A Trip To The Mystical East And UEFA Worse Than Touts
Feb 19th, 2011 by 'holic
I know there are a few of you who would have been in the Shed for the 1978 FA Cup semi-final when two deflected Malcolm Macdonald efforts and a third from Graham Rix saw off Orient, who had earlier claimed the scalps of Chelsea and Middlesbrough.
It was a day for us to celebrate. Although we were expected to comfortably beat the East London club it was a match that lined up our first trip back to Wembley since losing the centenary Cup Final to Leeds six years earlier. On the way to that Final we went to Brisbane Road in the quarter-final (Orient beat Chelsea that season too!) and won by a single goal.
The O’s are currently in the middle of an incredible spell of form, undefeated in their last eleven matches, which included claiming the scalps of Championship promotion hopefuls Swansea and Norwich to reach the fifth round. They have a couple of players who learned their trade in the Arsenal academy, Ben Chorley and Jason Crowe. They will offer a real threat at set pieces, which will be a concern for what I would expect to be a mix ‘n match back four of Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, and Gibbs.
I would not be surprised to see Denilson, Song, and Nasri in midfield, behind Bendtner, Chamakh, and either Arshavin or Rosicky. Regular readers will know I consider that to be too much rotation, and given the trouble we had disposing of Leeds, Ipswich, and Huddersfield in recent weeks I would prefer us to start with a strong side, build a lead, then bring on the substitutes. Having said that you have to expect whatever eleven we put out to weather any early storm before imposing themselves on the League One club.
Down the years we have had some nervous encounters with lower league clubs, but generally in the Wenger era we have seen them off comfortably. I am anticipating something similar when looking at placing the ‘holic pound. The 16/1 on offer against a 4-1 away win is looking reasonable value to me, although we may have to bring on some quality from the bench in the second-half to make sure of our triumph. The elimination of Chelsea means another big four obstacle has been removed from the draw for the last eight, should we progress. The cup competitions are really offering rich possibilities to us this season.
To the lucky few who have tickets in the capacity gate of under ten thousand, have a good afternoon and make all the noise you can. I’ll be among those watching on ESPN, but with a radio commentary so I don’t have to listen to the worst sports broadcasters on the planet. Wherever you are, have a good one, ‘holics.
How Much For Champions League Final Tickets?
So now we know the pricing structure for the Champions League Final at Wembley in May, and it really is a scandal as far as I am concerned. The authorities have spent years turning a blind eye to touts shifting tickets at absurdly inflated prices, and have obviously become so jealous of the practice that they are now cashing in themselves at the expense of the football family.
Not only will a seat in the official UEFA ballot cost you between £150 and £300, but you will also have to cough up an ‘administrative fee’ of £26. An administrative fee? On top of that obscene price? People buy a week’s holiday for less. I have bought cars for less! Frankly I consider UEFA to be worse than any tout as they are ripping off the people who make the game they are purporting to administer.
You are a complete and utter disgrace, UEFA.
157 Responses to “A Trip To The Mystical East And UEFA Worse Than Touts”
No drink?
I’ll have one then, thanks.
I’ll have to check back what I paid last year, but it was already quite pricey, the ‘admin fee’ may even have been higher.
It’s even more scandalous considering you have to pay the money upfront and cannot desist if you are successful, even though you have to apply long before you know whether your team can actually make it through. And the tickets are nominal, so you’re not supposed to transfer them, and in the end I just lost the money.
And then when they send you the thing, they do speak about ‘supporting your team’.
Totally scandalous.
Hellollie!
Yes, I forgot you were successful last year. Scandalous indeed.
Embedded editing, you’re a star!
Lorient vs Girondins tonight, I’ll be back for a stream. 😉
I remember having to queue around Avenell Road up to the op of Highbury Park to get my ticket for that semi at the Bridge – great days!
Really enjoyed that finish at Chelsea earlier today and they are under so much pressure now. I hope they manage to raise themselves in the two United games though, as they are going to be crucial for us.
I’ll have an extra cold Guinness please.
CoYRRR’s
Peril of The Orient or Another Arsenal Pearler?
From Barcelona, to the London Borough of Waltham Forest. From Lionel Messi to Scott McGleish. From the Emirates to Brisbane Road, which by the way, Sydney, is nowhere near Australia. From North London to East London, Arsenal’s pursuit of the perfect four continues today with a pilgrimage to the Orient.
It’s a journey to the Orient that will take them nowhere near to the equator or points East of Suez. A journey that will be short on miles, but a journey that will be long and hard on cerebral cells as Young Gunner brains struggle to transition the euphoria of Wednesday to a windswept win on a Soggy Sunday near Stratford, in pursuit of Old Big Ears himself. Orient have reached the FA Cup semis only once in their history. History needs to be nipped in the bud quickly on this weekend.
A sell-out capacity crowd of 9,271 can be expected, packed liked matches in the tinderbox that will be Matchroom Stadium, The Nou Camp of the East, tomorrow. While loyalties of some will be split, most will be hoping to see the descendants of the Glyn Eagle Cricket Club soar from their erie, the survivors of the Orient Shipping Company, surge from their moorings, see the one time Clapton Orient rock like Eric playing Layla, as Leyton’s O’s strive for an upset.
An Arsenal reverse is one that would have the teenaged pimpled pen pushers scribing acerbically in the bile and spew of the former Fleet Street gutters “Wenger’s promise of The Magnificent Four comes off the rails faster than the Leyton Orient Express on speed.” A defeat by the Club Bought For A Fiver is as unthinkable as it is unlikely. But Arsenal will need to really “turn up” to be certain that this event does not turn into satanic sadism and yet another chapter of the Story of O for silver-starved Gooners.
