Not To Have Taken Three Points Would Have Been 'Arsh
Nov 27th, 2010 by 'holic
The final whistle blowing before three on a Saturday a month before Christmas means the management determines where I spend the last couple of hours of the afternoon. So as I am perusing the bobble hats in Matalan I am thinking back on what I have just witnessed at the same time, and the likely reaction to it. A booze top-up at Sainsbury turns into an excellent idea when I see a litre of Famous Grouse is just thirteen quid. Had Jack Wilshere not struck at the death I could afford a couple of cases. I’m grateful enough though with a couple of bottles at that price.
I get back at five and check out the reaction. During the second-half I accept the nerves would have become frayed, and little bits of negativity were understandable. The management thought my blood pressure was going through the roof when Arshavin and Nasri, far and away our best two players, were substituted at 3-2. I have to confess I thought it smacked of us attempting to cling on to the points, and the ‘holic pound. I thought we would have been better served having our best players knock it about and deny Villa the ball.
I should have known better. No matter what eleven players we have on the park we will always look to exploit the gaps behind the opposition. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. Had we not failed spectacularly twice in the last week I reckon there would have been universal acclaim for the first team to beat Villa in their own back yard this season. Instead, with memories of those twin disasters fresh in the mind, some are expressing concern about the fact that Villa recovered from a lacklustre first-half performance to twice reduce our two goal advantage.
Come on people. We should be better than that. When we win let’s celebrate the positive. Had the points been surrendered I could understand questions being raised about Clichy’s contribution to the first goal, and Song’s negligence for the second. I would rather, however, celebrate the return to form of Andrey Arshavin, a constant thorn in Villa’s side. I would rather celebrate the fluidity that saw Arshavin, the equally impressive Nasri, and the rejuvenated Rosicky, share the task vacated by the hamstrung Fabregas. The Villa midfielders didn’t know who to mark. That was the intelligence so lacking in the last seven days.
I also have to celebrate the moment, so close to the end, that scuppered my pre-match prediction and provided the wonderful Wilshere with his first Premiership goal (edit; for Arsenal! Thanks Steve T). The three that had come before, from the jinking Arshavin, a superb Nasri volley, and the persistent Chamakh, may have been technically better. Try telling that to the little one who converted an unchallenged diving header at the far post to seal, if only temporarily, top spot in the table.
A word too for the legend that is Robert Pires. It was so sad to see him pay the penalty for his team-mates inability to win the ball for him in the opening half. Villa haven’t signed him to be a box to box player. Let the donkeys win the ball and give it to him, and he could pass any other team to death. In the opening half today they let us control it, and that meant a hook for the genius at half-time. He will have better days in a Villa shirt, and could have been devastating when they woke up after the break.
This victory is no more the making of our season than the Tottenham defeat was the end of it. Somewhere between the extremes of emotion we have to hope that this three points is the start of a run of wins that will settle nerves and put us there or thereabouts at Christmas. Yes, I know things could still go either way. I would personally still consider a tweak or two in personnel in the weeks to come. In particular I would like to see Djourou recalled as soon as possible in an attempt to help stiffen our marshmallow centre. On the whole though I would like to see people getting behind a side that put a bad week behind it today, with a victory we would have killed for this morning.
And to those who soldiered on through travel problems to take up your places at Villa Park I also have to doff my cap. As usual, you lot were truly magnificent throughout. Well played you travelling Gooners. Both on and off the pitch today you made us proud.
Cheers.
166 Responses to “Not To Have Taken Three Points Would Have Been 'Arsh”
Guinness please!
The first Villa goal was an absolute joke. Carew was not just ‘interfering’ in play, his presence directly prevented Fabianski saving it. Make no mistake, there is no problem with the law here, just the officials application of it. You can argue that it didn’t affect the result, but there is no doubt the entire tone of the game changed once Villa got one back – thanks to inept officiating. Like the ‘Holic says though, let’s celebrate another gritty win away from home. Fuck last week. Fuck Spurs. We can win this league. Like the away boys, let’s get behind this team…
The away support sounded superb! Well done to all the travellers and of course the team!
ps. Pint of Tribute please !
Great post, Mr. Holic. I agree the travelling support sounded fantastic, and the players surely need the backing now. Great to Pires again greeting all the players in the tunnel, true legend. Also, I’d like to add a congrats to Wilshere and Chamakh for outstanding efforts today. No complaints for our creative side!
Wilshire, ‘holic?
Is that what living in Wiltshire does to you?
Great write-up.
Some drink of your choice to warm me up please, boss!
Well said Sir ‘Holic
We would have died for that result this morning. No, we would have died for that result had we beaten the LWCs and Braga. It was a good win, end of.
But, I also agree that we need large steel rods inserted straight down the middle of our back 4. Maybe a dip into the war-chest in January is the only way to solve this “won’t go away” problem?
For now, I’m going to enjoy the good things from this afternoon and trust Arsene and Ricey to do something… anything to help our defence defend.
Drinks all round please barkeeper and a large Grouse for yourself or whatever you fancy.
The third goal was really critical for us today. Boy, at 2-1 you can’t help, but wonder if this is another come back in the making. That first goal was absolutely ridiculous that it stood. Crew was right in the firing line blocking Fab’s view. Compare that to ManU’s first goal against big mouth Sam’s team. The guy takes out the goalie, no call, before he recovers they score. I think the refs in England should go on strike too for all I care.
Someone mentioned this above, but how funny was that Wenger subs to shore up the defense and still attacked with 6 to 7 players. If Wenger had all 4 CBs in, they will still going up field trying to score. I couldn’t believe it!
ManU’s 7-1 result will give them false sense of security, I’m sure of that.
My sub-ed is back!
Thanks Ollie π
Large Grouses start about 8, TS. London Pride before that, and sweet and sour king prawns when the delivery man arrives π
omg weng out! sell clich, koschelly, propa defenders n world class dm and gk and messi n benzema n gourcouff. WE SHOULD HAVE GOT VDVrt ffs……..
