Green Door Finally Released As Song Heads Home
Oct 30th, 2010 by 'holic
We’ve seen it before. The visitors, dismissed as cannon fodder ahead of the contest, having the temerity to raise their game against The Arsenal. It may not have been pretty, but banks of four and five worked overtime to frustrate, and frustrate they did.
I know I am not alone in berating sides that come to the Grove with no ambition above getting a point by hook or by crook. Just this once though you could understand it. West Ham are so poor offensively at the moment that they could only really dig in and hope. Their hopes of survival rest on scoring against the sides around them. They know trips to the big four or five are all about avoiding the beating that could cost them dear on goal difference at the season’s end.
For those inclined to bemoan the narrowest of winning margins, I would suggest you reflect on the number of outstanding saves once again by Robert Green. Arsenal may not have been at their best, but they were knocking at the door for virtually all of the ninety minutes, and did unlock that well-organised and determined defence regularly, particularly after the break.
In the opening period the visitors threatened only from set-pieces, and found Fabianski determined to rack up another clean sheet. I made a note in the drinks that it was good to see him bossing the skipper and controlling what went on in his box. I know the jury is still out on him, but he is slowly winning people round. He knows that the good done by the run of solid performances he is currently producing could be undone by one howler, but credit where it is due, he is growing in stature and confidence.
Midway through the first half his opposite number produced his first outstanding stop from Fabregas, superbly set-up by Song and Sagna. More routine stops from Song and Squillaci kept the half goal-less. On another day we may have been going in with the narrowest of advantages, and nerves would not have built thereafter. This was not another day. I did wonder, given the space found by Sagna down the Hammers left flank, if we might see Walcott at half-time, but we had to wait a little longer.
Green was finally beaten by Nasri’s free-kick, but the woodwork came to his rescue, as it did again when finally Walcott appeared, and sprinted clear only to see the far post deny him a spectacular opener. The England ‘keeper was back to his best to thwart Walcott and Fabregas with magnificent saves. It was starting to look as though the West Ham bogey was about to strike again.
The goal, when it arrived, came from the unlikeliest of sources, and I know it was a third consecutive strike for Song. His more adventurous approach this season hasn’t impressed all observers, but his arrival at the far post to convert Clichy’s superb cross with just two minutes left on the clock will have been food for thought for his most vocal critics. The relief around the stadium was evident, even on a dodgy Chinese stream. How important will this goal prove to be?
Titles are not won by thirty outstanding displays. In the mix of performances produced by winners will be a handful of games like this, when sheer persistence enables the grinding out of three points. This may just have been a more positive outcome than was thought at the whistle. Le boss acknowledged what sort of a day it had been afterwards.Β
“It was a battle. It was a battle where on our side we needed to be patient, intelligent and sometimes a bit lucky. We didn’t make mistakes at the back, we kept a clean sheet and in this kind of game this is the most important.”
He wasn’t wrong. Cheers ‘holics.
125 Responses to “Green Door Finally Released As Song Heads Home”
First round, I’ll get ’em in.
Thanks H2H and I’ll buy a second π
I just aged ten years.
First and foremost:
Lukasz Fabianski has arrived!
For so long we have wanted a keeper who commands his area, and as the ‘Holic mentions above, did you see how he bossed Fabregas around for one of West Ham’s corners in the first half? Not just some seventeen-year old kid from the reserves, Cesc Fabregas himself was being firmly put in place but Fabianski, and then just stood where Fabianski wanted him. Who headed the ball away from that corner? Yes, Cesc Fabregas.
Many will say that we can not yet say that Fabianski has become the keeper we need, but I would say that there is very little doubt in my mind anymore. In the past few games he has grown enormously, and when you have been through such a massive crisis in confidence as he has been through and then come out on the other side your confidence grows incredibly strong. I am now 99% sure that we will not have a goal-keeping problem anymore this season. Yes, there will be mistakes because all keepers make mistakes but I can all but guarantee you that Lukasz Fabianski has come of age.
And Manuel Almunia will, I hope, keep being “injured” until he is sold off in January. Make Szczesny understand that as of now, it is him and Fabianski who are fighting it out for the number one spot so he signs a new contract and then sell Almunia to whomever wants him.
Song has been taking a lot of stick for going forward lately. But he has three goals in the last three games he’s played and both the goal last Sunday and the one today were massively important ones. Just get Wilshere back in there instead of Denilson for the next few games, please, and Song can keep on roaming free. To quote the song from the Up For Grabs podcast:
Alex Dimitri Song Billong
Plays the holding role
Scores the occasional goal
Alex Dimitri Song Billong
(to the tune of “Up where we belong”)
By the way, if you haven’t heard that podcast, check it out – it’s fucking brilliant. You’ll find it at http://playbackmedia.co.uk/its-up-for-grabs-now/
This was, for the most part, a shit game on our part and we were lucky that West Ham were even worse. And how Scott Parker could avoid being sent off I will never understand. The tackle on Denilson alone should have been a red, but it wasn’t even a yellow. The ref was horrible all afternoon.
We won, and City and Sp*rs lost which is good. Putting some distance between us and fifth is a good thing.
