The Game The Planet Wants To Watch
Feb 15th, 2011 by 'holic
I’m looking at my ticket, wondering what to write about this match that hasn’t already been said. This is one end of the spectrum, one reason why football grabs every part of you. It is not just us going through every possible emotion, and seriously considering every possible outcome to this tie. It is what the M&S advertising agency would sell as ‘not just a football match, this is an Arsenal versus Barcelona football match’.
Compare the teams player for player and the neutrals keep telling me Barca would come out on top in most areas. It is a shame that we will be missing Sagna through suspension, and although Nasri is included in the squad I cannot help but believe that he is included as a boost to his team-mates and to plant a seed of doubt in Barca minds. I don’t think for one moment we will risk him. He is too important for the big games that follow. I would love to see him properly fit and starting in the Camp Nou.
Both of those would be in my selection from the two sides. From those likely to start at the Grove I would argue the case for Djourou, Clichy, Fabregas, and van Persie. Ask another dozen people and you will get ten different selections, at least. That just goes to show, I would like to think, that we are talking small differences when comparing squads. Arshavin is close to being back to his best, and in top form he can be every bit as influential as their little men, Xavi and Iniesta. Barca would, I suspect, love a Song in their squad. Wilshere will not back down from the challenge. I suppose Messi might just get in on merit!
Arsene talks of his players belief and desire to show that they are good enough to knock Barca out, whilst accepting that the opponents are currently the best side in the world, and “super favourites”. I love that term when he says it. References to last season are not valid for me. In the cold light of day we gambled on players fitness in the first game and paid the penalty when virtually our second string was beaten at the Camp Nou. Look again at those contests and we showed in the second-half at home and the opening twenty minutes away that we can get in behind them.
This time around we have a side that surely will not be as restricted as that which froze in the opening forty-five minutes last season, which makes the match a mouth-watering prospect. If both sides are ‘at it’ you just know this game could end up a classic, and virtually any score is possible . I have swung from favouring 3-2 to us, then perhaps a repeat of last years 2-2, and in darker moments accepted the possibility of a reverse, Given our record of impressive wins in Madrid and Milan in this competition I wouldn’t consider a draw for starters as a disaster, but obviously we will be given more belief by having an advantage to defend in a fortnights time.
Because all things are possible I am pointing the ‘holic pound at an Arsenal win. Any Arsenal win. Bookies are seldom wrong, but for me 3/1 against Arsenal on their own luxurious turf is just madness. You might also care to consider if that 3-2 win I mentioned earlier really is as unlikely as suggested by Bet Fred’s offer of 40/1?
If you are going to be there with me tomorrow, I know you will need no imploring from anyone to give everything you have in support of the side. I seem to be right next to the Catalans, so I’ll be giving it the full monty after a swift pre-match half or two. Feel free to let them know who has Cesc Fabregas, but don’t forget to cheer on the others. I have a feeling the atmosphere is going to be amazing.
For those who have to be satisfied with a television showing, or a dodgy stream, please try and keep some perspective as the game unfolds. These are two fantastic sides capable of dominating the other for long spells. The outcome will depend to a certain extent on who keeps the ball better, but more by who is the most decisive with their spells of possession. They will have their moments, but they will be the first to acknowledge that we are more than capable of having more.
Just try and enjoy it. This is what being a football fan is all about.
Cheers ‘holics.
199 Responses to “The Game The Planet Wants To Watch”
First drink?
Brandy please.
It is indeed. A large Talisker and a side of ice please, barman. PS. How do you get those free First class upgrades on FGW?
Bloody hell Ollie, I write too much, clearly.
I think I’ll try a cider, cheers guv.
Travel on a day when the rugger buggers are heading to Twickers, Snail π
Heh. ‘A swift pre-match half or two’, yeah right π
Great post ‘Holic. I’m sticking with 3-1 and a memorable night for all at The Grove.
Drinks all round please Mr. Barman and one for yourself fella.
Cheers, ‘holic. As great as it would be to see him and as much as he would obviously love to play a part, I agree that Sammy Nas should under no circumstances start tomorrow. We all know the dangers of rushing a hamstring injury (see: Cesc away v. Braga).
Lets show the Catalans what Arsenal’s DNA is all about
I get it, empty seats… Do you ask the train attendant? Or do you need to go to the ticket office before travel?
Hey Mr Mollusc! I thought I had to be quick to get that in before you, in fact.
You’re not a real snail π
He gets offered on account of being over 80 years old, Snail π
And I have to stop winking or you’ll start thinking I’ve got a twitch.
Ha ha, Ollie. I think you may have a point about his age too. In fact I recall some twitter banter from last week, between him and young Esso.
Esso: I’m off to a 60th birthday party… It isn’t mine!
‘holic: No I remember yours, Esso.
So if Esso is 60…. well you do the mathΓ©!
Heh, vous a un tic?
Yellow card, Belgium π
I just sat in there and the ‘train manager’ declined the usual cash upgrade as the standard accomodation was choc-full.
Cash upgrade is only a fiver from Didcot or a tenner from Swindon, anyway.
‘Train manager’ indeed, heh!
Wish I’d thought of that. We stood from Paddington to Reading the other day.
Oh well, lesson learned!
Spuds have scored, btw.
I wish they did that on the Eurostar, ‘holic :p
Meelan are pony these days.
PS for TS: Loved the ‘Marks & Spencerism’ BTW, classic!
Or how abount, ‘If Carlsberg did football matches….’?
I’ll take the odds on the ‘holic full monty at 3 to 2.
