Fabregas finally leaves Arsenal
Cesc Fabregas. Arsenal legend? or a top class player that should have left Arsenal years ago?
Making his Arsenal debut age just 16 it was clear to all the potential the little midfielder had and he just got better and better over the coming years, finally cementing his place in the team with some fine displays of midfield brilliance in Arsenal’s 2005-2006 European Cup run. His performances against Real Madrid and especially Juventus were a breath of fresh air as he ran ex-gunner legend Patrick Viera’s tiring legs ragged in the match at Highbury. A stand out performance against AC Milan a year later scoring the winning goal capped a fantastic ‘Cesc inspired’ by win for the gunners. For a time, we all thought this guy could lead us to a series of titles and trophies.
His best season for Arsenal was in 2009-10 where Cesc scored many important goals and assists, including a great solo effort against Tottenham. His last great year for the club. Sadly he spent much of last season injured and clearly looking unhappy and visibly less interested in Arsenal team matters.
Most Arsenal supporters love Cesc Fabregas and I’m a big fan of his ability, plus I think he comes over as a genuine good guy, but for me, he is not an ‘Arsenal man’ like some players before him. Even those with lesser ability than himself. I don’t believe Cesc has Arsenal in his blood and I’m sure he would admit that himself, hence deserting the team mates he ‘captained’ on the last game of last season enjoying himself at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona when he should have instead been earning his huge wages and showing solidarity with the club that pays him. Let’s face it, he was leaving England and Arsenal at as many given opportunities as he could grasp. He always spoke well of Arsenal which saved him from too much criticism from the fans but in the end, everyone was bored rigid of his transfer saga and whether he meant to or not, he caused damage to Arsenal this past year.
So goodbye Cesc, thanks for some great performances and some good years developing yourself at Arsenal. Except for not winning anything, it’s been good for us and for you. You will be remembered fondly, missed by some but not by all.
Laters.
-GoonerGifts crew
Arsenal transfer policy: sensible or shambolic?
With under two weeks to go before the start of the season, many of us loyal Gooners are wondering why the signings we’ve been promised have yet to materialise. What exactly is the reason for this and will we actually bring in a further two or three significant players who will improve us this season?
There is no doubt that the limbo that is the Fabregas situation is not helping at all, nor Nasri flirting with any club that winks an eye at him, but still, is it not sensible for the club and manager to separate these two players and concentrate on an Arsenal without them? surely if we did bring in big and impressive signings we could sell on these two without the worry of replacing them. In Nasri’s case, perhaps if we show more ambition he might even be happy to sign on for another two or three years?
Just waiting to sell before we buy seems to me like a defeatist and suicidal policy that is purely driven by financial agendas. Yes, we are a business as well as a football club it’s true but all businesses that have a stable base need to invest in their product or risk falling behind.
Wenger is playing a dangerous game with his job in sticking to this policy so strictly. If we don’t bring in some powerful reinforcements soon he risks a terrible backlash from all the disgruntled fans that could see us shatter the players confidence at home games. As it stands I see us losing quite a few games at the grove this year because the atmosphere is as bad as I’ve known it it in 25 years going to the games.
I know we’ve probably tried and failed in acquiring our top targets and in the managers defence some of the figures quoted for players like Cahill, a man who almost single-handedly was at fault for four of the goals in Bolton’s semi-final last year, is ridiculous. How can a generally unproven centre back in the last year of his contract be worth £18m? Also, how can Valencia charge greedy and crazy money for a player that has never played premiership football and might turn out to be another Reyes?
It is no surprise that our tight fisted club are not willing to gamble such large sums of money for these types of unproven players. Having said that, with what we’ve got, we’re looking at fourth position come next May. And I’m being optimistic there. Fourth spot and spending hardly anything isn’t bad considering how the game as a whole is being ruined by oil billionaires and sleazy bastards.
