We’re Going To Wem-ber-ley
Jan 26th, 2011 by 'holic
Nothing my hosts can do will stop me savouring tonight. Welcome back to my original, and now temporary abode. Thanks for dropping by. (Update,Β a new shiny home has been found. You’re in it!)
Well, for two and a half hours of the three this semi-final took up, we were in a bit of a spot. For an hour tonight you have to have some respect for the discipline and hard work that enabled Ipswich to maintain their advantage from the first leg.
Listeners to Friday’s Arsecast will have heard me say Ipswich would make mistakes at the back. It took a while, but they did eventually arrive. Having said that they didn’t do much wrong for the first goal, a thing of beauty that owed everything to the control and finish from Bendtner.
You could sense from the second that one went in that there would now be only one winner. When the otherwise excellent Fulop was beaten to Arshavin’s corner by Koscielny, we had a second.
Up to this point you could be excused for getting on Arshavin’s back. His confidence appears to have completely evaporated, but he still played a crucial part in setting up the skipper for the third that has once again lined my pocket. Two assists may help his rehabilitation.
So now the scramble for tickets to the Final will start in earnest. One crucial step remains. That last weekend in February, be it West Ham or Birmingham, the boss has to unleash the best of Arsenal in this competition one more time to answer those of his critics who base everything on the winning of trophies.
Tonight I have to say I thought he got his selection spot on. Come the weekend Song, Walcott, and Nasri can return, and another three can rest up rather than be risked against Huddersfield.
Arsene knows.
On The Move
I must apologise again for another loss of service last night. I am in the process of resolving the situation. It may take a day or two to reach a satisfactory conclusion. If I do go missing in the meantime I will keep www.goonerholic.blogspot.com updated temporarily.
Thanks for your understanding .
175 Responses to “We’re Going To Wem-ber-ley”
Get in there Geezer! See you at Wembley, if not before.
A must admit I was getting worried the longer the game went on, but Bendtner had me sporting a semi of my own after that piece of genius. As Arseblogger rightly said this morning, if van Persie or Cesc would have done that, it would have been raved about for years.
AKB.
The first time in years he actually tries to win this cup, we reach the final.
After yesterday, I can wholeheartedly say stats are shit. AA finished with 2 assists but was a disgrace. It has come to the state where he loses every (!) ball that comes his way.
I’m absolutely devastated by United coming back to 3-2, I had a good feeling about Blackpool, but with United playing like this away from home- who knows?
They have a tough patch of games coming up and hopefully we can capitalize on (Villa H, Wolves A, City H (that would be a 0-0 draw obviously with Mancini’s tactics), Wigan A, Chelsea H, Liverpool A).
Chelsea is away at Stamford Bridge, excuse me.
Oh Glory! That was worth the wait. Great team performance. I really can’t wait to read BtM’s ‘report’.
Que sera sera; whatever will be, will be
We’re going to Wem-ber-ley; Que sera sera.
Thanks for sorting out the connection, Holic.
Well done to the boys for maintaining their patience, whilst continuing to play football. A just reward in the end and a Wembley final to look forward to.
CoYRRR’s
Very difficult game with a great result.
I wasn’t impressed with Bendtner – until his goal which was excellent, but we all know that is what he can do and has done for us in the past, it is other vital aspects of his game which still have me a bit concerned. There is a very good player in there somewhere, he just needs to show more often.
Arshavin’s nightmare continues it seems and I just don’t understand what has gone wrong for him. It is plain to see that he is trying and that he cares. I feel sorry for him and I hope that things start to go a lot better some time very soon. Great assist for Cesc’s goal though.
What a player Jack will be in a year or two – he isn’t half bad now, one day he will be truly world-class.
I hope Sagna isn’t too badly hurt, along with Nasri I think he is our most improved player. We need him back and playing because Eboue looks decidedly wobbly at the moment’
JD and Kos get better as a partnership. They need to stay fit. Kos will one day be a great centre back – and so might JD.
Overall a great performance, well done everyone – including the manager.
It was a cracking night, crowd were well up for it, virtually at the same level as the away boyz π
When fans that don’t normally get the opportunity to go turn up, so does the volume π
A lesson there somewhere?
Part of the after match banter directed at Ipswich fans (to the tune of one nil, to the Ar-sen-al) was
“Three nil!, …even Bendtner scored…” π
Have to say Holic that I haven’t been able to access your blog using Google Chrome for a few weeks now… i’m on through the Aol hell route π
Be prepared for more spam π
My joy is tinged with regret, Holic, as I saw your score prediction, agreed with it, then forgot to have a flutter – stupid work got in the way. I felt the 3-0 in my bones and could have cashed in a bit! What a plank I am.
I was getting nervy like most people but I calmed myself down by convincing myself they couldn’t possibly just defend for the full 90. Could they? Said the little doubting voice at the back of my mind. When Nicky got the ball down and did his tasty little reverse touch thingy, I didn’t actually believe it was on. What a strike! More of the same please Mr B. Roll on Huddersfield.
yep,snir geuli,the jammy b’stards(MANURE)got out of jail once again!thanks to their friends in black once again-holloway is furious-how long can they keep getting away with it-had that penalty been rightfull awarded at 3-0 down they would be dead & buried!to rub salt in the wounds-two contentious off side goals given to them-this is what arsenal & the rest of the prem are up against-it is a joke**
P.S. Holic, can we consider your debt to the Tractor Boys well and truly settled?
great game but i was left with a sour taste after the ticket cock up which meant season ticket holders were forced to queue up to collect paper tickets from the box office. we were given no prior notification of this, but as a result missed 35 mins of the game.
the match day stewards were contemptible, condescending and truly appalling in terms of customer service. one actually laughed out loud when we asked him how much of the game we were likely to miss. as for supervisor ’96’ (no name given), you are a disgrace to your ‘profession’.
shame on you,
but come on you gunners let’s get revenge for 1980 at long last in the final;
UTG
Hello fellow Gooners I guess we are all happy today?
