It's A Reffing Disgrace As Gunners Go Top
Mar 20th, 2010 by 'holic
I should be as happy as Larry, whoever he is. A tidy little tickle on the correct scorecast, supplemented by a frivolous fiver on Denilson to score first at 14/1, have raised the bank balance but not the mood. Arsenal’s 2-0 win put them top of the table, and the quality of their football was simply breathtaking, but I am seething.
Let’s get the venom out of the way and then maybe I can calm down and concentrate on the numerous positives to come out of this wonderful performance.
Tell me I am wrong, part one. Early doors Samir Nasri was pulled back in the box. The referee decided that the blatant tug on the shirt was not sufficient grounds for a penalty, and frankly there was no complaint from me. I reckon it would have been generous in the extreme.
Fast forward to the forty-fourth minute. The same referee, struggling to keep up with the game, is stranded on the halfway line as Thomas Vermaelen and tumbledown Franco have the slightest of brushes in the box. The inappropriately named assistant, Mr Sharp, decides that a penalty is in order, and presumably conveys over his Phil Brown bluetooth headset that in his opinion a goalscoring opportunity has been denied.
I can think of no other explanation for the unbelievable decision to send Vermaelen off. From where he was Mr Atkinson could not have taken a view that Sol Campbell would not have made a covering block, even assuming any foul play had occurred. It was disgusting, and not the last example of the officials at best simply getting it horribly wrong.
Fast forward again, to the sixty-second minute. Matthew Upson is late on Emmanuel Eboue and there are no complaints as he goes into the book. It is a poor challenge. Nine minutes from time the same player deliberately handles in the box to prevent the ball from reaching Cesc Fabregas who is bursting clear of the last defender and would surely have an outstanding goalscoring opportunity.
What does our official do? At very least that is a second yellow no matter how you interpret the law. Not to this incompetent it isn’t. Not even a word is administered, let alone the one red card that should have been issued in the match.
Enough of that man, for now. Time to concentrate on so many positives. Care to cast your mind back not too long when it was almost fashionable to berate Alex Song and Emmanuel Eboue? I’ll hold my hands up. I’m sure I did it. So it is time for some payback. These two players have been very good for most of the season, and today both were absolutely outstanding.
Then there was Samir Nasri, kicked from pillar to post throughout, who worked overtime and showed some fabulous touches before hobbling off with a quarter of an hour to go. Nasri is the apprentice to the sorcerer that Cesc Fabregas has undoubtedly become. that fantastic midfield looked even better in the last half-hour when Abou Diaby appeared.
Denilson was, well Denilson. He doesn’t do the stuff that is appreciated, and sometimes he is caught dwelling a little long on the ball, but he was denying West Ham time and space when they were looking to press, which to their credit they did rather more than expected, and he struck the superb opener in five minutes to land me an unexpected bonus.
Another much-maligned, by me too, was responsible for maintaining our advantage. Manuel Almunia produced the crucial penalty save after Phil Sharp’s horrendous call. That save was made better by his relative inactivity up to that point. Things are turning full circle for him. Thanks Manuel.
Down to ten men, we wondered if we might regret not adding to that opening goal before the first of the officiating cock-ups. It was nervous stuff, for sure, but when Cesc planted the second penalty of the match that was bound to clinch top spot for the Gunners, if only for a day.
Now clarification, if it is needed, of Thomas Vermaelen’s suspension. He gets just one match for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Yes, I know he didn’t, you know he didn’t, and by now Mr Magoo and his assistant know he didn’t, but it is too late for that. The FA have the power to increase it if they deem it necessary, but that cannot happen in this case as they will try to let the furore die down over their officials’ poor performance.
A three game ban would almost certainly have destroyed the championship chase. now we just have to outscore our old friends in Birmingham next week without either of our recognised first-choice central defenders. How ironic is it that St Andrews once again looms large in an Arsenal title challenge?
Cheers ‘holics. I think you have calmed me down, just a tiny wee bit. Well you and the three figures I have withdrawn from my Paddy Power account, not for the first time this month!
186 Responses to “It's A Reffing Disgrace As Gunners Go Top”
Excellent display, Gunners! We’re on our way! Guinness, please, if you will.
Wonderful, spot on right up as usual, Mr. Holic. Can I add that it has been a great joy to see Clichy back to his best- man, when he’s on, there isn’t a left back in the world who I’d rather see playing for us- superb effort and play. And agreed on the deserved hats off to Song and Eboue- it would not be an overstatement to say they have been crucial in keeping us in both title chases. Keep it up, boys!
Actually pik, I meant to mention Gael. He was indeed superb, in a team of superb players.
I fucking love Arsenal, me!
Dont forget Diaby was awesome when he came on. Top quality all round the pitch today. Believe!!
kevnal, I didn’t…
The ref did indeed struggle to keep up with ‘thee game’, noble sir ‘holic.
I am also struggling to see how Cesc Fabregas was trying to chip the ball to Cesc Fabregas when the handball happened. However amazing I think our little Catalan is.
Anyway, congratulations again on some very inspired bets.
And a single malt of your choice for me please.
Excellent post ‘holic. I think Diaby’s introduction changed the game for us. Are you sure Vermaelen only gets a one match ban, even though it was a straight red?
Spot on Holic…!!!
Firstly congrats on you winnings well done chap!
Secondly this bad Refering in the iEPL just goes on and goes on, no wonder why we need tchonology Mr Twat Blatter we are in the 21st century.
Lads showed great spirit anyway, hats off to every player tonight especially Almunia for keeping us ahead.
I was so frustrated it goes beyond belief, I swear I was goingto launch something on my TV set gladlly I didn’t.
I’ll have some Zubrowka barman plrease…with an apple jiuce chaser…
COME ON YOU GOONERS!!!
We are top of the league , we are TOP of the league!
I’m certain Audi. Even got confirmation from a qualified official.
YEAH only one game for none violent conduct, we are glad to hear.
At least he can rest without AW being scolded for not playing our best defense… I hear he has played all our games this season apart from the carling cup of cpurse
GREAT ARTICLE – HOWEVER I MUST STATE THAT 2 YEARS AGO IN THE SUMMER WHEN FLAMINI LEFT AND MOST ARSENAL SUPPORTERS WERE CRYING FOR ARSENE TO BUY A DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD PLAYER. I CATEGORICALLY STATED THAT WE DID NOT NEED TO BUY ANYONE BECAUSE IN ALEX SONG WE HAVE A PLAYER WHO IS BETTER THAN FLAMINI – STRONGER IN THE TACKLE, BETTER PASSER OF THE BALL AND BETTER DEFENSIVELY ALLROUND.
AS FOR EBOUE – I HAVE CONSTANLY SAID THAT HE IS A MUCH BETTER RIGHT SIDED MIDFEILDER THAN WALCOTT. HE CAN BEAT A MAN, HAS FAR BETTER CONTROL, FAR BETTER DELIVERY AND LINKS UP MUCH BETTER WITH THE REST OF THE TEAM.
Great vital win today. great team performance with immense contributions from Fab, Song, Almunia, Diaby, Eboue and the rest.
Disagree about TV missing important games in the run-in being fatal to the title challenge.
This team has lots of different ways to win.
Imo they only need 5 wins now to have a proper chance, with 3 home games. Bham is massive but attcking power and the best midfield in the Prem imo will always give them a chance.
Bham is unbelievably important but Arsenal are better than every team they will play in the run in and they’re doing this without RvP and now Gallas and with Arshavin way off top form. TV is important but he is not vital (possibly against Barca).
Haha Ollie.
I am telling thee to look at the camera in the left-back berth when Upson decides to play basketball, Cesc is already level with, and passing him, into the space between keeper and defenders. It would be a clear opportunity.
Nice to see Bjohnson believed in Song and Eboue –
But don’t lose faith in Theo either.
He’s got match winning performances in him, he just needs to show it a bit more consistently (now where have I heard that before?)
Sometimes when I’m sad, I sing.
I have just seen the highlights again, my bad ‘holic. I relied on my bad stream/too much excitement to remember the thing and reading some (site name removed) min by min updates that said Cesc was making the pass.
It was indeed from a pass from passmaster Eboue himself to the Magic Catalan so you were, as always, SPOT on.
-again: I have just seen them for the first time, on ‘Match Of Ze Day’ (yes they spell it thus here)
THANKS CHRIS – HOWEVER I THINK I HAVE LOST FAITH IN THEO. ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION AND GIVE AN HONEST ANSWER. IMAGINE EVERYONE IS FIT AT ARSENAL SO YOU HAVE A FULL SQUAD TO CHOOSE FROM. WOULD THEO HONESTLY EVEN GET ON THE SUBS BENCH?
