapass
Good to see you at least are correcting your own inadequate apelling! Please provide a link of any instance of you posting on vital spurs hodfoundhisdaduphisass as in all honesty I don't think you ever have. In my long and distinguished career I have helped and consulted many cases and victims of relentless bumming. I see the signs in you hod, it's never too late to stop the sphinctoral free for all.
nikolaijns
*****! feckers got me at it - spelling even lol
nikolaijns
Good to to see you are an expert in relentless bumming. Keep up the good work niko!
hodfoundgodwithapass
Hmm no link to any VS posts then? surprise surprise.
nikolaijns
I mean it doesn't have to be (and none of us expect it to be) articulate or insightful. I'll accept any old "I likes Bale" shoite, just anything that hasn't been posted in the last couple of hours to prove you're not the total fraud you so blatantly are.
nikolaijns
I'm proud and happy to be a Spurs fan. Where's the fraud bumming expert?
hodfoundgodwithapass
where are you there then fraud? nowhere that's where. Apart from on here discussing your traumatic bumming addiction.
nikolaijns
One link of an old post fraud, that's all I'm asking. To prove you're not just some obsessed Arsenal hater but someone who actually follows your team too.
nikolaijns
Where's the fraud? It's simple. Spurs are improving Arsenal are declining. Relax lay back, and try to come terms with it! I fear for you when Wenger leaves.
hodfoundgodwithapass
Sussed mate. I'll leave you now, pop over to VS and introduce yourself - 'Night fraud.
nikolaijns
Goodnight! Next please!!!!
hodfoundgodwithapass
Whatever our decline is still puts us someway above you. So when do you reckon St Totteringhams Day will fall spudwithoutapurpose?
Amos.
It's progress that you've admitted decline. Now tell Wenger.
hodfoundgodwithapass
Tell Wenger what? That we're 10 points above you and the inevitable St. Totteringhams Day will fall soon enough (when d'ya reckon that will be?0 - don't think he really gives you a moment's thought. What's your fascination with when Wenger goes? He's younger than twitchy less likely to be detained at Her Majesty's Pleasure than twitchy. You should be planning your next managerial coup.
Amos.
Tell Wenger that being above Spurs is scant consolation for the mighty Arsenal!
hodfoundgodwithapass
Consolation for what? We take it pretty much for granted we'll be above Spuds. When d'ya reckon St Totteringhams day will fall?
Amos.
Must say I'm a bit disappointed - would have loved to meet L'arse in the next round. Playing Stoke just doesn't have quite the same sex-appeal.
fifthcolumnblue
Redknapp's not Tottenham. Are Arsenal Wenger?
hodfoundgodwithapass
Yeah I wouldn't have minded drawing Stoke at home either. Their away record is poor - only won once all season - against the Spuds!
Amos.
I think it's fair to say that Wenger has shaped Arsenal over the last 14 years. Done a pretty good job too. He'll be around for a while yet. Will Twitchy? - HMRC permitting of course.
Amos.
Like I said Redknapp's ok, but imo not the final solution. Now when Wenger leaves and your talent with him, is Pat Rice the answer or maybe Rioch, Adams, boring Georgie Graham? Is this not a problem?
hodfoundgodwithapass
Why should we think about it? Wenger's around for a while yet. Redknapps far more likely to go before Wenger does. Ironic that you should mention Graham. He was one of your longest serving managers while Wenger has been at Arsenal. Curious that eh! When d'ya reckon St. Totteringhams Day will fall this season?
Amos.
You should think about it because the writings on the wall.
hodfoundgodwithapass
That'll be the crappy graffiti around WHL - shocking isn't it! Such a decrepit rundown area - fitting in many ways I suppose. Whereas the walls around the Grove are bright shiny, new and adorned with marvellous graphic displays of our many triumphs. Left some space for those to come as well. Wenger's with us for a few years yet.
Amos.
Guess what, Drogba's back!
xypher
So's Eboue!
Amos.
Amos, how's the decrepit area around Woolwich, where you squatters belong?
hodfoundgodwithapass
How would we know it's a century ago since we were there! You've won a title since then - that's how long ago it was! No we've made North London our home and brought a bit of pride to the area. Just think how depressed it would have been if all they had was your all too pitiful contribution. When d'ya reckon St. Totteringhams Day will fall this season?
Amos.
This is all too easy - you're offering nothing at all hodfindsspudshavenoclass. It's a borefest - you've got nothing you're just like a yapping little dog making noise. I'll leave you with a question to ponder: When d'ya reckon St. Totteringhams Day will fall this season?
Amos.