I didn’t finish watching the game till after 11pm last night as I had to rely on Sky plus and a media lockdown until I got home, having avoided all sources of any potential match updates.
Glad to see that we were at them from the off, and put in a strong performance with a very strong starting 11.
Thought I would respond to another poster who referred to NB52, AA and Denilson as “the 3 stooges”:
Great goal by Bentdner – I have criticised him of late but that was sublime. If he could replicate that more often and shake the lackadaiscal vibe, we could be onto something.
Denilson – yes some good, some bad. However he was critical to the first goal – he won a meaty challenge before passing the ball to Jack who in turn fed NB52.
As for Arshavin, I may be in a minority of one, but I didn’t think he was having THAT bad a game before he contributed the 2 assists – part of the problem is that he has a tendency to try to play defence splitting passes virtually every time we go forward and when they don’t come off the collective groaning starts. This is not any different to what he has always done, its just that he set such a high standard previously that now in a run of poor form everyone is disappointed when he doesn’t pull it off every single time. I will ask one question of all who thought AA was poor – how come Gael Clichy had such a good game?
Now time for some help from the Arsenal community:
Can ANYONE advise whether there is somewhere in Cologne where I will be able to watch the final on Sunday 27th?
Can’t beleive that the first cup final in however long and I am going to be out of the country!
‘Holic
Look like a number of posts here are disappearing and re-appearing on an ad-hoc basis.
All part of your hosting issues I guess?
Not the end of the world by any means especially as we are basking in the reflected glory of a cup final but thought you should know.
Whisper it softly, TS, but I think the move is pretty much complete. Some bits and pieces left to refresh, like the links, but hopefully we are now in a place where getting a few extra readers on the occasion of a semi-final won’t freak anybody out.
[Copied from yesterday’s Blogspot post:
Bendtner and Arshavin doing nicely as squad players, and we seem to have stabilised somewhat defensively. It’s also good to see us doing well without Song and Nasri in the team. Ipswich and Leeds gave us more than we bargained for but we managed to overcome and let’s hope we can do the same against mighty Huddersfield.]
I didn’t find a reliable stream until late in the game so those are indirect impressions; but ‘holic, here’s to a stabilisation of your site simultaneous to continued stabilisation of our defensive performances.
Wherefore yon 50th anniversary countdown clock?
‘Holic
Superb news. Fingers crossed it works and toes for the Cup Final.
Sorry, can’t stop saying Cup Final today! :-))
Koscielny’s goal came from the first good corner that Arshavin put in. It shows the quality he is capable of. He has been going through a horrendous run of form and is still far from being back to his best. Yet he seems to be having more good moments and fewer bad ones in the last couple of matches.
A glass of your finest claret, if you would ‘Holic, in expectations of expunging the claret and blue memory of 1980.
Nasri @ #18,
I think it disappeared in the big crash around Xmas (‘Holic will correct me no doubt). In any case, why focus any attention on those muppets now? Levy said y’day that even if their bid to become The Stratford Olympians fails they’ll seek an alternative out of the borough. Yeehar!
So, all together now…. “F*ck of to wherever, North London is ours.” π
Life keeps getting better doesn’t it?
A drink for Nasri please Barman (when you’ve fixed the internet) and let’s hope he plays on Sunday.
Also a tip of the hat to Bendtner’s goal. The first touch to take the ball on the run, the reverse to flat-foot the defender and the shot itself were all of the highest order. I’ve said here before that Bendtner hasn’t progressed this season, but, again, here was a flash of what he is capable of. As with Arshavin, if only he could do it all game what a player he could be.
Another glass of your finest claret, if you would ‘Holic. Thirsty work all this typing. I don’t know how you manage it every day.
Cheers TS and I’ll share in that drink albeit still the top of the ‘morn in my neck of the woods. The good news on the clock is when it’s restored the anniversary will be even closer. {DJ strikes up the Stones with Time is on my side.}
Another claret for Ned please barman he sounds awfully thirsty from here.
Nasri
I always say start as you mean to go on….
Now go and rest, you’ll be needed on Sunday π
Unbelievably happy.
The hunger was there for all to see.
We are going to Wembley.
Okay snap Holic and TS@15 and 16 respectively.
@ zico 14 yes i did refer to them as the 3 Stooges,and also said i hoped i was made to look a fool,lapse of memory me aul china??? yes bentdner scored a cracker and was the ‘best’ of the 3 on the night,and to call taking a corner an assist for arshavin is clutching at straws in my opinion,pro footballers should be able to take a corner with their eyes closed and that was the only corner of arshavin’s that passed the first man,and overall he was dreadful and i thought he should have been off at h/t,he gives the ball away consistantly and he’s second touch is more often thatn not a tackle.and denilson,the less said the better about him.but the rest all played excellent and waited patiently for the first goal to come and did’nt panic.cesc was superb and jack just gets better and better with each game.hope it’s west ham in the final for a go old london knees up and i cant see us loosing to no matter who we play.cheers.
Good afternoon ‘holic Nation. Fantastic result. But not without the drama as we waited for more than an hour for the parked tractor to break down. Does anyone have any word on Sagna?
Great to see you back online Holic!
Barman, a cup of tea for me please. It’s still too early for me to start with the alcohol.
You’ve lost your pint logo, ‘holic… Let me know if you need it back.
I’ll have one of what TvN is having, and where are those ginger thins?
just lost a post that took 15 minutes !!
going to watch W Ham v Bum now in a fit of pique ! Neh
Heh, that’s fate Trev. Still you got it off your chest and that is the main thing.
