Ivan Knows
Jun 14th, 2011 by 'holic
The nightmare month continues. All but three of the articles on the first page of Newsnow concern potential transfers. Regulars know I see no point in adding to that noise, particularly as I know about as much as those who have written all of those pieces.
I have spent the early part of this evening watching the AST session with Ivan Gazidis. The content is freely available on Arsenal.com so if you have an hour and a half to spare do have a look. For me the most interesting ‘disclosure’ was confirmation of numerous anticipated changes in the playing staff this summer. Not that that will come as a surprise to anybody as it was fairly common knowledge around the club, but the fact that the CEO has now made it a matter of public record should reassure some of those who have argued for investment in the footballing side of the business.
I was less than impressed with the explanations for the price increases, and particularly the impression that the club is now on a planned collision course with silver members. I hope I have got the wrong impression, but there was implied criticism of those who maintain memberships without using them, or cherry pick games to attend. The club’s own arrangements with Supporters Clubs relies on silver members making their tickets for matches they will not be attending available to red members within those clubs. This is an argument that could be applied to silver members outside of that structure who do not purchase tickets for every match, for a variety of reasons.
What I find more fascinating is the reaction to the meeting from the wider Arsenal community. Did Ivan say the right things to bring any wavering supporters back on board? Probably. Did he do anything to bring the dissenters closer to the fold. It seems not, if you look in the usual places. Views have become entrenched, I think, until there is physical evidence of attempts to take the side that last short step to on-pitch success.
Losing Cesc (Oh Bacary, we all knew but why did you say it?) and Samir Nasri would provide ammunition for the discontented. The quality of any replacements should the unthinkable happen, and of the reinforcements being sought in defensive and attacking areas, will determine the mood of many ahead of the new campaign.
At the end of the day though, I have signed up for life, I’m afraid. Regardless of who is, or isn’t, pulling on that anniversary shirt next season I’ll be there, willing them to achieve. I suspect so to will the naysayers. Regardless of how many times it is said, there really are few who will apply the ultimate veto of not watching the club that is ingrained in so many hearts.
And Ivan knows it.
240 Responses to “Ivan Knows”
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Blkimey – an empty bar. Shame to waste it….
Get in there you beauty!
¨Blkimey¨ = ´Blimey´ in Catalan!
Dr.C
Curses! Foiled again!
‘Holic
Super, post. The AST meeting a decent watch IMO. Your observations spot on as usual. Cheers.
Heh Dr.C, both of our posts timed at 10:01. Does that constitute a Catalunyan draw???
Just read Bacary´s comments. Alistair Cook needs to give him a lesson of how to present a straight bat to those fishing for a quote…. (if I may mix my metaphors…).
Eat dirt, TS…. 😉 But have a pint on me….
I think I win on away goals….
Great post ‘Holic .
Evening fellas
I take it you weren’t drinking and golfing today ‘holic 😉
Ivan does indeed know. He’s obviously clever.
As for our full back – why do Barcelona’s dirty work? It’s bad enough with Xavi without our own joining in…. bleeding makes me mad.
Once again ‘holic you are the voice of reason in the blogosphere. JD on ice please.
Fair apprasial holic- there was little that was said that will bring about much change in peoples perceptions. I actually don’t mind that Sagna made the comments he did though. He’s an honest man who isn’t well versed with the trickery of the interviewer. It isn’t ideal in this case, but when he has positive remarks I am much more inclined to believe him.
Have only watched part one of the IG show , so shouldn’t really comment yet , but just a couple of things ;-
Yet to be convinced that IG bleeds Arsenal , as he attests .
I have no idea what the Dissenters expected him to say in a public forum . Short of wheeling in Fab , Nasri , Benzema , Hazard and Subotic to sign their contracts , I suspect nothing would satisfy them .
Blogs such as the ridiculously self-important Le Grove are slowly undermining the perceived relationship between fans and manager to such an extent that the noisy minority may actually get what they want if we get off to a less than perfect start to 2011-12 . Le Grove et al are a disaster for the thinking majority .
Le Grove serves an important function; when you’re feeling a bit too doom and gloom about all things Arsenal, a few paragraphs there make you realize you’re still a well rounded individual. If you mention you even half support Wenger you’re likely to get shot in the drinks section…
NS Gooner , i hear ya
Telling for me is the publicised news that some members of the squad will be moved on. Arsenal have never gone public in such manner to my my knowledge, certainly not under Wenger. It is stark acknowledgment that some players simply are not good enough, an end to cushy squad roles and warning to those close to falling into that bracket. Better wage spend efficiency and with their value and wages recouped we have that much more to invest in the team. To a large degree some B players went stale and backwards as a result, some guilty of a cushy ride. I can understand Wenger backing them but having gained 7 less points than last season it is clear the squad will not improve year on year anymore. Players in, players out it’s been said very strongly. Expecting heads to roll!
NSG, I tried today. It was Stoke football in there, and I was the ball.
Personally I think Wenger thought 10/11 would be the season that the kids came good. The very suggestion that this summer will be an active one is implicitly a verdict on the kids, and Wenger seems to have decided they’re not good enough and replacements are in order.
The dissidents’ prime beef is that they don’t actually believe Wenger’s promise to buy good players. This is probably the point we differ on, because apart from that, we’re all in agreement about what needs to be done, if we’re honest.
The club has all true supporters hooked whatever happens.That’s the madness of football. The internet has done a disservice to fans as well as giving them great information and blogs like this it has led to a tidal wave of reconstituted crap ,rumour and a mouthpiece for idiots who are no true fans.
IG said all he could reasonably expected to.I for one was not expecting a Corporal Fraser “we’re all doomed” speech nor anything too upbeat. Its looking fairly positive.Cesc has to go it’s undermining the club and with some quality and guts shipped in I think we might just finish above Spurs for the 16th season in a row.
I don’t think he said much that was unexpected, most of his answers were plausible apart from the 100% increased costs. Arsenal are not alone in the price of utilities, we all suffer the same in proportion. If Cesc is to go I just hop[e we have the will to drive the hardest bargain and the intention to find a suitable replacement be it a player as a direct replacement or else a change of style to suit those we have available at kick off. Still nice to get your balanced view, a pint of Pride would go down a treat.
Savage , brave man for trying , but it’s pointless .
Their agenda is to force AW out of the club , whether he signs good players or not .
Savage- couldn’t agree more. After the meltdown that was last season, I decided I’d reserve judgement on Wenger until the end of the summer, as we all though that the team would finally produce. We’ve all been let down, but none more then Wenger I think, and the measure of a man is how he reacts to these disapointments. Early indications are that he is trying to fix the problems, without losing his identity (young talent like Jenkinson). Hopefully things work out!
“Signed up for life.” As Watford fan Dougie Brimson explained in one of his books, once this choice is made, it cannot be unmade, and you do not get a second chance at this.