…….where’s all the doomers now?
stop falling for the trolling that’s led by the likes of richard keys and the sun. get behind the team.
when arsenal lose, nine times out of ten it seems to happen in spectacular fashion. we concede goals to the oppositions only shot on target, ect. i’m sure you all know the deal by now. but the problem with the internet is that it’s such an easy way to throw your toys out of the pram in the heat of the moment. watching arsenal is always such a roller coaster ride.
cunts like matthew norman and myles palmer wank over their own words and think they know how to run a football club from top to bottom, let alone manage one. palmer is the same journalist (if you can call him that) that said that theirry henry would never be a striker. they spout a load of old bullshit before the fact, then say “i told you so” when things go wrong, which is very easy in hindsight. but the truth is they never “told you so” in the first place. they just covered all their bases.
yes, lets replace arsene wenger with owen coyle. lets do it right now!
don’t fall for the bait. get behind arsenal.
Bordeaux v Lille at 8.
Allez les Girondins!
Two glaring errors by the ref in last two matches. Not so unusual perhaps but it does demonstrate the very fine line between success and failure and not something you can blame the manager for.
I would pick JD every week on his form this season but I thought today Koscielny was my man of the match.
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Forgive my faux pas ‘Holic. Enjoy the take away and bitter, perhaps I’ll convince my own managment to dine on a cheeky chinky tonight (ahem).
I’m decided to watch MotD for the first time in weeks tonight. I can hear C*unty McF*ck Hansen now, readying his witticisms about marshmallows, soft centres, when will they learn?, etc., etc. I have been warned! π
steve,
Spot on. At this level the smallest things can swing a match. Referee-ing balls-ups is very much part of that. We were fortunate today that the one that allowed Villa’s first goal to stand didn’t have the same effect as the howlers during the LWC and Braga games.
Drinks for steve and vince please Barman.
I have to say I liked the substitutions today. This is the first time in a while that we closed out a match properly. Sub in more defensive minded players, kick it about then tack one on at the end to seal it. I thought Wenger played it right today
WE LOVE YOU ARSENAL,WE DO.
WE LOVE YOU ARSENAL,WE DO.
WE LOVE YOU ARSENAL,WE DO.
OH ARSENAL,WE LOVE YOU!
@vince
Even I think that Clichy is mostly a liability.
“Had the points been surrendered I could understand questions being raised about Clichyβs contribution to the first goal, and Songβs negligence for the second. I would rather, however, celebrate the return to form of Andrey Arshavin”
How very true, though I’ll have to admit to being guilty of Clichy-bashing mid-game as I dreaded a repeat of what happened last week.
Whatever’s on tap, please.
Liability or not, it was beautiful to watch the Clichy bullet flying up the middle of the field, intercepting a pass and initiating the lightning strike counter-attack. For all his problems, he’s a hell of a player to watch sometimes.
Plus, there will always be a soft spot in my heart for every invincible… (except maybe Reyes.)
About Clichy …. Yes he’s a mess but looking at various left back rankings on sites such as IM scouting etc. Clichy is consistently ranked in the top five LBs in the world which tells us that left back is a hard position to fill and not very deep in quality. So unless an alien takes over AW’s body and he spends 30m+ to get someone like Lahm or Marcelo, Clichy it is for a while and we better pray Gibbs comes good. Oh BTW blame it on Cashley since he’s the consensus #1 in the world
Concur with Duttlenheim. I thought the substitutions were good – Gibbs doubling up on Young, and Denilson as a defensive continuity player.
Bad non-call on Carew’s offside interference, but to some degree I can see how the official might not realize at that speed the degree to which he was shielding Lukasz. Regardless, we won! And Jacky scored! Shaky moments, but I think we’re pretty used to that by now. Hopefully it’ll be addressed, but for the moment we are what we are. One thing I do agree with is whoever pointed out that the setup made more sense today, sticking Nasri and his superior speed out on the wing and moving old Tomas into the Fabregas role. Thought the team set up really well today and the prospect of having Ramsey back is exciting. Unfortunate to see RvP stuck on the bench, but it’d be difficult to justify leaving Chamakh off the sheet right now. Then again, the man never stops running, so I suppose eventually he’ll need some rest.
Even more than the result however, I’m celebrating the fact that (it appears) this is the last time I’ll have to get up at 6:30 am CST to watch the Arsenal. I’ll certainly drink to that!
Bourbon County Stouts all around, on me…from the wonderful Goose Island Brewery here in Chicago. (I tell ya, y’all don’t know what you’re missing.)
I thought Chamakh looked tired again today. We should start RvP next time out. I also thought the team benefited from not having Cesc in the side. I know that sounds odd, but remember Cesc has not been fully fit for sometime and I thought we played with a bit more freedom and expression today because on one hand our players were not looking to give the ball to Cesc and on the other he wasn’t there to misplace his passes.
Agree that Clichy can be a liability, but when he concentrates and sticks to his man he really cannot be beaten – he also made around 6-7 interceptions today simply because he red the play well and had the pace.
Also thought Song stayed further back as well, so hopefully he has learned the lessons of the last few weeks.
Anyway, a great win and worthy of the large glass of red that I am currently enjoying. Hardy’s Crest if you must know.
Cheers!
read, not red… π
Good win for all this teams faults .. no one can say they aren’t entertaining. Clattenburg couldn’t make the right call because he couldnt see Fabianskis attempt to see what was happening on the other side of the massive Carew as he himself was blocked by the very same giant.
This game actually showed massive improvement looking back ,we were always attacking and always creating more than Villa … Babysteps
Villa were awful today and my heart should not have been made to race in the second half, the goals conceded are still a concern. We need to plug the leaks.
Great to see Arshavin play like we know he can, Nasri is just a bloody lovely player and Chamakh is the bargain of the century.
Campari and Soda for me as I forgot to get the beers in and scraping the bottom of the larder.
wow what a win. Had my cousins wedding today at a hotel. didn’t know how i could escape and somehow watch the last 20 minutes of the game( mind you i saw the first 30)….then got a brainstorm…..they give a room to the bride and it was empty got the key quietly and ran up to watch the last 20 mins without anyone noticing.
So happy we won.!!
PS: the bride was still in!
Great game today. Bossed the first half in a display of sublime brilliance and then the entertainers entertained.
Today was an outstanding example of why I love football
A bottle of chilled Moet please barman
Great win and decent performance. The attack was slick – Arsh and Chamakh shone song was better.
