Zidane, Why? 10 July, 2006
Posted by lasagnechef in Cup Games, Transfers.4 comments
Last night was The World Cup Final and Zinedine Zidane’s last ever game in football. He was sent off with this head-butt on Materazzi who quite obviously said something to Zidane who reacted violently and unnecessarily in what what was his final move as a footballer and will mar his outstanding career. I thought it was quite a good final really, was full of exitement and drama, it started off with Thierry Henry coming off badly in a challenge in the 1st minute and was down for quite a while which was quite worrying. He eventually returned to play and Gooners around the globe I’m sure relieved to see him running around fine again. Zidane scored the first goal of the game which was a penalty on 7 minutes, it was a cheeky chip whip hit the underside of the bar, bounced over the line and then bounced out again, reminiscent of Geoff Hurst’s 1966 final goal. Materazzi equalised in the 19th minute with a header from Pirlo’s pin-point cross.
The game stayed at 1-1 with some chances but none taken, Titi had a few Italy hit the post and crossbar and in extra time Zidane had an opertunity with a header just like in ’98 but aimed it just above Buffon who made a fine save. Then in the 110th minute was that head-butt by Zidane and after about 2 minutes of arguing the 4th official told the referee Zizou needed to be sent off, he must of seen it on a TV monitor for him to come to a decision like that, but FIFA insist no video replay was used. After that the French booed the remainder of the game not knowing what actually happened and with France having substitued Henry and Vieira though exhastion/injury they were missing their captain, our ex-captain, and our current captain and held out for the shoot out. Those 3 players probably would have all taken a penalty but France only missed one of thiers with David Trezeguet hitting the bar which prooved crucial as Italy converted all of thiers and won the World Cup.
Zidane’s maddness in extra-time meant he wasn’t allowed to collect his runners-up medal and was left in the dressing room thinking about what he’d done; he must have been the loneliest man in the whole world. However despite this he was still crowned the player of the tornament and claimed the Golden Ball award. Germany’s Miroslav Klose who has been linked with Arsenal by our new scout Jens Lehmann picked up the Golden Shoe. And another player linked with a move to North London is World Cup Winner Gianluigi Buffon who also took home the Lev Yashin award for the best goalkeeper and only let in 2 goals in the entire competiton.
So finaly the World Cup is over and all concentration is on the domestic season, although I’m happy to be saying this, Serie A fans wont be as we will soon get the verdict on the match-fixing scandal. Which will hopefully pave the way for many signings. A brand new link which was come out today is Ghana’s captain Stephen Appiah who is interested in a move to Ashburton Grove.
“No deal has been done yet but 50 percent of me is coming to Arsenal. Clubs like AS Roma, Juventus and Marseille all want me, but I don’t want to go to Italy again. I prefer Arsenal, they are my number one choice.”
He also said he’s in the best form of his career and wants to go to North London where he can win tropheys. Appiah currently plays for Turkish side Fenerbahce who don’t want to let him go, but if they were able to have Sol Campbell then a deal might be done. However Harry Rednapp and Tony Adams are set to make an offer. I think Arsene might want him to go to Turkey so we could secure the services of Appiah, maybe that’s why he’s said Sol will be going abroad. Now that the World Cup is over there is no excuse for Arsene to bring in a couple of new signings to strengthen the squad. Hopefully my next post’s title will be: ‘Second Signing of The Summer Revealed’, untill then.
Sol Quits 9 July, 2006
Posted by lasagnechef in Cup Games, Transfers.1 comment so far
Sol Campbell, our Champions League Final goalscorer, has as expected left Arsenal. I think you’ll agree that he’s had a fantasic time at Arsenal since his switch from rivals Tottenham, including the 2004 unbeaten Premiership title. He was 3 off 200 appearances for The Gunners and scored 11 goals in that time. In this past season his form has been not so good which saw a few low-lights; since Senderos was preferred in the 2005 FA Cup Final things have sort of gone down-hill for our Sol. You will probaly remember our loss to West Ham at Highbury, I was at the game and he had a rubbish 1st half and looked shakey whenever the ball came to him. Then at half-time he walked out of Highbury and wasn’t seen for a few days. Ever since then he wasn’t really picked and Senderos was always there to take his place, untill the Champions League Final. That goal is probaly my favourite Arsenal goal, it wasn’t a particularly skillful goal or anything, just the occasion and being in Paris and just the incredible jubilation when he scored, thats why it’s my favourite.
