Cesc Hamstring Heartbreak For Gunners
Feb 23rd, 2011 by 'holic
The pointed end of the season. How any times have we seen it? A dour and determined opponent, the well-oiled machine maybe firing on only three cylinders, all adding up to ninety minutes of nail-biting tension. A mood not helped by the loss of two of the key components of that smooth red and white engine.
Straight off I have to say that Cesc’s injury seemed to owe nothing to any challenge by an opponent, and Theo was probably desperately unlucky. It was a clumsy challenge, but nothing overly malicious. In fact the only dangerous challenge of the night was an ‘enthusiastic’ studs up affair by Delap as Stoke attempted to snatch a point in the second-half. Walton, as inconsistent as ever, kept his card in his pocket for that one. By that time he had already bemused those on both sides with his bookings, or indeed lack of bookings. In his defence there was always going to be an edge to this particular game that would mean he would come under the closest scrutiny.
What was a shame was the effect the early departure of Fabregas had on the game. Arsenal had started brightly, with Walcott getting three opportunities before Squillaci took full advantage of a clever Bendtner chip to head home. Eight minutes gone and a big win was being threatened. Less than a quarter of an hour in and Cesc walked slowly off to be replaced by Arshavin. After the game I have been told that his hamstring has gone again and he will be out for three weeks, thus missing the Carling Cup Final, and the return trip to Barca for the second consecutive season.
Almost immediately the game took on a different hue. A slightly downbeat mood seemed to take over team and support. A lack of imagination, it seemed, stemmed the flow of chances, and with their only worthwhile effort of the half Stoke could have drawn level. It took a magnificent diving save from Szczesny. The second-half was to prove a different story altogether. Stoke sought, and gained, a number of set piece opportunities. Nerves were becoming frayed.
Shawcross, of all people, and Huth might have made more of headed opportunities, and Pennant’s free-kick was close, although covered well I thought by the impressive Szczesny. Fortunately the threat posed by the visitors was decidedly limited. If the talking point of the first-half was the loss of the skipper, so the second-half mood deepened when Walcott buckled under an awkward Whitehead challenge and was stretchered off. The news of him is that he has been sent for a precautionary x-ray on his ankle, and more will be known in the morning.
On the night the gaining of three points was crucial. We are now just a point behind Manchester United at the top of the pile, but will the cost prove to be too high? The answer may just come in the shape of Samir Nasri, for whom a massive opportunity now arises. He has had a wonderful season so far. It is time for him to take his influence on games to the next level.
A good result, but at what cost?
197 Responses to “Cesc Hamstring Heartbreak For Gunners”
a wins a win
I need a drink…
I’m with sydney, we got the three points, we can worry about the injuries tomorrow (or at least on Sunday). It is a blow to lose Cesc for a few weeks of course (though in terms of the league that would be only two games at most, thanks to the relatively light schedule in March), but tonight was an important win, we must push on and start with ending this ‘no trophies in X years’ mantra from the press on Sunday
Keep the faith. Hopefully you are dreadfully wrong about fabregas. Im going to start praying now.
Onward Sami, onward…
I really feel for Cesc. The cup final is massive – his potential first trphy as captain, but also you’d have to be cruel to not want him to enjoy Camp Nou….
Ah bollocks. A good 3 points, at least.
“Stand up, if you play football…” sang the crowd, closely followed by “One – Nil, to the football team…”
That about says it all really.
We came out of the blocks blazing, theo hit the inside of the post in the first minute, coming back into the goalies arms.
We’re up for this! I thought.
Several more chances, and a one nil lead appears, corner goes long off a head, Bendy puts it back in, Squillaci makes a fine header into the net even though he had to lean backwards and sideways where he was wrong footed to make the necessary contact.
Lets slam these mothers I screamed!
Six minutes later, and cesc makes that worrying sign to the bench… it’s a pull. Even though there was a focus on his knee, it’s a hamstring pull, slight one, as he walked off, barely limping. Precautionary I thought.
With that, the first half went dead, Arsenal kept possession and the Thugs chased shadows… I like it.
The second half gave the familiar revival in the Thugs, having had a rocket up their jacksies at half time… far more intent was shown, and the inevitable niggly little late nicks were evident.
A two footed challenge on Sagna went unbooked, a shoulder barge into Djourou’s jaw was also overlooked, – but Clichy winning the ball cleanly and putting it out for a throw was deemed a yellow card.
WTF is this ref on? I thought.
The chanting started, Arsenal re-gripped the game, AA showing intent down the wing… Shawcross, the leader of the Thugs, nearly managed to catch him with a sliding two footed challenge, but the nimble meerkat skipped gleefully passed and put a cross onto Theos boot, only for it to be sliced wide.
Another one goes missing…. Hmmmm I was starting to think.
Then Theo showed intent, cutting in onto the Pen area perimeter, a clumsy challenge from the rear should have been blown for a foul, but no, ref has other ideas. Theo lays in a heap and the game is stopped, stretcher is called. The Thug has managed to fall onto Theo’s ankle as he tumbled from the non-fouling challenge.
However, with that, The Arsenal seemed to bolster, even with Theo’s replacement managing to give the ball back to the Thugs on numerous occasions.
A sensible change of Bendy for Chamakh was made… quite what the point of passing to Bendy is when his back is to the goal is lost on me, – it comes straight back to the giver of the pass every time? – and so the clock is run down, even with a generous 5 mins of added.
3 points, I can feel the collar of that Man U team, can’t you?
Theo out for Sunday, Cesc to be assessed in the morning is what I heard?
It’s difficult to raise much enthusiasm for a visit by Pubis, Scyther Shawcross (who, as we all know by now, is not that kind of a boy) and the rest of the pubic hairs. That enthusiasm is drained even further by a dodgy stream, and two Talibanese commentators Jihading away on Algezera TV – although, I must say, that I liked the poetic justice associated with Bin Laden, sitting in a shithole cave in Pakistan, watching the game and having to confront the ugly sister mugs of Shawcross, Pubis and Delapidated.
Stoke are closely akin to an irritating block in your plumbing system. Or a putrid lump that causes your bog to gurgle, burp, fart and overflow. A suppurating, seething mass of maggots that causes your septic tank to seethe and smell and soil your geranium patch, just when you’ve invited your mum round for lunch on a sunny Sunday and the sausages are simmering sumptuously on their skewers
Stoke’s mission is to frustrate and spoil your day, no matter what the occasion. Why, oh why, are we burdened by this talentless heap of stone-dwellers, from underneath a potting stone, in the barren wilderness of the black country? Wolves, Blackpool, West Ham, Everton – anyone really (except Hull) – just not Stoke – is what this League needs.
We were out of the blocks like nuclear-fueled scud missiles out of a Jihadi pipe stem. Jack to Cesc to Theo – a beautiful move – and it could so easily have been 1-0 inside 90 seconds for Arsenal. Theo’s shot across goal left their keeper stranded but ricoched off the far post instead of nestling in the net. We didn’t have long to wait though before Bendy, for the second time in 5 days, flicked a perfect cross from the wing onto the Squid’s head. Squillacci waved all eight legs in the air in delight after nodding home nicely from about three yards.
Mild ecstasy was surmounted suddenly by a descending gloom in the BtM household as Algezera began to focus on Cesc’s legs. Pretty as they are, I knew this wasn’t commentary on the classical curvature of Cesc fibula I was hearing. It didn’t take a Ph D in Arabic to deduce that the Taliban felt strongly that Cesc was for the knackers yard and his place in the cup final in Sunday was in doubt. Time will tell.
The rest of the game felt to me much like Saturday’s visit to Leytonstone. Arsenal controlled the game. Arsenal knocked the ball about. Stoke didn’t get much of the ball. Stoke rarely looked like scoring and, unlike the unlikely O’s – they didn’t.
Stoke had one shot on goal which Wojceck saved well. They looked dangerous a couple of times on set balls but our defense coped well for the most part. JD 20 grows with every game, doesn’t he.
Despite all of our possession we didn’t create many chances. We lost Theo to a leg twist. We subbed Denilson, then we subbed Chamakh for Bendy. None of these changes changed much and throughout, there was always the feeling that they might get lucky and score.
