They Were Schoolboy, No Complaints, What Can You Do?
Feb 17th, 2010 by 'holic
The words of Cesc Fabregas summed up the evening as Arsenal snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against a side who should have been comfortably cleaned up, bagged, and disposed of. In between two ludicrously gifted goals the Gunners controlled the contest with some ease, but in the end looked a disjointed and damaged side.
We could have been behind in the opening moments but Sol Campbell’s magnificent recovering tackle on Falcao covered up his own slowness of turn in the first place. Hulk had another chance shortly afterwards but in all honesty I thought if he hadn’t put it wide then Fabianski had it covered. The events of the eleventh minute showed that may not have been the case.
Valera’s mis-hit cross from the right was coming across the face of the goal. Fabianski had quite rightly moved off his line in anticipation of the cross and stepped back into position to gather. What followed was one of those moments that even in real time you witness in slow motion. The young ‘keeper seemed to have had some mind-altering substance and was witnessing at least ten footballs coming towards him. He snatched feverishly at as many as he could get to, and sadly the one that mattered bounced off his flailing limbs and in.
Fair play to those ahead of him. There was no panic. There were no recriminations. They set about bringing the game under control, and did so very well, I thought. Just five minutes later we were level when Rosicky headed back across goal from the far post and there was Campbell, unmarked five yards out, to apply the simplest of finishes.
You could see the confidence drain from the home side, who now set about hanging on as best they could. Although Fabianski was called upon to atone for his earlier error with one fine save midway through the half, it was his opposite number who was by far the busier. Rosicky and Bendtner in particular had reason to rue his agility when both were acrobatically denied.
The second-half started as the first had ended. The visitors were assured and knocking it about well. Six minutes in came the moments that turned the result on its head. When Tomas Rosicky was blatantly flattened as he shaped to cross there were only two people in Europe who didn’t think it was a penalty. Sadly they were the Swedish equivalent of ‘See no evil, hear no evil’. The deaf one must have seen it, but didn’t realise his mate hadn’t given such an obvious foul, so didn’t bother to wave his flag. The blind one just shook the spittle from his whistle and carried on as if nothing had happened.
At the other end Sol Campbell looked to shepherd a hopeful ball back to Fabianski but clumsily got a touch. Fabianski, desperate to prove he had mastered the art of actually catching the ball did so, and Sven Blind Pew immediately, and correctly it must be said, blew his now spittle-free whistle for the indirect free-kick.
What followed defied belief. The referee grabbed the ball from Fabianski, too stupid to roll it away and give his team-mates time to wake up from their collective doze. The myopic Swede gave it to the Porto lad and immediately stepped into Campbell’s path to prevent the Arsenal defender from blocking the ball rolled sideways for a tap-in by Falcao, who looks to have aged well since achieving success with ‘Rock me Amadeus’ in 1986.
Arsene Wenger’s protestations rang a little hollow for all who remember Thierry Henry exploiting quickly taken free-kicks to our advantage, although it is fair to say I don’t recall any referees actually body-checking defenders to ensure we took full advantage of the ploy.
Thereafter I don’t think it would be too critical to say we fell apart, although we were somewhat indebted to Fabianski for making another smart save at his near post. To be honest, I think if he had let another one in we would probably have left him out there for his own good.
So I’ll apologise in advance for those who are bound to want to be offended by some of my light-hearted observations. The two goals we threw away tonight were so freaky as to not warrant anything other than beggared disbelief. If we cannot recover this situation at home, against a side who were not very good tonight and by all accounts travel badly, then we only have ourselves to blame.
Well, except perhaps for the little bit that belongs with the blind Swede last seen emerging from a bookmakers with a very large brown envelope.
153 Responses to “They Were Schoolboy, No Complaints, What Can You Do?”
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Woe is me ‘holic. What’s on offer?
I have a little ‘drop’ of something here, Snail.
What?
Oh, sorry Lukasz.
Where can I see Cesc’s interview?
ITV.com won’t let me see it since I’m outside of the UK.
Anyone got a link for the video or something?
Arsenal CANNOT call itself one of the top teams in Europe on the back of this type of performance. The team is not good enough; it lacks balance and the players lack the mental toughness necessary to excel. I cannot remember the last time I’ve seen such an amateurish performance from a highly rated professional team.
Arsenal has two supposedly world class full backs that cannot deliver quality crosses. The team does not have any true wingers who will stretch an opposing back line. The Walcott experiment has too often flattered to deceive.
The team is tactically naive and seems incapable of adapting to new circumstances. There was no attempt to regain compsure after the 100 mph opening to the game. It was almost a repeat of the trashings at the hand of Chelsea and Man U – yet no one on the pitch seemed to have a clue.
I had high hopes but I fear it is another year without silverware for The Arsenal. We will beat Porto. But we will be slaughtered on the road to the trophy. By either Man U or Chelsea. I hope that I am wrong.
My boy has an under 7′s game Saturday morning. Their keeper is not that great but he has never picked up a back pass or thrown it into his onw net. I will have a word. If he is available I will bring him with me on Saturday. He is only 3’07″ but I still think he could do a better job……..
Where’s BTM? Perhaps Ade could come back and play in goal??????????
BTM.
Only joking. Just trying to find something to cheer me up…..
Freekick or penalty, ‘holic, which would you rather have seen? At least a penalty would have given Fabianski an option to try and make a save.
@ Holic.
The two goals we threw away tonight were so freaky as to not warrant anything other than beggared disbelief.
I would agree if it was the first time this season. But I have lost count of the amount of keeping errors that have cost us goals this season…..
Quite simply just not good enough. Not even close to being good enough.
Steve, do you have a clue where I can see the itv.com interview with cesc? they won’t let me watch it since i’m out of the uk
Malo
Almunia, Gallas, Song, Arshavin, van Persie, Gibbs, Djourou, Eduardo.
Need I go on?
Let’s keep the over-reaction sensible, eh?
Snir Geuli, how would we know? We can only see it on ITV.
This text was on BBC:
BBC: Fabregas on what went wrong: “Schoolboy goals. What can you do? Nothing. Nothing to complain. After the second goal, we went down. We are still a little bit soft in that aspect – when we concede a goal we are not strong enough to lift ourselves up. Until the second goal we were having a very good game.”
Cesc Fabregas on whether Porto’s goal should have stood: “I don’t know. I have no idea. Maybe as a player I would have done the same, take a quick free-kick. To be honest, I don’t know. I was like 30 metres away.”
Cannot offer you more really.
Snir, Sorry mate. I am no techno bod. You will need someone who is far more skilled than I with such things.
The crux of his interview was that he seemed totally bemused by what he had just seen. Almost lost for words. In my opinion he sounded a young man so pissed at what he had just been through. I have never doubted he would be starting next season in an Arsenal shirt. Until now. He looked like he had had enough. I hope it is just an after match reaction, I really do.
‘holic, we’ve seen Titi take advantage of quick ones several times, but I’ll bet no one has ever seen a quick one allowed for the keeper picking up an back pass.
I agree, the lad should have booted it to the moon, but what the ref did next simply beggars belief.
@ Goonerholic
I would like to believe that I am eminently sensible holic!
I hear you – but really, you would expect the ‘reserves’ for a lack of a better word, to get a job done. Many of the players you mentioned were PRESENT during the heavy defeats to Man U and Chelsea. The problem is NOT specifically one of personnel – rather it is a worrying naivete and lack of balance that seems inherent in the squad.