Sol had alot to say about his time at Arsenal and thanked everyone for his 5 years at the club where he has been an important player for us these final few years at Highbury. I remember the times when Sol was injured and everyone would be worried, and had belief when he played, well that was probaly beacuse his back-up was usually Cygan…
There will be a few clubs after his signature, Harry Rednapp has already said he’d like to have Sol at Portsmouth, and Newcastle are said to be interested too. I’m sure there’s other English sides after Sol but Arsene has said they might be left disappointed, as it is likely he’ll move abroad. We know that Turkish side Fenerbahce are interested but Sol is also being linked with Inter Milan, and it is rumoured that he might go to America. I think we might need to buy a defender now, but I want to stress the might. It depends on whether our younger players are ready to come through or not, and it depends whether anyone else is leaving. At the moment we’ve got Senderos who will definatly take his place, no problem. It’s just his back up, all we’ve really got is Djourou plus some other players who probably could play center-back in an emergency.
That’s enough on Sol and it’s the World Cup final tonight, this fittingly being Zinedine Zidane’s last game in football, how nice it would be if he will lift the trophey at the end of the night. I’m looking forward to seeing an exiting game between France and Italy who have been excellent in the knock out stages. France’s Franck Ribery has really made a name for himself recently with fantasic performances against Spain and Brazil and many others, and he’s just basically said he wants to come to Arsenal. The 23 year old said this to the Sunday Mirror:
“I’d love to play for a big club in England, and nothing would be more ideal than to be with a French coach”
I’m quite interested in Franck but I can’t help but think we dont really need him. We have lots of players that play the wide midfield position and you have to ask do we need another? Again it depends if anybody else is leaving, maybe is Reyes does then he might be an option to cover Jose’s midfield role. However Ribery is only young and has an exiting career ahead of him and in a couple of years time we might be kicking ourselves for missing out on a real big talent. Ok, that’s enough for today, enjoy the game tonight.
Nick to go North? 7 July, 2006
Posted by lasagnechef in Cup Games, Transfers.1 comment so far
Rangers are hoping to bring our up and coming talent Nicklas Bendtner to Glasgow. Aparantly the new manager Paul Le Guen has had talks with Wenger about him. Arsene has always spoken highly of Nicklas and has always suggested that one day he will be an important player for us. Rangers would be a good loan move for the 18 year old but I doubt Wenger will let him go there on a full contract. Bendtner is usually the star of our Carling Cup campain along with Lupoli, the two of which forming an exiting partnership. When I go down to Barnet to watch our reserves play I often see these two and it’s an exiting prospect for the future of Arsenal.
Wenger has hit out at divers and claims we should use video evidence to prosicute players, but this may well see the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s playing career. I think he is right though, and I also think the 4th official should have a TV moniter down by him to decide important decisions, so what if it takes a while longer, that’s what added time is for. With all the technology we’ve got nowa-days we should be using it in football. It must be only a matter of time now before it is introduced, and yes, as Arsene says, it will get rid of divers too.
In the World Cup, Jens Lehmann has admitted that his future as Germany’s no.1 may depend on whether Jurgen Klinsmann stays on as manager. Klinsmann has had alot of faith in our ‘keeper and made him Germany’s man between the posts for this year’s tornament. Jens has said that Kahn can play in the 3rd place decider match against diving Portugal, how nice of him.
Also Henry has spoken ahead of the final saying how confident he is, and that the Italian defence is not bothering him.
“People talk about how difficult it is to score against Italian defenders. But I didn’t have trouble scoring against Italian teams in the Champions League, so I don’t see why it should be different this time.”
People have talked about how Henry might change if he wins on Sunday, he might think that this is his biggest moment in his carreer and not be as commited to the cause at Arsenal. I think though if he does win the World Cup it will be a massive confidence boost, and he will be as good as he’s ever been when he returns, although he has got that achilles to rest first. Also he might pick up that player of the year prize over Ronaldinho he so despiratly wants and deserves, Ronaldinho had a poor World Cup and was “nowhere” in the Champions League Final, I honestly think this could be Thierry’s year.