I think Clichy has a problem in his head. He looks like he is thinking too much. I think the regular mistakes have got to him. when he was at his best he would have just gone and won that ball for the first goal but he was caught in no mans land. Gibbs looks the business – full of confidence and ability. he only lacks experience but Gibbs is the real deal.
Great team selection, formation, tactics and subs. cant remember the last time I said that about wenger. more of that please AW.
Pint o’ Best please good sir.
Order, Order! Made up for last Saturday (well a bit anyway). Big up all those there, one fucking great day out, that was. Lets have a few more this season. Cheesr all!
Top man Esso. Tremendous support from you lot today. Proper old school π
Have a read please everyone this was brilliant http://www.arsenal.com/usa/news/news-archive/across-the-pond-derby-day-in-new-york
The win today was a good boost after a heavy week. Sorting out funeral arrangements and stuff has done us quite good, it’ll be a nice tribute to a much-loved man on Friday. And from now on I won’t put a damper on this place with all this stuff, I’ll stick to the footie π
Got to see most of the game today, and from what I saw it was a very deserved three points and they scored two goals from three chances. That Villa guy, whatever his name is, will probably never ever repeat neither his shot nor his header in his entire life.
I am now hoping for a solid win v Wigan on Tuesday (I wouldn’t mind a 6-0 thrasing of course, but perhaps a solid 2-0 after being in total control would be better) so that we can build some confidence at home as well. I am starting to think that maybe the whole team is where Fabianski was until a few weeks ago – I think it was Arseblog who said about two months ago that Fabianski didn’t need two brilliant games, he needed ten solid ones, and perhaps this now goes for the outfield players. The talent is there, now they “only” have to believe it themselves.
Pint of John Smiths, please!
Here’s to another away performance. I want to be relishing every minute of the result and the quality of the players that competed for us considering that neither Cesc nor Vermie were available and we didn’t choose to / need to use either RVP nor Theo (those 4 would make a heck of a good core of outfield players for any EPL Team).
My enjoyment must – however – turn to analysis and the self-inflicted wounds from bad habits are still being opened raw. Defending – so many things to talk about, so little time. On the first goal for Villa, we half cleared the ball to Clark and Mozart is but 10 yards from him (with no one else needing to be marked) and our little Czech stands there and watches Clark take it down on the chest and get the volley off. Not good enough. He was in the Cesc role in the middle of the Park and needs to help us out when the team has to defend from deeper in our box. That is a symptom of far too many of our players including Denilson (at major contributory fault for Tottenham’s first and Braga’s first – plain and simple) as they ball watch.
Then we have the recurring problem of just not being very good in the air – period, end of story. Richard Dunne had the air balls all to himself in the second half and was never “bodied” off the header. We’re not big, I get it. But we’ve got to do better or we’ll be conceding on frees and corners all year.
Finally, the casual approach. At 2-0, we look to “turn on the style” again. Not shot from 16 yards is worth not taking when we can maybe show everyone how we can thread the next pass in between a gaggle of legs and celebrate “bonus points” for walking it in. Then, when the most current flick or slide rule pass doesn’t come off, the intended target and – all too frequently the passer – shrug their arms in disappointment and exchange apologies while the opponent shoots out of a cannon in the other direction. From what I saw up in Man IOU today, we have 2 weeks to get that out of our system 100% or we will be watching the heels of some rather fit, fast and aggressive players bearing down on Fabianski & co.
I, like others on this site, would like to see RVP and Theo get a run in in advance of the Man IOU game as the larger scope of the game on a pitch like Old Trafford will require extra legs.
One last thing – at 62 – 65 minutes and the match at 1-3, was I the only one that thought we might see some fresh legs on the field to add some energy to our ability to close down Villa a bit (which we really slacked off on quite frankly) or stretch them perhaps with Theo, and take a little bit of urgency out of Villa during a vital stretch of the match before it got to 2-3 and the nerves started creeping in again? Just askin?
A great result and a good 3 points. Some major plus points for me, the biggest being the increased effectiveness of the little Russian. My MOTM by far and great to see him put in a performance like that. If he can continue at that level then we will see the benefits this season. Big performances from Sami and Jack again. How glad are we that the French did not think Sami was good enough to go to the world cup.
I hate to have negatives after a win but I think it would be remiss not to mention the same defensive frailties. I love Clichy but his form over recent months worries me greatly. Whilst I fully agree that their first should not have stood, Clichy standing there like a rabbit in the headlights was not good. For the 2nd we again could not defend a simple set piece. We need to get this sorted and sorted fast.
One mystery for me is the lack of RVP. Surely if he is now ready then we should be getting him involved in games. The sooner he is up to speed the better it is for us surely????? I know we had to battle a bit today but surely we need to get him involved? My guess is that he may well have a decent part to play on Tuesday night.
I will enjoy some London Pride this evening and toast our 3 points. I will also toast the fact that hopefully those involved in training will be working tirelessly to iron out these needless errors at the back.
Up the Gunners.
Ok – family day and avoiding (as much as I could force myself to) the footy worked. So be it; from now on I’ll just log on after the game to read about our magnificent win.
The part of the game I did see was the 2nd half when their two goals flew in. I switched off quickly.
Early to bed tonight…
Catalan, an early night may just do the trick π
The Aussies have been in winning positions a number of times and been unable to deliver the final coup de grace (remember Cardiff?).
As for the game today, now that my heart rate has stabilised, I am just toasting another fine 3 pts away from home. If only we could show the same grit and determination for 90 minutes at home (and they better next week because I am hauling ass from Caledonia to the Grove – yay!).
A glass of Wolf Blass for Catalan, to help him sleep Barman.
Good balanced write up Holic,
Let’s enjoy the win and hope LWC’s and Chelsea will drop points tomorrow as well.
I do have to admit when we restarted and conceded I thought “here we go again” but as soon as Chamakh made it 3:1 I knew it was going to be our day.
Yet it wasn’t a solid display at the back that we all wanted to see but a win is a win and three points that matters. Things need to be addressed at the back we all know that, as for the attack it was sublime football, four awesome goals and most of all very welcome to see Arshavin hitting form, bring it on I say my little Russian!