Trev @ #33,
Don’t worry, same thing happened to several of my posts this morning.
In the grand scheme of things it’s not really important and as Snail says, the typing allowed you to get it off your chest.
Have a drink on me and enjoy the match.
I really hope it WHUFC in our Cup Final. We owe them big time for 1980. I was there and I still have a small hammer shaped chip on my shoulder π
TS – its looking like the Hammers at the moment. I agree, we owe them.
Boddingtons for my good friend True Story barman please.
Cheers Zico, de-licious.
As it’s Boddies, We really ought to be offering one to Lars as well.
Oh stuff it, everyone’s invited to join us π
I’ll keep saying it until they fire the bastard.
Fuck Stewart Robson (Or shall I say Stewart Hansen?). How on earth can he criticize Cesc for coming down on Halsey after he stopped play when the ball hit him. How on earth is Cesc at fault here?!?! Even if he would have told him that he “don’t know what you’re doing”, it’d be O.K cause he doesn’t!
I can’t stand it anymore, I had my hopes Stephen Hughes would be commentating but no, Robson again, why do they do this to ATvO users?!
Oh and Zico – Clichy was good yesterday cause he wasn’t exposed in a 2 vs. 1 situation as always with Arshavin cause Ipswich didn’t do that. Edwards didn’t go forward at all and every time Clichy had to deal with someone it was only one player.
Arshavin did try (after watching the game again), he also did a bit of defending, but every ball he passes is a 90% loss of possession and not just the defense splitting passes, the short passes as well.
I just hope he snaps out of it, we need him firing for the run-in.
Snir,
Hansen and his accomplices last night on MoTD were a complete, bunch of well, Hansens.
He waivered between criticism and praise ad hoc. The worst comment was accusing Wojciech of looking vulnerable – double meh!
Shearer just backs him up either way and that ex-Ipswich midget was a complete tw*t all night. Where was the ex-Arsenal player to balance the studio opinion Auntie Beeb?
As for Lineker, he looks more like a gibbering chimpanzee every time I watch him.
All together now…. “Gary Lineker peel bananas with his feet, bananas with his feet, bananas with his feet”
TS – I expect more of a commentator commentating on ARSENAL TV Online, not BBC, Sky, ITV, Setanta or whatever. It is our channel, not anyone else’s, I’d like to hear someone objective, but not someone Anti Arsenal and Stewart Robson has become Anti Arsenal in the last year and a half.
Snir,
interesting statistic that 90% – not sure I agree.
But I ain’t up for a row after we have just qualified for a cup final.
So join me, TS and the rest in our Bod Fest π
Zico – I could check it, but just like you said, don’t feel like it after we’ve just qualified :), obviously it isn’t 90% but it isn’t as good as a player of AA’s caliber should produce or any Arsenal player in fact.
What are you drinking :D?
Snir, I suppose I should be drinking Carlsberg….but its disgusting, so as you’re offering …..I’ll have a celebratory Boddingtons (if Monsieur Storey and Lars have not emptied the barrell). π
Roll on Sunday – up the Arse!
Now that you’re mentioning it, we’re playing on Sunday and then at home against Everton on Tuesday. 2 days rest? Is the Christmas schedule longer this year??
At least it’s Huddersfield and not a harder opponent (not taking it lightly but we’ll rotate so the Tuesday game won’t be affected).
Zico, I believe our inimitable Barman has just rolled-in in a fresh barrel. Sup-up!
Snir, you could send an eloquent letter/email to the team at ATVO and express your concerns. I’ll wager the feedback will get to him too. Although I’m a subscriber and regular listener I haven’t experienced the Robsonisms that are giving you grief but as a paying customer you have every right to provide your feedback on the service and as they say…. all progress is made by the unreasonable man π
Are we about to witness a Hammers collapse? It wouldn’t be the first time this year, or the last…..
TS – Every time I see that Zigic I get embarrassed all over again that he scored against us……
And now the Irons are bringing on the lesser spotted Dyer π
It’s quite a luxury this watching the other game not caring who we get next round π
Zico,
We must play West Ham for it is written….
Heh, I will take your word for it Prophet Storey
Have Birmingham REALLY got a player called Urinate? Certainly sounds like it π
oooo…. BODDINGTONS?????
Fill your glass Catalan and then sit down and let me tell you about listening to false prophets….
Dr C,
I wondered how long it would take for you to find your way to the bar? Pull up a big comfy chair and fill yer boots π
Bugger!!!! Maybe we’ll be playing the Blue Ham instead. I sooo want revenge for that day in 1980 π
Zico, TS.. thank you. I’ll take the big comfy chair by the fire.
Zico – re @48.. I guess you’ve forgotten (momentarily) Martin Taylor, Lee Bowyer and that twat Barry Ferguson?
So…. the Hammers for me. A proper club, even though I think they’ll give us a harder game in the final.
Oooo.. that was close!
I just want to win it Catalan – and if we do we will get revenge one way or the other.
Hows the Boddies?
When am I going to start listening to the ‘holic pound?
I was pleased with Arshavin’s effort actually, and I was among those who vented some frustration from Block 4 at the Leeds game. It gives hope that he might play himself back into form. Here’s hoping he does.
Bendtner has been pushing to be included, applying himself in a position he’s not really made for. I do think that he’s always been a little clumsy but it looks worse when he plays on the wing. But that’s the difficulty of having Chamakh, Bendy and RvP all fit. Nice problem though- it’s a far cry from putting the little Russian up there on his own! If Robin’s rested at the weekend I’d like to see Chamakh tried in a wide position against Huddersfield, just to give Nick a go, maybe at 4-0 up…?
