Any Other Result Would Have Been Arsh On Wilshere And Koscielny
Feb 17th, 2011 by 'holic
It doesn’t get much better than that. I’m home, smiling inwardly, sipping some particularly pleasant malt. On the train home I have relived the game in my head, and now I’m looking forward to the highlights on ATvO.
The whole day has been a blast, from the 2.30 train up and a chat with Darren, of Arsenal-Land fame, through a very tasty half gallon of the black stuff pre-match with some top arsebloggers, and then a perfect view of the game from behind the goal at the Clock End.
Straight up I have to give massive credit to the crowd, truly the twelfth man tonight. They seemed to cajole the best out of Arsenal in the opening phase, and then stayed behind the team when Barca threatened to take control for the rest of the half. Theo Walcott started strongly and Barca took a while to settle into the pace of the contest, but when they did we needed to show a degree of resilience at the back. Messi, almost inevitably, had their first clear chance but chipped wide of the far post. He would not get a better chance as he was quite magnificently shackled by mainly Laurent Koscielny for the bulk of the game.
On the counter Arsenal were denied when Abidal got to a Fabregas cross before van Persie at the far post, and not long after they had the lead. From eighty yards away there were mutterings about offside when Villa found himself one on one with Szczesny, and these became louder when the goal was not replayed on the big screens. You can’t really tell from the other end, and in truth Barca deserved it at that stage. Some of their gamesmanship rankles, but when they knock the ball about they are a joy to watch.
At the half we discussed putting Arshavin on to try and keep Alves back in his own half more often. Too often the Brazilian was the out-ball for his team-mates. Instead though we just raised our level to that of the visitors. Particularly impressive in exalted company was Jack Wilshere. On the way home a mate suggested Barca are more likely to come knocking on our door for him than Cesc. They will get the same response. He just shaded Kos for man of the match from block 24.
With just over twenty minutes remaining Arsene Wenger made a brave substitution that would turn the game on its head. On the face of it Arshavin for Song was a risk, but a first-half booking for Song had him walking a tightrope. Nasri switched to the centre, then to the right when Walcott made way for Bendtner. Arsenal relied on the defenders to defend, which they did, and threw caution to the wind. It paid rich dividends.
The leveller, twelve minutes from the end, was down to a combinationย of a magnificent van Persie strike from the tightest of angles, and the poor reactions at the near post of Valdes. It was fitting that the Barca ‘keeper should contribute after his behaviour in the first half, waving imaginary cards for every Arsenal foul. The volume button in the ground was cranked up from eleven to twelve.
I had said beforehand that both sides would have spells of dominance in the game and the result would be determined by who was more decisive with their spells of possession. Credit the pretty patterns that Barca weaved, particularly in the first-half, but the much-maligned Arsenal defence remained strong and largely in control. Having grabbed the equaliser Arsenal capitalised on their boldness in the later stages when Nasri fed Arshavin and the little Russian struck magnificently. A month ago that would have ended in the upper tier, but the old Arshavin is back, and very welcome he is too.
So the bookies were proven to be overly generous with their 3/1 against Arsenal at home, but there is no doubt with an away goal behind them the Catalans will be favourites to progress at the Camp Nou. That will be the subject of another blog. All I will say for now is that we have laid the Barca bogey to rest, and a similar side would doubtless have the belief that we are more than capable of getting at least a share of the spoils out there. Jack Wilshere and Laurent Koscielny deserve no less.
Up The Arsenal.
264 Responses to “Any Other Result Would Have Been Arsh On Wilshere And Koscielny”
First ?!
A very late post ‘holic….Top man!
Of all the times I’ve missed North London tonight would rank highly….lovely to hear your account. Nothing (at all) beats a come from behind win late on…the last 15 minutes were simply magic.
Our Pole in Goal had a strong strong match also….
Did you hear me yelling from the desert?
…By far the greatest team the world has ever seen…
Holic I wouldn’t know you if you bumped into me but I’m very happy for you that you got to witness that match . Never been to a match myself so I have to live through you and your posts. Great job , now I’m going to watch the replay on FSC. PS for some good laughs check out total barca blog lolololol
As a Canadian who happens to be four hours behind the Arsenal, I was stuck at the office for the entirety of the match, and forced to rely on the (excellent) Arseblog liveblog. The amount of emotion that can be caused simply by a few words here and there is astonishing, as I was losing my mind when we were down, and losing it further when we were up. The added bonus of a large cash payout for correcting calling the Valencia/Spuds/Newcastle and Arsenal games only made things better (if that were possible).
Really starting to believe in the boys now. My only fear is that the high of beating Barca lasts too long, and they don’t focus properly for the equally important match against Orient.
If you heard Tim from the desert what about my screams from HK?
A truly magnificent performance and all credit to Jack Wilshere, it’s hard to believe he is only 19 and to Laurent Koscielny who I don’t think put a foot wrong.
As you said ‘holic welcome back Arshy.
I arrive in London on Friday 25th. Hope I can get a ticket for CCF.
Still I am staying on for the Sunderland game the following Saturday.
It wasn’t off side ‘holic, and the one they haddisallowed was also marginal at best. We hung on in though and you could see Barca’s boys begin to tire.
Some real performers out there tonight plus a Pique missing the second leg bonus. We can do this!
Over in the US at the moment so I had to watch in an Irish Pub with Palm Trees outside. The place went ballistic when we scored. Great performance, for me MOM was Kos, Wilshere was pretty close and all the team came out with credit. The great atmosphere at the Grove came across strongly. Hopefully this will convince the guys that they can go head to head with the best, I have a sneaking feeling that we can overhaul Man U this season (injuries & suspensions permitting). Can’t wait for the 2nd leg…
@Ns Gooner …. We are going to destroy Orient, win the Carling Cup, knock out Barca and catch the mancs in that order. Confidence was the missing piece to our puzzle
I just trolled the living shit out of Total Barca blog.
#10 lol me too! I love the calls for bojan to start over messi. Talk about fickle
@ Duttlenheim- I don’t doubt it, especially since we’ll probably see some fresh faces in Chamakh and Sagna. I don’t doubt the squad, I just happen to be horribly pessimistic in the run up to games. If Arsenal show up, the game is won. We’ve just seen in the past that they’ve been guilty of not respecting lower division teams, and I hope they’ve learnt their lesson from Leeds and Ipswitch.
The media is still unable to shake off their bias and give the gunners due credit for the victory. Richard Williams is a dumbass.
I have been shamelessly trawling the blogosphere as well – only Man U fans acknowledge our feat whereas our neighbours are still ranting about the handbags.
Holic. Can you cut and paste my post at 195 in the last blog and post it here please? I am trying to type this on my phone and can not do it using this. Thank you.
And what a night?
@ Steve T, here you go:
Just got back now. What a night. The grove was jumping.
I thought tonight we played with massive Bollocks. Really massive Bollocks. Make no bones about it Barca are a top side. The way they kept the ball and moved it about was superb at times. We went through phases were we gave it away too cheaply. But no ones head dropped. Everyone fought as if their life depended on it. Barca hunt in packs and put us under considerable pressure. But it counted for nothing. By thunder they know they have been in a game tonight.
I agree with the comments above. Kos was a giant. The best game he has had for us by a county mile. Jack was different class. They trebled up on him and he took the piss. Xavi? DNA? Does that stand for did not appear? Jack had him in his pocket.
Fantastic evening. Dr C. I hope you are giving it large over there. Oh, and anyone got any rennies? Loads of little Spuds are likely to need them having over indulged on humble pie.
Keep the faith.
Hoping this can be the making of the team. Usually more lessons are learnt from a defeat and last year we learnt a lot. But I think a lot will be learned from this victory and if we use it well we can really step up a level or three. We’ll go into the second leg with some belief and we’ll really need to pull out the best performance possible to have a chance there. Whatever the result in that match we’ll hopefully raise our game on a more consistent basis. Final words: Jack Wilshere.
Just watched the highlights Snail. No offside for their goal, agreed. Messi way off for the header. Just about the only two decisions the ref got right all night ๐
Don’t go flaming Barca blogs people. There is the little matter of a difficult return leg, and they are a very good side to watch, no matter how despicable they can be at times.
…and thank you Mr Gooner ๐
I was at the game tonight and have to say the crowd were awesome! Also kos was brilliant he read the game so well and at times looked like TA6! well done the lad, jack he didn’t look out of place against the much decorated midfielders he was up against!
Now the belief I’d there who knows what can happen over in Barca!
So proud of the lads tonight!!
Excellent stuff again ‘holic. I want to give a shout out for Wojciech as well. He’s 20, playing in, I think, his first ever Champions League tie. He’s played less than 15 premier League games as well. I thought he was excellent. He deserves credit for staying up when Messi was through and making himself big, forcing Messi to shoot wider than he would have liked. Generally he commanded his area, came out well and distributed the ball much better than he was even a month ago.
I think we have a top keeper for the next 15 years or more on our hands.
My buddy is a huge Man United fan (yes, not sure why we’re friends) who is currently watching the match without prior knowledge of the result. Told me ahead of time he’s hoping for Barca, but he just texted me five minutes in saying he changed his mind, and can’t help cheering for the Arse. Glad to know even our rivals are supporting us.
Anyone know when the match becomes available on Arsenal TV? I’m four hours behind GMT, so I may just stay up tonight to watch it when it becomes available.
Buzzing right now…
Can’t sleep even though I wasn’t at the grove this time.
Glad the blog was up tonight though ๐
Barman, I’m sure you’ve got something against euphoria-induced insomnia.
Thanks
NS. Thank you.
Sorry holic but those cocky bastards were predicting a ” manita ” ( 5-0 win ) so they have to take a little shit tonight lol
Arsenal TV feed is up- here we go!
