Photo Special : Arsenal Celebrate With Class
Dec 12th, 2011 by 'holic
A few words about Friday’s events are in order I think, not only to share the experience of a privileged invitee, but also to give a platform to some wonderful images from a good friend.
Chronologically then, my day began with yet another taxi journey to the station, and my third day of train journeys via Paddington. It doesn’t sound much I know, but coming after the book launch on Wednesday night I have to say I was running on the reserve tank. A pint of Guinness in Metro restored both mind and body before joining the Arsenal supporters you may have seen being celebrated on banners around the stadium, and on Arsenal Player, for a reception prior to the unveilings.
Ivan Gazidis welcomed all and sundry, and I had the good fortune to run into Bob Wilson. What are the odds, do you think, of someone being there who played in the first match I can remember seeing at Highbury? I didn’t miss the photo opportunity. Talking of which, many thanks to David O’Leary (no, not that one, this one still follows Arsenal religiously), and Akhil for their company, and the famous Maria and Ryan Rocastle for saying hello.
Name-dropping over, we followed the main party and their press escort to the site of statue number one. It was no surprise we started with Herbert Chapman. We all jostled for partial snaps and through a sea of arms and mobiles I got the top half of the newest likeness to appear by the Clock End Bridge. This is the best an amateur could do on the day. Contrast it with what follows.
From the Danny Fiszman Bridge we were led back into the Lower tier concourse and around to the site of Tony Adams bronze cast reaching to the heavens as he celebrated once more, and for ever, that wonderful goal against Everton as we clinched the title in 1998. “One Tony Adams”, indeed. It was good to hear it one more time.
Β© 2011 James Kent
That is an image I saw for the first time and just thought to myself, “Wow”.
From there it was halfway round the Stadium to pay homage to Thierry Henry. Of course the great man was there, the only legend to witness the unveiling of his likeness. One can only imagine what that must be like. Tears gave an indication, and it wasn’t only Arsenal’s greatest ever goalscorer doing the shedding. He spoke of looking at the new Stadium, and beyond to Highbury, still I suspect as much our spiritual home to him as it remains to a number of us.
Β© 2011 James Kent
You will have noticed that artistically I lack a certain something with my shaky hand and iPhone camera. I am grateful to James for letting me share my favourite images of his with you. If you want to see the rest of the collection then just click here. James has also pledged a pound for every print ordered from his Arsenal collections to the Arsenal charity of the season, Save the Children.
The celebrations were then put on hold until the following day and the visit of Everton. It seemed sensible to round off my Friday with a couple of Guinni before jumping on that train again, only to make the return journey sixteen hours later.
But Saturday, as you have seen, is covered elsewhere.
Cheers ‘holics.
835 Responses to “Photo Special : Arsenal Celebrate With Class”
First!
Nice post, as always, ‘holic! I hope to visit the Emirates at some point in my life, I really do!
Here’s rooting for the Russians to defeat the Sheikhs. If we go on then and win against them next week, bam – we are 6 points behind them and right back into the race. Simple:) Here’s hoping it happens.
Good article. Statues are amazing in my opinion.
Joined a throng of people to take a picture of what I thought was TH14 statue, jostled to the front and found 2 ambulance men standing over some poor soul who fainted…took a picture anyway
Lovely photos. The statues are a well deserved tribute. I hope they’re saving room for Arsene Wenger, Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie.
Top 10?!
Nice one Holic.
I expect to see a bronze statue of tabs at the Tollie next time I’m there, for his contribution to their profitability π
nicely done, ‘holic. can’t wait to see the rest of mr. kent’s images, the one of TA06 is beautiful.
i think they should also be putting at least a statue of alex james or cliff bastin, if only to represent the brilliant 30s teams…
Bugger. Mancs up already. Oh well, at least we’ll stay fourth.
Nice pics Holic .
Dr Z – heh π , Think there could be a few in line for one of those !
The legendary cfpb ! Make it home alright saturday ?
Only top 10 ? A lowering of expectations surely ! π
Great post Holic!
This commentary form this other guy about Shiteh makes me sick!
I know I’m late to the drinks but I’d just like to dedicate a smooth recovery to Santos!
What is this about Shiteh passing like Barca? Who the fuck is this guy?
Unforced erros he calls it WTF?
1-1
Gangster c*nts 1 Amoral oil c*nts 1
Meireles
One a piece!
tabs, wrong
C*nts 1 , C*nts 1
His name is Ray he’s A Nadal arse licker!
Just to make it straight Holics I hate the Mancs more! I would prefer Chelski to beat them so they dont go unbeaten like we did!
1BN inlcuding wages …………JOKE!
I stand corrected Dr Z π
Extract : 12th Β December
Dear Diary,Β
A lot has happened since my last confession.
Spent a week or so “getting it together in the country”, in a stately home where the medicine was kept under lock and key. Β Fools. Β They hadn’t reckoned on Edwin’s file, discovered a few hours after he delivered that lovely cake. Β
The confections on offer in their apology for a Medicine Cabinet were a bit spartan for my taste, mainly from the sedative/hypnotic family and not really conducive to a prolonged session on the Happy Train. Β I only took them so I could get a closer look at The Blonde Girl with The Tattoo (and Ponytail). Β Lovely girl, and not all she seemed. Β No, not at all.
All this was going on just as my book was being launched. Β I heard there were queues round the block to get copies signed. Β If you haven’t bought yours yet, So Paddy Threw Up will be available from the shady Big Issue vendor outside Sainsbury’s on Rose Street in Edinburgh for about 30 minutes, or at least until the enforcement of the vagrancy laws anyway.
And as if that wasn’t excitement enough, I went to the Arsenal on Saturday. Β The things I saw. Β Some of them were even real. Β A Dutch Master. Β 3 of those street performers who were painted in bronze, so still you would hardly know they were human. Β The North Bank were kind enough to hold up a number to commemorate my offences under the Financial Markets Act. Β And then I got sacked.
But as always, there is a plan. Β Always a plan.
AL – from last drinks – anything I can do to help old son . Leg Rash must be heard .
That said , I’m not sure the best plans are always formulated after a barrel full of beer π
Dr F π – Great stuff .
Another classic from Feelgood. Heh at painted street performers.
Dr F
Must of been a strong dose π QUALITY STUFF!
Noel73 @4: tragically I find that so funny!
Clichy sent off!
Clichy sent off.
Clichy hahahahahaaaaaaaaaaa
Clichy off . π
Clichy sent off.
The disciplinary record under Arsene Wenger…. oh.
Haha, good stuff from Feelgood as usual π
This leaves us with a rather peculiar situation next Sunday where both teams will be without a recognized left-back, unless Kolarov is back from his injury (that he got at the Emirates) that is.
And it is not entirely impossible that Yaya Toure will be suspended, he kicked out at Mata and I’m not sure the ref saw it.
I’m sorry but Yaya Toure should have been sent off as well!
Straight red too!
two yellows, atg…he will miss one game, against wee goonersssss.
wonder if yaya will get the fa “video analysis” red they seem to be so fond of. didn’t our dm get the same treatment earlier in the year? oh, yes, but that’s because he was an arsenal player.
Heh. City time-wasting.
and dr. f, iirc one of the twins has a tattoo…well, they both do, but only one of them has it in a place where you’d be able to see it, uh, casually. and the other has it on her ankle…
heh scruz, the Blonde aint one of your yellow skinned cousin π
Shame he’s not gonna play against us :
Stolen from Bogie from Arseblog:
‘ARSENAL TO APPEAL CLICHY RED CARD’
z, you sure? she’s on enforced r&r in the english countryside, but she might just be in a caravan outside of swindon.
I believe we are going to be the only team who stop Shiteh!
Pelanty for the russians…
goal for chelski! man city in crisis!
heh Ollie, quality π
heh Ollie @42 π
Perhaps not
Baolofire work is another Ronaldo!
oooh, i hope yaya gets reviewed if that was really a stamp/rake on mireles worth reviewing, would love to face no yaya next sunday. lol @ ollie, agreed…
let’s win gooners, and we’re six points back!
9 points off the top with the leaders up next. We’re right back in it.
loving it, al-citeh with two shots on goal. and the invincibles are safe from another moneybags team!
Not so easy to stay unbeaten, is it City?
Good result for us – we’re a better side than Chelsea, they won’t stay above us. Clichy we thank you.
Let’s put City on a losing streak next weekend….
@joshua, hell, they can’t even beat chelsea at the bridge….i thought any team in crisis could do *that*.
There you go, first part of my wish comes true:) On to Sunday, come on you GUYS!
My goodness, I Wonder what our title odds were after 4 points from 5 games?
Noel73 @ 4, was that near the Spirit of Highbury Mural? Cos I might of been there… π And not as the person on the floor π
Feelgood does himself proud every entry Zico , I mean, Big Issue Seller!? π
Ahh, Clichy you twat. Go and do one π
No-one can hope to replicate the Invincibles of ’04, but the Arsenal in whatever incarnation they will be in, its all about spirit.
Would have been nice to have stayed in fourth, but City having lost a game isn’t too bad either. Now if only Sp*rs could start imploding as well…
I think Spurs started yesterday Lars π
http://www.arsenal-world.co.uk/feat/edz3/book_review_so_paddy_got_up_717596/index.shtml
But it looks like it has sold out, unless you get to the Tollie where the last hundred copies now reside.
I really really don’t get that talk about invincibles and the worry from some Gooners.
They never ever ever came close, and we still have to play them twice.
I don’t feel any particular relief.
And we’re better than the Bust Stop in Fulham..
Bust Stop, er. Bus, of course.
So what Tim said at 54 in fact.
Oh my.
Shitteh looking every inch the ‘Vincibles’ after all. Not looking so bloody easy now is it, you oil rich moneygrabbers? It takes more than cash to make a ‘team’. Stuff like spirit. Spine. And, ermm, lots of gaffa tape. Speaking of which, get well soon Santos. I hope Brazilian gaffa tape is super quality.
