Have We Learned The Rope-A-Dope Lesson?
Apr 30th, 2011 by 'holic
I don’t know how,where, or when it happened. It just did. A blind dislike for all things United I have had since I can remember has metamorphosed into some reluctant but genuine respect. It is a very recent phenomenon, mirrored perhaps in the thawing in relations between the two managers.
I angered a few in the early days of my blogging when I said I thought although Tottenham were our biggest enemies, that Manchester United were now our closest rivals. The fact that Chelsea have muddied the waters since those days means that is not necessarily the case any more. Biggest is subjective, however.
The feelings for United were deep-rooted. Back when I was growing up I hated the fact that everywhere you went there were hordes of kids claiming to be United supporters. At that age I was unaware of the pull of success on my peers. I was born in Islington, so I supported Arsenal. These twats in the Thames Valley had never been to Old Trafford, probably wouldn’t ever make it. What on earth were they doing?
I suppose it all became clear in the eighties when Liverpool became the glory-seekers club of choice across the country. Today the town centres are packed with little dears in Chelsea blue. Not-so-dedicated followers of fashion.
The ‘anyone-but-United’ feelings were reinforced by a series of explosive clashes that started with Brian McClair’s last minute penalty miss in a 1988 FA Cup tie at Highbury, and Nigel Winterburn’s less than sympathetic word in his ear at that point. For the best part of twenty years matches between the two sides became as feisty on the field as they had been off it. From the ‘stick your two points up your arse’ clash in 90-91, through Wrighty’s battles with Schmeichel, Vieira and Keane, and the Neville sisters breaking Reyes, the game became unmissable for its tension and drama.
I knew, however, that things were changing when a top lad got me a ticket for the Champions League semi-final at their place a couple of years back. I hadn’t been there for a decade or more, and trips had to be planned carefully. Yet here we were, with Europe’s biggest prize up for grabs, and United and Arsenal fans were drinking at the same pub a five minute walk from the ground. Can you imagine that happening on the Tottenham High Road before the derby match?
Now as we prepare for the latest encounter we are looking rather enviously at the likes of Vidic and Hernandez. Two players who appear to be dragging them over the line by scoring the goals we aren’t, and stopping the goals we can’t. They turn defeats into draws, and draws into victories. They are where we have to get to next season. Where in the past we despised, this year we just have to hold our hands up, say well done, and plot to overtake them again.
All of that doesn’t change the fact that the result of this match now has considerable significance, and yet none at all, for Arsenal. A victory for us won’t in all honesty bring the title back in our grasp. Even if we do get the points can you see United not getting four points from their last three games? What it would do though is dampen the disappointment of those caught in the crossfire of the extremes of opinion. It would set the side up for a strong finish to secure automatic qualification for next season’s Champions League.
I think most Arsenal supporters will want to see the side show some pride, and a sign that they have learned their lesson from a string of matches against the same opponents that have seen us hit with the same old rope-a-dope tactics time and again. If once more we have the lions share of possession, but fail to create and take goalscoring opportunities, whilst being carved apart on the occasional break, I dread to think what the reaction might be.
How on earth do I decide the destination of the ‘holic pound. No sensible punter will be on us for this one, and even a draw would be a measure of progress against a side who currently have a hold over us. Then again no sensible punter would have backed us to thump Chelsea at home, for much the same reason. I’m going therefore for lightning to strike twice in the same place this season. I’m going for a 3-2 thriller as both sides chase the points for different reasons. There is a good reason why that is 33/1, so as always, don’t punt anything you can’t afford. A pound is about right on that!
I’m looking forward to meeting a couple of ‘holics for the first time tomorrow, as well as a bunch of the usual suspects. Let’s hope we will be drinking in celebration come 4pm, not staring at our glasses and engaged in a painful post-mortem.
Have a good one ‘holics.
171 Responses to “Have We Learned The Rope-A-Dope Lesson?”
I knew it.
Irish coffee please.
Good morning Ollie.
Didn’t realise it was a 2.05 kick-off. Just told the management I will have to catch the 8.30. Not happy π
I’m catching the 10.13. We’ll see if it takes 2h15 or 8 hours π
Heard the ‘holicbar was open over at the arses..
Rain has hampered my plans on a Saturday evening..
So I’ll settle for a drink, please
Please please let’s win for a change!
on the other hand barca vs united. what a sick match to watch i hate them both, i think im going to support the referee.
Love the bloggers claiming inside info on the new kit for next season.
That will be the brochure that dropped through everybodies letterbox this morning then?
http://yfrog.com/h0ycmtbj
Heh!
(Thanks @mj_afc for saving me the bother of scanning it)
hahhahaha
so it’s not shit than! thank you Holic.
still hate the b’st**s ,big time.try living in NORN IRON.they’re like flies.guarrantee you’d hate them more than the spuds…the most arrogant,detestable supporters you’ll ever meet…as regards to tactics for sunday.wenger has not got a clue.they’ll play exactly the way they have against us over the last five seasons(if it ain’t broke &all that)five kickers/workaholics across the middle with shrek up top,for the break away,rope a dope as you call it-wenger either does not have the players with the neccessary grit,fight,character,cal lit what you want to deal with it or the tactical nous-take your pick-unless we play out of our skins,doubtful cos this lot def lacks “mental strength”it’s a another grim day at the office.never have i felt as depressed about an arsenal side.& i’m usually an OPTIMIST..
