Fixture Computer Puts Festive Celebrations On Hold
Dec 15th, 2010 by 'holic
Forgive me if I misread the mood in the drinks, but I think it is swinging from deep soul-searching in the aftermath of Monday’s defeat, to a realisation that if we really decide to put a marker down, starting Saturday, we can still take advantage of the fact that we are in second place, just two points off the top.
That must be the approach of everybody connected with the club, surely? We have 21 Premiership fixtures remaining. Realistically we can only afford to lose one or two, even in a season where every club that hits the summit seems destined to throw it away almost immediately. More importantly we have to stop the leaking of points at home. Eleven matches remain at the Grove, and the target has to be to win them all, starting this weekend.
The bloke who programmes the fixture computer must have a warped sense of humour. A week before the ultimate festival of peace and goodwill to all men he has managed to land us a meeting with the high priests of anti-football. The irony is not lost on anyone, I suspect. Instead of a visit of the wise men bearing gifts we are bound to invite into our home the middle-aged man in a baseball cap and the members of his squad he is yet to attack as they shower.
For those interested in statistics, Ryan Shawcross will be making his twentieth start of the season on the same day Aaron Ramsey hopes to make his second appearance for Nottingham Forest after the former shattered Rambo’s leg with a ‘He’s not that kind of player’ challenge at the Britannia Colliseum in February. At least his inclusion should ensure a level of vocal support the side are more used to on their travels these days.
I’ll be back with a preview on Friday evening, when the ‘holic pound may be drawn to a bet on how many minutes the ball spends in Rory Delap’s hands?
Cheers ‘holics.
109 Responses to “Fixture Computer Puts Festive Celebrations On Hold”
Look forward to welcoming Mr. Sh*wcr*ss to The Ems. This one’s for Rambo!
And for those who missed it I’ll re-post this:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1338869/Stoke-defender-Ryan-Shawcross-guarded-minders-Arsenal.html
I thought it would have been the Arsenal players that needed the minders β on the pitch that isβ¦
Nice link to the twelve year old causing incitement in the last drinks, TS.
Saturday’s coming. Warming up for this one. Good style.
Yes I thought so but too heinous to repeat hence the more smirk inducing link above π
If anyone’s out there or on their way in the drinks are on me!
A pint for me and Esso then I guess Barman, and one for yourself of course.
TS, if it’s a pint a post that’s four for you already. Go easy man, livers are delicate little organs! I would have thought the Holic pound might be thinking about how many Shawcross legs will accidentally get broken, but if the bet is Delap-related I’m sure there will be great interest in that too. Ahem, NOT! (Just kidding.)
Don’t drink with Esso, TS. It’ll get messy π
OK lads, I shall consider myself duly warned but I’d hate to retract the offer of a drink despite nasri’s obvious concerns for my delicate, little liver π
Holic –
Delap won’t be getting a towel to wipe the ball at our place, that’s for sure!
He has one stitched into his shirt now, G.
Holic –
The cheeky bugger!
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Arsenal FC, Arsenal News. Arsenal News said: Goonerholic | Fixture Computer Puts Festive Celebrations On Hold http://bit.ly/gBKMwK […]
Time for a reaction!
After coming unstuck at OT (the result at least) t’s probably good that we have a “despised” oppo at the Grove on Saturday. It will get us all going and hopefully that will be the same for the players.
Win the battle, earn the right to play the football, get three points and put a little pressure on those playing on Sunday.
A Guinness extra cold please.
CoYRRR’s
And the sad thing is that the ‘Holic is not making this up. Delap really does have a towel-like thing in his custom-made shirt.
On a brighter note, I just saw the highlights of the FA Youth Cup game v Darlington on Arsenal.com – 6-1 to the Arsenal and Chuks Aneke, who is otherwise on loan at Huddersfield and has scored three times in seven starts there, scored three and set up the other three. He looks like a really interesting prospect for the future – he can shoot, he can head the ball, he’s got good distribution and he’s not too small either. Check it out if you have an ATVO account, you won’t be disappointed.
Pint of John Smith, please!
Ah farkin ell. What you telling me Lars? Surely that shouldn’t be allowed!