A focused squad of professionals would have/should have assessed the situation, and acted accordingly. Instead they threw all focus and discipline out of the window. We are lucky, that the result was not WORSE!
I believe in Wenger, I am not one of the ‘Wenger Out’ brigade. But the squad lacks depth and balance. The same errors are being repeated over and over again. If this isn’t cause for alarm – I don’t know what is. I am being critical, but I don’t think I’m over-reacting.
Guys. Let’s not blame the ref for either goal. The pen on Rosicky? Yes. He got that very wrong. And if he gives that then the back pass situation does not arise. But what followed was about as basic as I can ever remember. Shocking.
All keepers have to make decisions. The better one’s get most right. Fabianski got that so wrong. Row Z son, then debate it. Point as many fingers as you want. But not that.
That free kick anywhere else on the pitch and it is fine to take it quick. If we had done the same then we would be jumping for joy saying, what quick thinking. So with regards to the second goal, get the ref out of your heads. We have no excuse. None at all. Basic beyond belief.
I am an arsenal fan for life.
I think we should give no more excuse.
I think the failurity come from wenger who sent team that are not capable of winning a trophy.
Very sad to se arsenal like this.
Please sign a better player.
Love it ‘holic.
I for one will not be offended by your light-hearted observations, after seeing those two conceeded goals if you can’t laugh then crying is the only other option.
Wasn’t the best performance by anyone really, thought Rosciky looked lively in the first hour though and poor Cesc must have had a target on his back the amount of times he was hit..
If Porto were any good then we would of really been in trouble, but no they were the typical cheating, fowling, diving, whinging tossers that we have come to expect from Portugal. The biggest perpetraitor was their striker Hulk who should really consider changing his name to Sulk.
Anyway lets get ‘em back to the Grove and give”em a good kicking. A repeat 4-0 will do me nicely, OK, lets not carried away, 4-1.
Anything special on tap barman? I’ll have a pint of it.
Chin up fellow ‘holics and as Steve T always says
Keep the Faith.
Cheers.
Freaky goals, silly goals, cheap goals. Too often we are labelling our conceded goals in such manner. Easily preventable you can collectively call many. A lack of basic defensive principles closing down (Clichy), tactical discipline (all), sloppy passing (all) and most importantly safety first. These principles seem way beyond Arsenal FC and Wenger needs to take some flak for that. We can look at the player deficiencies but I question whether we drill enough those basic defensive fundamentals.
Clearly we don’t have a keeper in our ranks, the young Polish lad on loan at Brentford may prove top draw in time. The first choice two are erratic and liabilities. I don’t expect Wenger to keep faith with either, if Fabianski ‘just needs games’ then fine lets loan him out first. Almunia on the other hand is 32 and not up to it and never will be. Got to be better than the chuckle brothers we have between the sticks surely?
On row xing it, I agree, but I have to disagree on the free kick thereafter. The ref has a duty to do right by both teams. By demanding the ball of Fabianski and giving it directly to the Porto player, he gives them a totally unfair advantage. He may as well have awarded a penalty, except in that instance Fabianski would have had the chance to save it. The ref is at fault by not doing right for both teams.
When was the last time anyone saw a back-pass free-kick taken so quickly?
I hear you Malo, and fair play for debating the point. That’s what this place is all about. I think you are wrong for one overwhelming reason. I think if we had anybody else in goal tonight, we would have won the game. Yes, even Fawlty Manuel. You know he would not have let those two in.
Do we lack depth and balance? Given those who were missing i thought the outfield players were pretty good tonight until the second hammer blow. Lacking a little something defensively in midfield perhaps, but let’s face it, that isn’t our strong point anyway.
I agree we were badly exposed by the Mancs and Chelsea, but I don’t agree that there is any relation between tonight, and those performances. Both those sides forced us into errors, tonight we made presents of them to a very poor side. That won’t happen often.
OH MY GOD!!! when will we stop making stupid mistakes and giving away games that we dominate!!!
our goalkeeping situation is ludicrous. Our No 1 is the worst keeper in teh premiership and our no 2 is even worse than him and fluffs any opportunity he has!! its pathetic. bring back mannone or ludkic or seamon or f**kin anyone!!!!
WE ARE THE ARCHITECTS OF OUR OWN DOWFALL AGAIN AND AGAIN!!!!
One last point though on our goal. There is light at the end of the set piece tunnel. That was a well worked corner, near post flick, headed back in, bang, quality.
@10 Goonerholic
Must say, I do not think Malo is over-reacting. We have highlighted many of these problems several times on here over the previous months.
“Almunia, Gallas, Song, Arshavin, van Persie, Gibbs, Djourou, Eduardo.”
“Need I go on?”
RVP we have missed for months. The back 4 was our 1st choice minus Gallas. My opinion is that Sol was one of the better players we had on the pitch. Eduardo has done very little all season and I would not have expected him to have an impact tonight. We missed Song and Arshavin. Almunia would have taken his place but let’s not kid ourselves re his ability. We have I think all reached the same conclusion about Manuel.
Spot on Snail, bar one thing. If Andrey had been there he would have been where Campbell was and it would have gone over his head
Would you see Manu or Chelsea make 2 goalkeeping
mistakes like that in half a season? nevermind in one game
There’s the difference.surely after tonght Wenger now needs to
know that trophy winnng teams need good keeper.Look at
other keepers at top teams-van der sar,cech ,Reiner ,Friedel,
Given,-would you prefer Almunia/Fabinski over any of them.
fast track Mannone as first chOice for rest of season and in the
summer go & break the bank if necessary to sign Lloris from Lyon.
Also keep an eye on Myhill at Hull.
Also how many times did we test their keeper?
holic that’s the same ref that denied THE IRISH REPUBLIC a place at the world cup by not seeing henry’s twice handled handball. what goes round comes round they say, but there’s one thing for definite FABREGAS will be a barca player at the start of next season,his body language on the field gives that away and he realises that somebody talking up a team and them actually delivering silverware are as far apart as ashely and cheryl
Steve,
Almunia, Gallas, Song, Arshavin, van Persie is the spine of the side. There is not a team in Europe could lose all but two (Fabregas and Vermaelen) of their backbone and produce results.
Sigh, Cambell scores. the keeper makes a mistake, Dejavu?
@ Goonerholic
Agreed – Manuel would have kept us afloat – as shaky as he’s been recently. Nevertheless, if the squad had true depth in its goalkeeping department (and perhaps in other areas) – there would be no need to bemoan young Fabianski’s mistakes. He has been unreliable in the past, and it is apparent his weaknesses have not either not been addressed or he’s not up for it at present.
I disagree – I saw the same errors taking place in the Man U/Chelsea games. Today’s performance was simply a different and more shocking manifestation of the disease – an appaling lack of focus and tactical indiscipline.
I hope that I am wrong Goonerholic – dead wrong. Help us keep the faith, because man, it ain’t easy being a Gunner!
I don’t know if swearing is allowed here ‘holic, but @26Tom, what the fuck are you talking about? Is there any fucking relationship between Henry’s handball and what happened in Portugal tonight? Other than the ref being a crackhead, that is?
What the fuck is this “what goes around comes around” bullshit you’re on about?
