A Complete Circuit Of The Evolutionary Cycle
Oct 21st, 2011 by 'holic
Forty-one years. Say it quickly and it doesn’t sound long. We went to Stoke in the 1970-71 season and took a proper beating. 5-0 it was. A bright young home side outplayed us from start to finish. Frank Mclintock got the side together in the dingy ‘halfway house’ at Highbury on the Monday and the ‘no-holds-barred’ team meeting that followed forged a determination and a togetherness that brought the first Arsenal double the following spring.
Stoke were managed by a respected thinker, Tony Waddington and played an expansive game with a team of cut-price signings and homegrown lads. Arsenal were more direct, and boasted in Peter Storey one of the hardest ‘enforcers’ in an era when no team won anything without a nasty bastard in the side. Times have changed. Pitches are better, boots and balls are lighter, the tackle from behind has been outlawed, spectators paying small fortunes for tickets demand something more than those of us who followed the team round for a few quid a week back in the day.
So this week is the latest instalment in the meeting that epitomises more than any other just how much football has changed in those aforementioned forty-one years. Arsenal have grasped progress warmly, embraced it in a way that has frustrated a few, and are the somewhat typecast ‘frail entertainers’ of the modern era. Sadly the visitors on Sunday have regressed to a degree that irritates anyone other than their rabid following.
An extreme assessment of where the two clubs sit today? Possibly, but for some reason since we joined in the applause for their performance all those years ago, Arsenal and Stoke have rarely seen eye to eye. The fractious recent encounters have hardened attitudes and mutual dislike that seems to extend to the benches where things have also gone full cycle. As Arsene attempts to weld together a fourth version of his vision of the beautiful game, his counterpart develops his love of hoof and the long throw, of ‘getting amongst them’, not so much the new Jerusalem as the new Wimbledon.
And yet, whisper it, there is now a feeling amongst many at the Grove that perhaps we have abandoned the physical side of the game to our cost. Arsene’s first two wonderful creations incorporated players who were more than willing to win the physical battle, if that is what was required. If there is one fact that unites those who are otherwise parted in their views of the current Arsenal, it is that we lack the steel underbelly required by winners. This Sunday will be another test of that generalisation.
I’ve departed from the usual format of my preview because this game is one that will be decided not necessarily by skill, flair, technique. It will probably be decided by the team that displays what Arsene all-too-often describes as ‘mental strength’, a quality we lack on the bad days. There is something different about this Wenger incarnation as it tries to escape infancy. There are signs that what we lack in technique since the departures of the summer, we make up for with sheer effort. (OK, not you Andrey, but exception proving the rule, and all that).
We have ground out five wins in six matches without hitting anything like the free-flowing beauty that we had come to be associated with. That is the sort of attitude that will stand us in good stead on Sunday. I’m thinking it will be another grim, dour struggle this weekend. The curse of the ‘holic pound, as unsuccessful this season as it was profitable last, is on a 2-1 home win. Shop around and you may do slightly better than the widely available 7/1 for that outcome.
Don’t forget if you are going that there is no Victoria Line service, so you will be sharing packed Piccadilly Line services to Holloway Road, Arsenal and Finsbury Park. There is an under-18 meeting with Chelsea straight after the main match so stay seated and watch some of the stars of the future in order that journeys home are staggered. Or do what eighty percent of us will be doing and hit the pub for a couple of hours!
Have a great one ‘holics.
244 Responses to “A Complete Circuit Of The Evolutionary Cycle”
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Interesting historical perspective ‘holic. I was not aware that Stoke were once a team worth watching as I was in Scotland in the 70s tho I was aware of the FA cup marathon we had with them.
Pulis has truly turned Stoke into a thoroughly nasty bunch. I think Sunday is going to be a thoroughly unpleasant experience but will be a test of how much grit has been added to our yeam by the addition of Meatsack and Arteta the latter’s defensive qualities having strangely been somewhat overlooked by most of our observers.
bathgooner:
How about almost and completely out of the money?
Chaps, I’ll be landing at London City Airport and my hotel is just off Finsbury Park, what would be the best way of going there using tube/dlr etc? Is DLR to Bank and then Northern Line to Kings X and then Piccadilly the best way?
That or Central to Holborn then Piccadilly, I guess
Good stuff holic.
Ahoy!
A few Guinni, please.
[0-3 tonight v Sligo, Boooooo]
And both trains AND tubes are fucked up for me on Sunday.
***SIGH***
‘holic, A 2-1 but would be great but I would prefer a 1-0 to make our critics sit up and take notice of a new era of parsimony brewing at Arsenal. But remember, unless you have another bet on Mertesacker to score, you could miss prognosticating his first Arsenal goal by a mere one week.
And let’s hope this is one of the odd weeks when the referee doesn’t reward Stoke for violent play. Come on Arsenal!
At 6 bt8bbgfg : no le capisco.
At 7 Lars, change from DLR to Northern at Bank then to Picadilly at Kings X would normally be best route from City Airport.
Follow up to 7 Lars: In view of likely congestion at Kings X on Sunday, might be worth taking Northern line to Angel and walking up Upper Street and along the Holloway Road, Pleasant walk if not pushed for time.
Brilliant, ‘holic. Just brilliant.
“not so much the new Jerusalem as the new Wimbledon”
Like many of us here I suspect, I do remember the era of the crazy gang. With a little (albeit grudging) respect for their efforts it must be said. And it was certainly a long way from pretty. F*ck me, they did know to grind out an ugly result. The 1988 cup final springs to mind, am sure there were plenty others.
But let the record show, your honour, that we could grind ‘em out too once upon a time. And I hope we can learn to do that consistently again. Personally I’m more than happy to park free-flowing beauty when we need to. Because I’d trade that for three points any day.