Oh kg, I’m talking about the team, not the pond-life who follow them and sing their vile songs, then cry like spoiled brats when Citeh fans give them some back.
Two-faced.
usama,regret you won’t be able to support referee-as it’s the same c**t who refereed our cl final defeat to barca,our 4-1 defeat last year & the 3-1 defeat(v.persie)sending off-get the picutre,he hates us-this is also the ref,who,in officiating 30 odd spanish european ties has never reffed a match where a spanish team has lost ffs!MANURE have got no chance..
oh fuck i didn’t know that!
well im with shakira then and im going to completely ignore the pique link.
‘holic, Around these parts the man utd supporters, at least those of less than a certain age, display an unsightly excess of swagger, and in general are not quite our class. A little like the royal family frankly.
Heh ‘holic.
Seriously, a brochure dropped through my letterbox yesterday.
Spring Summer Arsenal merchandising catalogue.
I didn’t get the bonus thing. More uselessness to overseas people.
As if I lived much further away than Swindon π
Liverpool in the eighties, yes, and then United after that. Now there are Chelsea fans sprouting all over the place and if Citeh manage to buy a few trophies starting with the FA cup, it won’t be long until we see the Citeh through and through all over. If you’re a kid, with no one to tell you you’re a twat for supporting a team based only on the fact that they’re comfortably in the boom period of a cycle, I can understand, but how does a person legislate for swapping teams when he’s supposedly been a supporter for years. I have a Chelsea friend (heh) who told me he’s contemplating an allegiance switch to Milan because Allegri impresses him. Pisses all over what a supporter is supposed to mean, and the connection he or she has to the club.
Eloquent as always, ‘holic.
‘Holic and others: don’t you see the real significance of the pictures of the new home shirt?
http://yfrog.com/h8q36ylj
Look who is wearing it. Now, keeping Henry at the Arsenal tube station in mind, it is quite possible that I am wrong in assuming this but if, like Chippy said the other day, Cesc is definitely expected to leave, would the club really use him in this brochure? I am not sure they would. This doesn’t have to mean that he will stay, but I for one do not believe it is a dead cert that he will go.
kg: I am afraid you are way off the mark here, the ref in the 2006 final was Terje Hauge, the game last year was Wolfgang Stark (who, by the way, reffed the Real-Barca game this week), this year it was Massimo Busacca and as far as I know the ref for the final this year has not been appointed yet.
I’ve got nothing but respect for the achievements of SAF as a manager. This year, with this team he has created a much greater whole, then the sum of it’s parts would suggest. He instils a winning mentality even into the most mediocre of players and for that I tip my hat………..
Still can’t stand United though.
‘holic your title is apt. We seem to be in the role of Charlie Brown trying to kick the (American) football that Lucy swipes away just before he lands on his rear end. One of these times maybe we’ll learn not to do it?
As it’s Queens Day over here, I’d like a pint of Bavaria please and one for whoever chooses to join me.
Interesting view from not an Arsenal supporter;
http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/les-murray/blog/1054131/The-Wenger-question
Enjoy your day out tomorrow ‘holic and attenting ‘holics.
COYRRR
Another good read.
Respect to the team sans Ronaldo for achieving thus far.
Rasberries with spit on the end for the nasal toned numpties posing as supporters (that actually never go to matches)
Holic and Holics,
I had the exact same feeling for about everyone that “supported” United in the 90-early 2000.
I have the same feeling now towards the same people who are acting as Catalans and posting love statuses to Messi & co on Facebook, Twitter etc.
Lars – I’m quite sure you’re right. Cesc was pictured with the new kit last summer and stayed. Maybe it’s the same case.
Plus AW said something interesting – “‘Some managers think if a player wants to go he has to go but I believe that this team has been educated and grown together.
They are very young. The biggest achievement for them will be to win together. I think they will have learnt their job the hard way.”
It basically means “kid, you signed a contract, you don’t want to stay? Tough luck.”
Cesc’ll stay, it’s who’s coming in that I’m more interested in.
I just watched Gamiero and he looks the part, would be glad to get him instead of NB52 (and in no way do I want Chamakh to leave).
But from what I have heard from anyone (and seen over the last couple of weeks) we should start by concentrating on a CB.
Hit the fucking nail on the head, Holic.
Growing up in India, I was surprised to see my friends all becoming United supporters. I daresay I initially joined the bandwagon myself. π
Then realized that no one actually knew anything more than United other than the fact David Beckham played for them..
It was then that my brother (God bless him) introduced me to some club called Arsenal. The name sounded catchy alright. π , but the biggest inclination to watch them was that my favorite footballer (DB10) was playing for them.. That was the beginning of a long rollercoaster ride.
Late teens were tough. Surrounded by hordes of “united till death” fans – who only knew one chant — Glory glory Man United (how apt for that lot) , gooners were always in minority. But like we gave a ****.
Its been one hell of a ride. Some ups, many down. But never a moment of doubt that I chose the right club. π
*about United
Snir, the persistent word on the streets here is that Gameiro is going to PSG.
Or Spain in fact.
I prefer to follower the Arseblogger path: United are not our rivals, they are the enemy. Treat them as such. Like Mr. Blogs says, “United would kill your mum. United would run over your puppy and then laugh about it. United would make you listen to Phil Collins.”
If there were a United fan on the International Space Station, he’d probably fart in the airlock.
