Eduardo? Ukraine Not Be Serious!
Aug 26th, 2010 by 'holic
So there is another hour of my life I won’t get back. The most needlessly prolonged draw of them all is complete, and it would appear the biggest threat to Arsenal’s progress is the distance they will have to travel.
I think we all suspected that first opponent out of the bowl for us would be Shakthar Donetsk. A tricky trip is of course given even greater significance by a rapid reunion with Eduardo, no longer Arsenal’s number nine. It is a great opportunity to give the Crozilian the sort of reception in North London that Robert Pires enjoyed when playing for Villareal. A teary night awaits.
Following the Ukranian champions into Group H were Sporting Braga, the runners-up in Portugal last season. Braga qualified by defeating Sebastien Squillaci’s (wait for it, wait for it!) Sevilla in the final qualifying round. That in itself should serve as a warning not to underestimate them.
Finally we pulled Partizan Belgrade to complete the group. The Serbian champions eliminated Anderlecht on penalties. Thirty years ago I made the trip to Belgrade, and I hope that those intending to make the trip this time round will face a less hostile reception than the Red Star followers gave us.
Looking at the rest it is undeniable that there are two or three more competitive groups than ours. We should progress with three home wins and at least one result on the road, preferably quickly so we can blood some youngsters in the final fixture.
Welcome Sebastien
You wouldn’t know it if you visited the club website, but with the BBC, Reuters et al reporting the confirmation of the signing of Sebastien Squillaci I think we should be offering a cautious welcome to the French international central defender. Interesting it is that Arsene was so assured in his response to the opening question in his press conference which does not currently feature on ATVo.
“Have you signed Sebastien Squillaci?”
“Yes”
Asked about the new boy’s qualities, Arsene assured the assembled throng.
“He is a good defender, a real defender.”
Well thank goodness for that. We didn’t want to buy an imitation defender after all this nonsense. Now perhaps we could make progress on a real goalkeeper too, rather than one who is likely to be found in a sports holdall in his flat in a couple of weeks time?
Blackburn Preview Friday
Yes, after my Friday afternoon session I will attempt to put together a cogent argument for us destroying the dark forces of Blackburn. Here’s a hint. Stick the name ‘Robinson’ into the search bar at the top of the page!
Until tomorrow, ‘holics.
69 Responses to “Eduardo? Ukraine Not Be Serious!”
Pint of Cider please Guv.
You’ve outdone yourself with that headline, ‘holic. π
I like that group, problem is, that we have tough AWAY fixtures after UCL matches (including Chelsea, United and City).
A word on Wenger talking about referees refereeing a strict game against the likes of Blackburn, Stoke and Bolton.
Well, I’m sorry to disappoint AW but English referees are cowards and incompetent.
Especially Mike Dean.
Bloody hell, a first drink.
Anyways, I was dissapointed not to draw a Dutch club, Amsterdam is not that far away from me, even more pissed that the Spuds got Twenthe Γ§os that means I’ll have to have them on tv in the bar on CL nights.
I suppose the realitevly easy (gotta be careful with that after the WC) draw kinda cushioned the blow, I fully expect our brave lads to navigate that group without too many difficulties. The most difficult tie should be the Shaka one, speaking of which, I hope Eddy gets the reception he fully deserves,
As for the Squid signing, I’m glad we’ve got some defencie cover in, but I’ll reserve judgement as I know very little about the player except for what’s been written on here over the last few weeks or so.
Well, here’s looking forward to Saturday lunchtime and given the alrus’s cloggers a lesson in proper footy, we’ll have a much stronger team out then last time we were there and revenge is a dish best served cold (keep it outta Fat Sam’s reach though or he’ll scoff it)
Same again please squire, before I head down to the bar.
Cheers.
Top title ‘Holic. Yes, it had to be Eduardo and in terms of travel, it’s quite a tough group. Braga will also provide a test, we know only too well how difficult it is to get anything in Sevilla.
Our experience in CL football, as well as our undoubted quality should see us through as group winners, but there will be a scare or two along the way.
I went to the home game against Red Star all those years ago, the UEFA Cup was a good competition back then.