Will our own Perfect Four, Cesc the Catalan, much beloved and pursued by the part-vanquished Barca, lead the Gunners out today? Or will he sit and watch from the bench, ready to spring into action should another late FA Cup turn-around, a la Leeds and Huddersfield, be required?
With a visit by Shawcross the Scythe and the rest of Pubic’s Stoke team just around the corner; and half-a-mind on Sunday week at Wembley, I’m expecting the rota to be rotated ruthlessly by Le Boss. My pick would be:
My Pal Al
Eboue, Squillacci, Koscielny, Gibbs,
Song
Rosicky, Denilson,
Bendtner, Chamakh, Arshavin
That’s an eleven that should be more than capable of bringing the exotic spices home from the Orient while JD20 rests his back, Cesc twangs “Dixie” on his hamstrings, Theo, Jack, Robin, Nasri, Sagna and Wosjeck recuperate and get strong for the battles ahead.
As for the BtM Crystal Ball? It’s never felt more confident and “3-0 Away Win” is flashing brightly in the crackling mists still flashing electrically after last Wednesday.
Enjoy it ‘Holics and “see you” at Wembley next Sunday.
Thanks for the preview ‘holic.
I like your XI except that I would not risk Nasri. Give his hammy a rest until the midweek league match and use Rosicky in his place.
When you speak of weak ESPN commentators are you referring to the pairing of Ian Darke and Macca? Those two are the ESPN crew we get on the left side of the pond. Are those the two you gentlemen get on the right side of the pond?
I agree with you regarding UEFA. Both it and FIFA are as corrupt as the day is long. I attribute it to their monopoly hold over their respective domains (kingdoms) and the saying that absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Damn, Crawley down 0-1.
Have a Guinness and I’ll have one too. I hear that Lars’ tab is back in bizness …
We usually have Jon Champion and Chris Waddle murdering the language and insulting the intelligence, TvN. It really is a combination that makes your ears bleed. Over here ESPN just have the dross that nobody else wants.
Good work, BtM. Impressive research of Orient’s history there 😉
You’re the Man BtM! Solid as usual. Tough to choose over your prediction of 0-3 v ‘holics’ of 1-4.
I think that the best bit (see ‘holic’s link about ticket pricing) is when they warn against the ‘exorbitant prices’ of touts! Clearly the definition of ‘irony’ hasn’t made it to UEFA HQ…
Where on this side of the pond are you TvN?
I find Darke and Macca harmles when they’re commentating on other teams. They are a major irritant on our games though. When they’re on, the best thing to do is switch Off the sound on the TV and switch the audio on from the Arsenal.com commentary – then it becomes just like wtching it with your mates – despite the speed of light being faster than the speed of sound so you see what’s happening before you hear their comments. Which is OK and better than that scouse twat Macca’s continual cliche’s.
Holic, at thae prices, there’ll be naebuddy frae north o’ the border at the game – unless our ingenuity finds a means of tunneling under the grand-stand and oot through the centre circle for free.
That leg breaker Shawcross scored today. How I loathe leg breakers …
It’s a shame Diaby’s banned because i would like Song to get a rest before we play that rugby team in the week.
The cheapest tickets allocated through the clubs will be £80 I think (to season ticket holders). Those tickets priced £150+ are general sale tickets.
BtM,
Let me test your geography. Have you ever heard of Guelph?
I find Ian Darke to be the master of cliches and Macca to be the stand up comedian. I don’t actually mind Macca as the Scouser may not give the greatest analysis but is quite humourous. He’s also pretty fair to us. Especially when you compare him to the rest of the British media.
Off to recharge my phone. Be back soon.
Nicely done as always, ‘holic. And BtM, too. But the ESPN UK team can’t possibly be as bad as Darke and Macca. Thankfully tomorrow is an FSC game over here, hopefully we’ll have Tyler for the 2nd game in a row.
The latest from Le Boss is that Kos is likely to be rested, and JD’s back isn’t quite as balky as we thought, so JD and the Squid should partner up at the back. Any combination of 3 of our prefered front 6 should be enough to win this one. So here’s my XI:
Manuel
Bac-JD-Squid-Gibbs
Song
Sammy-Jack
NickyB-Chamakh-AA23
As AW said, this game is just as important as Barca. So I hope the lineup he picks backs up that statement.
And for the Gooner NBA fans out there, JaVale McGee to win the Dunk Contest tonite. Lock it up!
BtM,
Forgot to ask you. So where do you currently call home?
Love the inspiration for your pen name. The Dutchie was some gem of a player. But I hear that he wasn’t too fond of airplanes.
DT – when do the All Star festivities begin? 20:00 EST? I’ve got Griffin do some crazy shit tonight.
My word. ManU can’t dust a Conference side at home? How are they the top of the league?
Oakton, Va, TvN…..a pleasant spot (when I’m here – which isn’t all that often one way and another).
Good stuff ‘holic and a nice little chaser from BtM.
I was at the busstop the last time we met the O’s, it was my first away game if I remember rightly. My main memory was of feeling a bit squashed, I was only a little and quiet young lad at the time.
Here’s hoping for a similar outcome to that game, I’m sure the lads can do it and I’m sure the whole club will be on a high after Wednesday’s result.
I’ll understand if AW feels the need to rotate, but I, as you, hope that the rotations are at a minimal, we have a good spirit going and too many changes throws us off balance. I’d really prefer to have Wotsit Cheesy in goal, the lad’s the business and I can’t see any harm in giving him as many games as possible.
Whatever the team, I’ll be here cheering the lads on. My Sport1 package unfortunatly doesn’t broadcast the F.A Cup, but by a stroke of luck my Ere Divisie Live package has bought the rights to show it. RESULT!!!
Lager please guv and one for whoever feeling thirsty.
Cheers.
