Mozart has heart: understanding Arsenal player Tomas Rosicky

Editor’s Note: This is a special piece submitted by a guest writer (Michael Schreiber) that GOA is proud to post.

This piece analyzes the role and importance of Tomas Rosicky.  The Czech international has had an injury-plagued five years at Arsenal, but he seems fit and ready to prove his worth in 2010-2011.  This piece discusses 1) his journey to the Emirates, 2) his role at Emirates, and 3) his value to the club.

As the Arsenal Turns: Arsenal’s goal keeper soap opera has 8 more months to run

I don't want to play with goal keepers!

No soap opera would be complete if there weren’t multiple story lines. Arsenal is no different. The main plot is and will be Fab’s role on the team: will he or won’t he? And of course how will other players react. Nasri made his feelings clear: I think he impregnated his shirt after he scored a penalty against the tiny Totts. Yes, you’re a Gunner, we got it. But the most recent subplot to unfold is yet another summer story come to pass: the goal keeper. Unfortunately, this story is more fodder for everything else. Anyway, go grab your notepad, because walking through this plot ain’t easy. Thanks Arsene (sarcasm).

Arsene is right; the EPL should stop trying to sacrifice virgins

"Really, it's this big!"

Watching Arsene battle with the English press and culture about protecting players sounds like someone trying to explain to a Hollywood movie tribe that sacrificing a virgin will not make it rain. The response by a bunch of second rate managers is stupefying. Their defense is classic, if absurd: “[soccer] is a contact sport.” Sounds like: “If burn her, rain come.” Or in reality, the EPL must sacrifice a player’s career, ideally a young one, to appease the football gods. This is life. This is the law. There is no other truth. Since when did the EPL become a cult? And why is England putting up with this nonsense?

How to fix Arsenal’s summer transfer marketing debacle

Arsene’s transfer antics have always been shrouded in a mystery novel of his own creation. But after five years the lack of a trophy has turned the author into an increasingly polarizing figure. Should he stay or should he go? This is becoming a publicity and marketing issue. The answer, however, rests in communication, not purchases. If Arsene respects the fans a little bit more, he might not even have to make a big purchase. 

Four reasons Gallas will stay at Arsenal

It sounds crazy to say Gallas will be back next season: with his up and down temperament, locker room conflicts, the French World Cup debacle and downright obstinate nature. Oh yeah, also his age and injuries might have to be taken into account as well. But still, Gallas may return to the Arsenal family and honestly this might be best for both Gallas and Arsenal. Here are four reasons why.

To buy or not to buy: Arsene has a defensive midfielder conundrum

Only six weeks from the start of the season and Arsenal’s squad for next season is starting to take shape. There are still a few holes here and there that we should expect will be filled up in the next two weeks: goal keeper (please please Frey!) and maybe another CB or DM. But Arsene has a potential twist in finalizing the defensive midfielder position. 

Arsene’s secret weapon: Pedro Botehlo

So often, the key to change is in the little things. To be sure, Fab’s departure to barca would be a big deal, no doubt. But many times the most minute transfers or introductions of new players can have a consequence beyond the obvious. This summer, Arsenal faces this opportunity with the (hopeful) return of a young player out on loan for the last three years: Pedro Botehlo.

If Fab doesn’t leave now; barca won’t be able to buy him next summer

Fab better get right and get right soon. If he wants to leave for barca he needs to force it through now. Because the way the Catalan club is falling apart these days, they won’t be able to afford him next year. Between mismanagement of talent and resources, barca is facing a bleak period in its coming future. Acquiring Fab should have been the Spanish club’s number 1 priority these last two years; not Ibra and not Villa. Now their attempts smack of desperation and hint at the potential decline of the empire. For Fab though, it means if he doesn’t force a transfer through now, he might be in North London for a long-while yet.

Arsene’s Problem Child: buying Eduardo is the key to the transfer season

Arsene is facing a big decision, one that might have a huge effect on Arsenal. A great conflict between his competing philosophies of developing youth and finding bargains. Although the fate of the free world doesn’t rest on his decision, Arsenal’s defense next year just might. 

barca’s tapping up might keep Fab at Arsenal

A few weeks ago I would have bet money that Fab was leaving for barca this summer. And if not this summer, then this was to be his Ronaldo season (swan song) and he was gone for sure next summer. But then barca started acting like, well barca. Laporta & Co. seem to be  trying as hard as they can to keep Fab at Arsenal. Any semblance of class, let alone respect for Fab has gone out the window. Arsenal can handle ourselves; we’re a big Club. But if barca keep this up, by the end of the World Cup, hopefully Fab will realize that home isn’t always where one is born.