Six Gun Salute For The Return Of The Clock
Aug 22nd, 2010 by 'holic
Nearly midnight. Long day, but a good one. “You aren’t going to write your load of bollocks now, are you?” I can tell the love of my life has secretly missed me!
I’ve missed her too, but have to say it was really good to meet up once again with a whole bunch of Gooners I haven’t seen for a while. I almost missed this game. I would have been gutted.
From midday when I walked into the pub, only to find I wasn’t the first to arrive, I have enjoyed the company of truly excellent people. A few pints of the black stuff accompanied some serious pre-match discussion. I ambled down to turnstile S completely and utterly relaxed. As a newt, some might say!
The ceremonial welcome home to the clock had the eyes moistening just a tad. In my Ticket Exchange seat I exchanged pleasantries with some excellent neighbours, then settled down for what I can only describe as ninety minutes of exhibition football from masters of the art.
It helped, I think, that Ian Holloway’s pre-match talk was something like “Don’t tackle, kick, or upset them. There are sides we can pick up points and cards against, but this isn’t one of them”. If I am wrong I apologise Ollie. At one or two nil the ‘holic pound had some small chance. By half-time it was apparent that a.) we would score more than four, and b.) I was clearly being far too optimistic in expecting them to score one.
The opening period bore witness to a brace from Walcott and an Arshavin penalty. Considered opinion in Block 32 was that the red card that accompanied the penalty award was required by the laws of the game, but harsh. I’m not so sure that the sympathy would have been so readily expressed had John Terry been the guilty party.
At half-time I had a chat with a mate who was not best pleased at being relieved of fifteen sovereigns for his car-parking, and with the “It’s Up For Grabs Now” boys who were celebrating DJ Tayo’s birthday. I have to say I felt much younger having seen Keith Dover in the flesh!
The first-half had been all about the vision of Wilshere and Rosicky, and the blinding pace of Walcott. Interestingly Theo spent a lot of time drifting into the centre while Chamakh went foraging for the ball out wide, and I’m sure that confused the visitors.
The second-half was more disjointed. Whilst it was a pleasure to welcome our World Cup finalists back with the score at 5-0 (how must Blackpool have felt!) the introduction of Cesc and Robin, then Vela for the excellent Walcott took a little something from our fluency.
That didn’t stop the hard-working Chamakh from finally notching his first league goal for the Gunners with a typical header. His superb effort capped a half that brought a third for Theo and a super finish from Diaby. Blackpool will make a more concerted effort to beat the sides likely to be around them, I’m sure.
Having said that though Arsenal can only beat what is put in front of them. They were on a hiding to nothing today, but for my money produced a very special performance worthy of the highest praise. I’m so glad I was there to see it.
Such a performance obviously doesn’t mean that all our weaknesses have been miraculously resolved. The next ten days are still crucial to our chances of breaking out the Duraglit again, I’m sure, but despite that we have shown in the opening two fixtures that we have a side that will be competitive for the bulk of the season.
Just a couple of tweaks is all we need Arsene, please?
123 Responses to “Six Gun Salute For The Return Of The Clock”
Have at it!
A glass of Bushmills 10 please, barman.
Good choice, but you would enjoy the Tyrconnell more.
Well, I’ll do you a favour and try both.
Brilliant, ‘Holic. Wish I’d been there. Here’s my tuppence worth.
Shoals of shiny Seasiders’ sharabangs streamed south, to witness the return of a former fifties foot-balling power to Premier League prominence. Hoping for a Tangerine Dream, they brought spades and pails, looking to build great castles in the sky. Sadly, their dreams turned quickly to sand when Evatt’s spade dug a big red hole for an early bathe, making Holloway pale to a ghastly sea-sick green as waves of Gooner red crashed into his beleaguered breached defenses, ruining the Central Pier of his strategy.
The Emirates proved to be no promenade along the Pleasure Beach for Blackpool. Their ninety minutes was no candyfloss-filled Tunnel of Love affair, more like a roller coaster ride through the Haunted House with nasties jumping out at every turn. Thin as a skeleton and sporting a bristly pirate-like beard in the making, Theo haunted Blackpool and was their tormentor in chief, pouncing and swooping at every opportunity. With 60,000 Gooners screaming him on, he peppered shots at the Blackpool goal like ping pong balls into goldfish bowls and air pellets into stuffed ducks.
And within minutes of the start of this Punch and Judy show, “Bingo!”, Theo won the big prize – a “Kiss Me Quick” hat-trick. With a smile that showed his teeth shining like the keys on Reginald Dixon’s Wurlitzer, Emanuel Eboue cradled Theo in his arms after the third, before planting a smacker on the little lads cheek quipping “Any time, my little toffee apple”.
That Andrei Arshavin had flown his favourite barber over from Chernobyl for mid-week trim was evident from the purple head blotches that definitely weren’t there last week at Annfield. At 5 foot 4, he turned in a very decent impersonation of the Clitheroe Kid in the early stages of the game. He wasn’t Blackpool’s favourite comic though, when he slammed a beautiful penalty kick deep into the bottom right hand corner of their net. “Don’t some mothers ‘ave ‘em”
The penalty resulted from Chamakh being floored after 30 minutes. Marouane is playing himself steadily and nicely into the team. Today, he promenaded majestically up and down the pitch like a Blackpool tram at the illuminations. He missed a couple of chances, which he’ll no doubt Danny La Rue, but made amends with a late Opera House nutcracker when he soared like a seagull and towered above Blackpool’s shoreline. He’s unselfish, links and leads the line well and has a nice turn of speed. Not a bad free.
Diaby and Wilshere waltzed around the mid-field to Little Mozart’s symphony like seasonal quick-steppers around the Tower Ballroom on a Saturday afternoon Come Dancing matinee, doing the candy-striped Blackpool rock. Abou scored a beauty, controlling a slick Sagna pass before belting a slammer home. Almunia kept his sheet cleaner than those on the bed of Blackpool’s tightest bed and breakfast landlady.
