A Stuffing, For Both Wolves And I, Hopefully
Dec 26th, 2011 by 'holic
It is dawning on me that anything other than the most rudimentary of previews is going to be impossible. We are in a houseful aged from 5 to 78 (No, that’s not me smartarse), the champagne is out, and a second consecutive day of games and grazing is underway.
It seems my battle to convert grandson number one is lost. Thankfully he has also turned away from the dark forces in his family. Arsenal and Yanited have been pipped for his signature, by Wolves of all teams. His Dad tells me on the streets of Wolverhampton grown men see him in his old gold shirt and advise him to change his mind before he is committed to a life of misery, fair play to them.
The postponement means three generations will not share a stream of the match, but the Arsenal will be represented. Grandson number two is resplendent in his red and white today, and now has a new Arsenal rug by his bed. One out of two is not a bad result.
I haven’t had a chance to check on the team news. The ‘holic pound is a complete stab in the dark. I’m drawn to the sevens available against a 3-0 home win, for no particular reason, and in the hope that Robin van Persie didn’t overdo the turkey yesterday.
Talking of which, cold meats and boiled cranberry ham are just about to be plated up, so I must away. I hope you have enjoyed the holiday so far as much as the management and I, but not everyone will have. For those who have experienced bad news this holiday, we are thinking of those not as fortunate.
Not so long ago we were facing a less than happy Christmas.
Cheers ‘holics.
232 Responses to “A Stuffing, For Both Wolves And I, Hopefully”
Cheers, ‘holic! Kudos to grandson #2 whose judgment appears to be impeccable. ๐
Up the Arse!!
Good work Holic, I have only lost one son to another club and that’s Barca…..At least it wasn’t the Spuds.
Gunners to beat Wolves 2-0. Jack Daniels and coke from the bar.
Wolves eh least he ain’t a glory hunter:)
Cheers ‘Holic. If number 1 is still pre-pubertal there is still hope as the hormones kick in. But as you say there are worse things than Wolves and you have number 2 following the true path and the family tradition.
Here’s to some turn ups in the results today and a complete stuffing of Wolves in the manner of a plucked fowl.
Off for round 2 against the goose with a nice bottle of Zinfandel to toast ‘Holics everywhere.
Taking my 8 year old decked out in red and white tomorrow. Both looking forward to it. Credit to both the grandkids. Number 2 has clearly seen the light. Number 1 has elected his local, non glory hunting team. If he is not to be a gooner then that surely has to be the next best thing?
The start of another must win period. The media talk of RVP being rested tells you as much of his fragility as it does about the lack of depth we have up front. Will Park ever kick a ball in anger for the mighty Gunners?
Have a good one people.
keep the faith.
Don’t whisper it too loudly but Chelsea are ripe for plucking in the 2nd half if Fulham can just manage a little magic.
Steve, one might certainly wonder about Park. Not at all convinced that the decision to buy him was Arsene Wengers.
Hope you all had great Xmas Days, for my part I have had the stuffing knocked out of me by a cold. Good thing there is plenty of footie to watch today which will distract my mind! I am lying on the sofa with my iPad streaming footie (a legal stream no less, the Swedish PL broadcaster offers all PL football streamed for about ยฃ16 a month, which I am more than happy to pay), currently watching the two teams from Fulham battle it out. 0-0 at half time, been a rather quiet game I have to say. Fulham are really hard to break down, they are very disciplined in defence. Even Senderos is looking solid so far.
A glass of water and some paracetamol, please!
Can someone explain why Dembele of Fulham is not more in demand by the bigger clubs, including Arsenal? Is it his temperament or is he inconsistent? I haven’t seen him enough but everytime I have he does amazing things.
Full time: Chelsea 1 – 1 Fulham!
Lars. The only reason I can see at the moment is shirt sales and other commercial ventures.
Great result for Fulham. Let’s hope they are shattered by the end of the week.
Chelsea 1-1 Fulham, result!
When we win 3-0 tomorrow with a Robin Van Persie brace, we’ll go Fourth in the League.
Not that I have any grandkids running about at my not so grand age of 17, but the battle to kit them out in the RIGHT red and white will be fierce, with 2 older siblings walking down the darker paths, but thankfully none down the blackest path of all of grubby white.
Well in Sir ‘Holic with the successful conversion of Grandson #2, but as bathgooner has said @ 4, the battle for Grandson #1 isn’t over yet possibly ๐
Thanks H2H.
Boo to the rest of ya.
Hope you’re all enjoying your days, I unfortunatly like Lars seem to have caught a bug, so my big Xmassy dinner wasn’t that much of a success and of course I had to work last night (I’d already sent out texst messsages that I’d be the only bar open in the imeadiate area) so I dropped quite a few painkillers and opted to stay off the drink.
Gonna have another stab at getting something festive in me a little latr before I open up again for Christmas drink dispencing round 2.
Excellent result from the bus stop, which puts our top four fate firmly back in our own hands.
====
I offer all the ‘holics a Chrimbo drinky, don’t worry, I didn’t sneeze or cough anywhere near it. ๐
Cheers.
Welcome Ollie.
Could be 4th placed after this game!
Good job, Fulham and agent Senderos.
Nasri has again been found wanting, apparently, being substituted in the 59th minute. Maybe City can exchange him for Torres in January on an even steven deal??
Quite a good and festive Boxing Day’s results. Chelsea, City and Liverpool all drop points, and one of Wolfie’s favorite players, David Goodwillie, gets a cameo appearance for Blackburn. Is there anything else we could be wanting?? ๐
Liverpool 1 – 1 Blackburn, final score.
