Carling Cup Crowd To See New Faces
Sep 19th, 2011 by 'holic
Yes, I know. You expected “Taming of the Shrews”. Sorry to disappoint. Given the situation we find ourselves in I don’t think it a bad idea to treat Tuesday night’s visitors with a bit of respect. The Carling Cup may be at the bottom of our list of priorities, but recent experience suggests it provides the best chance of actually landing some silverware.
The recollection of last season’s Final is still occupying a dark corner of the memory, and it looks as though we will be relying on some fresh talent on display for the first time in a competitive fixture. That in itself will provide some interest and hopefully generate some interest amongst what has become known as the ‘Carling Cup’ Crowd, although with run-of-the-mill League fixtures now going to general sale there will be few at the Grove who are confined to watching just these contests.
The full-backs ahead of Lukasz Fabianski should be Carl Jenkinson and Kieran Gibbs, with the troublesome central berths going to two of Ignasi Miquel, Johan Djourou, and Sebastien Squillaci. In midfield, if Tomas Rosicky is still ruled out by injury, there could be a more advanced role for Emmanuel Frimpong alongside Yossi Benayoun, with Francis Coquelin in the holding role. Arsene Wenger has confirmed he will give a debut to the newly-signed Korean striker Park Chu-Young, with Japanese forward Ryo Miyaichi and fellow 18-year-old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also likely to make their first starts out wide.
Shrewsbury have made a decent start to their League Two campaign and currently occupy the third automatic promotion berth. They have won six of their last eight games, including a victory over Premier League new boys Swansea to reach this third round tie. Mates who went to see Swindon lose there in August wouldn’t commit further than “we were awful on the day”. Tell me about it!
No sensible punter would go near the game with a proverbial bargepole, but the ‘holic pound requires a home for the night, and in a search for value I’m tempted by Shrewsbury at 12/1! But no, of course I won’t back against my side. For bigger odds you have to look at bigger scorelines and I have grabbed the 25/1 Stan James offers against us winning 5-1. That’s not being disrespectful to the visitors, but if we do get our passing game going it will be difficult for them. There is no guarantee though, as we have already seen this season, and we are always likely to give up chances, regardless of the opponents.
Tickets For Bolton
I have an email from a ‘holic reader who has two tickets for the north end of the East Upper available for Saturday’s match against Bolton Wanderers. They are available at cost price, ยฃ50 each. If anybody is interested please drop me a line with your contact details to gooner(at)goonerholic(dot)com and I will get the ticket holder to contact you directly to make the arrangements.
Thanks ‘Holics
I cannot end this post without offering my grateful thanks to all those of you who have contributed to the discussion on the last piece. Some of you are quite barking most of the time, but your comments in the last twenty-four hours have lifted the spirits of many a reader, I’m sure.
Cheers.
337 Responses to “Carling Cup Crowd To See New Faces”
We’ve got to start somewhere …
yes arsenal can spend but they wont, they selled cesc and nasri for top doller and the two billoners that owen more then 80percent of the club but that is the problom were there is conflect there is weaknes are two big boys are at war both didnt want to put any green in the summer trust me we could have made a lot of good signing but wenger wanted to hold on to cesc and nasri but we all knew that ship is gone becuse he knew the club didnt have the money to bring in top players , in they end a 8-2 defet is what made the board go and give wenger the green light to sign new faces with just a few days left ( you can see the conflect dont you) all summer all the players linend up (hazard-cahill-zarata-jadson-martin-and alot more) we did not even get on star to shin in are new team the new hero .
what im saying is the problom is up top (owners and board) and we need our some one needs to do somthing about it .
F.U.I did you know that osmanof the owenr of more the 25percent of our club is not given a place on the board and another FUI he is the thrid richest man in russia more then chelsea owner ibrahmavic so you tell me we are not a aclub with riches around it and also tell me there is no conflect between stan and osmmanof .
i think they are whating for each other tell the club stokes fall and one gets tired and sells and stans is the one to blame
becuse he has magority over the club its his responsblty i dont care about his confects i want to see my club in top of all compttions .
how to solve these dilemma
number 1- force one of the two to make a buy out stan has the uper hand i do want osmanof becuse of his deeper pocktes 20bil is alot more then stans 2.7bil yes i did my reserch.
number 2- bring in a biger power yes every body knows that qatar holdings is intrested in buying man utd but with the glizer famliy in charge and manu success and the deal smoney coming in no way there selling but if a certen arsenal fan club hwo owens a few shares (arsenal supporters trust) contact them i dont know what are there methods our there loyalty to whom usmanof or stan.K but im sure that the club comes frist in there eyes and we need stabilty deep pocket to make it in these new era of football . ( qatar holding ) is a very rich institution that can buy arsenal and keep it in the top for many years to come and they are looking for an english club with big history and arsenal fits the profile .
Wanted Interpreter.
Shit money and prospects, but every day is different.
Apply within…
Spend some fuckin smoney
Or something.
Off to read the shrews preview now….
A raised glass to whoever dons the famous cannon tomorrow. They have my support.
Three home games in a row, for a squad of players who are so low on confidence, it’s a big ask.
I just hope the schoolboy defending and lack of nous disappears to ensure 3 wins before the Tottingham game.
CoYRRR’s
Normally, a Carling Cup tie would be a nice diversion.
But there are some important first team squad players mentioned there ‘Holic – namely Yossi, Gibbs and Frimpong. Main priority for me is to avoid further injuries. Hope the gods that have been toying with us on that front for these last 2 or 3 years have now turned on someone else for their sport.
Going to look for a price on 3 – 0 although if I was being wicked I could say “nil” was unlikely if Djourou is in the side ๐
Swindon (twice), Wrexham, Rotherham these games make me more nervous than if we drew a Prem team. Surely though we cannot screw this one up. 4-0 to the good guys,with the new Korean grabbing 2.
Guiness Lager to all. Anyone tried this yet ? Is it any good ?
Can you imagine Arsene making the call between Djourou and Squillaci. He’ll end up tossing a coin.
“Heads, That’s Squillaci then, better make it best of three…
…two tails, Djourou. Hmm. Best of five then…”
Holic just can’t stop churning the posts out at the mo . Thank you . Usual great stuff .
A pint of Pride please Holic and a round for the regulars .
Given the prevailing atmosphere that surrounds the club this game might prove more tricky than usual , which is why my pound is going on a record breaking victory – 14-1 to the Arse with the Ox getting nine . ๐
Even a double sided coin becomes a loser in this game ‘Holic!
tabs, I bet the odds would be pretty good on that bet. ๐
‘Holic, thank goodness he doesn’t have to do that with the goalkeeper (like he did with Almunia and Jens last season).
That last round of drinks was amazing. In under 200 drinks, we put up about half the number of words as the transfer deadline day (1070 drinks). Some excellent points made as well.
Agreed about the excellent quality of the last post and round of drinks, which I read appreciatively but to which I did not contribute. Come on the Arse!
It was very special, Joshua. Few words wasted too. Well played everyone.
I’ll get Lars to buy you all a pint if you are there on Saturday ๐
Not to mention an excellent preview of the Shrewsbury game. ๐
Always look forward to early carling cup matches, atmosphere is less tense and young players play as if they dont what a hand brake is. Pressure really does effect this team more than anything. Great posts yesterday pity I was too drunk to read the later ones. Off the topic I got a fifa12 demo and JD is just as bad in computer animated form this season…how do they do that?
Scene : The Executive Carriage โ HTMKii
A disconsolate Dr Feelgood sits staring vacuously into space. Professor Edwin Storey opposite fidgets nervously tallying up various columns of figures, and scratches his head in frustration.
Edwin: โWell it wasnโt quite a Class One event, Dr F, but the Medicine Cabinet took one hell of a hit at the weekend. Weโre down 20% on Californian, 30% on psychedelics, and virtually cleaned out of Prozac โ I reckon only enough of the latter for Company Management in the short term. For all we discussed the good, the bad and the ugly, I didnโt envisage us being so short on Happy Pills before November.
Dr F : โThe problem I have with all this doom and gloom, is that some of the uninformed will start to question the Board. Itโs not as if we havenโt been totally clear and transparent when it comes to how we spend our money.โ
Edwin: โErr, well Dr F, you threatened me with the sack the last time I suggested giving them a breakdown of income and expenditureโ
Dr F: (ignoring Edwin): โAs you know Edwin, moving to a nice new shiny train brought its own compromises…..โ
Edwin (smirks and mutters under his breath) โYes Dr F, you are only chasing the bar staff 2 at a time this year……โ
Dr F : โAnd its not as if we could have predicted the sudden crash in the market for rolling stock either.โ
Edwin : โHeh, crashing rolling stock, I saw what you did there…..โ
Dr F: โIts obvious we are going to have to make a statement, Edwin. Have we received a reply to my invitation to Saturdayโs Board meeting from the American Krankie?โ
Edwin: โYes, Iโm afraid his PA responded and passed on his regrets. It seems he is going to get his moustache waxed and therefore will have difficulty moving his lips. Not even to wrap them round a glass of Guinness with the great Dr Feelgoodโ.
Dr F: โIn which case Edwin, we need to get a fax to that other guy, you know, the guy from Star Wars, Alistair Itsmanob, the guy that eats children or something. We need to get some odious individual out there, and thus keep the masses as far from our door as possible. He apparently has 100 new trains in his back garden โ and as much beer as any one man can drink (which is quite a lot by the looks of him).โ
Edwin: โIf you say so Dr F, but I think that a statement of intent from DLL would suffice. Just something along the lines of……โApologies for the temporary de-stablilisation. No need to worry, no need to reach for your Bubble Wrap Suits. And as a gesture of further reassurance, DLL can advise that a Swedish agent will embark shortly, with a suitcase full of cash, and free beer for all.โ Yes, that will do it, I thinkโ.
Dr F (agitated) : โFree? โ
Nice one Dr Z ๐
Have a beer mate , in readiness for the real ones at the coming Board meeting .
