[The Deadly]

Great detailed points there.

I think at some point every club go through what Arsenal are going through now and I genuinely believe if Wenger was ever to go it would have been when they lost 8-2 to United last season. I agree with you that he will leave when the contract is up barring a full on fans revolt which would only come if you lost 5-0 to Spurs or lose 5 in a row neither of which I believe will happen. One thing I'd like to hear him do is to really lay into the players after a poor performance like on Saturday. The fans want to see he is as frustrated as they are and it can't always go back to the same old "we showed a lot of character" line that comes after all of the poor performances Arsenal give. I'm not suggesting he has a Keegan style meltdown post match but it would be nice to hear a bit more honesty from him.
The Champions League is crucial to the recruitment of top players which is why I'm looking forward to tonight's game. The team will be out there to prove a point and silence their critics and I see them winning two or three nil.

[chrysostom]

I enjoy Arsene's silence on criticising players in public. The managers that do, either do it in order to take pressure off themselves or motivate the player, whereas like a lot of good managers - Arsene tries to keep disciplinary issues and criticism private. If Dalglish or Rodgers did the same on Suarez, I don't think there would be such scrutiny on the guy.

He isn't an angry or snide person - I would be surprised if he blamed the players publicly and shocked as he seems to really care about each member of his squad.

The sound bytes that the fans & media love don't tend to help the players, or the clubs. The most powerful words can be said in private in my opinion - and as much as the media likes to think they know about what goes on, I don't think they know much about how business is conducted or what goes on.

[The Deadly]

Hahahaha Dalglish! Every time I hear that name it makes me chuckle.

[chrysostom]

My friend reminded me of the nickname 'King Kenny' the other day whilst I was driving. I screamed 'I HATE THAT NAME' and almost crashed my car.

[Bruvva]

My friend reminded me of the nickname 'King Kenny' the other day whilst I was driving. I screamed 'I HATE THAT NAME' and almost crashed my car.

God. Do NOT get me started on the ridiculous blind faith that was shown by Liverpool fans with Dalglish. Love the fella for what he did as a player and manager the first time round but he should never have been given the full time job t'other year, fine as temporary/caretaker manager but not as full time. Trouble is, you try criticising him on any Liverpool board, Salman Rushdie would have an easier time doing a signing session in Iran. Even the current manager gets no credit for anything, and he HAS overseen improvements, marginal as they might be, it's always "but Kenny would have done better".

Still, would rather have him over Roy * Hodgson, mind.

[The Deadly]

I think Brendan Rodgers is a good fit for Liverpool. I liked him at Reading when he was managing us a few years ago and thought we were way too hasty to sack him. I could see what he was trying to do but was never given the time to do it. The thing with Liverpool we now know they have £30million to spend as they bid for Willian and narrowly missed out. They could be contenders for the 4th place slot should they buy another quality player.

[Bruvva]

Centre half and striker/decent attacking midfielder away from challenging for 4th I think in all honesty.

Oh, and also a decent backup defensive midfielder, completely boned if Lucas gets crocked again.

[The Deadly]

Centre half and striker/decent attacking midfielder away from challenging for 4th I think in all honesty.

Oh, and also a decent backup defensive midfielder, completely boned if Lucas gets crocked again.

Michu would be between £15million and £20million. He'd do a job for Liverpool.

[Bruvva]

He signed a new contract with Swansea back in January so he won't be going anywhere.

And after the Suarez thing, we'd look a tad hypocritical going after someone so soon after they signed a new deal.

[The Deadly]

Swansea are a very small time club. They'd sell for that kind of money plus maybe a player from Liverpool.

Other than him there aren't many really good attacking midfield players who would sign for a non Champions League side. There is a Russian lad called Dzagoev who might be worth a look.

[Bruvva]

Meanwhile in the Arsenal game, they FINALLY go one up, that's been coming.

[The Deadly]

It's only Fenerbahce but it's a start. The result of this match is good in terms of the recruitment of new players.

[chrysostom]

It's only Fenerbahce

Damned if we do, damned if we don't. But we can't become complacent, especially with a second leg to consider. We need to strengthen in defence, midfield and attack - you're right that this result will be extremely useful in convincing players to join though. Bear in mind, Fener were the most feared of our potential opponents in the draw, and a very good side.

[The Deadly]

The Fulham game is very important. The team can really get the show on the road with a good win and performance at Craven Cottage. I've got no clue why Arsenal are being made to play at 12:30 on a Saturday afternoon after a long European trip BTW. Seems grossly unfair.

[Bonanzoid]

Possible goal from an offside position by a player that possibly should've been sent off. Lucky indeed.

[The Deadly]

I'm hearing Liverpool are on the verge of signing Derby County youngster Will Hughes. He is a very good young player and an excellent prospect for the future. It's likely he'll be loaned back to Derby until Christmas with the possibility of the loan being extended.

[Yudster]

I simply don't understand why Michu is still at Swansea. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Swansea, but Michu is a quality player with potential that he can never realise there. I agree he'd be a great fit for Liverpool. Or Arsenal.

[chrysostom]

Swansea are a team who are comfortable financially, so the price that Michu is worth to them is quite high. Higher than most teams will be willing to pay for a 27 year old who had a good season in Spain, and then a good season in England.

If this was one of the less financially secure teams in the league, then Arsenal or Liverpool would be able to land him for £10-15m but £20m is what Swansea will look to start negotiations at, which is too much of a gamble imo. With Chelsea & City buying outside of the PL and clubs getting a bit of financial stability more clubs are happy to keep their best assets unless they can cash out for a silly price.

Not to mention, Michu is enjoying his football under Laudrup! Given his meteoric rise in the last 12 months, he seems to have been advised well. Impress in the Europa League, score goals in the Premier league (without complaining) - then in the summer, see who is about. If a big team comes in for him, then the fans will understand - if noone comes to the valuation, then he continues to play & be happy

I'd hate to see him playing for Liverpool, just because he seems so likable as a player!

[The Deadly]

Pleased to Michu.

[Bruvva]

Oh, hang on, Coates is out for the season. Ordinarily, the loss of a URGAYAN with the turning circle of the Ark Royal wouldn't be too critical but that leaves, Toure, Agger, Skrtl and Wisdom and maybe Kelly at a pinch. Hardly awe inspiring.

Also, may as well post this as well before Arsenal actually sign someone..

[The Deadly]

Chelsea are trying to hijack the Willian deal. Spurs fans will be crying into their Europa league preview magazines as I type!

Also "Mr Personality" Gareth Southgate has been appointed England under 21 manager just as I predicted when Stuart Pearce was sacked. 100% right.

[Bruvva]

Willian does seem to be a bit of a tart, hitching his skirt at any passing premiership club and giving them a "come hither" look doesn't he?

[Bonanzoid]

I'm hearing Liverpool are on the verge of signing Derby County youngster Will Hughes. He is a very good young player and an excellent prospect for the future. It's likely he'll be loaned back to Derby until Christmas with the possibility of the loan being extended.

I hadn't heard that news, but if it's true I'll be rather chuffed. I was so impressed by him a while back I made signing him on Fifa a priority. Never did get him, bloody board.

[The Deadly]

Guillem Balague is really irritating me on Twitter. Every day for the past month he has been spouting off about Bale joining Madrid saying that the deal is only hours away etc. His story constantly changes but is always wrong.

[The Deadly]

I'm hearing via sources Chelsea have bid £65million plus Juan Mata for Gareth Bale. I am Guillem Balague.