Quote:"But I'd give Arsenal credit for assembling a very strong squad there. Not only talented, but physically very strong, so they can take you on, whatever way you wanna play it, they've got the answer to you."
George Graham on the new Arsenal
But Pele reckons Anelka's like van Basten. The great Brazilian forward also says Patrick Vieira reminds him of Frank Rijkaard, but that: "Anelka is the stronger mentally." The People
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POSTSCRIPT
22 MAY
Arsenal had unexpected support from bookmakers on Sunday. The Man U triumph cost them a fortune in pay-outs. All the favourites had won the various divisions, so a lot hung on the last one. One punter won 600,000 for a £130 stake, predicting the winners of all the divisions.
Arsene Wenger summed it eloquently when he said:"It's like losing a marathon by just one yard."
And: "It's terrible to think that we have 78 points like last year when we won the Premiership but with a better defensive record and better goal difference and we have still not retained it."
Wenger admitted the championship was really lost during the first part of the season, when players were still tired after the World Cup.
But that:"But this is the best team I've ever managed, by some margin."
There were mixed reports in the media as to where the actual cup was. One paper said it was on a motor bike in a Chorley service station. Another said it was in a helicopter, hovering depending on the result. While a third suggested replicas were at both grounds.
Some of Arsenal's potential opponents in the Champions League became clearer this week - Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and, probably, Hertha Berlin; and from Italy, Lazio and AC Milan
Alex Ferguson said last year:" we will be studying what Arsenal did to finish above us." The general consensus is that United assembled a squad, while Arsenal assembled a team. And Arsene Wenger's next challenge is to build a great squad, as opposed to a great team.
One paper described the difference between Wenger and Ferguson as the difference between chalk and camembert.
Wenger outlined a potential dilemma next season. "I would like to use him [Kanu] as a regular but it's difficult to find the balance with the three of them [Bergkamp and Anelka]."
Besides warnings of the top three breakaway - in terms of quality, at least, there were warnings that the domestic league could beome a servant to greater happenings abroad, namely, the Champions League expansion, the possible World Club Championship,and perhaps a World Cup every two years.
One paper said that Wenger is getting close to asking Anelka to make a public statement that he is staying at Arsenal. It hints that both Bergkamp and Kanu can relate to him that playing abroad can be an unhappy experience.
Meanwhile congratulations are in order for the Nicolas. He finished fourth top scorer (along with Andy Cole) in the Premiership, after Yorke, Hasselbaink and Owen - all on 18.
Best banner at the ground on Sunday:"`We support Spurs (until 6pm
tonight).'
Manchester United only got £180,000 more than Arsenal for finishing top
- £3.68m to £3.5m.
Highbury's total attendance this season reached 1.93 million.
Gooner Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski were planning to finish their matches in time to watch Arsenal, in the World Team Championship. They didn't.
After receiving the PFA Award, David Ginola said:"All I want now is for Spurs to be playing at the same level as Arsenal next season."
We've heard so much of Kanu. Now Nano - or Fernando Macedo da Silva, the latest youth prodigy, 16 is reported to be arriving in the summer at Arsenal, from Barcelona. A midfielder, he was outstanding in the recent under-16 championship, and is allegedly on a four year contract.
The football memorabilia market is worth £5m a year, according to research by Axa, the insurer that sponsors the FA Cup. So keep on buying them programmes - and keep them pristine.
Kanu's goal at Middlesbrough was the third best of the season according to the S.Times. It notes that Olivier Dacourt, courted by Arsenal, has been booked 16 times and sent off once this season.
Tony Adams revealed his future ambitions this week - winning the Champions League, beating David O'leary's record of 722 games for Arsenal, and captain of a Championship winning side over three decades.
Jaap Stam said this week:"We've played Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Bayern Munich this season, but if I had to nominate the toughest side we have faced it would be Arsenal. They have quality running through the side, and enormous self-belief which shows itself in their determination to win every game."
Thanks
Thanks to: Myles Palmer, Gary Jacob, Bob Bateman and Adrian Barker and everyone else who has sent things in
Transfers
Completed In
Fernando Macedo da Silva (Nano) 16 - Barcelona to Arsenal on a four year contract.
