The One With Jack Wilshere…

Jack Wilshere is one of the Arsenal’s most beloved sons. But for his injuries, he could’ve become an absolute great. Despite the challenges he faced, when he did pull that shirt on he always wore it with pride and love. He knew what it meant to play for a club like the Arsenal. Over the years, he’s been able to share his Gunners wisdom and has become an inspiration to today’s Hale End lads, including, Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.

You will not want to miss this conversation with Super Jack & Super Kev. This is a very candid look at what was and what could’ve been. It doesn’t get much better than this! Nuff said…just take a listen!

Velvet Voice Arseblog Talks Gunners

Part II of our special on Arsene Wenger and Arsenal. The USA Today’s EPL Junkies are joined by Andrew Mangan, founder of Arseblog and one of the most influential voices when it comes to all things Gunners. We talk mental strength, transfers, old players, current players, George Graham, the managers that could’ve been, lobster dinners, cheese sandwiches and much more!

Is this Arsenal’s year? Can they really win the Premier League? Will anything change? Join the conversation. Have your voice heard!

It’s Been A While…

091811sly_pele Film and football are my passions. I love the process of filmmaking and being on set and I love talking football. Over the last few months I’ve been primarily focused on the film side. I love my job and what I do.

Having been away making movie and TV magic, I’ve still had my face glued to the TV set watching the beautiful game and especially, my beloved Arsenal. And on the eve of the club’s biggest match in the last eight years, it felt like there was no better time to jump back on the blog.

Even though the blog has been tough to keep up of late, I’ve still been blessed with the opportunity to contribute to Talksport and in particular, Extra Time with Mike Graham. There have been times where I’ve sounded like my head is going to explode when talking to Mike. In fact, after that first league game against Aston Villa at the start of the season, I was ready to walk away from football altogether for a while. That game hurt and I felt like I couldn’t take another season of being ridiculed by fellow football fans.

But alas, the season has ended with at least something to hope for. We are in the F.A. Cup Final and could end our trophy drought. It has been way too long since an Arsenal captain lifted something shiny and silver above his head. Could this weekend be our time? Could this weekend be the resurgence of our great club? Could this weekend silence our critics and finally lay the trophy-less ghost to rest?

Once again, I get to marry my two passions on the same day as I’ll be watching from a distance in Cannes. Film and football are my ultimate strike partnership. I hope the lads can show their passion on the pitch tomorrow and that GQ Giroud strikes with an early goal!

This could finally be our year and set Arsenal on the road to writing a new chapter in the history books. I hope the boys do it for Arsene Wenger and the fans. In the meantime and until tomorrow, I’m off to another screening in the hope I find a wee gem of a film that can make me feel as warm and fuzzy as Arsenal do.

The Rise and Rise of GQ Giroud…

olivier-giroud_2725299b When Arsenal signed Olivier Giroud from Montpellier, I was absolutely stoked.

However, not many Arsenal fans felt the same way. He wasn’t a glamour signing, nor did fans believe he was the right man to replace Robin Van Persie. The expectations were unrealistic and therefore, Giroud’s life at the Emirates started with a lot of pressure on his shoulders.

Despite being the point of difference and main reason Montepellier were crowned Ligue 1 champions in 2012, Giroud’s first season at Arsenal was criticized by the media and fans. A little harsh perhaps when you consider he scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists.

The story this season is a little different for Giroud. He has become one of Arsenal’s most important players and has a look of belief and confidence about him. He wears the shirt like he truly deserves it and he exudes a sense of belonging. When you marry these attributes with his ability to hold the ball, connect play, win the ball in the air, muscle players off the ball, know where to take up positions, it makes for a unique player.

Giroud’s displays this season have made the original doubters become believers. Fans now sing his name with pride. A love affair might be brewing between another Frenchman and Arsenal fans. Long may it last.

In case you missed it, check out this article from the summer of 2012.
Let’s get #GQGiroud trending!

Olivier Giroud: Can He Become the Next Thierry Henry at Arsenal?

A Conversation With…Bobby McMahon

The Premier League is only days away and boy do I have a treat for all of you.

In A Conversation With Bobby McMahon from Fox Soccer Report and Forbes.com we break the game down to its core and talk tactics. From Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle, Bobby shares his brilliant football brain with you.

We also chat about the managerial changes and who Bobby thinks will be in trouble. Plus don’t miss Bobby’s Top 4 predictions as you might be surprised who he has missing from his list. He also shares who he thinks will sink to the Championship at the end of the season.

Don’t miss Bobby McMahon broadcasting his las show on Fox Soccer Report on Thursday 16th August.

A Conversation With…Arseblog

Since joining Arsenal, Robin van Persie hasn’t put prolific back-to-back seasons together for the North London club. Is it fair to say he will not have the same success next season and that now is the time for Arsenal to cash in on the Dutchman? How would Arsenal shape up tactically without him? And what is the scoop with Theo Walcott and his unrest? Could Arsenal afford to lose either or both of these players? What has become of the Gunners? What is the identity of this team? Why does everyone always want to leave?

Andrew Mangan joins us in A Conversation With sharing his insights like no other Arsenal blogger out there. Fans trust his opinion and thousands follow him on Twitter and Facebook. He is undoubtedly one of the most influential voices in the Arsenal community today. He doesn’t hold back as we dissect the team on and off the pitch. Put your slippers on and enjoy the conversation.