So Up the Arse, lads, any kind of result at all please. Make like the Vinnie grabbing Gazza’s knackers. An acquaintance of mine made a lot of money out of photographing that incident, so it can’t be that bad can it?
Cheers everyone for suggestions.
Bath, your suggestion gave me an idea – I’ll get off the tube at Angel and then take the number 19 bus to Finsbury Park. That should be the best option, I think.
Well gents, I see the usual stereo typical comments from you lot. How many games have you watched Stoke play this season then ??? (Sorry was that none I hear you sheepishly reply ??).
You carry on and make your uneducated comments about a team you know so little about. It all helps to make those victories against you so much sweeter. I think Wengers facial expressions help to make those victories even sweeter….
Lars – have the ‘holics been playing this?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mornington_Crescent_(game)
Maybe easiest to just get a cab
Hi
I would just like to respond to the comment that Stoke are a nasty team, this link to the official premier league fairplay league and you will see quite a clear distinction between the two teams, Stoke are currently in 6th place and Arsenal 17th.
http://www.premierleague.com/page/FairPlayTable
check the above link out if you dont believe me, so in response to bathgooner, at least check your facts if you are making comments about a teams behaviour and perceived nastiness. The only reason why many people believe Stoke are a nasty side is because Arsene Wenger has made it is mission to deflect away from his own teams’ disciplinary record, he should become a politician he would make a great spindoctor
“not so much the new Jerusalem as the new Wimbledon” – priceless, ‘Holic.
Remember Vinny Jones bringing Gazza to Jesus? Now, there was an enforcer.
http://bit.ly/qFYhEg
Stoke fan @ 18.
I don’t want to get in to a slanging match about Stoke’s physical approach,I don’t consider it too much different to the old Bolton under Allardyce,despite the vitriol from many on this blog,
What i do find Interesting is that you have only scored 6 goals in 8 league games,and conceded 8.
So defensively you seem to be fairly secure,and if memory serves,4 of those goals conceded came in 1 game.
But scoring wise you seem to be really struggling,despite having some fairly decent strikers.
I haven’t seen any of Stoke’s games this season,so not sure if you are creating and missing chances,or not creating too much due to the more conservative nature of your Coach.
Will you play one up top,with 5 across the middle,and play for a point.??
I guess we will find out on Sunday,but with only 2 goals scored in 4 away games in the league,i think it is a fair assumption.
The Sweeper
Hola Holic and Holics,
Keeper an Auchentoshan neat please.
This is not last years team or the year before’s.
If there is to be any kicking we are as, if not more likely to do it.
Perhaps we will not get the first kick in but we will get the last one and many in between. True there is some art to this team to be sure but there is also much heart.
Those who doubt that do so in ignorance.
The day of the scott free Lennie is over.
So bring three quid,your Dad’s parrot and your Mother’s favorite eyepatch. It’s on.
Hmmm well ladies, Its a big weekend for as all, the mickeys have got Norwich, on paper a simple win, You have stoke and you know have a game on your hands, We have Blackburn and I reckon we should beat them simply. I think the Lilly white champions will continue to move up, I wonder if you will make it past Upson and Co.
Our young lad Carrol seems to be Progresing well, no hype just good football.
I really enjoyed the midweek victory in Marseille. Hoping for another victory on Sunday. We just have to keep taking it one game at a time in order to turn it around. Let’s go Gunners! Thanks again for a great blog highlighting the essence of perspective and keeping us sane in the midst of all the white noise. 2-0 to The Arsenal on Sunday.
Whatever dude,
get a team, a blog, and while you’re at it a life.
Sorry, 24 is for you cus. (AKA Homeless blogster)
Trust me leftcoast we already knew to whom you referred. Lol!
Holic, can you please do something about that Cusop?
I thought his comment on cancer was enough to warrant a ban?
I just can’t stand him, trying to be clever and annoying the hell out of me in the process.
For all the Stoke fans here.
Why are you playing innocent? You like being the “nasty, vicious” team. You cheer your players on when they players make a dirty tackle.
You like the tactics you’re playing so don’t try to be naive about it. I understand why you’re embracing those tactics from Pulis, I would have too if I were you.
You and I both know that you’ll never mid-table or higher without these tactics.
The fact that you’ve got less cards or whatever doesn’t mean anything. All it means is that you get away with murder, and you usually do at the Britannia.
—————————
Holic, great report and I have to say I’m quite concerned by this game. I’m hoping for a home win with no injuries but I don’t see us getting no injuries as we seem to be stacking them up on a weekly basis!
Holic, your line “We make up for with sheer EFFORT’” is spot on. We lack the steel underbelly, hmm, i would like to see us more opportunistic; whether trying to score or clear the ball out at the other end.
16 neil a, let me introduce myself. i’m the annoying sister who can’t take a hint. but i’m a gooner, through and through. which means, you insult my mates, you insult me. big mistake. these men eat, drink, and dream football. which means many of us sacrifice our precious time to watch your boring, brutish team play, just so we can keep an eye on our competion. personally, after watching your team play, i shudder.
Arsa e Barca, I didn’t like you at first because of the moniker, I thought you’re a Barca fan and you know what I think about them
.
But I have to say I love you to bits after your @29 post
I have seen Stoke games this season (and last) and I think to be fair, Stoke have put on some good displays of football at times. They were all over United this season and last season and they dispatched Liverpool this season already. I have this feeling that they do this despite Pulis though. He doesn’t seem to be able to handle creativity or trust creative players.
We’ll have a game on our hands this weekend. One that I think we can win if we roll our sleeves up and play with some common sense. We have taller and more mature players this time around. Even the last game we played against Stoke, I remember us being the more physical team, yet we still lost. Let’s get it right this time.
Up the Arsenal!
Snir Geuli @ 30, Luv you back, besides your’re usually right. Cheers!
