Parking The Bus? Oh No, Arsenal Pass The Buck
Oct 29th, 2011 by 'holic
On the away team dressing room wall I would like to think a clipping is superglued to the wall of Chelsea’s classy chairman’s pre-match proclamation that they would “beat the crap out of Arsenal”. Somewhere in a dark corner of the boardroom tonight some demented soul is wondering just how much more of Roman’s Bucking money he will have to spend to prevent days like today happening.
I have to say, despite the absence of Drogba, I went into this game thinking I had really Bucked up last night when I lumped on an Arsenal win after a few sherbets. That feeling came and went as the first-half ebbed and flowed and both sides looked like they couldn’t give a Buck about the art of defending. We could, perhaps should have been two up before making a right pair of Buck-ups to allow Lampard a free header on target.
To the lads credit they did not allow their heads to drop, and a deserved equaliser came when the unpredictable Gervinho was played onside by Cole, of all Bucking people, to put one on a plate for the carnivorous van Persie. Fortunately our left-back was too slow recovering to play Sturridge onside and the flag stopped short Chelsea celebrations. That was a Bucking close call.
With only Koscielny, of the eight defenders on view, looking like he had any Bucking clue about how to defend, it wasn’t a total surprise when Terry nipped in front of Mertesacker to restore the home sides advantage in time added on at the end of the half. “Buck up”, screamed Szczesny, and he was right. “Un-bucking-felievable” tweeted a thousand disappointed Gooners.
I don’t know what Arsene said to his team at half-time, although I suspect he fired some serious Bucks into Djourou, Mertesacker, and Santos, because there was an almost immediate improvement in concentration and distribution from the back. That provided the basis for a second-half performance that blew Chelsea away, and started with a goal from the Brazilian left-back, who was as outstanding after the break as he had been Bucking shocking beforehand.
The comeback was complete when Walcott, despite having slipped on his Bucking arse, sprung up again to burst through four defenders and lash it home at Cech’s near post. The visiting fans went Bucking mental, and it was great to hear them in such fine voice again throughout. Arsenal being Arsenal you just knew they couldn’t shut up shop, although Wenger appeared to make the attempt when sending on Rosicky for Walcott with just eleven minutes to go.
A minute later that looked a huge Bucking mistake when Mata scored a with a blinding strike from the edge of the box, although quite how Mr Marriner missed Lukaku taking out Santos in the build up is a Bucking mystery. At times like this you can be forgiven for thinking the worst, but I was feeling strangely confident still. We regained the lead when the upright citizen that is Terry fell flat on his Bucking face under no pressure whatsoever, and the opposing skipper waltzed through, bypassed the not-so-bouncing Cech, and slotted calmly into an empty net.
Did I say calmly? Well it was anything but calm in the final minute when van Persie put his Bucking laces through the back of the ball to complete his hat-trick and spark scenes of wild celebration in the visitors section of the Shed. Three thousand ecstatic Gooners lifted the Bucking roof off.
The post match interviews were a contrast. Arsene watchers claimed a very quick full-house in Arsenal bingo when Le Boss spoke of our “tremendous spirit and huge Bucking mental strength”. John Terry was more circumspect, loquacious as ever as he ruminated on the missing Drogba. “We missed the big darkie up front”, said the Chelsea skipper.
A matter of days after the Chelsea manager dedicated his sides win to Terry, he was man enough to dedicate this humbling at home to his chairman, Bruce Buck. “We could have done without that Bucking idiot sticking his oar in”, he said.
Or words to that effect.
446 Responses to “Parking The Bus? Oh No, Arsenal Pass The Buck”
I’m in love with RvP.
First!
Days are not much sweeter than these..1st…Hope the Bucker does a full montu in front of stamford bridge tonight
2nd…
best team performance …
Stick that in your Bucking pipe and smoke it.
URRREDS!
Get in number 5 – that feels GOOD 2day
UP The Arse!
Oh what a silly Bucker
Arteta
Top ten
The sweetest victory for many a month.
Bucking hilarious match report, ‘holic! 😀 ….and a bucking amazing feeling as well.
Go Arse!
Brilliant bucking result!
Well played ‘holic – sweet joy watching ch@lski Buckle ‘neath the red onslaught
Up The Arse!
That’s the one good thing about not being as good as you once were you never know quite what’s going to happen so makes days like today all the more enjoyable 🙂 Loved it,
And over a side so full of Bucking arseholes it tastes even sweeter Ashley what’s the Score,
Full Kudos to the Away boys sang loud and proud as always and completley drowned out the bridge
Bucking frilliant post ‘holic 😉
New post indeed!
Bucking great!
Guinness, please?
a bucking good read you bucking buck
From the last drinks…. but I think it’s worth reposting
http://twitpic.com/77m4h1
“We missed the big darkie up front”…….made me laugh my Bucking Arse off….well written, Holic….finally no Bucking handbrake
iconic
I heard chelsea coach complaining of slipe from John Terry that make us to win the game,i just laugh if there is no mistake there will be no goal score in game of football,it was the same mistake and slip from Mertesacker that allow their 2nd goal,so stop complaining.
For once I’m not too sure about your stylings, ‘holic.
The buck-overload makes this hard to read.
Nevermind the most bizarre (absence of) transition between our equaliser and the Sturridge (not Ramires…) off-side.
Strange. Have you had more than your 7 pints? :O
But buck it, I’m deliriously happy at the result!
That cracked up me up. Up the bucking Arse!
This is the happiest I’ve been after watching the Arsenal for some time. Happy days!
And John bucking Terry fell over — how funny and perfectly apt is that?!
Top posting hollic! What a brilliant game of football, and an equally brilliant result for us. I’m totally delighted and ecstatic.
I think I’ll put that at my new wallpaper at work CG.
I’m stuck with the official 1 0 against the Manc from last season, but I need a new one.
Ooh, that’s racist. *ala David Brent*
Sorry Ollie. I was making a lot of noise when the Chelsea goal was ruled offside and Sky showed a close-up of Ramirez. Arsenal.com match report says it was Ramirez. I’ll check elsewhere.
Its all about money money money which can be spent by Chelsea Chelsea Chelsea but look silly by the AFC winning 5-3 5-5-5-5-3
Look at John Terry slipping on floor like he saw Adebayor wanting to make him sore.
Look at RVP making it 5-3 to the famous AFC not the Chelsea, not the the the Chelsea one of the greatest things to see
Gooners going yippee at the delight that is Van Persie making 5-3 to the AFC not the the the Chelsea
Its all about money money money which can be spent by Chelsea Chelsea Chelsea but look silly by the AFC winning 5-3 5-5-5-5-3
Oh, and the lack of transition is to emphasise the fact that their bucking cunt of a left-back played us onside, while ours was incapable of returning the favour 😉
And Chesney buckin murder the little bunt cole!
Haha 😉
Hes got a thing for destroying left sided players of our most hate rivals
Bale and cole
Hopefully he destroys Evra soon!!!
Ps rvp is a god and ramsey is starting to show the fine form we all expected.
bucks up to the bucking arsenal for bucking stamford bridge into bucking silence
AAh classic post after a classic game – BUCKING GREAT STUFF YOU REDSSSSSS!!!!
I am surprised at the total absence of any buck-toothed player, ‘holic!
Also of note how about two passes of cesc quality in the last two games from Rambo. Onwards and upwards.
ESPN and ITV say Sturridge. I’ll change it. Thank you sub-ed 😉
The vision and execution of that one to Gervinho for the first goal was top class.
Time for a song
BBBBBBrilliant!
sooooooo bucking sweet. yelling and dancing like a crazy motherbucker when rvp rounded cech and slipped it in smooth as silk. after all this season has brought, it also brings a game that will be shown on classics for years… i loved loved loved robin for giving that owd gooner his jersey. oh how he loves his gooners.
We did Ted Bundy on poor sods.
Not only have I a few hundred Bucks heading back to my bank, I also have a fifty Bucks free bet to come on the next good thing 😀
I love Guinness…
Defensively, that was like watching sides from the Red Lion and the King’s Arms thrashing about on a Sunday AM kick. Santos in particular looks as if he started out with a two too many pints in him. But three points is three points; as we say here in Canada, “What the puck?”
In Vino Veritas, ‘holic.
“13Szczesny13 I don’t know why I stayed on the pitch but WHAT A GAME!! Great spirit, great atmosphere and a great win! RVP needs to start scoring though!!”
SAME OLD ARSENAL, TAKING THE PISS 😀
Champagne win for glorious gooners as Buck’s boys lose their fizz.
Might pop out to the Roe-buck and get some Buck’s fizz in a buck-et.
Just having a quiet glass of Chardonnay with the wife ‘Holic. Cheers to you and all Gooners. Where did the hapless Buck make such a boastful and classless proclamation?
Hey Buck, we kicked fuck out of you cunts!
The week leading up to the game was frisky.
In response to Arsene’s request for unity, balding, jelly-bellied home-counties shareholding brigadiers took the opportunity to boo and bleat and speak for “us fans” in post-AGM video dissertations on roast pig. They didn’t speak for me with their bellyaching of a pathetic hue, always it seems, aimed at disunity and disharmony, rather than any positive contribution to the club’s welfare.
Meanwhile, over at the Kremlin in Fulham, Comrade Abramoviich’s glee, at news of Comrade Putin’s pending return to the seat kept warm by his lacky puppet, lost some of its sheen as Terry, his abysmal excuse for a human being, tired of canoodling with his mates’ wives and took up the cause of racial hatred as protagonist in chief.
Andy Feathered Boa, the Fulham Politburo’s new head bummer was still smarting from a good kick in the pants at QPR, which had caused him to take up big-time ref bashing. And, on the back of a rejection of plans to refurbish the tumble-down shack at the Bus Stop, Wild Bill Buck was spouting expletives and calling for the capitalistic comrades to kick the stuffing right out of The Arsenal.
So the scene was set.
I’d been at the Christmas game when Arsenal ripped Chelski to shreds. It was almost as much fun as the night we humped Barcelona at home; the 3-0 away win against Shitty’s millionaires and the home thumping we gave Manure. Couldn’t make it over this time though, so I was relying on Holic to put in a shout for me between sips from his hip flask. I wasn’t the only one missing. Cesc, Nasri, Jack, Diaby and Sagna were all absent. Chelski were at fool strength.
And so we were off.
Arsenal started the slower. Within minutes though, Walcott skinned A-Hole and teed Gervinho up with a sitter that, quite unbelievably, he managed to miss. Moments later, Robin had a gilt edged chance from another superb Theo cross, but nudged just over. Then, wouldn’t you know it, Arsenal were caught out at the back. Schoolboy stuff from Santos allowed Mata to cross. All 6 feet 10 of Per missed the incomer and Fat Frank netted easily. We were one down. Same old?
We didn’t lie down and gained the ascendancy as the handbrake loosened. Ramsey to Gervinho, a side foot to Robin and the league’s most lethal striker made it 1-1 and we were right back in it. I think Arsenal will score five, quipped Her Nellieness. “Some hope”, I thought. All we needed to do was keep it at 1-1 till the break. We couldn’t! A weak corner kick effort wasn’t defended and we went in 2-1 down courtesy of the racist, mate’s wife shagger.
Half-time oranges. “Let the handbrake off completely, boys. Go out and have fun” was Arsene’s message. And we did!
Santos blasted home to make it 2-2 and make a mockery of Scots voices who’d called for his withdrawal at half time. Then, even better, Theo, fighting like a tiger for a change was downed by A-Hole before bouncing up, rocketing forward and slamming a pearler inside Cech’s near post, Three-two! “Told you, it’s going to be FIVE” opined Her Nellieness as I mashed my nails to the bone.
Arsenal were fighting for everything. Ramsey was everywhere. Gervinho was worth three Nasri’s in defence. Arteta and Song were lions in mid-field and Koscielny was magic, snuffing out completely the 50 million down the gurgler that is Torres.
Then, a mis-pass from Santos allowed Mata to slam a third home for Chelski. The ref appeared to miss completely the fact that Santos was wrestled to the ground to avoid him recovering.. Four lettered expletive beginning with F!
But then, the best striker in Europe, a great leader, a superb captain – Robin Van Persie stepped up. Terry lay face down in the mud as Robin stoked home number four. Then Cech’s left arm was nearly ripped into the roof of the net moments later. Number 5 was alive and Chelski were dead and buried.
Arsene beamed! Robin lead the boys to our end and gave his shirt to mental man Gooner. Her Nellieness said “Told you so” and a beautiful Van Persie hat-trick inspired weekend began as the rain poured down under gray Virginia skies.
“Fired in the morning, You’re getting fired in the morning!” thought Feathered Boa to himself as he sulked off to dry to drown the sorrow of two slammings in a week.
Really grand to see Ramsey getting the plaudits today.
He had a ropey spell about a month back, but he kept his head down, maintained his fantastic work rate and is now starting to pick out those killer passes with greater regularity. Excellent example to the rest of the squad re: ignoring the critics and continuing to graft. He’s going to be some player.
Also wanted to say hats off to Santos. Diabolical first half, different player in the second. I suspect that this is the benefit of experience – instead of going to bits he pulled himself together at the break, quietly deposited sturridge in his pocket and started roving forward.