Right, I’ve already had a few pints of Boddington this afternoon, but hey – another one won’t do me no harm. Barman, a Boddingtons for me, please!
cesc, nasri, arshavin, rosicky, jacky boy… that’s a VERY strong & creative midfield. let ramsey get fully fit and we are spoilt for choice.
shame that free kick by nasri did not go in! love the way he is imposing himself on the team match after match. it’s good to be a gooner π
whisky for everyone else at the bar ‘holic
A great result to go with a gritty, persistent performance. However…until Theo came on we were playing 4-5-1 at home, against the bottom side in the league. I really don’t get this, especially with the talent sat on the bench. I can’t remember a less attacking formation under Wenger. Kudos to Song, he’s added goals to his game and you can’t argue with the end product. Frankly though, when he spends most of the game playing in the attacking last third, you might as well play Nasri in the centre and start Theo out wide. Denilson gave the ball away too much today, but at least he held his position and did a job. Don’t get me wrong, every Gooner should be optimistic at the moment, I feel like we need to get at least two proper forwards into this formation and support the attack though !
You called it corectly in the prematch post ‘holic sir, the blowers of bubbles gave a good showing and did not fade and die.
As i mentioned in the last drinks we’ve now had three clean sheets in a week and that’s a stat that’s not to be sniffed at. (unless your name is Mark Bosnich. ;).) The confidence from the keeper is starting to show in the rest of the defence, we seem a lot calmer and I don’t crap myself anymore everytime the ball comes into our box.
I also thought that our lads looked better today when they didn’t have the ball. There was good covering and chasing back and we looked determined to win the ball back with every challenge.
A very satisfactory One-Nil to da Arsenal, maybe some wanted/expected more, but I’m sure we’ll all settle for the lovely three points that keep us in second place in the table.
Keep em coming barman.
Cheers.
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Arsenal News, Arsenal FC. Arsenal FC said: Green Door Finally Released As Song Heads Home: Weβve seen it before. The visitors, dismissed as cannon fodder ahe… http://bit.ly/dmwWDR […]
One nil to the Arsenal, I’ll take it every time.
Haven’t seen any of the game yet, so will grudgingly watch Linkeker and whatever assortment of tossers he has around him and then watch the whole thing on ATVO at some point.
Who is the new goal scoring machine in midfield with the funny hair?
Rum and coke Barman, and one for all these dipsomanicas who got on to the bar stool before me π
10th
not that bad i reckon
Awesomeness ! ! !
I’m surprised at how upbeat you are ‘holic: that was a pisspoor performance by an Arsenal side that looked like it just couldn’t be fucked. Despite the eventual winner, it appears that the lessons promised by ArsΓ¨ne and the many players interviewed in the aftermath of the West Brom defeat simply haven’t been learnt. Instead, we get platitudes about how amazing Song was, despite being generally lethargic and uninventive with the ball. That said, hitting the corner flag from a shot IS creative in a way…
Oh, and I know we see it every week, but the reffing was cretinous! Is it just the 60,000 in the stands who see that Rob Green CONTINUALLY switching sides to take goal kicks is not for any footballing tactics? Or, more criminally, that forcing Arsenal to wait while the ref talks yet again to a West Ham player after a foul designed to break up play is just playing into their hands? Where do they find these imbeciles?
Not sure you have picked up the gist of the piece, Max. Not even Brazil are ‘like watching Brazil’ in more than half of their games. We need to understand that and appreciate when we scrape a win when not at our best. How many times have you seen us play better and lose? Me too.
We played some right stinkers in 98, 02 and 04 too. Winning them is good. I understand some ripping into us when we lose, but when we win? Not for me, I’m afraid.
Max…we weren’t brilliant I’d agree, but we hit the woodwork twice and Green managed 2 and perhaps 4 very good saves. Nor were we ever in danger of conceding. If that’s piss poor I’m not sure what’s expected. We were below our best I’d venture – average I’d say….
Beyond that, first time 3 consecutive clean sheets since Sep ’09. For all of our 4-2 games it’s nice to see it looking much better at the back.
Arshavin though…have a few weeks off please…and don’t backheel just outside your own box.
No drinks ‘holic…just a sweet Song will do.
May I suggest this for song of the week: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRrJugyk1Yw
Wonderful report, Goonerholic. I think what will decisively prove that Fabianski has what it takes to compete for #1 GK is how he will react to the inevitable error. I hope the gets several more games before he experiences a major mistake, but if he can stay focused in the game and recover without losing confidence, then he will be okay. In the past, one error would cascade into a decidedly dodgy and nervous display throughout the game.
On the marauding attacks of Song, it really works best with someone like Wilshere backing him up; and we have missed him. I hope he starts away to Donetsk so that Fabregas can rest his tight hamstring. Song has shown real quality attacking when Arsenal really has needed a goal, but even Arsene mentioned rather wryly in his press conference that Song was attacking forward more than you would expect a holding player–but I suppose Song can’t be classified as such anymore. Our system is more fluid. But, again, it really requires rotation and speed from other players.
I agree with others that we didn’t play particularly well, but it didn’t seem a question of urgency. The ref allowed lots of rough play and Fab4 doesn’t seem quite fit. Chamakh and Arshavin seem a bit jaded.
I suspect Bendtner and Walcott start to give them a rest midweek.
‘Hols,
I know the bar is open for one and all, but I think (just this once) there needs be a velvet rope to keep the belly-achers out. Let me sip the nectar of a gutsy, gritty win in peace. Here’s how I see from the great Republic of Texas…
+ We’re keeping clean sheets.
+ We’re getting goals from all around.
+ We’re gettin’ stuck in when it matters.
+ We’re working hard to close folks down and regain possession.
+ We’re showing some heart and ability and belief that we will win the close game.
+ We’re remaining committed to playing beautiful football.
What the HELL are naysayers, neighing about? Enjoy the ride folks, and get behind the boys. Gooner till I die.
Warm milk, please boss.