Joshua – the bookies don’t appear to be offering odds on my scenario above – they’re no fools ๐
where can I Watch tomorrow nights game online??
Cheers tabs
Did you know Linda Lusardi was 53 at the weekend?
Doesn’t time fly.
We may need to get something a bit more “contemporary” for the Agenda. 8)
Carling Cup is still a welcome diversion and it’s got to be taken like it was in 1987 this season. First steps to greatness and all that (didn’t we have this chat last season?).
I’m keen to see the new boys and hope they impress to put pressure on the official first eleven – whoever they might be at the moment.
I’m amazed at the vitriol elsewhere even though things are bad. Indeed they are, but I’m not pressing a panic button unless we are outside the top six after 15 league games. Obviously it’s going to take some work to get in the top six but at this point that’s a good goal by December and then worry about the next step.
I was looking at some old programmes this weekend, would the temporary addition of a conventional sweeper be a good thing for this team? Song? Then a flexible 5-3-2 – I’d be very happy to win four or five one-nils on the trot. I do at least think we’re capable of scoring every week again, which wasn’t the case a month ago.
Shit…I’m rambling…I still haven’t recovered from Saturday. That was worse than OT wasn’t it? We never had a chance to win that one, thus Saturday felt worse to me.
Thanks for all the posts ‘holic. Remind me NOT TO WATCH how Bendtner, Adebayor, Larsson and Nasri are playing for other teams. All it does is make me feel worse.
While the home fans will see some new faces in the CC game tomorrow against Shrewsbury Town, back at the ranch the first team is still suffering from that essential ingredient, CONFIDENCE.
What action is now required is drastic but, IMO, essential. The Board must order a change in policy over future transfers. The present system of identifying a target player, setting his value and attempting to sign him for a fee within that value, must be ABANDONED.
The harsh realities of present-day economics must be accepted where the market value of new blood must be paid, not what the Manager or anyone else at the Emirates, considers the player is worth. This principle has already been accepted by our rivals…. to our bitter cost.
Accordingly, when the January Window opens, top class targets must be sought and signed with little regard to OUR valuation of their worth. We cannot continue being left behind by our rivals in the transfer market. We have a nucleus of youngsters who, with the aid of experienced players, will be our future. Until they are ready to step up a grade, we must buy and pay the price demanded.
Blimey 53 ? Still in good nick though . The Board meeting will of course focus on her assets circa 1989 .
More “Contemporary” is right though . Never let it be said DLL is behind the times .
I once met Joanna Lumley . Any good ? ๐
This is so wrong.
The manager should select his strongest back 5 and take this as a great opportunity for the defense to to gel in a competitive game.
Let’s face it, our defense is a shambles at the moment due to buying players at the last minute. They should have had a chance to gel in pre-season, not in PL games. What an f-ing joke.
The defense needs to be drilled in a military fashion, non-stop until they are a team unit that is not going to concede so may goals.
The CC is a great opportunity to see them start to work and gain an understanding against lowly opponents.
This is so obvious it hurts. What will happen really, of course, due to our twat of a manager, we will play a defense of reserve team players that will not play together ever again.
Meanwhile the chance to improve the first team’s defense is lost.
I fucking give up!
Linda Lusardi 53? She looked pretty good on Celebrity Masterchef last week. A lot better than me, which isn’t too difficult.
Heh.
She’s a fossil.
Great teeth though.
26 was a response to tabs @ 23 and not Fin @ 25.
Fletch @ 24 – if we did that, what would you say if Mertesacker or Koscielny got injured tomorrow night – leaving you with Djourrou or Squillaci or both for the Totts in a couple of weeks?
Just askin, not looking for an argument?
Breaks my heart seeing PV4 acting as ambassador for City’s plans for global domination, it really does.
Fletch, I take your point, and it’s not a bad one, but if we lost one or more of our first choice defenders against Shrewsbury I suggest you would be asking why they were needed against a League Two side.
I too thought that AW should pick the defence from Sat minus Bac and get them working together pronto. However the risk of needless injury is too great and that gelling has to be done by drilling on the training ground. Hopefully both the drilling and gelling will happen before we go to SHL.
27 & 29 Yes guys I take your point about possible injuries.
However, we should never have got into this ridiculous situation in the first place! The defense should have been sorted and tested in friendlies and at the Emirates Cup, not in the PL proper. The current situation is of our own making.
The defense is such a complete mess at the moment, we need every possible minute to put it right. No, we shouldn’t have to do this, but we are in the shit at the moment and need drastic action.
Re: Tabs @10: 14-1 victory guaranteed if we all smoke enough weed. ๐
TABs,
Read your post at 132 (previous thread). Agree with much of what you have to say, but may I offer a different perspective on some of the elements you mention? Like you, I largely think AW is a wonderful manager. And he has undoubtedly made mistakes. But largely his stewardship over the club has been successful.
Stan Kronkes ownership of the Club was not as planned as many seem to think. The share lockdown at the time meant that Kronke had effectively control of the club with only 25% of a shareholding and hence the appointment of IG. The untimely death of Danny Fiszman prompted a buy out. The timing of this was obviously not planned.
It was originally envisaged that the Club would have had vastly greater finances available from the move to the Ems. At the time, the club even had the courage to pass on the opportunity to sell Highbury to a property developer and instead, cut out the middleman, develop the property itself and thus maximise profits. During the move, the property market collapsed. This had a dramatic effect on what was originally envisaged.
The timing of both of these events, during a time when there is financial turmoil in world banking โ is most pertinent. Even as late as last week, Wenger has been speaking about Economic reality hitting football. Citeh and Chelski have been fuelled by Petrol money/benefactorโs and are recession proof. The Spanish clubs have individualised their TV rights after being sponsored by Government / Banks while there are strikes in La Liga because players have not been paid. The Glazers are supposed to be planning a 25% equity release on the Singapore stock exchange โ which excludes voting rights in the club, due to the interest payments on debt. And Liverpool have just spent 100m in the flash of an eye as though theyโd actually learned anything about their past.
My point is we live in very uncertain times โ and this effects communication and financial planning. It does not excuse a total lack of communication – but it does have an effect. We have rightfully been prudent. We have spent (or tried to spend) what we earned on transfers. We have bought some serious players.
Clubs ultimately belong to the fans irrespective of shareholders. As you have rightfully suggested, self sustainability is the only real feasible model for the long term viability of any club โ whether youโre an investor for profit or a fan who loveโs the club.
With regard to the Strategy during the summer: there were definite targets we wanted but we were not successful with all. We landed Gervinho. We missed Goetze (who we put 35m on the table for..!!). We missed Mata because it because it became public knowledge too early and the clubs who have more resources than us pounced. This is why Wenger waits until near the end of the transfer window. We missed out on Jags / Cahill because of price expectations and so got PM instead. We also put 25m on the table for MโVila. We offered the same money as Manu did for Jones, Smalling but the players made their own choice, which is not the clubs fault. We paid top money for Oxo and he too made his choice. The delays with the Cesc and Nasri deals have more to do with the classlessness of Barca as well as optimising a price with Citeh.
As for the โShambolic Defendingโ:
Thereโs no doubt, this has been a problem for some time now. No-one can defend last years capitulation in light of the previous years. I take some hope from the fact that we are trying to address it :
Weโve just added Santos and PM.
Wojcheck is beginning to shine as a top talent.
Weโve implemented a new Zonal marking system.
Weโve opted to change from a more technical type player to a more physical one to suit the demands of the PL.
Now Iโm not going to pretend that its worked. We clearly still have a way to go. Neither am I going to tell you that Iโm convinced about the Zonal marking. But nobody can be said that were not evidently trying to address the matter. Tim Stillman and Holic have both said that we should have enough experience within the club to address this with Arsene, Pat Rice, Boro and Bould (who admittedly probably hasnโt had much to do with the first team). Arseblogger suggests maybe bringing in someone externally (keown). Only time will tell โ but despite the frustration, considering we have taken such steps (and only because we have taken such steps), Iโm inclined to bite my lip a little further.
My plan to a tee , 8ball
Lovely preview โholic.
Really looking forward to seeing the youngsters and assorted newbies get a good run out tomorrow night. I confess I know stuff all about Shrewsbury, but from a quick squint at some of the match previews doing the rounds, they look like having a pretty handy striker and some good wide players, so Iโm hoping weโll see a lively and entertaining game. And if not that, then for us to get a couple up and park the bus in concrete until the final whistle.
While Iโm here I also wanted to echo a pretty common thread above that the previous drinks were epic. Although every set of drinks in this fine establishment is a thing of great beauty, the debate yesterday was conducted with such insight, respect and above all โ sincere and deep affection for this club – that it puts the ill considered rants on some other blogs to shame.
And thanks Tabs for the kind tip of your hat mate. Itโs not every day that the thing I do for a living gets mixed up with my favourite pastime. Normally I try not to โworkโ outside normal office hours or at the weekend, but somehow I couldnโt stop meself yesterdayโฆ
โHolic I hope you have submitted a truly gigantic invoice to the club for such an insightful โFocus Groupโ ๐
Zico @ 17 โ Pure genius, as always ๐
Noel @ 28 โ me too ๐ They are truly Manch-arse-ter City now. The copycatting fuckers.
33. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzz
Heh Joe , great post , but not sure where it conflicts with my post @132 . Am I missing something ?
I was called away urgently last friday on private business for the Govt,so have been out of the loop till tonight.
Haven’t read all the postings since Saturday,but those i have read,particularly in the previous drinks,were exceptional.
Cannot really comment on Sat game as i was not in any area of communication.
Suffice to say the result was a major surprise.
But having been through so many upset results,and poor runs of form, following the Gunners for as long as i have,it is just another speed bump on the highway that is a Football season.
I am confident that after christmas our poor start will be a distant memory.
look forward to the unveiling of some exciting young talent tomorrow against the shrews.
cheers
The sweeper.
