Tag Archive for Premier League

Forgo Sanogo, Summer’s A No Go

May 18, 2013 Arsenal 28 comments

Say that title five times really fast. Social media exploded yesterday with the news that Arsenal are close to signing Yaya Sanogo from Auxerre on a free transfer. In true Arsenal style we are set to sign a relatively unknown player from France and in true Arsenal style a section of supporters have blown a gasket over what they perceive to be a poor signing.

This summer promised to be a close season of quality, big name signings so I could understand the reaction to this news if it was August, as the last time we commented on a player joining before the season had ended it was Podolski and his reputation was/is huge, but it’s not, it’s May. An argument can be put together that Arsenal’s squad, based on February onwards’ form, doesn’t need enhancing too much but I’m not going to make that argument.

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Arsène Arsenal’s Greatest Ever Manager?

May 11, 2013 Arsenal 5 comments

Many things got me thinking about what makes someone worthy of the title “the greatest ever” and I guess there is some irony that I had this post all planned out in my head days before Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement.

I don’t want to dwell on his retirement and I know quite a few readers will be offended by my use of Sir as most of us prefer Slur Ferguson or just plain good old Rednose however I think it would be foolish not to recognise his achievements and respect him for what he is because had things been different and the Arsenal board willing to wait until after the World Cup in Mexico Ferguson may well have been our manager for the past 27 years and I’m sure very few would complain if we’d had their level of sustained success.

Ferguson is already hailed as the greatest ever manager in premier league history and will probably remain so and may even be hailed as the greatest ever manager in English football history and it is this word “great” that got me thinking. Read more

A Girl Arsène Once Knew

May 9, 2013 Arsenal, Guest Bloggers 5 comments

Today on NLIR I am pleased to introduce a new guest blogger Dalitso Njolinjo (@chocoteddybear) . Dalitso is usually a film blogger but has decided to write for NLIR about his true love, Arsenal. Take it away Chocolate Teddy Bear…..

So, I have a friend (she’s more than a friend, she’s a lot like family) and she’s a stunner. Everybody thinks so. Awhile back she was the talk of the town, but then she got together with this Mediterranean looking bloke and to be fair, they were good together – but truth be told, she let herself go.

She used to be with this French-African bloke. I’ve always wondered what happened to him.

Anyway, she and her man were together for a good while. Always smiling and holding hands. I was happy because she was happy. Her family loved him, so did the rest of her close friends and almost 3 years ago things went sour.

It turned out that this fella was still in love with his old Mrs from his hometown. He always carried a torch for her. When my friend first caught a whiff of this old girlfriend poking around, she asked him if there was anything going on and he denied it. She believed him. I believed him. There was no reason to suspect otherwise. Read more

CAM Role Beckons Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain?

May 1, 2013 Arsenal, Guest Bloggers 10 comments

Today on NLIR I am pleased to introduce a new guest blogger Manas Saraswat (@ManasAFC) . Manas is an Engineering student from Delhi and has a deep love for everything Arsenal. Take it away Manas…..

Much has been made about Arsenal’s midfield this season. From general team balance, tactics and player positions we have seen a lot of different things being tried as Arsène Wenger tries to accommodate his players and build a solid squad capable of playing his brand of elegant and easy-on-the-eye football. If the last few weeks are any indication then we have finally recaptured that balance, mainly in midfield which has been the reason for our improved defensive solidarity over the last 10 games.

But as much as I’d like to dissect and analyse the mechanics of the Arsenal midfield, I’m not here to talk about tactics and formations as I’m sure you’ve read about a lot already. I’m here to talk about a player, whose improvement in recent weeks has gone rather unnoticed by many, to discuss his role in the team and the impact he’s had recently and also a possible relocation in the squad to where he might be a better fit. In recent weeks there have been suggestions from fans that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain might be better suited as playing in an attacking midfielder role in the centre of midfield and I am of a similar opinion. Read more

Update For RvP – Parody

April 27, 2013 Arsenal 4 comments

This is an update for Robin van Persie about our current situation. We have kept quiet all this time out of respect and loyalty for the club and as agreed with Mr. Wenger, but since there is so much speculation in the media, we think it is fair for you to know what’s really going on at the moment.

As announced earlier this week, your new club have won the league title which is what you claimed you left Arsenal for.  As is customary you and your new club are due a guard of honour at the Emirates this weekend. Mr. Wenger has called for respect and this was discussed at a recent Arsenal supporters meeting. Wishing you well and respecting your achievement was not discussed, since that is not our priority at all.

You personally have had a great season but our goal has been to win trophies with a loyal team and to bring the club back to its glory days. Out of our huge respect for Mr. Wenger, the players and the club we don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to us that we in many aspects disagree on the way your despicable, conniving, disloyal, snide face should be received at the Emirates this weekend.

We’ve thought long and hard about it, but have decided not to extend our respect or guard of honour to you, just you. You Robin, the asshat, have of course the right to disagree with our views and decisions and we will always treat you with the same contempt and petulance that the little boy inside you treated us with. Read more

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