Arsenal's future in safe hands?
Wed Nov 12 08:54AM
"The future is in safe hands" - Arsene Wenger, November 11 2008
Yesterday evening, Early Doors escaped its minders for long enough to tunnel out of its cage, hail a local rickshaw and make for the Emirates Stadium.
There, it saw an Arsenal team with an average age of 13.42 wipe the floor with a full-strength Wigan side.
It was a remarkable, thrilling spectacle - but Arsenal's Carling Cup team is the reason they will never win anything meaningful again.
Put simply, the teenagers are so good that they already merit first-team action. And, as he brings them through, Arsene Wenger will continue to flog established players.
When Emmanuel Adebayor comes to Wenger demanding a bumper new contract, why should his pay demands be met when there is Carlos Vela (pictured) waiting in the wings to replace him?
And when Milan and Barcelona bid each other into a frenzy over Cesc Fabregas, surely Wenger should just take the £30 million and run when he can replace him with any of Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Fran Merida and the only man in the Premier League who sounds like he has come fresh from a Swiss finishing school, Henri Lansbury?
Wenger has such faith in the future that he neglects the present.
He has already dismantled a team that went through a whole season unbeaten to make room for emerging players - and more recently he lost Mathieu Flamini on a free to Milan.
Patrick Vieira had to be sold in 2005 because there was a new midfield leader coming through, Fabregas.
The theory was that, in order for Fabregas to grow into the role, Vieira had to move on. All very well, except that at that time little Cesc still needed a note from his mum to stay out late on a school night.
Fabregas is brilliant, no argument. But surely he, and Arsenal, are better when he is playing alongside one of the greatest players in Premier League history, not the 20-year-old Denilson?
Vieira and Thierry Henry might have been past their best, but did Arsenal really improve when they left?
Since leaving Highbury, incidentally, Vieira has never failed to finish first in Serie A with either Juventus or Inter (admittedly Juve were stripped of two titles because of their frankly rubbish efforts to influence referees).
The Invincibles benefited hugely from having 30-somethings like Sol Campbell, Dennis Bergkamp and Jens Lehmann.
Now their most experienced player, William Gallas, appears to have all the maturity of a pre-school birthday party.
Wenger's trust in his youth system is so absolute and his refusal to sign star players so stubborn that, while he is obviously a genius, he is also compromising his team's progress. He is like a boxer beating up opponents with one hand tied behind his back.
To stretch the boxing analogy beyond breaking point, Arsenal can batter football's answers to Amir Khan and Audley Harrison with sublime ease and grace.
But when it comes to Joe Calzaghe or Floyd Mayweather, they simply lack the punching power to match up over the course of a 12-round season.
Yes, they beat Manchester United at the weekend, but does anybody really think they will win either of the two pieces of silverware that really matter - the Premier League and Champions League?
Wenger needs to be bound, gagged and thrown into an unlit broom cupboard while the Arsenal board - led by Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith, who has an even posher name than Henri Lansbury - spend £50 million on a couple of world class players.
Not even obscure ones - blindingly obvious signings, the like of which would utterly horrify Wenger.
We know that Gareth Barry has his price - pay it. And Gianluigi Buffon must be fed up of playing in front of half-empty stadia and finishing fourth with Juventus - surely he would fancy playing in front of a packed house and finishing fourth with Arsenal?
Sign Karim Benzema or Franck Ribery or Samuel Eto'o or Xabi Alonso or Lionel Messi or Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Wayne Rooney. Anyone, just as long as they are famous, expensive and good.
Only when these big names are in place can Wenger then be released from imprisonment and allowed to coach his improved side to glory. Then Arsenal's future really will be in safe hands.
- - -
LOOK AWAY NOW JOE COLE: Following in the grand tradition of Harry Kewell's missus and that one off Hollyoaks who used to go out with Cristiano Ronaldo, Joe Cole's WAG Carly Zucker has decided to prove she is more than a pretty face by spending several weeks in the company of Esther Rantzen and Robert Kilroy-Silk eating kangaroo penises.
The Sun's I'm A Celebrity preview describes Zucker thus: "Joe Cole's other half, she will be nipping to the jungle shower three or four times a day, while hidden ITV cameramen try to get a shot of her boobs." The Sun also asks of Ryan Gigss's ex Dani Behr: "Does a Behr s*** in the woods?"