NS Gooner, it is already on ATvO. I just watched the highlights.
Evening iOllie ๐
Time for some kip.
G’night all.
Great game. I too am in the US so watched the game live after taking the afternoon off work!
After the first half I thought that we were dead and buried but a great second half.
The second leg is going to be very difficult but should be a hell of a game.
Spare a thought for me holics, my stream cut out at around 65 mins – went over my download quota and my internet got cut off. Followed the rest on arseblog live text and was shattered that I missed seeing the goals, what a wonderful result though. Hopefully they have belief from that performance and do the business in the 2nd leg.
Better make it a Guiness.
Pique’s suspension will prove critical I’m sure.
A yid here! Well done your lot – England pride and N London pride. We’ve beaten the tops of both the Italian and Spanish leagues within 24 hours.
Oh dear not sure about sharing the joy with post 30 but Kossers and Willlers were shared MOTM tonight. Thought VanP was off his game until he smashed that one thru the near post. Amazing, unexpected fightback… it’s wide open now and we can look forward to the 2nd leg as a massive occasion rather than the feared for finishing off. We can do it now.
Not too proud to say I cried .
Love you Arsenal, we really do.
@Sajit
I’m not going to pretend I wasn’t close. And I’m all the way over here in the States.
Nights (or afternoons, in my case) like that are what make sport great. Win or lose I’m always proud to claim the Arsenal, but tonight…wow. So proud of the boys.
snuck out of work for 40 min after i thought we were surely out. possibly most exciting half of football i’ve seen.
woodford reserve on ice
Nope. Still can’t get any sleep ๐
Fantastic writeup as always, ‘holic. A toast to you, and the 60,000 other Gooners at the Grove tonite who made this match the 1st of many truly unforgettable nights in the new stadium.
I know some of you may point to the win over United a few seasons ago when Sammy scored twice, or the win over Chelsea on Cashley’s return, or when we beat Chelsea in December, but there was just something different tonite.
After Villa’s goal I would have been happy to take the 0-1 and tip my hat to Barca. But the spirit of the crowd and the players never dropped, there was no trace of the anxiety we’ve all seen afflict our team after conceding an early goal in a big game at home.
No one exemplified our maturation more than Super Jack. What a fucking player we have here. His touch, movement, vision, composure, and most of all his heart made him the best player in a midfield battle that included 4 World Cup winners and 2 Ballon D’or finalists. And he just turned 19.
Kos simply played as he has been playing for the last 2 months. And that is definitely a good thing. His pace and reading of the game is excellent right now, and he is just as composed and cultured on the ball as that twat Pique.
And a word for our left back too. After being frozen in a Messi-enduced stupor to keep Villa onside for their goal, he was outstanding. He rendered Pedro irrelevant, all while keeping an eye on Alves’ runs around the outside of him. And a chocolate leg assist too!
6 bottles in total downed before and during the match. 2 slices of Pizza afterwards. And now for a few more celebratory bottles of Bass to put me to sleep dreaming of more Gooner glory.
Orient…you’re next!
Still buzzing here in SF. I don’ think I’m going to get any sleep tonight.
I can say nothing that hasn’t already been said, except, Fuck me! That was one great game! I’ll have a pint of anything, followed by another, and another, etc.
Good to see the US fans up there. Make no mistake Arsenal fans from ‘down under’ are out there. Whilst we cannot be there physically- we are part of the global world wide support fan base for the Arsenal team.
Home games at the Arsenal stadium: the new Mecca
The DVD can’t come out fast enough! I’ll buy 2!!!
Please read this blog from a Barca supporter point of view, Football is a bitch but today Barca is our bitch
http://www.barcelonafootballblog.com/6654/arsenal-2-barcelona-1-aka-people/
Just watched the game via DVR, lucky to be in Chicago where no one knew spit about the result. What else can you say about Kos and Jack?…..unbelievable. The little Russian is back, such a sublime finish like just another day at the office. The management registered two serious complaints due to my vocal out-of-body experience after the two goals but the TV was so loud all I heard was a mumble. I live for this shit. Orient, your next.
Hi Holic
Watched the game here in NZ with my son and his girlfriend. Nearly ejaculated when Arshavin scored the winner.Barca are an incredible side- not good enough to beat The Arse though!
Belter of a game from start to finish .Jack and Kos stand out players for me– everyone did well though — even Eboue!!!
The joint was jumping here Down Under– never been more proud to be a Gooner!!
how good is our goalkeeper, the sky is truely the limit. bravo jack, already a champion!!!
great game, gooners. just finished watching it on the dvr (couldn’t get the time to watch during the workday), and was in heaven, screaming my head off for arsha’s goal. barca wasn’t clinical, but neither were we, and i think it’s a very fair result.
am i right thinking any 1-goal barca win OTHER THAN 1-0 or 2-1 gets us through on away goals (i.e., 3-2 barca we’re tied on aggregate but we have 2 away to their 1)? so they’ve got to beat us by 2 clear or shut us out…otherwise we win or it goes to extra time/pennos… what a brilliant position to be in!
@scruz …. 2-1 loss at Barca sends us to extra time. Any score but a 1-0 loss and we are still alive
Cheers, ‘holic.
Good read as always.
Great game & all credit to Arsenal for coming back, Wilshere & Kos undeniably excellent…but let’s be fair & acknowledge that Messi was NOT offside, he was behind the ball when Villa shot…0-2 early on might have made all the difference…
What a game! I watched it in a hotel here in Abuja, and all through the 1st half there were Manure and Chav fans taking the piss. The way they cheered when Villa scored made me wish for something to ram down their throats at full time, and boy, did we deliver!
Jack was amazing. How many times did he receive the ball and do that little spin away from Xavi and Iniesta? Speaking of which, was Iniesta actually on the pitch last night? He barely got a kick.
Once again, a ref books our prime DM in the first half of a Barca game for a nothing challenge, thereby inhibiting him for the rest of the time he spends on the pitch, but credit to the lads for working around that.
Kozzer was magnificent as well. Perhaps all those who slammed Arsene for signing an ‘unknown’ “Phrench” defender at the start of the season can put their hands up so we can slap them. Muppets.
Also, it was great to see Guardiola out-coached and out-thought by our wily Prof. His substitutions were spot on, and Big Game Bendtner certainly changed the way Barca approached the game, and he barely got a kick himself!
At the final whistle, a fellow Gooner in our Redcurrant kit just sat there and cried. And I was able to tell the Manure fans one thing: “That’s how you fucking play football.”
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!!
I am delighted that Nasri makes the perfect result by his pass and playing good since he comes from injuries.
Ozzie – Messi was offside. I too thought he was onside but looked at it 50 times already and Pedro actually shoots a ball that Szczesny saves and from the save the ball hits Pedro and comes to Messi. That is deemed Offsides as Messi was off when the ball hit Pedro off Szczesny.
Unbelievable game, from the US so I was in my front lawn screaming at five in the afternoon when Arshavin scored. And for the disallowed Messi, the ball hit Villa again after Szczesny saved it, and Messi was offsides then. No idea if the assistant caught that though…
I loved the atmosphere at the Grove. The flags, the noise…brilliant! Even from miles away on a stream.
Eboue didn’t do too badly I thought…Except for one moment in which he literally passed it to Messi from defense, for him to pick it up and hit the side netting… Heart in mouth moment that!
Cheers all
Nice to read all the drinks after a night like that
some of my favorite moments from the night:
unbridled joy in wenger’s face:
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01o7bJa0r6fxg/610x.jpg
the russian reminding us that cares…and loves to win: http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/03mW2hmaCl4SS/610x.jpg
gooners finding their voices at the grove:
http://arsenalist.com/video/?id=xh2ehx
Great write up ‘holic. Brilliant result. Koz & Jack were immense. Young Szczesny had an amazing CL debut & great to have Arshavin & Nasri back. They all showed “mental strength” tonight, an unbelievable comeback. Great to hear the Emirates rocking. Hopefully we can keep this level of consistency going.
I’ve re-watched the 2nd half, I enjoyed it that much.
I was overcome with joy when Arshavin scored. Good decision from Nasri to pick him out.
I think Szczesny has a case for man of the match. Maybe I’m carried away, but I wouldn’t trade him for anyone.
We can still say Wilshere was the best player in a red shirt, though. (Although honestly Fabregas was really good too).
Koscielny is great. He looks like a defender with quick enough feet to stop Messi, which is hard to imagine; but, he played Messi onside for Messi’s narrow miss early on, and could have conceded a penalty against Pedro. He also had a bunch of stops and clearances, so a great match, but not in my running for MotM.
great post holic, it was 3.30 here in india and i had no intention of sleeping, my reaction to the 2nd goal was similar to szcsesny, what a beauty!! can’t remember how many times i’ve watched the replay, and btw, i believe jack is the difference b\w this year & last.
@Gedo (42) – Great post, from Chitown, no less. I fear it may be an Americanism to use “shit” with such positive connotations, but there you go.
Absolutely @rd – there’s no way Denilson will ever see the first XI. You have to feel for Ramsey though.
@433 – anybody who can shackle Messi goes straight into the running for MotM. Kos was a monster last night, and what some of us thought was merely a rough diamond is now going to give Verm a hard challenge for first team spot, and that takes some doing.
Looking forward to seeing Sagna back again – he will definitely improve us.
What a game!
I was so nervous I took the day off, no need faking work. Went to a sports bar and settled in a lounge with a group of english lads, Scousers, Mancs and a Spud. All of them were rooting for Arsenal, even the Spud, that was a good start.
I was so pumped up I groaned like a bear when RvP shot at Valdes, so loud it made the pretty waitress spill one of the beers on the Spud. She avoided me big time afterward.