I am really rather looking forward to my trip north on Sunday. Shame I’ll miss Clichy, but I’ll just have to make up for it by swearing even more loudly at Na$ri.
I’ve just spent most of the day with a bunch of liver specialists, so trebles all round please barkeep.
π
Sold out already??? I would be eternally grateful if someone could stop by the Tollie tomorrow and pick up a copy for me (if there are any left) and give it to me at the Leeds game in exchange for some money and/or pints of beer.
‘Holic, is that hundred copies an accurate value because I really want it in hardback format but I don’t want to empty my account to the barebones to get it.
I mean, if I have to go tomorrow, I will because me and paperbacks really don’t go too well but I’d rather hold off till Friday at the latest if possible…
Agent Vieira is lovin’ it tonight…
Feels strangely dirty to have rooted for Lampshade to convert that penalty.
However, Clatty-berg was able to enlist the pilferer’s aid in plucking the three points. Come on you Gunners. Let’s kick Merc Citeh back to Dubai and get this title run on proper-like.
Godspeed to “dos” Santos on his recovery.
What’s up, Snir “My Main Man” Gueli? I apologize to all ‘Holics for not posting a report on the excursion to NOLA, but things were extremely hectic when Wolfpack-1 returned to Dallas. I’ll get something submitted as soon as workload permits.
You guys simply won’t believe the report. Many top-shelf Gooners in New Orleans…I did my part to represent the Boys and winning 4nil against Wigan did not hurt! π
Up the Arse.
BMBD!
Wind @ 58: Ahh, Clichy you twat. Go and do one…HEH! And heh again.
Invincibles? In the words of the inimitable Blogs himself: “invincible cunts. Invincible donkey-fisting thundercunts.”
Strange how none of those bridge-dwelling blue scag addicts aren’t on here giving it the large today. That’s right you methadone-addled benefit frauds…you haven’t won the square root of bugger all this season so don’t go opening your big toothless mouths just yet.
Normally I don’t drink but for tonight I ll drink my weight in beer. A bottle of guiness stout for me if you don’t mind.
Wind, hot off Twitter,
@arseblog Just got my signed copy of So Paddy Got Up from the Tollington. The barman said there’s only about 50 left
arseblog @arseblog 3 hrs
When I say I think we’ve sold out, I’m basing that on my calculations, shopping cart software is unreliable. Possible there may be some left
‘Hols, how are you, mate?
You’ve been rubbing elbows with the classy and top-notch. Thanks for the write-ups.
Drink of your choice, Guv’.
BMBD!
Camberwell – I have seen one or two City fans online already talking about what a banker Sunday’s game is for them (one even saying it’s more of a banker than a game they have at Sunderland in the next few weeks). Keep up the big talk guys!
Well done, Faizal, but pace yourself. Beautiful images, Holic- great selection.
Snowy, respect for travelling on Sunday, remember to give us all a wave π
Well, well there is something we know for sure. Man de oil City ain’t no invincibles. We can celebrate what our club have achieved and remember they are mere men.
All in all, I would have preferred a draw, but nine points off the top at this point of the season still leaves it an open title race. The visit to City is a must win, though.
Hey Snowman,
Jealous that you are making the trip to the rigs, hope you have a blast π
I was wondering if, if all were fully fit (a man can dream!), whether our best back four wouldn’t be Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny Vermaelen.
Snowman?
π
Mine would be BS, Kos, TV and Santos, Ned.
Yeah, him @ 65 π
He makes you feel all good inside…
Geoff – thank you and I shall. You’ll be able to spot me easily, I’ll be the one in the Arsenal Santa hat. What? Oh….
Zico – cheers π Any games requiring a trip to “Cunt Corridor” (Trademark owned by WestStandTone) are generally irksome, especially when they are on at Ridiculous O’Clock on a school night and I have a client meeting at 8am the next day. Rest assured I shall sing as loudly as a Tabs atop a table in the Tollie π
‘holic – you cheeky beggar π
It is a real conundrum. I like Mertesacker in the middle, for his height and his calming influence. I think Kos will be a new Bobby Moore, and the cleanness of his tackling is invaluable in the middle. But I also can’t imagine playing without TV. The stare alone must be worth six points a season.
crap (re: the book)…….I can’t get to The Tollie..I’m in the States. Can anyone pick up a copy and I can pay + shipping via paypal or google checkout if you have it?
I should have gone to the Arseblog shop this morning but figured I’d be alright tonight.
When is the CL draw?
I really feel Europe is our best chance for silverware this year.
BMBD!
Nice write up holic. The one thing that I have felt throughout all of the celebrations is the massive amount of class that runs through the club. All I have heard is remarks about how we still do things like this the right way. The Arsenal way. That always fills me with pride.
Now lets make sure we take all of that pride with us next Sunday and go and turn over Citeh.
Not had much of a chance to comment on Saturday. First thing I would say is how nice it was to have a 3pm kick off. The second is that we took all the points with a wonder strike. I am just grateful for that. I was gutted that I did not get a chance to hook up with fellow holics at the Tollie. Hopefully next time.
Onwards and upwards.
Thanks for the update ‘Holic @ 72, looks like my maiden trip to the Tollie shall be tomorrow at this selling rate, I must ascertain a hardback ‘So Paddy Got Up’ at any cost!
Even if it means going into the proverbial red (ie. Skintness)
Camberwell @ 70, thanks lol, never knew I had the funny in me π
Lonestar @ 88, the CL draw is on this upcoming Friday, normally around 11 BST/GMT if I recall last year correctly.
And I’m slyly feeling the same way as you this season, oh so slyly… π
(PS – Since I lack Twitter, can someone keep me updated via Twitter on the number of copies left please…? Much obliged fellow ‘Holics.)
‘Drifting off into sleep, sees the Century on the sleepy Horizon, starts the attack with a sprayed pass out to the right-wing where who awaits…?’
Wind – I think this might be one of the few times in recent memory when a ‘Holic post misses a century on the night of its posting…
ah well.
I’ll dummy it for the next ‘holic.
BMBD! (Glad Snir updated you on its meaning.)
Wind @ 90. Thanks for the details. I like sly – he was a good actor.
*Get up, Rock…I’ll get me coat*
BMBD!
Picks up the loose ball on the inside of his right foot and shimmies past a a defender who’s left on the floor
Makes a dash towards the goalline and then cuts inside onto his left foot and plays a through ball between the opposing team’s left back and center back. They are stunned as they see three holics making a dash for the ball
I love me some cake! Nom, nom,nom
Toe Poke!
Watches it barrel off the keeper
Lonestar @ 93/94, I’m grateful as well, lovely little doddle of an acronym BMBD is π
Your wordplay with the Sly is almost as beautiful as Arsenal’s passing play, never even thought of the reference meself lol π
Shame about the lack of century as well, but there was a lot of frenzied posting on ‘Holic lovely anniversary post and this is more of a continuation of that, so what can you do I guess.
Good luck with the dummying, I’m off to the hay. ‘gets sleepcap, realised he doesn’t have one, D’oh!’
A scrambled goal that goes in off my huge belly!!
Don’t look up my century unless you mean honey π
Get in there, Wind! π
BMBD!
Well Bloody Hell.
‘Gets coat in disbelief’
Ahhhh, gotta lose some weight. Too slow for the rebound…
Three really is a crowd——–in my pants.
wind can’t stop scoring!
Thanks Lonestar, my condolences Three Holics, maybe the cake slowed you down by a few vital seconds? I think the phrase that applies to me is ‘He scores when he’s trying to go to sleep… π
Also, thanks for the assist CoR, been a long time since we’ve collabo’ed in front of goal π
Scruz, in all honesty, I think its gotten to the stage where its harder to miss than to score π
wind, you shouldn’t go out to the bars, then…;)
To score or not to score, that is the question….
Well in wind, you truly run like the uh…wind
cor, he broke like (the) wind, too…
Holic, do I still need to write great write-up ? Was there ever a time when it wasn’t great? Top class from a top man.
As for the title race… :whistling smiley face:
Haven’t given up just yet π
I think I’m going to cry though.
I told a friend of mine to put a bet in for me since my American MC is blocked for a draw between Roma and Juve, Hapoel to lose and Chelsea to win for 10$ and could have won 450$ dollars…
He isn’t answering and I don’t know if he put the bet in!
That coulda paid half of my ticket to London!
Snir, I think your friend is the one now halfway to London by the sound of it π
LOL the City game will be funny.
Richards is injured meaning Zabaleta at RB. Kolarov is injured and Clichy suspended.
Does that mean Wayne Bridge?
Last time Theo was up against Wayne Bridge he scored 1, assisted 1 and won a penalty against Bridge.
Great post and pics. The invincibles are still one of a kind, and long may they remain that way. Arsenal keep getting better and the table is reflecting it. Santos news bad but Miquel is capable and I expect him to take his chance. Whichever way Arsene decides to juggle his 5 top choice defenders, Miquel is definitely in the mix so come on Ignasi!!
Re: Wind @107: A little humility, please. π
I have to say that Gary Neville’s analysis of the Classico in the Chelsea-City pre match was outstanding.
Man City have conceded in each of their last 8 EPL matches.
I have a feeling RvP will have some fun.
El Jefe is sitting in Finsbury Park on a fine Tuesday morning when the ringing of La Cucaracha breaks the silence. He answers his cellphone.
El Jefe: Eeeeey, Carlos! Que pasa amigo?
Carlos: Bien, bien. Whachoo up to?
El Jefe: Just relaxing in the park, ese.
Carlos: I got an update for you, you ready? Alright listen, itβs total chaos down at Shite Hart Lane. Since Sunday, Harry has been walking around the training pitch wearing nothing but lavender pajamas and screaming βHoy, Hoy.β Sometimes he stops to stroke Bale and feed him some bananas and old vegetables through the bars of his cage. Other times, he stands as still as he can in the middle of the pitch hoping that Defoe, Modric, Lennon and Rose will stop flitting around him and land on his shoulder. But when they do they just shit on him and he starts walking around the training pitch screaming again.
