UEFA Champions League

[ravens__]

[quote name='ravens13' timestamp='1288107775' post='521340']
Wow there are a lot of Arsenal fans here. I feel really out of place as a [b]Spurs fan.[/b]
[/quote]

WHAT!? *anger management*
Nah, not really; Ι'd never have a problem with a conscious Spurs fan.
What a great pick-up of yours in Van der Vaart...

[ravens13]

[quote name='ravens__' timestamp='1288123274' post='521574']
WHAT!? *anger management*
Nah, not really; Ι'd never have a problem with a conscious Spurs fan.
What a great pick-up of yours in Van der Vaart...
[/quote]

Yeah I don't have a problem with any Arsenal fans either. You and I (and a lot of others on here) can look forward to Nov. 20.

Hopefully Rafa will help us get a win at Man U for once this Saturday.

[Jabara]

It seems like this is only about the PL not the Champions League as was intended.
Although I'd love to see the gunners win it, I'm not quiet sure an English team will win it this season.
It's not easy to root for just one team in the Champions League since the teams are from all over.

[ravens__]

I have a feeling Chelsea will win it this year. Then again, many have said the same last year, the year before last year and so on. But yeah, I think Abramovich is going to have his wish come true.

[George70]

I've just checked the current standings in the Group Stage, and I've noticed some of the sides are in close races, while others are really pulling away.

Beginning in Group A, Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan are tied for the group lead, with seven points each, while Olympique Lyon has the lead - for the moment in Group B.

Over in Group C, Man United has the lead, but Valencia will give them all they can handle, provided they haven't already, and in Group D, Bareclona is in a close race with Kabenhavn.

Bayern Munich has a wide lead in Group E, and the team from Stamford Bridge has a wide lead in Group F.

Real Madrid tops Group G, and, finally, a close race in Group H between Arsenal and Shaktar Donetsk.

I just have to hope for the best when the group stage ends and after the break, the home and home matches commence. This is where the rubber meets the road, and we play for the glory that accompanies being the best in Europe.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='George70' timestamp='1289440985' post='534248']
I've just checked the current standings in the Group Stage, and I've noticed some of the sides are in close races, while others are really pulling away.

Beginning in Group A, Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan are tied for the group lead, with seven points each, while Olympique Lyon has the lead - for the moment in Group B.

Over in Group C, Man United has the lead, but Valencia will give them all they can handle, provided they haven't already, and in Group D, Bareclona is in a close race with Kabenhavn.

Bayern Munich has a wide lead in Group E, and the team from Stamford Bridge has a wide lead in Group F.

Real Madrid tops Group G, and, finally, a close race in Group H between Arsenal and Shaktar Donetsk.

I just have to hope for the best when the group stage ends and after the break, the home and home matches commence. This is where the rubber meets the road, and we play for the glory that accompanies being the best in Europe.
[/quote]

Tottenham, it's the usual suspects. If Arsenal doesn't win I hope Lyon or someone else can hoist the trophy this season.

[NinjaTurtle]

If Man U can't win, I'm hoping for Milan or Schalke to win, hopefully the latter. If Raul scored against Real in the final, that would be amazing.

[white lightning]

[quote name='NinjaTurtle' timestamp='1289452347' post='534365']
If Man U can't win, I'm hoping for Milan or Schalke to win, hopefully the latter. If Raul scored against Real in the final, that would be amazing.
[/quote]

I wouldn't mind if Milan won actually, i really think they're capable of going the distance.Don't think any English club has what it takes to win, it seems that every year they either have too many injuries or the clubs are short a quality player. And the new homegrown rules won't help either

[Ed_Reed20]

Well, the Champions League struggles continue for Arsenal. I'm relatively confident they can beat Partizan Belgrade in a few weeks but losing to Braga doesn't make me confident they'll finally be able to break though and win the trophy.

[white lightning]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1290570772' post='549645']
Well, the Champions League struggles continue for Arsenal. I'm relatively confident they can beat Partizan Belgrade in a few weeks but losing to Braga doesn't make me confident they'll finally be able to break though and win the trophy.
[/quote]

Well the FA cup draw seems to be favoring us this year, a trophy is well over-due, i am optimistic abut the premier league, but i think a champions league trophy is at least 2-3 years away.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='white lightning' timestamp='1290576186' post='549702']
Well the FA cup draw seems to be favoring us this year, a trophy is well over-due, i am optimistic abut the premier league, but i think a champions league trophy is at least 2-3 years away.
[/quote]

You could be right. An FA cup would nice just to end the trophy drought but Premiership or Champions League title is what this team should be competing for.

[ravens__]

Down we go, yet again.. Really disappointed with the individual performances of some players as well as the collextive result.. First of all, Denilson is not an Arsenal caliber player, simply put; I tried to find a positive play of his today and for yet another time, I couldn't. Secondly, I was disgusted by Bendtner's performance, the guy who days earlier requested to get first team action. His positioning was horrid and he spent more time diving than playing soccer. Thirdly, what's wrong with the medical team? It was said Fabregas would go through a fitness test in order to be 100% on Saturday and he is cleared to play only to go down with the same hamstring injury. To conclude, the refereeing was shocking. I'm still scratching my head on the two yellow cards to Eboue and Djourou on clear tackles and don't get me started on the ridiculous yellow card to Vela for.. diving.. lol Then again, we didn't deserve anything out of this game and even though I have no doubt we will go through to the knockout stage, I'm afraid we'll have to wave goodbye to the competition early.