Guinness extra cold, please.
“Now perhaps we could make progress on a real goalkeeper too, rather than one who is likely to be found in a sports holdall in his flat in a couple of weeks time?”
If the title made me groan, that one made me gasp and laugh like a madman at the same time. Nice one ‘Holic!
Just a thought…
I like to read holic’s blog as well as arseblogger’s and gunnerblog. But it’s a big twatfest over at Gunnerblog’s comment box every single day. Nothing but anti-arsene and anti-team/players remarks. If they are not keen on supporting the club, why wont they just knob off? Isnt tt what we are entitled to doing. Supporters=SUPPORTING? When did this constant armchair bashing come into play here? Very exasperating.
curiously, braga’s supporters are known as “arsenalistas”. a homage to a certain club in london perhaps?
Uh oh, better watch out for that sneaky, cheating diving centre-forward out the Ukraine.
Top top title Holic!
It’s a bit sad Eduardo never really reached his levels before the injury, I would still love to have our little FOX in the box. I remember that game against Everton he was truly awesome. Anyway it’ll be good to see him again.
I expect us to top up the group, but I agree with Jesrey there will some ups and downs on the way some of these places don’t look easy especially Braga.
Blackburn next, oh boy I want some sweet revenge there I’m sure the lads will not disappoint!
Pint of Tyskie please barman….
pete, its a right pain innit. Bunch of whingin babies that make me cringe to be a fan of the same club as em. Thing is tho, you wouldnt know they were supporters would you? They couldnt do a better job if they were spuds, chavs or mancs.
Its simpl,y down to the fact they get bullied by their fellow plastic armchair fans of other teams like the chavs in the school playgrounds i think.
Oh and great work holic. I must concur with the other poster with regard to the GK in a sports holdall line; Quality!
As for the CL draw, I thinkm we can quite comfortably win all our home games as well as Braga and Belgrade away, here’s hoping we keep a healthier than usual squad this season!
Water please.
Good evening Sir. A glass of 1780 please.
Apologies that was suppose to be:
“Itβs a bit sad Eduardo never really reached his levels after the injury”
aj, I would have tidied the place up a bit if I had known we were hosting gentlemen this evening.
Thanks Mug. With you on the healthy squad. One more addition would limit the Arsene-baiting for a while, since it would answer what everybody has called for.
We know what you meant Arthur. Looking forward to the reception Eddie gets immensely.
I hastily penned this in another place…
He left us when we signed Chamakh,
Eddie, Eddie,
He said farewell but he’s coming back,
Eddie, Eddie,
He left his last shirt here they say,
Eboue cuddles it every day.
He’s Eduardo da Silva,
Shakhtar’s number nine.
Didn’t Teduardo score the 1st ever CL goal at the New Home of Football, when at Dinamo Zagreb.
It’ll be good to see him back in North London.
Guys, does anyone know if there’s a certain limit for a ref to be in charge of a team’s games?
For example, let’s say Mike Dean can’t be in charge of more than 5 Arsenal games or no limit at all?
Well said Mug, I think you`ve hit the nail on the head with the wenger out mob. Bunch of silly young kids who dont like seeing their chavvy mates laughing in the playground. The rest of the herberts are just sad cunts with short memories. As for the draw, we have been given the easiest group again. I can see us qualifying early and hopefully being able to give a few of the fringe players a run out for the last couple of games. I`m not sure if it is just me, but our squad seems a whole lot stronger this year, despite the fact we have let more players leave than we have signed. Just need a goalkeeper now, Arsene.
The GK situation has gone on long enough, however, the effect it has had on some “Gooners” minds and their subsequent bleatings on blogs has been hilarious!
A part of me, a very sadistic part, almost hopes we dont sign a new keeper!
Saucer of milk please Holic!
Jersey: Yup, so he did.
Have to say I think it saw a fairly good draw. We should be done and dusted after four games, injuries permitting of course, and then play the Carling Cup team in the last two games.
That game 30 years ago against Red Star Belgrade, if my memory serves me correctly that was supermacs last game for Arsenal (he played in the second leg I think) which we drew 1-1 but went out 2-1 on agg after losing the first leg 1-0 Brady hit the bar in that one and then got sent off. Wasn’t there but remember listening to it on the radio and also remember the highlights from Belgrade being in black and white even though it was 1979.