The referee today was awful. Time and again West Ham players were allowed to stand in the way of a quick Arsenal free-kick.
West Ham time-wasted from the start. I don’t blame them – it’s up to the referee to book offenders. It did make me chuckle to watch Rob Green sprint to take a goal kick for the first time in the 88th minute.
Like the City game last weekend this was a huge win. It’s been a fantastic few weeks to be a gooner. I wish we were playing ManUre or the chavs soon – I reckon we’d beat them at the moment, and it’s been a long time since I thought that.
Clean sheet and dramatic and beautiful late goal. What more could you ask?
HOLIC AND HOLICS
i present u one my finds of the years some of u might know this site but this is a gem i present to u http://fanchants.com/ please have a look and comment….i promise this wont be a waste of time
Song’s going forward is the most dangerous weapon we have as an attacking team.
Very simple, when he goes forward, he is not considered a threat and not marked as a threat like Chamakh, Arshavin, Cesc, Wilshere, Nasri are, meaning he gets to pockets of space that different players won’t get to.
It’s just up to him to take advantage of the space given to him given his reputation of not being a goal scorer and he’s taking FULL advantage!
I literally didn’t believe it when it FINALLY went in..
West Ham parked the bus, we looked out if ideas, and soon enough..out of time.
Before the goal Song had a decent-tough not excellent game- Clichy was average but Denilson played poorly and wasted possession too many times for my liking.
Fab and Nasri didn’t look on form especially the former, and Chamakh worked hard but had very few crosses to try and head home, and if there is any type of game where we must deliver many good crosses , this is it.
Koscielny was brilliant, Squilacci reassuring and Flappy bossing around el capitano in his penalty area was a sight to behold.
Scrappy win, but with Fabregas off-form and a parked bus, I’ll take any legitimate win.
A pint of Leffe when you’re ready barman.
Sound analysis, ‘Holic. This was three points patiently secured in the face of some top-class goalkeeping by Green and a hard working defence. These are the swing performances that matter at the end of the season. Had Green been beaten early on, we’d probably have scored a hatfull. Twenty shots, 13 on target is a decent day’s work. And for once I felt an eerie calm about our defence, so one goal was always going to be enough.
I was going to ask for a glass of the ’61 Latour, but given what you wrote elsewhere, I’ll settle for the ’90…
well! well! well!, oh! where to start? defence not bad , middlefield some bad passes, W/Ham ? you could see they wanted a point as ‘holic mentioned but their keeper! hmm! why Green does this only to Arsenal, it is mystery to be solved but as for today I’ll take three points over performance. The boys worked hard but W/Ham were faithfull to their game plan.
Can I say this…! ‘holic only post because he was sobber for 88th minute goal if we get the goals early he goes for drinks. I will miss you ‘holics for the next three matches. Going where IT is non-existing hope we win the next 3 games! Till then enjoy your drinks!
Our ‘keeper tugging his captain into position just before the opposition corner: Brilliant.
Fabregas obediently staying where he’d been placed: Amazing!
The clearing header from the same exact position: Priceless!
Fabianski is in charge – Wenger has created a monster!
Well it was an interesting day at The Grove. I arrived an
hour early to enjoy a couple of beers with an old pal. We discussed many things Arsenal whilst eagerly awaiting the team news. It seemed good to me as we made the short trip to our seat.
Now this is where we differ a tad holic. I do not have a problem with teams turning up and “parking the bus.” I really do not like it but the majority of sides that turn up and try and play open football get taken to the cleaners. My take on it all is that the bus should not matter. We should be good enough to deal with it.
Today was not a great performance. At times we played some great stuff. Other times we were poor. Our passing was not as sharp or as crisp as it should be. But we have played better than that and lost. Whilst the quality may not have been there at all times today, you would struggle to fault the effort and commitment. Now that is not something you could always say now is it???
Plus points for me were that I thought we looked a lot more solid in the centre. Flappy had little to do but did it well. He played with confidence and has come on leaps and bounds. Theo looked sharp when he came on and Nic also got some valuable minutes under his belt.
I still feel that lack genuine width. At times today the happys had 6/7 in the box. No one was dragged wide as we had little or no width. e play so central at times that we make our own problems.
The Cesc interview after the game worries me. He clearly indicated that the hamstring problem he has has not gone away. A fit and firing Cesc is vital to this side. If he has a long standing problem which appears to be the case then it needs sorting.
To conclude I would say that 3 points are 3 points. As I said earlier, we will play a lot better than that and lose. Crowd were great again and at times despite the score line there was a real buzz about the place.
Keep the faith.
BTM. Great post a few back. Sorry, been a tad bsuy and just catching up.
All I want to say is, 1) West ham was blatantly bent on fouls; just look at that idiot boa morte, time and again, he fouled and then pretend to mourn; scott parker, etc.. 2) the ref was a total idiot, biased and favoured west ham by refusing to book them but giving love talk all the time, and even for their time wasting, nothing was done. Some idiot media said wenger influenced the refs? Ha ha, if so, we would have won the titles all these past 5 years then.
To the author,
Well done mate. Perfectly summed up. Couldn’t agree more.
I think its quite interesting when folks say it will be important to see how Fabianski reacts to an error. Pray, what has he been doing since he got the number 1 slot?! That’s right, reacting to months of errors. That’s your answer right there.
And can people, please, stop calling him Flappy?
Great blog ‘Holic, always appreciate your perspective.
Great point slimshay.
Lunch with the 6 foot blonde (thanks @TS for the quick response yesterday!) turned into a monster all-dayer. Of course her husband and my wife were there too,….
