Enlightening the Emirates : A Quest for Victory

[casey32]

Quick introduction into why i choose Arsenal : Clearly i support them but their is more to it as I lost my Coventry save I have struggled to enjoy the game as I am always a similar teams buying the same players and try to recreate the Coventry experience. Arsenal would be something new I'm yet to complete a season with the Gunners in the game as yet or any team that starts 2009-2010 season in the Champions League. I wasn't going to do another story but i felt i could make playing the game more fun along with hopefully being a good read as will be more passionate and more recognizable names. Hope you enjoy.

Rookie takes the reins....

After an difference of opinion in the direction of the club between Arsene Wenger and Peter Hilll-Wood last week the Gunners were left manager-less. The Shocking announcement of the Appointment of an unknown rookie manager Simon Casey was a surprise to all Arsenal fans with many saying it could be the biggest mistake of some time but then again many had never heard of Wenger when he arrived at first. Casey is a Dublin born ex Sunday league footballer. It is rumored he got the job after the Dub had a conversation with Liam Brady in Dublin just after Wenger had walked, Brady was extremely impress in the youngsters knowledge of the beautiful game and ran to Peter Hill-Wood saying i think i found the next Mourinho. Casey will be under alot of pressure and will need to prove his worth to the fans.

The arrival of Casey to Arsenal's training ground in Shenley saw some immediate changes with some staff being shown the door some joining new faces replacing them and new training scheme being put into place. Casey has said he wants the best of everything players, coaches and everything else to do with what is needed to succeed. Casey also announced a link with Crystal Palace to benefit youngsters who will go on loan to gain experience along with helping keep Palace in the Championship.

Casey jumped straight into the transfer market reducing the wage budget allowing more money to be available after he felt £28million was not enough to get his squad ready for a title challenge. There are 3 big names who will not be remaining at the club this season. Manuel Almunia was loaned to Man City for a fee of £1.4m, the former number 1 choice under Wenger was not rated to be up to par by Casey. Eboue was sold to Inter for £8m, not a first team player but was good replacement for Sagna, Emmanuel was sold to help raise funds to improve the starting 11.

Denilson has joined FC Bayern on loan for a fee of £2m with an option to buy for £6m, this deal lead to a very public row as Andrey Arshavin slammed his manager for letting him leave. The two are tought to have resloved the issue but rumors are the Russian could be on his way out of the club. In less first team related departures Rhys Murphy joined Ath.Madrid for £975k and Fran Merida plus Jay Emmanuel Thomas will be at Crystal Palace for the season on loan.

Casey started like Wenger with cheap and youthful signing bringing in Mathias Jorgensen from FC Kobenhavn for £2.1m, Mats Rits from Germinal Beerschat for £900k, Alphonse Areola from PSG for £55k and Yannick Djalo from Sporting CP for £800k.

Casey then started to show his intentions first big signing was Dennis Aogo from HSV for £5.25m, a 22 year old former German under 21 international with 25 caps and 4 goals. Aogo is a very versatile player who can play in defence and midfield.Vincent Enyeama was next the Nigerian keeper was signed from Hapoel Tel-Aviv for 950k, a impressive keeper who will be Almunias replacement.

Next Casey looked to Midfield bringing in two players who were playing in Portugal Miguel Veloso and Angel Di Maria. Veloso bought from Sporting will join ex team mate Djalo after a £13m deal, the defensive midfielder will sit behind the attack allowing Cesc more freedom along will spraying passes to his team mates. Di Maria joined from Benfica for £9.5m, the signing of the exciting winger has left Andrey Arshavin future in more question.

Casey then looked to attack and made a controversial signing in Adriano from Flamengo for £13m. Adriano is an excellent player but is known for his partying and inconsistency lately more then his goal scoring. The Brazilian will look to get his career on track and if Casey can get him to play Arsenal and Adriano could go hand in hand.

There could be more coming and going but it looks unlikely as according to Sky Sports sources the kitty is empty.​

 

[Nathan]

I shall follow.

 

[bolase]

Looks good
Yannick Djalo :wub:

 

[casey32]

Thanks

 

[casey32]

Pre Season 2009-2010

Results

(Away) 1-0 Westerlo
(Away) 4-0 FCV Dender
(Away) 3-0 Beveren
(Away) 1-0 Oostende
(Away) 7-0 Boreham Wood
(Away) 3-0 Barnet

Not the most impressive score-lines but the performances were fantastic. The Gunners dominating every game by some distance but the striker are still yet to find their form. Veloso recieved a red card in one of the games and Djalo torn his hamstring. Stats below of Beveren game.