Great away support as already mentioned on here, you guys are awesome! Jack will hopefully get even hungrier with that goal, team clicked today and I was questioning why Le Boss is not making any subs, when things got a bit tough. I thought he should have brought on Walcott and Van Persie but hey what do I know right? Gibbsy did very well too when he came on. Clichy you better watch out, Kieran Gibbs is about π
Here’s to the WIN!
Barman a drink for everyone in the Bar π and one for yourself kind Sir…
Jolly good blog old chap
Great game (albeit way too early here). Another confirmation that Nasri is on fire and at the moment does better and makes the team play better than Cesc, agree with Snail 100%.
Clichy had a great game, had he tried to close down Clark then Young would have been free to score. It wasn’t his job to take care of Clark in the first place.
We’re reborn, yay!
Matt. Are you sure about Clichy?????????????? Of course he has to close down Clark. That is where the danger is. Not with Young. He made a very poor decision in my opinion. Clichy did not have a good game and I do not think he has been consistent this season. I agree with Arthur and think that Gibbs is within touching distance of a regular starting place.
Great blog sir. Super away result. Away support superb. Nearly had a heart attack towards the end.
At this late hour, I’ll have a Jemi and ice please barman.
Dunno what the criticism of Clichy is about tbh, coz I thoguth he had a great game by his standards. .. Surely first goal cannot be blamed on him! And he made some superb interceptions today..
And fior the first time i actually saw him boot a ball clear instead of trying to pass his way out..Very happy!
Sajit. It is simple re the first goal. The ball comes out to Clark on the edge of the box and Gael is just standing there. He has to go and close him down regardless of if it is his man, and regardless of where Young is. Clark is the Danger and he is by far the closest to him. His decision was poor. That said it should never have stood anyway because of Carew being off side. But Gael has to make more of an effort. Standing still is not an option.
It will be interesting to see what team gets selected for Tues night after today.
An excellent post, young man, and I hope that the whisky/Chinese takeaway both hit the spot.
I had the great pleasure of spending the evening with the OFFICIAL (and they’re all very proud of that) Singapore Supporters Club at “The Liz”. A brilliant two room/three screen venue in the Elizabeth Hotel, decorated perfectly with Arsenal memorabilia, with the Dutch Master showing prominently – Dennis touched the hearts and minds of Gooners on every continent (and no doubt in the deep outer reaches of the universe).
Fantastic vocal support throughout the game. Great singing – best rendition of the Nasri song I’ve ever heard. Great place to be. I’ve been in Arsenal pubs all over the world. Without a shadow of a doubt, this was the best by a mile. Emotions rising and falling with every turn of the screw.
So to Jin (Mr President), Patrick (my old mate), Steve-O (great singing!) and Adeline, thanks for a great night. And to Hamid and Aza – thanks for rescuing me on the way to the pub. But for you, I would, most likely, be still walking north towards Malaysia right now thinking “it must be here somewhere”.
See you all next time.
Absolutely right Matt @ 11:03 pm. Clichy made a split second decision to back-off Clark and cover for Ashley Young bearing down on the right. Yet the hyenas, had already conditioned themselves to believe that Clichy must have erred. When in fact it is Clattenberg and his linesman who totally cocked up by allowing the 1st goal to stand.
What the hell is wrong with these new-age gooners?
Every mistake on the field merits a search by these internet experts for a scapegoat. Last week it degenerated into a slagfest aimed at Arsene Wenger.
It is the supporters who most need a rod up there back especially at the Emirates. FFS!
Cheers to that! 1 local Aass beer for me, 1 for the post, 1 for the great night out in my home place, 1 for the win, 1 for the next win….
Keep up the good work Holic!
@LongIsland….agree fully – subs as ever were very late and not even sure they were the right ones….but I thought Theo would have been ideal on 65…….
but…it worked…and who am I to complain
@48 Grover. So you think that Clichy made the right decision then? Dont see any hyenas or anyone looking for a scapegoat. Just people with an opinion. I think you are spot re the officials. But I also think that Clichy has to close down Clark as he is the danger and not Young. Not sure where you get your “slagfest” from? Not from here.
Spent the last 2 evenings watching the morning sessions of the Test match. 4 hours of cricket and not seen a single wicket. Must say I am a tad happier about that this morning than I was yesterday.
The problem with your line of thinking Steve is that if Young had received a pass and scored you would still blame Clichy. May I suggest the rest of the defense should not have left him alone to cover 2 villains?
@True Story 15 Chinky? Not a good phrase to use,Holic bans the Y word and the term ‘Chink’ is just as offensive,please leave the racist remarks in the gutter where they belong. Otherwise a god win but the defence needs to be tightened.
*good
A well needed 3 pts, that just managed to paper over the cracks and send us belatedly to the top for a all of 25 minutes.
All I want for Christmas is a defence……..or a defensive coach!
Am an avid reader of this blog and holics.i never comment because usually whatever i want to say gets covered by the comments.lately i have been massively dissapointed by all the clichy bashing which i think has alot to do with his deputy being english.he did alot yesterday that was good other than his one mistake and to lay the blame only on him is silly.can we jus enjoy the win and stop all this player bashing!
Glad to here ofthe Singapore experience. I’m planning on studying there next year and need a place to watch the games.
‘Sup ‘Hols / ‘Holics,
Solid win. Glad for the three points. There’s not much more to take from his game. Good going forward; still suspect at the back. Let’s try to put a string of wins together and protect our house. Let’s qualify for the knock-out stages.
What have we learned?
(for one thing, Nasri is the TRUTH)
Hi,
Sorry holics…I’m heartbroken so I didn’t know where else to go but to my favorite bar..
I love Arsenal and a win at villa was very important to me personally.I’ll remember this day because when nothing else can lift my spirits, Arsenal can.
End of rant..
I saw the highlights after missing most of the match last evening. i think the whole defense needs to settle down a bit.
Fantastic Andrei!! and Gibbs needs to be given a go more often.
Rum and coke if you will, please.
Cheers
Am pleased the team managed to grind out the win after a pretty much surprising November. Who would have thought we have picked up full points on our away games to make up for our failures in front of the Emirates crowd, when its pretty much the other way round in seasons before.
I missed out much of the game and managed to rush to “The Liz” that BTM (nice to meet you π ) spoke of, and was glad to see us leading 3-1 up. Steve-O has texted me of your presence at the Singaporeans’ Home turf. I reckon the screaming and passionate shouting were even more voracious last weekend in our game versus the shit stained cunts over at sevens sisters.