My take on it is that we might have to accept not winning anything for a while longer but Arsenal should reflect that in their tickets prices. Communicate to the fans that this is our policy, we’re not at the same spending level as the super-rich and we’re aiming for an FA cup and champions league spot as success and therefore for the time being we’re re-adjusting the ticket prices accordingly. Now sit down and enjoy the football. Anyone else think that’s fair? Or anyone think that our weird American owner should put his hands in his pockets or consider selling his shares to the fat Russian, who at least, would probably show more financial ambition. Out of those two, I’m not sure who’s worse to be honest.
Thanks for reading.
-The GoonerGifts crew
Gervinho has medical and Nasri
Today’s rumours are that Gervinho is this afternoon having a medical at
London Colney. Good news, but reports over inconsistencies and his aerial ability are concerning.
The 24 year old likes to play out on the flanks and move inside, whether he can do that with half of the end product of Thierry Henry is doubtful but he is known to score eye catching goals so definitely interesting to see how he fits into the team in the pre-season warm ups.
I still think Arsenal could use another proven goal scorer but with Wenger using a lone striker system this is doubtful. Read more
Arsenal for Benzema?
There is a lot of speculation this morning that Arsenal are preparing an outrageous £27m bid for Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema.
If this is true, and were it to happen, it would be a fantastic signing for the club and give everyone associated with Arsenal a massive lift, especially the current squad. Read more
Arsenal need signings
Arsenal fan is everywhere are becoming increasingly frustrated and impatient with the clubs lack of transfer spending this summer.
Though Arsene Wenger promised a busy summer with much activity happening early on, so far this hasn’t happened and instead the majority of rumours centre around the departure of Gael Clichy, the unsettled Samir Nasri and, of course, the boring and annual debate over our ‘Captain’ Cesc Fabregas’s inevitable departure to what I can only describe as the best team in the world that has absolutely no class or decency outside of their technical ability. Read more
Enjoy a Family Tour of Emirates Stadium – a Great Gift for Your Home Grown Team of Arsenal Fans
The Emirates Stadium Family Tour is an opportunity for the whole clan of Gooners to get together and experience the amazing Arsenal football ground as never before.
The Arsenal ground is a truly spectaclar football arena – as well as Arsenal’s home games the Emirates Stadium regularly hosts international friendlies and concerts due to its fantastic capacity and beautiful design as well as the convenient location, near to several London Underground stations.
The Family Tour of Emirates Stadium makes a great gift for an Arsenal fan because it means they can learn more about the team they love along with the people they love. You will get the chance to explore all areas which are usually reserved for players, staff and the media. You will be able to sit in the dressing room and walk down that famous players tunnel and for a few moments imagine what it feels like to emerge onto the pitch as a member of the greatest team in North London.
Price: £35
New Replica Arsenal Home Kits for 2011-2012 Season
The brand new 2011-2012 Home shirt features a special wreathed white crest to match the traditional short white sleeves, celebrating 125 of Arsenal Football Club.
Click below to view a selection of sizes and specifications of this exciting new kit. A must for all gunners fans.
Prices range from £39.99 for a standard replica, and £90.00 to purchase the kit with material the players will wear on-field.
A wide range of Shorts, Socks and Arsenal accessories are also available here for a great price.
BUY NOW! New Replica Arsenal Home Kits on Kitbag
New Replica Arsenal Away Kits for 2011-2012 Season
The stunning new blue and black diagonal 2011-2012 Away shirt design features a special wreathed white crest celebrating 125 of Arsenal Football Club.
Click below to view a selection of sizes and specifications of this exciting new away kit. A must for all gunners fans.
Prices range from £29.99 – £49.99. Sizes for men, women and children available.
A wide range of Shorts, Socks and Arsenal accessories are also available here for a great price.
Legends Tour of Emirates Stadium for Two Adults – See Arsenal’s Stadium Through the Eyes of a Hero
The brilliant legends Arsenal Stadium Tour is a fantastic gift for a Gooner because they get to see the ground through the eyes of a club legend. The tour is conducted by a hero from Arsenal’s glorious past – the line up of legends varies so it will be a great surprise on the day.