And at the back, HE was back, Alex on Song from the very first minute. He didn’t put a single foot wrong in the entire game. A quality player who was there to welcome our two other world class players on for a warm up session as the show rolled toward the final act.
And then, a grumbly fellow with a white stick, wearing dark glasses and sitting counting shells into a paper bag with holes in the bottom, was spotted suddenly with his dog. “Could that be Visionary?” wondered ‘Holic as he wove his Guinness fueled way unsteadily, but happily, back to Paddington, singing “Only One Arsene Wenger” to the tune of “Oh I do like to be beside the seaside” as only ‘Holic can.
Anything wet, windy, with occasional bursts of sunshine, barman, please.
Bloody he’ll, Btm, youhave had that sitting on your clipboard for a good 90 minutes, at least. And a good 90 minutes it was too. Cheers boys.
a long time and two recessions since i tried some lip-smacking ardbeg provenance. a healthy pour please.
that man rosicky sure has very pleasing style. very satisfying game.
how good was rosicky 2day
Pint of Carling, as usual.
Excellent piece Holic, makes me wanna download the game from ATVO and watch it again :D.
On a worrying note (there has to be one), Given’s move to Fulham has been blocked by City, meaning Hughes will probably block Schwarzer’s move, meaning not only will we have Almunia in goal, but an unsettled Almunia.
But, if we do get Ciani (we are linked with him in the French press) I’d be delighted. He’s a great CB that will make Djourou and Koscielny see very limited playing time.
BtM, I am the luckiest blogger around with you saving that for the drinks, but you should have your own match-day blog maestro.
Awesome.
Thank you. 😉
Five hours behind you and just popping out for a celebratory sherbet to add to those I celebrated with during the game, Snail. ‘Holics operatig at peculiar hours these days isn’t he? Difficult to catch him.
Thanks, Holic. Only problem is that I’ve used up all of my Blackpoolisms in the pre-match and this one. What are we going to do for the away match I wonder?
Sleep tight.
TR7. Maestro. Mozart.
You’ll be a tower of strength BtM, of that I have no doubt. You will illuminate us all when the day arrives.
Perhaps I am an old George Graham Gooner. To me the moment of the match was when Bac Sagna, bless him, in the first half, absolutely roared back from an Arsenal attack, sprinted fully 60 yards to track back, defend a counter attack and force out a cross for a corner. Block 32 rose to a man to applaud him. He repeated the treatment in the second half, this time attacking, for a cross ball to Diaby that led to a delicious goal.
A joy to be there, flush with a great lunch from my Hornsey Road Greek (me and my boy are the only non Greek speakers in there week after week but the welcome is fantastic and the food is lush) my newly minted season ticket is a joy in terms of view and neighbours and my only gripe tonight is a gap of three weeks before our next home game.
‘Holic didn’t manage to make it over to say hello but I’m sure we will cross paths before this season is out.
How many can remember the old North bank chant
We all agree
Rixy is better than Hoddle!
A very happy (but slightly wores for wear) Countryman, agreeing with the consensus that Rosicky, Walcott and Somg were the pick of the pack, but with an honourable mention for Sagna.
For those praising Rosicky, you are spot on, but don’t forget Wilshere. The kid sat back for the main part and sprayed the ball about from there. If he can reproduce that against stronger opposition we have ourselves a footballer, ladies and gentlemen.
Marvelous ‘Holic. Don’t drink anymore myself but I’m mighty envious of my UK based Gooners for being able to have this kind of experience. Best I could do was buy a new 60″ flatscreen HDTV to watch the matches. ha. Great stuff as usual.
Arshavin must have shaken the injury he had last time. He was brilliant. With Rosicky, Theo, and (hopefully soon again) Nasri all stepping up, we’re in for a good run.
MOM for me was Theo, he was buzzing and so up for this game. But Chamakh, I have to say, cares so much, you can see it all over his face!! After a summer of shit from Barca players talking bad about our club, seeing the caring and passion on Chamakh’s face is positively refreshing. He was involved all game. He should have had 3 but once he starts ticking, with the number of chances he’ll get at Arsenal, Chamakh’s going to be a monster. Rosicky, Sagna and Song were very strong. Jack looked comfortable, and he’s giving the ball away less as the game goes on, which is great. QUESTION: When was the last time 2 Englishmen linked up for a goal in the league, like Jack did to assist Walcott for goal #3?
Arsenal have not scored 8 goals in a game since the 1930’s.We will never get a better chance than today. Blackpool the worse team i have ever seen.Sadly they wont be at the E******* next season.Much tougher battles to come.New CB and a keeper next saturday please
Holic, JW19 played the pivot role to perfection, although as you eluded to the competition wasnt the hardest, however he has played against Gerard and did well there as well, but this performance has been a long time coming from TR7 and I’m pleased for Mozart.
Not to worry though, there’s a lot more still to come from JW19, a lot more.
Makers?
Another pint of Tusker for me and TR7, Theo shown exceptionally well tonight but Rosy was on point for the whole 90! Marouane reminds me of he’s namesake from 24 season four! We have a huge terror in our hands! Lil dissapointed AW didn’t switch to a 442 with our proper No.10(finally!) playing just of him! Surely 2 more would have resulted!Today things just kicked in!? Clichy and Sagna were putting in proper crosses!?!?!? Hats off to JW19, he’s no FF4 at the moment, but that bot wears his heart on he’s sleeve! The last time I saw an Arsenal player putting in tackles in mid like that was PV4! Future captain right there!I can’t sign off without putting in word for Alex Song, Wenger said before hand that he’ll be a future CB for Arsenal, tonight I saw why, never put a foot wrong! Come on you Gunners! A tot of Johnny Walker for the road!
Just quick question for any one who can answer it. Just before the team came out today they played an entrance video featuring Arsenal’s greatest moments. It really seemed to get the crowd going! Does anyone know if that’s going to be a regular feature? Does anyone have a copy of it as well?