Sorry for not distinguishing my point Tabs, most of what I wrote is actually in agreement with what you say and I offer my own opinion on the current defensive crisis. The only mute points I make which might in some way differ from yours (I would never call it conflict โบ ) are:
โWhen we moved all we heard was that the budget for players would not be affectedโ. I believe it was effected because of the property collapse and consequently Wenger had to cut his cloth accordingly in line with the new budget.
And that maybe the current market uncertainty combined with the untimely death of Fiszman (which forced his hand into financing a buy-out) has contributed to the โsilenceโ from Kronke on future plans and communications.
Heh , The Sweeper . And that , my friend , is why you are the Sweeper . Calmness personified .
Joe , having read your post again , I agree that the lack of communication does have a context , all of which you have expressed extremely well . There is nothing there I can disagree with . The point I was trying to make earlier ( probably not very well) is that the less than honest pronouncements of the Board as to the availability of funds in the period 05 to 2010 , failed to manage expectations , indeed exacerbated false ones and has thus contributed to the lack of patience and the resultant corrosive negativity of elements of the fan base which beset the Club now , ironically at a time when more money is at last becoming available .
Snowy , my pleasure . The tip of the hat was very well earned .
Joe , just read your post @39 and again I agree . However , I would argue that the Club were not clear enough at the time as to how the Banking crisis and Property crash moved the goalposts , in regard to the transfer monies . We were pretty much left to draw our own conclusions whilst still being told that monies were available .
As to your second point I agree , but if Kronke is taking time to assess , given the global uncertainty , why not say that ? Or is that naive on my part ?
Bless me ‘holic for I have sinned…
Just had a sneaky look away from here and onto Pravda which has posted up the vid of the Boss’ pre-match musings.
Sorry ๐
Frimpers, Jenks, Coquelin, Ryo, Park, and The Ox all in apparently…plus ‘experience’ whoever he might be…
*giddy with the kind of excitement demonstrated by Wolfgang when choosing new speedoes and matching slingbacks*
Evening Tabs
Worst start to a season since ’57.
I believe Rear Admiral WSB the 4th was in charge then,
So along with his predecessor from the 1890’s,Brigadier WSB the 3rd,
they have both presided over unmitigated fucking disaster.!!
Discuss.
cheers
The Sweeper.
Snowy @41 you’ll never get THAT giddy ๐
Clive , evening , WSB the 4th was indeed an unmitigated disaster . Far more Rear than Admiral unfortunately ๐
Hang on,
’57
Wish I hadn’t written about cycles now ๐
Blimey. I come on here after a very busy day expecting to respond to BTM, only to find that the preview for the U12’s against the Shrews in the Beer Cup is here. Not only that but the policeman from allo allo has posted early doors??????
Sadly I wont be at the game tomorrow. Family and work have seen to that. However I am expecting an exciting Arsenal performance. JD or Squidgy at the back? We could always just play with 10???
๐ ๐ ๐
On a side note the link below talks about AW in the transfer market. Make of it what you will but it makes an interesting read.
Onwards and upwards…….
Note to self…..
Remember to add link?????????????
http://www.epltalk.com/wenger-panic-buys-and-historical-truths-in-the-transfer-market-34460
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Arsenal-boss-Arsene-Wenger-has-launched-an-astonishing-attack-on-his-own-defence-after-their-Blackburn-loss-article801753.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
It would appear the Squid is still gone in the fetlock, Steve, so JD it is.
Lesser of two evils and all that ๐
One point I meant to make. I do not think it is just a problem with our defense, more a collective problem with our defending as a team.
You have mail holic…..
“I believe there is a little question of time, timing. Andre Santos and Per Mertesacker are new, but they were not especially guilty on the goals. But maybe as a unit we need more time to work.”
Arsene Wenger.
I hate to say it but comments like that just add weight to my post on the previous blog. Why oh why were these players not brought in, in June or July???? I have not checked back but form memory I might have said that once or twice before. It really is not rocket science is it?
And people wonder why we get frustrated? Remember what I said about rudderless???? The more I read stuff the more I feel that the blame lies with the board. I have nothing to substantiate that, it is just a gut feeling.
Steve T – very good point well made an’ all…
I think the problem is that if we had tried to go early for the payer required, we’d have been looking at the Mata situation again, and again, and again…
When other clubs know who we want, and have more money, they can do a smash and grab.
I did laugh back in July when I saw this, but with gritted teeth as it’s probably not a million miles from the truth…
http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/sport/sport-headlines/mancini-to-buy-entire-arsenal-squad-for-a-laugh-201107184087/
when I typed ‘payer’ that was clearly very Freudian… I meant ‘player’
๐ณ
Tabs,
Taking your points at 40 in sequence:
Im not so sure the board were less than honest about the pronouncements they made about money being available? And I’m genuinely not trying to debate this point for the sake of it but am I wrong in thinking that?
As for the expectations – that all comes from Wenger himself to my mind. He won a glut of trophies in his early years, predicted that he would go the season unbeaten, advocated building the Ems, a project which I think has catapulted AFC into one of Europe’s strongest clubs. The logical icing on the cake to go with this was to continue winning on a domestic level and then press ahead with winning a European Cup. I feel we were unlucky in 2007/8 not to win the league and we contested a CL final in 2006. The standards Wenger set himself have now become the standards of the fans which is precisely the point you make. While we have not been successful – we have been very close while competing with clubs with unlimited resources. I remember dancing on the table in a pub when we won the league in ’89. Before that, the ’79 cup final was my most cherished memory. And when Wenger arrived, we started to win doubles and FA Cups for fun! Is it no wonder we have such high expectations? Unfortunately, his past success is the stick we now use to beat him with.
“I would argue that the Club were not clear enough at the time as to how the Banking crisis and Property crash moved the goalposts”
Well I think they were oblivious to it at the time of taking on the Emirates project, otherwise they would have sold Highbury directly to a property developer and crystallised the return. Even today, the club seems to sell before it buys rather than have to depend on a loan facility at a time when there is so much uncertainty with the Euro and many banking institutions.
As to your final point – I don’t think Kronke will ever say clearly what he thinks or what his ambitions are. His past record will show that he is not a seller – he’s in this for the long haul. It also shows he’s into self sustainability, a mantra thats repeated by IG. But soccer is new to him as are the current market conditions. Whats he going to say? Make a commitment to invest a lot of money so that we can compete with other clubs? Who could compete with Citeh? Who can compete with Chelski? Why would the club communicate a willingness to invest or a reluctance to invest such sums in an industry where the media contort and twist everything to sensationalise. Silence, in this respect, is the modus operandi from transfer dealings to future plans – and I don’t think thats going to change. Thats just my opinion though.
I think the kids will be a breath of fresh air and I hope to see Djourou and Miquel at CB. Frimpers and Le Coq will be resuming their youth team partnership. Frimpers has promised to be less crazy, so that should be interesting. Young Guns says Ryo is short of match fitness, so perhaps he will only be a sub?
@ Steve T
It would have been preferable to get everyone in early but we don’t control the timetable of all these transfers. And of course mostly we have to sell/loan a player to buy one, which can hold things up as well. I think we got in the players as soon as was practicable. Last year, Kos was brought in nice and early, Squillaci came at the end and Chamakh somewhere in the middle.
This summer, Gervinho and Jenkinson were easy, so came in early. AOC was difficult and protracted but by coincidence the transfer was concluded this summer as well. We could move for Park only when we found a club for Bendtner. Per Mertesacker was fourth target for the CB slot after the PL-experienced Jones, Jagielka and Cahill, so we tried for each of those first. Santos was brought in when it was decided to sell Traore. Chelsea did not want to hand over Benayoun until they were sure they would get Meireles. You could just as easily ask why Man City “waited” so long to get Nasri. They were dependent on us, and we didn’t want to sell.
Plus, what snowy said regarding Arteta and some of the big names which we failed to get with late bids.
@ Joe
Great comments at 53
Snowy. Must say I do not subscribe to that view. We managed to sort the Gervinhio deal out quite early, why not the others? Not sure I will ever understand why. We are The Arsenal. Not that long ago that meant something when we entered the market.
Ooh and Chamakh will get game time, apparently – hope he continues to build on his scoring run and builds up confidence. This would be a great time to resurrect the free-scoring Marouane of last year.
@ Steve T
Our name definitely means something to players – for Park and Arteta and Mertesacker and Jenkinson et al we are the dream club, and AW’s phonecall was the call they fantasised about getting. But we don’t have the effectively limitless funds with which to impress other clubs that Man City and Chelsea have.
Steve – I’m clearly just speculating as I don’t for a second know the real ins and outs of the whole thing. I can only look at what’s panned out this last window versus transfer windows previous.
I’m guessing the Boss still has a lot of sway and connections in French football which makes deals for players like Flipper a bit easier. When it comes to other country leagues it may be a bit harder to persuade.
Plus (and please don’t shoot me down here as I’m definitely not a gloom and doomer) our recent record excluding CL qualification is not that bright. So if you’re a ‘super quality’ player and looking either for glory or money, we don’t look on paper as good a bet as other clubs.
Again, I’m guessing here, and I would hate that to be really the case. But it does rather look like we have to be crafty (and a bit late because we can only go for what’s still available when the billionaires and Kenny have spent their budgets).
If we’re competing on ‘glory or money’ terms we either have to pay more or starting winning things. Or get clever / lucky.
*sighs*
FunGunner I’m still not convinced you’re not Gazidis ๐
Holic,
I’m not alone…….;-)
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/272499/Arsenal-Remi-Garde-recommends-reunion?
Evening chaps.
Steve T@ 55.
It means something today too, it means that the club were hoping to buy from knows we have more money then most and set their prices accordingly.
Although I completly agree with your point that we should of got the players in earlier, (in some cases a few seasons earlier) it still doesn’t distract from the fact that whole transfer process is not an easy game. I’ve read reports from numerous sources that we made decent offers for decent targets all through the summer, but for differing reasons these did not come off, damn shame, but not much we can do about it now.