Mug: Diaby not being banned wouldn’t have mattered since he is… you guessed it: injured.
Is he Lars? No flipping way!
Wow manU really showed those pesky upstarts from Crawley a thing or two. Really gave em a footballing lesson, didnt they?
It was indeed a glorious day in the Shed. We were going to trash the place but quickly realised it was already a shit-hole beyond repair. All three goals went into the North Stand, which us Arsenal fans usually packed out. Malcolm MacDonald still claims two of the goals. Astonishing. His first shot would have ended up in the North End Road and his second was heading for Fulham Power Station! But a goals a goal Supermac, he was a legend. We better not take Orient lightly tomorrow, the upset is on the cards. Oh yeah Ashley Cole? Karma karma karma. Missed a penalty Ashley? I nearly crashed my car!
Great preview too, BtM, see you in Wembley!
Speaking of that missed Cashley penalty, did anyone catch the little bit of Dutch psychology that Heitinga gave to Cole with his shoulder hello before the spotkick? Brilliant. That sure was not a chocolate shoulder.
BtM – is Oakton close to Washington?
Ollie,
Lorient avec Spanish commentary!
http://veetlesports.blogspot.com/2011/02/channel-3_16.html
Thanks barman, you’re a star.
Una cerveza, por favor! 🙂
I’ve just managed to snag two tickets to the CC Final next week and they cost nearly £90 each, I’m not happy with that kind of price either and they’re good seats too!
I believe AW will rest Djourou & Koz. After his performance v Barca, I’d imagine Koz must be absolutely knackered physically & mentally.
He “won back possesion” a game leading 17 times the other night.
As a result, I’d expect to see Song line up with Squillaci in central defence.
Almunia
Sagna-Squillaci-Song-Gibbs
Eboue/Nasri-Denilson-Rosicky
Bendtner-Chamakh-Arshavin
After the Orient game, our next 3 fixtures before Barca are against the leg breakers of Ramsey / Stoke, Eduardo / Birmingham & Diaby / Sunderland. Let’s hope we get through these next few games without major injuries. A 2-0 win v Orient, although w/ Almunia & Squillaci, I can’t really see us keeping a clean sheet but I can hope.
Sad to see Cole & Anelka both miss penalties today.
Well,well,well. Having resided during my self-imposed Arsenal exile in both Ont. and D.C., I’ve been near neighbours to both TvN and BtM without knowing it. A newly-discovered honour (or honor) for me, gentlemen.
And thanks ‘holic, for memories of the last season before that exile. Indeed yes, football – and I do mean soccer – was hard to get that side of the pond in the late 70’s and thereafter. Now they learn.
Hi all. Just about getting over the hangover from Wednesday and thought I would indulge in a little more Gunner-Worship for the afternoon!
Great article as ever ‘Holic. But I take the very suggestion that UEFA is a corrupt and scandal-ridden cesspit with the same pinch of salt that I do when hearing people question the integrity of referees in England…
GUARANTEED WITH ALL THAT MONEY SWIMMING AROUND!
Seriously, not the least bit worried about Orient or, to be totally honest, the FA Cup in general. I know, it’s a cup, a cup of good calibre too but I see it a little differently in terms of the actual match itself and its potential future ramifications.
As I see it, there are three potential reasons to not give a flying feck about tomorrow…
1. Too many games to play and we only have to look at where recent seasons have gone off the rails to know how well we get through the “busy periods”;
2. We have some big (bigger, may I say?) games coming up fairly soon and we need, in my humble opinion, to concentrate harder on the Premiership than the FA Cup. Cups are almost lotteries – won in moments – whereas leagues are a true test of the caliber of a side, depth of a squad and growth of individuals. If you had offered me everything that we have in the bag right now in exchange for losing 5-0 in the FA Cup to Orient at the start of the season, I would gladly have taken it! That doesn’t mean I would be pleased with a loss of any kind tomorrow, let alone a 5-0 thrashing from them, but I am not as concerned with the outcome of this game than I would have been for the past five desperately disappointing seasons.
3. We seem to react well after a bad result and indifferently after a good one. Building momentum is something of a falsehood for us in that we seem to need a good kicking or even a good fright before we crank up through the Arsenal gearbox and start motoring. But once the motoring lulls us (and I think the players too) into a sense of “this is it, unbeaten for the next 10 games and top of the league to boot”, we pull a Newcastle out of our backsides and take two steps backwards. The reason I feel this is important is that it would not bother me one bit to see us get “that slap” tomorrow and even a draw or a struggled win against Stoke if it means that we then go on one of our five game winning romps as has been the case after two dodgy results in succession no less than four times this season. This would of course result in winning the Carling Cup, achieving a wonderful result in the Camp Nou, and getting us over the hurdles of Blackburn and Sunderland. (Apologies to Baggies but that is three points that we should not really be losing too much sleep over!)
So, in short, with 24 league points left to be played for after the Blakburn games of which we should realistically be looking at taking a minimum of 19, we can finish with a points total of around 82 points. This means that the difference between winning the league and not could well come down in no small part to the home game against Manure and their games against Chelsea. Hell, at this rate we may even be looking at winning the league against the Spuds…AGAIN!!!!
I guess what I amtrying to say is, I would take a loss tomorrow and a refocusing of the team for the matches ahead and one less trophy to worry about than getting ourselves sucked into too many fronts and excelling in none.
Or…
COME ON YOU GOONERS!!!!
Hahaha!
Oh, by the way, I am sure that we have all seen this, but it still makes me giggle… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utUyha0wjSE
Enjoy.
:/ Ramble off
Evening all,
‘Holic & BtM, ‘thanks fella’ and ‘cheers faether’ respectively for your highly entertaining reads.
I was trying to think of post titles for the Os preview involving the words ‘express’, ‘on-the-rails’, ‘steaming forward’, ‘murder’, yada yada but needn’t have bothered as usual.