As for Aneke, I speak about him most weeks at the bloody barbers, as a future first teamer if he can keep his head like young Jack (Also see: Frimpong, Afobe and JET!)
Real potential!
Maybe one of our lads can accidentally rip his towel? Talk about cheeky …
Surely this could be a job for one of the kit team. The only problem is we don’t know how many shirts he’s bringing to the game, but surely we can find that out too …
The middle aged man in a baseball cap is still a cock.
Just got off the phone with my old man – studiously talking about the Test tonight, and not Monday’s result. Until he remarked that Tremlett was the same height as SZZNNYY – “I like the look of him. Reminds me of Schmei%%el”….. grudging praise indeed.
TS, I take it the man flu is all sorted? Good lad. Onwards and upwards.
Need someone to smear Deep Heat all over the Delap’s towel-like thingy. Is that for real Lars?
We are infinitely lucky to be gooners, even when we win fuck all.
Want to know why I’m bringing this up now? I just watched the Liverpool game in the Europa League.
God, that was awful beyond words.
Absolutely awful.
Nasri –
Thatβs our place, a fortress under attack!
Dr. C,
Was laid low this morning but feeling much better now thanks – I’m sure to your prescriptive words yesterday aided my speedy recovery π
Zico,
Indeed he is. A poisonous dwarf who moans like a drain and preaches anti-football to his drooling, simpleton, over-sized apprentoids. Apart from that, he’s a lovely fella π
Isn’t is Benik Afobe who’s on loan at Huddersfield, as opposed to Chuks Aneke?
In the true spirit of Christmas may I propose a big cheer for one Stoke player on Saturday.
He being Glen Whelan who remained at Aaron Ramsey’s side the whole time as he awaited attention on his stricken leg.
Thereafter, may we all get as close to the pitch as possible with all of our Winter Vomitting Bug suffering friends and reli’s, and let fly over as many of the rest of them as we can.
Happy Christmas gob-breathing boneheads.
Very magnanimous of you Trev. Who says the spirit of Xmas is dead? It’s far more than they deserve, GW aside π
On a more serious note, not that AW is likely to take overmuch notice, but I would play Djourou and Song as our two “defensive” midfielders on Saturday.
Djourou has said that DM is actually his preferred position, and his added height would be invaluable against the marauding Potteries Goliaths.
He has been terrific so far this season, especially in the air.
He could hardly defend worse than our other DMs, and his presence would give Song license to go forward when possible.
We have to put our physically strongest team out on Saturday ‘cos we cannot afford to get turned over again.
Well Arsene ? Bit radical ‘innit.
Trev…..I really like that idea…must say first time I’ve read it…but it makes good sense. Naturally it won’t happen.
5 at the back a la G Graham perhaps?
Have just found out I’ll be in London on the 15th of January – The trip to Upton Park, any way anybody knows how I can get a ticket for that match?
Holic
I apologise little ones 5th Birthday last night, now there is a thought for too much vodka, put it this way a litre a head. I haven’t had so much vodka in my life before π
Holics what can I say this place wouldn’t be the samw without you…
Love you all……take care…have a better day than me!
ATG
Snir good question I will ask few people…
Here’s hoping that our collective hatred will get us through this fixture π
Holic is absolutely right in pointing out that we need 11 wins out of 11 at home in the league from now on. No fuck ups. No self destructions. Easier said than done.
Good thought I guess. Djourou a DM. But I dont see it happening, Trev
I can’t believe man city are level on points with us.
I love this bit
“Iβll be back with a preview on Friday evening, when the βholic pound may be drawn to a bet on how many minutes the ball spends in Rory Delapβs hands?”
Quality! π
@Trev
I posted the same thoughts about Djorou playing DM at the beginning of the season, but was told off for being silly.
I’m with you – earn the right to play, then put on the little nippy fellas!
Great minds etc…
@eddie: correct, it is Afobe who is on loan at Huddersfield. Got them mixed up in my mind while writing my post, sorry about that. Doesn’t change the fact that Aneke is a very interesting prospect (as is Afobe, for that matter) for the future, though.
Pints all round!
Lars…no probs mate. And yes, both lads look solid prospects, though still very young. PINTS PINTS PINTS PINTS!!!!!!
Morning All!