Please win tomorrow, Arsenal!
‘Tis the season to be jolly with L’pool, Chavski and Merc Citeh dropping points a win tommorow is now priceless.
Lars –
West Brom 0 – Man City 0, final score.
Please win tomorrow, Arsenal!
๐
Hey Holic, Really happy to hear you and the management had what sounds like a great day. Shocking news about grandson #1! Tell him I said the Wolves are a feisty lot, plenty of spirit in them. Then try to prepare him for the worst. Cheers!
Lars @ 97 Yesterday: Please don’t run on to the field of play waving placards mate! You buggered up my perfect through ball to Catalan – when the entire defense were distracted by the off the ball running of Steve T….anyway I am recovering nicely thank you for asking!!!
GoonerTerry: I didn’t write post 97 yesterday, you have got me mixed up with someone else ๐
8 Ball @ 17 Yes, we want the Arsenal to win! Congrats on your goal last post. Of course you couldn’t have done it without Steve’s beautiful assist. Cheers mate!
We’ll draw tomorrow then ๐
I was a Fin at 97 yesterday, Lars is a Swede. ๐
@ Lars: To be fair whoever it was caught me from behind! Sorry for the mistake mate….Up the Arse!
Caught you from behind?
*Easy Wolfie, down boy.
Whooopsie!
Yuletide greetings ‘Holic & ‘Holics,
Well done The Maestro for remembering those not as fortunate in this season of giving. My thoughts also go out to those fine souls who do more than their bit by forsaking their Xmas’ to help those in need.
Onto football, a very pleasing set of results today with The Chavs, Vulgarians and The Smashers all dropping points. If we win tomorrow, we’ll be back in the Top 4 and be breathing heavily down the necks of that bunch of wrong’uns from up the road. That’s got to be worth another round of Xmas cheer!
A round for all in the bar awaits, on Mr.Lars’ tab of course.
TS, I hear the ‘Holic is building an extension to the bar just to fit in that long, long tab of mine ๐
“Well done The Maestro for remembering those not as fortunate in this season of giving. My thoughts also go out to those fine souls who do more than their bit by forsaking their Xmasโ to help those in need.”
Amen to that, brother.
Holic – Grandson 1 is not lost yet, don’t worry ๐
Top post, as always.
Feeling a mixture of bullish and wary.
2-0 will do.
Norwich to do us a favor as well? Gut feeling says yes.
Snir – “feeling a mixture of bullish and wary”
If I was feeling a bull I’d be waryish too! ๐
Trev – hehe
But seriously I just don’t know… I just have a weird feeling this might be “one of those days..”
But then I think of RvP and relax ๐
Evening โholic and โholics โ and a very happy Boxing day to one and all.
Lovely to hear that you and the management have had a good holiday season โholic. Canโt think of two people who deserve a great Christmas more than you both.
Also good to hear of other โholics having a marvellous time. But obviously commiserations to those who have succumbed to the dreaded Christmas lurgy ๐
Fortunately I was lucky enough to have got rid of my lurgy pre-Christmas, which allowed me to spend yesterday and today in the company of Londonโs homeless again, courtesy of Crisis.
Met some great people again this time round, not just among the Guests but among fellow volunteers, including a splendid fireman who not only worked his watch yesterday, but then spent today volunteering. And also Dinesh, one of the Arsenal in the Community Coaches, who in an unofficial capacity has been organising football matches and (I think) a mini tournament for the Guests at Crisisโ North London Centre this week. Two sterling Gooners both, clearly living the values of the club day in, day out.
Appreciate that many have family commitments at this time of year, but for those who donโt I really canโt recommend volunteering for Crisis highly enough. Itโs not worthy or preachy, just an absolutely brilliant experience. And thereโs probably still time to sign up if anyone feels so inclined โ there were still vacancies in some shifts when I signed in this evening to put my name down for a couple more.
So itโs been a busy couple of days for me, and I clearly have a lot of back drinking to do. And apparently thereโs an interview with A Spanish Footballer somewhere; if anyone knows if itโs lurking somewhere online do let me knowโฆ
Meanwhile, I should like to raise my first (alcoholic) glass of the season to Arsenal supporters from all corners of the Goonerverse, and to the servicemen and women, doctors, nurses, emergency services and many others who remind us that even the smallest act of kindness, makes the world a much better place.
Anyway, laters โholics โ Iโve used up too many words already, and have festivities to catch up on ๐
Looks like it’s substantially warmer in London than in Paris.
I shall arrive wearing a short-sleeved T-shirt tomorrow then.
Or maybe not.
Snowy, Well done lad. Enjoy your drink. Cheers!
Ollie, you’ve got to start packing like we women do. Then you’ll have plenty, whether you need it or not. More likely not.
I demand that Stoke and Villa return the two hours of my life that they stole from me tonight. What a horrible, horrible game.
Yep, Lars. With Clattenburg refereeing, that should have been yet another one of these games when the ground really should have opened and swallowed them all.
Heh, got the customary Eurostar stupid and pointless SMS survey.
Of course they don’t know I’m not on a train back from London tonight…
SR – I don’t mean to say I told you so, but I personally feel that it was slightly premature to say an unproven squad like Citeh would run away with the title at this stage.
What I will say is that Wolves always find ways of making our games against them difficult and if we are fortunate enough to get all three points tomorrow, ten points will not be too much of a gap, as teams tire and gain injuries as their schedules become congested (happens to us quite often). Getting in to the top four is in our hands. Us getting back in to the title race is in the hands of the Mancs!!
What a huge three points this could be. I think we have Song back so he could figure prominently in a positive kind of way. Come on you Gunners!!
