Arsenal Get Back To Winning Ways

The Premier League swung back into full force yesterday with League leaders Arsenal hosting the surprise package of the season so far Southampton. It was important for Wenger’s men to get back to winning ways after the loss to title rivals Manchester United just before the International break. 

 

The Gunners started brightly taking the incentive as the home side to press Southampton from kick off, Jack Wilshere who capitalised on some slack defending by Saints Centre back Fonte attempted an audacious chip over Artur Boruc who saw the ball cannon back to him gratefully off the upright. Aaron Ramsey saw his impudent back heel come back off the same post just a mere seven minutes later. 

 

Enter the Polish calamity that is Artur Boruc, The Southampton keeper failed to clear a simple backpass trying several cruyff turns to try and lose the pressing Giroud who dispossessed the keeper and tapped into an unguarded net, Saints boss Pochettino looked furious as he had every right to be. 

 

This seemed to wake Southampton who created a few good chances of their own from England new boys Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez who brought out some good saves from Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny who for most part was untroubled.

 

The second half was much of the same and quite even, it was not until the 86th Minute when Arsenal put the game out of Southampton’s reach, Fonte was adjudged to have pulled Per Mertesacker’s shirt and Arsenal were awarded a penalty, Which Giroud converted with aplomb. 

 

This was not a vintage Arsenal display by any means but was a professional performance which appears to now be in their locker. These were the type of games a year ago that Arsenal would be dropping points in. Szczesny looked comfortable all game, the back four looked solid and are working as a unit, The Midfield has been the cornerstone of success for Arsenal so far this season and the main reason why they sit top after 12 league games. Giroud lead the line well again, his work rate is sensational he does not stop making runs for 90 minutes game in game out. 

 

Arsenal will now look to Tuesday night and the visit of French side Marseille and could wrap up top spot in the “Group of death”. Marseille boss Elie baup is expected to rest players ahead of clash with his side sitting bottom and with zero chance of qualification from the group and have not taken a single point so far.  An Arsenal win and a slip up from Napoli against Borussia Dortmund will see Arsenal clinch qualification. 

Arsenal’s Approach For The Visit Of Title Rivals Liverpool Must Change

Arsenal currently have no less than seven players on the treatment table (who you would consider as being part of the first team) probably the most important one is comeback kid Matthieu Flamini who has proved many wrong with his performances since returning to the Emirates, they say you should never go back, Flamini (out with a groin problem) has proved there is an exception to every rule, he along with the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil have been the main protagonists in Arsenal good early form.

 

So where does this leave the shape of Arsenal’s midfield for the visit of title challengers Liverpool. With there being no recognisable Defensive Midfielder currently in the first team, is it time to try something a little different? maybe playing Mikel Arteta deep alongside Thomas Vermaelen, Arteta’s passing has never been in question you just have to look at his passing stats from the last two seasons to aid weight to that claim but defensively he has a lot to prove, he is not the strongest and playing him alone with another creative midfielder has often left Arsenal’s back four an easy target for visiting teams at the Emirates. Someone like Vermaelen could add that stability and allow Arteta to concentrate on what hes good at.

 

There are other possibilities he could go back to the good ol’ days of the much maligned 4-4-2, this would be an interesting one, but with the lack of wingers available it would call for playing creative players out of position, square pegs in round holes if you will.

 

A system that I recall Wenger using very infrequently but has used when down to 10 men strangely last season was the 3-5-2 (or 3-5-1 as it was) this is flexible and with Liverpool recently adopting a 4-4-2 system themselves to accommodate the return of the biter Luis Suarez this could be a valid option. 

 

3 centre backs

 

This would consist of Vermaelen Left, Per Mertesacker central and Koscielny on the right.

 

In effect the side would operate with wing backs which would be ideal for Kieran Gibbs on the left and likewise Bacary Sagna on the right.

 

3 Midfielders,

 

this would allow a little bit more freedom with the centre of midfield so you could get away with only playing one deep lying creative player in the place of an enforcer that is where Arteta would come in, ahead of him would be Ramsey and a pick of either Santi Cazorla or Jack Wilshere with Mesut Ozil in support of the main man Olivier Giroud.

 

Wenger seems scared to adapt from one game to the next and as every football fan knows that is a sign of a good tactician. Arsenal have the players to play various systems but Wenger just sees change as a sign of weakness, it is not it is a sign of a strong and talented squad. It will be interesting to see how both sides shape up in what is to be quite a cagey affair but also has the possibility of also being mouth watering.

