Solid Foundation Allows Theo To Show His Burgeoning Class
Oct 27th, 2010 by 'holic
The temptation to eulogise is strong. Feet need to be firmly planted, however. This was our second best against Newcastle’s second best. The breathtaking start we made owed much to vision, quick passing, and guile. Readers of the pre-match drinks will know I was almost in orbit when Carlos Vela was presented with the first opportunity in the opening seconds, but like so many in the early stages his effort was too close to Krul, in the Newcastle goal.
It was no surprise that the Geordies came into the contest by sheer application and determination. Those are qualities that have unhinged us in the past, but there does seem to be a belief building in the squad. We survived Szczesny’s early error of judgement when the equally inexperienced Ranger missed a a golden opportunity to apply pressure as he was thwarted by the excellent Koscielny. It was to be the only blemish on an otherwise faultless performance by the young Pole. Well played son.
Less fortunate was Gibbs, who must be so close to making the final step to first-team regular. A seemingly harmless challenge left him in clear discomfort, and with less than twenty minutes gone he limped off with a knee injury, the extent of which will not be clear until the morning. The signs are not good for him, however.
The fortunes of the respective ‘keepers were on the turn when the young Gunner spectacularly tipped a superb Smith strike onto the bar. At the other end Krul thought he had capped a fine half when half-clearing a corner, only to unwittingly apply the final touch when the ball was returned and rather hilariously half-cleared on the line by Taylor. The timing of the opener proved crucial. After the break, with Newcastle forced to become more ambitious, the visitors took complete control.
Safe passage was effectively secured when Theo Walcott sprinted clear, not for the last time, to finish in the manner expected of an Arsenal number fourteen. There was a hint of controversy though, wrapped up in a huge slice of karma. In the opening half when Walcott sprinted clear on the right flank, the eager Bendtner was flattened off the ball by Williamson as he sprinted toward the area. This time, as Walcott raced clear to strike, the Dane repaid the compliment, and was fortunate not to be spotted by Mr Magoo, otherwise known as Andre Marriner.
Newcastle strengthened, summoning Gutierrez, Carroll, and the thoroughly objectionable Barton. Arsenal responded by introducing Fabregas, who proceeded to set up Bendtner for an impressive third, curled into the top corner with pace and precision. The Geordies were being picked off at will, and Walcott again sprinted clear to complete an eye-catching scoreline.He is clearly growing, adding consistent menace to undoubted potential.
Now at 4-0 you would have thought that responsible professionals would avoid brainless challenges in a contest effectuvely long since over, wouldn’t you? The despicable little runt that is Barton somehow avoided punishment when he went through the back of Eastmond, and having been reprieved, repeated the assault on Fabregas. He must be so proud of his contribution to Newcastle’s second-half collapse.
So, the positives again far outweigh the negatives. Szczesny, Djourou, and the returning Koscielny were standout performers in what was close to a defensive masterclass. Eastmond and Rosicky bossed the midfield, although both seemed to leave the more experienced Smith for Denilson to deal with. Bendtner and Walcott could not have wished for a better night to get a game under their belts. At the end of the night though you have to say our credentials will be more severely tested this season.
It’s cautious optimism for me tonight, but you can only beat what is in front of you, and our squad players certainly did that in some comfort this evening.
Manchester United away in the quarter-final, anybody?
111 Responses to “Solid Foundation Allows Theo To Show His Burgeoning Class”
First post. Yah…
I’m not sure Djourou was that good, he was a mix of great and scary, but certainly good to have Kos back.
Nightcap for me please, barman.
MANU away, nah mate. Come on, lets get Wigan @ home instead. We deserve an easier draw now.
Agree with all your comments except that Djourou needs to behave like a 6-4 beast and not a 6-4 fairy! He needs to stop getting bullied off the ball!!
Now that’s over…..great review as ever holic. Szczesny was reassuringly comfortable (ignoring the wobble at the beginning) between the sticks. Do we really need to shell out on another keeper? I’m not sure now. I still feel Djourou is a yard or two of the pace but otherwise we’ve got the makings of a fantastic squad. Kos was pure quality.
Joey Barton is a gold plated buffoon who needs putting down. Either that or he is the missing link evolutionary scientists the world over seem need to take a long hard look at.
I thought Djourou was excellent tonight, won everything in the air, was composed and played realy really well.
Theo looks to have come on, again, even though he is only just returning from injury. There is just something about him; poise, maturity, call it whatever you like! He is going to be one helluva player!
A great result and a fine goal from bendtner too.
