Arsenal Thread 2013/14

[lust overlord]

Was Ozil a free signing? What, no? Forty how much? Why are Arsenal trying to "buy fourth place"? I thought a proper team doesn't buy success?

Ha ha this.
He's a very good player,they've certainly paid the premium amount too.

 

[bleed.blue]

Ozil used to have fitness issues at Real Madrid. He was almost always the first one to bw subbed at around 60-70 mins mark. Lets see how he adjusts to the much more physical league here.
Also, there is a huge difference in playing behind ronaldo vs giroud.

 

[Jumanji]

Ozil used to have fitness issues at Real Madrid. He was almost always the first one to bw subbed at around 60-70 mins mark. Lets see how he adjusts to the much more physical league here.
Also, there is a huge difference in playing behind ronaldo vs giroud.

Ozil didn't play behind Ronaldo.

With the service he, Cazorla, Walcott et al will provide, even the inconsistent Giroud will be scoring for fun.

Giroud's a decent player, scored 17 goals & 10 assists in his first season in the prem. Not bad at all.

 

[gooner6729]

World class signing without a doubt.

Arsenal are still weak at the back but the creativity from midfield just got ramped up to a new level.

It's a myth we are weak at the back. The main weaknesses are having only one recognised striker and just 18 first team outfield players.

It will take a few more windows to address that.Ozil is arguably the best footballer in England, but this move was as much about quelling unrest from the fans and making a statement, as it was about competing once more.

The club clearly over-estimated the impact of FFP.

I'm very excited by the goggle eyed genius.

 

[BoyBlue_1985]

World class signing without a doubt.

Arsenal are still weak at the back but the creativity from midfield just got ramped up to a new level.

It's a myth we are weak at the back. The main weaknesses are having only one recognised striker and just 18 first team outfield players.

It will take a few more windows to address that.Ozil is arguably the best footballer in England, but this move was as much about quelling unrest from the fans and making a statement, as it was about competing once more.

The club clearly over-estimated the impact of FFP.

I'm very excited by the goggle eyed genius.

Yes very arguably

 

[metalblue]

World class signing without a doubt.

Arsenal are still weak at the back but the creativity from midfield just got ramped up to a new level.

It's a myth we are weak at the back. The main weaknesses are having only one recognised striker and just 18 first team outfield players.

It will take a few more windows to address that.Ozil is arguably the best footballer in England, but this move was as much about quelling unrest from the fans and making a statement, as it was about competing once more.

The club clearly over-estimated the impact of FFP.

I'm very excited by the goggle eyed genius.

It's a definite statement, top drawer signing, great age, and I look forward to seeing him.

Not sure Arsenal thought much beyond the model of discovering talent tbh but finally have realised other clubs are just as good if not better at it so needs must. What annoys me is the hypocrisy of their FFP rant when they go a drop £45m on one player without wondering how stoke can compete.

 

[bleed.blue]

Ozil used to have fitness issues at Real Madrid. He was almost always the first one to bw subbed at around 60-70 mins mark. Lets see how he adjusts to the much more physical league here.
Also, there is a huge difference in playing behind ronaldo vs giroud.

Ozil didn't play behind Ronaldo.

With the service he, Cazorla, Walcott et al will provide, even the inconsistent Giroud will be scoring for fun.

Giroud's a decent player, scored 17 goals & 10 assists in his first season in the prem. Not bad at all.

By behind, I meant providing assists to ronaldo.
And reg your 2nd statement, the same was being said about torres last year with mf of hazard, mata and oscar.


I see "ozil is already the best player in the league" tweets and posts. HA
Some reality check is in order.

 

[gooner6729]

World class signing without a doubt.

Arsenal are still weak at the back but the creativity from midfield just got ramped up to a new level.

It's a myth we are weak at the back. The main weaknesses are having only one recognised striker and just 18 first team outfield players.

It will take a few more windows to address that.Ozil is arguably the best footballer in England, but this move was as much about quelling unrest from the fans and making a statement, as it was about competing once more.

The club clearly over-estimated the impact of FFP.

I'm very excited by the goggle eyed genius.

It's a definite statement, top drawer signing, great age, and I look forward to seeing him.

Not sure Arsenal thought much beyond the model of discovering talent tbh but finally have realised other clubs are just as good if not better at it so needs must. What annoys me is the hypocrisy of their FFP rant when they go a drop £45m on one player without wondering how stoke can compete.

Token answer - Stoke are bankrolled by a benefactor, have a higher net spend than Arsenal over the last decade and are fundamentally an unattractive club.

Poor old Arsene has scrimped and saved for years to treat himself to a bit of luxury in his old age. He reminds me of my great aunt who lived through rationing, austerity and worked hard all her life :-)

 

[supercrystal7]

World class signing without a doubt.

Arsenal are still weak at the back but the creativity from midfield just got ramped up to a new level.

It's a myth we are weak at the back. The main weaknesses are having only one recognised striker and just 18 first team outfield players.