They didn’t! We won and now we’re one point behibd the Deeply Indebted. They have a game in hand but it requires a visit o the Kremlin next Tuesday. Hmmmm….may need to cheer for a win by the Bus Stop – cough, splutter – wash my mouth out with soapy water.
Until Sunday at Wembley, Holics. See you all then. Everything crossed for a magical Catalan recovery.
Cheers BtM.
Have a great day Sunday.
gutted! absolutely gutted over El Capitan’s injury!
vital 3 points gained, cannot argue with that! but the next 2 weeks without him will be costly! looking at those games and whether or not we can win them without Cesc…
Carling cup Final – Yes
FA Cup replay – Yes
EPL vs Sunderland – Yes
Cl 2nd leg – Sadly, Not
FA Cup 1/4 final – again sadly, not
i really, really, really hope i am wrong about those last 2, but if i am not, then all of a sudden, 4 trophies become 2!!!
Still i would take Carling Cup with the EPL title no questions asked!!!
Worrying times, but certainly not the end of the world!
COME ON SAMIR!!!
Three weeks for Cesc? I hope not!
Please say it ain’t so!
Wow, we’re treated with 3 quality reports already!
Guiness on me tonight…
Samir, you have been brilliant this season, but now is the time to take it to the next level. The leader’s level. The Cesc level.
Someone HAS to take responsibilty in Cesc’s absence.
@BtM: I see where you’re coming from but having followed the wave of arab uprisings on AlJazeera online, I now understand why our so-called news networks begged to have it banned in effect on this side of the pond, for fear the putrid tripe they dare call news could be compared with the real deal.
If anything I’d rather watch an Arsenal game commented on AlJazeera than on Fox/ABC/CNN and the like if you see my drift.
Holic, I’m hoping Cesc will do a Nasri and prove you wrong :). I too thought it was precautionary only.
His hamstring is a problem but as opposed to other times he didn’t seem to walk gingerly.
Samir was 21 days and came back in 17. If I’m not mistaken, it was said in this blog it’d be 6 weeks.
Djourou’s season was “over’ and he miraculously recovered after 4 days.
Let’s hope Cesc will do the same.
Joy and pain.
The rollercoaster ride continues.
Only one solution…….
Enjoy the ride and drink, drink and just to be on the safe side drink some more.
Line them up please barman.
I believe Nasri has already taken his game to a level higher than Cesc’s this season. Everybody’s overrating Cesc, but it is obvious that this season wasn’t his best because his not playing with mediocre players anymore.
Nasri has done more than anybody in Arsenal team this season. He’s shown many good things that other don’t have; his versatility, his pace and dribbling and his goal scoring ability. People talk about assists of Cesc and Arshavin, but how many times we’ve seen Nasri doing a good work and give his teammates some peach assists but they don’t score. How many times he contributed to goals scored.
I hope people see the work that guy is doing without falling for the pundits who talk about Cesc’s pass even when they’re very simple.
Look at the goals Samir scored and you’ll find that they were all the outcome of his own dribbling and geniousness, but there was always someone who give that final ball and got credit for the assist. For me the way we assess the assists is fallacious.
It’s not Nasri’s fault if his not playing at the level of Cesc in the position of Cesc because simply you need regular playing in that position to adopt to it. Don’t get frustrated if he fails to perform as he can in one game and reach the conclusion that Cesc is irreplacable.
Snir, he won’t be proving me wrong. I’m passing on info in good faith.
Also, when did anybody here say Djourou’s season was over?
I could cry at the unfairness of it all 🙁
He didn’t say it was here that people were talking about Djourou’s season being over to be fair, just that it was a rumour doing the rounds a lot after it happened. Anyway like all things this is something to be dealt with. Maybe I don’t feel quite as bad as I was too pessimistic to see us beating Barcelona anyway!
Holic, I meant that the rumors in the Arsenal world were that Djourou’s season was over until the Swiss Dr. confirmed it’s just a bruise.
I’m not questioning you in any way, but just desperately hoping (more for him actually) that he’ll play in the Nou Camp.
I love Samir, but I’m not sure if he can give us the same as Cesc, although he can give us more goals since Cesc’s goal scoring ability isn’t as good as last season.
In past seasons I would be totally down right now, but not this season, we can cope (did anybody say Aaron Ramsey 🙂 ? Yes, I know it’s too early for him).
Where did you see what TV5 said?
Charlie, we are in with a shout if Barca are without Valdes, Pique, Puyol and Xavi.
Let’s hope that happens. Xavi’s absence in more crucial to them than Cesc’s absence to us.
Fuck me. This has to be some sort of cosmic bad joke. You gents in North London need to start sacrificing some virgins or something.
I think we all want Cesc fit in the Camp Nou, but last season he was rushed back too early from the same injury, twice, and we paid the penalty in the long run.
3 weeks? Oh fuck….
Same source for TV5, Snir.
Well, let’s all hope Samir steps up to the plate.
Lonestar mate, virgins you say, in Norf London! You’re having a laugh surely, lol!
Har, Har!
That deserves a drink Zorr0 (perhaps you’re responsible for some “deflowerings”?)
Hi holic and punters love the site,another 3pints secured with a team that’s showing real steel and skill,can’t wait 4 the club to get a pot,justice shall b done,keep a jack on ice 4 me barman.
Big squad? Check. Backbenchers willing and able? Check. Ready to challenge on all four fronts? Check. Arsenal comng in strong and clear in Mexico? Check. Come on Arsenal, you can do it for El Capitan on Sunday!
has any body noticed song ant been playing to well for atleast 9 games now
I always aim to please, Waffler and appreciate your kind compliments.
My partner, female, has been a gooner since year dot. At first I thought she knew sod all about tactics players the offside rule zzz etc. You know what? She is an astute reader of the game and her thinking might well get us over the doom and gloom over a possible Cesc prolonged injury. She has pointed out that Arsenal play better and in a better shape WITHOUT Fabregas in the team!!!!! Interesting eh?
Chins-up ‘Holics
We can certainly beat Man IOU @ The Old Toilet without Cesc and get the right result at the Camp Nou without him i.e. a draw.
Plus, two “new signings” are on their way back to us: TV5 and Rambo.
‘Holic makes a very ood point about Super Sami – time to step up to the plate and show us just how great you are. Whisper it, sometimes his best performances come when Cesc isn’t on the pitch – home to Fulham anyone? Sami’s got all the skills required, now’s the time to show us that he has the minerals to match. I think he’s more than up to it and it will help us to not become over-reliant on Capt. Fabtastic.
I’m with Dr.C though – really feel for him if he’s going to be out on Sunday. He did walk off with a face that seemed to know he would be missing-out.
Zico, what made you think you could get a stream in deepest Suffolk? They needs roads and internal combustion engines before they can contemplate t’internet.
A round for all please Mr.Barman, one for yourself and a raised glass to speedy recoveries. 🙂
@MOH: I think you misunderstood BtM’s intent, he simply used a meme to illustrate his point (talibans on AlJezeera which is endlessly implied here in the Us on TV because as I said above the networks are scared to the bone by AJ).
Mentioning Limbaugh/Olbermann instead would be far closer to the point without offending anyone but people who are perpetually offended by everything and everyone anyway.
And let’s be fair English commentators are to be avoided at all costs not only when Arsenal is playing but although when can-do-no-wrong United are on display. Luckily for us polyglots there was an excellent Italian stream available today where at the beginning they even lamented the fact that there wasn’t a team remotely as entertaining as Arsenal in the Calcio. Very refreshing!
BtM @ #34 – Heh and LOL! 🙂
@BTM
You know you didnt have to disrespect arabian people and Pakistan. I expected much more tact from you.
Ooops, looks like I was rambling to myself, forget it then.
On injuries I’d rather have them happen now than in April mind you. If they’re bad it will give the new starters the time to adapt and play at their best when it matters the most, if not the injured players will come back rested for the season’s final spring.
Even with this double-blow, we’ve had our best season in terms of injuries for many years!
With all respect Jay, contrasting the first ten minutes to the last eighty might call your partner’s musings into question. No doubt the team should be able to cope, but all too often the bit of incisive delivery is missing in the final third when Fab is missing.
@Waffling, easy there big fella. Few drinkers have the astute eloquence exhibited by BTM. Even if you disagree with his last soliloquy, I don’t think he earned that fusilade. Everyone gets at least one pass.