By the way I expect us to beat Porto easily next time around – its the eventual clash with MAn U and Chelsea I’m worried about.
totally agree with malo,we honestly might be better going out now as we WILL be humiliated by chelsea man u or barca god forbid. we WILL have to face 1 of these 3 eventually to have hopes crushed most gooners need reality check we just aint good enough.a shadow of 49 not even that I HATE TO SAY
You’re not alone there, Malo.
Swearing is allowed if it is being used as, say a verb, or adverb, or pronoun, and not being directed at a fellow drinker. Law
Seriously.i hope we play valiantly against Porto but in the end go out,simply because this team is just one more mauling from Chelski or Manure away from total implosion and then Wenger will really have to start rebuilding.
What a joke. How the hell can you defend indirect free kicks if they’re allowed to be taken quickly? Ludicrous.
Holic. Gallas was not missed greatly tonight. Song and Arshavin were. We dealt with RVP not playing. Bendtner I also thought played well and worked hard.
I just do not think Malo is over-reacting. Not saying I agree with it all, but a lot is very valid. You watch that first goal again. Clichy is turned inside out. He has really struggled since he has been back. Sagna, in my opinion does not look anything like the player he was 18 months ago.
The midfield lacks balance for me and you really do not need me to bang on about width again????? You know my views on that point.
The other thing that really disappointed me this evening was the way heads seemed to go down in the last 15 mins. We gave the ball away far too much and with little enthusiasm to try and win it back. That worries me.
The Law – Henry Winter seems to think so, he has referenced the France-Ireland games so many times tonight, including the barbed ‘ the ref usuallty favours those with Arsenal connections’ comment. Ugh.
Good write up as usual, ‘holic. Much as you are sometimes tempted to let the dust settle, I like reading your articles so soon after the game, and despite the temptation to be reactionary, you’re still more measured than most.
I have to say I don’t blame the referee for the second goal. Technically, it wasn’t a backpass, but Fabianski should never have taken the risk – keepers always kick unless sure. And while he was standing in Campbell’s way, do you really think Sol was going to get back? I’m not sure he was actively trying to block the kick.
The one player I would mention for that goal is Vermaelen, who ambled around the edge of the area, unaware of Falcao racing past him and the potential danger that caused. Not sure he’ll look back on the incident with pride.
For me, the best thing about tonight is despite handing them two of the stupidest goals I’ve seen in a long time, the tie is in the balance. I think 2-1 is about a 50/50 scoreline (1-0 is definitely in the winner’s favour).
I don’t believe they are any better than the side we dispatched 4-0 at the Grove last season, and I see no reason not to do so again. Especially as we should be angry, and should hopefully have players back.
After their cynical fouling, diving and card-waving, I would love it, love it if we beat them.
Sorry, had a Keegan moment there. G&T, please.
@malo
Man U / Chelsea would be tough but can you imagine the damage Barcelona could inflict on us? doesn’t bear thinking about.
For crying out loud can we not just have a top goalkeeper between the sticks next year? It’s quite an important position really…
33Danish Gooner.
That was pretty positive compared to your usual posts ;p
I hope we go as far as we can.
Who’s to say that Utd or Chelsk will be in the next round, nothings settled yet.
Same again please barman.
Ok ‘holic. A friend already pissed me off this evening by calling me after the game and starting off with “I knew Henry’s handball against Ireland would come back to haunt Wenger.” I was so mad at the utter irrationality of that statement, I just hung up on him.
And here, someone else is saying the same fucking bullshit.
For your information, Henry was no longer an Arsenal player when he did the handball. It really gets my goat that no one asked Pep Guardiola what he thought of it.
What do you people want? Wenger hears the name “Henry” and goes off to make his finest sword for someone who wants to kill him?
@ Steve T
I think Campbell did a superb job, all things considered.
I am not surprised heads dropped. Anyone who has played the game would know what its like to bust your guts all game only to gift the opposition two goals. They’ve seen the act before, and the reaction was predictable. Sad to say. They may be millionaires but they’re still flesh and blood.
same old same old
TOTAL LACK OF:
ORGANIZATION
COMMUNICATION
DISCIPLINE
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN TEAMMATES
This is nothing new. Over and over and over again.
People will blame Fabianski for everything, it is ridiculous to put it all on his shoulders. And it’s pathetic to listen to AW rant about the ref. Cesc at least was more dignified and classy in his post-match interview.
It doesn’t matter a damn if we win the return leg. We probably will win it, so what?
Imagine that clueless, disorganized, incredibly average lot up against tougher teams than Porto, esp. at away games?
Please. It’s just going to be more humiliation, season after season, 2 or 3 humiliations.
And yes, several of these players (who are very talented) have incredibly average this season. Nasri. Arshavin. Denilson. It’s not that they don’t have the skills and the talent, of course they do. But their form in recent weeks simply doesn’t show it.
People go on about how we need this and that player. And yes, we do need a keeper, etc., etc.
But that is not the principle problem. The basic, fundamental problem with this team season after season is that it never ever learns from its mistakes, it’s a team that keeps doing the same damned thing over and over again, and it’s a team that has little to no training in basic defensive organization and discipline.
It’s esp. shocking to see how little communication and understanding there is between these players when things aren’t going well, how clueless they get when they DON’T HAVE THE BALL.
What’s the point of progressing in this competition if these same damned predictable problems are never ever EVER addressed?
Two soothing herbal teas for Steve T and myself ‘Hols.
Normally Cesc gives very balanced and guarded interviews for one so young. Today was different. He distanced himself from his teamates, almost suggesting “why ask me? I don’t know? Ask them why they keep making these basic errors”.
The bigger picture is we will probably get a win at the Grove. Porto are no great shakes. And all will be forgotten. Or will it?
The problems of the here and now were etched all over Fabs face.
We’ve really got to do more than offer him a better contract. That boy wants medals not moolah.
Wake up Arsenal please. Pretty please.
@ the beast
I honestly believe Wenger needs to revist his grand experiment. They are good players, in some cases excellent players, but the mix isn’t right. There are several starting players who are simply to callow, too green to be regulars. It’s not purely a question of age either.
Some of the players are too similar in style etc…Arsenal lacks the old explosiveness. We are technically sound, often mesmerizing, but I miss seeing players like Overmars terrorizing defenders. If only Walcott…
Walcott. If only.
I think Cesc let himself down with His “school boy error” comment. I know he was serially fouled without being protected, pointing fingers at your team mates is bad and even worse when you didn’t particularly have a good game. I sense he would regret his comment when he is more settled. He is the Captain and these are the times the team needs him. Having said that am sure he’ll learn and grow into the role.
Amen ’74… amen!
I can’t stomach anymore “bright-side, glass-half-full” analysis… He that hath eyes, let him see.
I love this time. We’ll win when we get our shyte together I guess… [sigh]
@40Malo
Heads should not drop. I still want to see the fight. Especially against what was not the greatest team in the world. I can’t imagine an Adams, Keown, Wright, Bould, Winterburn. Henry, Vieira ec etc letting heads drop.
In the cold light of dy 2 – 1 is not that bad a result. I do still think we will go through, and if I am honest I think we will go through comfortably. But that does not excuse tonight.
Keep the faith……
Just a thought for the many on the web tonight who are perhaps seeing too much in Cesc’s interview.
How happy would you be if the captain of Arsenal walked off the pitch, had a microphone pushed under his nose, and was asked to comment on the two diabolical goals that cost us an important game, and he didn’t react like that?
G’night all.
