A Bad Day At The Office
Apr 15th, 2010 by 'holic
You had one. I had one. The long forgotten feeling of losing to the neighbours with as good a side as we could put out started to bite today, rather than last night when the need to get a quick blog out kept me occupied on getting down the facts of the matter.
They wanted it more? Admitted. They scored a great goal? Check. Praise their determination and application? Done. I was a good blogger seeing both sides of a grubby little coin. I don’t feel that way now. Today was the day the last week hit. Let me say that again because I don’t want to be misunderstood. The last week fuelled my day of ire. Not the last eight months of progress and excitement under difficult circumstances, just this week.
Last Tuesday afternoon we were Champions league quarter-finalists and Premier League contenders. True, we were without five of our six most consistent performers. That would be a major hindrance, I’m sure we knew, but those coming in could be relied upon to give their all, surely?
Now that is where my problem starts. That is where my hackles rise. Nobody could be too surprised that we lost to Barcelona. They were a special footballing side. What surprised me was the fact that those great players not only imposed themselves on the game with their fabulous possession football, but they also worked damned hard to get it back on the occasions that they lent it to us.
I made the point after the match, ‘Hopefully the lessons we were taught today will lead to a new determination…’, but I don’t think we did much revision in our week off. Tottenham, like Barcelona, looked like they wanted it more, and worked their socks off to win their cup final. The similarities between our opponents end there.
Whilst Barcelona would probably still have beaten us without their prodigious labour, the opposition at the Lane had little to offer but hard graft, sweat, and discipline. If you ever wondered how some of our opponents felt when we stuck out a Selley, Morrow, Hillier midfield and ground out single goal triumphs, well now you have a clue.
That hard graft has to start on Sunday at Wigan, and be carried into the final three games with Manchester City, Blackburn, and Fulham. It has to start on Sunday because we will have Mikael Silvestre in the centre of the defence, and Manuel Almunia in goal. It has to start on Sunday because we can still finish higher than third in the Premier League. Most of all though it has to start on Sunday because, as Arseblog pointed out today, the magnificent travelling Gooners have sold out our allocation of tickets at Wigan, and deserve a performance.
It’s time we started to show the application we had in the opening months of the season. The silverware may be gone for another year, but there is pride to be salvaged, and supporters to be repaid for another season of incredible backing. Come on Arsenal!
Just-Football Interview
So now I have alienated all my regulars with a rant, can I point out an interview that I did last weekend with Jonathan at Just-Football which was published yesterday. In the days that followed the Lady Nina story has broken and the title has been surrendered, so you can see the last known sighting of the eternal optimist that was ‘holic for yourself.
You can see the interview here, at www.just-football.com, and then come back and slaughter me again!
Thank you ‘holics
Enough of me now. I’m sure you will come back and restore my faith in the drinks that follow. I know because I was up until the very early hours watching you deal with our friends and neighbours who obviously don’t have any decent blogs of their own to crow on. I know because of the huge quality I have seen today in the comments.
Not everybody posts stuff I agree with, but by and large you all explain yourselves very well, and that is all I can ask. I don’t want a site where the abuse flows, it is true, but I do want somewhere that people can discuss opposing points of view and not feel threatened, or provoked into a response they don’t really mean.
So far, so good, and that is down to you.
Cheers, ‘holics.
118 Responses to “A Bad Day At The Office”
The title may be gone, but an automatic Champions League place is nothing to be scoffed at. Especially, after the World Cup. Can Man-U drop three points between now and the end of the season. Yes.
Win the next game.
A nice ale for me, barman.
One defeat in The League in 10 years is still something to be pretty proud of.
I thought there would be a post 😉
Cognac please.
I agree with some of that
Top shelf please guv!
Can I revisit my post of last week:
Experienced replacements required: Keeper; Centre Back; Centre Midfield (Defensive); Centre Forward.
Smarting from last night. The silver lining was Van Persie in the last 20. He looked electric from the off, and with a little luck could have had a brace.
Heh!
The bit about the first eight months, you mean, jackster 😉
I can honestly say I’m over it.
There’s always next year, and we are not a small club.
A glass of chilled Muga please ‘holic.
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Chin up and move on!
Our day will come and I promise that day wont be nice for Sp*rs
Oh Sajit, thank you.
I know I am i a fug when you are telling me to cheer up.
Love it 🙂
can someone tell me wheter if we finish third we are guaranteed an automatic champions league place? i am having contrasting views about this.
Blimey holic,
that post was a bit down beat for your goodself I normally pop into this bar to raise my spirits and keep my emotions in check, I’ll let you off this once tho as getting beat by them is enough to send anyone into a downward spiral 😉
I said in my post last night I wouldn’t rant until a good nights kip and I’m glad I didn’t as some that didn’t deserve the ire would have got some, I’m with you in that certain members of our squad think they can coast thro games without putting in the hard yards and that the technical ability they posses is enough well they need to take a long hard look at themselves and decide if they want to be winners as far to many times this season it’s been left to the likes of cesc to grab and drag them over the winning line, And I think Reading Wengers interviews he may well have realised this too,
you can be the best player in the but without the passion heart and winning mentality your just another adebayor:)
the great thing about football is that in 4 months time we start all over again 🙂 and if anyones still got the blues stick on fever pitch always works for me ;)))))
Evening Holic & Holic`s
AS you once pointed out to me Holic you are well entitled to a rant now and again.