CoR – I do see a lot of Stoke and I have to say that while they are impressive in their dominance at the Britannia they are utter shite away from home and I see only these reasons for it.
One, they get away with murder in the first degree at the Britannia cause the crowd urges them on to tackle dirty which causes the refs to ease off on fouls to avoid booing/whistling for every call they make.
Two, the reputation they have at the Britannia is intimidating even before a ball has been kicked and therefore teams shit in their pants even before they kick the ball for a throw.
Three, the towel.
Have a look at Stoke away from home. They’re clueless.
how obvious is it that tomorrow they’ll play like world beaters now that I wrote all this.
CoR @ 31, let’s hope so. it’s just that now with Jenks sidelined, i’m in panic mode. can’t afford anymore injuries. Goodnite all, talk with you later.
Their field is narrow as well (70 yards), which means travelling teams have less time/space on the ball and helps them as their long throws are more damaging. Which is probably why they find it hard to play on bigger fields.
How is that towel even allowed? Isn’t it against the rules?
Here’s a blast from the past, Snir. Towel makes a cameo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oij95T3Kq0
CoR@36, what a hoot! how the heck did you find that little jewel. priceless…put a smile on my mug, for sure. nighty nite.
Sweet dreams aeb
Arteta and Song will provide the physical intervention when required but the main worry will be the tackles on Robin. If he can withstand the onslaught from the orcs, our season will be set.
Allez les rouges, or whatever that means in proper English.
A pretty fun article for hair fans, even for those who can’t palate Newcastle:
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Newcastle-Fabricio-Coloccini-says-his-trademark-curly-mop-will-never-get-cut-off-article817456.html
Cheers, ‘holic.
Nice find, CoR 36.
I think I remember an amusing one too at The Grove, when Delap did one of his long-throw ins, having taken 2 minutes do dry the ball with his hands and run, and the ref blew for half-time while the ball was still mid-air.
‘Holic
If that was a ’6 pinter’, bring on the ’7 pinter’. Loved the post (as usual) esp. this nicely crafted message:
“…Sadly the visitors on Sunday have regressed to a degree that irritates anyone other than their rabid following…”
I look forward to geeting the rabid dogs from The Potteries. I’ve said before that I have a genuine affection for the area as The Storey Management is from the region. However, as for their football, players, manager, fans and chairman? Well, the best way to treat that lot would be to return the compliment of the 5-0 thumping of our glorious double season.
F*ck ‘em & UTA!
To any visiting Stoke fans:
Please wipe your feet before entering the bar, have a wash in our lavatories (we provide free luxuries like soap and water) before conversing and be careful not to hit your poonannies on the door on the way out.
If Sh*wcr*ss and Pubis ever have the strength of character to properly own-up to ‘that challenge’ that very nearly ended the career of a bright young talent and apologise properly for it, then we can have some decent banter. In the meantime, I’ll wait for hell to freeze over.
May the best team win on Sunday.
Yo Boz!
Morning chums.
Out of action most of today. Grand’holics en route.
Play nicely.
Holic that write-up is a tour de force, no doubt about it! Elegant prose, especially when describing the exact antithesis of poetry, our, ahem, illustrious opponents on the morrow.
Which brings me to my next point. Look Stoke fans. It’s simple, no amount of statistics or viewings of your boys playing (like I’d ever, ever bother) will change our “uneducated” viewpoint. The damage was done years ago and will never be forgotten.
Your team, your chavvy, snidey little shitbag of a manager, that “poor misunderstood lad Sh*wcr*ss” – their names are all mud, so don’t bother showing up in here trying to take the moral high ground with your “ooh, look how many cards your dirty has team has got”.
You lot are the “uneducated” bunch who actually booed Ramsey on his return to the Britannia. A bright young talent who bravely got over a horror tackle and got back playing and he was painted as the villain.
In short, I couldn’t give a flying fuck about your stats or your comments. You are eternal scum.
Come now Camberwell, get off the fence and tell us what you really think
Top post.
Cheers TS.
What is it with fans of other clubs coming in here and stinking out the bar? Did mummy not hug them enough as children?
At this rate the Secure Unit’s going to need a wing for Other Fans With Abandonment Issues, where nurse can give them a teddy bear and read them a bedtime story…
….all at their own cost.
…. the hugless feckwits
CG@49 Terrific idea. You see lads, I’m a ‘real’ nurse. I’ll bring my Haldol, Geodon, and Milk of Amnesia for these suffering potters, plus my 4 point restraints. should do the trick.
Light of the meds nurse aeb, heavy on the restraints
*on*
TS@44,45 Couldn’t have said it better.
Well lads, notice anything different around here…cheers!
An Arsenal supporting, ‘Holic nurse eh?
Careful abb, or you might find a certain Sweeper seeking ‘during season’ refuge in The Secure Unit too
… one more point abb, you may wish to approach our resident doctors in The Quackery for a part-time role too?
Just saying….
TS @57,58 Sounds intriguing.
‘Holic –
I thoroughly enjoyed that absolutely brilliant post – one of your best, I think.
It would do some of our national press “journalists” – yes, Tony Cascarino of The Times, no less, here’s looking straight at you – a great deal of good to read that piece over and over again.
Learn about objectivity and proper sentences, all built into a piece built with a structure and perspective, instead of your rather pathetic midweek offering of ‘this Arsenal side are not contenders’.
Another masterful piece of ‘past and present’ ‘Holic.
Hope to see you on Sunday, although I will have my 7 year old daughter with me, so it will probably be through the railings.
Oooo, “aeb” changed her hair
Looks good!
Maybe you can put a “2-1″ highlight in later…
Camberwell -
well said. That’s just the sort of balance the Stokies deserve
abb – ref TS @58 -
if you ‘really’ are a nurse, please join Dr C and myself in the Quackery at your earliest convenience, where we will be pleased to carry out the necessary uniform “inspection”.