My relationship with Arsenal is committed. But with the squad as currently constituted? “It’s complicated.” A few of these players need counseling, but others, I want a divorce!
An Arsenal fan living in an asylum, er institution, is definitely in a committed relationship 😉
zico
Saw your comment in the now previous post re: the AST meeting. Loved the bit about Mr.LG looking like the bloke from The Office. To me he came across like a text book definition of ‘keyboard warrior’. You could physically see IG stiffening when he announced himself as being from LG. So he started badly and it went downhill from there. It does prove though that the blogs are read or at least condensed for senior Arsenal management. Heaven only knows what they make of our drinks 😉
I think we lost them when you donned your silver headgear TS 🙂
The ultimate veto is becoming a thin line as football goes global..like ciggarettes you need to get em hooked young. You can sense a lot will simply stop spending if Arsenal do not make them happy which completly misses the point of true support. While I cant see us going down the Newcastle route of hounding a chairman out ( rightly so ) the true test will be if we fall out of champions league places god forbid. I think the Q and A was what it was..PR. On the cesc thing am sad he will never become a true Arsenal legend and lead us to glory but like the others before him enough already..time to shag the goose and get a golden egg.
Well we have been promised that the required changes will be made. I say we sit back and let nature take it’s course. There are still 12 weeks left of the window so let’s all not panic. This is a big big period, possibly the most crucial in the Wenger era. I just hope that we do not sit back and that we get the majority of our business done early.
You are right, signed up for life. I guess that is why it hurts so much when we see it all go wrong.
Keep the faith.
Absolutely.. Signed up for life, am afraid.
Btw, the QA just confirms that Wenger has absolutely no pressure from within the club to achieve any sort of results.
A shame really.
I think AW is receiving no pressure from within the club because he’s achieving totally acceptable results year after year from the board’s point of view (consistently making the UCL for more than a decade, on a limited budget, and generating corporate profitability). I think the board cares not for trophies but for the bottom line and AW has kept AFC in the black.
Now that Silent Sam has controlling interest will things change? Let’s hope so. I’m tired of AFC being run like a profitable corporation first and a football club second.
Signed for life, straight up.
So so scared of this offseason, I’m really having a hard time figuring out how we’ll compensate for Cesc’s loss should he leave.
Never understood why clubs don’t give players some form of media training. The last things a player should tell a reporter are his opinion and the truth. Sagna’s dimwitted comments probably just cost us £5mil.
Some of you may forget my drinks comments a few weeks ago when Holic asked who we should keep b/w Cesc and Nasri. I will reprise them here. Cesc may be third all time in assists, but there comes a time when outside distractions become cancerous. That time is now. We need to thank him for his service, wish him well (except when playing against us), and get as much as we can for him in upfront money.
Keep Samir and ship out the satisfied fat-cat players (we know who they are).
Very mature response I see, Doc. Or was that subtle sarcasm?
I dont know about this signed up for life malarkey. 53 years and counting is bad enough
I only want whats best from my club – pleasurable watching and glorious results
So here goes – Cesc does not perform as consistently as he did for whatever reasons, so let him go – Jack and Aaron will deliver more consistently
Gael ditto but Gibbs not ready yet
Sami – a leading question – will Cesc going be the kick that he needs to deliver – I hope so
BTW, IG says changes on the way, but that old question of the squad size rears its head, so given our record of being injury prone, is a squad of 25, + youngsters coming through, enough to cover each positrion with 2 back-ups… I jest or is it 53 years of too much stress
Off to wind down again – I thought this was the off season with no stress
Did we sign anyone overnight? Someone in the Asian markets perhaps whilst everyone elsewhere were asleep?
And speaking of markets wrt players, can we start buying more in the spot market and less in the futures market.
really are few who will apply the ultimate veto of not watching the club that is ingrained in so many hearts.
So true mate. But I do wish people would apply the veto of not buying any more replica away shirts. Very dissapointed no one questioned Ivan about the new abomination.
didnt arsene say if he had money to spend he will after another saddening season when we still had the sylvestres..the only place arsene should be pointed at are his in-game tactics and the board at transfers funds…cesc is home sick, sagna’s just as sad about it as me..still doesnt stop us from getting what we want for the deal
It’s June, I’ll start worrying about the football and who we might sign etc in August. This obsessive need for things to happen now and the papers desperately needing to fill back pages when there’s no major summer tournament on is exasperating.
If cesc wants to play for barca then why did he sign a five year mega deal with Arsenal- it seems you can have your cake and eat too if ur a professional footballer!!
kev@39 its so true, all pro footballers are only in it for the money – proof noone says to their manager that they would play for same money as the junior players (YTS rates) and they and their agents will do ANYTHING to get more money
Morning fellas.
Charlie @ #38, very well put. Despite that, it does look like like some deals are getting close.
Zico @ #25, that and the bio-suit mate 😉
Until I read an exact translation of what Sagna has said, I am not going to get very worked up about it. Any report on what a player is supposed to have said in another country in another language tends to be greatly exaggerated and twisted, just look at all the times Bendtner has been reported to have said stuff in Danish media that he never actually said – like him being the best player in the world, something he has never said.
Classy qoutes from captain Fab at the launch of his perfume . Full quote on Gunnerblog . I’m off to buy some Man Aroma .
Apologies – qoutes = quotes
*sniffs the air*
tabs, is that you? Are you trying to disguise the awful stench of media bullcrap? Cesc’s quotes are indeed peaches if accurately reported.
Lars, I believe you have been saying for a while now that you’re far from convinced that our skipper is leaving us this summer and it’s really good to see some evidence (no matter how scant) that your thinking is sound.
Lunchtime drinks for you both if you’re inclined and maybe a brief toast to a ‘Fab-ulous’ season to come?
Arsene : Could you give me the low-down on fans opinion , as expressed on the Internet , please Ivan ?
Ivan : Sure Arsene . Arseblog , A Cultured Left Foot and many others , whilst expressing disappointment at the shortcomings of the side remain supportive of you and are cognizant of the difficulties that you have been operating under these last 5 years . Le Grove remains a place for disaffected c*nts and witters on endlessly to a set agenda which is negative in the extreme and wants you strung up by your bollocks .
Arsene : Hmmm , I see … and Goonerholic ?
Ivan : They’ve just bought a new Columbian Medicine Cabinet , are reconstructing an improved Happy Train , and have just taken delivery of a fresh consignment of Californian , which they plan on dishing out for free .
Arsene : I’ll get my pipe
Hey TS certainly is me and smelling peachy .
Fab obviously wants to go , but by classily refusing to take the first step , hopefully means Barca have to stump up the requisite cash , or f*ck off .
Ta for drink , i think the occasion demands a glass of spanish red
Don’t know about the “free” bit, tabs 😉
Heh tabs! 🙂
I’ll go and dig out my pipe too.
zico,
the first few puffs are always free….. 😉
I see after a fairly sensible start, football is back off the agenda.
