Man Friday Previews Robinson Clouseau
Mar 13th, 2009 by 'holic
Ouch. Sorry about that, but it is Friday, and I just couldn’t resist!
Scoring goals at home in the Premier League has not been a strong point for Arsenal of late. There is no better time, therefore, for us to come face to face with Paul ‘It’s behind you!’ Robinson, a regular contributor to Arsenal’s goals for column in recent seasons, a goalkeeper who has made as much an art form of incompetence as the fictional French detective in that appalling headline.
Less encouraging is the fact that Sam Allardyce is now in charge at Ewood Park, which means another afternoon of defence against attack with the likes of Samba, Grella, and Dunn kicking anybody that moves. With Santa Cruz ruled out by a knee injury I think we can rule out any surprising offensive formation from Rovers.
Arsenal will presumably ring the changes after the extended Champions League tie in Rome. I doubt the back five will change, but ahead of them expect to see Arshavin, Song, and Walcott recalled.
With the management now on the mend I am delighted to be taking up a seat at the Grove again for this one. The entertainment value could well be reliant on us grabbing a goal or two in the first-half to bring the visitors out of their shell. If that doesn’t happen this could again develop into a test of patience for players and supporters alike.
Ever the optimist, I think we will get that breakthrough, and I am putting the ‘holic pound on Andrey Arshavin to open his Gunners account with the first goal. I haven’t seen the odds, but surely that has to be around sevens or eights?
With Aston Villa not in action until Sunday we have a chance to reclaim fourth spot on goal difference, if only for a day. That pattern could be set to be repeated in the next month. Fingers are being well and truly crossed here that the turning point of our season is upon us.
If you are going to the game tomorrow be nice to all the grey-haired old boys you see, just in case! To those who are reliant on finding a decent stream for the game, good luck. In recent weeks I have had to shop around a bit to find the best ones, so I understand what it’s like. Anyway, here’s wishing all ‘holics a great weekend.
13 Responses to “Man Friday Previews Robinson Clouseau”
Jack and coke, if I may.
Just heard the Arsecast with you and Arseblogger, and let me just say, thank you for having a reasoned take on the Roma result and performance. Its remarkable how many complaints have been floating around the blogosphere following our successful passage into the last 8.
Here’s to Arshavin’s debut goal. Thanks for another solid read.
just a tea please. you might know this already but http://www.goonerstreams.com/match.php is usually good for streams. instead of spending ages finding a good stream, just let GS do it for you. hoping that adebayors gonna get good again what with increased competition. might be playing tomorow?
I hope that Robinson gets a peppering tomorrow, but I suspect that we are going to see the usual from the visitors. One man up and everyone else defends for 90 mins. It has worked for many others, so this will certainly happen. If Arsenal can get some speed in the counter attacks, we can open them up, but too often this year, we slow down and allow the opposition to get back to defend.
BKK- I think that you’ll see those complaints coming because the Arsenal that turned up to Rome was the same that we have seen for the 0-0 draws to the likes of Fulham. Creating nothing, etc. Fullbacks not crossing, no one in the box anyway – no chances created etc. Ok – Roma weren’t Fulham, but they aren’t Barcelona either. That being said, everyone is delighted with the result, which is what matters.
*turns down Una paloma blanca on headphones*
Nice one ‘holic – the future is bright. I’ll have a glass of the special stuff… What is it, btw?
Would a little glass of red wine be in order?
Cheers. A pint shall be yours tomorrow.
Special stuff for snail? A red wine for Ollie? How’s about I crack open this ’88 Chateau Camus? It will probably need decanting, but the flavour should be sensational.
Also a good swap, I think, a virtual glass of red for a real pint of Guinness!
The mood will hopefully be buoyant for tomorrow. The character building win in Rome will hopefully be used in a positive way. I can not see Blackburn doing anything but defend. Allardyce has to be one of the most negative managers I have ever seen. I said to fans of Bolton when he was there that they had my complete respect. To turn up each week to watch that shite is a true labor of love.
An early goal to settle the nerves is required. Arshavin to run riot and that will set us up nicely for Tuesday night.
Very much looking forward to Wednesday morning. Hopefully we can then say that we are back in the top 4. semi finalists in the FA Cup and quarter finalists in the Champions League. Now, that would not be so bad would it?????
Keep the faith.
You’re in a nice place, holic. I like this positive vein. Perhaps management’s return has given you the lift that Eduardo’s brought to the Gunners? Arshavin looks like a very good punt. I can’t see us losing it. Have a great game.
I’ll have some of the special stuff you’re pouring for Snail if there’s a spot left?
Certainly, for you BtM. Ah, hang on…. greedy gits have done the lot, but wait. I have a very special Morgon here, not quite as old, but close. I think you’ll appreciate it…
The mood may be buoyant for tomorrow, but with big sam parking his bus in front of goal and Arsenal sans Edouardo, we are once again relying on the strikers who have been continually firing blanks. The question is, who is going to score the goals? It is vital that Walcott starts and that Vela plays for a large part of the game. Much as I hate to be a doom merchant, I can see us once again having the lions share of possession, but missing a hatful of chances on the way to another 0-0. I hope I am utterly mistaken, and I hope that Mark Lawrenson predicts a 0-0 result, then I would be much more hopeful.
Not for the first time, Biscuit, the AA will come to the rescue 😉
Super super super Nik…super Nik, super Nik!
Sure he misses loads but he’s positional ability is great…….and he seems to me to be improving by the minute.
Great game, great result! And topped off by an superbly excellent display by Andre Arshavin who is slotting into his role at Arsenal as though he’s been in the team for the last 5 years. This guy is pure class!!!!
Mentions for Eboue, Song and Nasri who I though had great contributions too.
And let’s not forget a few words for Arsene Wenger who, to me, proves himself vindicated in spending the available cash on a midfielder who can create scoring opportunities. Seems to me he got it completely right!!!!!
🙂
Sorry all, spending the winnings from the ‘holic pound on lots of beer 😉
I’ll be back tomorrow!