On passing the inspection, I imagine your first assignment will be to shadow Mr Geuli, as January approaches, and provide us with early intelligence of strange behaviour. We must, at all costs, avoid a repeat of the mania that gripped our most excitable patient during late August.
He is already getting very het-up at the presence in this bar of one objectionable Sp*rs fan, who really needs only to be completely ignored by all drinkers in order to cease to be a problem.
Most of us decided on this course of (in)action some time ago, but Snir just needs a little assistance in that direction
The largely unspoken but darker side of your duties will be to assist The Sweeper with his “comfort” breaks, but rubber gloves and all other necessary protective garments will be supplied.
We look forward to meeting you,
Drs T and C.
‘Holic –
just discovered that was a 6-pint preview. Blimey !!!
Good old Phil Dowd at it again with the dismal decisions.
I’m lost somewhere in deepest India. But all being well I should arrive in Singapore early Sunday morning. Steve-O, Singapore Holics – see you at The Liz around 8 pm. Drinkss are on the man with the No 10 shirt and Crail Golf bunnet.
Enjoy, BtM!
No worries mates. MY first official duty (that is if I muster inspection) is to arrange a puzzling case of the ‘ Hershey Squirts’ on the entire Stoke squad, Mr Pulis included. Gross, but very effective.
Carry on, abb. I’m sure you know what you are doing. We don’t care about the gross part, only the effectiveness part.
Has anybody ever heard of the ref in today’s Newcastle-Wigan game? Swarbrick appears to be his name.
Dr.T @ #67
Well played the other good Dr! I expect The Sweeper to approach the infirmary soon. Take good care of him please.
Hope to see you for a sniff of The Barmaid’s Apron tomorrow
8Ball@69 Feel sorry for Wigan and Martinez, class act.
PS from TS:
Happy birthday Le Boss. Hope the boys will give you a 3 point present tomorrow.
72 iStorey Beautiful sentiments. AW, may you celebrate many more, god bless.
Spuds and stoke boys in the same bar????? If only they had kept Gaddafi alive for a few more days. He could have departed on a high and actually done something worthwhile for once in his life.
Nice post Holic. I am predicting a convincing Arsenal victory and an extension to our decent run.
Hopefully bump into a few faces in the Tollie pre match.
Keep the faith.
Abb – I’m in love with yor new moniker!!!
Fuck Barca.
Fuck Stoke, Fuck Spurs, Fuck Hapoel and Fuck Hapoel!
Dr T – I don’t know what you’re talking about. January is gonna be rather easy for you guys. AW never finds the “Super super quality” even though half his squad in injured for the season by that time
And Fuck Cusop too !
Steve T
Saddam Hussein ☑ – Osama Bin Laden ☑ – Gaddafi ☑ – Tony Pulis ☐
Courtesy of the inimitable Arsenal Gent with a wee bit of artistic license.
Love the Gooner solidarity on this site. Hope the team display the same spirit when we take on these orcs tomorrow. COYRRRRRRRRRs
Bordeaux concede draw at home to Brest.
Still in the drop zone after Evian score a late equaliser at Sochaux.
This is all very wrong. I say ‘more wine, less water’.
Snir Gueli @75 I thought you’d approve. Cheers mate, here’s to tommorrow’s win!
Re: 79. And what of Brest? Nary a nibble?
Ollie@79, just as long as it’s red mate, I’ll raise a glass with you. BTW lads, I read somewhere that Chelsea’s David Luis is rather superstitious. Since their win against Genk, he says he will touch each of his teammates before the start of every game. I know, somethings you just can’t make up.
Evening all. Taxi booked for 8.40, Pulis you’re mine you cap wearing middle-aged chav.
Haha! It should be entertaining.
Train at 10.13 for me. I shall be leaving early as usual to have coffee in the lounge.
Hobgoblin, six pints.
Reserva rioja, half a bottle.
Laphroaig, you’re next bucko
Heh!
You in training for tomorrow, ‘holic?
Training? Pah!
Honed to perfection.
I’m ready
and a cab at 8.10am?
I’m impressed. No way could I bounce back that quickly. I would need to keep going until the cab arrived.
Nice goal by the barcodes but they will fall away as their defensive luck cannot hold out all season.
We just need to keep working away at each game and develop that defensive understanding.
Low score tomorrow I think and much patience will be required.
Let’s beat those muthas.
Seriously, he is the funniest player ever to play in the Premier League.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2052244/Mario-Balotelli-sets-fireworks-bathroom-eve-Manchester-derby.html
I’m on the floor here.
Come on Arsenal!
Boring Boring 1-0 to the Arsenal. Can’t really say I would consider it boring, mind you, and I didn’t think the Marseille 0-Arsenal 1 was a boring result in any sense. Come on Arsenal and come on the clean sheet!!!
Anyone Seen this quip by AW in this interview here http://thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3878427/Arsene-Wenger-Half-my-Arsenal-stars-wanted-to-leave-in-the-summer.html
He added: “When I arrive at the gates of
Heaven the Good Lord will ask ‘what did you do in your life?’
“I will respond ‘I tried to win football matches.’
He will say: ‘Are you certain that’s all?’ But, well, that’s the story of my life.”
Quite funny, but I also find it very touching.
Have a look at this interesting collection of quotes from Le Boss over the years:
http://www.football365.com/news/8750/5643990
I’m having trouble picking which is/are my favourite(s).
Good morning ‘holics. I’ll see some of you shortly.
COME ON YOU RIPROARING!
Morning all. Just checking in from deepest darkest Catalunya….. Now then, we have a real nurse in The Quackery?
Marvellous.
Wolfie can concentrate more on the discipline side of things…..
Have a good one everyone. Not you, Pulis, you C8nt!
