Luckily you aren't.

Arsenal needs quality players.

And that's why they sold Vieira and didn't replace him

You're right though. Arsenal does need quality players. They suck

You seem to forget that they didn't sell Viera. Viera wanted to leave, they just let him leave.

They suck - says a pool fanboy. When was the last time pool showed quality football? When was the last time Arsenal showed good football?

Also keep in mind that Arsenal never had the financial background of the big teams, and they are rather poor now, because all their money goes for the new stadium. Just check the list of the players they were able to buy. Hleb is the biggest name. Is he a big name?

btw they played one match less, if they win that, then they are 6th in half time. They can be anything, but first at the end of the season.

You seem to forget that they didn't sell Viera. Viera wanted to leave, they just let him leave.

Also keep in mind that Arsenal never had the financial background of the big teams, and they are rather poor now, because all their money goes for the new stadium. Just check the list of the players they were able to buy. Hleb is the biggest name. Is he a big name?

btw they played one match less, if they win that, then they are 6th in half time. They can be anything, but first at the end of the season.

I read that Vieira would've stayed if it wasn't for David Dein saying that he'd let him go if he wanted. Basically if he said that he wasn't going to let Vieira go because he was an important player then he'd have stayed.

Also, it's testament to Wenger that, even though he can't spunk

Hleb is good, no doubt - what I meant is that Chelsea spent 40 million on two players, while Arsenal spent less than 10 million.

You seem to forget that they didn't sell Viera. Viera wanted to leave, they just let him leave.

They suck - says a pool fanboy. When was the last time pool showed quality football? When was the last time Arsenal showed good football?

Also keep in mind that Arsenal never had the financial background of the big teams, and they are rather poor now, because all their money goes for the new stadium. Just check the list of the players they were able to buy. Hleb is the biggest name. Is he a big name?

btw they played one match less, if they win that, then they are 6th in half time. They can be anything, but first at the end of the season.

If you've bothered to watch Liverpool play games recently you'll know that we've kicked into gear, and are playing attacking football balanced with good defence. We have passes flowing and we're stroking the ball around the field, and we're outplaying Arsenal at the moment in terms of quality, though I do concede that we are still nothing compared to Arsenal at the top of their game. Still, maybe you should watch a few Liverpool games

And of course, how could we all forget Henry and Pires' attempt to entertain us all? It is entertainment when you're 5-0 up, it's called arrogance at 1-0 however I certainly had a good laugh watching them try to replicate a piece of genius, but instead messing it up and making it look like crap.

Their biggest signing was Reyes and he was great in Spain. He was amongst the best left mids/forwards in La Liga, back then before he moved. He's big enough for Madrid to be constantly linked with him. Hopefully I've answered your question

And what's with the financial aspect of things? What issue does that address?

And yes, Arsenal are still in with a chance of getting the top spots. However, you seem to be forgetting that Arsenal are suffering a big loss of form at the moment, and they're losing a lot of their away matches.

Liverpool is probably the second best team in the EPL this year, and they are the only team that will be able to challenge Chelsea this year

^^^

I agree..

acmilan: can u post the full pic of your avi? I want to try and make you one.

We have the most clean sheets and we've conceded 8 goals, 4 of them to Chelsea in our 4-1 defeat. Liverpool had a pretty bad start, even though we were undefeated we didn't get the 3 points. It wasn't until after we lost to Fulham and Crystal Palace (and reverted back to a 4-4-2 formation) that we started our streak.

As much as I'd hate to admit it, I think Manyoo have to be the second best team domestically and they're 6 points ahead of us now. Even though their performances and players are questionable at times, they manage to get the results. Rooney has definitely been their saviour throughout the season. Without Rooney, Manyoo would not be second and getting the results. That guy is magic and since Keane has left, Rooney has been playing off the striker, his favouite position, and he has held even more influence on the pitch. With no European adventure, they can concentrate solely on the Premier League and FA Cup and challenge Chelsea.