It will take a few more windows to address that.Ozil is arguably the best footballer in England, but this move was as much about quelling unrest from the fans and making a statement, as it was about competing once more.

The club clearly over-estimated the impact of FFP.

I'm very excited by the goggle eyed genius.

Yes very arguably

I don't think it's that arguable. Ozil is one of the best players in the world. If he settles no reason to think he won't be the best in the league.

 

[BoyBlue_1985]

It's a myth we are weak at the back. The main weaknesses are having only one recognised striker and just 18 first team outfield players.

It will take a few more windows to address that.Ozil is arguably the best footballer in England, but this move was as much about quelling unrest from the fans and making a statement, as it was about competing once more.

The club clearly over-estimated the impact of FFP.

I'm very excited by the goggle eyed genius.

Yes very arguably

I don't think it's that arguable. Ozil is one of the best players in the world. If he settles no reason to think he won't be the best in the league.

So the real question is, why did Real Madrid deem him surplus to requirements then?

 

[gooner6729]

Yes very arguably

I don't think it's that arguable. Ozil is one of the best players in the world. If he settles no reason to think he won't be the best in the league.

So the real question is, why did Real Madrid deem him surplus to requirements then?

I think you'll find a lot of their fans are asking that question. Despite all the hype of Perez selling his latest world record signing to their global fanbase, the fans on the ground were chanting Ozils name and protesting against the sale.

He could flop Robinho style, but if he adapts to England he will be a notch ahead of Silva and Hazard. The only domestic based player I'd rate in his class, and probably more what we needed, is Yaya Toure.

 

[Braggster]

Yes very arguably

I don't think it's that arguable. Ozil is one of the best players in the world. If he settles no reason to think he won't be the best in the league.

So the real question is, why did Real Madrid deem him surplus to requirements then?

It's Madrid; they do crazy things

Great signing for Arsenal, Ozil is a brilliant, brilliant player and could easily be among the top three in the league if he performs (and there's no reason he shouldn't; Wenger is a great coach). The lack of depth up front may mean they struggle to sustain a challenge at the very top of the league, though: I rate Giroud but am not convinced by Podolski as the spearhead of the formation.

Creatively Arsenal look fantastic: Wilshere, Cazorla, Ramsey, Ozil, Rosicky, Walcott - quite a collection and with a nicely diverse set of skills. Would be interested to hear the views of our resident Gooners on your forwards though

 

[supercrystal7]

Yes very arguably

I don't think it's that arguable. Ozil is one of the best players in the world. If he settles no reason to think he won't be the best in the league.

So the real question is, why did Real Madrid deem him surplus to requirements then?

As said it's Madrid. I said they would get rid of him for a while this summer, because that's what Madrid do. They buy and play players based on reputation and politics.

It's like when they got rid of Sneijder and Robben in 2009 or got rid of Makalele.

 

[BoyBlue_1985]

I don't think it's that arguable. Ozil is one of the best players in the world. If he settles no reason to think he won't be the best in the league.

So the real question is, why did Real Madrid deem him surplus to requirements then?

As said it's Madrid. I said they would get rid of him for a while this summer, because that's what Madrid do. They buy and players based on reputation and politics.

It's like when they got rid of Sneijder and Robben in 2009 or got rid of Makalele.

Well Sneijder had been playing a reduced part in his second season and wanted to move on. They got fed up with paying Robben insane money to have injuries treated and Makalele moved after they refused to pay him more.
I still dont think he is the best in the league and I havent seen him have an outstanding game for 2 years. Great player, just a bit early to be calling him the best player ever

 

[supercrystal7]

So the real question is, why did Real Madrid deem him surplus to requirements then?

As said it's Madrid. I said they would get rid of him for a while this summer, because that's what Madrid do. They buy and players based on reputation and politics.

It's like when they got rid of Sneijder and Robben in 2009 or got rid of Makalele.

Well Sneijder had been playing a reduced part in his second season and wanted to move on. They got fed up with paying Robben insane money to have injuries treated and Makalele moved after they refused to pay him more.
I still dont think he is the best in the league and I havent seen him have an outstanding game for 2 years. Great player, just a bit early to be calling him the best player ever

Sneijder had been brilliant at the start and was dropped for backroom reasons. Robben was absolutely fantastic when he came back from injury. Marca were saying he was the better than Messi (a lie of course), but he was easily top 5 in the world at the time. Makalele moved because they wanted rid. The money issue was because they did not rate him. Other examples on smaller scale is when they sold Solari after he was their best player or selling Cambiasso.

Nobody is saying Ozil is the best player, but I believe he is a genuine top 10 in the world player and will have a huge impact. It's like when United signed RVP. He is that good.

 

[more lazy than useless]

you cant buy class!!!

Even if they are signing an alleged £200,000 per week contract.

Majority of sources suggesting £6m/year, £115k/week. More than he was on at Real Madrid.