Vermaelen should not have been sent off. So, I was wondering if the club can appeal against the red card?
Sorry Adam, no. Can’t undermine the referee, even if he is an unfit pillock.
There was some good banter between the two sets of fans today. When Cesc played the ball out so Kovac (or Behrami…) could receive treatment for an alebit mythical injury the West Ham mob chanted, ‘We hate Tottenham more than you’- which was returned by the home fans.
I also thought their chant toward the end of the first half – ‘Sol, are you going home?- ‘ was funny.
I wonder if the choice of song being ‘Will I stay or will I go?’ by The Clash played over the speakers at half time was directed at Sol…
TV5 will have a nice rest in time to face the Stripey Catalan cunts! 🙂
Adam, they could add another match ban on top if not successful which is pointless so one game only is fine with me.
I hav enever seen Mr Atkinson (knob end) have a good game in the EPL, he gave a lot of yellow cards this season beacuse he is never in control.
He lets players carry on until it’s too late and then he goeas card crazy what a complete muppet!
A pity, but as it’s a one game suspension we will survive. I have to admit Song looked brilliant as a centre back today. I wonder if the Prof. would be tempted to rest Sol and use Song in his position for some of the easier games ahead (for example, Barcelona). 🙂
Reffing aside there were very few nervy moments in the second half. We do seem to concede a ton of penalties though.
Unfortunately didn’t get to see the game, though a win under adversity says ‘season defining’ to me (again!).
How did Song go at centre half? I think at Birmingham Wenger must NOT play Campbell and Silvestre together. He should play Song or Sagna out of position before doing that. I guess maybe he showed his hand already a little today. Denilson and Diaby together can maybe cover for Song. Very glad it’s only 1 game!
Best all-round season in a long time. But the best part is Arsenal is still in it.
Caleb
I didn’t think we concede this many? I think since the Eduaro so called dive against Celtic we were denied 110% spot kicks in every second game of the season.
Adam kinda answered my question while i was typing it up..
400 bottles filled. 385 capped. Balance drunk. Thoughts of trying to weave words through a dark brown induced haze, originating from “8 maids a milking”? – Nil.
You said it all, ‘Holic. Every single thing I might have offered. When I first saw the red card I thought “He’s surely not going to send that Hammer of for a dive is he?” Quite reffing ridiculous, right enough.
Alex Song and Eboue were outstanding today. Almunia’s save kept us in the title race. I was delighted to hear the samba drums beat as Denilson’s strike hit the back of the net. Superb stuff, from one of our most under-rated talents.
I thought the red would mean a three game absence for TV. I’m cheered to hear that he’ll only be out for one. The Birmingham game is a potential banana skin. Wouldn’t it be SO nice to leave St Andrews celebrating a pivotal positive moment in our season?
Well done Arsenal. Keep the faith guys!!
A Tiger would be awesome bartender.
Song and Sol did fantastically well in the 2nd half, so why the need to go on like we will be fucked without Vermaelen next week?
Song played just like vermaelen when he switched to CB. Very physical, but timed his challenges really well.
If denilson can repeat how he played today with diaby adding the strength in midfield, we should be ok without vermaelen for one game.
Id rather we were able to put out our best midfield (cesc,diaby,song) though. It’s great how they have to put all these extra obstacles in our way, as if all the injuries weren’t enough.
By the way, although the ref was awful I didnt think he was biased. Obviously they were horribly wrong on vermaelen, and we thereby got the worse of the decisions, but in the general play he seemd to give freekicks frequently the wrong way for against teams.
I didn’t think upson deserved to go for the handball as I didnt think it was intentional. His arm was out and when it hit he just looked like he knew it was a pen, but there was nothing he could do about it. It was a pen because he stopped fabregas from advancing with his outstretched arm, but he didnt actually move towards the ball to block, it was outstretched before cesc played it, it so I think it was fair to give a pen but refrain from booking him.
The only reason it’s unfair is because of the vermaelen sending off, but I guess two wrongs don’t make a right
Spike,
I dont anyone is saying we’re done for 😉
I think everyone is really annoyed that he got sent off for something that looks like two players going for a ball clashed and dropped.
I prefer to have him in the team and others do too as well so we will miss him. Sol should be able to recover for next week surely. We are short of CB’s and I agree with Adam Song should play at CB against Birmingham next weekend with Sol alongside him.
The problem I see is that referee’s are too old. The incentives should be more and thus attract more people to consider it as a line of work from an earlier age. Also the age limit should be brought down to 40. How many 45+ yo do you know that have good metabolism to stay in shape and run for 90+ minutes? Never mind a 47 yo eyesight.
Congratulations on your winnings, ‘holic. Only saw the 2nd half so can’t comment on the ref’s ineptitude in the 1st half, but great performance by Sol, Diaby, Clichy, and Eboue in the 2nd. Cesc is converting penalties like it’s nothing, which could be a good omen for some of these close contests coming up. Eboue and Sol seem like good look charms to me. Great win, and I’ll celebrate with a pint of liffey water, please barman.
@ Jt : song did pretty well in the CB role. had a very good challenge on Carlton Cole at one stage. He naturally had a little rust positioning wise, but did well.
I would feel very comfortable with sagna in CB. he seems to have to the strength and knowledge to be able to slot in there well. against a quality team, losing song’s presence in the middle of the park might be too much.
Cesc’s runs from deep in mid field into the box have improved so much that he is a lethal danger everytime he enters the box.
Wow , how times have changed. It was not that long ago that Eboue was booed from the field, and it looked like he was heading to the exit door.
Well, i would like to take my hat off to Mr Eboue. What character to be able to come back and play some great football, a real driving force going forward. Sign him up for the next four years please Wenger.
Chicago Gooner
You have to give it to Cesc he improved too, you could see in him how much that penalty meant to him.
Sadly Eduardo seems to have lost all of his touch and pace. I dunno where I stand on him after this season.
I think Eduardo put some good pressure on he linked up well with Cesc and if the pass would have come on to his left foot we would have witnessed a different end product.
I still believe he will come better next season, he may certainly still carry a mental block espiecially for what has happened to Ramsey recently.
He will improve neaxt season I still think there is a lot more to come from him.
God…I think I’m on a mission tonight, Management has gone out with the girls. Little one is in dreamland so it either a film, PS3 or Goonerholic Bar?
Well a great victory needs celebrating in this bar!
😉
Was fantastic considering the anger our boys must have felt as yet again we had to put up with a lot of fouls with no cards and then Thomas gets his marching orders.
Good old MOTD mentioning Thomas but not Matty, and yes he did deserve to be sent off as replays clearly showed he moves his arm to move the ball.
But Sol scares me, he has bags off experience but he scares me….way too indecisive and making far too many mistakes for my liking.
Come on you rip roaring free scoring never boring glorious gunners!!!!
As has been said so many positives today (aside from the officiating). Is it me or has Almunia remembered what made him one of our better players last season (seriously…he was for a good spell)…and Diaby just looks stronger and smarter everytime he steps on the pitch. Arshavin is going to score 3 one of these weeks….wait and see.
Very relieved TV will only miss one game, three could very well have derailed things.
Keep the faith – and to ‘holic – lovely bet.
West Ham to still go down? They look pretty useless…
Seemingly with his form and confidence restored, maybe Almunia is good enough to continue for another couple of seasons – hopefully by then Szczesny is ready to be #1.
Arthur;
No, nothing any poster had saiid, but Holic himself! Saying we will have to out score Brum now as Vermaelen is out. We were solid today and Birmingham seem to be shipping goals now, so 3 points AND a clean sheet are definitely achievable for me.
Alot of arguement here about vermerleens dismissal…some say 3matches…some say 1match…pls who can clarify clearly with an example…bin cracking my brain to remember any…..vermerleen means alot to this title push….
Gook
(Un PC name aside), It’s a 1 match ban, 3 matches for violent conduct which this was decidedly not.
There is no argument, its a one game ban, unless the FA decide it should be increased, just for the hell of it.
Great post holic,
I’m delighted by the way Gail is coming back to form, he’s again out running everyone on the lefthand side. and speaking of the left hand side what has happened to Andre??
I first thought he was carrying an injury but he went on but not with any great purpose.
hope he turns it on against Birmingham next week..