Here’s a drink to calm the nerves. On my paltry tab, please, barkeep.
The source on Cesc’s injury might be sound, but realistically it’s too soon to be anything other than a decent guestimate. We need to wait for tomorrow’s news before discussing the worst and in the meantime hope for the best. Just seen the challenge on Theo: nothing nasty or over the top from Whitehead, but still utterly ridiculous that Mason didn’t give a foul. Indicative of yet another infuriating performance from a ref at home. All that said, tonight was the sort of result that wins you titles, a gritty, dogged, below par and absolutely vital 3 points. Look at that league table, it’s a two horse race and we’re coming up hard on those Manc bastards…
Racism? No…
Humour? YES!
One for the road please barman 🙂
Oh, one for Matt as well please as it looks like he liked my ramblings @ 6 😉
@BTM
I misunderstood you BTM and I apologize i didnt get the sarcasm at first. And you too Holic im sorry.
and Matt thank you for clearing it up….
Ermmmm having read Bergkamp the Man’s posting four times, it appears that there is no rascist comments there whatsoever, it is not his fault he cannot speak Arabic is it? It is not his fault that online streaming of football is continually scrambled is it? Bergkamp the Man is a Gooner. We are the Gooner family. Lets allow ourselves a rant once once in a while eh? OOOO TO BE A GOOONER
MtS
Have another mate for your great post and before the bar decends into oblivion….
Thank you usama, now let that be an end to it please. This is a football blog with a healthy sense of humour and self-deprecation at times.
Thank you.
Cheers TS 😀 I’ll be here all night at this rate 😉
It would appear than one man’s plum duff is another man’s racism.
Never ANY intent at racism. Lame attempts at humour and entertainment, yes, but never racism.
No offense intended. Please take none.
Good lesson this that sarcasm is a tricky task in print.
Matt, was the Italian stream you were watching, was it broadcasting English commentary? Or did you translate the bit about ‘no team as entertaining as the Arsenal?’
BTW ‘Holics, we’ve had some excellent results without Cesc this season and some poor ones with him (e.g. Spuds @ home)
He’s a fabulous player and I want him to play every game but he can’t, he never will and we’re very fortuntate that we have a squad that can handle this situation.
Let’s have faith in the team and their abilities.
Look where they’ve got us so far.
BTM
Not lame if you get, sadly i didn’t at the first attempt.
get it *
sweet. Cheers @ btm
@ Matt 14- cheers!
This is going to be a big month for us, my friends. I fully agree Holic that this is Nasri’s time to shine, along with the other ‘starters’. Let’s show the world what the Arsenal is all about!
P.S. You may find this amusing/ painful. My girlfriend’s comments at entering the world of Arsenal less than two months ago:
1. Cesc is very handsome.
2. I would pay anything to see that little fucker get his ass whooped. (Newcastle match, guess who?)
3. So they win most of their games away but falter to easy opposition at home. Sounds like some kind of psychological issue…
4. (After the Cesc news:) Jesus, being an arsenal fan is a bit masochistic, eh?
and finally…
5. That keeper Woszy’s a bit nuts. I like him.
Cheers, Holic. Guinness please (you got me, Lars?)
cesc4official Cesc Fàbregas Soler
I dont know if ill make sunday or no, but all i know is that from this moment to sunday 16’30 i wont sleep if its necessary. Ive waited…..Too long to captain a final for arsenal and i wont give up till the last second.
What can one say about passion like that. We love you Cesc.
@Mark; really enjoyed your report, and many thanks for writing down the chants as my grasp of the english language doesn’t extend to supporters’ crowds slogans most of the time. And these days the Grove is electrifying so I really feel I’m missing something.
Found the stream by luck, I wish they spoke english though not only because my italian abilities derive mostly from 8 painful years of learning latin but because I’m always having a lot of fun with other people accents having been “gifted” with a very strong one myself. In these circumstances I can’t vouch with 100% certainty about missing an Arsenal-like team in the Calcio but for sure they were behind us and having many digs at Stoke (like they were one of the last team to play English football or something like that).
And is it really important to understand what braindead self-annointed pundits are saying? To BtM’s point, this is the best commentary I ever heard and the only word I understood was “Zidane”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiJB9kbO6E0
Cesc tweeted shortly after the game ( and I’m paraphrasing) I’ve waited too long to captain a team w a chance at a trophy I will not sleep if that gives me a chance to make the game… I can appreciate that from him after what the tabloids have put us ( and him for that matter) through the past few seasons. I too will raise a glass to the health of him, Theo, kozzer and let’s not forget RVP.
Czechvar for me please bar man… And the next rounds on me
Not been in long from The Grove. Poor game. We have played a lot better than that and lost this season. But 3 points is 3 points. And winning ugly is not something we have made a habit of in recent times. Isn’t that kind of result often the stuff of champions?
Top chants as mentioned above. One nil to the football team was my personal favourite. Hats off to stoke fans. If they turn up each week to watch that shite then they deserve a medal. Utter shite.
On the injury front we just have to wait and see. Let’s all hope for good news.
Agree with a lot of the above. I do think that song’s drop in form is alarming. I also think that the one to stand up and take on the Cesc role could well be Jack.
Keep the faith.
Dear Squidaci
Regarding my letter to you on this very blog (yesterday to be exact).
I am considering reinstating your name “Sebastien” or “Squillaci” after performances like tonight.
Remember I said “no own goals or head butts”? Well I think we are well on our way to speaking terms. If you can perform in the match with Orient we can certainly start negotiations.
But remember we are WATCHING
All the best
Guns
Don’t forget – Aaron Ramsey will be back in the side as will Diaby, RVP, Kos and, shortly, Vermie.
I am thrilled with our goalkeeping at the moment. I think Kos showed why Arsene rated him for an Arsenal shirt with his Barca performance and we are back to keeping clean sheets again.
Our little Russian is regaining his confidence and form (i loved how he darted around the defender inside the box around minute 64 – he’s baaaaack when he tries that sh*t inside the box and pulls it off).
No one would ever disagree that we are a much better side with Cesc on the pitch than not. But if we have to play Nasri or AA in the Cesc role, as long as we can keep our first 11 on the field, we can get a passing rhythm going that continues from 1st to 90th.
Can we get by Barca on the second leg without both Theo and Cesc – tough challenge, but the quality really is there in the team as a whole; get 1 away goal, play the best we can and let’s see what happens.
Man U in the FA Cup – I just don’t rate them. They play 10 behind the ball and hit you on the counter with a good group of players that can score goals – no doubt. But I just don’t see it all coming together for them on a consistent basis without something incredibly special pulling matches out of their ass.
Watch Jack step up these next few weeks – mark my words. 19 years old my arse – that kid is an alien from a another planet.
Sorry in case anybody posted it already but Cesc on twitter ” don’t know if I’ll make Sunday but I won’t give up until 16:30 on Sunday. I won’t sleep if necessary. I’ve waited too long to captain a final for Arsenal and won’t give up until the last second. ”
I hope and pray Cesc can make it. He deserves to lift a cup for us
Posted my last comment before reading the post and comments. Let me just say that these comments about Cesc are terrible. The team plays better without Cesc? You guys are mad. Cesc brings the drive that so many in our second team lack. Yes Sammy has been outstanding all season but remember huddersfield where Sammy was captain and we coasted around like we were shopping with the Mrs. For the first half hour. Then we got even worse after Sammy came off and only picked it up when Cesc was introduced. Or what about United in december when we were painfully toothless in all departments without Cesc. Nasri is wonderful but he is still complementary to Cesc at this stage not the heartbeat.
We need Cesc and badly too. I’m not saying we can’t get results without him, we can.But Everybody seems to play with that much more spring in their step when he’s on the pitch. He beat the shit outta Lampard for Christ’s sake….lol
By biggest worry is Barca. Theo’s pace on the counter had me feeling very optimistic about nicking an away goal… no its up in the air. Hope both are back just to make the game the spectacle it deserves to be.
As for Sunday, if our team cannot get up for a Cup Final, even if we are missing a couple of players…. We better get it done!
Three weeks ‘holic? I desperately hope not!
Come on..That can’t be true 🙁
Arsenal has a big squad. Theo and Cesc are two of my favorite players, but it will be an interesting test to cope without them, a big opportunity for Nasri and Arshavin (even if it’s just Theo who’s out).