I have to say i agree with 99% of your blog most of the time and today is no exception. I think most regulars will appreciate your pionts and will be as disappointed as you are in the way we have surrendered our fine position in the league and CL. To say we surrendered it may be a bit harsh, but never the less we went out with a squeak and not a roar.
The start of the season we closed down everything that moved and still played some fantastic football so hard work and class football can go hand in hand. I think Barca proved that without a shadow of a doubt. Maybe the small squad and terrible injuries have taken there toll and the legs just are not there at the moment. Tired minds showed last night I believe that with the same players out there 6 months ago would have won. Teams like Barca have came up against fine defences over the last couple of seasons and still found the back of the net with ease.
Sorry for to many references to barca but if you want to be the best i think they have the best blue print to follow and in saying that i believe we are not that far off having the right ingredients to match them.
So lets hope the lads can finish the season on a high with 4 wins and maybe nick 2nd spot which is a improvement on last season. The boss has stated he needs to buy and that can only be a good thing. I just hope they are proven players and not brought for their potential. A few final pieces of the puzzle and we will be on the road to glory.
I Believe
Sp*rs delusion has hit new levels. Read spurs.vitalfootball.co.uk for proof.
Another DVD hit the market yesterday.. Next in line is a parade.Way to go Sp*ds
I wouldn’t give them the time of day, Sait. We have far bigger fish to fry.
Don’t know why people are saying to fire the entire Arsenal medical staff. If there is a medical reason I’d love to hear it but please don’t say to get rid of them simply because we have had so many injuries. My other gripe is people saying to offload a handful of players when all we need is a new face or two and a tweak here and there. Almunia is not the best and can certainly be criticized but I don’t think he is a bad keeper and if we bring in a new number one I think Almunia would be a fantastic backup. Silvestre is the only one we should offload in my opinion but I want to have just one relatively injury free season and see how well we can do. ‘Holic if that is the extent of your rant you are certainly among the most level heads out there. Let’s win the next game!
joseph,
yes, the top three automatically qualify for the group phase and the fourth placed club will play a qualifier, but won’t be seeded.
Joseph, I didn’t realize UEFA had changed things and provided three automatic Champions League places for the EPL. Still, I want to finish above Man U.
Not that Im too happy Holic,but Im going to leave the scathing criticism till season ends.
Definitely a couple of players out there who dont deserve to wear the red and white
Does anyone else think that Almunia, Diaby and Bendtner wouldn’t ever make the sp*rs bench.
the barca game could of ended 9 – 3 with them going through the motions for the last 45mins and if Hughes had been ousted sooner we would finish 4th again, take a reality pill idiot
one win in 21 games – a record to be proud of , my spud friends.
i think we need to look at that statistc carefully
ive spent the day fending off spuds fans desparately trying to rub it in.
Yes we may not win the prem this year but we’re not fu**ing far off
we had more than our fair share of injuries and we’ve had to put with the
worst bunch of goalkeepers i can ever remember at AFC
(except you george wood, you cnut)
yes we lost against a team less talented as ours – we know our players are better
do you k ow what really fucks me off – bbc radio 5 live keeps going on about the rose volley k
how it was van basten like-do me a favour – it was scored against Alumnia FFS!!
i’ll be proud of the gooners if they show the same commitment as our fans do week in, week out
enuff said
my usual please
Josie, not at all diaby&bednter would walk into spurs squad, almunia on the other hand wouldn’t get a game at the fox and hounds 🙂
WTF , Bendtner is having such an amazing season!
With Chamakh in and Vela out , we are set in the attackign department..
“could of”? Idiot.
Am I the only one that thinks that Rose was just trying to float the ball back in to the danger zone, but mishit it a little?
I’m letting him stay as a warning to the educated kids, Snail 😉
So ‘holic. Those stadium tours, do they do them in the close season?
Bendtner has the worst touch I have every seen. He has no vision of where to be during an attack. The ammount of cross that we put in he shoud be on edge of 6 yard box waiting on crosses, but hes trying to get the ball outside the box when he is completely useless with the ball at his feet
Always looking to the greater good, ‘holic. That’s why we keep coming back! 🙂
I’m up for a stadium tour. Bring your cameras, peeps.
@crewcut
Nice to see a happy fan again. Your belief in the team is what makes me post here.
I am glad most are true fans here
Good analysis as ever ‘holic. It’s difficult to come to terms with the last week. This squad has performed exceptionally to stay in the Prem race in the face of a catastrophic sequence of injuries. The defeat to Barca was in a way acceptable because of their quality and the effort we put in for theast 20 in the first leg and the first half of the second despite the additional injuries we had sustained. Yet the performance against the scum was so disappointing until RvP11 came on, added a cutting edge and reminded us of what might have been. For me the desire and strength shown by Sol last night has to be harnessed and used as a lesson to our talented squad who need to develop the cojones to help deliver the prizes their talent deserves. Forza Arsenal!