One for the suggestion box: Occasionally run a mini-comp for ‘Holics to propose the title of the next post with the prize being something like a virtual magnum of champagne form the bar or perhaps a years free subscription to this site for those who do not imbibe. Just an idea :/
Totally agree regarding the blatant profiteering of UEFA, it’s an absolute disgrace and they should feel totally ashamed of themselves but somehow, I seriously doubt that they will. I can see the day coming when people turn to the touts to get a discount…. hmmmm, perhaps not.
Anyway, here’s to a comfortable and injury free run-out tomorrow and a win of any magnitude. Will we, just for once, make it easy for ourselves???
Looking forward to showing the two undisputed kings of anti-football from The Potteries and The Black Country a lesson or three in pass and move and goal-craft.
Up the Arse!!!!
…. and f*uck Pubis & his trolls.
*Puts down handbag, reads Arseblog post on Lennie again to restore good humour*
The Arsenal Express themselves vs Orient. 😀
Nice one mug, worthy of a pint at least.
@ the holic pound ….. I don’t see Nasri playing since he came back in 17 days from a estimated 28 day injury ( ATVO Nasri interview ) plus he’s certain to play Wednesday and in the carling final on Sunday. That said, I don’t know where we are getting 4 goals from with Gibbs, denilson, rosicky, chamakh, bendtner etc. 2-0, 3-0 seems more likely or 2-1, 3-1 if you think we’ll ship one.
TvN – No matter how you put it, Barca are a fucking disgrace in their pursuit of our captain and I will not accept anything else being said about their actions.
I will never have any respect for them. Not a week passed and they’re going on about Cesc can only win with them etc.
Second, Messi’s goal WAS offside. Messi was onside when Pedro took the shot but his shot was saved by Woj and hit Pedro again, when the ball hit Pedro, Messi was offsides, so it’s a new phase. It’s kinda similar to that Ronaldo goal that was disallowed because of Nani when Portugal played Spain.
Two excellent and usually different previews.
‘Holic – entirely agree with your sentiments on UEFA.
As for your “disgrace” condemnation, they will care not one jot, which, of course, you already realise.
At the time of the Eduardo penalty/dive versus Celtic witch hunt, I sent an email to UEFA reference the intensity of the reaction / the dominance of the Scots in high UEFA places / and a series of details of blatant dives by far better and more regular protagonists than Eduardo.
It was carefully constructed and never offensive, but asked for an explanation.
UEFA’s response ?
A list of currently available job opportunities in their organisation !
For those ESPN viewers lucky enough to be receiving the US commentary, I give you two examples of what we have to suffer from Messrs Champion (how inapt is that?) and Twaddle.
Twaddle cannot pronounce the word “penalty” – constantly and irritatingly referring to it as a “pelan(t)ee”.
In his last commentary on the Arsenal he described one attempt on goal as “iz went for por”. Translation – “he went for power”.
‘Holic, I shall be joining you with the radio.
Now, now Trev, be nice to the poor little ‘Twaddle’.
He only needs someone to give a nice warm mug of milky tea and change his potty once in a while to keep him happy. God bless 😉
Thanks TS! You too kind mate!
The barca hounding of cesc thru their media mouth pieces is bad enough. But the fact that all the british media pick it up as news is patghetic and annoying as hell. There is a severe lack of intelligence, imagination creativity and wit in our press.
Koscielny: Who are we playing tommorow?
Wenger; L Orient
Koscielny: Lorient?
Wenger; Leyton Orient.
@Gooneraside, my exile in the US began the same year but at least lleft with the glorious memories of the 3-2 victory over Man U in the FA Cup final. Absolutely miserable over here with football news travelling so slowly in the ’80s and had to depend on week old newspapers nicked from the public library by a mate who worked there. Still, the ’80s were not a bad time to be away from the Arsenal…What I’d have done to get some daily Goonerholic in those days!
Mick – 🙂 Sweet.
Snir – Best to leave the Cesc issue alone for now. That’s a summer time topic. It will come back in overdrive then.
As for the disallowed Messi goal, I don’t believe I ever said he was onside. He was offside due to the Pedro deflection. However, we were fortunate not to have a penalty called on the pass to Pedro on that play (JD clearly handled away from his body inside the box), another missed penalty call against us at the end (Arshavin clearly handled away from his body inside the box), and from a rather off day from Messi.
But missed calls and missed opportunities are part of the game and footy is a very strange game at times. Such is life. I’m glad that we won but we have to be honest with ourselves.
Pot of camomile tea?
@Mick
Speaking of Lorient… they just thrashed Chamakh’s former team Bordeaux 5-1 in Ligue 1!
A lot of taunting will take place tomorrow. 😉
TvN
We had a shed load of bad luck and decisions against us vs The Toon a couple of weeks ago.
It was our turn to get the rub of the green on Weds night.
Doesn’t detract from the fact that Toon supporters will feel (rightly) that they got a fantastic result against us and we should feel the same way about beating Farca.
Like you say, ‘it’s a funny old game’….
Too early for you for a pint?
TS,
It’s never too early to drink. Especially if it’s on the Viking’s tab! Guinness please.
Speaking of the Toon game, did you see how Dowd failed to award Ramires (and the home team) for a penalty today? I thought it was a pretty straight forward and clear penalty today. Instead, he gives the Brasilian a yellow for simulation. Maybe because he is Brasilian?
Then against us, he awards two penalties (for the home team) of a more dubious nature.
I don’t see the consistency here. Other than Dowd is overweight and overrated as an official.
DT,
Why not consider changing your pen name to Diaby is Made of Glass?
…. and he favours team from the North. Dirty b’stard, bent as a 3 bob note.