Nice and calm here tonight ‘holic. Although I suppose it’s hard to make the argument that it’s all doom and gloom when we won 6-0. That and Wenger is pretty confident about another signing.
My hats off to Ian Holloway for not blaming the loss on the ref and for not turning the game into a rugby match. Another (former) manager of orange would have certainly done so.
ARC: the video is on Arsenal.com. It’s the clock end vid if i’m not mistaken
And credit to Vela for a fine piece of skill to win the corner Chamakh scored from.
Good one holic.
That was as fluent a forward display as Arsenal have produced for a long time-and TR7 was excellent- as was Song. We did a lot of things right in midfield-like not holding on to the ball too long before passing.
I suspect we would have beaten most sides today.
Even allowing for standard of the opposition, have we stumbled on our best balanced home team? Time will tell.
What a game! I almost started feeling sorry for them!
Credit to Blackpool for at least trying to play football rather than trying to kick us out of the game or park the bus.
Cheers Holics! What a beautiful day out- all the boys did their part brilliantly, but it is especially nice to see Czech the Technique back in the form we first signed him for. And if Wilshere continues like this, we will hardly need to replace Cesc if and when he leaves down the line! In any case, great game. It was nice to hear Wenger being cheeky at the end of the match about no signings, no doubt we have coming who we need.
Guinness, please, and three cheers for Theo and Chamakh!
Excellent write-up ‘Holic but why don’t you mention the management by name?
Squillaci it is then.
I’m sure of it.
Martin Tyler was interviewing AW and asked about him and Arsene just smiled and said “I leave you with your guess, but usually you’re not bad at guessing” right after saying we got a bit closer to signing someone.
Too bad we couldn’t get Ciani but I’ll do with Squillaci too.
Schwarzer seems to be harder than imagined as City blocked Given’s transfer to Fulham.
What a Great day to be a Gooner! Theo, Arsh, Chamakh are my 3 top players on the day in that order. Truly a Beautiful display of the game from our boys. Roll on Blackburn. Hopefully Squillaci and Schwarzer are in by then. Fingers crossed but starting to go numb.
What a day… Beautiful football, our manager finally smiling and saying the defence will, indeed, be beefed up, a 6-0 win, without Holloway blaming the ref for a definitely harsh sending of – class act, that man, quite a few of the PL managers could learn the art of giving credit where it’s due from him… What more can a Gooner ask for? Theo was, indeed, electric, Arshavin looked like he’s getting back his touch (three cheers for that!), RVP did not limp off despite going down and looks fine, though not completely match fit, Tomas Rosicky is fit, fine and in fine form, Song definitely was singing, Sagna was excellent, Almunia kept a clean sheet and looked a lot more confident, Cesc looks close to back to his old self, Wilshere is our great hope for the midfield future, though the lad needs to tone down his tackles, Chamakh scored and looked like he belonged, Vermaelen was his usual steady self, Clichy had better watch out,Gibbs is nipping at his heels, but no mistakes as far as I’m concerned, a few lovely touches from Vela (still prejudiced against him about the passport incident, but no denying his skill), a fine goal and a fine assist from Diaby,whose sporadic laziness drives me nuts, but no complaints from me today…
What more, I have to ask, can a Gooner ask for? I know, it’s Blackpool, not exactly top flight team, but know the big difference? They played football and didn’t park the bus, like almost all top flight teams do with us. It doesn’t mean all our problems are solved, but today is a day to be a happy happy Gooner.
There seems to be a different metality and alot more hungry arsenal players on the pitch this season then last season. I know alot of people have been saying that but something really does feel different. TR7 seems as if he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder after supposedly being shopped around. One thing about him is his directness to goal has always been a plus and opened up passing lanes and he’s one of our players who has a shoot first mentality which is a good threat for us. The scary thing about JW19 is that even though he played well, everyone knows he has loads more skills to fufill his potential. As someone else pointed out above, that 60 yard sprint from Sagna really endears him to oneself. He may be our most consistent performer the past couple seasons. The hungriness in this squad continues to show though, and I cannot wait to see how we cope the rest of the season! ooorahhhh
Bud Light too barman as the night is still alive over here.
You have to laugh at Wenger when he praises Walcott.This is the very same Wenger who 6 days earlier at Anfield choose Eboue before Walcott.Yes Arsene we believe you have total faith in Theo
Anfield 89
Totally agree. i will bet any money Theo doesnt start when we play Chelsea Wenger will pick his lovechild Eboue.Why?????
Arshavin was class
@countryman: couldn’t agree more, it was wonderful to see Sagna do that back-tracking at three-nil up and against ten men. That is exactly the attitude and application that we will need in the remaining 36 games as well.
And whereabouts on Hornsey Road is that Greek place? Sound like a great place, think I’ll have to try it the next time I’m in London!
A Bloody Mary to go with my fry up please boss.
Enjoyed the game immensely, did shout at Diaby a bit for perceived laziness but he got away with it because of the oppo and effort of his team mates. Fair play to him on the assist and goal though.
AA23 was an interesting one in terms if looking more like himself but I still think he’s carrying some sort of injury.
Most interesting thing for me was that for the last few years I’ve always called for players to give the ball to Cesc knowing that he could do something exciting. On Football First last night I was calling for Cesc to give it to wor’ Jackie such is my love for the little left footers skills, which he seems yet to have fully unleashed.
I’d also suggest that Sky have reduced e quality if their non-HD service, I really can’t remember as bad a picture as I saw last night in a long time. Unless having watched my Dad’s HD has coloured my judgement/memory!
What song did the team run out too by the way?
Just a few observations and questions as others will have their own views of the display.
At 1-0 Blackpool had their only real chance, but Sagna was off the pitch and not for the first time Clichy wasn’t close to his man.
Did RVP get a bigger cheer than Cesc, who looked a tad embarrassed when he came on.