Josie, admittedly his positioning lets him down at times, but he has 9 goals in 11. For me he has stepped up to the plate well, he has also been forced to come deep a lot to pick up the ball and has to go searching for a pass more because the lack of mobility and vision in our midfield has forced him to. I think he is one of the best prospects in the European game right now. Give him two years and he wil have developed his strength and vision. Give him four years and he’ll be Drogbaesque in his ability. I cannot wait, but I have plenty of time. Are you off somewhere?
Tours run 7 days a week, depending on fixtures and stadium operations. Tour dates are released one calendar month in advance. Clicking on the banner up top to book your tour will provide you with a free year’s subcription to Goonerholic 🙂
Well?
goonerholic, #
thanks mate.
to joshua
yes, this has even been in force last year. I still want to finish above man u, but let us chalk up a couple of wins to make sure of 3rd place, cos man city are 9 points behind us, with a game in hand and we still have to meet them. In reality, we have to be careful of that cos yesterday we saw a mentally and physically tired team whilst man city are peaking. so if we finish above man u, would be great, but first let us rest our mind on third place.
Josie he’s not suited to the role up top on his own granted and yes his all round game needs some work but in my view to get the best out of him he needs someone up top with him and I may well be wrong but there is a forward and a half in him, 9 in 11 whilst having to carry the attack on his own is not to be sniffed at, worse first touch you’ve ever seen blimeybyou couldn’t have ever had the pleasure of watching Jason pineapplevhead lee 😉 god think he played against us once for forest that bloke was hopeless 🙂
Ooh bad timing
Do I have to click it again ‘holic?
I take it June is not announced yet?
Free subcription? Sounds ominous. I’ll sign up… Just here? Under John Le Carre?
Bendtner is one player that has improved a lot this season. I’ve lost track of how many crucial late goals he has scored. His finishing may need a little tweaking, but he continually creates chances for himself. If we can avoid injuries, our attack force could be one of the strongest in the EPL (Bendtner, RvP, and Chamakh).
Which Legend would you go for, Jackster?
Snail, I hope you are right because I can,t see Arsene selling him.
Maybe you both see something I can,t. Sometimes I want to get on a plane, find him and take him out
Well I´m looking forward to enjoying (hopefully) 4 more good wins for this season. Maybe with that complete donkey who has scored 9 goals in 11 games bagging a few…..
Meanwhile my second team will provide a little bit of superficial glory.
Having toooo much time on my hands today I was musing on the second team theme. My theory is along the lines of this; you only have one true love, but that doesn´t mean you can´t take a passing interest in what their sister is wearing ……. personally I have 4 sisters to distract me…Holic I´ll send you a photo to cheer you up!
A pint of whatever you fancy sir….
Where would you take him though? Nightclubs are a no no, his boots wont get you in to the Ritz, so that just leaves the London Eye…
@Josie
I dont agree about Bendtner/Diaby. Almunia not good enough to be first choice keeper but i would keep him.
Diaby just inconsistent at the moment he has the talent to step up and make a real name for himself but has to stay injury free if that is possible at Arsenal at this time.
Bendtner I totally disagree I have said in previous posts that I believe he has a few golden boots in him and could turn into a world class striker. Just give him time as he is improving very fast.
I think i will have a large brandy barman
Don’t think June wil be open yet J.
Now, if you promise to keep it to yourselves, there are some photos of the Grove, and Highbury, on old ‘holics secret photo store…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30204630@N06/
But don’t tell anyone 😉
The weeks ahead. After the Glory of last night. Reality sets in for the average spurs fan. What is our objective? The cheeky answer is Champions league football. This presents a little incy bit of a problem.
None of you really want the original north london club spoiling your European Adventures ( The fear is there). But neither does the Mancs want their neighbors Citeh! spoiling there dominance. This week end is a bust. Manure must beat Citeh to establish dominance to there area. Spurs have to win against Chelsea (Why I hear your derisory laughter!!) Well if beat Chelsea and we did manage that last year fairly comfortably. It then keeps you guys in with a shout of winning the prem!! So why do I want you to have hope.. Cos Spurs need you to be beat Citeh. Simples we still need you to do the business. I think can take St Totteringday as long as we sneak that 4th spot..
Enjoy Gooner and your right I have my own wierd spurs forum and we have bloody good laugh, but we all tend to meet up as well. But there are not many good forums around either spurs or PIKEY!!
Toddle pip!! Cusop
..a youthful´holic??
We didn’t play too badly. The difference between the sides last night was similar to the first leg against Barca where they had it all and we somehow got a result, except of course the spuds didn’t have half an hour on top. The problem was that without van Persie, Fabregas and Arshavin we lacked the penetration to use that possesion- as soon as just one of those players came on their keeper did enough in those 20 minutes to earn the man of the match award!
With van Persie back we suddenly looked much more like the team of the first few months of the season and that, along with the knowledge that Chamakh and hopefully others will be joining in the summer, gives plenty to be optimistic about for next year. And let’s face it, considering everyone said we wouldn’t even be top 4, this season’s hardly been a disaster!
Blimey Catalan. That was a while back 🙂
I think some of the problems that we have been aware of for sometime have reared their ugly head. I have said many a time that i feel our first 11 is as good as anyones. The back up is where we lack. I have been disappointed in diaby recently. I really thought that he was given a great platform but failed to take it. My fears have been that we have sold players but these have not been replaced. It seems that the developing squad is always developing because each year players go and we see no replacements. That does not help our development.