 

Provisional Squad: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere, Ramsey, Cazorla, Ozil, Giroud, Fabianski, Vermaelen, Rosicky, Bendtner, Monreal, Jenkinson, Miyaichi.

Head-to-head

Four of the last six league meetings in north London have ended in draws, with one win apiece. Arsenal scored twice inside three minutes through Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott to earn a draw from 2-0 down in the corresponding fixture last January.

 

Liverpool’s only win in their last 12 league games against Arsenal came at the Emirates Stadium in August 2011. 

 

An Aaron Ramsey own goal and Luis Suarez strike gave Liverpool their only win at Arsenal in the last 13 years.

 

This is the 215th meeting between the clubs in all competitions. Liverpool lead by 82 wins to Arsenal’s 76.

 

Arsenal

 

The Gunners have earned 22 points out of the last available 24.

 

They are the only team to score in each of their Premier League matches this season.

 

Arsene Wenger’s side have taken the lead in eight of their nine league fixtures, the best record in the division.

 

November is Arsenal’s least productive month in Premier League history – they average only 1.55 points per game.

 

Aaron Ramsey has five goals and three assists in his last six league appearances.

Liverpool

 

Liverpool’s tally of 20 points after nine games represents their best Premier League start since 2008. 

 

They have double the number of points they had at this stage last season.

 

The Reds have conceded in each of their last six league games, having started the season with three successive clean sheets.

 

They have hit the woodwork a league-high eight times this season.

 

Daniel Sturridge has scored 14 goals in his last 14 league appearances.

 

Luis Suarez has scored six goals in four league games since returning from suspension.

 

Simon Mignolet will make his 100th Premier League appearance. He has kept 33 clean sheets.

Ramsey relights the fire at Arsenal

I will hold my hands up and admit that I was one of Aaron Ramsey’s biggest critics last season, his form wasn’t helped by the fact that Wenger played him out on the wing but I still got frustrated with watching him play last season and I honestly couldn’t see that he was going to improve but in true Ramsey style he is making me eat my words. I don’t know what happened to him in the summer but whatever he did it worked, to coin a Wenger phrase I normally hate but Ramsey “is just like a new signing”, the improvement from last year is immense and he is currently holding our team together and doing it really well.

Ramsey has scored 5 goals in 8 games currently making Van Persie look like Torres, his finish has improved greatly as has his linking play and ability to read the game and be more aware of where his teammates are around him on the pitch but the biggest improvement in Ramsey is his confidence-he has bundles of it at the moment and I think the team are feeding off this renewed energy and so they should. It’s good to see Ramsey shouting on a pitch and telling players where to go and what he is doing next, he rarely communicated leaving everyone guessing what he was going to do and as a result they are linking much better and creating better chances. Not only is he creating chances for the others but he is scoring goals and they have been decent goals-every single one of them. He used to fumble and flounder in front of a goal but now he approaches the box with confidence, just shoots and scores goals like he has been doing it the whole time.

I am so excited to see how Ramsey’s season pans out, I really think he could be one of our best players this year and with Özil, Flamini, Wilshere and Cazorla we could build a fierce midfield that our opposition will detest playing against. If he carries on this form he could also be a great potential future captain.

So once again I’m sorry because I was very wrong about Ramsey but I’ll make up for it by cheering him on all season singing  “He scores when he wants, he scores when he wants, Aaron Ramsey he scores when he wants”

 

 

Top 5 Arsenal targets for January

After the impressive debut of one Mesut Özil it is clear to see that as a club Arsenal have reached their maximum needed for creative Midfielders, Mesut Özil, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky and Santi Cazorla can all play in that role. There is undoubtedly still need to re-invest in the squad come January so we can mount a serious challenge on the top four and maybe beyond that. 

1. Marco Reus

The exciting forward Marco Reus has been on Arsenal’s radar for a few seasons and would definitely fit the bill for Arsenal’s style of play. he can operate up front on either wing or as a typical No.10 he is quick, skillful and has a great eye for goal. he is also a Germany International and has an impressive strike rate of notching 7 goals in 17 Internationals. However it maybe difficult to prize him away from his current club Dortmund who are his boyhood club.