My guess is that RVP wasn’t fully fit and may well be missing next week.
I wanted to see Almunia tested but in all fairness we could have played without a keeper.
Great confidence booster for Theo, but why take him off when he was in full flight ?Perhaps to give Vela some match time
Most outstanding performances on the day, Sagna,Rosicky,Walcott and a revived Arshavin.
Chamakh will give more than Bedntner and Adebayor, and although a slightly nervous start, the header will have done him no end of good.
The defence hardly needs a mention,as one hardly noticed them.
3 points in the bag, 6 goals scored, none conceded and a good workout for those still seeking fitness.
Oh diaby still remains an enigma, he is great going forward but defensively not so sure, and one could argue his goal was the best of the six.
Excellent comments ‘holic. Particularly agree with your closing entreaty to Le Prof. As you mention, let’s not forget we still need them all important additions to the squad.
Anyway…..Confidence! Confidence!! That is what this team needed and that is what they got……in spades.
Blackpool were poor, it wasn’t great opposition. But it is almost as if this Arsenal side need to be convinced we *ARE* this good. And hopefully yesterday’s run out will have fulfiled it if nothing else. Forgive if that sounds as though I am trivialising the result. I am not. I just feel confidence will work wonders for more difficult encounters to yet come.
Hail Rosicky, Sagna, Walcott……all for obvious reasons BUT my shout goes to Chamakh. I have a feeling this guy is going to be special. Sure, he should have scored more but I love his effort, application, desire, positioning, pace, work rate (he unselfishly draws the defender to create space for others) power (he reminds me at times of a certain Dogbra). Pleased he got his goal at the end.
Keep on believing 🙂
Good morning all.
I am thinking that perhaps today I should try and eat something.
No need to apologise, ‘holic!
Irish coffee for me please.
Morning Ollie.
There are days when toast and marmalade provides all of the required nutrients and flavour. This is one of them.
Off to watch the highlights.
@Herbie
As trailed by RedAction the teams ran out to the old Highbury favourite “right here, right now” (Fatboy Slim). Good to hear Curtis Mayfield and “Move on up” at the end as well.
Unfortunately Elvis still made an appearance. What didn’t make an appearance much to my surprise was “we’re the North Bank, We’re North Bank,. We’re North Bank Highbury!” and similar Clock End chants. Wonder why.
My head aches too. More coffee and Arseblog’s patent hangover cure, bacon, is needed.
In between Elvis and FatBoy Slim they also played London’s Calling. Looks like they are seeing which was best received. Hope The Clash get the nod. Don’t care that Fulham play it too.
Fifteen quid and they don’t even valet the car for you
Heh!
Come by train and have a couple of halves next time.
Will do
That’s my parking arrangements knackered now anyway
@countryman
Cheers for that. Had heard that’s what they’d be doing but didn’t hear it on football first.
Want something up beat and lively with plenty of shouty lyrics that isn’t a dance track.
Was the parking space paved in solid gold, Jackster?
😉
Herbie, totally agree with your observation on SKY HD’s output. We too recorded the game on SS2 HD, and the quality of the recording was wholly dreadful, to the point that I couldn’t watch it. I expect better from them, but they have been shafting us for years.
How do we break their monopoly?
Jackster, you can park for free on Liverpool Road and walk the 15 minutes to the ground.
It’s what we do most times.
The only disappointing thing was that Carlos Vela didn’t score after playing keepy uppy over the Blackpool defense…. would have been one me the all time best premiership goals.. up there with the best of TH14 and DB10. If he can get to be a reliable goal scorer I think the guy’s going to be a serious galactico!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEXHeTcxQy4&feature=search
lively tune this is
Schwarzer not in the Fulham team today because of a “small injury” hmmm
Oh and while we’re about it Rooney not playing because of a “virus”. Nothing to do with this story about him and a newspaper expose then ……
Countryman,
Please tell me more what’s Englands saviour been up to this time ? Not knocking the back out of old grannies again I hope 🙂
Just watched the highlights again and I know he wasn’t the best player on the park yesterday and I’m stating the obvious in many ways but Jesus we’ve got a talent in young Jack, Everytime he receives the ball he passes forwards and into space he is 1 move ahead everytime he releases the ball and that’s the sign of a great player. Cannot take a great deal out of yesterday due to the circumstances but the boys all played well.
Up The Arse,
Countryman, now you have to tell us more 🙂
And a Rooney-less ManU dropped two points at Craven Cottage. Brede Hangeland scored an own goal with six minutes to go, Nani missed a penalty a minute later and then Hangeland scored at the right end to make it 2-2 in the 90th minute. I saw parts of the game on the telly and ManU were really shaky at the back. With better attackers Fulham would have scored more.
Ok – the facts are that the New of the World claim that they have a story about an England international, married, father of one, who earns > £100K per week, in a John Terry/Ashley Cole style “playing away” love rat thing.
They apparently had the story before the World Cup, but didn’t want to print it then for fear of messing up England’s World Cup chances. They planned to release it for the start of the Premier league, but the footballer in question has slapped them with first one, then a second injunction. Legal wrangles continue. John Terry also had an injunction, the stories are usually allowed for public figures in the end.
All of this was discussed (in the context of the privacy law which has been discussed but never enacted) by Peter Preston in the Observer today. So, as I say, fact so far.
Then comes the speculation. All week the internet has been crawling with rumours that it was Rooney, and that the worry of having this hanging over him is why he played so badly at the WC and looks in poor form. Then he rocks up in London on Friday evening with MU – curiously the day that the second injubction was granted. Saturday he develops a “virus” and is sent back to Manchester. Could of course be entirely true. Or not.
Karma – if Rooney had been playing he would have taken the pen that was saved by the Fulham number 2 and probably scored it and broken this 1000 minute dry spell.
Well played Fulham! Mark Hughes is a knob but I’m very happy with the way they played and they’ll be a handful this season especially at the Cottage.
