Tom looks back to the future with his crystal ball
Fab Fab
By Tom14
December 29 2009
The following article by Tom 14 (I don't know what the 14 stands for) contains some strong views that some fans disagree with. These views are not the views of Arsenal Times, and grammatical errors and typos are the responsibility of the author. However, there is no reason why these views cannot be expressed here, and no reason why they cannot be replied to on the forum below.
We are all Arsenal fans there is no reason why we cannot discuss these issues without falling out. We all want to win the league, even the morons behind me at the match who shout shoot when Song is 35 yards out. If you would like to publish a different view then please send your article to arsenaltimes@blueyonder.co.uk. So over to Tom:
Tom14 writes:
It's New Year and everyone is starting to pretend it makes a huge difference, joining Facebook groups about how different everything will be, making those lists of things they won't do, under the false pretence that they have some form of will power. That's why I always swear not to eat glass; it's not something I would ever do in the first place. Why limit the pleasure in life to make yourself feel like a better person? I would rather continue to masturbate four times a week eating many slaughtered animals and watching all reality shows going. I find solace in conforming to society's expectations. (A change could be as good as a rest. Editor)
Anyway, this is an Arsenal forum so I will discuss Arsenal. We have a squad, and it needs analysing by somebody. Who better you ask? I'll not wait for a response and just keep typing. If you don't say bad things about me I can sleep like a baby.
Let's start with the most over-rated position of all, the goalkeeping department. We have two good goalkeepers and a fool masqueraded as a man of the match merchant. Almunia is solid if not spectacular, but he is to goalkeeping what Joe Pesci is to typecasting. He gets the job done, even if he ends up looking a rite tw@t occasionally.
Fabianski is clearly a superior goalkeeper, but he has an occasional bout of the ‘Lehmann's', which makes him a far riskier goalkeeper than Almunia. In time, he will be challenging the other young Pole (who will not feature again in this post) for the number one spot, but for now, he is just a bit too unreliable.
Mannone is rubbish.
Enough said about the goalkeepers, let's move onto the defence.
Sagna and Eboue are the best right back options in the Premier League (as a pair). Clichy, Gibbs and Traore (when fit) are also the best options, even though Evra and Cole are better individually. I don't see a need to improve there, but I would ask them to run back when we lose the ball a bit quicker than when we go forward, they are defenders first and foremost.
Gallas, as you know, is factually the best defender in the world, he needs a new contract right now, and I would be more p*ssed off with Wenger than at any other time if William goes at the end if the season. He and Vermaelen (the over-rated-brilliant centre back - its true to an extent) have been exceptional in a team that gives them the least amount of protection in the Premier League, even with the new 4-3-3 (it's a 4-3-3 Arsene). They need to be more organised on set pieces, but we have been saying that for 10 years, so why would it change any time soon?
Now to the midfield, our fabulous midfield.
Fabregas is the best central midfielder in the World (nothing counts outside Europe anyway, so why say ‘Europe'?) in my opinion, nobody can match his stats. He is patrolled by good cop bad cop Alex Song and Denilson, giving us a perfect balance. I think the only game where we have lost with those three playing 90 minutes (or close) is the Chelsea game, and they totally dominated the apparent best of the lot.
The enigma that is Diaby has burst onto the scene this season, with his typically inconsistent brilliance, but very recently he has played his best two games for the club in Fabregas' absence. Now, I find it hard to see where Diaby could possibly fit into the team. He isn't anywhere near Fabregas and he doesn't have the defensive quality to match the other two, so he would most likely indirectly cost us more goals than he created going the other way.
However, I do feel that he is maturing slightly, and there is a case for him eventually taking up the middle midfield role in certain games where we really don't have to defend much, Villa was an example of that, with the redundant Denilson being taken off (with or without injury I feel). In the long term I think the midfield trio will be Denilson, Diaby and Fabregas. Song is clearly going to partner Vermaelen when Gallas goes.
And for the strikers...
Well, we did have the best striker in the world (a theme?) but he just to happened to injure himself in a pointless game (and I mean downright pointless) ‘ending' our title ambitions. He was immense. Oh how immense he was. He was better than himself on FIFA 10 - after editing his stats. He gave us an out ball which was hardly ever a waste. He scored amazing and important goals, of every type. I'm literally crying.
Anyway, as I expected, Arshavin stepped into that role with consummate struggle. Never playing well, but in typical Arshavin style, scoring a few goals. It's not working though, we all know this. Though this is maybe something to discuss later...
