We’ve Only Got One Song, And We Are Top Of The Charts
Nov 23rd, 2011 by 'holic
“Just a couple of words about Fulham. Three to be precise. We were crap.”
I wrote one of my shortest match summaries in November 2006 after a particularly poor performance saw us defeated 2-1 at Craven Cottage. Had I expanded on my feelings that night I would have gone to the place that every other Arsenal blog went to in the aftermath of that game. Almost universally Alex Song was ripped apart for his lacklustre contribution. I don’t know why I didn’t join in. I agreed with every word that was written about him. I probably thought tearing into a nineteen year old wasn’t helping anyone. When he went on loan to Charlton quite a few silently hoped he would impress there and get a permanent move.
I have been waiting for three years, since he nailed down the defensive midfield position at Arsenal, for the perfect moment to say I’m sorry. I was wrong, so very wrong. I think that night arrived tonight. If ever I get a notion to criticise a young fella learning his trade again, I hope I remember the example of the wonderful Songinho. Tonight he came of age. Don’t let me hear any pundit trotting out the tired old phrase ‘the Makelele role’ again. Tonight, Alex Song redefined that position.
Until a few minutes into the second-half the group of death was living up to its sobriquet, with no goals in London or Marseille. All four teams had chances. Dortmund were clearly the better side at the Grove, as they needed to be. Nothing less than three points would do for them. If the definition of a great side is one that can dig out a result when not playing well, then we are on the brink of the quadruple!
The match, indeed as it turned out the group, turned on the contribution of the aforementioned Mr Song. Two groups of three players were bamboozled as he slalomed his way across to, and out of, the left flank. An inch-perfect chip set up the skipper for his almost compulsory opening goal, a perfectly executed downward header. Up to that point Song had been instrumental in ensuring that the visitors were unable to turn their period of ascendancy into any clear-cut chances to cut us down to size. After that point he returned to his primary task with a vengeance. Has any Arsenal player needed to win so many challenges, or interrupt so many opposition attacks, during the Wenger years?
Confidence restored the Gunners all but wrapped up the three points with a near post corner straight out of the George Graham playbook. The Vermanator flicked on for the skipper to add to his astonishing tally for the year. He will be the first to acknowledge Song’s performance, I’m sure, but how strange is it that we have become so used to van Persie scoring that on a night he grabbed two more goals at the highest level we are discussing a player who is primarily a defensive midfielder?
How ironic it seems then that the man of the match should turn villain in the last of the added on minutes. A careless bit of work in the right-back slot as he attempted to help cover the substitute Djourou resulted in Dortmund getting the consolation goal their first-half performance deserved. We barely had time to restart before the final whistle, and confirmation of a shock win by Olympiakos in France that meant that we had not only qualified for the knock-out phase, but had done so as group winners. Some of our squad players and youngsters can gain valuable experience in Greece for the final game. Marseille, you have created your own problem.
I feel a musical summation may follow in the drinks!
Fulham Ticket Competition Winners
I announced in the drinks and on Twitter this morning that the winners of a ticket for Saturday’s match with Fulham are Danny Murphy, who has assured me via email that he is not that Danny Murphy, and Arthur Dobrzanski. The tickets, courtesy of Arsenal partner Indesit, are in the post. I look forward to sitting with you both on Saturday. My usual neighbour will relish leaving the earplugs at home.
To those who were unlucky on this occasion could I just say thanks for entering. Bearing in mind that I had stressed you have to be available to take the prize, and how many matches have struggled to sell out in the early part of the season, I was astonished at the response. It just confirms to me that the feelgood (down zico!) factor is returning big time.
Goonerholic Android App
OK then Android users. One of the ‘holics, and you know full well it isn’t big old Dumbo me, has produced a prototype Android app for the site. I’ll talk more about it in the next post, and chuck in a plea for someone to produce me one for the iPhone as well, given I am a luddite. In the meantime please check it out and feedback to me, gooner(at)goonerholic(dot)com with your words of praise or suggestions for this addition to the ‘holic armoury. Click on the link below.
Right, off to enjoy a measure of two of Talisker. This has been a good night. Cheers, ‘holics.
356 Responses to “We’ve Only Got One Song, And We Are Top Of The Charts”
Get in there!
Very, very nice, Holic. Here’s how I saw it.
It’s a long way from Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia to Holloway Rd’s Chip Inn Fish Bar. But that didn’t deter some 7,000 lusty-voiced lederhosen-sporting bratwurst-munchers from descending on Antonio and over-paying for cod and chips. The fans of Ballspielverein Borussia Dortmund, looking like a swarm of angry wasps, had The Emirates rocking as loudly as I can ever recall. BVB are one of the most successful clubs in German football history. They are the current Bundesliga champions and could knock Napoli for six with blindfolds on.
So tonight’s game was no gimme. BVB were fresh from a one-nil away win over Bayern and fancied their chances of porking a sausage right through Arsenal’s dreams of qualification with one game to spare. Robin won the toss and the sausage-eaters kicked off with their fans at their backs.
Arsenal started slower. BVB were quick to pounce on stray balls, of which there were several. But neither team created too much and by half time, the spoils were deservedly even at no spoil each. Mario Goetze and Sven Bender both had to depart after about half an hour. I had been looking forward to seeing Goetze again. But he was nearly invisible, with the continuously improving Andre Santos putting him in his pocket till he left.
We looked decidedly livelier in the second half, and it didn’t take long before Alex Song burst through at least eighteen tackles twice before chipping to the head of the chocolate leg. The head stretched its neck and nodded powerfully downward for 1-0 to the team in red and white.
That goal seemed to take the stuffing right out the BVB sausage, leaving it stewing in its own juice. Arsenal played competently, but not exceptionally, looking more like a German team at times than Dortmund did. Wacott netted after off-side had been given raising the spectre of another “Swss Cuckoo Clock Maker’s” yellow card. Inside the last quarter, Gervinho was clean through on a beautiful Ramsey pass. He tried to round the keeper (Theo would have shot early) and a golden chance for a 2-0 cushion passed.
But the chocolate leg’s partner hadn’t finished. And with only four minutes to go it netted easily off its instep from an Arteta corner that bounced nicely off TV’s head.
Two-nil and four minutes to go. Another Euro clean sheet? This is Arsenal we’re writing about – no way could we all rest easily. Alex Song took the ball for a walk, dithered with JD20 who’d joined the fray, and within seconds it was 2-1 and Tommy Vermaelen was going ballistic.
And so it finished, but not before I mention the long awaited return of the mercurial Abu Diaby. Welcome back, big fella. May your injury woes be finally behind you. Arsenal go through as section winners, which as Slur Alex pointed out to all last night “Gie’s ye the extra benefit of an awa’ game first” in the next leg.
I’ll take that and a Mario Goetze transfer in, every day of the week with a Glenfiddich if you will, barman.
So the crisis continues. Where is that home-counties jelly-bellied twerp who was spouting off after the AGM only a few weeks go now, I wonder? Off drowning his sorrows with Gareth LeC*nt perhaps?
Great result, and a good all round team performance. The Krauts are a very good team and it was very hard to open them up. Until the fuck up right at the death our defense looked really solid too.
btw just after RVP scored our second the Kaiser who had slipped out early doors (he had been commentating presumably for German TV in front of us), came back to find out why the crowd were roaring. Funnily enough he didnt seem to disappointed to find out we’d scored.
BtM, a masterpiece.
Thank you 😉
Are we any closer to welcoming you to the Tollie?
Here At LeG – WHERE WE’RE NOTHING IF NOT IRRITATING!!!!!!!
We was fukkin’ luky that we was 2 nil up when they scored right at the death – and no-one is telling me nothing different – no-way!!!
A 2-1 win against the in-form bundesliga champions!!!! What does Wenger think he’s doing!?!Disgracefukkinful!!! That was a loss in my eyes!! And that’s unacceptable!!!!
We was the first english club to qualify and that’s embarrassing – we look a right Billy fukkinnomates – and that’s a situation that can’t be allowed to continue!!!!!!?
The manager needs to take a good long hard look at himself in the mirror and tell himself he should be more like me – not Bertie(who?) – just me!!!!!!
Ps – Arsene so-called Wenger, relies too much on our best players to be among the best players on the pitch and thus do some of the bestest things on the pitch! He’s fukkin’ mental – he is!!! This dangerous lunatic must be stopped before he turns Arsenal into yet another one of his fancy so-called great teams, playing so-called great football and makes me look a total so-called massive cunt – again!!!!!!!!
From what I remember of that Fulham game, Cesc was rested by Wenger, which we all knew was a bad idea. Song was rubbish, but so was everyone else. The pleasure at Song being substituted at halftime was more because it brought Cesc on… who then proceeded to be rubbish too
Great report by the landlord, will save the BtM report (as well as catching up on drinks) for tomorrow! I now need to be off to bed sharpish, must keep a clear head for work tomorrow – will be a busy morning with lots of details that will need my attention.
Anyway, great win today and I have to say I’m not sure I agree that Dortmund were the better side. We were prepared for their onslaught and just soaked up the pressure and let them run themselves ragged and then we pounced when the opportunity arose. We took a pragmatic approach to the game and it paid off, and fucking hell that was nice to see! What is it now, W10 D1 L1 in the last 12? Or is it even W11 in the last 13? I’ve lost count, to be honest.
Drinks all round for anyone in the bar, I’m off to bed. See you tomorrow everybody!
Hey Ody, long time no see, and you recall the game well.
Hope you are keeping well and having a stoating good time?
Great report ‘holic – though with Lars on the – ‘it’s your move show us what you got’ – then we’ll have you, front.
Maybe red tinted ones, maybe not. Anyway …
A. Song in my heart
Ewww to be ah! GoonAh!
Android App, I Phone App.
Is there a Blackberry App?
I agree Song for MotM
Hey LR,
I remain to be convinced we are good enough to rope-a-dope sides of that quality, but as the Song has proven, I can be wrong…
Loved the dortmond fans singing in English”sing when ur winning,u only sing when ur winning”.wassup holic from across the pond,also enjoyed seeing Roger federer sitting with TH14
I will always cherish the privilege of watching Cesc Fabregas grow and play for The Arsenal. I suspect I will always take every opportunity I can to enjoy watching him play, even for Barcelona, who I will, on occasions, grudgingly admire, but will never love.
I will NEVER forget the exultation, the burst of passion that I experienced when Arsenal last advanced past AC Milan in the CL, courtesy of Cesc’s away goal at the San Siro.
He won the ball just inside his own half, surged forward and slammed an unstoppable shot low into the left hand corner of the Italian goal. Remember the passion in his wide eyes? Remember the passionate, celebratory hug of his mentor? Remember Arsene’s proud smile?
That night, before he scored he was everywhere. Defending, covering, firing probing passes, in short, a superb example of the complete footballer, the perfect role model to all of his team-mates, and the heartbeat, the mainspring of The Arsenal.
Cesc returned to the San Siro tonight, for the first time since then, playing a forward role, that of the probing poacher, the foil to Messi and the spoon feeder for Villa. This role limits him, although he does it well for a man whose speed is not his greatest strength. Sadly though, the boyish passion has passed, the heartbeat has become a soft throb, the mainspring has become a mere cog. Where is the joy we used to see?
I truly hope you and your DNA are happy, Cesc. Your stature on the world’s football stage is not (yet) enhanced, quite the opposite is true in fact. Should Arsenal meet your Barcelona again this season, I will wish you well and wonder how you’ll ponder on your decision to leave us after The Arsenal win.