At the beginning, for all the pre-games declarations of intent, I thought we were pretty nervous and gave the ball away too easily but this is the new Arsenal the players never gave up and as time passed the confidence was growing and it became a matter of when, not if, we would score.
They were simply magnificent. I’m always happy to be an Arsenal supporter but tonight I’m really proud of my team including the fantastic 12th man. Bravissimo!
@Savage – Fair point.
Public announcement. ARSENAL IS MY SECOND RELIGION. Jack is d prince of mid field, long live all arsenal fans. I NO FIT SHOUT
Laurent Koscielny.
Or, as you could also put it:
Arsene Knows.
Now I’m going to catch up on the drinks, read some online papers and generally feel really good about yesterday. Cup of tea, please!
MAGNIFICENT – every single one of them. What a team performance. Work-rate, concentration and commitment allied to a never say die attitude, and we got the little bit of luck so often needed to win a game like this.
The great thing is, there is a lot more to come from this team, Kos is in his first – yes his first – Premier League season, similarly with Chesney, Jack is still very young inexperienced, AA is only just coming back to form, RVP has missed so much football though injury it is almost as if he had to start over and it is much the same with JD. We also look forward to the return of The Verminator and Ramsey from injury and Sagna from suspension, and then there are all the talented youngsters waiting in the wings. The future is bright, the future is Red – with white sleeves.
However, feet firmly back on the ground, there is another game to be played and won at the weekend – we are still in 4 competitions.
Come on Arsenal.
unreal!!! AW is a master class,Szcz showed what a class act he will be for us for years to come,we now have the belief to take it to them in the next leg. be no sleep tonight bar keep
433 @ 56; unless my memory is playing tricks I think you are wrong about Kos playing Messi on-side – it was Clichy who made the mistake (but this is not to criticize Gael who also had a good game) . I thought Kos had an almost faultless game, he showed great courage and refused to be intimidated by the opposition or the occasion and he is a great footballer, he just needs more experience to realize his full potential.
Savage @ 59; this is not the time to have a dig at other players in our squad. A successful top level team these days needs a big squad of players although, of course, only 11 can play at any one time. I am confident that AW will make the right decisions and move players on when appropriate.
@ TS and Steve T; Yes, I am enjoying myself very much today. So far Father -in-law and Brothers-in-laws all very gracious in defeat. “Un grande partido”.
Much more fun is the opposite reaction of most of the ladies of the family!! Wait..I’m sounding like Keys and Gray!
My patients are being left in no doubt today as to what the score line was!
Thought the TotalBarca posting was fair enough reaction. Not all the fans… but then you can’t account for everyone.
A celebratory cava on this dreary grey morning in Barcelona.
Just one final thought; the Father-in-law’s final words to me this morning – “Hasta Camp Nou”. We’re only at half-time.
@Norfolk – I too remember it as being Clichy. Will have to steel myself to watch a replay.
Have been doing some reading now and I am happy to see that Szczesny is getting credit for how he forced Messi into a much more difficult finish than the little Argentinian would have wanted. You can see it perfectly on the replay from the camera to the side of the goal, there is very, very little space for Messi to place the ball and still keep it inside the frame and not hit Szczesny. I have said it before and I’ll happily say it again: this may very well be our number one keeper for many, many years to come. I have not seen anything that even suggests otherwise.
Have to say as well that Eboue deserves a lot of credit for his performance. He curbed his attacking instinct somewhat and defended first and attacked when there was an opportunity to do so. A very disciplined performance.
And then… Jack Wilshere. Oh my goodness me. Only just turned 19 and such a mature performance.
Great win not want to ruin it or anything can someone explain to me how do these yellow cards work in the CL, now A Song, Nasri ,Van Persie are the ones who picked up the yellow cards last night, if they do pick up yellows in the 2nd leg will they miss the next game ??? or do they get reset in the QF??
Clichy should only ever cross with his … right foot.
I may be wrong, but he has two assists this season (one against the Hammers for Song’s late late equalizer, and last night’s), and both were right footed crosses!
๐
*hint hint*
I can’t stop doing “this”
๐
๐
๐
As I’m late to the drinks today, I’ll just start by saying…
…Stand tall Gooners, stand tall…we made history last night… ๐
It was Clichy indeed, but it’s fucking hard to play with this nippy Catalans.
Work is a bit mental this morning, not much time to bask.
beautiful ! after watching this game , how can we watch other so and so EPL games .
DRINK!
February 16, 2011, undoubtedly will be a day that long lives in my memory. The blithely day Arsenal came of age and showed the world a thing or two about resilience, tenacity, composure and a winners heart. Our football spoke for itself. As I mooted last night, we went toe to toe with the mighty Barcelona, drew their blood. To be frank, I’m still beaming from ear to ear.
Jack bossed it today what a performance! Kos and the keeper not far behind. Best of all we FINALLY get the atmosphere at the Emirates we have been waiting for. I like our chances now in Barcelona because our confidence will be sky high.
@Aman
From what I understand, should any of our players already on yellow cards, pick up another, in the return match. If we were then to progress to the Q/Final, subsequently such players would be unable to partake in. Whilst those on single yellow cards prior to the Q/Final stage gets theirs rescinded.
Afternoon All!
Dr.C – Glad to hear the family are being gracious in defeat and props to your FiL – he’s right of course but we go in to the ‘second half’ with our tails high. Celebratory cava sounds like a good idea.
Lars – Kozzer was superb last night. I said in the previous post that he could be the new Tony Adams in a season or two. He’s been on a vertical learning curve since he joined us and has done, IMHO, a sterling job. His debut season is rapidly turning into one that rivals TV’s.
Drinks for all please Mr. Barman. ๐
49 Unbeaten @ #54
Thanks for the links, great images!
Pull up a chair and have a slurp.
Dr C.I have no idea what un grande partido means but I have just raised a glass to toast it. Please pass on my love and best wishes to all of those you treat today.
I am still buzzing today. I am just so glad that so much of the talk is about how good the young players were. The likes of theo, jack, chesney etc. Richly deserved.
tim h,
Our confidence would be even higher if we win the Beer cup..
TS: speaking of TV, he’ll have his work cut out to regain his place. I still think he’ll get it back, but I think we might rotate quite a bit in the central defensive positions when he gets back in order to keep the players a bit more fresh.
Think I’ll leave work early today, I have the luxury of more or less deciding my own hours as long as I get the job done in time. I am really tired after yesterday (there were about 150 of us Swedish gooners at our regular place, the noise and chaos when Arshavin scored was insane) and besides, a re-run of the game is on in about an hour and a half and it would be nice to park my bum on the sofa, put my feet up on the table and just enjoy it all again. (Viasat Sport HD at 16.00 CET for those of you who have access to Swedish sports channels!)
Yeah, I’ve decided – just going to finish off a few things and then I can go home for the day!
@ Steve T ; Un grande partido = (literally) “a big game”. In reality it means “a great / spectacular game”.
Good game, and what a performance for Kos and Wilshere. I believe the team has all the confidence it needs to believe it can progress to 1/4 finals. We probably cannot stop Barca fron scoring at home, but the lads need to belive we can score at Nou Camp as well. I see a 3:2 win for Barca and we progress to quarters.
433 was talking about the Messi miss, not the Villa goal.
@433 – Kos was immense, and don’t be too harsh on him for that offside decision since his role was different in the first half.
In the second half AW showed us why we’re AKBs and made a beautiful in-game adjustment by letting both Djourou and Kozzer press Messi very high up the pitch even at Halfway line at times allowing Song to cover for them, this was done cause Song was on a yellow and somehow didn’t get a red for persistent fouling in the first half (he committed SIX fouls in the first half). By doing that they became less dangerous and Kozzer was having a second half to remember. So it’s not his fault Messi was onside, it was just that his roles were different, when he needed to mark and harass the best player in the world he did it with pride and was by far the MOTM.
@ 86 belloumi
Fantastic nickname. What an incredible player he was!
I still remember that 2-1 Algeria win over West Germany at the 1982 World Cup.
Majer (?) wasn’t bad either ๐
One last thing Holic and Holics that for some reason HASN’T been mentioned yet!!!
Fair play to the club for putting out flags on each seat to create that electrifying feel when the players came out of the tunnel. Everybody wanted to beat those scums, even the club officials!
Mes que un CUNT.
You all might enjoy the ironic and pointed banner in the Espanyol (Barca’s neighbours) stadium; “Catalunya – Mes que un Club!”
@ Catalan
Espanol have a fine line in ironic humour then?
I hope you are enjoying doing your rounds today – any patients in need of counselling? ๐
A few gibbering wrecks, Zico… but otherwise they seem to be holding up. Hope it’s different in 3 weeks time!
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/08/09/2062409/xavi-cesc-fabregas-will-join-barcelona-in-january-because
FUCK YOU XAVI!!!!!
@Snir Geuli (87) – That was a great match from Arsene. It does seem, from memory, that the offside line was straightened out as the match went on/in the second half. The substitution was perfect. Barcelona were settling in to ride it out by bringing on Keita – the Barcelona supporter in the pub next to me said it was a smart move, and then on comes Arshavin for Song. It turned out to be a sucker punch from Arsene. Arshavin’s one touch was the best of the match!
@433 – Barca had 9 offsides. To catch those players with their slick, quick passing and movement 9 times in offside position shows good understanding and cooperation.
I just can’t stop reading the piece where Xavi says Cesc will join in January cause we won’t be competitive by then :), up yours you piece of shit.
Snir @ 95 – it’s just sour grapes from Xavi, who may be a great footballer but he has no class as a human being.