Eduardo and Vela are next on the agenda. In my opinion, the day Eduardo signed a new contract was the day he signed his death warrant. No other player signs a new contract the day after he is linked with another club. How insecure is his position at the club that Wenger felt the need to do that just so he didn't lose him in January without his best striker? Vela will stay I feel, and is the better of the two because he is more likely to become a more accomplished winger (this formation is here to stay). Eduardo just can't play up front on his own; Arshavin being preferred to him just compounds this fact. It's a shame to see him fall so far, but its more to do with formation than his leg break, he is still the same player, but we have no place for him.
Then we have Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner - both fighting for the same position with not one similar footballing characteristic. Nicklas is a quality player, he is the automatic first choice player when Rosicky is not fit, and I would argue that he would pip the Czech captain. He gives us genuine height, not pretend 6'1 height, he is a monster. No full back would ever beat him to a long diagonal ball. He, like van Persie, is an out ball (not sure what this means. Editor). But he also has skill and ability allowing him to link with other strikers. I don't think he would play up front when he comes back, that would still be Arshavin until we sign a striker.
Theo, on the other hand, is all about pace and off the ball intelligence. I've said many many times that he is not good enough as a footballer, and I think everyone would agree, but he does not get the support he should do from his team mates. They seem to ignore his penetrative runs between the full back, but relish passing him the ball when surrounded by three players. May I ask why? Theo should be a runner, stand on the half way line and wait for a pass. Fabregas' second goal was the absolute best example of this. Continue to play to Theo's strengths and we could make him an effective player, keep pretending he is another Nasri and he will wane.
So basically, we have the best squad in the Premier League with rancid injuries. But we are hardly some way off, we could still win the title. I got all fuzzy during the Aston Villa game. We could win the title lads. It's a genuine possibility. Chelsea will lose Drogba ad Essien, amongst others, and Anelka is also out, leaving Sturridge as their only striker. That won't work, they are sure to drop at least some points. With Man Utd looking the least functional of the lot, relying on Wayne Rooney more and more.
Now, for transfers.
I wanted us to sign a back up striker and a back up central midfielder before the start of the season. I now want a back up striker and a back up midfielder. Of course, the striker would have to be able to play as first choice for an extended period because of van Persie's injury, but he would be a long term acquisition, not some stop gap Luca Toni Van horse face garbage. I am not sure at all about the midfielder, its Wenger's job to pick what type of player he wants, but I am certain that this would be a short term solution. Apparently Senderos is off, so we will sign a centre back to replace him.
So that's your lot. I started off a bit more serious but I lost interest............
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:12:30:09:41:29 by Padre Pio.
Date: 29 December, 2009 13:17
I beg i actually beg
please somone close this thread
what a pile of @#$%&
Tom writes fact and obvioslly just because it is his opinion
"When we had to suffer the team is a lion because they suffer together." 4 July 2020 at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arteta on his team's first away victory at a club above them in the Premiership since September 2015 at Leicester.
"When we had to suffer the team is a lion because they suffer together." 4 July 2020 at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arteta on his team's first away victory at a club above them in the Premiership since September 2015 at Leicester.
True its not up to Boris's standards, but I have seen poorer stuff on a lot of Blogs.
Write something better when you feel like it and we can publish it with a new pen name.
It also doesnt huirt to have some controversy
"When we had to suffer the team is a lion because they suffer together." 4 July 2020 at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arteta on his team's first away victory at a club above them in the Premiership since September 2015 at Leicester.
"When we had to suffer the team is a lion because they suffer together." 4 July 2020 at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arteta on his team's first away victory at a club above them in the Premiership since September 2015 at Leicester.
And no, i don't read them.
Quote:Tom14
You're clearly forgetting how modest I am
..as modest as a hermaphrodite serving drinks in a nude bar?....
Anyway, if there were no such things as injuries then we'd win the league year in year out. Our squad from top to bottom is ahead of Chelsea's, Utd's and the rest. Also, it makes sense that Song moves to the back when Gallas retires, hopefully never (Cant believe I wanted him gone in the summer)
And I always wonder why they say 'best in Europe'. Just say '..world'
This was the most pointless @#$%& i've ever seen in a sticky.
Tom stating the obvious with his own personal views so they seem credible.
Oh gosh.
Theodore roosevelt - In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
He does have the ability to get the ball and run at and through teams.
You must have been there to see him do this..
Starts at 48seconds
video: [url][/url]
No matter if he's more talented or less talented than other players in our team, that ability and speed is priceless.