2. Steven Defour

Steven Defour would add a sense of solidity in front of the Back Four, he is a box to box midfielder but normally operates as a holding midfielder for Belgium and would be a very good acquisition. He currently plays for Porto and has been their since 2011. He has good experience Internationally (40 caps) and within the Champions League. He would give other midfielders like Ramsay, Özil and Wilshere the chance to go and create. 

3. Ilkay Gundogan

Another Defensive Midfielder Arsenal should definitely have on their radar is Ilkay Gundogan, he is a very impressive Defensive Midfielder who currently plays for Dortmund, he screens the back four very well and gives other Midfielders the chance to cause the damage. he is quite similar to the aforementioned Defour and would be a very good acquisition. He has only had 8 caps for Germany but at the young age of 22 has the potential to be one of the best Defensive Midfielders in world football, he is already one of the best around.

4. Lars Bender

Another German International Lars Bender has impressed many in recent seasons in the Bundesliga with his current club Leverkusen. Arsenal already had a bid rejected earlier in the Summer and I would fully expect them to go back again with an improved bid in January. He is very versatile can play Defensive Midfield or anywhere in the Back Four. He is a good age at 24 years old. he has a great work rate and loves a challenge which is something that the Arsenal midfield really lacks.

5. Adil Rami

Rami who is an experienced France International would fit the bill as a good buy for the Back Four, this is a priority position for Arsenal in January as the club is very short of experienced Defenders and this is still a worrying position. Rami who is 27 and currently plays for Valencia and was on loan at Lille last season is unhappy at the Spanish club and was seeking a move this summer, However no bids were accepted and for a fee of around £7-10 Million should be enough for Arsenal to capture the Centre Half.

• • •

These are five players that I believe Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal board should be looking at come Janaury they would no doubt increase the clubs chances of some very long awaitied Silverware.

How Arsenal Will Look With Mesut Özil @ Sunderland

The Premier league returns today after another disappointing break for the England team and provides a welcome distraction from the World Cup Qualifiers. There are expected to be late fitness tests for Wilshere and Ramsay who both came off early for England and Wales in Midweek. Ozil picked up an Illness bug while away with Germany but is expected to make his Arsenal debut at the Stadium of Light. Mertesacker also picked up an Illness bug but does not travel he joins absentees Rosicky and Sanogo who are International casualties they also join Longterm injuries Arteta, Diaby, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Podolski.

 

Past Meetings

09/02/2013 Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal

11/07/2012 Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal

18/09/2010 Sunderland 1-1 Arsenal

21/11/2009 Sunderland 1-0 Arsenal

04/08/2008 Sunderland 1-1 Arsenal

Goalkeeper

• 1Szczesny

Szczesny: is expected to keep his place as No.1 although there is certain to be pressure from Loan Signing Emiliano Viviano in the coming weeks. he has looked more assured in recent games and appears to be a welcome return to form.

Defence

• 3Sagna
• 6Koscielny
• 5Vermaelen
• 28Gibbs

Sagna: Is expected to carry on at Right Back definitely his best position within the back four, He has had a very impressive start to the season and the hope is that he can now push on and have a very good season.

 

Koscielny: Seemingly improving every season, now by far the best defender at the club becoming more and more consistent he would be the first name on the team sheet for me.

 

Vermaelen: It is a welcome return for Tomas as the club is very thin on the ground in this department. He will certainly be hoping to regain his form from his first season at Arsenal where he was immense.

 

Gibbs: Kieran is being pushed all the time by Nacho Monreal which could explain the progress he has made in the last year and is starting to look very accomplished at left back.

Midfield

• 16Ramsey
• 10Wilshere
• 14Walcott
• 11Özil
• 19Cazorla

Ramsey: has had an impressive start to this season playing just in front of the back four, he finally is being played in his strongest position, Aaron looks a completely different player to last season and more like the player he was before his leg break.

 

Wilshere: Has had an inconsistent start to this campaign but will hopefully now kick on and put some performances in. He got some pretty unfair criticism from England fans in the week and I am sure he will come back stronger and answer his critics.

 

Walcott: Yet to score in the premier league this season but offers a lot more than goals to this team, he always looks dangerous and has put in some very good performances of late he has linked up very well with Ramsay on numerous occasions.