They are evil. They are the first (well, maybe the second) to call Arsene Wenger a pedophile, and the first to call Liverpool fans “murderers,” but say the word “Munich,” even in reference to Bayern, Neville Chamberlain or the 1972 Olympics, and they get all huffy and how-dare-you and you-are-sick-you-know-that? on you.
I don’t care what drink you serve me, as long as we beat the Fergiebastards.
Watching the game at the Bridge on the telly, and Chelsea are piss-poor. It’s 1-1, Tottenham were ahead and then the linesman gifted Chelsea a goal – the ball didn’t cross the line completely – following a massive Gomez clanger (by the way, remember how many armchair experts wanted Arsene to buy him a couple of years ago on the basis of one single game in the CL?). I have a very unpleasant feeling that Spurs are going to win this game, I know in theory if Chelsea were to lose that we could still make second but at the moment it’s all about rescuing whatever can be rescued so I want Spurs to lose today. Priority number one is to secure fourth place, then third if possible.
A drink for Lars please. On my tab π
Although priority is 3rd, 2nd if possible.
…and in the 88th minute, Chelsea go 2-1 up. Let’s see if they can muck it up as spectacularly as we have done too many times…
Cheers Ollie!
St Totteringham’s day approaches. π
Chelsea 2-1 Spurs full time. St Totteringham’s Day comes closer.
Hate to say this .. but Thank you Chelsea.
1. You assured that United wouldnt win the title at Emirates.
2. You have made Sp*rs CL qualification that little bit tougher.
Nice post again Holic
Personally I felt that up until the CC Final when we were a point behind them we were playing better than Manure.
As we’ve slipped away from the top of the table, they have looked more convincing this season.
Saying that, I have always had respect for SAF achievements.
I do know of people who switch allegiances based on success. Most recently a guy I worked with went from supporting the Chavs to supporting us straight after we gave them what for at the grove a few months back. I was told that he had also previously supported Manure…
I haven’t received the catalogue yet. I guess it would help if I informed the home of football I’ve moved addresses…
As well as the 3-2 I’m going to stick the other pound I found on a
2-1 to thee Ars-en-al! @17/2
H2H @20 –
That was a very good read. It’s always interesting to hear other balanced opinions outside of the bar! π
If my math is correct, we only need three points from the remainder of the season to ensure we qualify for the Champions League (somehow I doubt Spurs can overcome a 24 point deficit in GD).
Joshua, that’s right.
And actually, I think Spurs will have their hands full just trying to stay in fifth. They are only three points ahead of Liverpool and their two remaining away games are at Anfield and Middle Eastlands.
Good stuff. Have a good day out tomorrow mate.
A win tomorrow v Manure and St Totteringham day is there excepting goal difference. π
The Olliepound goes on ” ‘holic to have drunk 3 pints of Guinness” before I arrive in the pub.
G’night.
Cheers Esso.
Can’t see any sane bookie laying that one, Ollie π
Hey guys. Great Blog.
I’m a die-hard Gooner from Cape Town South Africa.
I’m Indian, So I was exposed to cricket for much of my early years. When my balls started serving a function at about 12yrs old, I made the choice of commiting my allegiance to the mighty red and white army.
We had won the double and France won the WC. What a bliss.
Down here we have the same problem. United c**ts all over the place. I work in a shopping mall and On any day of the week these f**kers parade flamboyantly With their AON,AIG, VODAFONE and SHARP tshirts. What a sight for sore eyes! (Can anyone relate to this s**t).
As i’m not from England, although still in the process of making a pilgrimage to the Grove, my hatred has got to lie with the Satanic Scum. It’s deeply embedded in me. I don’t think that it would ever change.
I fully understand the sp*rs rivalry but since they shit and play with cocks and pussy’s on the tshirts they don’t deserve any bother when it comes to being an Arsenal patriot.
Having said that I would most certainly rank them closely behind united and barca in terms of my hatred scale.
On another note….
A big rift is starting to form in all communities Arsenal related. I’m refering to my beloved father figure. Prof Arsene Wenger.
It seems these days that there are two types of Arsenal supporters. Pro-wenger and anti- wenger.
Being past of the AFC supporters club in Cape Town hasn’t been easy these past few years. Brings my mind back to a few weeks ago when a fellow Gooner, under the influence might I add π tried beating me to a pulp because of a ”there’s only one Arsene Wenger” chant.
As a Gooner who only became to know Arsenal under the Wenger regiem, there’s no way I can critisize the man.
Sure enough I’ve watched countless Dvd’s and ESPN classics of a pre-Wenger Arsenal. Great to see…. But lets all be honest, if you gonna invest in an original (non-pirate) dvd then Unbeaten 49 would be anyones choice.
What i’m trying to get at is this- why are So many Post 96 followers joining the anti-Wenger bandwagon….
I’ve got utmost respect for those who truly knew the club before his arrival. My beef isn’t with you lot….
Its with these Fucking kids who don’t appreciate the fact that they wouldn’t be GOONERS today without the Prof
Really disappointing that the Arsenal community is divided on this one.
Ah what the hell. Where’s my new Bitch with my 6pack. Hangover before the game. Again.
Victory Through Harmony
GUNNERS4LIFE
Anyone who wants to network on Facebook for daily discussions, add me on Facebook search for-
Imran Palekar
Looking forward to some new friends
Ollie, The Olliepound looks like a winner!