My crystal ball, a usually unreliable source, says 1-1 at the Emirates and a 3-1 away win at the Nou Camp.
A glass of your finest claret for me, if you would ‘Holic, and a drop of Windolene for the ball.
You didn’t mention to boo xavi! Great post.. Here’s to a clean sheet.
Great introduction but somehow I’m really confident for this tie. With Iniesta and Puyol out Barca will have less teeth and more frailty at the back.
I’m quite puzzled at your team selection comment, I’m pretty sure we all agree that the only unknown at this point is Nasri, because other than that:
Woj
Eboue, Djourou, Kos, Clichy
Song, LJW
Captain Fab
Walcott, RvP, Arshavin
3-0 for the silky reds and I feel I’m being cautious!
@ NBN #22
Well, if the LWCs can win 1-0 at the San Siro, no reason why we can’t win at the Camp Nou.
A 3-1 scoreline in our favour would be even more memorable than that 4-4 draw the other week π
Whatever NBN is drinking please Mr. Barman.
Spuds have won, I’m torn. Really happy so see Milan get humiliated on their home turf but I wisdhed it was by someone else.
Oh well, time for a Guiness to get in the mood!
Heh! And there was me talking to myself in the wrong bar!
Dr C
Possibly the only way to be sure of intelligent conversation?
Barca are a fabulous team, but a classless club!
Their players are brilliant, but so are ours. Cesc, Nasri, Theo, van Persie and Arshavin are fantastic forward thinking players, while Song is a brilliant shield to our defence. Behind him, Koscielony and Djourou have formed a great partnership with Chesney Hawkes in goal defying his years.
This is goin to be a great game and I cant wait to get down there tomorrow to witness it, to be there and see us come out on top…. Why the feck not? Oh yeah, Messi, Xavi, Villa! Sod it! I still think we will take a lead to the Camp Nou in a few weeks.
If we play with the intensity of games like the chav one, we will shit th life out of them and as long as we stay focues (Eboue! I’m taliking to you here mate!) with no daft mistakes (Eboue! I’m talki π ) then we can do this.
Either way, I am looking forward to a brilliant game tomorrow.
Thank fuck Phil Dowd won’tbe reffing it!
TS… you old charmer, you! Go on then – have a pint!
Did anyone see Gattusso headbutt Joe Jordan?? Did he do it hard enough?
Here’s all the money in my pocket that says Nasri fucks them up tomorrow and goes on a crazy mazy post-goal celebration…
Guinness, if there’s any left around here. Thanks!
To return to the more serious business, I hope we have a referee tomorrow who will be brave and sensible with his decisions. I get the feeling that our more experienced and confident play (compared to a year ago) is going to surprise and upset the Spanish. For our part, it will be important not to get over-physical at the start because there is a very fine line between a good tackle and a foul. If, as I suspect, we dominate long periods of play and win, we can expect histrionics from Barca and it will then be necessary for calm by both Arsenal AND the ref.
Oh, alright then, if you insist….I’ll have a port and lemon plus a small umbrella.
Give us a twitch, Ollie
For luck π
As for tomorrow’s game, we’ll win it courtesy of an EbouΓ© hat-trick.
π
Or just as likely, we’ll lose it to a hat-trick of EbouΓ© own goals.
Either way, it WILL be a classic.
Ok, I admit I’ve had a drink or two tonight (or as someone else would put it :”A swift pre-match half or two”)
Barcelona are used to teams backing off and conceded 2/3 of the pitch. That’s how those finesse Spanish teams play all the time anyway. I’m watching Valencia right now and they have zero aggression. Barca will try their standard 100 pass build up, So I say get in their faces, take the ball back, and attack with pace. 2-0 to the Arsenal with a Maxwell red card on Theo for dragging him down from behind
Those of you worried about Eboue, He’s going to have a great game! He is clutch! Here’s the video to prove it …… lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrJy4LAHY2U
hey all…been popping in for a quick read for a while now. finally have something to say….tonight, on the eve of The Game, i am, for the first time. feeling the thousands of miles between me and the Sacred Grove (aka The Emirates aka The Home Of Football aka Stade d’Arsene …)
All the way from Nigeria…I solemnly swear that i shall make the Pilgrimage to the sacred site before me times up….
As for tomorrow…i believe its gonna be close…my RedWhite blood strongly hopes for an epic victory over our more celebrated (very) distant cousins…but it could go either way…but we have a young squad (kinda like the Ajax squad that won with kanu in it) and if we win them (about 50% chance of that happening imho) i strongly believe it’ll herald a new “Golden age” for us…
So…bring on the Spaniards….The RedWhite Army Fears no foe…
oh…and err… Guinesss foir me….thanks
Welcome Shadow
Enjoy tomorrow for what it is. An occasion, rather than just a football match. The best two on the planet going head to head…
We could cancel each other out, but I don’t think so. Goals are in the air…
Anybody know which, if any of our or their players are a yellow away from missing the 2nd leg? Or do they reset the bookings count after the group stages?
Hey Holic – I posted on the last page:
Iβll put a pound on a 4-1 win, for tmw. Goal scorers:
RVP X2
Theo x 1
Arsh x 1
Messi/Villa x 1
Dr C – I spoke to you. So he was having intelligent conversation thank you TS. How about a drink lads? π
Dr. C @ #30,
Apparently, a little charm goes a long way. I’ll have a glass of vino tinto por favor…. and no, no matter how hard Gattusso headbutted Joe Jordan it could not have been hard enough.
