New Friends And Old Passions Make For A Memorable Day
Oct 17th, 2010 by 'holic
You can probably tell what sort of day I had from the fact that I arrived home last night just in time to watch Match of the Day, and promptly slipped into a lovely ‘power nap’! Hence by now you will all be familiar with the details of the contest, and have seen the replays of the controversial moments, and boy were there some of those.
Arriving at Holloway Road in what was to prove a brief burst of midday sun, I sauntered down to the Armoury to take a first look at my newly-laid stone. A brief inspection of the sale rail in the shop unearthed no new additions to the wardrobe. It would appear the rotund sizes sell out early!
I sat at my usual table in the pub garden enjoying the first mouthful of delicious Guinness when all around started screaming “Fire!! Fire!”. I looked round left and right, and couldn’t see a thing. That was because the umbrella above my head was smouldering nicely. Premiership referees are not the only ones who sometimes fail to spot what is obvious with the benefit of hindsight.
New friends are met, Steve-o is at his first game at the Grove all the way from Singapore, and Vinny. Pints are supped and showers are dodged before it is time to head for the roundabout outside the ground to say hello to a few people, and then place the ‘holic pound.
You know the nuts and bolts of the contest better than I. I am still blissfully unaware of the reason for Squillaci’s goal being ruled out. He didn’t appear offside, and didn’t appear to shove anybody, but I was sixty yards away and Mr Atkinson was a lot closer, so I will have to give him the benefit of some considerable doubt.
From the first moment to the last, the miserable sod behind me was muttering a couple of hypnotic mantras. “We’ve got to do something about that big fella up front”, and “Bloody Arshavin, get him off, Wenger”. To be fair he had a point when it appeared that they managed to isolate Clichy against Zigic, and a perfectly placed header gave Birmingham the lead. No blame at all for the again excellent Fabianski.
I suppose he had a point about Arshavin too, who seemed intent on backheeling just about everything that came his way to nobody in particular. Afterwards a mate was concerned that we had substituted him. When I queried him further he said, “because he has thirty seconds of genius in every game, and we hadn’t seen it yet”. Interesting the way a player in a bit of a rough patch becomes a bad player overnight in some eyes.
We were level when Chamakh was caught and ensured the contact was seen. The first of two incidents where we cannot turn a blind eye having baited others for it. It was a penalty, but you could tell that the dramatic tumble inflamed passions. It was, however, inconceivable that Mr Atkinson and his fourth official missed the malicious elbow that floored the Moroccan as a retaliatory strike.
Inflamed passions was the story of the day. Until the penalty the visitors timewasting, even at 0-0, was raising the temperature behind the visitors bench, and McLeish did himself no favours by goading those behind him. After Chamakh’s wonderful finish had put the scoreline right it was hilarious to see him pointing at his watch every time there was a break in play. The biter bit.
Time enough remained for young Jack’s day to come to a premature end. He had given a midfield masterclass, pulling the strings from deep, directing play like traffic. You have to pinch yourself to remind you of his tender years. But a by-product of youth is inexperience. He should have known better than to make that challenge on Zigic in the current climate.
It was good though to see both manager and player hold their hands up immediately and say the punishment was correct. That is a lead a few others would be well advised to follow. Both will sit down and discuss that this week I’m sure. Jack has won admirers for not shirking the physical, but this first trip to the dark side must also be his last.
Back to the pub to dissect the contest, where I was privileged to meet a man with whom regular ‘holics will be only too familiar. BtM’s company is as good as his excellent commentary in the drinks, I can assure you. Another welcome guest from Boston provided the delicious fire-water that was probably largely responsible for my premature doze later!
I’m left to reflect on a largely enjoyable and eventful day with just one question hanging in the air. How can people, paying big money for their tickets, not get caught up in the passion of the occasion? I’m astonished at how many sat on their hands, almost mute, yesterday. I missed the inevitable rants from the “Up For Grabs” boys because at the same times I was launching into one myself. Isn’t that part of the day out? The involvement, the fury, the ecstasy, the awe?