No doubt he’ll be rewarded for his professional behaviour with refereeing the CC or FA Cup Final.
Barman? Guinness please on RVP’s tab. Ta!
Does anyone have a photograph of Arshavin with his strip over his head after he scored on Wednesday night?
I need one for a little thing I’m doing.
TS,
Any truth to the rumour that when ‘holic is out you run the place? In fact, you’re probably such a regular that you are an employee or the barman himself.
BtM –
http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_sow_experts__17/ept_sports_sow_experts-331992471-1297894121.jpg?ymq7dkED2jbitayg
TvN – He didn’t award the penalty cause it was right where the linesman was and he had a better view and the linesman didn’t flag it as a penalty.
… I believe that honour is bestowed upon BtM.
Where is Phil Dowd from? Newcastle, Sunderland, or Merseyside?
Can anyone tell me where Leyton Orient gets their name from? Is that Chinatown in London?
The ‘Cuse is giving me a heart attack! OT in the dome v Rutgers.
I was in the Shed that day against Orient. We were going to trash it. but it was already a shit-hole, so we tidied it up. Supermac, lovely fella, still claims those two wayward shots as his goals. Top man. Lovely penalty by Cashley today, OOOOOH to be a GOOONER
TvN – Ray or Paul today 🙂 ?
I’m rooting for a tie even though not possible 😀
You talkin’ about the 3pt competition or something else? I’m not sure of all the participants but really dislike all things Celtics (sorry). They are my BBall equivalent to ManU.
I’ll be pulling for Griffin to do some astronaut anti-gravity shit. That’s my one hope.
@ TS 35
“Freeflowing and Expressive, – it was Murder On The Orient”
Lets hope so guys 😉
Theo:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leyton_Orient_F.C.
Hoorah for Crawley Town nearly pulling off a replay and providing that extra thorn in Manure’s side that we need. I’m off on a six day sojourn to Merry Olde Mexico and a brief hiatus to my brutal Minnesota winter so cheerio and hasta la Cerveza cup next Sunday when it will be time to brandish the brooms on the brummies. In the meantime keep our boys’ heels to the fire so we’ll see the proper result against Orient and Stuck City.
Unlike Paul Ashworth, I wouldn’t sod 50 grand a year for a contract with Orient. After all, at this rate, one might need 50,000 pounds just to get into Wembley for the Champions League Final! UEFA? In my country, we have a name for them: Extortionists.
TvN – Just when I thought you were one of the good guys 😀
Man U and Chelsea are definitely on the 1st of March, meaning they have an away fixture at Marseille, coming back to England to play Wigan away, then Chelsea away and then Liverpool away.
I like that, that can be our breakthrough:)!
Magic, Snir. Thanks!
MtS – thanks for the link. I bet one could get some good Chinese in Leyton though. Cantonese chow mein sounds good to me.
SG – I believe that upcoming ManU road trip is what BtM refers to as “the gurgler”. I say that said gurling activities are about to commence.
The O’s have long been my second side in London. Always had a soft spot for them. I was fortunate to play there some years back in my pre tubby days in a charity game. So my hope is for a convincing Arsenal victory, no injuries and loads of dosh in the O’s pocket.
Like you holic I agree with rotation but not wholesale changes. I expect nothing less though, especially after the exploits of Weds night and the fact that we have to welcome that twat Shawcross to the Grove on Wednesday evening.
The O’s are on a great run at the moment and should not be taken lightly. However we should have more than enough to seal a comfortable victory.
Ticket prices will never change. FIFA and UEFA are self satisfying pigs that are only concerned with ensuring their trough is full to the brim. It is a big boys network that cares not a jot about the normal fan. Perhaps if the Champs League Final was played on front of a half full stadium then they may take notice. But we all know that that is not going to happen. They care about nothing except themselves and until that changes then nothing else will change.
Keep the faith.
SG – wrt either Ray or Paul, I say both. That is, I hope they both roll their ankles and are out for the rest of the season. Call me an equal opportunist.
I believe ManU can get a good start on their road trip with a loss at Marseille following with a draw at the Pie Munchers …
TvN: none of those two handball situations that you mentioned should have been penalties. There is still a very common misconception that the ball hitting the arm/hand is automatically a penalty but that is very far from the case. And contrary to popular belief, the rules are actually quite simple:
1. Was the arm/hand in a natural position?
2. Was there time to react and move the arm/hand out of the way?
If the answer to the first one is NO, then it is a penalty regardless of the second question. If the anser is YES to both questions, it is a penalty. If it is YES and NO it is not a penalty.
For the first one, there are two reasons not to call it because not only does Djourou try to get his hand out of the way (meaning it is not intentional, so no penalty), the pass makes it through to Pedro anyway who is one on one with Szczesny which means that even if it would have been a punishable handball the ref shall play the advantage and since Pedro got his shot away it means he also got the advantage so, again, no penalty.
The second one is not a penalty either because Arshavin is clearly trying to head the ball and also does – but he slightly misdirects his header onto his hand which is in a fully natural position. He had no chance to move his hand out of the way so no penalty there either.
Morning All!
MtS ‘ #61,
Another good one, cheers! Yes, let’s hope we create our very own ‘Murder at the Orient’s Expense’ this afternoon.
Lars ‘ #70,
Tak for the excellent explanation of the penalty rules which are so randomly applied by the meninblack e.g. the penalty decision against Clichy at The Old Toilet in December. I’m hoping we get an equally controversial one at The Grove in April which causes SAF’s nose to explode and Shrek to do a lying down paddy on the turf like a toddler in a supermarket.
Enjoy the match everyone and have yourselves a rip-roaring red Sunday! 🙂
PS: Any ‘Holics in the bar lucky enough to have gotten one of those 9,721 tickets? (cf: BtM @ #6)
I’m confused about the ‘Pedro’ penalty talk.