Speaking of pockets, I hope Kos remembers to let Torres out of his. No worries if he doesn’t though, there’ll be plenty of other forwards joining him in there are the season progresses.
Captain fantastic obviously a genius. I’m not sure City can afford him even if they do come knocking. Great leadership after the match too – a born skipper.
Oh that was Bucking sweet….
Great post holic…. loved the not so bouncing Czech.
I didn’t see this coming at all especially Walcott’s performance.
btw Pint of Pride……obviously..
For Buck’s sake Arsenal. Had my money on a 2-1 and you go and spoil my day by sticking 5, yes FIVE, past the Burberry-wearing Chavs who hang out at the bus shelter drinking 20/20 and smoking B & H.
Wenger out. He just cost me £3.
So, so many things for me to look forward to on MOTD I’m going to be like a 5-year-old going to bed on Christmas Eve tonight.
And this is just from what I’ve heard…
– An RVP hat-trick
– That racist slag “big” JT falling flat on his face giving it away to captain vantastic (seriously, I can’t be sure but I might enjoy that more than anything in the entire game)
– Rambo playing another blinder
– Theo tearing Cuntley Cunt a new one (btw his performance was described on fivelive as “outstanding” – I think by Shearer)
Anything else I should look out for, just let me know friends!
Trebles all round, plus a pint of Star on top of that for whoever wants one.
PS – Are we beginning to turn the corner now?
Buck Rodgered.
Up the Arse.
Cheers, BtM!
Drink for you and all at the bar!
Buck me, ‘Holic. You were quick with that post. Caught me out. Thought you were at the game? Very nice bucking job though. A Guinness would go down quite nicely thank you very muchly.
Hey BtM.
Next up for me is Everton. Any chance we’ll see you there?
Nice one, Ollie. Thanks mate. India in February?
Camberwell, here’s a sneak preview for you;
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/hadareud/2yls1gm.gif
Holic – First rate report!
iH2H – I’d give my left knacker for that to be the headline in the Observer tomorrow (which I’m going to be first in line to pick up at the newsagents.
BtM – Hilarious take on proceedings (none of which I’ve seen), had me giggling to myself on more than one occasion…”the tumble-down shack at the bus stop”…quality!
N7 Gooner – The “speaking of pockets” quip: comedy magic mate.
UTA! And FOHTYRC (clue: the HTY stand for Home Terry You…fill the gaps)
I’m struggling, Holic. In Fife this coming Saturday for the oldies 60th Wedding Anniversary. Flying visit, won’t even have time to have Dr Zico buy me a very quick one. I’ll see what I can do for Everton.
Esso – Oh. My. God. That’s a pure comedy slipping over – in my mind I imagined he’d tangled with someone, but he did it all by himself!
Can this day GET any better?
Who the buck?
Who the buck?
Who the bucking hell are you?
Who the bucking hell are you?
Not read the reports or drinks yet. Still too busy laughing and making good of the holic’s ferret tip in a previous post. Great tip off
wow its a win………….yahooo…
Ollie – I have it on screensaver too now. Nice idea.
Good to see someone else mentioning Flipper’s workrate in defence. I thought he was fantastic.
As always, I got a bit nervous when Arsene took off our speed merchants – it just invites the other team on. Stop it Arsene, please.
But then.. what do I know?
Apt, is it not, that our left back wears No 11 ??!
Not sure when (if) for India yet, BtM, but I’d say more likely to be January than February.
Missing West Brom AND Fulham, ‘holic? 🙁
Camberwell, having watched it again and again, I don’t even think he slips.
He sees the ball out of reach and just jumps to the floor.
Perhaps he was hoping for a free-kick? ;D
Bucking excellent
😀 and 😆
Bordeaux 1 0 up at Ajaccio. Will it last?
Well 2-0 now
Caution!! There appears to be an upward move in store for the Speedo Massive. Look out above …
Finished watching THE Captain’s post match interview and just loved his passion and the pure delight on his face… Also loved the it where he returned the man of the match drink to Ramsey to share with the boys.. Leader of Arsenal ,Captain Vantastic, I bow to your awesomeness…
Get his contract sorted IG…
So that’s why you follow Arsenal…High end drama against low rent wannabees. Having a glass of wine atop the moral highground tonight and the view is beautiful if somewhat blocked by that pollution coming from manchester. Bucking the trend of recent trips here 5 goals seems a fair reflection on the performance. 2 first team defenders and rel new leftback meant we were always going to give them a chance. The sight of aston villa boatrace visibly aging will stay with me long into this wonderful night. Pint of Dutch Gold please.
That’s dinner done and dishes sorted. Now…
Oh Ollie, no. I’m at Fulham. Is that before Everton? I’m having a memory ‘mare today.
Anybody would think I was old, pissed, and forgetf…
What was I saying?
Yes, last game in November (26th), saturday late kick-off.
Oh how sweet to sit in the prawn sarnie section if the bus stop with some clients and have the smuggest grin on my face I’ve ever had.
However I must admit at full time I did feel a little ashamed at my midweek rant yet again about the AGM and the situation at the club and the managers decisions. I am man enough to hold my hands up (not for the first time) and admit I don’t know half as much about football as I think I do. Certainly not as much as the manager. Or Holic and Takeabowson to be fair.
See Holic it didn’t even take a trophy to make my mood change, just a stuffing of the Chavs at the bus stop.
Just a question: when Terry kissed the ground for God’s 2nd goal was he thinking of rubbing mud on his face to show everyone how non ‘racialist’ he is?
And now their gonna believe us…..by far the greatest team the world has ever seen.
p.s. great noise from the traveling gooners this arvo
Actually Noel, I will say I thought AvB was pretty reasonable in his post-match interview when others would have made a big thing of the Szczesny incident.
Seems the Ch3l5ea manager may be the shining lamp in the rented darkness of Stamford Bridge.
Am certain I fell asleep at half time and have been dreaming ever since… Am I going to wake up to have it confirmed the second half was as Gary Neville predicted, a 0-0 stalemate?
In case I do then I just want to share my glorious dream with the other drinkers at this wonderful bar and say bravo to the lads. Feels bucking awesome!!!
Cheers NB1, but we know there will be days when your alter-ego (and mine!) will be entitled to rant. I just think we should give this lot the benefit of the doubt until they do implode, which I suspect we all still fear.
In their defence though it is a long time since I have watched Arsenal sides put so much into a game. If some of our technically superior elevens had put this much in we would not be six years without a trophy.
What more can I say? An utterly enjoyable day! 😉
No doubt he has more class than Mour but if Arsene had said what he had last week he would have been strung up already. Honeymoon period is over for this guy. Have to mention man city fans booing their team off at half time…was like the lotto winner complaining about having his benefits cut…I know we have had our problems but fuck me that is fickle..
I told you I had a dream!
go on Arthur,you know you can do it
dream the nightmare season for Arsenal tonight
I hear eating cheese can help
Yep, once more, well done, Arthur!
What a grand day out. MOTD Sky+ ed so I can watch it again and again and again tomorrow as a I recover from anticipated (and likely fully deserved) *boilk*. So that’s one bit of admin sorted.
Second bit of admin – some thanks.
First: to TS for so brilliantly dealing with such poor service in the pub this morning that they didn’t charge us for three massive lardy breakfasts. Top work TS, you are a legend.
Second: to the QPR-supporting cabbie who dropped me off at the pub, for his kind words and earnest wishes that we beat the crap out of Chek$ki today. Job done fella.
Third: to Dr C for reminding me of the recipe for an Aunty Beechams. Again. Your diligence in the care of your patients clearly knows no bounds. You too are a legend.
Fourth: to ‘Holic. For two utterly genius posts on the bounce. You are the true Maestro of bloggers, and a legend beyond legends.
Fifth: massive cheers to all the good souls and great drinkers on this site. Tis clearly a very happy Gooniverse tonight, so enjoy.
Sixth: to the unconstructive and whingy Gloom & Doomers, for staying away tonight, so we can all continue to enjoy the result.
Seventh: well a bit of a shout out to the lads on the pitch today wouldn’t go amiss would it? Particularly RVP. Did I ever mention I love him? Oh..
And finally: to the giant hulking Chelsea steward who stood behind me during the game, for saying “That bloody ref’s useless” when Lukak-stain fouled Santos in the build up to Mata’s goal. Nice to see some secret Gooners on ‘the inside’ at the bus stop… 😉
Arthur – how remiss of me – of course thank you too for having a dream 🙂
Drink for AtG please barkeep – maybe make it absinthe based though?? That should send his dreams off the scale…
Great stuff, snowy! I am jealous, wish I’d been there.
And good luck with the forthcoming *boilk*
My dream was about various shit, I remember this blond from Stockholm she was so was I in my dream anyhow. We seemed to get on great then came the break for some reason I found m self back in my bed in sunny Berkshire and my ATG junior said Arsenal lost 2:1 to Chelski and I told him son be proud as long as we played out of the skins it’s all good. I think Arsenal has taken over my life hmmmm it already has for God knows how long!
Lars can you please give me the number for this blonde? Management is not looking! 😉
drink!
BtM – you what? Regards to the olds.
Everton, December is a must.
I can hardly see…………..
Sleep the sleep of the just, snowy, and thank you. You are a most welcome addition to this truly mental bunch.
Well played TS. Always good to know a fella who knows how to get a free fry-up.
Didn’t fancy Bodeans then?
Snowy,
😀
Ollie – thank you, squire. You were missed today!
Drink for everyone in the bar!
Ollie will be eating mayo with his frites in Bruges ce soir
You have to pity that Ollie. Tough assignment. 😉
Sauce Pommes-Frites, Jacques!
I only had some Asian food though.
My breakfast out was very pleasant but not nearly so free as that of TS and co. 😀
Floats one in….
RVP like…
Left foot smash into the top corner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
H2H knows how to float ’em. 😀 😀
TaBS will be furious 😉
haha
I was checking thses drinks, was wondering what the fuck this was about until I saw your post, ‘holic, and checked the numbers only then.
‘Holic – thank you.
And I suspect we would have made it to Bodeans, had it not been for the fact that the former boss I’d arranged to meet up pre-match with had already booked a table at the Duke on Parson’s Green.
A fancy ‘gastro’-type pub now it seems. I remember it when it was a proper boozer *sighs*
Speaking of tabs, if you haven’t seen that one yet, courtesy of Frugal Bugle at arseblog:
None of that forrin muck for me Ollie.
Just here to re-iterate your homeland for future ‘holics.
Well in 8ball, my assist rate’s going through the roof.
Credit where it is due. The ‘holic pound wasn’t my original call this week.
On 28/10/11 at 3.55pm
147takeabowson
Arsenal 9/2 to win tomorrow with Paddy Power .
Surely the most alluring invitation to emanate from the Emerald Isle since The Nolan Sisters (pre-fat ) told us they were in the mood for Dancing ?
Heh, you’ll fool no-one Jackster.
Although… I still have no idea how TS got that bizarre idea.
Gervinholloway2Holland?
Ollie, That’s one great picture and caption. Take a bow son, indeed!!!! 😀
Welcome neighbour.
I’m thinking of having a lock-in tonight after MotD. It could get messy 😉
I’ve got so much to say I dunno where to start…
112 Ollie, 😆
Start with
‘YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY!’, Snir.
“Hahahahahahahaha!” is also a good way to start.
Heh!
‘Ever fallen in love with someone you shouldn’a fallen in love with’ just came on my iTunes.
On Bobby Pires’ birthday 😉
It looks like Arsenal went hunting and landed a five-point buck.
Now I’ll get my coat …
Ollie – genius pic…
Snowy – thank you for your kind words. All true, of course! 😉
Re H2H’s floaters @102. May I recommend reducing the fat content of your diet?
Jolly good. Carry on.
Junior Nurse Helpa….!!!
Dr C.
If I remove the fat, that would only leave alcohol in my diet.
I suppose I could live with that. 😉
Snowy – heh!
The Duke of Cumberland was certainly better than its present incarnation. Fondly known as “the sausage” by us witty locals…
How was The Pony?
Ollie – great pic!!
Caught a short extract of Pires interview on L’Equipe TV a few minutes ago (in front of The Grove) where he was talking about Wenger and the fact that he liked that trainng was based on players strengths and also that he always treated them like responsible adults.
May this team now come of age.
Lovely stuff on here tonight as always!
Holic it’s already messy JT is begging Saint Van Persie not too score! What else could you ask for? Heh?
I’m pissed but I’m making it laasssssssssssssssssst verrrrrrrryyyy long!
Ollie, you’re right.
Here goes.
YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHAAAAHHHHHHHH
Damn that feels good.
Now I need to explain to my non following sports friends of FB why I wrote that a group of men made me reach multiple orgasms!
*of = on
Hey guys, does anyone know Arsenalist on a personal basis?
I am dying for someone to make Arsenal’s players first and second half downloadable.