El Jefe: Que demonios es estoβ¦anything else?
Carlos: Well, Iβve been trying to fill Karen Brady out but Shaft said βjust a little on the sidesβ so I had to stop feeding her fried ice cream. Anyway, Iβve been trying to keep her out of sight. On my last surveillance job, I met this hombre called Will Getyouintheend and heβs trying to live up to his name with Karen. Tricky, sticky businessβ¦Anyway, write all of this down and let Shaft know, alright?
El Jefe: SΓ, sΓ.
El Jefe ends the call and writes the message on the side of a 6 foot spliff. He then lights it and passes it to Dr. Feelgood. They puff and continue their game of checkers while listening to Legalize it by Peter Tosh on a tiny radio. Meanwhile, in the background, an old man screaming βFentonβ runs after his errant dog. Another man sits on a bench 400 metres away observing the entire scene while pretending to read a newspaper.
Another ton up, Wind? Golden Boot form.
Shaft@118: Karen Brady? Hang in there. She’s growing your way…
So 9 points behind Oil cunts. Next week’s match becomes very important now.
Personally, I would take a draw from it. But I have a sneaky feeling…. π
And heh, Shaft
-Next week
+This week
Shaft I have a woman who does more than match your “requirements”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hx3X-vGOkQ0
Shaft is at home practicing his anti-fugly techniques. He is wearing a black karate uniform and kneeling in front of a poster of Steve Bruce in a mini-skirt. He has been like that for 10 hours straight but he hasnβt thrown up once. There is a knock on his apartment door and the door opens slowly to allow a lady to walk in. Shaft doesnβt turn to face the woman entering his apartment but remains kneeling facing the poster. The woman is dressed in a brown leather jacket, dark blue jeans and high heel boots. Her hair is dark and curly and her perfume fills the room.
Woman: Hey Shaft, itβs Nimfh. Hope you donβt mind me just letting myself in.
Shaft: One of these days Iβll get my key back.
Nimfh: Be easier to change the lock.
Shaft: Yeah maybe. What have you got for me?
Nimfh: Just received a cable from our man in Venezuela. He says the training of the ocelots is going according to plan. You should have your army ready in a few weeks he says.
Shaft: Thatβs great news. So howβve you been anyhow?
Nimfh: You know me. Just keeping busy.
Nimfh lights a cigarette inside the apartment. Shaft turns around to face her.
Shaft: What the deuce? You canβt smoke in here woman.
Nimfh: Iβll stop if you let me wax your moustacheβ¦for old times sake.
Shaft: Been there, done that, so no. Besides, I just had it waxed.
Nimfh: By who?
Honey Bottom comes out of the bathroom wearing a 1991 Arsenal jaguar away strip and a pair of gold Hanes boxers.
Honey Bottom: My God, why if it isnβt Nimfh OβManiac. I havenβt seen you since that pie eating contest in Dublin.
Nimfh: Iβm surprised you can even fit into that jersey, you fat slut. Once a heifer, always a heifer I guess.
Honey Bottom: Shut up you SLAG! Why you trying to wax Shaftβs moustache anyhow?
Nimfh: I need a REASON? Look at it. Itβs MAGNIFICENT. It just needs a real woman to wax it rightβ¦
Shaft: Ladies, ladies. Thereβs more than enough βtache to go aroundβ¦
Shaft snaps his fingers. The curtains close, a disco ball drops from the roof of his apartment and Power by Kanye West starts to play. He produces a tin of moustache wax from inside his karate uniform.
Shaft: Cmon ladies. Letβs get this party craicing.
Nimfh & Honey Bottom: Oh Shaftβ¦.
Hey 8ball, I can dig it. A little right now, but I’m in the middle of a menage-a-wax man. Will get to it in a sec π
Snir @116
– I now look forward to hearing his views. No wonder Red Nose wanted him to stay on as a coach.
He also seems like a reasonably nice guy.
#lifeisstrange#
8ball @123
Dios mio.
@ CoR @ 246 Yesterday: The Landlord called time before I could respond – hope I am not breaking the rules or anything.. (0;
“Twins?” I have to take your word for it but as my father – by all accounts – was a right slag I wouldn’t be surprised (0;
Shaft π
My hero.
6 foot spliff you say, Shaft?
Sounds like the production line is up and running. Must have been a short book.
@123: 8ball, she’s a bit on the tiny side but I might let her handle my moustache next time I’m back in L.A. π
Very windy.
Scruz and CoR @ 108/109/110, haha, thanks for the kind words π
Snir @ 111, I hope you get your rightful winnings π
bt8b @ 115, I’ll try lol π
Snir @ 117, maybe Gervinho and Walcott as well, I have a good feeling about the match, and the openness of the title race as a result π
Shaft @ 118/124, still pulling out the highest quality, very similar to the quality of your moustache wax π
NBN @ 119, good sir, you surely flatter me π³ π
Ollie @ 132, yes, yes it is π
‘ere it’s starting to look up for grabs now! No?
tabs @ 24 – a demo of wisdom beyond your beers – think you’re probably right old son
With Dr. Z on our finest b. four – Sag, Kos, Ver, Tos – pace, class, fight, good on the ball one and all and real attacking intent. Haven’t seen it look, potentially, that good back there for some time.
A heavy-hearted Santoast to the slightly bonkas Brazilian. Get well soon son and try to keep off the fags and pies as much as poss, please. You’ll be missed.
Talking of misses – i do hope Snowy doesn’t miss that client appointment following the away day. Miss one and it’s a slippery slope to missing more methinks!
UREDS!
psed – lovely write up ‘holic and great pics – ta
Morning AL ,
Quite happy to do as discussed , just think it might be a bit short-termist ie one post , a quick removal and then a ban . I leave it up to you Sir .
Camberwell @70 – “bridge dwelling blue scag addicts” – heh π
Good stuff Shaft π and well in Wind π
Snowy @85 – Have a great one at “The C*nt corridor” (heh) , on sunday .
“Tabs atop a table in the Tollie” – sounds like there’s a song in there somewhere π . Actually , still suffering horrible flashbacks of said event . Attempts to remove same from my memory banks have thus far singularly failed . I think a visit to the CMC might well be in order .
Talking of horrible flashbacks , late into Saturday’s festivities , and after Dr Z had finally admitted defeat and wandered off muttering that he was in need of his hotel , I decided to stay “for just one more” , and ended up talking to a group of swedes who were enjoying their first visit to The Home of Football . I have a recurring nightmare that I introduced myself as “Wolfgang Smallballs – world renowned Arsenal Blogger ” , and ended up signing their copies of “So Paddy Got Up” as same , next to a little drawing of a pair of Speedoes . Oh Dear !
Heh TaBS!!!! As I said…. celebrity whore!
Sounds like you and AL are planning some mischief…. π
Now then, we can’t have you suffering…. take this rather mellow PiK supplied herb….. stuff it in yer pipe and smoke it.
Mr C , thank you kind Sir .
As ever , a man with a solution to all problems ! π
As regards the mischief , not really , but we both felt that Leg Rash’s ban from Le Groan was probably just an administrative mistake and perhaps could therefore be posted from a different IP address .
Thanks tabs π
Is the best way ro get to the Tollie from the Clock End of the Ems (Queensway Road?)
I’ve only got a 2 hour window, need to be swift and sharp.
Holic,
A note to say thanks again for such wonderful reports and the sense of occasion the provided surrounding the history, celebrations and atmosphere about both the Anniversary and how βPaddy got upβ. And to top it all off β as fine a volley I think weβre ever likely to see cap such events while also gaining ground on Spuds & Citeh. It really has been the perfect weekend.
A word on watching Liam Brady over on RTE on Sat night β when asked about Wengers transfer intentions he said that it was somewhat ominous that the next leading scorer outside of RVP in the league was Vermaelen, and that the contribution in the goalscoring stakes from other players ala Ramsey, Theo, Gervinho was a little short of where it needed to be. With that in mind, he said that he reckoned weβd be in the market for another striker to relieve the pressure on RVP. Itβs very unusual for him to speak about transfers in his role as a pundit for obvious reasons, but on the few times he has in the past, everything he has said was nailed on.
While I despise the classless shenanigans that are generally representative of all things Barcelona FC, and how we have largely been at the receiving end of their shit in the past, the gooner in me that has been raised on a diet of positive attacking football these past 15 years must take its hat off in salute to the quality of football displayed during βEl Classicoβ. Love em or hate em – they really are a joy to watch at times.
Wind – The juicer is on the crossroads where the Hornsey Rd meets the Tollington Rd .
Joe – Good to hear Chippy saying that , and totally agree with you on Barca .
Tabs @ 138 – reckon you’re right – ”e’s not effin’ worth it’ – the aggravation that is.
Psed love the Swedes, Smallballs, speedo(e)s – combo. ‘Twas an evening that deserved to conclude with just such a flourish. Uncle Monty himself would have been proud of you i think
On a personal note i have no recollection of actually leaving the Tollie (oops!) – must have done though as I’m not there now. Just hope i kept me end up at the bar and behaved myself (broadly speaking of course).
UREDS!
I think you can rest easy AL π
Afternoon ‘Holic & ‘Holics
Some more top drinking as usual above, great stuff!
zico & ‘Holic – Big heh! for ‘snowman’ π
Lars @ ‘#59 – I am reliably informed that the LWC’s squad all dined hugely on lasagne before their match with The Munsters. I’m betting that a revived Sunderland with O’Neill and sans TGSTEL will give them a real run for their money this weekend. As we will the ADVs.
AL @ #134 – Up for grabs undeed. Esp. if we can extract any sort of a result on Sunday (even a draw).