One of my other moans is lack of leaders. Sol was magnificant yesterday. He looked the true leader we all remember. But we need more to step up to the plate. If these players are to grow then some need to grasp the bull by the bollocks and show they really want it.
One last point. I read that in training barca have a rule. If a player loses the ball the it is HIS responsibilty to win it back within 5 seconds. That may be why they close down so well and so naturally. Food for thought.
Keep the faith.
“they wanted it more” It says everything, really. You cannot begrudge the victory of a team that shows more desire. I’d like to see that level of determination from us day in and day out… and more competition at the back. Young, hungry, and with everything to prove. Another 2 Verminators for next season, please. our Attack will take care of itself, as it always does.
Gosh up to 53 and here I was posting on the last post mind you the management sent me food shopping tonight so I’m still feeling dizzy after that.
Great piccys Holic I like the hair style mate.
I had a bad day at office today as well but I’m glad it’s over now 😉
Ah, youthful….hair style…. just realised.
That was from a pic of me with Eddie Kelly outside his pub, the Spanish Pats up Chap, mid seventies or thereabouts. I have had it cut since 😉
I posted a month or so back about Nicky B.
I said I love his self belief and his arrogance is not always a bad thing, but and this is the main thing here…..he is not and will never be a world class striker, he is a squad player and I think realistically Arsene knows that.
As for you ‘Holic, No shame in being peed off with the lads who just did not try, in my response to the last blog I said that when RVP came on the rest of our boys (Sol excluded) should have taken a long hard look at themselves and been ashamed, No fight and no passion.
I watched Diaby give the ball away time and again and then blame the man in front who made a good run for his piss poor passing ability.
Despite what some others have said I watched Rosicky have another awful game where it seems he has forgotten how to actually play football.
And yes I saw how it all changed when RVP came on and changed everything completely, so close to handing us an unlikely win.
Rose did not in any way I am sure try to score, but having shot at goal, why the hell did Almunia choose that moment to try and catch the ball having decided to try a punch earlier when it was easier to catch.
The second goal was indicative of the Arsenal disease that has been spreading lately, the stand there motionless with your arm in the air waiting for a decision that does not/will not come. Play to the frigging whistle for chrissake.
But all is not doom and gloom, I honestly think the scales have been lifted from Arsene’s eyes and he no longer believes that our second string is good enough anymore.
We have a short time to wait and we get to go thru all this agony again 🙂
Finish above Utd and this season will still be an amazing season
Come on you Rip Roaring Free Scoring Never Boring Gunners!!!
Even if we wont win anything this season I still believe we had great term of football there were the ups and downs but overall we played sublime football at times. Our squad still lacks experience and confidence in those big games and I’m sure next year we can improve on that. We also need to investigate our injuries we can’t have a repeat of this season next year.
Had a long discussion with Arseblogger today, some of it recorded for tomorrow, some off the record. The point about our squad depth, or lack of it, depending on your viewpoint, takes no account of the fact that no club in world football can lose it’s five or six best players for matches at this stage of the season, the pointed end, and get results.
However, that’s not an excuse. Those who came in as a result should have been willing and able to put a full shift in, to work just as hard when we don’t have the ball as when we have it.
Perhaps next season we could sacrifice the worst five, Lord, if you don’t mind? Then our squad will definitely be strong enough.
Cheers for another great blog holic…
I was depressed too last night contemplating another trophyless season but lets us remember today that we are still in the mix for the title and spuds are actually in 5th. St. Tootingham day is not far off either.
For next season I have resolved to pray every day for less injuries next year (except to Silvester)
Been thinking about the spurs game and I´ve come to the conclusion that one of the problems with our attack is the lack of movement in front of the creative midfielders we´ve got.. when we win the ball it takes so long to move it up field that they´ve dug in and we have only bendtner to cross to.. so it goes Rosicky to Nasri do Denilson to Diaby to Rosicky to Nasri.. etc..
Rosicky, Nasri and Denilson shouldn´t be picked together, way too similar and always looking for a short safe passing option. When we had Pires/Ljungberg/Vieira/Petit/Parlour it was a better mix of runners and passers.
We need to start playing 2 centre forwards again and one of those should be a fast one like Henry/Adebayor who gives the option of lobbing it quickly over the defence when we win the ball in our own half. maybe if walcott stays fit he can learn, maybe Chamakh is that kind of player.. hope so.. I´m also looking forward to seeing Wilshere beat his way into the team next year, high hopes for him and Ramsey
@57 holic. You make some real valid points as usual. No club can afford to lose those players. But i for one had hoped that some of the others may see that as an opportunity to show what they can do. Then only one win showed the grit and leadership that we really needed for the 90 was sol. You can only hope that those around him have taken note.
Just a quick point for the nic b bashers. His goal scoring record since his return has been superb. He is still young. Cant remember who it was above that said he would be top drawer in a few years. Well i quite agree. Get off his back and get behind him. I for 1 would not aft against him being our match winner this sunday.