I’ve still got 6 days to go Dr Z 🙂
Btw fantastic comparison to Gareth / Grover Geek lol
Maybe ‘Geoff’ looks like Gervais to complete the picture?
These words, if correct, are indeed the type of classy response I expect from our captain.
£50M and not a penny less you Barca c***s – how do you like them apples?
One likes to think so TS .
All jokes aside , there is a concerted campaign afoot . I have no problem with fans having a different view to mine ( tho they’re wrong 🙂 ) , where i draw the line is when they profess to speak for me .
Le Groan has been named in the mirror today , and the mail not so long ago . Talkshite had a phone-in today , which i listened to against my better judgement , where two callers gave Le Groan a name mention where ” true fans can speak the truth ” .
Easy to ignore them , but Evil occurs when good men do nothing .
Now Ratboy has shown his face , he’ll be wearing one from me if i ever come across him in a North London juicer .
Too aggressive ? Maybe so … … Ill get my pipe 🙂
Dr Z @53 – I like them very much indeed .
zico @ #53,
Do you think we could tempt Ivan into releasing a few of those 50 million squids (should we sell Cesc) to help with the refurb of the HT Mk II? We could throw-in his own personalised pipe as an incentive? It would need to be a bit newer and shinier than Arsene’s.
tabs @ #54,
Interesting points, sad but true. What do you propose the ‘good men’ do?
TS, his words (that I had not read before my last post) do, for me, confirm what I have been saying since last summer – he would be happy to move but equally happy to stay. His feelings for the Arsenal are strong and genuine, let there be no mistakes about that.
Or, to express it in a way zico might find easier to relate to: he wants the blonde from Sainsbury’s, but that brunette at Tesco is still more than enough to keep him happy!
Lars well put @ #57.
Zico? How do you like them pears? 😉
You guys know how to hit a man at his weakest point – I have been putting my life back together since tabs and the tabloids (great name for a band) revealed all that yacht and grapes business……
Yeah, Brunettes are in.
Apologies Dr. z
‘tabs and the tabloids’, heh!
First big hit: ‘The Story Of A Doctor In Exile’?
TS @ 56 – I expect every penny, should we sell, to go back into rebuilding the team.
But fear not, I am working on a fund raising plan so cunning……etc
Step 1 – stop giving out the stash for free
Step 2 – err, let me get a piece of paper……..
Lars , hey 🙂
TS – I’m no internet warrior but my 5 point plan would be :-
1. All respected Arsenal sites should follow Arseblog’s and the great ‘Holic’s lead in providing no linkage to Le Groan .
2. A monthly anti- Grove day where sites expose the half truths which regularly appear on that site .
3. Regular petitioning of the national media , to make sure they do not become the voice of Arsenal fans by default .
4. Regular correspondence with Ivan to make sure they are viewed by the club as a noisy minority , rather than the classy majority .
5. Boycotting Pirates of the Carribbean merchandise , or indeed anything with Gareth in it
Dr Z Did i tell you about my musical career … 🙂
The Cesc situation could all be solved by him holding a 4 word press conference. All it has to be is ‘I want to stay’ or ‘I want to go’. That’s it, simple. The fact that he doesn’t done it suggests to me the latter, plus the fact that his new agent, Sagna, has been talking of him leaving.
Trouble is, if Barca knows he wants to go there, where is the motivation in them breaking the bank? They can put an offer in of £30 mil, we say no, they say tough, and we are left holding a very highly paid pissed off player. too complicated for me to contemplate.
SR , I agree with Lars , whilst he wants to go , i don’t think he will be pissed off staying , esp if AW spends some money .
At the end of the day , Cesc signed a long term deal , where i’m sure it was fully explained to him that the club would hold all the cards in the event he wanted to leave , before it’s expiry .
tabs @ 63 – your talents know no bounds, obviously.
As long as I get an autographed CD and a mention in your biography, which I would suggest is entitled ” A legend in his own lunchbox”.
Is Lars still buying?
SR – That’s the thing. As weird as it sounds, he wants to do both.
O.K, let’s put it this way, he wants to leave, but he wouldn’t mind staying. By wouldn’t mind I mean he’ll be as professional as he can and play his heart out every single match.
This is a rarity in today’s game. Just look at Mascherano who went on a training strike to ensure his move.
Cesc wants to go but won’t force a move since staying isn’t a horrible solution for him as he LOVES the club that made him a footballer (and make no mistake about it, without us, he’d be a Martin Cacares or something of the sort).
Dr Z – you say the sweetest things 🙂
Of course Lars is still buying !
@ 68 – just mellowed out today, as heard the stash was free – back to the kicking, spitting, in yer face stereotype tomorrow 🙂
Stone Roses, I disagree. He will NOT be pissed off if the move doesn’t happen. I am really pleased (and have no problems at all) with him saying what he said today. He loves being an Arsenal player and he’ll do everything he can to take the team as far as he can if he is with us next season.
(assuming he did say it, of course, usual disclaimer about media misreporting etc)
And actually, when I think about it, you can interpret what he said to be just as much an “ok Barca, I’d love to play for you but I am getting really tired of the way you behave and it’s time to crap or get off the pot, if you want me then put your money where your mouth is or else go fuck yourselves” as anything else.
zico@66: of course, my tab is still open. I fear the day when it has to be settled, however… it must be a mile long by now!
Lars @ 71 – that was my take on it too, assuming that is precisely what he said.
Btw, if you need any help settling your tab, then speak to our newly discovered musician – he has some royalties coming his way I heard…..
What he said today is what everyone wanted him to say last season when he didn’t say a thing.
This season he acted quick and smart on this crap and said exactly the right things. Didn’t burn any bridges with us or with them which is the smartest move for him and I don’t mind (I’m actually quite happy) those quotes at all.
He put the ball in Barca’s court by saying that and now they have to prove they really want him (which they don’t, they see him as a reserve and not a regular for their 50 odd games but as a reserve who would start about 25), if they do like they say, he’s worth more than 50Mil, if they come up with that kinda cash, then that’s a different story, until then all I gotta tell ’em is – Piss off with Rossi, Thiago Silva or whoever you’re implementing your filthy D.N.A on.
Mes que un Cunt.
tabs @ #62
Never had you, or any of the regulars here, down as the internet warrior type.
Your 5 point plan looks good. 1, 2 & 5 seem do-able. 3 & 4 a little tricky or do you have a zico type cunning plan to support those? 😉
Gareth & Ricky 🙂
You bastards, I’m roaring here. Keep it civil though, please.
Back to work…
Dr Z @ 70 – The stash is free for another six days , so i shall expect more loveliness tomorrow 🙂
Lars @71 and 72 – Loving your interpretation of what Fab said , and I’ll have another beer please – they’re going down lovely with the Californian .