Well played the Gunners.
Mines a baby cham!
You are a hard one to please, Ollie π I thought Djourou stepped up a gear when Carroll came on. Agree Koscielny was on it all night.
You saw the same game as I, Mug π
Haha! Holic, he was great, along with Koscielny. I think some need to be over critical, I blame Alan Hansen! π
Sagna looked weak and gormless at times, and was, for me, definitely the weak link in the back four. His passing and decision-making with the ball was, to say the least, poor. I have been growing more and more concerned with him recently, and I’m finally
at the stage where he is a squad-player rather than a first-teamer. Thoughts?
Aside from that, good win for the Arse. West Sham away in the next round please Barman!
Max – I think you’re loco – it’s true, he did make a few mistakes, but then most players do during a game. Those he did make, he made up for, I feel.
He was good at Man City, and he was far from awful here – probably wasn’t even expecting to play.
Before we get argumentative about Bacary, I don’t think it is unfair to say he made some mistakes tonight, and is yet to hit his best form. There is a time and a place though. Let’s celebrate the good that happened elsewhere on the park.
Thoughts max? I was with you right up till you suggest sagna is merely a squad player as that is pants mate! Sagna had a poor game, but considering he played Sunday and probably was hoping for a nice rest tonight, i can fogive him one poor game given how fucking good he is.
Really cannot disagree with you strongly enough mate.
Highlight for me was Bendy’s great dribble into the area in the first half. Didn’t know the big man had it in him…shame about the shot mind.
I bet Sagna was sat all snug on the bench listening to his ipod, miles away, then coz of poor unlucky Gibbs, he has to come on after 20 minutes. if we are going to slate anyone, it should be that inconsiderate Keiran! π
Theo’s performance tonight showed Hansen up for what he is… a complete and utter Hansen π
Love my gooners π
Just an Irish Coffee for me now barman ta
Bendtner’s goal was pretty dam good too!
Mark the Spark
Yep, 100% agree. Did you even doubt he would score that 2nd one on one? I know I didnt and that just shows me how much he has come on. And there’s plenty more to come I reckon.
For everyone who’s doubting Djourou, he’s an excellent header of the ball, his problem is when the ball’s on the ground and I’m really hoping it’s down to lacking match fitness cause his aerial ability is world class.
OK, so which researcher at MotD read this and got Bright to point out Williamson’s tug on Bendy in the first-half π
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2 clean sheets is certainly something to celebrate and a move in the right direction ‘Holic. What has been especially notable has been the GK’s performances in each and shows what we’ve been missing. And the clean sheets will provide more momentum and confidence.
I still think we’ve a long way to go in defense before we could handle a Chelski or Barcelona though – which, when you think about it, is the standard we need to better. What is most encouraging though is the workrate in closing down players from the front. Thats been the collective difference from last year when the same work ethic was missing for most of the season.
In much the same way, I feel Theo needs to score against the Evra’s and Cole’s of this world before he does proper justice to his undoubted talents.
ha ha well said goonerholic
Delighted with tonight’s performance, we took our chances well without the lads ever looking like they had to over-exert themselves. great to see Theo back in full swing and pleased with the way Szcz looks like the kind of keeper who takes conceding a goal as a personal insult, which is exactly what we need. Djourou and Kos looked good, I’d have no objections to seeing them together again on Saturday.
My only minor gripes are Gibbs’ injury and the fact that I’d have liked to see JET getting a slightly longer run. But it’s not a night for griping, we’ve come out of two tricky games up north with seven scored and none conceded, and you couldn’t possibly ask for more.
Must admit that I am with Ollie on Djourou. Thought he had a right mixed bag tonight. At times he looked shaky. On others he looked the player we all hope he will be. Kos looked very good. Particularly impressed with the way he seemed to take the senior role.
Only real disappointment for me was Vela. Am I the only one that thinks he has a reall attitude problem? I just get the impression sometimes that there is this great player waiting to burst onto the scene, if only he could be arsed.
Thought our passing was a bit off at times but for me that is about all the negatives there are. Theo and Nic had good run outs. Both looked a lot sharper. Was impressed with Nic. He worked hard and kept putting loads of effort in. He deserved his goal, and what a great finish by the way. Eastmond will grow with games like that.
Sincerely hope that Gibbs is not long term. The boy looks to have a big future.
One thing I did learn tonight is that Szczesny is the real deal. Thought he did very well. I can see why he thinks he should be playing. Very promising. Give him a big deal, send him on loan for a year to a prem side and job done for me.