Have a good day out ‘holic
All I want is France to win this a.m (or else the locals will lynch me )
A dull draw in Manchester with weeping wayne and waster wio sent off
3-0 to us with red cards for Sheepcross and Phlebitis
No probs there then
Reply ‘holic for 100
What an assist CG
101 for me!
TaBS, is that you?
Ah, it’s not I see.
Good morning ‘holic & ‘holics.
A bit disappointed to see I missed ”The Great Race To The Century”…103 for me then.
‘holic & everyone else who’s going to the game, give Pubis & His league Of rugby playing Orcs an earful from me!.
Common you Reds! Lets do this!.
Have a great day today guys…wish I was going. Predicting a comfortable victory against the cavemen.
Sorry to mislead Holic – just trying to fill in for him during his abscence.
Last spotted riding Shergar off into the sunset with Lord Lucan…
No worries maestro. I am missing his wit though.
Slightly hungover, but getting ready to head out in a bit. Let’s get the three points today so we can start breathing down the necks of the teams in front of us.
Come on Arsenal!
I miss tabs too. Hope all is well with him.
Morning Lars, lovely and sunny in the home counties today. See you soon.
Morning Holics.
While at my local battle cruiser last night I caught a glimpse of the Farca – Sevilla match. Two quick points:
1. Messi had his pen saved (ha!)
2. Cesc is a true Barca boy. After being manhandled a little by Kanoute in a scuffle while number 1 was happening, he goes to ground clutching his face as if Bruce Lee had given him the one-inch punch in the eye. Result, red for Kanoute, Cesc gets up and wipes some imaginary dust from his face.
When we meet them again he will NOT be well received. Dirty little cheat.
Camberwell – you can receive Cesc badly if you want, I’d prefer to remember all the good he did for us.
Camberwell – If you really wanna get mad at Cesc then listen to this.
Kanoute says that Cesc called him a “dirty stinking n-word.”
It took him 2 months to learn to be a racist and a cheat. Very disappointed, but like Charlie, I’ll remember the good times if we play them.
Sorry he said he called him a “a black piece of shit and a terrorist.”
You’re kind of jumping to conclusions by assuming what Kanoute says is true.
I’m not saying I believe Kanoute, but if it is true it won’t surprise me.
They give lessons, it’s part of La Masia. Just ask Busquets.
Even if he did say it, I still remember him for the good times and happy moments he gave me.
By the way, I thought this might interest you guys…
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7260844,00.html?utm_source=twitterfeed_Football_twitter&utm_medium=twitter
Fabregas going down like a sack of spuds wouldn’t surprise me (he’s a footballer after all), him making a racist comment would. I would not believe it without proof.
Holics.
Thought I’d spoil with something truly magical.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyZ5c3m3IJI
Snir, pure magic. My faves? 18, 24, 63, 85.
Public service announcement for Stokies heading to The HoF today, courtesy of Arsenal Gent:
STOKE FANS: The smoking ban at The Emirates also includes campfires.
Just sayin’….
COYRRRs!
Ollie, holic. Not heard from either of you. I can’t see you in the tollie so heading off. Give me a call or drop me a text if you are reading these posts still.
BBC reports Van Persie starts from the bench with Marouane upfront!.
Have a good one holics.
I’m starting with a first course of Ajax v Feyenoord before the main event.
Does any of u lads have a link to watch the game would appreciate it
Hoping for a 1-0 to The Arsenal…
COYG.. and come on Chamakh…
Snir, didn’t you say you were the stream hunter par excellence? Got one for us matey?
Try this one (via arseblog live chat):
http://streamer4u2.blogspot.com/p/channel-3.html
Close by Ramsey!
Yeeeeeeeesdssssss
Flipper
GOAL!! Assist by Ramsey!
Get In!!!.
The Gerv.
One-Nil !! That Ramsey pass was pure F——s…..
Needed that to settle down, lovely finish too
Once again Mason gives Crouch a foul that wasnt then doesnt give a clear penalty to Chammy
Arse 1 Crap team 1 at half time
Set piece heartbreak all over again.
We need to create more in the second half.
COYRRR
cognacgunner I agree however!
Sloppy defending on a set piece again!
atg – especially since it was Shitecross that Arteta didnt pick up
Come on VAN PERSIE!
Yesssss!!!!! RVP
Van the man!!!
the boys are playing with fires in their bellys…
fires=fire
That Van Persie… He’s not got the leadership qualities, has he?
Come on lads – close this out and send these cunts home sobbing
DreamWright, The more fires the better!! Come on Arsenal!!
Get In?!!!!!
RVP YEEEERRRRR!
RVP is the man!!! 3 – 1
and again COME ON YOU REDS!
Stoke don’t like it up ‘em’ – especially when it’s three goals.
Joshua, Thanks for the stream. 3 more points for the Arsenal.
What can I say Saint Van Persie is just too important for us!
Man U got whooped in their own back yard 1:6 ouch!
MOTD2 is gonna be so much fun today… Absolutely hilarious it’s gonna be.
LMAO
Come on Blackburn 1 a piece!
Camberwell, sorry I didn’t see your post.
I facebooked you, so next time just send me a fb message, I’ll see it for sure
Looking forward to ‘Holic’s 7+ pint match summary
What a lovely day….and seven goals clawed back in GD on the Red Mancs….
We have worked Stoke out….physical play. We were matching up all over the park.
I love my club….keep the faith
153 –
I thought the same …hahahaha . I thought I never watch the damn thing but if i`m going to watch it today has to be the day, it will be bearable
Re: Snir and the RVP 100 goals clip: Thank you for posting. What a thrill to see them back-to-back-to-back. My favorite, among many, #18 v. Blackburn, showing he’s dangerous from touch line to touch line. I hope and pray he’s well on his way to 200 now though.