@Steve T
Agreed. But those guys were champions. Delievered silverware to teh club and to the fans. They spent time at the top. Our squad, sadly, are getting used to coming up short at the finsh line. Just short. Which is why I am worried about this lot. They don’t have the winning habit. At least not yet. Whether they wil ever acquire it remains to be seen.
@ Malo
Our great teams in the Wenger years have always had a great goalie, solid, muscular defence and physical presence throughout the team. We are lacking in most of these areas currently.
And ‘holic – the “what can you do?” part of your headline, well frankly I can do piss all about the schoolboy errors tonight, but I have a right, along with loads of other fans who pay through the nose to watch our club, to be rather disappointed to have Almunia, Fabianski and Mannone as our three keepers. A club of our stature deserve better than that and it’s frustrating to say the least that we haven’t done anything about this situation, which virtually every fan can see is / has proved to be a disaster waiting to happen.
If you need a little cheering up, then just think that tomorrow the Mickey Mousers will be playing a team called Unirea in a piss poor compitition that the Spuds will be lucky to qualify for next year.
Kind of puts it all back in perspective.
One for the road please.
What I fear now is how badly this loss will affect out upcoming games. We always (this season anyway) follow a defeat with another.
Malo,
The sad fact is that they do not need the winning habit. Their pay means they are set for life. I would love to believe that they all want medals and titles. But when the likes of Vela and Theo are on 60k a week is it really that tough if they miss out????? 60k a week is a nice compensation package.
Surely Vela isn’t on 60K a week?? Although I suppose if Jay Emmanuel Thomas can afford a McLaren Mercedes…
Holloway2Holland you’re dead right. The frustration is that if we improved one or two positions we would be a real force rather than nearly men.
Too many people venting here tonight.
I thought Porto had an excellent game plan but we were so superior that they only could count on the ref and individual errors to score. We were destabilized after each goal but we still showed resilience and if the ref had been slightly less abysmal tonight we would have left with a win.
Case of “shit happens” to me.
@ Steve T
I think young Fabregas wants to win medals and titles. And quite frankly, I’m afraid we will lose him if this continues. It was not the fact that they lost tonight that bothers me – it was the manner of their defeat.
Everyone wants to win – unless you’re a spoilt mercenary like Robinho. Most professional footballers want the glory. They want to be on a winning team.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/feb/17/porto-arsenal-champions-league poor old Fabianski…he would have to be the player selected for the random drugs test afterwards
Not much to add to your words of wisdom holic. Beer and curry wanted, sleep needed.
How we bounce back against Sunderland is important now … this season’s still alive
@ Matt
Porto won because (IMHO):
1. They kicked Fabregas out of the game.
2. Played counter attacking football, which is now replacing set pieces as our Achilles Heel
3. Poor tactical discipline; Porto looked dangerous almost every time they broke out of the back because our defense had little cover.
4. Arsenal lacked variety in their attack.
5. Arsenal had bad luck. We deserved a penalty
6. Schoolboy errors.
Nuff said.
Perhaps Fab was drugged beast
The BtM crystal ball said, with crystal sharp clarity, “a one nil away win for the Arsenal”. Clearly, it hadn’t tuned in to Radio Warsaw for a goal keeping forecast before predicting Sun rather than Gloomy Chill.
Had there been a talent spotter for Fred Carnot’s Circus in the crowd, he may well have thought that a new star had emerged for the sawdust ring in the big tent. He may well, by now, have been cranking up the yellow model T Ford, with the red falling-off wheels, and squeaky horn, for his new performer.
Fabianski was more Coco the Clown than Cech the Colossus; more Polish Sausage than Polished Stopper; more Kenny the Kipper than King o’ the Keepers, in Portugal tonight. A big red nose, baggy trousers, a rotating bow tie and an exploding hat with a pink carnation in it, would not have looked out of place, as Arsenal’s poor young keeper strove hard to make Manuel Almunia look more resilient than the Hoover Dam in full flood.
Arsenal sang the “Missing Alex Song Blues” against a bunch of blues that wouldn’t have scored until two weeks next January without two, slightly belated, Valentine’s gifts from the young Fabi. While others on the field were below par, his howlers were the difference between a three-point cushion and a one-goal deficit.
I thought we’d recovered from the first reverse. A nicely worked move, finished off with a game of headers, saw sunshine Sol score his second UEFA CL goal in two starts. Arsenal moved up a gear and it looked like a draw was for certain. A winner, later in the game, looked quite likely.
But that was before the double summersault from the high trapeze, right into the mouth of the cannon, that fires the human cannonball through the big tent’s wall. A move brilliantly executed by the entertainer in the bright yellow tartan jacket and baggy purple pants.
It certainly didn’t help that the ref was just about to raise his arm to signal a direct free kick just as the ball hit the back of the net. “Sacre Bleu!” Le Boss remonstrated. “Nein, Herr Wenger, you should have played a goalkeeper between the posts” was the rebuke.
After that, we looked like a team about a yard off the pace in most things we did, tackle, pass or shoot. That Cesc still has both legs to stand on, after tonight’s combined assault, is remarkable and a positive for the next game. That Arsenal should, blatantly have hd a penalty for a trip on Rosicky is now academic.
I think we can win it comfortably in London. My application for the goalkeeping role is in the post to Arsene. I’m polishing up my size twenty black and pink boots with the flashing firework tops and spring filed heels.
An exploding Polish vodka screwdriver with full smoke effects please, barman.
http://legendaire.wordpress.com/2010/02/18/my-missus-always-fancied-bouldie/
there you go gooners.
i for one was left a little downbeat following some of Big Tone’s answers
Why did the commentator keep saying the same thing about “if we had Arshavin” nonsense 4 of 5 times atleast. clearly we were holding back tonight on the wing backs attacking on the flanks as many times we had the ball held up in the middle and did not receive over lapping runs. believe that Nasri and Rosicky are basically same type of hold up players, and a we would have benefited greatly from more direct play and pace from eboue from the start of the match. Also I do not remember us counter attacking with pace more than once. Diaby needs to shoot the ball more around the box as he had more than one oppourtunity to let it fly. It will be interesting to see how we get motivated and pick ourselves up for the next upcoming fixtures..
It was a very solid performance apart from the two awful goals conceded, so let’s not over-react. A word on Rosicky and Nasri who played very well tonight. Especially Tomas.
Bendtner still lacks composure in front of goal unfortunately, he gives us balance in our formation but oh how I miss RvP.
Still fully expect us to go through.
For anyone who saw Bayern against Fiorentina, the referee in that game was equally poor and a blatant offside goal cost Fiorentina in the last minute. The ref was Tom Henning Ovrebo who officiated Chelsea V Barca in the semi final last year and denied Chelsea four penalties. The referee for our game, Hansson, is infamous for allowing Henrys handball, and his body check cost us tonight. My question gentlemen, is how can two referees as twice as erroneous as Lukasz Fabianski be allowed to take part in club football at the highest level?
What are they teaching these guys! Amateur at the best!! Another penalty gone a begging-we aint getting any this season, so forget it but my GOD, what a poor display of defending-totally in line with the defending we have shown against Chelsea & MANU recently. Poor Poor Poor. Poor Fabianksi-how do you rehablitate him now!!
@Malo:
1) They came with the intention of breaking up your play in the middle by committing “tactical” fouls which worked well. But they overdid it and got lucky that the ref took a loooooong time before showing the first cards. Still I wouldn’t mind if we did the same thing from time to time when we have slower/sloppier phases during games.