At 66mins, the tippy tappy stuff were getting on my nerves. The lads at the Liz were telling me, we were running the Villans off their turf prior to us conceding the second. We cant seemed to turned on pacy counter attacks whenever they fluffed their passes. By the 80th, it was real squeaky bummy but when Brieira scored, it finally soothed the nerves I think most of us been having the whole week. What joyful relief.
To be honest, the league this season is pretty weak in terms of star-power. Blackburn just a few seasons ago could at least conjur up an attack of Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, supported by the likes of Gamst, and coughs Bentley, and the paraguay forward. (cant recall his name at the moment). Last night they got spanked and their cause werent helped by Paul Rob, who got ripped apart by many a teams before. Thus the IOUs rampage isnt that surprising with Fat Sam being “good mates” with Fergie and all. So, the IOUs are leading it with 8 wins and 7 draws thus far. We could have been running away at the moment if not for our 3 losses at home.
I reckon our lads need to beef up the defence and reduce our defensive lapses simply by plying more grit and discipline. Most of what we conceded came from long punts that were missed by the first defender/defensive mid and causing panic at the back. Best example was last nite when Clark managed to squeeze out a header in somewat similar fashion to Kaboul’s and even Carroll’s. Our defender almost always let the attack of ball get in front of him or doesnt jump high in time to win the 50-50 punts. Braga’s goals pass Denilson was just…Denilson. I want to get behind the lad but truth be told, he’s not as action-packed as Song. Doesnt hold/shield the ball well. Does not packed enough muscle. Too slow. Uncommitted when chasing/tracking back. Lapses after lapses. Clichy offers more in terms of pace and verve so I would be prone to be more forgiving.
Anyway, thats just me thinking aloud there. I hope as like always we could go on a winning run. And I hope we can conjur up a siege mentality we’ve had in the past with much stronger arsenal teams under Le Boss. (surprising and sadly never winning the much coverted CL, I blame Sir Dennis for his fear of flying π and the 70th minute subsitition of Cesc with Flamster vs the Barca Cunts)
Come on You Gunners!
@Matt 53. You are right when you say that clark should have been picked up by someone else. I go back to what i have said hundreds of times before about the massive gaps between midfield and the back 4 leaving them exposed. But Clichy has to attack the danger. He just stands there and does very little in the end. If he goes to close down Clark and he squares it to Young then my opinion would still be the same. That the back 4 were not given the protection they should have from midfield. So no, i would not have blamed him in the slightest if he had closed Clark down and Clark squared the ball to Young. But he has to deal with the danger first, and in my humble opinion he does not.
It’s all been said really.
AA is getting back to his best – excellent yesterday.
Kos will be a top defender in due course, he is young and lacking experience/premiership experience and physical bulk at the moment and is having to learn the hard way. When he was signed I don’t think Wenger expected him to have to play so much. I wonder when the Verminator will be back?
Very good midfield today Nasri is my man of the season so far and most improved player overall. I wonder if Wenger will rest Cesc for a long while and try to get his hammies properly sorted. I fear if they are not his career could be cut short by chronic injuries.
Chamakh had a great game again, he brings much more than just goals to the team. Watch and learn Bendtner!
It was heartening to see such a spirited and positive performance after recent disappointments, the trick is to keep repeating them time after time after time. I wonder what the team will be for the Carling Cup game, will RVP get a run out, will his ankles ever be right again? I hope so, we need him back and fully fit.
Carew definitely offside and interfering with play. I think the law is wrong, a player is either offside or not offside this business about interfering with play is a nonsense, it calls upon the officials to make yet another judgement and not just apply the law so it is always going to be controversial. If a player is in the box he must be interfering with play, if not what is he doing on the pitch?
Is there a case here of the Arse playing ‘a little more with the handrake off’, as Arsene would put it, without Cesc in the side?
Controversial to say, I know, but look at the effect Thierry had on the team when he played towards the end of his Arsenal career.
No doubting Cesc’s quality, of course, but with others now stepping up to the plate (Nasri in particular) maybe we won’t miss him quite so much…
Hello ‘holic and all, Having been on vacation I missed the Braga and Villa games so am sorry to hear of Cesc’s injury as well as the CL loss but glad we finished the week on a high. It’s a long season and we are positioned well so let’s get on with getting better week by week.
Lorient v Rennes, Fullers London Pride.
Bordeaux v Lille, Greene King Abbot
MOTD. Famous Grouse
Cricket, More Famous Grouse. C’mon England!
Head…
hurts… π
FA Cup draw today at 6 – please can we have a non-Premiership side at home and Chelsea can get the hard draw for the first time in ages.
And go Dover Athletic, didn’t realise Martin Hayes was the manager.
BtM, glad you found Steve-o and the boys. It’s a small world when you are an Arsenal supporter. I reckon we could find the game almost anywhere on the planet amongst the ‘holics here.
Morning all,
MotD was good to watch for a change. I thought Shearer was behaving himself w.r.t. most teams and focusing on positives rather than negatives. He was even complimentary about The Arsenal and quite rightly so. That was a pleasant surprise. Can’t say the same about ML, unsurprisingly.
@ Gaz, fair play. I did think twice before writing that phrase, should have thought thrice. No offence to any ‘Holics intended.
Another fair-trade, strong coffee please Barman. Sounds like you may be needing one yourself…?
Come on The Toon and The ‘Pool, just for today.
62 ur comment would have been about clichy having a rush of blood always and getting caught out of position…which i dont doubt u must have said before. The fact is CLIChy is our FIRST CHOICE AND GIBBS ISN’T CLOSE! End of..
In a week of apologies I am surprised young Jack hasn’t come and said sorry for buggering up the ‘holic pound π
hope hes real serious with all that badge kissing antics…hehe π
Gonna watch my ‘home’ team on tele this afternoon – Norwich v Ipswich, which has just as much edge as Arsenal v S***s! Arsenal will always be my ‘first’ team however. Now let’s crack open a few cans of Guinness!
Very funny ‘Holic :-). Hows the head now?
Norfolk, is our ‘Enry playing for The Canaries?
Bangin’, TS, it’s bangin’.
LOL sorry mate.
Is that you Jackster?
