Arsenal Should Sink Pompey
Aug 21st, 2009 by 'holic
You get days to try you, don’t you? I remember starting today by promising a Pompey preview this evening in the comments on the Celtic report. Little did I know then that my ISP would decide to choose today, of all days, to give me an, admittedly rare, bit of grief.
A tip for you. If your ISP has said that you are on ten meg broadband, but all the speed checks say you are still only getting two, don’t phone for technical assistance. What they do is cut you off altogether, so you are not getting any broadband service at all!
Thank goodness I lash out another fifteen quid a month for mobile broadband just in case of such emergencies. After ten months it is finally coming in handy. Welcome, therefore, to the £150 match preview!
I’m not going to risk the online stream of Arsene’s interview on a dongle in case I end up with another monster addition to this months bill, so I am relying on what I had read about injuries elsewhere, which basically means Eduardo is added to the squad that saw duty at Parkhead.
Theo seems to be taking longer than expected to recover from his back injury, which is a shame, but not a disaster given the start that Nicklas Bendtner has made on the right flank in Arsenal’s fairly flexible new formation. I would personally like to see that increased flexibility stretch to Bendtner and Robin van Persie regularly changing places, given the differing problems they would provide for markers.
It is a bit early to consider resting players, I imagine, but I wouldn’t be averse to seeing perhaps Jack Wilshere start on the left to allow Arshavin a game in the middle at the expense of either Denilson or Cesc. The little Russian is starting slowly and needs a subtle lift, I suspect. How good will we be when he finds his form!
Pompey arrive at the Grove with manager Paul Hart making all the right noises, but knowing in his heart of hearts that the squad of even a year ago has been ripped from his grasp as the club heads into a period of uncertainty. Even David Dein has been linked with a consortium allegedly looking to conclude a deal for the Hampshire club.
There is a danger, I hear a voice on my left shoulder say, of underestimating a poor side. How many times did we struggle against the lesser lights of the Premiership last season?
The voice on my right shoulder says ‘do me a favour, this Arsenal side is not only bang in form, but enjoying some good fortune too. A combination that should see them win comfortably’.
Thankfully I will be there to see whatever transpires. I can imagine nerves building if we don’t get ahead in the opening hour. I’ve seen that game so many times before. I don’t think I am in for a repeat just yet, though. The ‘holic pound relies on us grabbing an early goal, keeping the pressure on, and dismantling them in the second-half. 4-0 I’m taking, and I will wait until I get to the ground to do it as Ladbrokes are among those offering 10/1.
If you are going, and drinking in the same pub as me, I’ll have a pint of Guinness please. If you are stream hunting at home, I’ll be the one at the south end of the ground screaming for the boys to keep passing once the fourth goal goes in. I hope.
Wherever you are planning to be, have a great weekend ‘holics.
20 Responses to “Arsenal Should Sink Pompey”
Great blog as always.
I’ve liked Arshavin’s form so far this season.
Great blog as usual.I think Arshavin has been below par this season and has probably been our least effective player.Lets hope he starts playing as we know he can to-morrow.
Great post, sorry to hear about your internet.
I think a small amount of rotation should take place tomorrow; nothing big – Eboue for Sagna and Dudu for RVP.
Honestly, I don’t see Arshavin playing in either Denilson or Fabregas’ position.
Arshavin is a phenom. I think he just needs to have a little more responsibility in this in-form side so maybe a fab rest in preference for Arshavin in the middle and allowing him room to run forward could light the fire. I wouldnt mind seeing a little more Diaby after a solid sub and have him come in for Denilson. adding a little height might not be a bad idea
What do you people think about Lucas being selected for Brazil, but not Denilson? I would take Denilson any day over Lucas.
Holic, I tend to disagree with the resting bit. its not too early to start resting people, in fact its quite important. we already have nasri, rosicky, walcott and vela out … diaby is diaby… so there is hardly any back up apart from wilshere and ramsey … wouldn’t want cecs, rvp or song to get injured or tired before the manchester trips. but should be an easy win 🙂
I agree, ‘holic. I’d like to see Shava play centrally tomorrow to give Cesc some extra time to recover from his knockabout at Celtic. Not that Cesc is injured or anything, but over time those little knocks add up, and I imagine he picked up quite a few bruises and bumps on Tuesday. I’d much rather have Cesc fresh for Celtic and United away next weekend than risk him tomorrow.
Having Shava go central might just be the trick to get his engine going. He’s been a bit lonely out on the wing in the 4-3-3, and we don’t want him to get frustrated while the attacking formation gets fully into swing with the 3 front players. Just a little boost to Shava should see him firing on all pistons soon, and get back to rampaging opponents defenses once he settles in fully to the new role.
I don’t think there’ll be any slacking from the lads tomorrow. We utterly bullied Pompey at the end of last season with what was ostensibly a reserve side, save for Shava (who served as Captain for the match). I’m on with ‘holic for a nice 4-0 run out with no injuries or problems going forward from the weekend.
Carslberg for me, following the win please. 🙂
Arshavin was stifled at celtic but in a homer against Pompey I bet he’ll score and play brilliantly.
A couple of large glasses of Wolf Blass Yellow Label for tonight’s liqiuid refreshment lease.
+p
+, holic.
What do you think my name is, Snail?
Bob Holness 😉
‘holic, you are a legend, somewhat of an age with me (I used to live just off Blackstock Road and now reside in leafy Cambs) and together with your pal Arseblog the author of one of the finest Arsenal blogs available. I am a constant reader and enjoy them both hugely. Myles Palmer on the other hand ….. My son and I will be esconsed in the family enclosure near the corner flag as usual tomorrow. I have been looking forward to it hugely all week – despite the cricket, May seems a long time ago. What a great start to the season – watching the TV has made me ache to get to the ground and watch the team strut their stuff. Here’s to a lively atmosphere, a thumping win and a hat-trick for our new hero – the diminuitive Shava. A pint of Guinness and a John Power chaser for me – and a lemonade and a packet of crisps for the boy.
Thanks Countryman. No legend here though. I watch legends, I write about them. Those that can do, those that can’t write, or something like that! I won’t be a million miles from the boy and yourself. Let’s hope we have a good afternoon, eh?
Bob Holicness maybe…
Enjoy the game, ‘Holic. I hope that Eduardo starts. I hope that Wilshere, Ramsey and Gibbs are all considered for a run out after we’re four nil up, you’re yelling and we’re passing.
Thanks BtM. If we are four up early doors I will be the only one screaming ‘DON’T SHOOT’ 🙂
Great write up as per normal holic, Just like to say you wont be the only one at 4-0 up saying dont shoot im on 4-0 as well,, Always remember a few years back sitting in the Clock End RIP and having Bergkamp 4 0 against newcastle and Arsenal getting a pen in the last 10 mins and me being the only Arsenal fan sitting in the ground hoping we would miss,And to Givens (i Think) credit he saved it and left me quids in 🙂 Must say if fit id love to see Eduardo get a run out today as i beleive he and Arshavin will dovetail perfectley together and rip sides to shreds with their movement and ability,
Ill have myself a tasty peroni with grey goose chaser to put me into the spirit of the first home game !!
Up The Arse
[…] Goonerholic: Eat, Sleep, Breathe, Drink, Arsenal goonerholic.com/?p=1815 – view page – cached Goonerholic: Comment and review from a lifelong fan — From the page […]
Not a bad shout ‘holic. 4-1 eh? Those Wigan buggers – should their goal have stood?
I think Almunia owes you a few quid, ‘Holic. Should have been 4-0 after all. Hope you enjoyed your visit to the home of football.