More concerned with Blackburn at the moment
Braga, who owe their Sporting Club tag to the better known Sporting Clube de Portugal, after whom they were named, have been known as Arsenal do Minho and changed their kits from green-and-white hoops to their Arsenal-style red in 1920 when their then-coach Jozef Szabo, following a trip to England and Highbury, ordered the club to adopt new colours to establish their own identity (Braga even renamed their youth team Arsenal do Braga).
Am I the only who’s scared of Saturday like hell?
I have full confidence in this squad but have a feeling we somehow will draw that annoying game against that annoying team with the annoying manager.
Win, draw, or lose, I’m unfortunately sure, we’ll get another injury.
We lost to Blackburn last season due to Fabianski having absolutely no protection from the ref (or his defenders come to think of it!) We beat them home and away usually, this is something the media and a few Gooners tend to forget (or dont want to mention as it spoils their “Arsenal dont like it up em” cliches)
Almunia (at the very least) will be in goal this time and he wont be as easily pushed about as the nervy young Pole was.
Some strong disciplined defending is all that is required, in any game, this game is no different.
I don’t take last season’s away game as an example cause the team was totally not interested after the Wigan game.
I just have this hunch that the ref wouldn’t protect our players too much because of AW’s comments and will let Blackburn kick away.
I just hope we don’t have any injuries at the end of that fixture.
It’s imperative we go to the international break with a win, especially cause Chelsea have Stoke at home and I don’t see them losing points there.
Shit, the away trip to the Ukraine is in November. Brrrrr Freezing!
We dodged a hell of a bullet there with the UCL fixtures.
We have Braga at home 3 days before the trip to Sunderland, we should win easily at home, fielding some youngsters too (Walcott, Wilshere et al) so it shouldn’t wear us out.
We then have a trip to Belgrade 5 days before the Chelsea away match, it should be a match we should win without our best eleven, and it might be a consideration Arsene will have to take (to rest some key players there).
We then have Eduardo’s return at home 5 days before the trip to City away, again – We should win, even though I’m quite sure we’ll field our best team so it’ll tire us a bit.
We then have a tough away fixture in Ukraine 4 days before what should be an easy home fixture against Newcastle.
We then have Braga away 4 days before Villa park, but I’m quite sure we’ll qualify by then so we’ll field some youngsters again.
We then have Belgrade at home 3 days before Old Trafford but I’m sure we’ll qualify by then so again – Carling Cup squad.
As for the latter stages, we have some difficulties there but we’ll see when we get there π
“The situation of the squad on the health front is quite good” said Arsene today (http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/denilson-returns-for-trip-to-blackburn)
We “only” have Bendtner, Frimpong, Nasri and Rambo out, all on long-term injuries.
Then we have an easy if not the easiest draw in the CL.
Have the drama gods chosen another team to toy with?
A saucer of cream tonight please ‘holic
Matt
I think the drama gods have found new playthings in Villa, Liverpool, West ham & Man City.
I see that AW has commented on Stoke’s tactics against Gomes last Saturday. No coincidence that the ref in that game was Chris Foy, who just happens to be the man in black when we pitch up against Fat Sam’s anti-football team on Saturday.
We’re going to Ewood with a much stronger squad, who are in a much better frame of mind than the end of last season, so nothing less than 3 points, please!
CoYRRR’s
Evening Holic.
Well am up at 4am to catch the 6.35 plane to Liverpool to take in my first match this season! i cannot wait!!
Top Man Holic I like that!
Full cream for poor Ivan, on the house.
Have a great day, Jay.
(no, I won’t follow that with drop off the key, Lee. No need to be coy, Roy!)
5 away games in the PL after CL games. thats bad news. Chelsea, City, villa, Sunderland and Man U. Only Newcastle at home.
j at #25, That is very interesting about the history of Braga’s team and I hope we don’t fall victim to “little brother” syndrome. Best to pound them into submission.