[white lightning]

[quote name='ravens__' timestamp='1290579812' post='549722']
Down we go, yet again.. Really disappointed with the individual performances of some players as well as the collextive result.. First of all, Denilson is not an Arsenal caliber player, simply put; I tried to find a positive play of his today and for yet another time, I couldn't. Secondly, I was disgusted by Bendtner's performance, the guy who days earlier requested to get first team action. His positioning was horrid and he spent more time diving than playing soccer. Thirdly, what's wrong with the medical team? It was said Fabregas would go through a fitness test in order to be 100% on Saturday and he is cleared to play only to go down with the same hamstring injury. To conclude, the refereeing was shocking. I'm still scratching my head on the two yellow cards to Eboue and Djourou on clear tackles and don't get me started on the ridiculous yellow card to Vela for.. diving.. lol Then again, we didn't deserve anything out of this game and even though I have no doubt we will go through to the knockout stage, I'm afraid we'll have to wave goodbye to the competition early.
[/quote]

You know, an early exit might actually do Arsenal some good, as much as i hate to say it. It might make everyone related at Arsenal take a look at where the club stands in regards to international competitions (and local), and it might give the players and coaching staff a rejuvenated eagerness and hunger to push harder for some silverware. On Arsenal's medical staff, its clear that both parties concerned wanted Fabregas to play against Tottenham, and he played well in the first half, but the whole team slumped in the second half- hence the loss. In this case, i think they got the decision wrong in rushing back Cesc, and has ended up injured again.

[NinjaTurtle]

I feel sorry for Arsenal fans right now, you were robbed. The card on Vela for diving was laughable, not only that but the injuries to Fabregas and Eboue are going to hurt your chances for any silverware.

[white lightning]

[quote name='NinjaTurtle' timestamp='1290583977' post='549740']
I feel sorry for Arsenal fans right now, you were robbed. The card on Vela for diving was laughable, not only that but the injuries to Fabregas and Eboue are going to hurt your chances for any silverware.
[/quote]

We still have many other players to come back in (vermaelen, Almunia, Diaby, Ramsey, Clichy), so im still clinging to hope that when they return (if they return, previous posts have pointed out some shocking errors on the Arsenal medical staff's behalf) that the team will be able to play the trademark football a little better and start stringing together some wins

[NinjaTurtle]

[quote name='white lightning' timestamp='1290584520' post='549746']
We still have many other players to come back in (vermaelen, [b]Almunia[/b], Diaby, Ramsey, Clichy), so im still clinging to hope that when they return (if they return, previous posts have pointed out some shocking errors on the Arsenal medical staff's behalf) that the team will be able to play the trademark football a little better and start stringing together some wins
[/quote]

Do you really think that Almunia will make that much of a difference if he made a return, if anything Fabianski is at least going to get better. I hope that Schwarzer gets a chance to move to Arsenal during the next transfer window.

The others that are scheduled to return will make a huge difference that last line looks shakey without Vermaelen and now that eboue is out, Clichy's return will be critical in deciding Arsenal's fate this season. Is Van Persie back yet?

Had Arsenal not choked against Tottenham, the confidence that would have been gained from being at the top of the table would have done the players a world of good. I don't believe that Arsenal will win any silverware this season, but hopefully for Arsenal fans Wenger will realise what is wrong and make a big name signing this off-season.

[white lightning]

[quote name='NinjaTurtle' timestamp='1290585015' post='549752']
Do you really think that Almunia will make that much of a difference if he made a return, if anything Fabianski is at least going to get better. I hope that Schwarzer gets a chance to move to Arsenal during the next transfer window.

The others that are scheduled to return will make a huge difference that last line looks shakey without Vermaelen and now that eboue is out, Clichy's return will be critical in deciding Arsenal's fate this season. Is Van Persie back yet?

Had Arsenal not choked against Tottenham, the confidence that would have been gained from being at the top of the table would have done the players a world of good. I don't believe that Arsenal will win any silverware this season, but hopefully for Arsenal fans Wenger will realise what is wrong and make a big name signing this off-season.
[/quote]

Van Persie is still out, its the same ankle plaguing him. i haste to say that it may force an early retirement. If you remember, Arsenal did reach the top of the table midway through last year, and while it gave the supporters enormous confidence, the club failed to maintain a stranglehold at the top, as we dropped some very vital games.

I still think we are capable of winning the FA cup

[NinjaTurtle]

[quote name='white lightning' timestamp='1290588337' post='549766']
Van Persie is still out, its the same ankle plaguing him.[b] i haste to say that it may force an early retirement.[/b] If you remember, Arsenal did reach the top of the table midway through last year, and while it gave the supporters enormous confidence, the club failed to maintain a stranglehold at the top, as we dropped some very vital games.