I think Bolton and Spurs are doing quite well also and they'll definitely be up there competing for a Champion's League spot, if Arsenal don't manage to turn things around.

^^^

I agree..

acmilan: can u post the full pic of your avi? I want to try and make you one.

Here you go Gocho, and thanks a lot

and Merry Christmas to everyone

Madrid has a glorious history. That history causes their fans to raise their expectations to be first.

Real Madrid has little chance against the bigger teams. Who do they play after they beat Arsenal? It's been pre-drawn right?

glorious

their history is based on fascist bullying

It's so unjust opinion. Real Madrid has so many victorys in Europe. I think its rather impossible that Franco fixed it up to them. Sport shouldn't be mixed with politics, it sometimes happens, it isn't good. Even if you disagree with those old Madrid successes, you can't deny modern victorys. It is very easy to mention : 98, 2000, 2002 CHampions league. Now Real has transitory crisis, but it won't be lasting long and los Blancos wil be ruling again.

It is strange that you can't stand Real Madrid because of that what happend about 35 or 40 years ago, but you have nothing against Chelsea, which power is built on russian petro-dollars of Roman Abramowich. Roman is very attentive to authorities, the same authorities who put to labour camp Michaił Chodorkowsky. The same authorities who was opposite to democratic transformation at the Ukraine. But its all politics, and we are in football thread.

Merry Christmas! to all football fans.

You seem to forget that they didn't sell Viera. Viera wanted to leave, they just let him leave.

They suck - says a pool fanboy. When was the last time pool showed quality football? When was the last time Arsenal showed good football?

Also keep in mind that Arsenal never had the financial background of the big teams, and they are rather poor now, because all their money goes for the new stadium. Just check the list of the players they were able to buy. Hleb is the biggest name. Is he a big name?

btw they played one match less, if they win that, then they are 6th in half time. They can be anything, but first at the end of the season.

If you've bothered to watch Liverpool play games recently you'll know that we've kicked into gear, and are playing attacking football balanced with good defence. We have passes flowing and we're stroking the ball around the field, and we're outplaying Arsenal at the moment in terms of quality, though I do concede that we are still nothing compared to Arsenal at the top of their game. Still, maybe you should watch a few Liverpool games

And of course, how could we all forget Henry and Pires' attempt to entertain us all? It is entertainment when you're 5-0 up, it's called arrogance at 1-0 however I certainly had a good laugh watching them try to replicate a piece of genius, but instead messing it up and making it look like crap.

Their biggest signing was Reyes and he was great in Spain. He was amongst the best left mids/forwards in La Liga, back then before he moved. He's big enough for Madrid to be constantly linked with him. Hopefully I've answered your question

And what's with the financial aspect of things? What issue does that address?

And yes, Arsenal are still in with a chance of getting the top spots. However, you seem to be forgetting that Arsenal are suffering a big loss of form at the moment, and they're losing a lot of their away matches.

I do watch them sometimes - Today against Newcastle! And that's exacly what I meant - they are effective and they win, but are far from playing entertaining football - for someone who is not a fan.

Let's see how they perform today.

Why did you have to bring up that stupid 'accident'? What does it have to do with anything Arsenal?

Reyes was signed earlier, not in the last transfer window, and I brought up finance to explain why can't they keep up currently with other big teams. Although, I have to admit, and I do, that they current position, is not just because of money. They still should be able to outperform Bolton and Tottenham. I think they will, in the second half of the championship.

I do watch them sometimes - Today against Newcastle! And that's exacly what I meant - they are effective and they win, but are far from playing entertaining football - for someone who is not a fan.

Let's see how they perform today.

Why did you have to bring up that stupid 'accident'? What does it have to do with anything Arsenal?

Reyes was signed earlier, not in the last transfer window, and I brought up finance to explain why can't they keep up currently with other big teams. Although, I have to admit, and I do, that they current position, is not just because of money. They still should be able to outperform Bolton and Tottenham. I think they will, in the second half of the championship.