Oleg Luzhnyi - Dynamo Kiev - Arsenal - £1.5m
Completed Out
David Grondin Arsenal to St Etienne - loan for one year
Jamie Day - Bournemouth
Kaba Diawara - Marseilles £3m
Probable Out
Stephen Hughes - transfer listed -£4m
Fabian Cabellero - option to buy not taken up
Probable In
Gianluca Pessotto - Juventus -£5m
Possible In
Olivier Dacourt - Everton - £5m
Nakarta - Perugia - £3m
Chris Sutton - Blackburn -£12m
Robbie Fowler - Liverpool -£12 -15m
Kieron Dyer - Ipswich - £6m
Sergei Rebrov - Dynamo Kiev - £10-£12m
Par Zetterberg - Anderlecht (fee unknown)
Silvinho - Corinthians -£3m
Roberto Muzzi - Cagliari -£7m
Joachim Borklund - Valencia -£6m
Jose Cardozo -Toluca
Robbie Keane - Wolves
Possible Out
Gilles Grimandi
Steve Bould
Season stats
Kanu came third in the goals/minutes played ratio -90.3 mins /goal
Anelka came third in the most shots (95), and second in the most shots on target (51) section
Arsenal as a team had the most shots on goal - 524
Vieira came second in the most tackles (209), beaten by prospective Arsenal player Olivier Dacourt (216)
Arsenal, the team, came third in the most tackles league at 1333
However Paddy came second too in the most fouls, coming second to ex-Arsenal player John Hartson (106)
Injuries
16/05
Vivas - knee
Manninger - broken arm
Nigel Winterburn - broken nose
Dennis Bergkamp's record (up to end March)
Goals - 9
Goal assists - 13
Shots on target - 31
% shots on target 57
Corners won 16
Points - 1286
Arsenal's record prior to Newcastle (supplied by OPTA)
Goals 43
Average/game 1.31
Shots 330
% on target 47
% goals to shots 10
Short passes 9072
Long passes 1232
Pass completion 79%
Crosses 422
Cross completion 21%
Goals conceded 12
Goals conceded/game .46
% of tackles won 66%
Blocks/interceptions 1688
Fouls 313
Yellows 47
Reds 5
Foul Play Table
Sheff Wed - 478
Leicester - 518
Aston Villa - 526
Wimbledon - 530
Man U - 584
Newcastle - 587
Arsenal - 598 (5 Red,47 Yellow,313 Fouls)
Riches League (Deloitte Touche) 1996/97 season
Manchester United £87.9m
Newcastle United £41.1m
Liverpool £39.2m
Rangers £31.7m
Tottenham Hotspur £27.9m
Arsenal £27.2m
Arsenal are third in the Premiership attendance League on 38,095
Goal Ratio League
Arsenal are 14th - 23 games and 24 goals
Goals/game 1.04
Minutes/goal 86 mins
Arsenal are second in the HOME POINTS league
Arsenal are fifth in the AWAY POINTS league
Arsenal are fourth in the S.Mirror's average attendance in 34 years league (!) - 31,149.
Arsenal have not lost at home for 24 games
Arsene Wenger is the 8th longest serving manager in the Premiership.
Arsenal are currenly third in the Mail 's Entertainment League
Anelka's Premiership record
Minutes 2018
Goals 12
Shots on target 38
Off target 37
Assists - 4
Passes - 592
OPTA Leagues
David Seaman 9th- 55
Lee Dixon -7th - 658
Nicolas Anelka - 10th -655
Dennis Bergkamp -9th -666
Most fouled
The NoW says Ray Parlour is the fifth most fouled player in the Premiership (on fouls for). He's been fouled 43 times prior to Preston. Ginola is top at 52.
Statistics - history (Premiership games up to Villa, from Carling OPTA)
Matches -16
Goals -15
Average goals/game -0.94
Shots - 218
% on target - 48
%goals/shots 7
goals against - 7
Average goals against/game -0.44
Tackles - 552
Tackles won - 70%
Fouls - 181
Yellows - 28
Red - 3
Arsenal are currently 10th in the MoS European League:
Played 27
Won 11
Drawn 11
Lost 5
For 31
Against 20
Points 54.3
NEWS TO 8 JUNE
Stop Press:Frank de Boer for Anelka + money, is the latest story to emerge from Spain. France are training there at the moment. Sonny Anderson the Brazilian striker may also be on offer as a part of any deal.
Barcelona have just won the services of Dehu, and thus there's a possibility Frank can go. And as the evening Standard points out, he would fit in well at Highbury with the Dutch contingent.
___________________________________________________________
The only really hard news is that a life-size waxwork dummy of Dennis Bergkamp can be seen with the opening of the FA Hall of Fame, this week. [0870 8488486 for bookings.]