Holic, you called Barton a “runt.” 30 seconds after the whistle I had a text from a pal who went on to describe Barton as something that sounded like “runt”.
So the Hammers on Saturday then? Looking forward to that one.
Keep the faith.
Still unconvinced bout Djourou. Great aerial ability acknowledged. He needs playing time.
Another great result. What I love about us this year is that not only are we scoring lots of goals, but that lots of people are scoring them. In the last 3 games we’ve gotten 12 goals from 7 different players.
Steve T, I wanna email you something and since emails are hidden here, please contact me at Snir_Geuli@hotmail.com
Barton is a scoundrel. Scum. SCUM!
Great result but first hats off to the Geordies who tried really hard, I think of all of them Caroll has a great future.
For me MOTM was Bendtner considering he’s back from a 6months injury layoff, very dynamic and nimble. Still missed a few opportunities but you get the feeling that more will go in as he gets his marks back. Same goes for Djourou, a very long injury at such a young age and he is already showing his potential again. A few mistakes still but at this stage it’s totally expected. Give him a few years and he will be head and shoulders above every other defender in the league.
Walcott is getting there too, our most effective forward not only for his goals but for the stress he induces in the opposite defense. Certainly in the first XI whoever we play against.
Kos is a living proof of Wenger’s scout network incredible ability to find gems. After tonight’s game, can you still believe he was playing in ligue 2 two seasons ago?
We may or may not win trophies this year but what a hell of a team! I always wanted Arsene’s project youth to succeed but now I want it really hard. The players deserve it. Every game makes this conviction stronger.
@Snir: great find that article about the psychologist. Thanks!
Forgot to mention I really hope Gibbs won’t be injured for too long, the boy oozes quality it would be a shame if his career take off was hampered by injuries.
I always had high hopes for Vela but I’m becoming more reserved now. It’s not too late but he better starts seizing the few opportunities he gets now…
@Matt, My pleasure.
One thing this game made me is nervous about Woj’s contract. What a keeper. He is ready, no doubt about it.
“The despicable little runt that is Barton”
Holic, you are a gentleman, Sir. I dare not add my description. Mrs Snail would be offended. Snail himself might blush.
Strong performance overall and you’d called all of the main points of the game before I’d even left work and seen the tape.
Nice to be Bi-Poler isn’t it? Two great young Poles between the poles. And there we all were only weeks ago bleating that we needed…….WHO? Schwarzer? For 4 Mill? Was that really us? Nah, couldn’t have been.
Kos, Denilson, throughout and Theo, Cesc and Bendy all achieved my meritorious mentions. Disappointed for Gibbs and with Vela. Carlos needs to start taking these chances to impress if he’s going to make the grade. Good opportunity for Djourou to re-find his touch through match practice and for Eastmond to get some more flying hours in at this altitude.
A very satisfactory evening, overall. Man IOU? Yes please, but at home, Holic. Rather take them out at this stage and then play Ipswich in the final.
I thought Koscielny was great in this match. The keeper looked pretty good too.
I love a 4-0 win.
Theo seems to be the missing link to our fast paced counterattack. When Theo is playing, everyone is looking to put him through with a quick pass. When anybody else is on the wing, it’s the slow build up followed by 40 sideways passes at the edge of the area. Hope he stays fit all season !!!!!
Another Excellent win for the Dear Arsenal of ours, three different starting Xi’s in three different competitions, 12 goals scored, only 1 conceded, that too by our very own Eduardo, so i would take that anyday, two very tricky fixtures put to bed, time for a Home game in the League Cup i guess, Bring on Manchester United so that we can put the Carling Cup to bed before we get ghosted by injuries again π
Mighty Mighty Arsenal
Great write up as always ‘Holic sir and once again, as always, some excellent points raised in the drinks. Yet, alas, I think you’re all missing the point that Mr Wenger has a major problem on his hands………….
Who is he going to leave out when we have so many quality options all over the pitch?
Woj was class, except for the afore mentioned mis step, he pulled off some saves that were top drawer, plus a clean sheet is never to be sniffed at. The defence was solid, big props to Kos, lets be honest, who had ever even heard of the guy before he was linked with us? The midfield bossed proceedings and our returning strike force were on song. Bendy’s scored in both games he’s played so far and Theo’s got 6 in 7 appearances. (I think)
So it may be all well and good for us to celebrate a 4-0, yes indeed that is a FOUR to NIL win away from home, but let’s please spare a thought for poor Arsene who has the burden of having to leave some of these players on the bench or out of the squad for the upcoming games.