That’s your lot for today then, see ya
This is all I wanted to see: 6 July, 2006
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France beat the Portugese scum 1-0 with a fitting Zidane penalty. Fitting because Zidane will be remembered from this competition, and it was such a lifeless game that only a penalty would’ve ddecided the day. Ronaldo was booed whenever he picked up the ball which was nice to see, I just hope he does stay at Man U so we can give him similar treatment. So it’s an Italy v France final which is what I wanted after England were ‘beaten’, it should be a good game, I just hope it delivers.
The new Madrid president Ramon Calderon is now 70% sure of signing Cesc Fabregas, which is 70% bollocks. Arsenal have told Cesc he is an integral part of our new side moving forward at Ashburton Grove, and will not sell him. I’m sure our new no.4 doesn’t want to leave either, but it’s his agents job to tell him about any offers. Also Gilberto Silva has been linked with a move away, Lyon were said to be interested but later denied the link saying they aren’t interested in him, and it was all false information.
News from Spain is that we are close to signing Barcelona’s Saviola. Aparently we’re ‘enquired’ about him, which can really mean anything. He spent last season on loan to UEFA cup winners Sevilla and has been told he’s got no future at Barca. Panathinaikos have put a bid in on him and was about to go before he heard about Arsenal’s interest, now Bolton are also keen on the 24 year old.
Still no proper news to report on, we play Barnet in 9 days, but I’m sure the internationals at the World Cup won’t be appearing especially Henry. Also that vote thing I put up yesterday worked, Valencia is now miles ahead of Ronaldo, I’m sure he’s loving that this morning after a tough time last night. Look, stop diving, crying, playing for Man U, cheating, having stupid hair, step-overs, falling over and being a cunt and we’ll stop mate. It’s that simple. That’s it for now then, have a good day.
PLEASE DO THIS! 5 July, 2006
Posted by lasagnechef in Uncategorized.1 comment so far
Just saw this, so re-posted it, make sure you re-post/bulletin, email, put in forums……..
“There is a very real danger that Cristiano Ronaldo will be voted the fans’ best young player at the World Cup despite his pouting, winking, diving, three times stepping over pretty boy antics designed mainly to get himself a lucrative transfer to Real Madrid and thus avoid the good kicking he deserves from Wayne Rooney at Manchester United training.”
He is currently 1st in the FIFA voting just ahead of Luis Valencia of Ecuador.
Go to
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/bypa/eligible.html
and vote Luis Valencia of Ecuador
NOW!!!!!!!!!
[oh and by the way I passed my mock driving test!]
Lehmann’s Heroics Weren’t Enough 5 July, 2006
Posted by lasagnechef in Arsenal News, Cup Games, Transfers.add a comment
Just a short post today, I’ve got a practise driving test soon and can’t be long…
So, Germany are out of thier own World Cup in an amazing game between Italy. It was an exiting match with spectacular end to end football, Buffon and Lehmann seemed unbeatable with some fine saves, both arguably goalie of the tornament. The game took untill the 119th minute to break the deadlock with a fine goal from the defender Grosso, the same man who was ‘fouled’ for their last minute penalty against Australia. The goal came from a corner, it was whipped in, came out to a man free on the edge of the box who passed it into Grosso who curled it in the far corner passed Jens. It really was a spectaclar goal, and with the occasion, timing, skill and imoprtance, it should be up there for goal of the tornament. Then Italy got a second from Del Piero a few minutes later with some counter-attacking football on the break. At the end when all the Germans were crying, I was loving it! Especially when the camera went around the fans, it was brilliant! Today sees Thierry’s France take on the scum of Portugal, oh I do hope Titi breaks Ronaldo’s legs, it would would make me smile.