A pint of fine ale please ‘holic, and a toast to the new server. Does that mean you’re rid of the bastard spuds fans who kept locking us out before? Has the bar moved? Is it going to be like Wayne’s World 2 when they rebuild Wayne’s basement in a studio? Oh the questions…!
Zico… something wrong with it…. it must have been a small measure as it didn’t last very long.
What’s happening? The management has taken away the telly! Something about it being her turn…
Oh dear – management troubles.
Boddingtons (Stein size) for the good Doctor Catalan.
Birmingham it is – lets give them a doing, for Eduardo. True Storey, time to look back at what exactly WAS written π
Best served cold with lashings of sweet sweet wengerball…..
Birmingham how fitting that they stand in the way of our first trophy in ages. I hope to hear the eduardo song throughout the match
You know what makes me happy?
Seeing the way the team celebrated those goals on Tuesday.
The atmosphere at the ground was pretty good too, one of the better games I have been to in recent memory.
Hi ‘Hols and ‘Holics,
Guess my earlier missive was one of those caught in digi-purgatory. Anyway, I was hoping to draw the Spammers, but I don’t care that it’s City. If we can’t beat them, shame on us. I’m looking forward to victory. VICTORY dammit…I love the smell of napalm in the morning…
Up the Arse!
Evening ‘holics,
I’ll have a black pint please barman. Anyone else currently in the bar? Care to join me for a Guinness?
First, I’m glad to be in the League Cup Final. Not crazy about the opponent being Birm City with that leg breaking team and mugger Bowyer. Does anyone have the latest info on Sagna’s concussion by the way?
Second, let’s all get off the Ruskie’s case please. The lad is sheer class but is just in a run of bad form. I’m not high on Bendtner but I will admit NB52 had a good game last night and that goal goal of his was world class. Especially his first touch, which I’m a big critic of usually, to create it in the first place. Remember, Arshavin potted four @ Anfield and I can’t see NB52 ever replicating something like that. The little Ruskie didn’t just fall off the turnip truck. So let’s all just cut him some slack.
On a side note, the day of the League Cup Final, Sunday Feb 27, is my birthday. So the end of the trophy drought on such a day would be extra special.
Barman, another Guinness please.
I’ll stick with the Islay malt, if you don’t mind TvN π
Big thanks to everybody for coming back today. Last night was just horrible when the hosts played silly beggars, but I am indebted to an Irishman known to us all for his assistance today in getting stuff done much quicker than I could have, given my schedule this week at work.
Apologies to Supporters Clubs. Your links will be back in a few days, and if you have emailed me recently please forgive my tardiness in responding. I have to sort all of my blog issues before I head off to Devon on Friday.
Cheers again ‘holics (and Arsebloggers!). You is nice people.
Cheers to you too ‘Holic. You’re top shelf. Just like the Islay malt. Barman, an Islay malt to each of us please, neat.
Must have just a splash of water to liberate the flavour TvN π
I forgot to credit good old Blogger.com (alright, so now it’s part of Google) for letting me spout drivel last night while experiencing a strange mixture of elation and blind fury!
Took advantage of the friends and family scheme to take my daughter and a few friends. A good time had by all. A fantastic atmosphere from right before the kick off.
I was not surprised with the team, selection considering the busy schedule we now have. This is when we will really see how big the squad is. When I say big I am talking about depth of quality rather than numbers.
A bit of a frustrating first half but a superb goal from Nicky B settled the nerves and shut up the twats who were sat behind me. I have no problem with anyone who has an opinion but do object to hearing fans constantly have a dig at our own players. Bendtner is not a right or left winger. Never has been and never will be. But he is constantly played wide. He has his moments at times that frustrate all of us. However, the skill in his first touch for the goal and finish show the quality he has. Boo boys, shut the fuck up and support your team.
Snir@3. Disappointed to se you brand one of our now as a disgrace when he is going through a poor run of form. Very disappointed. AA is struggling at the moment but he is not a disgrace and does not deserve to be branded one by one of our own. Stats don’t lie. You will also note that the corner we scored from came from his tackle, You will also see that 2 or so minutes later that he was back in our box making a challenge on Wickam to block a shot from an Ipswich corner. Yes, at the moment he is struggling big time but surely this is the time that we actually get behind him? I for one do not think he actually had that bad a game.
Gaz@28. I am going to credit AA with an assist from the corner. We are the worst team in the league at corners, either taking them or trying to defend them. So any that actually find their target and result in a goal are more than good enough to be credited with an assist in my book. I agree that top pro’s should have no trouble in taking a corner. I have no idea why that does not seem to apply to us.
Final words for Jack. He scares me to bits. I can not understand how a kid who has just turned 19 can have that much quality. Absolutely frightening. Another wonderful performance.
So we now have a Wembley Final to look forward to. Can’t wait. It will be good to keep the run going until then at least. It will be a chance now to kick fuck out of Birmingham and put to bed that negative shite they peddle as football. We can watch Cesc raise the trophy high above his head and then dedicate the victory to Eduardo. What goes around etc etc…..
Keep the faith.
every player should have an eduardo slogan on an undershirt in case they score
The ‘Holic pound seems to be doing very well this season. I hope you have a nice punt on us winning the league. π
Well said Steve. Barman, get that a gentleman a drink of his choosing. I’ll have a double Glenlivet neat please.
Ah, a splash of water. Quite right ‘holic. A splash of spring water that is. Cheers all!
Steve T – I rarely use such harsh words towards one of our own, but AA frustrates the hell out of me, although if you would read my comment at #39, you would see that after watching the game again I admitted Arshavin did try and the corner he defended against Wickham was the first thing that came to mind.
#3 was a post right after the game and the first things that came to mind were his misplaced passes, #39 was a bit more cool headed without the added tension of watching a game on the edge of my seat.