Now what about those match commentators. It seemed like all they could talk about was Van Persie leaving Arsenal; or Arsenal not being able to do anything without Van Persie. Blogs wrote this week that he was no longer going to listen to them while watching the games, and I hereby decide to do the same, forthwith.
YEAHHHH!!! GET IN THERE ROBIN!
behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory – I had to put them on silent I couldn’t bear listening to them BUNCH OF HANSENS!
Let’s see the bar full today…..the doom mongers can start heading back to the darkness. I don’t think we’re a brilliant team all of a sudden but the change is happening right in front of our eyes.
Our defending is getting better by the week and our understanding of new roles is emerging. Ramsey looked great today and Gervinho showed why he cost a small fortune. We can go to Chelsea with a punchers chance which looked out of the question 5 weeks ago.
Things aren’t fixed yet by any means but this team has more about them in spirit, energy and desire and I think that can make more difference than we’d think. Top that off with Van Persie just playing out of his skin and things might look quite tasty in about a month.
One Aaron Ramsey chant at 92:00 made me proud….
I am so disgusted with RVP who was clearly playing against 12 man Stowkeh thanks to ever wrong Mason
He’s almost as cruel as Citeh
As for expert Tony Gale – when anyone finds out what he is expert at please dont let me know
COYRRRS
Tony Gale is unbearable….but he knows a lot about plumbing apparently
Tim.
I feel ya. I’ve been the same for about 2 months.
We ain’t as exciting but we’re much stronger. Stronger in physical presence, in determination and sheer effort.
For me, that’s a lot better.
I also like the lack of “sure wins” at home, and that we struggle against every team because it keeps the players on their toes.
Song said last season that there were many games last season that they thought they already won before even playing the game.
That attitude is self destructive.
Gervinho was by far MoM. By far.
Arsenal have 1 – 6 of the last 7 games
Finally a pun to help soothe memories of our match at OT
Come on Blackburn. 4 quick second half goals and Arsenal will pass Tottenham in the table, just a few short weeks after the press said Arsenal would be relegated.
Tim, thanks for my newest fb status
it’s currently mine too Snir G
So much for Man City being in “full meltdown” as somebody declared around here recently.
Maybe Balotelli should set off fireworks in his house before every game??
Commentators- Cunts
Ref- Biased cunt
Stoke – Massive cunts
RVP- Brilliant!!
Arsenal – My fucking club!!
Onwards and upwards!
bt8bbgfg @ 144 Alright, then. The boys played with ”fires” in their bellys.
Looking forward to more of the same ”fires-in-the-bellys” performance.
Gerv was electric, Kos was Solid, VP was Talismanic & Ramsey was fantastic.
Then the Mancs got beat 6-1 at the Old Toilet. The perfect Icing for my cake.
My!.What a Sunday.
Best. Weekend. Ever.
Chelsea a goal down already too…
Over the last month we won:
9 of 12 points in the Premier League, and 6 of 6 points in the Champions League. Not too shabby. As Harsha said, MFC.
I’d say a Bosingwa red card would set us up nicely for the Chelsea gam…
Oh.
What is that you’re saying?
Bosingwa got a red?
Get in!
Oh wait again.
He’ll probably just have to sit out the Everton-game midweek due to it being a denial of goal scoring opportunity?
John Terry needs a blanket and a nap….
Well at least the Drogba red is for a dangerous challenge. No Drogba next weekend!
Drogba got a red as well. Now if only Blackburn could find a goal…
I had this dream that we beat the orcs 3-1 with RvP getting a brace, Man Utd losing 6-1 and Chelsea losing with 9 men versus QPR. We were all laughing about it and joking on ‘holics site whilst he was out drinking in North London…..
such a brilliant dream…
A red card for Boateng in the Bayern Munich game and they are 1-0 down
‘Big’ teams losing everywhere
Be very careful, lads. notttabs c o u l d be lurking for 201.
Yeeaahhh!!! Fucking GET in there you rip-roaring reds. Haven’t seen one second of the game so if you describe the goals to me I’ll put my fingers in my ears and shut my eyes and pretend you’re not there.
Wanna savour all of this: beating those enormous cunts, man u take a hiding at the theatre of queens, 2 reds for the chavs and could it get even better??
Snir, will be in touch mate.
FOBHPYC (fuck off back home Pubis you cunt)
Oh btw, can anyone enlighten me about our defensive organisation and the quality of play in the final 3rd? VP got the two goals but how was the team as a whole?
Great result. Fuck off Stoke you BNP supporting knuckle dragging mongs.
Havent seen any of the game but well chuffed with the result.
I hope TS, Holic, Lars and Ollie are keeping the Happy Train punters in check at the Tollie. Especially SCFPB
Last night in Cork tonight lads, so will be toasting the Mighty Reds with my Murphy’s tonight. An excellent 7 days.
Holic, I love you boss and you are the host of this bar.
But you have to explain to the us holics how on earth you picked Kevin Davies on your fantasy team!?
Ahhhh. That’s why I did not get a text or a call. I am not a fully paid up member of the happy train brigade? It’s all starting to make sense now.;-)
Oh well, maybe another day?
A good 3 points. Now let’s do the chavs next week.
Enjoy holics…..
Next time Steve T. ‘holic pleaded guilty
Good gathering, great drinking, waiting for the train home, oh dear!
Zico, Cfpb didn’t turn up, disappointingly
Green Tin Rollers appear to be on a roll, and Midnight Marauders on a … Maraud? Meantime, ‘holic and co. appear to be BOOTFM (blitzed out of their fuckin’ minds). Sayonara kids.
After their great start, Real Betis are back to hemorraging goals in La Liga, losing today to Rayo Vallecano, and Betis are no longer near the top. But for those looking for an underdog, Levante are in third. The usual suspects (Real Madrid and Barcelona) are in first and second.
The Rollers did well? Hang on, off to check them out….