Not a great deal of news today either, can’t wait untill the season is back up and running. There’s some more bollocks about Cesc and Madrid which I can’t be bothered to go into, and yesterday’s squad number story has been confirmed by the Arsenal Shop. From the extreme heat of yesterday, it’s now pissing it down with rain, that’s England for you…
New Squad Numbers 4 July, 2006
Posted by lasagnechef in Arsenal News, Transfers.3 comments
I mentioned before that it is likely that some players may change thier quad numbers for the new era at Ashburton Grove. I have it on source that Fabregas has now switched to no.4, and Rosicky will play as no.7. Cesc takes over the famous Vieira shirt and he has filled his boots already for us, I think this is to say he is staying at Arsenal, no matter what Real do. With the situation Juventus are in, it could see many of their players moving elsewhere, and I’m sure all on bargain price-tags. Along with Buffon possibly looking at North London, Vieira returning was another name that cropped up, I think this change of number by Cesc is a shout out for Paddy to stay away.
Also, it’s interesting that Rosicky has gone for no.7. He has always worn 10 and as I’m sure you’re well aware that’s now available. I thought that Hleb would take the no.7 shirt, he was promised it when he came but then Bobby didn’t leave, so when I heard about there being squad number changes I thought Hleb to 7 would be one of them. I think the reason for this is they want to leave the no.10 shirt for a bit as a mark of respect to the Dutch Master, or hopefully it’s being left for Torres. I’d love it if he came, we need a big name to replace Dennis, Wenger has had nothing but good things to say about him in the World Cup, personaly I think the happenability of this is quite high.
Also I’d like to see Toure move to no.6, and maybe Theo Walcott should take the no.10 shirt? or maybe 9 if Reyes does leave? I’m sure that he will change to a lower number eventually, I was guessing it would be this summer. We’ll see, still few more weeks to go.
Arsenal.com have officially released non-blurry pictures of the new kit with RVP modeling it for us. Personaly, in the pic of him wearing I don’t really like it, but in the one below of the shirt on it’s own I really like it, you might have noticed I’ve included it in the header. If you click on the picture below, you can also see our new goalkeeper strip.
Not much other news, Jeremie Aliadiere hopes to break into the side this season and has been told that he is wanted by Wenger. We keep loaning him off, but he’s now 23 and won’t get alot better. I hope for his sake he gets a chance, but I’m not sure if he will.
The Cannon is now www.the-cannon.com, with a little help from gilbertosilver it’s up and running. No need to remember all that worpress stuff now, just: the-cannon. It’s still really hot over here, and I’ve got to go to work this afernoon…have fun people.
Dream on Real 3 July, 2006
Posted by lasagnechef in Transfers.add a comment
Ramon Calderon has been elected Real Madrid’s new president and one of him many ‘promises’ being Francesc Fabregas. I’ve been ignoring all Real speculation and I am not worried at all, however, this bloke has said he’ll bring Cesc to Madrid so I would expect him to make some sort of approch. He will get rejected straight away, but if there were to offer something stupid then of course we’d have to think aout it. But to be honest, I’d rather have him than the money, he’s only 18 and is still going to get better. Can’t be bothered to write any more on this, it’s all just bollocks anyways.
Bobby Pires believes his new club Villarreal will be title contenders for this season. Well maybe, if they’re lucky. I just hope they beat the Catalan scum.
Spurs new signing Didier Zokora has admitted that Arsenal are a better club than Tottenscum but chose them over us because of that. He is crazy. He says they are heading in the right direction and wants to be a part of that. Seriously, I don’t see them coming any higher than they did last season, maybe they might sneak into 4th, we’ll see. But yer, the Ivory Coast midfielder had a good World Cup and Spurs secured his services for next season for £8m.
Sven has backed his decision to take Theo to the World Cup, saying that even though he’s seen Defoe play 20 times, he prefers the Arsenal youngster. Haha! shame Defoe! Haha, I bet he loved it when he heard that!