Andry was lookin lazy….he needs to be tightened up by wenger….he plays like wev won the title already…he is very good though..but a better player like fabregas shows commitment everytime…not on and off from our record signing..he shud be the one pulling the strings.
mishu I agree I have been saying the same thing for awhile now. possibility could be his supposed devastation from not being in the world cup.. not seeing the same passion we used to see from him on the pitch.
Bendtner’s link up play has been top notch lately. he linked up very well with denilson for the first goal. he overweighted a couple of through passed but that will come with more games under his belt. He really does give us a different threat and direction with our play, as when he came out of the game we still played well, but left a lot of crosses begging for more as a couple went straight through the box.
I think AA is just a bit too fat. He does have to cart around a large rump. It would tire me out as well.
It’s a one match ban, as some of you has already pointed out.
“A Player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for denying a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity by physical means or by handling the ball, will be suspended automatically from FTCM commencing forthwith, until such time as his Club has completed its next FTCM.”
FTCM = First Team Competitive Matches
http://thefa.com/TheFA/RulesandRegulations/~/media/Files/PDF/TheFA/FA%20Handbook%2009%2010/Disciplinary_Procedures_pg%20305-401.ashx/Disciplinary_Procedures_pg%20305-401.pdf
I thought Arshavin had an excellent game, if lacking in goal scoring opportunities. He picked out Fabregas beautifully for one chance, and I vaguely remember at least a couple of other fantastic passes. I also thought he put in a good shift. He’s never going to be the fittest player on the team, but he’s definitely a first-choice player.
I’d like to see Andrey take some of the longer free kicks. Fab’s delivery isn’t quite in the same league as the rest of his game, and I’d fancy Arshavin from 30 yards.
Good research Lavritsen !
By the way ‘holic, any intrigue on the Bendtner substitution for Diaby? Was that a move strictly in relation to our being a man down and a goal up, or was something else a miss? Couldn’t make it out on the tele… Also, ‘holic: any bets on Diaby’s next brace? Barca?
He just looks more and more dangerous these days…
pires is king
I think we needed another midfielder as West H were starting to pass the ball to freely in the midfield and as soon as Diaby took on were still in control.
Wel thats what i think at least anyway
Well, what a great day. The whole atmosphere around the ground was one of anticipation. The place rocked today and was a great place to be.
The sending off and pen were bollocks. Tommy must have sneezed a tad too hard for the player to go down. The lino could not wave his flag hard enough. The ref was not struggling to keep up with play at all. He was NOT keeping up with play. How he can make that decision is beyond me. He has guessed and got it massively wrong.
Many other positives. AW’s changes for one. In my opinion AW can sometimes make changes that do not really do a great deal. I though all of his substitutions today were tactically astute.
I will quite happily hold my hands up as someone who thought Song had no chance of making it at Arsenal 3 seasons ago. I could not have been more wrong. What a fine performance. Eboue epitomises all that is good about our club. He is producing performance after performance of genuine quality. He has a fantastic work ethic and has become a real cult hero. He is always the last off the pitch and always appreciated by the fans. On a negative I thought Arshavin was poor today. I do not agree with Andy above. At times he is the laziest player on the park. Not something we can afford when down to 10 men.
My final words are about Denilson. Today he was my man of the match. He covered every blade of grass on that pitch today. Even more so when we went down to 10. He was outstanding today but I would almost guarantee that he will get little of the credit he deserves. And a great goal as well. Take a bow son.
On to St Andrews. 3 points there, followed by another 3 against Wolves and by thunder the others will be taking notice then. Let us hope that the Scousers and Blackburn can get something on Sunday.
Keep the faith.
Bump
That is why I don’t trust the guy in black. Have you noticed some of them pointing excitedly to the penalty spot when awarding one.Is is as though thye are willing the penalty taker to score.Where is the impartiality.
I have come across where penalties are given for the slightest contact and not given if the opposition player is wrestled to the ground. Indeed there is no consisitency in decisions. The FA shd look into this. i tell you what. it won’t happen in a million years.
In the meantime don’t be surprised the man in black decides the game. We have seen so mayn examples.The Chelsea Barca and the Pool ve Arsenal cl matches are glaring examples of this.
Today warmed me down to my toes as a visceral memory overtook me, a memory of the early Wenger years when we’d go a man down (Paddy, typically) and still look the better side and triumph against adversity, and all that. The old story was that once you give the opposition a man advantage they actually come out to play a bit and that proves to be their undoing. It was like that today, wasn’t it? But goodness the boys fought hard for it.
It’s been all white wine this afternoon, but make it Guinness from here in.
A true test of character for the players and they came out with flying colors. Its great to see players standing up and being counted.
I was skeptical about Almunia and Denilson but both have responded beautifully. Now , I do realize it is unfashionable almost to realize how crucial Denilson is to the team but I think his importance cannot be understated. He is always there to pick up the loose balls and wins us so many fouls.
He was a bit lazy (which is why he was dropped in favor of Ramsey) but has now responded superbly.
Now the last player I want to see start contributing is Eduardo.Hes had a tough season but I think he is mentally tough.
So its Song and Silvestre against Brum(surely Sol needs to be rested for Barca).
How we miss Gallas :-/
Diaby is the most elegant player in the epl…maybe in europe. The guy is just sexy with the ball….
It’s great to see the quality of the palyers we can draw on to replace the injured or dismissed; Nasri for Cesc, Song for Vermealen, Eboue for Sagna etc. It’s showing the development of the squad. It’s interesting that despite the crushing defeats to Man Utd and Chelsea, we haven’t lost belief and are still challenging. Our team spirit is growing, let’s hope that Chelsea’s fails and someone injures Rooney. I’m still trusting Arsene and keeping fingers crossed. It should be a close and entertaining run in.
Real shame the referring is worse than Sunday pub league standard, as well as some of our opposition. Look at where the hacker that broke Diaby’s ankle ended up.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Smith_(footballer_born_1986)
Blyth Spartans AFC jesus well there you go mate!
Obi. Diaby was fantastic up until he has to pass the ball. If he could improve that part of his game I can really see him making the move to the top drawer. The great thing about him today was that he was confident from the start.
Sajit
Verminator is back for CL these cards do affect his european outings shall we say…
Diaby was immesne his long legs carried him and they couldn’t keep pace, I think he has a very atheltic build to him, he can now keep the ball and how he can shield is another positive!
68 correction please…
these cards do NOT affect him in Europe….
ArthurTheGooner, the problem is Big Sol can’t play Bham and Barca in a row. I think AW should play silvestre and Song ! That would be good vs Bham i guess !
I just can’t wait for the 9th of May to come.
As for next season, it’ll be scary – RVP and Chamakh up front and then – Cesc, Diaby, Song and 38 different options – AA, Nasri, Rosicky, Ramsey, Denilson, Merida, Wilshere ETC’!!!
I’m sure one of the two will drop points tomorrow.
That Ghost, Oh St. Andrews…we need to exorcise ASAP; I would be tempted to give Edu a game there….He has a few ghosts looming somewhere in chest and am sure down there somewhere lies a fire that has been threatening to be unleash for a better part of two years…..These are the boys we will need to whip, real real bad. The war of the trenches continues with the Machine or not; besides Eboue can always assume the T5 identity!
Guys, I know you’ve said it’s one game and not three and I thought so too but here are already 2 websites that say it’s three games.
here, during the interview with cesc she asks him how it will be without vermaelen for 3 matches.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=759072&sec=england&cc=4716
And this is an article stating 3 matches as well…
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2865/comment/2010/03/20/1841690/arsenal-comment-manuel-almunia-goes-from-scapegoat-to-title
Can someone maybe contact Arsenal.com and ask them to write a clarification about this cause this is really worring.
Also, Nigel Winterburn also said it’s 3 games on the highlights on Arsenal TV Online, so this is really starting to confuse me.
I know you guys said that it’s 1 game but I see 3 games everywhere…
Hmm if i am to rate btw my wife n AFC…Honestly it will definitely be Arsenal i loved most…cos it’s the only thing/team i can guarantee of “for better,for worse” in my life, & am always proud to b a gunners everywhere i go as live amidst chavs,manure,badca among d rest even when they mock gunners/me anytime we were defeated…it only makes me stronger,stronger as a gunner. By d way did any1 notice CHAMAHK our new signing midweek, & did u c how he got that winning goal with a header…i cant wait to c him in our shirt next season.
cheers holic, good stuff
Lots of great title-winning performances today. Cliche was immense, his best game of the season and maybe for a few seasons, imo
I totally agree, Obi and Arthur, about Diaby. Immense player on the rise. By the way, Song is also devestatingly silky with his touch. What can’t that guy do now!? (I know, I know- finish…)
Again to re-iterate our fine host’s words- I fucking love this team.
ps. I truly hope Song slots in next to Vermenator against Barca- I know its unlikely, but I just can’t help but feel Diaby can cover his defensive role better than Sol can Gallas’. This may not be a popular opinion (or even a smart one), but it’s in my gut. No taking Messi out in the box with a timed-too-late tackle for me, thank you.