Just a quick note to ‘Holic before the turn of the year to say ‘thank you’ for another year’s great reading and enjoyment – this is still the best writing on our club I’ve found on the web. I hope you continue to enjoy the holidays, that later today brings another 3 points and at least two goals for RVP … and that 2012 sees the arrival of a new consignment of silver polish to the Emirates.
Joe
*Ultra-boilk*
Yes. I am back.
After leaving Japan on Christmas Day, flying for more than 24 hours, then still arriving at Miami on Christmas Day, I must confess it’s taken several hours to get accustomed to the change in temperature and jetlag. Travelling to America on Christmas Day is surprisingly relaxing but after tranferring 4 times and receiving no compliments on my new Arsenal jacket and Beats headphones, I feel a bit miffed :/
However, after sleeping for countless hours I wanted to check in and see if everyone is still having a great festive season. I know you enjoyed the draws that came from our rivals, but unlike you lucky people the game I was able to catch live was Stoke/Villa and like Lars@39, I too would like my 2 hours back, grrr.
Anyway, my Mom and Dad who live here are fine and happy to see me. My Dad still insists that “Samba is the answer” and “Oxlade-Chamberlain is better than Walcott” and he doesn’t rate Frimpong, lol! He is also enjoying recent events though. I must say, football is at such a decent time in the States and this Fox Soccer Channel is pretty decent for providing replays of matches. Usually I’m in a seedy pub at around midnight or later surrounded by drunk old geezers and geezerettes in Sannomiya watching Arsenal play unable to hear commentary while a crappy live band plays in the corner. Or at home watching a crappy stream which cuts out in the middle while drinking canned beer. Football in the daytime is brilliant! I can’t believe the astounding lack of football magazines in American bookstores though, who do I have to kill to buy a FourFourTwo around here???
Anyhoo, all the best on this Boxing Day and let’s hope we can turn over Wolves tomorrow.
I feel rather nervous about the game today. We really, really need to win it.
By the way, big-booty stewardesses on Delta airlines all get my approval.
No need to be nervous Lars, what is to be will be. Join me as I cruise toward kickoff in Zen-mode.
I’m also wearing my lucky 2002 Arsenal shirt, so maybe that’s why I’m so calm ๐
Cannons, it may very well just be my lack of sleep that is talking. Have hardly slept anything in the last 48-ish hours due to my cold. I am starting to feel a lot better now though, so now I shall try to catch some Z’s so I can keep a clear head later today ๐
When you think about it, even if we don’t get full points in this one we still have teams above us tiring and dropping points starting from now so no need to worry too much I reckon. Mertesacker header to open proceedings?
@ CoR: welcome to this side of the pond mate! lets hope we are celebrating 4th place this time tomorrow. Can’t understand you and Lars wanting to watch Stoke for crissake…I can just about gag down the spuds, shitty or united because those games affect us if not then BBC final scores is as close as `I get to stoke and the like…Take care and enjoy the family..
Thanks GT!
Well, like I said, football was on TV during the day and in my excitement to watch a game on my parent’s 50 inch (I think) plasma TV I put it on and was really underwhelmed…..between Stoke’s professional fouls, annoying long throws and lack of game plan at home and Villa unable for some reason to find a serious goal attempt despite pretty good midfield possession it was pretty dire. I generally can’t watch any game that doesn’t include Arsenal so it was pretty hard to take picking this game of all games to watch. Ah well, that’s the way the game crumbles I guess…
Btw, I just had 2 Red Stripes, I think it’s time for one more then bedtime. Help yourself to one too (or should that be one-two?) GT. Going to pray to the football gods for a good game and maybe the breaking of a record or two tomorrow ๐
Well, trying to fall asleep was a major fail…
GoonerTerry: what can I say, I was starved for football. Mind you, I was as starved after the game as before (hell, even more starved), should have known better than to expect anything even remotely entertaining from that game.
Cannons: well, there is one team in particular that just has to start dropping points. If they win their games in hand, they’ll only be four points off the top which is a really frightening thought. And seeing as how they seem to be in league with the Devil considering all the luck they have had so far this season that is far too close for my comfort.
“The team that shall not be named until we play them” will soon be dropping points my friend. Court cases, injuries, playing bigger teams and Shaft will see to that ๐
I forgot to add to my post at 53:
Seeing Pulis on the big screen was a nightmare. Almost puked into the couch. Only thing worse than that was catching a glimpse at the razor-bumps that Bent is trying to hide with his beard….still shivering at the thought of both of those sights….
Alright, bedtime for CoR…see you gooners in a few hours!
UTA
Time to go. To the much warmer climes of London.
CoR @ 45 and followingg, very nice account of your travels from Japan to Miami, pretty interesting journey but the flight time sounds horrendous. My brother said that from the UK to Japan was about 13 hours, but your all day trip leaves me with a slack jaw of amazement.
Moving around London on Bank Holiday, feels like a ghost town compared to usual. Although once I get to Oxford Circus, that is sure to change ๐
Awfully quiet in here this morning, where have you all gone? Have you all met up with Wind at Oxford Circus? ๐
Thanks Fulham, oh and thanks to Blackburn as well.
It now just remains for my local side to get at least a point against Spuds, come on The Canaries. Obviously we also need to beat Wolves so come on Arsenal – as always and for ever.
Hope you all had a good Christmas – the missus got me a bottle of Tullamore Dew – lovely!
Morning folks.
Half a glass of wine last night and I was sparko. Truly epic fail on the ‘catching up with festivities’ front ๐
I shall do my best to make up for this today at the HoF.
Lars – shouldn’t you be asleep? ๐
Guys. And gals.
