Arsenal News - April

[Darren]

Premiership Round Twenty Two - Bristol City 1 - 2 Arsenal

Our season has been absolutely blighted with draws and I expected this one to go that way away at Bristol City but thankfully Sallai came off the bench to get a late winner to take all three points back to North London after Aaron Hickey had put us in front in the first half. Consistency continues to play a massive factor in our season and we just cannot seem to get any going which at this stage of the season is a concern but we keep going and just hope to keep putting the pressure on the sides around us,

109 Words

[Darren]

Premiership Round Twenty Three - Arsenal 2 - 2 Spurs

One of the biggest games of the season for both these sides, the North London Derby against the current Premiership Champions and a point a piece is was to be as both sides failed to get the winner in this one. We a lot better in our performance than we have been lately but once again it took a late goal from, Sallai off the bench to secure a point which to be fair, we more than deserved in this one. Our other goal coming from Reece James which sees another game in which none of our strikers or attacking players get on the score sheet which is a concern. Avoiding defeat in the games is key and although we did that by salvaging a point, we were the better of the two sides in this one

145 Words

April total so far - 254

[Darren]

Premiership Round Twenty Four - Aston Villa 5 - 1 Arsenal

An absolute horror show from us in this one and a result that really has made me consider if I have the time to continue managing the red side of North London. We cannot have any arguments with the result, we were poor and fair play to Villa, they took full advantage of a side that lacks confidence and smashed us all over. Near each other in the table we had to get something from this one and just couldn't get going which is poor and really not acceptable for a side that is looking to secure Champions League football next season.

Something has to change whether it be me stepping down, looking at some transfers possibly but the enjoyment went a good few games and its a case of going through the motions but take nothing away from Villa, they were head and shoulders above us today.

157 Words

April total so far - 411

[Darren]

Premiership Round Twenty Five - Newcastle United 1 - 2 Arsenal

Although we won this one, it took a goal from Thuram and an own goal from one of theirs to secure the points in a game that yet again sees us fail to get a striker on the score sheet. We needed the win in this one which we got but it is now becoming an issue as to why our strikers just cant hit a barn door. The panic button isnt near to being pushed just yet but the pressure on the management to improve is mounting from the board who have confirmed that they will not rule out a change come the end of season.

116 Words

April total so far - 527

[Darren]

Premiership Round Twenty Six - Liverpool 2 - 2 Arsenal

When you need a result, away at Liverpool isnt the fixture you need and to go two up and draw is not a great feeling after the game. To be fair, the game was settled after just sixteen minutes as despite us going two up early doors, they hit back two straight away to keep us on our toes. Both sides tried to get the all important winner but it just wasnt to be on this occasion. A tough fixture inb our season and one that we would have taken a draw from before hand when you look at our form so in the respect we have to be pleased but to drop a two goal lead shows just where we are at right now.

133 Words

April total so far - 660

[Darren]

Premiership Round Twenty Seven - Arsenal 1 - 1 Southampton

Another game and another draw for Arsenal who are now slowly losing grip on the top four and another game in which a striker failed to score. Reece James secured a point for teh home side after former Gunner Isaak put The Saints in front. Both sides neck and neck in the table so this would most certainly have been a game in which a win was needed but yet again Arsenal just cant get going and struggle against a Saints team that will also have an eye on the Champions League places.

101 Words

April total so far - 761

[Darren]

Premiership Round Twenty Eight - Arsenal 5 - 2 West Ham United

At the what seems like 50th time of asking, we get a massive win which we really needed. A brace from Saka, Giminez and one from Hojilund got us a big three points on the table which looking back at the game, we deserved for a change after some really shocking performances. We wont be getting carried away as we know that a defeat or draw is always just round the corner in this game but we needed something and the players stepped up to the plate to keep our hopes alive.

102 Words

April total so far - 863

[Darren]

Premiership Round Twenty Nine - Barnsley 5 - 3 Arsenal

We have had some bad results this season but I think hands down this has to be our worst. Definitely a game we should be winning as we have the better side out of the two but we failed miserably and return back to North London with our tails between our legs. I really am not sure what the future holds for me in FFO right now, a few things of late have made me conbsider if its all worth it and if it wasn't for the fact I've spent so long at the same side, Id be long gone its really that simple.