Hey ‘Hilic,
Loved this bit:
….”Yet here we were, with Europeβs biggest prize up for grabs, and United and Arsenal fans were drinking at the same pub a five minute walk from the ground. Can you imagine that happening on the Tottenham High Road before the derby match?”….
Too right mate!
Tomorrow will be like a home match for a high % of Manurites π
COYRRRs, tear ’em a new one!
…Holic even… *embarassed*
TS, it’s good to see you back. Yesterday was much too quiet around here!
Always a pleasure ‘nasri.
Looking forward to a proper BIG game tomorrow and to a positive result that will help to finish our season on more of a high.
Any ‘Holics with details of a reliable stream for tomorrow’s game will receive a dozen free drinks on Lars’ tab π
TS, I don’t know about any reliable stream but for the bottle in front of me. Namely, Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa. Only 10 bucks in the local wine store, or that would be slightly fewer pounds I suspect for you Brits. Drink up!
Is that QPR coming over the horizon? We had better start shooting before they get too close.
Cheers ‘holic. I hate this Arsenal team but I will watch the game of copurse because I love Arsenal. Hate some of the players that wear the shirt, rake in the money and not give 100% for the team. And I hate our gambling manager. A manager that gambles with a 19 year old in goal and does not have the tactical nous to get past birmingham in a cup final.
We play in the English league,not some mickey mouse league. we need players to be fearless in the heading, tackling. when most teams will die to get a corner in a game we waste scores every game.
too much is wrong with this club at the moment. will a win paper over the cracks and prove a false dawn or will a loss reinforce wenger’s hand to make deep rooted changes. No doubt that this Arsenal team deserves nothing for its always say die attitude.
Agree with you about a growing respect of how old red nose gets the best players and gets the best out of them.
Do you think hernandes would be the player he is now if he came to Arsenal. i dont. he would be a fairy playing in pink boots claiming he was the best player in the world.
Morning all,
Christ, this is early to be up on a bank holiday weekend π
Black coffee intra-venous for Holic……
Substitute at Kings Cross for Black gold….
PS Holic = count yourself lucky; some of us haven’t gone to bed!! π
Station nearly deserted
I think you’re spot on ‘Holic. United will sit back, soak up the pressure and look to hit us on the break and with long balls over the top. I would expect our team to have now learnt the lessons of the past and deal properly with this approach.
If we get the first goal it will put pressure on United to do something different and the game should open up more so we need our strikers firing on all cylinders – something we haven’t seen in a while.
Come on Arsenal!!!!!!!!!!!
Holics tweets suggest he is well on board the Happy Train.
Have a great day.
Up the Arse.
Holic on the way to the home of footy…mmmmm?
I’ve got to be honest, the day hasn’t started yet in G’town! π
Morning All,
Yes, it’s a great day to be on the HT. Sun is shining, one of the biggest games of the season before us. Full of hope. Head held high. Love this club.
Let’s just hope the players are thinking and feling the same thing π
Holic, Ollie, Steve T et al, have a great day and here’s hoping there’s no Bitter to be served post match.
Come on you Mighty Reds!
Sun is out, first Guinness nearly a memory. Get on it, ‘holics!
So you have to be from Islington to support Arsenal? Cheers for that nugget of information I must change teams now. Oh Holic,have you listened to the latest Tuesday Club podcast? Lovely rant by Alan about bloggers! Hurt your feelings does it??? Made me laugh.
Gaz.
Don’t think anyone said you have to be from Islington to support Arsenal.
What was said, which being from Islington, I completly agree with, was that it was hard to stomach seeing “fans”doning the colours of Manure, chavs or the Mickeys while walking down Holloway, Hornsey or the non stinky end of the Sevensisters Road.
—
Enjoy your day out ‘Holic, knock one back in the Tollie for me.
Cheers.
@64 is the freedom of choice been revoked in the UK? First I’ve heard of it.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!!!
COME ON YOU GUUUNNS!!
Lol @ “the non stinky end”
Afternoon all,
Can anyone supply a link to a decent v-stream?
No foul on Jack on the edge of the box heh?
Think we’re going to need to look at the video π
TS –
Click on any link which says others and wait for ad to close
http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=113882&part=sports
Terrible refereeing again. Blatant handball. Should have had a pen.
A fuckin handball by Vidic?
Argh π
“Manchester United’s unbeaten run with Chris Foy as referee? 18 games and counting …”
“Judging by Chris Foy’s reluctance to call the Vidic foul, the Evra face grab on Wilshere, or bother to get out of the way of the ball, let alone look at it when it’s around him tells me that he knows the inevitable result of this game just as well as we all do,”
Yay – get in!
Get in there Rambo!!!
RAMSEY GET IN…
Lovely goal….and the best player on the pitch got it
Come on Ramsey get in there my son!
Chris Foy is a complete cunt! Song got the ball!
Well what do you know Song got foot to the ball
Come on lads Mental strength
What do you know Foy awards Manure a foul for hand ball on the edge of the box all in one…
Loving the effort by Arshavin. 10 minutes to go. COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!
Arshavin has been incredibly good so far today..
YEEEEAAAAHHH!!!! π π
GET IN THERE!!!
OOH R YA?