QUOTE OF THE DAY: "In the last week I have been left out of two games. I don't know why and I think Manchester City fans have a right to know. That's why I'm here publicly saying to the fans, and people at the club who like me, that I'm very unhappy and sad. When I am playing I know what he [Mark Hughes] wants but when I come off there is nothing from him." Understand, City fans - Elano is only pulling a massive hissy fit for your benefit.
FOREIGN VIEW: 'Crisis', 'Shame', 'What's going on?' - The Madrid press agree that Real Madrid's Copa del Rey exit at the hands of third-tier Real Union Irun was less than impressive.
COMING UP: More Carling Cup action including Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham among others. Follow all three games live from 19:45 UK time.
Wow, there is plently of anti-Arsenal feeling here this morning! Quite a surprise given the great performance last night that not one person can see anything positive in it?!
Yes, Arsenal could do with a couple of established players to strengthen and guide the team during those darker moments but I hardly think that Arsene Wenger's policy is quite as damaging as some seem to suggest.
Where else can a youngster go and have a real opportunity to play in an important match (OK, the Lager Trophy, but you know what I mean)? None of the other Premiership teams have this kind of talent waiting in the wings, not even Manchester United, Chelsea or Liverpool.
And why shouldn't Arsene Wenger turn to this talent when the time is right? Why risk £30m on one player you've scouted a few times when you can have five players that you see every day on the training ground? Just because everyone else is blowing thier money on beer and @#$% doesn't mean you have to, does it?
Things are hardly at crisis point, are they - our finances are in decent shape, our team is in decent shape and we have an excellent crop of youngsters coming through.
From therealdaklone on Wed Nov 12 09:50AMWow lotsa anger here today... Don't get drawn in FBF... ;)
From danny_saks on Wed Nov 12 09:50AMNEWSFLASH TOT 'THE-WHORE' JELLY I'M NOT 200 POUNDS WITHOUT BRAGGING I AM FIT FRUSTRATED BECAUSE OF MY MISSES IS NEARLY AS FRIGID AS YOU B!TCH
From fitbutfrustrated on Wed Nov 12 09:50AMR NO! DESPISED! MOI! JEEZ GET A LIFE LITTLE BOY!
U R RIGHT THO U R THE KING OF NOTHING!
JUST ANOTHER BORED OFFICE BOY DOING A JOB HE HATES AN PRETENDING THESE BLOGGERS R UR FRIENDS
U SENSE ANGER MR STEAM? VEEEEEEEEERRRRRYY GOOD. U DO A SEMESTER OF PSYCH AT THAT COLLEGE OF YOURS?
BTW TOTALLYTV - DO U NOT SEE THE IRONY IN WHAT U SAY? DON'T U LIMEYS DO SELF AWARENESS?
LOSER
From tot.jelly on Wed Nov 12 09:52AMtot.jelly is contaminated move away from thebitch
From bubble.dude on Wed Nov 12 09:53AMTOT.JELLY = THAI PRE-OP TRANSSEXUALCUNT THAT HAS AIDS.
NOFUCK OFF AND GO AND HAVESEX WITH UNSUSPECTING TOURIST YOU SILLY LITTLECUNT
From johnnyevz on Wed Nov 12 09:55AMMorning guys
From johnnyevz on Wed Nov 12 09:56AMYEAH YEAH YEAH MR FAT AND FRUSTRATED
TELL IT TO SOMEONE WHO GIVES A D-A-M!
UR LIKE SO BUFF N ALL YEAH YEAH YEAH
AWW MY GIRLFRIEND DONT PUT OUT BLAH BLAH
U R A MAJOR LEAGUE SLEAZY SLIMEBALL
HAV SOME RESPECT FOT THAT POOR WOMAN WHO SHARES UR LIFE
WASH UR DIRTY SECRETS IN PRIVATE
U SUCK TOTALLYFrom tot.jelly on Wed Nov 12 09:56AMTOT JELL YOU GOT PROBLEMS I SUSPECT YOUR STEP DAD HAD BOUNDARY ISSUES AND YOU WERE REPEATEDLY ABUSED AND ENJOYED IT. YOU NEED TO GO TO ONE YOUR MANY GOD AWFUL BACKWARD STATES SO YOU LEGALLY MARRY HIM AND THEN YOU AND YOUR OBESE MOM CAN SHARE THE SICKFUCK
From fitbutfrustrated on Wed Nov 12 09:57AMI know there are some mistakes in Arsenal's huge money transfer, namely Jose Reyes or Francis Jeffers. But look at how about Erik Jemba, Sebastian Veron, or...er..Jordi Cruyff (MU); Winston Bogarde, Sheva, or Mateja Kezman (Chelsea); including other ridiculous big name signings.