It used to be downloadable when it was ATVO but it ain’t anymore, and obviously he posts videos from Arsenal player so if someone could ask for those 2 videos (first and second half) I’d be very grateful 🙂
Sorry Snir, I don’t know him. Drop him a line directly. Most of these guys are flattered to be asked for help and only too glad to give advice.
I did, on twitter.
But I’m no Goonerholic you know 🙂
Brilliant support, to all those at the Bridge. Had to help.
D & G’ers please note.
Catalan – have to agree about – say it quietly – Gary Neville. Dives back below parapet. 😉
Robin van Persie – the smoking Gun, full of Buck shot ! 😉
Now to watch as many highlights programs as I can find.
Trev
Glad to have you under the table with me.
re Gary Nev*lle, of course!
Can’t be a blog around to match the pre-match post from the Guvnor and the match report from BtM.
Kos was outstanding today, and Arteta is starting to knit play together very nicely from a deeper position than I thought he would take up.
Much more positive than the departed samba rhythm king – sorry BtM 😉
Catalan – 2 doctors under the table – no change there then 🙂
BBBBucking Hell! We did it!!!!!
🙂
Heh Trev. Back where we belong!
Under the table – and so early in the evening!
Great stuff. Keep up the good work 🙂
Catalan – Almost forgot to say – I didn’t get to the Sloaney Pony in the end, but the cabbie that dropped me off at the Duke said that last term Sp*ds fans put the windows in there after the game.
Tsk tsk.
Snowy – you can take the boys out of the riots, but you can’t…..
great stuff ‘Holic, I feel on top of the bucking world!
Just got home after a long day, will start catching up on drinks and reading the ‘Holic match report in a while but first:
WHAT A FUCKING LOVELY WIN!
Back in a tick 🙂
Don’t worry, Lars, your tab is still running.
Given the circumstances, you know it will be one of your biggest ever, right?
Holic, you have a rather urgent mail from me.
If any of you ‘holics know the lucky chap that RVP gave his shirt to!
http://www.skysports.com/skysportsnews/story/0,,19494_7275421,00.html
Still up and about
LOVE YOU ……………HOOLLIICSS!
Thanks to all today for your messages/texts/tweets you know who you are. You are all awesome legends 😉
Brlliant day-out with friends new and old. Love my trips to The Bridge, (last time we won 2-1) and of course, with that win at The HoF last Xmas are we becoming the Chavs’ bogey team?
Big, big shout out to the boys in red & white today, this year we are a team that contains men that really play for eachother. Wonderful to watch.
Edwin advises the HT is now polished, gleaming & packed to the gunnels with satisfied passengers.
Forwards Arsenal!
apologies didn’t want to come from the sides 🙂
Steve T
I agree with you and BTM makes it even strtonger!
PS. Pissed Polish GOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNERRRRRR!
Holic apologies can you please decrease my long comment? WordPress and all thaat…………
I had no idea ‘holic liked to listen to the Buckcozzs.
Snail Love You!
Evening Holic and Holic’s
Barkeep, Ill have whatever Robin’s having.
This has been a really,really good day and no drinks for Cusop?
Well contentious as always I think I’m going to plunk a few quid down on QPR.
Why the hell not.
PS. Santos doubles Clicheys scoring total at left back.
COYG!!
Top tweet from legendary Canary follower Stephen Fry:
“I awaken to discover an EPL that’s gone goal crazy. Such a rich harvest. 6 at Carrow Rd and 8 at Stamford Bridge. Lordy potatoes.”
Lordy potatoes indeed. I nominate that to be my phrase of the week, and shall see how many important conversations with clients I can shoe horn it into…
🙂
What a wonderful evening Holics
I’m so pleased for Arsene, who has taken such a beating from the media and certain unmentionable bloggers. This was a significant team performance where the quality of the football in the second half was on a par with the finest Wengerball.
Ramsey and Theo had their best games of the season and Kos was the best defender on the park. My friend Szczesny is making a habit of giving me a fright but all was forgiven as I love the man.
Then there was our hero , the icing on our very tasty cake. RVP is at the very top of his game . He looked really proud when taking his team to salute our superb fans at the final whistle, wish I had been with them.
Yes, there were flaws at the back, particuarly in the first half but we tightened up after the interval and Santos looked a completely different player, scoring that all important equalising goal. I wonder what was said at half time ?
Seems the team is really pulling together, with the whole (minus world class stars late of this parish) being more effective as a unit.
Only time will tell but if today is a sign of things to come then we are in for a very interesting back half of the season ,with Sanga and LJW joining the throng.
Trust I can buy a concessionary ticket for the Happy Train. Can’t wait for next week.
As always COYRs
DB12, Santos is a real man. That is, he has his flaws but I believe that even Evra would have to admit that Santos is actually a man, despite being an Arsenal player. 😉
Should have D-B112, and Delia you make excellent points all around. 😀
Guess who are these that wear the red and white
Old cannons gold embroidered on their chests
Advancing as an army out to fight
Raiding the fields of green in all contests
Striking with devastating speed and skill
Enjoy the captain’s cannon firing thrice
Nervous moments fading before the thrill
As efforts of defending do suffice
Look at the great and wondrous artistry
Fancy elegance and quick dancing feet
Compared by some to lovely poetry
Wit and lightness together soft and sweet
It doesn’t matter that your sponsor’s rich
Notice the message spoken on the pitch
BtM, brilliant report as usual!
Arthur@89, I’m not sure what her number is, but it is something like 53 53 53 53!
snowy, good to hear you had a great day out! Would have loved to have been there with you. Really jealous of all who were at the Bridge today.
Ollie@143: yup, my wallet is ready for some heavy beating!
iStorey: last Sunday you said “next weekend we’ll only be three points behind Chelsea” – all I can say is that you were right!
Just watching the replay of the game, we are 4-3 up… wonder if we will hang on to the lead? 🙂
I’ve got a present for you holics.
It starts with this
http://motd2u.blogspot.com/2011/10/epl-highlights-chelsea-v-arsenal-29.html
It gets better with this
http://motd2u.blogspot.com/2011/10/match-of-day-saturday-29-october-2011.html
And this is absolutely awesome!
http://motd2u.blogspot.com/2011/10/epl-full-match-chelsea-v-arsenal-29.html
Treasure it forever.
Holic, please delete my awaiting moderation comment.
Delia – as always, a lovely post – good points well made. Hope that the HT Board fixes you up with a gratis ticket frankly, for being obviously the most reasonable and least mental person on this site 😉
8ball – he is indeed a man. Loved him from his first run out with us. Magical going forward, love his strength and skill, a few bits to work on clearly, but he’s got better every game I watched him in. Much more to come from him I’m sure.
Joshua – the second most unexpected thing of today – an Ode in the bar. More usually it’s an odour, but Cusop seems to be absent tonight.
Lars – missed you too! But don’t be jealous – you’ve always got your beading!! How’s the new hobby coming on? Wolfie will be wanting a new bracelet and matching earrings at this rate 😉
Well done Joshua. Enjoyed that.
Off to the moderation queue, Snir.
Having just rewatched the goals, my first impression is about what a tremendous effort it was by Walcott on his goal. I believe it was quite a significant turning point in the game and instilled the team with the extra belief that carried them on to victory. Getting up off the ground the way he did to score that goal was really really a fantastic effort. Good for you Theo. 🙂
Thanks Holic, please have a look at the email I sent you.
Whoever posted the Aretha Franklin video the other day, of Dr. Feelgood, thank you very very much, it is an awesome performance. 🙂
@ Goonerholic
Fantastic report. The preview post was absolutely hilarious as well.
@ Camberwell Gooner
“So, so many things for me to look forward to on MOTD I’m going to be like a 5-year-old going to bed on Christmas Eve tonight.”
Ha ha – just like me – I’ve gone to bed so that tomorrow will come quicker and I can watch the match video on Arsenal Player.
@ BtM – SUPERB match report.
@ NB1
“Just a quEstion: when Terry kissed the ground for God’s 2nd goal was he thinking of rubbing mud on his face to show everyone how non ‘racialist’ he is?”
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Cheers ‘Holic and snowy. I credit my muse:
http://news.arseblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/robin-460×250.jpg
Watched the highlights again:
1) Credit to Gervinho for crossing. He saw the skipper and went for the sure goal.
2) Nice calm finish by Santos – made up for the struggles in defending earlier.
3) Excellent goal by Theo. Fell down and kept on going. Great piece of skill. And a laugh at A. Cole.
4) Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha…
5) Beautiful assist by Arteta and good work by Rosicky to start the attack (I think it was him). And the finish, well, that was van Persie-esque.
Also interesting that, their (cheap) goal aside, Chelsea had almost no chances in the second half. Credit to the defense, especially Kos.
Glenn Moore, writing in the Independent: “It increasingly looks that when Thomas Vermaelen returns it will be Per Mertesacker, the much-capped German international, who gives way, not Koscielny.”
Joshua @158 – lovely stuff.
I’ve decided that the FFL scoring should be changed.
Aaron had arguably his best performance in an Arsenal shirt and he gets 2 points just for playing 90 minutes.
I know he didn’t have a goal or assist but he was absolutely sublime.
Not a lot really to add to all of the above. Great post holic. BTM superb as usual. Loved the poetry from Joshua. But the highlight has to be the picture of Terry on all fours waiting for cashley to slip him a length.
I guess what really impressed me today was the mental strength. The fight and spirit were fantastic. The side is slowly starting to take shape. Theo had his best game in ages, Gervinho was again a big influence and Ramsey continues to make up for lost time. RVP is quite simply just RVP. There is no one with his ability at the moment. There is no one quite frankly that gets close.
Still on the Ferret and still with Ferret chasers.
Onwards and upwards.
The whole article: http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wenger-rediscovers-right-blend-to-get-arsenal-back-in-mix-after-faltering-start-2377851.html?
Far be it from me to tell people what to write, but why give Cusop the oxygen of ‘response’ when he’s not even here.
He’s a dim-witted irrelevance who disappears when ignored.
That will be my personal continued response.
Fantastic day for Gooners, provided by a team that is beginning to look capable of delivering a few more.
A shout for Arsene Wenger who has not had his easiest eight months, but continues throughout to act with a dignity lacking in many others.
Wenger: From ants and hornets to the next group of title winners?
A bit of a tempest in a teapot, really, but a fun little item anyway:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2055190/Arsenal-Yossi-Benayoun-branded-Judas-Chelsea-fans.html?
Promised myself that after a solid 12 hours in the juicer I wouldn’t post , but heh , fuck it .
Days like today don’t come around too often . I’m in no state to say much about the game save for ,
” I’m in the mood for Dancing , romancing …. ”
A few bullet points …
1. Arsenal have been , are now , and always will be THE BEST .
2. Chelsea are cunts .
3. Easiest money I’ve ever earned .
4. Extra shout out to Holic for backing Santos – looking forward to spending those Doubloons at Fulham/West Brom .
5. Chelsea are Cunts .
6. I love you all .
7. Enough , bed .
I have, I admit, stood at this very bar, and opined that this collection of players is simply not good enough. Just shows how much I know,eh?
Even I , a perenial “glass half empty” man, have to accept the incredible turn around achieved by Arsene and his team of miracle workers.
Churlish indeed to offer anything less than a resounding thumbs up to the boys in red.
Few things in life cheer me like the red face and puffing cheeks of a humiliated John Terry. Even from my long distance vantage point here in New Zealand I could see the hurt burned into his semi Neanderthal features, and, although it gives me no degree of pride to say it, I enjoyed every second of his discomfort. Leaving aside my Sado Masochist proclivaties for a moment, may I add my voice to the growing chorus of gloating Gooners!
Our pride is Restored!!
Wonderful write up as per usual, ‘holic, with BTM a close second.
Up the stairs to Bedfordshire to dream of Glory!
Itinerary: Tuesday we have Marseille and on Saturday W.B.A., both at home, then a two week break and Norwich away. The happy train looks set to keep on chugging along. 🙂
@ 8-ball:
we’ve played all teams on top 6 but citeh… so, i expect the Arsenal will sit on top four comes christmas… the lads just need to keep the right attitude and WE’LL continue BE A real POSITIVE SURPRISE..!!
UPWARDS and FORWARDS – the ARSENAL
“Belief Creates the Actual Fact” (William James). “We Convince by Our Presence”(Walt Whitman). For me, this is the real achievement by Arsenal this season. Something very endearing about this group of lads to this sentimental fool.
morning ABB
Culture and Philososphy in the HT?? Stranger and stranger.
This, I feel, is what ladies bring to the party – perhaps Dr F and Prof could look kindly on the pricing structure for ABB, Delia and any other ladies foolish enough to hop on?
The rest of Match of The Day is shit
A lot of culture and philosophy in that last comment to be sure
heh Noel!
..but accurate! 🙂
Re rewatching match on MOTD with ‘a bastard behind the eyes’ and a silly Sunday satisfied grin
Santos – in the first-half he gets left exposed by those in front of him allowing the man on the ball to come at him, as their forwards make runs down either side of him – impossible to defend those situations on your own…
And Gervinho always beats his first man
And Kos never lettuce down esp. 2nd half
Rambo back to his best, The Theo can really play when he’s up for it and making runs, and RVP is the best, and we ran the midfield – A, R, S barely gave them a decent touch 2nd half, oh and RVP is the best – still
And MAYBE we’ve begun to change the tune of the Arsene/Arsenal going down the pan brigade – in the media and on The Arse blogosphere…maybe now they’ll write summat like
Wenger Out – Thinks Latest Big-Spending Ch@lski Whizz-Kid Coach With Hastily Rebuilt Team Bought For Nought
or maybe not.