Get iN!!!
Eat dust Cognac G, Lars and ATG!!
Camberwell, your Boy Racers are next….
*dreams of europe*
Oh, I do so wish we had a captain that would lead by example, you know, a captain like Alan Wanksen wanted on MOTD. What wouldn’t we give for a captain that scores goals and generally is our best player and… Oh, right.
Did you notice how Shawcunt turned around towards the North Bank when they were singing “Shawcross you’re a cunt”?
Anyway, have had a brilliant weekend. Thanks to all who turned up at the Tollie today, it was great fun. Hope to see you all again soon!
Oh, and what the fegging feck was the ref on about today? Massively shit, he was.
*..collects the ball on the half way line…*
*pings over a looong diagonal ball….. who’s there?*
GOAL!!!
Incredibly, the ball was overhit, sailed over the back-pedalling goalie, bounced back off the bar, smacked him on the arse and trickled over the line…. who’d have thunk it??
OK, so I admit I might have done a bit of football today.
Fast losing the power of speech thanks to certain individuals in the Tollie…but there are some things I can still just about manage to say…
Robin – I love you…
Flipper – I love you too…
Ollie – Your red hair scares me a bit but I love you too
TS – You are a legend, so of course I love you as well
Lars – your tab is utterly eye-wateringly mighty so how can I not love you beyond all measure
‘holic – you da man and no mistake, so clearly I love you more than anything
Everyone else on this blog, I love you all as well.
But Mason, whoever the feck you are as a match day official, you are officially a total twatspatula.
I think I might be a bit pissed actually…dunno, will check in the morning when a hangover may or may not be bouncing off the inside of my skull….
*slides off sofa in a drunken heap*
PS – Dr C that is SO cheating
I gave a 3 minute window of opportunity for anyone to nod it in…..
Evening Holics
Please don’t get too excited, I was at the Ems and until the introduction of RVP we were pretty ordinary and the crowd were flat. Theo, Song, Chamakh and Djourou were miserable and the Stoke goal was a series of blunders . The defence switched off thinking that the ball ,following the free kick, was going over the goal line. Panic set in when the ball was crossed into the box. Just watch MOTD.
Then our hero entered the fray and the game changed. The players on the pitch suddenly came to life as if inspired by the introduction of our leader . The crowd responded and the combination of Gervinho and Robin produced 2 really good goals .
Lee Mason had a very poor game , which gave the Stoke players the encouragement to take it in turns to foul ours. The free kick which preceded the Stoke goal was typical, Djourou didn’t even touch the Stoke man.
There were even more empty seats than last week which is really sad.
Having said the above the last 25 minutes made up for a poor first half and I and my fellow Norfolk Gooners had a happy journey home.
As always COYRs
Sorry meant us holics not to the us holics @187
Now the fun begins, please don’t scoff at the manures I could see that that was a possible outcome at half time, we were 2 nil down at the same stage too! I see you struggled past the Potters, With us all lining up for an assault on 4 TH spot the Chavs just opened the door for a possible 3 spot. This season is going to be awesome with 5 teams battling it out and Manure and Shitty going at it with each other.
I can only see the Lilly White Champions eventually keeping up with them.
How did you do against balckburn then
Does your mother know you’re still up, cusop
Probably mate shes been dead for 30 years, so it’s all based on your perspective. But more likely her atoms are mixed in the cider you just chugged down
cusop already hedging her bets now she realises we’re just a handball goal behind, shame that their only ever champions league adventure is their last for the decade.
If my kid was a LWC I’d end it all early too….
What a top day out:
We cruised past the Stoke Ming-mongs – what a bunch of Neanderthal tossers.
Brilliant company @ The Tollie. Thanks fellas, you know who you are!
Lashings of Guinnii & Bushmills *boilk*
Manure thrashed 6-1, massive heh!
Chelski 9 beaten by QPR-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha.
Great Indian summer weather.
Did I mention great company?
4th by Xmas ‘Holics? I wouldn’t bet against it…
See some of you next week @ the BS @ Fulham.
Feeling the love ‘Holics
This is by far the best weekend I’ve ever experienced. By far.
@ Lars: He’s got a big f*cking wallet, big f*cling wallet, he’s got a big f*cking wallet…. (heh)
@ Steve T: Sorry to have missed you too. Next time fella.
@ Snowy: Top man. We all loved you too
@ Ollie: Scary hair???
Hola Holic and Holics,
Whew I’m beat. Tender a Herradura,lime and a bottle of Dos Equis.
Nice result RVP is in the form of his life.
Going to enjoy this one and the Manure beating then pull my socks up and focus down for Bolton mid-week.
One step at a time we may yet pull ourselves back into this thing.
For now though I just want to savour it awhile.
Cheers and bottoms up.
COYG!
Delia, I was also at the Emirates and disagree with your assessment. Arsenal were really starting to turn the screw and were mostly playing in Stoke’s half of the pitch when Robin came on to provide the finishing touch. The crowd were really pushing the team forward as most were incensed by the poor refereeing. Stoke were rubbish but got away with a lot of shirt pulling, pushing and general foul play and other than an undeserved free kick, which led to their goal barely troubled our backline.
Tim @ 210
You do play hardball don’t you.??
VdV scored 2 crackers for the Cocks today,so on a ground where we capitulated like a sack of Spuds ??,only a few weeks ago,they ground out a win.Heady days at the Lane,Cusop has had so few opportunities to crow,!!we should allow him his moment in the sun.
Beating Stoke today,was our first win in 5 after a CL game.
Shows you how hard it is to keep adjusting back from European style football ,to the grind of the PL.
After a bright start today,we looked very flat once Stoke scored,until Van Pericles came on and changed the game.
RVP is already on ‘ The Edge ‘ according to AW,so a week off will help restore his energy levels ahead of Chelsea next week.