Best to pound Blackburn into submission as well. I’m not sure what all the saucers of milk and cream are about though. Has there been an invasion of kitty cats?
AW says its all dead on the gk front and that we have four ‘great’ keepers that we need to have confidence in – who are these mystery men – fabianski is the worst keeper i’ve ever seen wearing an arsenal shirt (apart from george wood who was truly shit)
What’s all this “draw” stuff about ? I thought, reading today’s papers and listening to the radio this morning, that the LWC’s had already WON the Champions League.
AW said on SS News tonight that our transfer business was finished.
I guess with a game in 36 hours time, he is hardly going to say that he is still trying to sign a keeper, as he will want our keeper to feel as confident as possible, especially against Fat Sam’s mob.
The fact that he has made two bids for Schwarzer shows that he wants a new keeper. We can’t seriously think that Schwarzer is the only keeper on earth who could improve us. Here’s hoping the comments were a bit of Wenger-bluff.
The fact that SSN reporters don’t understand AW doesn’t mean that’s what he said. He said he can’t rule out bringing in some more players but it’s important not to talk about it so the keepers don’t lose even more confidence.
Howdy to fellow holics from down under here in New Zealand….
Good draw for us I think for the CL group stage apart from the travel but hey thats part of the CL these days will be looking forward to Eddie making an appearance back at the Emirates…
Now for the game in front of us: Kozy is back in after the suspension, so its a full strength backline. Apparently Denilson has recovered from his injury – I guess he will be on the bench. Song and Cesc to start this one surely? Eboue or Walcott to start down the right? I’d be tempted to try and run Blackbum ragged down the flanks and start Walcott (hes on a high at the moment – let him keep going maybe? )- will they try and “park the bus” at home? Its the old formula is they will press and kick and hack while we try to move the ball around quickly, keep the ball run them ragged while Rozy and Cesc line up the killer pass. RVP to start I guess – or not?? am liking Chamakh he is giving 110% and his style is a good fit for this game so we will see him sometime for sure… its a hard starting 11 to pick for sure we are spoilt for choice in the mid/front 5-6.
I think we need a bit more “agro” or fight at times especially against these types of teams – and particularly the set piece situations. Its more about being mentally tough and saying that “I am getting that ball no matter what” – easy for me to say I’m just a pleb sitting here comfy in me armchair. With regard to the goalkeeping and to a lesser extent the back 4 is that we have suffered because of a lack of competition for places on the team due injuries / transfers etc. I would say a quality GK signing would be good from a standpoint of forcing the guys to lift their game otherwise get dropped. As for players possibly getting in a tiz because they might not be guaranteed No 1 spot / threatened by a new signing etc – well you are only as good as your last game arent you? You should be fighting hard just to get on the team sheet, competition for places is going to help solve some of this possibly…
The lads go into this game hungry to settle the score with those a** holes (Ryan Nelson aside – great, great player – yes NZ bias) so we should be into them full throttle at the first whistle – we play fast and they will try and slow it down…
and finally after that I’ll settle into my chair with a nice rum and coke thanks holic – oh nobody is here no worries I grabbed it myself and left money on the bar… go the gunners – all guns blazing!
i am gutted i dont get to say bye to eddie
pat, What is this about money on the bar? This one is on me. Early goal Saturday (and why not?) would be good for my nerves. I’ll have an Agro cocktail please!
………………almunia……………………
sagna kosicenly vermaelen clichy
………..song ………..diaby……………….
………………….cesc………………………..
…..van persie ……………….arshavin……..
…………………….chamakh………………….
subs: fabianski, eboue, gibbs, rosicky, denilson, walcott, vela
scores; arsenal 3 – 1 = cesc, arshavin, van persie and a stupid goal to concede as usual .
bt8bbnn – Did you get over the draw’s results :)?
Your Cocktail is on me, here’s to going to the international break with a win.
And I’m quite sure messi’s (arrrrh) lineup would be the one to start but I’d actually prefer Rosicky over Diaby and Walcott over Arshavin (who would have thought I’d say that eh?).
Snir, It seems like a good time to give Theo the chance to stay on a roll and to do his thing of stretching and knackering the defence. Diaby could be useful though with his strength. Next I’ll be checking on the Tel Aviv beach cam.