Time for Manu to…err… Man-up and show us why we sing his song π
Must admit I can’t wait for tomorrow. Time to stand tall and be proud. If we let them play then we have problems. Let Jack, Cesc and Alex loose in midfield and i see no reason why we can not take the game to them.
An Arsenal victory and a clean sheet is my request.
Bring it on.
@Matt 24 – Iniesta’s not playing ? That’s new to me, where did you see that? I’m positive he is playing.
Exactly Steve. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again.
If God is on our side, we win.
If God is on their side, they win.
If he keeps his fucking beak out of it we will stuff the fuck out of them.
COME ON YOU RIPROARING GUNNERS!
Diaby’s turtleneck – We only have Eboue one yellow from suspension (it does not reset after the group stages, it resets in the Quarter Finals).
We also have Djourou, Rosicky and Denilson on one yellow meaning if they get a yellow tomorrow they need to be careful at the Camp Nou.
Excellent stuff ‘holic.
I’ll be watching, should be an epic encounter. The good news is that they do it all again in a few weeks. After the Spuds winning in Meelan, it shows that anything really is possible, so I’m hoping we can take at least a 1 goal lead to the Camp Nou, then playing out a 1-1 draw there.
Come on you Reds!!
I’ll have a Black Bush please barman, and one for yourself.
Thanks, Snir. Not much to worry about on that front then.
Less than 20 hours to go…
Guardiola: “I love watching Arsenal play but I don’t like playing against them.” Respect.
Hate Xavi, Puyol, Busquets, Pique, and Laporta, but I like Pep’s style.
Also, Pique’s got 2 yellow cards from the group stage so a booking tomorrow and he’s out of the 2nd leg
I really don’t want to rain on anyone’s anti-Spuds parade, but judging by the picture on the BBC website of the Gattuso-Jordan incident, Gattuso should receive a lengthy ban for closing his hand around Jordan’s throat. Yes, Jordan is a dirty rotten stinking Spud who probably did something to provoke him but the evidence shows what it shows.
I’ll be there tomorrow and after the disappointments of ManUre in the CL semi-final, and Barca last year, I really do think it could be third time lucky this time.
The players’ belief and our home crowd could be the difference so Come on Gooners and Come on you REDS!!
When Na Na Na Na Na . . . . injured his hamstring vs Huddersfield, he walked off the pitch allowing the knee of the affected muscle to relax and flex, and was not loading all his weight onto the good leg.
I said at the time, and posted on here, that the injury could not be that bad, and that he might just make the home leg of the tie.
I would love to see him play tomorrow ‘cos I don’t believe AW would take an unnecessary risk anyway, and I would love to see Fab, Nas and Jack passing the ball round Gobbi, sorry Xavi, and Iniesta in midfield. What a sight that would be.
Drinks all round, and thanks TS for the compliment yesterday. Have a double old chap.
Bring it on! Go Gunners!!!
@Snir: You’re right, Iniesta will be playing us unfortunately, I thought his recovery would last longer.
@behind the 8 ball but not nasri: Spuds are spuds but Milan are a shitty team top to bottom, and Gettuso’s fading has made him even angrier and nastier if that’s possible. Flamini’s tackle was a disgrace too btw. Both should have been redcarded big time. At this point I hope both us and spuds make it to the next round and get to face each other, I’d love it much more if we’re the ones to kick them out of the CL.
Matt, meeting spuds in the next round, and demolishing them in both competitions, would be more than satisfying!
I’d love to think about destroying Spuds in the next round but we’ve got the small matter of Barcelona coming to town first. Then a FA cup, Carling Cup Final, several EPL fixtures and a trip the Camp Nou. Baby steps. Hey Barman, how bout a night cap. Going to bed early so tomorrow gets here quicker
Did anyone see this piece? Excellent. I especially liked the illustration on Barca’s attacking patterns.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1357376/Martin-Keowns-lowdown-brilliant-Barcelona.html
Holic. You might be able to help me out here. I am travelling from your neck of the woods today. How long would it normally take you to get from Finsbury Park back to Paddington?
They said we couldnt turn the Anderlecht tie round – We Did
They said we couldnt beat Cruyffs Ajax – We Did
They said we couldnt beat beat Parma with our stiffs – We Did
They said we couldnt go to Liverpool and win by 2 – we Did
They said we couldnt go Unbeaten – We Did
They said we couldnt beat BArca – ????
This is what Footballs all about !! Barcalona Real Madrid Tottenham are a load of Y### Send the catalans home with a boot up the Arsenal !
Come on you reds !!! Get fully behind the lads
Up The Arsenal !!!!!!!!!!!!!
First time post, long time voyeur.
One of the very few blogs I read regularly. Quality everytime!
I’ve also gone for an Arsenal win @ 3/1 – easy money! I’ve also opted for a 4-0 win at 175/1! I think if we strike early, it will rattle them and more will follow.
Gutted I won’t be there, will just have to put up with the morons on ITV
UTA!
Steve, platform to platform about half an hour. Getting into FP can be the delaying factor. I have the same problem. Last train half eleven. It’s tight!
Morning ‘Holic & ‘Holics!
Today is the big day. Per ‘Holic, regardless of result I’m just going to try and enjoy it. Easy to write, very hard to do. For all of you who are going, have yourselevs a momentus evening. I’ll be only be watching it on the goggle box but with a good mate who’s a die-hard Gooner. Please let those Farca fans know who Cesc plays for and why.
Trev @ #52,
You’re welcome mate, credit where credit’s due. Would be great to see Theo van Nasregas back together again and ripping into Farca’s midfield and back four.
I see we now have Brady’s right foot in the bar to complement RVP’s. How can we lose?