73 Responses to “New Friends And Old Passions Make For A Memorable Day”
1st?
yes yes yes im 1st!!! well im going to read the article now…..i need a pick me up… got disqualified from my college football tournament( starts crying)….
Sounds like you had a Top day sir, To answer your question no idea it’s modern day football it’s not just Arsenal, United ,Chelsea even the scouse atmospheres have gone and that’s sad 🙁
holic good post nice to know u had a good day…… glad u didnt have to hear that idiot on sky…. ruined my game.
Chris and usama, easy now boys, we’re all friends in here. And for the record, Chris, being the first one at the bar is an achievment to be proud of!
Thanks Lars.
Abuse nil is one clean sheet I would like to keep today please ‘holics. Thanks.
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I have to agree with you re the modern fan ‘holic. I was sitting next to one of them who was so stony-faced and unemotional during all the controversial moments I started to wonder whether he was a brummie hiding out in the wrong end. He managed a cheer when Chamakh scored the second goal and seemed happy enough that we won, so I had to take my thought back. I suppose everyone is different, but I just cannot imagine being that way when it comes to Arsenal!
“‘but this first trip to the dark side must also be his last.”
RUBBISH…we need that aggression and the will to win… i would rather see us win like that with 10 men than be tame and soft and lose it on the 94th minute with all 11 intact …
With all due respect fella, we cannot complain about others going over the top on Arsenal players if we condone such an assault by one of our own.
It was a bad challenge that left us without our most influential player on the day for what could have been a couple of crucial moments.
Celebrate the lad’s talent, but ensure all are aware that sort of challenge, by anybody, is unacceptable.
Isn’t it crazy that ” our most influential player ” is 18 years old? Not in my wildest dreams did I expect Jack to be this good this quick. Shame he isn’t about 3-4 inches taller because We’d have the best CDM in the world on our hands in a while. He has got some graft!
The best thing is he’s playing in an alien position- wait till he moves further up the park and can properly express himself 😉
Good day all round by the sounds of it Holic!
I was sat in the Clock End upper and started singing “ooh to ooh to be, ooh to be a statue” at one point!
However, the atmosphere definitely went up a few notches towards the end of the 1st half when the Brummies had the cheek to complain about Chamahks penalty after they had been dropping like flies every 2 minutes and time wasting after about 20!
I dont know why people pay good money, go every week and sit there in silence? maybe they are too self conscious to sing? maybe they dont know the chants (although Arr…Sen…Al aint too tricky is it?)
I understand Trevor francis outdid himself on Sky commentating on the game, sooooo glad i missed that!
I had a great day/night met some top Gooners before, during and after the game in the boozer watching the Villa chav game. And then hearing how United had given up a 2 goal lead to West brom was a nice little addition to the day!
Bloody mary for me please
a gunner
By all means lets have fire in our bellies and put the hard work in to add to the skill. But there’s a line and Jack crossed it and fair play to him and Wenger, they both held their hands up, unlike the despicable Karl henry and his ilk.
Oh and by the way, can I just add that Sam Alladyce and Tony Pulis are wankers. Thanks
Another welcome guest from Boston provided the delicious fire-water that was probably largely responsible for my premature doze later!
Nothing to do with the two gallons of Guinness you necked then? 😉
You didn’t remember meeting me before, ‘holic. The alzheimers, no doubt. 😉
Mug,
Mate I can assure you it was the worst commentary I’ve ever heard it was biased beyond belief but then again it is sky, Changing subject slightly but boy can Nasri take a pen I’m sure he’s sent the keeper the wrong way on each occasion and even if he hasn’t they are arrowed into the intended target.
Agree with above you can show spirit and aggresion without over the top tackles like that, Lunging in when it’s 30/70 your win the ball is asking for a red or a broken limb,Hes a clued up lad mind so hopefully that’s the last time but he’s s spiky little bugger so who knows.