From kresna2k on Wed Nov 12 09:57AMArsene should be locked in a cupboard while the board spend £50m??
What utter rubbish that article is.
Who do you think is imposing the finacial restrictions on him?? Because there is the new stadium to pay for, and other massive debts, Arsene has been forced to become a player "wheeler delaer" He has to buy these kids for peanuts, make them excellent, and then sell them for huge sums. I really doubt he is totally happy with that??
I think instead he should be commended as the greatest manager in the league. What he manages to do, with so little money is incredible.
I'm a Toon fan and would take him as manager in a heart beat.
From markbennett555 on Wed Nov 12 09:57AMWEB TROLL U GOT 2 IDS NOW? WOT WILL U LIMEYS THINK UP NEXT?
BING! PIZZA PIE READY!
DON'T GET GREASE ON UR SHIRT (NOT THAT ANYONE WILL SEE)
EAT UP FATTYFrom tot.jelly on Wed Nov 12 09:57AMCongrats to the Arsenal Team lastnight.
Congrats to the Early Doors Team, possibly the best article in i'd say 2-3 months.
Man United show the vast depth in their squad lastnight......Not (In Borat Voice)
From kevin1985kane on Wed Nov 12 09:59AMtot.jelly you have a loud foul mouth for a lady and you are fouling up the web, if you have nothing better doing take a bottle of tranquilizers with a glass of brandy it helps.
From aopeepeepee on Wed Nov 12 09:59AMWEB TROLL WHO ARE YOU TALKING YOU INCESTUOUSWHORE?
From fitbutfrustrated on Wed Nov 12 10:00AMtot.jelly is sad lonely jude
From ljojackson on Wed Nov 12 10:01AMtot.jelly is sad lonely jude
From ljojackson on Wed Nov 12 10:01AM45 - its called 'tongue in cheek sarcasm' mate. It has elements of trruth and its funny. Everyone knows Arsene is fab. He just likes young boys that all... ;)
From danny_saks on Wed Nov 12 10:01AMaopeepeepee is sad lonely jude
From ljojackson on Wed Nov 12 10:02AM41 - morning Johnny. Thanks for the tunes mate. Can I keep em BTW?
From danny_saks on Wed Nov 12 10:02AMFriendonone agreed that @#$%ingwhore halfwit called snot jelly has already ruined the first two pages lets just ignore her her sad incetous a$$ she may then do what Americans do best and that is self destruct usually via drugs and Aids
From fitbutfrustrated on Wed Nov 12 10:03AMaopeepeepee you go girl!!
From lanceclarkey on Wed Nov 12 10:03AMtot.jelly BOOOOOHH!!!! Did I scare you?
From scary_crow_me on Wed Nov 12 10:04AM48 - spot on kev. just noticed you have your arms up like mattymogo. you auditioning for kids tv too mate?
From danny_saks on Wed Nov 12 10:05AMjude is destroyerpd and bubbleboy. sad sad sad
From ljojackson on Wed Nov 12 10:05AMSounds like most of these comments have eminated from the rear end.
What a bunch of know nothing WA*KERS!
From tilbrook100 on Wed Nov 12 10:05AM48. Mau Utd labored to victory, its becoming very worrisome y'know
From aopeepeepee on Wed Nov 12 10:06AMArsene should be locked in a cupboard while the board spend £50m??
What utter rubbish.
Who do you think is imposing the finacial restrictions on him?? Because there is the new stadium to pay for, and other massive debts, Arsene has been forced to become a player "wheeler delaer" He has to buy these kids for peanuts, make them excellent, and then sell them for huge sums. I really doubt he is totally happy with that??
I think instead he should be commended as the greatest manager in the league. What he manages to do, with so little money is incredible.
I'm a Toon fan and would take him as manager in a heart beat.
From markbennett555 on Wed Nov 12 10:07AM66 - yeah we heard you first time mate
From danny_saks on Wed Nov 12 10:08AMFAKE ALERT! Jude is here the big fake himself
From ljojackson on Wed Nov 12 10:09AM
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