=====
If AW is planing on starting OX and Myachi, both wingers with a decent cross, tomorrow, I wonder if he may be tempted to go to a 442 with Park and Chamakh in the middle?
Flappy
Gibbs Djourou Mig Jenks
Oxo Bennygoon Frimpong Myachi
Park Chamakh.
jeez holic that is one dodgy team that you set out. if that is our “2nd ” team, heaven help us. some of those players should never appear in an arsenal jersey again. contrast that with the side united or city or even the spuds put out this week. says it all really
Right, enough dooming
A win today to erase the awful taste from Saturday, please
One game at a time ‘holics, especially when we are just above the relegation zone ๐
63 already?
Mind you, I was in bed at 10. Not feeling great either today.
Hot toady for me please.
Holic – I’ll treat the visitor’s with ‘a bit’ of respect but that’s it! ๐
They are Shrewsbury and we are the Gunners, so…
3-1 to the Arsenal and nothing less will do for me tonight!
Park ( ah fookin laast) on the scoresheet, as well as AOC and Chamakh…
Come on yooou Goooners!
Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal!
I’m a bit gutted that this game isn’t on TV.
And the re-live from ATVO is a bit late, especially in my poorly condition.
Bah. Genuinely excited about seeing some new players action.
Carling Cup provides Arsenalescapism like nothing else ๐
A question for the other fans like me who live too far away to get to many games so rely on TV streams…
Match clearly not on TV tonight, so have decided to go for the media blackout option and avoid all news, turn off mobile phone etc and watch as live on the Arsenal Player tonight without knowing the result (can’t stand watching knowing the score, especially if we have lost).
All good, except my concern is if I log on to the dotcom, will I be greeted with some “Arsenal 57 – Shrewsbury 1” banner before I can get to the sanctuary of the match?
If anyone can tell me what I am likely to be confronted by I would appreciate it. All this subterfuge makes me think my life is wasted as an accountant!
Morning All
‘Holic – Good post and lovely comment re: Le Boss ‘tossing-up’ between JD and Squilly, made me chuckle. Bit harsh on JD maybe but he is playing bereft of confidence (& positional sense) right now. Maybe a decent run-out where he can also mentor young Ignasi might due him the power of good? We’ll find out in a couple of hours…
Dr.z – Edwin has had a strange smile on his lips this morning for some unknown reason. However, he confirms that he has no interest whatsoever in direct communication with Jabasher Wheresisnob. He may come out form the lab later and speak for himself. In the meantime he’s stuck under the bogies checking for any possible under-carriage damage from the weekend’s rough and tumble. He wants to ensure that the punters get a slippery smooth ride tonight as we circle N7 hunting for small, furry mammals.
The Sweeper – WTF has the government got you doing now? They just can’t leave you alone in your blissful retirement, nestled comfortably in the sumptuous bossom of the VC, can they? Good to have you back. I’m with you – stay calm, carry on.
H2H @ #61 – Not a bad team choice sir. 4-4-2, like it! I have a strange inkling that a few of the bigger guns may also be in tonight’s squad and may well fiind themselves given some match time too. RVP on the bench as a WMD for The Shrews?
tabs, Snowy, Gt, FG, Joe, Steve T, etc. – wonderful support and interchange again. Thanks fellas, I need to raise my game and get involved properly again. A bit busy at the mo – I know, excuses, excuses…..
Finally, did Sneezy lose the other 6 dwarves at #2. Totally hatstand. Fish, wibble….
Essexpieboy: it should be possible to avoid seeing the result by going straight to player.arsenal.com (this bypasses the rest of the site and takes you directly to the Player), and after having logged on you click on “Matches” near the top of the page and then, hopefully, you should be able to scroll down and click on the links for the first and second half under the headline “Full Match” without seeing the score anywhere. Hopefully, at least, they won’t be so stupid that they display the result there. I plan to try this approach, I hope it works!
Pies @ #67:
Good to see you back and xcellent point!
A possible tip from Edwin whilst he’s playing furiously with the under-carriage, ably supported this time by Wolfgang, I might add:
Can you go directly to the url of Player and bypass Pravda?
http://player.arsenal.com/
Worked for me….
Damn you Lars, two posts at 9:52 with the same advice ๐
Look forward to a few beers at The Munsters, BTW, assuming you survive the “train-crash” (sic) that will be this coming weekend ๐
Knowing .con, I find you lot very optimistic.
Surely the default arsenal player page once logged it, will still have a reference to the scoreline.
‘Watch Arsenal 5 -Shrewsbury 1, ‘as live’ ‘ (link sponsored by the ‘holicpound), plus all post matches interviews, bitesize etc, highlights ๐
Lars / TS – cheers chaps – much appreciated. Despite all that has gone on recently I am pretty excited about the match tonight. Always liked seeing the kids in the CC. Especially looking forward to seeing the Ox, little Ryo and Park.
Enjoy!
Ollie, the realist amongst us as always ๐
You’re welcome Essex, I will and you too…
Luka Modric written transfer request
“““““““““““““““
No like chicken badge
No like threaten Luka
No like wages
No like little stadium
No like you break gentlemans agreement
No like share room with monkey
No like play football thursdays and miss eastenders
No like play with tall circus man
No like play with rush goalie
No understand glory glory hotspur song
No understand word Triffic
Now must free Luka i am pea**** let me fly.
Thankyou very much i leave now
L Modric
Heh Steve T! Good to see you doing a little humour. Are you around for Olympiakos next week?
“All this subterfuge makes me think my life is wasted as an accountant!”
An accountant with a personality…….Eureka…!!!
๐
More words from IG on SS, AW and FFP on Arseblog news:
http://news.arseblog.com/2011/09/gazidis-kroenke-will-speak-wenger-not-broken/
Make of it what you will. Apologies for all the TLAs!
TS @ 68
Welcome on board!
I missed sneezy’s introduction. A Well thought out piece of abstract art! ๐
TS, that falls under the ‘arseblog is banned by IT nazis’ banner, I’m afraid.
WANTED:
Craig Eastmond
Last seen in a bar in Mayfair holding an expensive bottle of Magnum Champagne after returning from a match in Donetsk!
Craig is usually seen around getting tattoos and spending money!
If anybody has seen him, please tell him there is a game at home tonight with his name written all over it!
Reward: A dwink!
Thanks for the reminder Ollie.
So, in the interests of public service (i.e. you) and the repression of national socialists everywhere, here’s the piece from Bloggs News Service in full (I’m assuming The barman is OK with this as you and he go back a while):
Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis says that new owner Stan Kroenke will speak publicly about his plans for the club in the near future.
At a Sports Industry Group breakfast, Gazidis addressed the fact that the American had made little or no effort to communicate with fans since he tookover the club earlier this year.
โThe โSilent Stanโ moniker is over-usedโ, he said. โHeโs not silent, heโs very involved. He will speak when the time is right.
โStan said heโll speak to the fans when heโs next in UK and he will. He is not media adverse but not here for ego gratificationโ.
And at the same meeting Gazidis defended under-fire boss Arsene Wenger. As pressure grows on the Frenchman due to Arsenalโs increasingly poor form, Gazidis hit out at critics, saying, โHeโs not broken. To see him portrayed as some kind of idiot is damaging to the game. We need to think about that Heโs frustrated.
โHeโs as focused on delivering success as ever. He didnโt suddenly become bad manager, thatโs nonsenseโ.
Gazidis also said that the economics of football were driving Arsenalโs financial policy suggesting that the sugar daddy approach is unsustainable.
โFootball canโt go on acting like itโs in an bubble so I hope thereโll be an adjustment to take account of wider economic issues. Financial Fair Play is here. If you go out and spend enormous sums on players, you must ask how you are going to get complianceโ.
I thought that Arsenal player was just another word for “loading……….”
TS @ 68 – if you follow the narrative, you will see that Edwin was not receptive to making contact with Jabba the Hut
Morning Dr.z,
Yes, I know, it was a only a confirmation. Edwin’s a little averse to dealing with people that generate huge wealth for themselves in a fundamentally dishonest, allegedly criminal way.
However, he’s very comfortable with his colleagues at DLL who all have their hearts and wallets in the right places ๐
Too early for a drink?
Good day Holic and Holic`s
Mr Graham believes it cant get much worse. I just hope that dosent turn out to be the jinx of all jinx`s. In seasons gone by I would not chalk this game tonight up as a tricky tie to be fair. However the Shews are about to face a team lacking, no wrong world, totally without any form or confidence.
This in its self turns a normal run of the mill win into a banana skin of the highest order. If you have never beaten Arsenal now is the time to play them. Watching the game bar sitting in the stands is proving to be hard, I would love to see a few of the players get there debut and see what we have brought.
Alot is going round about a defensive coach while one of are best defenders ever stands not 10 foot away from AW. Stevie Bould must of served his time in the youth ranks by now ? How about this, Graham and Bould together again to rebuild or defence. I for one vote for this to happen ! All in favour say AYE
AYE
AYE
AYE
AYE
And so on
Fingers crossed for tonight
Don’t mind if I do.
There is only one right place for the wallet of Lars, right? ๐
Cheers for posting the article TS – saves tripping around web pages!
It’s a funny one, because there is clearly something amiss at Arsenal and with the management of the club at Arsenal. But, I have to confess to quite liking what I have seen so far of Ivan Gazidis. Whatever people say about him, he will step out and meet with fans / fans’ representatives, he does seem to try and take some of the PR work off Wenger and what he has to say he tends to say well.
Only thing is, on a similar note, our players all seem like nice chaps, all seem to talk good sense about learning from past mistakes and then go do worse the next time on the pitch.
Maybe that’s the issue. Too many nice, intelligent, understated people at the club. Maybe we need a few monsters….. But then again, had we actually signed Joey Barton as some wish we had, I would have wept even more for the club than I did after Old Trafford.
Glad it’s not me in charge!
Heh! Dr Z @17. That deserves a drink….
Cheers Catalan – I couldn’t contribute to the intellectual debate previously so just reverted to type (heh)
I’m on black americano with a shot of something alcoholic…..