If we play like we did against Chavski, I think we’ll get the same result.
Come on you mighty Reds!!!
@ Matt #54
With you. First knock-out Farca. Then play LWCs in the QFs. Heaven!
Barman? Whatever Matt’s drinking please. I’ll have another coffee please.
Holic,
Didcot hey dont travel down with a certain Kevin do you?
Hello Chippy,
No mate. I come from west of Didcot. The West Country massive are on the roll tonight π
Cheers Holic. I am heading back towards goring so may bump into you in the buffet car.
Goring? Small world. Played football and cricket there for years. Great little spot.
Morning Holics,
Ignorance is bliss!
Today we face the Catalonians who reckon they can have a go on our manner tonight!
Hooray, bring it on and letβs see what happens!
If we play better than we did v Chavski we will be over the line!
Morning coffees all around!
Come on Arsenal!
Too excited..
Haha Holic – The Worzels are coming lock up your Daughters π And hide the carrots π
to the players:
keep the ball, keep the ball, keep the ball.
theo can scare them with his pace. rvp will show that his left foot can hurt ’em. el capitan will not let us down. jack will show ’em that he’s got bigger cajones.
dig in deep to get the ball back.
to the people at the grove
make some noise!!! get behind the boys!!!
to everyone at the ‘holic bar:
here’s a preview from zonal marking π
http://www.zonalmarking.net/2011/02/16/arsenal-v-barcelona-tactical-preview/
whisky for me barman. i need to calm down… can’t wait for the kickoff. up the arse!!!!!!!!
It may be the sense of calm that sets in just before you face the firing squad but I’m going for Arsenal 3-0.
If there is one thing I am dreading more than EE against their front line attack it is having to listen to that cock Tyledesley (or that other tosser who insists on calling Alex Song by his full name….).
Can’t see us keeping a clean sheet and I will be delighted with us still being in the tie for the return – yes it’s a half empty glass for zico.
Incidentally, Arseblogger reckons Nasri will be playing and he usually gets his team prediction spot on.
Great post Holic,
Will be watching this one from home unfortunately, nevermind my heart will be with those of you who are going.
We can not allow them to push us around, we can’t be scared of them at any point and we can’t panic either.
I like 3:1 with Van Persie scoring first with Skybet @ 150/1 so I’m might have some of that.
Make some noise at The Grove for me please Holics….
COME ON YOU ALMIGHTY REDS LETS HAVE SOME BARTHELONA ARSE KICKING!
Hi Holics,
excellent piece as usual Holic I have a feeling that
1. nasri will start
2. We’re going to win but not keep a clean sheet 3-1 for me will do
All those going sing your hearts out we def need a 12th man tonight
Come on you rip roaring
@Zico
At least he won’t keep banging on about “that night in Barcelona”.
At least I hope not.
Barman, how much for a huge lattΓ©, please?
Bah! Who am I kidding? Put it on Lars’s tab as usual! π
I have my pound on a 1 – 0 defeat, and the reasoning behind it is sound. So far this season, I have got every single game prediction wrong, so by placing my pound, I have protected us from losing 1 – 0.
@ RVP – Lars is buying?
Fill my half empty glass up with Boddingtons please Guvnor!
COYRRRs.
@Stone Roses
Then please put the Stone Roses Pound on a 5-0 humiliation of our lads at the hands of Barcelona!
I don’t think I can get myself more hyped up to this match. I’ve watched every single highlight reel of this season. Problem is, the match is in 5 (!!!!!!) hours!
StoneRoses,
If thats the case, put a pound on Farca not losing.. π
Zico,
This is no time to be going all glass half-empty. We should be wetting our pants with excitement!
Please pull yourself a full pint on my tab and then pull yourself together man π
I’m sure we’ll be going to The Camp Nou with a chance to win the tie at the very least.
COYRRRs
I’m literally going crazy.
49 unbeaten –
That was a good article from Zonal Marking. They sound as though they know what they’re talking about π
I have to say I think we are going to get killed.
I see us as a bit like the Wild Bunch going to meet with Mapache for the final showdown.
Would hope to we wrong
Goring and streatley station. Here we go. You on this train Holic?
Sorry TS – pulled myself together – but now drunk π
Wake me up at kick off!!
This train is bound for glory …
If we play to our potiential with the home crowd behind us then I don’t see why we can’t be more then a match for them. If we are not overawed and don’t show them too much respect, then tonight will be ours.
Come on you RRR.
Pints all round for the optimists!
Cheers.
H2H
I believe I qualify. A Cup of Carling please and a loud alarm clock set 10 minutes early for Zico π
Steve T,
Enjoy the spectacle. Please leave your voice and one of your lungs in The Grove π
I’m very nervous, but I have a good feeling about tonight. Above all we must be solid and limit their chances on goal, so I’m a bit worried about the absence of Sagna but there is no reason to be pessimistic.
Nasri and Sagna apart we are a fully fit and functioning team. Total commitment, concentration and effort should do it – with a little bit of help from Lady luck of course.
Oh, how I’m looking forward to tonight.
Come on The Arsenal!
Holics, Holics:
This fixture has “one nil to the Arsenal” written all over it…bet on it. I’m jealous of all attendees.
Have a great night…I can barely type, let alone conduct any legal reasoning π
Up the Arse!
What else is there to say? What else can be said?
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
Boys. I am up for every game. I am double up for this one. This is our time to shut an awful lot of those twats up good and proper.