Interesting (funny ha ha) points from todays grauniad
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/feb/17/arsenal-the-fiver
@41 (a Barca blog in english) is a better read becos it sounds so like this blog is normally – ‘we (barca) played so much better than the arse but couldnt score’
It was a good day for us in the end cos we outscored them, but only after the 2nd leg will it really count
It would be interesting to ask Barca why they went off the boil – was it
1. We tired them out
2. The decision to play keepy half way thru 2nd half
3. AW changed defence round and took Theo and Alex off thereby outthinking
Aw piss off cognac (I say to myself) over-analysing and just be content to have stuffed them for now
Well said, Norfolk. I hardly care at all what any Barca mouthpiece says anymore, it’s all gone mute in my head. Or so strongly overpowered by the joy and fury of last night’s Victory!!!
Though I was a long long ways away, even from a distance it felt as if the Grove was truly born last night. The atmosphere, sound, and fierce relationship between the fans, players, and performance was at the height of perfection. And the raging flags to match the songs- a thing of beauty! We know have a home to celebrate and defend.
Cheers to all in attendance!
Feeling it tonight. Don’t think I’ll be posting in the early hours of tomorrow morning. Good to see so many Gooners so very happy, and why not. That was a special night.
It was indeed a special night ‘Holic.. Similar to the ones in San Siro…
Still in dreamland… Barca were amazing, but we were better. Here’s a lovely photo gallery to relive the night:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/gallery/2011/feb/17/arsenal-barcelona-champions-league-pictures?picture=371816502#/?picture=371812886&index=0
Holic
Wonderful night for all Gooners worldwide,to beat a Barcelona team who up until the w/end had won 16 straight league games and boasts some of the finest footballers playing the game, was an exceptional effort.
Don’t underestimate what that result will do for the Team’s belief.
Up until wed night we had struggled to win at the very top level over the past few seasons.
This will give the players enormous confidence that they can now beat anybody.
As an example,i take you back to 1999,the year Utd and Arsenal were the 2 top teams in the Country,and were fighting each other for supremacy.
They beat us with 10 men in the FA Cup semi final,beat us to the Title on the last day of the season,and then rode their luck against Bayern and won the CL.
They have never looked back.
It took us 3 yr to recover and rebuild before winning the Dbl in 2002.
So this result has great significance for this group of players,the Man Utd shambles of 2 yrs ago and Barca last season are now only a painful memory.
We can compete with the very best,wed night proved that,and even if we fail to finish the job at the Nou Camp,we have made the rest of the Footballing world sit up and take notice.
A sleeping Giant has awoken and they know WE ARE COMING.!!
Cheers
Clive
“Barcelona Mes que un Donkey”
Well said Clive – beer for that man landlord – my credit is good, I’m sure ๐
Nice one Clive couldn’t agree more. Have now given up trying to guess what we will/won’t win this season. Pointless exercise anyway…. one game at a time and all that.
I am convinced we’ll lift at least one piece of silverware this season, probably two but could be any of four.
I’m also sure that this is our turning point season and next year we’ll be leading form the front all the way to the line.
Drinks for all in the bar please Barman and a one foryourself as usual. I’ll have a glass of Merlot please.
PS: I watched Wojciech’s post match interview on ATVO today. Now there’s a wise head on young shoulders. I’m equally convinced that he’ll be our #1 now for many years to come.
@Clive
Interesting thoughts. I think it’ll all have to do with the way we crash out (if we do crash out) to Barรงa.
If we go out with a bang, and give them a game at the Camp Nou, then I’ll completely agree with what you said. Confidence-wise, it will still be a boost.
However, if we get thumped in Catalunya, History will bere-written by lazy hacks, and most people will be convinced that last night’s result was a freak result after all, caused by Barรงa’s complacency/profligacy/jadedness and whatnot. We’ll be back to square one.
But none of this matters, because I believe we can beat them at their place, or at least draw with them, because their (admittedly fantastic) side is used to having team parking the bus there, and not even trying to defeat them.
We’re hungry, we”re mature and we have oustanding quality. We can pull it off.
COME ON YOU REDS.
BTW, I believe I watched our second goal about 150 times since yesterday.
Some revel in goals scored after lenghty spells of possession, or after rare flashes of individual brilliance . Even if I do enjoy those types of goals I have to admit, that seeing us get from a dangerous position in our own penalty box to putting the ball in the net after 2 or 3 one touch passes, a dazzling run, with a simple yet deadly finish to top it off, all in the space of 20 seconds, is what takes my breath away and leaves me in awe.
http://arsenalist.com/video/?id=xh2dx6
Poetry in motion, holics.
Poetry in motion.
Everywhere all the boards are overflowing, supposedly 1 billion people watched the game last night! I
“As a Liverpool fan, I cannot remember being so pumped as I was when Arshavin scored his winner. Arsenal fought doggedly and deserved their win”
“Well done from a Chelsea fan.”
“As a Liverpool fan I would like to congratulate Arsenal for a fantastic night of entertainment. I would also like to congratulate their fans who also played their part in a truly great European night of football.”
“im a united fan, so no bias here. well done arsenal anyway, look forward to the away leg”
“Spurs fan: Congratulations Arsenal fans hope you enjoyed your night, great performance from your team and they did well to come back”
“As a neutral – very enjoyable game, thought Arsenal have improved since last year”
“Barcelona didn’t get the favour of a big refereeing decision? Say it ain’t so!
/A Chelsea fan still bitter about past big refereeing decisions.”
“From We all follow United: Great result for Arsenal last night, everything that needed to happen for Arsenal to get the result was there. Every Arsenal player needed to have a great night and they did”
“I will admit at the outset that although I am a Spurs fan, I still prefer any British team to win in Europe…ll in all an amazing couple of days for both N.London giants, (beating the leaders of both the Italians and Spanish leagues), and nothing would please me more than the progression of both London clubs to the next round, (but the job is far from done at this stage). Lastly, the performance of Jack Wilshire was nothing short of stupendous. In a crowded midfield containing some of the best technical players on the planet, he looked at ease and in control and dare I say the best midfielder on show. His performance simply blew me away”
“Utd Fan in peace. Great game, great result and hopefully Arsenal can go and have a go at the Camp Nou.”
“Congratulations are in order, but I never doubted they would do it. I’m a Spurs fan, but always fear our most hated of rivals, van Persie in particular.”
“As a United fan i would add to the congratulations of last nights performance – it was a fantastic game to watch, and i think only the bitterest of rivals would deny Arsenal a first leg lead.”
“what a great game, i found myself shouting on arsenal despite being a villa fan.”
“for the first time i (a manu fan) found myself cheering on the gooners”
“Another United fan here. I echo all that ‘SirMouseburger’ says. a fantastic display by Arsenal. I started off not sure who i wanted to win… I suddenly had no control over who i wanted to win”
“‘I’m not an Arsenal supporter so I wasn’t at The Emirates which doesn’t put me in the best position to comment. However from what I did see i thought Arsenal were superb and deserved their win”
“I speak as a Spurs fan who would love the Arse to go through”
“Well done Arsenal……fantastic comeback. Now Camp Nou. I remember Ipswich taking a 3-0 lead there in the 70’s………ended up losing on penalties…….you may have to park the bus there;)”
“Really enjoyed the game! Finally a ‘big game’ that lived up to the hype.”
“Not a supporter of either team though I’d rather Barsa than Arsenal but deserved win for the Gunners. Most of all, what a fantastic match, just a joy to watch.”
“From scouseinthailand: Congrats to the Arsenal. I applaud the most skillful team in the country, and a big show of guts in there as well.”
“A joy to see. Well done Arsenal this Chelsea fan applauds you. The Refereeing was great & we all know about Barca refereeing at the Bridge. Great game .Fun to watch.”
@Joshua/101: Great pictures, still I prefer the one with RvP and Arsene in each others arms, it was heartwarming.
http://www.francefootball.fr/Medias/Photos/201102/644×416/wenger-felicite-van-persie.jpg
*having teams park the bus etc…
I should really try to proofread my nonsense before hitting the “submit comment” button.
Barman, a glass of your best red wine for every holic still in the bar, please.
Nice one Matt, that must have taken you some time to pull together.
Thirsty work old bean? ๐
In that case RvP I’ll move onto the old Chateau Neuf Du Pape. Cheers!
PS: Are your feet being rested on Sunday?
Zico/TS and RVP.
thnks for coments.
Only thing that disturbed my equilibrium on wednesday night,was that after the final whistle,while nearly all the team were high fiving and hugging each other, as the significance of what they had just achieved was sinking in,a certain little Russian ballerina was going straight down the tunnel to the dressing room.
Now that makes me ask 2 questions,was Arshy being totally professional and realising that the job was only half done and keeping his feet firmly on the ground,or was it a message to Wenger that he should have been on the pitch from the start.
At the highest level of the game,there is no substitute for what i call ‘ Football Intelligence ‘,Arshavin has that in spades.
Very very few players could have kept their composure at that time of the game,and in such an incredible atmosphere and scored THAT goal that won us the match.
He has worked his socks off in the past few games and rediscovered his form,so to be named on the bench,in preference one assumes to a player with plenty of speed,but about 100th of Arshy’s FI,would have cut him to the quick.
I look forward to your thoughts on this.
cheers
Clive
@ Clive,
Hmmm…. Walcott and/or Nasri are stars in the ascendency and both are having good seasons. In fact Nasri is having his best season ever. To be benched for either is no shame at all.
Arshavin doesn’t strike me as the prima donna type. We have one of those already and he wears #52.
Both of your explanantions are plausible but he has a Russian temperament and culture which I confess to not knowing too much about. That has to be factored in. If he’s angry, then that can be chanelled into raising his game even further.
A hard one to call Clive. Let’s see how he plays next time out. He must have a good chance of a start against those Cheeri-Os and as he’s heading east for that game he might feel closer to his beloved mother Russia ๐
Clive, I think Arshavin has been quite the professional. He has overcome tough circumstances this season without attitude or complaint, getting to this point that he must consider one of the high points of his career. AW has shown faith and Arshavin should be able to expect his inclusion in the team in most if not all key matches.