I’m so sorry mr.d
The face was familiar, but I associated you with someone else for some reason. Now burned into the hard drive in my bonce.
That’s you I owe a drink to next time, as well as the Mouse and Boston.
Chippy; Glad I missed it mate!
Nasri is top class and he does put the effort in as well, works his socks off and is tough too.
As for Wilshere’s sending off. I found it sick that both mcLeish and Francis were saying jack’s red should wipe the slate with regard to Eduardo’s horrific injury! What the fuck???
If memory serves i think both Taylor and McLeish were saying that challenge WASNT a red card!
Heh good day yesterday ‘holic? Whens the next one? West Ham?
LWC’s for me, young man. Parrrrrrrty 🙂
LWC’s for me, young man. Parrrrrrrty
Oh Yes!
Well said ‘holic.
I have felt that the atmosphere at all of the home games this season had been much improved this season and that the noise levels were pretty great even where I sit in the upper tier of the north bank. However yesterday was the first game this season not to sell out and clearly lots of friends, family and tourists were in the ground and the atmosphere suffered. I also think that it was all a bit edgy due to the 2 defeats and it showed in the display.
I do not like to criticise players in the stadium as is has no benefit, I too get frustrated but to be calling for Arshavin to be taken off from his first touch as one wanker in front of me did is just stupid.
I did even hear a family complianing as they left the stadium of the noise made by supporters behind them and they were saying that they did not think they would come again – please stay at home if you don’t like noise watch on TV in the safety of your own home. Football stadiums are the home of loyal supporters and anyone who is not loyal should just eff off. I do not believe in the use of foul and abusive language (and racist language should get you banned), but football is about passion and if you spend all that money to go to a game please show some passion or at leasr some sign that you support the team. I get really fed up with the lack of team colours, but the lack of passion I cannot understand, leaving early is another ffs – how can you up and leave before the whistle. I understand the need at half time because it takes so long to get served by the appallingly stupid catering staff in the ground.
See you on Tueday and hears hoping for a great atmosphere.
@Lifetimegooner: I can not for the life of me understand where everybody is in such a hurry to get to, especially on a Saturday at around 5pm. Where are they all going that requires them to leave early no matter the scoreline???
@’Holic #6: you’re welcome, I like to do what I can to help keep this bar a civilized place 🙂
So ‘holic, was it you?
I agree, it’s half the crowd leaving early which is more of a problem than people being quiet. It’s one thing to do it if we’re cruising at 2 or 3 up with a couple of minutes to go, but I wonder what the players think when they notice half the crowd leaving while they’re hanging onto a one goal lead with five minutes left? It’d be hard for them not to get the impression that a lot of our fans don’t really give a shit, and that being the first to the bar or on the tube is more important than seeing a tricky game out.
The atmosphere in the surrounding pubs is good 😉 To many clubs have alienated their fanbases in the quest for cash and I’m afraid you reap what you sow, It will not be long till the bubble bursts mind and fans up and down the country can reclaim their clubs Viva the Revolution I say 😉
Eboue was assured throughout the game the headed “backpass” aside and I’d like to see more of him at left back. Our attacking moves up the right side were much more threatening than with Sagna in that spot.
Glad to hear the blazing facilities at The Tollington didn’t claim the life of the ‘holic or his pint of the black stuff…
The lads and I arrived at the pub just after the fire to be greeted by a very frustrated landlady.
Great blog entry as ever sir.
Have to agree with you Holic, I wonder why some pay money to just sit there in silence. I think that one of the main reasons is that there are too many tourists at the Emirates on matchdays which often contributes to a bit of a flat atmosphere.
Liverpool just lost to Everton, it ended 2-0 and Liverpool never really looked like scoring despite having a few rather good opportunities – and they are now second from the bottom with only West Ham behind them on goal difference. Too good to go down? Hell no.
great to meet the lads finally.