Jebus Les, I need a Blackberry one as well?
How many people can I put upon to provide their skills for free?
(or maybe a Guinness and Glenmorangie chaser on matchday!)
I said it before and I’ll say it again.
The best DM in the game. Anywhere on the planet.
By a country mile.
Apart from being so technically adept for a DM as seen on the goal, his defensive play is immaculate.
Apart from being an expert in putting himself between the ball and the attacking player, you got a perfect example of his defensive understanding of the game at about 40 mins when Lewandowski was penalized for a handball after a Kos sliding clearance.
The fact that he stayed on the left flank covering for Santos who went to ground trying to make a tackle in the middle third despite the fact that the Dortmund player had loads of space and not commit to closing down the player with the ball means he is a genius.
Had he committed and closed down the Dortmund player on the ball he would’ve left an entire flank wide open and we would’ve conceded.
Lovely write-ups ‘Holic & BtM but I’m with Lars. From inside the Wengerdome I thought we pretty much controlled the game from midway in the first half. A great team performance all round, noone had a poor game and everyone played for eachother. It’s a pleasure to watch this team now, they genuinely have that fabled mental strength. Arsene deserves a lot of credit for how he has rebuilt our team after a disastrous summer.
Song & RVP were both immense but every substitution warranted a deserved standing ovation. Ze Germans were an excellent side capable of beating England’s finest but we were better!
UTA!!!!
Lovely stuff… from the Landlords!
Holic some Wisnioka for you tonight 🙂
Fair comment ‘holic – on both counts
A Song: ‘We float like a butter-knife and sing like a Bee Gee’ – good but not yet perfect. Time to go. Dennis bless and goodnight
i THOUGHT sONG WAS FUCKING GREAT BUT Santos WHO????????????
Apologies about the caps and so on, too much vodka for my liking!
I thought Ramsey was great today! He created three dangerous passes for theo and GERVINHO! He’s grown as a player! Hard working and skillful! Santos is another player I admire… Despite the criticism frm some fans the man is very talented. Good on the ball and defending he’s getting better!
Great win tonight
Another great blog. Song’s assist was magic and as I watched from behind the corner flag as Song powered around the dortmund players, I just sort of felt it was going to be a goal. I really believe that Arteta has been key to Song’s confidence and belief. He knows it is not all down to him now, that someone has his back and he can flourish. I also cannot believe we had to put with Denilson for so long when you see what Arteta has bought to this team.
Mmmm, wisniowka.
Yum 😉
I think Santos can say to Clichy: Hello …
Clichy: You are good but I’m better………….
Santos: Against who? ……… Money is not important!
Santos continues: Against who?
Clichy: Fuck off I’m a sub!
Santos: Well you got what you deserve hihi
Spot on about Arteta, Lulu.
I think we have found a slight adjustment to the preferred formation that works for us, and Arteta being prepared to share duties with Song is key to that.
Leave off – apart turning defence into attack, keeping the team moving forward, winning tackles, talking to the kids and telling ’em how it’s done, playing 2/3 defence splitting passes a game, making chances, getting assists and chipping in with the odd goal or two – that Arteta’s done nothink for us all season. When will Wenger learn the spanish are shitish at football, especially their midfielders! And that’s not racist – that’s fact – in my opinion.
W-enger O-ut N-ow!
😀
Come you Reds………………….
I need to recollect my thoughts!
Night all….Love you all…..
Arsenal seem to be in a special category having actually won in the Champions League. Who are these other dud clubs that England entered in the competition?
8Ball
Good question? Fella….double opening soon!
I feel addicted to this place!
It’s not just Arteta, it’s the whole team. Song has been growing year on year into his own skin. The team, defensively and organisationally is catching him up this season. I remember him rampaging forward and scoring a couple of goals and getting quality assists. E.G…
The ‘Beach Goal’ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT-aL–07TA
But it meant leaving us exposed a bit. Now, the team back him up and he’s comfortable in attack and defence.
We’ve only got one Song.
We’ve only got 5 Songs.
Or that’s how many it appeared we had on the pitch.
He was everywhere!!
Re: BtM @13: You are right. THe script has been written and Arsenal are going to win!
so glad btm has pulled a macarthur and returned. and so right, ‘holic and co, song was immense. Shout out to the defense too, well played.
Scruz and 8bal
Hi fellas! :)l
COME ON ARSENAL!
Night all#1
Fuck it looking forward to Fulham now!
1st goal – Song and dance man!
“Mental strength” – we has it.
This Arsenal team is a joy to watch. They fight for each other. They press. They strike with pace.
Sczc – Solid as ever. Hard to believe he’s so young.
Santos – Far better than Clichy ever was. Wished he would have taken a shot on one of his runs forward. He may get caught out from time to time, but the players around him do what’s needed to cover.
Kos – Unbelievable defender. He looks better every game.
Mert – Firm and solid. Fits right in on these European nights.
Verm – We missed him last season. A lot.
Song – Nothing needs to be said.
Arteta – Covers when he needs to, goes forward when required. I relish the thought of him and LJW working together.
Ramsey – The engine of the midfield. Great awareness of the players around him.
Gervinho – I love how he’s constantly creating chances, running at defenders, and setting up his team mates. Perhaps he should do better with those chances, but that will come with time.
Theo – In great form right now. What was that I once heard about not having a “footballing brain”?
RvP – Dear Sepp Blatter. You can take the Ballon d’Or and shove it up your *****.
Ooooooh to be a gooner.
PS: Only one Arsene Wenger.
And like you said above ‘holic ‘we are on the brink of a quadruple’
context, did someone mention context
UsupeRReDS!
A quick scan through the CL groups shows only Real Madrid with 2 have conceded fewer goals than our 3 in the first 5 games. Who here (including the HT engineers sitting alongside me) could have predicted that back in August? If we bring some of this defensive resilience to the league games we might just be on to something special.
As you said so well ‘holic winning games where we’re not brilliant is a welcome change. It’s been a long time coming.
Someone told me earlier (as I was boasting about the result on Facebook) ‘don’t get carried away, this Arsenal team aren’t what they used to be’…..I replied ‘you’re right, we’ve got more passion and discipline’.
Onwards and upwards everyone – cheers
A few early scoops in the Eaglet with a few old friends helped to calm the nerves before what was going to be a tense evening. As we entered the concourse the chants of the new “Arry’s going down” song brought loud approval and smiles all round.
The game started off as a nervous affair. The Dortmund fans I must say were awesome. They had secured the seating in the upper tier above the away support. This is the first time I have seen that. They did their club proud.
The first half continued as a cagey affair. You could see that Dortmund were a side full of Athletes who played with a high energy level.
I must say that come the second period I thought we took control. Our midfield started to dominate and we gradually took ownership of the match. The back four looked in little bother and we had now started to create more up front. Then up popped Song. Now Song is a player that has frustrated the hell out of me in the past. I was at that game at Fulham in 2006. It was dreadful. It was midweek, cold and pissing down. The team were poor. Song was very much the worst of a bad bunch. So much so that my half time drink that night was cancelled so I could make a call to get my boots dropped off at the Cottage. Even a little tubby retired club playing left back was better than the shambles unfolding in front of my very eyes?
Song has developed since then immeasurably. I have in recent times been frustrated by his ill discipline. He had this habit of going walkabout and abandoning his post.
Holic, I agree with you. Bar his minor error in injury time this was as complete a performance I have seen by him. What he managed to do for the first goal I can not wait to see again in the highlights. For a man who at times manages to play a 10 yard pass 5 yards wide, the skill and precision for the first goal was sublime. None of this went unnoticed by the crowd as it was Song’s name that was sung before that of RVP.
From that moment we continued to dominate. The second was inevitable. It came from a corner flicked on at the near post. Now who would have had money on that????? Not only did we score form a corner but Diaby managed to play for a few minutes at the end. A day of many firsts.
So there you have it. The journey home was relaxed and full of smiles. These got broader when the news of the demise of the Chavs. How can you not laugh at that?????
Greece here we come. My advice would be to go out for 4 days. Have a warm weather work out, play the kids and let the likes of RVP and the boys chill out by the pool for a few days. Now then, how do I get on that trip????????
Keep the faith…..
OK Holic but in Jamaica we are grooving to this track tonight:
Evening…amazing away support tonight and what a collective sense of humour, did anyone else hear the Germans singing after our first goal (in English) ‘sing when you’re winning, you only sing when you’re winning?’
Great stuff!
Steve T, Agreed about the Dortmund fans. They were a credit to their club.
Stevie T
Great read.
sleep well old son,you’ve deserved it.
Cheers
The Sweeper
Steve @ 44. Well worth waiting for the roving report from the ground.
Interesting you noted the Dortmund fans were in the upper tier as well. They were real noise generators. Use of the upper tier wasn’t obvious from the TV broadcast. Makes you wonder if Arsenal couldn’t pep the average match day atmosphere up a bit by
a) doing something similar for dedicated home fan songsters of the Red Army type or
b) relinquishing a similarly large proportion of the ground to BPL teams with big enough traveling support to ensure all seats are full.
The latter would see more atmosphere and more income (potentially) balanced against “home advantage”.
Sweeper @ 49 – I’m pleased to see these days of despair and Paint It Black appear to have been replaced on your turntable by mood somewhat more akin to “Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out” – and I’m not referring to the younger Toure here.
Thanksgiving here. A couple of days off. Very civilised. Looking forward to a bellyful of turkey to go with my Arsenal reflections tomorrow.
‘night, arthur, and cheers@36!
leftcoastgooner was MIA at the pub, but I spent the second half of the game chatting with peter from blackburn here on a visit. he was very kind about the ewood park game, and we had a good laugh @ the venky’s crew.
happy thanksgiving to all; btm, where are you going to celebrate? we are going to our best friends’ place, bearing walnut pies and beans with bacon…
I’ll hold up my hand and join you, ‘Holic. I, too, thought back then that Song wasn’t the real deal and that Cesc and Denilson were the future of our midfield. Perhaps that is why AW is manager and we are not.
BtM, 1st post was pure poetry and I agree wiith a lot of your 2nd post, I (still) love watching Cesc play, even for the catalanian toss pots. We were all privalidged to see such a great player don the red and white, but I, like you, wonder if he can ever match the level of passion and comitment he acomplished we saw over the last decade. (I wish him all the best, but hope not.)
Joshua nice ratings.
Steve T, excelent as always.
LR, very funny.
Lars, we say the same game.
My opinion will follow………………..
Excuse my rudeness, excelent summary, Sir ‘holic.
A round for the bar, before I gather my thoughts.
Great read, Holic! Thanks for that!
Fantastic performance from the team! Elated I am! And to think we had to qualify to get to the group stage. Now, we are the first English team to qualify to the knockout stage. I cross my fingers we keep this spirit all season.
One Arsene Wenger, there’s only one Arsene Wenger!
BtM: Top notch report as ever. Particularly agree with your assessment of Santos.
It says something’s about how the defence is gelling that I sat through the last 15 mins when it was still 1-0 without any of the sense of impending doom that was so prevelant in recent seasons past. Then, of course, Dortmund scored…
Thank you ‘holic, BtM and Steve T for great match reports, and Joshua for a great assessment of the players’ performances. And cheers, Arthur. 😀
Tabs @227 previous: clearly you are not an opponent to be underestimated. Few could have imbued such offensive threat into such a seemingly defensive move. Kentish Town might be the obvious move but I sense a trap, so I play Cockfosters, Redbridge and Osterley and invoke Acton Town as wild.