I still think AA doesn’t try as hard as he should but yesterday was certainly an improvement to his last couple of games.
Steve T, well said. Arshavin won corners and I even saw him running back for a defensive purpose. I know- I’ll find the replay if you don’t believe me…
Barkeep, a whiskey for all the stragglers left in the bar. Not single malt I’m afraid, chaps, till I start following the ‘Holic pound…
Snir,
AA will never be that type of player. He’s not the Ji Sung Park type. He’s an artist not an artisan. He’s not on the field to move the piano. He’s on the field to pick the lock. I never hear fans of BarΓ§a ever complaining about Xavi or Iniesta for not trying hard enough.
Snir,
How is it in Beantown btw? I hear lots of the white stuff is coming your way. Ready to help cheer on my Steelers in a fortnight mate?
Barman, dos cerveza por favor.
Snir. He frustrates the hell out of me too. Just not happy with one of ours being branded a disgrace when he has contributed two assists to help us get to a cup final. I did read your other posts. Just disappointed with that one.
There is an interesting interview in today’s papers from AA basically spelling out how he can not explain his loss of form and confirming his lack of confidence. I just feel that at this stage it is time to get behind players. We all know he is a luxury player. We all know that at times he can appear very lazy. But there are times where he can change a game. Wigan away. Not a great AA performance by any stretch. A very poor Arsenal performance. But he pops up with a goal and an assist. He has the ability to change games. We need to support him, and others for that matter.
Different horses for different courses. It takes all different types to make a great dish like Cantonese chow mein. I’m ready for a late night snack …
Interesting to compare the Beeb’s coverage of Arsenal getting to the cup final yesterday (4th or 5th most prominent football story) to their coverage of Birmingham getting to the final today (most prominent story)
I should have added one word to the above: Morons.
Steve T – I agree with you he’s a luxury player and his stats and contributions to certain matches is what frustrates me so much. I KNOW he can do better, and when he doesn’t even try to do better (there were certain matches where he barely even tried) that is disrespectful to the club, fans and on the border of a disgrace. Yesterday I agree, that after watching the game again, I can say he DID try, but I would like him to try as hard as he is good, cause he’s on of the best players in the EPL, and I know that if he would’ve been one of the hardest working players in the EPL we would see great performances from him week in week out.
TVN, there is no comparison whatsoever, Xavi and Iniesta run more than the whole of Barca. I don’t want our players run around like headless chicken but I do want them to run their socks off like Jack does every week, like Song does every week, like Sagna does every week etc’.
Taking stock just for a second here at the end of January, it looks like Arsenal is the only club still in four competitions. Second in the league, in one cup final, one of 32 teams left in the other domestic cup, and one of 32 teams left in the Champions League. Good season so far unless you would beg to differ.
nasri – one of 16 in UCL.
Snir,
You’re way off base with your indictment of AA. Run of poor form, yes. All this criticism of ‘not trying’ is total rubbish. Again, he’s not supposed to be the heavy lifter and he never will be. It’s not his skill set.
He still is one of the top assist leaders on the team and can change a game in an instant with a lock picking pass or a goal of sublime brilliance. That’s his skill set and value to the team (like Xavi and Iniesta for FCB). Unfortunately, he’s not at his best right now but will get past this. Arsene knows this. We as AFC supporters should know this too and not pile on and make a snowball into a mole hill. That’s counterproductive. Form is temporary, class is permanent. And this lad didn’t fall off the turnip truck. He oozes class.
TvN
TvN very true I myself was guilty of being anti Arshavin and hold my hands up!! We need to get behind every player from now till end of season. 4 to play for let’s try and win them all!!! WE CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!
BELEIVE. Up the Arse!!!
Wish I could spell…… Believe. Lol
TvN – You’re wrong by your conclusion that I don’t rate AA or don’t get his role in this team.
I fully understand the fact that not everyone on the team should be Song and should run 3240324 each game.
All I am saying is that the effort AA puts in is less than what he should put in, regardless of his role, position, class etc’.
If he would have tried harder (for instance he stops running at balls that are a foot away from him, sometimes they’re hopeless but sometimes they’re not and he doesn’t go for them), if he would have showed that he cared a bit more then I’d be satisfied.
The reason I am NOT anti AA is because of performances like Ipswich and Wigan away where he wasn’t on his best but still contributed to the team, I just wish he’d do it more often.
You’re right, we should back him and help him out but I wanna feel he’s trying to do the same and try as hard to get out of it and up until the game against Ipswich I haven’t felt it from him.
If you would have been here last season, you would have seen many posts of mine complaining about the fact that AA doesn’t celebrate with his teammates after goals, that’s what I mean by showing he cares a bit more.
Let’s not get our knickers in a knot over this Snir. I’d like to ‘try really hard’ to get a drink right now because I heard this pub was open 24/7. Barkeep, a Guinness for all in attendance and an extra strong chaser of ‘sublime quality’ for my mate Snir to help him see the light please.
In Arsene we trust ‘Holic Nation! Cheers!
Oh TvN, I’m the kind of guy who sees the light, don’t worry π
Can’t wait for the next round of fixtures in the EPL. Have a weird feeling on Villa doing us a favor at Old Trafford.
In any case, seeing light? Well, United’s got some very tough fixtures up ahead, I see the summit of the EPL, that’s bright enough, isn’t it :)?
Nez,
Up the Arse! Indeed. There sure are a lot of arses @ Arsenal:
(Arse)nal
(Arse)ne
(Ars)havin
Just a coincidence I thought I should point out. If it ain’t Arse-nal, it ain’t all that!
Barkeep, I’ll have a shot of Jack and one for the fine gent Nez too, if you please.