@ Clive 112
I don’t think anyone can answer that question, apart from the man himself, of course!
For all we know, Mrs Arshavin could have been waiting for him to take her to dinner just after the game because Andrey had forgotten to get her a present for Valentine’s day!
Heh! I think RVP has hit the nail on the head, it’s definitiely down to the wrath of Mrs A. Well done the Right Foot ๐
@TS: I wish!
Xavi and Puyol could be only half the cunts we believe them to be after all. Says captain Fab:
โBarcelona are the best in the world right now, but I think they are also an example of how to be patient.
โWhen I was there as a youngster, not that long ago, they didnโt win anything for five years. My friends Puyol and Xavi didnโt win anything until they were 26. Nothing. Not even a cup or whatever.
โThey always remind me to be patient, it will come. They say โyouโre only 23 and you have a the World Cup, FA Cup, European Championships, Champions League Final. So may things. Until 26 we had nothing; we didnโt even know what it was to be in a final.โ
โThatโs what they tell me and itโs funny because now they have won everything in football. That shows you how football can change so, so quickly and that patience is the key to everything.โ
@Clive: could it be he badly needed to relieve himself and didn’t feel comfortable doing the deed in front of 60K frantic supporters?
113/114/115.
Why not celebrate with the rest of the team.??
Going straight down the tunnel,cultivates the impression that he is
either a Loner,or not a happy camper,team morale is everything,
and if as you suggest TS, that he may start against the Mighty O’s,while a lot of the other supposed ‘ First teamers ‘ rest up ready for Stoke,I guess he will know where he stands in the pecking order.
I am sure AW will have noticed him walking straight off and not joining in the celebrations, as will the other players.
It has the potential to cause a rift,so hopefully Wenger nips it in the bud quick smart.
Clive,
He may have partied hard in the changing rooms with his team mates (so to speak)?
Andrey is a first team player not a second stringer like Bendy. AW has been highly supportive of him in the media, right the way through his patch of poor form.
He’s also something of a crowd favourite and we all love singing his song. I’m sure he can feel the love.
He’s also a highly paid professional.
Nice posts Clive, and Matt. Thank you.
Back with Orient preview on Saturday as i have a meeting tomorrow night.
Still buzzing from last night, to be honest. I really do see us grabbing a last gasp goal to take the tie on away goals in the Nou Camp. 2-3 anybody?
Oh bollocks, I can even see us winning. What will the ‘holic pound favour?
Watched the game twice yesterday still can’t stop thinking about it. Imagine what the players themselves are feeling.
Clive 112 – always enjoy reading your posts. As for Arshavin, he strikes me as an intelligent professional. After all the player who started ahead of him, despite just coming back from injury, provided him with a great assist for his goal. The manager who chose to bench him last night stuck with him for the last couple of months when many were calling for his head.
I also remember a couple of weeks ago a journalist making a point how aa23 is usually the first to leave the dressing room after a game.
Johan Djourou anyone?
Holics
Here’s another useless piece of information.
The mad Russian who owns the imploding Blue Machine,has revealed his assets for the first time in a decade,
He has 16 properties,7 cars,22 bank accts,and six Companies.
2 of his properties in the Heart of London are valued at 150 million pounds,also a house in the South of France is worth 30 million.
His total net woth is estimated at 111 Billion pounds.
I can’t beat him on the Property or Car count,but i can beat him on Bank accts,I have 25.!!
Clive@112
Must admit i thought the same, as Arshavin disappeared down the tunnel so quickly.
However, he celebrated his goal like mad, and in the poster picture included in the match program he also jumped into the player mountain that celebrated our winner against Everton (i think it was, there have been so many recently).
So no lack of enthusiasm there.
I’m sure he was annoyed to be left out of the starting line-up for such a huge match, after a couple of much improved performances.
He is, after all, an international captain.
But he is also a member of a club squad, and recently has been in pretty poor form.
Obviously, the manager will pick what he considers to be his best side for his own technical and tactical reasons.
They cannot all play at once, and hopefully any of the players not selected will be extremely disappointed – maybe even angry.
As long as they respond to that by trying harder, then I see no problem.
That is the nature of competition, and at a successful club it is bound to be fierce.
If they cannot handle that, then maybe they are in the wrong place.
‘Arsh but true, I think.
Well done to him anyway. An in-form Arshavin will be a huge asset.
I think Arshavin has been a great teammate this season. He has been in and out, brought on as a sub against lower league cup opposition but has stuck with it. You never know, maybe he just had to use the toilet? No complaints from me.
Just finished watching the Match for the fourth time, and I don’t see us fucking this up now. Yes Barca are fantastic, but we have more talent especially speed and younger legs. Their bench was weak compared to ours. There isn’t a game changer like Arshavin or Walcott. They also have 5 matches between now and then including one 48 hours before we come to town. We are going to run them ragged. Pep is running his first 11 into the ground. COYR! ARSENE KNOWS ( how to rotate )
Trev @125
I take on board all your points,but i just cannot get my head around why,after an absolutely fantastic match,that you could be so cold blooded as to walk straight off the pitch at the final whistle instead of running to all your team mates and embracing all and sundry,and enjoying a wonderful victory.
If it had been me,it would have taken all my self restraint not to jump into the crowd,climb up to the Directors box and plant a big wet kiss on both cheeks of the Honourable Sir Peter Hill Wood.!!!
Clive, Clive!
You’ve been listening to Paint It Black Again! : – )
Put Sympathy For The Devil on the turntable……..
Wilshere to Cesc with a single flick…….
Cesc to Nasri…..NaNaNaNaNa…….Samir Nasri, Nasri, Samir Nasri
Samir inside the hapless, hopeless Maxwell. Looks left. Thinks – Robin or Arsh?
“Arsh, I think”
To Arshavin.
An absolute pearler into their bottom left. Cue histrionics.
Only one team in England.
Clive – that’s another good reason not to put you in the team!
Clive, Maybe Arshavin will do that after we beat them in Barcelona?
Clive, I have 26 bank accounts and each one has a penny. I opened the first 23 just to have more than Abramovich but after reading your post opened up 3 more to have more than the famous Gooner since ’54. Hope I’m not getting too competitive with a fellow Gooner now.
Cliv, I actually commiserate with you, my friend. But I’ll try and bury it back in my mind where I can’t see it for awhile! Join me for a drink? ๐
Well commentated, BtM!!! Un-fucking-believable play, and night.
And, sorry for the link Holic, hope it’s alright, but this is f-ing hilarious!
http://arsenalaction.com/2011/02/17/the-wojciech-szczesny/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-wojciech-szczesny
God bless the Good Ship BTM and all who sail in her.!!
But i have to say you have hitched your star to a wonderful footballer.
Trev @130,precisely.
Bugger BT8B,I HATE BEING 2ND AT ANYTHING.!!
I will be at the Bank first thing in the morning.!!
PIK.
Teetotal Mate,since i was 14,and therin lies a long story.
But thanks for the offer,even if you are taking the Michael.
Perhaps a bottle of Perrier.??
Cheers
Just finished watching the replay. Watching Szczezzny’s reaciton to Arshavin’s goal is priceless.
Morning ‘Holic & ‘Holics
For those ATVO addicts amongst us, the latest interview with Le Boss amused me in that it is all soft and fuzzy around edges. Very romantic. I’m wondering if it’s a hangover from St. V’s Day on Monday when the boys would have been prepraing mentally for the game with Farca. Perhaps the next one will be done by candle-light? Either way Arsene, right now the whole Gooner world loves you ๐
Barman? Morning teas/coffees/juices for us Europeans. Beers for the Asians and nightcaps for those from The Amercias who are still in the bar.
*Makes mental note only to offer Clive soft drinks from now on*
Does anybody have a link of the crowd screaming hands of Cesc Fabregas abs legendary please post it…
tolduso @ 41 – thanks for the link, very interesting read. And we think there are some “glass half empty” merchants on here.
This is what happens though, when a team has no real competition most of the time, in it’s own league, and fans take winning everything for granted.
From where I sat on Weds evening, they didn’t look that sloppy to me!
pires @ 135 – thank-you, thank-you, thank-you, absolutely brilliant.
If there is anyone on here who still hasn’t taken a look at the link in “135”, GO NOW!!!
Cheers pires – link of the season.
Guys – can anyone help me out here? Sport (Barca arsewipe) is going on about the ref missing “an obvious penalty and red card for a foul be Kos on Pedro”.
WTF??? I don’t even remember such an incident. Anyone else?
Not that I care too much – the more bleating the better – but worried my mind is going!
DR C -I don’t recall such an incident. Although I may have missed it as I was too busy watching Kos sticking to Messi like a rash!
Dr. C,
Your mind is sound…. Their only legitimate penalty claim that I recall was the accidental handball in the area by Arshavin doing some defending right at the end of the game.
Now we know why Arshavin doesn’t like defending ๐
Superb to hear that they’re still crying into their cervezas on the streets of Barcelona. Hopefully, we’ll give them something to really cry about in 3 weeks time. Not very gracious in defeat are they?
Talking of cerveza….
A bit like the All Blacks – you never beat them; they just score less than you!
Catalan @ 143
Kos DID put in a “clumsy” challenge on Pedro in the second half – it resulted in him handling the ball and the last time I looked not even Barcelona get a penalty for their own player handling the ball in our box.
You must be loving this – I pray you have even more fun in 3 weeks time.
Clive – With regard to Arshavin and walking straight up the tunnel – I think he is a bit of a complicated individual and probably would never be a candidate for “the Tuesday club” if there was such a thing at Arsenal these days. Doesn’t mean he is not 100% commited to the cause. I think he is been through the mill a bit with his form this season, and is to be credited for fighting back to near his best.
