Premier League 2013/14 Stuff it in here!

[kingfox]

Man Utd have had a nightmare. 

 

My second team Everton though.

 

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

How on earth have Everton managed to get anything even approaching 6 million sovs for a striker that doesn't score?

 

They've had an absolutely superb window. Bobby M done good.

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

The most fantastic thing about that Ozil move is that he spurned PSG's higher wage offer to work for Wenger. I know he's not going to be shy of a few bob down at the Emirates but it's great to see a talent consider and value footballing reasons over whoever throws the most notes around.

 

Witnessing Falcao play in front of one man and his dog at Monaco's knock-off Tracy Island stadium without European competition is heartbreaking.

[Fox92]

I don't rate Kone or Alcaraz that much, but James McCarthy is a great little footballer. Think he will be ok at Everton... I agree with Lakaku as well, I rate him and think he is a complete forward; strong, good in the air, pace, can score, holds the ball up... Fellaini finally happened then, United need a few goals from midfield so maybe he's the man to chip in with a few? Fouls a lot though.

[Jimothy]

First he tries to force a move to QPR, now he's signed for Cardiff. Is Peter Odemwingie hell bent on getting relegated or something?

[RobHawk]

First he tries to force a move to QPR, now he's signed for Cardiff. Is Peter Odemwingie hell bent on getting relegated or something?

 

I really hope he is shit for them!! Don't like him or Cardiff! Malky does seem to have a good record of getting the best from crap players though!

[Jon the Hat]

Interesting letter in the F365 mailbox asking when was the last time a world class player on the top of his game joined an English club in his prime?  Ozil is an incredible signing for Arsenal, he is top drawer, and only 24.  Massive mood changer.

[Guest ttfn]

Interesting post by ttfn yesterday asking when was the last time a world class player on the top of his game joined an English club in his prime? Ozil is an incredible signing for Arsenal, he is top drawer, and only 24. Massive mood changer.

Fixed that for you JTH!

[StanSP]

Interesting letter in the F365 mailbox asking when was the last time a world class player on the top of his game joined an English club in his prime?  Ozil is an incredible signing for Arsenal, he is top drawer, and only 24.  Massive mood changer.

 

 

Fixed that for you JTH!

Robin Van Persie last season

[kingfox]

Where does Ozil fit though? Not my opinion, they are mentioning it on the news. To be fair, I honestly thought despite signing Ozil who is a cracking signing, he could of done with signing another striker, but especially a defensive midfielder, because sometimes it looks like they are really missing someone of the stature of Alex Song. Surprised they didn't move for Morgan Schneiderlin of Southampton, they were linked with him, and would of been an ideal signing for them, very underrated, top player he is. 

[ScouseFox]

I think they've got a first XI sorted, really. It's just that when (not even if, when) Wilshere gets injured and suspended they do lack bite in the middle. Cliché I know but can't help but think it's true. If Flamini is still the Flamini of old (can't say I've been keeping tabs on him at AC) then that could solve that. If they rolled out an XI like this:

 

Szczesny 

Sagna - Per - Koscielny - Gibbs

Arteta - Wilshere

Cazorla - Ozil - Walcott

Giroud 

 

With a bench consisting of some of: Podolski, Rosicky, Ramsay, Flamini, Monreal, Vermaelen, Jenkinson etc. They could challenge for the league IMO. A striker to challenge Giroud and maybe a centre half away from being joint favourites with United/Chelsea/City. 

 

Cazorla/Ozil/Walcott working in and around an in form Giroud is making me want to wet myself with excitement and I don't even support Arsenal.

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

Where does Ozil fit though? Not my opinion, they are mentioning it on the news. To be fair, I honestly thought despite signing Ozil who is a cracking signing, he could of done with signing another striker, but especially a defensive midfielder, because sometimes it looks like they are really missing someone of the stature of Alex Song. Surprised they didn't move for Morgan Schneiderlin of Southampton, they were linked with him, and would of been an ideal signing for them, very underrated, top player he is. 

 

Arsenal fans never rated Alex Song - couldn't pass wind, apparently.

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

I'm chuffed for Giroud showing what he's capable of after Alan Shearer practically cast him aside as a duffer on the first MOTD of last season.

[Finnegan]

Sorry but the above is bollocks for the simple reason that Aaron Ramsey is finally back in the saddle and is a better player than Wilshere. He was first choice before his horrendous injury, preferred by Wenger to Wilshere who only bloomed in his absence.

Now young Jack can't stay fit to save his life and Ramsey is returning to the confidence and form he undeniably did loose.

I said last time England played Wales in Cardiff that Ramsey was the better player and got mocked by people with no clue and very short memories but I stuck to my guns and I still firmly believe it now. The boy is a huge talent and fully deserves to be drawing the plaudits again now.

I'm sure the world and his mother will assume I'm biased beyond belief but I'd level exactly the same accusation at the kids who've solidly crawled up Wilshere's arse in the last 18 months.

He was on the cover of FIFA, he must be good! Tsss!

(no big offense intended to Scouse, the above probably comes across more aggressive than I intend.)

[ScouseFox]

Sorry but the above is bollocks for the simple reason that Aaron Ramsey is finally back in the saddle and is a better player than Wilshere. He was first choice before his horrendous injury, preferred by Wenger to Wilshere who only bloomed in his absence.