It might even be an opportunity for Diaby. I fear being flamed when I say it, but I’m a big fan of Diaby.
Denilson, on the other hand, looks to me to be in a poor run of form. I don’t say this lightly, but I might be able to time a challenge more effectively than some of his recent efforts.
For tonight’s Stoke match, I’d like to cast a vote for Djourou as man of the match. I thought he made the difference down the stretch, calmly snuffing anything Stoke tried to create. Sagna, as well.
Glad to get the three points Gooners. We won. And we won ugly. The way ManU wins so often.
As for the injuries, well, let’s just hope both Cesc and Theo are quick healers. At first sight, I expect Theo to be out longer than Cesc. If Cesc is even talking about the possibility of playing on Sunday, I just cannot see how he is going to be out for 3 weeks? And no disrespect or offence ‘holic, and as Snir pointed out earlier, it was reported here that Nasri was going to be out for 6 weeks. That source of yours seems to be pessimistic (at best) and unreliable. You might wish to get another source. Let’s all hope that the source is wrong again. I don’t want to be too harsh or overly critical because I think you and your blog is great. I would just hope for more realistic estimates from said source. I didn’t mean this to sound like a rant but I guess it’s turned into that a bit. Apologies ‘holic but I believe it must be said all the same.
We play smarter and sharper with Cesc, beyond doubt. Would desperately like him to hoist the Beer Cup on Sunday but far prefer to have him at the Nou Camp where we’ll need him more.
Something restorative all round, if you would ‘Holic.
Can Aaron Ramsey make it back to the Carling Cup final? Cardiff’s last fixture for this month is Saturday, at Hull. It would be great to at least have him in the arena for the final, though a bit much to have him on the bench.
@tvn looks like you may just have to go by Andrei nasri come Sunday as rvp is still a doubt as well. We all know they play better with fab leading the charge but, there should be enough cover in the squad w rosicky more than capable of filling a central role while starting AA on the left and nanas on the right w someone??? playing a lone role up top. We just have to hope that little Mozart can still produce a beautiful piece and that “someone” up front packs their shooting boots.
@68 433 ….. Call me an AKBer or tell me I wear gooner colored glasses but I’m a fan of everybody in the squad except Almunia and I even like him to a degree. I just love the Arsenal. I don’t know how many people know this but last march, Almunia’s mother in law was killed in a car wreck. Put yourself in his shoes. He has a wife who is probably devastated so of course his head is other places. These guys aren’t robots. I just think we don’t need Almunia anymore so let him get on with his career.
As far Diaby, denilson, squillaci, Bendtner and any other whipping boys . Diaby is amazingly talented and has the size we lack but is a bit thick. He should still play a part though. Denilson just looks woefully short of confidence right now. Every pass seems tentative, every tackle a second late. That happens when you’re not getting a regular run out. Squillaci hasn’t settled but has had a nice career and won at every stop so he will probably be better next season. We still need another young CB like Sahko though. We need to stay positive and support the guys
wearing the shirt. Rant over
Hard fought victory and with loosing two very important players it doesn’t get any worse I suppose. However let’s not dwell on those negatives, there were plenty of positives to be taken out of this fixture.
As soon as Cesc walked off the pitch we certainly lost momentum, but it’s probably for the better. We need to learn how to play without Cesc when push comes to shove. He is only a human being after all and will get injured throughout the season. I feel his hammy needs to be investigated further as he gets them far too often.
We will miss Walcott on sunday but we can cope and we will definitely need him for that tough away leg in Europe. Perhaps Bendy can take his spot for now, Nasri along with Jack and Song in the middle.
Massive three points last night, let’s enjoy them for now and worry about sunday tomorrow.
Come on you Reds, I can feel a trophy around the corner.
After the initial knee jerk and of course kicking the odd thing,Cesc,Theo may be lost for now but we are the Arsenal we will prevail.
Fantastic result. All 3 points. Credit where it’s due, congrats to Squillaci on his game winning goal, good Man. Who’d have thought?
Another clean sheet when Djourou plays & unbeaten this Season when he plays.
I pray Cesc is fit for Sunday, he so deserves that Cup…talking of, a cup of PG Tips please ‘holic. Cheers.
When Djourou has been on the field we’ve only conceded one goal in the league in 2011 I think (and that was possibly offside – Saha). Can we stick him in a bubble in between games?
I remember reading an interview where Nasri says that even though he’s happy to play in a wide position, he still prefers to play in the middle as a playmaker (like he mostly does for France under Blanc).
Oooorrr, like others have suggested, we could play Awesome Jack a bit further up the field and leave Nasri out wide now that Theo’s also injured.
Song and Ramsey can play behind Jack. ( I don’t rate Denilson very highly and Rosicky -once one of my favourite players at Arsenal- has definitely lost his touch IMHO).
I don’t think it’ll be enough against Barça, but right now, I’d sign with both hands for a PL title and defeat at Barça !
Barman, I’ll have a grande Latté per favore, and since just about everyone at this bar is bankrupting our resident Viking, this time, it’s TS who is paying :-P.
@ 57 pires is king – your bird is up there with my wife. Fairer half’s discovery of last week? “Oh my god, Pep Guardiola is SO hot!”
Got to say I was really disappointed with the performance last night. I know I know, a win’s a win and I agree that’s all that matters here, but I wanted a rout. I wanted to see the Cavemen from the northern wastes carved open time and again. I wanted to see Shawcross the leg-breaking, career-threatening, neanderthal meathead turned inside out, upside down and left sitting on his educationally subnormal arse going “ug?” and scratching his thick skull with a mammoth bone. Wanker. And then I wanted to be treated to the sight of Pubis the cap-wearing chav (put a suit on for chrissakes – you’re a football manager, not a community outreach worker. Twat.) storming off in a rage and making a complete arse of himself in front of the cameras like his bedfellow Phil Brow…oh.
Anyway, guess I’ll just have to settle for 3 points then. Cruel world.
Morning All!
It Cup Final time in a couple days. Yee-bloody-har!
CG – Great comments re: Pubis. A trip to Burton’s would do wonders for him but then we’d have less to laugh at. Careful on line one or you could be getting the Andy Gray treatment, just saying like…. 😉
RVP – The Storey bank account has been sadly dry for some time now but willing to make exceptions for ‘Holics of all races, religions and creeds.
I’ll raise a mug of coffee to Silverware and Man IOU dropping 2 points from their next two games.
Charlie,
DJ (& Wojciech) is the key to our ever improving defence. Last night he buddied up really well with Squiddy and hey presto both had an impressive game, marvellous!
I was at the Everton game and it was a blatant case of offside for Saha but no matter, we got 3 points that night as well. 🙂
Would you like to help me go further into debt? 😉
RvP’s Right Foot, thank you very much for thinking about my financial well-being, much appreciated 🙂
Again Squillaci plays well when not played with Koscielny. Those two just don’t work together for some reason. And maybe his goal will give him a bit of added confidence as well? Hope so, we might need him quite a lot in the run-in.
Absolutely gutted that Cesc will (most likely) miss the final. And anyone who saw the look on his face when he walked off the pitch last night must now understand how much Cesc wants to lead this team to trophies. His emotions for the Arsenal are 110% real.
In any case it will be a nervous few days now before we know how many players we will be missing. I am doing my best not to get too worked up about Sunday, but I am failing spectacularly so far… We should beat Birmingham even if Cesc and/or RvP can’t play, but “should” and “will” are, as we all know far too well, two completely different things.
If the news about Vermaelen being two weeks away from playing is correct, then that is absolutely brilliant. It will take him a while to get up to speed of course, but his contribution to this season may still be vital.
As for the game last night, this is exactly the type of win that people have been complaining that we don’t get. We are improving, there is no doubt about that. Szczesny keeps racking up the clean sheets, he did make one mistake last night when he was in no-mans land when Huth headed over the bar from a Delap throw but other than that he was in complete control. And I have to say that it is a very good thing that you go “oh, Szczesny actually made a mistake there!” instead of going “Almunia, when will you ever learn???”.
Have to say as well that I actually thought that Denilson played fairly well when he came on. He kept it simple, yes, but maybe that is exactly what he needs to do right now to get himself sorted. He made sure he didn’t lose possession in dangerous areas, and that is always a start. I also thought Chamakh looked far more lively than he has in a long time, maybe he is starting to get back towards what he was in the first part of the season? Hope so.