Dr Z @73 – Yes indeed , from my long forgotten hit , ” Gareth Bale has the face of a Baboon ” – no problem Lars , I’ll sort this one .
Snir @74 – a worthy club motto indeed 🙂
TS @75 – I think No.4 is pretty easy . On the designated day , we are all instructed to send a four line e-mail to IG ,
” I am an Arsenal fan of x years standing . I am very disappointed re the lack of trophies , but remain fully supportive of AW . Le Grove are a small minority whose c*ntishness knows no bounds . Please do not consider them in any way indicative of the true Arsenal support . ”
No.3 is , i accept more tricky .We need a man ( men ) with the necessary kudos . Blogs , Yogi , Gunnerblog , East Lower , and of course our very own ‘Holic are all intelligent , articulate commentators on all things Arsenal , and all reflect the mainstream view . I appreciate that not all of them would welcome the increased media profile or the hassle that went with the territory .
Blogs would be particularly good value on the Radio , and certainly has the necessary kudos – he even made it onto Arse.com yesterday .
I’d volunteer myself , but can’t appear on the radio , since the advertising ban on smoking came in 🙂
Right , is that everybody ? Beers all round
Afternoon all. Espanyol have a fantastic banner in there stadium as a reposte to Barca.
It simply says; “Catalunya – mes que un club” !!
And one for you ‘Holic , of course , – apologies , hadn’t seen your request before posting swearing above . Apologies again .
Reading Cesc’s quotes put me in mind of the New Testament…
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve Arsenal and mammon (B*rca).
Cold glass of truth please, guv’
Let’s go Mavs! Hook ’em horns! Up the Arse!
TaBS,
No need to say sorry to me. The old hands will tell you why, I’m sure 😉
Did we sign anyone today?
Only just read Cesc comment. He played it straight down the middle, bless. Probably the pivotal part of his statement was “He (AW) is the boss, the one who makes the decisions – you should ask him”
It does seem as if he is happy to stay, or is happy to go. It is now too complicated for me to even remotely understand anything, so time for some alcohol.
So the Dalai Lama walks into a pizza shop…
tabs @ #77
I recall the hit “Gareth Bale peels bananas with his feet”, was that one of yours as well?
Sound ideas to support your points 3 & 4, they may sound even better after I’ve re-filled and emptied my pipe.
When you get a mo’ perhaps yo could supply us with IG’s email addy (if you have it) and I would gladly send him one of you ‘boilerplate’ emails 😉
Didn’t know Blogs was on Pravda.com y’day, do you have a link per chance?
Cheers for the beer, I need another (tough day at work) but it’s my shout so they’re on me.
Barman, if you please….
A blonde walks into a bar and asks for a double entendre.
So the barman gives her one.
Evenin’ Dr.C
Can I do the quick drum roll and hit the high-hat now?
Thanks for the beer last night BTW, it helped to wash the dirt down 😉
Pipe or cerveza or both? (tabs has a free stash you know)
Agreed SR, time for some alcohol. I’ll have a Kilkenny please. And pints all around … on Lars’ tab (OLT) … as per usual (APU).
Both please TS….. slow day at work so may as well enjoy it!
LG @84 – Okay I’ll bite. What’s the punchline?
I was wondering what the over/under is on our first signing of significance this window: June 21, July 1, July 15, etc.
So there are these three Big Mama’s standing outside the offices of the Guinness Book of World Records.
The first one is all excited because she thinks she has the biggest mouth in the world. She walks in to the offices and half an hour later, walks back out happily waving her certificate of entry into the book.
The second one is all excited because she thinks she has the biggest tits in the world. She walks into the offices, and half an hour later, walks back out happily waving her certificate of entry into the book.
The third one is all excited because she thinks she has the biggest cunt in the world. She walks into the offices, and five minutes later, walks back out, looking all upset. The other two rush up to her and ask her what’s wrong?
She looks at them through tear filled eyes and says “Who the hell is Ryan Shawcross?”
TS ,
http://www.arsenal.com/media-watch
” Gareth Bale peels bananas with his feet ” was indeed one of mine , the follow-up to ” Gareth Bale has the face of a Baboon ” .
Unfortunately , it failed to repeat the commercial success of the first , and barely managed to wipe it’s feet before creeping into the top thirty .
NME critiqued it at the time as ” a drug- infested joy-ride in which the symbiotic juxtapositioning of the baboon’s melancholy with the nihilism of the spud can rightly be hailed as a masterpiece ”
Sadly , the paying public failed to agree , and it has since been regarded as ahead of its time .
When my final attempt at musical greatness ” Graham Roberts and Ray Clemence were once Lovers ” got the thumbs up from Dave Lee Travis , I knew it was time to seek another career .
Dr C@86 – a beer from me for that little bon mot .
Dr.C @ #89,
I like you’re thinking and coming right up.
I wonder if tabs would be willing to pass a little of that fresh Californian into the GT for a bit of general consumption by fellow ‘Holics?
And you SR 🙂
TS @ 94 – The CMC is filled to the rafters , and the door is open .
Evening Agent tabs, looks like we’ve crossed posts. Dr. C will benefit form that extra beer so we’re all winners.
The NME critique looks world class. You may need to offer The Barman a set of incontinence pants to cope 🙂
Nihilism eh? Reminds of The Big Lebowski. No planned removal of appendages I hope 😉
DLT eh? Reminds me of hairy cornflakes and…. er….. total prats. No offence.
No offence taken TS , how that man earned his living talking about music is beyond me , but , hey , I’m not bitter 🙂
tabs @ #96,
What a wonderful person you are. Must be the ‘Cesc man perfume’ weaving it’s magic too.
Yes i am , avec ou sans perfume 🙂
And he gets the century and raises his bat to the adoring masses
Steady Agent tabs, you wouldn’t want to get an attack of the Szczesny’s 😉
Good point TS , i shall go and smoke quietly in the corner 🙂
SV @ 90,
He says to the clerk, “Make me one with everything on it.”
[I didn’t get it, neither did the Dalai Lama when told the joke by an Aussie reporter]
With all this smoking, drinking, and cavorting going on, no right-minded mother will allow for the next generation of Gooners…we’d better start setting better examples 😉
Now where’d I put my beer?
LG @ #104
That’s surreal in the extreme even in our company.
Your beer’s on the bar where it should be, pull up a chair and bring your pipe 😉
So Cesc didn’t declare his undying love for Barce while on a PR junket for his man perfume in Madrid – smart move. Business is business and no modern day sportsman wants to piss off a sponsor. It’s only speculation i know, but i la-la-la like it – gut instinct says – with some sadness – he’s on his way and if a big fat f**K off fee bank-rolls our desperately needed all around the team/squad rebuilding – may be that’s a smart move too
LG @ 104 – I don’t get it either. More reason to drink tonight whilst catching G7 of Lord Stanley’s Mug. I’ll take it to mean that I should get a deluxe pizza for dinner 😉
TS,
Thanks for the affirmation.