Snail,
Excellent parking tip. Do you have any similar perchance for BBC Broadcasting House. Being the regular invitee that you are (with Mrs Snail in tow) to television audience events with the Beeb big-wigs, I’m sure you have a parallel parking point down thereabouts?
Not that I’m ever invited to BBC events, but Her Nellieness has her good nickers pressed and by dinner suit and dickie bow are at the ready should the call, one day, come. In the event that it doers, it would be a bummer to be late just because of parking issues. Hence my question.
Nice one, Countryman. You have Her Nellieness on tenterhooks. She’s looking forward to the next episode of the tail, so don’t disappoint, please.
Actually after answering I went back and checked the rumours. I was slightly wrong in (allegedly) that it wasn’t a love rat thing, it was Rooney up to his old tricks with ladies of the night of a certain vintage (ahem) while Colleen was producing his first born.
Yes I know we have gaps in the squad, yes I know AW could be more proactive in the transfer market, yes I know that the corporate pillocks do wind you up, and yes, it was ONLY Blackpool; but, and it is a discreet but, isn’t it nice to put away a newly-promoted side that only last week had a superb opening day away victory. How often have we cocked this up before? Whisper it quietly please, we look ok don’t we? Don’t raise the rooftops just yet with shouts of our championship credentials and don’t, for goodness sake, get carried away with the form so far of one or two of the players that we need to step up. But, with a couple of oft-discussed additions, we might, just might, have a chance this year. Don’t, however, listen to those who will always have a pop at anything that doesn’t give immediate satisfaction and gratification, their views are mostly irrelevant.
I might be getting carried away, I might be far too optimistic, but if you can’t enjoy a victory like that, when will you ever have a good feeling about the Gunners? Probably never.
Haha that’s made my Sunday cheers Countryman and if true I can see alot of suspensions for Mr Rooney this season as no doubt the opposition will target him for verbals and we all know how he reacts 🙂
Footballers in the main really are the most stupid creatures how do they think they can ever keep this stuff under wraps it always comes out in the end,
Watched the Fulham game and they just carried on from last season absolutley tireless performance mixed with skill and passion, Im glad they play as they do as they’ve got a great set up and some very knowledgeable fans just a shame that prick Hughes is now the manager!
I think you will find the England international is Stevie Gerrard.
Jack the boy was outstanding as were the rest of the team. Could not
Understand hy Wenger didn’t substitute Aluminia and have 11 outfield players !!!!!!!!
Make mine a vodka n coke in a pint glass please
Ask max Clifford, countryman. He earns a fortune in retainers from many high profile stars precisely to keep these things out of the papers.
Sol was a good example when he stormed off the pitch when we lost to West ham at home and the next day, where was he, yes you guessed it, here in Marbella with Max himself.
Max Clifford well known Gooner.
http://www.sevillafc.es/_www/actualidad.php?op=not&id=18304
Sevilla website confirms Squillaci at Arsenal for a medical tomorrow after clubs agreed a fee.
I don’t really speak any spanish (apart from “Una cerveza grande, por favor” – and I’m not even sure that is correct…) but as far as I can make out, the news on this link says that Squillaci has travelled to London for a medical:
http://www.sevillafc.es/_www/actualidad.php?op=not&id=18304&webSFC=d493b2043deb19b3b7b3518512024817
‘Holic beat me to it, I should have typed faster 🙂
As translated by Google Translate:
“Defender Sebastien Squillaci in the night travel to London today in order to pass Monday a medical with Arsenal, the club they will be traded after the agreement reached by both clubs, which is at the expense of those physical evidence.”
Looks like our 4 Cb’s with Song as a 5th are complete. I assume the depth chart will be Vermaelen, Koscielny, Djourou, Squillaci, Song.
Rumors have it that Schwarzer failed a medical test (probably a fitness test) before Fulham’s match against United and Fulham notified Arsenal of him failing.
On the other hand, if Schwarzer is indeed injured then, wouldn’t Fulham want to cash in and sell him for what they can get so that they’ll offload an “injured” player?
Their backup looked great today and maybe it got Hughes convinced he doesn’t need to bring in anyone which will speed Schwarzer’s transfer.
We got one Hughes to back the move for Schwarzer. Now we just need the other one…
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_6329141,00.html
Holic’s starting to get that tingling in my guts with our results & manor of play with the first team & now the reserves too, as these boys are currently turning it on game-in game-out as well. Not saying it can’t all go Pete Tong when we come-up against the big boys but it’s LOKING GOOD @ the moment all round.
Just looking @ the squad’s re the 25 man rule (Under the new regulations each Premier League club will have to name a first-team squad of no more than 25 players):
We currently have 26 so if we take it as a given we are getting a new French CH & we are losing a French left-back, that still leaves us 26, so who’s going to be cut?
Oh anyone know if this rule affects the “Carling Cup” because the reserves have this one in the bag this year!!!
Lee, we have quite a lot of of room in our squad for Squillaci. Players like Walcott, Gibbs, Ramsey, Szczesny, Vela and Wilshere do not need to be named in the 25-man squad as they still qualify as U21’s.
Lee, it can be 25 with 8 home grown over the age of 21 (Cesc, Clichy et al) and as many under 21’s as you’d like.
Ramsey, Wilshere, Gibbs etc’ won’t be part of the 25 list. They can be listed without taking a spot in the 25.
And I’m pretty sure that if we do bring in a keeper we’ll get rid of one of the four we currently have.
Now you typed faster Lars 😀
Lee,
I think players under 21 are except from the rule, so we should be OK.
Thanks Lars, to be honest I was just being lazy & not reading the full requirements, but had a feeling that might be the case.
So in fact we COULD name quite a few more young lads in the first team squad then if that’s how it works?
Yay, I beat Snir to it!
A pint of John Smiths to celebrate my new-found typing prowess, please.
Don’t know about John Smiths, seems like you have ALL been on the Redbull to get back to me that quick….