Nicklas Bendtner worked hard, not much he tried worked for him but for the second game in a row he set up our only goal of the game and the ball to Squillaci was perhaps not the most difficult he has ever played, but it was still calm and composed and the fact that he saw Squillaci in there shows good awareness. It is impossible to deny the fact that Bendtner, however shit he may be in any given game, is still very often involved in the game-changing goals.
Anyway, time for me to focus on getting some work done and not working myself up about Sunday. Cup of tea with a shade of milk, please!
Matt, thanks for the nod.
I also had Italian commentary, but my grasping of Italian boils down to understanding the words that are similar to Spanish :D, of which I can speak *un poco*.
It seemed to me as if they said “with Arsenal you always can be sure of getting entertainment” this was in the early bit before Cesc went off.
Later on they repeated (in English) the “one-nil, to the football team” chant, and remarked that it was true, Stoke were complete *Bastardis*.
I can assure everyone that the Italian version of Hansen was not commentating 😀
Got a thing about Perky Coffee at the mo’, so one of them please, and check that TS hasn’t taken the keys to the medicine cabinet home with him 😀
Hmm i really think we shouldn’t be fretting so much over cesc injury and just wait on wenger to say something, we all are just assuming it to be 3 weeks, but i did rather wait on the confirmation, it could be days because cesc did look to be walking alright when he was called off, it may he felt something might just happen and as a precaution asked to be sub rathar than him trying to just run it off. If you look in that aspect nasri seemed to be also struggling with his pace, and limping at times, theo was actually awful in the game he was gonna get subbed sooner or latter and very unlucky on him picking the injury but i have a feeling both those will be fit come sunderland.
Also hoping on good news on RVP and kosc.. if we can have 3 out of those 4 fit, things wont be looking that bad.
As far as the game it was a really useless game which neither side i think wanted to play, both would have been happy if the fixture was called off, arsenal not wanting to score but just play keep ball, stoke trying to avoid a embarrassment at best get a draw, thats how the game was panning out to be else there should have been no reason for stoke not to start with jones and carew .
MtS,
I always leave the keys where I find them i.e. with The Barman 😉
Not too sure what to make of last night. The good things is 3 points and an end to my embarrassing £41 losing streak predicting the score. We looked great at the back, but all creativity going forward went off the park with Fabregas.
Walcott had a great ten minutes, then seemed to completely disappear. Nasri had a very average game I thought, and Bendtner put in a lot of work but not a whole lot of productivity.
Maybe, just maybe they had Sunday on their mind. Yeah, I’m going with that, we got 3 points, 58,000 people agree that Shawcross is a wanker, I’m £6 better off and lets hope Cesc hamstring was just a tightening.
A lot has been talked about streams. First Row, usually very good, kept freezing last night so I switched to ADTHE which was perfect.
And I quaffed 9 cans.
Back in the office.
Coffee please.
Stats are smokescreens many a times, but this one did catch the eye-
Cesc missed 18th Sept-19th Oct, Nasri scored 4 in 4. Cesc missed 23rd Nov-13th Dec, Nasri scored 5 in 5.
I wouldn’t mind another 5 in 5, come on Samir. If Cesc is out, that is.
P.S Dropped you a mail, ‘holic. Just in case it got overlooked. If it wasn’t and you’re ignoring it, fair enough. 😉
White or black Ollie?
My VERY strong womanly intuition says Cesc ‘fit’ (i mean we’ll patch him up) for Cup final……misses all other games till BarcaLOANus.
My throat is sore……….bar man!
I think Bendtner can cover Walcott admirably while he’s out injured. I think young Nickie has really been showing the best form of his career lately.
Cesc’s cover is a more dubious one now but as you point out ‘holic, this is Nasri’s moment to shine. Although part of me wonders how Arshavin would be in that position with Nasri out on the left maybe…???
The win was important for us – with Man U having a hard week with Chelsea and Liverpool, we had to get the 3 points. We played OK without looking great and still won – something we have failed to do in the past. Mentally, I think it says a lot about the team and players.
I want to give credit to Djourou and Szczesny. They have been two of the standout players of late and sometimes feel the media dont give them the credit they deserve. They add a solidity to our back line that has been missing since Vermaelen has been injured.
Injuries to Cesc and Theo are obviously overshadowing the game. They couldnt come at a worse time TBH. Particuallry gutted for Cesc, especially after his twitter comments yesterday. TBH after reading them nobody should question his commitment to the team. (I say that because I read a few Arsenal fans on twitter yesterday suggest its better that he misses the Barca game becoz he wont really try 100% to beat them….pissed me right off that did)
Im hoping it was just precautionary but if he does end up not being fit its better that he doesn’t play. Id rather he missed this and was there to lift the league/CL trophies than see him lift the C/C and miss the rest of the season.
Hopefully Van Persie is OK for Sunday as well, but the same applies to him as well. We should have enough quality around the team on Sunday to cope with Birmingham.
Cant wait for Sunday now 🙂
One Aaron Ramsey preparing to inspire us on to what we call in Olde Mexico
La Gran Victoria
with the significant contribution by Mr Diaby and no I do not mean another abrupt red card
Soon to be Minnesota bound to get ready for La Gran Victoria
Nickspinkboots @ #88 and Gary E @ #91,
We seem to be thinking along the same lines cf my comments @ #35.
Totally with you, even without RVP, Koz and Cesc we can still win and win well on Sunday.
Having said that….
ette @ #89, I think your intuition serves you well. I can see at least a ‘cameo performance’ from Cesc on Sunday and then a rest until Farca away. Fingers crossed….
Cheers all, the drinks are on RVP! 🙂
Good day ‘holics,
Hats off to Squid. As Lars pointed out earlier, SS does seem to play better with JD and his nightmares occur when he is paired up with Kozzer. I attribute this down to Johan being a rather imposing physical presence and Kozzer being a more finesse speedy type of CB. Squid is even less physical than Kozzer. And when you pair up a couple of finesse CBs you have a recipe for potential disaster. In some parts of the media I’ve heard the pairing of SS & LK described as Arsenal’s CB French doors.
Hoping to hear some good news asap regarding the duration of injuries. I’m of the belief that both RvP and Kozzer will be back on Sunday and that both Cesc and Theo will be out. We need to put out our best XI that are not injured on Sunday and rotate for the FA Cup replay against L Orient next mid week. That’s my take. Everyone drink safely & two hands on the glass.
Q) WHL ’04?
Watching a replay of yesterday’s game. That acronym is on the facade inside the stadium amongst our row of trophies won. I know we won the league that year and went unbeaten. But can someone break down that acronym for me please? Thank you.
TvN
WHL = White Hart Lane i.e. where we won it in ’04.
History could repeat itself for the fourth(?) time this year.
Just a random thought – can anyone see Arsene naming Cesc on the bench and (hopefully) bringing him on for the final minutes if we are winning?? Then he gets to lift the cup….
Wenger’s a sentimental old sod sometimes…..he wouldn’t, would he?
Dr. C
Funny that, I’ve been thinking something similar.
Or maybe, first half instead. Cesc doesn enough to effectively have the match won and we defend like heroes for the second half…. hmmm….
Your scenario far more likely I have to say.
Would you like RVP to buy you a cerveza?
yes
Thanks TS. Personally, I don’t see the need of putting where we won the trophy on the facade. Just put the trophy up. To me, it’s far more significant that we went unbeaten in the league that year and it should be represented instead of where we won it.
I go with CG’s suggestion. We can’t risk Cesc with real playing time Sunday. Have him on the bench as the 18th man. Rest him against Orient too. See how he is after that.
TS (or anyone else),
What are most Gooner’s opinion on Liverfool? Do we hate them or are we largely indifferent towards them as they are now largely irrelevant? Triple Glenmorangie for each and everyone’s take?
Just want them to take points off the Mancs before we beat them @ The Ems. Nothing else matters this season….
I know that. I mean across time. I have and will always hate ManU …
Any further news on Cesc and Theo guys?
TVN.
With all due respect, that coment (100) shows the difference between a home grown gooner (Narf Lahndona) and an overseas one.