I think his reaction to the winning goals both on Wednesday and against Everton tells us all we need to know.
PIK @ 135 – thanks for this.
My favourite celebration from Wednesday night was Pat Rice and his arms in the air dance after the second goal – it was one of the few times that I have not been irritated by the continual camera switch to the bench that TV producers insist upon when covering football.
Even my eldest daughter who doesn’t follow football was amused.
Zico – like a pig in shit!
Arshavin may have picked up a knock and needed treatment, he may think a bit like me, job is half done, he may be a bit complicated, BUT whatever the reason, the main thing is that he is getting back to his best!
Duttlenheim: “Just finished watching the Match for the fourth time, and I donโt see us fucking this up now. Yes Barca are fantastic, but we have more talent especially speed and younger legs.”
You know what, I am also feeling quite confident. I think that Barca may be far more rattled by this than they might seem to be, because not only have we found a way to carve them open (we have, after all, scored or created five goals and created several more chances in three games by finding the space behind their back four) – they also have the pressure of being very close to a massive fiasco because going out at this stage would be just that. The pressure on Barca is enormous, they were massive favourites to win the whole thing last season and they were/are massive favourites with many to win it this year too. That pressure is something I’m not too sure they can just shake off.
And apparently Bendtner said in an interview that he could see the Barca players tire in the second half wich confirms what many of us thought we saw. Their pressing game works well but when faced with a team that doesn’t lose the ball too quickly then obviously they have to run a lot more than they have to against teams who surrender the ball quicker. Barca will know this as well and I think that if we can reach the hour mark without being behind then we will almost certainly go through.
Cheers, Trev and Zico. And Clive, Perrier anytime, mate, anytime!
I think you’re right, Lars. The more that game settles in (I still feel a shock in my heart every time I think of it) the more obviously there was no fluke to the victory, that Arsenal did not get lucky. We traded attacks all game, absorbed some riveting opportunities by Them, and finished them off at the end. Period. And I think that realization just won’t go away for Barca, or for us. It’s a great feeling, and I think the next two weeks will be a good indication for us of our capacity to focus and move from strength to strength.
The little Ruskie was just the closest to the tunnel at the time and made off like a merkat. No other deeper meanings need to be read into that. Let’s not start trouble where there is none as it’s simply misguided.
I was not there but from what I have seen on the tele, it was probably the best night ever at The Grove. Incredible atmosphere and an absolutely brilliant sporting spectacle. That is the way footy should be played by both teams. We stuck by our principles and Wenger should be commended. Savour the moment Gooners. Such massive European nights don’t come around often.
Now, off to the Orient!
@151 Lars,
Several player interviews on ATVO after the match mentioned what a fit team we are.
Jack in response to being asked if Barca tired ” We’re a fit team and we knew we could go for 90 minutes. We will press them more at the Nou Camp ”
Chezzer in response to upcoming fixtures ” We have alot of games but We are very fit and seem not to tire in any of them ”
BTW Szczesny’s interview is so amazing. After Cesc calls Barca the best ever, Wenger says the best in the world ….. Chezzer says they are ” possibly the best team in the world” You could tell he didn’t believe a word of it and he thinks the Gunners are …… LEGEND!
Such an arrogant cunt Xavi is! Apparently Wednesday was a footballing accident…
He will be never regarded as a great footballer in my book because he is such a smug bastard.
We stuffed you and you know it. Bring on Camp Nou!
A pint, please Barman
Down boy. Xavi has won the WC, Euro, UCL (2), twice Ballon d’Or finalist, FIFA XI, etc.
@TVN 156
Trophies don’t buy class. (Cf Mourinho and C. Ronaldo)
That’s my opinion anyway.
Xavi and FCB should not be lumped in with the likes of Mourinho and Ronaldo. If we don’t win the UCL I would like FCB to. Too many of us are getting bent out of shape over the FCB/Cesc issue.
And might I remind everyone that Pep has always been rather respectful of AFC.
TVN – Not only would I not like them to win the UCL, I’d also like Real Madrid to win La Liga.
Fuck Barca.
Leyton Orient. Why do you ask I bring this up?
Will never ever forget that horrible night in Paris. Hate that club forever.
Snir, going to have to agree with TVN on this one…. perhaps I’m prejudiced!
I think they have a right to beat us in the Paris final if they can…
Now then, pints all round?
Real Madrid, ManU, and Chel$ki are the real scum. Let us never lose sight of that.
Good idea fine doctor. I’ll have some alcohol. I find that it always does the trick and makes everyone friends. That and a pot of camomile tea perhaps.
Just going through the match on the PVR. Early going. But I have to say that I just love how Song shows his displeasure to the Italian ref (who did a pretty fair job that night). Song was walking a tightrope but gladly got through okay. Wenger made a brilliant move to sub him for AA when he did (we needed to be move offensive and Song was on a yellow).
If we do go out to Barcelona, I find that far preferable to going out to any Mourinho side or any of the other English clubs (especially based on recent experience!). I know some people here hate them but I don’t really mind them.
Ten minutes through. What an absolute breathless football spectacular that was at The Grove. In my opinion, the calibre on that pitch that night superseeded the WC Final. And with a better referee and atmosphere. Absolute apex. Shame that this is a R16 tie. It deserves no less than a SF. Damn ping pong balls (could have had Schalke). And damn our own missteps in the group stage.
Water under a bridge …
Ahem. Leyton Orient?
Orient is on Sunday. Besides ‘holics preview is not up yet.
Cheezer spreading and making himself as big as possible on the Messi chance 15’. Cerveza for Cheezer!
Yeah Leyton Orient, Schmeyton Schmorient. Seriously we should crush them but there should be significant changes so hopefully the boost has trickled down to the 2nd teamers. They have been in good form, unbeaten in 11 and 10 goals the last 3 matches. Still hard to imagine anything but a sky high Arsenal overrunning them. Worst case scenario ….. a home replay ruining the week off we have after the Carling Cup Final.
8ball: I’m with you on this one. Time to start focusing on the next game now.
Almunia
Sagna-Squillaci-U.N. Known-Gibbs
Rosicky-Denilson-S.O. Meone
Bendtner-Chamakh-Arsjavin
Ideally, I’d not start anyone who started v Barca which is why I put Sagna in there. Give him an hour and then bring Eboue on.
I really don’t know who we should play alongside Squillaci. It seems we have no choice but to play Kos if we don’t want to play Ignasi Miquel. I’m not sure Wenger will want to play him with Squillaci. The third midfield spot is a problem as well, Diaby is both injured and suspended (that is actually quite an achievement!) and all other alternatives are out on loan. Ramsey, Lansbury, Eastmond, JET – none of them are available. We might actually see a youth team player there, I don’t think either of Song, Cesc or Wilshere will start.
Could someone please point us to a link where DVDs are sold for individual matches? I can’t trust the DVR to save anything long term. Region 1 needed. Thanks!
@TVN
I was talking about Xavi. Not FCB as a whole.
Iniesta and Pep are absolute class. Xavi isn’t. And neither was Joan Laporta.
@170 … I bet Kos plays with Squillaci. Combined with Almunia, the holic pound could be looking for a 2-1,3-1,4-1 scoreline. That pairing just can’t find it’s feet. I agree on the front 3 ( seeing as wenger pretty much said it in the post Barca press conference ) Midfield of Rosicky, Denilson and Song is my best guess since he is the one who came off against Barca. Otherwise I’d bet Cesc starts since he had to come on against Hudderfield anyway to save the day
I’d be reasonably happy to play Miguel – if not now, when? I want to win, just don’t either JD (already injured) or Kos to be out….
How did Bartley do in Europe the other day, anyone?
BTW, to truly appreciate our 2nd goal, start the replay at 82:22, as Koscielny intercepts in the box:
Koscielny-Bendtner-Wilshere-Cesc-Nasri-Arshavin.
Beautiful.
But Miguel with Squillaci? And away from home? I may need lots of Jager and other herbal remedies to sit through that potential stomach turning feeling.
Lars, maybe Diaby should get a special award for being both injured and suspended? Gift certificate for cod and chips, perhaps?
The speed of our counter attacking was fantastic. Wolves 2nd goal also. Magnificent.
What a match,
What a blog…
๐
duttlenheim, A home replay and the increased possibility (likelihood) of more injuries is exactly what I am hoping to avoid. With a little more focus on the game at hand, as we and the players should both have, perhaps the injuries and replays can be avoided (some might say).
It’s already been bad enough having to play replays against Ipswich and Leeds. Let’s not add an Orient replay to an already overcrowded schedule. Let’s blow them to smithereens as is their rightful lot.
I was surprised to see our second goal included in every highlight reel on TV.
You would think that broadcasters would at least warn their audience of any pornographic content on air.
๐
8ball: that sounds like a suitable award.
catalan: I think Wenger would want to play Miguel with Djourou or Koscielny, I am assuming he would want to have someone calm and composed next to him and that is not Squillaci – not at the moment, at least. On the other hand, we don’t really have much choice if we don’t want to play any of the starters from Wednesday.
Has anybody else ever thought that Sagna could do a job as a makeshift CB? Maybe that is just my general football newbieness shining through but weeks like this it pops in my head
Kosser it is then. Sorted.
Speaking of which. He followed Messi all the way back to our attacking third at about 33′. This Kozzer is a keeper. Great pace and anticipation for a CB. Just don’t be overly aggressive when there is no reason to be (like the first penalty at the Toon). He still needs to learn when it’s best to jockey. That being said, I’m thinking Vermaelen is now our 3rd choice CB. Blasphemy, I know. But that’s the way I sees it. Yep!
duttlenheim, I would love to see Sagna given the nod at centre half. When we signed him Wenger said he was capable of playing there so what’s holding him back?