In other news former captain William Gallas signed a two year contract worth £8m, the contract will keep the Frenchman at the club untill June 2011. Kyle Bartley joined Port Vale for 5 months and Barazite has joined Nottm Forest for the same time period. The issue between management and Arshavin has come to an end with Arshavin set to stay but Barcelona have declared interest in Robin Van Persie , Van Persie said he would consider it and Arsenal are rumoured that they would allow a move but at a high price.

The season will kick of as follows with the August fixtures below....

(Home) Everton Premier League
(Home) Anderlecht Champions League Best Placed Playoff 1st Leg
(Away) Portsmouth Premier League
(Home) Stoke Premier League
(Away) Anderlecht Champions League Best Placed Playoff 2nd Leg
(Away) Chelsea Premier League

First team injurys as of opening day of league campaign....

Vermaelen 13day-2weeks pulled hamstring
Fabianski 4weeks-2months damaged knee cartilage
Nasri 2weeks-5weeks broken leg
Rosicky 6days-13days pulled hamstring
Djalo 7weeks-2months torn hamstring

 

[Trophy_Whorder]

Looks good i follow.

 

[casey32]

Incase people think it will be win after win im bad at starting with big clubs dont know why only in premiership so could be close could be a disaster could be a breeze

 

[*Jamess*]

will be following

 

[sass101]

very nice layout ! Defo following this one !

 

[casey32]

Thanks lads

 

[casey32]

A Month of Pain (August 2009)

Results

(Home) Everton 0-3: Possibly the worse start Arsenal could of dreamt of, Arsenal conceded their first through a corner then quickly went 2-0 down. Although Arsenal dominated possession their finishing was woeful along with lacking imagination in the passing department. Gallas and Van Persie both had a shockers and Arsenal were lucky not to lose 4-0 as Enyeama stopped a Cahill penalty. Team clearly not gelled at all.

Everton shock the Gunners

(Home) Anderlecht 1-0: Arsenal secure first win under Casey but the fans wont be happy with the scoreline. Adriano and Di Maria were taken off after receiving slight knocks but nothing serious, Veloso was also taken of with an injury and will see him miss a week. First half was dull encounter but the second half saw an Arsenal onslaught on the Anderlecht defence. Should of been 3 or 4 nil but again poor finishing as strikers still search for form. In the end Arsenal were lucky as Arshavin was fouled in the box and substitute Eduardo converted the spot kick. Goal from Eduardo.

Vital penalty from Eduardo

(Home) Stoke 2-1: Van Persie got his first of the season with a powerful finish. Luck was on Arsenal's side as the opening goal was an own goal from Stoke's Keeper Sorensesn after spilling a Jorgensen header. Tuncay pulled one back through his head after Arsenal failed to deal with yet another cross, this has already show up as a weakness. Really Stoke deserved to win as Arsenal failed to impress for the 3rd game in a row. Goals from Van Persie and Sorensen o.g.

A tough physical battle

(Away) Anderlecht 2-3: Arsenal scrape through on away goal to the group stage of the Champions League. Adriano scored his 1st and 2nd goals for the Gunner. Jorgensen given controveral red after 19 minutes but its no excuse as Arsenal went on to lose again failing to deal with crosses. Goals from Adriano (2).

Players look unimpressed as they leave pitch

(Away) Chelsea 1-4: Scoreline says it all as Casey continues to struggle. Arshavin should of opened the scoring after being played clean through but his shot was smashed straight into the hands of Cech, a quick break down the field as Cech threw the ball down the left flank was cross by Cole , Enyeama went to catch the incoming cross but pressure from Ballack lead to him putting the ball in his own net. Adriano kept his form making it 1-1 minutes after but another own goal from Enyeama and a brace from Drogba killed off an Arsenal challenge and left the Gunners embarrassed after a poor display. Goal from Adriano.

Gunners unable to contain Drogba

Review:

16th in the league says it all as Casey piles the pressure on his shoulder as fans are being proven correct, hopefully the reintroduction of Vermaelen coming back from injury for the highly inexperienced Jorgensen will help turn things around. It is hard to pick the worst player of the month as well as the best as all have been very poor. If i had to choose the best it would be Adriano, despite a poor start his has shown what a threat he can be with his power in the air and on the deck. The worse has been Gallas the defender has looked like a school boy rather than a highly experienced French international and has been to blame for many of the goals. Arsenal have been drawn against West Ham in the 3rd round of the League Cup the game will be played at Upton Park. The Gunners will face Inter, Besiktas and Dinamo in the Champions League and will surely be expected to advance to the knockout stage along with Inter.

