The Long Good Saturday
Apr 20th, 2008 by 'holic
Some days just work, don’t they. Yesterday was one of them, although it would appear Sunday is giving me a good old fashioned kicking to make up for it.
My day started at some absurd hour so I could get to North London in time to mooch around some places that are dear to me, and then join the Arseblog contingent for their five-a-side tournament.
A great mornings comedy, and a couple of swift halves were the precursor to a very entertaining game at the Grove. Not that it looked that way in the opening twenty minutes as we played at a pace with which the struggling visitors were clearly comfortable.
Gradually though the hosts started to pick up the tempo and the fifteen minute spell before half-time was as good as anything you will have seen anywhere this season. The lead was claimed when Kolo Toure crossed from the right and Emmanuel Adebayor controlled, turned, and stroked the ball home with aplomb.
The biggest cheers were reserved for Gilberto who saw his deflected drive double the advantage. It has been a difficult season for the Brazilian but he has handled his many disappointments with dignity and class. Rarely has a goal, possibly his farewell strike, been more merited.
That Arsenal failed to add to their tally was largely due to Marcus Hahnemann, responsible for a number of fine saves. At the other end Jens Lehmann was called into action just once. He saved well only for the offside flag to render it irrelevant. On the final whistle waves and thanks were exchanged with the crazy German, for this may have been his farewell also.
A good day’s entertainment deserves a good end. Several pints with friends old and new, led to a really tasty curry, and some more beer. The perfect end to the perfect Saturday. The start to Sunday was surely a sign of things to come.
“Wake up mate, we’re there”
“What do you mean we’re there? Where are we?”
“Bristol”
“But I wanted Swindon!”
Oh well, you have to pay for your pleasures, or so they say.
12 Responses to “The Long Good Saturday”
first soft drink?
Please ask before spamming. There is a reason we don’t have links to live football.
I am so delighted with the result.i love gilberto ,he’s a great man not the same with the other brazillian!sometimes i hate aw because he often sells the 30 year old stars ,well,come on ade,score more perfect goals!!as well as robin van persie…
Heh @ ‘holic.
My first Guinness of the day was supplied by the god that is ‘holic.
Many thanks.
I owe you at least one next time.
I hope you didn’t get fined for not having the right train ticket, ‘holic!
Pleasure to meet you again. Come toujours.
+m
Thanks all of you. It is hard to put into words what a good day yesterday was. There is no doubt that was down to you lot.
Arsenal supporters are magnificent.
Haha we ARE the best.
Our lads were fab. Robin looked pretty sharp – shame that freekick didn’t cross the line. Theo had a good strike too no? And my Cescy was brilliant. Was on holiday and the resort staff put the game up on a large projection screen after much urging from me. I scared a few patrons off with my shouting and cheering but it was all good!!!
The Arsenal!
heh, ‘holic.
It was great watching the match. Blissful Arsenal play that resulted in a win. And no Eboue too!
£100 from Bristol to Swindon by taxi?! *Tuts*
I have seen the future.The future is Wilshere.