Evenin’, ‘holics. Just got my first break of the evening, wanted to stop by for a drink. Perfectly excellent post, Mr. Holic. Their men, and can take some criticism when it’s due. Strangely enough, I’m glad I’m not the only one feeling bitter today. It just don’t feel right to lose like that. It’s unbelievable to assume that the players didn’t care- I think fans often are too quick to make that assessment, in my humble opinion- but for fuck’s sake! Premier League Title on the line after months of fighting, and against Spurs! Was it me or did the whole team kind of pop into action after Van Persie’s first volley nearly went in. Literally looked like they had given up with 40 minutes still left on the clock- unacceptable. I’m worried a bit about these next few games- the fight seemed truly drained last night.
Anyways, just grumbling. On another note, while I think Bendtner has stepped up for us this season, and proven quite clutch for us late in so so many games, once Van Persie stepped on the field, it became clear what we’ve been missing since December. Eduardo, Bendtner, Vela- none of them have that impact on the field. And while I believe Robin is a special, special player, and I know those guys have suffered from injuries, i just can’t see any of them bringing something special of their own. How many goals have those guys scored where they were significant players in the creation of the goal? Not enough, they way I saw ’em.
Alrighty, back to work. Quick pint of Guinness, if you will.
And Steve T- fair ‘nuf. I’m behind him all the way for this season (and maybe more), though I’m elated Robin will be out there next to him.
@ Pires. Agree totally re Robin. His cameo showed what we have missed and what just might have been if he had not gone away with holland. If anyone from wigan was watching that, then i dread to think about the state of their undercrackers.
Cheer, Steve T- most certainly! Wigan, Fulham, and Citeh should absolutely fear him- Robin will take his sweet revenge on whoever’s left!!!
Up the Gunners!
You were, indeed, a good blogger last night. I was pleasantly surprised by the swift and accurate summary of the game at black fart lane. “He’s nailed it”, I thought.
Now for some reason you’ve had the time to ponder and, have concluded that Spuds wanted it more? I much preferred Chapter 1. Version 1 – the original truth.
I DO think Arsenal under-performed on Wednesday. But, I think if you sauntered round the dressing room with your mic and recorder and enquired:
“Mr Diaby, did you work your socks off or was your mind on other things?”
If you were lucky enough to avoid a biff (wonderful word – copyright DC Thompson, Dundee) on the nose, Messrs Diaby, Nasri, Clichy, Rosicky’s response would be in the affirmative. “Look, no socks! They’re worked off”
The problem? It is just NOT what they do. They’re not worker bees. In AA, Rosicky, Diaby, Walcott (and surprisingly) Eboue when he plays in MF, you have attack minded players with “I don’t tackle back” written in their DNA. This is fine when we’re attacking. It is not fine when we lose the ball and they stand back and await service from our ball winners. (Nasri is in the doubtful category – i.e. on the cusp of criticism).
I think it will take much more than a “you need to work harder” command from AW. Either the skill factor needs to increase to the extent that we can penetrate parked bus defenses OR we need another ball winner alongside Song while Denilson hones this aspect of his game.
Felipe Melo in the summer. Please, Arsene.
I hate to say it, but I’m not sure we’ll see the passionate climax you demand over the next four games, ‘Holic. Many minds will already be turning to South Africa. I’m wondering if AW may even ponder some starts for Merida, Fabianski and Co – as long as third place is secured.
Mr Snail – really good passionate stuff on Nick Bendy – may I have one of whatever it is Snail is drinking, barman?
Surprised only by the pace of delivery – never the quality, I should add.
I think you ought to hang up your boots and go join Le Grove Holic 😉
Ah, I think ol’ Holic deserves a bout of the cynical from time to time- can’t be always so damn level-headed and insightful, can he?
Well said ‘holic….I hear you loud and clear.
In football as in life there is merit in feeling you tried your best whatever the outcome. I sincerely hope everyone in a red shirt always does just that despite evidence to the contrary in some games these season (and all the other seasons we’ve enjoyed).
It’s why we loved Marwood so much, Winterburn too, even Keown. Do we have a lot of those players still? Nasri, Cesc, TV, RVP, Clichy, Song is a good base.
We won’t turn in to a bad team overnight, nor have we achieved greatness yet. Are we better than a year ago….without question. I hope to answer the same way next Spring.
Cheers
I respectably beg to differ with BtM posts about the players he listed ad not being worker bees or ball winning midfielders. in the battle of the match, and at this high level if football, every midfielder and winger can and should be able to work their socks off on the defensive duties also. they are athletic enough and it all comes down to mentally pushing oneself. does Xavi, Pedro, Messi, etc other offensive minded players stray away from chasing down defenders I think not. Perhaps we have relied in Song too much to help us get away without chasing back after loosing the ball right away and who gave us time to skimper back leisurely? or maybe we are worried about burning our energy by doing defensive dirty work which in that case would be worrying because we should be fit for both aspects of the game.
I think one point that was missed in this discussion is the impact of that Vermantor injury. We were playing decently up to that point, even though we’d given off the goal. I think that we missed his presence out there on the pitch and maybe it affected our players.
Also, for the 1st goal, Almunia did get back up and was “shielded” by one of our players, Sagna I think it was. I am not saying he’s not culpable but that split second might’ve made a difference.