I’m always in the bar, if not vocal, I have a spot over there in the corner (in the darkside of the bar). I have my Macallan and my Macanudos (pipes are not really my thing…)
We need some more birds in the bar or the HT Mk II.
My humble suggestion 😉
I’m just a wee simple fella who enjoys the simple things in life such as ladies, drink, footy, good conversation, a meaningful signing or two, an occasional trophy, and things of that nature.
Funny you should say that Lonestar, I was just down Sainsbury’s…..
Anyway the avian contingent will be in with the other animals in the last carriage. The Noah compartment some call it. As soon as I find out what kind of animal the Dalai Lama is, then it could be in there too.
LG@108 ,
Don’t you worry about birds on the HT Mark II ,that’s my department . Full details available as soon as the fixture list comes out .
Dr Z 🙂
I presume the The Noah Compartment will be secure against any advances Dr C might make ? 🙂
Quick hello holics
Been busy as feck these past few days.. various hehs @ drinks above
Cesc is a class act, now doubt about it. He stays or he goes, he has my best wishes with him
I’ll have a quick shot of rum before I go to sleep,thanks
Catalan Quack? Noah Compartment.
It’s unavoidable – hopefully that won’t put the cat amongst the pigeons – oh.
Ah, thank you gents… I now feel much better about this whole enterprise.
Just say the word, and I’ll ship some Austin ladies over (no trafficking involved at all)
You guys could invite Pippa…
* Daddy likes myself some Pippa *
… or the wolf in the hen house?
Alright Peeps,
I see the local Asylum have opened the gates and the usual suspects have sneaked out for a smoke and a pint 🙂 Hope all are well!!
Good to see at least one player still has a moral compass the world and his wife no he wants off but he knows we are fucked for a fair fee if he declares it so Fair play,
Think I’ll buy a ticket for the happy train if we can book in advance as for one reason or another I’ve better vibes than the beach boys over this summers transfer activity
Up The Arse,
Chippy, your seat was always reserved – know what you mean about those nutters though – we’ll need to be the sensible ones 😉
Zico, sensible? Surely… 😉
LG @ #108
More female members in this bar are always welcome esp. from a fun university town like Austin – a cracking place for a night out I recall. Cue tabs splashing on more of that Cesc man perfume 😉
zico @ #108,
I think the Noah Compartment will be safe so long as we don’t include goats – llamas OK though. So the HT MkII now has The Glossary Car (TGC) the Medicine Cabinet Car (MCC) and the Noah Compartment (NC). Surreal doesn’t even begin to describe it.
Harsha @ #114,
Good to see you back. As you can see, we’re in the middle of a Californian induced trip kindly sponsored by tabs, PIK (presumably?) and Sainbury’s who seem top be our preferred vendor of pet supplies. Did I get that right? 😉
Chippy @ #119,
The lunatics have most definitely taken over this asylum so pull up a chair, grab a pint and go fetch your pipe.
England 0-0 Ukraine HT. Not much creativity from England U21s other than a Sturridge half volley smash off the crossbar. Still can’t believe Daghlish spent 20M on Henderson. I thought Kenny is a Scot. It would be understandable, to a degree, if Kenny were a drunken sailor notwithstanding his ancestry.
Perfumed up TS , though the aroma in the bar something entirely different , Light me up cap’n .
tabs – Given your screen moniker, you wouldn’t be related to Andy Gray by chance? Or, you wouldn’t actually be the real Andy Gray …
tabs, she cannae take much more of this Jum…
*goes for matches*
… tell us the truth now luv 🙂
SV,
In case you thinking of asking, I’m no Richard Keys. Just sayin…. 🙂
Har, har, this bar is way too classy for Andy Gray…
Zicoinexile, Two hopes of that mate I rival the March Hair 😉
Ts, Will do but I’ll pass on the pipe and have a Catalan Special !!
Fixture list Friday and hopefully Holics American regulars will steer me in the general direction of some bars where I can watch the Arsenal as I’ll be stateside for 3 weeks in September I just Know we will have thy Neighbours when I’m away 🙁
Chippy, what’s your itinerary? I know several good Texas locations.
Andy Gray ? Mais non SV , are you on drugs SV ?
My moniker comes from the fact i was for a short time married to dreamy Bob , and i proposed on the day he scored that wonder goal against the Villa , all memorably described by the aforementioned Gray .
Now where’s TS with the matches ?
The Happy Train MkII will be a joy to behold, once construction is complete.
Monsieur Storey, in his own irrepressible style, has already given snippets to the media who are already speculating wildly about the length, opulence, and indeed durability of this new wonder in modern transport. And as ever “the Board” remain silent and “won’t comment on media speculation”.
Whilst some details divulged by the aforementioned Storey are close to being accurate, sources close to the convenor are suggesting that the activity over the summer in the construction of the locomotive, is going to rival the endeavour and tenacity that went into building the Great Wall in China. It is rumoured that patrons close to the project have gone as far as South America to source a mere cabinet.
In a further development, Happy Train MkII management have reminded eager patrons that there is a significant waiting list for seats, but in the interest of fairness, have decided to add an additional carriage for the odd journey during the football season
(Wigan away). This apparently will only confer the bare minimum of privileges in comparison to the grandeur of those seated up front, but such is the popularity of what some have called the “mobile mirth machine”, that this option is also likely to be over-subscribed.
On Twitter, tweets amongst the locomotive fraternity hint that Friday 16th June will see the first official publication of the scheduled timetable. It is also perhaps significant in the run up to this date that there are also reports of a shortage in the product “Rizla” all over the UK.
Fappy Train management would also remind all of the general public that Training beats Coaching. (Apart from at set pieces).
Of course Fappy Train Management don’t actually exist.
Dr Z – genius , have lots of beers
Cheers tabs, an offer too good to refuse, and not a horse’s head in sight.
Chippy @ 131 – think I saw previously you saying you were Chicago bound, but if you get anywhere near New York, you need to get yourself down to the Blind Pig at East 14th Street on Lower Manhattan.
It was recommended to me earlier this year and it did not disappoint – the NYC Gooners are a great bunch and the place is bouncing on match day.
TS – The thought had crossed my mind, given tabs’ moniker and the fact the two of you get on so swimmingly. You and tabs’ are to this blog what Keys and Gray were to Sky Sports. I’m not sure how the two of you feel about women in sport though 😉
Lonestar,
Will be flying into Chicago sep 2nd spending a few days there, Then onto St Louis and maybe New Orleans or Florida – Got 3 Games to try and find 🙂 Unfoutunatley no Texas maybe next time !!
tabs – “dreamy Bob”? Sorry to admit it but I believe you have me at a loss. Request to clarify.