The League managers' Association is backing Arsenal in their stance over Anelka and 'illegal approaches'. Arsene Wenger has confirmed that he will get FIFA to look into it.
The Guardian reports that Paraguayan striker Jose Cardozo could be coming to Arsenal - that is if you believe stories in the Mexican press.
Cardozo is a 27 year old striker who plays for Toluca, who have just won the Mexican title.
Wolves' Robbie Keane is also reported as interesting Arsenal - but we knew that anyway.
Emmanuel Petit says a lot of players will be on drugs to help them cope with the stresses and strains of modern football.
This follows fellow international Youri Djorkaieff collapsing with exhaustion after the Francce v Russia game. Some papers says he will have to answer to the PFA.
The Mail (Monday) excels with a couple of decent pieces from Martin Lipton (ex-PA). One outlines how Arsenal take credit for making a stand on Anelka in the fickle world of transfers. A contract should mean something.
The other on the enigma of Fredrik Ljungberg - how he shines in internationals, but plays in fits and starts for Arsenal. The Swedish manager gives him far more freedom to roam than Arsene. And also he appears to be guaranteed a place in the international side, but has only had three consecutive starts since he came to Arsenal.
The piece says Ljungberg was bought as a squad player and cover for David Platt. [Ljungberg was unlucky in that he didn't have a break, due to the length of the Swedish season, so he could well figure much more prominently this season, given the team will be rotated.]
The Express has a little story on how Arsene Wenger was highly impressed by the Celtic forward Larsson, on Saturday, and it says would consider a bid, if the Fowler thing breaks down.
The Fowler leaving Liverpool story takes on more credibility, as Houllier is quoted as saying:"I won't stand in his way if he wants to leave." This, when he utters an angry denial that Jamie Redknapp is NOT leaving Liverpool.
The questions now are more, which club: Arsenal or Manchester United and whether he will break the English transfer record of £15m for Shearer.
NEWS TO 6 JUNE
So the Sun and the Star, followed obviously by Teamtalk, go with Olivier Dacourt agreeing terms with Arsenal and his advisors. But the piece somewhat mysteriously says that it won't be announced officially for two weeks.
The reported fee is £6m - and Spurs and Chelsea were interested. But Dacourt seemed to want to go home to France - so Highbury was a half way house. He reportedly hasn't settled on Merseyside. And he's big mates with Patrick Vieira, who advised him on moving to England in the first place.
Interestingly Dacourt topped the Premiership for the most tackles, pipping PV into second place. But that came at a price of 14 bookings - an obvious penalty in a high tempo pressing game.
Uncle Bouldy is at the centre of an inquiry from Sunderland at £1m. This follows some strange reported shananigens with Houllier wanting him for two years, but the board blocking that and preferring Henchoz.
Joachim Borkland the Swedish and Valencia defender is interesting Arsenal, according to the People. The 28 year old would be available for £6m. Interestingly the same paper reports that George Graham is after Stefan Schwartz. (Can't see that given his wife didn't like it here, first time round. But he's still one heck of a player as yesterday proved).
Arsenal are on the verge of, or have, or are thinking of, or getting the FA to, - depending on which paper you read, report Real Madrid to FIFA for an "illegal approach" for Nicolas Anelka.
Real spokesmen are saying they have talked unofficially with Arsenal. But President Sanz says no official bid has gone in. Wenger and Anelka are reported to be having talks in the next fortnight.
Lots of articles on Anelka, including a critical one by Roy Collins. But Pele reckons he's like van Basten. The great Brazilian forward also says Patrick Vieira reminds him of Frank Rijkaard, but that: "Anelka is the stronger mentally."
In another article, Real manager John Toshack eulogises over NA, saying he's a great striker and that: "I could talk about him for two or three days".
Meanwhile Robbie Fowler is set to have talks with Houllier over his future. A couple of Sunday's report that Manchester United are in for him for £12m - with the Mail saying that Arsenal can only afford £8m.
After Liverpool were reported to be after Heskey, Paolo Wanchope appears to be a new target. (There's no smoke without fire).
Arsene Wenger was reported to be at an u-19 tournament in Holland, taking a particular interest in the Feyernoord v Ivory Coast game.
Talking of Africa, Kanu bought up 20 pairs of boots worn by Arsenal players - and some old shirts and distributed them to kids back in Nigeria - great touch - nice one, Kanu.
It is reported that David Dein isn't going to vice chairman of the FA.