@the emirates: I was quite disappointed with the lack of sound. All i can hear throughout the game was from the Northbank, and it was pretty muted. I did what i could from the East stand and there was only 4 chaps who occasionally rounded up a song. so i know what ‘holic means.
@the Tollie: Fantastic stuff, looking forward to seeing you lads again on tuesday!
‘holic, i need to get you a pint!!!!!
You are right ‘holic, I don’t think Squillaci was offside either, I was behind the lino, 20 rows back though 🙂
Great time at the Tollie, and a much needed win.Can’t ask for more on a matchday.
Guinness on me when we meet next.
An early arrival in N5 allowed a good wander along Upper Street, a poke around some quaint shops nestled off the main drag, a couple of early pints and then a very civilised lunchtime blether in Almeida Street, all washed down with a very respectable Aussie Pinot. Although a bit up-market, the restaurant didn’t object to my van Persie top gracing centre table.
We nattered overly long and the walk along Holloway Road required double pace. Into the ground just in time for The Wonder of You and before I was comfortably seated Captain Squillaci was leading the lads out and Brumm, Brumm, Brumm, we were underway.
The first five minutes were West Bromwich in reverse. Arsenal in control, passes going where they should, visitors chasing. In short, situation as it should be. And that was the way it continued. This was a game that only Arsenal was going to win.
I was watching Hleb’s every move from high in the heights of the Clock End. He didn’t do much (but he did seem to have grown a bit taller – maybe because he was close to Jack quite a lot of the time). Wilshere, on the other hand, had his best game to date and outshone Hleb by Fastnet Lighthouse to a single candle on a birthday cake. Hleb disappeared completely after 30 minutes, enwrapped in a Camerounian blanket called Alex Song.
We created a lot of chances without getting the ball over the line. Squillaci’s goal had the Clock End in raptures for about five minutes before we noticed it had been disallowed. We also had a brilliant view of the Brum goal. My Irish neighbour uttered his first comment “Bloody awful goal keeping!” “Bollocks”, I responded politely. As we watched the rerun on the big screen I was able to point out the precision of the header. Keeper had no chance.
Unfortunately, both our keepers’ heads are on the line, under the microscope, at every turn of the screw at the moment. Fabi’s confidence was high and he had a superb game, much to the delight of his colleagues, a couple of whom planted smackers on his head as he dived bravely to secure the ball in the closing minutes. The Pole between the poles is polishing up his Polish act and could well become the Pole Star polecat of precision prevention of net-bound polebusters.
Another superb penalty from Nasri (why, oh why, didn’t he step up at Sunderland?) and a really well taken goal by magnificent Marouane and Birmingham were never going to come back.
V-sign Ferguson made me smile when he tried to pick both nostrils simultaneously with his V-sign fingers only for both digits to emerge from opposite ears. A mug of the highest order.
Although the Clock End is quite some way from block 91, the very feminine, moist aroma that percolated across the field when Denilson appeared to warm up reassured me that the Brazilian girls were in the ground. Chanel No.5 it’s not, but unmistakable it is (as all 91ers know) and the effect Deni has on these girls has their juices flowing in seconds. I’m sure we’ll see him on Tuesday night against Shaktar. Won’t be soon enough for me. I miss that boy’s elegance. The team purrs when he plays.
And then to complete the day, the very fine finale that ‘Holic mentioned in his piece, a haddock and chips supper from that most fine purveyor the Chip Inn Fish Bar, then a good saunter to the Angel and home. Neighbours, it just does not get finer than that!
Five points off the lead ‘Holics! We’ll be leading at Christmas, not a shadow of a doubt in my mind. Good to see JD20 and Bendy back, Theo on the line, Cesc, Robin, Verminator and the Welsh Rarebit just around the corner. Who’s this team we call The Arsenal!