Bobby Pires – a drug-induced marriage , short-lived when he buggered off to spain , he looked good in a dress though 🙂
Ah, I couldn’t connect the dots from Robert to Bobby. Things weren’t the same after he travelled to Villarreal on the Yellow Submarine. And I now see an even more direct connection to PIK other than one based on smoke only.
Guys, this is the exact quotes from Cesc’s press conference…
It’s a video and in English, no misinterpation possible here…
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xjbk05_fabregas-happy-at-arsenal_sport
You got it SV , now you know why the cabinet is overflowing with Californian 🙂
Whilst we’re on the subject of monikers , I’ve heard rumours yours has undergone something of a reincarnation . What was you former name ?
SV @ #139,
“You and tabs’ are to this blog what Keys and Gray were to Sky Sports.”
….. erm….. should I/we laugh or cry?
Note to tabs: Come on Andy, lets go and get a job on Talkshite 😉
As regards women in sport I am in the middle ground between Murdoch ( who sacked them ) , and Keys/Gray ie i am fully in favour of female lineswomen , they clearly know the offside law , but i would prefer to see them topless
TS , I like your thinking , the first drug induced radio chat show , and let’s face it , we can’t talk any more shite than those already in situ .
On a separate note , wrong man got fired tonight .
TS @ 146 – no debate. Time to cry.
tabs – I’ve been TvN and TvA depending on the injury list.
tabs – Request to clarify, topless female lineswomen or topless women in general?
tabs – who got fired tonight? News travels slowly across the pond.
Only in certain professions , SV , specifically sandwich girls on Happy Trains , Barmaids , and Football officiators .
UK version of The Apprentice SV – not football related .
zico – So why is a Scotsman spending beyond the pale for over-rated, unproven, underage English ‘talent’? I thought Scotsmen were supposed to be frugal?
zico @ #134,
Classic, yes maybe genius even. The horses head comment later reminds me that we still need to source security for any possible interloping LWCs (per your post y’day). I will confess to my Hill-Wood moment with the media but the speculation may for once live up to the hype. I also suggest that we set fares into three grades: red, silver and gold and that we then set red passengers vs silver passengers in case the silver passengers try to cherry pick the best seats – sound fare, sorry fair?
Not with someone else’s money SV 😉
@ tabs re: The Apprentice, yes for the first-time I thought that too. The passive-aggressive one (and coming from Karen Brady that’s f*ckin’ rich) from NI got away with boardroom murder. I’d give him a job in PR on Pravda.com any day 😉
tabs @ #153,
Have we agreed to source the sandwich girls and the pet supplies from Sainsbury’s yet?
zico, what say you?
TS – you’re getting the hang of this management lark. Yes, definitely showing potential, so we’ll forgive your exuberance and public outbursts.
The pricing policy of the HT season ticket is still undergoing stochastic modelling and will be published in due course. Club level ticket prices already crashed the computer so read into that what you will.
Don’t worry about Security, I’ll be speaking to Clive about some razor weilding Glaswegians.
Enjoy the rest of the night in the bar – I’m off to my pit as I’ve got a not so Easy jet special to London tomorrow morning.
Girls from Sainsbury’s.
Animals from Leeds. Dirty Leeds.
Dr. z
Give my regards to the SP. Hope you don’t get delayed like I did the other week. At least you’re staying within the UK. Term 2B @ CDG almost manages to make SHL look appealing 🙂
zico – I guess you got something there. The Old Gum Chewer has been acting in that manner for years.
You wouldn’t also be a Flamengo fan too due to the name?
I’m not one for Spanish dancing Stingy 😉
Did I not explain zico to you previously when you were TvN? It involved me, and a Brazil top and my 5 a side team.
TS , chap from NI , definitely of the Teflon brand – only still in cos he makes good TV .
I’m fully in agreement with the pet/sandwich girl / female sourcing . Good work fellas . We may retire to our beds safe in the knowledge that we have accomplished much ,:-)
Safe “Trip ” Dr Z .
Right , I’ve got the munchies . Laters Chaps .
Quick correction to Dr Z’s sourcing @161 , Animals from Sainsburys and girls from Leeds Dirty Leeds .
taBS @ #166,
Seconded! 🙂
zico – Yeah I got your story and that’s why I’m asking about the Brasilian club side that Zico played for and not about Spanish dancing. White guys can’t dance. You should know that 😉
Spanish dancing he says …
zico – Ever heard of a famous Kanadian Scotsman called Don Cherry?
As they say in Kanadaville, I’m in the due process of gettin’ wellied!
Cheers ‘holics 🙂
Jordan Henderson … 20M invisible man. If he’s worth that and Cesc goes for 40M does that mean Jordan is half the player Cesc is?
Barman, another Kilkenny please. I’ll be hittin’ the hard stuff soon trying to garner sense of it all.
Guys, forgive me for this but I have to vent out somewhere!!!
WHOAAAAAA!!!!!! Stanley Cup Champions!!! Boston Bruins!!! Stanley Cup Champion for the first time since 1972, how about that for a trophy drought ;)?!?!?!?!
WHOAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!
Congrats Mr. Geuli,
I never had a dog in this fight but being Kanadian I felt compelled to watch G7 out of fear of deportation.
You Beantown crew win a wee bit too much. Some would say you lot are blessed beyond reason.
Barman, double Glenfiddich, neat. Time to straighten the sinuses, if you know what I mean 🙂
I would’ve figured most Beantown types to be ManU fans. But I know in Mr. G’s case it is different.
SV – Why would you think that?!
It’s kinda crazy to think my beloved Patriots are the team with the longest drought in the Boston area having not won since 2004.
Mr. G? I like the sound of that actually ;).
Mr. G indeed
Mr. G,
Just think of what you are sayin’. Your Patriots are the longest sufferin’ Beantowners in the land of ‘paaaaark de kaaaaar’. You Mr. G are from a blessed lot. Unless we start talkin’ footy. Then I know you are amongst all us sufferin’ fools.
Up the Arse!!!
Mr. G,
Are you still amongst your last years of study or are you in the contributing sector? AFC needs your financial contributions to get through this ‘difficult’ period.
Contributions accepted … joyfully 🙂
Cheers Mr. G,
I’m off to focus on my drink now. Be well and always be … Up the Arse!!! I know you are.
I think we should all proclaim Snir as Mr. G henceforth for all of his contributions to all things Gooner!
Who’s with me?
Cry to the people …
SV – I’m still studying (Sports Management – How surprising 😉 ) but I do contribute, to the happy train.
I’m in charge of keeping the spirits up on the train :D.
And I must retire for the night for I am talkin’ to myself … and people can be locked up for that where I’m from.
Cheers all ‘holics!!! Never forget, you are a select few. And carry yourself always just so.
Up the Arse!!!
TABS, Zico. How very dare the both of you? I am a one goat man. But if there are any blonde llamas in there….
Now then. What’s the agenda for today?