So… invincibility in-tact for another season and a chance for Frimpong to frimpong Na$ri in his frimpongs on Sunday…. marvellous! π
PS: After the LWC’s moronic abuse of the great Chris HOY after their joyous defeat on Sunday, this rather amused me on Twitter courtesy of @Arsenes_Eyes
After Mr Clattenburg awarded #CFC a penalty last night, I hear some #MCFC fans burned down a Mr Kipling factory. #ClattenburgNotBattenberg
Oooh, they do make exceedingly good sheikh’s.
Wind: and further to tabs’ reply, I would add that the quickest way to get there is most likely tube to Holloway Road, walk towards the stadium and turn left at the roundabout in front of The Armoury. After that it’s a short walk (two-three minutes or something) straight ahead along Hornsey Road and you’re there.
tabs @ 144 Phew! or should that be – a few!
i’ll get me kit
tabs @ #136 – Heh! & scary in equal measure. Did they know of Lars’ world famous wallet? π
joe @ #140 – great post and good to asee you in here. We watched the first half of El Ca$hico in The Tollie, from what I can remember, it looked to be a cracking game of football played by a bunch of highly talented see you next Tuesdays π
Thanks tabs, I cracked it! (With the help of Google Maps ;))
Paddy, here I come!
Thanks for the help Lars, but I’m halfway there on the 38/19, I’ll do my match-day usual and walk it from Highbury and Islington Stn, will let me pop-up around Queensland Rd and go to the Tollie from there.
Pardon tabs @ 143 of course and TS @144 a draw would be good BUT if we nick – whoo hoo – Game On!
A match that’s unmissable for sure. Talking of being unmissable looking forward to catching Snowy, the bar’s rep. at the forthcoming big game, in the Santa hat. You can’t miss someone in that getup – can you?
Oops – nick it
as in the Max Miller gag – ‘he poisoned his wife with a razor-blade – he gave her arse a nick’
TS , I did enquire as to why they weren’t at Arsenal Sweden’s Xmas party and did they know the man with the largest wallet in Western Europe . Unfortunately they did not appear cognizant of either . Told ’em Lars was another “world-renowned Arsenal blogger” π
AL π
Great to see Arsene talking about the possibility of maybe spending some money on a striker (you never know for sure with him). Not that he can hide the fact that we need reinforcements though.
I love how he uses the ACN as an excuse for needing a replacement for Chamakh.
http://news.arseblog.com/2011/12/wenger-eyes-opportunity-to-buy-attacker/
Excellent tabs! We’re all famous in our own lunch-times π
Al @ #151 – I thank you, you’re here all week, etc., etc. π
Joshua @ #153 – Does he need to make an excuse to replace Chamakh? π
To be fair, I’m still hoping Chamakh can regain his mojo and find that blistering form that he had in the first half of last season. Such a shame….
Feelgood … Time to retire. yawn
TS, Unfortunately, he does not. Although Arsene is never someone to publicly insult his players.
I’m with you on that hope. When we needed a striker to step up in the beginning of last season, he did the job magnificently. Would love to see him return to his best in an Arsenal shirt.
Yes it would be glorious if Chamakh regained his form. Please Santa, help him, pretty please. And Santa, while your’re at it, offer RVP the moon, the stars, and the sun to keep him at Arsenal. I’m not really asking for much, am I?
Eeeew! Looks like someone with bad manners who may have had his nose cyberly put out of joint by the good Dr. is trying – all be it feebly – to exact a wee bit of vengeance. Either that or it’s not been got. Nevermind.
Looks like The Prince of Denmark misplaced his dough balls .
http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2011/12/13/2800587/sunderlands-nicklas-bendtner-causes-pizzeria-commotion-after
AL @159 – Seconded . Long live Feelgood .
Taking the management back to the hospital. Keep an eye on the place boys π
Tomtom @ #156 – Did you get lost?
Hope all goes well Holic , and Best wishes to the Management .
‘Holic @ #156 – Please send her best wishes and we will.
‘Holic, well wishes to the Management.
‘Holic@161: Hope all is as well as it can be in the circumstances. Best wishes to her from all in the bar.
But while the cat is away….
Best wishes, Holic.
tabs, Heh. I don’t miss that attitude one bit. TGSTEL can enjoy his time in the Championship next season.
Best wishes to the management.
A very superficial backdrink had me in stitches reading tabs 136.
‘holic, all the best to you and the management.
This place is in safe hands, you know the regulars who frequent it, right?
Hmmmm.Uh-oh.
In other news, we have 3 Dutch, 2 Swiss, 1 Pole (and 2 French) in training today.
The picture of RvP on the projector screen elicited recognition. Wonder if I should try and find a background of Djourou and Szczesny for the next couple of days.
snowy @85 (very randomly stumbled upon), I have to check, I had the feeling that the trademark on ‘Cunt Corridor’ belonged to a certain Dangermouse.
Might check who started it later on tonight (though obviously it’ll be a thread start, not the proof about who actually used it first, unless this is debated there).
All the best ‘holic and the management
Bobby Zamora available apparently. Not the best striker around but might be the best available, who knows his way around the premiership. And he is pretty effective at what he does. “Not an Arsenal player” think some might say. Maybe not – but i’d have him upfront in front of anything we’ve got – bar his highness RVP
You know Lars, your advice was actually spot on.
Got a bus to Holloway Rd Stn, followed the sign to the Emirates across the road, I saw it in about 15 seconds past Metropolitan Uni. ‘Scoffs at 5 mins on the sign)
Sorry for not taking/dismissing your pro advice, I’ll get you a drink to make up for it from the bar. (On your tab of course ;))
I finally got it! ‘Holic, your Twitter intel was right, looked like there were only 50 copies at the max left behind the bar ‘phew’
Had a nice chat with the brunette lady behind the Bar about the book, shame I never asked her name, she was lovely and in the know about the book, shame I was in such a rush to make it back to Westminster/Victoria to meet up with a mate.
Can’t wait to get started on it once my work schedule eases up.
And can I just say, The Tollington is the nicest pub in terms of aesthetics and anything else I’ve ever seen. I was only in there 5 mins, and I’m still amazed π
Nice one:
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2011/12/13/103530_garcia-la-reconnaissance-de-ceux-qui-font-le-meme-metier.html
Rudi Garcia, deserverdly named French manager of the year for 2011, credits Arsène Wenger as one of his influences.
Best Wishes to the management ‘Holic.
All best Holic.
Now then, as NED said… what mischief can we get up to?
tomtom @ 156,
I don’t normally retire before 3am – thanks for your concern though π
So did anyone else know that Roxette went by the moniker of tomtom?
Bloody internet,, eh, you just never know who you’re dealing with! 8)
Holic best wishes to the Management.
The bar is in perfectly, err, incapable hands π
Talksport is the worlds stupidest program ever.
Just said that the invincibles season was overrated because they played for draws.
Good luck with the management ‘holic
Was it Adrian Durham Snir? If so he is a massive cunt(from the arses)
AL@171: Not too shabby an idea. Having someone big and physical in the box is not a bad Plan B to have on occasion, and especially as we have upgraded the quality of our crosses now Clichy is gone. It is the sort of role that TGSTEL should have played rather than sulking on the wing.
CG@176: π
SG@180: Just turn it off.
No, no, no, no, no, NO.
Bobby Zamora?????????
From the classic Itie tune;
When you’re up in row Z
And the ball hits your head,
That’s Zamora.
===
Please tell me we’re more ambitious then that, this is a guy who couldn’t cut it at the Tiny Totts in a period when they were totally shit.
I see in the gossip columns that he’s been brandied about for 10mill. Per-lease, surely we could invest that kind of money more wisely elsewhere, for example in coffe or tea cups made of thin chocolate or a few pairs of invisible boxers from the Emperiors new Winter Collection.
=============================
Best wishes ‘holic.
If we pay 10 million to get Zamora I’ll be livid, especially since AW has bragged about our financial advantage in this window and Podolski available circa 20 million.
Does anyone know a good website for International flights?
I have a feeling that Expedia is a bit more expensive than “underground” websites.
Snir. Here we’ve got a website called cheaptickets.nl, but I don’t think that one will do you much good. Use google to find the best options from where you’re flying from.
H2H – I am using google but the cheapest I could find from Raleigh NC to London in March was $767
I have a feeling that’s a bit too much.
It might be cheaper to fly from a different airport. I can’t imagine that North Carolina to London is a busy route, therefore it’s expensive.
Try a different departure airport. Just to see what the price difference is.
Yeah… Tried that… It’s all around the $750…
That’s what led me to think that the only way I’ll find something cheaper is through some “underground” shady website with buses on wings rather planes π
Oh well, I’m off to watch Poldi in action against Mainz π
Zamora?
Is the boss having a hearty laugh at everyone’s expense?
Podolski, or Kalou(bust)
Kalou won’t sign.
AW is “excusing” the ACN as his reason to buy in January so buying Kalou would blow his cover π
Big Bobby bombs into the box bound for the back post
Snir – ever tried kayak.com. They have a price alert (I know other sites do as well of course) that will send you an email every morning with the latest price on your selected route. That way you can monitor the prices over a couple weeks in case they go down.
The truth is, at this stage – none have Kalou what AW will do re transfers
pardon – we don’t have a kalou what AW will do
I think Moussa Sow is a definite target. Might be a summer transfer though.
To be honest, the thought of RVP getting injured is not half as scary as Chesney getting injured. Howlmunia getting announced on the bench on Saturday sent a colder chill down our cold spines in the Upper! And Flappy with Pantsonne are truly cold-sweat inducing.
Ho hum.
Cool site. Enjoyed all the comments too. The feelgood diaries were about as entertaining as Tony Pulis’ tactics, but thats me.
Bearded – thanks mate.
Just added about 5 alerts π
Mannono! heads up to the box
Rounds the keeper and decided to square it to ….
Himself!!!
*decides π
No problem Snir, just make sure to turn the alert off after you actually purchase tickets so you don’t have a chance of ending up with buyers remorse π
That wasn’t a self assist by the way, It was a perfect piece of skill π
Self-assist = OG and possible yellow card for ungentlemanly conduct – no?