Stuck at work, pc packed up. What time is kick off?
Morning all. No Boilk, which is a pleasant surprise.
Snowy
Fantastic effort by you over Christmas. You have my full admiration. A well deserved glass (or Just a half if you’re struggling) of whatever you fancy.
Thanks CG, and also for your kind words above Nurse abb. But it really was an absolute pleasure. I wouldn’t spend Christmas anywhere else now ๐
I think I best have a Jagerbomb (or something else with Red Bull in it) to keep me alert. Last year I came to the Chelsea game having done an overnight shift and kept nodding off. Yes, I know, in THAT game… ๐
Snowy – excellent Christmas performance (and I don’t mean the half glass of wine).
You sure Jagerbombs are wise? ๐
The Scene: ย Executive Carriage – Happy Train MKII
Professor Storey is shuffling around papers on the Board Room table. ย Each seat around the Board Room table is occupied – today is a special day. ย Following an intervention, that some have claimed divine, Dr Feelgood has been invited back to the fold of D L Ltd. ย
Around the table, the cast of characters look expectantly as they hear the carriage door sliding open. Feelgood strides into the room, confident and nonchalant. ย He is holding a piece of paper in his hand, upon which he has written a speech, of sorts.
Feelgood : “Good afternoon, boys and girls, it’s good to see so many of you here, bright eyed and err, pony-tailed for what I am sure will prove to be a momentous day. ย In the spirit of the season, I have a gift for each of you :
Professor Storey : ย A replica Arsenal top with “Woody” number 10 on the back.
Wolfgang Smallballs : ย Santa Speedos – with falling snow 3D effects.
Dr Spin – Volume 1 of “1000 records you must hear” before you die.
Drs C and T – a skeleton each from my cupboard. ย You need the practice. ย No, the other way up. ย That’s the head doofus.
Patient Gang Goolie : ย A pack of Tarot Cards and accessory valium.
The Sweeper – A gargantuan Cadbury’s Orange.
Leg Rash : ย A never-ending half glass. ย And some vaseline (keep it away from Smallballs).
Cannons of Rhetoric : ย A grooming kit. ย You need a shave, John.
Blonde Girl with the Pony Tail : ย My new phone number.
And for all our illustrious friends who could not make it here today, the Medicine Cabinet is always open. ย Avail yourselves of the, erm, ย piece of pipes.ย
Today is a new dawn people. ย We are destined for great things. ย We have the strength. ย Yes we are mental. ย Or something.ย
Happy Train is departing for the Grove – all aboard!”
Heh! Excellent Dr.z. Great to see the madness of Feelgood III has…err….subsided? ๐
All aboard the glorious HT indeed…. A big three points required today to get us back into our rightful top 4 berth before moving on to greater things as the business end of the season unfolds (hopefully).
Not sure Robin will play when we meet QPR on NY’s eve so best of luck to him today for netting a brace, at least.
Also, come on the Naaaaaaaarwich. Boil those rotting Spuds and make the farmers proud..
Afternoon Holic and Holics!
Glad everyone had a good Christmas and for those who were not so fortunate our thoughts are with them as always!
Great results all around for us yesterday, which means we have to win our game this arvo. This is my last pressie on me list and a very important one for that matter!
Same attitude from our lads please Arsene!
Song is back so a bonus for us in that depratment!
Holic there is still time for conversion infact Arsenal is a love for life Wolves on the other hand is just a tease!
Come on you ALMIGHTY REDS!
Afternoon All , and I trust the christmas japes went down well with all .
Great stuff Snowy – I doff my hat to you Sir .
Feelgood ๐ – Smallballs wishes to thank you for his gift – he promises to wear them to the Away juicer of choice today – a man’s Speedo collection can never be large enough !
Lars , I hope you feel better soon .
Bad luck with Grandson No.1 Holic , always tricky to argue against supporting your local side ( unless of course , you live on the Tottenham High Rd ) . I suggest buying him a life size poster of Mick the Thick . If that doesn’t cure him of a nasty dose of Wolvesitus , nothing will ! Good work on Grandson No.2 ๐
Right off to do a bit of back-drinking .
Lars – Forgot to say get well soon!
tabs – Xmas japes were fine thanks. Good to have proper football back though (did you see that Villa/Stoke game?) ๐
Dr Feelgood back in charge? Now that was a twist in the tale ๐
TS, it would be great if Norwich could do us a favour but I can’t say I’ve been particularly impressed with them lately. Unfortunately, I fear that we will have to suffer yet another Sp*rs win.
cheers tabs, I do feel a lot better today, only a slightly sore throat remains now so I expect to be fully recovered tomorrow (or, if I had been an Arsenal player, probably in about three months).
Snowy I have forgotten to mention but you certainly not only deserve a drink but a whole case of the stuff!
Also hats of to you for your great contribution!
Barman ATG’s card is behind the bar now Lars your’s was caines throughout 2011 I’ll take over from now! ๐
*caines=cained
I’m on call today for my IT duties I have to look aftert European offices:
Belgium
France
Sweden
Holland
It’s been quiet so far let’s hope it stays this way ๐
Apologies forgot the lovely place in Germany called Frankfurt!
ATG @ #73 – Hugely knid of you to offer to take over the Lars tab. Unfortunately, it’s no longer that simple. Treasury departments, national debts, senior economists and a whole host of Northern European financial institutions will need to be involved in that transaction. I’ll have a beer though if you’re buying fella ๐
Lars @ #72 – Another LWCs win? But it’s Xmas and the season of good will to all men (not c*nts) ๐
On the train.
Bring it on.