For all the replays I’ve seen, it’s actually Pedro who handles the ball.
Or is love blind?
Let’s hope L Orient tonight are not as good as Lorient yesterday.
An early coffee for me please, playing football later.
Or are we talking about a different Pedro incident that now seem to recall. Quite possibly.
Bah, who cares now? 🙂
Right in front of us Ollie. Clear handball by Pedro, no foul.
Ollie, this one is the situation in the first half when Messi subsequently had his goal flagged off for offside. On the replay from the camera behind the goal you can see the ball take a slight, slight touch on Djourou’s hand.
“You are a complete and utter disgrace, UEFA.”
Absolutely right, Goonerholic. In a recession, as well. Greed to the point of madness.
I understand and share to some extent your anxiety about excessive rotation but on the other hand, the “second team” seemed to have found a better balance last time around, some individuals have played themselves back into form and we won the last match they played – with 10 men. There are also quite a few players who really need the games – Squillaci, Denilson and Rosicky chief amongst them. And many of those who played on Wednesday will be absolutely knackered, so with a physical game today and midweek, rotation is essential. We’ve got where we’ve got because we have been able to avoid injuries and haven’t had to risk tired players or the walking wounded. And the team you have mooted is a strong team, as long as (IMO) Fab or Nasri is in that midfield to orchestrate. It’s such a pity Diaby is still suspended.
We can’t take todays result for granted. The O’s have already disposed of two very good Championship sides. We know le Boss will ‘rotate’, I hope there isn’t a change too far but with effort, commitment and concentration we should get the result we all want.
UEFA disgust me and Blatter reminds of a particularly seedy second hand car salesman; the sort that looks you straight in the eye and says something like, “As God’s my witness only one careful lady owner, regular servicing and low mileage”. Later you discover a worn out clutch, stitched up body work and an engine that needs a pint of oil every hundred miles.
More good news from the flat lands of Norfolk – Lansbury scored a cracker yesterday at Elland Road, which makes it three goals in four games. Me thinks he could be useful on his return to The Grove.
@ Norfolk #77,
Well said, would love to see Henri back in the team ASAP to help us to keep pushing on four fronts. Couldn’t help but think he would be particularly useful in a game like today’s. Another “new signing” for this season?
PS from TS: Sepp Splatter is president of FIFA but all the same comments and observations apply 😉
TS
good morning to you, yep I’m one of the lucky ones, on way there now, meeting some mates at Stratford then walking rest of way, thirsty work that walking lark so will be stopping for refreshments at every pub we come across. Drink?
Glennw
You star, going to Brisbane Road and offering me a drink, top fella! Pint of Carling please.
I used to go to Orient for the odd game in my youth as I had a good school mate who was a fanatical Os supporter. I remember two things about the place:
1) It was a bit of sh*thole back then which made me feel very fortunate whenever I went to Highbury.
2) It was a great craic. I recall a large and very funny Os supporter, I think his name was Charlie and he may have also been a groundsman at the time. I remember one partculalry funny spat he had once with a fellow female supporter. They were both giving it large to each other and everyone around them was having a chuckle. Happy days….
Let’s hope today brings us happy memories too for all the right reasons.
COYRRRs!
Glennw you are a lucky dog.
TS,
only been once before, a testimonial for one of the orient backroom staff I think, if memory serves me right a 1-0 win and peter Nicholas(arghhh) debut, had a few beers in a pub on leyton high rd (coach&horses?) hope today is as enjoyable.
Bt8bnn,
a lucky dog indeed, hopefully witnessing a lucky season.
Norfolk @ 77, thanks for the continuing updates on Henri. I’ve found that Young Guns does a weekly review of all of the loanees. It’s interesting to note that Henri is pretty much the only “started and played all 90 minutes”. That augurs well – i.e. he’s already a Championship level player. I’m confident he’ll challenge for a place in our magical mid-field
Cesc, Song, Jack, Denilson, Diaby, Ramsey, Lansbury, Frimpong,
Picking three from that eight every week won’t be easy. Henri and Frimpong should afford Alex Song a bit more time on the bench. No one else is really god enough for the DM role in adversity. And, when you need to win every game, adversity seems to be the reference point these days.
Eastmond on the other hand can’t seem to get a game at Charlton. Strange. And Vela isn’t setting the heather alight at West Brom either. Stranger.
Holics,
Anyone sitting twiddling their thumbs waiting for our kick off?
Suggest you go to MyP2P.com and pick up any one of the many streams there showing the Old Firm game there. Celtic winning 1-0 after about fifteen minutes. Unfortunately Bartley not playing – but worth a squint, definitely.
Regarding Vela at West Brom – I wonder if he is suffering because of the change of manager? Perhaps Hodgson isn’t so keen? It’s a worry to see him on the bench. I’m really rooting for him. Likewise JET at Cardiff – come on, force your way into that starting 11!
Greetings all and welcome to the cauldron of E10. I have been up all night channeling the football spirits of Peter Kitchen and Joe Mayo to flow through our forwards today but without the dodgy mustaches !!
Praying for no deflected goals (shakes fist at Supermac,no dubious goal panels back then huh).
I have to believe in my boys but I am a realist and hope we put a good show on. We do not have the philosophy of “get stuck into them they don’t like it” as we do try to play football but I feel we may need to let one or two know we are there. We have a wonderful little ground and a great grounds keeping staff so the it should flow and the atmosphere will be great.
Off for a shower then down to a British Pub to watch with a bunch of your lot. Enjoy the game fellas and how about a Scott Mcgleish late leveler to send us to the Emirates at 1-1
vela scored for west brom in a 1-1 draw.
paddy scored for man citeh.
the signs say the gooners in the arsenal shirt will continue the trend today, right?