 

Özil: Mesut is expected to start today and I for one cannot wait to see him In an Arsenal shirt, he can add so much more to this team, the Midfield will go up a few levels in creativity with Özil in the team. he has great movement, he is busy, great eye for a pass and a great left foot on him. Mourinho has referred to him as the best No.10 he has ever worked with and Ronadlo was angry when he was sold to make room for Gareth Bale those are two very impressive references indeed. He has also been likened to one Dennis Bergkamp, I expect him to pay back his £42.4 million in full. 

 

Cazorla: Santi got the all important goal last time out at the Stadium of Light and expect him to be involved heavily again today. he spent a lot of last season looking out of his depth on the wing but has looked a lot better there this season, his link up play has been as good as ever looking forward to him linking up with Özil could be something very special.

Forwards

• 12Giroud

Giroud: It is no surprise that Giroud starts as he is the only real recognisable Striker fit at the club, although I feel he has earned the faith shown in him. He has started this season as well as Daniel Sturridge (Player of the Month) and shows signs of only getting better. he has surely adhered himself to the fans even more with his well taken goal against Tottenham last time out. I fully expect him to cause Sunderland many problems today.

• • •

I foresee a cagey start to the game at The Stadium of light with both teams urgently needing all three points. When the game has settled down Arsenal should boss the Midfield through out. 3-1 to the Arsenal

Latest Arsenal News

Jack Wilshere received a lot of criticism today for his performance against Ukraine and I think some of it was unfair especially from Gooners. I’ll admit that Wilshere just isn’t up to scratch for club or country at the moment but he was no worse on Tuesday night than the rest of the team. What I think people neglect to remember is that Wilshere is still recovering from his ankle injury, it is clear that he hasn’t regained full strength yet as he is picking up niggles every now and then. With the signing of Ozil, Wilshere will get to rest and hopefully repair the damage fully and be back to his normal self. A lot of us wrote Ramsey off last season myself included but he has been our best player so far this season proving that in time you can return to full ability. Wilshere still gets on that pitch in any state and gives his all and you have to admire him for that and cut him some slack, it was just one game.

As always International duty has taken it’s toll on the team but this time it is ridiculous as our injury list has extended to 10 players. Walcott has an Achilles injury and will have a late fitness test as will Jack Wilshere who also took a hard knock in a challenge in Ukraine. Rosicky is out with a possible thigh strain and was taken off injured  and Ramsey collided with an advertising board and injured his head. Yaya Sanogo has also picked up his second injury of his Gunners so far but at least Diaby gets some company now. I really think we are going to struggle without ten players, but maybe Zelalim, Gnabry and Akpom will get a chance to gain some experience in the first team.

New signing Mesut Özil scored for the German National team On Tuesday and looks set to make his debut this weekend with so many players crocked. He arrived at Arsenal today and his first picture at the London Colney is above.

That’s the latest Arsenal news from the GIA team 🙂

 

A Frenchman and A South African Walk Into A Bar

It is being reported that Arsene Wenger is to be offered a new contract that is estimated to be worth £15 Million. This is certain to frustrate a section of the Arsenal faithful as they are still restless with all things Wenger. With rumours also circulating that Gazidis’s future at the club is coming to an end. The conspiracy theorist within me would suggest that this is due to tension at board level that has existed for several season now. More than likely born out of Gazidis’s frustration with Wenger refusing to pay the big money to progress the club.

 

There will no doubt be some of the Arsenal faithful that think that Wenger has changed his focus now with the signing of Mesut Ozil for £42.4 million, there is no doubt that Wenger played an integral part in the capture of Ozil. Ozil is quoted as saying Wenger phoning him and even speaking to him in German was a major factor in his decision as he turned down a late PSG bid for him on deadline day. Although upon reflection I would have to go with the opinion that the deal had all the hallmarks of an Ivan Gazidis deal mirroring the deals that have gone before, Mertesacker, Arteta, Cazorla, Monreal all previous negotiated by Gazidis and also deals that have been integral in Arsenal’s Champions league qualification season after season.

 

The Clubs Future

 

The way the ozil deal was done was almost a throwback to the Dein days where Wenger identified a target and then the board took over negotiations and got it done. This surely shows that the club are in great need for a Director of Football even more so now. Wenger has said on many occasions when pushed on this possibility that he would not entertain such a change, but how can this even be his decision? this is a decision for a club Chief Executive to make. Arsenal as a club are at a crossroads, do they stick or twist? it is important to always keep moving as a club and being receptive to change. 