Sagna’s too short and not strong enough in the air to be a CB. Song will play there before that option.
@187 … Sagna is only 5’9″ but then again so was Franco Baresi and Cannavaro. Sagna has a tenacious streak to him. That way Eboue could still play and Koz could get a breather. Song needs rest as well, that’s the reason I suggested it.
Dutt,
You got a point. But he’s not the strongest in the air + no experience there with Arsenal.
Messi’s disallowed goal was not offside. Ball rebounded off Cheezer then off Pedro (Messi was then offside). However, we got a bit lucky on that play as JD handled inside the box on the pass to Pedro. Ref had a good view too but the linesman was on the opposite side. Phew!
It’ll be Kozzer and Squillaci. Kozzer is still young and can run all day. We don’t want to be experimenting too much. It’s getting to be short strokes in the FA Cup now.
I know we should move on but here’s an interesting fact for all those rambling about barca passing and stuff..
Apparently , 31% of Arsenal’s passes were made in or into the final third, while only 21% of Barcelona’s were made in the attacking third of the pitch.
@190 ….. Yeah but this might be the last fixture of the season where we are playing a club that is significantly weaker than us unless Crawley Town get a result lol. So if any experimenting or mass changes occur, this would be the match. Hopefully Verm will just come back soon it will get sorted that way
Dutt,
If one were to experiment then why not play Eboue as the CB & Sagna at RB? Eboue is taller.
Still, it’s not the time to experiment. Baresi also played as a libero and you don’t need height for that.
That was a very interesting stat, pab.
Thanks for sharing.
TvN, I finally opened the bottle of “La Fin du Monde” triple fermentation PQ lager, two days after the end of the world that wasn’t. Very tasty.
duttlenheim: If Crawley Town get a result I’ll start by laughing quietly inside myself for several years before the laugh rises to the surface when you will hear me, guaranteed. Come on the Town!
Triple fermentation … That’s a Homer Simpson moment. Triple? You sure? I’ve heard of secondary fermentation (i.e. Chimay). Chimay is heavenly. Toast to Belgium monks that brew.
Crawley? I’ll be rooting for them but can’t see a Conference side doing the deed. It would be epic if it happened though. Go Crawley Town!
NBA All Star Weekend for the Gooner hoops lovers out there. Love that too.
TvN you can question the veracity of the third fermentation but I can send you the finished bottle with the proof on the label. At least it says so. Maybe Homer Simpson is on their advertising staff. Stranger things have happened.
Oh no that PQ high alcohol content lager is starting to have that giddy effect on me again. Mister Bill please help me! Unavailable, Mr. Bill? Mr. Arsene?
Triple fermentation … mmmmmmmm.
Send the label to ‘holic.
Post 200 mark! Drink to that 8ball. Sounds like you’re a pretty cheap drunk. Mrs 8ball would have her way with you quite easily might I fathom …
TvN, good thing you changed back from TvA it was starting to make my head spin. Unless it was the PQ lager, that is. You have also retained 4 of our stars so the chance that we score without you having a role in it is reduced incrementally. So sneaky …
That may be so. Managements tend to have their way of course but she is a yid, and they tend not to be able to hold their liquor either. And no, I don’t mean a Spud, she’s a real live one, like the ones who control the world or so they used to think.
Now, what was the Arsenal-related topic again? Djourou and Walcott seem to have niggles. Anything that will keep them out of the Stoke game?
8ball,
Necessary due to the little Frenchie’s hammy. Afterwards, I thought it approriate to be ever more inclusive as well. Also, this new name alleviates a future double name change in a two week period and I believe it is a little more unique. Unlikely that all five are on the pitch at the same time but they were for a little while on Wednesday.
I hear there are some angry teachers and other ‘fine’ union types over your way. Called in sick for three consecutive days. That’s real professionalism.
Send me the beer and ‘holic the label. Cheers.
yid = young impressionable dame ๐
Old Firm weekend. Too bad we don’t get those games in Kanada. Gotta wait until midweek before Setanta shows it.
Is it just me or do others notice Fergie’s nose is becoming ever more red/purple and Carlo’s left eyebrow is reaching ever greater heights???
I bet she’ll like that one. I think we left the others behind since #195. Could be a time zone issue, at least I hope they’re not trying to avoid us ….
What about Montreal Impact v. Toronto FC? Now there’s an old firm for you, but judging by the lager I think I’m an Impact man myself. Now to finish off that bottle …
Latest update: Mrs. 8ball says “La Fin du Monde” is too sweet for her taste, despite the effects of any triple fermentation. What do I know? I’m not the beer expert in the family, not being a scholar such as her. I just drink the stuff!
Impact don’t enter the MLS until next year. This year it’s Vancouver coming in. So it’s a TFC v Van derby. New mgmt in place at TFC. They brought in Aron Winter and a bunch of Dutchies with a total football mentality and a 4-3-3 formation. Where have we seen that before?
Don’t think they’ll play like Barรงa though.
I think your heavy drinking has scared everyone else away. You become ugly when drunk and pull a Gattuso ๐
What number is Gattuso? I guess he’ll be suspended next time Milan face Spurs but I could change my name temporarily to bring the caveman into it in case it scares any Spuds away …
This dates me a lbit but back in the days of the North American Soccer League I saw a game between Los Angeles Aztecs and Vancouver Whitecaps and the best player on the field at the Rose Bowl that day was Carl Valentine, the Whitecaps’ left winger. Better by quite a bit than George Best, who was on the field that day for the Aztecs.
News item: Liverpool are lining up a ยฃ9m summer swoop for Barcelona’s Dutch midfielder Ibrahim Afellay, who is said to be frustrated at his lack of first-team action.
Question: Wasn’t it only a few months ago that Afellay went to Catalonia in the first place?
What madness ….
@TVN 158 Don’t mean to re-hash old news (well, I guess I do ’cause I’m going back!) but I have to disagree with your perspective on this one. I was once a great fan of Barca, but the underhanded, arrogant way they have approached the Cesc transfer (to which there IS precedent between them and us, just not to this level) and had SEVERAL players join in the fun is so arrogant and shameless and narcissistic that I just don’t have any good feelings towards them at all.
I agree they beat us in Paris (though I still blame Almunia for both goals, oh well). And I agree they play lovely football. But the rights they believe that gives many of them to piss on other clubs and players is disgusting, no less. They’re attitude as a club has been very akin to a C Ronaldo or Mourinho, in my opinion. I understand their history, etc, and have been moved by it, but standing against tyranny decades ago and not wearing a logo on your jersey don’t mean you are immune to being called the fuck out when you act like an ass. And too many people in the name of that jersey have of late for me to feel respect for them now.
I’ll still share a pint with you any day of the week, good man.
Don’t believe transfer talk. It’ll just make your head spin. I don’t read transfer news anymore until the deal is done. Afellay was always ever going to be a bench guy and provide cover. Much like Mascherano. He should not be surprised. He got the first half at Gijon and Pep had to pull him at half for Pedro who was supposed to get some rest that day. And remember one thing Grasshopper: Liverfool is Liverfoolish. Just look at the ransom paid for Carroll.
Gattuso is 8, I think.
Don’t read anything into the Best performance. I’m sure he was well past it at the time and probably fully loaded after doing an all night bender in Hollywood.
All the best to the new incarnation of the Vancouver Whitecaps, if they will be called that. They will have company as the local rivals of the Seattle Sounders who have a very enthusiastic following a few miles down the road albeit in another country. Re Gattuso, I guess there’s no need for changing the number 8 in my name then, not that I really would for scum of his variety.
PiK,
We will have to agree to disagree then. I’ve always seen them as my second team and will always do so. Paris was tough. But that is sport. The Cesc issue is an emotional issue and should be viewed from both sides. Spain just won the WC are everybody was giddy like a school girl. FCB raised him from the crib. They are entitled to feel that he is theirs. But if they want him any time soon then they will have to pay for him. And I don’t see that coming this summer and maybe not even the next. FCB have Xavi and Iniesta and FCB is not going to pay crazy Carroll like money to bring him to Camp Nou if he is not going to be in the XI. That’s not good business. And remember, as good as Cesc is, he did not start for Spain. That is just a cold hard fact. It’s just a matter of time before he goes to Barรงa and replaces Xavi once he is too old. We have to be realistic Gooners and pragmatic ones as well. The worst thing would be to see him go on a free once the time comes. That would be really bad business. The good news is that FCB allegedly have the next Xavi in Thiago. So if Thiago develops then maybe Cesc stays. Anyway, this is all speculation and an item not to be discussed now as it’s a summer time chat.
And if we developed a Walcott or Wilshere from the crib then we would feel the same way FCB does about Cesc. It’s only human and you will find that FCB conduct themselves better than just about any other club not named Arsenal.
Time to drink. I’m having two of what you’re having as I’m quite parched now.
Lagavulin, neat. I wish I saw the same nobility that you do. Nice chat- cheers!
Portland is also coming into the league this year and is also another obvious regional rival for Vancouver.
Gattuso has always been a punk. Never could stand the guy and am glad to see that the world can now see his utter unsightly true nature. Good rittance to bad rubbish I always say.
Lagavulin is a fine choice as it’s may favourite single malt. Its peatiness is top shelf as was your namesake. Fine choice in both drink and namesake. You’ll go a long way in this life no doubt.
I find a drop or two of spring water brings out a little more flavour. So too say the maltmasters.
Cheers
Has anybody said We Have Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere on here recently? Well, they have now. Good night anybody who’s still out there.
What’s with Song’s blonde ambition anyway? Who does he think he is? Madonna?? WTF! No wonder the Italian ref booked him.