And finally - those interested in general football finance, there's an important case coming up in the Court of Arbitration for Sport, in Lausanne, on whether companies like ENIC who have ownership and stakes in five or six clubs, including Basel, Slavia Prague, AEK Athens and Rangers - can have the clubs playing themselves in UEFA competition.
It is one of those cases with wider implications for the game at the European level.
NEWS TO 4 JUNE
After the deluge, yesterday - quiet. Or relative quiet. Anelka spouts off that he thinks he's seen the last of London, and that things will be settled in the next few days. Real Madrid President Sanz, says negotiations are going on, but that no firm offer has gone in. A wild range of prices quoted - mid range £15-£18m.
A few Fowler to Arsenal articles outlining why it would make sense for a move South including:
- Safer - after his local troubles
- Enhance his international career
- European experience
- House down here
- Liverpool need to rebuild
- Competition from new strikers, including Camara
Houllier says: "Fowler won't leave unless he comes to me and says he wants to go."
One tabloid says Liverpool are rivalling Spurs for Heskey's signaure as a possible replacement for Fowler.
All quiet with regards to the other links, except that Arsenal say it is all speculation. One broadsheet points out that the sale of Anelka will help Arsenal buy Pessotto and Muzzi.
NEWS TO 3 JUNE
Transfer merry-go-round in six paragraphs.
Wild disparity between tabloids and broadsheets on what is going on. The broadsheets have Arsenal in talks with Pessotto (Juventus left back) and Muzzi (Cagliari striker) both for around £7m. Nothing reported signed or sealed.[In fact the Evening Standard reports Arsenal are playing down any transfer of these two.]
However the Sun has Steve Bould on the verge of joining Liverpool on a two year contract (under Bosman)[The Evening Standard says Liverpool won't offer him 2 years and are going for Henchoz instead]. And suggest the Italian deals are advanced.
Meanwhile the D.Mirror says Arsenal have bid officially £12m for Robbie Fowler - and this hasn't been denied by the Anfield club. [But wait a mo - [the ES prints a denial, saying Fowler is going nowhere, ie staying at Liverpool.]
The Mirror and Mail also say Arsenal are close to getting the Brazilian, Silvinho, the left sided Corinthian utility player with an EU passport.
Some papers report that Arsenal are not dealing with Real Madrid on the transfer of Nicolas Anelka, but in talks with Juve instead. One reports a discrepancy between Juve's valuation of £15m and Arsenal's £20m. But the Mirror says Arsenal are pricing Anelka out of the market (£28m)?. Another suggests a deal might be struck which keeps Anelka at Highbury for another year.
U-turn
Arsenal, and Arsene's transfer policy appears to have done a U-turn since last season, when parsimony was the order of the day and if the player wasn't the right 'value' then no business would be done.
Perhaps Arsene has taken a cold hard scientific look at what happened last season, and concluded he left himself short of 'tools to do the job'. The purchase of a back who is 31 soon, and interest in Pessotto - both with a lot of Champions League experience, indicates that he is taking the competition far more seriously this time round.
He learns from his mistakes.
This time around we'll most probably see players playing in spells - both at a micro and macro level. Some for parts of games, some for parts of the season. Some press suggestions that there'll be a Champions League team and a separate Premiership team are a little far fetched.
On the transfer speculation itself: the Bould and Fowler stories are linked - although I haven't seen them linked in the press. A likely scenario is that Arsenal want to keep Bould, but talking about Fowler, Arsenal maybe said we can offer you Uncle as a part of any deal. When Liverpool said, - Fowler, no way, then Arsenal started getting cool on letting Bouldy go - hence we see stories that Liverpool prefer Henchoz to Uncle.
On Silvinho, yes Steve Rowley has been out in Brazil scouting. But as Myles Palmer points out - name a South American who has been really successful in England (except Ossie Ardiles). So a pinch of salt required here.
All in all the Pessotto link is probably the most likely to materialise as Arsenal negotiated with Juventus for him last year, and a left back with comparable experience to the new right back would appeal to Arsene's sense of scientific symmetry.
So Kaba Diawara departs to Marseilles for a reported £3m, despite reports that he was staying at Highbury and looking for a house.
As it turned out, Kaba could have won Arsenal the title, if those goal-bound efforts at Leeds had gone in. But, he was an unlucky player. But certainly the sort of fast, muscular forward Arsenal need, to worry the opposition.