TS – Good to hear you had a good one . Luckily I missed the Pulis/Mcleish love-in . Come the revolution , they’ll be amongst the first up against the wall ๐ If you’re going today , have a good one .
Lars – ๐ Glad to hear you’re on the mend . I also went down with the lurghi , though it would seem not as badly as you . At least it got me out of the washing up ๐ I seem to have made an amazing recovery just in time to stagger off to the pub for the Arsenal game ๐
TS – Definitely buying for all so enjoy while it lasts ๐
Steve T – enjoy the ride hope the little one will be all smiles come 5pm ๐
tabs,
Unfortunately not going today and will be unable to even follow the action either due to family duties. Will do my best to make up for it for the QPR game though….
Isn’t it funny how a game of footie involving The Arse will allow grown men to crawl form thier sick-beds and shout their lungs out for 90 minutes? ๐
Please can you add Mr. John Terry and King Kanute to that shortlist of ‘up-against-the-wall’ merchants come the revolution ๐
Afternoon all, tremendous opportunity today given yesterday’s results and one we must not spurn.
I shall be watching the game in a NW London pub and cheering the boys on!
COYR!!!!!
tabs: heh, it got me out of the washing up as well! Maybe I shouldn’t tell her I am getting better? ๐
TS@77: well, good will is one thing but remember that they are in league with the dark forces of evil ๐
The cfpb pound is down on a 3-1 win today!
her == the Lars management
Snowy – classy as ever ๐
GT – I have to ask you, why do you always write SR and not SG ๐ ?
Anyway, told me so ?! I’m the one who still has the title thoughts here and thinks we’re still in it ๐
There isn’t a team in the league who can run away with it and we’ll just keep biting at the gap.
Now, Theo, Gervinho and RvP please get a lot of FFL points, I need them to go through in the cup!!!
TS – consider it done . Methinks it would need to be a pretty big wall . ๐
Hello Mr cfpb , a wise prediction , though I can’t see Wolves nabbing one . 3-0 , with the much awaited RVP brace , and one from Theo .
( If I keep tipping Theo , then he’ll score eventually , won’t he ?)
Snir , with you on RVP , Theo , and Flipper FFL points – The Speedo Massive sinking like a particularly heavy stone , but what’s this about the Cup ? Have I missed something ?
There’s a FFL cup???
Afternoon Mr C , seasons greetings to you .
Glad I’m not the only one who had never heard of an FFL cup !? Mind you , my lot could do with a welcome distraction from the rigours of the league at the moment ! ๐
SG –
My deepest apologies to you for messing up your initials. I didn’t do it on purpose. I didn’t take the time to check things before I open my big mouth sometimes.
Team news just in:
Djourou, Kos, Per, Vermaelen, Song billiabong, R2D, Alwaysicky, Benni, RVP and Ricky Gervais
Titi arrived with the squad today and I would love to see him back in an Arsenal shirt on loan. I really feel this would be a big boost for us if we’re not going to dig in to our pockets, especially as we have B52 and *missing Vela*
Should be enough to slay the Wolves
Re: CoR drinks @45 and @47: It appears you turned the HT into the Happy Plane, well done mate. ๐
About the Delta stewardesses though. Cold it be that a boob job is part of their benefits package if they are all so well-endowed? Just wondering, of course. ๐
Dr. Z, Tabs and other returning regulars, it is indeed heartening to see you survived your apparently non-fatal overindulgences over the weekend. ๐
tabs, I don’t have to worry about slipping down the FFL table. You see, you can’t go down from the bottom…
Looking like I’ll be seeing you down there soon Lars !
Afternoon 8Ball .
Right , off to the juicer , paracetamol and scotch . Always a winning combination ๐
Good luck everybody .
Forgot to add …
COME ON THE ARSENAL !!!!!!
20 minutes to go. Come on Arsenal!
There is a cup for the top 2 million of Gameweek 17.
If you had a lot of points you were drawn against an opponent.
I had 63 points in Gameweek 17 so I made the cup but I’m trailing the guy I’m up against.
Theo out isn’t good for me either!
Snir, Thanks for clarifying about the top 2 million. I hope to qualify for that illustrious group!
near post run
Hello chums,
Back in time for the game.
Come on you riproaring…
What a finish on the blind side ๐
good omen ‘h – comonUreds!
And then u fine lot to catch up on.
Wolves big game!
Up The Arse
Didn’t see that one coming. The defenders were preoccupied with all the lurkers on the wild side. ๐
Cheers, ‘holic!
Come on Arsenal! Our home form has been good, so I am fairly confident
RVP brace would do
Cream cracketed, but here we go again…..
COYRRR
Merry Christmas and best wishes ‘holics.
Today is a day that I feel I`ll be supporting RVP more than Arsenal itself. Here`s to a triplet and a 3rd place spot in the aftermath of this match ๐
Cin-cin
COYG..
wolves to sit back maybe – so maybe AW’s packed the team with neat/sharp passers on purpose, possibly – perchance?!?
Gervinho!!!
Gervinho!! Could you beleive it ๐
YAAAAAAAAA FLIPPER.
Thierryesque!
And well in Mr Barman, finishing as good as our Ivorian!
Flipperrrrrrr you beautyyyy….
7.30, Gervinho. What a move ๐
high-five head!
Oh yes! If flipper gets his shooting boots on then you can expect the Rollers in next years cup!
What a pass by Yossi.
Simply sublime.
No wonder the boss is shaking his head.
NOT GOOD ENOUGH!
Should have pressed for a second goal. We slacked off a bit
Damn it, we should of went in for the break ahead.
Song was a bit late getting forward from their corner leaving the guy onside.