Well done guys.
I know this has been answered above. This question seems to come up quite often on this bar. Here is a link from Arsenal.com that has all the answers.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/new-squad-regulations-for-this-season
‘Arsenal’s current first-team squad contains 26 players, of which 13 are counted as homegrown, and seven are Under-21s.’
Good evening Holic & Holic`s
Sorry to join the party late but the pennies must be earned on weekends as well.
What a fantastic allround performance by the lads or boys if you will as the youngsters really turned up in style mixed in with a little know how from the older players and BAM ! What a game.
I am absolutely delighted that Theo got a hat trick and after the game admitted that this has to be his season to push on and progress. It is fantastic when the kids grow up and make you proud, the bomb shell that was being dropped from the England squad has doubled his efforts he comes across more mature. Well done Theo well done.
Wilshere covered every blade of grass and put in a full shift and was unlucky not to be on the score sheet as well. Only 18 we really do have a gem there and Wenger knows it. Not this season Bolton , he stays just where he is needed.
I also have to add that Rosicky had the best game in a Arsenal shirt for some time which can only be a huge confidence boost for him. He play Cesc`s mantle if it was the man himself ( No easy feat it must be said ) Stunning.
Chamakh missed a hat full of chances but stuck at it and got his reward. I think in about another couple of months we will really see the best of him when he has had time to adapt to the PL and our style of play. His head never dropped and he was every where trying to link up play. A hard working striker just what we needed after that thing that went to Man Shitty.
A stunning performance all round by the lads and hopefully more to come.
Up in Block 91 yesterday, and we mature sages were being sensible and not getting carried away, predicting 3 – 0, 4 – 0, 4 – 1 as Blackpool would be well organised and on a high blah, blah . . .
Managed to get an extra ticket for my 6 year old daughter who had no such reservations. Knowing those roundabouts a little now, she loudly and confidently let us have it – 6 – 0, she said and leapt out of her seat a little higher each time we closed on her target.
Not being a gambling man myself, this rewarded me with nothing other than pride – but, what a girl!
The match has been brilliantly described already by our two super-scribes, but what interests me is today’s media reaction to our six goal smashing of the Seasiders.
When Chavski or ManUre hit a team for six, it is a statement of intent, a brilliant demonstration of their power, attacking might and ability to crush lesser opposition.
Today, suddenly, comment has it that, yes, it was a good performance by Walcott, but it was only against a poor team. Hansen, pathetically, chose to concentrate on the two occasions when his final ball was not the best choice, and declared that it was a worry that Walcott has no football brain.
Can’t they find a slot for this old misery guts on Talkshite.
Talkshite, by the way, have turned their attentions to “debating” whether such big wins are actually good for the Premier League.
Never, of course, an issue when other teams are banging them in.
We just have to win the thing this year, to slam this bias right back at them.
Maybe others will correct me, but I can’t remember anyone (in the madia) yet praising Jack Wilshere for his performance yesterday.
At 18 the lad is amazing. He has 5 years of improvement available to him, to become as good as Cesc, if we want to make that comparison.
A measure, i feel, of just how good he could be.
I note the “Arsene out” brigade are conspicuous by their absence. Nuff said.
Squillacci and Schwarzer. Squil and Squach the Squasher Brothers?
Arsenal players names are becoming a spelling bee if these two are added to kosci, kosici, kosnichi….. you know, the lad who plays CB.
Do we expect Squil to leap ahead of Kos as first pick beside TV? Obviously good to have the cover. Fancy him ahead of Kos when Dogbreath is on the field.
Maybe we have some mid-field cover now too for Alex Song if DJ 20 can step up to that?
DJ20 says that is his preferred position.
Personally, surprised he has played anywhere long enough to know.
Trev, I had the same thoughts as you regarding the different reaction to our 6-0 compared to that of Chelsea. Sure, it was v ten men for an hour, but hardly anyone in the media mentioned that Chelsea were given at least two comically easy goals by Scott Carson, and that on Saturday they stuck six past a team that conceded four to Blackpool – you know, the team that is so awful that our 6-0 doesn’t really count…
And Alan Hansen is a right muppet. I mean bloody hell, even Gary Lineker looked like he was ready to hit him, he was genuinely pissed off with Hansen’s idiotic remarks. You could almost hear the voice of panic inside old Alans head go “don’t admit I might have been wrong, don’t admit I might have been wrong, don’t admit…”
Hansen should have been pensioned off years ago, he’s just a miserable git these days (see also: Alan Green).
BTM, I think Wenger got sick and tired of idiots like Hansen spouting out rubbish about his players. So he’s making sure they can’t pronounce their names: “Kosc…Kos…erm…Walcott doesn’t have a footballing brain.”
Wait, so for all the doom and gloom squad and the “Arsene Out!” brigade – Come the 1st of September, new signings for the 2010-2011 would be:
Mark Schwarzer
Laurent Koscielny
Sebastian Squillaci
Marouane Chamakh
Or in other words, fixing Arsenal’s problems in bringing a good, calm(!) keeper, 2 center backs, one who is extremely impressive even against top opposition as Fernando Torres, and one who is experienced and good in the air who also featured in the UCL Final and a striker that adds a dimension to a team that would pass to death its opponents but didn’t have what people like to call a “plan B”. Well, welcome plan B or in its other name Marouane Chamakh.
I think Arsene Wenger deserves an apology from the people who make me sick. I wasn’t born then but I’ve heard Arsenal went 18 years without a trophy, and now 5 years and everyone goes mental? What happened? You got spoiled? Well, believe me if AW didn’t have the Emirates Stadium over his head a transfer block he would have won trophies in all of these 5 years (or maybe if he had a proper medical staff), I wanna see Fergie, Mancini, Ancelloti develop players like Wenger did, and players who are good, not Gibson, Sturridge et al.
Thank you Arsene Wenger for every second that you are Arsenal’s manager.