From Absinthe Wenger’s post-match press conference:
on another BtM brace…
He is in a period where of course he doesn’t have to look for drinks – they just come naturally for him. He is always in the right place at the right moment and he got two drinks again tonight from positions that look easy but they are not. He just understands the game so well.
BTM @ 51.
I always look forward to reading your musings on all things Arsey.
One would never have guessed your first report tonight,was courtesy of the Plasma telly.!!
I thought i had been quietly chirpy all season,even after the debacles at Man Ure and Blackburn.
Perhaps you are referring to last season,when certain Team efforts were not up to the level expected at the Arsenal.
Enjoy your rest,and the Turkey,
Look forward to reading your reflections tomorrow.
Cheers
An Ebullient Sweeper.
NBN, 😀
OK, a tip of the hat for the travelling Germans (first time in history that has ever been said 😉 ) you did your club proud.
I must admit, that the thought of playing against a very good Dortmond team, who were on a very good run,, scared the living daylights out of me, but, from start to finish, we were the better team.
Some will say, that the Germans, in spite losing a valued CB and thier playmaker, were the better team in the first half, I respectfully disagree. I thought we soaked up their pressure extreamly well and although they created a few chances, we were never really under pressure.
At half time, I (drunkenly and with my phone) posted;
” A2nd half we’ll have ‘em”
(sorry, I have no idea how italics work 😉 )
And I was proved right.
IMO, that was one of the best european performances you’re ever likely to see. We totally controled the game. Every player did his job, we shut down a very, very good team, while creating chances for ourselves to sease the necessay victory.
Kos was again briliant in a make shift position, our captain Van-tastic, once again,scored the all important goals and Alex Song put in a performance worthy of a MOTM award in eveybodies (including my) book. Yet, I challenge any ‘holic, or Arsenal supporter for that matter, to name one player that didn’t perform or give their all?
What a team performance!!!!
When it was time to stand up and be counted, EVERY player did their bitl for the shirt, for me, this victory and performance is up there with the best of them.
According to those in the know (fuck off while I laugh my arse off)we were the least likely to succeed in the CL, yet here we are, group winners and the first PL team to proceed (did I mention as group winners) to the knockout round.
For a team who had to qualify for the group stages, this is a great achievement and a testiment to our sublime manager, (how stupid do all you haters look now???????) who belived in his squad all along.
This is a victory that will instill great belief within our squad. Who gives a toss who we get in the next round? Believe me, they’ll be more scared of us then we are of them!!
To all our future opponants:
Be afraid, be very afraid.
We are the Arsenal and we are the best, the HT members knew what the rest are starting to realise, there’s real mental strength (© Arsene Wenger) in this team and inspite of the departures we are in better shape then we were this time last year. For us, the only way is up my friends.
To sumarise, a great team performance and an excellent european night. Fulham must be brickin’ it. 🙂
Join me in a voddie shot ‘ holics
Cheers.
And a fruit juice of choice for Mr Waterman.
Great match, we are on a roll. I went bonkers when Song dribbled through at least 18 tackles (official stat provided by BTM) and yelled OOOOOHHHHHH when RVP knocked it in….certainly not ‘music’ to the management’s ear. I suspect a bit of rotation for Saturday as we will field a fairly experienced squad for MC in the CC on Tuesday. Cheers all.
Gedo.
I think (hope) AW learned a valuable lesson last season and will see the CC game as a chance for the “B squad” to shine, while treating every PL game as a cup final
===
Gents, please excuse all typos spelling, gramatical mistakes, drink is getting the better of me. 😆
More vodide shots anyone?
H2H:
You have a point but for some reason I don’t see Wenger selecting the same squad that he used in the last CC game (youngsters plus Rosicky/Arsh/Benny). I think there will be more meat on the bone given the opponent’s deep squad and a real opportunity to win the CC. Don’t get me wrong, Fulham is priority…..I’m curious to see how we line-up.
We shall see my friend.
‘night all.
Shhh, don’t look now…this TEAM is pretty good.
Kudos to all the drinks above. Great summaries from the usual suspects. As we give thanks tomorrow, shortly after thanking the “great Keeper-in-the-sky” for Mrs. Lonestar, Baby Lady Gooner, friends & family (including you scalawags at this fine establishment), I will give a brief, but sincere, gracias for this TEAM that has now come of age.
*This just in…*
The REAL Reds are coming….
BMBD!
Brilliant win.
Brilliant. Fucking. Win.
BMBD!
An excellent result from a real team performance. Love it!
There is only one Song!
Btm, excellent posts as always
Steve T – Always enjoy reading your report
Agree with H2H, we should not worry about CC too much and field our strongest possible team (taking into consideration if any players are in the ‘red’ zone from yesterday) for Fulham
Up the Arse!
Am I missing something here? Were there more number of Away seats than the usual quota? How could they fill up eight thousand seats?
errmmm….. hang on. I’ll think of something…..
As you can probably deduce, all of the fine match reports despatched above were filed from the fine accommodations on the Happy Train * including that of the Landlord.
D L Ltd Management team thank you all for your excellent contributions, your awesome hopitality to our German guest passengers and for leaving the facilities in fine condition for Saturday’s return to the Grove.
We also give thanks to our fine mentor, Mr Arsene Wenger, always our inspiration.
* Happy Train, D L Ltd and Associated Companies are part of the Feelgood Foundation, a charitable Trust located in (CENSORED).
Steve T@44
“Greece here we come. My advice would be to go out for 4 days. Have a warm weather work out, play the kids and let the likes of RVP and the boys chill out by the pool for a few days. Now then, how do I get on that trip????????”
Steve you’d better check the weather forecast, it is already a bit on the chilly side here and wont get any warmer. Suggest you leave the speedos at home and head for O’Connells on Akti Miaoli for a warm welcome to Piraeus.
Massive from Song last night – not sure whether I’m happy to see us top the group or sad that I wont be seeing the RvP and the rest of the big boys down here. On second thoughts, scratch that, bring on the kids.
Better get in the swing, an early mornig ouzo anyone?
Arsenal (who last 8-2 to Man Utd 3 months ago, and were only second best nationally in a 4 months before that) were thrown into crisis last night by qualifying for the final stages of The Champions League for the 12th consecutive year. The extra games are sure to increase the chances of Robin Van Persie (who is still to agree to extend his contract beyond two years from now) of being injured.
Arsenal are lucky to have Van Percy, after turning him into a world class player through years of tutelage. If he goes it is feared that they will have to replace him with another home developed world class player rather than spend millions on a big name. As they have only done this before with Henry, Cole, Fabregas, Vermaalen, Song and Wilshere, the chances of them doing so are…. erm, slim?
Venga art….. Arsenal in Crisis.
Over to the Sky Studio to speak to the “experts”;
Rude Mullet: “Van Persie is world class, the captain of Arsenal and happy here. But will he stay?”
Morning Holic and all other honourable gents and ladies.
My only connection with last night’s proceedings was a frustratingly jerky live stream viewed from the comfort of my sofa as I awaited the arrival of a friend from Norway.
Stuck with such questionable media, which was hard to follow and even harder to enjoy, I did what any self-respecting fan would do and powered up Sony’s 3rd generation console with the promise of smooth-flowing HD graphics, while keeping half an eye on proceedings in the real world.
And smooth-flowing the football was. Imagine my unbridled joy, then, when the virtual Red Army on my flatscreen went 1 up at more or less the exact second that the real Arsenal did. Art imitating life or the other way around??
Not having the luxury of watching the highlights, I was left with the Dutch masters in this fine watering hole to paint me a picture of how the night unfolded. Hand on heart, I could not have been given a clearer, more detailed description by any newspaper report or breathless story told face-to-face by someone who’d actually been at the game.
Massive, massive thanks to all for a truly legendary set of drinks. A pint of whatever anyone wants will be brought to you on a tray in person. As for myself, I’ll stick with a foamy cappuccino as the working day is only just beginning.
PS – Don’t want to piss against the wind here, but would someone OTHER than VP please start scoring goals? It’s the last straw that everyone clutches at as they grope for pathetic excuses to criticise us.
U to the T to the A homies.
I was at that Fulham game too…. more memorable for me for the RVP free kick, Henry doing fuck all, and us being crap… I didn’t go to the pub after!
Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Just watched the first goal. Song, what??? Was it 4 or 5 Dortmund players he beat with sheer power and skill?
And then that cross. And the goal.
I’m off home to change my boxers.
Very pleasing win, top spot secured, and we get to see the other three English clubs sweat in their final group matches.
And of course, no Cameroon at the ACN in January/February means no losing Song during that period!
Dishonourable mention must go to Chelsea, surely.
I’m positively relishing their crapness at the moment – how many have they lost recently?
Looking forward to seeing Roman spunk another £10m on shipping out AVB. Then finally getting bored with his English football plaything and buggering off to another country, plunging the Chavs into debt and decades of obscurity.
Aaah, the chickens really are coming home to roost.
Kos there’s nothing this boy can’t do. From centre-half to right-back to this … Go on my son!!!
http://youtu.be/JZbKT0snOkk
CG @81
I’ll drink to that! Hangover seems to be a distant thing now!
Great article about SZCSC here; http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/szczesny-is-as-valuable-as-van-persie-6266258.html
Not a bad day, is it? 🙂
Am I allowed to say the corner has been turned yet or do I have to wait till March?
It’s a very long corner Camberwell. More of a curve really. Hope our lads realise that and don’t relax.
If we are top four after Christmas, I would be a happy gooner indeed
My thoughts already on the Fulham game. Do we rest RVP? If Kos has picked up a knock, who will play right back?
Morning All ,
Not much to add to the above . Great report Holic , and excellent stuff in the Drinks .
Thought it was a very very good win against a side , who despite their lowly position in the Group , have a talent that makes a nonsense of their 4th placed seeding .
The early skirmishes did nothing to calm the pre match nerves , but whilst Dortmund seemed to be first to the ball and more adept in possession in the first quarter , Arsenal never lost their shape , and there was none of the harum-scarum defending so evident at Blackburn .
There can be no doubting the impact TV has made , (how we missed him !!) , and last night he was very ably supported by the calm German ( Peter Fleming , the Tennis player , anyone ? ) , and the always willing Kos , a continuing revelation in an unfamiliar role . Throw in a slimming Brazilian having his best game in an Arsenal shirt and it meant that once VP had twisted his neck muscles to put us one-up , I never really felt we would surrender that lead – an unfamiliar feeling indeed .
Song will of course garner the plaudits , and rightly so , for a performance brimming with intelligent aggression and of course a sublime run and assist , ( not too dissimilar to his assist at SHL) , but the contributions of Arteta and Ramsey should not be underestimated . Both ran their socks off , and both were instrumental in establishing control of the game in the second half .
VP had a first half to forget , where nothing really stuck , but it is indicative of the rich vein of form he is in , that he was in the right place at the right time to meet Song’s cross and that thereafter he looked a class apart , and was able to bag a brace .
Either side of him , Flipper looked a little fatigued though his commitment to the cause never wavered , and Theo had his moments and was prepared to dig in and help out at the back .
And so , Club in Crisis move serenely through to the next stage as Group Winners , whilst the much lauded debt-mountains of both Manc clubs and Chelski have it all to do . That’s worth its weight in Gold (or alcohol) .