Cheers Gt for #71
I must say Ramseys goal was an emotional moment
COME ON!!!! well done Ramsey fully deserved
TS –
I’ll have that stronger beverage now if it’s all the same with you π
Happy Train is still rolling. π
Excellent – about time we beat that mob.
(Gael Clichy is a very lucky boy, btw). π
So that’s now Chelski, Barca and the Mancs all this year…
…now that’s what I Call progress… π
Great result, great performance.
Well done lads!
I may as well add another smiley face π
One (not one-half) Aaron Ramsey.
That was luvverly
Seeing SAF suffering as his ‘lets finish it off at Emirates’ team floundered against a solid defence (mostly)
Sczecny 9
Bacari 9
Djourou 9/Squillaci ?
Kossy 8
Clichy poor 6
Wilshere 8
Song 8
Ramsey 10
Nasri 7/Arshavin 8
Walcott 7/Eboue 5
Van Persie
COYWWWWR
AA23, take a bow son, magnificent effort.
I have to say Cesc’s absence looks a bit of fishy.
More than anything, it showed the team that they can not only compete but win at the highest levels without Cesc.
Excellent effort, too bad it’s only when there’s no pressure or when we’re the underdogs.
I thought Ramsey played some great passes and was full of ideas. We have improved in some measure this season against the top four (beat each of them)….now let’s be focused and start another long unbeaten run. Excellent performance today by everyone and I think Man U might still fuck this up…not that I want Chelsea to win it
just got back after a bust up with the fake manc fans.
in my defense i should not have celebrated in an arsenal jersey inside a man utd cafe here in india. i was the only one inside!!
being a gooner who had to shift from hounslow to bangalore, this win means a lot to me esp since this country is riddled by glory hunters, read: man utd/chelsea fans.
st totteringham’s day next saturday?
sidenote: if only arshavin could put a shift in like this, week in and week out…
Men against Girls Evra
SZCZ solid as a rock. Djourou not injured badly with any luck. Credit for Eboue and Squillaci, anyone? Where did that clean sheet come from, anyway?
Thought defence was all good. Good choice bringing on Eboue to hold the lead. Old school Arsene tactics
GT – that’s exactly the problem.
Last season you didn’t beat the top 4 bar Liverpool but beat the lesser teams.
This season we did beat the big teams but struggled against the lesser teams.
So, that isn’t progress in my opinion it’s just changing the source of the struggles unfortunately:\
One thing that did change is that we beat a big side without Cesc, now that’s progress.
65Gaz
@64 is the freedom of choice been revoked in the UK? First Iβve heard of it.
—
Once again you seem to have grabbed the wrong end of the stick, I never mentioned anything about the right to choose, I wasn’t stating a fact, merely an opinion, that being one of a dislike for bandwagon jumping gloryhunters.
@106 GT.
I thought that change was a bit of a wierd one myself, I understand AW wanting to shut up shop, but with IOU throwing caution to the wind and everybody forward to try and salvage a point, then surely Theo would be the man you’d want on the pitch if you get a quick counter attack going?
Anyroad, today’s not the day for secound guessing, today’s the day to drink, be merry and bask in the victory at the indebted’s expence.
Barkeep, a round on me good sir.
Cheers.
SG –
I don’t see it your way.
Winning against those teams instills the belief required as recent as this season.
It sets a good foundation going forward.
We already know we should be beating the lessor teams π
The last time we beat Bolton at the Ems Sept 10. The last time we beat Manure at the Ems Nov 08.
For me it’s about tightening the reigns going forward π
H2H @ 108,
Freedom of speech should be a priviledge for those who know how to use it π
Great to see so many positive comments at the bar. It was indeed a great victory and shows that we can, if necessary, build the team next year without Fab4 and still fight for the title.
We’re back in contention…..
…. for the title next year π
St. Totteringhams day is just round the corner now. ‘Thursday nights, Channel 5’ awaits for that mob if Liverpool don’t beat them to it. Heh!
So only 2nd place to secure as the final goal for this season. My guess is that the Mancs will win next week.
Drinks for all esp. Gt – he’s waited a long time for something alcoholic by all accounts π
‘Holic, that Guinness must be tasting sweet now.
Well, what a performance. We made United look average at best, and were better in all departments. And we beat them not with tippy tappy shit but with determination and commitment, and not being afraid to mix it up.
Ramsey gets an 11 from me, he was an absolute sensation and he seemed to link up with Wilshire as if they had been playing together all season. Dare I say, it was a captains performance (OK, its a reach but….)
I thought Schezzer put in a totally commanding performance, using that huge 6β 5 frame, and even when we were one up and Djourou went off, we didnβt panic.
The two penalties cancelled each other out, so justice there.
So, I am not happy because of one question. Why now? Why, in the 35th league game of the season do we suddenly play like everyone knows we can, against an average United side that everyone knows they are? How the fuck can we go from inept to world beaters in 7 days? All I can think is that we are out of it now, no pressure. So, are we so totally bereft of βmental strengthβ that we play stifled in half of our games?
I donβt know, all Iβm left with is a feeling of what might have been.
H2H –
I beg to differ on your opinion.
The ideal player to throw on 11 minutes from the end when you are holding a lead is an attack minded defender or a defensive minded attacker. Whichever the case may be.
That way you can provide additional defensive cover whilst still keeping up the forward tempo.