So I missed everything but watched the recording with my son this morning. Despite the patchy performance I was confident that we’d scrape through in the end. Because my Dad texted me last thing last night to tell me the score! Cheers Dad.
So a bloody mary for me and one for True Storey, and whoever else fancies it. Holiday tomorrow over here, so keep them coming….
And one other positive for the weekend. Did anyone see gomes for the spuds? You have got to laugh at that. And twitch boy trying to blame the ref.
Big up to all ‘holics. Nothing better than to wake up to a glut of really good emails. Thanks.
It’s The Arsenal we are, and that is special.
Oh, and Lonestar, I meant to say last night, not sure how your posts got caught up in the spam filter, but don’t worry. Any that get trapped in error I always release again. Sorry if you missed it, fella. Make sure you keep coming back!
Well my over confidence nearly bit me on the Arse π How is it that Rob Green spends a season chucking the ball in his own net but then reverts to Superman when it comes to playing us π Wasnt a great performance but it’s another clean sheet and another 3 points and that’s what matters so onwards and upwards and let’s keep this run going,
Up The Arse,
3 points is all that matters in the end, concerned about Cesc’s hamstring and hope we can bring back Jack to rest him. Also still concerned about Arshavin’s form he has been very poor this season overall. However lots of positives we still play attractive football and the keeper is growing in confidence by the match. Also our 2 new centre backs have looked to be excellent buys! Lets keep the clean sheets coming. Guiness for me please!
Morning All!
@ ‘Holic – Great post as always with poignant and sesnible comments. It’s why we all keep coming back for more. I agree, these are just the sorts of matches that win championships – just ask The Chavs.
@ Catalan # 32 – Glad to see you’ve got a good sense of humour, I probably was a bit too quick with my retort yesterday – heh! I’ll join you in that drink and many thanks.
@ ‘naswi π #19 – Couldn’t agree more mate.
@ Steve T #26 – Good to hear there’s a buzz back at The Ens and quite right too, we’re on a decent run and long may it continue.
@ Chippy #36 – Here’s my take on it. Maybe, just maybe he used yesterday’s match as an early opportuntiy for a propsepctive job interview come the January song-and-dance window. He played it superbly of course but he hadn’t figure on our own Polish Dynamic Duo stepping up to the plate in recent weeks.
Have a great Sunday all, it’s been a decent Gunners weekend. We’re well in-touch with Chelski and there’s now daylight between us Citeh and those rather annoying neighbours.
… “The Ems”… “figured”…. more typos!
@ Lars #4 – Sorry, missed your post this morning. Agree with pretty much everything you’ve written. I see that I picked-up on your distance thing with Citeh and the LWCs. Entirely unintentional I assure you but they do say that great minds think alike π
Storey, such minds certainly do π
Just have to comment on the Nani goal yesterday as well, that is a MASSIVE clanger by Gomez and I can’t see what Clattenburg is supposed to have done wrong. On the replays you can clearly see him waving play on, so if Spuds fans are looking for someone to blame – look at Gomez.
Another thing that made me laugh out loud when watching MOTD was seeing Adebayor and Kompany openly arguing with each other on the pitch during the Wolves v City game. A proper team player, that young boy Emmanuel…
@ Steve T
“I really do not like it but the majority of sides that turn up and try and play open football get taken to the cleaners. My take on it all is that the bus should not matter. We should be good enough to deal with it.”
We WERE good enough – we won, remember? We usually do against such teams. We don’t have to be scintillating every time we play. We just have to find a way to get the goal.
@ slimshay
spot on. They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, so we probably have an indestructible keeper now!
Catalan, that lunch with the 6 foot blonde sounds just about half satisfying. Most of the game itself was very frustrating but I had a feeling we just might do it in the end, and Clichy’s move to create the goal was bigger a contribution than his critics will give him credit for.
@BT8BBNN
It had it’s moments! Think I may have forgotten a few too.
Sorry to be late on parade.
The joy that I felt on seeing the net bulge made my head explode.
A rather large band – aid please barman with a JD & coke chaser π
Rob Greens performances at the Emirates are what are getting him into the England squad, he made some stunning saves.
The constant bombardment thou was bound to pay off and in a nerve racking 88 mins are prays were answered by a ever improving Song ” we have only got one Song”
The keeper is making a very good case for the number one jersey to be his out right and long may it continue.
We got what we deserved and that is 3 points !
Big three points achieved but many more big points are out there. One of the most important coming up very soon is the Wednesday week away match at Wolves and not to overlook Newcastle at the weekend, we can’t look past that Wolves fixture because I can easily see us slipping up otherwise.
@42 FunGunner.
Read para 2 of holic. Then read the full para that I wrote and you might get what I meant. My point was that we can not expect teams to turn up at The Grove and be surprised if they stick 10 behind the ball. But thank you for pointing out that we did actually win. I am grateful for that.
Morning ‘Holic and ‘Holics!
Three things that gooners should be very proud of:-
1. Clichy’s RIGHT foot
2. Song’s BLONDE head
3. Fab-ianski’s organisational skills……..
..Oh and Denilson.
Can’t decide between Vodka (my favourite) and Gin (acquired taste).
Good morning all ‘Holics
I was struggling to find some inspiration this morning to crack on with work – usual Monday morning blues – but then I discovered this piece courtesy of Ladyarse.com.