Finally a shout-out to Ze Germans . Their manager seems a decent sort , they tried to play on the front foot throughout , and their fans were exceptional . German football has much that we could learn from , if only the Game wasn’t led in this country by so many differing factions – reasonable pricing , safe standing , great atmospheres and even a National team they can be proud of .
Another round of London Pride please .
Snir from the last drinks – no , not me . Whilst i sometimes guiltily take a peak at Le Groan after a good result just to see how much squirming they are doing , I have never posted on that site . It would be like arguing with a particularly unintelligent parrot 😉
NBN@59 , Bloody hell , I never saw that coming ! I seem to be thrashing around like a hooked fish which needs to be put out of its misery . One final effort to pluck victory from defeat , I’m going Euston , down to Pimlico , and then park up at Knightsbridge .
LeG Rash – our aim is to irritate!!!!!!!!!
Right!!!! Wenger i’ll hold me hands up on this one – I like Gervinho, now – a lot.
I know i said one or two negativish things about him when he arrived – BUT that was only because at the time i hadn’t bothered to check him out at all.
I have seen him now so I suppose I’m, arguably, in a better position to form an opinion – but let’s not split hares.
Don’t get me wrong – I don’t regret slagging Gerv off before. I was just being honest, calling it as I saw it. Although as I say I hadn’t seen nothing yet. So what! I made an honest mistake, everybody does it from time to time – move on everyone!!
And alright – i went on about you always buying from the RUBBISH French league loads of cheap RUBBISH foreign talking French players (that’s not racist, that’s a fact – in my opinion).
Ok – you got lucky over the years with a few players from France like Kos, Henry, Anelka, Pires, Petit and loads of others i can’t be bothered to remember. And now, bloody hell, you’ve got bloody lucky again with Gervinho. But that’s not good enough for us hear at LeG, Mr. Prof!
Open your eyes Arsene so-called Wenger! Gervinho – great player but can’t finish. If you can’t see what’s right in front of you must be blind or arrogant or something else that i haven’t got the ‘mental strength’ to work out.
What you want to do is – if you can be bothered to stop counting your money for 5 minutes – is tempt an Arsenal loving, former world-class striker/finisher back to the club. One who hasn’t got anything much on at the mo, and get him to give big Gerv a few subtle pointers while they train together in front of goal- voila! Job done!!! .
And do it now – before it’s too bloody late!!! Oh, and it would be good if he could speak French or Ivorian or whatever-the-fuckitis they speak over there (that’s not racism, that’s just good old-fashioned ignorance – fact!).
That’s enough peeping out of me peeps – till next time. Oh, and Wenger – remember – I’m watching you!!
L’Eg’ore (LeG’s loyal gopher): Err LeG , you do know they’ve got all-time great striker Thierry Henry training with the club at the moment, don’t you?
LeG: Oh bollocks have they … Right tomorow’s posting will have to start something like this the:
“Exclusive: Wenger does what LeG Rash demands – again!!! Wenger acted on our advice/threats/mind-numbingly negative bullshit so quicklily that he’d done what we demanded even before we demanded it!!! Wallop!Get in!!!
That’s more like it Mr. so-called Manager – keep it up!
Remember, Arsene knows who to listen to, and who not to listen to. You heard it here first and don’t no-one forget that fact – Gotit!!!
I do hope someone takes a baseball bat to that cunt at Le Moan sometime soon.
Although his photography is clearly better than his writing today.
“We need to tighten up, because there will come a point when we’ll have to rely on winning games 1-0. At the moment, we look incapable of doing that.”
Erm, Udinese, Swansea, Marseille. How many more do you want you fucking idiot? Seven clean sheets in 21 games, that’s 1 in 3, just in case your maths is as poor as your reasoning.
On RvP “He jumped back up. He’d learnt the art of manning up this summer.” What does that even mean, Brains?
Top result over a very, very good side — Dortmund play proper football and they play it well. Yet all they could muster against the Arsenal in two fixtures were a wonder goal and a “wonder what they were thinking” goal….
Does anyone else regret that BvB are not going to come in second in the group? They’re miles better than OM and the Greeks, and they’d cause fits to any first place team in the 16 round — I mean, going to that stadium, with those fans….in February? Just imagine the look and smell of SAF on drawing Dortmund in the second round….deep purple proboscis and soiled trousers. Priceless!
About to participate in something called the Drumstick Dash. It purports to be a 10K race but I’m wondering how far I’ll be able to make it having overindulged last night. But slow and easy wins the race is my mantra. I’ll have to remember not to pretend I’m Jenkinson flying down the flank.
tabs @ 87 – well said.
Leg Rash, that’s brilliant, innit?
Old – best ignore these c***s – Leg Rash does it so much better.
Oldgooner @ 90 – check out @5 – seems those pillocks are a little on the predictable side. No surprise really
8 ball – I suggest you eat the drumstick (Turkey or Chicken?) forget the running, and get yourself to the bar.
You have something to celebrate, after all. 🙂
Talking of baseball bats, Old Gooner…. a nice peice comparing Flipper, Freddie and the chinless lesbian……
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/john-cross/John-Cross-Arsenal-column-Gervinho-is-one-of-the-signings-of-the-season-but-you-might-need-to-be-Moneyball-hero-Billy-Beane-to-appreciate-it-article834474.html
piece….. sorry Ollie! 🙂
*Chips it forwards and stands back to admire what happens……..*
Could it be?
@89 (and earlier) – superb stuff, if a little rash, LeG.
I had thought of doing something similar myself, but couldn’t hope to reach the standard of your absolute, f*cking stoopid dross. Well done!
That’s a rich vane you have in your LeG and I’m anticipating a great deal more varicose non-racism (whether in the form of facts “in your opinion” (magic) or good old-fashioned ignorance).
Only ONE Btm!
Heh, vintage BtM hits a ton!
Not allowed on the A92 by the way, next time you’re home 😉
LeG, bloody brilliant work 🙂
Harsha@72: according to an article I read on a Swedish Dortmund fan site, a lot of Germans had signed up for Red Memberships and bought tickets that way. Arsenal quite quickly realized this and actually changed people’s seats to get the away supporters closer together and also allowed the wearing of away colours in that section.
Harsha@86: “more of a curve really” – very well said. We have come a long way but there is still plenty of way to go. But as long as the team displays the same work ethic and disciplin then we will be fine in the end.
But now, back to work…
oldgooner – “What does that even mean, Brains?”
Ha! Quality.
Nice variation on the old “Go figure, genius!”
Thanks for the plaudits boys – but remember I don’t do it because I’m a self-regarding glory-hunter, i do it to get to the truth – fact!!!
TABS – “And so , Club in Crisis move serenely through to the next stage as Group Winners , whilst the much lauded debt-mountains of both Manc clubs and Chelski have it all to do.”
Plagerised and on my facebook page now.
Very well win BtM, good to see a veteran legend in the vitual flesh still doing what he knows best, eh? 🙂
Too many top quality drinks to single out, and Shaft and Dr F haven’t even made an appearance yet!
To the barman and whoever it may concern (Arthur?), I would also like an Blackberry app, would make my mobile intenet browsing so much easier 🙂
Wind @ 107 – Dr F hasn’t been seen since he ventured out alone into the night to watch the game…….
Come to think of it, that happens every time he goes to the pub to watch the game
(And obviously breathing sufficiently to be able to post @ 74, mind) 😉
LeG @various – Brilliant stuff 🙂
BtM @106 heh , feel free Sir , the Honour is mine 🙂
And congrats on the Century !!
The Scene :
Happy Train: Executive Carriage ~ 1am Thursday 24th November
Edwin is alone and sitting in Dr Feelgood’s oversized chair (Parker Knoll), drinking an effervescent glass of imported lager, with his feet up on the coffee table. His ubiquitous lab coat has been dispensed with and he is wearing an ill-fitting Arsenal replica top. The strip has “Toy Story” initialled on the back – a result of a misunderstanding with a blonde in the Armoury, which Edwin was too polite to have rectified.
He is enjoying the peace and quiet when the telephone rings and on picking it up, he hears the sound of a clearly disturbed and desperate individual……
Anonymous caller in a shrill and agitated voice :
“….after me, and I thought they were dead, and that bastard Clive sent them round and they’ve been in Broadmoor and now they’re here and Roxette is nowhere to be seen and I didn’t even think to bring a stick……..”
Edwin (calmly) : “I think you need to start at the beginning sir, where exactly are you?”
Dr Feelgood (for it is he) : “Can’t tell you. I think one of them has got a nail gun. I didn’t even have that much to drink. And Roxette has found a sailor. No point in offering the money and they said they’d let me go for 12 guineas. I don’t have any pets. Apart from Gareth…….get me a fucking taxi, Edwin, and my medicine. I think they’ve gone to get a drill. They’re singing Spandau Ballet songs. I think its the Kerr brothers. And one of them has got a pick axe. And look, that one is eating nails….”
Edwin (interrupts) “Snails?”
Feelgood (more and more agitated) : “No nails. He hasn’t got teeth. He’s in James Bond. He’s got steel for teeth. Oh look, a pussycat…..”
Edwin: “Ok Dr F, this would be so much easier if I could actually see your present predicament. Do you think you could try Skype?”
Feelgood: “Tripe? Feck no. That’s horrible. Oh here they come. It’s Hitler’s Joy Division. They’re eating babies. Here comes the Mexican Peruvian General, Italian President…….they’re coming to get me…..they’re all coming to get me”
In the background, Edwin hears a gentle female voice, whisper soothingly…….
“There, there. It’s just another dream. Have a drink of water. You seem quite dehydrated…..there, there, go back to sleep…..”
Edwin : “Thanks, and goodnight Roxette”.
Some Thanksgiving Day pop been consumed already, Dr Z?
Moi? 😀
Dr F clearly past breaking point Dr Z . Great stuff 🙂 🙂
I think we will need to sedate him at Everton, tabs.
I blame the Sweeper, meself. 🙂
Honest post ‘Hols.
You are not alone in your previous frustration of Song. Moi too. Our friendly weathered Scott Gordon Strachs nailed it on telly in that Song is your ‘modern day defensive midfielder’, one who stays on his feet and is ready to start a counter move. It is a pleasure watching him develop, but we must credit amongst others the work/ partnership of Arteta.
It is a case of stick or bust – with Denny, Le boss got it spot on. We could not invest in him any longer. It is a fine line, but aren’t we glad that we did not ship Song. Now we must do all we can to keep him.
But you have to smile at the Manchester clubs and not forgetting Chelski.
Avve it!
🙂 Guinness… the whole lot of you!
Afternoon all.
Still basking in the reflected glow of being the EPL’s current most successful team in Europe, bar none.
And that’s a fact – LeG Rash !!!!
It would be a mouth-watering prospect if Chel$ki and their twinned club in Manchester were to join the LWCs in The Europa league. I think I’d have to ask Edwin to produce an anti hernia suit if that happened – with apologies for the lateness of the idea to Mr.T.
zico @ #110 – Bravo, I may need that anti hernia suit earlier than anticipated. BTW, StoreySon would very much approve of the shirt mis-spelling 😀
NBN from previous drinks – Did you confuse ‘Whar Storey’ for tabs? All I have to say is Victoria, Hammersmith, Richmond! Game set and match?