5-3 to The Arsenal, 5-3 to The Arsenal, 5-3 To The Arsenal, 5-3 to The Arsenal
Up The Arse!
Listening to Hansen and Shearer really ruins a Sunday morning…not an original thought between them. Am sure all the papers will be full of talk of defensive weakness so will skip them. I think Santos is an intelligent full back…no pace but positioning and tackling quite good. Did not have the beat of games yesterday but made some very important tackles that were not highlighted. Needs to lay off the pies though like meself. Well taken goal too. On the cultural side of things I will say watching RVP’S goals to the sounds of Bach is quite enlightening. ( could also be Beethoven..will have to wait for the DJ to tell me)
Comment No.191. That is all I can say now coming in so late.
And, YaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyY!
Van Persie, Van Beethoven – Vantastic!
i’ll get me coat
UReDS!
The scene: platform 49 (yesterday)
An extremely calm Dr Feelgood looks out over a sea of red and white as the masses throng toward the Happy Train MKII. A concerned Professor Storey tries to restore a semblance of order on the platform, as the demand for seats is about to clearly exceed the capacity on board……
Edwin: “Take your time, friends, there are always spare seats on the Happy Train…..”
Dr Feelgood: “Indeed there are. I knew this day would come. So confident was I that we would win today, that I have taken the liberty of calling into service the Buck Stops Here, a sister locomotive that only has one stop, and that’s a fucking bus stop. But you will find that DL Ltd have put in all the accommodations you would expect from a quality transport company. The bar staff have put together a few new cocktails – The JT Nosedive, Fernando’s Sulk and the Near Post Disappointment (as you will be when you see our prices, heh). Drink till dawn people. HT Jukebox will be devoted to the Jackson 5 (that’s 5), Security will be supplied by our guest consultant Jimmy 5 Bellies (that’s 5) and there is a special screening of the Famous 5 (that’s 5) Go Mad Down The Bridge.
For those of you who fancy a “little extra”‘ then there is the Jose Bo Swinger carriage, but the prophylactics will be charged to your account.
Have fun my little Trainers – I’m off to get my calculator. (Make sure and get their fares, Edwin).
*Feelgood skips off in the direction of the Executive Carriage*
Shame for the Chavs they didn’t have Torres on the pitch, he would have scored a hatful for them.
Oh….
Just rewatched the 4-3 goal started by Malouda’s shocking backpass. A moment that will live with me for ever.
Seriously chaps, if I’d asked any gooner before the game what their perfect away day at the bus shelter would be, most of them would say this:
A VP hat-trick
Terry falling flat on his racist face, leaving VP clear through
A couple of shots of the racist post-goal – looking devastated
Sticking 5 past them
A quality strike from Theo
Cole getting pole-axed outside the box by Chezzer, who somehow doesn’t get a red!
You really couldn’t ask for more…apart from QPR turning over the LWC’s. Come on the hoops.
And U – T – A!!!
Woooooooooooo Hooooooooooo Still buzzing! More Peroni Gran Reserva Signore.
Less than a week to bonfire night.
Cant. Fucking. Wait.
Said with relish, Esso.
Who are you planning to set fire to? 😉
Assist? Would be delighted for notnotme to get it.
If nobody’s taking it.
Good morning Gooners!
Still basking. Reading arseblog gave me a warm glow too.
rude not to
…Ollie!
Camberwell @ #194
I can now state with confidence that The Chav Faithful are not enamoured with Mr.Torres. He’s viewed as lazy and not a good team player as well as being in conflict with, as Mr.John Terry would say ‘the big darkie up front’*.
What a way to blow £50M!
I can also state with confidence that our defence is better than Chelski’s… not sure what that says about The Mighty Arsenal 😉
*before anyone accusse me of being a Terry, that was posted with tongue firmly in cheek.
*accuses* – the Ollie S&G Police are lurking….
Here’s another thought…. The scorleline yesterday should have been the same at SHL. It will be when The Scum come to the HoF. We will murder’em.
Lars @ #159 – That’s another Storey prediction that I have a v.strong feeling about 😀
Trev @ #176, spot on. Be very sparing with that oxygen 😉
Dr.F @ #193 – Five-tastic! Edwin is walking around this morning with head held high and chest puffed-out. He’s decided to dedicate our result to JT 😆
I’ll let you off, TS: great work yesterday!
Great piece in the Observer by Paul Hayward about vicious tacklers being constantly defended by those around them.
Really encouraging to see someone in the press saying “spare me the lingo about how nice these guys are”.
McLeish is one of the main culprits, in two separate situations (including, of course, that hatchet man’s assault on Eduardo) saying EXACTLY the same thing: “He’s not that type of player.”
Someone in the bar said recently, “a guy ran someone over and put him in hospital, but he’s been let off because he’s not that kind of driver”, which sums it up nicely really.
Anyway, let’s keep it light shall we? 5-3 to the Arrrrsenal!!!
204 comments already!
I feel left out…maybe next time I won’t wake up at the crack of dawn and go shoot airsoft rifles in a rainy forest in Nara with large groups of Japanese people….What an emphatic win last night. I can’t stop thinking about it. I’m downloading the game and MOTD to see what those cnuts have to say 😉
More London Pride for everyone…I don’t know when I’ll be finished with all the drinks but I’ll chug like a mofo till I do…
Maybe Malouda couldn’t bring himself to play the ball directly to Terry. Maybe he looked up and thought ‘Nah, fuk it – run for it you fat racist cock’.
Or maybe he’s just a bit shit and he didn’t spot the mercurial white Van man in transit and lurking with intent and that
UReDs!
Nice work, Zico.
Multiple reviewings of another fine moment has just jacked up my already sky-high mood by another few thousand feet.
Theo’s goal was a slice of footballing gold…
4, Chelsea mongs, FOUR of your players were beaten by our boy wonder as they stood around after their suspect hearing had them believing a phantom whistle had blown.
And then that finish inside Cech’s near post was emphatic.
That’s what a footballing brain can do for you Hansen.
Psed 5-3 to The Arsenal
Think i’ll have a London Pride too, early.
URedS!
CoR @ #209
Even Hansen was positive towards us on MoTD. He and I actually agree on something in that it was one of the best matches in Premiere League history.
He even graced us with his opinion that we would be a genuine contender for 4th place! One a c*nt, always a c*nt….
snowy, gone off the beading. Wasn’t any fun when I wasn’t stupidly tired 🙂
But having said I was jealous of those of you who were there, I must also say that the atmosphere at our pub was brilliant as well. Somewhere in the region of 80 Gooners turned up, and the place went absolutely mad when Robin hammered home our fifth. Personally, I just leapt up and all of a sudden realized I was running around the place like mad, screaming my head off. It was quite surreal, I had no idea what I was doing – I was literally thinking “oh, wonder where I am going?” to myself 😀
In any case, this game is going to become a proper classic that we will be talking about in years to come.
zico@193: massive LOL! 😀
Storey@204: don’t worry, you had the right letters but not quite the correct order. That is perfectly fine, I’m sure there is a spot open as a writer for Arsenal.com, especially for listing squads in “alphabetical” order 😉
With you on 205 as well, we should have won at SHL as well.
And on a morning like this, how can you order anything but a pint of London Pride?
Apologies about my drunken post last night Holics I hope everyone revocovered well 🙂
and I still can’t spell!
Cheers Lars @ #216.
London’s Pride indeed!
I’m sure that the atmos and celebrations in your ‘Arsenal bar’ in Stockholm would have made any Gooner feel proud.
PS: Another thing that I said last week, we’ll be 4th by Xmas. Sounds a bit unambitious this morning, doesn’t it?
Happy hangovers ‘HOLICS!!!!!! Get in!!!!!
ATG
I belive the prescribed medicine for all of you *boilkers* this morning is the old Auntie Beechams Slammer.
Edwin advises that they’re being dispensed free to HT regulars from The Quackery.
The good Dr’s are quiet this morning. You might need to knock loudly on the door before you get served 😉
No pub for me, but I always wonder if the neighbours wonder what’s going on when I scream like I did for most of our goals, especially Robin’s last.
Hai Holic!
Buck me, your post got some responses, this a potential 222nd drink and we didn’t even lose!
Reading your blog I can tell you enjoyed the ante, peri, and post match just as much as I did and I want to thank you for alerting me to the fact the bookmakers quoted us at five to one. Unfortunately for Australian bookmakers they are not nearly as savvy as their British counterparts and offered me 6-1. My bet of pure rage that Arsenal would ever be at those odds has me quite delighted right now; be sure you know it’s my shout when I touch English soil!
I tweeted, all atwitter, that my heart has not raced so much during an Arsenal game since Paris in 2006. I do not retract that. Neither do I retract the differing feelings of ecstacy and despair. I had to scream with primal rage at 1am Australian time when Van Persie belted in the 5th. I believe Mrs. White screamed back with something approaching that rage upon being awoken. I try not to do that often; happy wife, happy Arsenal supporting life!
I bucking love this post, I bucking love my club. Bucking YES. I can’t wait to put that many past Friedel in February. I love you Arsenal, yes I do!
Storey: yes, let’s go for first!
*hides behind door to avoid the men carrying a shirt with unusually long sleeves*
I am almost 100% convinced ManCity will win the league and quite easily so probably, but behind them it’s all up for grabs. I really don’t think ManU are out of reach for us unless they improve defensively. But in any case all we can do is keep working hard and not give up. We are, after all, only three points from third at the moment (though it might be six if Sp*rs win both their games in hand) so let’s just keep going and see where it takes us.
Morning all – and a very fine *boilky* morning it is.
Now by rights I should have had an extra hour of shuteye today on account of the clocks going back. But no. Because although we can put a man on the moon, no one has yet found a way of resetting the alarm on a domestic cat that wants breakfast.
Treble Aunty Beechams required I think. At least 😉
Oh, and what did the chicken say to the other chicken that was too scared to cross the road?
Buuuuuck buck buck buck buuuuuck buck buck buck buck!
Lars – heh 😉
Sounds like you had a fine time despite not being at the bus stop – 80 Swedish Gooners in full voice sounds like an impressive thing to behold. Or should that be behear? Umm…err – whichever it should be – sounds brilliant anyway!
🙂
*slumps boilkily on sofa to rest hurting brain…*
Lars, a l-o-n-g way to go for all us but Citeh are most people’s current favourites. If we’re within 9 points of the top @ Xmas, let’s have this conversation again.
Another thing I said earlier this week is that I quite fancied getting Citeh @ home in the CC as an early measure of where we are vs them. Well, that’s another wish come true 😉
Morning Snowy! More top adverbs from you 😀
zico / Feelgood @193 – nice work old chap 🙂
TS –
a fine one to you sir!
Auntie Beechams is here, in The Quackery, with Dr C and myself, still under the table. Good to know she still has a bit of fizz left in her 😉
I’m loving your Auntie Dr.T 😉
Re: Snowy, To set back the cat alarm, over here in the States we use Benadryl. It seems to work wonders. 😉
Lars and White Ox: Great posts, both of you. The celebrations have spread far and wide, I see. 😀
A pint of BM with an Auntie Beechams chaser please..
I’m gonna shop around on e-bay for a new head as I think I’ve broke mine.
Boillk.
Re: City in the CC. More proof that the draw is rigged? If Nasri and Clichy had not signed for them, there is no way we would have drawn City, is there? 🙂
8 ball
A chance to whup The Chinless Lesbian’s ar*e? That’s positive rigging for me 😉
8Ball.
The draw can’t be rigged, if it was then IOU would always be drawn against lower league opposition………………
Hang on….
Heh H2H. Maybe we’ll get ‘Palace in the semis? 😉
Lordy , Lordy , what a day , what a day .
Great report from Holic and top stuff from Btm and Dr Z . Great pic Ollie , I think I might wallpaper my living room with it 😉 And cheers for the shout-out North Bank1 . We might not always agree , but I always enjoy reading your stuff .
Confidence before games can be elusive . It comes , it goes , it is hard won and easily lost . I have to say , however , that never have I anticipated a game with such Zen-like calm as I did yesterday .
From the moment I saw the ridiculous odds being offered on Arsenal , you just kinda knew . That feeling was exacerbated when Buck made public the classless workings of his tiny mind , and John Terry continued to attempt to justify “the context” of his racist outpourings . Time for the Good Guys to come good .
And so it was that I found myself literally skipping to the Away Juicer of Choice . Just couldn’t wait for it all to unfold . Wolfie struggled to keep up in his Jimmy Choos , and even Carlos Kickemhard , replete with increased weaponry in the event of any passing Blue , failed to match the pace being set .
Enter the pub at 12.40 . Promise myself to take it easy , things to do in the afternoon and all that . A quick nod and hello to all the regulars , where ” happy with a point” seems to be the order of the day .