Can’t beleive what u guys are saying about some of the people at the game. I live in US, never been to a game, and would absolutely soil myself if I could just walk by the stadium, hopefully I’ll get a chance to experience live Arsenal at some point in the future..although I’ve heard its impossible to get tickets unless ur a member. Its deffinitely frustrating to hear about supposed fans that actually make it there and have no appreciation for what they’ve received. Otherwise thought penalty was warranted, Diaby was very good in 2nd half, Fabianski played well 2
‘Holic, no need to request a special blog from BtM – we get one every game. I guess you could ask him to supply his own alliteration-tastic headline.
Great stuff from the both of you (and all the drinks). Please have a little hair of the dog on me…
I had a look at Highbury today. What a sad sight. A beautiful work it is, modern artfully scaped gardens and hightech deluxe abodes, bathed in serene tranquility. Good transport links, close to the Arsenal home ground, but horribly haunted I couldn’t live there for money or love.
The way the fans sit in the ground definitly needs sorting out. Block 3, where I was, and from where I could see all the Red action boys just two blocks to my left, was as quiet as… well, a library 🙁
What’s up with these people? We was even shouted at to sit down at one point?
I was in the Clock End, 3 seats and a steward away from the West Brom fans at *that* match, jeez, the atmosphere was electric!
I was sort of hoping that about 5 seasons into the Grove, attendances from day trippers would start falling off, and real fans could go back to the old days of turning up on a saturday and buying a ticket there and then, then the ‘singers’ could at least group together more solidly. I also don’t see why the lower terraces behind the goals couldn’t be converted into standing… maybe a petition should be started holic?
Anyway, 3 points, nuff said. Forget the dropping points at sunderland, forget the west brom disaster, a simple reverse of the chelsea result and we would be top now, that’s how close it is.
I could have saved you a painful trip Magic.
http://tinyurl.com/27bvks6
Not as sad as when it was being demolished, but they could have done a better job with the playing area I think. The fencing is just, ugh.
Ah, BtM,
Worth the wait as ever. You are a fitter individual than I if you legged it to the Angel 😉
It was an absolute pleasure yesterday. Thanks for dropping by.
Oh, and BtM,
I saw the Brazilian ladies at Holloway Road tube, and they have promised to come to the pub for one of the games.
I could make a few bob naming the pub and the game 🙂
Just name your price please ‘Holic! 🙂
A consolation pint of Best for me please, just found out I’ve not got a ticket for Tuesday night – SH*T & B*LL*CKS!!!! 🙁
Are you sure they were ladies, ‘holic?
Bushmills for me please, barman.
And nice to meet you BtM.
Holics all, I was a trifle troubled by the prospect of meeting our leader. Images, reputations, persona built in the safety and security of the digital world and the anonymity of the blogosphere can shatter quicker than fine crystal at the first twitch of Hawwy’s twitcher, the first stain on Brown’s underpants or the first pull on Pulis’ pudding. What if, what if…….?
The ‘Holic reality? A very lovely bloke who you feel immediately, you’ve known for a very long time. The easiest company you can imagine, great fun and (and this is VERY important for Scots!), not afraid to get the first round in.
It won’t be before 2011 now, but the prospect of a return match at the Tollie is a pleasure I will look forward to. If you have the opportunity to stop by the burning umbrella, don’t pass it up. That was fun, ‘Holic. Thank you.
Ollie, Esso, Boston, Steve-o, my pleasure to meet you all too.
Holic/BTM
Excellent blogging as usual,
Glad you both had an enjoyable day out with 3 pts to top it off.
You may both have missed my missive on your previous blog about the death of another of our era ‘ Good’ old time managers in Malcolm Allison who passed away on Friday.
It was a pleasure to have Man City at Highbury during his time at Man City,they played some great football and desevedly won a Premiership in the 67-68 season.
He was probably the closest thing to an Arsene Wenger in his day.
The players loved him to a man,and their football showed that.