Dont say "that's just one occasion" cos you say the same for the run at Liverpool, finish against Villarreal and hat-trick against Croatia.
Walcott is a top player whan he's fit and confident, plus he can do the other things you mentioned.
And K16, seriously mate, you have said so much ridiculous stuff. Don't even start talking about what i say.
Its all peace and love tom
Quote:Tom14
If you need a compilation video to prove your point...
Well yeah, why not. Had a bit of time on my hands
Quote:80'sGoonaQuote:Tom14
If you need a compilation video to prove your point...
Well yeah, why not. Had a bit of time on my hands
i beleive tom also has some free time on his hands
Quote:Tom14
Nobody said he has only done one thing you muppet.
And K16, seriously mate, you have said so much ridiculous stuff. Don't even start talking about what i say.
the ridiculous stuff i've said Tom?, the only problem i have had with you is about Denilson and i'm sure a lot still think the same about Denilson.
Yesterday I revealed to you, you claimed Rosicky was our first choice then claiming Bendtner was our first choice depending on the game but neither were right or wrong but others thinking other players RW is wrong or right.
o.k.
Today i'm going to reveal to you your views on our GK's, Which one is "Clearly our best goalkeeper" because you've switched from the Almunia and Fabianski camps quite a few times this season already. I've always back Almunia, you were siding with me at one stage and jumped ship please don't claim Almunia is our best GK again.
Theodore roosevelt - In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
Quote:Tom14
You seem to be a limited human, who can only have one opinion on a subject at a time, so i will not bother posting in response to anything you say again.
that would be marvelous but also seems impossible.
Theodore roosevelt - In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
"When we had to suffer the team is a lion because they suffer together." 4 July 2020 at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arteta on his team's first away victory at a club above them in the Premiership since September 2015 at Leicester.
But I dont quite get "You seem to be a limited human, who can only have one opinion on a subject at a time"
"When we had to suffer the team is a lion because they suffer together." 4 July 2020 at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arteta on his team's first away victory at a club above them in the Premiership since September 2015 at Leicester.
Quote:Tom14
Minds change.
Aaah..as fickle midned as a hermaphrodite..eh?...
Like you can't decide one of either or both:
You an arrogant c*nt or a cocky p.rick or both?...
Make up your mind - hemale, shemale or it?..
RVP the best striker in the world!?!?
Don't think he's the best in the league.
Is it because nobody cares what you post, take everything you say as a joke or that you really are a retard and we feel sorry for you?
I say one contradiction and the trolls are on it like the houndish dribblers they are.
i can sift some parts; the diaby ala fab part that i agree with but on the whole its your opinion and no one can take that away from you
Can We Now Trust The Process 🤔🤷🏿♀️ or Should We Still Remain Cautious 🙇🏿♀️
Quote:Tom14
Merl, I have always wondered how you manage to escape claims of naivity and fickelness from everyone other than myself. How do you do it? I read your posts and your opinions change by the minute, but nobody seems to notice.
Is it because nobody cares what you post, take everything you say as a joke or that you really are a retard and we feel sorry for you?
I say one contradiction and the trolls are on it like the houndish dribblers they are.
It is an art Tom..
Just point out he still need a run fo 12 games and it is still an open verdict.
Care to do an "Advanced Search" and dig out all my negative posts on DIaby?..
Quote:Tom14
I wrote it as a joke because writing articles is a joke.
Yes I was thinking that the other week Tom when I was reading 'The Lancet'
Quote:Tom14
RvP was the world's best at the time, with Ibrahimovic and Torres behind him. Drogba has found form since Robin's injury, and would be challenging.
Well if we're going by that system Tevez was the best striker in the world yesterday and hunt was the best midfielder.
Theodore roosevelt - In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
Quote:Tom14
The only articles I read are those on Vital Arsenal written by Little Dutch, he has done a few really good ones recently about Henry, Fabregas and Pires being our players of the decade. Well worth a read.
The post match articles on Vital are very well written. Have to say though, I do enjoy Mr Dion's write ups, nearly always makes me laugh.
And in terms of the way we play, RVP was the best option in the world for our system/way of playing.
Quote:Tom14
I wrote it as a joke because writing articles is a joke.
if you feel that writing an article is a joke then i rest my case.
nothing further to say on this since its a big joke to you.
Can We Now Trust The Process 🤔🤷🏿♀️ or Should We Still Remain Cautious 🙇🏿♀️
Quote:Tom14
Eduardo has never been anything more than average, if we are to follow your deranged view.
Yeah because Bendtner has never been average.
Theodore roosevelt - In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.