Some papers report now that Arsenal need two strikers, with the Anelka situation uncertain. Fowler rumours gather momentum, like ever nearing tom-tom drums. [I'd say he's more than 50/50 likely to be an Arsenal player next season - but that's just a personal opinion.]
So good news about Oleg Luzhnyi signing for Arsenal (Friday) - deepening the squad, and the public announcement that Arsenal will sign more players in the Summer.
Luzhnyi is nicknamed the horse, for galloping up and down the right side touch-line, and getting in good crosses, or cutting inside. So he gives Arsenal something they don't have. There's another reason for calling him the horse - he's a powerfully built athlete - in the typical 'pace and power' Wenger mode. He's reportedly on a three year contract. He chose Arsenal before Benfica, Newcastle and Middlesbrough.
Arsene Wenger, who isn't having a holiday because he 'can't let them lot take all the trophies again', said that he'll have to use a rotation system next season, owing to the number of games. Luzhnyi can play right back or right midfield, and he's got a lot of club, Champions League and international experience (25 caps). He forced Marc Overmars into a very defensive game at Wembley.
Wenger said you need 16-18 players of the same quality. Par Zetterberg, the Swedish international, and Anderlecht player is linked this week.
More tiresome articles on Nicolas Anelka - who is beginning to hack off some fans. He met allegedly with Real Madrid reps - and an offer is on the table. Various transfer figures are quoted -£12-£15m.
Both Tony Adams and Marc Overmars pulled out of their respective international commitments this summer, both through injury. That's very good news for Arsenal. Anyway it is the only real break they are going to have, as Euro 2000 is upon us at the end of next season. Dennis Bergkamp isn't going to Brazil with Holland either. Seaman, Parlour and Keown have been called up to the England squad for the Euro qualifier, though.
There was a strange article in the D.Express about Nigel Wray, Saracens' owner, putting the idea to Arsenal about building a big complex in Watford with an 80,000 football stadium, flanked by a 25,000 seater rugby stadium - on the basis of being close to two motorways. Don't think much will come of it - but football is a funny ole game, when what is tosh one minute, is truth the next, and tosh again the day after. That's what makes it so..............
POSTSCRIPT
29 MAY
Chris Sutton to Arsenal for £10m. Surely some sort of apology must be in order.
This last week was the anniversary of Michael Thomas scoring the goal at Anfield to take the title. [Where were you? I was in the Blackstock Road pouring out Champagne to passers by - after the goal, of course].
In the past season's lesser known statistical accolades, Arsenal had the longest run of consecutive Premiership clean sheets at six. And they didn't top the red card league. That honour went to Blackburn Rovers at seven. They were top of the Average Time to Concede A Goal League at 201 minutes.
Kanu has got himself on the most effective player on the pitch league (based on minutes per goal). He's seventh at 103 minutes/goal.
In reviews of the season Arsene Wenger got a mention after suggesting the referee might have dived after being pushed by Paolo Di Canio.
Arsenal were recorded as having the third highest increase in profitability in the Deloite Touche Tohmatsu report on Premier League Finances 1997/8 season, up $8.5m. The report notes generally for the Premiership that total transfer fees are down, and that over half of all income is spent (unsustainably) on wages. Since the Premiership began there is an $18m deficit.
Kevin Keegan argued this week that the foreign influx had improved home grown players: "They have got to be better now to get into their sides. Look at the players at Arsenal - they are all top quality English players like Adams, Keown, Parlour, Seaman and the rest. They have to be otherwise the manager will have to make new foreign signings, just as Alex Ferguson did with Jaap Stam."
The red tape surrounding the Kanu transfer was one of the reasons the government via the Sports and Employment Departments proposed relaxation of the rules regarding non-EU nationals playing in the UK. Plans are to relax the 75% of games ruling, and the player has to be in the squad, as opposed to playing in the international. Contracts will have an extended life - not reviewed every year, as now. The PFA don't like it, and have backing from the Premier League - who want an adapted system, and the FA. Some players contracts are up in June - and they don't know whether they are coming or going.
Arsenal to Watford? That's where Saracens Rugby Club are trying to persuade Arsenal to go. Saracens' owner Nigel Wray wants an 80,000 seater football stadium, flanked by a 25,000 seater rugby ground."Being on the M25 and M1, it means that seven million people can be at the ground within 45 minutes."
If you thought the Sega shirt deal, quoted at £10m was some sort of record, NTL are sponsoring Rangers and Celtic shirts to the tune of £12m.