Spurs and Barca have shown the way to beat (this) Arsenal right now. Harass us, keep nipping at our toes and we aren’t able to do anything with the ball in the final 3rd. If we zipped it around, we’d have carved Spurs apart. If you think back to some of the games at the beginning of the season, we moved the ball pretty quick. Somehow, we seem to have gone away from that. (Yes, not having RvP is a factor but even our midfielders don’t zip it around.)
We need someone as a stand-in for Song, to give him some rest and to be there when he’s injured. Duh. I’m surprised AW never tried Rosicky there. He’s not afraid to tackle, he knows what to do with the ball and his experience would’ve been useful.
You know the funny thing is that in spite of all the injuries, our sometimes comedic goalkeeping, if our team had worked harder defensively to close things down, we’d probably have won the title this season. We did that well in 2007-08, no reason we can’t do it again.
Massive positives this season though, so it’s not like the last one.
@71 I agree totally with your last two paras
Looking back over the season (and help here guys ‘cos Ive looked back this way for well over 40 years) , I’m left with the strong impression that often the team were playing more under Arsene’s orders than with the freedom that their play sometimes showed and my criticism is more of Arsene than the team
Often Diaby and Nasri were playing deep and didnt come forward, Eboue when at back was very restrained compared with when in MF
When teams defended well (usually with 2 rows of 4 playing deep) there was never a plan B that the team adopted to counter, such as playing fropm the back and breaking with long balls deep to the wings for Theo, Eboue, Nasri, AA or even Clichy and Sagna to run their little legs to
Overall the team played well considering the injury level, but I am worried that key players may look elsewhere at the end of the season as last year, even though Flamini didnt do well when he left
BTW Chamikh has been playing recently like NB52, very hit and miss (and Bordeaux have fallen away in recent weeks) so here’s hoping that if he does come things will look up
Thankx to ‘holic for a proving blog, and lets get 4 good wins to finish
(that means no last minute 1-0 pleeeeeeeeese)
Holic
Do you ever read ANR’s blogs on all things Arse.??
Dear old Myles is geting more and more vitriolic about Le Boss.
His contempt for him is absolutely coruscating.
He has penned another absolute gem of a blog post the shambles at the Lane.
As an alternative to your mild mannered musings and Arsebloggers foul mouthed but enjoyable blogs,ANR is an absolute must read for all your followers to experience the dark side of following the Arse.
Although i have never quite worked out whether Myles is actually
a supporter.
But he is hilarious in a slash and burn sort of way.
Hi Goonerholic,
Like Gordon Brown, I agree with you. Unlike Nick Clegg, your opinions are valid and honest.. Even if not always what other think. But hey, who wants to live in a world of yes men.
Adios
Daryl
Cheers for some stimulating thoughts, both on the blog and in the Drinks.
Yes, it was particularly frustrating seeing us play huge slow parabolas 35 yards out with no penetration until RVP came on. Then all of a sudden we seemed to double our speed, and chances were appearing here, there and everywhere.
All of which leads me to think that it’s the actual COMBINATION of players, more than enything else, which brings a bit of flow to our play – why were Nasri and Rosicky (to name just two) so ineffectual earlier on? Diaby is another who can shine like a diamond or disappear like a fag-end down a drain.
Maybe some nerd needs to do a mathematical survey of the combinations to see who lights the touch paper.
Not me though. I’ll just have a Glenmorangie please.
Hello Clive. I try not to comment adversely on other sites by name if I can help it. Whilst there a number of bloggers I have now met, and who I read religiously, there are others I haven’t. Judging somebody on what they produce in cold hard print is dangerous and could be hugely misleading.
I would repeat something I remember writing in the last day or two though. There are two websites and one radio station I no longer read or listen to because of what I consider to be ill-thought, spiteful commentary with an agenda.
And no, I have not read his thoughts on the Tottenham game.
Thanks too everybody for your responses. Today I am decidedly chipper again. Itching for Sunday to come actually.
RCL, I’m hoping to become a nerd in about ten years or so. Sadly that will be too late to produce meaningful stats about this side! Welcome too, any Glenmorangie drinker is welcome here, as long as you leave some for me 😉
Holic:
Just wondered what thoughts you have on MR Hill-Wood today, now before you do I’ll tell you that I don’t always believe everything I read in the Sun, but this does smack of his thumbprint all over it?
Lee,
In my view Hill Wood is our very own Prince Philip, Football and life in general have moved on but hes still stuck in the 60s + 70s he speaks without thinking of the consequences of his words which in this day of 24 hour media news you just cannot do especially when they twist his words a touch, He really is like everyones Grandad at xmas time stick him in the corner and dont let him say anything as not to insult those present 🙂 He is an Arsenal man as was his Father but really he should been seen and not heard nowadays 😉
Clive i can never quite work Myles Palmer out as most of his articles over the last year or so have been so Unitified he should have called it United News Review, but saying all that his piece today is quite near the mark in my eyes ! Especially the point about Tottenham wanting 4th more than the Arsenal wanting the title !!
chippy,
Couldn’t agree more sometimes you just wish Danny F, would just muzzle him a bit more.
When you talk about his dad well he probably had a little more about him then son Peter (before my time though).
I must say on a smaller scale he reminds me of a very good friend of mine, He’s stinking rich too all from his dads company, he a great laugh very good @ the corporate but would “I” employ him would I Fxxk.