The Emirates Stadium is one of the most impressive football grounds in England – if not the world. The bowl shape design has helped to generate a fantastic atmosphere for Arsenal’s home games, banishing the old Highbury Library slurs of byegone days when Arsenal was located a quarter of a mile down the road.
During your tour of the Emirates stadium, your esteemed guide will offer his opinions on the current team as well as regaling you with tales of his playing days at Arsenal. You will get an insight into how the team worked in times past and to cap it all you will receive a personalised signed photo of and an extra gift which will serve as a wonderful memento of a truly special day.
Price: £70
Nike Boot Signed by Arsenal Superstar Theo Walcott
Theo Walcott – or Theeeee-oooooooo as he is more commonly referred to at the Arsenal Stadium – is both a great player today and a great prospect as he is still only young. Theo has proved he can score and his pace is known to leave defenders quaking in their boots.
And speaking of boots – this is an unbelievable present idea for an Arsenal fan – an original signed boot by Theo himself. As anyone who has ever seen Theo interviewed will know, he is a very nice man and just to prove it he has literally put his name to a great cause, the Didier Drogba Foundation (ok he is Chelsea but it’s for charity!) which benefits people in the Ivory Coast. It’s a unique piece and an absolute must have for a real Theo fan. Remember there is only one Theo Walcott and there is only one Theo Walcott signed boot and it could be yours if you hurry!
Price: £399.99
Bob Wilson Signed Glove
Who doesn’t love Bob Wilson? We challenge you you find anyone who isn’t a fan of the man who made himself an Arsenal Legend as both a Double-Winning player and a goalkeeping coach.
Bob has signed this glove with his own amply proportioned hand, which makes it an excellent and collectable piece of Arsenal Memorabila and it can be bought for the price of a takeaway and a couple of drinks. So do yourself and favour and forget about wasting your hard earned cash on frivolities – invest in the handiwork of a true Gooner legend and you’ll soon have in your hand a memorable Arsenal gift. Price: £39.99
Bob Wilson Signed Arsenal Photo
Bob Wilson is a true Arsenal legend and one of our best ever goal keepers. This beautifully montaged signed photo shows him in action for Arsenal and is hand-signed by Bob himself at an exclusive session.
This is the perfect gift for any Arsenal fan who remembers Bob’s heroics between the gunners goal posts in Arsenal’s glorious 1970s Fairs cup win and the following season’s 1970-1971 double winning triumph.
Price: £29.99
Arsenal Legends Signed Photo
This rare and stylish signed photo montage features the signatures of Frank McClintock, Bob Wilson, Peter Simpson, John Radford, Bob McNab, Eddie Kelly, Peter Storey.
This is your opportunity to have these Arsenal legend’s signatures on your wall and remember the great days of 1970’s Arsenal. None of these guys wore pink boots that’s for sure!
Price: £89.99
Arsenal Fairs Cup Signed Photo
This signed this photo of the 1970 Fairs Cup victory will make a special gift for an Arsenal fan – perhaps even for someone who was there on that famous Highbury night?
Arsenal have won more league championships than most, thanks to prolific periods in the 1930s and more lately under George Graham and Arsene Wenger in the late 1980s to the present day – but European glory has been more scarce. So let’s celebrate the wonderful European successes that Arsenal has had!
The photo is signed by seven of that legendary Fairs Cup winning team during an exclusive signing session. For an older Arsenal fan especially this will make a brilliant gooner gift.
Price: £69.99
Arsenal 1971 FA Cup Final Tracktop
Worn by the 1971 legends warming up on cup final day, this 100% polyester Tracktop is pure 70’s casual retro! Shiny blue with yellow cannon and trim, this jacket is a must for all retro-loving fans of the 1970s and it still looks great. They simply don’t make them like this anymore, so be a trend setter and wear it with swagger and pride as you sing ‘good old Arsenal’ at the Emirates.