I still think we are capable of winning the FA cup
[/quote]

That would be terrible, you hate to see careers end due to injury, Van Persie is a great player and he would make a huge difference in your side, should he return. Hopefully a similar situation doesn't arise with Cesc Fabregas, that would be terrible.

Well what about Real Madrid, hey? Ramos and Alonso getting sent off shouldn't really cause any headaches, but they are pretty important players.

Hopefully Man U and Tottenham win tommorrow.

[white lightning]

[quote name='NinjaTurtle' timestamp='1290595861' post='549769']
That would be terrible, you hate to see careers end due to injury, Van Persie is a great player and he would make a huge difference in your side, should he return. Hopefully a similar situation doesn't arise with Cesc Fabregas, that would be terrible.

Well what about Real Madrid, hey? Ramos and Alonso getting sent off shouldn't really cause any headaches, but they are pretty important players.

Hopefully Man U and Tottenham win tommorrow.
[/quote]

wouldn't the two english clubs winning tonight/tomorrow, and i would hate for Cesc and Van Persie to have their careers ended, but i cant see Van Persie making a comback any time soon...

[BmoreRav]

[quote name='white lightning' timestamp='1290597991' post='549773']
wouldn't the two english clubs winning tonight/tomorrow, and i would hate for Cesc and Van Persie to have their careers ended, [b]but i cant see Van Persie making a comback any time soon...[/b]
[/quote]

van Persie is actually healthy now. He just out of shape, that's why he isn't playing in the first team. I believe he was on the bench for the Spurs game this past Saturday and he played for Holland in the recent International games!

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='BmoreRav' timestamp='1290600171' post='549776']
van Persie is actually healthy now. He just out of shape, that's why he isn't playing in the first team. I believe he was on the bench for the Spurs game this past Saturday and he played for Holland in the recent International games!
[/quote]

That was puzzling but I'm done with Van Persie. The flashes of brilliance in between long spells of injury have just become annoying. Chamkah was a nice signing but the team needs another legitimate striker.

[white lightning]

[quote name='BmoreRav' timestamp='1290600171' post='549776']
van Persie is actually healthy now. He just out of shape, that's why he isn't playing in the first team. I believe he was on the bench for the Spurs game this past Saturday and he played for Holland in the recent International games!
[/quote]

yes, he's fit, but his not match, which was my point. Hopefully when he does return, he doesn't re-injure the same ankle. Knowing our luck, he'll injure some other part of his body.

[Ed_Reed20]

31 minutes to go in regulation and Arsenal need to not only score another goal but also hope Braga doesn't score in their game.

EDIT:

Golaso!

Walcott comes on for Arshavin and gets a goal within five minutes!

Another goal. Sweet move to get around a defender by Song and Nasri buries the shot.

[BmoreRav]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1291842200' post='567350']
31 minutes to go in regulation and Arsenal need to not only score another goal but also hope Braga doesn't score in their game.

EDIT:

Golaso!

Walcott comes on for Arshavin and gets a goal within five minutes!
[/quote]

And Nasri wraps it up.

[Ed_Reed20]

Sagna getting sent off really sucks. Hopefully, the team is able to overcome his absence the next game.

[benravens1]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1291844052' post='567386']
Sagna getting sent off really sucks. Hopefully, the team is able to overcome his absence the next game.
[/quote]

i would have thought eboue will play at right back and clichy will be back to left back.

having come 2nd in the group arsenal need to hope for a bit of luck with the draw, we could get Barcalona or Real Madrid who it might be better to avoid if possible

[George70]

So, we are concluding the group stage of the league for this season. I will check the draws for after the season break to possibly give me some idea in regard to who could be favored here.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='benravens1' timestamp='1291900128' post='568013']
i would have thought eboue will play at right back and clichy will be back to left back.

having come 2nd in the group arsenal need to hope for a bit of luck with the draw, we could get Barcalona or Real Madrid who it might be better to avoid if possible
[/quote]

Eboue's propensity to go forward worries me. Sagna does the same but when I watch Eboue, I see a mid-fielder more than a defender.

[benravens1]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1291918726' post='568251']
Eboue's propensity to go forward worries me. Sagna does the same but when I watch Eboue, I see a mid-fielder more than a defender.
[/quote]

yeah thats the same for me, but i can't thing of anybody else who can play right back.

although by the time the 2nd round of the champions league comes round Vermaelan might be back so one of the 2 CBs Squillaci or Koiscelny could move to Right back

i geuss we'll have to wait and see

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='benravens1' timestamp='1291921022' post='568283']
yeah thats the same for me, but i can't thing of anybody else who can play right back.

although by the time the 2nd round of the champions league comes round Vermaelan might be back so one of the 2 CBs Squillaci or Koiscelny could move to Right back

i geuss we'll have to wait and see
[/quote]

Yep. Seemingly every season, either injuries or untimely suspensions sabotage the Gunners.