Normally I abhor Mr.Piers Morgan for his flagrantly “yuppie” (sic) and over flamboyant, name-dropping style but then I realised the man is a true Gooner with a capital G and this piece, if you’ve got time to read it, is full of real warmth, humanity and insight. Thank you Piers and I hope a few others in this wonderful, little corner of the internet that is the Goonerholic bar will enjoy it with me:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-1325197/PIERS-MORGAN-Manchester-United-imploding-Arsenal-soaring-England-win-Ashes.html
@ ette #49
I’m feeling very proud too with the probable exception of One-Song’s hair-do. Same goes for Deni’s but I guess with all that money they’ve got to spend it on something?
There’s much to be proud of in this fab-tastic squad of ours, some of it in pairs….
2 x Fabs (-regas and -ianski)
2 x awful hair-dos but great team players (Song and Denilson)
2 x Poles in goals (Wojciech and Lukasz)
2 x great new CBs who work well as a pair too (Koz and Squill)
2 x players that can terrorise any defence (Chamakh and The-o)
2 x mid-field terriers not afraid of putting their foot in (Jack & Nasri)
Perhaps we’ll match that with 2 x pieces of silverware this season?
…. and yes Gin/Deni are definitley acquired tastes – perhaps for a more discerning palate???
TS,
I’m afraid Morgan is a true something starting with a capital C.
We’ll have to agree to differ on that.
@53 Holic
isnt this the last article from Morgan? heard he quit or was fired
51 True Storey @ 12-16pm,
“Perhaps weβll match that with 2 x pieces of silverware this season?”
I hope so….
@ Holic – Heh! I was in complete agreement with you until I read his fond farewell π
Delighted to have such an agreeable disagreement with you but perhaps I should check first before posting links on this site?
A lunchtime drink of your choice Barman….
@ IG #55 – Well, I’m guessing that we’ll all “drink” to that, cheers!
Haha You beat me to it Holic, The words Morgan and true Gooner do not in any way shape or form belong in the same sentance the man is a class A C### and he knows it.
We’ve all got our opinions and we’re all entitled to them.
“Vive la difference” as Le Boss might say.
Anyway, we should be celebrating JW’s new long-term contract. That really is great news!
great news – nice one Jack the Lad
It sure is, Storey. What is much more worrying is that Szczesny is reluctant to sign a new deal. I really, really hope Arsene can make him feel part of the team so he stays. It would be awful to see him leave and then prosper at another team.
TS,
Indeed mate it’s great news as no doubt other clubs would have expressed an interest in young jack and promised him the earth but a bit like young theo I’d guess he’s decided moneys not everything and that’s good to see π
With regards PM he stitched up alot of good people and cost some their jobs and for that I’ll always see him as a grass and class A wrong un π
Yes Chippy, I agree completely with all your points mate.
In a softer moment I just thought that the article I was pointed to deserved some form of recognition – there’s genuine affection for The Arsenal in what he’s written. My own “management” would agree totally with your last point BTW π
On a slightly more negative note it appears that Wojciech is taking a tougher line on his Arsenal future. I do hope that I won’t have to eat a large portion of humble pie served up by a finger wagging and frowning Lars.
Having said that, it’s also not right for a young-un (no matter how talented and I believe he is that talented) to hold our club to ransom. Having said that, it does show that the boy has a pair of steel balls which is one of the perfect qualifications to be Arsenal’s #1. On balance, I really want him to sign himself up to a very longterm contract but it’s reasonable for him to be given more chances to play.
Phew, that was nearly a rant!
Barman? Tranquiliser for me please and something much stronger for Chippy, cheers!
@ Lars – somehow I just knew you beat me to it! π
Strong lager and a hearty “skol” from me if you’ll accept?
… Let’s hope Wojciech and Arsene can work things out quickly and to the benefit of all. I’m still betting that they will.
TS,
Thanks but I’ll have to decline the strong stuff carnt be doing that on a school night,Getting far to old and the recovery takes far longer π Yep agree it’s a strange one with regards the young whipper snapper on one hand you’ve got to admire his belief in himself but on the other you think hold on son your 20 !!! Personally I was of the view he should have got his chance when we didn’t sign anyone in the summer as the boy oozes star quality but the form Fab has showed recently means he will have to bide his time with cup games let’s hope he sees sense and signs on the dotted line. Soz for any grammar issues – on my mobly π well that’s my excuse.
S’OK Chippy, very sensible and wouldn’t want to lead you astray π
Like great comedy, these things are often about timing. In this instance, whatever happens, I do trust Le Boss to do whatever he feels is the right thing to do.
I can hear a great big “told you so” heading my way from the Nordic regions as I write this – Lars? I’m listening π
Barman, who was that blond Cameroonian flashing toward the West Ham goal to win the winning header? Alex Song? A black and tan to toast that genius.
@ Steve T
“Now this is where we differ a tad holic. I do not have a problem with teams turning up and βparking the bus.β I really do not like it but the majority of sides that turn up and try and play open football get taken to the cleaners. My take on it all is that the bus should not matter. We should be good enough to deal with it.”
I wasn’t talking about the wisdom of visiting teams’ tactics. But since we deal very well on the whole with park-the-bus teams, by saying “the bus should not matter” and “We should be good enough to deal with it” you seemed to be implying that we hadn’t been good enough to deal with it, ie cavilling at some aspect of the victory – perhaps at the scoreline? I thought that was unreasonable in the circumstances – Whammers’ solid defensive and decent counterattacking and Rob Bloody Green.
So this was a very significant win, because we managed not to concede and never looked like we would, either. The problem in the past has been giving up a silly goal along the way and making life harder for ourselves.
@ Steve T
I was just reminding you that the important thing was that we had won.