The Times gave Diaby a ‘5’ the lowest rating of any Arsenal Player. What did I see that they missed? I thought he was superb.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article7069606.ece
* Vermaelen is expected to receive a one-match ban and will miss the trip to Birmingham next Saturday.
– from arsenal.com
Cracking result Holic. The match wasn’t bad either despite the effort of one the most incompetent referee in the game to derail of championship charge. Once again Le boss and his team continues to defy the critics and produced a really controlled and mature performance despite the unfair loss of TV.
This really could be our year fellow Holics.
Another Guiness punch please barman.
People forget that Denilson is a DM and yet he chips in with valuable goals for us. His goals are always the ice-breaker. How many other DMs achieve that in the league? Only one. And that is Diaby. Also people forget that he is a two-footed player. And he is not weak – he just likes to win some cheap free-kicks by falling over tad easily. Wasn’t he the player most fouled last season? How can a DM be most fouled? If he wants to be strong and go flying in challenges, then he do that.
You can see I am his biggest fan, in this booland, I mean blog-land 😀
You’ve come for Eboue…
You’ve only come for Eboue!!
If he and Diaby keep this up, I will have to post a new blog entry! 😉
Before I step out of the pub, query this: why can’t/won’t the FA employ an officiating rating scheme to spare us from the Clattenbergs, Wileys, and Atkinsons of the world. The NFL rates its officials every season, with the lowest-rated officials banned to the arena leagues until they regain their form.
This referee/linesman nonsense has to stop. For f*ck’s sake, those “sledgehammers” kicked Fab all over the pitch before that twat Atkinson went all card crazy. Good to know my dawg, Nasri is there to dish out some retribution – I love his little mean streak … he’s a Texas type of player, and you “don’t mess with Texas!”
Great overall performance by the Arsenal. Song and Eboue were absolutely magnificent. Denilson was very good as well and Almunia came up massively big on the ridiculous penalty. We have been denied so many nailed-on penalties and have had at least three of the softest ones you’ll ever see awarded against us this season (the one at home v Hull, the one last week that should have been flagged off for offside and then this one), what the fuck is up with the refs???
And on a not entirely unrelated note, it was nice to see our old friend Kanu score a late winner for Pompey to send Hull one step closer to relegation. Now, I don’t have anything against Hull as a team, but as long as that twat Horton is still there they deserve to go down.
In case you haven’t yet, you simply must go check out Arshavin’s website (http://www.arshavin.eu). It is comic gold – below, a sample:
Q: Why football? There are so many other kinds of sports, but, of course, football is the best. You’re just great and all the girls in our class are just crazy about you! Your true fan.
Arshavin: I started off playing checkers. When I realized that I won’t be able to become an International Grand Master, I had to leave it for football.
Checkers for football… Classic! 😉
2-0 to the arsenal – great to see players that have been struggling with form and or confidence coming good again (Alumina & Denilson), says volumes about how the team has overcome the adversity of the season.
Dunno about the little russian, seems to have quiet games and then unleashes the spectacular – hopefully b’ham and barca are on the receiving end of it…
Re TVs red card:
I gotta say that reffing in football is becoming quite a serious problem everywhere – here down under in the Aussie league in a semi final game there was a blatant handball goal scored (think maradonna) so obvious on television replays but the men in black the middle / sidlines cant see it because they are blind or mentally incapable or worse. And it changed the entire game – something has to be done to get these calls right, I dont want to see a bad decision affecting a big game (CL / PL or World Cup) maybe a huge blunder has to occur in such a high profile way that everyone is beating down the doors for something to get these calls right but at the same time not become too over the top. I think its crazy that we have all this technology for watching games – internet, tivos, digital tv and other gizmos but we still cant get decent calls on the game! How long has cricket had 3rd umpires for run outs – come on! Even thugby has a 3rd umpire rulings on 50/50 calls on tries!
Nice touch ‘holic and nice blog. Clichy is LANS (compared to Gael of up to 3 weeks ago). Nothing just right now, cheers all the same.
*sips tea and waits for pain killers to kick in*
does he really mean chess – i.e. lost in translation somewhere?
Holic drinks all round I think
Excellent blog sir !
You pionted out the failings of a totally inept offcial if he can be called that. Spot on.
As for the game, well for once I wasnt worried when we went down to ten men. I dont know why, I just had the feeling we would win I think its the last couple of days of PMA ( Positive-Mental-Attitude ) that has been streaming out of the posts writen here of late.
For that I thank all you positive people who contribute to this wonderful blog. “I thank you”
Some of the football played was unbelieveable sheer brilliance, stunning one touch football which had WH chasing shadows. Yes the final ball was not what we normally see, A few times if it was better we could have been 3 up in the first half. But I was never worried, that in its self is a testiment to the belief I have in this team.
Can anyone here just clear somthing up for me ?
Has Chamakh signed for us or just said he would.
re: the Upson handball. This is a paradox in football: A deliberate handball is an automatic yellow card. An accidental handball is not a freekick. Ergo – every handball given is deliberate and therefore requires a caution.
No?
MVP
Have we signed Chamakh on a pre transfer agreement? – cant remember seeing it on Arsenal.com so maybe we should wait and see.
Definetly one match ban for TV – not violent conduct. If you look closely that whfc cheat Franco kicks his own leg before going down– oldest trick in the book not spotted by yet another shit official- Video tech –its the way forward.!!
Quote
“Player Sent Off Under Law 12 (4) and (5) – Denying a goal or obvious goal scoring opportunity
will be suspended for 1 match, fined £20 and be subject to 2 penalty points”
Some Alexa stats for you ‘hols.
arsenal.com 2910
Arseblog oleole 8166
Vital Arsenal 12539
ArsenalMania 22806
Goonerholic 123579
Online Gooner 139344
Arsenal FC Blog 145312
Le Grove 157461
Gunnerblog 163627
Young Guns 173740
I thought Le Grove was the mutts, according to them? Chongster and you head the independents. Well done old ‘un.
Sorry mate, Arsenal World is down, but around 100000, so you drop one. Still the bit about the independents applies.
I just thought of something regarding the penalty that Almunia saved. If I remember correctly, he has had to face five penalties this season (and Mannone one in the West Ham away game) and on four of those he went the right way. He almost saved against Bolton, and he saved against Hull at home and now West Ham. He went the right way for Bullard’s penalty last week but it was too well-struck. The only one he got completely wrong was against Utd away.
Not sure this means anything, but anyway…
Blimey, forgot Clubcall, so you are down one more, and Arsenal Times which is behind you but takes LeMoan out of the top ten. 🙂
What agreat performance by the “BOYS” . they finaly showed the will to win; in any circumstances.
Eduado?? well… that’s a sad case. With the horific injury, it would be very hard for him to return to his best. Alan Smith and afew others suffered thesame fate. How sad. Hopefully,Ramsey wil follow Diby’s example. but, with him and also, with Diaby previously, patience is the key.
Back from Tesco with a case of whiskey. Cheers Mr Power!
Glad you have stopped there old, before I’m out of the top ten 😉
In all honesty though you can find rankings that will be entirely different. I’m not bothered by them at all. Hits is not my bag, as they say. Nice to be appreciated though, so cheers.
Whatta match, 10 men and it could’ve easily have gone the other way, but this squad is awesome!!! I’m telling you I have good feeling about this squad; if we can get past the Birmingham, and then the Spuds It’ll be ours for the taking, period!!! Those are the only two matches that put a little scare into me, I just wish they were home matches, but you can’t have everything can ya……. Anyhoo good to hear Rambo is up and walking around and RVP is back in training, has anyone heard anything on Gallas, I mean how much longer he will be out??? Can he make the Barca matches, or is that asking too much?? So we lose the Verminator for Birmingham, right?? I hope AW plays Song in the CB role and not Sylvester the cat, is it me or am I the only one that doesn’t feel comfortable with Sylvester at the back??? I hope it isn’t just me…..?? No matter who he puts in there we have to have faith that AW knows what he is doing, what is the saying “In Arsene we Trust.” Ok thats me 2 cents, good post as always and I appreciate the hard work all you guys do in keeping us non Brits informed on the Gunners, thanks guys and gals!!