Dr C , Good Morning
We jest of course , we know that you would never stray beyond the pleasures of your one faithful goat 🙂
We have however cancelled the order for African mountain goats and instead plumped for Egyptian Llamas , just to be on the safe side you understand .
Non blonde llamas , to give them their technical term !
Afternoon All,
Agenda? What agenda? 😉
tabs,
According to Yogi’s Warrior, Mr Flick-To-Kick is not coming to The Ems. Try not to take it too badly. Shall we fetch our pipes? 🙂
Afternoon TS ,
Yes i saw that a few days ago , and after some emergency counselling , I am slowly getting used to the idea . Still , I now read The Prince of Denmark may be going to Dortmund , so hopes of a swap deal spring eternal .
In other news , I’ve heard there’s been a huge drugs bust at one of the London Airports , something involving a Scotsman wearing a Brazil No.10 shirt .
Think we should keep our heads down . Perhaps a couple of pints of London Pride to start ?
Latest from Geoff Gervais over at the place on a par with SWL is that we play without a defensive midfielder . Genius … LOL
tabs,
Thanks for the heads-up. Let’s hope they don’t go delving into his sporran too. Pipes? What pipes? I only drink beer and Pride will be just fine, cheers!
SWL? You got me there but yes, read it too. Thought it was cynical piece. Gervais couldn’t resist ending his post with a 2012 ‘dream team’. To me, it was designed to set his and others expectations to a level whereby they will be easily disappointed in order to justify further ranting and spleen venting. Does anyone here really think that we’d buy Cahill AND Samba? I’ve no objections to either player wearing the famous red&white but I can’t see us buying 2 CBs unless we’re going to let go Koz or DJ as well as Squilly. Just throwing it out there….
But it looks like we HAVE signed the biggest forehead in football!
For sure Dr.C????? The MFO is confirmed???
Nothing on the official site, but Twitter is alive with info….
If so, then Hamlet is edging ever closer to the door….
Could I trouble you for a link Dr.C? There’s nowt on News Now and that’s the normal purveyour of every possible rumour….
I would be incredibly surprised TS if we bought two centre halves .
Apologies for the typo , SHL , of course .
Dr C – the dolphin-headed one is a done deal .
Woo hoo! How do we like them apples? 🙂
All together now…..
His head’s like a fish
His heads’ like a fish
We’ve got Gervinho
So don’t take the pish
On the radio , £10m 4 year deal – Talkshite though . Never seen him play so can’t comment , but fish restaurants in N1 are already hanging out the bunting .
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Gervinho-agrees-four-year-Arsenal-deal-in-10-6m-transfer-reports-article748129.html
When was the last time anyone saw Bendy make a ‘surging run through the middle’?
BTW, before anyone pulls me up on #199, I do realise that a dolphin is not fish but IMO the MFO does have fish like facial features, with all due respect, etc., etc. 😉
Great news tho’, assuming it’s a done deal.
Don’t normally indulge in reckless gossip , but as it’s you will do so just this once . Fella down the pub knows Pat Rice and shared the following last weekend .
1. Deals for Gervinho and Chamberlain are done .
2. Inquiries have been made for both Cahill and Samba , but only one will be bought , with Samba the most likely .
3. A deal has been done for Hazard , but he will not join until summer 2012 , and there will be no announcement until that time .
4. Clichy is definitely leaving and Arsenal like Baines , but cost likely to scupper the deal.
5. Fab definitely staying , Nasri likely to stay .
That’s your lot – take from it what you will . He seems like a decent fella , though i don’t know him well other than to talk Arsenal .
On the flipside , he assured me Arsenal were buying Torres when TH14 left .
Thanks tabs, I’ll treat it lightly but much of it sounds reasonable. Shame about Clichy, if it’s true, I still rate him. So I wonder if Gervais is on the right lines when he says TV5 might replace him?
Samab & DJ20 as a CB pairing would give us plenty of height for set pieces tho’ that’s only one issue solved.
Mustn’t get carried away now….
I actually wouldn’t be surprised if if TV5 ended up at LB .
As for Djourou , big season for him next time around . Think he’ll either make the position his own or he’ll be moved on at the end of next season .
I thought his 2010/11 season rather resembled a porn film – hesitant beginning , an enjoyable middle , and a sticky end 🙂
Heh tabs! Spot on again 🙂
Yes, still have high hopes for Kozzer too.
Apparently Samba deal is ‘just’ down to agreeing wages so that could be a long wait 😉
Another pint to toast the (potential) newcomers? On Lars’ tab, of course….
Of Course – cheers – I’m trying to sort out Legal representation for Dr Z , but another pint won’t do any harm 🙂
Is TV5 fast enough to play full back?
Was Bob Mcnab Dr C ?
One things for sure. If TV played LB he wouldn’t let AA trot back for defensive cover. The scenes in the changing room after the match would be distressing as well.
tabs @ #207
If legal rep not working out suggest we put together a foxy plan to spring Dr z from jail. We could use the HT Mk II as a getaway vehicle and the TGFS as a distraction for the guards.
TS , is the HT mark II track-worthy ? I think we need to undertake a cost/risk analysis before doing anything foolhardy .
A plan involving TGFS makes more sense – I think she should be able to bribe her way in with her melons . My only concern is that if she turns up and greets Dr Z in a confined environment , we may never hear of Dr Z again
Hmm…. agreed tabs, you’ve exposed two huge flaws.
Hi all! Late to the party as usual, but bearing gifts! 😉
I for one am not a fan of tv playing at left with any regularity. I think he’s presence and distribution through the middle are too important. With samba pairing him, and gervinho pairing a healthy rvp- and assuming we keep nas n cesc- things are shaping up! Too many ifs, but I hope next week brings some new inspiration. Ive got Cali cabernets n ‘brownies’ for all on the train looking for a mellow…
PiK
Welcome back! We’ve been partying in your absence on that fine Californian homegrown……… beer, yes definitley beer 😉
Things do seem to be shaping up but it could all change in a heartbeat. We’ll agree to disagree re: TV’s potential in the LB position but a return to 4-4-2 or similar would be most welcome in this neck of the woods.
The Cali cabernets n ‘brownies’ sound delicious and completely legal so I’ll join you if I may 😉
I won’t fetch my pipe…. I have no training as a plumber.
Afternoon PIK , your gratuity for the last batch of Cali in the Brown Envelope , being held by the man in the Aquascutum Raincoat .
Thanks for the warm welcome!
Well, I don’t doubt tv could play the position excellently, but samba and DJ/koc doesn’t seem convincing enough. What are you suggesting?
In other news, apparently arshavin likes bears. Maybe pique, puyol, and sagna can all take a lesson from andrei and start giving answers to questions that REALLY matter!
PiK
IF we sign Samba a back 4 of:
TV—-DJ—-Samba—-Sagna
Looks like a possible improvement over last year.