 

I have for many years defended Wenger’s principals regarding targets and transfer policy especially his stance on youth development but it appears his vision has been clouded by his own legend and his blind perseverance regarding his own legacy. he himself has even said ” The transfer market is a problem for me” only days before the Transfer window came to a close. If Arsene is to get a contract extension this should be shrouded in ultimatum after ultimatum. 

 

1, You are no longer in charge of Transfer policy at the club there is a Director in Football in place for this. 

 

2, Your role will now consist of everything that falls within a team coach remit and nothing more.

 

3, You may identify targets for the club but the decision will be made between the Director of Football and the Club board how they go about this.

 

These are the three important ultimatums that must be adhered to then the ball is in his court. Wenger’s contract is ticking done and ends in the Summer of 2014. It will be interesting to see how this plays out as it would appear that the Emirates is not big enough for the both of them.

 

In Summary I would really like to see Wenger stay on in some capacity at the club for all his years of service that he has dedicated to Arsenal Football Club but not in his current role, his role needs to change or he needs to move on. I can see him as a good youth development coach that Is where his best attributes would be put to greater use. There are obviously many names that could take the Management helm which I am sure there will be an article in the near future to identify these but one things for sure change is just around the corner.

Welcome to Arsenal Mesut Ozil

After 3 months of a tiring and frustrating transfer window Arsenal fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Arsene’s chequebook has made it’s first outing and what a great signing to pay that first cheque out for. Mesut Özil has joined Arsenal on a 5 year deal worth a record-breaking £42.3million which is 27.5million more than what we have ever paid for a player and he will rightly so be the highest paid player at Arsenal on £130,000 a week.

German International Özil is an attacking midfielder with such a great background in football that even at his young age of 24 he is still one of the best around. He has scored 27 goals and 83 assists in the last 3 years which is nothing short of impressive and his contribution to games is phenomenal, his link up play and technical ability are also strong and he will definitely provide that creative ability that we are lacking in and around the goal box. Not only is the player exciting in terms of talent but he will also boost the confidence of the Arsenal squad and of course it will please the fans no end.

Arsene Wenger spoke of his delight at the new Gunner on Arsenal.com

“We are extremely pleased to have signed Mesut Özil. He is a great player, with proven quality at both club and international level. We have watched and admired him for some time as he has all the attributes I look for in an Arsenal player.

Mesut is a top quality footballer who will be a fantastic addition to our talented squad. We are all looking forward to him joining up with us after his international matches with Germany and working with us as an Arsenal player”

24 year old Özil will link up with Arsenal after the Germany game on Friday and he also speaks of his pleasure at joining Arsenal. A whole day was spent negotiating his move from Real Madrid and he is glad the deal is finally done he told journalists after his medical this afternoon.

“I am thrilled to be joining a club of the stature of Arsenal and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League. It will be great for my own personal development as a player and I am particularly looking forward to working with Arsène Wenger. I want to help Arsenal win trophies again”

Mesut Özil has the potential to be one of the best players we have ever bought, I for one can’t wait to see him in an Arsenal shirt running around Ashburton Grove assisting all of Giroud’s goals this season. This one amazing transfer for Arsenal to pull off and it shows clear ambition from the club and makes this season a more exciting one to follow.

Welcome to Arsenal Mesut Özil

Another Fair Ol’ Mess For Arsene

The Aftermath

 

In the fallout of another shocking, abysmal and disappointing opening day for Arsenal, Wenger has made some interesting quotes that leads me to think he has finally cracked. My favourite quote of the weekend is “Some fans pay money just to moan and destroy players confidence”. Is Le Dictator seriously suggesting the masses at the Emirates pay good money… very good money just to give stick to their own team?, that one is far fetched even for Wenger. Another quote which was from the post match press conference was when Wenger was pushed on transfer policy “Why don’t you buy some players” Wenger responded with “Buy who”?, oh dear please tell me what he is paid £7.5 Million a year for? He seems to come out with these off the cuff comments now and again. He is not fooling anybody with this blatant attempt to divert pressure from himself. Wenger cut a very distraught figure at times last season and I thoroughly expect that to continue throughout this season or until his contract is terminated.