There is going to be a tribute to him before the Man City- Arsenal game next week,which is highly appropriate as we now play the Modern ‘ equivalent of the sort of football,Colin Bell,Mike Summerbee,Franny Lee et al,played under Big Mal.
Does anyone have 2 tickets for Shakhtar Donetsk.
I have my 10 year old nephew here from Australia and am keen to further his Arsenal education.
Please email me at jrrgtdyahoo.com
‘holic while the challenge was reckless, lil’ Jack went in to the tackle with one foot clearly tucked behind him, yes the speed was high and he has come out with an apology which is more than some of the Henry’s, de jong’s and the shorcrosses of this world have done. The real serious leg breakers are the two footed high speed lunges IMO and Jack clearly went in knowing that while trying to win the ball back.
As for the atmosphere, it has become dead because a lot of fans who sing, have been priced out not only by club level and the boxes but 1,200 quid for a season ticket in the rafters where you are not allowed to stand or sing songs is a bit much when you compare that to the 280 quid you pay for a season ticket at Blackburn for example. I sit in club level above red action and we used to have a group of about 12 who sat together (yeah yeah club level), but in the fourth year we are are down to about 4 that still can be bothered to sing.
We can’t make any comments that are derogatory in any way without getting thrown out combined with the dirty looks we get from the other fans when we sing even the cleanest of songs because we are destroying the big day out!
I realise it is only going to get worse which is why I spend most of my time at the away matches at the moment.
Let’s face it the owners of the clubs don’t want the atmosphere created by the fans anymore they want to control the entertainment from “the wonder of you” to the guys paid to wave flags and sing at the bus stop in fulham (yes the chavs are an exception their owner pays people to start songs in the mh end of the ground but most of their fans don’t know them).
Just watch American football to see what they want it to become, ENTERTAINMENT, next up comes the organ going na nah na nah na nah while the crowd yell charge! And sing “we will rock you”
Sorry for the mini rant but I really am starting to dislike going to home games these days, I really just don’t like the grove, I liked the smoke filled corridors of Highbury at half time, and the lights coming on in the stands just before it.
As for the drinks a chamomile tea please as I am a detox for the month which might explain a lot
Depritessed – I totally understand you, (I was at the Grove only twice but I’ve been to thousands of matches in Israel) but how can it change if no one wants to change it ?
I sent RedAction a couple of emails with suggestions how to improve the atmosphere at the Grove and didn’t get any response, I even tried contacting Akhil (a gooner that’s close to ATVO and redaction) and he contacted them and to this day I still haven’t received any response.
So maybe the problem lies from within.
@28 Chippy, just look at Italy the big clubs lost their fans years ago, but they don’t care because while gates for a game at the grov might come in at between 1-2 mil the day the club can sell it’s own rights then they will be able to take 10-20 million per game so the fans don’t really matter as it’s a shame, I loved the fact that 700 hundred gooners outsun the fenerbache crowd, that’s where we have great fans, all the club would need if they wanted am atmosphere is to put on renewals is a little box to tick saying if you want to be part of the atmosphere and don’t mind moving please tick nb for noth bank or ce for clocked with a disclaime about the language in the fans songs and that fans might stand so if you want to sit for the whole game please tick nf for no fun and we will put you in the west and east upper.
Block out the whole of th lower noth section and the whole of the lower clock end, stick the away support in the upper corners like Newcastle and the Spanish clubs (our facilities are so beyond other clubs they wouldn’t complain).
Job done
Snir, I sent that comment above to Edelman the first year at the grove after getting about 7 warnings about my language (really nothing more than a lot of effing) I asked to get moved and got a 50 quid voucher for the shops, ahh bless
@Ilya join the arsenal america sight and you can get tickets to any game you want all you need is a us credit card and billing address
Depressed – Maybe Edelman wasn’t the right person to address (and I’m not too sure Gazidis is too even though he’s been doing a good job of Arsenalizing the Grove) but when I addressed our own “blood” in the form of fellow gooners and didn’t get any response you tend to feel the problem is with the fans, that they like to moan about it, but don’t wanna be the ones to make the change, just wait for it to happen.