‘Holic, if the whiskey helps write so much the better. I was under the impression it was the Guinness but apparently that is for improving the concentration. Unfortunately, Man U did not drop points today against Liverpool. Chelsea probably won’t against Blackburn either but things remain as tight as can be in any case. No doubt the whiskey will help in loosening things up. I had better get some myself.
I agree with soccerfan about the referees. In the game at OT, Fletcher was seen kicking Kuyt. As far as i know if any player lashes out at another it’s the rd card.In this case the ref talks to both players.
Is it any wonder the guys in black cannot be trusted other than by the FA.Valencia was tackled outside the box. The linesman did not signal for a penalty.Yet the ref gives apenalty.
I am losing faith in these guys.Mu better win the title every year. I’m afarid it becomes boring just like some sports where the same guys dominate.
Btw I can’t wait for Platini’s plan to kick out teams who owe banks a lot of money. Then these so called successful teams won’t be able to use money to buy titles.
You ask one little favour from the Pool to get a draw at MU and no they cant do it. Even for your own self respect Pool get a draw and it may boost your teams confidence to even finish in the top 4.
Well people as we thought we are going to have to do this the hard way with no help along the way. Good honest genuine hard work from the lads will see us over the line and to a more than deserved title.
Chelski have kicked off at Fat Sams. Chelski will hopfully get a few injuries with Fats normal style of football. A nice injury like Drogba out for 17 months after a dive turned into a broken back.
the good news is that brum have another game this wk-wed to be exact-against fellow hackers”blackbum”-let’s hope for some sending off,injuries,tough physical match etc to soften,knacker them for saturday!!
we’ve only got 1 song, we’ve only got 1 song! brilliant performance from him yesterday he did’nt put a foot wrong, that dirty linesman needs 2 piss off 2 the conference league, saying that he’s probably not gud enough 4 that league either, well said holic, fuckin luv u m8! up u gooners!
Full credit to Blackburn – BRILLIANT RESULT, they scrapped and scrapped!
We can do this…..Allardyce still a cock
Keep the faith
Thought Liverpool were going to be able to produce something today against the Mancs but their goal apart they were the same uninspired team that we saw in February at the Grove.
But the Chavs dropping points means its been another good weekend. 🙂
Chelsea haven’t been very good away from home for the past five or six months. They’ve only won three of their last ten away games in all competitions – and one was against Preston in the FA Cup, one was a very narrow and somewhat lucky win at Burnley and the third one at Wolves. And amongst their remaining away fixtures they have ManU, Liverpool and Sp*rs to come.
I think Chelsea are more or less fucked as far as the league goes.
2 points dropped! Bit by bit we’ll fight our way to the top! And how many f*#^ing penalties can Rooney get in England!? It’s unbelievable, considering all the clear calls we DON’T receive (Nasri and Tomas only the latest). Sorry to bring up the past, but I won’t die happy until I’ve slapped Mike Riley myself for what he did to us, twat.
Chelski is worse than pool….i knew all along they will struggle at some point immediately after watching their burnley game..they won 2-1 though.theyv only picked 7 out of the last available 15.easy fixtures on paper except man city.john terry and cashley have brought bad luck..more poor results to come from them..i pray for a draw at old traffshit…they still got pool and spurs away and villa athome all fighting for fourth spots….i think manure will fall victims to man city/ spurds..mark my words….its left to us..only if we win our games..its possible..maximum concentration and focus.wev picked 18 out of the last available 18…arshavin…step up pls..this is d time we need u most…chelski is already looking murdered…manure keeps getting lucky…we dont need luck…wev got to put everything into it..simple and straight…luv u all gunners
Steve T,
Holy smoke. Praise for Song AND Denilson?? Is that really you? Maybe you should wander along to your doc for the full 24/7 check-up?
You’re becoming me!
You’ll be saying next that AA’s work rate has Webster looking for a new definition of lazy for their Dictionary. And that, in comparison, Adebayor looks like the man who built the Pyramids, single handedly, in a day, before lunch-time, without taking a break for a kit-kat.**
Keep the faith. Glad you enjoyed the game. How come the bubble blowers were singing louder than you though?
** Now all we need is Marcus on here telling us:
– Arsene Wenger DOES know what he’s doing
– We’re definitely NOT toothless and pitiful
NAH, that’ll never happen.
Holic,
“Denilson was, well Denilson”.
Rather more grudging praise than he deserves I feel.** (Although to be fair you did pick up on a couple of real positives – particularly his goal, without which we may well have lost the game).
Or did you mean, he continued to play like last season when he was the only ever-present when we went on our long unbeaten run?
He gets better season by season. His passing and dead ball games are surpassed only by Cesc. He now makes himself more readily available for his colleagues than Cesc does. This year his work after hours on his shooting game is paying dividends – just look at the last two games – direct contribution to six points. I expect to see him score increasingly as his confidence builds with the results he’s achieving.
He needs to:
– Increase upper body strength (gets knocked off ball too easily)
– Learn to tackle back (he gives up too easily)
I’ve no doubt that Arsene and Pat are working on these with him. We’ll see a world-beater emerge in about two seasons time. In the meantime, he’s better than most in the league.
I just love it when we start with Denilson, Song and Fabregas as our mid-field. Long may they continue to be AW’s first choice.
** But at least, unlike Chris (THA) The Hawking Arse – you didn’t pray that he’ll be injured for every game. You’ve got to “love” that THA (not!).
Thinking of it now, United’s win vs Liverpool is actually very good for us.
I’ll explain.
Chelsea will be at the end of the next weekend with 69 points (a win at pompey and a draw with Villa, don’t see even a 1% chance they’ll get more than a draw with Villa who really need the points due to their loss of points with Wolves) and United with 72 points (taken into consideration that they beat Bolton away) meaning Chelsea will go to Old Trafford for a draw and a draw only since to win means they’ll need to send players to attack and expose themselves and given the standings they simply can’t afford to lose that fixture, so they’ll just take the draw and then make the same calculations we’ve been doing since the 10th of Febuary Vs. Liverpool at the Grove.
And of course Tevez beating Utd single handedly to ruin their championship run 🙂
I’m really worried with the trip to St. Andrews as AW will probably rest some for the QF with Barca coming up (or maybe not?) but I think we should be able to pull it off with Diaby and Cesc in the middle.
BTM, I think you’re way overrating Denilson as I think his worst attribute is the passing, not in the precision but rather in the fact that he blasts the ball to the player making it hard to control and a lot of our players miscontrol his passes due to their strenghts.
On the other hand – Song, Diaby, Cesc are by far the best 3 in our squad and arguably in the world (I think they’re the best threesome but I may be biased 🙂 ) – Pure class.
So one of our rivals dropped points. United now the ones to beat with Liverpool out the way and Chelsea at home they have the edge on Chelsea surely.
Song was superb throughout the game, and Diaby made a big difference when introduced. Eboue is now playing so well that he is getting legitimate free kicks from opponents desperate to stop him. Its just a pity it took so long for the penny to drop. Pity about Vermaelen, but I only hope AW isn`t tempted to pair Campbell with Silvestre. Far better to use Song instead. This was possibly our best performance so far this season.
Yes, he was the best in this game. Not because he scored early in the first half, but because he worked miracles in the second one. He kept on snatching the ball from West Ham players, he was everywhere, ahead of everybody like a “clockwork bunny”.
“In my opinion, Denilson had a phenomenal game “
A. Arshavin (the wee fat bloke with the funny haircut) on Denilson vs West Ham.
Don’t get me wrong, he was great yesterday but he still needs to improve a lot in my opinion in order to get Diaby’s place in the first eleven.
Was at The Grove yesterday – brilliant performance – by the crowd too.
Song was amazing – so too Diaby when he came on, absolutely brilliant.
Hate to give birth to such thoughts really, but, how long before the “Song and / or Diaby wanted by Real Madrid / Barcelona” rumours begin.
And not that I want to see any of them go for one nano-second, but a measure of his improvement may be this little test. If we had to lose one of Song or Fabregas this summer, which one would we hate to lose most? Who would be hardest to replace?
Again, this is a way of measuring superlatives rather than any wish to see either leave. I just can’t believe how good Alex Song now is.