Am I the only one that’s getting apoplectic with all this talk lately of ManU finishing unbeaten? Absolutely disgraceful.
Snir, how’s the snow in Beantown? You should be sleeping. Have a drink. It’ll help the eyelids feel a little heavy. What’s your poison?
TvN, I grew up in MA but moved back to Israel (my home country) a couple of years ago.
I came back to the US in July but I’ve been living in NC. I’m right now in the middle of a home visit in Israel so it’s not late at all :).
I’ll have a pint of Carling (cup).
Snir,
No offence, but your name never struck me as Israeli. And since you’re up and considering the time of day in your locale let’s have some tea.
Barkeep, a pot of Earl Grey, if it’s to your liking that is Snir.
Now, what exactly is an Israeli name to you TvN :)?
After we win the CC just watch the media continue to rib the club with something along the lines of, “…without silverware, other than the CC, since MMV”. The media just love to take digs at this club. We’re their favourite punching bags.
Oh, no. Potential banana skin. Barkeep, could I get another JD please.
Swig. That hit the spot. I’d say names like Weinstein, Stern, Goldman, etc. I’m pro-Israel and pro-Israel by the way. Went to school with a lot of Israelis. Good people.
You do realize that all the names you just said are surnames and not first names like Snir :).
Geuli is from the word geula which means salvation, redemption etc’…
Okay. First names. How about Irving, Benjamin, Moses, etc.?
Joshua.
Help me out here. It’s late out my way and I can’t sleep.
Help you out?
Just do what I do every night. Try to figure out how we’re gonna win the league.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/predictor/default.stm
Henry, Jacob.
Isaac, Ebikanizer …
Who the hell is making the schedule @ the FA anyway? Why can’t our league game be on Wed? We play FA Cup on Sunday and just 48 hours later a league game on Tues? Absolutely shambolic and disgraceful.
Sven …
Lars …
Vladamir, Yuri …
Snir,
It doesn’t bother you that the media is waxing on about a possible ManU Invicibles?
And is Snir short for something?
Shit. Now I can’t spell either. Sleep deprivation. I meant Invincibles. What’s the first game ManU will drop according to your crystal ball?
No.
Snir is one of the five names to the Hermon Mountain which is the border between Syria and Israel.
First game they’ll lose? Chelsea away.
Cool. I had it pegged for a Bangladeshie name. Or Pakistani.
When’s Chelsea away?
Not even close :).
It is a part of Lebanon as well. It’s spread on Syria, Lebanon and Israel.
It has 2 mentions in the Bible.
Anyway, I’m off, treat yourself to a drink of your choice, I’m buying.
Man Utd go to Stamford Bridge on 1st March (unless either side is in an FA Cup 5th Round replay, in which case I think it would have to be moved on again)
I can’t believe this lucky substandard ManU is still unbeaten. If they go all the way unbeaten I’m gonna become a monk!
A Tibetan monk. I hope they brew their own like the Trappists.
TVN – in your chat with Snir I see similarities with Richard K@yes on Talksport digging deeper and deeper
Excuse me ‘holic for trying to maintain control here but this seems to a world wide blog with hopefully one religion only that of the gooners, so lets all try and keep it that way…
a glass of soothing something or other for all at the bar please
cognac,
Richard Keyes? I’m not familiar with him or Talksport.
Has anyone ever noticed the similarities between Elton John and Pat Rice? Separated at birth perhaps?
Anyway back to this weeks games
Having been totally frustrated by the play of AA (especially) and NB during the match, my stomach was then totally twisted
Firstly NB suddenly did something really positive by appearing on the left wing (1st time all night?) and demonstrating what he can do with the ball – question why was he on the left after wasting 70 minutes of ineffectiveness everywhere else
Did this then give AA the energy to finally put a corner over the first defender but not into the arms of their keeper (who had a good game) – and did this good deed then lead AA to tone down his Adrenaline levels and make a pass of the right strength to Cesc
I dont know but it does not detract from my still twisted stomach telling me that maybe 30 seconds of good work do not make up for the other 90 minutes or so that AA and NB wasted on Tuesday
On the subject of Denilson I am more positive, he gets about the field a lot , makes tackles – some good and others not so. Song he is not but maybe together with Denilsons stats for passes completed I like his performance
On a more general note we do not score enough goals from chances made as seen a couple of other matches this week – against Wolves who worked their socks off, Liverpool had very few chances but scored, and against Blackpool Manure likewise. Perhaps a little temporary reorg might improve things up front
Chammy up front
Jack, Nasri (centre ) and RVP (right)
Cesc (left) and Alex behind
Gael Kossy Djourou and Bacari
Wossy can put his cot out on the goal line
Dont all shout at once Im enjoying and old local brew
Theo van N – if you havent heard of the fuss then you are better off
(2 sexist TV commentators(?) caught being indiscreet concerning a female assistant ref which led to 1 being fired and the other quitting after an hours sounding off on a radio show)
Blimey, you got that ‘holic pound right again?
Well done again chap.
Discovered that Knob Creek drink on tuesday, so I’ll have some of that please.
Oh, and saturday? Thanks for the bonus flasks. I’ve been a lot worse. As you well know π
Ticket or not, I shall be coming to London that (first) Cup weekend.
cognac,
So what does that have to do with the conversation I had with Snir? Someone is offended? Was there something politically incorrect with our discussion?
We had an good honest discussion. Nothing sexist or any other ‘ist about it. Now you’ve got your knickers in a knot. Why is everyone so bloody sensitive and so easily offended these days? Too much PC in this world. It’s run amuck. Barman, a pot of Earl Grey for all who wish to share.
Anyway. Let’s start talk about a Huddersfield theme akin to the pies (Wigan) and farm machinery (Ipswich). Any suggestions?