BTM @ 86 – Bartley played for 90 mins in midfield. I thought he was a centre back?
Was booked for his first tackle and probably a bit inhibited after that. Passed the ball quite tidily but generally nothing special.
Any team news yet for the REAL game?
paddy scored again 😀
this IS a sign of good things to come!
BTM @ 85 – I to would love to see Ramsey, Lansbury and Frimpong back at The Grove and challenging for places in the team. I recall being very impressed with Frimpong preseason before his injury. Paul Grant thinks a lot of Henri Lansbury and I think will play him in every game as long as he remains fit and continues to work hard and contribute in the way that he has so far. This can only be good for his Arsenal career.
Like you I’m surprised about Eastmond because I thought he had a bit about him before his move away. Can’t say I’m surprised about Vela though who I think flatters to deceive and in spite of his obvious talent I fear he may be one player who fails to make it to the very top level.
I’m a great fan of JET and I hope he makes it to our first team.
I’m writing this because I’m bored with Citeh! (Manchester not Norwich).
If we beat Leyton, we get the mancs in the next round!
WOOHOO!
MAN IOU away if we beeat the O’s!!!!
Lars @ 70,
In both of those situations both JD and AA had their hands and arms away from their sides (therefore, susceptible to a penalty being awarded) and the ball struck their hands/arms at that time. When this happens the defender is attaining an advantage. Intention has nothing to do with awarding a penalty. The reason defenders often hold their arms behind their bodies (in an unnatural position) is to avoid just such penalty calls. While I’m not saying that both should have been called penalties, I’ve seen both situations called before many times. Neither JD & AA had their arms in to their bodies. We were fortunate to get away with one and especially so to get away with both. It is hard for the referee to make these close calls for a side away from home and we must salute our 12th man that day for that. Had this match been at the Camp Nou then the AA hand ball would have been called.
Anyway, I’ll leave the issue for now.
Team in full: Almunia, Sagna, Squillaci, Miquel, Gibbs, Song, Denilson, Arshavin, Bendtner, Chamakh, Rosicky
We’re going to ManU after Orient. We keep getting the hard draws but I like this one. It would be great to beat them at their own place with a full squad.
Man U have been riding their luck since the beginning of the season and playing some dreadful football along the way.
Shall we be the ones to finally find them out?
If we play with a full strength side, I think we can easily beat them.
😀
I hope we could finish Orient and go to OT to pay the debt there and keep our season flying high…
COYRRR!!!
We will play with a full strength side but I’m wary of decisions they’ll get. I’m sure they’ll get at least one penalty. At least.
One other thing is that it’s 4 days after the Barca 2nd leg, we’ll be very tired but could be very buoyed by progressing or by playing our hearts out against the world’s best with dignity.
This is SO our season.
@Snir
Let’s put it this way:
If I were a Man U fan (Henry forbid), I’d be rooting for orient BIG TIME.
You’re also bang-on about the peLanties the Scum always seem to get against just about anyone in the country.
Well, we’re not there yet.
COME ONE ARSENAL!!
Come on you Yellows!!!
Drinks for the bar please.
Do you think anyone has packed a pair of shooting boots?
I was hoping you was in the crowd Steve, I bet Arsene’s looking for ya at this moment.
With the way things are going today we might get another replay …
Even when he doesn’t make any blunders, the very presence of Almunia in goal is making me nervous.
The other sad reality is, in order to click, we really need Cesc on the pitch.
Cesc’s presence would be enough to instill some confidence and composure into this team and make them play better.
The question is: can we afford to take a risk with him?
I don’t know.
Barman, something strong por favor. Preferably somethiing that will trick my brain into believing that CZSZCSZSCZNY is in goal, and our passing is crisp enough.
Barry Hearn would explode with an over jizzed orgasm if that happens TvN.
I wouldn’t really want us to have to play a replay, but I wouldn’t begrudge the O’s the dosh that it would generate for them.
Rosicky worries me.
On the plus side, young Miguel looks comfortable enough.
Drinks for the lads please to ease our nerves.
COYRR…..eh…Y’s
Kyle Bartley played in a DM role in the Old Firm game at Parkhead today. That’s one hell of a way to start your Rangers loan. I thought he gave a reasonable account of himself as I don’t think he’s ever played that role fr Arsenal or Sheffirld U.
He was supposed to be shielding Rangers aging CB, David Weir (at least according to the commentary team they had up there). Weir looks truely past it and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Kyle getting more starts in his own position.
In the meantime, a few outings in the DM role should bring the 19 year old on. Won’t be long before we see him playing in a red shirt alongside the excellent young 18 year old who started at Orient today.
Rosicky!
With the head too!
Yesssssssss!!!
Thanks for making me look silly Tomas.
Do it again please.
HAHAHAHAHAH
Rosicky!
H2H. You needed 50 away credits. The most I have ever known. I am tempted to head down there with my boots.
And the moment I say that…….
A Tommy header? About as rare as Bendtner controlling it.
Miquel is looking fine. Spanish quality that. I’m more concerned about Squillaci and Almunia …
What next? A Squilacci scissor kick into the top corner?
Ha Ha.
Substitutes? Time for El Capitan to steady the ship into harbour me thinks …
Squilacci nose best.
That’s using your head Squid. That’s your best defending all year …
Hang in their Squid! You’re part of the squad too!
Come on you Gunners!!! No replays and let’s pay Old Red Nose a visit!
Little Ruskie off the post. Oh so close to sealing it.
Fuck me!!!
FUCK!
Split Miquel and Gibbs. Son of a bitch. When’s the replay anyone?
No one to blame but ourselves, we should of closed it out when we had the chance, too many were anonymous.
Well doe the O’s, your coffers will be filled.