Arsenal-Barca 3-0
Arsenal is just stronger and more talented
Arsenal this year is much stronger
RVP a much better than Bentner
Wilshire wasn’t there last year
Nasri is really brilliant this year
Walcott is much better now
Arsenal-Barca 3-0 is a doable
Been a long time since i last posted but always read the posts and go through all the comments. This game can’t start sooner enough, today has really dragged on.WIN WE WILL TONIGHT because we are arsenal!
Still competing on four fronts, so win or lose against Barcelona we will still have a lot to play for. Getting too high or too low is detrimental to the balanced approach we need to be successful on multiple fronts. That said, I have definitely lost it today!
Wise words @ 98 by BT8BNN
Unfortunately, in the Arsenal blogosphere there are a lot of bi-polar disorders – we are world beaters when we win and rank rubbish full of cheap bargain basement players when we lose.
I think in the cold light of day, we should see this game as the least important of our next 3, in terms of the probability of winning the end prize, but we all know that isn’t going to happen.
So we may as well enjoy tonight come what may, because its true, if we can’t get excited about our team playing the “best team on the planet” then what is the point?
I would so love to shove it down the Catalonians throat for the number of times they raised my blood pressure last Summer with all their DNA bullshit.
COME ON ARSENAL!!!!!!
100th drink?
Don’t mind if I do (on True Storeys tab of course).
Call me crazy, but for some strange reason I’m not nearly as hyped up for this game than I was for the spuds and United ones.
Since we lost those games, my relatively low level of anticipation may not be such a bad omen for tonight’s result.
If anyone wants to help me “get in the mood”, then Erdinger is my cure π
Barman, where’s Lars again? π
Lets just hope you are not looking ahead to the weekend against the mighty O’s, unbeaten in 7 now Gentlemen !!
Stay focused and take these seperatists down
Erdinger for RVP’s right peg, please barman.
You know whose paying π
Zico,
Glad to see you knocking-up my tab. Also glad that the alarm clock did it’s job.
NASRI STARTS!
Come on Arsenal!!!!
Carolina
Welcome to the bar, have a pint on me and you’ll get our attention soon enough BUT right now I doubt any of us give a flying f*ck about the FA Cup.
Enjoy the planet’s biggest game of football tonight as a neutral and make sure you come back on Frdiay when the banter can commence in earnest.
The alarm clock was set an hour early – back on the beer π
And Arseblog had the team picked at 10am this morning (I think he has inside information).
Didn’t realise till now that Diaby is injured again – why am I surprised?
True Storey
Im on your side tonight, love the way you play. I hope Nasri out “Messiies” Messi and Cesc shows his DNA has mutated to a Norf London spiral.
Next round on me.
Welcome Carolina – thanks for the support.
We hope your hopes are realised π
Home from work at noon. Arsenal – Barcelona is 15 minutes away. What a great day …… COYR !!!!!!!
Almost time to jump into the icy water!
Come on u Gunners! This will be immense. Someone has to pin these fuckers back- who will it be!?
come on you reds – get a grip
bring back 3-1 to us in 2nd half
and Alex please please no red cards
We need to let the hand brake off at half time. Need Theo Nasri and Cesc in the game!
We’ve got Cesc Fabregas
Nasri … Arshavin … goal goal goal goal goal
YES!
what a fantastic performance…a football match won by the best football side on the panet
drinks all round, please
Ecstatic! Best European night at the emirates
that boy jack got the cajones…
i’m so fuckin proud to be a gooner!!!!!!!!!
He’s 5 foot 4….He’s 5 foot fourrrrrrr. We’ve got Arshavin, FUCK ADEBAYOR!!!!!
What a feeling
Amazing night. 1 nil down, 2 – 1 up, isn’t it?
Jack FUCKING Wilshere. MOTM.
Off to get drunkER.
Love you all
AW is the best manager on the planet. He adjusted perfectly to the first half, put Koscielny on Messi and allowed him to press high up the pitch and have others cover for him.
MOTM 1: Kozzer
MOTM 2: Jacky
MOTM 3: Woj
AW just never ceases to amaze me.
A fucking KB!
Hell.
F*cking.
Yes.
I can’t wait to watch the game proper like at home. I do love these boys.
It’s time to cowboy-up and ride this wave to claim Ol’ Big Ears.
Up the arse!
Oh, and before I get killed for naming LJW man-o-match, remember I’m in Sweden and don’t have any particularly high positive bias towards english players. He was just superb. And what this win will do for his love for the club and future!
More beer. Please.
There’s no better match than one nil down and two one up !!
That was simply majestic…..plug away until it works. Excelllent result and scary as hell…..job half done!
Magnificent result.
Jack Wilshere’s performance tonight was the best I have seen from a teenager in an Arsenal shirt since I saw Cesc for the first time in the Charity Shield. As others have said before me, it is frightening how could he could become.
And following closely on the heels of Jack the Lad was Koscielny – he was immense tonight.
My final comment – what about that right footed pass from Gael to Robin prior to the first goal – where the hell did he get that from?
Its only Half Time but the belief this must give the team – irrespective of what happens in the second leg, Mr Whisky Nose will think about a trip to the Grove in April and worry!
Finally, welcome back Andrei – big goal just when we needed it from you. The quality of that goal, had it been the visitors that scored it, well you know the rest…..
Catalonians – WE’VE GOT CESC FABREGAS – now piss off!
Barman when is the bar opening? im so happy you better let me in fast or im gonna knock the fucking door over!
Obviously I don’t know what “final” means π
Getting carried away with the excitement….
Beers for all in the bar – I expect there will be a “lock in” tonight.
Oh to be a Gooner.