TS is buying (via Stockholm Mastercard) ๐
Essex @ #88,
I agree, IG does come across very well, that’s one of the jobs of a CEO: project confidence and smooth running of your organisation and thereby give confidence to the market and/or your investors. He even genuinely seemed an enthusiastic supporter when watching the BD game last week with AW & PHW. I think what most of us want to see right now is a little positive action i.e. doing as opposed to saying. That and a little more transparency in the workings of our great club.
1971 @ #86,
Nice post. I’m going to very politely and respectfully disagree on two fronts: (1) GG back at The Arse would be a retrospective and desperate looking move and what message would it send to AW other than sling your hook? (2) Stevie Bould is a top chap. I had the pleasure to bump into him very near to my home late last year. He really doesn’t come across as the type of guy who wants such a high profile and pressured role. I’m guessing he’s been there, seen that, done it on the pitch for us enough times. If he really wants that role (which I am in favour of BTW), is he pushing internally for it? Unfortunately, none if us can answer that. We only have our opinions.
zioc @ #87,
Great and agreed!
Drinks for all you fine fellows are up on the bar.
Re my post @ #83, just a thought….
IG on SS: โHeโs not silent, heโs……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..a very naughty boy
๐
Here’s my nugget from the last post that earned ‘Holic’s appreciation, and it still feels relevant:
“Some of the defending against Blackburn was not good enough.”
I’m not sure that it’s all that uplifting, but if I was able to convey a sense of hope to readers, then all the better.
@TS 92 – Does that make Usmanov Biggus Dickus?
Heh Essex.
Possibly, assuming he’s able to find it.
I’m still going with Jabbasher Wheresisnob ๐
TS all points North and South.
You have been busy this morning.!!
Unfortunately the ‘ Covert ‘ arm of the Govt,never let you go,once you are in,you are in for Life.
They don’t use me in the ‘ Field ‘ anymore, [ Too Old ],now they use my expertise on the Co-ordination and Handling Side,but overall,my decision is Final.
Hence the Blackout over the w/end,when we were ‘ Operation Go ‘,at an Offshore destination.
Cannot really say anymore than that.
It doesn’t happen often,but enough times that i keep a bag packed permanently ready to go.
On the HT front,i am looking forward to the Board’s decision on my
Butlering requirements this w/end,hopefully in the affirmative.
I am relying on your support.
I am looking forward to a positive result tonight,to get us back on track.
cheers
The Sweeper.
I do so love the discussion in this bar. Thanks all and many thanks to mine host. Great discussion Gooners.
Has anyone noticed how many games are going on general sale? As a red member, I remember battling to get tickets for previous season games. This is surely an issue: yes, we’re saving money on transfers, but we’re also losing income. How many new supporters are we getting?
*setting up tabs*
TS@70: pffft, you need to be quicker to out-post me ๐
And I hope I will survive the game. I’m in block 91, row 33 (West Upper) so I might have to bring some extra oxygen – not sure there is enough at that altitude!
Ollie@72: That is what I fear that they will do. And if they do that, then I will use part of Friday to visit Highbury House and demand that the editor in charge be taken out the back and rather uncermoniously shot…
Well played ‘holic.
Personally i’d like to see Pele’s old side given at least a half at left-back. The boy from Brazil looks a bit short of fitness; he’d be able to familiarize himself further with whatever system (stifles snigger) it is we’re trying to play at the back and i don’t think he’s had a go at our place yet, so…
Re the stuff that’s been much discussed of late – someone starts a point up there with ‘i’m only speculating but…’ For me that’s the nub of the whole darn thing – we’re all only speculating but…until the club furnishes us with the information we need to make informed judgements there’s a vacuum and that thing, necessarily, gets filled with all sorts of speculation. And much of it is damaging to the club – so speak to us Stivan – we’re listening.
Ureds!
Heh, got the century without even trying, how’d’ya like them apples, tabs? ๐
Lars, way to do it:
ask any fucker there to recite the alphabet.
You should quickly find out which ones have to be disposed of first ๐
Ollie@103: ah, that should of course do it!
Me: “Recite the alphabet!”
Employee #1: “abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz – do you want the Swedish letters as well?”
Me: “No, that’s ok.”
Employee #2: “abcdefgklhjimopnzxyw”
Me: “Security! I’ve found him!!!”
Morning All ,
Not a damn bookie anywhere who’ll lay me a 14-1 Arsenal win with the Ox getting 9 . Oh well , another day on the bread and water . *sip*
Joe @53 . Great response and sorry for the delay in getting back to you . Never thought you were trying to debate for the sake of it . Your posts are always ones to look forward to .
As regards the Board , I’m afraid that I do think the Board were misleading during that period . I don’t remember a summer where we haven’t been told that money is there for Arsene , if he wants it . It has been my perception (perhaps wrongly) that that has always been the official line , whilst it has been left to trusted media guys ( Bob Wilson primarily ) , to get the real message out there .
As regards your 2nd paragraph regarding AW’s impact on our expectations , I couldn’t agree more .
As regards the property crash and Banking crisis , my problem with the Board was not that they didn’t see it coming , but that they didn’t really get a renewed message out there , once it occurred . To an extent , I suppose they did , but again my perception is that this was all done through preferred unofficial lines .
Surely if this had been more effective , we wouldn’t all have to put up with the line continually spouted even now by Le Groan and others that AW has not spent because he chooses to pursue some mythical youth policy .
As to your last paragraph , I agree with you . When making that point , I had a feeling it was an unrealistic one to make .
Thanks for the link to Remi Garde’s comments . I remember debating with you in the summer as to a proposed return for David Dein , and whether AW would welcome it . Whilst I would still have my own misgivings , I can’t help but feel , given the comments in the summer by Dein himself and Bob Wilson , these comments by another “favoured Son ” in Garde , and the rumours of disagreements between the Board and AW , that you were right as to AW’s feelings on the matter .
Anyway , a drink for you Sir . What will you be having ?
Fraid I don’t have the patience of Lars or Essex , so tonight its going to be an old-fashioned listen to the radio , where the heart misses a beat when you hear the words ,
” And lets go back to Arsenal , where we hear there’s been a goal ..”
BM for me Barkeeps , and whatever anybody else is having .
Ollie – cheers for the assist – sorry I was later on the scene than a flying Joey Barton tackle . Oh well , much to learn ….
Lars – I don’t like them apples at all ! Revenge will be extracted on saturday . Wolfie only buys doubles . Ask Dr Z ๐
Not sure where these Garde quotes come from (I’ve read the article now), but what the fuck would he know though? Cheap, easy line.
May he have been fed some extra dosh to drop that line by Fat&Orange?
They seem to have some media operation going on…..
“…..back to Arsenal, where we hear there’s been a goal and it’s yet another one for young Alex, his 9th of the night…..”
Fixed that for you, tabs 8)
Ready for 200 though, tabs? ๐
Cheers Dr Z , now that line would have me jumping out of my chair !!
Ollie , always ready for glory … ๐
tabs@106, that sounds dangerous!
Though in all seriousness I have to tell you I will have to be a bit cautious with my drinking, I want to make sure my pneumonia is completely gone before I start doing heavy drinking again and unfortunately I am not scheduled for a visit to my doctor until October 3rd. I had hoped to have been given full clearance for this weekend but he said I had to wait a bit longer.
zico@108: and let me correct that a little further:
“…back to Arsenal, where we hear thereโs been a goal and itโs yet another one for young Alex, his 9th of the night although only five of them at the right end so it’s now Arsenal 5 Shrewsbury 6 following Johan Djourou’s two previous own goals.โ
Fair enough Lars , we’ll go easy on ya ๐
โโฆback to Arsenal, where we hear thereโs been a goal and itโs yet another one for young Alex, his 9th of the night , the last kick of the night , to make it an extraordinary 14-1 to the Gunners . But wait a moment , just as i speak , Sebastian Squillachi has lifted one straight from the kick off right over his own keepers head . ” Doh ๐
Blimey, it seems they’ve learned the alphabet over at .com!
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-names-18-man-squad-to-face-shrewsbury
Bad news for And Lester. No Santos in the squad tonight.
Trust ‘holic ๐
Good news for TaBS. No Squillaci in the squad tonight.
Trust the club shrink ๐
Mail for Steve…
Evening all, just wanted to pop in quickly and say I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of long, well-balanced and insightful posts over the last few blogs (especially the one before this one). I spent most of the day catching up while trying to look busy at the office. I do feel somewhat intimidated to perform intellectually now! Suffice to say, I think for a while I’ve been holding my expectations in check as I realize we’re at a crossroads right now. Taking it one game and one bottle at a time.
Really interested in seeing how Ryo, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Park get on in the Carling Cup though, should be an interesting game I think…
Great blog as usual ‘holic. This bar truly is the best place to satisfy a gooner’s thirst for the Arsenal…
London Pride for all still in the bar!
Ah London Pride.
Good call Cannons. My choice of tipple at Paddington on the way home having taken my fill of Guinness earler…
Thanks for the kind words, but is most certainly this mental lot that makes the place.
And 433 of course. His contribution was definitely critical to peoples appreciation of the alternative viewpoint yesterday ๐
Lonestar Gooner, lo and behold what Cesc just said on Twitter:
Got the apology and retraction from that magazine that made up an interview about me. Can’t believe some journalists. I will also get….
….damages that I will give to charity. Hope it teaches them a lesson. I would NEVER say a bad word about Arsenal Football Club.
Of course I will only need to take a few bob to pay for my Paddington ale on Saturday, as Lars is bringing his credit card to the pub.
Good man ๐
Lars @ 117 , we’re supposed to be over it ๐
Lonestar has taken his herd of Llamas and headed for the hills it seems.
Pity, we are running low on certain substances for the CMC.
Lars @ 111 and tabs @ 112 – don’t believe a word of it –
“A double? Is there any other kind of drink?”