That ain’t no self assist.
I was in Theo Walcott two minds as to whether to shoot or pass!
Hi all
The title race has become interesting again after last night.
It’s a shame about Santos, but we will cope and will fight more.
I reckon that we need to win on Sunday to really upset Citeh and excel our title hopes.
Thereafter it will be interesting how this new look squad cope with being in the mix for the first time this season. However not winning will not mean we’re out of the title race. We also have what all of the other top 5 teams do not have and that’s the current top goal scorer!
So Sunday is important in more ways than one with all eyes on the Oil mine!
Oi oi Holics!
Booooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oops – Pardon – Booooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ing SG @ 204
GT – we would be in a great position if we win, but a draw is not a tragic result.
A loss is bad, but doesn’t mean we’re out of it yet.
A win is massive. For the table and the confidence coming into the Christmas matches.
We need a good game and a win which would keep the confidence at a high level as we have Villa away (as shit as they are… still it won’t be easy) only two days after City away.
Boo!!!
See, this is what happens when I’m not around 8)
Wind, make no mistake about it, you started your top scoring form cause you capitalized on me being unavailable π
But hey, that’s how football is π
Snir.
Fie fie fie. Self-assisting is bad enough without self-appointment as arbiter of the self-assisting rules. 2 yellow cards add up to what?????
π
You use the power of the lurk for evil, I for good π
But even Chamakh didn’t keep up his form from the 1st half of last season of it when Robin van Persie came back π
SR – Forgot about a draw. That would be good result away from home at the rig!
The usual bollix panel has attributed the goal to ‘og’.
And the Ref shows the Red Card , Snir left him with little choice , and I think the meeja are going to be talking about this for days .
Well in Bearded π
On a separate note , what is it with all these newbies , who think they can waltz in , and start slagging Feelgood ? Gentlemen , might I suggest you do a bit a bit of back-drinking over a number of months to give some context to the above post . You might then realise you are spouting nonsense
Let me say that this “self-assist” was very very similar to Titi’s goal at Liverpool.
That’s a self-assist which is allowed π
Same thing π
‘a good’ π
arguing with the ref – the boy’s got spirit
Evening chums, home alone again. Praying yet another Xmas isn’t phuqued. Cocking curry, drinking whiskey. I may be some time.
Holic – my prayers and thoughts are with the management.
I suspect cocking curry is the Asian equivalent of American Pie. I of course am cooking. That takes me longer…
Sorry to hear your news Holic . Very Best Wishes to you and Mrs H .
Mrs Dale’s Diaries
Extract from Dec,[date and year deleted ]
Well an uneasy calm settled over the village after the unseemly episode up at the allotments involving the Feelgood boy and his cohorts Smallballs and Storey.
After a meeting of the Boy’s parents and our village Bobby,it was agreed that a period of 3 months Home detention with a nightly curfew of 6pm would be sufficient punishment for their unseemly
behaviour.
Everything seemed to be going well until the auditions for the Christmas Nativity Play at the village hall.
As i said to Jim,i knew there would be trouble when the 3 boys all turned up for the auditions dressed as the Virgin Mary.!!!
Well you can imagine the consternation among the commitee,who were going to conduct the auditions,but after a long discussion,in the interests of fair play,they decided the 3 boys should be allowed to take part.
Unfortunately things went downhill from there.
The Head of the commitee was the Vicar’s wife,and her daughter Alice was also auditioning for the part of the Virgin Mary,so no surprise who got the part once the auditions were completed.
No sooner had the decision been announced,than the Feelgood boy in a fit of pique,yelled out,’ She can’t play the part of the Virgin Mary,coz Derek Dobbo Dobbins told me he shagged her in the back of his Dad’s Jag last month.”
Well you can imagine the uproar that ensued,the Vicar’s wife promptly fainted and an all in brawl ensued between Feelgood,Smallballs and the Storey boy,and the God fearing lads who go to Church every Sunday,and felt duty bound to defend Alice’s honor.Needless to say the Nativity set was completely wrecked,and the’ Baby Jesus Doll’ mysteriously disappeared from it’s Manger.
Jim and i have our suspicions about the Culprit.
Amidst all the mayhem, George Graham,who owns the only pub in the village,was heard to opine,
” Does that mean you 3 boys ARE Virgins “??
As i said to Jim,where will it all end.
All the best to you and the management holic.
These childhood tales are getting far too close to the bone π
Holic
Best of luck to you both.
I’d definitely go with cooking it.
Holic
Best of luck to you both. Hospitals are not happy places. But they know what they are doing.
I’d definitely go with cooking it.
We have to sign Poldi.
Wow, what a strike.
Had an RvP Everton game.
So quiet but then gets the equalizer from 30 yards.
Wow, I hope we have a scout there.
And for everybody saying why would he sign at Arsenal to be (maybe) a backup, well, I’m pretty sure a player as good as him is pretty fed up with playing mid-table Bundesliga and would want to get some trophies.
He can get that with us.
Snir@217.
Comparing yourself to the great TH14?
You’ll be wanting a statue next.
———————————
Once again, best wishes ‘ holic.
I didn’t compare. I just said that I tried to copy him π
Haven’t you ever tried copying your heroes’ skills :)?
Dear Arsene
Please put Snir out of his misery…. π
Ta
Dr F
Better to provoke a reaction of some sort than mere apathy….
That’s your job, isn’t it Dr :)?
To be honest, it’d be great to sign a big signing in January for this season, but in my opinion a big signing is more important to keep RvP than for this season.
This season as opposed to 5 years of RvP playing in Arsenal colors. I know which one I’m choosing.
Besides, we have Park and Chamakh π !
‘holic have to admit i’ve cocked up a few curries – good luk Guv
You’re right Snir – I do think we need to make a big signing to show intent to RVP….. Goetze?
Mrs Dale’s Diaries are getting explosive to say the least. The all-out brawl made me spill the remnants of my roast dinner onto my jeans trying to stifle a massive laugh, cue emergency procedures to prevent a stain in the bathroom.
Messy stuff indeed π
Quick reminder for people like me: Tickets for the Leeds game go on Red Member sale tomorrow at 10 uk time.
Sorry to hear about the missus, Holic. Best wishes once more.
Mrs Dale’s Diaries are getting explosive to say the least.
The all-out brawl made me spill the remnants of my roast dinner onto my jeans trying to stifle a massive laugh, cue emergency procedures/manoeuvres to prevent a stain in the bathroom.
Messy stuff indeed π
Whoops, double post.
Sorry ‘Holics.
The whatever the fuck it is curry is a truly awesome recipe. If only I could remember how much of each spice in me curry cupboard I had chucked in there I could replicate it.
I did cheat with the side. Chilled onion bhajias. Sorry Atul. π
CG – While Goetze will be a big signing, I don’t think we need him.
Like I said before, when you sign a player you rarely sign a player just to fill in a gap (for instance buying a LB now that both Santos and Gibbs are injured is stupid), you sign a player for years to come.
In years to come signing Goetze will mean no room for one of Coq (if he gets to play further forward which I have the feeling he will… Won’t be a direct replacement for Song like Frimpong will be) or Aaron.
With all due respect to Goetze, I prefer Aaron.
Holic, Being rather new, I had to read some drinks to make sure I understood that the ‘management’ is your wife you are referring to. I’m saying a prayer for both of you and as always, God bless.
True Snir
But, with respect to Aaron and Coq, I think Goetze does seem to be on the radar. And if he’s gettable then maybe that will be done as much to convince RVP than worry about the development of Coq (who I really like so far).
One of the most sought after in Europe, and if we get him….well, maybe someone else eventually moves on.
CG – That is of course in the case of a midfield three that will include Jack and Song for sure.
I prefer Song, Jack, Aaron or Song, Arteta, Jack than Song, Jack, Goetze.
Sorry, but I’ve a firm believer in Aaron’s potential and with that midfield I wouldn’t be surprised if he will grow to be one of the best in the EPL.
Besides, like I said, there’s no reason to get a midfielder as our midfielders are great and we’re creating loads of chances every game against any opposition.
It’s converting them that we have a problem with (when RvP isn’t on the pitch of course).
Snir
Not disagreeing or even arguing FOR Goetze. Just hypothesising as to what might happen (as opposed to what I want).
Maybe the convincing RVP factor…. or maybe Arsene will just sit him down and tell him what he feels will happen.
Without a shadow of a doubt (IMO) a quality second striker is needed.
I have a strong feeling Poldi will be an Arsenal player. Same feeling I had about Arteta after the 8-2 when I realized Hazard, Goetze et al were’nt coming…
I wonder if AA will stay…
AW barely sells his players in January.
Just catching up… looks like PiK stole your double @400 2 bars ago wind? π
If anyone offers us decent money for AA or Chamakh….. I really really hope we take it. As long as one decent extra is bought.
I would love for them to rediscover their form and have nothing against either of them. But I can’t see it happening.
*barely – rarely.
I agree, I just don’t see it happening.
The only players who I think will leave in January are Almunia and Squillaci.
AA and Chamakh will leave in the summer I think.
I’m out of here snir. Have a good evening
Looks like it indeed Mark @ 248, maybe I was delusional in terms of my re-occurring migraines at the time, maybe I REALLY wanted it, but I was sure that I got the century at the time π
My subsequent posts were of someone who had achieved the century, maybe I was 400 at the time but PiK’s post shunted mine forwards and took its position lol. Me, PiK, abb and at least 2 others could of got the century, all made attempts on goal within the same minute. But as the man in question would say himself, c’est la vie.
Doesn’t matter so much anyway, I’ve hit a rich vein of form as of late, Snir or anyone else in the bar will tell you π
Nurse abb @ 243, I had the same dilemma. Behind every great man is a great woman, so if our dear ‘Holic is the barman, his wife would have to be the management although my suspicions about the identity of the management were stoked reading about her appearance at the Tollie alongside ‘Holic on the release night of So Paddy Got Up, it was confirmed tonight earlier in the drinks inadvertently by ‘Holic.