Can't quite remember the ifs and buts now, but isn't tax really low in Spain meaning the player doesn't cost the club a whole lot more than his wages, whereas in the UK clubs have to cover the 40% (?) tax as well? If so, cost to Arsenal is quite high.

I used to kind of like Arsenal, back in the bergkamp/Henry era. Didn't like Spurs too much, '81 and perhaps too many similarities. However, since I joined Bluemoon all that has changed. Found the Spurs lads on here to be all good lads (with one obvious exception, but I won't hold them responsible for that!). Wenger's rants and the Arsenal fans that have been on here over the past few years though have had the opposite effect. Some posters were descent enough and had reasonable questions and thoughts on our new owners but some were just twats of the highest order. None could get their heads around the idea that I had had to sit back and watch their wealth buy the league and so much more year after year. You seem to be doing a good PR job for gooners though AFC14, hope you keep posting and can give me a positive view of your club again.

 

[BoyBlue_1985]

As said it's Madrid. I said they would get rid of him for a while this summer, because that's what Madrid do. They buy and players based on reputation and politics.

It's like when they got rid of Sneijder and Robben in 2009 or got rid of Makalele.

Well Sneijder had been playing a reduced part in his second season and wanted to move on. They got fed up with paying Robben insane money to have injuries treated and Makalele moved after they refused to pay him more.
I still dont think he is the best in the league and I havent seen him have an outstanding game for 2 years. Great player, just a bit early to be calling him the best player ever

Sneijder had been brilliant at the start and was dropped for backroom reasons. Robben was absolutely fantastic when he came back from injury. Marca were saying he was the better than Messi (a lie of course), but he was easily top 5 in the world at the time. Makalele moved because they wanted rid. The money issue was because they did not rate him. Other examples on smaller scale is when they sold Solari after he was their best player or selling Cambiasso.

Nobody is saying Ozil is the best player, but I believe he is a genuine top 10 in the world player and will have a huge impact. It's like when United signed RVP. He is that good.

The Sneijder one, is that after he was caught cheating on his missus?
Robben went after Kaka and Ronaldo arrived so makes more sense, 30 odd games is about his season limit
I cant ever remember Solari being there best player, he had a decent season when as a team they had a poor season
Cambiasso was also part of that poor season and generally Real Madrid move a lot of players on following a poor season unless as you pointed out they are superstar money makers

I look forward to watching Ozil as he should be good in the Arsenal set up, although they do still lack a DM to protect these guys

 

[didactic]

I don't think it's that arguable. Ozil is one of the best players in the world. If he settles no reason to think he won't be the best in the league.

So the real question is, why did Real Madrid deem him surplus to requirements then?

I think you'll find a lot of their fans are asking that question. Despite all the hype of Perez selling his latest world record signing to their global fanbase, the fans on the ground were chanting Ozils name and protesting against the sale.

He could flop Robinho style, but if he adapts to England he will be a notch ahead of Silva and Hazard. The only domestic based player I'd rate in his class, and probably more what we needed, is Yaya Toure.

Robinho never flopped.

Ozil like Robinho was not willing to play second fiddle or be used sparingly. Ozil had a bus up with the manager last game he played and he went to dressing room, changed and never came out. He then told the club of his intentions to leave. The club were prepared to let Di Maria go but instead opted to keep him and let the unhappy Ozil go.

Ozil has the most assists in La Liga for the past 3 years. He has more than Xavi and Iniesta combined. He is 24 and a completely different player from Robinho.

Real Madrid have a policy and Barcelona have the same policy if any player says he wants to leave he can go. They said they would honor this except for Ronaldo and Messi.

 

[Shirley]

Yes very arguably

I don't think it's that arguable. Ozil is one of the best players in the world. If he settles no reason to think he won't be the best in the league.

So the real question is, why did Real Madrid deem him surplus to requirements then?

Surely they sold him to help fund the Bale deal.

 

[AFC14]

Can't quite remember the ifs and buts now, but isn't tax really low in Spain meaning the player doesn't cost the club a whole lot more than his wages, whereas in the UK clubs have to cover the 40% (?) tax as well? If so, cost to Arsenal is quite high.

I used to kind of like Arsenal, back in the bergkamp/Henry era. Didn't like Spurs too much, '81 and perhaps too many similarities. However, since I joined Bluemoon all that has changed. Found the Spurs lads on here to be all good lads (with one obvious exception, but I won't hold them responsible for that!). Wenger's rants and the Arsenal fans that have been on here over the past few years though have had the opposite effect. Some posters were descent enough and had reasonable questions and thoughts on our new owners but some were just twats of the highest order. None could get their heads around the idea that I had had to sit back and watch their wealth buy the league and so much more year after year. You seem to be doing a good PR job for gooners though AFC14, hope you keep posting and can give me a positive view of your club again.

I think that the top tax rate in Spain is roughly the same as the UK. Until last year the foreign players in the Spanish league were given a lower tax rate due to "Beckham's Law" but that's been scrapped now.