Nevermind, I’m sure if the lads keep pluging away we’ll get the desired result.
COYRRR.
Djourou against Jarvis is a disaster waiting to happen. And I hate to say it, but at around 30 minutes we stopped doing the basic hard work well enough. Also, this must be the worst 45 minutes Song has produced all season.
45 minutes to go, no excuses for not taking all three points today.
We did. We’ll learn one day though. Playing like Barcelona in our own half gave Wolves a nice rest there. Instead of talking about making it five, we’ll have to unpack their bus.
Come on Arsenal!! Anybody have a reliable stream?
http://www.firstrowsports.tv/watch/99768/1/watch-arsenal-vs-wolverhampton-wanderers.html
First Row Sports is usually reliable.
The last 15 or so minutes had a distinct stench of Blackburn away to it. Too many players didn’t run that extra yard, Arsene must find a way to get this sorted.
Disappointed we didn’t press our advantage, but am not yet worried about the result. This team has shown it has the force of will to grind out a win.
Impressed with Yossi and Rosicky so far. Both did really well in the build up to our goal.
A good omen, perhaps. I had not been able to get firstrowsports’ stream to work the entire first half but Joshua’s link worked right away. Thanks, and nose to the grindstone in the second half, boys. That and a little bit of magic from RVP’s vanilla foot?
Joshua, wish I could be as relaxed as you but I am seriously worried about this game now.
Lars! Looking all around for you here at O’Learys in the Old Town. Got money burning in my pocket!
Had a lump on us at 2/5 at half-time. Much better than the 1/4 at kick-off.
Is AOC on the bench?
Lars @ 60, heh ๐
Snowy, you give me hope for the human race ‘thumbs up for selflessness’
Dr F @ 67, very nice good sir ๐
TS @ 77, I think they could teach Politics on the intricate relationship revolving around Lars’ tab ๐
Al @ 116, ๐
Yes he is BtM @ 133.
Arshavin coming on.
Should of been Benayoun off, AOC on in my opinion.
But Arsene knows.
Well past due for a goal.
What does AA have to do to not get picked?
What does the Ox have to do to get a chance??
The flashing scissors of short back n sides. The Gulag’s finest haircut.
So close from Per
This referee is a joke.
I’m joining Lars with a baaaad feeling about this.
Disgraceful tackle from Milijas ๐
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!!!!!
Chamakh?
Oh brilliant. Nice contribution Chamakh!
Brilliant Now he’s nibbled Robin!
chamakh’s my name – don’t wear it out!
bollox!
Unfortunately Lars, you were right.
Bollocks
What a waste. FUCK FUCK FUCK.
Their first away point for 4 months.
So bored of games like this.
iH2H, ditto
Wolves at home that is ………………………………..
You filllllllllllllllllllllllllllll the space!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pffffffffff…
*blows air out in despair.
All I can see it as is 2 wasted points.
And a wasted opportunity to get some breathing space on Liverpool and Newcastle and go 4th at the same time.
If this doesn’t convince the boss to buy a clinical striker, I’m not sure anything will ๐
I repeat – what does the Ox have to do to get a game? Seriously???
Chamakh and AA repeatedly do fuck all.
fuuuuuuuckkk!
red whine please barman!
As I said at half-time, no excuses for not winning this. Crap ref? You bet. Time-wasting de luxe by Wolves? You bet? Did any of that cause us to drop points? Fuck no. We focused on the wrong things, Vermaelen was completely off the wall for a while in the second half, we moaned at the ref and let Wolves set the pace.
Not good enough. Nowhere near good enough.
Fucking hell.
|Players let me down big time!
Bollox Arsenal, complacency after the opening goal and the game ran away from us. Good goal keeping added to that and we’re still fifth!
A more clinical striker than rvp?
Toby, not there today.
Really sick over this one. Goldlilocks robbed us!
The only thing that can make me feel a bit happier is a shoeing for Sp8rs with plenty of red cards and season long injuries.
Or a shed load of beers.
Or both.
FUCK!!!!!
and my little lad TOOOOOO
Enough he’so to important to me!
Once again we find a way of shooting ourselves in the foot. I am so fuckin frustrated right now.
YOU CAN NOT DREW AT HOME TO CHALLENGE FOR THE TITTLE!
And already the meedja Sp8rs wankathon has started.
Oh look – VanDeVaart has scored 5 goals and a handball this season. WOW! He must be some player…. Cunts the whole fucking lot of them.
Arsene you’d better be reading the riot act after that missed opportunity. Complacency comes back to haunt us.
These dropped points feel almost as bad as that loss to Blackburn. Wolves are utter, utter shit and we should have hammered them but didn’t start playing with any sense of urgency until the final fifteen minutes.
Catalan, he should have read it at the interval. If even I could see where we were headed after 30 minutes then surely so must he have done.
So frustrated I don’t know what to say.
Hennessy is gonna concede 6 next week, it’s just too obvious.
To be fair;
If that red card had been given against us I’d be livid. A yellow.
The goalie played a blinder.
Well done to them; they achieved what they wanted. The problem is ours and ours alone.
Can’t stand the Sp8rs love in, going to avoid football for the rest of the day.
Opening my first beer now. It won’t be the last.
Who else thought there might have been some fisticuffs today? And we couldn’t take advantage of them being a man down. That’s what really kills me.
Next time Lars. Sounds like you need something strong… Me too I might add…
Given that we won’t win the title I find myself strangely wanting Manure to win. There’s a first…..
Actually, I don’t feel as bad as I probably should. I have no idea why, ’cause I’m not excusing this. It will probably come. Unlike that goal…
5 days until we can sell them… please, if no one wants them, just give them away.