Well maybe your idea of attractive football is different I appreciate balanced and tactical play as well, but you may be more of a "total football" fan as well if I had to guess. Nothing wrong with that, but not all teams can play like that. Liverpool have been playing a good passing game, lately but Arsenal's passing game has not been up to par at all lately. Their passing is getting really sloppy and to be fair, they play their game based on the size of Highbury. They play with movement at critical moments and short passing. They are mediocre when it comes to playing longer balls or in the air. If you watch Liverpool, we can play the short and long game, though I don't like the long balls we play to Crouch <_< that ruins everything

The accident was just a jibe at Arsenal's commitment to entertaining football

Well, the money situation is because of the stadium I think, but you'll need to spend in the transfer window. You'll need more depth in the squad and another player to replace Vieira. There's no point selling your captain and not replacing him or using inexperienced youngsters. They have no control of central midfield. At least get some one to pair or be back up to Gilberto.

Madrid has a glorious history. That history causes their fans to raise their expectations to be first.

Real Madrid has little chance against the bigger teams. Who do they play after they beat Arsenal? It's been pre-drawn right?

glorious

their history is based on fascist bullying

It's so unjust opinion. Real Madrid has so many victorys in Europe. I think its rather impossible that Franco fixed it up to them. Sport shouldn't be mixed with politics, it sometimes happens, it isn't good. Even if you disagree with those old Madrid successes, you can't deny modern victorys. It is very easy to mention : 98, 2000, 2002 CHampions league. Now Real has transitory crisis, but it won't be lasting long and los Blancos wil be ruling again.

It is strange that you can't stand Real Madrid because of that what happend about 35 or 40 years ago, but you have nothing against Chelsea, which power is built on russian petro-dollars of Roman Abramowich. Roman is very attentive to authorities, the same authorities who put to labour camp Michaił Chodorkowsky. The same authorities who was opposite to democratic transformation at the Ukraine. But its all politics, and we are in football thread.

Merry Christmas! to all football fans.

Franco practically 'made' Madrid and he secured a huge raft of signings for them . . . they were the regime's team. Franco didn't 'fix' the victories, he bullied the other teams. look at what happened with Di Stefano!!!

the 'modern successes' of Real are based upon the inhereted financial status and 'reputation' internationally which were inhereted from the past fascist regime. to not acknowledge Franco's involvement with the club would be ridiculous. he laid the foundations for Real future successes . . .

Real's modern victories are marred by Real's 'Ultra Sur' who do Nazi salutes and sing racist chants. until recently they used to bring Swastikas into the Bernebeu :shock: . the fact that the club supports these neo-Nazi fans could you much about the club and its attitudes

i don't forget that kind of involvement in a club . . . in my mind Real are forever tainted their successes now don't erase their past associations . . .

yes, Abramovich has lots of money. no clue who the Chodorkowsky guy is and i do not known the whole ins-and-outs of Ukraine's political landscape but to put Abramovich 'up there' with a fascist dictator is frankly ludicrous

or is it?

and Spurs I wanted them to win

and Spurs I wanted them to win

. . . Spurs beat Birmingham 2-0 what did you want them to win?

Liverpool are doin' good. @ Owen getting booed. serves him right. Crocuh's push on Bowyer was comic!!!!

the 'modern successes' of Real are based upon the inhereted financial status and 'reputation' internationally which were inhereted from the past fascist regime. to not acknowledge Franco's involvement with the club would be ridiculous. he laid the foundations for Real future successes . . .

Allowing to that kind of thinking, can bring us to very confusing conclusion. Franco have been standing at the head of Spain since thirties and died in 1975, so all that Spain did during this period should be destroyed, because of dictatorship.

And modern financial status is accomplished thanks to good politic of Florentino Perez, his markting skills. But the at the the other side of the coin sport results are not going hand in hand with financial results, what is only worry of Real Madrid fans.