Lee,
Haha mate yes the spoilt rich buffon is very apt, To be fair tho i do think hes got the clubs best interests at heart but he just dosent express it in the right way lol
Afternoon Holic & Holic`s
Listened to your interview on Arseblog today Holic and I am convinced you are just short of kissing babies to pass as a politician. Some very diplomatic answers given, no matter how blogs tried to pull you in on discussion`s on certain players you would not bite. Loved it and look forward to hearing more in the future, funny how you imagine how someone may speak and get a little shock after hearing them for the first time. Very well spoken and articulate Mr Holic, dont get me wrong i didn’t expect to hear a some sort of pikey thug or anything, but no real detection of a London accent. Between you and Mr Blogs I get all the Arsenal fixes I need with great writing and insight.
The red mist has differently passed now and im looking forward to a good showing at Wigan from the boys.
I agree with Chippy regards to Mr Hill Wood, I do not believe he meant any disrespect towards Cesc or Arsenal itself. Just a blond moment when the old brain cells haven’t actually caught up with his mouth.
So here’s to a great game Sunday and 3 points.
I Believe
Mr Snail, “Give him four more years and he’ll be Drogbaesque”. I do hope so. But “Will he really hit the heights and be Adebayoresque?” is, perhaps, the better question.
I’ve enjoyed the season, largely without frustration, other than injuries. The one, very regular, Arsenal tactic that has frustrated, has been the 20 cross field passes followed by a back-pass to My Pal Al. The back-pass is then followed by a Spanish sclaff upfield in the general direction of Bendy.
And guess what, young Bendy has jumped and is on the way down LONG before the ball reaches him. Consequence? Opposing team now have the ball. Gazillions of examples this season. Has no one told Manuel that Ade is no longer there?
The BBB failed to acknowledge Adebayor’s contribution with headed balls. Look back at last years videos and see how many of Robin’s goals came via this route. (When he didn’t score himself, of-course).
We no longer have a forward who can win high balls through the middle. It’s hurt us badly this season, Maybe Chamakh will bring this competence with him? I hope he doesn’t turn out to be Ade-light or Ade much diluted.
In the interim, Mr Snail, should you or Mrs Snail bump into Bendy at some invited television audience event, perhaps you could kindly request him to wok on this aspect of his game? Alternatively, ask My Pal Al to stop booting high balls up the middle to the opposition.
Shitstirrer with a coke top and a bitter slice of lemon please, barman.
Clive, Pyles Ego is not, never has been and never will be a gooner – end of. He himself has said he’s not a gooner. He seems to take enormous pleasure trashing Wenger.
Here’s something that will prove what a complete tool he is: he declared firmly and repeatedly that he will permanently close ANR if Arshavin leaves.
Arshavin may well leave in the summer. Let’s see if Mr. Egomaniac delivers on his promise.
Agree completely with Chicago – our players have to work their socks off, no excuses, no standing around looking clueless waiting for teammates to do the hard work while the opposition attacks. Barca’s forwards commit more fouls than the back line.
Forget about the spuds, let them enjoy their once in a lifetime victory. On to Wigan. I just hope the boss can motivate the players.
That’s my radio voice 71, based on John Arlott according to one at Arseblog 😉
Have to accept yokel has overtaken Norf London as the driver for the accent. Sometimes helpful in tricky situations in the hinterland above Watford…
Your dolcid tones will be accompanying me on my Journey home from work Holic !!!!
Should make interesting listening !
Not into driving them tractor contraptions are you Holic as well as speaking like a cider drinker from the worzels ?
Another thing regarding old Myles he wrote a book on wenger and by his own accounts has spoken to him and his wife on numerous occasions and loved to big that up, i reckon his chances of another interview have firmly bitten the dust lol Wonder what he will write if Wenger does build another championship winning side?
BTW, holic, you’re absolutely right about Spurs wanting it more. Even AW implied the lack of fight in some of in his own players in his quote praising Sol:
“Sol was one of our better players. He has shown the way to some players. What a winner he is. He showed what you need if you want to win titles. He deserves a lot of credit because he turned up with a real performance.”
The problem with the team is that it relies too much on some players. Take out Rvp, Cesc, Arshavin, Gallas, Vermaelen and Song and we look a shadow of our former selves.
Oh wait..
BtM, Almunia’s random punts upfield are puzzling considering that most continental keepers use the throw to ensure that possession is retained, and the rest of Arsenal’s game is all about ball possession. Also, we do still need somebody to replace what Ade gave us in pulling down long balls and distributing those balls back to other supporting players. This was one of the most undersung contributions Ade gave us and I’m glad you recognized it.
Cyberspace hasnt been kind for the last 48 hrs. Everyone is baying Arsenal blood. Yea right, the gap is closing between Arsenal and Spurs. Next year they will stuff us. blah blah blah..
I distinctly remember such hysteria after the 5-1 game at WHL, only for the famous 2 point joke next season!
Arsenal is still light years ahead of Sp*rs and in some ways I dont mind all this forum generated hype – scores will be settled next season and order will be restored.
PS : A worrying piece of news that Cesc is upset over PHW’s comments that he is not good enough for Barca. Dont know the veracity of the comments but we could do better than piss of Fabregas..! Hopefully things are mend-able.