Price: £44.99
Arsenal 1971 Bob Wilson Goalkeeper
Bob Wilson is a true gunners legend, and now you can buy his famous kit, as worn in the 1971 cup final win against Liverpool and beyond. Green is the original colour for all goal keeping kits and this beauty stands out from the crowd! 100% knitted cotton and the trendy round neck keeps this a classic retro for every Gooner with a soft spot for the great Bob Wilson and his heroics between the sticks. One of Arsenal’s greatest ever keepers, you can’t miss out on buying this stunning deep green long sleeve classic.
Price: £29.99
Arsenal Woolwich 1913
The original home kit from the first season at Highbury. The 1913-1914 home kit is a deep maroon red and features the very first Arsenal crest. This is a real collectors item in Arsenal’s history and great to compare with the 2005-2006 Arsenal kit which was modelled on this one for the farewell season at Highbury.
This original top has long sleeves and a buttoned neck. Absolutely great looking and a real talking piece wherever you wear it. The stuff of legends, don’t miss out on the very first kit to be worn at Highbury Stadium.
Price: £29.99
Arsenal 1989 Championship Shirt
The yellow and blue shirt that helped shape modern Arsenal! What can we say about this 1989 Arsenal away shirt that hasn’t already been firmly lodged in the history of English football and the Arsenal and Liverpool supporters memories. ‘Thomas through the midfield’… Brian Moore screamed as Mickey Thomas, No 4, slotted past Bruce Grobbelaar winning Arsenal the most exciting and dramatic league title in living memory. Considered the greatest ever moment in Arsenal’s long history this jersey is the most loved and worn classic retro away kit in the club’s history. It is simply a ‘must have’ for any Gooner young or old, to celebrate that iconic day of 26th May 1989. Thousands of gooners are still celebrating that ecstatic moment and some say Dalglish is still having nightmares from the 89th minute of this game. Gooners everywhere should own this legendary, cool knitted cotton sports shirt as standard.
Price: £34.99
Arsenal 1970 – 1971
This beautiful and classic Arsenal away shirt was worn during the 1969-1970 Fairs Cup winning season and banished the memory of the trophyless 1960s for Arsenal. Entering the second leg of the Fairs Cup final against Anderlecht, the gunners came back from a three goal deficit with Jon Sammels firing home the winner. That sparked mass celebrations on the Highbury pitch and was the catalyst for the double winning season the year after.
This 100% cotton striking yellow, long sleeved top has a fitted round neck and a stand out blue cannon. Simply classic!
Price: £29.99
Arsenal 1982-1983 Away
There has been few Arsenal kits which has caused such controversy as this 1982-1983 green oddity. Bemused Arsenal fans in the early 1980’s were not bowled over by the football being played at Highbury and when the club bought out this jade, shiny, short sleeved away kit they didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but over time it has become a fun cult classic and is still talked about in the pubs on Holloway Road.
This 100% polyester V-necked away shirt is the only ever green outfield Arsenal kit and is a collectors piece for all 80’s loving Gooners. It makes a great present and always raises a good laugh from all who wear it.
Price: £29.99
Arsenal 1932
This 100% pure cotton home shirt was the last all-red home kit before the white sleeves were introduced. The 1930’s were the most successful period in Arsenal history and this shirt’s colours links from the very start of the club’s history and into an era of great success. It has a rugby style feel and is stunning red all over featuring one of the very first Arsenal crests.
A real classic for lovers of Arsenal pre-war football history.
Price: £29.99
Arsenal 1979 FA Cup Final
The Arsenal Man United 1979 cup final is considered one of the best ever! Known as the ‘five minute final’ it represents a classic moment in Arsenal history and ensured Alan Sunderland would forever be tied to the moment he scored the extra time winner.
Also worn by Liam Brady, the 1979 cup final 100% cotton away shirt sports the cannon icon with reference to the FA cup final occasion above and below it. The blue trim sleeves and V neck collar are familiar to every Arsenal fan who count this is as one of their all time favourite away shirts and FA cup memories.