Well holic, it seems to had an eventful day. I enjoyed taking my lad as my usual footie buddy was otherwise engaged. First, the choice of shirt. For some reason every home game he has been to with me the away shirt is the kit of choice. We then have to visit the shop where several requests follow for something in red. He is smarter than his years would normally allow. Then follows the world biggest hot dog and we enter the ground. He then sits and looks at the programme, occasionally glancing at daddy enjoying another overpriced pint of Smiths.
As for the match itself I did not find it a convincing performance. I find it interesting reading the comments re the atmosphere on here. Almost all that sit near me are regulars. We sit about 2 blocks to the right of the singing section. The atmosphere is generally good and passions always run high. It would be fair to say that many regulars at the Grove have a feeling of frustration at the way things have been going. The Birmingham match was one of those games where the performance was as important as the result. We got the result but in my opinion, hardly the performance. It is often the performance that dictates the fans reaction and helps to generate the atmosphere.
The first goal was sloppy. Poor defending. Many have criticised Clichy. From what I saw it was JD20 that took his eye of his man to allow the free header. No blame attached to Fabianski at all.
The Squillaci header? Must admit I am close to being in line with it and my first reaction was that he was offside. I have not seen it again so would be interested to do so.
Wilshere was again outstanding. No complaints about the red card. For once it was a poor first touch and what looked a bit of a tired challenge. I for one am not too disappointed with the card.It will not be his last red that is for sure. It was not malicious. I would prefer to look at it as part of his learning curve. He has had lumps kicked out of him in various games and tackles bag like a terrier with the raging hump. Some fine tuning needed maybe but not much else at this stage I would suggest.
I have mentioned it on the pre match blog that in my opinion the biggest problem we have is lack of width. It has been a problem for a few seasons. The middle of the pitch is far too congested. Width would not only create more openings but would drag defenders out of position and create more space for the runners.
Nasri again outstanding. Arshavin did not get into the game at all. The back four looked shaky, Chamakh worked and worked and if Diaby had the brain of a Fabregas then he would truly be a world class player.
I want to conclude with a words about Fabianski. He has often maligned and criticised by many. Me included. I thought that today was his best game in an Arsenal shirt. He looked assured and gave some solidity to a defence that creaked at times. There was a period in the second half where we were under some considerable aerial pressure. I thought he dealt with everything thrown at him very well.
So on to Tuesday night. We need a good, convincing performance. Perhaps then the atmosphere will intensify. Perhaps we all have a part to play in that.
Onwards and upwards. Keep the faith.
Steve – I’m not saying you are that way ,but, it’s supposed to be the other way around, the crowd getting the team to perform by bringing a hype into the game and not the team getting the crowd to perform cause of a good performance.
A supporter’s job is to help his team win, not to cheer on when winning. That’s just a bonus.
That’s something that’ll have to change for the Grove to be threatening.
Everyone of us heard the noise levels in Belgrade, that’s how a home ground should sound like regardless of the score.
Am watching the game again on ATVO and the commentator just mentioned that 11 points from 7 games is Arsenal’s worst start in 14 years.
It’s a testament to how tough the EPL has become, to think that we’re within striking distance of first place and to think that we’re just 5 points off first place after dropping 10 points in the first 8 games is astonishing.
Just goes to show you the EPL is tough.
That’s why Chelsea and their away form which is a joke will lose points at Blackburn (2 weeks from now) and Anfield the week after… That’d be our chance, even if we’ll lose to City (which I don’t think we will with Cesc).
re: the Rooney wanting away from Man Utd story….
Purely hypothetical…would you want him at Arsenal? Would he help us? Two different questions sort of….