Again, best wishes to her and God Bless.
But abb, you seems like you’ve been around here for ages, you are an esteemed nurse at the quackery so you can’t possibly be newer than me, I only started drinking in the proverbial bar around mid-September (I remember concern at the disappearance of BtM I believe).
Snir, I hope to God that your feeling on Podolski is right, we could use him as the missing piece of Robin van Persie’s contract puzzle, intent.
Mrs Dale @ 224
I recognise the signs.
Did you ever meet Syko Babble ?
Best watch out for the newly arrived Humour Police too
sorry to contradict you there Dr. F – but I think you’ll find it’s actually a rogue single-cell operative of the Humourless Police. Hence the apparent plodding flat-footery in mouthness meaning they massively get the wrong end of the night-stick and produce a very badly judged comment – nothing more than a nasty sentence really – such a waste of time. Then they inevitably get taken down and left in solitary. Shame really
Wind @ 252 Oh Wind, I had you pegged as a ‘long timer’. And yes, you did try to give me an assist, thank you very much. As I need all the help I can get. Cheers!
DR F @ 253
If the poor intellectualy challenged soul cannot GET the Feelgood Diaries,then God only knows what he would make of BTA.!!
Remember every litter has it’s retarded kitten.!!
The poor sod has probably never been further than Margate.!!
Cheers
Mrs D
PS,sorry it is a long time between postings of the Diaries,but my Legal Team are being very very careful about what i am allowed to publish,mainly to protect the Public at large.
The real dark stuff occurs after the 3 of you leave the Village for the Big Smoke,via several Correctional and Mental Institutions.!!
Mrs D.
‘Holic, best wishes for the management. Hope she is back home with you soon.
Well Fellas, can I nominate Sting to be a member of The Humour Police? Get it? He can sing ‘Every Step You Take’. What a great song! Saw him and The Police in concert twice. Those were the days…
Ah Wind! I thought they might cancel my quadruple century with a video replay of off the ball antics, but it slipped by… π
No worries, this old penguin foot will give you a nice through ball as we close in on 300 to return the assist.
And Snir’s- I have to say (hehe)- longing for Podolski is catching on to me- all of a sudden I feel desperate for the little german to join our side… funny thing player fads!
Firstly, ‘holic best wishes to you and the management, a speedy recovery is being prayed for. Secondly to the “good” Dr feelgood head up and chest out im sure you’ve faced worse than a few random “drinkers sans humour”. And finally c, my own management (unsure as to correct term for girlfriend, maybe “caretaker manager”) has gone and made this gunner’s whole decade by surprising me for the thirtieth bday with a trip to the em’s to see us beat man iou in January! Despite being a gunner for twenty something years was never in a financial position to make the pilgrimage. As always its great to be a Gooner!
Congrats could be worse! That’s love, mate…
Best wishes to you and yours, Holic- my thoughts are genuinely with you right now.
Cheers pik she is truly a gem. On a “natural” high here, so will only need a pint of the houses finest own to go with it. And one for those in attendance also, on me.
Cheers pik she is truly a gem. On a “natural” high here, so will only need a pint of the house’s finest own to go with it. And one for those in attendance also, on me.
Hey Holic, I hope everything is fine with the management. If you need any pointers on how to make stewed chicken with spinach and boiled white rice hit me up. In the meantime, best wishes mate.
Chicken soup for ‘holic and the management. Lots of it on the double, barman, and make sure it’s nice and hot! A quick recovery for whatever ails her and best wishes, ‘holic.
‘Holic, just finished your piece in SPGU. Excellent read. I wonder if your conclusion will hold up post-Wenger.
Interesting read Re:Podolski
http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2011/12/13/arsenal-target-podolski-in-war-of-words-over-quality/
Harsha – That piece is mostly rubbish.
Basically because it disregards the fact that players need to find the right manager match to come through.
What if Fran Merida breaks through in Spain? What if Carlos Vela breaks through?
What about Diego Forlan?
The match wasn’t there and that’s why it didn’t work for Podolski in Bayern Munich.
To say he lacks a football brain is extremely wrong, not to mention stupid, when he bangs goals left and right for Germany.
He goes on and on about Gomez but he forgets to add that Gomez couldn’t get a game when Van Gaal was Bayern’s manager and now he’s on fire. Once again, couldn’t find a match.
Van Gaal and Gomez weren’t a match.
Benzema was deemed a failure in his first two seasons in Real.
Kaka can barely get a game for the past two seasons even when he’s healthy.
Besides, I like players with a mean streak about them.
I remember DB being like that, being a finesse player but he wouldn’t take shit from nobody.
He is by far one of the best options available in the market.
Agree Snir. He seems like the best option currently on the market.
But, if he was supposed to be the next big thing in Germany (when he played in 2006 World cup), I was trying to see what went wrong
If there are attitude problems etc I don’t see Arsene bringing him in.
We have had some of the weirdest characters alive.
NB52, Jens, Adebayor, Eboue etc.
AW is not one to shy away from a challenge, and a challenge to put the kid back on the top level would be very appealing to AW.
Nothing really happened. He just fell out of favor when Bayern brought in Luca Toni.
Luca Toni was preferred up top along with Klose.
Podolski had some competition, it’s not like he was competing with lousy players that he didn’t get in the team cause he was lousy. He just had great players in front of him.
Don’t see an attitude issue being the reason for his failure at Bayern. Because he is still being courted by players and still being called-up to the NT. He just didn’t fit with the Bayern manager at the time.
And besides, attitude is something that can be dealt with by the right person. AW is certainly one of them.
For that reason, if we could sign Tevez, I would, even though his attitude is shit. That’s for AW to take care of. He always talks about super quality, and Tevez is super super super quality.
Granted, AW wouldn’t want a disturbing influence in the dressing room, but we know AW, he’s got confidence in his abilities, especially his people management skills.
Heh funny how you cite NB52, Eboue and Adebayor as examples
What a tool Nicky B is! That pizza story is hilarious
Nothing beats the pants story in my opinion.
I agree.
We have had some of the weirdist characters alive
Podolski would be a good signing. Solid player even though the verdict is out on him. I remember reading similar articles about Mertesacker during the summer as well slating him for dropping in quality and being slow but I love our BFG and I’d buy a ticket for the “KΓΆlner-Express”. Especially if it helps me improve my body odor…
*Gets coat and trundles out into the cold, winter evening*
*Walks back in the bar and stands on a table tabs-style*
So out of all of the players to ever don the red and white, who was the most mental character in your opinion? Anyone?
I figure Jens was…
CoR – Mental, or stupid? When I say stupid, I mean in behavior, such as walking in the street with no pants on.
As for BFG – People forget that he played without his CB partner Naldo who got injured for the season last season and he had to play with Silvestre as his CB partner.
I think the fact that he didn’t want to retire after a year playing with Silvestre means he’s got mental strength π !
abb @ 255, Wow, really!?
Experience before my years π
And on 258, I’ve got to agree with you, that guitar intro is beautifully haunting ‘shivers in recollection”
Mrs Dale @ 256, “Remember every litter has itβs retarded kitten.!!” Just make me laugh out loud hard on the bus, turning heads in my direction π
PiK @ 259, thank you my penguin, I’ll activate the ‘lurk’ from henceforth, I’ll be waiting π
Could be worse @ 260, aww, that’s what I want, a care-taker manager with me who will eventually progress into the full-time management that understands my love for the Arsenal and will support me in my endeavours. Well in man π
CoR @ 276 (very nice link-up play from 275) it’s got to be Mad Jens, HANDS down π
Snir @ 277, A hearty Heh! π
‘holic – on behalf of the multitude in the bar who read but don’t post, I’d like to wish the Management a speedy recovery.
Re: the NB52 pizza story – is this what caused Arsenal.com to run the “Wenger – Diet is Unseen Secret of Success” article yesterday?
Hehe, I reckon if I had to play with Silvestre for one whole season I might have starting having nightmares about peanuts myself. BFG was a brilliant signing in my opinion. Letβs hope he continues to move from strength to strength. Do you think weβre still in Cahill as a replacement for Squillaci or is that deal dead in the water?
Don’t think AW will bring in another mid especially as LJW is due back in Feb. But going by past experiences he looks to be out for the season.Tia the reason he bought two mids at the last min, as they knew behind closed doors that he could be out a while.
AW also mentioned that he would not invest in a striker. Reason being in my opinion is because Chamackhattackweneedyouback is still on the payroll and is not the Arsenal way to overload in one area. That and the fact he blatantly came out and said “I will not buy ze striker in jan”.
I was just reading about yaya toure being given stay from the ACON to play in Shitehs crucial cup matches (sounds like someone’s getting desperate down at the oil rig). I cannot see out friendly manager preventing Geo and Songbilliabong from playing for their beloved countries, but I am a little concerned about experienced cover. Maybe LeCoq would be the best option in terms of touch and control, as opposed to the more kick em over approach by frimpers (The Dench man). But what do I know? Like the great Ti Ti I just “lurve this clube”
Have a good day holics!
Crisis? What feckin
Crisis? (bloody touch screen)
Goonertown
Song is not going anywhere in jan,
Cameroon didn’t qualify.
CoR- I don’t think we’re in for a CB, first of all because Miquel will get some experience as a LB with Gibbs and Santos injured so he’ll be 5th choice CB and will have some EPL experience.
Also, AW has to release a non-British player in order to sign Podolski or anyone who wasn’t schooled in Britain and over 21.
We now have 17 non-HG, over 21.
2 of those are Almunia and Squillaci. If they don’t leave I have a feeling Almunia won’t be registered and the striker would be registered instead with Shea/Martinez acting as 4th choice GK.
Goonertown – 1) Cameroon didn’t qualify for the ACN. 2) AW has said that he will look for a striker, and gave the ACN as an excuse in order to avoid criticizing Chamakh publicly.