Nice excerpt from Walter Broeckx on Untold Arsenal.
And then we have DENILSON. On some blogs the comments on him are so disgraceful at times it makes me sick. When some people come to his defence and show stats on how seldom he loses possession and how many good passes he gives, some answer with the remark that those statistics count for nothing and the only statistic that are vital are the goals he scored in how many games he plays. Well let us take a look at that statistic and we will see that he has 21 starts this season and scored 6 goals. Now I would like to know how many midfielders that mostly play a more holding role have such number of goals after their name?.
SG, to criticise him because other players in the team can’t control his passes lacks logic. I know you mean Bendy. Nick needs to raise his game in that regard. He doesn’t have Ade’s touch. The big man loved Denilson’s work (and vice-versa).
You misunderstand me BtM. I’m a fan, but the boy is not about doing things that get him noticed, and that is praise. People only notice Denilson when he fucks up, and I don’t want to see that too often. I want him to remain invisible doing the mopping up job and stopping the opposition from getting a foothold in the game.
BTM, I actually saw not only from Bendy but from Song, AA, Nasri and even Cesc sometimes.
I think he is a good player who has potential but I still think that his ability needs to improve a whole lot for him to get a first eleven spot as Diaby in my opinion is much better than him in tackling, passing, breaking through etc…
Apart from Cesc and Song (and TV actually) Diaby has been our most important player, I just love that guy!
…and hello Corny. There is a twist or two to come yet. Write off none of the three yet.
Sorry if the BtM “nice except” comment was to me. I haven’t read the “untold Arsenal” blog – i thought it was original – no attempt to plagiarise.
Went out for a lovely walk, and came back to find Chelsea dropped two points of low-lying fruit. What a pleasant Sunday!
I see the Holic bar is still debating.
I have to agree with BtM I think Denilson has made progress too, he just goes on and on and on perhaps people don’t notice it too much but I have to remind you that when Cesc was injured last season for longer spell (Alsonso tackle against Liverhoof)and Denilson took over and got stuck in and perhaps it took him few games he was a very important part of the team and to still is to this day.
To me this seson he hasn’t really had a good run of games but he already managed to score 3 more than last season which is 6 golas so far in all competitions.
Last season he played 51 games scoring total of 3 golas, this season he played only 23 games and scoring 6 golas so far and the season aint over yet. I think he did very well agaisnt West Ham he scored a goal and was everywhere chasing, he has scored some important golas for and don’t forget if he wouldn’t have taken that shot against Hull I think we would draw that game.
It goes to show and the stats really prove it, that he is also improving but it’s never noticed. Diaby and Song are a bit ahead of him but don’t forget Theo is taking a long time too.
There were a lot of people at the game yesterday talking about the vast improvement of Eboue. I have to agree, and even go as far as saying that I have never seen such an improvement in one player at the club!
Arthur – Without a question Denilson has established himself as an adequate replacement when one of the guys gets injured or suspended and as you said the stats show it.
Also, his confidence boost is great for us and you’re right about the fact that his confidence in the recent games made his decision to shoot at Hull and to shoot yesterday and give us an early lead (that is actually something I’d like Alex to do a lot more of since he rarely shoots).
Well done Denilson, excellent replacement but still only a replacement as both Song and Diaby are having a massive year.
Gunnersaurus is my hero. There aren’t enough mickey-taking, arm-folding, dinosaurs in the game today.
…but Arsene is going to wup your arse fella 😉
@oldgooner: thanks for the finding. I too like many others fell for the propaganda from Le Groan which try to make them look as having some weight among the fans.
Thanks a lot `Holic for this wonderful opportunity you are giving us to join the best Arsenal blog there is!
I’m all with BtM about Denilsom. Last year he was the better player ahead of Song and Diaby. Both reached the age where players step up big time and have overtaken him at the moment.
But Denilson is younger than both and he will step up too. Once they all reach 23-24 he will be the better player again. Better believe it!
Chelsea may not win the league, but I do understand their players get near nightly bachelor parties. I can only imagine the one they had the night before the Blackburn game.
BTM. If you care to check back at my humble contributions you will find that I have been a fan of Denilson for ages now. I have always stood up for him and praised his efforts. You have in fact commented on my views in the positive previously. Song for me wins the most improved player award by a country mile. I was at the midweek Fulham game some seasons ago when quite frankly he had an absolute shocker. We went in 2 down and for me he just did not look as if he had it. Clearly I was wrong.
Not sure what part of the crowd you were listening to. Where I sit was as good an atmosphere as there has been for sometime. The mood was always positive. Even the anti Bendtner mob who sit behind me were encouraging the team.
So Ade likes kit kats???? You really have formed a bond with him over the years then………..
Calm down now, BtM and Steve T. You’re starting to sound like you support opposing teams. It doesn’t really matter who recognized first the merits of which Arsenal player, unless one of us drinkers recognizes them before Wenger. Only until that happens will we really have a problem on our hands!
To me Denilson is a great player, but he doesn’t play at his real place (like Nasri). I think he is an offensive midfielder not a DM, but we have a big lack of DM. I think, if AW sign Melo, we ll see more often denilson as an offensive midfielder, where he is the best !
The other important thing about Denilson, Nasri, Diaby and probably all of our midfielders with the possible exception of Arshavin is that they have the ability to play in defensive positions about as well as they can play in offensive positions, and vice versa. Wenger has built the team to be like that in a very conscious way. We have a surplus of offensive midfielders and Denilson especially but also Diaby are versatile enough to cover the defensive midfield. The Denilson and Diaby combination has been very potent since a long time ago when they were Carling Cuppers together, but now we have the option to put out a Denilson, Diaby and Song trio on the field at the same time which also has proven very effective. Throw in a dash of Eboue and nobody knows what to expect!
all this moaning about which midfield is best/better, we have an amazing array of riches at present.
perhaps we need to remember this being our midfield
Selley Keown McGoldrick Parlour
(sorry Ray)
one thing about Denilson is his final ball and more importantly vision to string together a passing move seem to lack a bit.For example he could have played in a wide open cesc into the box against WHU but did not see it. Still I also believe that he will improve a lot as he is young. And didn’t he captain Brazil U-21 team or something. that says alot about his leadership intangibles also.
Anyone see Collymore predicting Song will be the weak link against Barcelona?
It makes me wonder why I punish myself by reading his opinion in the first place..
In an attempt to tamp-down this needless knackering about who is our best midfielder (and other nonsense – just get behind the boys and enjoy the show, I say), here is more comic gold from Arshavin’s website… pure hilarity!
“Q:Andrey, do you need apples? We’ve harvested a lot of them this year! My friends also have a lot of apples and they don’t take mine. But they are so tasty and sweet, especially “white juice”. It is a pity that they’ll go bad…
Arshavin: I love apples, but on the other hand, I think there are many other deserving people who will accept your apples.”
You can’t make this stuff up.
Btw, Pat @ #89 – I am sure he meant chess… but still, if I can’t be a grandmaster, I’ll just go and be a master-class footballer (classic!). More goals, Andrey… less blogging ;)!
Messi is looking ominous for Barcelona.
We need a miracle. And Gallas.
Thanks Matt,
I was quite surprised myself in all honesty.
Sajit, cheer up please. We don’t need a miracle. We just need to play well. They are as concerned about what we might do to their back four as we are about Messi, I promise you.
Sajit
Just like Holic says we need to play well and make sure that Messi is marked all the time if you don’t give him the space he won’t be able to do his magic. On the other hand that is exactly what they are going to try to do to Cesc.
Keep the faith!
Morning Holic
Trust you are keeping well,
Interesting statistic for you,
2 teams could hold the destiny of the title in their hands,one is managed by one of Wengers best pals,Fat Sam,and the other is our best mates from the Lane.
Both of them have to play the top 3 sides before the end of the season.
Blackburn have just played Chelsea and pinched a point,both Utd and us have to go there,The Spuds play us and Chelsea at home back to back and also have to go to Utd.
Those games will go a long way to deciding the Champions.
One good thing from our point of view is if Spurs beat Fulham in their FA cup replay this week,our game at the Lane will be moved from the 10th of April to the 14th,which will give us 7 days to recover from the 2nd leg trip to Barcelona.
Those extra few days will be absolutely vital as we all know how difficult it is to back up after a mid week CL game,particularly away from home.
For one very rare occasion i will be cheering on the Spuds on wed night.!!
cheers
Clive
Holic – to confirm; the papers over here are bigging up Cesc and Arshavin. Of course they still think they’re the best team in the history of football, but they’re not quite as nauseatingly jingoistic as normal.