“Have no fear , boys and girls , girdle your loins and stiffen your resolve” I cried “Today is going to be a good day , for at 2-35 or thereabouts Mr Paddy Power will be paying me a significant sum . The Drinks are on me ” .
Now I would be lying if I said that the first 5 minutes didn’t make a small dent in the hitherto euphoric sense of victory that I had already managed to acquire . Go with your man Djourou , he’s easy to track , he’s the one with the vibrating mobile up his arse . Press , Arsenal , press . Lordy , Lordy , Arsenal , compete .
10 minutes in and I had recovered my composure . Only Flipper’s wastefulness had failed to capitalise on a terrific box to box move showcasing Ramsey’s vision and Theo’s speed , and yes , Hansen , end product . A couple of minutes later , and Theo (again) delivered for Robin . Surely this time ? Nooooooo , the ball is sent wide , I do a passing imitation of Basil Fawlty , and note sadly to myself , that my career as a Buddhist monk was a short-lived one .
Still , no matter , there’s something in this game for us . First goal is gonna be all-important . Time for another pint please . Start chewing my way through it , and Fat Frank sticks one in . You’re allowed to jump Per , for Gods sake .
Keep playing Arsenal , Keep playing . Ramsey , great vision son , Flipper , now that’s unselfish … Robin Van Persie . YES !!!!!!!! Back in it boys , and at last exerting a measure of control in midfield . Just see it through til HT Arsenal . Crikey O’Reilly , they’ve got a corner , and we’re as adept at corners as an articulated lorry without wheels . Nooooooo !!!!!! Not the racist c*nt , anyone but him . Have another pint to soften the blow . HT and fag time . Wolfie immediately perks up .
Ht and the talk , in between gulps of nicotine , focuses on our failure to see out set-pieces . ” Your bet not looking too clever now eh ” chortles a Spud . Don’t write us off just yet , is the clenched reply .
Second half starts , and this is more like it Arsenal . VP close , Ramsey closer and we’re winning the ball in their half . Keep on it Arsenal . Song , nice turn , good ball … SANTOS !!!!!!!! The pub goes up as one in a bellow of cathartic release . Lovely , lovely , I’ve always loved a Brazilian , me .
Better have another pint in celebration . Better have a chaser as well , cos Theo’s only gone and climbed off the deck , skipped round 4 chavs and drilled it home . 3-2 , 3 f*cking 2 , we’ve turned it round , keep playing Arsenal , and extraordinarily they do . Pass and move , heads up , no fear , drive, dynamism and belief . All the elements of Wengerball are here .
Now what’s this ? A latecomer ! Only one thing I hate more than a latecomer , and that’s a latecomer who supports Chelsea . Only one thing I hate more than a latecomer who supports Chelsea , and that’s a tall latecomer who supports Chelsea who stands directly in front of me .
Ducking and diving , bobbing and weaving to get a view . I’m enjoying this . Capitalise Arsenal , put some clear daylight between us and the Chavs . They don’t .
Our substitutions worry me . Why change it , when we’re looking comfortable ? And what do you know , 10 mins to go , the Ref fails to see a clear foul , and a slight deflection on Mata’s strike turns a good shot into an unstoppable one . Bollocks . Have to suffer tall annoying Chelsea man doing some sort of epileptic celebration in front of me . Respond with a withering raised eyebrow .
Time to get in another pint . Gonna need its sedative qualities for the inevitable onslaught that will follow .
“That’ll be £3.40 please love” says Marie . Just one more brief glimpse at the screen before handing over the readies . Oh my God , the c*nt’s only gone and fallen over , Robin , Robin , Robin – if only I could live forever in that millisecond of time after Robin has rounded the keeper , and you know there’s gonna be an explosion of joy – YEEEEESSSSS !!!! – A sprint and slide to the screen , arms aloft , mouth bellowing profanity . Lost in the moment , for it is only a moment before I realise I’m too old for this shit , and limp back to the Bar . “That’ll still be £3.40 love” laughs Marie , our Arsenal-loving landlady .
Jeepers-creepers , there are still minutes to see out . Calm , Arsenal calm . Tomas gets his bonce on it , that’s it boys , away , away , away . Its better than that , Arsenal come streaming out , on to Arteta , feeds Robin , pick that one out Mr Cyclist .
The Pub goes nuts . The final whistle . The Pub goes nuts again . Tall Chelsea man slopes off . God is in heaven , and all is right with the world .
“Gonna join us in a proper piss-up Tabs ?” You betcha is the reply , I’m buying .
Details are a little sketchy thereafter , though I do remember a Lady with comically large breasts , a curry , and an Elvis impersonator . One charmed , one disappointed , and one left me crying “mercy” . I leave it to you to ruminate on which was which .
Arsenal bloody Arsenal !
Drinks all round Guv . I’ll have one of those Beecham bombs please .
I quite like the idea of the Lesbian getting Frimponged in that particular tie, TS.
Glad the fixture is at home – even with rotation we should be able to give them a game. They really do have an impressive squad though, the Sheikhs, so it will be tough.
Watched yesterday’s game all over again this morning – starting to think that our best centre back pairing for the long term will/should be Vermaelen and Kos, who was excellent again yesterday. Not dissing Per German bloke (although he was simply inept for Chelsea’s second yesterday), as he is quite a calming influence but a fit Vermaelen will give us that as well.
Anyone care to debate?
Superb tabs. You and 1000s of Gooners around the globe could tell similar stories, I’m sure but… perhaps not as well as you do 😉
It was great day worth re-living. Thanks from Edwin and I for sharing.
Ah nice one tabs.
Here is my pub report:
Guinness, Guinness, Guinness, Guinness, Guinness, Guinness, salted peanuts (lunch and dinner), Guinness, Dark Rum and coke, Dark Rum and Coke, Deuchars IPA, text from Roxette, Dark Rum and Coke, dash to the train station, smug grin, large glass of water, fumble with sky plus remote control, gargle some toothpaste, sleep perchance to dream.
This morning – fresh as a daisy. WTF?
Yes zico @ #239!
Rumour has it that Arsene has already cut off strips of Na$ri’s old kit and is rubbing them periodically onto Frimpong’s snout to get our boy gee’d up for the game 😉
…And if Frimpong doen’t break the effeminate w*nker in two, then Szcz surely will.
Oh it’s a great day for singing a song….
PS: Interesting points Dr.z re: our CB Per-ing (sorry).
For me, I would go for TV + BFG for the CBs, Kos at RB and Santos at LB. When Bac retuns in January, we can then pick and choose our CBs between TV, Kos and the BFG assuming all remain fit. Leave Santos and gibbs to fight-it out for LB of choice. Jenks an able sub for RB.
TS Dr Z , hello Chaps .
As things stand at mo , I’m with you on retaining Kos over Per .
Just can’t wipe the smile off my face at the mo . Might watch MOTD again , in a mo . 🙂
Whoops, almost forgot to include DJ in the above view. Erm…. allow me to ponder a while on that one…
TS. I’m afraid Palace will have been cheated out of the competition by then.
Zico. It’s gonna be a tough call when TV5 is fully fit, personally I think that Kos has been one of our strongest players recently, I’d keep him in.
Nice report Tabs.
I’ll have one of those Beechem bombs too, slowly but surely l’m regaining use of my faculties.
tabs
Watch Hansen talk through gritted teeth as he heaps some modest praise on the team that left him weeping in ’89.
Good facts flying around on Twitter re: RVP scoring more times at The Bridge than Torres.
Actually, I’m wondering if that’s true just on yesterday’s result? 😉
I’m sure you’ve all seen it elsewhere, but I’m gonna post it anyway, because I have a theory;
http://i40.tinypic.com/2yls1gm.jpg
OK, now did JT really slip or did he decide to pray to Allah for forgiveness for all his racist and general cuntish behaviour?
Afternoon H2H – you and me both 😉
TS , thought Hansen incredibly defensive when Big Ears and Shearer started taking the piss .
Dr. Z – maybe AW could play the lot of them if sticks with his
Won five three formation
Up The Arse!
I watched MOTD for the first time in a long time last night, I even took an hour off from drinking behind the bar to do so 😉
Hansen, begrudgingly praised us, while twisting the knife. I was amazed that after such a free flowing, high scoring game all emphisis was placed on defence. I was hoping that one of Big Ears or Shearer, being former strikers, would stand up and nut him, but then realised they probably wouldn’t for fear of creasing their shirts.
Shame.
In that clip it seems that RVP has much faster feet than JT …
or was that a little obvious? 😉
Great posts from the regulars up above. 😀
Re: Torres, I googled “what you can buy for 50 million pounds” and here is the first site that came up:
http://www.50millionpounds.com/the_challenge/faqs.aspx
AL 😀
Blimey it’s busy here.
Question for TS: does AG really need to retweet all the Cuntski and Spud reactions?
Pub reports entertaining as hell. 😀 😀
Ollie
One finds their angst and bile turned back on them most amusing 😉
Tabs, superb report! Thanks. Drink on, er, Lars, as usual!
zico, like your pub report too 😀
True, true, TS. It’s just that seeing CFC and COYS stuff on my screen makes me spit.
Interesting to see despite the turbulent season so far, if you substitute Swansea for Blackpool we’ve currently got the same number of points as we got from the equivalent fixtures last season. Beat West Brom next weekend and we’d be three points better off on that count.
Couple of interesting finds to share before I head to bed…
http://i40.tinypic.com/2yls1gm.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4IWDZQnzrok#!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/oct/29/players-managers-bad-challenges
*staggers off to finish a shot of rum from Arsenal shot glass before bed*
Ollie.
Just read them as Crappy Fuckin Chavs and Cunt Off You Spuds and you will feel the need to mimic a llama dissapear.
Dr Z @ 239 – maybe unfair to pass judgement at this early stage in the BFG’s BPL career?
Right now, I would choose Kos and The Verminator. I do think though that Per’s game will evolve to something special and may become “the rock” that everyone else plays around. Clearly, he is not nearly there yet – but you don’t get to be a regular at the heart of one of the best international team defenses just because you’re big.
Vermaelen is likely a stronger option at LB than both Santos and Gibbsy. I often wonder too, about TV as a left sided MF or DM. Flamini graduated nicely from LB and Tommy is a much more rounded contributor than Milan’s famous bench warmer. The good news?
It’s great to have these kind of problems with some great young CBs waiting in the wings to compete.
Afternoon chums.
Difficult though it will be I have to prepare for cheering on a team containing Joey Barton in a while.
Any chance of QPR at 8/1? Nah, best not jinx ’em.
it’s bin an effin’ fanfukkinfootballtastic – ‘fivethree’ – few days, therefore i’m sure it’s a bit much to ask for a bit more – but
CoMonUuuuuuuRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRsssssssssssssss!!!!!
fivethree
UReeeeeeDS!
Got my QPR kewpie doll working a hex on the filthy scum.
TaBS @238 – brilliant!
Holic @266 – a conundrum. Jail Bird Joey or the LWCs? What would Hee Haw Hansen say about this one?
one more – Ramsey yesterday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=x1EkLf7lIY0
he’s finding real form
BtM? Flamini(moneygrabber) didn’t quite graduate from left back though, he was only deputising at left back for a bit…
Ta Tim, Arteta too would be worth a watch in that match – imho
(usupahoops)
Up The Arse!
Armand Traore in the QPR side. Like throwing the lambs to the slaughter?
Tim @ 270, Fantastic piece, thankyou mate. Now if anyone can get a hold of one on the KOS, this gooner would be very appreciative. Cheers! Oh dear, what’s that, Bale has scored…where are my antacids.
And twenty minutes in chimp scores with his left banana peeler. TV off. Music on…
KOS was post 263….he was remarkable when you watch that…
Tim @ 276 Your’re a gem!
Shit, what a way to ruin a sunday, have i mentioned how much i hate vanderfart. meanwhile the zoo has announced a chimp is on the loose…
New kewpie doll brought in to try to salvage something from the game.
QPR really are piss-poor today. We won’t get any help from them today, that’s for sure.
file under anorak: yesterday was the first time in 21 away league games where we’d conceded the first goal yet gone on to win……
Come on you supahoops – do it for that nice cabbie bloke who dropped me off yesterday….
Dr T, Prof TES, Dr F
Just popping in whilst showing a few medical students around….
Haven’t had a chance to catch up on all the drinks, but one thing strikes me, my esteemed colleagues;
We’re missing a trick in not branding the Auntie Beechams as a HT MkII product…. the handsome profits would allow further purchase at bulk discount prices from Harsha, and perhaps, an internship for one of these fillies – er, students – from Stockholm?
Just an idea. Over to the money men now….
Yours cooking a roast chicken…
Watch the 2nd half or take a nap…no brainer.
Good News – relatively…..
I just compared our results season so far with corresponding fixtures last year (switching Blackpool for Swansea for the sake of argument).
For the same 10 fixtures last season – 16 points – identical to this season. Avoiding draws will be critical if we want to be in Europe next year, I’ve thought that for years now.
No reason to think we can’t still be 3rd or 4th. I’ll try and paste it below but it probably won’t align.