Bring on the Wet Spam!!!!!!!
A Lager please sir and one for ATG, I’m still spining from the pint of Polish vodka he gave in the last drinks π
Cheers.
Cheers, ‘holic.
Denilson had a great game and got zero merititious mentions.
Well, technically we do have the best fourth choice centerhalf in the league. If you could look at Djourou that way.
Must agree that Djourou needs to punch his wieght a bit more on the ground. But happy to give him time to get back up to speed. Like Maddy just said, not bad for 4th choice!
Damning with praise, but Woj reminds me of Schm%%%el.
@H2H – you mirrored my thoughts precisely. Who the hell gets left out? Apart from Vela. That’s an easy one.
Coffee please – a la JET.
Bendtner dribble in d first me of when he was 16,Djourou was fantastic,dere’s great player in him,walcott?i’m speechless,welcome chesney ,kocielny oozes class.Hollic a cup of shepe will do
The proplem with Djourou is his recovery time is to long if a player gets behind him he does not have the first ten yards burst of speed needed to catch up. My granny would be faster over the first ten yards and she’s been dead for years…..
Good thing again that West Ham played their 1st 11 and went to extra time!! Happy days again gooners, happy days!
My first post here Holic π I have been reading your blog for quite a while now and love it!
Nice post. I agree that we have to show cautious optimism as you mention. Looking forward to more solid performances in the next few games to build our season on.
agree with all on Vela..he lacks confidence at the moment
Looking forward to walcott starting at the weekend..!
Cheers..:)
So, 28 Barton is a scoundrel? What a lovely old fashioned word and far too polite for the likes of him.
Don’t be too hard on Djourou, his progress has been repeatedly interrupted by injury and he’s had very little football over the last eighteen months or so. Overall I thought his performance was pretty good.
Kos looks to be pure class, so cool, calm and collected and presumably we have Grimandi to thank for finding him.
The other ‘Pole in Goal’ definitely looks to be the real deal and I now understand what he has been running on (Norfolk for talking a lot) about of late.
Vela is a worry, so much talent but it just doesn’t happen most of the time.
I do so wish Eboue would stop falling over at every half opportunity.
Overall an excellent team performance and it is good for Eastmond and the others who haven’t played much to get ninety minutes.
Role on Saturday.
Vela started the season quite well, but as others have pointed out it is perhaps time to start questioning his attitude and discipline.
Djourou had, in my mind, a real stinker of a game but considering his lengthty absence you have to expect his form to be a bit wobbly.
Szczesny performed really well, let’s just hope he will sign a new contract very soon but I am really worried that he won’t, I feel that if he had really wanted to re-sign he would already have done so. In just over two months he is free to negotiate with whomever he likes, that is never a good thing.
Walcott and Bendtner played really well, and thoroughly deserved their goals.
And Joey Barton is a complete and utter twat, but then again we already knew that.
Pint of orange juice please, got to get some work done now!
Morning All,
Well ill start by saying i was most un impressed with our even younger pole in goal as the little bugger cost me a good few quid by being damn well to good, The least he could do was let one in bringing Chippy a nice return at 33/1 on 4-1 so hes well and truely of my xmas card list π What a debut !!
Apart from the rush of blood in the first half he was truely immaculate and the save in the dying few minutes when he went head first into the crowd of players to gather reminded me very much of Mr Wilson in so much as he showed absolutley no fear of injury just a great determination to keep a clean sheet,
As others have mentioned Theos now turning into what we all hoped he could become and no longer looks a little boy lost hes starting to resemble a man and a man that can finish π
Morning all, what a great bunch of comments – nice to enter a site where there is reasonable debate.
I think the young pole doesn’t look bad, may have been a different story if they had punished his early mistake but might be good to have a lucky goalie as well as a good one. I feel sorry for Gibbs, I think we need him if not for what he brings but to continue to put pressure on Clichy. Sagna has been a mixed bag but won’t become a bad player overnight. Koscielny looks the part – that stat about not losing a whole tackle all season in France looks less of a myth now – while Eboue is Eboue (good, bad, sublime, ridiculous in equal measure in each game).
I agree with most people that Vela is the one that appears to be going backwards. Eastmond did alright but you can see the difference in speed of thought compared to regular first teamers but keep playing in these games and that may well come.
And players coming back from injury getting back into the groove quickly seems to be a new concept. Cesc only needed an hour against Shaktar to shake the rust off and now Theo and Nic get early goals.