Spot on actually Holic. I read you every day and contribute occasionally – usually in protective mode, trying not to blast players for not displaying attributes that they simply dont possess, just because we wish they did. For example, you can’t blast Bendtner for not playing like Henry in his prime, because Henry he is not.
Also, I reckon I am roughly of your vintage and can remember some comparitively dire times – playing Norwich the Friday night before Xmas, far too many years ago, in a freezing, deserted Highbury, while occupying the middle-to-lower reaches of the old First Division.
So it’s good to appreciate what we have and not be too quick into the doom and gloom.
However. Like you I expected, and always expect, whoever turns out in an Arsenal shirt to give their absolute all. Lack of ability you have to excuse. Lack of effort you cannot.
Having now watched again and again, the Sp*ds second goal, I cannot find a shred of a reason as to how we defended that (or DIDN’T) so totally pathetically.
I now feel angry that we have some players who cannot be bothered to concentrate, cannot be bothered to run, for their incredible salaries, and if that is too much trouble, cannot be bothered to shout to somebody else to do it for them.
£2,125.00 is what I paid for my season ticket this year – Block 91, central West Upper. I have to work bloody hard for that and my minimum requirement is that EVERY player on the pitch does the same.
Sol, Robyn, Vermaelen while there, brilliant on Wednesday – the rest, at times, hmmm.
Thanks, Holic, for the chance to air that little lot – it does help.
Excellent blog, always, – look forward to your thoughts on the ongoing injury situation.
Trev, I’ll ‘fess up to something about that Norwich game to which you refer. Came up from the Thames Valley by train, and warmed myself up in the Hen & Chickens before the game with a few pints of draught Bass. Watched the whole game, froze my cobs off on the snowy Clock End, and I’ll swear I did not miss a second of it. Got home and grizzled like buggery to the old man about the crap performance and the dreadful goal-less draw. He was therefore surprised on the Saturday morning, but not as surprised as me, to read of our 1-0 win in the paper! I’ll swear to this day we didn’t score…
Is that true, ‘holic?
How many did you have?
We scored in the last minute of added time – lad called Claus.
Heh, It was snow, not rain dear 😉
As true as I am sitting here now, Snail. Wasn’t the beer, I’m sure, although the Bass is a powerful and tasty brew, and I never allowed my thirst to get the better of me. I remember it vividly because I didn’t remember it at all!
‘Holic, That’s a mighty interesting story at #92. Perhaps you were abducted by a UFO and its crew erased your short-term memory?
Good one ‘Holic are you sure they didn’t put anything in your beer?
Perhaps the last minute of added time goal was scored at the North Bank, and you took the cheers as ironic jeers that the match was over at 0-0. You then took your leave and so didn’t miss the restart after which the ref blew the final whistle….
Just a hypothesis…
Snail, or should I rather call you Sherlock, that would indeed appear to account for all of the facts as given, but maybe ‘Holic should be cross-examined to account for some of the discrepancies in his story, such as what else did he consume or imbibe in the Hen & Chickens?
RCL – I don’t know about ‘nerd’, but we do have our very own ‘Stato’ on this blog, who has been rather conspicuous with his absence so to speak.
Anybody seen Matt?
Not a sign of him AFC1974
When was the last time he posted?
On a similar note I arrived at the Wimbledon game in 1989 game deep into the second half having taking an exam that evening not knowing what the score was. I did n’t want to ask anyone and there were no scoreboards in those days.
I left convinced we had lost and only found out when I got home that it was a 2-2 draw
Arthur – perhaps the Spuds result was the straw that broke the camels back? Perhaps he is taking a blogging sabbatical and lost in the arms of a 10 dollar Cuban lady? Smoking Havannas and drinking fine Cuban rum. Heh!
Steady on ’74,
The management could wake up at any minute 🙂
Quite right ‘Hols. I’m about to tippy-toe into bed. But, apparently Cuba is the place to drown ones sorrows -apparently 😉
Weller on Jools Holland, did good, should be back.
After watching a couple of comments here and watching tonight’s Fan’s Forum on ATVO I really can’t understand how people say Diaby is not good enough to be an Arsenal player!
How can you say that? Anyone who knows his ways in football can see his potential is immense! People tend to forget his faboulous season with a couple of bad displays (since the Barca home game).
He is one of the best players in the squad.
I have to agree with SG108. Diaby has made a difference when he plays. Possibly due to his stature.
Trev
Who was the lad called Claus? Racking my brain and can´t recall anyone …. I´m intrigued. Please help!
I missed this yesterday. A very good piece from James Lawton about Wenger and his philosophy…
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/james-lawton-for-the-good-of-the-game-wenger-must-keep-his-faith-1946205.html
As Jackster would say; I agree with most of that.
Catalan,
‘Twas the Friday before Christmas, and fairy dust was in the air… 😉
…and yes, Lawton goes on and on with his redemption from cynic to champion. It’s almost un-nerving.
Doh! I´m going back to bed!
He does indeed, ‘holic.
Citeh failed to steal points of Man U I believe it all depends on Spuds now…
Catalan, sorry not been on today, but in case you’re still reading this, i assume all is now clear! Just in case, he played up front alongside Nicholas.