This Pts Last Pts
Man U (a) L 0 L 0
Liverpool (h) L 0 D 1
Spuds (a) L 0 D 1
Swansea (h) W 3 W 3 (blackpool)
Stoke (h) W 3 W 3
Sunderland (h) W 3 D 1
Blackburn (a) L 0 W 3
Bolton (h) W 3 W 3
Newcastle (a) D 1 D 1
Chelsea (a) W 3 L 0
Total 16 Total 16
also worth considering, thus far we’ve played 5 times against the current top 6 and only 2 versus the current bottom 6.
The most troubling result this season remains losing at Blackburn.
former Gooner nicks one – could it …
BtM @ 265
No doubting the German’s credentials. But he is going to have to learn to use that massive frame a bit more aggressively in the Premier League. The goal that Terry scored yesterday – a guy his size should not be so easily brushed aside. The culture of the game in this country is more physically aggressive (whether we like it ir not) and he needs to learn how to cope with that.
All that said, I am not writing him off – I just think that based on what I have seen, particularly when Vermaelen and Kos played together against Liverpool before Kos went offf injured, that long term, they offer the best prospect of what we expect from an Arsenal centre back pairing.
Not too sure whether TV can offer a solution to the left back position – I am still kind of enjoying what Santos offers going forward, and hope that he can learn to close players down a bit quicker and stop diving in when he doesn’t need to.
Just my tuppence worth for today…..
Dr C @ 283 – off to the patent office, pronto! 🙂
Dr C –
why are you cooking a roast chicken. Surely that’s already been done ? Or you just like it extra crispy ? 😉
All for Swedish interns by the way . .
Tabs – usual great stuff @238.
Tim – This might sound odd, but I still believe we can nick the title.
If Chelsea is openly talking about mounting a challenge to the two Manchester clubs, and they’re only 3 points ahead, there’s no reason we shouldn’t now that our players are developing an understanding.
Remember United of 09-10? They sold Ronaldo and Tevez and “replaced” them with Valencia and Owen (obviously you can’t replace Ronaldo and Tevez… Reminds me of something), it took them about 4 months till they played good football and they finished second, 1 point below Chelsea who beat United at OT due to an offside Drogba goal.
I haven’t lost faith on this season 🙂
Holic – thanks for your reply and I’ve just replied, please have a look.
Dr T (Pedant).
Next I’ll be popping some toast into the toaster.
Dr T
For clarity:
I’m going to roast a bird. 😉
Zico – @288
I promised myself not to write anything bad about players or something like that until tomorrow, don’t ruin it 😉
@SG….Never say never. Anythings possible, I’d wait to see where things stand after 4 more league games. Initially though I do think 3rd or 4th is very possible.
Reality is you can rarely lose more than 6 and win the title, we’ve already lost 4 but if we can avoid draws and win 7 of 8 with one draw rather than W5 D3 those gaps can close. I wish Wilshere was coming in December as that would give me much more hope.
At present I worry if we can grind out the 1-0 when needed, we’re not going to score 3,4,5 every weekend. Losing Sagna was a big blow also.
I know we’ve got a deeper squad than in recent years, if different players can carry us on those difficult days than why not. A cameo from Yossi or Park perhaps, some goals from our defenders and isn’t Arteta usually good for 4-6 a year? Effort, commitment and togetherness might not replace the two who left but it could even surpass that. I think Wenger knows that and wants the fans to back this team – only with that can we fly as high as is possible.
I hope they heard me screaming from 5,300 miles off yesterday morning (I woke the house….it was a 545am kick off here)
Dr C –
good luck old chap. I’d try and get hold of one of the Swedish one’s if I were you. I found Aunty Beechams a bit, you know . . .
Sorry to be so pedantic, but we are supposed to be the clever ones around here 😉
It’s Hleb, sideways to Denilson, back to Hleb, sideways of course, back to Denilson . . . come on Tabs, get to the far post 😉
I have to say that one of most enjoyable things to do today is watch the pre match show knowing what the score is 🙂
They’re clueless 😀
forward to Bendtner.
Lost possession.
Crosses for Tabs to head home…
Oh well, I’ll grab it myself then 🙂
Another of those floaty crosses deceiving the keeper and settling in the net, eh Lars? 🙂
Dr C, very much so – the keeper expected Tabs to appear and was completely flat-footed when the cross came in!
zico, I agree with you on Mertesacker. Vermaelen and Koscielny would be our best pairing, I believe. There will be plenty of games for the BFG anyway and it would be no bad thing to be able to rotate a little. I think we’ll see BFG and Kos on Tuesday and then Vermaelen with whoever is the least tired of BFG and Kos on Saturday.
Tim, funny you mention “after 4 more league games.”
If you look at our fixtures, up until City away, all of them are winnable.
W.B.A at home, Norwich away, Fulham at home, Wigan away and then Everton at home.
We also play Marseille at home before W.B.A and Dortmund at home before Fulham.
If we do win these games we’ll be on a 8 game winning streak in the EPL (beating Marseille and Dortmund will have us qualify and add some more confidence!) going into the City game.
By the way, am I the only one who immediately thought that the Ramsey pass to Gervinho on the build up to the first goal was just like Cesc’s pass to Freddie in the 5-4 derby?
Aaron’s vision his getting better and better by the week.
@SG….exactly…and it’s picking up maximum points in those ‘winnable games’ that will determine if we are going to be in the position we want to be come the mid point of the season. I’d take 13 points from 15! Avoid those bloody draws boys and we’ll be right up there.
Ramsey’s pass last week was a beauty too…..
Snir
I think Aaron is now back to his best, in fact, I’d go as far to say that he’s now better than he was when he was assaulted by that dribbling mong from The Potteries.
He has matured. He is more creative. He is physically stronger.
I am looking forward to the second half of the season when we will hopefully get the opportuntiy to see both him and LJW fit and on form in the team. That’s quite a prospect.
Dr. C @ #283
Capital idea. Not sure there’s a defendable patent there, however, with some clever branding from the Feelgood fellow it could be enough to carve out a healthy niche in the market.
I’m going to prescribe one to all of my lab rats on a daily basis as a preventative measure what with the flu season nearly upon us.
Kind regards and keep slamming,
Edwin
A most enjoyable read barman.
I think I drank the pub dry last night.
Good work a_j
Gents
Great work all round on the drinks.
Re: the competition at CB, I am personally really enjoying what the BFG has brought to the table since his arrival. Okay, he was at fault for two of the three goals yesterday, but I believe those were lapses and that he otherwise had an excellent game, particularly when you think of the space our full backs were giving in the first half.
He’s aerially dominant across the front of the box, he distributes well, he’s always calm and (crucially for me) he appears to be an organiser. I suspect that playing next to him is doing wonders for Kos.
All of the above said, Kos is clearly in undroppable form right now. He was sensational yesterday. All of the above being the case, and I can’t quite believe I’m about to say this – for me, the onus is on TV5 to fight his way back into the first XI. I love the guy, but if you keep getting injured and others do well in your role then you can’t expect to walk back into the side, and I’m sure Tommy is more than aware of this.
As someone said above – a good problem to have, and given our history of injuries in this position I hope we rotate sensibly to keep everyone fresh and fit. I can’t see any combo of those three that can’t play together. A word also for JD – if he can recover his form of early 2011 you can rightfully throw his name in the mix as well.
Finally, the issue of a title push. Sorry to say it’s just not there for me lads. The boys are doing great right now, but I still think we need to keep our eyes on the prize – 4th spot. After the start we had, that would be a huge achievement – I’d have had your arm off for it on 1 sept. Lock that down, add a couple more players and we can start thinking silverware next season, when the squad will be a year older and wiser and can look to ally the steel of this season with the silks of last (and Saturday).
Until then, title chat just feels like unwanted pressure to me – I’m quite enjoying watching the arsenal with my expectations realigned and, frankly, the joy of seeing a team who had been written off prove the doubting cunts on MOTD wrong is a trophy in itself!
TS – Most definitely. Arteta will find it hard to keep his place when LJW comes back if Aaron keeps this kind of form. I love our depth :).
John Terry is not worthy!
http://p.twimg.com/Ac7btUYCMAA9B3p.jpg:large
Brilliant stuff a_j, but I wish you had kept your hangover to yourself instead of sharing it with me this morning 😉
First off: 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀
N7, TV will be battling it out with Merte (will probably edge the BFG with his leadership abilities). Kos is unbelievable right now. Apart from the early chance (which I think Kos blocked), I don’t remember Torres doing anything yesterday.
Agreed on not thinking about the title. Secure a top four finish and give the cups a good run (we’re more than capable of winning one of them).
Snir, As for LJW. I think he’ll have a tricky time edging Arteta.
Good problems indeed
Prof TES – worry not about patents. It’s all in the quality of the communication you know…
Should the Board require some sound counsel that will keep you all on the right side of the appropriate regulatory processes, and also out of jail, then do get in touch 😉
Snir, RvP on Twitter now.
Holic, I love you and him.
This is gonna make my job of defending him that much easier 🙂
But who brought it to his attention :)?
Watching TH14 on the box.
Red Bulls v Galaxy
Cheers Gents for the kind words .
Drs’ C and T and Prof TES – Great stuff 🙂
Snir , yep great analogy with our goal at the Spuds .
Great discussion above from all re our centre-back conundrum . Great problem to have .
I’m with N7 . let’s not get too carried away , and just enjoy the ride . Game by game , as they say .
So , only an hour and a half to go to MOTD2 . So the Spuds won , a man can’t have it all . I’ll suffer the Spuds today , cos with only one game , we all know that means more time for some more analysis of a great great day , hopefully with Keown and Dixon on the sofa .
I’m in Depeche Mode mode today .
I just can’t get enough !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a84L1hVVEls&ob=av2n
Depeche Mode you say?….then this one for the Chelsea fans on 90 minutes….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zyuo_tPOXAI
Depeche Mode + lack of doomers = Enjoy The Silence.
Tim , heh 🙂
H2H – Lovely isn’t it ! 😉
This one could apply to our Captain….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY9pIO8mlgg&feature=related
and a final old one for John Terry…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFNX54gY_C8
Indeed it is tabs.
Does make you wonder where they get to after a few good results though?
Do you think they have a secret hideaway?
Only Valenciennes vs Lille here.
What’s the score in Merka, H2H?
Have properly caught up on the drinks now, (that the combination of an intense gravitational field from the sofa and a bit of a *boilk* prevented me from doing earlier)
Lovely indeed that we’re in a position to debate who should do what from a position of choice for a change.
I do realise the BFG may still be adapting to the PL game, but he doesn’t seem particularly well suited to a fast open game right now, though he’s done ok against the more lumbering knuckledragging type of opposition.
Both the BFG and TV5 are good at reading the game and organising, so I don’t see much merit in playing them both at the same time unless we have to.
So long as we can make sure TV5 is properly back in the groove for the next Beer cup game, and that Kos isn’t knacked by then (because I’d start him alongside TV5 for that one) I’d say we’re in pretty good shape.
There’s always Squilly to drop in when someone needs a bit of a rest right ? 😉
tabs – top post above. Sorry I couldn’t read it earlier but my eyeballs were a bit hurty then 😆
zico – to avoid a *boilk* after that amount of Guinni is nothing short of satanic…;-)
Now to go back and look at some of the fine choooons on the ‘holic jukebox.
LA won 1-0
Great sounds Tim .
God knows where they all disappear off to H2H , and frankly who cares ? 🙂
Cheers Snowy . Trust you had an absolutely marvellous day out yesterday 😉
And one final track ( at least in respect of the title ) for our monstrous National Captain .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShHpN10SQEs
Just popped in to let you know that i’m ‘under orders’ to stop smiling 😀
Fat chance 😀
Any draught left?
tabs – I did thanks. Paying for it today though.
Might just about have shaken off the hangover before the Marseille game, at which point the Guinness/red wine training regime will be recommenced 😉
333. Halfway to 666. Is this purgatory????
Have one on me Mark .
Snowy , great stuff . 🙂
8ball – If this is purgatory , then I don’t want to go to Heaven 🙂
Cheers tabs 😉
Any one else find it funny? – that when bale scores, he makes a shape with his hands, to show that he is a cunt? 😀
🙂
🙂
🙂 ?
i’m still looking for excuses to watch a bit more of the match – so –
Arteta at it too. Knitting it all together, making himself available every time, tidying up behind, moreorless keeping us moving forward, rarely losing possession, almost always picking the right pass, can play the killer ball too, prepared to put his foot in and even scores the odd goal or 2. M-me I l-like the b-boy.
http://youtu.be/CVMNv8nSEds
😀
Three hundred and forty!
Blimey
AL – I’ve got something better!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngPLkUJ12UM
Trev – I feel that this season’s midfield is much more fluid and Mikel’s defensive work rate makes it seem as if he’s always deep.
I don’t think anything needs to be read into it because the midfield is so fluid that you can find Mikel as the furthest midfielder and you can find Aaron as the furthest.
You can even find Song as the furthest at times!
I just think that this proves that his defensive work rate is top drawer because he spends a lot of time in our half of the pitch.