When Stoke went 1-0 up I thought that we’d be drawn away to them so the ‘ammers overturning them is good, I reckon it’ll be Man U or Villa away next.
Cheers
We need to buy two fullbacks in January; Gibbs always gets injured, which us a shame because I really rate him, and Clichy hasn’t been good at all lately. We also need a right back who can defend better than Sagna to provide him with a little competition for the spot (speaking of the devil: is it just me or have Sagna’s crosses really got better?! -yay!-). And no, Eboue isn’t that man.
The other negatives for me were Djourou’s performance and especially Vela’s. I was so sure he’d have a good game last night!
Apart frol these gripes and some sloppy passing I thought Sczsrtcbghfsny did really well and deserves some more starts IMO. 4 keepers were really too much Imo, and now I feel Aunia’s injury will take some time to heal, I’m betting on Jamuary :p
Theo and Nicklas really shook things up, and it really shows they have been working hard in training. I couldn’t believe Bendtner’s “Nasriesque” run in the Newcastle penalty area, nor Eboue’s ! Shame about the end product though .
Rosicky had a good game though, he’s one of my favourite players so I may be a little biased here ;), and Koscielny ..what a block on what looked like a certain goal!!
I just hope injuries won’t decimate us in the coming weeks, as this squad has so much quality in it now .
Oh and Barton is a Crunt!
I’ll just have another cafΓ¨ lattΓ© please. Had enough Erdingers last night π
@ RVP’s right foot….
Interesting. Sagna might not have had one of his better games last night but he is a quality player. I can think of few, if any, better rb’s in the UK or Europe (ok, he’d have some competition from Maicon and Daniel Alves but their’s no chance of them becoming Arsenal players ~ not that I’d want them at the Grove).
Too, the quality of his crossing has very definitely improved.
‘Holic – perfect write up. I was going to comment on Barton until I saw that you had done it to perfection – with the one obvious spelling mistake. Looks like others have already noted that too.
How did he escape some sort of card ? Why was he ever let out of jail?
Interesting that when Sky Sports News recently ran an item on Arsenal / Arsene Wenger / Bad challenges, the “man” they asked for a professional opinion was none other than the odious little creep himself – Joey Barton. Unbelievable.
Good victory last night – bring on the ‘ammers.
@don
Sagna had a really (and I mean REALLY) poor game at Stamford Bridge, wasn’t too bothered against City who targeted Clichy’s side more than his, so he didn’t have much to do defensively that day at Eastlands and yesterday his performance was average at best…
The odd thing is that I feel he defends more (and better) with the French national team, maybe because Blanc instructed him to focus first and foremost on his defensive duties and only venture forward when it’s OK to do so.
Sorry but I believe he needs to improve a lot , though not as much as Clichy.
Can anyone explain to me how Clichy got this bad? I defended him countless times last season against goiners calling for his head pointing out to them that he had some bad luck with injuries, but I have to admit I see him more as a liability now.
I don’t want him to be the new Silvestre…
π
defended him against gooners*
Oh, and Joey Barton is a cucking funt.
It’s a team game and that last night was a team performance.
True, a few didn’t play as well as others, but *the team* won 0 – 4.
The maggies made a match of it and could have been two up after about half an hour.
Can much more be asked for ?
My controversial request to Le Prof now is that I would like Woj to start on Saturday. I think he’s earned a start after last night.
Yes I understand that Lukasz’s nose will be put out, seeing as he’s hardly put a foot wrong for a few games… but i still have this unsure ‘liability waiting to happen’ feeling about him.
Give the lad a chance, after all, the good of Arsenal FC is paramount.
I meant to add that we looked out of shape for about 15 mins when Gibbs went off and Eboue (of all the options, surely… π ) went into left back, it was daft with Vela Rosicky and Eboue all charging up the left flank on top of each other, we nearly let the maggies in at this point.
So, what about Eboue?
For the first twenty minutes, he played as if he could hear the fans singing his name – including a nice jinking movement through their defence which ended with him egotistically deciding to rattle the goal’s back stanchion from the outside instead of using one of the three available team-mates. Oh dear.
But what a change when he moved to replace Gibbs. He seemed to realise (or maybe he was told) that he was playing defence and he did a good job of it. I have nothing against attacking full-backs, but egotism goes with Adepaymor, not The Arsenal.
GOYG, and keep the faith
Sorry Matt – your comment didn’t appear until I’d posted.
@ RVPβs right footβ¦.