2) Yes they really tried to exploit our over-publicized weakness on counter-attacks but I thought we did pretty well this time. Certainly much better than against Chelski and United.
3) No they did not most of the time. There were a couple of phases after each goal when we were rattled and they were super eager to take advantage but even then it never looked like they would score from open play.
4) To a certain extent yes. It’s obvious that neither Nasri nor Rosicki are forwards/wingers even if they are progressing in the role. I thought Bendtner is really helping anchoring the front line though. Then Porto were defending with heart once they were in the lead.
5) The ref had a shocker.
6) 2 errors from players who have barely played competitively this season. As long as Fabianski will play once in a quarter he will keep making them. Still he made a couple of excellent saves, he has a lot of potential to be a great keeper.
Fabianski needs to go on loan. He needs to go and play a full season as a number 1 somewhere. He hardly plays a compeitive game so how we expect him to come into a game like this is beyond me. Only after a full season will we knwo how good h may or may not be…
Sorry about the late arrival in the bar tonight, chums. The five hour time difference is a killer. By the time I get home, watch the game on tape, post – you’ve all tucked yourself up in your scratchy pits and you’re dreaming about Eboue scoring the winner in the final on May 22. Especially Danish and Marcus on a fleeting visit from the dark side.
Steve T @ 5/6 – you know by now I’d happily have him back in ANY position!
“40 seconds to go in the CL final. Temperature in the nineties. Nil-nil versus Barca. Brilliant save by Adebayor from Messi. Emmanuel takes the kick himself. Pushes it out to the right wing. Runs after it, picks it up, diagonal run to the far corner flag. Chips it onto the penalty spot. Sprints into the box, beats EVERYONE to the ball! Heads it home, bursting the net in the process! Gooners worldwide go mental. Arsenal have won it! “Adebayor, Adebayor give him the balL………..” they cry.
I love to cause mischief, Steve, so I’m more than happy to take the leg pulls.
we never learn from our mistakes- this is history unfolding its self again, LOSING TO PORTO AWAY- AND 0=0 AT HOME.
Wenger is technically inept, nasri has been awful in the past couple of games- eboue in my opinion would have been a better option.
Wenger is so quick to point accusing fingers to refs, but he is so slow in making tactical changes, that win games- which is why he would never be in the league, of SAF, MOURINHO, CAPELLO etc
apart from the villa game, i cant remember when we really had one killer substitution, meanwhile SAF made a killer one YESTERDAY against MILAN yesterday.
PATTERN OF PLAY- our boys never really had a particular pattern.
porto definitely had one- which was close down, and try long range shots.
WENGER NEVER TELLS his boys to shoot, its embarrassing that players at this level dont know positions to shoot the ball. ROONEY YESTERDAY was riffling missiles towards DIDA. THE Purpose of the game is to get the ball in the back of the net. I really lost count of the number of time i was yelling SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT. why can wenger yell that to the boys.
Technically wenger is not as good as we think he is.
….. But can he play in goal?????? I am with you now. He has to be better than the crop we have????
@ the beast (56). I am not surprised, with goal keeping like that.
before ” boys ” , now “schoolboys ” …
Goalie is a true amateur , unacceptable , should be sent away . Is this guy our goalie ? unbilevable !
Tomorrow , I will quit my job and post my application to be Arsenal goalie .
At 55 years old and with heavy eye glass , I still believe I can do better than Arsenal goalkeeper .
It is a shocking shame , guys , this is Arsenal , this is premier league .
The answer Agdwengo (63) is that Platini is a dick
Lol (72) gunner_montreal. I back your application.
I wonder what Le Professor will think of that?
Defending was foolish tonight but how can the ref honestly block off Campbell and roll the ball to their striker after a backpass? Wenger rightly said he should have allowed time for us to build a wall at least. Everyone remembers Titi doing it but never in a teams box with no opposition cover but the keeper.
Tonight was a circus, we’ll thump ‘em at the grove.
What a mess of a game.
What can you say about the first goal. Only that Almunia did the same thing a week ago.
For the second goal, while Fabianski carries some fault, as Steve noted he hasn’t had playing time either. Where was Sol? Why wasn’t he behind the ball instead of consoling himself? What was Vermaelen doing – again he’s beat down the center while hanging out wide.
As Holic noted, we missed Song and Gallas and Arshavin. But our lack of goals recently is going from a trend to a real problem. The midfield goals have dried up. Arshavin isn’t scoring either…
Listen guys, if they needed those 2 gifts to score on a night when our defense was horrible then their attack is too poor for UCL.
We should win it comfortably at the Emirates.
“more Kenny the Kipper than King o’ the Keepers”
where does all that stuff come from BtM?
I want to slap Wenger and Fabianski ,outstanding my ass!!Time`s up for both of them ,as cik bastard and a moron asking people close to 100 euros to see them ,with this team and manager the ticket price should be 1 cent,enough is enough!!
Full strength at the emirates and we will see them off.
Loved the joke at the end holic!
My first reaction was to rant. But then whats the point. Been there. Seen that. Will see it.
Can Wenger take responsibility instead of blaming refs please?
‘Holic, was Fabianski seen with a large brown envelope as well? Please give me Almunia or give me death, but Mannone would be an acceptable third option.
Can someone tell me when was the last time we lost the first leg and came back to win the tie?
I just cannot recollect the last time it happened – at least in the previous 8 seasons.
….*sigh*……
Joining the others for a calming herbal tea (tastes awful).
The frustration is the repeat of the same mistakes over the years. I support them fully and totally, but when will they learn?
Such is the pain of love….
*sigh*
Matt @ 54. Fair point.
However, we seem to purchase this stuff by the lorry load. Make the driver a cup of rosey and bung him a monkey if he can deliver the next load early.
Gents, Matt is correct, but we are knee deep. Sigh.
Boys – go look at Lonestar’s link above. Big Tone was never a shrinking violet. Heh!
Sajit – how often have we lost a first leg 2-1 away though? It is the ‘least worst’ defeat you can suffer anyway in a first leg European tie.
As for your smug ‘told you so’ attitude…
And to whoever said Wenger is not in the same league as Mourinho, you have to be kidding me.
Damn double post…
I still think we can get through (yes, chances of going all the way are pretty low even if we do win) – but well, we know what we’re like, it’s 50/50 whether we get a comfortable win at home or go 1-0 up, then fail to kill it off and concede a stupid equaliser (the PSV scenario as it were).
Very good write-up with just the right dose of lightness, ‘holic.
Refreshing, so I’ll just have a G&T pleasen thanks.
Can we please get the upronouncable Pole back from Brentford – man of the match performances regularly and we are left with the clowns in the first team?
I am a FC Porto fan visiting your blog to check out your reactions to the match yesterday and frankly, I am divided between disappointment and outright laughter at the general biased, hooliganesque analysis and the arrogance displayed after being beaten fair and square in Dragão Stadium. Period.