Mr.C from previous drinks – Power struggle? What power struggle? 😉
BtM – Are you in the house to play for a while? Good to see you getting in amongst it.
tabs @ #87 – Cheers for the drink @ #87, there’s one in return waiting on The Lars. BTW, there’s also plenty of booze left for you, ‘Holic and any other Tollie visiting ‘Holics at the weekend. Please leave enough for the Everton game, there’s a good chap 😉
PS for tabs from the previous drinks re: “Carry On Innuendo”. The Holloway Road Chip Bar is only licensed to serve food and NOT take-aways! 😉
I’ll fetch my pipe…
PPS: Happy Thanksgiving to all of the Amercian ‘Holics! The turkey should taste that much sweeter after last night’s victory 🙂
Hey TS, hope you had a good night last night.
I was dreaming about you 😉
An excellent night thanks Dr.z!
The thought of you dreaming of me is a little disconcerting 😉
TS, no need to be alarmed unless this bit gets you :
ill-fitting replica Arsenal top
As usual some great stuff above – amen
congrats on the big C btm
Just me on the Paul weller plays centre-half for The Arse, then. Oil Well!
Still basking!
Quad still on – I’m with ‘holic on that one
Heh zico, not alarmed in the slightest *deep manly coughs* 😛
Tabs@88 & TS@117: what is this? Are you doubling teaming me or am I playing two games simultaneously? Tabs, you are a slippery customer, to be sure. You seem to have wriggled free with disarming ease. So let me try fresh bait, Goldhawk Road, Colindale, Aldgate East. TS, Come, come. Wimbledon, Colliers Wood, Parsons Green. Let me know when you feel you’ve warmed up.
Btm@100: nicely worked.
Happy Thanksgiving to all North American ‘holics.
NBN, Tabs and TS.
As a neutral observer of your games I can’t help the feeling that certain rules have been broken. Have you all agreed on the variants?
Camberwell
Would the poacher like to turn game-keeper and ajudicate?
I have to admit that I don’t understand one bit about this game of listing tube stops 🙂
You’re a fast learner Lars 😉
Lars – I’m with you, and I’m from Landan!
CG and TS: alright then, I’ll just try a stab in the dark and go with Hatton Cross, Holborn and Belsize Park!
Nice to see you boys playing with your train sets 😉
TS – Well if none of those concerned has any objection…
Afternoon Fellas ,
Cheers for the drink TS .
NBN @125 – ah a first mistake from the maestro , left me a little window of opportunity which I intend to explore , using the old tried and tested “Humphrey ” move . I’m going Aldgate East , Bank , and covering myself in glory by ending up at St Johns Wood .
Lars – nice try old son but that is a completely illegal move under the “jubilee rules” that we are playing .
Will post a link for you so that you might get more familiar with the highly complex rules of the Game .
Dr C – a London boy , and you’ve never played Mornington Crescent ?
Here’s a soundtrack for your game;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKglWitqtF0
I found it on you TUBE. 🙂
Camberwell @126 – Jubilee Rules , which always makes the game more interesting , if a little volatile . NBN also appears to be playing the “Brooke-Taylor” variant with regard to the Northern Line , which may have misled you .
tabs, NBN, Lars, Dr.C, Camberwell
Definitley no “Cryer-esque Creeping” allowed.
Definitely not TS – standards must be maintained .
Nice track H2H .
Lars , this should give you the jist .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M1bGnAyBus
tabs, well I did say it was a stab in the dark – looking forward to learning the rules 😆
CG@126: Tabs, for one, has claimed Jubilee rules but Acton Town is wild. And you know what that means. TS seems to be using the SE variant undeclared. I suspect he is not as green at this as he lets on.
Lars@128 and CG@130: As TS said.
Lars@131: What Tabs said @134. I’m OK with letting you replay you turn as it is you first go, if the others agree.
Tabs@134 & 136: Deeply impressed. Humphing can leave quite a mess in unskilled hands. But you pulled it off. Your tactical analysis, though, is flawed. (Or am I double bluffing?) Willesden, Alperton, Chancery Lane. Game on.
With Acton Town wild , this makes the next move very tricky , however using the Greene method of travel – Hatton Garden , Regents Park and Parsons Green – I think you might be trapped on the circle line , with no hope of getting off .
I have to say I am completely bewildered at the moment – is that really an actual game??? I didn’t understand any of it even with that video, they just seemed to be jumping around at random to me 😀
Lars , you’ve been working too hard mate , course its an actual game , I’ll try and find you some footage of the game being played . All will become clear 🙂
Alright, I have now enlisted the help of the Google and now I know 🙂
TS et al., Thanks for the Thanksgiving greetings. I will be raising a few glasses to you ‘holics at our lengthy and large Thanksgiving repast. 😀
Lars @145 heh 🙂
Have a good one 8Ball
H2H@135 – i’m sure i’ve seen the singer somewhere recently
Well, I’ve got nothing else going on tonight, so once the kids are tucked up, and Senora Catalana off on her girls’ night out, it looks like I’ll settle down and introduce myself to the jist of “Mornington Crescent”…..
maybe this is the “something missing” feeling that I’ve been experiencing recently. That or Sp*rs being above us in the table…
Indeed AL.
I’m afraid I don’t see the Kos likeness though.
==
Good luck with that game Lars, it looks a bit too dificult for me. Yet another fad to pass me by.
Ah well, there’s always drinking, speaking of which…
Beers lads?
Cheers H2H i’ll have a Peroni with you. And do please check out the first shot of this wee filum. If i’m wasting your time with delusional nonsense the choon’s still good
http://youtu.be/vLuOQ0MFF8I
And re the game – not, not playing it is not an option
Tabs@142: You’re making me dig deeper than Arshavin in the hole. But, I think the rules let me use my Cryer card at this point. So Monument, Bank, Bethnal Green. Scott free, albeit at the cost of giving up Acton Town as wild.
In tears here.
Only ‘holics would be playing Mornington Crescent.
Barking. (That’s not a move, by the way) 😀
Evening Songinho lovers.
My good barman,
anything that promotes the use of the rail system, is time well spent.
Heathrow, Earls Court, Holloway Road.
Tollington Arms. 🙂
TS@119 and NBN@125, cheers from the land of Aahs, the bit of brilliance on the bay of Monterey. Happy Thanksgiving two you all, and to all here in the ‘holic bar. Up since before god, but a nice pot of candied yams, two pumpkin pies and two walnut pies, and a fine dish of string beans and almonds later, I am ready for my first drink!
LeG Rash, if your ooze gets any slicker you will joining The Feelgood Diaries and that Shaft fella in the umbrella stand…
Happy thanksgiving, former subjects 😉
*ducks for cover
I was watching some old footage earlier tonight of Arsene and the Invincibles and felt it was time someone give our main man a shout, so bear with an old man and his maudlin ways…..
For Arsene:
To think that learned men would stoop so far
and cast aspersions on his faltering star
as all around sought scapegoats in the team
The Professor would unveil another seam
of rich talent from sources yet untapped
the weak-willed wailed, their side-kicks yapped,
jealously eyed the neighbours debt-accumulation
prepared to sell a birthright in their desperation
as if buying trophies was a form of winning
forgetting that every ending is just a new beginning
to doubt the man who showed them things of beauty
ignoring that each fan must do his duty,
for what are we without that forceful crest
those cannons proudly worn across the chest
and what are we without the learned man from France
11 individuals at the mercy of the Gods of Chance?
Indeed Dr F.
Can’t help but point out you have done exactly what got Al Faed thrown out of the world championship there.
Heathrow to Earls Court is strictly barred for all but Australian players according to the Hogg-Fynne clause.
*Applauds the Brazilian playmaker forced to live overseas.
Brilliant mate, just brilliant.
*back in the room*
Well well, gentleman, I see the game has settled down into a nice rhythm. Or is it a rut for some?
Tabs, care to elaborate on how to escape that trickiest of conundrums, the Circle Line Snare? in this case I could agree to the use of Tudor Court Rules, if that helps…
Fine, fine work indeed Dr. Z
now have i ever mentioned before that one of our lads at the back, to my mind anyway, looks a bit like that nice …
I think Feelgood has australian connections somewhere, Holic.
He likes bacon – enough to subvert the Fine Hog clause anyway 😉
Who doesn’t like bacon, Dr Z?
Ollie, Green Eyes dream man, for one. 😉
CG@162: Your having a larf. No way Tudor Court Rules can apply now Acton Town is no longer wild.
Dr F@156: Penalty/bonus of a extra round staying in the Tollie.
Dr Z @ 159, very moving my good man.
Also Lars, Google kept me in the know about Mornington Crescent (Wikipedia to be specific) and with my doctor’s advice (F) I’ll not be partaking to save my sanity (the shreds that remain after ignoring my Doctors advice to keep on reading this blog) 😀
NBN: they are a tad out of date for dealing with a tough one like this. What about if Hyde Park Corner was thrown into the mix?
My only abiding memory of Mornington Crescent is that it is a tube station that is normally shut.
Though maybe they’ve finished whatever work they had to do there and it is open again.
@ zicoinexile: wonderful stuff up top – had me on the floor in stitches. Looking forward to the next episode. This Goonerholic is by far the “funnest” blog on the planet by a Jamaican mile…
Thanks for the Thanksgiving wishes everybody.
As for Song, Steve T and the rest.
I think what people see as being ill disciplined and out of position is intentional.
He started roaming last season and I’m positive it’s with AW’s approval and possibly his request.
It’s probably due to the confidence AW has in Jack’s defensive abilities and now Arteta’s. He didn’t wander about when he was teamed up with Denilson/Diaby.
In addition, Song going forward is a huge advantage because of the fact that he’s a DM and the first thing that comes into opponents minds is “oh well, what will he do with the ball, he’s a DM.”
You see it every week when he goes forward with the ball including last night’s goal.
To those on my FB that can’t read Hebrew, this is my latest status – “If City, Chelsea and UTD will join Stoke in the Europa League that’d be awesome, LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL”
Or something like that, but the main idea of the status is the fact that it’s one of the funniest things ever… Battling for Channel Five on Thursday LOLLLLL
I think Yossi played quite well and he deserves a start on Saturday when AW will probably rest some players. I’m very doubtful he’d let the same team play 3 games a week.
Catalan – Billy Beane along with Theo Epstein and now Ben Cherington are my role models. That’s exactly what I to school for – Sports Management. To become a GM (Ben Cherington went to UMASS, the university I’m probably gonna transfer to and is now the GM of the Boston Red Sox). Billy Beane’s hero is AW.
My hero is AW, but that’s been known for years (as will be shown by my facebook pic of Arsene’s bust 🙂 ).
That movie is a masterpiece albeit the A’s not winning the series, but it is hard, extremely hard in a league where you’ve got playoffs etc.
A drink for all, and for Snir in particular.
Thanks Ollie, have one for yourself…
Wait, let me get this straight… The purpose of the game is to get to Mornington Crescent, right? Then why does no one just start somewhere and say it as his second station? Why does it have to be this long? Or are there additional rules?
it = Mornington Crescent station.
Snir, you cannot get to Mornington Crescent second station and still display the necessary parabolic fluctuation. That is schoolboy stuff, but I will let you off as a greenhorn…
ok….. just clocked on, and have got it! 🙂 Now I can sit back and enjoy…..
Are you allowing the DLR?
I have a feeling this could finally tip Snir over the edge!
Snir – thanks for the film review, and I look forward to you hosting all of the HT passengers at your first professional club. In which ever sport that may be….
Hello Catalan,
DLR sir, I fear not. We are using the rules as laid down by Stovold.
To help our visitors unfamiliar with the intricacies of the game I have amended the Amazon ad in the sidebar to Stovold’s seminal 2002 almanac which should enable them to enjoy the contests as they develop.