I’m goin to see the Gunners in 12 days! Arsenal v Barnet. Miss it so much, I know it’s only a little pre-season thing but still. But the thing I’m really looking forward to is Dennis’ testimonial, that will be amazing. Anyways, it’s so hot, I’m sweating just writing this. Have a good day
Man U mess things up for the English 2 July, 2006
Posted by lasagnechef in Cup Games.7 comments
Rooney was sent off at a vital stage yet again for England for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho’s bollocks. I’m sure we all would if we got the chance, but not in the Quarter Finals of the World Cup please Wayne. His sending off wasn’t helped by Ronaldo who was just a complete dickhead all game. I mean the Portugese are typically cheating, diving, snidely wankers, but Ronaldo was something else. He set off from the start trying to spark his Man Utd team-mate’s temper: He came onto the pitch and gave him a little pushing head-but and then when Wayne ended Carvalho’s hope of having children, Ronaldo was straight upto the ref as the Portugese do, surrounding him, trying to get him sent-off. Wayne pushed him away, angry and then was shown the red. Then as Ronaldo came to the touchline he winked, that just says it all really, just sums him up as not just a player but shows the type of person he is. And then to top it all off, he goes and scores the winning penalty. I’m sure when Man USA meet up for their pre-season training. the likes of Neville, Ferdinand and especially Rooney will not want to see Ronaldo; I wouldn’t be suprised if Rooney clocks him in the nose. And I’m sure at every premiership game Ronaldo will not be welcomed, and it’s likely that Fergie will not want him back either.
So that was Sven’s last game as England Manager and I will not be sad to see him go. He has made alot of bad decisions recently and it really fustrated me. Like why did he take only 4 strikers, of which 2 were fit? Why did he take Theo? Why did he take off Lennon and Cole? And why did he play 4-5-1? It’s not as if we can look forward to an exiting new manger now either, we’ve got Steve McLaren, Sven’s right-hand man. Not alot will change I’ll tell you that, apart from we’ll be seeing a lot more of Middlesborough’s Stewart Dowing.
The end of the competition also sees the end of David Beckham’s role as England captian. He announced he was stepping down in an emotional press confrence this morning and talked of how it was his proudest moment in his career, but feels the time is right to hand over the arm-band. He emphasised that he wishes to carry on playing for England, but I’m not so sure as to whether he will get selected if he continues this same form he’s in. The old David Beckham we knew, chasing after every ball, whipping in free-kicks and being a general inspiration to the team, he would be selected.
In the other game of the day, France beat Brasil 1-0 with a nice goal from Thierry Henry and a fantastic performance from Zidane. Brasil haven’t been themselves this year round and will be nice to see someone else lift the prize for once. They were punished by a good French side with every chance of going all the way now. However Thierry has had a recurrence of his achilles injury, this won’t stop him trying to take France to the final, but I wouldn’t be suprised if his misses the start of Arsenal’s season, click on the picture for details.
Sorry about the more England related post today, it’s just thats what’s on my mind at the moment. We’ll be back to Arsenal news tomorrow, don’t you worry. Just got back from buying my Arsenal v Barnet tickets, looking forward to seeing the boys back in action.
That’s why we don’t need a new keeper… 1 July, 2006
Posted by lasagnechef in Arsenal News, Cup Games, The Cannon News, Transfers.1 comment so far
I didn’t catch the Germany v Argentina game yesterday, but aparantly Jens Lehmann had a magnificant game between the posts for the Germans. The game was 1-1, with top scorer Klose cancelling out Ayala’s opener. No goals were found in extra-time and penaties it was. Jens made 2 brilliant stops, one from the goalscorer Ayala and one from Cambiasso. As a result, Jose Pekerman has quit as coach of Argentina, they didnt take the defeat too well…
Arsenal have always been envolved with goalkeeper speculation, but of late it’s been put on hold from some great form from our no.1. I think finally now, all we’ll be looking for is maybe a back-up keeper. Jens Lehmann is truly Arsenal’s number one goalkeeper; how paris might have been a different story if it wasn’t for his early dismissal.
We’re strongly linked with Mexican defender Carlos Salcido who could be the replacement for Big-Sol. Gunnerblog has a big write-up on this story. In other transfer news it looks quite likely that Reyes will be leaving us in the Summer, he’s never looked settled here and always fancied a move back to Spain. Would be sad to see him go but he’s not our greatest player. Also Yaya Toure has said he will be leaving Olympiakos and we’ve been linked to bring Pele to Arsenal.
The Cannon will soon be moving to it’s own web-address, I’ve secured www.the-cannon.com I’ll keep you posted as of when we move over. England v Portugal today….C’MON ENGLAND!!!