Snir. I was interested to see you think it is a “supporters job” to get the team going. The fans do get behind the team and i feel that some comments re home games are unfair. Whilst i will sing my heart out It is certainly not my job to try and motivate players who earn more in a week than i get closed to in a year. My job involves me setting up a savings plan to which i contribute a regular sum each month to allow me to follow my team at home and at a few away games each year. That is my reality. All i expect is for players to show a little more effort at times. That is always recognised by the crowd and always gets a reaction.
Tim @58 All purely hypothetical, of course;
No – too much baggage. I’d much rather have Tevez. Now he is a game changer. I forget the exact amount, but I read that after yesterday he has something like 29 goals in his last 31 games? Incredible.
@ Catalan Gunner #60 & Tim M #58
Just to continue the hypothetical conversation for a laugh, I’m with CG.
I cannot in my wildest dreams imagine Rooney fitting in with our team and culture. I’m sure he’ll stay at Manure for many years to come – they’re an excellent fit for each other 🙂
Now Tevez would be a great asset for any team but Citeh won’t sell him (for a while at least) and we wouldn’t pay him what he’s used to earning.
They’re both about as likely to happen as seeing Neil Kinnock as the next labour PM but it brightens up a Monday morning to have a quick ponder.
Barman? Can I have something to get over this acid trip please, many thanks.
Have a great day and week ‘Holics. Still gutted about my lack of tickets for tom night but hey ho….
@SteveT: the biggest blame for the Brum goal lies at Clichy’s feet. He has Zigic covered (well, perhaps not covered, but at least he was there) and then just backs off in no particular direction and for no particular reason. If he had just stood his ground and jumped up with him Zigic would have had a much more difficult job on his hands and might very well not even have got to the ball.
@Catalan: While I agree that 29 in 31 is really, really good and that he is by far their most important player, if I’m not mistaken quite a large number of those goals are from penalties.
Mate, some twat impersonating you on the Arses, this morning. Not good.
I assume you are at the match tomorrow night ‘holic? You can open your account up with me young man.
Steve T @ 55
Squillaci header. Marginally offside as the ball was kicked (not ‘clear daylight’ as per the edit tho’).
However, he moved back ‘onside’ *before* jumping for the ball.
Which to me is not interfering with play as he didn’t jump until he was onside.
The rules are interpreted a different way each week. [rolls eyes]
*NO* to Rooney 🙂
I can’t believe it’s a serious ask tho’ Tim you little rascal :p
Hello SB,
Having done the last two games you can assure I am not being allowed out of the house for three in a row! When you come back in April the fire-water will be returned 😉
Good to see you as always ‘h, and as promised, a comment on the drinks from me!
Pint of Tribute please, see you soon.
BtM’s the man. BtM+Holic = 2 xcellnt blogs 4 d price of 1. Keep ’em comin guyz.
Barman a carton of guiness 4 ’em both.
Just having a laugh about Rooney 🙂
Apart from the character of him I think his best years are behind him partly due to his physique…and such….
He couldn’t blend with the Arsenal way…good player on his day though…
If we can replace all the people sitting on their hands with Brazilian dancing girls in their places the entertainment level should be somewhat improved.
Late chiming in after a long family week-end. I am one of those who enjoyed both the performance and the result even if we do have obvious margin for progression. As usual my main regret is not to be able to join `Holic and Btm for the pre- and post-game libations.
It’s been a while I’ve given up on our home support, sometimes there’s a pleasant surprise but Saturday was the norm. I’d venture that bringing back the band would help.
But my favourite moment this week-end was the “Going down” chant by the Toffees. Priceless.
In other news Vito Mannone joins Hull on loan, I’m happy for the lad even if it’s Hull City we’re talking about…
http://younggunsblog.co.uk/2010/10/mannone-joins-hull-city-on-loan/
We can now count on Woj to deputize in the CC with Fab securing his number one spot if he keeps performing like he’s done recently. Exciting times…