Our Nemesis will be on an enforced holiday,as will one of their best defenders,so it should be an interesting game.
Cheers
The Sweeper.
Sweeper, do you mean Bosingwa?
If you do, well then, he’s gonna be available. His ban will be served in the CC against Everton.
Has our leader made it home? Bit worried. Top Gooner day. Cheers all.
If anyone finds a wallet behind the bar, it’s Lars’!
A great weekend indeed apart from spuds flattering win. Delighted Drogba missing next week too. MOTD recorded and for the first time in a long time will enjoy the whole show.Drinks all round
If we had received 2 red cards in 8 minutes talk shite and the other red top hacks would all be creaming their pants by know. Hypocritical twats.
A tasty slice of spinach lasagna later, I am ready for anything. Red wine please, barman, and a few for all the likely suspects.
Snir @ 217.
Bugger.!!
A near perfect day results-wise for all of us and a near perfect day from reports by iStorey, iOllie and company. Why do seem things to go better for those of us whose names begin with “i”? More friends? Better relationship with their maker? Do they help little old ladies cross the street more often? Are they simply the chosen people?
Oh well, I guess the rest of us will have to settle for a near perfect day of football results. Quite happily, actually.
I’m not crowing, I’m just keeping account of events, But expected as the season progressed the usual suspects would be settng up for a big charge for 4th. I think once you have bought some decent players you will be back in the running in no time.
As for Van Der Varts goals he made them look to easy
As for the humilation of the week shitty had two ex PGCs on the bench, both of which would have been great for you this season Kolo and Sammy siting between little weed
Just realised I vaguely remember going to Holloway Rd with Lars but in fact I don’t remember the tube to st pancras at all or checking into the Eurostar. Why is tomorrow Monday? Bah must really go to sleep now
8ball @ #223
Not a ‘chosen one’ just lucky to have found this site and subsequently to have been fortunate enough to meet some very special Gooners. If you make it over to the HoF some time soon, be sure to let us know so we can add another face to a valued poster
G’night all. My final thoughts of the day are with the great talent that was Marco Simoncelli & his family. RIP Marco, you will be missed by this Gooner.
TS, Thanks for the kind words and I eagerly look forward to the day when I can put faces to you special characters, one future day at the HoF though based on the 7 year old daughter I might do better looking for Steve T.
I seem to remember Dr. C admitting to having a 7 year old daughter too, but I believe she resides in sunny Catalonia so the odds of uniting our 7 year olds are even more remote… but that could happen too. So long as adequate day care is provided near the HoF and/or the Tollie, that is.
I seem to recall the ‘holic pound was on a 2-1 Arsenal victory, in which case the second RVP goal must have been the source of mixed emotions. Up the Arse but down the ‘holic pound. The only bittersweet aspect of the day, I imagine.
@Snir 217
I beg to differ sir. His match ban in the EPL cannot be server in the league Cup competition.
lcgooner.
You know I don’t write things without checking them first
Jacky got a 3 match ban last season against Birmingham.
He was suspended for City away, Newcastle away in the CC, West Ham at home.
He played against Newcastle at home which was the 4th game after Birmingham and the 3rd league game after Birmingham.
@Snir I stand, I mean remain seated with a cup of tea corrected.
Cusop. ‘holic asked us to humor you. I thought you might recognise yourself in this photo, but no I do not mean the one who is holding the mallet.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tpapi/2765541278/
Hi ‘holics,
Anyone seen the guv’nor?…
DreamWright, The guvnor has not been spotted in Minnesota. Perhaps he is in Wessex or one of those other mythical counties.
Re: La Liga @193 it appears I was reading from the table as it appeared before this weekend’s games. Levante is now topping the table after defeating Villarreal and moving up from third. Levante are not my preferred underdog choice, that being Betis, but any underdog is to be preferred rather than Barcelona or Real Madrid, that is for sure.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/oct/23/la-liga-round-up-levante-villarreal
The best thing about the 6-1 result?
Annoying Man U supporting cunts are so silent that the comments after every blog written on the internet have become readable.
They’re so wank, that if wank was squeezing one off what would come out would Man U.
Anyhoo, Snir, if Chelsea only have 1 Carling Cup game to play before they play us won’t Bosingwa and Drogba still be unavailable? We play them next weekend right?
Have you all seen the video on arsenal.com of the great table tennis showdown between SZCZ and AOC? Hysterical stuff.
@ Clive……I suppose so especially when it comes to cusop, I mean don’t Tiny Totts supporters have somewhere else to go? This little orphan girl has been in the drinks on and off for far too long, I just find it funny that ‘suddenly’ we’re legitimate top 4 contenders in her glazed eyes. Just think it was only 20 years since the Spuds had won the league back when her Mum jumped out of that window. Harry relies on guesswork and a chequebook, I don’t think they’ll last the pace with that squad.
8ball, that was a cool video eh? I loved the banter from the Ox…
“Save that keeper”
“What are you doing Chambo?”
I think he’s a superhero because he refers to himself in the third person all the time
CoR – Drogba is banned. Bosingwa was sent off for a professional foul not a violent behavior sending off so that’s just a one game ban.
Snir- that pass from Rambo to gervinho was exactly what I was referring to when I said Arteta needed to pass forward and be more creative.
I’ve no problem with grinding out results except the ulcer or 2 it may have caused but, we did look a little lost without our captain leading the charge.
YDWBHL – I loved that pass and the one before it which Begovic caught off Gervinho’s chest.
Ramsey is starting to find his groove.
I have to say this though.
Every team struggles without its talisman.
Have you seen United without Rooney? Real without Ronaldo? Barca without Messi/Xavi? Chelsea of the last two seasons without Drogba?
Arsenal without Henry?
It’s obvious that a team will struggle without its best player, I don’t understand what’s wrong with it.