3) He can say what he wants. If the people he talks to are media then don’t read anything into it. This is the guy who vehemently denied he is interested in Arteta 2 days before he signed him. Someone who denied AA would be signed.
@281: I think Cameroon didn’t qualify for the ACN so Song should be staying with us.
Speaking of strikers…would anyone be interested in Torres for 20m?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2073746/Fernando-Torres-sold-20m.html
I can’t believe he’s only 27…could you imagine Torres in the red and white with RVP, Gervinho and Walcott?
CoR – No.
He offers us nothing apart from a player struggling for form acting as cover for RvP.
He can not play wide, therefore won’t find his form cause RvP (hopefully) won’t lose his form (and to be honest I’d prefer RvP in bad form to start over any EPL striker any day of the week), and Torres won’t get games.
It’s about the same as Chamakh.
Poldi on the other hand… π
Bloody hell no.
Should of stayed in Liverpool if he knew what was good for him.
I don’t know, I think Torres will thrive with our midfield supplying him. I also figure if anyone can bring him back to his previous heights it would Arsene. I’ve only seen Poldi play for the German national team so have no idea what his club form is like but if it’s better than Torres’ current form and he’s cheaper I’d go for him.
But I’d take a Torres myself π
Cmon fellas, once he dies his hair blonde he’ll be banging in the goals in no time π
CoR – If he didn’t get his form back with Mata, then he has a problem.
Mata has the 2nd most assists in the EPL.
It’s not only that, his movement looks passive and uninterested.
Have a look at his movement against us as opposed to the movement of RvP.
Someone else who knows how to move in and around the box is Chicharito. Perfect movement.
*tracks back to make a last ditch tackle to prevent Torres going clean through on goal*
He seems to have a better link with Meireles though. Maybe his connection with Juan is a different mata altogether….
Sorry CoR – just don’t want him.
If I have an option between Poldi, Tevez and Torres for 20 million for each one I choose Poldi and then Tevez, Torres would be my last choice.
*Plays a diagonal ball across to Feo*
Fair enough I guess. I’ve seen Torres do some amazing things at Liverpool and I think while it would be a gamble he would be very closeby and we’d not have to worry about acclimatization or anything.
How do we know Poldi won’t flop in England though?
*traps the ball and pushes it forward past a huge lumbering defender in one fluid movement*
We don’t.
Plus, I’m not sure RvP will actually like it. It might not prove ambition, it might signal to RvP that we’re looking to replace him.
Signing Poldi, RvP will never ever feel a threat to his starting role.
We need RvP happy, satisfied and on form. He proved that he’s among the best in the world whenever he wasn’t injured (I don’t remember a long period of time where he couldn’t buy a goal like Torres can’t for the last two seasons).
ArooArooAroo!
*shoots with his left foot but goalkeeper spills it*
Didn’t try to score so that you guys wouldn’t have anything to say about self assisting π
Oh well I Tabsed it! π
Heh Snir, you are serving a three match ban anyway π
This is something extremely special.
Shows you why you’ve got a RB for the next 15 years. Will literally run his socks off for the team because he doesn’t play for the team, he supports the team.
http://p.twimg.com/AgjGc5pCEAAQHdm.jpg
*CoR scored after rounding the keeper and backheeling the ball into an empty net, all while dressed as King Leonidas! *
Snir, I think we need someone who can challenge RVP’s starting role. Not to the point where it causes friction but to ensure we have sufficient cover in case the unexpected happens. Besides players usually thrive under that kind of pressure right?
CoR – That’s exactly what I’m saying. Poldi would offer challenge to RvP but wouldn’t cause friction as it wouldn’t seem as a replacement to RvP.
Torres would seem like we’re trying to replace RvP because of his reputation.
Pik my penguin, where were you man, I was in space for the shot π
Well in CoR, nice assist Snir, a lovely change from the events of the last century, eh? π
I think that Snir should of had a sentence of a 3 century ban, reduced with great ‘selfless’ assists π
All of that being said, I’m hoping that when Jack and Jenkinson come back we see a resurgence in Chamakh’s form. I think Chamakh has got what it takes and it would be a shame for him to leave without contributing to our cause this season. His loss of form came at around the same time as RVP’s return, maybe Robin burned his boots and told him “This club is only big enough for one striker”?
Yooosh, gotta dash gooners, I actually stayed behind in the office for an extra hour just to try to get the 300 (hands are all sweaty now!)
Heading to a pub to watch Santos play Kashiwa Reysol in the Club World Cup. Game should kick off in about 30 minutes.
Have a pint on me everyone, my yen is good for it π
CoR – I honestly think a striker in this club that can only play striker is going to struggle as long as RvP is in the team.
Simply because he can not force his way in to the team. RvP will always get the nod, based on form, and when he’s not in form he’ll get the nod based on the fact that he “can change a game” (just like AA got huge credit from AW over the last couple of years even though he started disappointing in 09-10).
That means the striker can’t find his form.
On the other hand, if you get a striker to act as cover for RvP who can also play out wide, he CAN force his way into the team and start getting into form from playing out wide and once RvP isn’t available we’ll have an in form player covering for him.
Podolski in today’s SportBild. “If I leave KΓΆln, I’d be tempted to go abroad. It’s hard to imagine moving within the league”.
From what I know, we’re the only team outside of Germany that’s in for him, and more importantly the only team that’s in for him and can offer CL football!
Clive that’s right I even posted the same facts here myself a couple of weeks ago. Doe!
Geo will still be a big loss. In order of rank AA will get the nod a run if games and a chance to prove himself, although his ability to get behind defences at present leaves alot to be desired!
Morning All
Mrs Dale @ #224 – What Wolfie said at #226. Keep it up (oo-err), remarkable stuff π
To any newbies coming on here criticising ‘Institutional ‘Holics’ – We are, generally speaking, a polite, well-mannered and fun loving group in this corner of the internet, bar the odd minor spat. We are also fortunate enough to enjoy eachothers company on certain match days. So, if you don’t like what you read, move on to another site that suits your tastes or just hold the negative comments for people that really deserve it. Thanks!
Laters all, there’s drinks on the bar for all those that want.
PS: ‘Holic – how’s Management today?
Afternoon all.
Thanks TS, she has been told this morning she will be in for at least three to four days. π
Looks like I will have to turn back into a curry monster.
Santos vs Kashiwa Reysol was really entertaining. It’s weird watching a match divorced of emotion though.
Some spectacular goals by Neymar, Borges and a free-kick that brings back memories of Roberto Carlos by Danilo in the second half. Their defence allowed the shortest player on Kashiwa to score a header from a corner though π
Neymar looks a real talent but sometimes too flashy when practical would work better. I wonder if he can do it on a wet Tuesday night in Stoke though? Might be worth the 80m
Apologies is this has already been posted by they will of course let us keep Gervinho for an extra two weeks as well right?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/dec/13/yaya-toure-manchester-city-africa-nations
Yep looks like I missed the previous notice of this @281. Anyway it seems aslong as Gervinho requests it he should be allowed to stay on a couple extra weeks.
Afternoon All and Cheers for the drink TS .
I see young Snir is already entering into the pre-transfer window season with some gusto . Mr C , get the paddle and the super-strength medication !
I have no particular interest/inclination to enter a debate about players who may , or in all probability may not , turn up at the Arsenal . In a climate where some parts of the Tinternet link us with upwards of twenty players on a daily basis , I will not get too excited or indeed interested until they sign on the dotted line .
That said … Tevez ? TEVEZ !?!?!? Snir (@271) , you’ve gone too far this time . The man is such a c*nt he gives twatspatulas the world over a bad name . I don’t give a flying fig how good a player the man is . Thank God , for a variety of reasons ( transfer fee , wages , total and utter c*ntishness , the good sense of Arsenal) , it will never happen . The thought of that rain-dodging money-making restaurant critic in an Arsenal shirt would constitute a Class 1 Derailment every bit as catastrophic as had that other phelgm-dribbling c*ntstick Joey Farton signed in the Summer .
We are The Arsenal , not a bunch of vastly overpaid mercenaries lured by the promise of wholly out-of-kilter salaries paid for by a ruling family whose own insatiable desire for glory is placed above the basic needs of their own people .
Get a grip man .
Yes tabs! ‘thumbs up for the end of 319’
Lars, tabs, TS and any other Holics interested in Tollie frolics for the Leeds cup game,
Tickets and travel booked for Drs F and Z
See you there π
Signing Torres would up there with the time Wenger got hit in the head and signed Silvestre. Not worth it.
Snir , just read my post @319 , and it comes over as much harsher than I intended it to . Apologies , my sentiment regarding Tevez remains the same , but I did forget to put a couple of π s in to lighten the tone .
Harsha @303 – Harsh , (but fair) π
Dr Z – See you there !
Holic Iβd would also like to wish the Management a speedy recovery. My prayers are with you.
Canons @276 , In homage to your splendid table-dancing , a team of mentalists … (team picked from those I have seen in the flesh , and not just read about from days gone by)
Lehmann
Eboue ,Keown ,Mancini , Nelson
Groves , Grimandi , Williams , Santos
Wright , George .
Just back on-line after 3 days.
My laptop has been in the Computer Quackery – a word to the wise, but my stream for vs Wigan imported 7 Trojans !!
Guru has now apparantly sorted, fingers crossed.
A very quick look at the ‘drinks’ has halted @136 – Tabs π π π
zico@321, brilliant! My match ticket has also been sorted, so along with the flights and the hotel I am now all set. Less than a month to go, really looking forward to this!
(looking forward a wee bit less to be forced to get up at about 6.30 on the Tuesday morning to be able to catch my flight home at 9.30 though…)
Trev, you just reminded me that I forgot to comment on tabs having appointed me a “world-renowned Arsenal blogger”. I am deeply honoured, does anybody know where I can read anything that I have written? π
Holic all the best for The Management! And obvioulsy a very speedy recovery!
Dark and gloomy out there now and that wind is cutting straight through ya!
Keep worm Holics!