To us who hail from the non sunny regions of N5, N7 and neighbouring comunities, the fact that we won the nations biggest trophy in the backyard of our hated nemesis means everything.
Like I said, no malice or insult intended, just exposing cultural differences.
Who’ll join me for a pint?
H2H,
Always willing to drink.
I see what you’re saying and I am aware of the big North London derby. However, to me, putting up the WHL ’04 is just rubbing their noses in it and is unnecessary. It’s a bit unclassy and I’d expect more from the organization in my opinion. It’s okay for us on a blog to slam the Spuds in such a way. But if I were running things that WHL ’04 would not be part of it. And no team has gone unbeaten for a whole EPL season. That’s more important to me and should be there next to the trophy instead. We can agree to disagree.
What’s your take on the Liverfool Q?
As for L’pool.
When I was a kid (in the 70’s) the average L’pool fan could be likened with the Man IOU fans of this day and age, mostly gloryhunters. Many kids from the neighbourhood were spotted sporting the colours of the scouse, Judas’s the lot of them, especially when they were growing up under the shadow of the great Highbury Stadium.
Nowadays they’re just a source of amusement, for the last decade we’ve had to listen how it’s always gonna be their year next year, but now even the most delousional among them had started to realise that their demise was longer then temporary.
However, with the return of the prodical messiah (it’s a Northern thing) all will change and I’ve heard they will return to their former glory………………. Next year. 😉
TvN, the WHL’04 banner is not something the club has put up there, if you look a bit closer the next time you see it you’ll notice that it is a home-made banner that someone brings to the stadium and hangs up every game. There are home-made banners of all sorts all over the stadium.
That’s the way I see the Liverfool question largely too H2H. To me, most Liverfool fans on this side of the pond are old timers & glory hunters (glory hunters of yore). Their best days are far behind them and they’ll be consistent Europa Leaguers, at best, as far as the eye can see (I’m watching their game, so it’s a timely Q). I just find that so many of them have this air about them that somehow they believe they are special supporters for some reason. I just don’t get that at all. What’s so special about them??
@ TS:
I just received an email from my banker. Something about a huge amount of money being claimed by a certain organization called “GH Plc”, as well as a £4500 invoice sent to him by said organization.
I have no idea what he was on about. I always suspected he was a spud anyway.
@H2H
Well, I can understand TvN’s confusion.. Shouldn’t it read “SHL ’04” instead? 🙂
Lars,
Now that you mention it, that sounds correct. I’ve got it on tape but there did seem to be a white square banner up there (if my memory serves). Thanks for your input.
Thanks to quality Gooners like TS, H2H, and Lars (among others & ‘holic of course) it’s always a pleasure to learn more about the club and some of the nuances that one might not get elsewhere. So, thank you, and have a triple on zico’s tab.
Nothing TvN, just like there’s nothing special about us. We’re all just fans, we come in all different shapes, sizes, colour and creed. There’s no accounting for taste and everyone of us has our own reasons for supporting our teams. Mine is geographical, I suppose I was just lucky to be born in Holloway. The one thing that unites us all is the love of the game.
A raised glass to the beautifull game and the wonderful gunners.
Cheers!
We are at 60′ at Anfield. Still no score on aggregate. The ‘Fool might get knocked out. I don’t want them to get injured before they play at home next weekend against old Red Nose.
Speaking of the Mancs, they’ve got injuries and three straight away league games in a week. As BtM has said before, I can hear that points gurgler rumbling up. Time for them to drop some points down the drain me thinks.
Liverpool these days are simply pests. It’s true that they have had glory days, but these days they rely on reputation, with a half nod of respect for coming back from being 3 – 0 down v Milan to win on pens a few years ago, being there only claim to fame.
Dare i say it that Chelsea are more our ‘rivals’ these days, the true role of the LWC’s being one of ‘neighbours, formally of Middlesex’, and that’s about it.
Perhaps my views are because I come from N1, and not 5 or 7 😀
H2H@113: I agree wholeheartedly, that “us fans of XYZ FC really are something special!!!” thing is really, really tiresome.
Well, Liverfoolish progress on a late Kuyt goal. ‘Nuff said.
Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/cesc-fabregas-out-of-carling-cup-final
Well stated Lars. Maybe Wenger can give him a 5 minute run out at the end just so he can make an appearance (hopefully the game will be settled by then).
It’s shit news for him, Lars, but surely we should be able to deal with Brum without him.
We need him back for Barça though.
A pick-me-up for Lars, please barman!
@ H2H, esp #s 105 & 107,
A perfect explanation of how I feel and very similar to my own personal experiences even though coming from the HA8 postcode I’m almost a country bumpkin compared to you…. although spent much of my yoof loafing around various N and NW post codes. Your posting form tonight is akin to RVP’s goal scoring form. Here’s hoping we all peak together on Sunday afternoon.
@ TVN,
I often overlook how different it must be for someone who hasn’t grown-up in this country (or even Greater London) to support The Arsenal. Much respect to you and all the others here who have grown to love and follow our team with only the occasional opportunity to even get to visit the club.
@ RVP.
Four and a half grand? Consider yourself lucky.
OK, my turn to buy. A round for all please Barman on no-one else’s tab.
Ollie: yes, we are still firm favourites to win it but I wanted Cesc to lead the team in a Wembley final. I really feel sorry for him.
Having said that, there is not time for such emotion at this time. We can’t do anything about the injuries right now so let’s just focus on the players we have available and give them all the support we can and hopefully we can win the game.
Lars,
Just as I was starting to enjoy the evening….. 🙁
However….
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/van-persie-koscielny-and-diaby-should-be-fit
…. could be the silver lining in the cloud. 🙂
Storey, that was sweet music to my ears (eyes?), if RvP can play that is a huge boost.
Have whatever you like from the bar on my tab!
Yes, that was my point Lars, gutted for him, deserved to lead the team.
Good news on the returnees though.
I’ll share the tab with TS before he gets ruined 😉
Cheers Lars, pint of Carling please!
Ollie, it’s too late, I already am….
TvN, just until Sunday would you consider changing your ‘Holic name to Andrey van Nashere or something along those lines? 😉
Forgive me if I don’t change my pen name. The reason I changed it in the first place was to account for injuries as all five cannot play at the same time (generally speaking). And you can understand, as a fellow Gooner, that this team is the poster child for injuries. I don’t think I could keep up.
I’m not surprised at the news on the injury front. Mixed news. We shall cope and overcome on Sunday.
Some day, I’d like to make the pilgrimage to The Grove. Luck I speak the language. There probably are a lot of Gooners out there that don’t even speak the language.
Since Cesc is unable to play and will most surely be gutted for it, Arsenal should wish him well with a win on Sunday and another final for him to lead the team in. 🙂
That’s an interesting development lads, Diaby being available.
I’ll have to think a while now on what team i would put out.
One things for certain, the loss of cesc and theo on their own, with the others back, shouldn’t derail the train.
I didn’t grow up in London, but I too know exactly what it means to hate a team so bad you DO wanna rub it in their noses (Hapoel Tel-Aviv is my Spuds) and the banner WHL 04 was beautiful in my opinion. I enjoyed it and fair play to the guys who made it.
TvN, just imagine how they felt that day and rub it in every single home fixture – Loving it! 🙂
This is via @YoungGunsBlog
Cesc’s trainer: “He can play at the Nou Camp, no problems. No doubts. The Carling Cup? That depends on regeneration of the muscle.”
Cesc Fàbregas’s personal trainer Juan Ferrando tells Marca he’ll be out for 7-10 days. Hopeful of playing against Barça away.
He also says Cesc will be allowed on the podium (even if he doesn’t play) to get a medal and lift the trophy as he’s not only team captain but also club captain.
So sad for Cesc. Knocking Barca out in the Camp Nou should be a good tonic for him. Gimme a drink Barman …. Something hard
As a Texas Longhorn, the Texas A&M Aggies are our Spuds. Any and every opportunity we get to rub an Aggie’s nose in the fact that WE are Texas’ premier school and team is gleefully taken.
In fact, whenever our “dear” governor does something stupid like advocate secession, the only thing a right-thinking Texan like myself can do is shake my head and say, “Fucking Aggie!”
C’mon you Gunners. We should take nothing for granted on Sunday. Score early. Score often, and win this for Rambo.
Up the Arse!