You have a point re Diaby’s strength, but Rosicky has been so good in the first two games of the season and I assume Blackburn’ll park the bus and we need someone to breach a defense and Cesc is a bit rusty judging from last week.
Walcott should start and terrorize Blackburn’s LB, it doesn’t really matter who starts there he should be inferior to Theo’s speed and maybe the shock from his pace will help us get that early goal.
I didn’t notice Cesc looking rusty, but I’d love to see more good football from Rosicky, Walcott, and Diaby as well.
Messi’s dropped Walcott after a hat trick and can’t find a place for Wilshere on the bench –
That Ben Arfa bid cos there’s a midfield crisis at Arsenal story isn’t working for me
Of course Messi’s lineup (comment 47) looks capable.
You’ve outdone yourself again Holic. A truly special read. Will be lovely to see Eduardo again.
433- Probably it’s just Cesc spoiling me and making me expect the best from his every second on the pitch :).
But I did see a couple of heavy touches and misplaced passes and although it’s very understandable, for a guy like Cesc it means he’s rusty :D.
Time for Koscielny to show his mettle against the Blackburn bruisers. Song and others can help but my god we have to do better than last time.
Against Blackburn last year we didn’t have Song, TV5, Cesc, Clichy, Rosicky & Almunia playing nor obviously Chamakh or Koscielny. Our CB’s that day were Silvestre & Campbell w/ Flappyhandski in Goal. On paper Saturday’s team, whatever it is, should be stronger. I’d imagine Chamakh & Koscielny will start as Wenger has described them both as “fighters” & that’s exactly what will be required for Fat Sam’s mob. This is our 1st real physical test of the season against a Manager that hates us but nonetheless has a good record against us. A 2-1 Arsenal win. A Red Headed Slut please ‘holic
I’ll have what Bernard’s having. Don’t tell the wife.
Surprisingly im quite chirpy ahead of this game, Ive a funny feeling we may see a very spirted Arsenal side take to the Park and give the Despicable c### Alladyce a kick in the bollocks 3-1 The Arsenal,
Up The Arse,
Sorry should have added:
It will be great to send Eduardo of in an Arsenal way and for whatever faults our fanbase have giving a proper goodbye or Welcome to Ex Players that have served the club well is not one of them,
In fact id say we are up there with the very best for that sort of thing and its sure to be a teary night when he takes to the park,
On another note The Plod must have loved seeing Rangers draw United π That will be fun and games, Plenty of sectarian bollocks on display that night !!
Upbeat here too, chippy.
I like the 3-1. Will check out the odds before deciding on the ‘holic pound.
Have already grabbed the 10/1 on Chamakh to score first, available with Paddy Power through either arsenal.com or the IUFGN podcast.
Bugger will only let you put a tenner on it though π
Is there some kind of goalkeeper-buying-dance-thing that we could all do?
Maybe “the Seaman”
on which note…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8qeVgB4j7s&feature=fvsr
Happy Days..
Good luck with the Holic pound Sir,
Nice price on Chamakh and wouldnt it just be typical after his misses last sat if the first chance he gets this weekend hits the onion bag π Also have him in my dream team so double delight !
Can see a first scorer/correct score double coming on π
May the Holic pound be well laid tonight. I’ll join in on that delectable sounding drink with Bernard and Catalan Gunner.
I Know the Man managed the LWCs but there is a really nice piece on Bill Nicholson in todays times,
It really makes you Appreciate what Weneger has done for us as there are many Parallels between the two both on and of the pitch,
The Stubborn old goat does do my head in at times (Goalkeeper being the main point) but when all is said and done, and the books on his tenure at Arsenal have been written and read im sure he will be held in the highest esteem ,
Chippy, I’d be seriously surprised if there wasn’t a bust a la Chapman or a statue errected within the next 20 years or so, such is the influence that he has had on our club.
I’ll have one of those red headed………………
Oh, it’s a drink?!?
D’oh! It looks like the 10-1 on Chamakh is no longer available.
@Catalan: That save from Seaman reminded of this one π
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiC7LqcizW8