Can Senderos ever make the breakthrough?.....

Phil Senderos has been at Arsenal since 2003 and has never really established himself a role in the starting line-up.

He is now 23 and still has time on his side, so there is no doubt that he is still improving as a player and will get better.

He seems more comfortable playing alongside Toure at the back and some Gooners feel that this is the best defensive partnership at the club. The pair forged a solid combination in the absence of Sol Campbell in our run to the Champions League final and were part of the best defensive record in the history of the competition.

I'm torn with Senderos. I really want him to do well at the club because he's a nice guy and STILL may prove his doubters wrong.

There is no doubt that he performs a lot better when having a long run of games and improves as they go on. But I always have the worry that at any time there is a costly mistake just around the corner.

For a player of his size he seems to get bullied too much. Senderos is a big boy and shouldn't be letting strikers push him around. Perhaps it may pay for Le Boss to get Martin Keown back in to help Senderos use his size and aggression more.

I also wonder at times if the Premiership is too fast and aggressive for him. Maybe a slower league like Serie A would suit Senderos more? His best performances for Arsenal have been at continental level in the Champions League, and that is played at a slower pace.

The problem is at a high profile club like Arsenal every mistake is highlighted and criticism seems to hurt a sensitive guy like Senderos. If he can develop a thick skin then perhaps he can silence the critics.

He has two world class centre backs in front of him, but the two world class centre backs in front of him haven't really gelled as a partnership. So there is a chance he can break the partnership of Gallas and Toure and cement his own role in the side.

Although he is young we can't keep using his age as an excuse for his mistakes. He has been at Arsenal long enough now and needs to step up a level. He plays regularly for his country and has plenty of experience.

So the question is, can Senderos ever make the breakthrough at Arsenal?..........

Keep it Goonerish..........

It doesn't make sense!......

Le Boss has stated that he bring in at least one player before the start of the season. With the centre of our midfield looking lightweight after the departures of Flamini and Gilberto this is probably the area Wenger will be looking to strengthen.

Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure are players that most Gooners will be happy to see arrive at the Emirates. Miguel Veloso is another name linked with Arsenal who would be welcome at the club. All three are real quality and would be ideal signings.

Flamini was an outstanding performer for Arsenal last season, Arsenal need to sign a player who can make the same impact. Flamini's performances of last season will be hard to match, but I would be confident that Barry, Toure or Veloso could perform to this standard.

One thing makes me wonder though. We are in this position (of needing to buy) because we refused to pay Flamini the money he wanted. I applaud the club for not being held to ransom by players but if we sign a player of this calibre then it will cost a lot of money.

Arsenal will have to spend a lot more money on a transfer fee for a replacement and then of course there's the wages. The wages will be high because of the standard of player involved. Of course I would welcome a new signing but wouldn't it have made more sense keeping Flamini from a financial view?

It doesn't bother me how much Arsenal spend on a replacement, it's not my money. The point I'm making is that Arsenal could potentially be spending a lot more money on a replacement for Flamini than had we actually kept him.

I won't be moaning if we sign a replacement, I'll be rejoicing. But for a club known for it's keen business sense, this just doesn't make sense!

Keep it Goonerish............

Gallas, Cesc or Kolo?........

After Cesc's recent performances in Euro 2008 some Gooners are calling for him to be made Arsenal captain. I'm all for this, but not at this present time.

Although surprised at the time, I feel that Le Boss made the right call in naming Gallas the Arsenal skipper. Pretty much everyone believed that Gilberto would be named Thierry Henry's successor and it was a shock to see Gallas as new club captain.

I feel that Gallas is a good captain. I know Gooners are split on him but I feel looking at the squad William is the right man to lead Arsenal onto the pitch.

He inspires a winning mentality and a never-say-die attitude to the team. In short, he is a warrior and winner. Arsenal came so close last season to being champions, was it a coincidence with Gallas as the leader on the pitch?

People point to his outburst at Birmingham last season as a reason for him to be stripped of his arm-band. Again people are spilt on this moment. I think it showed how much he cared about winning and lets not forget the circumstances in the game. He had just seen a team mate suffer one of the worst injuries seen in the game and Arsenal had just conceded a late penalty. Emotions are running high and isn't Gallas human after all?

Do you know how you would have reacted in this situation? You never know, you could act the same.

I can understand Gooners not taking him to heart right away. He did play for Chelsea! But I really feel that he is still the right man for the job and he would have learnt bundles from his experience as skipper last season.

Take the arm-band away from him and give it to Cesc now and I strongly believe that we would be saying bye bye Billy. He wouldn't stay if you took that away. It would undermine him, how could he stay?

The day Gallas leaves Arsenal is the day that Cesc Fabregas will be installed as Arsenal skipper. And quite rightly so. He loves the club and I can say that with the confidence it wont bite me on the arse!

Another name thrown in the hat would have to be Kolo Toure. He is very loyal and at least deserves to be in the reckoning. Although I feel he will be appointed vice-captain to Fabregas when the day comes calling.

Fabregas has all the ingredients to become Arsenal captain. But that time isn't right now. Have patience and you WILL see Cesc one day being Arsenal skipper, it is his destiny. He is made for it.

But right now I believe Gallas is the right man and will show why he is captain this coming season when hopefully he will be lifting some silverware.

Keep it Goonerish................

Something will happen, Gallas is too quiet.......