In other news 4 more players have gone out on loan, Barazite to Forest, Frimpong to Port Vale, Watt to Scunthrope and Sunu to Cheltenham. Bartley at Port Vale won League 2 Younger Player of the Month and Frimpong finished 3rd. The other big transfers this summer included Suarez to Chelsea, Gago to Man Utd, Obasi to Inter, Kolarov and Trezegut to Real Madrid and Simone Pepe to Barca.

League Table

​

 

[burkeyoa]

As an arsenal fan i will follow love the signings. Will be interesting to see how Djalo does for you as I have just signed him in my WBA save!

 

[casey32]

As an arsenal fan i will follow love the signings. Will be interesting to see how Djalo does for you as I have just signed him in my WBA save!

he'll score for fun in the Championship mite be hard to keep him at january for you, hopefully his pace and dribble will help my squad

 

[casey32]

Arsenal show good form (September 2009)

Results

(Away) Portsmouth 2-0: Di Maria had two golden chances to take the lead but the young Argentine failed to find the back of the net. Van Persie opened the scoring. Arsenal were impressive in 1st half which saw Fabregas pick up a knock and be taken off. Second half an Adriano header smashed off the crossbar, and Vanden Bore saw red for a second yellow on the 78th minute. Di Maria ended the scoring by heading home a Walcott cross after an amazing run down the flank. Goals from Van Persie and Di Maria.

Van Persie delight to get his scoring on track

(Home) Birmingham 2-0: Another good result for Arsenal with a convincing win. Di Maria still couldn't score after a Bendtner flick on to put him clean through. Fabregas and Bendtner teamed up beautifully to make it 1-0. Fabregas again was the maestro putting it on a plate for Adriano. Walcott for the second game in a row destroyed the defence with a incredible run all Bendtner had to do was tap it in but somehow he put it wide. Goals from Adriano and Bendtner.

Bendtner looks to break into First 11

(Home) Dinamo 2-1(Champions League): The Dinamo keeper couldnt of played any better keeping his side in the match. Dinamo took the lead with their only shot of the game. Bendtner made it level and then after a beautiful 40 yard pass from Cesc left Di Maria in on goal who showed great composure to score the winner. Goals from Bendtner and Di Maria.

Di Maria celebrates winner

(Away) Burnley 2-1: Bendtner scored for the 3rd match in a row. Bikey was shown red on the 33rd minute for taking down Adriano who was in on goal. The main talking point of the game was an injury to Fabregas who will miss a month of play. Arsenal then conceded from another corner and in the dying moments Nugent really should of made it 2-2. Goals from Bendtner and Adriano.

Cesc will be sorely missed

(Away) West Ham 2-0 (League Cup 3rd Rnd): A Clichy Adriano combination lead to the first goal. 82nd minute West Ham nearly pulled back through Stanislas but his curling shot hit the post. Veloso who came on for Rosicky played in another sub Nasri who was hacked down by Tomkins which lead to the youngster seeing red, the penalty was coolly put away by Adriano. Goals from Adriano (2).

Stanislas catches the eye


(Home) Bolton 1-0: A narrow win for the Gunners, a very close game with both keepers playing out of their skins. Rosicky scored a screamer to win the game smashing it home from 30 yards. Goal from Rosicky.

Possible Goal of the Season contender

(Away) Besiktas 1-2 (Champions League): An unlucky defeat for the Gunners. Nihat caused the defence problems all night and the Turkish side were dangerous on the break. The first goal was a lucky one for Besiktas as a Toraman shot hit the post and rebounded of the back of Enyeama's back and over the line. Arsenal bad luck continued as Sagna was injured and could not play on and with all the subs used Arsenal were down to 10 men, a minute later Gallas gave away a penalty that Nihat converted it to give Besiktas the points. Goal from Bendtner.

Nihat steals the show

Review

A great month for arsenal with 6 wins from the 7 games played bringing them up to 4th in the league, through to the League Cup 4th Rnd away to Man City. Although 3rd in the group table in the Champions League they are level on points with 4th place Besiktas and confident they will go through. Van Persie suffered strained knee ligaments while playing for Holland which will see him out of action for a month, Vela set to miss 3 weeks, Sagna 2 weeks and Fabregas a month also. Cesc would of been the player of the month but due to him being missing in action for half the month Di Maria will take the plaudits. The worst again will go to Gallas although improved it still not enough from the center back. Di Maria finished runner up in Young Player of the Month and Casey finished 3rd in Manager of the Month.

League Table

 

[bolase]

Much better month, from 16th to 4th I like your style

 

[casey32]

Much better month, from 16th to 4th I like your style

ha makes it look better then it is

---------- Post added at 08:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:01 AM ----------

I'd just like to say I feel a connection with this story like I did with my Coventry one so I will back it up on a USB to prevent this story ending, I hope people enjoy and like the layout if anybody would like any changes to layout or new ideas please feel free to comment, that goes to anything and everyone feedback will be much apprecated

---------- Post added at 01:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:38 AM ----------

Sorry for spelling and grammar mistakes hopefully all are fixed if you see any still or any in future please contact me and i shall change it.