@ Trev, yes that is a very interesting idea: 5-2-3 with JD as DM.
You would have thought that configuration would have suited away match tactics better but we seem to play our most creative stuff away from The Ems these days.
At home, teams like Stoke tned to park the bus so maybe 4-4-2 would worlk better against the anti-football sides?
Any ideas now on how to get your thoughts through to Le Boss though? Haven’t seen him in the drinks lately. π
“tend” and “work”…. damn
Guys, if, having read Holic’s excellent post you are looking for other material then go to 3 and In and read the comments on the latest article to cheer yourself up…. it’s always good to affirm that there are people far, far more stoopider than you!
Excellent stuff… has quite perked me up.
BTW…. Zico, BTM, your guys down under are taking one hell of a pasting! π
Dr C
Who would have the temerity to describe you as silly? π
TS
None of my patients, that’s for sure – If they do I hurt them!
Sorry guys I had to post this…..
http://rantingmad.com/evra
Nice one Arthur
It reminds of the old saying, “just because you’ve got hairs round your mouth, doesn’t mean that you can talk like a….”
@ Harsha #33
The current harsh (sorry!) reality is that Chelski, Citeh and even The Spuds are just as much title contenders this year as us.
Nothing to get depressed about. Let’s just enjoy the competition and hopefully we’ll improve take a few scalps along the way to go with that great win at Eastlands.
December 27th is our next great opportunity π
Catalan @ 42
It’s curtains for our convict cousins, I think. Outplayed in most sessions in the series and no excuses.
I feel sorry for Ponting (not a sentiment shared by too many Englsihmen I suppose) having to play with some of these jokers, considering the players he has had to rely on in days gone by.
But the best team is winning, no doubt.
Incidentally, AW could learn a thing or two by taking a lesson from the cricket – England’s current dominance is arguably down to a combination of good technique and CLOSELY EXAMINING THE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF THE OPPOSITION!
Sorry, I’ll stop shouting now.
@TS Yeah I guess… π
Poor C*ntcross needs security and all. I hope the emirates crowd will be ready for this f*cker!
And as arseblogger mentions, I hate those pre-match handshakes..If our lads do shake his hand that will be even more annoying to watch..
Harsha,
Note that it’s the final Saturday before Xmas so traditionally one of the poorest attended weekends on the footballing calendar. The Ems might just feel a bit more empty than usual. I’m not condoning that, it’s just a likely scenario.
Arsenal have already written to their members notifying of ticket availability via the Ticket Exchange service and I’m guessing that they are anticipating a less than full-house but hopefully the memories of February and the affection that we have for Ramsey will help to bolster the crowd.
With you on the hand-shaking thing re: Sh*wcr*ss. Some would call that childish (fair dos), I would call it hypocritical to shake the retard’s hand.
… And Arsene, in the vain and misguided belief that just once in a blue moon you do visit this bar, please don’t offer that odious little shower fighter a drink after the match unless you lace it with one of Dr. C’s special prescriptive concoctions.
For all we know the game could be called off tomorrow
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/se/se_forecast_warnings.html?day=1
I mean on Saturday feels like it’s Friday today!
TS
Jeez, man. Don’t waste the good stuff on that mob!
Dr. C
I was imagining that you had a sort of Mr.Hyde alter ego…
No good stuff for Mr.Pubis. Just the other stuff that Mr.H might prescribe.
Arthur,
Might be no bad thing. Time for the team and Le Boss to reflect properly and rest.
PS: If it does go-ahead, looks like Wojciech will stay in goal π
Fabianski’s still got his hip/thigh injury and Manuel has apparently now “twisted his ankle”… hmmm….
@TS
Ah well, all can be arranged!
It will be really interesting to see if Fabianski (who has done well, to be fair) gets back in once he has recovered. The potential of SZZCCNY just seems to be that much more. Plus I can’t see him taking any physical nonsense from anyone.
Dr. C
Update: AW has just give Fabianski an “80%” chance for Saturday.
I’m with you on the physical presence thing of young Wojciech esp. against over-steroided mutants like Huth & co. I think that it’s a good tactical move to keep him in goal vs Stoke. Then let his older buddy return for Les Chavs.