I also don’t think Aaron can play the Jack role as well, his defensive qualities aren’t as good and Aaron was always considered the heir for the Cesc role.
Anyway, our midfield is so fluid this season that I don’t think one can really give (apart from Song maybe) a name to the role that each player is playing as they change it so frequently.
On a different note, someone wrote on Twitter that we spend less time in the opposition half but we have more penetration.
I’m not too sure yet that that’s the case as we had plenty of matches where we were out of ideas and waited for some RvP brilliance.
I do think though that this match is the beginning of a special run.
Re: Tabs, Yes it feels like heaven, after an extended period of either hell or purgatory. Hopefully we can extend this heavenly period a little longer now … 🙂
Evening all,
A question sort of off the point.
I recently read that Chelsea are pursuing Napoli striker Edinson Cavani. ($35M.USD)
Do you think spells the end of Torres with the Chavs?
leftcoast, Based on Torres’ performance the last year with Liverpool, I’m not surprised he hasn’t performed with Chelsea either. The only issue seems to be how much patience does Roman Abramovich have, and I don’t think he has much. The purchase of Torres, unless he soon has a massive turnaround, could go down as one of the worst purchases in memory, but will it be easy for the club to admit less than a year later that their 50 million pound man is a dud????
A bigger question might be will Torres outlast their manager if they keep leaking goals….
Wow, that was some weekend, still buzzing from Saturdays result.
Better get some sleep in, coz Tuesday night we start all over again.
HT full steam ahead.
OK, I’ve looked at Santos and recorded some stats to prove to my dad who thinks he shouldn’t be a defender 🙂
I think people are being way too harsh on him.
These are his defensive stats from Stamford Bridge.
Note: Defensive only, doesn’t count times being dispossessed or misplaced passes.
Times he’s been beaten –
Mata 13:33 mins (Goal)
Sturridge 32:03 mins (Ball won by both Koscielny and Santos at 32:13)
Sturridge 33:03 (Ball won by Song at 33:09)
Ramirez 38:13 (Disallowed Goal)
Sturrdige 50:41 (Ball won immediately by Gervinho at 50:42)
Times he beat the opponent on 1v1s –
Bosingwa 8:17 mins
Torres 21:55 mins
Mata 24:53 mins
Sturridge 32:13 mins (Won the ball with Koscielny after Sturridge beat him for pace)
Torres 34:27 mins
Sturridge 53:05 mins
Mata 59:04 mins
Lukaku 76:57 mins
Lukaku 77:01 mins
Bosingwa 89:16
Times the opponent delivered a cross when Santos was closing down –
Bosingwa 8:43 (Goal Kick)
Mata 13:33 (Goal)
Bosingwa 34:35 (Caught by Sczezsny)
Ramirez 38:13 (Disallowed Goal)
Blocked a Torres pass 63:42
Number of times he was in 1v1 situations – 15
Times he got beat – 5 (3 of the 5 were won by teammates, 2 of the 5 were crosses, one for a goal and one for a disallowed goal)
Times he got the upper hand – 10 (One of the plays was both won and lost – Sturridge 32:03 and then 32:13)
Times he was in 1v1 situations after HT – 6
Times he got beat in 2nd half – 1 (Ball won immediately by Gervinho)
Times he got the upper hand in 2nd half – 5
I know it’s 5 times too many but still you can’t expect a 100% challenge success rate against a team like Chelsea from any defender. Just ask Ashley Cole who it hurts to say, he is a world class LB and his stats are absolutely horrible.
I think we got ourselves a very good ball winning LB, not to mention his attacking abilities.
Goodness gracious, great drinks of fire!
I must confess that being unable to read from the computer screen for extended lengths of time at home, the elongated contributions over the weekend are hard for me to take in without printing them out and consuming which I can only do at the office. That being said (and I know nobody cares, lol) I wanted to make a contribution of my own after finally reading all of the drinks from the last two wonderful blogs, and more, by Sir Holic.
@BTM: Amazing stuff at drink 50. “Chelski at fool strength” had me in stitches : )
@80: Sir Holic, you said “If some of our technically superior elevens had put this much in we would not be six years without a trophy.” I firmly agree and I’ve been saying the same thing to anyone who’ll listen (most don’t). I really like the fact that seemingly without “world-beaters” we’re putting in the hard work and playing as a team. I must admit I miss the strolling to 6-nils sometimes though ; )
@86: Great read snowy! Wish I was there too, secret gooners make me grin
@238: tabs, not sure how big you are but surely after the goal your view was unimpeded after being high on euphoria? “Pick that one out Mr. Cyclist” sounds like a possible new tune to be recorded by the Arsenal players at the end of the season in a tiny studio in Soho doesn’t it?
@239: Good problem to have zico! I really like our Mertegunner. For me, all this means is that we have depth in defence. No need to worry about selection too much as when the games hit hard and fast we’ll know we should be sorted. At the moment I’d start Per and maybe gradually ease Verm back in. Perscielny can sort themselves out over time and then hopefully once that happens we know we have solid pairings of different kinds that we can rely on no matter which game is in front of us.
@303: Snir, let’s hope the team stays humble and we treat each match as crucial because right now I don’t think those games are winnable for sure. One game at a time eh 😀
@349: Santos is a pretty cool player I must admit. People have been writing him off but I think he’ll prove to be a good buy for us. The crazy thing is on most of the skills videos I see on youtube, Santos is dribbling past players with extreme ease…
And by the way, despite the “Making of a modern superclub” being written by those super-grumps it was a pretty good read and informative. You should enjoy it (don’t know about the additional new chapters though)
As for my view of the game, what more can be said at this point? 3 points at the bridge, most we scored there since 1944. Gotta love it. I know we’re not LWCs but I could buy that DVD, 😆
CoR – You don’t need to buy a DVD. You got ’em all in one website.
Have a look at my @162 🙂
Hehe, yeah I saw that. Since I can’t afford to buy anything anyway I just got a torrent of the whole game on Sunday so it’s already there for me to rewatch ad nauseum on my PC 😀
While watching the game I was bantering with this Irish Chelski fan and after seeing the way the game was going in the first half, I told him we’re going to win 4-3 during the break. He was stunned when we got to 4-3, I was stunned when we got to 5-3! He said he’s still crying into his Guinness as we speak…
From what I’ve seen/heard, the Chelski fans seem to be taking the result a lot better than the Mancs did their spanking though…
Dear Snowy
Thank you for your comments @ # 315. Duly noted and I will encourage Dr.Feelgood to set up a meeting with Dr.C and yourself so that we can review the subject of filing for the AB patent.
Something along the lines of “a method to distribute canine hair and prevent further *boilkage*?
Hmmm…. needs thinking through.
Yours, Edwin.
Morning All
Great post N7 @ #311. I’m with you re: the title chase and I also think it’s a conversation to have at Xmas depending on where we are. In the meantime, one game at a time and let’s celebrate the progress since the dark days of September.
MTS @ #335 – Brilliant! And there was me thinking that he was making two bananas and joining them together to signify to the bootboy (C*nt ‘shake my hand Arsene’ Allen) to prepare his next meal?
Excellent debate on our defensive options from all above. I’m a big fan of both the BFG and Santos. I think they both bring us qualities that we were asking Arsene for last season. Still much work to do in terms of leaking goals but I believe that will come the more they play together. I said last week that TV5 should fight for his place in the back 5 like everyone else. He’s a top player and I love him (like most here) and the fact that I can even type that with a straight face demonstrates to me some of the progress that we’re making in terms of our defense.
Forwards Arsenal!
UTA!
Speaking of defensive options.
Rumors going around about AW wanting to sign Kolo who’s looking to get a move out of City.
I don’t know how you feel about him, but I’d be delighted with that. Absolutely delighted.
Toure?
No thanks. Time to look forward, not back. In my humble opinion.
I figure the same regarding Toure. Think he left at the right time and while I don’t have any ill will toward him I think if people are complaining about our BFG being slow now, what will happen if Toure gets on the pitch…
Toure? No no no no no. It’s been years since he was anywhere near the player he once was. His greatest asset was always his speed and mobility and he just doesn’t have that anymore.
Blimey! A marathon read to get through all the drinks
Great pub report tabs, loved it
Re: Bigsack and TV5 debate, I would still stick with the Per/Kos combo for now. Yes, Per had a disaster of a game at the bridge, but we can’t judge the performance there since it was a crazy crazy game
Thanks for all the video links Tim, AL and Snir
Arteta didn’t put a foot wrong, did he?
Snir, I know you are not a ‘glass full’ but a ‘glass overflowing’ type of a guy, but one game at a time mate 🙂 We are not in a position to talk about the title just yet
Dr Z, Secret supplies would be pleased to offer the ‘Aunty Beechams’ product on discount for all the HT regulars. Do let us know.
Also, we hear that HT passenger count has increased ‘five’ fold since the stop at the ‘Bus stop’. If more supplies are needed, drop us a note.
Harsha,
Your passenger count is probably somewhat understated, as Dr Feelgood is still tapping away on his calculator. As for medicinal supplies, glad to hear that you have diversified from your core business, Shrooms, and it appears that a few of our fellow travellers were in need of resuscitation yesterday. Dr F is of course, always interested in a discount. 😉
Holics, I guess you misunderstood me.
I didn’t mean Kolo for 1 of the 2 CBs.
I meant as 5th choice after TV, Kos, PM and JD.
He’s better than Squillaci and we all know that in our team, a 5th CB gets game unfortunately.
Nice one SG (rotten choon, mind). Reminded that after the early missed chance and the fluffed control of Arteta’s thru ball, i thought – bollox, RVP of all people looks like he’s gonna have an off day -.
Still the boy must have enormous mental strengthz to up his game and smash that lot like he did, or massive talent and complete confidence in it – as we used to say in old money.
UbeautifulReDS!
SG, the ‘ta’ above was for 342 but then went back and read the other posts – found your 349 on Santos most informative. As a fan of much of what i’ve seen of the lad i’m a bit bemused to read of gooners on here jumping on the lads back so hastily – ‘specially after what we’ve had to suffer at left-back in recent times. He was a late buy, who came into the team even later when Gibbs got injured. He’s far from perfect but he looks to offer us something a bit different going forward and he can tackle, and he’ll get better as he gets to know those around him and our systems. Still, think his second-half display should still the doubters a bit – thou don’t think he was as bad in the first 45 as some have suggested.
With Dr.Z on Kolo thou – unless he brings Yaya with him – besides we’ve got at least 3 1/2 quality CBs at the club already, no?
Up The Arse!
Snir, is Toure really better than Squillaci these days? I am not at all sure of that.
Morning chaps. Can you believe some people are trying to suggest VP did a Nazi salute when he celebrated one of his goals?
Talk about clutching at straws, absolutely pathetic. Also retarded and uneducated – think about it, you educationally subnormal mongs: a DUTCHMAN doing a Nazi salute. Get back to history class…of course that would have to be after you’ve retreated into a cave for a few million years while you evolve to the level required to pick up a spoon.
Retards.
What ho! Kolo as fifth choice, not getting many games? His Mrs. would have to keep an eye on their medical cabinet. Indeed, she may have to pop a padlock on it. Think i’ve some idea where a spare one can be found.
UReDS!
Oops, pardon – medicine cabinet. It was mistakes like that that got me drummed out of the army medical corps. Attention!
UReDS!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/9628039.stm
Garth Crooks is a stupid spud cunt.
I suppose Theo’s two ‘assists’ were the chances missed by 5Foreheads and RvP?
And Cuntley is his favourite player, eh? No suprise….
He’s good for fifth choice, Snir. As long as we keep his wages in check.
It’s an absolute no no if we have to pay higher wages that the squid, to get him
Having said all this, I definitely do not see AW buying him. Come January, I hope we get a striker cos’ quite frankly Chamakh can’t score a goal at the moment
Or surprise, even….
I can not believe it.
Someone finally has some sense in his head.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/oct/29/players-managers-bad-challenges?CMP=twt_gu
Aaaaah – still basking …
Re late morning TV PM debate. I like the calming influence of the big Germ but lofted crosses coming into our 6 yard box – that he went under – brought two of their goals. Think AW might switch to TV with things like that and pace of premiership in mind. PM a v decent fall back option though – and Kos, as has been said already, undroppoppoppable just now.
Makes me wonder how far this mob can really go when between Kos, TV (should he get the vote) and the big Pole, they finally sort the crosses into the box thingy …
Aaaaahhhhhhhhhh – basking again! UreeeeeedS!
Snir, I was praising Paul Hayward for that article yesterday.
At last someone standing up against the cringeworthy practice of painting the assailant as the victim.
And as I said yesterday, Alex Wanker McLeish is one of the worst offenders, banging on about how devastated Taylor was after he put his boot through Eduardo’s shin.
One more cunt before I continue my coffee break? Rooney saying in a press conference he hoped Shawcunt “was OK” after what he did to Ramsey. Unfuckingbelievable.
Camberwell, don’t forget Steven Gerrard who phoned Shawcross to “offer his support” after the same incident.