Wolfgang Smallballs 21st August 2011
…if only I was as rich in reality as I am in this bar… ๐
I didn’t expect Squillaci. I think they’ve frozen him out (…..as organs reserve for the rest of the squad).
Lars 113: I have only one explanation for that: they’ve checked these drinks and are on their toes ๐
Dr Z, I might be wrong, but I’ve got a feeling Wolfie actually said that on the 20th of August ๐
Not only doubles, but a mixture of Scots and Irish was also involved before I headed off and left you reprobates to drain the Clyde…
Ollie: also, don’t forget that the day after the debate on communications, Ivan comes out and says that Silent Stan will speak the next time he’s in England. I think the first thing Ivan does every morning is check this bar to see what he needs to do that day ๐
‘Holic: think I had a Paddingtons Ale the last time I was at the Tollie. It was quite tasty, as I remember it.
Interesting to see Martinez as second ‘keeper though.
What happened to the mafia henchman?
He may well have said it in person on the 20th Ollie – but I was quoting from the drinks on here the following day….
Reprobates? I don’t even remember the initial probate!
I think he’s injured Ollie. Seem to rember reading it in some reserves article somewhere…
Now my memory of that day is slowly returning I also see I’m confusing the dirty old Clyde with the delightful Robbie Dhu Springs.
*licks lips in anticipation of a repeat on Saturday*
Holic – Squillachi not involved ? The bet is back on ๐
Dr Z – Bloody hell , you’ve got a good memory . Are you keeping files on all the various “characters” that frequent this Bar ? Is Carlos feeding Feelgood Info on his fellow directors ? ๐
Cheers, ‘holic @127
Suspected as much Dr C @126, but too lazy to check those drinks, so assumed it was a real-life quote. ๐
‘Holic, ollie, zico, tabs
My memory of 20th Aug (apres Smashers) is also a little hazy… can’t think why…
I’ll check with The Prof but whatever tabs and Wolfie were saying about doubles, they were certainly ‘ walking the walk’. Fair play to them ๐
Ollie: Thanks for answering the question about who was going to our backup for our backup goalie without the need for me to type. An extra sniff of the barmaid’s apron for you ๐
tabs @ 129
Memory? I find that those occasional, isolated incidents that induce trauma, tend to linger long in my mind.
The other stuff……
And now that you mention secret files, beware the Feelgood Diaries. The surface has been barely scratched.
@True Storey
The GG comimg back would never happen, it was more just tounge in cheek statement on the poor showing at the back of late. A good old 1-0 to the Arsenal would sit just fine with me.
As for the rock of a defender Bould passing on his infamat knownledge on to are defence I thought could only a good thing. In this case I bow down to your more personal knowledge of the man and just add, thats a shame and remember the night against Parma when if anyone can remember a better defensive display in a Arsenal shirt I am willing to listen. Adams was great but that night Bould was out of this world.
This is what makes this the best blog around sensible people having sensible opinions.
Barman a drink for Mr TS if you will.
1971 @ #133
Thanks for the response, kind words and the drink ๐
Silly me for not spotting the ‘toungue in cheek’ element to your post and yes, right now, I’ll take good ol’ 1-0 to the Arsenal’s all season long ๐
Re: Stevie B – I only met him the once and it was a ten minute chat so I would be stretching things to the extreme to suggest that I had personal knowledge of the fella, whom I agree is an Arsenal (defensive) legend. I just can’t help feeling that if he really wanted to be back in the spotlight that he would have been pushing for it internally and, like I said, he didn’t come across as that sort when we spoke. I could, of course, be doing him a gross dis-service by saying that.
BTW, I think some McLintock’s and Simpsons performances in the Fairs Cup and double winning years may have been on a par with Mr.Bould or Mr.Adams.
Another drink of your choice from me awaits….
Cheers
TS & 1971, now that .con can do the alphabet, I fully expect you both to be able to spell ‘tongue’.
Even when glued to the cheek ๐
Sweeper Clive @ #96
Thanks for the intel, mum’s the word, no names, no packdrill, etc, etc.
Unfortunately, Edwin will not be there in person on Saturday but he will try to find an appropriate technology to video himself into one of the DLL employee’s MIDs.
He assures me that you have his support, assuming that your requests are judged as both financially and technically viable (see a previous round of drinks). However, whatever the outcome, he understands Wolfie to be a most excellent and more than willing butler. The way he combines a pair of orange speedos, sock garters, white gloves, a bow tie and a long-tailed jacket has to be seen to believed. You are in very good, if not safe, hands.
Cheers,
Creative Midfield
Ollie @ #135
We de-cry the IT national socialists together and yet you persist with being a spelling and grammar nazi without the use of a spell-checker and when attemptimg to type quickly.
Off to your sick bed now or I’ll seek the prescriptive powers of Drs. T & C.
You have been warned ๐
I possibly wouldn’t bother if you hadn’t yourself drawn my attention to your sometimes poor spelling in quick-typing mode, TS :).
I’m highlighting it only for comedy value.
More than happy to go back to bed with some choice medicine from the GT though ๐
Heh Ollie!
Don’t take this the wrong way but…. ‘off you go and the nice nurse will tuck you in’. Boom boom! ๐
Will you be hurling sardonic abuse from the flanks at the DLL board meeting on Saturday or perhaps you would like to assist, as is Lars in his adopted capacity of chief minute taker? Edwin is more than willing to make a recommendation on your behalf e.g. spelling checker for Lars’ minutes, elasticity checker for Wolfie’s Speedos, water purity control for Dr.F’s drinks?
Get well soon fella. The CMC and GT are open for you. How about a Lemsip chaser or slammer instead? Dr.C has the recipes I believe.
Spelling and grammar checked on my anti-nazi, personal mobile communicator
Nice one, TS. And I’ll have that Lemsip chaser, thanks.
I shall be miles away in lovely (I hope) Bordeaux on saturday.
Next gathering is Sunderland for me.
Sounds lovely Ollie. I’m quite sure the gathering will be diminshed without your presence.
* Spelling and grammar checked on my anti-nazi, personal mobile communicator *
TS, can I laugh?
Read your latest post again, then change your personal mobile communicator, its spellchecker is defective ๐
Heh Ollie! Double doh and red faces all round ๐
*Spelling and grammar checked on my new and improved anti-nazi, personal mobile communicator *
In other news, I’m seeing that after Kenny, we have Villas-Boas complaining to the head of refs.
I hope people can appreciate that (for once) Arsรจne didn’t complain about the referee for saturday’s result despite the non-existent free-kick, the offside and the not-given penalty.
Afternoon peeps.
Whats all this tongue in cheek stuff about the return of GG?
Maybe it’s not such a bad idea if you think about it.
If anyone could “bung up” the holes in our defence, surely it could be him?
Breakfast BM please, voddie shots all round and a hot toddie for Ollie.
Ollie @ #144
FYI, Saturday is a proper noun and therefore requires a capital ‘s’.
Many would have used commas, as opposed to parentheses, around ‘for once’.
‘Not-given’ penalty is not a great use of English. A penalty that wasn’t awarded would be better.
Overall, considering English is not your mother-tongue, you are awarded 7 out of 10 for effort whilst feeling poorly ๐
*Spelling and grammar checked on my new and improved super-patronising, pedantic, anti-Nazi, personal mobile communicator which is now being thrown into the bin*
GT? Did somebody call again? ๐
H2H
A ‘hot toddy’ coming right up for Mr.O as opposed to a ‘hot toady’ as per his post at #64 ๐
Would a fiery froggy do instead?
Heh TS.
Looks like I wont get to see tonights game, I can’t find anything on tv, limit stream availability, plus I’ll be behind the bar at the time.
I’ll be relying on you guys for updates.
Heh, cheeky TS. Fair play. However, do not forget this: I am a lazy sod! ๐
Im bloody pissed with Gazidis. Repeating the same shit over and over again.
Alright, he now blames high expectations for fan angst.
One question to Mr. Ivan, what does he think is “reasonable” expectation from Arsenal FC.
Will he ridicule fans for hoping for a 4th spot as too high?
@Lars 117: Maybe that money should be donated to us seeing as he made what he is today… Which paper broke that story and got sued anyway?
Quick half-pint for me, then it’s off to wax the moustache….
Let’s tame that pesky Shrew tonight….and in my absence do as adversaries do in lawโStrive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.
UTA
Mr. O @ #151
Yes, it was awfully cheeky but only designed to make you chuckle because as we all know, laughter is a great healer of all things. Even man-flu, allegedly.
On that basis, perhaps we should insist that AW and the boys do 30 minutes hard laughing every day as part of their training regimen?
Just sayin’….
Just popped in before I depart for the mothership tonight. Great to see all the banter from the usual suspects once again. Excellent work as usual ๐
There does seem to be a bit of a media blackout on this game. I would offer some updates from the Ems but sadly I can’t drive my iPhone properly so will likely only confuse things.
And TS @ 154 you are so right about laughter being a great healer. Except in the case of stammering or erectile dysfunction. Then it’s just cruel ๐
Anyway, enough of my gibberish, a good evening to all wherever you may be watching or listening.
COYRs
Just checked the likely places for a stream. Not looking good. If anybody finds one please do share. Thanks.
A lot has been said on arsenal.com since your last blog post ‘Holic. A lot of it has had a little bit to do with what we have been discussing here. Now, of course it is just a coincidence, or perhaps it is just because almost EVERY Arsenal fan is wondering about these things right about now, but it almost feels like they have been reading up on your blog. A man can dream, right?
Anyways, ‘holics, if any streams pop up (which I doubt, since even a stream requires TV-cameras that actually broadcast, and not just record for Arsenal Player) please share them! Really looking forward to this game and would love to actually, you know, see it.
2-0 to the Not-at-the-moment-so-rip-roaring Reds. Benayoun and Park to get them.
Always a step ahead of me, ‘Holic…
True Storey@154-30 minutes ‘chuckle time’ is a great idea, I do wonder though who the boys can laugh at now Bendtner’s no longer training with them every day.
Cheers, ‘holic.