 

Fenerbahce

 

Arsenal travel to Fenerbahce on Wednesday night in which is already being built as a make or break game for Wenger and Arsenal this season. It is unthinkable that Arsenal cannot qualify and Wenger would remain at the helm, especially after all the embarrassing “We got 4th” celebrations at the end of last season, unfortunately this just shows how far the club has fallen.  Having said that Fenerbahce are to have their appeal regarding their ongoing match fixing case looked at just hours before Kick off, so it is not completely out of the realm of possibility that even losing the tie that the Gunners would not be into the Group stages of the the Champions League. This as every Gooner knows would just be another case of papering over the cracks and delaying the inevitable exit. 

 

Transfer Rumours

There has been an urgent call from Fans and multiple sections of the media today for recruits and with time ticking away there has to be a lot of deals, after the horrendous and catastrophic calamity of letting 27 players in all leave the club and only one player in the shape of another unproven quantity in Yaya Sanogo. It does not take a mathematical genius to work out that  just does NOT cut it. 

There was a bid for Yohan Cabaye this afternoon for a fee of around £10 million are you serious? this is the french International playmaker who Newcastle a mere matter of weeks ago declared their valuation of £20 Million. This bid was dead in the water before it was even made and it was confirmed almost minutes later the Newcastle had rejected this derisory offer. Apart from that there have just been rumoured enquiries which have no real weight at the moment so I won’t waste my time even going in to them.

 

In Conclusion

 

The one real lesson that Arsenal need to learn from this is they need to be confident in their business and quick, there are too many rumours of agents offering players and Wenger dithering and having rivals swoop in and take a player from under the clubs gaze. To name a few this season… Higuain, Jovetic, Capoue, Bernard. The club has become an embarrassment to the world of Football, as far as I can see the only way it can regain some credibility is for Wenger to be shown the door he has been a good servant over the years but clearly hasn’t got what it takes anymore, that is the first thing I would do and secondly I would have a director of football to identify and conduct deals and have a much needed to return of the old style Football coach that is how it is working at many successful clubs around Europe and it is about time Arsenal followed the trend. 

 

Thoughts as always.

 

 

Goonerscribe

 

Follow me on twitter @Goonerscribe

Gunners in Arms evening news

Welcome to a new feature that we are introducing, it will be a simple summary of the Arsenal news stories that break throughout the day. There have been a lot of news floating around in the last 24 hours but I thought I’d bring you the main stories.

Bracewell-Smith regrets Kroenke sale

Arsenal’s honoury vice-president Nina Bracewell-Smith has spoken out on her regret at selling her shares to Stan Kroenke and took to Twitter on Sunday night to sympathise with frustrated fans. She tweeted the following

‘What a shame the board recommended a Kroenke takeover and paid Rothchilds 3m fee’

‘And how deeply I regret selling to Kroenke. Bring David Dein and give Usmanov representation on the board if we are to have success going forward.’

She later deleted the tweets but they indicate that she shares the opinions of the fans that are annoyed by the fact the club haven’t spent any money this summer, she also feels that Usmanov could take Arsenal forward should he be allowed.

Arsenal bid for Yohan Cabaye

The Gunners have made an official £10m bid for Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye after the pressure was piled on Wenger following their defeat to Aston Villa. 27 year old Cabaye is described as attacking midfielder but his best qualities are the ability to score goals and his creative play in and outside the box. He is a great quality player but once again Wenger has gone in far too low and the bid was rejected by the Magpies this afternoon according to Sky Sports who also claim PSG and Spurs are also interested.

Wilshere believes the team deserved to be booed on Saturday

Super Gooner Jack Wilshere believes that fans were fully entitled to have a bad reaction to the game on Saturday but hopes that they can put the game behind them and carry on the support. When interviewed after the game Wilshere told the Metro

‘We are not happy and we have to take a good look in the mirror and pick ourselves up.

‘The reaction of the crowd was understandable.

‘They pay their money to watch us and we need to put in better performances than that — and to win games.

‘My message to the supporters is to stick with us. It is a long season.’

Arsenal groups contact the club after the loss to Villa

Two of the biggest Arsenal fan groups have contacted the club with a response to the result of Saturday’s game. The Black Scarf Movement sent a letter to Ivan Gazidis expressing their ‘deep concern’ about the current situation at Arsenal in terms of having huge finances and assurances that money was available in Q and A sessions with the board in recent months. They have also pointed out that loyal fans are starting to walk away from the club as a result of the poor way things have been handled.

The AST have sent a letter to Arsenal expressing the opinion that they do not want Arsene Wenger to be offered a further contract after his current one expires.

That’s all for today and thank you for reading.