At a penny a fucking copy I doubt I will yet trigger the sum needed to make any cash out of it. Consider it a service to ‘holics everywhere. A valuable lesson, in fact.
CG@169: That would certainly thow Tabs next move for a curve, so it would be fine by me. Or I think it would. He can squiggle through more gaps than Song against a Dortmund defence.
GSG@174 & Goonerholic@176: Well said, Guv’nor.
CG@177: Bit new fangled for me, but I know younger players like it as it helps out with the reverse diagonal when Angel, Islington has already been played.
Thanks Holic.
I’ve been studying the rules all evening, as a bit of a rookie to this game, and have read a number of references to Stovold. But is his the defining work? A number of the (admittedly racier) texts referred to Bolokshov (1979).
I guess I’ll read Stovold first and then make my mind up
‘Holic@179: Stirling public service, and I applaud your classic virtues. No DLR it is. An even better tome, if anyone can find a copy, is Stovold’s “Mornington Crescent: Rules and Origins”. Sadly, it has been out of print for years.
No foreign adaptations here Catalan. You’ll have a Gare du Nord slingback before you can shout “NON”.
Actually, what with it being a late kick-off on Saturday, perhaps TaBS would care to throw an open challenge down to all-comers to play the real deal.
How much is a one day travelcard for all zones these days? That and a mobile phone and it’s game on!
Thanks Ned.
I shall come up early on Saturday and trawl Camden Passage. If I can’t find a copy there, it won’t be found.
Snir@174 , you’re displaying a beginners impatience with the game there my friend . The route to Mornington Crescent is laid with traps – in fact I’d go as far as to say this game is trickier than winning the Premiership , especially when you’re up against a master like NBN .
At the moment we’re playing Jubilee rules with NBN introducing and then discarding an Acton card wild card . In the circs a quick skip to Mornington Crescent was out of the question .
Camberwell , I can’t say I’m in favour of introducing Tudor Court Rules , for the principal reason that I would immediately lose . That said NBN seems to be suffering from the same paranoia so the risk might be worth taking .
I see the Guv’nor and Dr Z have both played this game before to a very high level . Pubs are unfortunately out of the question for me having landed at Parsons Green via the Garden route .
NBN , given you landed at Bethnal Green , i think its time i introduced the Einstein/Tchaikowsky rule of 1963 regarding Fenchurch Street . With that in mind , I’m going Finsbury Park , through Fenchurch St , ending up as Camberwell so astutely pointed out at Hyde Park Corner . That should keep you occupied for a while .
Snir ,Tottenham Court Road is usually recommended as a starter for complete novices, unless you’re playing standard original rules of course, in which case Mile End is usual.
Dr Z @159 , Poetry , Sir , pure poetry . Brilliant 🙂
Yip. Barking, the lot of you.
Bakerlooney tunes.
Like all episodes of madness and mania, it will pass. Or so I’m told.
I think you’re mistaking me for Ollie, Holic.
The Catalan version actually is named “Torras i Bages” (I discovered today in my research).
http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/maps/barcelona-metro-map.html
If you’re going to play the real deal on Saturday, then I’d allow Oyster cards for smoother transitions.
Holic – What parabolic fluctuation?
The only things I found online was that “there are no specific rules.”
So I’m quite confused.
Does there need to be a certain number of stops you have to go through before you can get to Mornington Crescent?
And what are Jubilee/Tudor Court/Stovold rules?
Where do you guys find this?
I have to say Wikipedia isn’t being helpful tonight.
Holic @183 , Definitely up for it , if we can play the standard rules as amended by Oreid in ’79 with a clough swerve on the Picadilly .
Being a Londoner by birth I have played the game for so long I am surprised at the results of some of the research I have found on the web.
Why on earth did I think it was made popular by Round the Horne?
Fucking alzheimers 🙁
I will probably arrive in London too late to take up the challenge personally TaBS, but I thought one of our guests may care to take you on. I’ll gladly release my phone number to them to be copied on destinations and act as a neutral referee.
Snir , there is a link I’ll find where you can play a solo version just to get yourself acquainted with all the rules and variations . It’s a kind of Mornington Crescent Patients if you will . Allows you to get your eye in before you take on other players .
I’m here to help .
Snir, take TaBS’ advice and start at Miles End, if you’re going to join in. Then you can use overground stations too. If I’ve understood things correctly? Good luck.
PS… just so that I’m up to speed as I observe; are you playing pre or post Thatcher era?
Sounds good Holic , though I’m not sure I’d want to take on an unknown if he’s going to insist on the purity of the parabolic fluctuations . Can lead to arguments and get a bit nasty in my experience .
If you cannot buy the book Snir do what most people do. Just challenge Ned or TaBS, pick your starting point (I would go with somewhere on the Picadilly or Jubilee lines since you will have used them and will be more familiar with the various junctions and intersections) and go for it. If you make a mistake or break a rule, people will understand and point it out to you.
The worst that can happen is you will be in Nidd, and miss three moves…
Has to be post Mr C . I was only able to introduce the 1963 variation to Fenchurch Street above because NBN had discarded his Acton Green wild card .
Nidd is an absolute bummer !!
Tabs, If you could please post that link I’d be very grateful 🙂
Almost time for pumpkin pie!
Turkey was excellent!
And how about that 200 for the Minnesota kid??????????????????
Snir ,the link is here , have fun !!!
Knowing you , you will no doubt be a master in a matter of hours .
http://www.metta.org.uk/light/crescent/
Self assist bt8bbgfg,
Last warning.
Posts will be deleted.
But seeing as how it is Thanksgiving, well played.
Now, I see you are a pumpkin eater. You’ll be very popular with Cinders at midnight.
Just managed to catch up on the drinks. Some great great posts. Far too many to mention.
Hellisagooner @87. I will chck out the weather but it has to be better than here. I would also sadly have to report that my Speedo days are more than long gone.
Keep the faith.
‘holic, Thanks for the pardon. I can also plead too many glasses drunk. 😀
Self-assisting I see 8Ball , but I guess because it’s Thanksgiving , a certain leniency will be applied 😉
What a link TaBS.
I got to Amersham and was just about to pounce when the bastard pulled a slingshot on me straight into the Crescent.
Seriously well programmed. That must have been Broke Tailaght himself…
Thanks for reminding me Steve.
Welcome, hellasgooner. Sorry you aren’t likely to see a full squad, but I hope you still have a good night.
Cheers Holic , I cut my teeth on that link . Even now , having acquired a certain proficiency , the Bugger can still play a fast one and catch me out , especially when he brings out the retrospective doubles card .
Steve T @204 – NEVER too late for Speedoes 🙂
Re: Dr. Z @159: Genius and a proper tribute to the man who keeps on giving. 😀
We have interrupted the proper game. I apologise TaBS and NBN.
Dare I whisper both of you are two moves away from Warwick Avenue, and you know what that means…
TaBS, you will need the A to Z, I fear…
G’night all
Tabs, You are just going to have to trust me on that one……. The years rolling on and a distinct love of a decent ale have seen to that.
That said I can confirm that I am exactly the right weight for my width.
😉
Steve T , heh 🙂 Fair enough .
Holic , you’ve let the cat out of the bag there but I guess Ned had already seen it . I’m going to get out of here , before he turns up and sends my brain into a spin .
Night all .
Tabs, thanks for the link.
Perhaps I’m missing it, but I don’t see anything about the rules there, it’s just a programmed game… It doesn’t really say what is allowed and what isn’t (or maybe I couldn’t find it?)…
I mean, I pressed Mile End and then Mornington Crescent and it said: Well done, that was a quick game.
No mention of that being forbidden or something of that sort… So once again, I have no idea what the rules are…Or where to find them cause like I said, wikipedia isn’t that helpful.
Only had time for the first dozen or so Drinks – so back for the rest tomorrow – not ever so well tonight.
Very good post ‘Holic,
BtM – report and ‘Cesc’ piece both excellent.
I would only add myself, tonight, that it is both so enjoyable and laughable to see / hear all the talk / reports of Chelsea preparing to dump Andre Villas Boatrace, as all talk of ‘Arsenal in Crisis’, ‘Arsenal in Relegation Fight’ is equally swiftly dumped behind a posse of idiotic bumbling pundits.
I cannot remember one regular contributor in here, ever joining in with the ‘Wenger aaaht’ brigade, and how stupid they must now feel.
I texted (verb ?) TS after the game last night, to the effect that it is so good, in a very un-Wolfie like way, to be watching a team of real men again. Youth is also sprinkled here and there, but that is surely the point. There are now players of vast experience to learn from, and play alongside.
Arteta grows by the game. Mertesacker has done a lot to bring the back four much closer together. Bennygoon works really hard whenever he is called on. And Santos – Andre Santos. I absolutely love the bloke. Oozes character and confidence.
Of the youth, Theo has suddenly found the desire to help the defence and improves, also, by the game. Aaron Ramsey is everywhere – what a revelation to see a midfield player actually chasing runners into our defence.
And as Villas-Boas is threatened, Mancini is again criticised for losing his bottle and going all defensive, and Sir Rednose turns a weird sort of purple, and blathers nonsense in the absence of tame domestic referees, one manager stands quietly and proudly in the knockout stages of the Champions League with a game to spare.
He is the manager of The Arsenal.
How many others could have produced the turnaround that we have witnessed since that shocking OT thrashing ?
Arsene still knows 😉
By the way, if anyone can find it, one of the funniest episodes of Mornington Crescent I’ve heard was when they had a computer generated female voice adjudicating and explaining the rules and commenting on the teams’ moves.
Excellent 😉
G’night all, 😉
Snir –
I haven’t had time to check back thru’ all the drinks, but Mornington Crescent originated in a radio programme of ‘word games’ on Radio 4 (previously the Home Service, i believe) called “I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue”.
Search the BBC sites if you haven’t already. 🙂
Snir –
Try not to get too frustrated with the rules of Morn. Crescent.
They vary depending on which variation you are playing.
Long experiance of the game is the biggest help 😉
Was Mornington Crescent designed to confuse Le Grovers, Mancs and Spuds during the Blog Wars of 2011?
Like Snir I tried and failed to know how to play Mornington Crescent 🙂
I did the same thing which Snir did. So does that mean we won by going to Mornington Crescent? 😉
Since I have never been to London, I assume I cannot play this game
CoR, If so I think it succeeded in confusing many more than just them. 😉
Harsha, I’ve been to London but that doesn’t help me any with this mystifying game. 🙁
It seems like the Silence Game my mum invented for trips to the beach. The joke’s on the ones who play it 😀
Oops, I hope I didn’t get Brent Cross 😉
*Is that how you play like?*
Phew.
I thought I was the only one. 🙂
Morning all
Snir, Harsha, 8ball and CoR – thanks thats the funniest set of early morning drinks that I’ve read for a while!
Snir, you have a distinct advantage on Harsha, as you have been to London. But Harsha, grab yourself a tube map and go for it (remember DLR is off limits according to Holic).
CoR 😉
TaBS – brilliant link! I’ve ordered tha almanac so that I can look forward to challenging you and NED sometime next year….. I’m going to look for some online gaming groups so that I can practice on them first.
Morning Trev – in short, I agree with everything you said, and also BtM’s Cesc post.
Yellow card, Cannons.
Just because strategy games like chess and Mornington Crescent are difficult to pick up there is no need to post stuff like that to dissuade honest students of the game from learning at least the basics.
