THE FOOTBALL THREAD Vol 2
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fgl
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Smith - Shrewd buys can make the difference
By Chris Harris
Alan Smith believes a couple of astute signings can turn Arsenal's potential into tangible reward.
Arsène Wenger's side finished 18 points adrift of champions Manchester United last season but the Frenchman revealed before the end of the campaign that he is in the market for "one or two experienced players" to bolster his talented squad.
Smith knows what it takes to win the title after playing a starring role in George Graham's championship triumphs of 1989 and 1991. The two-time Golden Boot winner would love to see Arsenal return to the Premier League summit next season and expects this summer's new arrivals to give them a fighting chance.
"There were periods last season in which they produced some outstanding football but they never looked like a title-winning team in my book," Smith told Arsenal.com.
"I suppose that was hammered home in the games against Manchester United in the Champions League and then Chelsea. They were just a bit short.
"There is so much talent, so much potential, but the mix isn't quite right at the moment. Everybody is telling Arsène Wenger that so I think it will be interesting to see who arrives in the summer, I think one or two will come in to give the squad a better balance.
"I would like to see a commanding stopper brought in," added Smith. "He doesn't need to be technically brilliant, but someone who can head balls away and command the box. It would be nice to see a holding midfielder too, someone to work alongside Cesc Fabregas when we need someone to sit there and break up the play."
By Chris Harris
Alan Smith believes a couple of astute signings can turn Arsenal's potential into tangible reward.
Arsène Wenger's side finished 18 points adrift of champions Manchester United last season but the Frenchman revealed before the end of the campaign that he is in the market for "one or two experienced players" to bolster his talented squad.
Smith knows what it takes to win the title after playing a starring role in George Graham's championship triumphs of 1989 and 1991. The two-time Golden Boot winner would love to see Arsenal return to the Premier League summit next season and expects this summer's new arrivals to give them a fighting chance.
"There were periods last season in which they produced some outstanding football but they never looked like a title-winning team in my book," Smith told Arsenal.com.
"I suppose that was hammered home in the games against Manchester United in the Champions League and then Chelsea. They were just a bit short.
"There is so much talent, so much potential, but the mix isn't quite right at the moment. Everybody is telling Arsène Wenger that so I think it will be interesting to see who arrives in the summer, I think one or two will come in to give the squad a better balance.
"I would like to see a commanding stopper brought in," added Smith. "He doesn't need to be technically brilliant, but someone who can head balls away and command the box. It would be nice to see a holding midfielder too, someone to work alongside Cesc Fabregas when we need someone to sit there and break up the play."
fgl
Well-known member
GGG47: Alan Sunderland v Man United, 1979
http://www.paddypower.com/bet?action=cmp&cid=38&AFF_ID=1264
It's time to reveal the Gunners' Greatest 50 Goals - as voted for by Arsenal's fans.
Alan Sunderland's dramatic late winner in the 'Five Minute Final' at Wembley in 1979 is not the most attractive goal in the Club's history - but few are more iconic.
The timing of the goal, the magnitude of the occasion and, of course, the delirious celebrations on the pitch, on the touchline and on the terraces all contributed to a spine-tingling Arsenal moment which still resonates more than 30 years later.
For those who don't know the background, Arsenal were cruising in the FA Cup Final thanks to first-half goals from Brian Talbot and Frank Stapleton, both set up by the mercurial Liam Brady. Manchester United looked down and out but hit back through late strikes from Gordon McQueen and Sammy McIlroy.
Arsenal were stunned but there would be one more twist in this tale.
Brady picked up possession from the kick off and, determined to keep the ball away from danger, surged into the United half before pushing the ball out left to Graham Rix. The placement of Brady's pass forced Rix to attack the ball and swing in a first-time cross. It was a beauty and Sunderland raced in at the far post to slide in the winner.
fgl
Well-known member
Hey, wonder if those rumours are true that Profitable Group might be buying Newcastle?
dammmmmm we'dhave to watch more of them stupid "thats why I was captain ads" ..
Lovehurts
New member
Drogba, Bosingwa banned after Barca bust-up
"Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been banned for four European matches by UEFA following his verbal assault on referee Tom Henning Ovrebo, with a further two-game ban suspended for two years.
The incident came at the end of Chelsea's dramatic exit from the Champions League against Barcelona. The Blues had four penalty appeals turned down during the semi-final second leg 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa has been banned for three matches, with a further one-match ban suspended. Both players face a two year probationary period, during which time the suspended bans can be called into force.
UEFA have also fined Chelsea £85,000 for the improper conduct of their players and missile throwing by their supporters.
The club and players have three days in which to lodge an appeal. A spokesman for Chelsea said: "We are considering our response.''
~ taken off soccernet.com
"Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been banned for four European matches by UEFA following his verbal assault on referee Tom Henning Ovrebo, with a further two-game ban suspended for two years.
The incident came at the end of Chelsea's dramatic exit from the Champions League against Barcelona. The Blues had four penalty appeals turned down during the semi-final second leg 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa has been banned for three matches, with a further one-match ban suspended. Both players face a two year probationary period, during which time the suspended bans can be called into force.
UEFA have also fined Chelsea £85,000 for the improper conduct of their players and missile throwing by their supporters.
The club and players have three days in which to lodge an appeal. A spokesman for Chelsea said: "We are considering our response.''
~ taken off soccernet.com
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