Very funny π
“Our Jack”?
If that’s really you, thanks for great team performance yesterday and a sweet goal to finish.
Can you make it up to ‘Holic by bangin’ in a hatrick on Tuesday? π
Barman? I guess a nice, hot cup-o-tea is in order for the gifted one?
‘Holic, I think that might have been the real deal. Your tweets must have made him chuckle.
Perhaps some of the other young guns might pay us the odd visit too, altho’ not sure if I’d understand the comments if JET wandered on π
Nedox,
I’d imagine Gibbs is very close in all honesty.
Nice bit of Aussie bashing this morning just need to carry it on in the morning session have a quick dart after lunch and then watch Jimmy Gooner Anderson rip through them π If only carlsberg did cricket tests !!
Jack,
Can I ask have you really been heaven sent π
@Norfolk Dumpling
“Norwich v Ipswich, which has just as much edge as Arsenal v S***s”
And who are the Sp**s in that particular local rivalry?
Looking forward to your folk singing “You’re getting sacked in the morning” to you-know-who during the game π
Haway the lads π
A pint of cider please, kind ‘Holic.
Oh was i shocked to see BTM’s contemplative face while i waltz in 10 minutes late into The Liz.
Welcome to the best supporters pub in South East Asia, my friend. Glad you found our little spot vociferous in voice and in spirit. Hell, glad you found the place at all!
What pete sgp said, (you should be SGPeet) if you think the singing was great yesterday, it was pure nutters last weekend. Too bad…(the wounds are still fresh, so i shan’t continue).
‘Holic, when is your turn??
That would be wonderful Steve-o. Maybe one day.
So pleased you and BtM found each other. Sounds like a lot of fun was had.
Sp*rs, Braga and Villa’s combined seven goals all came when they were playing or had switched to playing a defensive 4-4-2 and hitting us on the counterattack. During that time we scored only two of the six goals we scored in those three games. Tightening the defence is only half the solution. Taking the chances when we do manage to weave through two-banks-of-four defences is the other half.
So we remain second in the league table, Chelsea got a draw at St James Park, well done Barcodes!
We’re third on goal difference Arthur.
Hey Arthur, I think Chelsea have a better GD than us..
And was that really Jack Wilshere?? π
I think not, Harsha.
Some of those arseurs have a warped sense of humour π
Shyte I was convinced we were second he he
Apologies guys my mistake….
!
Heh!:) That would be something!! If little Jack actually visited this nice bar….
When’s the cup draw holic?
About 6 pm apparently, Harsha.
I wouldn’t be against NOT TOPPING the league until the very end of the season.
We always seem to fight harder when we’re chasing (a game or the Title), but look how complacent we get EVEN when we’re really not in a position to be so.
We beat Everton away, but I don’t think this Liverpool team can return us the favour.
Barman, some strong coffee for ATG please, I think he needs it right now π
RVP’s right foot
Thanks mate my calculations let me down, but the coffee is welcome either way π
Well Liverpool aare one nil up….
That’s some FANTATSTIC last-ditch defending by L’pool.
Why can’t we defend like that? Why? WHY? WHYYY? WHHYYYY?
Ok, I’ll calm down now.
WHYYYYYYYYYYYY?
Why don’t our defenders have the reflex to stand on the goal line when our keeper goes out for a biscuit?
*sigh*
Tommy, get well soon..
..Please.
Finally we have a striker who has scored 10 goals in all competitions in 4 months, only if he were a little more clinical with his feet and could start shooting rather than trying to bring Nasri or Fabregas in play, he would be a Bomb! But hes improving each day, I think its time to give RVP a run now, keep Chamakh on bench against Fulham, give him some rest, play RVP against Partizan and Fulham and then have them both firing when we play United!
Nasri has 9 goals already and i think him or Arshavin should really make the set-play their own now, Nasri for the penalties as well, lets not be reliant on Fabregas anymore! Rosicky, Arsha and Nasri were Bomb Yestarday!!
Keep up the Spirits, lets get a result against Fulham, Partizan and beat ManU at the Trafford!
Holic. That might be Jack’s first premier league goal for us but did he not get one on loan for Bolton? Away at West Ham springs to mind?
leeds @ home at the fa cup. manures play ‘pool.
@Steve T: yup, he scored one for Bolton away at West Ham.
RVP’s right foot – so much for Liverpool’s ‘fantastic’ last-ditch defending.
@Charlie
Yes, too bad. But it had it not been for their last-ditch defending, the Spuds wouldn’t have had to wait until injury time to score the winner.
Bah, who cares anyway?
Ugh. I really should proof-read my comments before submitting them in the future.
*Had it not been
good result but the worry for me is the gunners keep leaking goalsβ¦have a read of Arsenalβs Defensive Disaster: Should Wenger Now Start Havard Nordtveit?
http://upper90magazine.wordpress.com/2010/11/28/arsenals-defensive-disaster-should-wenger-now-start-havard-nordtveit/
The defence needs work certainly but I would hardly call it a ‘disaster’ at the moment – Man Utd have only let in one goal less than us.
Bit busy this weekend so I haven’t had chance to read all the drinks.
I did see the game on tele though and while watching I thought I must say something that ‘Holic has already mentioned in the write-up.
Especially after the week we had just suffered, I thought our support at Villa Park was absolutely brilliant. Constantly drowning out the Villa support, it was, as usual, quite fantastic.
So to repeat a word from ‘Holic’s post last week, if you see a nutter at The Grove going beserk and trying to sing on his own, don’t laugh – join in.
Even the normally reticent Block 91 got going against the Spuds and we need much, much more of it.
Well played travelling Gooners!!!
A stat from the Villa game – 39,437.
No, not the attendance figure, but the number of times Sky’s lamentable excuses for a commentary team mentioned the fact that we had conceded a two goal lead the week before.
They just could not wait for it to happen again, and while some of our defending and closing out of a game does make you wriggle more than a bucket full of eels on speed, it was great to see the brilliant Jack Wilshere nod one in in added time.
Well done lads, never in doubt!!
How does everyone feel about facing Leeds in the FA Cup?
Yeah Trev, that was infuriating (Match of the Day did it too on their commentary), especially as Man Utd let slip a two goal lead going into the 90th minute earlier this season and I don’t see everyone banging on about that still.