Yes, see your point. The Chelsea game wasn’t one of his best but I think it’s a case of being hoist by your own petard (in his case) for having set the expectation. Sure, his defending needs to maybe get back to what it once was (dip in form, whatever!?) but I believe there is enough in his overall game. He has imo certainly improved going forward, along with his overall distribution and crossing. Bearing in mind too, in the Chelsea game, he had to deal with the deadly *ole/Malouda combo which is a tough one for any defender.
Clichy is another story altogether. I’ve always loved him for his professionalism but is dip in form has lasted way too long. Surely this has not gone unnoticed by Wenger?
Finally…..Joey Barton…well……words fail me!!!
So many youngsters really emerging at this point, it is really exciting. The criticism of Vela is also probably down to the emergence of these other youngsters. Emerging as fast as Song, Walcott and the others is quite a task.
BT8BBNN.
I just reckon that yet again he offered no more than JET could have at least matched.
I get the feeling he’d be fantastic on a beach somewhere with his flicks and chips, but can’t see the pace or power necessary to fit into this Arsenal formation.
As ever, delighted to be proved wrong. If he ever plays again!
Don’t shout at me,otherwise I will go back to the beach.
Eboue from right back to left back and god knows where ever else.A sneeze in the back and he falls down.Loveable mascot for the squad , full of energy but invariably makes the wrong final decision.
We seem to be split on JD, but yet again as a defender he again made a jittery start but did impose himself as the game went on.In some other game he might not be so fortunate against better opposition, so to me he remains 4th. choice.
Great to see Theo in his more central position (his preferred choice) in the second half and two excellent goals.Same for nnc, after such a long lay off.
Kos is growing with confidence in every game.
You can’t base the one and only chesney on one game, but he and a revived Fabianski could make Almunia redundant.
Carlos i am afraid has no future at this time at the club, possibly a loan deal is in the offing though I feel he may be on his way out .AW hardly ever gives him a first team appearance in the PL, but I would like to be proved wrong.
All in all a good result and hopefully yet another confidence booster.
‘…….Theo Walcott sprinted clear, not for the last time, to finish in the manner expected of an Arsenal number fourteen.”
Well said
I understand everyone’s frustration with Vela but he isn’t exactly helped by his team-mates: For instance – what was Eboue thinking of trying to beat their keeper at his near post when a simple cut back to Vela was the obvious thing to do?
JD makes me nervous, I have to admit and in both last night’s game and particularly against Man City, he made mistakes that on another day would have been punished. That said however, I thought against both City and the Bar-codes he did settle down and I thought he played well against Carrol who was my main worry about them before the game. He deserves credit for this so may be best to judge him after a long run in the team (if he ever gets it) rather than when he is trying to establish himself back after his injury problems.
Lots to be positive about from last night, as has been said above, but my pick was Koscielney – I don’t think he put a foot wrong all night – very impressed.
Here’s hoping that we can keep the momentum going and approach Saturday’s oppsition with the same focus and determination as we did last night (and not the “just turn up” display we saw against West Brom).
Caffrey’s for me Barman – I fancy some madness tonight!
I was proud of the bwoys yeaterday!
I pint for all Holic please!
All those not wishing to be part of the Vela crucifixion team stand aside please.
Welease him
who should we lease him to then
Vela is an enigma
‘Evening ‘Holic & Hoilics
@ Catalan #65: Are we back to Python again? Yes, welease Fabwegas, Pat Wice, Wobin Van Persie, Awon Wamsey, Naswi, etc., etc. π
@ Mark The Spark # 15: Glad to see “Hansen of the Week” is enjoying a mini revival.
Drinks of choice for these two fine gentlemen please barman and one for yourself whilst you’re there.
“Hoilics” eh? Sounds like a bed-time drink to me. If only my fingers could cash the cheques that my brain is writing.
Oh, and it does look like Tommy V’s injury is of “indeterminate length”….
B*gger and double f*ck π
Still, looks like Kos, Squill & JD20 are more than capable of holding the fort while TV recovers. Maybe one more CB will be the target in January’s transfer shenanigans?
Given our recent Polish renaissance between the sticks, I doubt Le Boss will have a GK on his Xmas shopping list.
Thanks TS ….. a slow pint of the black stuff would go down very well right now.
Dear Barman, are you listening to Catalan? π
CG I’ll share a pint with you anytime, but who is this TS funny man? Naswi indeed!
No offence ‘nasRi….
(insert “intended” between “offence” and “‘nasRi” please)
No offence taken TS, as a matter of fact I laughed out loud at each of the Python/Woyisms as you listed them.