Everyone here is comfortably thinking “Oh, we will beat FC Porto easily but we won’t win the CL”. Two seasons ago, that 4-0 was an accident due to a lot of coincidences – while you’re conveniently forgetting that further down the road we beat you 2-0 at home and relegated you to second place in the group …
It also reminds me of 2004, when on our way to the trophy we beat Man Utd tossers at home by… 2-1 before equalising on the last minute of the second leg in Old Trafford, 1-1. Porto was by far the best team in the tie them, and while this 2010 FC Porto side is admittedly not as confident since it’s based on a lot of new and/or young players, it’s now leading the tie and has, position by position, more quality than Arsenal (namely in GK, central defense, wings – Varela and Hulk can be brilliant – and striker – Falcao scores more alone than all your so-called forwards put together).
I expect FC Porto to go through, naturally.
‘Everyone here is comfortably thinking “Oh, we will beat FC Porto easily but we won’t win the CL”.
No we’re not.
‘Two seasons ago, that 4-0 was an accident due to a lot of coincidences – while you’re conveniently forgetting that further down the road we beat you 2-0 at home and relegated you to second place in the group …’
Yeah, in the final set of group matches when we’d already qualified and plainly cared little about finishing first or second (and as it turned out, it made little difference in the end) – hey, if you’re going to call our win an accident…
THE SUMMER WILL GO A LITTLE LIKE THIS
“Cesc ! Cesc !”
“Barca are on the phone for you”
“O thanks boss”
“hello”
“Hi Cesc, Barca here, just to let you know that we watched the game last night and havent laughed so much in years. We are just letting you know that you have done your penance and can come back to us now in the summer.”
“well about time ! my back is killing me from carrying the whole fucking team.”
“we will give Arsenal a nice price for you just to help them out in the countless positions they need to strengthan, espically for a goal keeper hahahahaha, Im sorry just thinking about last night again.”
“O thats nice, well see you in the summer then.”
“Ok Cesc see you in the summer.”
“What did Barca want Cesc.”
“They are just letting me know Im joining them in the summer boss.”
“O thats nice, so you will have chance of winning a trophy then.”
“Well I would say quite a few trophys to be honest boss However they did say they would give you a large transfer fee to buy some players. Maybe even a goal keeper or two.”
“Cesc, what are you talking about, didnt you see my press conferance ? the pole is better than David Seaman. Apart from that I dont need to strengthan the squad any where, dont you think I would have done so in the last transfer window.”
“Fair enough boss I wont be here to listen to your lame excusses any more so do what you do.”
“Well bye Cesc, before you go can you send in Denilson I need to delude him into thinking he is a good player as I have deluded myself.”
Jokes about not buying players and winning trophies. Oh, the hilarity! Honestly, stop, you’re killing me.
Lets all keep a little belief that Wenger knows eh?
Wenger knows Almunia and Fabianski are not up to the job yet has made no serious attempt to sign a new keeper.
Wenger knows this side are two-three players away from being unbeatable yet makes no attempt to sign these mysterious players every transfer window and with Vermaelen and Arshavin signed we are still two-three players away….how?
Wenger knows we need seriously better strikers because lets be honest for the first half of the season we flattered to decieve, and yet he haggled over the price for Chamakh preferring to get him on a free and damning any realistic chances we had this season.
Wenger knows how important Fabregas is to this Arsenal team and despite Cesc constantly saying we need more quality, Wenger stubbornly refuses to accomodate his captains desire. Anybody else think the chances of keeping Cesc have little to do with money and more to do with success……..Will he even be with us next season?
Wenger knows how seriously injury prone virtually the entire team are as the stats of the last five seasons have proved, Yet nothing is being done to address the situation.
Wenger knows that Walcott is not alone in underacheiving and whilst I admire his attempts to bolster players confidence by expressing his faith in them, How about just being honest with them and letting them go out on loan just to buck their ideas up.
Seriously guys, enough of the blind faith in Wenger, anyone with an ounce of common sense knows that Fabianski is a D2 player at the very best and yet Wenger has persisited with him, Walcott is just an unnabashed failure, How many more seasons do we have to put up with him maturing, Cesc himself has said the teams age should no longer be an issue as all have plenty of experience.
This squad has maybe 10 out of 23 players who are good enough for a PL team with aspirations to just stay a premier league team, And only 4-5 who are deserving of a place in the top tier of football
Consistency wins you matches, concentration wins you matches, and winning matches gives you an air of arrogance that you can beat anyone, The Chelsea and Man Utd games were badly needed just to remind us how far away we are from being anywhere near a team that wins anything again.
I will always follow Arsenal as they are my team, but it really pains me to see what is happening to my team, We were sleeping giants awoken by Wenger, but he inherited a damn good team, Now with a team built completely by Wenger we are just starting to close our eyes too many times to be fully awake, We are starting to sleep again guys…..Wenger knows it and thats why he has started to out fergie fergie with his rants at the referee.
These rants are pure frustration at what he knows is the truth, we are not good enough and it is ALL down to him.
Next season, Next season, Next season…….are we Liverpool now?
Chas, take a chill pill. It was meant as humour so take it that way.
Sorry 1971 but it’s hard to read how seriously these things are intended in text form
I think we can all agree that we need to sign 1 or 2 players. I think we can also agree that Cesc will leave, maybe not this summer but soon. Finnally we can agree we needed to by a striker in the transfer window. My piece just pionted out these things in a litght hearted manor. Did anyone else take afence to it or think it in bad taste.
It’s hardly offensive, it’s just after a while the same old arguments about buying players get tedious and start going around in endless circles.
By the way Cesc seemed in that interview he has had enough and who can blame him
Piont taken, most blogs are for people to air their frustrations and along the way have a bit of fun. At the end of the day we are all gonners til we die.
You cannot blame Cesc for feeling let down, he generally gives everything week in week out and as my husband said last night its like from the song ‘Clowns to the left of me jokers to the right, here I am stuck in the middle with you!’
@Chief Brodie
Totally agree with you about Cesc, his exasperation after the game last night was plain for all to see. It seems it’s not just most of the fans who are more than a little miffed with the stubborness of AW’s transfer policy. I’m not advocating we go on a multi million spending spree a la Chelsea or City, but it’s so blindlingly obvious since early season we need a decent goalkeeper above all else. Has any team won a major honour with keepers as lame as Almunia or Fabianski? I thought the rest of the team did OK last night, Sol was great. But for goodness sake why on earth AW didn’t bring an experienced, solid keeper in during January (and please none of this nonsense that there aren’t any available – Jaaskelainen being one). This isn’t just hindsight from last night, the amount of goals we have conceded this season through hopeless goalkeeping must be in double figures. This can’t carry on – but sadly it will have to the rest of this season.
There are a lot of things here that are giving me food for thought – a lack of fight, players failing to take responsibility and always wanting to pass rather than shoot, Cesc getting booted off the park and being put off his game as a consequence, but the overwhelming thing for me is…..
If Fabianski played in goal for Spurs, can you imagine how much fun we would be having at his expense?
At the start of the season I thought their keeper. Gomez, was a clown but Fabianski makes him look like a superstar.
I’m sure we could spend modestly and get a more reliable keeper than any of our top 3….. not asking for Buffon, just someone who can do the basics.
Why cant we ask for Buffon.We are THE Arsenal
@92 Zero
“general biased, hooliganesque analysis”… erm..??? Generally criticising our own team. Maybe you take exception to us not liking your team waving imaginary cards in the ref’s face all the time?
Biased; it’s an Arsenal blog. Are Porto blogs completely independent?
And then you call us tossers…. so who is the one displaying aggressive tendencies?
Ah… we’re an English team. Therefore we are all hooligans. Brilliant.
Fool.