Lol Camberwell, I thought you meant this article.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2011/oct/29/john-terry-chelsea-arsenal
I immediately went into the Observer website to look for an article on vicious tacklers and this article on Terry was the first I saw.
Since he’s a clumsy bastard I thought you were talking about him 😀
Snir, I didn’t but it’s always amusing to be reminded of his hilarious slip and prayer to Allah for the league’s best striker not to score when one on one, in acres of space, against Cech!
Well that was a turn up for the books, Van Persil made me smile early on as he seemed to have caught Gervinho decease. Obviously you know I was hopeful of tie and yet as a LW Champion. My natural hatred of you lot was subdued by absolute disgust of Terry.With respect to Terrys Buck up, the goal was brilliant, as was Walcots and Mata,s. I have been predicting here for several weeks that the league would start to look somewhat as it is.
I think that this win has opened up the league and now makes the proposition of 3 and 4th a propersition for 4 clubs if we are to believe that the Barcodes will fall away.
January will be massive as you the PGRC,s spend to keep in the CL, Chavs (HOLIC you read it here first) will bust the bank to stay in the running. United will buy cis they can’t be second. Spurs will not have to buy because we will be 3rd but a last minute bargain will present itself.
This will be a season for the fans and there are ore upsets to come.
As for the VP slurs of nazi salutes, it’s a shame the media did not focus on the poor PGRC who was given VP,s shirt at the end, the same Geezer who was in papers weeks looking so forlorn after your beating at the lane, yup the ugly long haired one.
Chech had a bucking nightmare of a game, if he is beginning to crack this is good for all of us
Why is he still here ?
Holic, didn’t he merit a ban after his little kids comment?
I’m with Snir, launch the LWC.
CG @365 – my thoughts this morning exactly.
The irony of what they were suggesting is beyond belief. Most sensible people seem to be ignoring it as the nothing story it is.
Good Paul Hayward column too – if only people had written similar at the time of our injuries. But at least the sheer lunacy is beginning to be exposed.
Snir – re LJW coming back. Do you see him primarily in a defensive role? He used to score and make goals for fun in the reserves. I always thought that AW was starting him deep to learn the trade, and would then move him forwards.
In reality I can envisage Song (Frimpers / Coquelin) sitting deep and then Jack and Aaron (Arteta / Lansbury) shuttling back and forth in front of him.
Add the potential of Ox, the experience of Yossi and Rosicky, and suddenly our squad depth seems pretty good. We do need Jack back, though.
Nice problems, happy days……
Just a flying visit Chaps , so top o’ the morning to you all .
When we win , can’t resist a flying visit behind enemy lines ( yep the true enemy , the insidious Le Grove , and not some dozy Spuds ) , just to marvel at the hypocritical backtracking .
Waded my way through Geoff Gervais’s pile of tosh , and then skim read the comments . Imagine my surprise then when I found one of our own , the redoubtable AL , leaving a comment dripping in sarcasm .
Well done AL , the thick c*nts clearly haven’t twigged ! A very large one for you Sir waiting on the Bar .
Drinks waiting on the Bar fellas .
Well done AL!
Moving on up through the team…. personally I think that IF we spend in the January window it will be on another striker (Chamakh to go out on loan?)…. and if we did I think we could do a hell of a lot worse than Di Nathalie (remember him from Udinese?).
We just need someone prolific to step in if/ when RVP gets crocked. Of course, Park needs to have a go too…. maybe tomorrow with RVP on the bench?
Di Natale – sorry, emasculating him a little there!
This is not an almshouse for lost homeless Sp*ds.
Can we stop giving them bread-and-gruel handouts and turn them back out into the gutter where they belong?
PS…. also agree entirely with Blooger’s vthoughts today re RVP.
Right, a glass of wine awaits in a 3 hour lunch break. Welcome to Spain!! 🙂
Snir, zico @ #s 378 & 379.
Am completely with you both on that minor irritation.
…. and Camberwell @ #385.
Chugs into goal-hanging position … 😉
Ta gents, for the kind ones – can’t resist popping over to that zoo every now and then to rattle some cages. They don’t always let me through the gate. And there may be a correlation ‘tween them not getting it and it staying up – but then i might be being unfair. Gave ’em my –
WENGER OUT- wits latest big-spending chelski whizz-kid manager with team he bought for nought
yesterday, and you know the brats didn’t thank me for it
Sweet, Sweet Gooner Daze
Still basking – UReDS!
Lurkers of the world, unite!
hey tabs, let’s begin the hunt for goal #400
Szcz taps the ball out of his penalty area to Santos….
Arsenal are playing an All C*nt XI btw including Rooney, Sh*wcr*ss Adebaywhore and JT.
Santos passes it inside to Arteta…
Santos bombs to the half-way line, skips over a desperate lunge from Sh8wcr*ss and as he lands plays a beautiful pass across the midfiled with his left foot whilst landing mid shin on Sh*wcr*ss with his right.
*The local council send out the dustmen to clear-up the remaining bits of Sh*wcr*ss left on the Park*
I’ll leave you guys to it now… laters…. 😉
Unfazed Santos continues marauding towards the opposition goal like a bitch in heat….
I’ll post today’s pre-match PC Digest:
October 31: Wenger pre-Marseille
** Vermaelen, Jenkinson fit to play
** Benayoun back but Chamakh ruled out
** ‘Our next aim to to close gap on leaders’
** Wenger – Team works hard for Van Persie
** Ramsey – I bring a different style to Cesc
** Wenger – Van Persie is a fantastic captain
** ‘Ramsey is getting back to his full potential’
heh TS and CoR
GOOOAALLLLL!! And the keeper has bits of goal pie all over his chest…
I love lamp. And goals.
Oooooh. Rude not to then.
Sneaks in
Damn!
See you in about 100.
Thank you Arsenal Academy for making me a superstar!
*Puts on shades and continues sipping his ChuHai*
Sorry nottabs 😉
My milkshake brings the 400 to the yard 😆
Oooooooh, well in CoR.
Afternoon all,
Would somebody please be so kind as to shave Rover and throw the cuttings in a glass. Cheers.
Ah , a chap ducks away for 5 mins , and the chance is gone 🙂
Will I score before Chamakh ?
*The local council send out the dustmen to clear-up the remaining bits of Sh*wcr*ss left on the Park*
—–
Heh, somebody get Ju Young a clean shirt.
Chamakh brace against Marseille. Heard it here first 😉
Please be advised my psychic powers are pony after my super fail at predicting the CC draw last week 🙁
Well in CoR .
*sees his number come up and limps off berating his manager*
Hehe, ah tabs, keep your head up. Sure you’ll score in the next fixture penned by Sir Holic tomorrow 😀
CoR, I take it you are referring to a knee brace.
http://news.arseblog.com/2011/10/chamakh-misses-marseille-game/
Hello Holics,
Brilliant narration TABS it felt as if I relived the match again, that was pure poetry.. Also entirely agree regarding THAT one moment when Captain Vantastic rounded Cech, Oh what a moment..
Thanks for the brilliant links too Tim and Snir..
Finally just for the record Holic , this IS the best Arsenal site on the blogosphere.. Thanks for this wonderful forum..
COYG
Heh at your Heh H2H @ #408 😆
Heh Joshua 🙂 CoR fail again
Second yellow, cus.
I ban ‘holics for abusing each other. Can’t let you do it old son.
I would have preferred if you had just gone all Mike Dean, ‘Holic and banned the fecker 😉
yawn…another morning in the desert and the buzz from Saturday still remains. We really needed that didn’t we?
Check out picture 19, is that a Junior Gunner to the right?
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/40304/arsenal-train-ahead-of-marseille-tie-pics
😀
Tim, yes we did!
someone asked for this (hope it’s not in the drinks already)
Arteta video versus Chelsea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVMNv8nSEds
Lol, I jinxed Marouane, better hold up on predictions for the time being :S …ah well, at least I got the 400, that’s all that matters!!!!
Think someone jinxed Chamakh long before you Cannons 😉
Check again CoR , looks like your effort went to the Video Ref and was disallowed 😉
You’ve got Cusop to blame for that .
Cheers SlaSh .
Mwahahaha, brilliant!
Shall I thank Cusop?
I haste to add I am not him.
Well in nottabs !! 🙂
If it’s not gonna be me , it might as well not be me 🙂
Cus gone forever?????? Happy days. That said he would have been really busy no doubt tonight of all nights.
If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t even exist, tabs!
So thanks.
I think I may retire in peace now, what do you think?
Heh, nice one Steve T.
I think however he’s still under suspended sentence, courtesy of the Guvnor’s even-handed policy. I’m going for Trev’s ignore approach.
The choice is entirely yours nottabs 🙂
Well, tabs is truly brilliant.
So being nottabs is, by definition, not such a great thing.
Which is OK for a couple of jokes but that’s it.
I shall therefore bow out as gracefully as I can.
It was nice to know you, ‘holics.
🙂
I’m sure we’ll continue to see you in another guise nottabs 😉
Lars @418 Heh! They do love capturing those two together in one photo, don’t they!?
I’ve got to say, my impression, and of course it is nopthing more than that, is that this is a much happier and more united squad then last year.
I have no idea why… one can only speculate.
OK, now that nottabs has said his goodbye and left in a cab while the camera pans out and some sad music is playing (yes, I have seen too many crap movies and tv series!), can we start guessing who was hiding behind that alter ego? 🙂
Catalan: “I’ve got to say, my impression, and of course it is nopthing more than that, is that this is a much happier and more united squad then last year.”
I agree completely. It sure looks like we are heading in the right direction in that department.
Ignore what? Nah, don’t bother
Aah, a chance to kick off the sling-backs and enjoy that London Pride that was left on the bar for me – cheers Tabs.
Now to continue the internet search for Arse v The Bucklers inspired sustenance. Does anyone have access to a minute by minute edit of mighty Patrick Rice’s contribution to Saturday’s steepling triumph, perchance? 20 mins of arms folded, short-wearing, sun-glasses glinting, grinning and some shouting’ll do.
Still basking – UReDS!
Catalan @ 433
Totally agree – our team of last year would not have recovered from losing a goal just before half time. There seems to be something a bit more resilient. On the other hand, maybe we are just starting to get a bit of luck that has been missing e.g. Mike Dean would have sent the goalkeeper off.
Another instance – at 4-3, all of us are wanting the team to play out time, but what do we do – charge out and score a 5th. In previous matches we have lost posession again and lost a sucker equaliser.
Maybe it’s someone else’s turn to be taunted by the Gods?
Agreed Lars .
A saturday teatime favourite in my childhood was one Kendo Nagasaki , a masked wrestler who played dirty .
At the end of his illustrious career , playing in front of what must have been tens of hormonally challenged Grannies , he was ceremonially de-masked .
Surely nottabs should be asked to undergo the same procedure ? 😉
More “men in trunks” references, tabs?
Can I recommend my shrink? 😉
Ah , Dr Z , you can’t beat it , the only thing missing was the Jimmy Choos 🙂
Time to relive one of the great moments of British Sporting History ( just so Lars knows I’m not making it all up !) .
Let’s get ready to rumble ….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz01e1wB898
CG – I know AW said he will put Jacky further forward but doesn’t he always say that’s it’s tougher physically further back than forward? Wouldn’t make sense to have him start in a more physical position then move him after he’s used to it.
I think that’s what he said on AOC and the reason he doesn’t put him in the middle albeit putting him on the wing isn’t quite the same thing that happened with Jacky.
I also think that he moved Cesc there because he had no one else but now he’s got Aaron so he can keep Jacky in a spot where he’s so comfortable he won an England place on the back of his performances.
In a midfield like ours putting him further back won’t curb his attacking influence as it’s so fluid. You could see that last season as he was instrumental to our attacking play.
What a player he is. I absolutely can not wait for him to recover.
My goodness, how funny is this?!
If we were playing in Iran, RvP and Arteta should have been banned for life after the 5th goal celebration!
How stupid is Ahmadinejad ?!
This is fucking hilarious !!!
http://richmobile.metronews.ca/london/world/article/1011162–video-iran-soccer-players-suspended-for-immoral-goal-celebration
I’m signing them up for The Speedo Massive , Snir
Heh tabs/zico – thanks for those wrestling images.
I remember Saturday afternoons, Dickie Davies, World of Sport and all the wrestling greats including Mick McManus, Giant Haystacks, Big Daddy (Shirlie Crabtree) – you could not make that sh*t up. Strangely, I used to watch it from my gran’s house but she wasn’t one of those hormonally challenged ones beying for blood and a de-trunking 😉
Just watched the boys training this morning @ LC on Arse player.
Getting revved-up now to give the boys a big welcome back to the HoF after destroying The Chavs at the weekend. Should be a great atmosphere. Especially after a few pre-match drinkies 🙂
Ah TS , you’ve got the old nostalgia banks working overtime . I too watched that stuff at my Grandparents , with Fish and Chips on my lap , whilst earnestly studying the ticker of “latest scores” running along the bottom of the page .
Remember The Royal Brothers , the goodies of the tag team world . I always wanted them to get bashed up by the baddies .
Time for a game of Subbuteo , anyone ?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Preview time…
re Nottabs.
I suspect Ollie 🙂