Buried in today’s arsenal.com team news it says Diaby has an ankle injury. Has this been reported previously, or could this be the initial report of a months-long injury? I’m knocking on wood and don’t want to be a rumour monger but isn’t that the way Vermaelen’s injury was first reported?
Heh! Someone out there appreciates my humour…
Barman? The whole collection for this bwilliant member of the human wace please.
Bit quiet in here tonight, (whisper it) I think it might be the Barman’s night off…. well deserved I’m sure π
Anyway, talking of Hansen of Week (eh?) my votes go to Joey Barton for being, well, Joey Barton and that strange fellow from Wolves (is his name really Jez Moxey?) for his media attention seeking and sadly personal attack on our Arsene. Dear, oh dear…
@’nasRi
Hmmm…. perhaps the compounded result of Paul “Pig” Robinson’s initial challenge followed by that “reducer” from Essien? Was it even the same leg???
TS, it could be that Barton and the said Jez Moxey are one of those sleight of hand teams that works the streets robbing the unsuspecting public of their valuables. One works on the field and one off, an ideal subterfuge to fleece us all.
TS, thank you for keeping the troops entertained π
I am having a huge week, workwise, and hopefully will be back in harness soon. Preview tomorrow evening, along with the latest episode in the ‘bollocks, he cost me another pound this week’ episode π
Hansen of the week (should that be ‘reek’ in our pewverse little world?) seems to be unanimously the one called Barwton then… although andre marriner ran him close for not reaching for the yellow on the first knee in the hamstring from behind foul.
I have a confession. I purchased a fine ‘Verminator’ T shirt off our friends at Arseblog, for the pwincly sum of Β£20… so it’s clearly my fawlt that he’s out for so long π
My round gents…
Oh, and @jamezjamez @chrishoward1982 @HerbieALand @ArthurTheGooner
Read your Twitter dm’s!
Yes, you are one of them Arthur!
Good reminder, Mark. I need a really good fifty year celebration teeshirt in three weeks time. Anybody got any good tips? Can’t let the LWC’s anniversary go by without a party π
@nasri – TV5’s malaise was first reported as a ‘small small Achilles injury’. Lucky it was nothing serious then.
‘Holic, re the teeshirt – does ’50 and Tottingem up’ sow any useful seeds ?
Morning Holic…..you are joking aren’t you?
I had a family day yesterday, management wouldn’t let me near a PC being an IT man and all that.
On to the Twitter then….
Morning one & all
@ ‘Holic #82 – You’re more than welcome big man although not sure all would agree about my posts being classed as entertainment π
@ MtS # 83 – Don’t be so hard on yourself mate, allegedly he’s still fit enough to go clubbing with his team-mates – it’s a hard life. Joey of the Barton it is then as HotW. What an odius little man he is.
@ ‘narRi #81 – Now who’s keeping us all entertained? Classic π
Morning Fam-ily! (Holic)!
I am expecting a nice little run of wins as the squad re-groups after our injury returns!
West Ham – H
Shakhtar Donetsk-A
Newcastle H
Before going back to grinding out results until the end of the month!
I’m going for a humiliating 3-0 against West Ham with Theo and Arshavin to score.
The odds are very good on us beating Shakhtar Donetsk so I’m going for an Arsenal win with Chamakh to score.
An ice cold mixed fruit juice please Barman!
Earth to Arthur π
I need you to send me the email address you use for your iTunes account so I can have your prize sent to you.
You can either reply to the Twitter direct message, or mail me on gooneratgoonerholicdotcom.
Chelsea away at Blackburn this weekend is not the easiest fixture so it’s time we all send positive radio waves Blackburn way. Instead of 4000 holes for the Chavs to step in maybe one additional one can be manufactured?
Newcastle (2nd half only) was my first chance to see Szzzccsszzny in goal and I must say he left a very positive impression. No wrong steps and certainly no lack of confidence. Hopefully his maturation will not see any lessening of that confident approach. The competition is truly there now in every position including keeper, and the team has to benefit in many ways.
@ ‘nasri #82
WOJCIECH SZCZESNY (try typing that 8 times quickly) is a monster. After one shaky moment early on he looked more in command of his area than any keeper I’ve seen at Arsenal since Lehmann. He’s way beyond his years.
I truly hope we will extend his contract and start giving him regular games so that he can be our #1, #1 for the start of next season. In the meantime, he can keep his fellow countryman honest and on his toes – just the way it should be as you have already pointed out. IMHO, Wojciech is every bit as good as Joe Hart and could end up being better – he looks nastier too – got to be a good thing when skillful lumps like Andy Carroll are bearing down on you!