The French-Italian squeegee is on his way to save the day.
Squillaci is on his way to London for a medical tomorrow.
Snir – like many on here, I was there for 18 years without a trophy, and it’s hard to look around now and believe just what we have got.
That is both in terms of the football we play, and the stadium we play it in.
I remember standing on the North Bank for £1.10 a game. Inside the ground, halfway up the steps to the top of the terraces, was a caravan where you could buy a hot-dog or a burger. That was the entirety of the choice before you.
I think I have obliterrated all memory of the bogs from my mind.
That’s why we are AKB’s. The other reason, of course, is that he does.
Sorry to appear again, but have just seen an amazing item on Sky Sports News.
The Rangers keeper, McGregor, clutches his head and drops to the ground during a bit of handbags with a Hibs player. A real piece of Rivaldo revisited.
Despite this being quite clear on the video, the SFA (make your own up) has decided no action will be taken against the keeper.
Can these possibly be the same people who went relentlessly after Eduardo last year, for his attempt to prevent a charging 14 stone goalkeeper from crashing into his recently repaired leg ?
While I’m on the subject of unfair treatment, what exactly was the difference between Ngog’s handball at Anfield last week, and Thierry’s misdemeanor against Rep of Ireland, which filled the SS News and Sky News screens for 3 days ?
They had clearly forgotten that he didn’t even play for us anymore.
‘Holic, I would love to see your views on this whole “anti-Arsenal” thing.
Sorry for my ignorance but what does AKB stand for 🙂 ?
Arsene Knows Best
Oh, right, for some weird reason it didn’t even cross my mind. To be honest it should be AK cause he doesn’t know best, he’s the only one who knows :D.
Im jinxing it ,but am pretty excited about the Squillaci signing.. Things are finally falling into place. Now get that GK, Arsene!
Sajit, you can’t jinx a team already jinxed 😀
And we are definitely jinxed, otherwise there’s no logical reason why we have this many long term absentees and Nasri out for about 3 months (a month and 2 month before he regains his pre-season form).
Every Arsenal fan knows we’re jinxed, so much so, that Arsenal.com made Arsene’s injury news video a FREE video so that everyone can watch cause it was something that everybody was worried about since it happened so much!!
The fact that RvP is still healthy is already an unexpected achievement 😀
lol Snir, yea have the worst luck in terms of injuries. No two ways about it.
The walrus and cloggers at Ewood park will be definitely waiting to kick at some Arsenal shins. Hopefully we get back without adding to our injury list.
Watched the MOTD highlights. Quite amusing. Especially the part while Hansen is trying to say Walcott is not a good player while showing clips from the game. Trouble for Hansen was that Walcott was brilliant in each of them. “Walcott doesn’t have a football … Ok that was a good goal … He’s rubb … Oh that was nice too…”
Earning a title rather than just going out and buying one. Quite a proposition but this year we might (knock on wood) be able to fully enjoy what we have been earning these last few years. Just 36 games to go so let’s enjoy each and every one of them.
Bergkamp’s The Man you certainly have a way with words. 🙂
Going back to Schwarzer, I really wish that some sites were vetted.One in particular said Schwarzer failed a medical on Thursday yet he was going back for another one on Sunday.This same Arsenal site invariably gets more hits on a daily basis with make believe headlines, and the sad thing is that so many gullable people,fall for it time and time again.
Arsenal Action you mean?
I just found out about that website and from a short reading – I think le grove have friends in Arsenal Action.
They make me sick.
Snir – do you never sleep??! 🙂
What I love about chamakh is that when he gets hammered in a tackle he gets straight back up. I havent feared him picking up and injury once, compared to stressing every time sagna, walcott or van persie take to ground.
Speaking of big tough men, I’m not sure jack wilshire 18 and lightweight, because his presence is very strong, could he have the ‘dark side’ that wenger spoke recently of scholes. We could definately use some extra grunt and muscle in midfield and jack seems able to hold his own against anyone.
Anyone else love ‘Special 1 TV’, bring it back man
Voyuer :- Heeelllooooww!!!
Catalan – It’s only 3 here in the US and I just came back from “The Expendables”, and once I got home I watched “The A-Team” so sleeping would be postponed a bit today :D.
Besides, I keep looking for an update on Schwarzer every second, I can’t help it, you should have seen me when the Cesc saga went on, I’m still surprised I’m not in a mental institution :).
Just thought about it.
For those who don’t rate Schwarzer better than Almunia, meaning it won’t strengthen our squad if we sign him, do you believe that now we’ll win the EPL?
If not, then I don’t know what will convince you.
I think that we can win the EPL now, I think we WILL win the EPL with Schwarzer.
We’ll have a solid keeper, solid defense and the best front 6 in the EPL and in my opinion the second best in Europe after Barca’s (god I hate them).
Trev @ 94 – its because McGregor plays for one of the ugly sisters – had it been a player from a non Old Firm club, you can bet they would be hounding the player in the same way that they went after Eduardo.
The SFA – A bigger bunch of tossers than you have ever seen.
Now turning to Squillaci – don’t know much about him but better than Silvestre and less injury prone than Djourou I presume?
Snir Geuli ,
the story has just been withdrawn for arsenal news.net.
Squillaci has in fact just turned 30 this month, is 6″1″ had an interupted season last year,but was ever present the year before.Has 20 caps for France.
Thank you `Holic for writing and hosting the best match reports one can hope to read. It’s been a real pleasure to read this thread from top to bottom.
Who would have bet on us being second in the table after last week’s game?
As much as I enjoyed another magic moment of marvelous football I’m very mindful that it’s too early to express any assertive opinion on the players, the same way it was last week after Anfield, which made Shearer’s trashing of Walcott even more infuriating. That said Blackpool have a mid-championship team’s budget, there is no denying it even if it’s people we despise who make the point. We can’t really blame anyone for thinking and writing that the geordies’ 6-0 win over Villa is much more of an upset in all honesty.