It was reported this week that Marc Overmars, once voted the most eligible batchelor in Holland is to become a Dad. He's said to have built a nursery extension and pinned some Arsenal shirts on the wall.
Manchester United and Arsenal broke the eight figure barrier for TV revenues this season, both coming close to £11m. Last season Arsenal brought in £9,714,004.
One paper reports the growing Irish connection at Highbury, with Graham Barrett, 17, Brian McGovern, 17, Declan Field, 16, and Keith Fahy, 15, all from the Emerald Isle, having similarities to the seventies with David O'Leary, Liam Brady, Frank Stapleton and John Devine.
Nicolas Anelka has signed up to do ads for Narta anti-perspirant.
Dennis Bergkamp is NOT going on Holland's tour of Brazil this summer, giving him a well earned eight week break - which could make a huge difference to next season. Marc Overmars has withdrawn from the squad too, due to injury.
Arsene Wenger was quoted as saying on new players:""If you ask me 'where?' I would say everywhere. At the back, in midfield and up front."
And another strange stat. ITV and Sky report that a third of those who watched Arsenal win the FA Cup last year, were women.
Bookies are already taking bets on the title for next season. Chandlers have United best-priced at 13/8 Arsenal are again a top-priced at 5/ 2.
If anyone wants to see Paul Davis in action again, he's playing at Brisbane Road, Leyton Orient, in a charity to raise funds to fight leukaemia, on Sunday.
Arsenal have given a signed pennant for an auction to raise funds for 14-year-old Simon Larn. He suffers from CHARGE Syndrome and epilepsy.
Arsenal moved to 13th in the Reuters Euro-rankings with 77.16 points.
In articles this week, it emerges that David Beckham could have signed for Arsenal, and Alex Ferguson turned down an approach to manage Arsenal in the eighties.
Elie Baup, the manager who has taken Bordeaux to the edge of the French title is a former goalkeeper in a university side and played behind Arsene Wenger.
General Comment
I agree with Myles' comments.
Viera is the footballer of the year, no question. The guy's work rate is incredible.
Arsenal should shop Anelka before everyone realizes that DB10, Viera, Petit, et al., made him a scorer. He never really looks like he can create something out of nothing. "Little goals"
All the whinging is annoying. Why doesn't the boy stand up, tell everyone to piss off, and openly pledge to Arsenal, even if it's not true. He reminds me of Suraya Bonaly, the French figure skater with the messed up family, who spent all their time mouthing off to the press.
Fowler would be a risk, but worth it. Wenger would give him room to be himself, but demand loyalty. He has a knack with the rehab projects. Look at Petit. AW made Anelka. Nicky owes him. Imagine the havoc an in-form Fowler could create with DB10, Viera, Petit, Overmars spraying balls around. He'd get 25 goals, and create more with a little argy-bargy havoc in opposing defences. His presence would create more space for Dennis and Kanu.
Anyway, I agree with Myles' assessment of the striker situation. We need a troublemaker to keep the opposing defences looking over their shoulders.
Steve Phillips in Vancouver
Comment on Anelka
Just building on "Steve from Vancouver"'s observations re young Nic, I believe it would be the best thing for all concerned if we bit Real Madrid's hand off if, as reported, they are offering in the region of 15Million for the sulking prodigy.
Anelka is a very good striker. He is young and ambitious and has the potential to become even better. Arsene might even be right to say that potentially, he is as good as Ronaldo. But he isn't a GREAT striker, in the mould of say Bergkamp, Del Piero, Shevchenko or Kanu for that matter. He puts the ball in the back of the net (most of the time). While this is a desirable attribute in a striker, it is not irreplaceable. And with 15million, I believe we could buy a top-of-the-range goal getter (Fowler springs to mind) and still have some change to add to the coffers to start replacing the defence and to add the quality cover in midfield that was so evidently lacking during our last Champions League adventure.
More importantly, we need to buy somebody who is going to LOVE
banging the ball into the Highbury net (ala Wright. Kanu), and
love pulling on the shirt. I am sick and tired of Nic's miserable
face when he scores, his lack of respect for the fans and his
CONSTANT touting of himself around Europe's so-called "top clubs".
In case you hadn't noticed Nic, you're already AT one of the top
clubs in Europe, a position we are sure to consolidate over the
coming decade.
So, bye bye Nic. Thank you Real for the 15 mill, see you in the Champions League next year. You won't be missed by this Gooner.
Jason Langford, Bournemouth