I’ll bet you have never even heard of Burkes theorem yourself, which is ironic, under the circumstances.
I have had a google at Mornington Crescent game.
Then I had a giggle.
(well OK it was a wiki, but wouldn’t be so good for the sound).
It’s an old game, but has there been an updated version.
I mean is ‘Strand’ still allowed?
Hehe, just being cheeky 😉
Normally I’m an Angel when it comes to word games but this time I just feel like Burnt Oak…
OK, I am taking East Acton, Hammersmith, West Brompton, using the Jackson curve (77 rules).
CoR – I bet you always lost your Mum’s game! 🙂
Zico – I’ll have a go at this; I’ll block West Brompton with Earls court and take South Ken and Westminster. I think that;s allowed?
Standard rules not Egyptian?
The problem with the version you are playing is the potential for a 9 or 12 turn Nidd penalty. I implore you to take care, particularly the learners.
Thanks Holic – I was reading up about Nidd last night and it sounds like a nightmare. Zico would walk it in about 3 turns! Still, in for a penny…
Missed it last night but having been at the game vs Dortmund, I totally agree with iStorey @16. So there!
Forgot to say whilst laughing last night –
Brilliant work from Tabs, NBN, ‘Holic et al with the morn Cresc – shame i arrived too late to join in. 🙂 🙂
I suspect Patient Ganggoolie will be nursing a terrible headache this mornington 😉
Cheers Catalan.
Heh, Catalan
What do you mean by “I’ll block West Brompton with Earls court and take South Ken and Westminster ” ?
What is the objective of the game? To reach Mornington Crescent from a station? And your opponent blocks your way by call a station/landmark’s name?
I think I’ll need a pint. I’ve wasted hald a day trying to figure this out 🙂
Patient Ganggoolie + transfer window + Mornington Crescent = Quackery empty of sedatives. Better tell the Misters to put in an extra order.
– call +calling
-hald +half
See what I am talking about?
May be Snir and I can play a sample game, without a clue as to how to play it 😉
🙂 A pint for Harsha and Snir to ease the pain and get them started!
Sounds like you’re getting the idea Harsha – I think you’ll whip him!
Morning All ,
Very gratifying I must say to see so many new students of the game . Snir , Harsha 8Ball , I salute you .
I see some queries have cropped up overnight , , so I shall endeavour to work my way through them , given that Ned appears to be struggling with the conundrum I set him last night .
Snir @216 and 217 – The computer programme is aware how many times you have been on the site and will grade your skill accordingly . Starting at Mile End would also have been a bit of a giveaway that you are a beginner . In the circumstances , the direct Brian Cant move is allowed . Conversely , however , you will not improve your game by playing this way , and you will always be stuck at this basic level . I would suggest that you “go round the houses a bit” , study the responses the game gives you , and I’m pretty sure the more complex rules of the game will reveal themselves to you in no time at all .
Harsha @223 – by not having been to London , you are certainly under a handicap , but it should be noted that H.S.R Singh , renowned student and philanthropist won the world championship in ’81 , without ever having set foot in London . Caused quite a stir at the time , and showed what could be achieved with dedication .
Mr C @229 – Hats off to you Sir , I look forward to the challenge when you are ready . I can see even from your opening exchanges with Dr Z that you are a fast learner . On-line groups are many , but vary in standard . Choose carefully .
Harsha @238 – I don’t want to give too much away whilst the game is in progress , but Mr C is using the standard District Line response to Dr Z’s opening move , which used The Jackson Curve .
I feel like a large chunk of my life has been left unfulfilled. What the hell is all this Mornington Crescent malarky????? Or was I the only one that grew up and was fortunate enough to have access to a tele?
Never too late to start Steve T 😉
TaBS – I know you’re all for educating the others, but please please don’t go splurging my tactics to Dr Z!
After I’ve got him snookered on the circle line then you can do a quick precis (not that I’m expecting to be held up as a great example at the moment – standard responses only as I tippy toe into this fascinating game).
Steve T – morning.
TaBS posted a great link higher up in the drinks – was the best I’ve seen for explaining the fundamentals.
Now i’m hooked.
TaBS – seeing as how I seem to have stumped Dr Z with what was, I thought, a fairly basic move, could you explain a bit more about Nidd?
Specifically, is there any way of leaving Nidd earlier than your original penalty?
Mr C ,
Nidd occurs when your laterals have been pierced by your opponent , thereby exposing your inner ventricals , ie your core stations . End up in Nidd , and its basically game over .
There are only 3 known occasions at the top level at the game when someone has suffered Nidd and gone on to win the game .
You are able to reduce your original Nidd penalty , but only by a spell of reverse-badgering , which as we all know carries with it the attendant risks of your opponent using the Bidermeyer slip to send you spiralling into the three time loop jump .
The above only represents the basics , but I think at this stage of your learning , we keep things simple .
Thanks TaBS – so much for keeping it basic 😉
I saw something about the loop jump last night – seems like out of the frying pan into the fire on that one.
In a nutshell – keep the hell out of Nidd.
Have cancelled the weekend to try and get to grips with all of this, and see if I can start getting the parabola moves into my game. 🙁
Now, let’s see if I have got this…
Clapham Common to Willesden Junction and back down to Pimlico.
Would that be a legal move under the rules that we are currently using?
Absolutely fine Lars – looks like you’ve got the hang of it
Black Fucking Friday.
Hell Yeah!
If Lars in Pimlico that really messes up my Westminster. I’ll backtrack;
Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, St James’
Back to football;
http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/11/24/arsenal-keen-on-marseille-defender-nicolas-nkoulou/53245/
Snir – wasn’t this guy one of those ultra quick defenders that you were raving about after the Marseille game?
Clearly this article is pure unadulterated speculation, but it’ll perk Snir up 😉
pure unadulterated speculation indeed (I thought we were stocked with central defenders now).. But yes he’s been Marseille’s best defender this season so far (lest we forget though, they’ve been pretty crap).
http://www.arsenal.com/assets/_files/scaled/498×321/nov_11/zp_Grant_Byrne_Fahey_11_46A94E_1469.jpg?ic=632febT
A SMS from Goonerholic?
Afternoon all
I see that Mornington Crescent fever has now gripped the bar, excellent news. A deserved ‘well done’ to all newbies to this fine game for, in the most part, getting the hang of things pretty darn quickly.
I’m going to throw my own “quintuple geometry” into proceedings now as follows:
Edgware – Edgware Road – Paddington – Temple – Newbury Park
Take that! 🙂
Newbury Park? You’re having a laff?
I thought Gants Hill was the correct conclusion of that move.
Not sure if you all will approve of this strategy in a beginner but here goes:
Kentish Town – Euston – Rayners Lane – Cockfosters
Now then young Ollie, please go and check those rules again. You will find Newbury Park as a perfectly legitimate terminus in such a grouping.
tabs @ #248
Aahhh… a perfect explanation of the art of Nidd. Top man! A drink of choice awaits.
Is 8ball’s move legal??? I’m impressed (and I think screwed) if it is.
Adjudication please…..
Ollie @ #256
I suspect his trembling knees may require an SOS after that link 😉
Dr.C @ #262
Probably but I suspect skulduggery
Upminster, Holborn, Edgware Road. And then a quick move over to Ealing Broadway.
Steady Lars, you may be a quick learner but don’t run before you can walk 😉
Catalan, he can’t pull the Rayners Lane shuffle on a Friday. Check the Rushton ruling on shuffling.
Then I’ll substitute Stepney Green for Rayners Lane keeping the latter in my pocket for a quick one on Saturday. The other burning issue is will Harsha succeed the renowned Mr. Singh as world champion from the subcontinent?
I think Lars will end up in the Pembury anyway, TS 😉
Can somebody please reveal whether older stations have higher value than new ones?
Cheers for the Beer TS , and one right back at you for the quintuple geometry example you gave earlier . Don’t see many of those since the introduction of the Rourke’s Drift pincer attack became common-place . Well Played .
I think Rayners Lane is now only available on Bank Holidays , following the tightening of rules which followed in the wake of The Littleton Scandal in Brighton .
Storey, I did feel that maybe the Ealing Broadway move might seem a beet cheeky, what with me being a newcomer and all. Should have gone with what my intuition told me and hung around at Edgware Road for a bit, so as a token of my respect for the veterans of the game I withdraw my last move and remain at the Edgware Road platform for the time being.
8Ball @270 – my , you’re quick off the mark !!
“A beet”??? WTF??? Am I already drunk beyond the point of being able to spell properly?
‘Holic @ #267 – Thank you for the clarification on the point raised by Dr.C. I bow to your superior Crescent-ness 😉
tabs @ #271 – I appreciate your appreciation. Excellent point re: Rayners Lane BTW.
Lars @ #272 – A very wise move for one still feeling his way through the myriad of rules.
Ollie @ #269 – Er…heh! 😛
Then it seems to follow that any station with “Green” in its name should be worth more if there is any green actually visible to the pedestrian as he/she emerges from the station. This is due to the “green movement” before which the opposite was true.
The above rule, however, does seem to favor London residents unless cheeky foreigners and expats figure out how to use Google Earth extremely effectively. 🙂
I see Goonerholic has not issued a denial re: the SMS rumour.
Gawd blimey 8 ball, don’t give the game away. I think there should be a rule somewhere against using Google Earth? TaBS? Have I missed it?
There is a French version to that game, bt8.
It’s called ‘Jacques Bonsergent’.
My hand would not have been that steady, Ollie. 😉
Tabs, TS, ‘Holic: Props for your evangelism of the game and getting so many debutants on board. Beers all round on me. As TS said earlier, capital explanation of nid, Tabs, though it might help newcomers to know that once three players are in nid, the game seizes up, so be cautious. And Singh in 81! What memories that brings back. Such pure use of open diagonals. Simple but so devastatingly effective. And seeing that Spelling’s Conjecture could be applied once Chalk Farm was wild and Hammersmith had been played seems so obvious today, but he was the first to realize it. ‘Holic, which edition do Stovold do you have? If it is the third there should be an erratum slip for page 127 which should clear up the Rayners Lane point.
Back to the matter in hand: This creeping equilateralism that has entered the game demands Alperton, Euston Square, London Bridge. And I am invoking Warren Street as wild.
I’m going to let NBN and TaBS continue their master class – I daren’t get involved in that one!
And then 8ball (booo Google Earth – you’ll be picking Rooney for The Numpties soo. What? Oh…. figures) and Lars seem to have made a flying start to their Crescent debuts. Consequently I’m going to go on the defensive and pop up to Angel, via Picadilly, with a change at Bank.
I’m also going to pocket Bank for future use, as I believe it can be trump Rayners Lane on Mondays?
All this new-fangled Google Earth stuff is surely banned under the widely-used Pennington System, and that’s what I’m sticking with.
Before I depart I’ll simply leave you with the following to chew on:
Rickmansworth – Notting Hill Gate – Embankment…
…anyone guess the next move?
NBN @ #282
Props returned for your big contribution to kicking things off yesterday afternoon and for your sneaky move above. I never thought Mornington Crescent would have been so popular in the bar. Then again, considering the clientelle, it should probably be no surprise…. esp. when it even moves The Barman (no mean player himself) to tears 😉
A drink of choice awaits…
Camberwell @ #284
The classic follow-on would be:
Monument – Shepherd’s Bush – Willesden Junction – Marylebone
I’m sure that the Anglicised version of ‘clientèle’ only has one ‘l’ at the end even if you dispense with the accent.
But yes, no surprise indeed.