Anyway I’d like to express my respect to Snir with whom we have exchanged passionate opinions on Walcott, there aren’t too many gooners who keep an open eye and are ready to adapt their perception of a player when that player improves. At 21 Walcott will still blow hot and cold for a while but let there be no doubt about what he can do. Already today there isn’t a LB in Europe who’d feel confident before a game against us. With the complementary cameo from Vela and his juggling run it was so exciting to try and project what both of them will offer with more experience.
Which leads me on what I’ve been pondering since yesterday’s game. How will AW manage to keep 18 players happy competing for 6 spots. Once Fabregas is fit, should we take Rosicki out? or Wilshere? or Diaby? Will the youngsters (JET, Lansbury, Eastmond…) get a chance? Should Vela spend another season watching Arshavin from the bench? We start to see why Chamakh was the darling of the Bordeaux fans. He got a standing ovation on his last game despite leaving on a free and having agitated to move the previous summer. I have a hunch he has been brought in not as much for his skill as for his attitude. If it spreads around the team even Ferguson will envy our spirit. Should we bench Chamakh when RvP is ready? Many hard decisions will have to be taken…
Oh, almost forgot the most sensational news of this week-end: it’s the first time in 100+ games that we will be able to align the same team twice in a row!
Note to the BBC
get rid of Hansen and Lawrenson and put Lee Dixon and Robbie Savage on
MOTD on saturday and sunday – they actually seem to know what they are talking about and played more recently than those two dinosaurs who played when iverpool were actually challenging for the league title many moons ago!
Holic’s as we are still on the Wilcott debate I’ll through in my two pence worth.
Wilcott it has to said has had this type of game for us in the passed, only to go on & disappoint us the week after before getting himself injured the week after that for three months. bit of a recurring theme going on here.
So although I don’t appreciate x sourpuss Liverpool players pulling our boys apart @ every given opportunity (they should look closer to home if you ask me) it has to be agreed Theo needs to:
1, Look after himself on the field more & stay fit.
2, keep improving with every opportunity he gets to play.
3, keep-up his physical development programme (this one for him could be more important then the first two).
Before I’ll be absolutely convinced he has a future with us, not that not a googd player but Arsenal have moved on while he’s been on the treatment slab more often then not, & AW has brought more & more youngsters through that COULD pass him by soon.
So it’s in nobody but Theo’s hand’s over the next two seasons, cos I’d say that’s just about how long he has to nail-down a spot in the team, before he’s moved-on?
& by the way I have NO axe to grind with him in fact I’d love to see him succeed because if he get the playing side right with his pace he could go all the way, so please Theo JUST STAY FIT will you!!!
Matt, easy now – there’s a week of training to go before the next game. Plenty of time left to pick up an injury or two…
But I agree about Chamakh. His attitude and work-rate so far has been brilliant.
And I’d keep Vela. He looks stronger than last season and I can’t point to any specific reason, but I have a feeling that he’ll go on to have a good season with us. It’s just something about him that, to me, makes him look more confident and determined.
Lars,
Good point regarding Vela he defo looks like hes beefed up! His problems will come when he goes jetting of for Mexico games. If he had a run of starts you may well see a player thats going places,
Matt,
I personally think Chamakhs been brought in to play with VP and they will alternate between central and wide, His work rate, hold up play and ability with his head at both ends will be priceless,
As i said yesterday Sat was lovely but you couldnt take a great deal out of the game with regards what the season holds in store for us because we all know we are special going forwards its the Defensive issues that worry, We will get a better idea come 12.45 sat when we play Fat Sams mob, And lets hope we spank Blackburn as any side managed by that Fat Walrus wanker deserevs to be beat 🙂
Up The Arse,
Matt- I just wish people would act the same towards Diaby, he’s frigging brilliant, people say he’s lazy when in fact he was in the holding role, if he would have ran the whole pitch like an energizer bunny and get caught, people would criticize him for over committing and not knowing how to play the holding role, when he strides in large areas of the midfield people say he’s lazy, c’mon! The guy is so fucking good, even doing the holding role (Liverpool didn’t even pass the halfway line in the first half!) even though it’s not his position.
It just frustrates me so much, I actually believe he’s the second most “hated” gunner after Fabianski.
Snir, I think Diaby has the potential to be a major part of the squad, but he is still inconsistent in his fitness and his role in the team. I think many people’s frustration comes from his insist on trying to beat another man (he has almost Hleb like dribbling ability at times) when a simple pass will do. I don’t doubt his ability at all.
+ insistence
– insist
I don’t hate any of our players.
Evening ‘holic’s, is the bar still open? I’m well late to this one.
I watched the game via a stream with German commentary, my germans not perfect (it’s pretty similar to Dutch) but the commentaters were waxing lyrical about the Arsenal style, they (as I) were loving it!
Enough has been said above about how good we were and how gracious in defeat Mr Holloway was, but I think we should also give the B’pool fans a mention too. On tv they looked to have brought quite a fair amount of fans to the Grove and they cheered their team on despite the scoreline. Fair play to them.
Cider for me please guv.
Cheers.
Cheers for the parking tips Snail.
For years I’ve been parking at Seven Sisters and getting the tube the rest of the way. Easy to get back out East again afterwards.
On Saturday I got there and found it has gone all ‘residents parking’ from Mon-Sat so was a bit stuffed. Car parks at Tottenham Hale and Blackstock road were full.
I think going forward I’ll take the train on Saturdays and as the rail system is usually fucked on Sundays drive down to Seven Sisters then.
iSnail, to be honest, I don’t get it with gooners anymore. When someone doesn’t take on defenders they say no one has the guts to do it, when someone does they say he does it too much.
The guy takes on defenders cause he can twist the hell out of them, 80% of the time he does take defenders on he goes by them.
Have a look at the Blackpool game, you could see the amount of short, simple passes he passed to Rosicky and Wilshere in that game, maybe he’s maturing :D.