William Gallas usually has plenty to say but this summer I cant recall a peep from him!

From team talks to transfer talk, Gallas has an opinion and isn't afraid to be heard.

In the past he has mentioned that Arsenal have an exciting squad but it needs more experience and more numbers. I'm inclined to agree with him there.

I think his silence on all subjects means he has been assured by Le Boss that new faces could be arriving at the club.

I know he has been on holiday but last summer he spoke about Arsenal from his vacation. So why the silence this summer?

I know this article doesn't have a strong basis for argument but its my gut feeling that William's silence is because he has been assured that things will happen at Arsenal.

Otherwise I'm sure we would have heard alot more from him over the summer!

Keep it Goonerish.........

Titi, you will always be in my heart too pal....

Thierry Henry has been voted the greatest ever Gunner in the Arsenal poll.

The man is a legend and deserves to be crowned the top man. Going down the list there are so many names that could all have been voted number one but I think the correct decision has been made.

A good choice Gooners!

"I loved my time at Arsenal and have many fantastic memories from my eight years there," said Henry, now at Barcelona."It was an honour to play in the historic red and white of Arsenal, especially at Highbury. "I'll always follow the team and what they do. I'll always be a Gooner in my heart"

Titi, you will always be remembered at Arsenal and could show some people the meaning of loyalty too.

You say you will always be a Gooner in your heart. Well you will always be in my heart too pal.

Thanks for the memories.

Keep it Goonerish..........

Take that chance Arsene.........

Arsene Wenger is wary of "killing" the chances of a young player if he brings in a big-name signing.

'Of course I am in a position where I can spend the money.
'But every time we have done such a great job with the young players that you are concerned 'do we kill a young player or not by bringing another player in?'
'It is a very sensitive subject which is not specially linked with money.'

Please take that chance Mr Wenger.

Over the summer we have lost four experienced big name players, so the rest of the squad wouldn't really notice the difference if we replaced those who left with like for like, would they?

It would probably refresh the squad to see some new faces around.....

Also, the main aim for Le Boss was to keep last season's squad together and then add two or three to the squad. That hasn't worked to plan so we need to replace those who left and then add the players Wenger said we needed.

I understand Wenger's sentiments to the youngsters, he wants them to progress and sees potential big name signings as blocking their paths. But we need experience to guide those youngsters.

Youngsters look up to big names and experienced players, having those at the club would help them progress.

Young players learn plenty of things from experienced big name players. Could you imagine playing alongside the great Gallas or RVP? You couldn't help but learn!

I'm not asking Le Boss to go out and spend £300m, we don't need to. We are not far away from a side and squad that could dominate the Premiership for many years. But we do need to add to this squad, that is for certain. We need experience in the games against Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool.

I'm hoping that Wenger's comments are a smoke screen and that players will be signed. Who knows what Wenger will do?

I hope he takes that chance though....

Keep it Goonerish.........

We must be patient......

Carlos Vela can't wait to put on the Arsenal shirt whilst we Gooners can't wait to see him in one!

The Mexican joined THREE years ago but has plied his trade in Spain, having to bide his time waiting for a work permit.

He seems really eager to please and appears to have his head firmly screwed on.

I'm really excited about Vela. He seems a real talent, and Wenger rates him very highly. Whether playing upfront or on the wings this season, Vela will no doubt get Gooners on the edge of our seat's with his playing style.

Although excited I call for patience with Vela. He is young and will take time to adjust to the Premiership and English football in general.

He will have gained first team experience in Spain but we should not expect him to make the leap straight into the Arsenal first team. I'm sure that Gooners are not naive enough to expect that anyway.

I wish him good luck in his Arsenal career and hope he helps us win many trophies.

Speaking of good luck, I wish plenty for Gilberto.

He has been a superb servant for Arsenal and an excellent professional throughout his time at the club.

I won't forget Gilberto and what he has done for Arsenal. An excellent player who did a great job for us.

He has a brilliant attitude and even when he was over-looked as captain last season and barely featured, you hardly heard a grumble for him.

Young players could learn bundles from Gilberto just by the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch. And Arsenal will miss him, not just his experience but his role in the squad.

I would be more than happy for him to stay, but you can't argue that at his age he needs regular football and it's likely he won't get that at Arsenal.

Keep it Goonerish..........

WE ARE ARSENAL! One twat down........

And I don't mean Gilberto!

Alex Hleb has finally left Arsenal. We get £11.9m for him and I'm glad that the saga is finally over.

Hleb and his agent's conduct over the summer has been a disgrace. We don't need tossers like him at the club, Arsenal are far better off without.

I won't deny I felt he was a good player but he has proved himself to be a slimy rat.

Lets see how he copes with the Barca bench and thousands of Spaniards waving white hanker chiefs at him after he refuses to shoot when put through on goal.

I WONT be wishing him good luck.

So that's one twat down...........

One more to go..............

That leaves Ade.

I want Greedybayor to leave. I'm disappointed in him. I felt he truly loved Arsenal but he has also proven that he only motivated by the dough, and as much as he can get.

The pair are good players but don't have the morals and character to play for our great club. Players will come and go but our Arsenal remains.

We want the Cesc's, Gael's and Bacary's at the club. Players who wear the shirt with pride, not mercenaries like Hleb and Ade.

After all, WE ARE ARSENAL!

Keep it Goonerish...........