During 07/08 Eboue and Theo were interchangeable and it worked well for me (see: v AC Milan 08@ San Siro π
Arsenes decision may have been partly based upon losing two players, one a defender today. Eitherway for me, it’s a proven strategy π
GT – As far as I’m concerned we should be beating every team :), so it’s like I said, changing a problem with a different problem.
SR – I had a thought about it last week. Could it be that the home atmosphere is too pressurizing for this set of players (and I’m not going into the good or bad atmosphere argument)? Every time we were up against a big team that we were viewed as an underdog, there was a feeling of Us AGAINST the world like against Chelsea and Barca, or today when no one expects us to win cause of our run of form so instead of groans for every misplaced pass there are shouts of encouragements to push on for victory?
What’s your take on that view?
Sidenote – Am I the only one certain that Owen took a dive?
Dont know why some of you say Clichy was poor he was fucking GREAT!
Anyway he was perhaps a bit lucky but so was Vidic! Either way Foy made up for his mistake on Vidic….
Great display from our lads! Come on you Gooners!
I’m not complaining or anything bit few of those counters we should have converted to two nil!
Just to add I hope Samir and Johan are ok!
Loving it, just loving finally beating that pack of c*nts, but at the same time really arsed off cuz deep down I know we’d have bottled it for sure if the title was on the line. That’s the big shame about this lot: definitely got the quality to win trophies but completely lacking in nerve and can only do it with the pressure off. Ho hum, it’s much easier to settle for them being a top-3 side than proper title challengers.
Meanwhile, i’m going to savour this most rare occasion until our next laughable capitulation. COYRsssss!
SG You could well be right, I hadn’t thought about it but the three games we played at home where we were maybe not favourites, we won all of them. This team and this season is such an enigma, it’s like watching that movie Inception, at the end you think ‘what the fuck was that all about?’ π
Snir – Clichy caught him – considering the scoreline and the time of the game – we’re lucky Foy was cancelling out his earlier mistake.
Sun is shining, Fergie’s ulcer is festering – things are looking a bit brighter today π
SR – Think about it this way.
Try and watch the United – Wolves, United – Bolton and United – Everton games again.
In each game there was a buzz through the stadium of “come on you lads, get that goal”.
In the first Park scored in the 93rd Minute, in the second Berbatov scored in the 88th Minute, in the third Hernandez scored in the 85th Minute.
Now try and think of the games against Blackburn and Sunderland at home. Try and think of the last 10 minutes and see that it’s not the same.
Every misplaced pass has a CONFIDENCE KILLING groan that follows and the players feel it too by distinguishing between the away support and the home support.
The only time you had that buzz of “come on you lads, let’s do it” was against – Chelsea, Barca, Man U.
Maybe a change of view from the fans? It’s working for Man U with a mediocre team like you called them (and they most certainly are).
zico,
Indeed! HT’s had a clean and it’s heading for Championship Central, 2012. All aboard?
PS: MC keys arrived yeserday…. in a right old 2 & 8 π
Oh, and LWCs down to 6th. This day is full of joy π
SG –
I’ll drink to that π
On the Clichy front, despite there being contact, I felt that Owen made more of it! π
Hey guys. Too drunk to say anything constructive (who said “what’s new?” at the back?!!) but fuck did I enjoy that.
A bunch of glory hunters in the pub where I was.
Anyway..COME ON ARSENAL!
I’ll have some more Grimbergen/Leffe/Erdinger, anything blonde with alcohol in it π
**raises glass** @ 121
I’ll join in for a drink
Nice win π
Happy half St. Totteringham’s day everyone. +25 goal differential is too far gone. π
A tip of the hat to Ramsey, Arshavin, Kosielney, and Sanga. Some top performances.
And yes, we can defend a lead.
NB: Everyone stayed with their man on set pieces and there was at least four men free to defend the goal
@Snir 119.
“We may have been disappointed recently, but we still we still have to go out there today and win a big game in front of our home fans. You, the supporters, have always been there for us even when we have not won anything for 5 years, and we are fortunate to have you on our side.”
Cesc Fabregas, matchday prog notes, 01/05/11.
Just got back in from The Grove. Great all round team performance. Perhaps for once we can all enjoy that rather than have another dig at those who turn up each week. If it is good enough for Cesc????
Let’s enjoy my Gooner friends rather than divide.
Steve T – Before I started writing I said that I’m not going into bad or good atmospheres and I don’t intend to make it a dig against the home support!
Every time I criticize the home support you seem to take it as a personal and that is by no means my intention, please don’t take it that way.
The fact that Cesc wrote that doesn’t really impress me as there really isn’t any other thing to write, I’m just looking for reason as to why our home form is poor as opposed to our away form.
With a good home form we would have been champions this year, that’s why I’m looking for a reason as to why we were at times so poor at home (apart from the regular tactical frailties) since this season has seen a change in results against the big teams at home – That sense of underdogs from the crowd and players, that sense of us against the world.
Quite drunk now. On my way home from the pub. Will take all orevious drinks in later. Right now I am just happy. Fuckin’ wonderful team effort. See you all later!
Good on you, Lars! Fucking wonderful day.
Oh, and start preparing those Lasagnas for next weekend!
Snir. Quite frankly I am just very bored reading on here all the time about how the home fans should do this or should do that. The fact that you or anyone else thinks that the home fans are responsible for some of the dropped points at home is quite frankly ludicrous. We have thrown away points at home and away. It has nothing to do with the fans.