That being said, it looks like my decision to make my 2 yr old son a member of Barca is about to pay off in the form of tickets…!
At the recently concluded all England badminton championship, I gave cheers because for the first time in years the Chinese are not contesting the man’s singles and doubles.For starters the match becomes boring.
It will be boring if Mu keep on winning the title year after year. It won’t be exciting and I for one will give watching soccer for tennis where there is impartial referees. Not in the epl where the refs seem seem to favour MU. There are many examples suufice for me to quote some.Against AV and MC the ref played more than added time allowing the red faced cunt to win. Valencia was tripped outsied the box and ye a penalty wa given. There is no end to this bias.
@clive waterman: I agree, it would probably be better to have a full week of rest before going to the Lane so let’s hope for a Fulham loss (I can never hope for a Sp*rs win…) on Wednesday.
Amazing as it sounds, BtM and I are in agreement re Denilson. He hasn’t had a great season, much of it due to his persistent injuries, and sometimes it can be frustrating to watch him so easily dispossessed of the ball. He does need to build up his muscle strength.
But last season he was our most improved and most consistent player. Last season was Arsene’s worst season with us but Denilson was the one of the few successes, tho far too many people failed to see it. For anyone who watches South American (esp. Brazilian) football, Denilson looks to be an excellent future “transitional” midfielder — the type of player I don’t think many people in England or even Europe fully understand. Dunga uses Felipe Melo in that role very successfully on the national team and it’s no coincidence that both players get routinely trashed/underestimated in their domestic leagues (tho Melo got a lot of praise when he was at Fiorentina). At his best Denilson’s interception rate is right up there with the best of the league, as is his positioning and anticipation (which can sometimes be uncanny).
Read Arshavin’s blog and I loved what he said about Denilson. Like some of our other players, he looks to be coming into form at just the right time. That includes Almunia. For Almunia this season all I asked was that he repeat his form from the last 2 seasons (in which he was ranked as the league’s 4th best keeper). Last season he was no better or worse than Barca’s Valdez — I think we can live with that Almunia. But this season he’s been way below par, great to see his confidence coming back. What a fantastic save! Interesting how in recent games there’ve been these crucial, game-saving or game-changing moments that have strengthened our position in the table. E.g. re Bendnter: everyone kept talking about Bendnter’s game v. Burnley, totally forgetting his successive goals in the 3 previous games, esp. that critical and brilliant header at Stoke.
holic, I too share your rage at that idiot ref — my friends and I were absolutely incandescent. Why is it impossible to expect more competence in refereeing? One good thing that shocked me was that we actually got a penalty — we’ve been punished all season long by not getting blatant penalties due to Eduardo’s “dive” v. Celtic.
Also extraordinary to see Diaby’s contribution — he has certain skills that I rarely see in other footballers, the way he can just turn and avoid defenders for example, making it look so simple and elegant.
Watched Barca v. Zaragoza yesterday (I watch Barca every week). Messi was brilliant as always (Pedro also is always a threat, wonderful player from Barca’s academy). However, they conceded 2 goals at the end of the game. Like everyone else, I’m excited about the Barca game and feel we have a good chance of eliminating them (as we eliminated the 2008 holders). It’s after Barca that I’m more dubious about our chances.
bjohnson: “HOWEVER I MUST STATE THAT 2 YEARS AGO IN THE SUMMER WHEN FLAMINI LEFT AND MOST ARSENAL SUPPORTERS WERE CRYING FOR ARSENE TO BUY A DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD PLAYER. I CATEGORICALLY STATED THAT WE DID NOT NEED TO BUY ANYONE BECAUSE IN ALEX SONG WE HAVE A PLAYER WHO IS BETTER THAN FLAMINI ”
Yes but last season we did indeed suffer without a good DM, it’s why we lost 5 games before Christmas, and why Arsene told his fullbacks not to go up the pitch anymore in attack — because the back 4 had little protection last season, even with Denilson’s overall improvement. Teams ran riot thru our midfielde in the first half of last season. Only when the fullbacks were told to stay back did we go on a 21 game unbeaten run (a solidity broken once Gallas was injured), playing really dire football.
BtM:
“** Now all we need is Marcus on here telling us:
– Arsene Wenger DOES know what he’s doing
– We’re definitely NOT toothless and pitiful
NAH, that’ll never happen.”
You’re a REAL tool, aren’t you? Just because I don’t like Ade and because I DARE to criticize some of our performances means you can box me into your little stereotype box and predict exactly what I think. It’s YOU who believes Arsene DOESN’T know what he’s doing since he willingly let go your “trophy-winning” BEST STRIKER IN THE WORLD and REFUSED to let him come back when he asked to. Something you persist in failing to recognize — why do YOU think Arsene doesn’t know which players should go and which should stay? You’re the one who thinks Arsene doesn’t know what he’s doing since he let go the ONE player who’d be winning a bagful of trophies.
In your little world, every single gooner who dares to make criticisms is negative about everything, hates Arsene and can be put in your convenient, simpleminded little “doomer” box. Your world is a very simplistic black and white one, isn’t it? Must be nice to live in it, very easy for you to identify your enemies and friends that way — and dismiss any argument that doesn’t fit into your small little world.
I would genuinely prefer to carry on an intelligent, informed, measured discussion and debate with you. I would genuinely like it if you could handle it when some gooners dare to express disappointment, frustration, exasperation, criticism. But I guess there’s only ONE script your black-and-white mind allows and anything that veers from it you ignore and dismiss. I have quite often posted positive things on this blog, something your black-and-white mind obviously can’t handle (because it doesn’t fit into your petty stereotype of me) so you dismiss it.
And YES — any one claiming any ability to judge a football match with any clarity, knowledge and objective judgment (something you clearly aren’t capable of) would tell you we were toothless and clueless against Chelsea and Utd. Subsequent positive results don’t change that very basic, hard, cold FACT. Unlike you, I’m interested in talking about football — something you clearly are not interested in doing.
Steve T: “BTM. If you care to check back at my humble contributions you will find that I have been a fan of Denilson for ages now. I have always stood up for him and praised his efforts.”
You don’t understand, Steve, BtM can’t cognitively grasp the concept of an ongong, evolving, nuanced discussion on blogs–how people sometimes post doubts and criticisms and then change their minds once things change. To him, everything is black and white: you’re only allowed to post ONE positive script about every single Arsenal player, you can’t express frustrations or doubts, even if you clearly say that you have faith the player will improve or that the jury’s still out or that you’re on the fence. To BtM, blogs must be propaganda arms of Arsenal.com.
I’ve already posted too much here but just wanted to add one thing about Eboue:
The reason fans have embraced him is how he reacted to the awful treatment he received from the home crowd at that game v. Wigan. The 3 players who received the most abuse (Eboue, Bendtner, Denilson) all put their heads down, didn’t complain, worked hard and improved their performances.
That’s called professionalism, team spirit, and a refusal to let ego get in the way. It’s a good reason why AW continues to believe in these players and doesn’t sell them.
Youza!! Btm and Marcus, you guys need to chill a bit.
On an optimistic note, aside from Messi playing like he descended from heaven, haven’t Barca looked a bit lackluster of late? I’m fully aware of the Stuttgart result, but I wouldn’t say they are firing on all cylinders. Titi and even Ibra have cooled significantly, and Yaya isn’t on top form. This is not last year’s Barca, in my humble view. Am I pipedreaming?
Marcus,
Theres a few like that in both camps i must add, Not sure id be putting out the buntng for Denilson after one god game mind as hes an awful long way to go to make it at Arsenal, Especially after the howlers against Stoke and United he just dosent strike me as strong enough or pacey enough to play the holding role and dosent have the range of passing or ability to beat players to be an attacking centre mid hopefully he will prove me wrong like Eboue has done but for me he will always be a squad player at best,
With regards Eboue he will be a key ke man against Barca as Wengers bound to deploy him on the same flank as what messi will start from to try and double up on him lets hope his improvement continues apace.
The only way to stop Messi is to kick him ! Every time he fall on a tough midfielder or wingback he is out of the game !
That’s the way Ramos do vs Messi !
But we should not talk to much about Barca, because the game in Bham will be very very tough !
And i hope Sol won’t play in Bham !!! He can’t to go on 2 games in a week !! I want him to be rested for the CL ! Bham’s forwards aren’t that good, Silvestre and Sol could manage them !