And also thoughts on rotation/team selections as we have two games in 48 hours.
TvN, I wouldn’t be too surprised to see James Shea in goal on Sunday. I’m also assuming that Gibbs will start as will Chamakh. If Squillaci is indeed fit again he’ll probably play, perhaps with Ignasi Miquel to give both Djourou and Koscielny a rest. Other that that I hope he rests as many as possible for Tuesday without risking getting knocked out. This is, after all, a League One team we are playing and we are at home so a forward line with Bendtner-Chamakh-Arshavin should be able to put a few past their keeper.
Not sure what to post now just in case the hosts don’t like it.
How about we’re on our way to Wembley?
Eff a Spud and lets do a blue on 27th Feb?
(How long will it be before the hosts take that one down)?
Oh any spare tickets for the final?
That should offend the hosts!
(Dry Humour folks)
A bottle of Evian please Barman.
Afternoon ‘Holic & ‘Holics
Was quite p*ssed off last night that we wouldn’t be getting the opportunity to repay The Hammers for the 1980 FA Cup Final. How long will it be before the next opportunity arises? Lord knows….
However, reading some of the comments here has re-inigorated me somewhat, so thanks to all. The chance to avenge that horrific assault on Dudu, the chance to show B’ham the way to play football properly on a big stage and the chance to humiliate McLeish are all great motivators for us. I dislike McLeish in a SAF kind of way. His white and ginger, pock-marked mug would look so much better with defeat written all over it. So, let’s up and at ’em and show this anti-football, so-called “English-mans” team the way to win a trophy!
Hej Lars,
Not sure about Shea or Miguel but with you on everything else. Nikouane Gibbavin should be more than capable of seeing off a third-division side. Then again, this is cup football and we are The Arsenal π
Cheers all!
PS from TS: Will be going to see us host Everton on Tuesday so for any regulars here also going would be more than happy to meet for a pint in The Tolli either pre- or post-match. Should be a good game of football.
Lars, relying on you to carry on the winning streak now π
Don’t think Shea will start, I think Chesney (sorry one day I’ll learn to spell) needs some practice as he’s had bugger all to do over the last couple of games!
Gibbs/Chamakh, most probably, Miquel/Squillaci too much of a gamble.
Huddersfield may be in League one, but, as usual, understimating them would be criminal.
Afobe has been given the green light to play on Sunday
Ollie / Lars a correction:
Kierouane Benduillvin (ahem) would be just fine vs Huddersfiled.
Gt,
OK, I give up. You can make the next correction π
Is that TS posting twice in a row without ordering?
Get this man a drink, barman! π
My worry about Brum is that Stoke will be in town to break a few legs just a few days earlier.
Ollie
Cheers, cooking lager please Barman and one for Ollie.
What a delight to entertain Pubis, Sh*wcr*ss, McPish, Bowyer and all their rugby playing chums in such a short period of time…. the leg snapping b’stards.
We’ll beat them both, of course, for it is written. Erm, scrub that last bit. Zico proved last night that I’m no prophet.
Storey, a post-match pint sound like a good idea, I don’t know what the plans are for Tuesday yet (it’s not entirely down to me, might have to do some stuff that requires my attendance elsewhere) but it’d be fun to meet up and have a drink or two. Do you have an email address where I can reach you?
TvN at #83, I stand corrected we have only 15 opponents left in the CL even if one of them is Barcelona. Anyway, 3 opportunities to win at Wembley and that is not something any team can say very often in late January not to mention we are gonna win the league. Cummon the Arse!
F A cup boys – to hell with playing untried players – in probability terms this is the next likely trophy after the CC – get 3 goals up after 45 mins then you can rotate
Pint of Boddies 4 me and the “lost prophet” π
Oh and whatever the usual suspects are drinking…rack them up barkeep π
TS-
Sorry, what am I supposed to be correcting? Am I spoiling it now?
Gt, you’re not spoling anything. I made a weak attempt at combining the names of Chamakh, Gibbs, Arshavin, Gibbs & Bendy and then you threw Afobe into the mix. At that point I gave up.
Lars, will send you my email addy via the usual channels. A real pint or two would be great. No need to guess what you’ll be ordering.
Zico, cheers again. I’m not so much lost as perhaps a little mis-guided.
‘Holic, just to let you know that you have mail.
TS… just watch out if he starts getting in the weird Swedish herbal “digestivs”….. memory wipers! Or maybe that’s just me.
Dr C,
Should your time and budget allow then you would be more than welcome to join the party, with or without herbal accoutrements π
TS – The only one I didn’t guess was Arsh. Wasn’t weak at all,as you managed to stump yours truly. Afobe is going to play for Huddersfield on loan
I’m watching my step as I don’t want the hosts deleting anymore of my posts (shhhh)!
Check this out peeps if you have about 70 seconds of spare time.
Er… here’s the link now
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/36740/injury-news
Gt, of course. Silly me.
Catalan: don’t worry, I am not into any wierd Swedish herbal refreshments! (and to be honest, I am not really sure what I am talking about right now, I don’t even know what that is!)
Storey: so, Almunia has done a miraculous recovery just in time to give Szczesny a rest. Have to say I wonder how he feels about being called upon to allow the keeper who was quite possibly the fourth choice (don’t forget Mannone, he was ahead of Szczesny last season) at the start of the season some rest. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to kick on someone who is already down here, I’m just saying it can’t be easy.
Dr C: Expalin yourself you fiend π
Lars: The thought of placing Almunia back into goal conjures up all kinds of awkward questions. Your point is highly valid. What about Wojciech’s feelings if he’s to be benched/rested when he doesn’t really need to be? Maybe it’s AW’s way of keeping Pole The Younger on his toes? Maybe it’s punishment for putting Bac in hospital? Who knows? Maybe Arsene knows?