“Also Thomas Vermaelen could be back in January we think” – the words of Arsene Wenger.
That does NOT sound good at all. He “could” be back “we think” – which means that they still have no clue at all what’s wrong. This is starting to sound more and more like it did with Rosicky. I don’t like it one bit.
30ATG
“I apologise little ones 5th Birthday last night, now there is a thought for too much vodka, put it this way a litre a head. I havenβt had so much vodka in my life before”
How many heads you got then mate? π
Congrats with the nipper, have one on me. (a drink, not a nipper)
So the Stokie scummies come to visit us on Saturday, I’ll admit that I think Darth Pulis is a bit of a twat and Shawcross is a club footed neandrethal, but other then that I don’t really pay them much notice, a very small fish in a pond full of much more anoying and far smelier fish.
I did however find that “supporters” website that was linked in the last drinks by TS quite tasteless, what a complete moron, if any of you good folk ever come accross him then please do me a favour by c%nting him in the b@sterd. Thanks.
Round for the bar please ‘holic sir.
Cheers.
H2H
I did supply a health warning with that post, “tasteless” is being very kind.
Cheers for the drink, and the next one’s on me please barman.
H2H – I see you enjoyed 3 and In !
TS.
You did indeed, and the comment was no way a reflection on your good self. I just couldn’t believe that someone who has the power to type could be so stupid…… but then I checked the comment section of the link that CG put up (was also on todays Arseblog) and realised that the world is full of idiots.
Keep em coming squire, looks like we’re on a bender.
I’d just typed that CG, pull up a chair mate.
H2H
I’ll drink to that and no reflection received π
Yes, perusing the comments sections of other blogs and even some of the blogs themsleves makes you understand just how dense some people are. We’re probably worse for reading them and then passing comment – heh!
FYI for ATG. We’ve just had that dumping of snow here in South Herts.
Guys… looking out on the sun kissed mountains of Catalunya. … but it is Brass Monkeys…. grab the table close to the fire and we’ll make short work of these pints.
CG, I just popped down to the bar (all the talk of drink made me thirsty) and was called outside to help a guy who had car problems. Brass monkeys would be like sunning in the Carribean at this moment, I could of sworn I saw a polar bear shivering in his duffel coat and snood.
A few brandys for the table by the fire please guv.
This article highlights the gulf in clas between the two managers of this weeks clash;
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/9294343.stm
“Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has appealed for calm in Saturday’s game with Stoke, the teams’ first meeting since Ryan Shawcross broke Aaron Ramsey’s leg.
“What happened in the past, happened in the past,” said Wenger.”
“I can’t control what he [Wenger] says,” added Pulis. “The only thing that concerns me is that Ryan feels at home here, and that certainly is the case.
This season, Arsenal have got more red cards than us, they’ve got more yellow cards than us, and they’ve given away more free-kicks.”
—
We’ve also got more points then you, a much better team and are not pond scum sucking invertebrates.
For once I am going to completely ignore AW. Shawcross is getting both barrels for the full 90 from me. Trev, like your idea re Whelan. I think that is very valid.
I am also looking forward to seeing that twat Pulis. It is rare that I take my seat feeling such animosity, but as far as I am concerned both Pulis and Shawcross can stick the Christmas spirit up there arse. Fucking sideways…………
Guys I’m currently under it at work at the moment. So doesn’t look like I can post during the day at the moment.
Can’t wait for the CL draw tomorrow…I’m confident our current team will cause problems whoever the fick it is!
I raise my glass to tomorrow and Whelan!
Cheers!
Black frothy stuff should do it for now Holic please!
Holic, you’ve got mail.
Catalan @ 42 – you hurt your patients ?
Funny how all my Sp*ds supporting patients start cancelling every time we lose at home ?!
Im flicking the last part Holic. I think its quality.
Santa owes us one, big time. Arsenal 5-1. Ho Ho Ho and away we go.
@H2H Spot on
What a C*nt that Pulis is!!! Where do these people come from? How can these f*cks be managers of football clubs…not that stoke is a football club..but still!!
English media are so f*cking myopic, biased and stupid. Why are they so anti-Arsenal?
Question for older holics here… Has it always been the case? Or only since Wenger came to Arsenal?