Real's modern victories are marred by Real's 'Ultra Sur' who do Nazi salutes and sing racist chants. until recently they used to bring Swastikas into the Bernebeu :shock: . the fact that the club supports these neo-Nazi fans could you much about the club and its attitudes

Thats nonsense. Such fans are in every country. The Club couldn't be responsible for few idiots. Every year Real Madrid is setting out on a journey through Asia, the players are meeting local fans. Past year Real Madrid captain Raul was chosen by UN for ambassador of goodwill for one of theirs branch. These facts obviously contradicting the image of Real Madrid erroneously outlined by you.

i don't forget that kind of involvement in a club . . . in my mind Real are forever tainted their successes now don't erase their past associations . . .

That is your point of view, and you have right to think that, but it isn't very objective, and based on strong argumentation.

yes, Abramovich has lots of money. no clue who the Chodorkowsky guy is and i do not known the whole ins-and-outs of Ukraine's political landscape but to put Abramovich 'up there' with a fascist dictator is frankly ludicrous

I don't compare Abramowich to Franco, I'm tring to draw your attention to the fact that Abramowich is supporting current russian authorities. And those authorities are making a lot of antidemocratic moves. Such as allowing to do racist demonstration. And such things are so much shocking for you.

Greetings to you Barry,

Capello wants to coach Man U some time soon

Hopefully for Man U it's sooner rather than latter

Capello is probably the best coach in World, so it will be very interesting to see Liverpool led by Benitez, Chelsea by Mourinho and ManU by Capello. The games will become more even.

Scary. That's (arguably) the top 3 coaches in the world in the EPL. Well it is in my books

and raise your hands if you think Terry should replace Cech in goal <_< It was a fantastic save though Terry was the best keeper considering Warner and Cech's performances

Real's modern victories are marred by Real's 'Ultra Sur' who do Nazi salutes and sing racist chants. until recently they used to bring Swastikas into the Bernebeu :shock: . the fact that the club supports these neo-Nazi fans could you much about the club and its attitudes

Thats nonsense. Such fans are in every country. The Club couldn't be responsible for few idiots. Every year Real Madrid is setting out on a journey through Asia, the players are meeting local fans. Past year Real Madrid captain Raul was chosen by UN for ambassador of goodwill for one of theirs branch. These facts obviously contradicting the image of Real Madrid erroneously outlined by you.

the club does nothing to tackle these radical elements!! they used to let them bring swastikas inton the stadium!!!! :shock:

this element of fans have been practically eradicated from the English game. there has only been one incident of racist chanting in the English game in the last couple of years and that was West Ham's chanting at Mido. in Spain racist chanting happens everyweek. it seems particularly prevalent in the Bernabeu to me

they tour to gain publicity and gain a foothold in the lucrative far-eastern markets not to promote good sporting attitudes. if they wanted to do that they would crack down on the Ultra Sur!!! when fans of Real are making monkey chants at players and are waving bananas at them (as happened to Eto'o) then it tells you much about the fans. similarly look at the chanting in the Spain-England fixture last year Madrid and Spain seemingly have a problem

Raul being a goodwill ambassador means nothing. he is one person not the whole Real support

i don't forget that kind of involvement in a club . . . in my mind Real are forever tainted their successes now don't erase their past associations . . .

That is your point of view, and you have right to think that, but it isn't very objective, and based on strong argumentation.

i've justified it by saying that i don't like involvement with a fascist government. especially not one associated with a certain Mr Hitler <_< . . . then fact that they make no effort to improve upon their past or apologise makes it worse <_<

similarly you are not being objective if you do not acknowledge their fascist past. to pretend it never happened is pure ignorance . . .

Scary. That's (arguably) the top 3 coaches in the world in the EPL. Well it is in my books

and raise your hands if you think Terry should replace Cech in goal <_< It was a fantastic save though Terry was the best keeper considering Warner and Cech's performances

it was a particularly obvious handball!! how the referee didn't spot it, i don't know