Steve T,
Bolton and West Ham?
In the Premiership?
Are you sure?
When did they get promoted then? π
Good win for ‘The Canaries’. Lansbury was excellent, showing good positional sense and finds space, he can also see a good pass and he works hard. Had a hand in at least three of the goals. Paul Lambert reckons he will be a top drawer player one day.
Oh, the Guinness was good too, try a Guinness with a glass of port added -delicious.
Leeds? That’s just another game we must win.
The England cricket fans in Brisbane? Absolutely top drawer. Giving it large to the Aussies in their own back yard.
Am in Mexico for work all week. Too bad I will have to miss the Wigan game but at the same time looks like Mexico will stop functioning for a couple of hours tomorrow so that everyone can watch RM-Barca. The guys I worked with today asked me which team I liked more, I told them I thought the liga was a boring 2-horse race and Arsenal plays better than both. We stopped talking football after that.
Hi holics,
Monday blues. But El clasico tonight..something to look forward to. As Arseblogger puts it usually, its gonna be a C*ntfest, but still should be a good game of football.
These Mourinho lovers in the English media are really very annoying..
Two nights in a row I have to stay up late here in India as tomorrow it’s Wigan for us.
Bring on Leeds!!
Cheers
For me its a really worry that manu so effortlessly slammed 7 goals against Blackburn, and we have to face them not long from now, the dense is leaking goals, i am really not bothered who should be covering whom because that was a pretty good strike from clarke i doubt fabianski would have saved it anyway, although i am worried abt the second goal when clark had a free header within 4 yards or so. This where teams like Fulham and utd can really hurt us. utd will attack us on the break because they know they cant compete with possesion if thats the case we dont need to worry abt the berbatov but be more cautious about rooney and nani. For fulham they are gonna look to score from set pieces. i am hoping nasri arshavin chamakh and even rvp be on top of thier games come utd, because then we will surely outscore them, thats a very impt for us as for the next gw utd play chelsea so someone will drop points..
Matt,
Looks like Mexico is all about La Liga I’m sure the ladies aren’t π
I’m going to the game on Tuesday night I suppose it was too cheap to turn down, so I have a chance to see the Almighty with my own eyes this season. The only downside to it is that the public transport might be affected due to the snow, if it falls down as predicted.
Bring on Leeds and let’s do em proper!
Teqiulla for Matt please Barman, then again plenty of it where he is at mo.
A tall latte for me please Barman…
Have a good day Holics wherever you are!
‘Holic & Steve,
Bolton & West Ham? The next thing you’ll be telling us is that Wigan made it to to the EPL too….
Arthur,
Well done for Tues night. If the weather’s that bad they could call the match off just like Bolton last year. Sure things will be fine – a pair of thermals is going to be a must though π
I’ll join you in the coffees if I may and have a good day yourself.
A good week to all ‘Holics. We could be top of the league come Sunday and CC semi-finalists!
@TS. What is this “EPL” thing you’re banging on about??! π
@CG. I get confused, it must be this arthritis of the brain or something… π
The debate in the barbers on Sat morning was all of these inpatient Arsenal supporters (“Gooners”) telling me that being 2 points from the top, going top for a couple of hours and being in the quarters of the beer cup meant nothing because Tot*ingha*qualified in the Champions before us.
So them qualifying the CL in the first place was a reflection upon us was it?. I asked to no response.
Get rid of AW they said. “E ain’t setting a good example off the field”. They were saying. “We got Villa next, what if we lose dat?”
I tell you, by the time I finished with that lot there was complete silence in the shop. Then I went home, enjoyed the game and collected my winnings from bet365
Up the Gooners!
Holic forgive me, I haven’t looked at the survey yet, but I will even if it’s the last thing I do!
I Green Tea and Lemon Grass please tender!
Thank you!
Sp*rs are constantly being hailed for their success, Gomez in particular and their defending in general is praised, and their attacking play is supposedly brilliant.
We are constantly being chopped to bits and are in crisis, our keepers can’t catch a cold, we don’t know how to defend and our attackers aren’t particularly good.
All this according to the media – and sometimes ourselves as well.
We have conceded 17 goals, and only three teams have a better defensive record than that. Sp*urs have conceded 20. They have, apparently, not kept a clean sheet in the Premier League since the opening day when they drew ManCity 0-0.
We have scored 32 league goals. They have scored 23.
We are third, two points off the top. They are fifth, six points off.
Pint of Boddintons, please.
Take Bale, VdV and Modric out of Spurs side and they are toothless
Need I say more? Now tell me where is this English talent they all seem to be bragging about?
Lars –
Allow me to get that for you!
Bartender I’m paying!
Arthur and Lars –
Stats do not lie!
We are the third top team in England at current (Joint second depending on how you look at it)
Barman whatever Arthur’s having please!
I tell you what…the media is very partisan in England. I can’t believe sometimes how anti-Arsenal they are.
It’s all because of the derby defeat. They seem to ignore that we handed it to them.
Anything for Lars, please.
Thanks Goonertown
A cup of cha with a shade of milk for me please Barman and whatever Goonertown is having.
Let them bragg all they like and let the media make out how brilliant they are, pressure is on them now since they have Messiah!
BTM,
Gald you enjopyed your night at the “Liz”. Must admit I really miss the place… pint of tiger please!!
@TS
I prescribe a couple of Guinesses (Guinii??) for that brain atrhritis.
Quack’s orders…
@ Arthur – Your Welcome
@ Harsha. It doesn’t stop there. You’ve also got that ex-Spud Linekar and that ‘Up for grabs hater Hansen’. Good to see Dixon and Keown on the seat of MOTD sometimes.
In fact I had to tell my Scouse mate this morning in the work kitchen that the confidence LWC’s are experiencing at the moment is from us gifting them the game rather than them winning at our place. They know it and have to live with it.
If it wasn’t for the two hand balls, they may have never equalised in their last two PL games!
They know it and we know it!
Whatever Harsha’s drinking please Barman!
Thanks Arthur
This may be old news to some of you but…
http://www.cesc-fabregas.com/preview
No worries GT
Have seen his site already I believe he was on Twitter advertising it the other day.