Chippy knows π
TS at various grovelling points on this blog.
After posting that silly link, and rightly being upbraided in no uncertain terms by Chippy/Holic, you will have to sit in the naughty corner for a very very long time.!!!!
Clive, I didn’t know there was a naughty corner. Oh well, we all must live and learn, I suppose.
Ah Clive, you have been missed.
I hope you are well, sir?
Storey@65: I’ll happily accept that offer of a strong lager π And don’t worry, you won’t hear any “I told you so” from me. My opinion is always that what we as fans know about what goes on behind the scenes is always infinitely less than what Wenger knows about a situation and whatever we think we know it will always, always be nothing more than a poorly educated guess. And also, sometimes even Arsene is powerless (as with Flamini, he would never have signed a new contract in a million years – I think but could of course be entirely wrong) and maybe Szczesny really just feels that he wants to be where he can be assured of a number one spot, and that is something that Arsene can not promise.
Righty-ho Clive.
I’ve no issues with differences of opinion and we’ve all got our own styles but we should at least remain polite to one another whilst we’re in “the bar”.
So, I’ll happily go to the naughty corner but only if you agree to stand on the naughty step whilst I’m there.
@ Lars #76
Yes, I’m sure young Wojciech just wants to play football and as much of it as he can.
I read somewhere else today that with AW it’s all about what he does rather than what he says. It’s a bit like secret government information that doesn’t get released until after a certain period of time when it can do no harm. We’re all left second-guessing really until the actual events un-fold.
If AW ever releases an auto-biography, that’s going to be some read.
Hah! Good one TS.
You are forgiven a first transgression π
@ ‘Holic
Yes, I thought so π
Didn’t realise that a link to a PM blog and a few kind words would cause such “outrage” but as the owner of the bar you always have the power of veto and know its mood better than anyone so by all means remove that link if it causes offence to regulars or passing visitors alike.
It’s probably better that Clive and I drink at opposites end of the bar whilst we repair our handbags π
TS,
Morgan used to visit this bar periodically as “Piers The Plonker”. We didn’t like much even then. Holic summed things up concisely @53.
BtM,
Thanks for the clarification and anecdotal information. Message received and understood.
O&O.
That Sczezsny guy is starting to get on my nerves. Who does he think he is?
I don’t care if he’s better than Casillas, shut up and wait your turn, you’re just a 20 year old kid that if it wasn’t for AW you’d still be in Poland.
AHHH! The nerve players have after a good performance.
I don’t care how good he is, no player is bigger than the club. Start treating YOUR club with respect.
@70 FG.
I was not implying anything other than it should not matter what any opposing team does when they turn up at The Grove. We should still have the skill and the ability to beat them. It was in no way a reflection of the West Ham game or any specific game. It was purely a comment on the article written. It happens more often than not. My only take on it is that we should not expect teams to turn up and play open football because it suits us. Nothing more and nothing less.
Great news re Wilshere. Afobe looks like he is going on loan to Huddersfield. It will be interesting to see how he gets on there.
TS, no worries. Steve T, same as. Understand completely. FunGunner, difficult to follow arguments in cold hard print sometimes without knowing what is underlying it. Snir…exactly.
Who on earth does Szczesny think he is? (Polite version)
Coming late to the party but hey! I was at the main event!
Full of anticipation I took the tube to Finsbury Park and pretty quickly it became easy to distinguish the gunners from the hammers as we got closer to the ground. The reds were the happy ones, the others ranged from wax-faced to gloomy. I felt sympathy towards both groups actually considering the abnegation required by those supporting a team at the bottom of the table but still willing to pay 30+ quids for the prospect of another humiliation.
Once there I headed straight to the 12 pins, already lively enough to realize I should have at the very least asked Gaz which number he had on the back of his shirt. A pint got me started for a round of observation while the pub was filling up and remembering Gaz mentioned I would not like sitting next to him I aimed for the fatties, uglies and drunks for a tentative introduction although shortly after I decided to limit my investigation to the the first 2 categories. After a while, still unsuccessful and fearful people would start thinking I was part of a candid camera team and without any hope of finding a megaphone at the local dollar-store across the street, I went for plan B: Drinking a pint to give me some heart, I borrowed a pen, wrote Gaz/Boyd on a napkin and wandered around waving it above my head. I don’t know if it’s because Gaz got annoyed with my spelling mistake or embarrassed by my lack of self-respect but I had to accept the evidence: no Gaz at the 12 pins.
Thankfully I then became `Holic’s avatar running around and asking 50+ people for a spare, some of them sending me to more places but the majority staring at me with pity. Two hours had passed and the game being only an hour away I became more desperate and having previously made an ass of myself at the 12 pins I decided I had nothing to lose so heading back there I wrote “Got a spare?” at the back of the previously mentioned napkin and bingo, one minute later I was smiling looking at the ticket in my hand.
Not particularly comfortable with the way I introduced myself to everyone I opted to celebrate my achievement more anonymously at the next pub towards the ground were I met a fine Irish gooner (hi Gerry!) who convinced me to swap my local version of a budweiser with a guiness before moving on. Wise advice that was.
Wolfing a greasy sponge along the way we couldn’t help but feel the growing excitation around us and we arrived at this marvel of a stadium where we lost each other but even a blind man could find his way there. Still a bit early I took advantage of the practicality of the english mind in display with beer-only lines but to my dismay I couldn’t get to my seat with the glass and I had to down it as I heard the first players being introduced before rushing to my seat between a giant and a scrawny teenager, very close to Sagna and only 2 seats from the visiting fans which had the advantage of having the stewards leave us stand for the whole game. Wowed by this marvel of a stadium I paid little attention to the first minutes of the game but quickly I was drawn to it by the vociferous chants of the hammers and the more individualistic expressions of support by those around me. On to the game!