Yes the home support could be better. It could be better at all home grounds. But I don’t know what you and your Tele shows but the support has generally been good. You can dismiss the captains comments all you like. Fact is that if he thinks the support is poor then surely the way forward is to say nothing?
I was working today. I started at 6am just to make sure I can make the game. I watch a good performance and see a good 3 points gained. I come on hear to rejoice with like minded gooners only to find still more people moaning about the home support. I would not dare to criticise those who watch from afar from their lounges. All I ask is that a similar courtesy us extended to those of us that spend thousands every year and make the effort week in week out.
As I said earlier, why don’t we try and just enjoy a good victory over the mancs?
Steve – When stating what I thought I wrote that I’m not even getting into the good or bad atmosphere argument.
Once again, you’re taking my comments personally when they aren’t. I did not state that the home crowd is responsible for the points dropped at home.
What I did state is that the only time that we felt we were underdogs we won in a sense of us against the world and asked for a bit more of that view from the crowd, cause other than asking for it, I can’t really do much.
Steve T – Home support sounded excellent today – at least on my stream. I wonder if part of the perception that the home support isn’t good comes from idiot TV commentators who often say it because they are too lazy to come up with anything else.
Back home now, judging from the last post from SteveT it seems that the home support has been getting some stick again. I realize I might not be in the best position to comment but I feel that the home support has been given a far too large role in the past few weeks. I supposed most of you saw the Chelsea-Spurs game last night, and did you feel that the home support was in any way better than at the Grove? Hell no. All you could hear was the away fans. I saw the Liverpool-Newcastle game today and all you could hear was “la-la-la-la Geordies”. Over the past few years I have been to about ten home games and three away and the support at the Grove has been just as good or better than at any of the away grounds I’ve been to, save for perhaps up at Newcastle this year – but not until they started to realize they could claw their way back. Thousands and thousands left that freak of a stadium after we scored our third, that’s not really great support now is it?
SteveT, as you can see I am firmly with you on this one. Yes, the home support could be better and there are idiots who understand nothing about football but as a whole, the support at the Grove is no worse than at any other stadium.
Ok, NOW I am going to start catching up on the drinks. And I think I’ll have lasagna for lunch tomorrow.
Joshua – Not in my case.
As opposed to what many might think I have been to the Emirates and found the away support at Upton Park when we played them in January a lot more lively.
You’re actually saying exactly what I think, that the home support is excellent, when feeling a sense of us against the world and not against the likes of Sunderland, Blackburn etc. when the win is “expected”.
Steve – I agree, let’s just enjoy the victory over the Mancs. I was just voicing an opinion that I believe needs a change among other things (non-crowd related). Have a drink on my tab! π
Snir@119: on the other hand, I have been told (haven’t seen it myself) that Hernandez was offside for the goal v Everton, and I know for a fact that we did score a legitimate goal v Sunderland but it was ruled out. Reverse those two decisions and all of a sudden we’re just two points behind and very much in the title race – that’s also food for thought.
Arsenal are f*ckin brilliant and Arsene Wenger is a genius and the toast of Copenhagen tonight.
Come on You Rip Roarin’ Reds!
Lars – True, very true.
I was talking more about the general feeling.
TS: it feels great to have a seat on the HT on days like this!
RvP’s Right Foot: I’m with you on this one. I too am drunk. And it’s a Sunday. Good thing I don’t have to be at work ’til 10 tomorrow!
Anyway, now time to watch the snooker final on Eurosport. Judd Trump has become a new favourite of mine, the way he sometimes hammers the balls into the pockets remind me of Jimmy White (I remember Steve Davies once, in a trick shot competition, going “and now I am going to do it Jimmy White style which is the red ball in the middle pocket and the white ball back out into the car park”). Saw the second session of Trump v Ding in the semi-final and it was absolutely brilliant all the way through. Trump is ahead 8-7, by the way. I really should watch more snooker, it is a brilliant game to watch.
Stone Roses@111: agreed, Szczesny was hugely impressive today. We do not need a new keeper.
Bloody hell, I really am drunk. Barman, best not serve me anymore alcohol for the next few hours…
Lars,
Ditto, drunk and watching Judd Trump.
I have been fortunate to do dozens of away games in recent years. On every occasion the support has been fantastic. Why? Because you get on average 3000 hard core travelling fans. I love doing away games. I would do a lit more if work and family allowed. But the home support is good and I have had enough of constantly reading from several people about how they think it is poor. I don’t take it personally. I am just trying to inform those who are not as lucky as I am of the facts.
Beers all round. I am celebrating a victory.
Henry Cooper and Ted Lowe.
What a great win today. Beating the Mancs is always something to celebrate. So happy to see Rambo back and thought Arshavin was superb when he came on. What made me most happy was that we defended the lead confidently and didn’t do anything stupid (for a change).
Make no mistake – Fergie was up for this big time. We were by far the better team and of course thats the real rub of it all – with a few changes and little more discipline it should have been us winning the league. But then again, I don’t think there’s too many on here that would disagree with me on that.
While its nice to see that we can manage to win big games without Cesc as well – no one should underestimate his importance to this team.
Hello,
Fuckwits that are always on here when we lose, where are you?
Oh…
Heh! Well said ‘Holic. I was thinking something very similar.
‘You’re only post when we’re losing,
Post when we’re losing,
You’re only post when we’re losing’
π
Absolute delight to see Arsenal 1 United and Foy, the cunt, 0.