26 shots on goal.
11 on target.
one goal to show for it.
How inaccurate can you be?!?!
That was a bad time to drop two points, or rather a particularly bad time as there is never a good one. We needed to put the game to bed while we were 1-0 up, and had the chances to do so. There was a bit of last season to our first half today.
Don’t envy Holic having to write this one up.
You have to think RVP brings that ball over the top down and finishes clinically 9 out of 10. Yet he missed two of them today. Sigh. Positives for me were Flipper and Rosicky looked lively and creative all game.
On a positive note:
Grandson #1 gets just reward for supporting his local team. Can’t fault him for that.
Catalan@175: yeah, forgot about that – never a red card in my opinion. If so, Song should have walked as well for his retaliatory kick at whatever clogger it was he kicked when he was booked. And if an opposition player had done what Vermaelen did when called of for handball just after being booked we would have been very upset at not getting him sent off.
Wolves were shit, crap, useless, awful – but we didn’t take advantage when we had the opportunity. This had nothing to do with squad depth and/or any possible lack thereof, it was just a case of reverting to old sins. So annoying, we have noone to blame but ourselves.
FUUUUUUCK.
Just hoovered the hole house ! Yet again!
Not good enough! This opportiunity will go beging!
OK, so we didn’t win it but they never broke and snatched the winner in the last minute either! remember when not so long ago we’d be shitting ourselves worrying about that possibility. What did we learn? Well we learned that Ramsey is far more important to the midfield unit than most people give him credit for. Until he came on we could not find a way through or over the banks of Wolves defenders. What else? RvP needs to forget about that record: He was as wound up as a erm…..me? today and if he was more relaxed he would have tucked away at least a brace. What else? We REALLY missed out full-backs!! We just don’t have the width to worry teams that pack their back lines. On the positive side: young JD, Kos and Mert looked solid in attack and defense. We could and should have won it but we did not lose and so it was not the total disaster that it could have been..
There gentlemen I have tried to be as positive as I could under the circumstances. It is now up to Dr F and the team to do their job..
Just thought it would be most appropriate for me to come in here at this particular moment in time and ask for a very large Hennessey…
You can be assured next game he will have a ‘mare.
Arthur, not good enough? Have you tried a Dyson?
Steve T hope the little one enjoyed it despite the result!
Zico….
I have one alreay Mate apologies (NOT GOOD ENOUGH) especially against Wolves!
Dr Z
What is you point fella?
At home agaisnt Wolves come on mate! Dont despair! NOT GOOD ENOUGH!
On my dodgy stream, their keeper looked like he played out of his skin. On other days we would have won by three.
Frustrating? Yes.
Time to mass panic? No.
Disagree with the Arshavin criticism – I thought he played pretty well when he came on, and was inches away from scoring.
Chamakh on the other hand, well his sole contribution was to injure his team-mate.
Come on guys, neither Chelsea or Liverpool gained any ground on us this weekend. Have. Some. Beer.
And if that don’t work, maybe Patient Gang Goolie will share part of his Xmas present ๐
Zico
We had our points in our hands! It’s fair play we will live but those points should have beem secured!
Starts warmimg up on the sideline, doing her stretches. Wenger gives her the nod, and she runs onto the field. First touch on the ball and she backheels it to a red shirt…
back post header
Takes one touch to control the backheel and sends it forwards just outside the fullback for someone to run into…
Shoots…
nods on
Well done Lars! Twas a tight angle but Hennessy really made a mess of that (for once…)
well in lars – mine’s a long shot of brandy – ta!
Now on the way home from the cruiser to get drunk without the huge fucking bill (somewhat saved from the fact that Lars wasn’t there!)
Fuck no Lester @ 164, such a more clinical striker or even player than Chamakh or Arshavin.
RVP might not of been at his best today, but there are days when he comes the literal definiton of the word ๐
Just a shame one of them wasn’t today.
Dr. Z. – vaseline? Make mine a large one!
A great effort from the man with the bottomless wallet, but lets not forget the assist from the playmaker in the making, Toby ๐
Commendable mention for AL’s just late run on the ball.
Took one for the team, since I tripped and fell into Hennesey’s outstretched waiting arms. And then fainted!
…and scores!
The frustration has subsided a bit now, but still so, so disappointed. We really should have won this. Have to agree with zico about Arshavin, I think he actually did rather well today. Certainly no worse than Arteta who I think had an unusually poor game by his standards. Also agree that this is no time for mass panic, we must not let our disappointment make it even worse. The best reaction is to bounce back in the next game, and remember that we have clawed our way back up from worse positions than this one. We are, after all, still only one point off fourth. The bitching part is that we can potentially be eight points off third, but we’ll have to hope for some help there.
Half-full glasses to everyone!
Is abb to Toby to Lars the ‘Holic’s bar equivalent of Gervinho to Walcott to RVP? Beautiful link up play between the three ๐
AL, your early AND late headers on goal shows your commitment to the cause ๐
It not GOOD ENOUGH even when you score on those comments Lads!
Hey guys, maybe Marta should have been out there today, she would have scored. A goal that is. Cheers!
Hmmm Henry off the bench with 20 mins left…..before today I’d have said no way…..
Arshavin and Chamack, how much more game time should we afford these serial failures?
Overall very dissapointing but fair play to a determined and resolute Wolves defence.
I’m with Arthur, it just isn’t.
Arshavin gives me a glimmer of home, but Chamakh drives me to new levels of despair!
It’s fuckign Wolves for God sake, excuse the young ones here who definitely read this blog!