It may be a century, but it's also home!
hodfoundgodwithapass
We got knocked out by a premier league team, away. Spuds drew with a league 1 team, at home. Which is worse?
FuiKaka
Old age has crept up on me, bloody log on didn’t like me; thought you had banned me Rocky. Well I just have to comment on the comments from dickweeds who come on to our site one simple word P iss off your not wanted unless you can offer comments which will enable sensible debate. Master clowns like humdogwhatever go play with yourself and so called Arsenal supporters such as Dan the nutty man stop using aliases we know who you are. Agree with LD didn’t think we had much of a chance in this cup especially with the up-coming games and injuries we have. A bit relieved now we can really concentrate on winning the EPL and CL. Go you Gunners
alwaysgunner
LD and others who dont have a gripe against Theo, (who I might add IMO will be a great player for us if he keeps fit) your honest opinion considering its his first game (and his 10 game this season,am I right amos) how did he perform.
alwaysgunner
As a Spurs fan, this embarassing clown 'Hodfoundgodwithapass' has never been on the VitalSpurs site. Having watched the game, it was a little surprising that your more senior players let you down. Your young centre forward and that young midfielder look like they have some potential.
kernowboy71
Walcott was appalling I thought. I understand he's rusty and lacking in sharpness, but I only ever recall him jogging throughout the game. I counted three separate occasions when Fabregas shrugged and had to run down the touchline to track back on Walcott's flank because he couldn't be arsed. This is hwere Cesc is going to have to improve too. Instead of resigning himself to doing the running for others, as a captain, he has to leave Walcott in no doubt that a lack of effort on that scale is not acceptable. Fabregas can drive the team forward single handedly and, as such, is becoming a good skipper. But now he really needs to be prepared to be unpopular and dish out some bollockings. I only hope Walcott can get some rhythm in the second half of the season which he could do given his freshness. But Walcott has to be in no doubt that at the moment, he shouldn't be in our team and probably not in the England squad either.
Little Dutch
Hey, Dr. Nico: "seat back, relax and tell me more". "when did the relentless bumming first begin?". Classic! I think this Hodfoundberkforduphisass fellow does need help and it is nice that he can come here to get it, free. Obviously needs the attention.
Naijagunner
On Theo, I can only imagine what it will have done for his confidence, had Arshavin squared that pass to him and he scored against Bolton, Wednesday. Nothing like a goal to re-assure a young player, returning from injury. I still believe he has the makings of a terrific winger/striker.
Naijagunner
Theo needs to find a way to contribute when he doesn't have the ball. Overall though I don't think anyone let us down. For most of the game we confortable enough. The decision to go for it in the last 20 minutes was understandable but wrong. We should have been prepared to play it tight and played the CC side at the Emirates. The luck of the draw though would have only given us another tricky away tie this time at City so we'd have been left with the same dilemma even if we got past this stage. It's a knockout competition - things either go for you or they don't.
Amos.
Agree about Theo, Amos. On the result, Wenger still had time for some humour: "I wanted to avoid a replay. That is why I sent on 3 experienced subs all together". "And yes, it worked, didn't it? We have not got a replay!" Painful for some; but, I see the funny side to this. We need to focus on the PL and CL now, with determination to win something.
Naijagunner
I fear for Theo, LD. He doesnt look like he's upto the high standards at Arsenal, but I'm willing to be more patient with him and give him the opportunity to improve. Whenever I've seen him, his skills on the ball are shockingly poor. However, he does have his pace (how far that can take him is a question).
prits
Luckily Theo is English otherwise fans would of been on his back for a while. Granted he has been injured but he actually provides nothing in games at the moment. He is one dimensional, cant cross a ball, dribble past someone, poor touch. He will always have potential because of his speed, but how long can he be carried in games. Like LD said, you can have a bad game but at least put the effort in to track back. On another note, Great atmosphere at the Britannia yesterday. Especially enjoyed singing Double, Bubble, Double. Sol Campbell has won the double....
paul_ownz
I agree paul. But then flashes of his amazing CL run vs Liverpool just drive me insane wondering if it was a glimps of skills or just a incredibly lucky run that not many other players could even accomplish...
Fabby69
If you wondered about whether Cambell can hack it at this level you got your answer today.
He wasnt the worst on the pitch but a shadow of what he used to be.
denno4
Hardly denno, I'm not saying he isn't passed it and I wasn't cracking open the bubbly on his return, but this was the first 90 minutes the bloke has had in an aeon and although he faded badly in the second half, I thought his performance in the first half was decent. Can't really see any other games he'll play in if gallas and vermaelen stay fit now we're out of the FA cup, but as cover it could be worse, we could have a pair of crocks like King and Woodgate!
nikolaijns
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