Marcus: take it down please. Recently every time someone disagrees with your point you come up with ad hominem attacks and/or abusive language. It’s normal to disagree, there’s nothing personal about it so don’t make it personal when it does not need to be.
Guys,
The club has appealed Vermaelen’s suspension, hope that’d work out.
For Barca I was thinking playing Man marking with some players, with Song on Messi, Diaby on Xavi and Eboue and Sagna on the right wing on Iniesta. That should do it 🙂
“It will be weird for me to step on the pitch, even if it’s at the Emirates and not Highbury, with another shirt on.”
When asked if he would celebrate a goal, he added: “Forget about it. No. I do not want to play against Arsenal, simple as that.
“The bond that I have with the Arsenal fans I will never get anywhere else. Because I don’t think I will ever play for another team for that long.
——————————-
Thierry on Sky sports. Just curious what Barca fans make of such statements.
The feeling is mutual, Henry.
The club have decided to appeal Thomas Vermaelen’s red card against West Ham http://bit.ly/ac0jOV
Am not sure i agree with the decision!!
The club is appealing not only to get the ban lifted (99.9% chances it won’t happen anyway) but to influence the FA and the refs who will have on their mind not to mess up again against Arsenal who are already victims. Given how close the race is every little thing helps. Rednose is doing the same thing when he is complaining about Mascherano not being redcarded even if he knows exactly that the foul was not a penalty.
There do seem to be a lot of thirsty people in the bar the last few days. I guess that’s what the smell of victory around the place can do! Arsenal do seem to be slowly moving up the table, I must say. Please send over a Kronenbourg and I’d like to offer a toast to Manuel Almunia for saving that penalty. Cheers!
““Forget about it. No. I do not want to play against Arsenal, simple as that.”
If that isn’t love for the Arsenal, I don’t know what else is. I can’t imagine any other professional coming out and saying something like that.
There’s only one Thierry Henry!!!! Legend. That interview actually brought tears to my eyes, I couldn’t help it. A toast to TH14!
For all those who think that to deal with Messi “we just have to…” here’s the videos of the last 2 Barca games (in which he scored 3 goals each time):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgScIrXCBBg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFYXvfw8eso
Messi is the best player in the world at the moment and we are very lucky to have possibly the best left back there is who is just starting to peak at the right time. But even Clichy will find Messi to be a handful.
Then it’s obvious that neither Sol nor Silvestre have what it takes to deal with Messi which is why I’m guessing that Song will deputize for Gallas while Diaby and Denilson will anchor the midfield.
If TV’s appeal doesn’t succeed don’t the FA have the option of increasing the ban? Dangerous game to play if so….
Clichys good but hes far from the best there is!! Theres 2 better in the premier league alone
Denis @ 157 – “the only way to stop Messi is to kick him”. Mmmm – cast your mind back to the Barcelona v Real Madrid last season – Ramos sent out Madrid with clear instructions to foul Messi on a rotational basis yet Barca went on and humped them. And every time Messi got kicked he just got back up and took them on again. He is a special talent and gutsy little bugger.
Besides, we are not feckin Stoke City – lets take Barcelona on at football and may the best team win.
Apologies all, I was intending to write tonight, but got stuck into a maintainance job that is turning into a major clean-up of the system.
Still it’s running!
And if we could try not to get personal when debating I would be grateful. I know it isn’t easy, and how wound up I sometimes get when I am sure someone is arguing black is blue. As I’ve said before you cannot see someones face, or read their intentions, when you are just reading cold type, and people who might otherwise get on like a house on fire just clash. Try and keep that in mind.
Cheers all.
Zicoinexile, don’t get me wrong ! Im not asking to play like an allardyce side ! I m just sure that we ll need a tough player on him… and Eboue isnt this king of player !
And regarding messi’s game vs ramos last season ! Messi was quiet during all the game, he scored when Real put Barca under pressure. Almost the same goal as pienaar’s goal vs us at the emirates !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrdXkRw1ork
cya 😉
Denis – I got my fixtures the wrong way round – it was the game in Madrid – Barcelona scored 6, Messi got two of them.
In any event, I stand by what I said – let’s take Barcelona on playing the game the way it should be played. He’s far from their only danger – but they will be just as worried about some of our players, especially with their ropey defence. 🙂
Hey, it’s been a real live one today here ‘Hols. See what you’ve started. One honest opinion about Denny and BAM! You’ve split this blog like Moses! 😉
what can I possibly add to this debate without fanning it?
Gilberto comes to mind. We only ever knew what he brought to the table when he didn’t play through injury (coincidently a back injury I think). In ‘Hols words he was our invisible man. Quietly efficient. Breaking up play and giving simple passes. Wenger loved him. We wondered why. He left. We realised.
Anyhow, we can all have differing opinions. That’s the beauty of blogs like this. As ‘Hols says ‘don’t get personal’. And I would add, don’t stoke the fire.
I wonder if Messi would get up if he was on the end of a Sol ‘blood and thunder’ tackle! Heh! Wouldn’t hurt – might be worth a yellow?
We will definitely have a pop at them even though they have Messi, he ain’t God guys come on. Yes he is the best player in the world but we can’t be scared of him especially our lads and I hope they wont read too much into this as they need to be 110% and as long as I will see sheer determination and commitment on the pitch I will not fault any player for trying.
Now support your team and stop arguing my fellow ‘Holics
Penalty shoot out.
4-3 to us.
Titi takes the last kick.
Who’s with me…
“Thierry Henry, Thierry Henry, Thierry Henry, Thierry Henry”
He wouldn’t, would he?
He bloody well would! And he would celebrate with us! Bang goes his Barca career! Player coach at the Arse!
Hey, we can dream…
Though I absolutely loved what he said, I fear that Thierry is digging his own grave at Nou Camp. How can you expect Barca fans to cheer him after such statements.
I would definitely know that I owuld be mighty pissed if I was a Barca fan.
Come back to the Grove, Henry!
“If it was just about league games left, I’d probably put my money on Arsenal. But with the Champions League we will see what that takes out of them.”
http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2010/03/22/1844488/only-arsenal-can-challenge-manchester-united-for-premier
Thierry Henry? No
Patrick Vieira? No
Tony Adams? No
Roy Keane the cuntish thug? Yes! Even he believes in us…
Sajit: T.Henry is only at Barca for a couple more months and I think he could not care less at this point.
Like Paddy and Bobby Thierry is on the decline, he does not make the cut anymore at Barca and wouldn’t either for us. It’s sad but such is a footballer’s life. Like Bobby and Paddy he isn’t very far away from retirement but let’s hope this generation will produce golden managers!
Matt thats surprised me i didnt realise he was coming to the end at Barca i thought he would be there a while longer yet, I will say tho the last few times ive seen him worryingly hes looked a lot more like the Thierry of old before his back problems and just wonder if hes found a cure or a prevention as he has seemed to have an extra yard of pace compared to his previous 2 seasons, Be interesting if his contract is running out where he will plot up next would say america but cannot see him wanting to be that far from his kid so maybe France,
Matt – I like it “Cuntish Thug”. Can I add something? Just a little seasoning? How about “Cunt Bucket”?
Really keen to see how this appeal goes! Will be such a bonus if they get him off, but like most I’m thinking its likely they will give him an extra game.
Yeah, interesting gamble this appeal. Either Wenger was seriously concerned about playing Silvestre/Song and/or seriously thinks that the appeal will work. I didn’t expect it, either way. Although I have to admit, I appreciate Silvestre’s hard work and apparent positive attitude on the team, but I could go with never seeing him play for us again. He just seems always in danger of being off the pace. Let’s hope for Song/ Vermelean at B’Ham.
On another note…
Guardiola: ‘Honestly the very last team we wanted to draw was Arsenal.”
Damn straight.
Well, there it is. Appeal dismissed, but no additional game added. A little fear and intrigue come and gone, I guess.
“Penalty shoot out.
4-3 to us.
Titi takes the last kick.
Who’s with me…
“Thierry Henry, Thierry Henry, Thierry Henry, Thierry Henry”
He wouldn’t, would he?”
er…my heart’s already beating furiously just thinking about that. Obviously we’d want him not to score but can you imagine the emotion at that moment…particularly for him? I’d want Almunia to save that and then burst into tears.
highly unlikely they’d have him taking the last kick. but i just wonder if thierry’s major drop in form since arriving at Barca is simply because he hasn’t settled there yet? we will never know if he still actually has the ability to light it up like he did with us – unless of course he returns to us next season ; )… one can only dream.