 

[computerholic14]

looks like a good story ill follow.

 

[The Shots]

When I saw this I hoped it would be a U.A.E. Story

 

[casey32]

When I saw this I hoped it would be a U.A.E. Story

Haha sorry to dissapoint you

---------- Post added at 11:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:31 PM ----------

Hopefully updates tomorrow, looking to get up to January done

 

[casey32]

A tough month for the Gunners (October 2009)

Results

(Away) Wolves 1-0: Jorgensen came in for Sagna. Adriano scored a typical goal from the forward smashing home after a defence splitting pass. Doyle hit the crossbar in the second half , rebound lead to scramble in the box that forced Vermaelen to clearing the ball off the line. Enyeama performance ensured the 3 points. Goal from Adriano.

Arsenal edge past Wolves

(Away) Sunderland 5-2: Walcott pounce on a rebound from an in-swinging cross but Richardson was on the line to clear it to safety. Richardson opened the scoring, the winger rounded the keeper before putting the ball in the back of the net. Eduardo picked up a slight knock. Cattermole smashed home a 35 yard freekick making it 2-0 and that was the scoreline at half time. Djalo came on to make his debut for Eduardo, Djalo made an instant impact scoring within minutes of coming on. Minutes later Walcott made it level. A Rosicky volley from 25 yards after a knock down from Di Maria gave Arsenal the lead. Adriano made it 4-2 from the spot. The Brazilian added another from a freekick from the edge of the box to complete a superb comeback. Sagna later came out to credit Casey's team talk at half time. Goals from Djalo, Walcott, Rosicky and Adriano (2).

Sunderland failed to handle Theo's pace

(Away) Inter 1-1 (Champions League): Jorgensen suspended Silvestre come in, Fabregas only fit enough for the bench. Another 25 yarder from Rosicky made it 1-0. Former Inter striker Adrinao should of made it 2-0 but he failed to test the keeper. It was all Inter the first half but Arsenal held on, 1-0 half time. Milto made it 1-1 after 60 minutes. Arsenal held on as the game finished 1-1 with the held of a superb performance from Song. Goal from Rosicky.

Rosicky shines as Arsenal fight for point

(Away) Man Utd 1-3:Casey was handed a tough choice of choosing between the now fit Fabregas and the in form Rosicky, the Arsenal captain was given the go ahead. Arsenal went down 3-0 in the first third of the game after goals from Rooney, Vidic and Berbatov. Despite the scoreline Arsenal were playing the better with Van der sar keeping the Gunners from scoring while the Gunners defence forced to shot from range. Adriano hit the crossbar after the break. Rosicky changed the game when he came on as Arsenal looked more threatening. Bendtner made it 2-1 but it was too late Arsenal lose for the first time after since an seven game winning streak in the league. Goal from Bendtner.

United secure 3 points

(Home) Man City 1-3 (League Cup 4th Rnd):Former Arsenal Captain Vieria made it 1-0 infront of the fans who use to adore him. Arsenal then took the game to Man City and soon made it 1-1 after another Rosicky screamer. The game was an extremely tight affair with both keeper making a string of saves. It was no surprise when the game went to extra time. Another former Arsenal hero scored late in the second half of extra time which was followed by a cracker of a shot from the unlikely De Jong after a quick break as Arsenal threw everyone forward looking for the equalizer. Arsenal crash out of the cup. Goal from Rosicky.

Frome hero to villain

(Home) Liverpool 2-2: A few players were rested due to fatigue. Skrtel opened the scoring from a corner which he headed into the top corner. Van Persie then pulled one back. Benayoun made it 2-1 as he was the first to react as Enyeama parried a freekick. Gallas made it 2-2 with a similae goal to Liverpool's first. Fabregas nearly won it late in the game with along range piledriver but Reina tipped it onto the bar. Goals from Van Persie and Gallas.

Gallas goal earns point

Review

A tough month with four big games. Arsenal fall to 5th in the league but only 4 points behide the leaders. Arsenal crash out of the League Cup but look strong in the Champions League. The month saw plenty of injurys to first team players , Bendtner a week, Vermaelen a month and Di Maria 10 days. Although there were returns by Fabianski, Djalo, Sagna and Fabregas. Rosicky was the best player of the month with spectacular goals at vital times, Clichy was the most disappointing with some unexpected poor form. Di Maria finished second in the Young Player of the Month award and Frimpong at Port Vale continues to impress winning the League 2 Young Player of the Month.

League Table