Zico….I’m not sure if Cesc was as good as a teenager as Jack looks…(I could be wrong)
JACK WILSHIRE=LIAM BRADY
Not sure we’ll see the good man himself this side of midnight. He’ll be doing everything he can to stay awake for Swindon… He’ll not have much left from the fruits of the ‘holic pound either, I’ll wager.
Ah my prediction @41 was almost accurate. Right result, two goals less and 3 out of 5 goal scorers!
Thank you that’ll do niiiicley! Mwah!
Tim, my memory of Cesc was how composed he looked at that age – as did Jack tonight.
When you consider the quality of the midfielders on the park tonight, and for him to shine in that company…..it promises a very bright future.
And to think we have Ramsay to come back as well…..
Beers are on me Tim π
Awesome. Frigging awesome.
We did lump on at 3/1, didn’t we? π
Everybody was excellent…!!!
I love this Arsenal team… all the waitings are paid-off today…
Proud to be a Gooner…
Keep ripping apart your opponents…
This is all a bit surreal. We just beat Barcelona. Obviously a long way to go in the tie, but soak it up, boys and girls.
We just beat Barcelona.
WE LOVE YOU ARSENAL!
Bet365, Paddy Power, Stan James, William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral, Bet fucking Fred. Your boys took a hell of a beating π
YEEEAAAASSSSS….
Why oh why didn’t I read the blog earlier and put some money on?
Not too disappointed though. Wenger got it spot on tonight. Jack amazing, Kos the best, all the others good too but Fab had a big wobbler tonight – I wonder what was going on in his head, needs to shave.
Props to the crowd – top class support (the twelth man as rvp acknowledged). Made even more noise even when we went 1 behind. I cannot stop grinning π
Don’t worry about what might or might not happen in the second leg enjoy tonight for what it is and that’s turning over one of the best sides ever to grace a football pitch and you know what we were hardly second best. What a performance and when I meet my maker I could happily watch those sides go at it for eternity that’s what football should be pure art at it’s finest an absolute privlage to watch an Arsenal side play like that !!! Massive performances all over the park but extra kudos to Koscielny The pole in goal and of course the English Brady what a fucking player!!
Off to get very very (more) drunk
Up The Arse !!!
Barman ….. start a tab on my Visa for everybody !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Spectacular! What a game of football. Arshavin is back to his best. Jack was amazing. Kos was solid as ever in defense. Two really good goals.
I was surprised at Barca. They seemed content to just sit on their lead. Didn’t work for them though. To them I say,
“WE’VE GOT CESC FABREGAS”
Evening chaps! Having SO much fun enjoying the bleating over here! Apparently it was because they were shit…!
Now then, where are the normal nay sayers??? No names, but you know who you are….
This time last year, few people (Arsenal fans excluded) knew much about Wilshere and no-one knew anything at all about Koscielny.
These two were absolutely immense tonight.
And Adrian Chiles is a sycophantic twat.
Certainly d. What is your card number and security code?
So are we doing the Quadruple? Then taking the Supercup, Sheild, and World Club Cup to eclipse Barca’s 6 trophy haul
*uncontrollable twitches and chuckles*
home-made Whoopee Juice normally does it
not tonight
God Bless The Arse !
(oh
and
howdy ‘holic )
Matt, you can add Szeczney to that illustrious list of rising stars. It seemed like Jack played with great confidence the whole game, while some of the others only rose to his level in the 2nd half. Especially fantastic defensive performance in the 2nd half, completely shutting down the best attacking team on earth. Vermaelen comng back but where will we put him at this rate?
Didn’t have any of that 3/1, but still a very proud owner of a betting slip with a few pennies invested on us to win all four trophies at 3,000 /1.
Looking forward to Berkamps lyrical comment of the game. Ooh to be a gunner!!we beat the best team in the world without resulting to parking the bus!!
GET THE FUCK IN!!!!!!!!! COME ON, ARSENAL, COME ON, ARSENAL!!!!!!!!
Double shots all around please barman!
WOW!!! i cannot stop buzzing! what a result, what a night, what a feeling!!!
Remeber the date!!! 16/02/11 – the day a great Arsenal team is born!!!
On iPhone live behind my bar.
YESSSSS!!!!
Love it, f-ing love it.
Shame on you pessimists.
Once again drinks all round for my fellow optimists.
Cheers.
I know which number is my next jersey. Kozzer, tonight you earned the right to wear the number 6.
H2H – Thanks, I’ll have a pint of Carling (cup). What are you drinking mate?
@H2H – guilty as charged. Beforehand, I couldn’t see us beating them tonight – sorry if that makes me a bad person.
Doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the outcome as much as everybody else though. π
God that is a good feeling. Fucking sublime. If we’d bowed out after the first half we’d say we were well beaten by thw world beaters. That second was something else.
Barkeep, please add my card to those behind the bar. I’ve also taken the liberty of paying off the rozzers so they don’t spoil the fun, should you decide that a lock in IS in order….
I’ll pop off now but enjoy this you gooners!
What can I say?
Cesc, RVP, Nasri and Arshavin – world class.
What a talent is Wilshere, so good at reading the game, finding space and then finding a team mate with a pass, and a great heart to boot.
JD, Kos and Chesney will be truly great players quite soon now.
Clichy, Walcott, Eboue, Song et al all played a part in a fantastic game of football and a great victory.
Pity about the gamesmanship from the Catalans.
Fantastic support from the home crowd, it must have been wonderful to be there.
My grateful thanks to AW and his staff who kept the faith when so many were losing theirs. We have had it reaffirmed that he is one of the truly great managers in football today – no, of all time.