Absolutely ‘holic! The time is upon Samir Nasri and how he responds will dictate the outcome of our season….
He is not far behind Cesc in terms of his ability and positive influence on the game. However, I am a great admirer of his talent and that wonderful balletic movement of his. The time is NOW!
If that sounds a load of bollocks; please forgive me, large bottle of Rioja later…
He needs to talk to the club doctor then, Snir 😉
Rioja?
You are welcome here Paul, and bang on about Sam. Massive three weeks coming up for him…
If you like big powerful reds try out different bottles of Montepulciano D’Abruzzo. Proves our Italian cousins can make quality reds…
Thanks ‘holic! I think he can do it!
Holic (and holics), I’m coming over to Scotland on the 3rd of March to visit a friend and will be at the match against Sunderland on the 5th of March (can’t wait for it, taking a train in the morning from Edinburgh to London and back after the game :)).
It’d be lovely to catch up to you and fellow holics at the Tollie.
I know about that wine ‘holic. Made with the Sangiovese grapes. Very nice! Bed however beckons…
“Barman, pick that drunk up and put him to bed”!
I think a few are intending to be there Snir. I may not be due to family commitments. Keep your eyes peeled. I have seen discussions about that game in the drinks…
G’night Paul. Anyone who knows his wine and loves his Arsenal is welcome here.
Snir & Lonestar,
I’m of the school that is akin to the theology of one Barry Sanders. Who, after scoring a TD, would not spike the ball. He would just flip the ball to the official and act as if it’s no big deal. He’s been there before and he’ll be there again. He always acted with class and never rubbed his opponents’ noses in it. It’s professionalism. I can see how some fans have put up a WHL ’04 banner. That’s fine. I’m cool with that. If, however, it was the club (as I wrongly initially assumed) then I would not be cool with that and say such an act by a club would be bush, lame, and unprofessional.
I like to ask myself in such circumstances, “What would Arsene Wenger do?”
Enjoy your sojourn to Scotland and The Grove Snir. Be sure to have some of Scotland’s best be it women and drink.
I hear you Theo. I generally subscribe to that belief as well. For instance, and this is a petty thing, I never have and never will have any shirt monogramed on the cuff. If you do at all, do it on the tail, or inside the collar – YOU know its monogrammed, that should be enough.
However, I have a blindspot when it comes to Aggies or Spuds. We know we are better than they are. THEY know we are better than they are. I and want them to see that I know that they know that we are better than they are.
You will have to indulge me this teensy bit of intellectual smallness 😉
As far as wines, ‘Holic can you recommend something light, semi-sweet, and refreshing as I wing down to Cabo San Lucas with the missus? Much obliged.
Awww Barry. My fave.
Hmmm, don’t compare American sports to EPL. It’s different. In my opinion professionalism is doing EVERYTHING possible to win, of course, under the condition it’s legal, even if it means disrespecting your opponent.
There is nothing I like more when there is a scrum between the C’s and Lakers, Pats and Jets, Bruins and everyone etc.
But, please do not compare the passion to the EPL. I’ve visited England a few times now and I live in the US, not only is the passion not the same, it’s not even close. England breathes football and everything comes with it, including that hatred towards your arch rival.
I guess I’m more of a hating (sports wise) person 🙂
Cheers mate, I hope the stay would be what I expect it to be:)
Also any recommendations of good spots where I can watch the beer cup final without getting abducted by narco-traffickers?
@ Snir,
I invite you to come down to dallas for Texas-Aggie weekend (or even Texas-OU weekend – the Red River Shoot-out).
I think the level of enmity and passion (some of it respectful and good natured) will come close to the passion felt across the pond. I know folks who would never vote for an Aggie (even for official state dog catcher) – simply because he’s an Aggie.
Some of us bleed and sing for our American teams. There is, and will never be, anything like 100k fans in Austin, TX singing “The Eyes of Texas are Upon You…”
And as for passion Snir, there is nothing that can match American college roundball. Nothing. Not even the EPL on its best day.
@Lonestar – Be careful what you wish for, I might just show up at your doorstep 😀
If there was thing close to the passion in England it’s Collegiate sports. The pros are not even close and that’s to do with the commercialization in these times. For instance, how can the Hornets move cities?!? Some of the love is the love for it’s surroundings, tradition and culture.
I’m from Israel, and before I moved back to the US in July, I used to watch everything Israeli TV had to offer, which was Barca, Real, Seria A, La Liga, Belgian League, Eredivisie, EPL, Bundesliga etc.
Last season I was at the Emirates for the 2-2 against Barca. I was so amazed to hear people being surprised by Barca’s play in the first half, by Messi in the 2nd leg. It’s things that you get used to when you see that every week.
That’s when I understood that in England, it is so so different and the rest of the world isn’t that important. The local scene is a lot more important (for instance if there would be a UCL quarter-final not involving an English team and the old firm on the same day, the old firm highlights would be shown first).
I love that about England 🙂
*If there is one thing.
TvN, it’s the whole feeling in England of “Arsenal’s life and nothing else matters” and the hate for Spuds comes with it.
I love it:D
JW is going to Wemberley, folks!
“(for instance if there would be a UCL quarter-final not involving an English team and the old firm on the same day, the old firm highlights would be shown first).”
Funnily enough I think most Gooners turned their backs on the Champions League (Chelsea) in HD this week to watch Blackpool dick the LWC’s on a stream. I know I did 🙂
Theo and Snir (and any other Gooners),
I extend the invitation to visit the Republic of Texas to take in some college football (or basketball – Theo. Although I will differ a bit regarding passion for college basketball, I mean most fans don’t really get riled up until March Madness, I will admit that a game at Cameron watching Duke v. Maryland will rival the atmosphere in ANY stadium be it England, Spain, or Continental Europe.
If any of you come to Dallas, I will take it as a personal offense if I don’t get notice so I can feed you awesome barbeque, buy you lots of alcohol, talk about our beloved Arsenal, and, if you time it correctly, how much any Longhorn despises Aggies and Sooners.
Up the Arse! (Hook ’em)
Right, off for the weekend tomorrow. Will attempt some sort of preview from the kids place on Saturday. Really hoping it is our weekend.
Take care all, and have a great one.
Holic (#154),
So did I…
a toast to hatred. Glorious hatred! 😉
@Lonestar – I’ll drink to that!
Hey Snir, if necessary, I’ll make sure that barbeque is kosher 😉 Shabbat Shalom.
LG,
Dallas? I guess that’s where you live now. U of T is in Austin right?
I’ve been to the Big House and the Carrier Dome for hoops. Haven’t been to events south of that except for work. Greatest atmospheres I’ve ever been to.
I can appreciate a hatred for the Sooners though. Hook’em Horns!
Theo, you are alright with me, brother!
Yeah, I’m in Dallas now. I went to school at UT in Austin. I went to Cameron to watch Duke v. Maryland when I lived in Washington, D.C. I imagine the Big House is pretty special too.
Anybody in the bar??
*reaches over for some free black stuff, takes a few sips, begins to whistle*
Think I’m signing out for the night, meself.
Lock-up behind yourself. ‘Holic doesn’t like riff-raff coming in after closing.
LG,
I read that Arsenal Under -17 team is coming to Dallas in April for the Dallas Cup. Provide some details, my man and I may be able to stop down for a cold black one.
Looks like Sky and ESPN have sorted out their games for April, and we’re on every week. Plus the Spurs game now has a date.
2nd April – Blackburn (H) – 5.30 ESPN
10th April – Blackpool (A) – 1.30 SKY
17th April – Liverpool (H) – 4.00 SKY (will be postponed if we reach the FA Cup semi-finals)
20th April – Spurs (A) – 7.45 SKY
24th April – Bolton (A) – 4.00 SKY
1st May – Man Utd (H) – 2.05 SKY
Re 166 Charlie..
And we’ve been well and truly stitched up with the fixtures!
Utd play nearly every league game before our equivalent fixture…
Just to crank up the pressure on us.
As it’s quiet today, some light relief for you all – you won’t believe it!
http://www.asylum.co.uk/2011/02/23/video-officially-the-worst-piece-of-footballing-cheating-ever-c/?icid=main|uk-ws-bb|dl8|link4|http://www.asylum.co.uk/2011/02/23/video-officially-the-worst-piece-of-footballing-cheating-ever-c/
Holic – hope that’s ok? Apologies for posting a link if not.