The perspective one gets so close to the pitch is very different from watching a TV broadcast. At first it was striking how smaller we were, it felt like the Davids were playing the Goliaths. Arshavin is a tiny thing compared to the hulkish hammers and many of his teammates aren’t much more imposing either.
The first half was scrappy, the team felt unbalanced with Nasri’s talent wasted on the wing, Cesc bizarrely transparent and Song off pace. Denilson and Chamakh were covering a lot of ground but the others were strangely static while the hammers were doing a good job to prevent us from reaching fluidity. I was close to Arshavin who was moving a lot at the beginning but became an easy target for the West Ham defenders as soon as he relaxed a bit. It felt like 10 minutes before my bladder reminded me of all the pints I wrote about earlier but to my surprise it was already almost half-time! What?
Got out in time to mix with a group of gunners discussing their impressions which had me understand that where one sits impacts a lot one’s perspective on the game.
The second half started like the previous one before Nasri sent a rocket against the bar with a thump that was heard across the stadium. There were a few incursions from the hammers which had me think our defenders looked outstanding, Kos is lightning-fast, Squillaci is always perfectly positioned, Sagna and Clichy were both very determined and very pacy. But the one catching the eye most was Fabianski, so alert you almost get the feeling he is always looking to get the ball even when it is in the other half.
Once Walcott was introduced, Nasri finally moved centrally and Cesc woke up, we became much more fluid, playing nice combinations at a faster pace. I never realized how much quicker Theo is than anyone else when seeing him running not far from me. Much much quicker in fact, a few steps and he is out of reach. We all jumped because we thought he had scored at first but the main effect was to make the hammers fans more cocky as the final whistle was nearing. Tempers were starting to flare there and there as their goading was relentless. The team became desperately resolute and the best the visitors could do was to defend and waste as much time as they could. Song’s goal came as a relief but to the opposition fans it was a terrible blow, made worse by the karma kickback they had to endure from nearby gooners. On a side note they were older than I thought, I guess that unless you want to drill down the harsh lessons of life to your teenage son it must be pretty tough to convince him to come for a fun afternoon with daddy. Anyway we were all ecstatic, I hugged the big fella next to me who lifted me a foot off the ground in return before hurling more epithets towards the apoplectic hammers fans. We all cheered at the final whistle and I stayed a bit hoping the players would come and greet the fans but alas it didn’t happen. It would be hugely beneficial both for the players and the supporters in my humble opinion. The Emirates was emptied in a matter of minutes (although I didn’t notice people leaving early), outside the gloomy hammer fans were herded by mounted police while the gooners were fanning towards the pubs. I met Gerry again and we exchanged our impressions around, you’ve guessed it, another pint.
It was my first trip to London in many years but I think I will be back very soon now.
Well said, Snir. I love seeing him on the field, I’d even love him to be our number one, but the kid’s got an attitude it seems…
I’d be a bit scared to watch him and Jens fight over a lamb chop…
π
Judging from what little has been published, I don’t think Szczesny thinks himself bigger than the club at all. He is probably just worried that his career will stall if he can’t get to the number one spot fairly soon. He will never be promised this at Arsenal, so I can understand why he would want to leave (if he does, that is).
Still, as True Storey says – if Arsene ever writes his autobiography and lets a few secrets out, that will be one hell of an interesting read.
@Matt: very good to hear you had a great day! The first time is always special π
@ Matt – nice atmospheric write up.
Have another of those pints on me. Cheers
Morning ‘Holic & ‘Holics
@ Lars – Yes, I’d be first in line to buy that book. However, thinking about it a little more, I think our Arsene has far too much class to ever write a “kiss and tell” story but what a story that would be!
@ Pires – Loved the “lamb chop” comment, made me LOL as they say. π
@ Matt – Would just like to echo Lars’ comments and add my thanks for the “first-time report”. Your “fatties, uglies and drunks” comments also made me LOL.
Morning Barman, a strong coffee please and whatever these fine gents would like too. Cheers, all!
Nice write up Matt…. welcome to the family π
…. And @ Snir G – I think many of us are pretty much agreed on the prodigious talent and attitude that is Szczesny. He’s fast becoming a legend in his own, er, penalty area isn’t he?
I think this one might run and run but cannot see Le Boss taking shit from anyone, no matter how good they are and nor should he.
As many have commented in our bar, no one individual is bigger than our great club and I think that’s also testament to the highly professional attitude of Fabregas i.e. he and AW were able to sit down together amidst a media (created) frenzy and calmly work things through.
Matt,
Excellent work. Enjoyed every minute of your day.
TS,
We even had Piers the Plonker’s Mummy here in the bar one night if I recall correctly, didn’t we ‘Holic. Ripping ‘Holic off for F…ing and C…ing (in the politest possible terms) her little lad as I recall it.
Holic,
Christmas came early. Her Nellieness got me a ticket for Chelsea on Dec 27. Block 91/Row 31 right up there beside the Brazillian lovelies. I’m taknig my video camera this time so I can share their many charms here in the bar after the game. Will you be going perchance? (Sorry, Block 91 now sold out due to demand from Brazilian girl voyeurs).
BtM,
Many thanks again for the fascinating insight and the history lesson. As they say, the apple never falls far from the tree. ‘Nuff said.