I’ll have a cold guiness after a hard day’s work (reading blogs,news etc π ) , please
cheers goonertown
Cheers Arthur and Harsha
Blogging is such hard work. I’m going to need to re-charge my batteries with some lunch soon ; – )
Catalan @ 130
I see you have woken from your slumber and your team “eked out a draw” with the toothless Aussies. π
If you can’t win the Ashes down under against that bowling attack (or pie throwers to be more accurate) then there is no hope.
Meanwhile, back in Arsenal land, delighted that we have got Dirty Leeds in the big cup – should we for once have asked for an away tie given our “lack of focus” at home?
Who’s going to the FESTIVE MEMBERS’ DAY 2010 on 21st of Dec?
I was until I have checked my calendar and found out I have a dentist appointment then…bugger!
Heh, ‘Holic that Bar countdown…or timer on the Scum is genius!
Always been there? just seen it π
Zico good point –
I was just chatting to my Scouse mate in the photocopying room and I reckon our next crucial game is Man U away, where we seem to get robbed time and time again, beside’s the New Camp.
My theory is that if we can win there it will catapult our season once more, provided we do not lose to Fulham at home first.
Then I reckon we need to then beat Chelski to really raise the marker at home once again!
Then home or away we should go on a good run! Easier said eh?
Barman – Whatever Zico is having please!
@Zico
“eeeked out a draw”. Be off with you!
If anyone has the advantage after that flat track it is us! Still – 2 wickets in the final 2 days of a test match is not healthy for the game.
My mate in Oz tells me that the next two tests are likely to be similar too.
You’re right about their attack though. More teeth in one of Rooney’s professional grannies! Allegedly. ;_
Arthur –
I attended last years Members day but missed the festive as I was not prepared.
As with last season, I am not prepared this season. It must be something about this time of year to be honest.
I know it’s off the point but I reckon we’ve been spoilt with the TV coverage this season, although there is a couple of ATVO jobbies coming up soon!
I take it the Beer Cup tomorrow won’t be televised either!
Goonertown – cheers.
Always good to keep your scouse mates in the photo-copying room.
I keep my pets in a cage, outside. Shame there was 10 inches of snow here yesterday. π
Zico –
Lol! Tell you what, I don’t usually let my Scouses out in public. They can do all of their walking on the spot where they stand!
Arthur,
Saw this and thought of you….
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/arsenal-v-wigan-advice-for-supporters
Shiver, chatter, sh-sh-shake
Cheers!
Think the gooners are gonna win it! interesting that united drew liverpool as well….run in the fa cup? hodgson seems to be bricking it…http://wp.me/p1cykJ-2C piece on his moaning
Catalan,
Guinni were delicious thanks, my head is now pain free surprisingly.
I wouldn’t have thought shivering at The Ems tomorrow would be doing many Gooners bones much good. Even more reason to try and keep warm by shouting and singing.
Our away support is truly awesome BTW. A trip to an away game or three is on my list of NY’s resolutions.
Robbie – must be something in your name.
TS – continue to medicate as necessary. Trust me.
robbiedavids –
Do you think the Gooners are going to win tomorrow or the whole Tournement?
I think if we make it to the final we should go all out to win it!
Wigan are in the drop zone and have to play Stoke on Sat so I feel they should play a slightly weakened side, giving us a ‘potential advantage’. After all we are playing at home. The best thing would be for the lads to try to end it within normal time. It’s always a good start (See v West Brom, preceding Carling Cup fixture v Totting*).
Also Leeds can be a tough customer but I full expect us to give them one. After all we are playing at home.
Cu’mon you Gooooneeeers!
CG,
…. because you are a doctor? π
TS,
Thank you for the link it will be interesting I have to say, snow down here in Berks from midnight tonight hopefully the game will be on as palnned.
Barman whatever TS would like to drink please…he certainly deserves one now, top top geezer!
CG
I’m starting to look after my Arthritis after that post from you π
ATG – good lad!
TS – no, I prefer the term “quack”!
ATG, where in Berks are you?
ATG – Cheers, join me?
CG – Your honesty, if not your self-confessed professional prowess, encourages me to keep taking my meds.
GT – Beware the ides of Wigan (F*ck! We’re back to fwends, womans and countwyman aren’t we?). If I were them, esp. considering our recent home form, I would be going hell-for-leather to test our defence and add a bit of glory to their season. They will treat this as their cup final. They’ll be underdogs and will be expected to lose. We should discuss further over a pint of Dr.Catalan’s medicine. π
PS: But I still think we’ll win comfortably….
Goonertown and Harsha, cheers for the beers earlier today π
Dr Catalan’s Medicine – sounds like a dodgy band from the seventies π
Twue Stowey: I think we will play Wobin van Pewsie tomowwow…
Lars: Yes! Welease Wobin!
Zico: …. As opposed to a quack from the noughties? No offence CG!!! π
Barman? Boddies for Lars, Guinness for CG, Dr Cs Medicine (same thing) for Zico, one for yourself and I’ll have a pint of the amber nectar please.
Zico – a brilliant mind you have! I look forward to their comeback album “Quack from the Noughties”
TS – no chance of offence being taken – I’ve been called much much worse!
The best times are when people tell me “Oh I don’t believe in you”……. never sure how to answer that one!
TS – Will certainly join you, Na zdrowie (Cheers) here’s to the weather holiding out for tomorrow π
CG – I’m near Reading to be exact a little place called Lower Early, does that sound familiar? I have moved here from London (Putney) seven years ago now, definitely in the sticks.
It’s bloody freezing out there now, keep warm Holics and if Dr Cs Medicine is on offer I will definitely have one of those π
So, we have Dr. Catalan’s Medicine “Quack form the Noughties” tour? This is all getting very silly.
Shouldn’t we be discussing all things Arsenal? We’ve got an up-for-it Wigan team to beat @ home tomorrow.
Cue ‘Holic’s pre-match post????
… Actually, Dr C’s Medicine sounds more like a preparation that Arthur will require after sitting on a freezing seat at The Ems tomorrow night.
*serious face* In deference to Arthur’s Na zdrowie, does anyone know if we will be playing young Wojciech tomorrow? Would love to see him have another crack at being our #1.
TS
I think he will get the nod indeed and I will definitely need Dr Cs Medicine tomorrow, especially on the way back!
Come on you REDS *serious face* π