Now young Jack can't stay fit to save his life and Ramsey is returning to the confidence and form he undeniably did loose.

I said last time England played Wales in Cardiff that Ramsey was the better player and got mocked by people with no clue and very short memories but I stuck to my guns and I still firmly believe it now. The boy is a huge talent and fully deserves to be drawing the plaudits again now.

I'm sure the world and his mother will assume I'm biased beyond belief but I'd level exactly the same accusation at the kids who've solidly crawled up Wilshere's arse in the last 18 months.

He was on the cover of FIFA, he must be good! Tsss!

(no big offense intended to Scouse, the above probably comes across more aggressive than I intend.)

 

Haha no problem mate. If you go back and find that Wales vs England match thread you'll find I was actually the only one who agreed to an extent with you that Ramsay was a better player. He just looked worse because he was playing for Wales and Wilshere was playing for England (no offence!). They've both got even better since then.

 

I just put Wilshire in first because I assume he'd be first choice if fit. Not personal preference just what I'd guess would be an Arsenal first XI if they had a fully fit midfield. 

 

They are thoroughly blessed in the middle of the park though. Arteta, Ramsay, Wilshere & Flamini filling 2 positions and Cazorla/Ozil in the more attacking role. Some squad that. Could field 2 midfields that could challenge for the top 4 IMO. I just hope to God they do challenge for the title. 

[ScouseFox]

In other news, after releasing him months ago West Ham realised nobody else wanted to join them and have re-signed King Carlton Cole. 

[Finnegan]

I can't see them challenging for the title without a Viera in the middle and a much harder back four. I like Giroud but I'm not convinced he or Walcott are title winners at this level either. Di Maria and Benzema to join Ozil really WOULD have been magic.

Hope I'm wrong, though, much prefer Arsenal to Liverpool, United, Chelsea and Man City but I just can't see it happening.

A North London one-two would be my dream premiership (unless we could win it!!)

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

They've never properly replaced Gilberto Silva (from the outside looking in).

[Finnegan]

Or some chap called Terry Henry, frankly.

[Bobby Hundreds]

50 of Ozil's assists were passing the ball to Ronaldo on the half way line.

[Guest MattP]

Can't drop Ramsey on this season's form, he has been sensational.

 

Arsenal are blessed now in the centre of the pitch, personally think Giroud is top drawer and will only get better.

 

If anything let's them down it will be the defence.

[Super_horns]

I have heard suggestions Arsenal and Man U signed the wrong midfielder so to speak!

 

Do you agree? - its said Arsenal needed a strong physical player like Fellaini whilst Man U needed a top class attacking one such as Ozil.

 

Not that the Gunners are complaining too much I am sure!

[Bobby Hundreds]

I have heard suggestions Arsenal and Man U signed the wrong midfielder so to speak!

 

Do you agree? - its said Arsenal needed a strong physical player like Fellaini whilst Man U needed a top class attacking one such as Ozil.

 

Not that the Gunners are complaining too much I am sure!

 

I think Fellaini will strengthen United's weakest area but don't think Ozil will improve Arsenal all that much. A top class striker would've been a much better signing for Arsenal.

[Guest MattP]

I have heard suggestions Arsenal and Man U signed the wrong midfielder so to speak!

 

Do you agree? - its said Arsenal needed a strong physical player like Fellaini whilst Man U needed a top class attacking one such as Ozil.

 

Not that the Gunners are complaining too much I am sure!

 

Not at all.

 

Arsenal have signed a genuine top ten player in the World about to come into the peak of his career. A man who influences the games against the greatest sides on the planet.

 

Fellani whilst an excellent midfielder isn't in the top 50 and has never played in the latter stages of the Champions League.

[kingfox]

Fellaini going for £27.5 million is just ludicrous though, Moyes has tracked Fellaini since he joined as manager so obviously wanted him, but as the hours ticked by, I actually think he panicked not in terms of buying wise, but in terms of fee wise. Considering the first bid was of £30 million wasn't it for both Fellaini and Baines, then to bid £38 I think, I would evaluate Fellaini and Baines at both 20 million, and I actually thought both would go to United for £40 million. I'm really glad Baines hasn't left Everton, think he would be much harder to replace than Fellaini tbh, £27.5 million is a shocking amount, and Moyes has had a mare. To miss out on De Rossi & Herrera, then today reports stated they could of signed Khedira, but only to come away with Fellaini is poor showing. Another thing Kagawa, Moyes has completely dropped him out of the equation, when not just myself thinking this, but my mate who supports United said, that Kagawa on his day is Man Utd's best midfielder. Moyes if he tried harder could of got Herrera, Khedira & even Ozil probably if he tried hard enough, but he failed on all three, that could turn out to be a major blow for United.

 

Arsenal though, just needed to make a big signing, show some intent, show that they me business. With Ozil, Cazorla, Walcott as attacking midfield options is scary and very very good, especially if Cazorla and Ozil click together. While Wilshere, Ramsey, Arteta will hold back; however as their former player Robson alluded to on the news, despite the likes of Wilshere, Ramsey and Arteta being the sitting/holding players in midfield, they are very creative minded as well, instead of defensive minded, and that's why I think they could of done with signing Morgan Schneiderlin, one of the most underrated players in the Prem at the minute, and would of been a perfect buy. If Giroud keeps his form up though as well, Arsenal could be a massive danger this season, five teams are really in with a chance.