Congrats on the Chelski @ home ticket, you’re a lucky man. If you are able to deliver on the promise of some video I believe the number of hits might force ‘Holic to review the capability of his IT infrastructure… but what a fabulous Xmas present for the bar. Even better would be a home win, of course.
Barman? A suitable hero’s drink for this top man please π
TS everywhere,
I’m getting very worried about you.!!
Blimey, even on loan our guys get injured. Randall’s broken his collar bone.
TS and Clive; I reckon if you both sit down with a pint you’ll get on just fine!
Hello BtM. No Chelsea for me, I’m afraid. The ‘holicdad is with us for Christmas, so my festive celebrations will be at the Stoke game the week before.
Reserving my new year bookings until FA Cup and Champions League draws are done and dusted. (and hopefully a Carling Cup semi-final in the equation).
Holic, I was asked last week at the Barbers, to name my favourite Arsenal team of all time. I picked the Invincibles 2003-4 squad! I liked them because no other premiere league club has beaten their record since.
After reading a few of your articles regarding your experiences as a Gooner, I just thought I’d ask you who have been your favourite Arsenal team of all time and why?
It would be interesting to hear everyone elseβs opinions too.
The obvious next question is what is the ‘holicdad’s favourite all-time Arsenal team. Watch out TS, the next step after the naughty room is the secure unit and I’ve been told it’s murder!
Block 91 seems to be very chic. Maybe that’s where TS can go after he gets out of the naughty room?
Im in for Chelsea breaking my exile for that one π
If the naughty step is supervised by a Megan Fox lookalike with knee high leather boots and a most revealing top can i book a spot π
‘nasri, chippy
Are you angling for a trip to School Dinners after the match?
Perhaps more importantly we could to be twavelling to the Ukwaine without Fabwegas, Song, Andwei and Denilson?
You would have thought the little Wussian might have craved a trip back east?
Derek McGovern in the daily mirror:Bale-not quite the best footballer on the planet despite what s***s fans claim,but almost certainly the best player on the planet of the apes. Top$!!
The BBC says Arshavin is doubtful for Shakhtar due to an unspecified problem. Maybe it’s the same one we’ve been specifying for weeks now? Matt, thanks for your excellent writeup of the West Ham match. TS, is that where the lookalikes, knee highs and revealing tops may be found?
nasri, possibly and pwobably….
goonerjon,
Galen = Gareth Bale? Separated at birth? Classic, thanks! π
TS,
Nope ill be aiming to get straight back into the Pub π
Chippy,
Very wise. Is the “management” peering over your shoulder per chance?
BtM @ 94,
hope you’re a better cameraman than you are a word-smith π π
Bring on the (Brazilian) dancing girls….
Reading accounts of the activities of Brazilian lovelies cavorting in Block 91 is all well and good, but where is the documentary (i.e. visual) evidence I ask you, monsieur BtM. I hope it matches my imagination, which is actually pretty good!
Matt where were you on Saturday? I got stuck with the ticket,last time I’ll try and do you a favour!!!!!!
Nasri@ 100
I don’t understand what you mean. Have I said something wrong?
No worries Goonertown. TS is True Storey who transgressed house rules in a seemingly minor but apparently nearly unforgivable way. I do think he may have spent long enough in the naughty corner by now but these things are not for me to decide. To answer your question, the Invincibles must also be my all time favourite Arsenal team but the current crop are wonderful to watch and are showing signs of being able to do great things.
Nasri, so somebody out there does see me. Sometimes it feels like I’m being totally ignored. But it’s okay, I think I understand you now.
Thanks for the kind words, I got the inspiration while listening to the happy Giants fans in my street. Their joy was proportinal to the 56 years they had to wait to be “world champions” in cricket light.
@Mark: indeed it felt like a family, somewhat disfunctional as the final whistle approached while we were still tied but still a family nonetheless.
Re: Sczezsny: Last season he was playing week in week out at Brentford where he was the local hero, this season he’s played in one game only (Newcastle). As I see it, the real problem would be if he was gracefully accepting the current situation. We know he makes Lehmann look like a buddhist so nothing surprising in his stance and frankly, I agree with him, he deserves to play more.
Is it ok if I buy a pint at the bar and bring it over to TS in the naughty corner? The poor soul looks thirsty!
Arsene said at the press conference today that the quotes from Szczesny are not real, and that he expects things (i.e. agreeing on a new deal) to be resolved shortly. In fact, he looked very confident saying it so my hope of Szczesny staying has gone up considerably.
Nice write up Matt.
Glad you enjoyed your day.
Goonertown, not one side in any era, but a favourite team from all the players I have seen.
http://goonerholic.com/?p=533
You can come back in now, TS π
TS
your spell in the naughty corner has certainly generated some great banter and now the Headmaster has let you back in, we can put our handbags down.
But it was great fun while it lasted.!!
Hate to admit it but the Spuds are playing some blinding football and lead Inter 2 nil.
116 Goonertown… we hear you! The way the bar works is everyone talks at once sometimes.
117 Matt It don’t matter where you are in the ground, when we score you are with your brother (apart from Block 91 Row 31 π )
TS don’t dare mention the P word again… I did once but I think I got away with it π
Holics looks I have missed a great deal here….
Naughty Boy TS what have you been up to?
Fair play to the tiny totts thay have played very well but will they have enough for the league?
What nice people you all are. Was I missed?
MTS, Nasri and Holic,
Thanks for actually acknowledging me.
I’m also a bit tired. I have had a lot on recently.
I guess a glass of sparkling spring water should straighten me out!