I am with Snir @160 and Pires is King @215
Theo, Barcelona are a disgrace of a club in my opinion. I don’t agree at all that, leaving Arsenal, they are a club who conduct themselves well. Their official website just posted that the Champions league final tickets are going to be on sale from Feb24th. They may reach the final, they may even win it but that in itself shows the class of a club.
Xavi’s post match reaction reeks of arrogance.
If you believe there’s a right way to play, go ahead and do it. You will be appreciated for it but don’t go and condemn other playing styles. That’s the attitude Catalonians have, unfortunately.
Oh and also, Cesc had to come late on in the WC final to provide an assist which the fantastic midfield couldn’t provide till then.
They may play the best football(I attribute most of their success to the genius that is Messi) but they are a shit club, and will remain so, especially after Paris in 2006.
Having said that, I ll have a drink with you anytime.
Cheers
Oh I nearly forgot :
SACK WENGER HE LOST IT WE NEED SAMBA WTF WENGER OUT
Sorry holics, I couldn’t resist.
๐
If that’s what’s on their official website then I’d but that down to having what Wenger likes to refer to as belief. We would do well to follow a similar attitude. That is the ultimate belief in your own abilities.
You may dislike their pursuit of El Capitan but that does not show a lack of class on their part but rather good taste. A lack of class was shown on Tuesday by Milan and their rabid pit bull against the Spuds. I think some of the hypercritical amongst us should take the highroad on this issue and show some class ourselves. Too many of us are acting like petulant children with some tasteless language and I know both Gooners and ‘holics are better and more intelligent than that. Show class in victory and graciousness in defeat. And always act with integrity in all of your affairs.
Again, there is an Axis of Evil (Real Madrid, ManU, and Chel$ki) out there in the footy world and it does not include Barรงa who are a rather exemplary football club and a model for other clubs to follow. Wilshere would not ask for the jerseys of both Xavi and Messi if this were not so.
As for “condemning other playing styles” we and Cesc are very guilty of that. Remember Ipswich and how Cesc referred to their play as rugby-esque?
True, Cesc is a fantastic player and Spain needed his contribution. But which club first fed him the breast milk of football? And he is our Captain. I need not say more. Full stop.
Now, if you’re buying I’m most certainly drinking. Thoughts on Orient? I feel like a Guinness. How about you?
Turning the water sprinklers on when the opposing team are still celebrating their win isn’t what I call class, nor is it bring gracious in defeat.
As for their pursuit of our captain, it’s more the way they conducted themselves during this whole affair that Arsenal fans (and even many neutrals) found shocking and classless.
Every bloody morning we’d wake up to read a new “Cesc deserves to be here” story, a mixture of Cesc being forced into wearing a Barcelona shirt, and when it all failed, we were greeted with the classy “he’ll come to us in January WHEN Arsenal will have lost the race to be champions of England, their team just aren’t good enough” comment.
I used to like Barรงa, and I still want them to humiliate Madrid in la Liga for many reasons, but because of the above, I have lost quite a bit of the respect I once had for them.
They still have some classy individuals (Pep, Iniesta and Messi), but the aforementioned examples kind of take away SOME of the class they may otherwise display on the pitch, or off the it after they’ve won.
That’s only my humble opinion, and I’ll gladly buy you a cup of Lattรฉ or anything else that you may wish to drink and put it on Las’s tab ๐
Anyway, I think it’s only human that you become arrogant after enjoying so much success.
!
*picture of Cesc not “mixture”.
iPhone Keyboard blah blah, you all know by now.
Every organization has some less than ideal individuals.
Mourinho deserved the sprinkler treatment as he initiated the ‘rubbing it in your faces’ activities by ‘celebrating the victory’ with Inter supporters on the far side of the pitch. Just like he was celebrating two goals against Villarreal recently with his son behind the visitors’ bench. Yeah right.
Mourinho got his with the munita.
It goes without saying that all fine malts and pints of Guinness go on Lars’ tab. As ‘Arry Redsnapper says, “Thats a no brainer!”
I’m on a roll today and cannot sleep. Maybe I’ll stay up and catch the Chel$ki v Everton match.
I’m I the only Gooner out there that is enjoying the fact that the soap opera, “The Young and the Liverfoolish” is now only syndicated in the Europa League? Couldn’t happen to a ‘better’ set of fans who have done more harm to English footy than all other English fans combined.
TvA in that Chel$ki v Everton match the reason to watch is to support the outbreak of massive Moyes v Lampard handbags. Come on handbags!
Just a quick question – why are you all putting drinks on my tab? Are you trying to bankrupt me to prevent me from going to games? You don’t need to do that since I’m not jinxed anymore, we won two and drew one of my last three! ๐
@Lars
Stop complaining and FORK OUT THE CASH!
๐
Lars buying again? Guinness please, my good viking friend ๐
RvP, not complaining – just wondering ๐
Barman, here’s another couple of tenners to pay for the latest round of drinks!
Crap, forgot to order my own drink!
A pint of Boddingtons, please – I need that while watching the incredibly dull Chelsea-Everton FA Cup game. 32 minutes in and almost nothing has happened other than John Terry walloping the ball into the stands when facing a more or less empty net.
Interesting to note fo course that if Chelsea win this game then their league match against Man Utd will have to be moved on again (from March 1st), and Man Utd would most likely wind up playing both their league games against Chelsea in mid-April and early May.
‘Afternoon ‘Holic & ‘Holics
Lars,
‘John Terry walloping balls’ – not a pleasant mental image ๐ Allow me to get that pint of Boddies for you.
Charlie,
Torn on whom I want to win. I want The Chavs in a high mental state when they play Manure and Everton/Moyes proved their lack of class when we played them at The Ems a couple of weeks back. But, I don’t want to wait right until the end of the season before our enemies face each other. Anyhow, looks like Chavski are going to proceed in to the Quarters and it’s all out of our hands so I’ll just say….
The drinks are on me, alcoholic or otherwise. Who’s thirsty? ๐
I’ll have a drink (on whoever happens to be buying today) ๐
Penalties it is for the Chavs…
Josh,
Just place your order at the bar and put it on Lars’, sorry, my tab!
Well, well… penalties it is.
A Guinness for me then. And a John Terry miss if at all possible.
Nevermind. An Ashley Cole miss is good enough. ๐
What a pleasure to see Cashley sky that one.
Cashley misses and Chelsea out.
I don’t think I’ve ever been happier to see a Neville score.
๐
Joshua, BtM
I was just about to say, it couldn’t have happend to a nicer fella that C*ntley Cole.
AND, no re-arranged matches between The Chavs & Manure, per Charlie’s post.
Channel that disappointment please Chavski into beating The ManIOU.
According to the BBC it’s Chelsea’s 7th penalty shoot-out defeat in a row.
May I just say this to Mr C Hole:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
—–
Thank you, Storey, I’ll drink that Boddies while smiling at the thought of that ball flying miles over the bar. What a wonderfully awful penalty!
RVP, our posts crossed. So, please consider my previous post addressed to you as well ๐
C. Hole?…..phnaaar ๐
Joshua,
Yeah and according to that other C.Hole, ‘Lawro’, this morning on Football Focus, the Spuds win at The San Siro was more of an achievement that our victory over Farca!
Bloody cheek! Grrrrr….
TS, of course any talk about “achievements” is pretty half-baked at this point. We’ll see what things look like after the 2nd leg. If Cashley is the C. Hole, does that make Drogba the D. Hole and Terry the T. Hole?
nasri,
Not sure but John Terry is definitely an A.Hole ๐
*small drum roll, hits the high-hat*
Looks like Hleb will not be facing us @ Wembley next weekend, he’s been stretchered off vs Sheff Wed. Not sure if that’s good or bad for us…
Other than one or two of the Chavski lot they are all A.Holes but Terry is definitely the captain. Ancelotti doesn’t seem so bad, and of their players I haven’t heard anything to dislike about Ivanovic yet. Maybe it’s because his English isn’t very good, mind you …
I suppose it is easiest to forgive Chelsea their sins right after they have suffered another heartwrenching and irrecoverable defeat … Speaking of which, that’s quite a few now and I’m thinking Abramovich is thinking about getting himself a new manager to stanch the pain.
nasri, Definitely time for a new manager. I mean they haven’t won anything in… oh wait…
The only problem for Abramovich is he has already been through the list of the highest profile managers in the world. Mourinho is too smart to come back at this point, and Ferguson or Wenger would not consider any such thing. But it’s amazing what people will do for large amounts of money …
Afternoon ‘holics,
still on cloud nine after Wednesday’s victory over Barca and the media. So proud to be a Gooner.
As much as I despise Cashley and Chelski, seeing Phil Dowd again makes my blood boil. Another horrible match reffed by Mr Bungle. Ramires got a yellow for diving although there was clear contact in the penalty box. Remember the two penalties at St. James Park? How about some balance Phil? More over Dowd gave Everton carte blanche to kick their opponents all over the pitch. Don’t get me wrong there’s no sympathy from me for Chelski (I actually laughed hysterically when Cashley missed) but how on earth could the FA allow Dowd to ref another football match? He’s so biased towards the northern clubs even an amaurotic could see it. Another leg break is waiting to happen.
Need something to let off steam.
typeface,
Have a drink and watch the highlights for the Barca game. That should take your mind off things for a bit.
http://arsenalist.com/2011/02/16/arsenal-vs-barcelona-highlights-rvp-chance/
good idea Joshua, I guess it does no harm to watch it for the 17th time?
Come on ya Crawley Town ya!!!!!!!!
Chel$ki out = very nice, good technique
Come on ya Crawley!!!!!
Only thing that was missing was that Terry was not one of those who missed a penalty. But, alas, we can’t always get what we want in life.
Lee Probert doing the Manu game …