It’s 2 poimts lost nothing else! My Chinese tastes really good despite this shitty result!
Shame on our lads game tonight! They did not deserve to win this encounter!
Feel like shit by the way! Back to work tomorrow! ๐
Don’t know what the problem is with the team at home sometimes, might as well blame TfL for all the good it will do ๐
Enjoy the post game gather Holics!
Take care and see you soon!
Right, I’m home now, getting me some LARSen Cognac instead of Hennessy. TAKE THAT WOLVES!
@188 GT, and 195 Dr Z, good comments, appropriately positive on a very disappointing day. TV is a great defender but he’s not a wing back (which surprises me a bit) and we do miss both Sagna and Santos in attack.
The longer the game ran, the dourer their defense became. I felt we lacked that creative spark in MF. Never mind, Wilshere is running again.
Agree with Lars and Zico that Arshavin put in a reasonable shift, and a downright decent one by the standards of his recent efforts. That shot from the edge of the box that just missed the far post with Hennessy flat-footed was a rare glimpse of what he offers — something out of nothing. Also thought Rosicky had his best game in a long while. And another good performance by Kos.
Smart of AW to take off Song before he got himself a second yellow or a straight red. And what was with all those back-heels in the first half?
I’d have put on the Ox before Chamakh. The Moroccan is like the Invisible Man when he is on the pitch — though, of course, not as invisible as Park anywhere.
Although that got me down in the dumps a bit – we HAVE to remember we’ve now played (4? 5?) games without a traditional full back. We’re not talking about reserve full backs but players who are improvising. When a team has as much possession as us the attacking width provided by full backs is a huge factor. Now while I don’t think any of the stand ins have been awful it’s like asking Ramsey to play as a striker and then questioning the lack of good shots. We’re up against it in terms of a natural lineup and results like today are at least greatly (primarily) due to that lack of width.
Decent full backs (preferably able to play on either side) aren’t going to be just sitting about ready to go on loan in January but we have to make a move in that direction surely. Can you picture Gibbs and Santos (not so much Sagna) getting back to 100% before March? By then we can either lock up a challenge/top 3 spot or fighting it out for 4th/5th/6th.
Seeing Vermaelen adapting and doing his best is fine but having one of the best centre backs in the league not playing his best role is a detriment to us.
Wolves goal – well taken but bloody fortunate – we defended well today (again).
@ 220 BTM
I sorry I had a very good TV coverege from Cyfra+ and despite the early good lead we were to dedne to create more!
The longer the game run the more we looked like scoring and if it wasnt for H we would have taken all 3 points as required!
Well said Tim! Getting drunk now, so nothing of the same will come from me for a while, but if I could collect my thoughts I’d write something like that.
Getting drunk wont help…
We had a good chance to go fourth ………………………………..
We fucked it!
|It boils my blood beacuse this was the good result weekend for us and as usual di not take the opportunity to move forwards!
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHR!
Apologies Holics!
Too Hacked off noff now! I will be back!
Holic the little one must of been PROUD this arvo!
All the BEST!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
There will be more chances AtG! Not sure we will take them, but at least this will be a season to remember, for several reasons, some good, some bad, and I’m not where you are just yet! Might well be soon though, so take care until then, and hopefully you’ll feel better and get me a drink when I get there! Cheers Arth, and grab one on me before you go.
Scene: Dimly lit room behind the Gooner Holic Bar: an emergency meeting of the team. Arthur has called the meeting and as the assembled Holics take their seats, Arthur paces up and down..GT can sense that he is pissed off and stands up and attempts to make a joke but Arthur shoots him one of his famous glares and he immediately sits back down sheepishly.
Arthur: Order, Order! Zico..sit the fuck down..Gentlemen what the fuck just happened?
(before anyone can respond, Arthur sweeps his drink off the table and the shattering glass startles the Holics into silence!)
Arthur: That was not good enough!
(silence)
Arthur: Well? Aren’t any of you lot going to try to tell me that there is a positive side to what we have just witnessed? …Because if you are then you had better speak up now before I get fucking mad!
GoonerTerry being the newest member of the team is not sure about the protocol of these meetings puts his hands up..
Arthur: YES!!!
GT: (mumbling) well I can only speak for myself but I feel that my game was off today due to the fact that I rather pigged out for the past 3-days. I especially regret yesterday because having promised myself that I would abstain I got involved in a little overeating again and so I felt a little leggy in the second half…
Arthur: (interrupting) What kind of lame excuse is that? You knew full well we had a game today! That’s not good ENOUGH!! I was occupied looking after four countries plus Germany! I can’t believe that the one time that I am unavailable you lot conspire to fuck it up!
Zico: oh come on Arthur that’s a little strong. The boys didn’t do too badly considering..
Arthur: (interrupting again) CONSIDERING?? Considering what? You are all professionals. There are no excuses…
Zico: well we did not have a fit team! Lars has been in bed the last few days and only got up for the game. CoR just flew in from Japan and was jet lagged. Holic has been distracted taking care of Mrs H. GoonerTerry as we’ve heard…
Arthur: For fuck sake!!! All excuses..It was not good enough and the sooner you all admit that simple fact the better! We have the QPR game coming up and I’d advise you all to go home and think about whether or not you want to win this thing or whether you want to go on making excuses! On the training pitch in the morn ing at 8:30 sharp!
With that he storms out of the room and into the night..stunned the assembled holics just sat there looking at each other…all ashamed to speak….suddenly the silence is broken as the door flies open and in steps Ollie and LeGrash looking a little too happy..
LeGrash: Hello chaps…when is the meeting due to start?
Arthur @23 “we were to dedne to create more” Good thing or bad?