Walcott misses Barca game – that’s shit.
Brilliant, Catalan.
The Wasp – As much as I would love to have Theo out there for Barca, we have other players who can fill in. As we saw in the first leg, Theo is not our only weapon on counter attacks and we can hurt them with a number of players.
It’s a setback but all is not lost.
Plus, if they don’t have Xavi fit, I’ll put my house on us going through.
@ 171 Snir Geuli
“we have other players who can fill in..”
Yes we do.
But none with Theo’s pace.
One of our biggest weapons in previous Champions League knock out games (see Anfield 08 and Nou Camp last year).
Is Xavi a doubt?
@The Wasp
None with Theo’s pace but Nasri and AA are a LOT faster than Maxwell and Alves.
Just look at the 2nd goal against Barca.
You could do that at the Nou Camp as well.
Xavi is injured, but is supposed to come back on the 2nd of March for a league fixture they have. Hopefully, his comeback is like Vermaelen’s:)
BtM,
Good shout on the Dallas Cup. I’ll investigate and report details as soon I find them out.
Pelanty of cold black stuff here in Big D. 😉 (We are talking about DRINKS, right?)
Waiting anxiously for the final…Hope our boys are up for it..
Rum and coke, please
anyone at the bar……?
So we are not patching Cesc up 🙁
Good then i guess – we need all guns firing at the Looser Camp anyway.
Rosicky can handle Brum 🙂
Snir,
Your eternal optimism and viceral hatred for FCB is blindly you worse than Helen Keller and is greatly affecting your objective judgement. Even if Xavi is out they have enough to overcome just a one goal deficit at the Camp Nou. Putting your house on it would be greater than folly. Xavi just has a slight calf strain and will probably be playing midweek @ Valencia.
Neither AA nor Nasri have the amount of pace you propose. They are no faster than Maxwell and Alves. Our second goal was more about them pressing up the park and getting caught out than getting beat for pace. And Nasri did not get clear through on goal, had to stop in the box, and cut it back to AA.
If Walcott were available, FCB has to respect that killer pace, and Maxwell will not wonder forward and play as a wingback as much. Our second goal, subtly, may have been as much a product of Walcott being removed from the game and their overconfidence that pace would not hurt them. But now we don’t even have that option at Camp Nou.
I would have preferred both sides being fully fit for the second leg (and being the biggest spectacle possible) but unfortunately that’s not going to happen.
TvN – It has nothing to do with my hatred for Barca, it has to do with my endless respect for that cunt Xavi who is in my opinion the reason Barca are this good.
His vision is second to none.
All you have to do is look at Messi’s goal against Bilbao to see what Xavi brings to them, and even though he didn’t get the assist (Alves did, and that’s another threat our left winger will have to deal with) it was a goal that should be to his credit only.
I know they’ll score even without Xavi but I also know that we will score, no matter who comes on the pitch for us. Yes, my evaluation of our squad is THAT high.
As for the CC final, I’m getting quite nervous as Mike Dean will referee the game.
And about our second goal – There is nothing to suggest Barca won’t play the same way without Walcott in our lineup and get burnt by the same counterattacking threats at the Nou Camp.
And by the way, Barca are a great team, the best in the world, but they were NOT superior to us at the Emirates. We had the same amount of shots (RvP twice are as good chances as the Messi ones for someone in RvP’s form), we had more passes percentage (31% to 21%) in the final third than they did.
Passing from Pique to Abidal to Xavi and back again, does not make them superior.
Without Xavi (I hope he does a Vermaelen and not Djourou) we are in it with much much more than a shout.
And you’ve touched on a point there. Without Theo, that means AA is responsible for tracking back on Alves’ side. That’s not the little Russian’s strongest suit. With Theo, Nasri is responsible for that side. I believe I need not say more with respect to their relative defensive qualities AA v Nasri.
There’s no way either Cesc or Xavi are going to miss that game considering their modest injury status.
That’s down the road. Is everyone available except Cesc and Theo for Sunday? What’s the status of RvP, Kozzer, and Diaby?
Let’s be honest. FCB were in control of that game until two things happened. First, Pep takes off Villa. That was a bad move on his part. FCB did not need to sub in my opinion and if anybody were to come off it should have been Pedro who was not playing well. Second, Valdes really gifted us that first goal and without it, it would have likely remained at 0-1.
Messi’s missed chances were better opportunities than RvP’s. Piqué played Nasri onside for the second goal. The stats were pretty even (they weren’t so much in the first half or until the Villa substitution). They did have more possession in our house. Do you really think the stats will be even at Camp Nou with @100K angry Catalans??? Keep your £€$ in your pocket and don’t be putting your house on it. I’m not sure ‘holic will let you sleep in the bar.
It’s funny how you mention those final third pass % stats and their passing about outside the final third. It’s the same type of stuff the English media say against us in domestic competition. And every % we have the ball is a % they don’t have the ball. It is, in effect, a form of defense as well as offense.
Hopefully, come Sunday, we can end our infamous trophy drought since MMV. Which is nowhere near as bad as Birmingham’s (MCMLMIII).
TvN
“Piqué played Nasri onside”
Clichy played Villa onside for their goal.
“Messi’s chances were better than RvP’s”
Apart from the chip that went just wide, I disagree.
“Valdes gifted us that goal”
Almunia’s positioning for their 2 goasl last year at the Grove was poor.
Caught in no man’s land for the first one, and going down too early and beaten on his near post for their second.
Beaten *AT* his near post
Where’s the barman? I need a Martini and I’ve got TS’ credit card! 😀
TvN,
Last season at the Grove, Wenger started Nasri on the left and AA on the right for that exact reason – Dani Alves. Arshavin broke down and was replaced by Eboue. Nasri stayed on the left even without Walcott on the pitch. I’m quite sure that would happen this season as well (even though Nasri wasn’t as good as I expected him to be in closing down Alves this season).
About our % of possession in other teams’ final third. As opposed to Barca in the second half, we creat chances with our endless possession. Barca didn’t create anything apart from the Messi shot that went wide and into the side netting and that wasn’t cause of their possession but because Eboue passed them the ball.
I don’t think the differences between the squads are that big and I do think Xavi makes all the difference.
Snir – Let’s keep our fingers crossed and I’d advise you to keep your money in your pocket. Xavi provides exceptional passes for sure but FCB can function almost as well, especially at Camp Nou, with Iniesta in that role and using either Keita or Afellay as the other AM.
Catalan – spooky that. Was sitting here talking to someone with the ‘drinks’ on the laptop in front of me, stopped unnoticed at @97.
I had just been expressing exactly the thought that I glanced down to see written in your comment. I hope AW does exactly that.
I hesitate to bring this up again (and again), but yet another recurrence of this Cesc hamstring – after it being well rested and ‘completely recovered’ this time – has to be a pelvic alignment issue, does it not? Ten minutes in?
Barca wore down and will again in the Camp Nou. Our fitness is much better. Their strategy is to get a lead then make you chase their possession. But we already have the lead and will be looking to score more. They will wear down chasing our game. Up the Arse!!!!
Multiple crap newspapers are reporting Sammy agreed a new 5 year deal worth over 100k a week
Don’t put any quid on it Dutts. Money better spent on a slice of pizza, pop, and chips me thinks.
Nasri signs a new deal and arsenal are immoral… Can’t the journos pick on any other side or do arsenal sell that many papers.
Tvn you seem to be playing devils advocate, thanks for
Keeping everyone grounded as we all know that barca will not Be easy regardless of where we play. a drink for anyone in the bar with me…
Cheers Snood I’ll have a cheeky JD!! Pre celebration I hope
Snir and TVN,
Excellent points all round. But it is , I feel, time to put Barca aside and start getting excited about Sunday. Coz we are in a Cup Final!!!
Come on Arsenal!
Time for a last drink before heading off.
Your choice, barman!
Hmmm, I realise it’s a bit early for the bar to be open. Bring it to me on the train then, please 😉
Come on you Gunners!
Lonestar @ 174 – rumour has it we’ll have a great young team in Dallas, even although they’ll all be U-17.
Trev – couldn’t agree more. But surely that’s been looked at?? You’d really hope so – not rocket science.
Anyway – had a good week so far in Catalunya?