Did most of us think that Rosicky was one of our best players last night, Cos I did and was rightly shocked to see his pass success was only 69%…..shocking if he was one of our best last night.
The free flowing football used to be our trademark with pinpoint accurate passes a speciality, but even that seems to have been lost just lately
I do not feel any better today……..
Re GK position.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be Buffon, I’d be happy as long as he’s not a bufoon.
Do you think Fab knows how to say in English KEEPERS !
Did you also notice how sol and cesc reffered to him as He
The really sad thing is we are all upset by it, but nobody is surprised. Also wouldn’t be if Almunia did the same.
Does anyone know who the goalkeeping coach is? Maybe he needs replacing.
PS7 – it’s Gerry Peyton I believe. All our keepers are good shot stoppers but hopeless on crosses and sometimes makes completely inept decisions. Is this Peyton’s fault? Not so sure. I really liked the look of Begovic, recently moved from Pompey to Stoke for £2.85m. On the evidence of his run of games for Pompey before he left he looked a top young keeper – and yet who’s the one we were linked with on deadline day? Jittery Thomas Sorensen, the man who Begovic will replace at Stoke. Just about says it all really.
AW`s blind spot when it comes to keepers is costing us dearly. Almunia has lost confidence, and in the proces, my support: Mannone had one good game against fulham, to prove he`s a pretty good shot stopper, but then went on to prove he`s limited in other areas as well as inexperienced: and Szcesny, the one keeper I and many other gooners think shows the most promise, is safely parked out of the way at Brentford. You couldn`t have engineered a worse position if you were Alex Ferguson!
As for our CL prospects, I still think we will progress. we should be fielding a stronger side in the home leg with Arshavin and Song returning and from what I saw last night I wasn`t at all impressed by Porto. What really worries me is the thought that I wouldn`t mind us losing so much on Saturday if Fabianski were playing and commited another couple of howlers to gift Sunderland the goals, if it forced AW`s hand.
Spot on ‘Holic, good measured observation of the game and the frankly bizarre incidents thatn followed. What on earth was the ref playing at? Admittedly our team fell asleep but at the same time WTF?
Anyhoo, off topic but I’d like to point you to this link if you will. Something you may wish to spend the ‘holic pound on in the name of charity. Bluddy great piece of gooner memorabillia it is too.
http://www.arsenal.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=517776
Today I still shocked with our goalie performance .
In Montreal , we have one team Impact , one league below MLS soccer league , players are paying 30-40K Cdn a year and they have to supplement their income with odd jobs here and there , and still the goalie is much , much better .
‘holic: “The two goals we threw away tonight were so freaky as to not warrant anything other than beggared disbelief.”
Sorry but in the wider context of continually inept goalkeeping this season from our three keepers were these goals especially freaky? Last night’s errors by poor old Fabianski were just the spectacular end of the terrible mistake spectrum, but mistakes have dogged them for most of the season.
In the cold light of day though we should still go through though – but a Porto goal at the Emirates will make things interesting.
There has just been a press release Fabianski & Almunia have been arrested for impersonating goal keepers. Arsene Wenger has released a statement saying he is shocked that they have got away with it so long. When asked if he would be replacing them as they are shite and not true goalies he laughed and said when dose he ever replace anyone.
More breaking news to follow
That’s pretty much the same joke as your Fabregas ‘conversation’ earlier!
I’m shocked by the level of play among schoolboys. These kids need a kick in the ass if they play like that.
You can’t blame Fabianski for everything, the whole team didn’t perform and it’s as simple as that.
Even though we went 2:1 behind our lads did not really show any mental strengths, they just couldn’t pick themselves up. I will blame the Ref as well he didn’t give as a blatant penalty. If we were 1:2 up I’m positive the game would pan out in a different way.
I’m positive thou we will still go through we have an away goal which is very important.
Come on guys lets not get to depressed by this, we had a fucking bad game and we all hurt, time heals wounds and the next win will make us feel much better!
Come on you Gooners!!!
Diaby is out for Sunderland, what the hell is going on there?
He finished the game ok, no pain but when he came in today he had a swallen knee, for god sake.
Arshavin, Eduardo and Gallas still out as well, when are these injuries going to go away?
Cesc is the real deal. Some could learn a few things off the pitch from our great captain.
“Sometimes when you are young in a big game, these things happen to you. You can be a little bit down but the team will be 100 per cent behind him and help him in the next game to come back to his best.
He is a very good keeper. He had his chance today and sometimes it doesn’t go your way. It didn’t go his way but we will stand up and support him until the end because he is a good character and I am sure he will be back.
Whenever he has to play, I am sure he will do well.”
@Arthur: 120% agree with you. With an injury rate of 1-2 players per game we will consistently underachieve. If Arsene and the team have to focus on one thing this is it.
Too right Matt
Cesc is a real down to earth bloke, well said Cesc!
Ahh chas, still no sense of humour. In the imortal words of the joker “Why so serious”
@Arsenal 1971: Maybe he’s bored of you pouncing in here only when we lose? Or maybe he watched Real M yesterday and understands that building a good team is not only about signing players?
Matt, I read the blog every day. Sorry you and chas think the world will end with a bit of leverty. But of course you are right ! We dont need to sign anyone. What was i thinking. We dont get many injuries and the back up players are more than capable of taking the place of anyone in the team.
1971, could you point me to one comment you left when we won against Liverpool?
I thought not.
Since the geist of your recent contributions is either slating the current boo-boys, tellling us we need to buy and repeating the Barca lies about captain Cesc I definetively can see why some people would not enjoy reading you posts, humour-laden or not. Can’t you?
Matt, you are 100% right I did not leave any posts after the Liverpool match, 22 hour shift on call. Didnt even see the match ! The geist of my posts today have been humerous not serious. Most of the posts of late have been about our weakness in goal, defense or lack of a goal getter. You may not agree with them. But evreyone here can post a blog and air there feelings, while most of us are still upset at the keepers performance you may see the bigger picture and good for you. Instead of berating other posts that dont suit you just skip past them and just read your own.
Humour 1971? Where?
And it is probably levity you are claiming we are worried about, whereas leverty sounds like something you do with a crowbar… So, maybe that is what you are looking for, as it seems you are trying to prise the patience away from some of us.
Fact is there is plenty of reasoned debate on here about our strengths and weaknesses and what could have should have would have happened if Wenger had done this that or the other, which you should be more than aware of. The last thing this place needs though is a doomer, following the lazy media line and stating the obvious but offering no solutions themselves.
Just saying like, no offence intended.
1971 – once is amusing, more than once and the joke starts to get a bit old (not to mention using the word ‘deluded/delusion’ a lot). It’s not like ‘Arsenal don’t buy many players’ is a new topic of discussion.
PS7 @ 103 – Now that’s funny. Heh.
By the way is your hubby a Gooner too? I can be pretty miserable when Arsenal lose it just seems to wreck my day ala “Fever Pitch”. I’m a little relieved that my missus is not really into footy. Can you imagine if we both supported Arsenal and we lost? Oh…actually it would be pretty much like any other day. Heh.
Still, boys it’s only a game played with a round ball filled with air. It’s not like anybody died last night. Well, unless your name is Fabianski that is.
Lucasz Fabianski
Zaabian Fucskils
Hey question here: is the goalie allowed to take tha ball with his hands after having controlled it with his feet, after a pass from a defender, if he sees a striker coming by? Because that’s what Fabianski did.