‘Holic,
loved your tweet..
“Laurent Koscielny just went to throw his shorts in the laundry hamper and Messi was still in his pocket.”
I don’t think I’ll be sleeping much tonight.
Wilshere will captain England and Arsenal one day.
So proud to be a gooner.
DRINKS ALL AROUND BARMAN!
GET THE FUCK IN! π
At half-time I thought we could win 3-1 (with fingers and legs crossed) but the longer it went on the less sure I was
When the Bs started passing it around and Vila came off, then it was ours for the taking and how we did it
Dont care if some players were not as good as they could be, it was the team which won with the defence holding out by the skin of their teeth
Its only half time, but how this will drive us forward
COYReeeeeedddsss
@catalan gooner,
Glad u called out all those clowns that crawl out from their rocks when we lose leads up north. Funny enuff nothing to say tonite, no? What about all those sayng le boss should be shown the door? Ain’t seen one of u bitches on here with the grace to say well done. Do da rest of us a favour and gecko off and ‘support’ the bus stop on the Fulham road mob.
No doubt you’ll all find yiur voices again IF we lose in Spain. Spineless feckwits.
Well done, Holic and all! You all (we all) deserved this as much as the boys. Round of drinks and song, please, for ARSENE WENGER’S RED ARMY!!!
We’re in π
‘Holics one and all
What a spectacular result. The atmosphere looked electric from my side of the goggle box. I bet they’re dancing on the steets of Islington tonight.
Some superb performances tonight worthy of another mention:
Kozzer – is he the new Tony Adams?
Wojciech – is he the new Seaman?
LJW – is he the new Cesc Fabregas?
Clichy – what an assist for our opener, it could have been Chippy himself delivering a ball like that.
Le Boss – tactics bang on and inspired substitutions – I’ll openly admit to getting loose bowel syndrome when I saw him take off Song (who also had a great game) for the Little Russian
So pleased for Arshavin’s goal too. Fabulous counter attacking move.
It’s got to be an open bar tonight and a lock-in unitl Friday morning.
Let’s bask in the sunshine for a day or two now….
Bet365 played it wrong tonight! π
Hi Goonerholic and all the gunner’s fans.
I have not had time to look at the previous responses on this blog about the result of this game – as I could not wait to put in my 5 cents worth – so my apology if I seem to repeat oher people’s take on the game.
1) I am so proud of the gunners tonight that I might just implode.
2) Ollic – I was wondering if I could borrow your crystal ball for a while for the rest of the season.
3) Keep the faith – 15 minutes to go: 0- 1down. F/T : 2-1. WTF !!!
4) Arsene knows – judicious substitutions, RVP’s wonder goal, Arshavin’s goal, Arsenal’s defense keeping its shape …
5) Barca loses Pique for the second leg – Can’t wait how their defence will stand up to Arsenal’s relentless onslaught
6) Cannot and will not put sh…t on Eboue. He did the job for us tonight (just …) but Sagna coming into the 2nd leg will strenghten our defence/offense game
7) Make no mistake – Barca did play well tonight, Arsenal just a bit better – gee .. I am too politically correct here – we f..ked them and they know it. Oops …..
GETTTTTTTT INNNNNNN THEREEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
Only got six words left before my voice completely breaks down (although, my fello Goonerae (pig-latin for Gooner in the plural sense?!?!), I have to tell you, it was a LOT of fun seeing the Peruvians wonder what on EARTH was going on and why I was getting so wound up as they have only ever really heard of Barca and Real from Europe!!! – Funniest thing ever watching their faces when the ref disallowed a perfectly good goal from “The Flea” book-ended by 78 minutes of shouting, encouraging, chastising, believing, dis-believing and nail-biting followed by 15 minutes of unbridled ECSTASY after 32 years of supporting the world’s greatest team and waiting all that time for a “that” genuinely incredible moment to eclipse all others!!!)
Anyway, digress…
The point being, 6 words…
Fuck.
Me.
Gently.
With.
A.
Chainsaw!
Anybody notice the crafty little zinger Cesc put in during the post game interview? Barcelona in my opinion are the best team in the history of the game, is what he said, more or less. Effective mind games right after having beaten them, yes or no?
Dr.C @ #144
What a disingenuous bunch of “B’stardmoaners” they are.
Please make sure that you dine out on this result for the next few months.
They were far from sh*t. We were simply better on the night and wanted it more. Sounds familiar?
Join us in the lock-in?
PS – STILL no Guinness here in Peru so, as ever ‘Holic, make mine a black one!!!
(Always have JUST enough voice to order another beer ;C>)
Wow just Wow i just keep watching the goals over and over!
Spotters badge for nasri?
Cesc’s comment went straight over my head and have no idea if he meant it or not but remember, “he is a very intelligent boy” π
I love you all but most of all I love The Arsenal!
Goodnight happy folks!
Now that I’ve had the time to eat and take a much needed shower let me say this…. Barca don’t not like playing from behind. It is a MUST that we score the 1st goal in the Camp Nou. They are built to get the lead then Tika taka the stamina right outta you. When they fall behind, their 1000 pass buildup suddenly becomes hurried and inaccurate. Must score first! ( or park the bus lol )
@ Duttlenheim #175
I thought that too once we went 2-1 up. They went all ‘Ipswich’ after Bendy’s first goal. They didn’t seem to know what to do.
Then I thought about last year and what happened after we scored our early opener at The Camp Nou….
BUT, we are a far better team this year and we’ll give them a very good game in Farcelona.