I might settle for Bordeaux vs Lille then and either check F365 updates or similar; or be very brave and watch for the ‘as live’ diffusion.
(no, i know I won’t be brave or patient enough, not today).
Of course France Tรฉlรฉvisions who are supposed to show the League Cup aren’t bothered with this round (not that I would expect them to show our game if they were, but still…).
Rumour has it the game will be on Aljazeera Sport, no idea if it is true or not but if it is then there should be working streams.
CoR: The Spanish paper Sport. And they weren’t sued, they simply admitted to having fabricated the interview.
Morning Holics, (still morning here)
Some good points, some bad points.
Just because we really can’t afford our “shiny new train” it doesn’t mean zonal marking works.
After my trip to Jack Danielsville via Blackburn and back via Dry Heave Central I will return to mint tea and $5 bets.
Cheers all and luck to my woeful gunners. Who knows but we may need it.
Let’s do this boys!
Fabianski, Jenkinson, Miquel, Djourou, Gibbs, Coquelin, Frimpong, Benayoun, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Park, Chamakh. Subs: Martinez, Miyaichi, Aneke, Boateng, Ozyakup, Watt, Yennaris.
Trying to catch up with 1000s of drinks for 2 own goals plus an offside one.
Meanwhile I’m gutted not to be able to watch the game if that’s true, I really like Coq, Miguel and Jenkinson and can’t wait to see more of AOC and discover our own Park. Plus we’re playing 442, what more can a gunner wish for?
UP THE ARSE!
Hello holics
Any streams?
Compared to the rest of the line up Benny is over the Hill. ๐
Hopeless. Have tried all the usual suspects. Seems there’s no streams anywhere ๐
I was able to get an audio feed atm.
http://yanying.yolasite.com/chan7.php
Yep, I can’t find any stream either
Twitter and the BBC text updates best I can do… ๐
Audio stream here: http://sportstream24.com/watch_online_1.php
…
0-1, wtf
fuck me sideways
nil-1 Shrews.
Well there goes the zico pound ๐
Too cheer everybody up after that (well, at least if you haven’t listened to the latest Tuesday Club Pod):
Dan Smith, the man who broke Diaby’s leg, has had the following career:
2004โ2006: Sunderland 3 (0)
2006โ: Huddersfield (loan) 8 (0)
2006โ2008: Aberdeen 9 (0)
2008โ2009: St Johnstone 3 (0)
2008โ2009: Gateshead 12 (0)
2010-2010: Blyth Spartans Don’t know (Don’t know, guessing 0)
2011-: EDF Energy Call Center (Won’t be scoring any goals there!)
Cheers snowy & Geoff, well it couldn’t do much harm could it?
Looking at the current scoreline, perhaps the CC team need to have a few laughs too.
On the brighter side, we’re still on for tabs’ 14-1. We’ll need to go some though….
Cheers Toby,
In a purely vendictive way that really does help. I still remember TH14’s disparaging comments after the game ๐
Maybe we’re better off not watching it lol ๐
zico
you can buy my bet for ยฃ125 ๐
Knew Shrewsbury was a good touch at twelves ๐
Evening Chaps ,
Bloody hell !!
I’m off to watch a romcom with Senora Catalan. I bet I score before Arsenal…
I said it myself Holic – a clean sheet was perhaps a big ask.
Waiting on the 14 goal deluge now Wolfie.
Can’t believe it. They look like they’ve never played together before.
What?
Oh ๐
might have to reassess Dr Z ๐
get in Gibbsy !!
By the way, those tempted to click into Kiwisportz, (silversportz as was), you will find yourself with this little beauty.
http://www.sophos.com/en-us//threat-center/threat-analyses/viruses-and-spyware/Mal~ObfJS-B.aspx
Not a problem on the Mac, although it is a pain in the hoop to clean. Doesn’t look good for you poor fuckers on Windoze though. Be warned.
Shame, he was a good host at one time.
1-1 Gibbsy!!!!
OK tabs, only another 13 to go. O2TC needs to get a shimmy on if he’s to get 9 ๐
Think I’ll keep my bet zico.
Come on lads, four more ๐
Gazza right why on earth would we sack Wenger?
@Zico is a win against League 2 Shrewsbury also a big ask?
13 to go !!
*rubs hands and looks forward to pay-out*
25/1 ‘Holic? That would be sweet.
I wonder what the odd are on us not leaking another goal? ๐
Strangely 14-1 is not being offered anywhere TaBS, but Paddy Power go 500/1 on 10-1…
ok, ok, they beat me to it ๐ Haven’t even had the obligatory awkward / quirky first meet yet!
Interestingly, PP also go 20/1 against 2-1 to Shrewsbury.
If it was against anybody else I would be on it ๐
BTW – Ollie will be happy with Bordeaux 1-0 up against Lille
PS – Left coast; At least wait until the end of the game….
Coquelin sounds like good vfm tonight. Looking forward to the ‘live replay’
Sounds like Park is settling in too.
Owzat for a nonchalant double century.
With an equally nonchalant assist from Dr.C, cheers!
Right, I am going to have to leave so I can watch it ‘as live’.
Good luck all.
TS – I gave the goalie the eyes and just side-footed it to you….
Well in TS ๐
Yes, great assist Dr.C.
Tabs, we’ll save the 300 for you ๐
If we don’t win this match, we’ll be up to 300 by the the full-time whistle…
I think we should leave 301 for tabs 8)
Manure beating Leeds away 3-0. Wolves beating Millwall 3-0 at home.
In all fairness, we should be in a similar position.
*sighs*
If we don’t win chaps , I think the traffic will be too fast for me to get anything before 320
Need a tight sphincter to listen to this game. Never mind, we have strength in depth on the bench if we need it for a last ten minute 13 goal romp.
Edwin is working on a patented sphincter tightening device BtM.
It’s available for free trial now for any of those brave enough to try it but please remember to disinfect it before passing it on to a fellow ‘Holic ๐
Its what I’m banking on BtM ๐
Yes please TS
Heh Wolfie ๐
Dr.C, pass the speculum to Mr. Smallballs please….
….warm it up, Wolfie….
Spinchters?
Heh, Up The Arse!
consider it warmed chaps
*passes Wolfie the disinfectant bowl, not to be confused with Cusop’s bowl*
Cheers TS , can’t say it’s worked .
O2TC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sphincter’s relaxed ๐
Perhaps it has !!!!!!
Get in the Ox . 8 to go Son .
Chamberlain 2-1
Yes, come on the Ox, 8 more from you and a double double strike from Park & Chamakh
@ 219 – hope you’re going to clean up afterwards!
TS… sphincter relaxed?? And Wolfie has the speculum…..
Odds on O2TC getting some game time vs Notlob?
Heh Dr.C. Brilliant! ๐
I meant tightened, of course I did…..
I can’t listen to the ‘player’ commentary, reminds me of many a nervous afternoon listening to the Arsenal on the radio in the 70’s.
For this evenings entertainment I’m watching Paul Merson on Sky Sports News, OMG, he’s hilarious, so funny and the best thing is he’s playing it 100% straight and blissfully unaware.
Born comic!
8 more coming up for the oxcart?????
46,000 .
Is that the first time we haven’t sold out a League Cup game at the Ems ?
Could we have found our ‘Ox in the box’? ๐
Not surprising tabs given the climate, the opposition and the general malaise at the moment.
heh Geoff ๐
Oh, good one Geox… eh Geoff.
Like it Geoff, that one should stick ๐
Liking the sound of the Ox
The Ox is doing his best to get another 8. He’ll need one every 2.5 minutes or so to succeed ๐
Thanks Tabs, Toby. If it catches you’re my witnesses!
Looks like the Ox is taking our corners …
And you too TS ๐
His name is Ryo and he….
If yo ulisten to the same radio stream you’d think we only have 3 players on the pitch: Ox, Coq and Gibbs
Matt, add Benayoun also
Ox, Coq and Gibbs
There’s a joke waiting to get out there somewhere Matt ๐
It’s shame we needed the malaise for it to happen but it has to be said the home crowd has been fantastic this season, really outstanding in this game too.
Geoff re Mers – heh! The best thing is the look in his eyes half way through a sentence when he realises he doesn’t know how he’s going to finish it…….
Is that Arsenal’s first all-Asian substitution, Miyaichi for Park?
DR C- You’re right , great spot, it’s priceless!
Oguzhan Ozyakup
Say that ten times quickly after a few lagers….
Benny !!!!!!
Well done Aussie Cup .
Say Yossi……
There we go. Think I’m starting to take a shine to Benayoun!
And oh, I’m not the Toby asking for more english players that was just mentioned on Arsenal Player.
TS, I can’t even say it once and I’m stone cold sober.
Aussie Cup and Ox-In-The-Box.
Two nocknames are born.
…and well done Benny boy! The first of many we hope.
Israel being on the continent of Asia, and Turkey being partly on the continent of Asia, there’s a chance we’ve seen our first all-Asian goal (Yossi Benayoun with an assist by Oguzhan Ozyakup). Is this a new era or what?
‘nocknames’???
Where’s Ollie when you need him?
‘Aussie Cup’. just love it ๐ nice one tabs
TS-‘nocknames’ it works for me!
Evening 8 ball – Israel on the continent of Asia? Have you been watching ‘2012’? ๐
Geoff, actually tabs is right. Aussie Cup in a sean Connery accent isn’t too far wide of the mark.
My bad, apparently Ozyakup is Dutch, not Turkish, although that sure sounds like a Turkish name to me …
OK chaps, Stoke or LWCs to win tonight? Currently 0-0. What a choice, eh?
TS, Geographically speaking I believe so but maybe Professor Edwin will have a better opinion, assuming he’s in an appropriate discipline. Israel is culturally western, I understand, but how am I supposed to research the cultural backgrounds of all these players we’ve only had for 2 weeks? ๐
So.. a nickname is needed for Chuks Aneke…. or is that name too good to be improved upon?