I’ve never in my life seen a referee intercept a pass, body check a player, as well as turn a blind eye to Vidic catching the fucking ball before. What a cunt.
Excellent π
Report to follow, sometime this weekend.
Good lad holic. Foy was shocking and advised accordingly.
Wonderful to see such a great performance from Aaron Ramsey. How good was it to see him play like that?
I’m looking around the web now.
Tell me those United cunts are not moaning about their best player, Chris Foy, the cunt?
Unbelievable…
Better yet Holic, Fergie just said there’s a conspiracy against UTD, and get this – “we don’t get the big decisions in the big games”.
Shocking.
Indeed they are – claiming they were denied 3 penalties.
Oh, and we didn’t create any chances……
Muppets, the lot of them.
A few on the train. Very sheepish. Funny but they said fuck all. Still, they will have plenty of time to talk on the train back to Guildford.
Just watched it again on ATvO. Ramsey was as good as I thought in real time. Jack was ok too.
Can we show patience in youth again?
Holic 150 seeing you now. Home via Bristol ? Good effort. Very late me but end of the line means it’s less risky. Can’t believe the cheek of this funguscunt. Did we get him riled again? Oh yeah. 1 0 to the Arsenal!
Or holic 154 now! Top man!
Holic @ 154. How about a nice blend of youth with a bit of experience?
No BH tomorrow so goodnight. Oh dear
As I look at the PL table and think of the chances we’ve had and squandered I just sit here and shake my head. We are right there for god sakes. In spite of how we finish, I really hope we add a couple of seasoned players to get us over the hump. It would be just like us to win the last three games, finish a point or two off the top and think one more year of maturity will do and not add anyone.
We can’t expect that next year’s title will be won with such a low points total. We don’t have to break the bank to add a couple of seasoned players to keep us organized and calm and lead us when we get slpppy on the pitch.
I really thought that Chamkah should have been brought on for RVP (instead of Eboue for Walcott) to chase the ball and control the tempo in the last 15 minutes. Glad to get this victory.
Iollie, thank you. My phone was running low, needed to preserve.
You woke me at Bristol π
Holic, I actually think Jack was the better of the two.
Ramsey scored, but Jack bossed the game.
Lovely evening to be a gooner…
Lovely victory! Kudos to the team. Good to see Rambo play a great game. Song handled Rooney very well and was immense in breaking up the play today. Bac proved why he was voted the best right back in the league this year. I disagree with the person who said that Clichy played poorly; in fact I thought he had one of his better games today. Wow, if only Arshavin could give us that effort half of the time. Good team performance and despite all the heartache and pain, I love being a Gunners Fanatic. “Gunners4Life”
Ice Cold Heineken please Barman!
Hello holics,
Wonderful victory. Ramsey had an excellent game. Song played very well too. Arshavin flying in with tackles is a sight to behold π
Come on Arsene, this team is really really good. Just make a few wise additions to the squad( players of Sagna’s quality) and we will be a great team.
Oh and Chris Foy is a cunt…
Cheers
Storey, that “post when we’re losing” bit was spot-on π
Gedo: I think Arsene made the right substitution in bringing Eboue (who, imo, played really well for the few minutes he was on) for Walcott. Theo was getting tired and Eboue is a better defender.
zico: THREE penalties? In what parallell universe do they live? The only one that is even remotely close is the Clichy-Owen incident but Owen certainly made the most of very little contact.
Cup of tea, please!
Home via Bristol? Always a sign of a good day out.
I seriously didn’t believe it was possible but almost every time I see Shrek my hatred for him doubles, well today I hate him 3 times as much. Is there a more odious cut in football? Probably not, after yesterday’s game when he pulled rambo down because he couldn’t keep up with him, conceded a foul, petulantly kicked the ball into the prone figure of rambo like a toddler spitting the dummy and then got away with mouthing off to the ref (and probably swearing into the bargain).
Massive. Massive. Jug-eared. Immature. Cunt.
Spot the typo!
A great day out, Esso.
*boilk* Aspirin please.
That ‘holic is a dangerous man.
Now, this isn’t proof of anything and it’s certainly not me trying to take anything away from the team who thoroughly deserved the win, but it’s interesting to note that all CL semi final teams lost this weekend. Not drew, but lost. Schalke, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester Utd. And, as we know, these teams (sadly) doesn’t lose much. It’s not just us having a hard time reloading after CL-games!
The victory was sweet, but has left alot of mixed emotions, sometimes i go back and feel that if we dint have those serious of draws we would be in pole position or just behind utd, with them having to face chelsea, but now its just as a consolation and a monkey off our backs, yesterday we played like a real team, defending and attacking, rvp getting in the face of Ferdinand, Song standing up to the ever disgusting wayne rooney, chezzer commanding his goal like never before, Arshavin sliding and dispossessing the like of nani and valencia, rvp winning headers against vidic..
Then there seems to be a clear msg to the likes of Fabregas, i am not willing to buy the part that he was pulled out at the last minute and ramsey was thrown into it. Is this a msg we dont need fabregas, or is this a msg from wenger to fabregas that he needs to pull his socks up and start playing in the team than give excuses of his hamstring injury clouding him. or was it a msg to show him that we do have the talent and is only time before we click into gear. A msg to the rest of the team that when we play like that we are indestructible, and quite frankly we were superb on the night.