I believe Arshavin and Eboue attend the same tea parties at the bottoms of their gardens with the fairies.
tabs @ # 216. Can I take off the raincoat now? 😉
Gentlemen, Gentlemen….
I think we need ‘Holic to provide helmsmanship, especially since it appears HT Mk II is about to get launched ahead of schedule…
I just don’t want any if you fine mates to get spirits up, get spirits dashed, and start looking for instruments of destruction to harm yourselves or others.
‘Hols, where you at, boss? The inmates have wine, “brownies,” nefarious (if not hopeful) scuttlebutt, and keys to the train and the medicine cabinet. Things are about to get dicey…
Up the Arse! (BTW, apologies to Dr. Z, but I’d like some brunette llamas amongst the non blonds – and a couple blond llamas to “round-out” the herd). 😉
Just threw it out there , not sure if it’s feasible , i guess only Arsene knows .
Points raised by Dr C and yourself all valid . All i would add at this stage is that –
1. TV5 is a great footballer , but is he a great centre-half ? not sure . Whilst 09-10 didn’t plumb the depths that 10-11 did , in terms of defensive frailties at set-pieces , we were still pretty vulnerable when TV was playing with Gallas/Campbell/Silvestre .
2.Clichy is on his way , and it would be very unarsene-like to splash out huge money on a LB .
3. Gibbs yet to convince defensively and hampered by never-ending injuries .
I’m with AA , Bears are the way forward .
TABS – not against it, just asking…. also worth considering as CDM? Seeing as how we are on the subject….
TS – Get yer coat off and settle in . I’ve gone to the very top re Dr Z’s release and I’m anticipating a trade off whereby we get him back in return for Danish royalty . Sounds like a deal worth doing . At this crucial stage of the HT Mark II’s development , I think we can ill-afford to be without it’s chief Construction Engineer , sometime Medic , Driver , Fare-Setter , and Track-layer .
Lonestar – are you a Llama farmer perchance ? 🙂
Dr C , point taken , I think TV possible but unlikely at CDM . Worth considering when we need to close out games . I think what is beyond doubt is that a fit TV will significantly improve our squad wherever he plays .
Btw i think he’s played games at LB for both Ajax and Belgium .
Well done tabs, Hamlet out Dr. z in and the HT Mk II gets more valuable test and development time.
Lonestar, if yes to tabs questions have you considered a move to Wales. Not so many llamas but plent of sheep to, er, ‘farm’. Only kidding, good to have you in the bar 🙂
TV plays at LB for his national side.
I don’t think there is any room for Sheep on the HT TS , we don’t want to get rammed , and there are too many anatomical similarities to Goats for my liking . We don’t want Dr C getting all over-excited pre-game 🙂
Wow, just wow.
In your face Interpol 🙂
Tabs, disagree totally.
TV5 is a great CB, it’s Gallas being very unintelligent that caused the problems.
TV is a CB that likes to go forward and add a dimension on attack but Gallas would go forward too instead of staying back and covering for his absence, that’s why it always seemed like we were outnumbered on the break.
But it isn’t a surprise to see me talking about Gallas like this, I’ve never rated him, not at Chelsea, Arsenal or Spurs.
This season, changes have been made to our open play defense. Whenever Koscielny would go up, AS would cover for him, whenever AS would go wandering JW or CF would provide cover.
I actually don’t really rate Gary Cahill as well, and rate Samba for certain matches only (Stoke, Bolton, Blackburn etc.) as his defending on the ground is nothing like Kos and TV who should play the top teams that prefer to play on the ground (Utd, Chelsea, Barca etc.).
Our problem in defense is not the defenders, it’s the coaching. If you concede more than 50% of your goals on Set-Pieces (which is obviously a collective team effort as almost all 10 outfield players are back to cover) then it’s a coaching flaw.
I think Kos, TV, JD and Samba would be fine for a whole season providing we get a quality LB (did someone say Baines?).
And one last wish – Higuain. Word on twitter is that he’s gonna go on sale after all, but then again Gervinho is coming in for NB52 so don’t see an additional striker being brought since I think MC is staying.
It seems the Diplomatic negotiations have paid off !!!
TS & TaBS,
Good to be in my familiar, dank corner. It is strong with the Dark Side.
Sadly, I’m no farmer, but I am a “purveyor” of fine stock. Hens, llamas, does, a few sheep (ewes, I think), doves, and swallows (heh).
I learned the trade from Noah and interned with the Heffner.
If the trade talk be true, I’ll make sure the animal compartment of the HT mk II is well apportioned with fair game.
Snir , I’m not sure we’re disagreeing . Not much I disagree with you there other than to say ,
1. Gallas and TV , rather like Gallas/Toure , was not an ideal pairing as they were both similar in stature , and both look better playing with a bigger partner . Putting all Spud intolerance aside , i think it would be wrong to blame Gallas solely for the defensive shortcomings of that season .
2. Whatever the merits of the Coaching , we have lacked height and agression in CD since Campbell was in his pomp . Djourou did very well until his injury at OT in the cup , but was very average at best thereafter . I still have high hopes for him , but as i said before , next season is a big season for him .
3. Injuries aside , the Defence should be a settled unit , and should not be cherry-picked for certain opposition .
Not out of the woods just yet Tabs but the departure gate is a mere 12 mins from here – pity here has got a full pint of Guinness staring me in the face 🙂 🙂
Lonestar – I’m not sure I can , or even should , add anything to that 🙂
Act natural Dr Z , glug the pint , stroll to the Departure Gate and you’re home and dry . If you’re approached by a suave , well-dressed man , muttering ” Bale’s brains are a delicacy in Moscow ” , don’t worry , he’s one of ours , he’s got your back 🙂
Tabs,
I disagree on the part you said that you’re not sure if TV is a great CB.
It actually has nothing to do with Spuds, I never rated him even when he was at AFC (and there are plenty of past posts here to confirm that :)).
I agree there needs to be some kind of balance between two CBs and not two similar CBs (Kos and TV for instance would be unbalanced).
I disagree re the third thing you wrote about not cherry picking based on opposition. We SHOULD pick suitable defenders for certain opposition just like Walcott is preferred over AA against certain defenses. We should do the same with the back 4, when needed, put in a strong big CB and when needed put in a fast, good tackler, quick and most importantly good recovery (positioning wise, not injury wise :D) ability against quick, slick, fast opponents.
This Gervinho chappy – left or right footed? Assuming he’s playing off RVP, is he threatening Theo’s or AA’s place?
Act “natural”? The boggling mind is off the scale……
BTW, I agree with Tabs – a settled back 4 is pretty critical if we are to make improvements defensively. Rotate thru injury if necessary…
I agreed up until this season when I came to the conclusion that you can’t play Rugby with footballers like Koscielny, Djourou and TV, you need to play Rugby with Rugby players like Samba.
And you know we have Rugby fixtures in the EPL 😀