Price: £29.99
Arsenal 1977 – 1978 Away
By the 1970s, yellow Arsenal kits were nearly as famous as the famous red and white. In keeping with tradition, this classic 1977-78 away shirt is bold, bright and beautiful sporting a big embroidered cannon in the centre of the shirt and a V-neck with collar. The dark blue trim looks great and there’s a real demand for this eye-catching original summer away shirt.
Price: £29.99
Arsenal 1970s Short Sleeve
This short sleeve version of the 1971 double winning home kit was worn by legends such as Frank McClintock, Charlie George, George Graham, Pat Rice and Ray Kennedy. It was first worn in the 1960s but it’s classic appeal lasted well into the 1970s and has been a cult classic ever since.
Short sleeved for summer, this is the perfect present for every Arsenal fan.
Price: £29.99
Arsenal 1971 Double Winners Retro Football Shirt
The iconic image of Charlie George lying on the floor having scored the winner against Liverpool in the 1971 FA cup final is not only the moment Arsenal won the 1971 league and cup double but is still shown to this day on television. Needless to say, this is the iconic Arsenal away shirt of the 70s and will always be a major part of our history.
Don’t miss out on owning a replica of this gorgeous yellow and blue classic!
Price: £29.99
Arsenal 1970s Long Sleeve
Possibly the most iconic Arsenal shirt ever! The 1970s long sleeved home kit has a round neck and is made from knitted cotton. The badge is the iconic Arsenal cannon, simple and beautiful, nuff said. Comfortable, stylish and classic, it is considered THE perfect Arsenal home shirt. It was worn in the famous double year of 1970-71 as Arsenal won 1-0 at White Hart Lane to win the league title in glorious style against the old enemy Tottenham. That season, the gunners went on to beat Liverpool in the final to wrap up the club’s first double.
Fans of a certain age still talk about that year, and the glorious 1970-71 red and white home kit is still massively popular for Arsenal fans of all ages wanting the pure Arsenal red and white shirt without a sponsors logo.
Price: £29.99
Arsenal 1950 FA Cup Final
You don’t have to be an OAP to wear the very first ever yellow Arsenal kit. It proved lucky for Reg Lewis as he struck twice helping Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-0 at Wembley to lift the 1950 FA cup. Arsenal also went on to win the league title in 1953 further cementing yellow as Arsenal’s colour for away games.
This great looking and comfortable Drill Cotton shirt is a retro classic and good fit for any Gooner wanting to stand out from the crowd and turn heads outside the ground.
Price: £32.99
Arsenal 1930 – 1950 Shirt
Introduced by Herbert Chapman in the mid 1930s, this shirt is the original classic long sleeve Arsenal home jersey which, for the first time, featured the famous white sleeves. The 1930’s saw Arsenal dominate English football and become renowned around the world, winning five league titles and two FA cups. A host of England internationals including Ted Drake, Alex James and the Compton brothers played for the gunners at this time ensuring this stunning red and white shirt was proudly worn at the club for the next twenty years.
Made with comfortable Drill Cotton, it has the classic ‘art deco’ badge also featured on the stands of the old Highbury Stadium and is a must-have for any loyal fans who want to wear a classy piece of genuine gunners history in celebration of Arsenal legend Herbert Chapman.
Price: £32.99
Arsenal 1930 FA Cup Final Shirt
This beautiful deep red Arsenal shirt is not only a classic but one of the first Arsenal home kits to introduce white on the jersey. The wide white collar and framed crest still look fantastic with the long sleeves and makes this kit a fashionable purchase for any time of year.
Steeped in history, it is considered the first home kit where Arsenal won a major trophy, beating Huddersfield 2-0 in the 1930 FA cup final. Legendary manager Herbert Chapman led the gunners out onto the pitch alongside his former club Huddersfield but you can be sure, with the gunners wearing this kit we not only won the cup but looked the best in the business doing it!
Price: £32.99