TS & Co –
Well shiver me timbers. According to A.com my glimpse on yahoo or somewhere like that, prob fed me incorrect info that AW is allowing Afobe to compete. Too right! We want to beat this outfit comfortably and with his quick feet we don’t want to put any of our returnees under any unnecessary pressure!
Good to see Diaby back! Onwards with the rotation and match fitness I say!
A banana and Blueberry Smoothie please Barman!
I was afraid I’d never find this wonderful bar again. For whatever reason, over the last few weeks I just couldn’t find the site. It’s good to be back.
Drinks all round.
Welcome back H2H
Gt, correct it says on pravda.com that he is ineligible to play at
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/-huddersfield-won-t-park-the-team-bus-
Under “Young Gunner”
Welcome back H2H
Rest assured theres plenty Grolsch etc in the cellar π
Cheers lads.
Hello holics,
For some reason, My employers have blocked access to this wonderful bar. Till yesterday it was fine.. I can read the blog but not the drinks.
Damn… anything strong to make better my misfortune, barman
So, what else is up other than the sexist cleanup at sky..?
I guess it’s because of the new 216.38.55.24 ip address of the bar π
Evening all!
Where’s BtM ? Has anyone told him the bar has relocated ? Can anyone tell me where it’s relocated to ? How did I get here ? Help ?
I’m just about to leave on tonight’s flight to London. Auchterchoochty tomorrow for our annual Burns Supper, and then the Grove on Sunday for Old Big Ears before finishing off my away-weekend with the Everton game and home on Wednesday.
I will happily buy all holic regulars who recognise me at The Tolly the beverage of their choice. Hint – I will be wearing my red and white scarf and so hould be instantly recognisable (and as a complete give-away, I’ve been known on occasions to speak with the slightest hint of a Scots accent).
The BtM crystal ball is flashing HOME WIN for both games. Regarding the scorelines, its advice is “Follow the Holic Pound, Get Rich and Retire in Sumptuous Splendour”
So, let’s hope that last night snow deluge here doesn’t impact my flight. Enjoy the games, Gooners.
Oh, and when you look at the five point gap at the top of the table, just remember the deeply indebted still have:
Chelsea (H)
Chelsea (A)
Arsenal (A)
Liverpool (A)
There will be more than five points going down that gurgler. It’s in our hands and its up for grabs now.
Lars, TS… a long story of a night in Stockholm with ex GF loon. I was told the little shots we were having at about 3 am were not alcohol.. just “herbal digestives” (whatever that means)… cue end of my memory banks for about 12 hours.
Of course… come to think of it, it may have been a little mickey that she slipped me. I wouldn’t be surprised…
Cheers BtM. There’s a wee bit of gurgling left for’em I agree.
Cervezas all around.
Can anyone explain to me why AFC have to play 2 in 48? Why couldn’t the FA have scheduled the Cup game on Sat or the league game on Wed? You never see the likes of BarΓ§a or RM having to do 2 in 48. And this won’t be the first time this year either. Forget calling the CC Mickey Mouse. The FA certainly is and would look right at home in Disney World.
Ah, BtM! Safe travels.
And see you early March I think.
Barman!Steward! Please give this man a glass of your finest champagne.
Strikethrough doesn’t seem to work anymore, or I got it wrong, oh well. Two drinks for him then.
Not had the time to watch it yet, but I found a Swedish 28 min documentary short on Martin Hansson, which looks quite good, haven’t seen it all yet. Not 100% sure it’s worth seeing, but if you want to get an insight into the life of a ref that is refereeing at the top level, have a go!
And yes, he talks about THAT handball.
And of course, there are English subtitles – http://www.vimeo.com/13425028
TvN: presumably, Ferguson saw that Arsenal have too many home games, so this ‘advantage’ has to be compensated some way.
Catalan: OK, those herbal digestives sound like something to steer well clear of – as does that ex of yours!
TVN: two games in three days is a bit much, but considering that the Sunday kick off is at 12.00 and that we are playing a League One team and that both games are at home I don’t think there is too much to be upset about. There won’t be many players playing both games anyway. And I also think it is better to have three days rest before Newcastle away than two.
I see your point Lars but this kind of Mickey Mouse scheduling doesn’t happen in La Liga and this isn’t the festive period (even then 2 in 48 is an absolute disgrace). The FA should invest in a calendar.
Speaking of herbals, in Hungary they have Unicum. It’s like gasoline going down. Certainly not to be confused with cognac.
Only 4 days left in the Transfer Window. Looks like Le Boss won’t add. But is that right? I’m not big on Squillaci at all and I don’t honestly expect TV to come back in any meaningful way this season. That leaves us with JD and Kos and I like them both but those two are getting a lot of work lately. My stomach is a little upset with this at the moment.
Bartender, a Jager for me and all at the bar. Make mine a double please.
Lars and TS, if Almunia is back in for Huddersfield I sincerely hope it’s shop window stuff before a last minute transfer, fair play if he’s got the balls to come back in those circumstances. I for one would like to applaud him one last time, there’s no shame in giving your best and being beaten to the top spot. I just hope le Boss has been keeping him fit. Certainly I’d be happy with a fit and sharp Almunia in goal against Huddersfield. I am touching wood here in case that invites some horrific howler…
A stiff scotch for all the bewildered and confused, barkeep. May they always find a way to this bar!
The first thing I wanted to do since this site started again was to go OMGGGGGG IT’S BACKKKKKKKKK!!!!one!1111one!111, Why the hell wasn’t it working?
Never mind just read haha.
Welcome back Holic.
Need to keep the momentum going on Sunday and take that into Tuesday’s really important league game.
I’ll try a glass of Red please.
CoYRRR’s