112 Words

April total so far - 975 Words

[Darren]

Premiership Round Thirty - Arsenal 3 - 1 Crystal Palace

Always nice to play against the famous red and blue and this time we welcomed Rob to The Emirates who returned back to FFO, his unbeaten season with Bristol City still remembered by the FFO oldies which is one of the biggest achievements I've seen.

Our form of late has been nothing short of shocking and we literally go into each game with our fingers crossed but we picked up a very good win and saw a good performance for once aswell. The goals coming from Giminez, Hojilund and Hickey securing a massive three points in the game which us start with Camavinga in the side after his move from Juventus.

119 Words

April total so far - 1094

[Darren]

Gunners End April By Opening The Purse Strings

Its been reported in recent weeks that something had to change at the club and while many expected the gaffer to throw the towel in, it eventually turned out to be new players singing on at the club with some big names leaving.

Just two weeks ago, fans of the club were celebrating after the club announced that a deal had been agreed between PSG and Arsenal for the signing of highly rated Defender Ivan Fresneda following the resignation of the Dortmund Manager who had originally had a deal agreed but the collapse of it was Arsenals benefit who negotiated a deal with PSG to secure the signing...or so they thought. It was released by the FFO HQ that all deals would be null and void following the departure of the Dortmund boss which allowed a deal to be agreed but maybe a case of the left hand not being in sync with the right one because just twenty four hours later, the Dortmund boss was reinstated and a further release from the FFO HQ was published then saying that deals would be honoured after the Dortmund board took his role back meaning that Arsenal were harshly dealt and told they had actually not signed the player they thought they had just a day earlier leaving a very bitter taste in the mouths of the club.

The Arsenal boss spoke about the whole saga ;

" To agree a deal and and have it in writing to then in a matter of hours later be told that in fact the deal was off if below the belt to say the least and very poor form from all involved be it the FFO HQ or the clubs, I don't actually know who to believe as so many conflicting stories surrounding the whole thing but to say its unfair on my club is an understatement to lose a deal in this manner when we thought we had agreed it really makes me consider the integrity of the game in general and can I honestly find the enthusiasm to keep seeing this underhand things go on as it isn't the first nor will it be the last time that these situations arise but its left a really bad taste for me regarding the game now as a result of losing a deal in this way ".

Despite that deal collapsing, the end of the month did see the club agree some transfers though. Leaving the Emirates is Reece James who is heading for Liverpool while midfielder Khéphren Thuram has agreed a deal with Juventus with defensive midfielder Eduardo Camavinga will be heading to North London.

The boss spoke about the deals ;

" As a rule we try and do our deals during the pre season and then see the season through but the way results were going, coupled with some offers we had on the table, we decided to make a few changes going into the last batch of games and Im delighted to welcome Eduardo to the club. A very capable player whop we know very well from scouting him so while we lose a class player,. we gain one in return. Reece James was subject of interest from Liverpool who made a very tempting offer and the player wanted to move which now allows us to move a few things about and ensure that going into the last handful of games, we can be as competitive as we can and have players playing in positions they want with full game time "

As the club sign off for April, its no doubt that this month has been one of the toughest on the pitch and testing ones off of it but the win over Palace will certainly boost their confidence as the look to keep the pressure on the sides occupying the places above them and with cash to spend now, it looks like the club will be looking to spend it before the window closes.

674 Words

April total so far - 1768

[Darren]

Hickey Pens New Emirates Deal

Although all talk has been of poor results and new signings, the club have confirmed that Defender Aaron Hickey has agreed to extend his stay at the club by a further two seasons. With just one left on his current deal, another very solid season for the player has prompted Arsenal to secure his future to the club following yet more decent form since his move from Barcelona two seasons ago.

The Arsenal boss spoke about the news ;

" Delighted to get it done. Hes been a class player and one that has really gone under the radar really but he's been solid for at the back but scored some vital goals at the other end and for what we paid for him, he's looking to be a bargain now as he closes in another skill increase. While we welcome a new signing here and there, securing the services of our current crop of players is just as important and this will hopefully be the first of many.

We have cash to spend and are in talks regarding a couple of options and right now its 50/50 but we wont be holding back on spending it if the deal suits us. We have a type of player that we are looking to recruit which right now are as rare as rocking horse turd but we will keep looking and hopefully find our target ".

238 Words

April total - 2006