Stoke every time TS
*Aussie Cup in a sean Connery accent isnโt too far wide of the mark.*
Blimey, I know what you mean TS but can you imagine reading that out of context?
๐
8 ball, I’m sure Aussie Cup is from Turkish stock.
Yup tabs, with you 100%.
Heh Geoff @ #264.
Job done fellas, UTA!
The quadruple’s still on –
UReds!
Can’t be anything else than satisfied with that. Now for actually WATCHING the game.
Oh and Spurs played a nil-nil game. We’re playing them in a few weeks. There is a slight risk that the game could now be postponed isn’t it?
Stoke to win hopefully TS, with Shawcross getting badly injured and Pulis catching his penis in his zipper anytime in the next hour.
Catalan Gunner@262-I think you’re right, it’s too good…..
Instead of nockname for him have to rename him:
Chuks Aneke,
Throws a wobbly
Blimey , the stream has gone all porn film musak on us ( or so I’m told ) ๐
Heh 8 ball @ #261.
BTW, Israel is culturally M.Eastern but it’s very easy mistake to make.
Oh forgot. Extra time and penalties it is. (re: sp*rs)
And tabs. This music DOES have an eerie similarity to a certain kind of soundtrack, yes.
Heh tabs @ 271!
….And here comes Karl Hungus. He’s talking to Mandy Melonius and suddenly all of her clothes have fallen off and she’s lying bacl legs akimbo….
Nurse, the tranquilizers please ๐
๐
@East Lower just nailed it on Twitter; “Challenge Aneke…..”
Think about it.
Loads of first teamers in the LWCs squad BTW. A long, tough game vs The Munsters should tire them out nicely for their weekend trip to Wigan. F*ck ’em.
Tabs, TS, and just to continue your theme I’m so pleased the Arsenal came from behind tonight ๐
Heh Dr.C, brilliant but without the love-handles ๐
All credit to @EastLower. Genius.
Debutants: Ox in the Box, Aussie Cup and Challenge.
Almost as good as the win!
tabs, I’m your wing man to #300. Are you up for it?
I expect serious challenges from 8 ball, Geoff and Dr.C.
And don’t forget a lurking zico.
Some of the callers on Arsenal Player….
“Morons, your bus is leaving!”
As long as there is a sizable chance of a St*ke or a Sp*rs player hurting himself I’ll stay as well, TS
300…hmmm now that you mention it…..
Fair play Arsenal Player, re-run is on!!!
I like to think of it as
loitering with intent
The audio stream has been working perfectly for me all game, but the re-run doesn’t show up at all now.
I’m here TS ๐
Fair enough zico, you can take that mask and cape off now though ๐
Zico, sounds like our back four on any given Saturday.
Oh sorry, it was loitering WITH intent?
OK tabs, final 10, he picks up the ball from the goalie…
Looks for tabs, can’t find him in the crowd. Spots a dark shadowy figure in the centre circle though…
Oh the game is ON!
Soon Shrewsbury will score! I just KNOW it.
Just outside the box …
keep possession TS
*opens envelope in front of an expectant audience*
And the winner of the prestigious 300 award is…….
Thinking about stealing nr 300 but I think I’ll just do a dummy.
So… dummy
๐
Heh, the crowd goes wild
The boy is just deadly in the Box . ๐ ๐ ๐
Is he the frog in the blog ?
…not me ๐
well in wolfie – the law of averages if you ask me….
Well done Tabs, great poaching!
G’night all, enjoyed this evening, good crack all round.
Took a chance there and posted at 298 . Have to say Toby’s dummy was a work of genius .
Night Geoff – good crack .
Now don’t go all bitter on me Dr Z ๐
According to my ‘ Spy ‘ at the Emirates,the Shrews could and should have been 3 up before we woke up.
They had nothing to lose and played without Fear,
Once Gibbsy equalized,we settled down and played much better.
Fluky 30 yd pot shot from Alex,went under the keeper to make it 2-1,and Benny got the 3rd from close range with the Shrews tiring near the end.
Games like these against lower division teams are always a potential banana skin,so we have passed the test ,albeit a bit shakily.
Cheers
The Sweeper.
Not a bit of it tabs, consider it your testimonial ๐
Heh, cheers tabs. Them dummies are always a chance but my footballing brain (got it on loan, maybe I should return it to Theo someday soon) told me I had someone behind me.
And ouch. Just saw Shrewsbury’s goal. No jump from Djourou and no coming for the ball from Fabianski. Old school lack of communication, no closing down the Shrew to put the cross in, but in all fairness it was a nice cross.
I love it, Crouch scoring against Sp*rs and now we are into sudden death.
Good result. I’ll take it (though it’s pity Ox couldn’t add a few more goals – say 8).
Heh at Sp*rs.
Spuds done 7-6 on Pens
Oh dear The Neighbours ๐
That rounds off an excellent evening very nicely.
Now, where’s that silly Spud Cusop?
And the LWC:s are out of the Carling Cup after 7-6 in penalties.
Quite a good day overall. YES, perhaps it would have been better had they stayed in it, tiring for the players and all that, but there is nothing like watching Spurs crash out of a competition. Well, watching them crash out against our young ‘uns like last year it better, but I take what I get.
The night keeps giving.
Up yours ‘Arry. Up yours Cusop. Out of the only cup you had any chance of winning.
zico retires with a grin ๐
Heh Spuds out
Fill Cusops bowl
Evening Clive ,
Listening to the 2nd half certainly a lot easier than the first half .
and the Spuds go out on pens – no-one likes to see that ๐
…. I’ll just prepare its bowl for the morning in case it lets itself in thru the cat flap.
A touch of vinegar mixed in with the p*ss should do nicley ๐
Israel is indeed a middle eastern culture. No doubt about that. But very western in it’s technology.
Well said, Zico, we still got Aussy Cup in the Carling Cup. That’s a shitload more Cups than Cupsop can cough Cup.
and we’ve got Aussie Cup! ๐
Heh toby – back tomorrow.
Got a train to prepare ๐
Night all, and a very good night it was too.
I’m also retiring with a large grin on my face ๐
Laters…
Night Chaps .
Just seen the goals . Job done .
Evening Tabs
Now we just need to draw Aldershot at home in the next round.
We can probably sneak past them.!!
Heh, yeah, getting some shuteye as well. Got a very early morning tomorrow, accounting for me only having one stout this evening.
And before I go, Clive, yes, it was either Aldershot or the LWC:s for the easy draw, but now we’ll just have to hope for Aldershot.
heh , Aldershot or bust .
Back from the game – no crowd announced , amazed if over 30k including 5k away fans.
Coqueline was a ray of sunshine – loads of energy and heart and the ability to pass with both feet
Ox showed some lovely touches 2nd half and unlike Theo understands the concept of taking the ball with him when runs
Fabianski & Dhojrou were both dire – God help us if they ever are both in the 1st team
Just back from the game, and this time took a sneaky peek at some match reports in the ‘meeja’.
And they really fucked me off.
Yes it was a low attendance, and yes the away support sang some dopey things about Wenger being sacked in the morning.
However I have yet to see a match report that also explained that the home support asked Wenger for a wave and when he did it was greeted with a ma(and BOTH versions mind you).
So FUCK YOU you biased bunch of ManU arse kissing meeja wankers.
We won. Two of our newbies and a promising youngster opened their account. And there was some lovely football. Djourou was a bit off, Park I think had someone else’s boots on because he couldn’t kick a thing straight. But overall, nice job lads. Coquelin was a very assured and put a massive shift in. The Ox was fantastic. Jenks was calm and collected, and I’m delighted for him because his last game must have been horrible for the lad’s confidence.
And to cap it all, the Spuds go out on penalties. Happy days indeed. And it made up for getting drenched on the way home.
A round please for anyone else who doesn’t care if they have a bit of a boilk tomorrow ๐
Ooops seem to have accidentally deleted a bit of text there (bah!)
Para 4 above should have have read “and when it did it was greeted with a massive cheer and some hearty singing of there’s only one Arsene Wenger (and both versions…)
More alcohol clearly required ๐
A win is a win is a win !
Check for pulse, ah good it must of been only a minor heart attack. Supporting Arsenal not for the fait hearted at this moment.
Ollie ready for my spell check sir.
See, lads – I said yesterday that the sun would shine soon. OK, I know, “it was only Shrewsbury”, but these were genuine rays of sun peaking out from behind the great big black clouds that have been painted in the sky, largely by ourselves.
A delight to see the emergence of the Ox-in-the-Box, Le Coq and the Frimpster, the three stand-outs for me tonight, all of whom can be relied upon to perform if called upon for more first team duty. Gibbs will have done his confidence no end of good with his attacking play tonight and there are a couple of glimmers of hope that Chamakh may have put his woes behind him.
Yep, we looked leaky at the back a couple of times. JD20 is trying hard, but he’s off to a very shaky start this season. I thought his game came on well though, in the second half. Aussie Cup (classic), his name is Ryo and he dances on your head, and Chucks Aneke will have been pleased to make their maiden outings on the green, green grass.
Benny worked hard and is a great example to others around him on work rate. Parky showed a couple of pretty good touches that promise well for the future.
OK “It was only Shrewsbury” – but I’m happy to see a positive outcome and was DELIGHTED to hear “Only One Arsene Wenger” ringing loudly from the stands. Was that BBB vomit that was causing the choking sounds in the background at the time? Or maybe Muppets Le Grove breaking their pencil points in despair over the failure of their “oust Arsene” efforts?
And the really good news? “Edwin is working on a patented sphincter tightening device, BtM”. Until the sun has fully emerged, I wish to be the first to conduct the necessary field trials to enable proof of concept. Can it be made available for Saturday. I’ll need it for the first half and pass it on to Holic at half-time.
Snowy,
“So FUCK YOU you biased bunch of ManU arse kissing meeja wankers.”
I aspire to your level of eloquence and impact. I promise to practice harder and maybe one day…….
Arsenal, Bloody Arsenal.
>>>>>>> Report time people…
BtM ๐
And good luck with the field trials….