Not that I give a flying f*ck as to what the media thinks…but its annoying at times to read this shit.
*rant over*
Why do I have the same feeling as Arsene? π Barcelona? He’s a little too optimistic i think..
Is it too early to drink? A lager, please.
Harsh it’s never to early or late for a drink in this fine establishment!!
Cum on u Gooners!!!!!!!!!!
This guy just surprises me every time all over again.
Excellent post, which will give you an honest and objective reflection on Clichy, Wilshere and our defense.
http://desigunner.wordpress.com/2010/12/16/analysis-of-arsenal%E2%80%99s-real-defensive-weakness-against-united/
@Snir Very good analysis indeed. Hope our coaching staff has a look at this blog to be honest π
Trev @70
only if they’re cheeky to me, which living where I am now is quite often! Still, they soon learnt to shut up about Cesc’s DNA!
How else are you meant to have your fun?!
Strong cafe solo, si us plau
learnt? Jeez… another coffee please!
Champions league draw Holics get ready!
It’s either Real or Barca now!
It’s Barca.
It’s Barca again guys!
it was so predictable…
The focus on the Barca games will be massive. Arsene will have his work cut out in trying to make sure the players don’t focus too much on that game too soon.
Typical I knew we was gonna get them again, bring them on I say!
We are the ARSENAL and WE fear NO ONE!
Too right about that Lars, we need to show our grit this time around especially in the away leg!
ATG, we sure do. But first of all we need to focus on the Stoke game and nothing else.
Looks like we draw Barca again i am sad
An interesting season for the lads this year!
Either way it will be the CL game of the season again!
Aman
Why sad? This is what it is all about.
Now… there begins a 6 week ban on my son supporting Barca…
Aman
Come on my fellow Gooner, let’s be optimistic here. It’s an opportunity for to get our own back on them, now let’s get behind the lads.
Catalan Gunner
Nice controlled ban for your son then π
ATG
Yep – all shirts, balls etc will mysteriously disappear.
It’s for his own good.
It seems the Met Office has toned down the weather warning for tomorrow, the 20-25 centimeters of snow in many areas have now become 5-10 centimeters with the possibility of more in some areas.
Pint of John Smiths, please.
Enough of the draw it’s Stoke we must face now and if we don’t our season is effin over. We don’t play our next CL match until next year and EPL failure looms large without the proper concentration.
Barman –
Whatever Arthur, Nasri and the rest of the realistic Gooners are having please. Frothy Black for me please
Cu’mon you Gooooooooooooonneeeeeeeeeeerrs!
All the pessimism for the draw is predictable, people. Let’s be confident.
behind the 8 ball but not nasri
Too right let’s not dwell to much on this draw for now, we have a tough game tomorrow which happens to be a MUST win fixture.
Goonertown
Next round in on me my man a pint of that tasty frothy black stuff please, go on then make it two.
Apparantely we are looking at Lech Poznan striker Rudnevs according to this site.
http://www.polishsoca.com/newswire/ekstraklasa/2511-arsenal-looking-into-lech-striker-rudnevs
Barcelona…. now thats more like it.
Arthur- Thank you very much. That’s what I heard.
tough tough draw!!
Never mind, we are Arsenal!
Now, for Stoke….
Bring them on, I say!
Can we keep Almunia until this game, and make him play the first half only ? π
RVP’s right foot
I say let Szczesny get a taste of the front stage I can just imagine him in goal for that game!
@ATG
He can come on for the second half, after Almunia would have kept us in it π
Come on you gooners.
This tie could make us better. If Arsene starts drilling the players into a high pressing game and compact defending to face Barça, it could benefit us in the league.
One pint of Blind Optimism for me please Barman, and another one for Arthur.
π
*will have
Arsene will find a reason for substituting him at half-time : Another mysterious injury.
Wait, I’m confused (nothing new there I must say) but is ATG the same as Arthur the Gooner, or an entirely new invention?
I ll have a pint of blind optimism too RVP’s right foot π
Now I have to decide who I hate more..Shitcross or Pubis…
The Barcelona draw probably means Arsenal will crash out. Not much has changed from a year ago, and if Barcelona play to their potential, Arsenal will be able to focus on the league and FA Cup.