Barking, as the barman would say.
Although I would argue that, if you moved for Bank like CG@283, Barkingside is a better next move.
Dr. C. Let is be clear that I have not actually used Google Earth in the game but rather made a fair inquiry about whether the fairness of its use. Rooney, on the other hand, has not been selected by the illustrious Numpties manager since he stopped performing about two months ago. Are you trying to deflect attention from the real issue? 😉
I’m still struggling to understand
8ball, Lars – I cannot find any relation between the stations in your moves 🙁 Can you just name three stations at once? I though it was one at time
Tsk, Harsha.
Harsha, the lads have been naughty. They are in effect playing a blackbelt version and even I would struggle. Beginners should definitely ride the unicycle.
Camberwell – Under the Pennington system , I would imagine your aiming for a west to East diametric , setting yourself up ultimately for a direct line through the southern shadow . I would therefore imagine your next stop might very well be Finsbury Park ?
NBN – excellent points all . Hadn’t foreseen the warren street wild card , so I’ll play safe with Tufnell Park , Wembley and Goodge St .
Holic @279 – Yes you did Sir . Banned at the 05 Convention following some pretty underhand stuff from The Libyan team . The Libyans have only recently been reinstated , and I believe its their policy now to only pick players currently based in London .
By the way , I don’t know if its coincidence but has anyone else noticed that Lars seems to be following the classical Swedish Inversion route , made popular by Mats Wilander when he was living in Wimbledon ?
Lars , do you know more than you’re letting on ? 😉
Right, I think I’ve got this sussed.
Kings Cross, Finsbury Park, walk outside and jump on the southbound number 29 or 253 bus, making sure you sit on the left hand side so you can wave to all the ‘holics under the umbrella as you pass the Tollie.
Debus at the last stop on the Camden High Street, cross the road and you will find yourself at…
Mornington Crescant.
No?
OK then, nevermind.
I’ll just stick to drinking.
Ned , with Harsha still struggling I suggest we move to a one stop game so that the poor chap is better able to understand our moves .
Remove all wild cards but reinstate Kings Cross as trump . What do you say ?
Cross the road? Cross the bleeding road? Perambulation infringement right there. I rest my case.
Afternoon H2H , Bloody Mary Sir ?
Yes plaese Tabs, I need one.
Sorry ‘holic I’m drawing from very scetchy memory, the only time I was in the vicinity of said game were the times In was visiting the Camden Palace and no one ever left the Palace sober.
Short and swift move to Paddington and from then on to Chiswick Park. I bet you didn’t see that one coming!
tabs@292: just a quick learner, I guess 😉
Massive Heh H2H 🙂
Assist…
Oh, straight in from the cross.
I’ll still claim it though. 🙂
The attempted pass goes straight past the defenders and leaves the keeper with no chance, H2H!
I heard a rumour about an International Mornington Crescent Aficionados convention in the Tollington on December 10th.
\o/ \o/ \o/ \o/
Now, 300-302, totally illegal moves!
Well in H2H.
We should design an Arsenal map for the game. Imagine starting out at Dennis Bergkamp with the target being Gus Caesar.
The winner would be the first to hear these words in the same sentence, ‘Gus Caesar, well played old chap.’
And his cross caught the wind and sneaked in under the cross bar .
Well in H2H .
Camden Palace – now there’s a blast from the past . Regular saturday night haunt back in the day .
I was actually there about this time last year to see Interpol in concert . I was gutted to find out that the enormously fat lady who used to hang from the ceiling has been removed . 🙁
While being in Chiswick Park I think I shall use the Friday Rehydration Rights and pop off down the Fullers brewery for a bit before resuming play.
Speaking of which, will tonight bring us a five, six or seven pint preview? Or even a four-pint with half a bottle of some stronger stuff? 🙂
Ok Let me have a go at this
Bond street to South Woodford, for now
Good start Harsha.
5pm is Guinness hour tonight so about a five or six pinter.
That’s fine Harsha , but South Woodford is never a good idea , you get caught by The Central line fork , and anyone savvy will just invoke Holbourn as wild and leave you stranded .
Arsenal Mornington Crescent Holic ? Great idea . I’ve already got my starter … Oleg Luzhny !!
I will follow it up with Royal Oak with a zone one ticket
Chaps – I’ve got to say a big thank you for this fantastic game of mental gymnastics… it has put me in the mind of the following classic scene….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_eZmEiyTo0&feature=related
Tabs. They took down the trapezze artists?? Shame.
I used to go on Wednesdays for the Twist n Shout nights back in my early teens (well underage)
When you came in you could sign a book with your address and DoB and the club would send you free tickets for the Wednesday evenings. A few mates and myself must of had about 200 birthdays each per year under false names ranging from Liam Brady to J H Christ, so every week we’d get sent a bunch of tickets that we used to flog to arriving punters on the platform of
Mornington Crescant.
Now surely that has to count. 😉
I recognize that tabs. So, see my move @312 🙂
Luzhny eh? I’m visualising Horseguards Parade. I guess the obvious counter-opening to that would be John Kosmina.
Yes, I like that…
tabs @ 307 – Interpol – check you, good band.
My starter for Arsenal Mornington is
John Hawley
Harsha…. have you been taking a tutorial somewhere???
Oh and tabs, again @ 307 – the fat lady may have disappeared after Shaft was brought over “on business” 🙂
Great finish H2H, but I’m fucked if I can see an opponent between any of your moves. Classic strike, but you have beaten nobody, therefore you haven’t won.
After spending a whole day at work on this, let’s just say I dig this now Catalan 😉
OK ‘holic, but by the same reasoning I haven’t lost either.
I’ll settle for that and retire while I’m ahead.
===
Time permiting I’ll famialurise myself with the rules and strategys but in the meantime I’ll stick to what I know best.
Voddie shot anyone?
The drugs don’t work, eh?
Also Holic , its absolutely forbidden to profit from any game other than in an intellectual sense . It would appear H2H was making a turn at the door , and would have thus been disqualified , and probably horse whipped through the streets .
Nice move Harsha , you seem to be finally catching on . 😉
I think Snir will be better suited to the Arsenal version . Already some very good moves . I would counter Kosmina with Hornsby and Hawley with Hankin .
Dr Z – a top top band , sound just as good live .
H2H – it even goes under a different name now , which for the moment escapes me .
Voddie shot would be lovely H2H – cheers .
On the contrary, Ollie, they just seem to make him worse.
Disqualified and horsewhipped?
NO profit??
What kind of rules are these?
ps, A question for all you experts, afficionados and those of you who seem to know every single rule and regulation of this game;
In which part of your late thirtys did you lose you virginity? 😆 😉
I am hugely impressed with you playing a blackbelt game of Mornington Crescent and two games of Gus Caesar concurrently.
I will lighten your burden. It’s Guinness o’clock. But before I go, George Johnstone.
I may join in about ten or so 🙂
H2H heh lost it to the female champion of GB aged 39 1/2 🙂
Cheers Holic . George Johnstone gives me an easy out to John Roberts .
Tabs, Heh 😆
Could it GET any better for a modern transport executive?
A full blooded game of Mornington Crescent, with loads of new participants and a newly formed variant, based on the Mighty Arsenal…..
It almost makes me want to break open the Columbian Medicine Cabinet and ingest the lot in one sitting. 🙂
‘holic @328: I fear the worst when you join the fray back….
Dr F @332 heh 🙂
TS – Nice follow-on sir!
Tabs – You read me like a book, and not only that but your suggestion allows me to incorporate the fabled Hughes Parabola into my west-east diametric – that’s what I call playing with a flourish.
The force, I mean Guinness, is strong tonight 🙂
I love Black Friday.
May the sauce be with you
I love Black Friday.
I love Mexicans.
Are you in Taco-Bell again Snir? 😉
Camberwell – that move was played with such a casual insouciance it’s bordering on the genius !
Snir @339 – So do I !!
http://hippa-kacho.blogspot.com/2011/04/salma-hayek.html
Wonderful pair up front. I wonder if Marouane will start with RvP tomorrow?
Don’t know what made me think of that 😉
RvP and Chamakh up front? I’d prefer Park partnering our captain but if it will get Chamakh back in form, I’ll accept it.
Mornington Crescent is maddening!!!
Even the Computer defeats me! (tabs’ link)
Holic @342 heh 🙂
Wind , perseverance Dear Chap !
What tabs said.
Incidentally, everytime I log off a browser and it asks me ‘Do you want to close all tabs?’, I get confused.
Took bloody 4 hours to get back to Reading from Birmingham, M40 busy with some emergency engineering work, please avoid!
Got the ticket smiling at me now I’m smiling back at the ticket 🙂
Can’t wait for tomorrow now. Really looking forward to meeting Holic and Holics under The Tolly Brolly!
Lol Tabs.
I own a candy store in a mall in NC and Mexicans have such a sweet tooth that it’s ridiculous!
The Scene – D L Ltd ~ Operations Room
Edwin, back in his lab whites and clipboard in hand, is mulling over a computer print out as the door thrashes open and an energised Dr Feelgood bounds into the office.
Feelgood : “Goooood Morning, Professor, what a fine day it is today. How many bums are we putting on seats, this momentous Saturday?
Edwin (somewhat caught off guard) : “Err, we’re full, chock a block. You feeling all right?”
Feelgood : “Never felt better my cerebral friend. There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep to set you up for a hard days, err,…….work.”
Edwin (bewildered) : “So you HAD a good night’s sleep?”
Feelgood : “Oh yes indeedy. I slept like Captains Log. A sleep that would put a hibernating mammoth to shame. I slept so soundly I have a feeling they will soon be calling me Dr Z.”
Edwin : ” No bad dreams?”
Feelgood (thinks for a second): “Well actually, now that you mention it, there is a bit of a gap concerning events last night………but that’s totally normal,……. for me anyway. It’s all a bit of a blur after I left the pub….Arsenal DID win, right?”
Edwin : “Yeah. Qualified. Only English team so far.”
Feelgood : “Right I sort of remember that. I also remember twins, 2 of them, and for some reason Spandau Ballet on the juke box. Mmmmm…….And the Sweeper, Clive. But he doesn’t drink……weird. I must have been Ga Ga drunk. Oh well, Europe. Time to start planning our foreign ventures for February. Where’s Carlos?”
Edwin : “You sacked him, remember? He’s gone undercover with some moustachioed private detective.”
Feelgood : “You mean I didn’t dream that?”
Edwin walks away whistling the theme tune to “The Spy Who Loved Me….”
Looking forward to meeting you, Arthur
This… could have game-changing implications. (The Latest Feelgood Diaries entry from Dr Z)
Ey! (Like the Fonz)
Half Century ftw!
Feelgood @110
Sorry about your nightmares old son,
I blame the Parents.
More on that later.
Zico @ 159,
I see you passed your rhyming exams at school then.
I failed dismally,as coupling Duck with Fuck,and Hunt with Cunt,
was considered unacceptable by the Teachers at Junior School.
As regards this Mornington Crescent Bollocks,why on earth you would want to spend your time on the filthy dirty,windswept platforms of the vast majority of the Underground train system when you could be
upstairs in the fresh air on our truly wonderful London Bus routes is beyond me.
Cheers
The Sweeper
Heh Clive, quality stuff.
If you fall off the wagon, (you know it makes sense), I want to be the first to buy you a beer. 🙂
Zico
If we win the CL i might fall off the wagon for a few seconds,oh all right then maybe a few minutes..!!!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
test 💡