And it’s Ar-se-nal…..
Well i’ll be fucked. Still on the train. No idea where I am. Not sure I am that bothered.
Ar-se-nal FC!!!!! BY FAAAAARRRRRR….
Believe!
@ Winston # 168
I’m guessing that you’re a long way from home?
Messi’s “2nd goal” was offside.
And if it wasn’t then it’s retribution for the refereeing horror show that we had to endure vs The Toons.
As someone far wiser than me said “these things tend to even themselves out” and now I really believe it.
But this is a time for great rejoicing so another pint of the elusive black stuff for you with my compliments π
Just back from the Grove and WHAT A NIGHT!!!!
That place was rocking.
This is unfair on all the unmentioned players in the team ‘cos everyone was brilliant, but just how good was Jack Wilshere.
You just have to love that guy – running through the Barcelona midfield on his own at times – just magnificent. Charging back to defend every time our attacks broke down – fantastic. As they all were.
The place went mental when we scored the second goal.
Haven’t seen any stats and don’t really care – haven’t got a clue if we can do it over there, but just enjoy a fantastic night.
Arshavin’s post-match comment,”…without BELIEVE you CAN’T do nothing, that’s why we must believe…”
still buzzing for a wonderful win…
True Storey…
Well, I was born in Co. Kerry, grew up in England and live in Peru (via 8 other countries) so, I guess, I am a long way from home, wherever home may truly be!
As for the goal, they didn’t show too many replays here and the classic “along the line” shot never appeared so one assumes that, as they are so phenomenally biased here towards Spanish football and South Americans in general, that there was something in that angle that ould suggest the linesman had it right…
All of that said, I could frankly give a rubber fishes third tit!!!!!!
COME ON YOU GOOOOONNNEEERRRSSSSS!!!!
2nd best bit is, it is still only just gone 7 here so I can continue partying until you guys are getting up! The best bit…? Well, that ould be owning a restaurant with a fully stocked bar (although I am gradually working on a serious change in status for it!!!)
Oops…Did I say fully stocked?!?!
What can I say…Even a lack of Guinness cannot dowse the flames of joy that I will continue to fan with a delightful little Chilean red and shots of the local home-made Pisco!!!!!
Screw it, once the ine is done I may have to resort to the bottles of Bushmills that a friend recently brought me!
PS – Entry fee for a damned good holiday with a friendly Gooner in one of the last great paradises is only a case of Guinness away for all fellow Gooners!!! Cheap apartments and a great little restaurant that stays open REALLY late whenever the mighty Arsenal win!
PPS – Thanks for the cyberpint…Keep ’em coming!!!
Ooh to, ooh to be, ooh to be a, GOONER!!!
@true storey ….. Yes Messi ran roughshod but we also had only 2 of the 11 that started tonight in the lineup. Don’t see that happening this time. Crossing my fingers against the injuries
Winston
Thanks for the background, that’s quite a story you have there!
I’ll send you a cyber case of Guinness and wish a good night’s carousing until dawn.
A toast to our first trophy in our ‘new’ home on 27th.
@ Duttlenheim,
I’ll drink to that as well π
By acclamation I think we should appoint Winstons Myth tonight’s honorary barman, and maestro please send me a pisco, a Bushmills and a delightful little Chilean red chaser. You’re another wonderful gooner with a history to match.
TS @ 165 – agree, I said to the chap next to me tonight that in a year’s time Kos will be the new Tony Adams.
20 months ago he was still playing in the French 2nd tier.
By the way, Piquet was yellow carded tonight – I’m fairly sure he now misses the second leg.
Anyone got any ideas how I can get to sleep ?
TS – What are you drinking tonight?
Trev – You’re right! I just hope Puyol doesn’t recover in time and we have a real chance! What are you drinking?!
My tab has been open for hours at the bar, just mention my name to the bartender.
@ Trev
Correct. Captain Caveman (Puyol) maybe back from injury but the spitting twonk that is Pique will not. Plus we’ll have Sagna back assuming no injury between now and then.
Hopefully, we’ll be buoyed by our first piece of silverware this season by the time we kick-off at their gaff.
Thank god for a keyboard cos i’ve lost my voice!
It really rocked tonight π Love it
@ Snir – anything brewed in Catalonia that doesn’t have DNA in it π
And one for yourself, of course.
@ Trev again
Should have said “further buoyed”.
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.
Steve T
Nice one. Sounded like the atmos was even better than when we played Chelsea @ Xmas?
We are indeed The Buster Gonads of Europe!
True Storey…
Thanks…That should keep me going for a bit!!!
BT8BBNN – I am deeply honoured and humbled that you would cosider such a thing…would be a pleasure to serve you all. *
Only bar rule is…
I PAY FOR ALL THE DRINKS!!!
Hahaha!
Cyber Guinness (courtesy of True Storey!), shot of Pisco with a drop of coffee liquer (oh it is just heaven!), a large Bushmills 15 and a cheeky little 2008 CabSav from Chile on its waaaayyyyy!!!
* Note to all…The service here will, at times no doubt, be a shade the other side of rubbish as the barman is busy am drinking, running a restaurant and generally celebrating tonight! Much to the chagrin of Peru in general too, I might add!
Mark The Spark…
Me too mate…Lost my voice before Arshavin actually turned to celebrate!!!!!
“Xavi? DNA? Does that stand for did not appear? Jack had him in his pocket.”
Duly placed as the text in my Windows screensaver!
Bless Jack…Only has little pockets too! WOOO HOOO!!!!
Thanks for that SteveT – PRICELESS!