Of course the execution was a gift from the Stupid Ref, just hope my beloved gunners know what it was and be just as confident and a bit more incisive at home.
gigi
frayed knot
if he’d knocked the ball on to his head
nutted it to his defender
who’d return the favour
then maybe the ref would have let it go
otherwise wtf is going on when the ref and the goalie are wearing the same strip.Isn’t this bound to produce confusion if not jealously issues?
What was wrong with refs in black and goalies in green green?
Everyone accepts that Fabianski should have held on to the ball, probably incurring a yellow card, except AW, who said it was against the laws so it couldn`t be done and so there was nothing Fabianski could have done once he had picked up the ball. Its truly amazing how much b*****ks he is prepared to spout in defence of the indefensible.
law @30 that was a bit over top,twas the ref i was alluding to, first Ireland get an atrocious diabolical call that forbids them from from participating in the world cup and now arsene is remonstrating with the same ref,
I actually admire Arsene’s continued public defense of his players. While he privately might have a different opinions , what good would blaming his players and leaving them out to dry publicly do? None. As we learned from our old friend Harry ridiculing Darren Bent in public is not the right thing to do. I’m sure Arsene has acknowledged to himself that those were poor goals to give up, but is sensible enough to not say them aloud to possibly destroy any of Fabianski’s confidence he has left.
I find the speculation on Cesc amusing. The thinking seems to me to lack any substance or depth. Good for a chuckle nevertheless.
“If we don’t win something, Cesc will go” cry the hoodie craws. To some, this is more than a proposition. It’s a certainty. Worse, it is immediately imminent. It becomes more so with every slip of a goal-keepers gloves. Might even happen tomorrow at this rate!
What exactly is the basis for this? Those who promulgate departure will contend he’ll move to Barca because:
- He’ll immediately win medals in a winning team
- He’ll earn more than he can spend
- His fame, on the plain, where the rain falls in Spain, will rocket
- He’ll be able to drink rioja every night with his dad in a local tapas
- Be able to watch Spanish TV rather than Fawlty Towers on the beeb
Each of these can be debated as drivers for imminent exit. Not one is persuasive in its own right. Even collectively, the whole bunch isn’t overly compelling – ALWAYS assuming, of-course, that Cesc has a grain of character and some backbone. I’m inclined to think he does.
Those who argue this line in terms of certainty, are extrapolating from their perspective of their own likely action of what THEY would do in Cesc’s shoes:
- Opt for the easy reward rather than strive versus challenge
- Join the “loadsmoney” set
- Marry a Spice Girl and bask in the reflected glory
- Get down to the Nag and Duck, nightly, for a pint and a pie
- Retire as a pundit at 28 and join AA meets each day at a time
- Spit in the face of the developmental support received.
I think there’s a good wee bit more to Cesc than that. That’s why the gloom merchants are sitting at home on the couch potato and he’s already an international superstar. I think he takes great pride in playing for Arsenal and relishes the honour of captaincy.
He derives huge satisfaction from achieving huge success in a different country, a different culture, in a second language, in one of the greatest cities in the world – much more than he could ever have achieved at home.
I think he has the balls to stick around when the goings tough and succeed in the face of adversity. I think he’s man enough to take on the challenge of being the heartbeat of a young team assembled for their talent rather than their price.
Arsenal will win BIG, soon. Cesc will be there to see that day (despite what the putrid Pujol and FC Barcelona propaganda machine may spew).
Equally certainly, he will finish his playing career in Spain, as captain of Barcelona. By the time that happens, he will have played for Arsenal for the best part of a decade. I, for one, will celebrate these years and Arsenal’s good fortune in having him grace The Emirates green pastures. I’ll also celebrate his future success in blue and claret. A very special young man. Much more so than those who predict he’ll crawl off to Barca through the mirror in which their own lives are reflected.
A double rioja for me and put “Viva Espagna” on the jukebox please barman.
NetBulger, you do a fair impression of the writing style of BtM, ChelseaBilly and Piers the Plonker. Did you forget to change the name at the bottom of ‘Holics box by any chance?
@ Chicago Gooner…a very valid point. AW gains nothing at all by pointing fingers at individual players for an eager press (who do so well at that by themselves)
Mistakes apart I don’t feel it was a poor overall performance and remain confident that the home leg will cure what ails us. This season has been a right roller coaster and I expect more ups will follow (no need to complete that sentence….). Rosicky was our best player and is gradually becoming a game changer again.
This was the biggest match of Fabianski’s career, I believe nerves crushed him based on his reaction to that first goal. It doesn’t make him a shit keeper but it shows that the deep end is somewhere he doesn’t belong just yet.
Hi guys, does anyone know of a good stream to watch the match against sunderland?
It’s not on here and I don’t wanna settle for Chelsea’s match.
That’s illegal Snir Geuli
http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=65146&part=sports
NetBulger @142 – well said!
Also, here’s a point that no one ever mentions (especially not the ludicrous Spanish press), but that the less rabid Barca fans over here agree with; why would he leave the captaincy of Arsenal to sit on the bench in Spain? There is no way at the moment that Xavi and Iniesta will be broken up. Xavi is a local boy who is going nowhere.
So… yes, give Cesc some credit. Not only for all of the fine qualities that you mentioned, but also for the ability to see what would be in store for him right now. A few more years yet.
NetBulger – for some reason your post reminded me of Tony Adams autobiography.
Tony was Arsenal through and through, man and boy. Alex Ferguson said he was the one Arsenal player that he would have signed.
Tony loved the club so much that whenever his contract was up fir renewal he didn’t even read it. He would just sign it. He didn’t have an agent.
A legend through and through.
Ok. Cesc loves Arsenal.
Cesc isn’t motivated by money (in my humble opinion).
He’s a driven young man.
He will eventually end up at Barca (IMHO).
We (Arsenal) are doing our level best to hurry things (Barca) along.
Remind yourself who his agent is? Unfinished business in the Dein household?
Ultimately, not one of us has got a clue. Just don’t let it be soon.
By the way NetBulger, I don’t find the speculation on Cesc amusing at all.
Wasn’t meant to be funny, AFC. But better to laugh than to cry, right?
Tiring of the thinking that every single negative, no matter how irrelevant, is a nail in the coffin of Cesc’s tenure at Arsenal.
Also, got home late from my local Italian, read, yet another Barca note (Pujol this time). Couldn’t resist putting pen to paper, or rather finger to key.
Well NetBulger, this is the best place to do it. Amongst your own.
Thanks ‘Hols.
Wenger is hoping Van Persie is back before the end of the season. So fingers crossed it could be a massive boost to the team in the final run in. Here`s to a speedy return.
Seems Sunderland have 6 midfielders out, even worse than us! Looks like it’s a much better time to meet them than at the begining of the season when they were flying, drawing against United and beating us and Liverpool…
It’s a relatively good news because our injury situation is borderline comical. The way it’s going we will have played with our best XI less than a handful of times this season. It’s already a lot to ask youg players to play at top european football levels, it’s consdierably harder when their position and the team around them keep changing because of injuries. As it is we need a team of 25 players to click instead of 14-15 and that takes much much longer.
Arsene looked pretty bummed with Diaby injured but after having found nothing wrong when looking for causes of the epidemy, this should be a warning sign to get an independent external audit of the problem. If we don’t fix it we won’t stay in contention on the length of a season.