Goalkeeping crisis? What goalkeeping crisis?
@ ‘nasri again!
Maturation? Are you suggesting he’s not from Poland but was grown in a Borg chamber?
….in which case….. “he’s not the (goalkeeping) messiah, he’s avery naughty borg”
Groan π
@ Steve T
Can you see now why it wasn’t “obvious” to Wenger that we needed a new GK two seasons ago? If that was what he was seeing in training from both Poles, he wouldn’t think a keeper was an urgent requirement, would he?
Borg chamber? Not sure but if Bjorn Borg was matured in one, but if so we have an outstanding example of an athlete not affected by nerves, just what a keeper needs. So maybe it could be and further investigation deemed necessary. FunGunner, is this another case of AKB????
‘nasri, not a fan of Star Trek then?
BT8BBNN,
Spot on about Blackburn.
I see them taking at least a draw from Chelsea, Chelsea are struggling away from home (their lousy away form started last year and carried to this year too) and Ewood Park is a hard place to win.
I expect the gap to go down to 3 this weekend and 1 next weekend when they go to Anfield.
@ Snir. I like your style. It might take us a bit longer to catch The Chavs now that they have a few tougher opponents to play…. but catch them we will!
Top of the league by Xmas would be great, but within 3 points just fine too.
TS, I’m only a fan of the original series with lesser devotion to the 2nd generation and none for the movies, but Wikipedia seems to say the chamber was most important from the 2nd generation on. In the interest of thorough research, I googled Wojciech Szczesny Borg Chamber and must report no results of much pertinence. One more thing: my spell checker doesn’t seem to like Szczesny.
‘holic, any interesting odds on how long the Bendt streak will be?
‘nasri, try asking his girlfriend?
Everyone is berating Chesney for ‘His one mistake’, but was it a mistake? Ranger was through one-on-one with the goalie – Chesney, what was he supposed to do, stand there like a lemon and hope to save an almost certain goal, or try and do something? I think that he chose the right option – to try and do something – and his charge out of goal was enough to put Ranger off and give Kos the chance to get around and make a tremendous block. Agreed, it didn’t look pretty but on the night it worked, so who is to say it was a mistake?
We MUST get Chesney to sign a new contract, he IS the goalie we have all been craving. I think I’m becoming a fan!
@ norfolk
I listened to Arsene’s press conf earlier. When it came to Szczesny, he seemed very keen to sort a new contract out for him and it appears Wojciech is keen too…. AW was bantering about a plus and a plus making a plus, or soemthing like that.
I’d bet on a new deal being announced very soon. We’ve been training the lad since he was 16 so I can’t imagine Wenger’s sharp business brain letting this bright talent slip through his fingers having spent all that time and money helping him to get to where he is today.
Cue CJ catch phrase from Reggie Perrin…
Fungunner @ 96
Arsene must have had doubts too or else why would he have put a bid in for another keeper?
As Fabianski has proved (until recently at any rate) there is a world of difference between training and what happens on a Saturday so as good as the youngster was the other night, let’s not burden him with premature expectations – let’s sort out his contract and let him grow into the team.
TS, keep your mind on the odds!
@Storey: I wish I could share your optimism regarding Szczesny signing a new contract, but I just can’t. Wenger said something like “I want to sign him, he wants to stay and normally that should be good” – and if it hadn’t been for that little word “normally” it would have sounded good. It feels like Flamini all over again. I have a very bad feeling about this.
(but then again, I also had a very strong feeling that we’d get spanked silly last Sunday!)
Crap, posted too soon!
What I would like to see is Fabianski playing tomorrow, and then let Szczesny play in the remaining Champions League games. That way, both keepers will be given a fair chance and Szczesny will really feel that he is close to becoming our number one keeper and then maybe he’ll sign a new contract.
A pint of Boddingtons, please!
@ ‘nasri #107 – Yes, good point! I think you’ll get very short odds (phnar) on betting for Bendy to keep scoring (double phnar) – I’d spend one of ‘Holic’s pounds on him getting at least one-in tomorrow. Cue yuk, yuk, yuk and Sid James’ wrinkly old face. Ooh matron….
@ Lars – Chill my friend it’s Friday night, ATVO is on (mine’s gone all green and funny for some reason) and Wenger has announced that a deal is on the table for young Wojciech. I think you’ll get very short odds on him re-signing. It’ll happen. May I join you in that pint of Boddies please?
Is the barman in tonight???
Anyone else out there experiencing difficulties with ATV-O tonight?