Oh it was coming all along!
Let’s just say, our second team is SHIT!
I hate replays
Should have put on Cesc …
I guess that replay will be right next to the Barça 2nd leg. It might actually work out in our favour. Better Barça & Orient then Barça & ManU back to back and a likely watered down team against ManUre. We’ll beat Orient at home and then play ManIOU later on with a full squad. That’s the optimist in me.
Otherwise, fuck me sideways! Another damn replay!!!
Well, well here we go again, from a high to yet another low.
Wrong tactics, no subbs blame no one else but Wenger, I know I would. It’s a real shame beacuse he talked about showing the same attitude, hold on surely that wasn’t it was it now?
Orient were shit be we allowed to plaey their game, second string team and they fall apart, not good enough for Arsenal for sure!
Will we ever learn?
I know we need to rotate but come on ……this was abysmall
How many shots on goal did Almunia have to save?
I know he’s not responsible for the goal, but you cannot rely on him for winning you games.
Meh!
Well done Orient.
One more game for our first teamers to pick up injuries! YAY!
Gunners doing it the hard way again….
The 2nd leg (as if we need it) should be a formality at the Emirate.
‘Holic knows best. Way too many changes in the line-up. There’s rotation… and then there’s rOtation.
Come on you Reds. (er Yellows)
Think the replay will be on 2nd..
Calm down guys. We had to rest the first team. So we’ll play another replay, there are worse things. We should have progressed but it’s not the end of the world, we’re not out of the cup.
Better yet, I’m sure a rested first team will batter Stoke on Wednesday and the 2nd team will beat Orient at home after the 1st team (hopefully) won the CC.
There are worse things (like fielding a 2nd team and losing at Stoke to get out of the cup).
ATG
To be fair, I don’t think it was an attitude problem; our second string just ain’t good enough.
Somebody please euthanize Almunia. We all need the misery to come to an end.
At risk of getting myself in trouble with the holics, I’m not disappointed by the result at all. After watching Orient work their socks off for 90 minutes, I found myself applauding their equalizer. They deserve a big payday at the Emirates. We will crush them anyway and then we have United in the quarters. Well done Leyton Orient!
And since Arsene likes to save a pence, maybe we can line Almunia & Squillacci back to back and use just one bullet.
@133
Agree with you re: Almunia.
As far as the 2nd team not eing good enough. Talent wise they are good enough but they are devoid of any passion whatsoever. Kinda makes a case for a couple English squad players to bring a little grit and effort.
Not a great performance, though in the FA Cup of late we’re in good company there (Man City at Notts County a few weeks ago, Man Utd yesterday). Gives us an extra game we could have done without, but we’re still in it and just have to deal with the replay. Time to pick ourselves up for Wednesday and the thugs of Stoke.
Not the end of the world but if we have injuries and have to depend on any of the 9 players(save Song and Arshavin) who played today, then we will be in trouble. Today’s team reminds me of the Arsenal of the last couple of years, too many passes with no end product. Fingers crossed we don’t have injuries to our 1st 11.
There, there everyone.
These things happen.
I mean, AW completely respected Orient by fielding a team strong enough to win, no wait…
TV5 – That’s not completely true since installing change or two is a lot different than 10 wholesale changes.
The 2nd team don’t play together a lot therefore no end product, cause they haven’t gelled together.
True Snir.
Lets not get too carried away lads, especially with the “we were shit” talk, because we weren’t. We controlled the game but failed to close it out, it happens. These are our fringe and reserve players, if they played week in, week out with each other then things would be different. Add one or two of those players (at a time) to the first team and they’d probably cope, but wholesale changes rarely work.
It’s a good lesson for them, although admitedly they should of known better.
A round of San Miguels as a toast to Iggy who I thoiught popped in nicely on his debuet.
Cheers.
SG – I see your point but from the team that played today, how many would you say are good enough to be in our 1st 11 to play regularly besides Song, Arshavin and Sagna. Assuming they are given a chance to play.
Again this is not the end of the world. Could be worse. United lost to Leeds at home last season. It will just be inconvinient to our busy fixture.
Denilson>>>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-z608llKPc
I haven’t caught up with everything, but what TV5 said sounds right to me.
The bright side with an extra game via a replay is that Diaby’s ban will end sooner. That being said, he’s likely to remain injured.
I second a toast to the young Spaniard. He played fine from what I saw.
Thanks Ollie. How about a drink of your choice on me.
Bottom line, we are still on course on all four fronts which no team can say that. Life is good this season. Lets hope it ends that way.
Evening Holics,
Disappointing? Embarassing? Annoying even? Of course, but glad to see that many here remain the voices of reason. It’s no disaster, we’re still in 4 competitions.
We bossed most of the game. Took the lead and then did our usual ‘we like doing things the hard way’ routine.
Quite a few postives from today:
Ignasi Miquel got his first senior game.
Rosicky back on the scoresheet.
A well rested A-team to show Pubis, Lennie and co. how to play football on Wednesday night.
Wonderful next draw and a chance to show Manure that we can win again at The Old Toilet.
The Os get a decent payday and they deserve it – as well as their trip to Las Vegas.
Life ain’t so bad.
This time next week we could have a trophy to parade. 🙂
Lads, the replay is in 10 days time, March 2nd.
Ts knows. An unusual lager for me, thanks TV5
Clearly, a 10 man rotation is an ask too much. It wasn’t for 87 minutes though [rolls eyes]
So it works like this, a CC final, a replay 3 days later, Sunderland at home 3 days after that, then Barca away 4 days after that.
So, for me, a half rotation against the O’s, rotate the other half v the Mackems, as near full strength then to Barca… Ooooh but if we get through against the O’s then yes, we’ll have Man U away 3 days later.
Step forward you mighty Gunners!