Not too sure if Podolski is the answer but we have to certainly do something about the little Russian.
Lars
I think you card statement should tell you all that π
How sick would you feel to have scored this goal and then have it wrongly disallowed?
http://youtu.be/e9c0FbsEw6E
TS@314: Well said.
Holic, Sorry to hear that. Please convey our well wishes to the Management. Wish I could have tea with her, that would cheer her up!
Snir @ 271 Tevez?! Nearly fell off my chair and choked on my coffee. You really should warn us before you say something like that….fasten your seatbelts, etc.
Wind @ 278 Hi mate! Totally agree about Jens (bit of a crush actually).
Tabs, don’t worry, didn’t take offence π
As for Tevez. I think you’re wrong about him. Granted, he was a fucking cunt at City, but he wasn’t a bad person when he was with Corinthians, West Ham, and Utd.
He just had a fall out (albeit every single week lol) with Mancini and that’s why he’s a cunt.
But I don’t think he’s a cunt at heart like Barton is who is a cunt everywhere he goes and I wouldn’t want him anywhere close to the Arsenal.
If he isn’t a cunt at heart then AW can put him back on track and make him a decent guy again π
I think Tevez was actually a decent guy when he wasn’t at City. At least I can’t remember any cuntish behavior, but I may be wrong.
And if Villa is available which he seems to be, we should be in for him.
SR- I take your points on board. You sound determined about Podolski, so I’ll leave you to it in that one mate.
Snir, decent points. Although Tevez (not Torres π³ ), seems a bit too much like Nasri to me. He pretty much spat in the face of United when he left (perhaps understandable considering the club).
But Wenger’s proved me wrong before, and if he feels it’s worth giving Tevez a shot, then so be it.
Afternoon blog buddies.
Snir, dear o dear, my friend.
I’m afraid that Tevez has never been one of the good guys, being paired up with KIa Joorbacawhatshisface couldn’t have helped much either. In fact they could go down in history as the biggest pair of see you next tuesdays since a Twatadextyl had a lesbo fling with the Vaginasaurus Rex.
His behaviour has been dispicable and in my opinion he should be heavily finned and banned from playing (in any league) for at least a year.
===
You also seem to be blinded by Podolski, I’ll be the first to agree that he’s a decent striker, but he too has his faults. You described as “mostly rubbish” the article Harsha linked, I disagree, I saw nothing rubbishy in it at all, I thoughr it was pretty close to the mark.
From what I’ve seen of Poldi over the last five years or so, that’s worrying, is his consistancy of being inconsistant, no doubt that he’s a very good player, but a lot of the time he seems to lack the necessary effort (a lot like AA) that would bring him to the level his potential warrants.
Saying that, what I do know is that he strives on being “the man,” a status he has always been afforded at Koln. yet did not enjoy at Bayern due to other big names for what by Bundesliga standards was a star studied squad. It’s not too dificult being a big fish in a small pond, his true worth is better measured after been thrown out to sea.
*Puts down book of shit anologys* π
Can you imagine he’ll be happy playing understudy to RvP?
Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t object for one minute if AW tried to bring him in, but I just think you may want to adjust the height of the pedistal you’re building for him.
Anyway, as tabs has mentioned it’s pretty churlish to speculate on players whom we have no idea if they will join us or not, so I say let’s waste our time with more pressing questions like;
Would you prefer a beer or a shot?
H2H – Gotta be one of each. A shot of mezcal reposado followed by a cold bottle of Pacifico. Nice!
Lars @ 327,
All the signs are that I am expected to be clear headed on the Tuesday morning as well.
But then, what’s life without surprises, eh? π
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/robin-van-persie-exclusive-signing-session
Quick hello, maybe it’s been said already, but the words ‘Robin’ and ‘signing’ together gave me another idea: can some clever folks just put a contract where one of the DVDs would be? π
H2H – First of all, I have to say I agree with Camberwell… Gotta be one of each π
As for Tevez, I don’t really remember cuntish behavior before City, but like I said, I could be wrong. I genuinely thought it’s a Mancini thing.
As for Poldi – I think the article is rubbish because it talks about him being inconsistent but doesn’t look at the consequences.
Every time you judge someone you gotta look at the consequences.
He was “the man” at Koln true, but moved to Bayern at the worst time for him when Roy Makaay was scoring for fun.
He got injured and when he cam back he was behind Luca Toni and Klose.
Now, those were two of the best strikers in the world at the time.
And still Klose would get the same criticism leveled at him as Poldi and he’s firing in Serie A.
As for understudy, I really believe that after playing mid-table football he’d want to challenge for trophies and he can get that at AFC and play immediately after signing on the wing instead of Gervinho, something that would make him feel he isn’t a backup.
Plus, you don’t see Dzeko pouting or anything like that and he knows he ain’t guaranteed first choice because he’d rather play for trophies than be “the man” at mid-table Wolfsburg.
Like I said, it’s all about the right match.
SAF is considered to be one of the best ever but couldn’t get Forlan to buy a goal even though he’s a magnificent striker. He couldn’t get Veron to perform despite being so impressive at Parma and Lazio.
It doesn’t mean SAF is a bad manager and it doesn’t mean Forlan is a bad player, it just means they didn’t fit together.
Just like Gomez didn’t fit with Van Gaal and now he doesn’t know how to stop scoring.
What woulda happened had Bayern sold him after the 2009-2010? Would he have been dubbed a failure?
Bendtner potentially coming back, early!?
Say it ain’t so Doc!
Good choice, Cam’
Cunning plan, Ollie, someone could do the ol’ switcharoo. π
Snir @335 ,
“As for Tevez. I think youβre wrong about him. Granted, he was a fucking cunt at City, but he wasnβt a bad person when he was with Corinthians, West Ham, and Utd.”
Geez , Snir , what is there to get wrong ?
He has left every club he has played for under acrimonious circumstances , he has whined constantly about weather/restaurants/ wanna see my family , despite pocketing wages the size of Jupiter .
He hooks up with the disaster that is Kia Corrupttwat , and then when questioned himself , hides behind the “me no speaky the anglaise ” notwithstanding that he has been here for 5 years .
And that’s before we even start talking about what happened in Bayern , and subsequently .
I don’t care if he thinks Mancini is a teletubbie (for the record so do I) . The man is paid approx Β£250k a week to play football for Manchester City . Whatever he might argue now , he refused to do so .
He should be kicked out of football for good . He won’t be of course , in a world where money talks . However it is to be hoped that for once the financial might of City might do some good if they refuse to pander to Tevez’s blackmail . Let him rot in their reserves as a salutary lesson to all footballers who are prepared to flout the basic requirements of their playing contract , and keep fining him if he keeps popping off to Argentina .
And if The Arsenal have stood for anything at all over the last 125 years , it is that we will not even contemplate signing such a c*ntstick . What we might gain in a few goals would be completely overshadowed by what we would lose . We would become “just another Club” scrambling for short-term objectives whilst ignoring the wider picture .
We will not sign him of course . We are The Arsenal .
Tabs – I conceded that I may be wrong, but I don’t remember him leaving Corinthians and West Ham under acrimonious circumstances.
He didn’t leave United under acrimonious circumstances but things got ugly when they didn’t want him and that doesn’t really bother me. They rejected the opportunity to sign him.
And once again, all the complaints he has about homesick/weather/restuarants etc. only surfaced at City so I’m thinking it has nothing to do with homesick/weather etc. cause he still wants to play in Europe and he’s willing to even stay in the EPL. I just think he wanted out of City which while it isn’t OK as they pay his humongous wages, it isn’t that out of the ordinary in today’s game.
Like I said, I don’t remember him being a cunt anywhere out of City but if he was then I’m with you on not wanting to sign him.
Spot on, tabsmeister.
We could do with his goals and hoi workrate, but we should not pay for it with his cuntery.
Snir, you are closer to the mark with Podolski, who looked a player to me, although I do agree with H2H that we need to be careful about putting him on a ridiculously high pedestal.
Hitler did a lot of good things for his country (social reform, volkswagens, autobahn) but he’ll go down in histoty, rightly so, for his monsterous actions. I’m not saying that Tevez is a Totaletarian madman, but his atitude and actions while being paid ridiculous sums of money have been disgraceful. So in my book that makes him a twat. It’s bad enough when players that were at your club go away in search of the almighty dollar, but deep down you know that given the same opportunity you may very well make the same decision, however, the Orc was already making more money in a month then most of us will see in a lifetime for doing something most of us would give anything to do, yet he refused to do even the basics and then left the country without permission and refused to return, I can’t see how that can be blamed on Mancini.
===
All I’m saying about Podli is don’t build him up too high as you will most likely end up dissaponted.
hoi = his
feckin apple π
H2H – Like I said, I didn’t think Tevez was a cunt anywhere but at City (and only after Mancini was signed cause I don’t remember Hughes having any complaints) so I thought it had to do with his relationship with Mancini but if he was then like I said, I’m with you on not wanting to sign him.
As for Poldi, the pedestal isn’t as high as you think. While I think he would be perfect for us, I think he would be the perfect option for JANUARY which is a naturally smaller pedestal.
As for in general, Villa would be the best option but he’s cup tied so I’d prefer him at the end of the season.
For now, Poldi is the best option as he can play wide, up front, isn’t cup tied and isn’t going to the ACN.
Gael Clichy went as Tevez at the mercs xmas bash;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/16180325
Nasri went as a money grabbing chinless lesbian (no costume required)
Mr T, Staff Nurse Wolfie, Nurse ABB
We need to have that meeting soon to discuss the treatment plan for Patient Ganggoolie; Which meds to have extra stock of, make sure all new restraints are in working order, and that the paddles have been freshly coated with linseed oil.
OR….. I am tempted to go in the other direction – pump him up full of amphetamines and keep feeding him transfer rumours. His head may very well explode, but it could be a fascinating observational exercise.
Which course shall we take?
One to treat now, back soon Mr C π
‘Holic – haven’t properly caught up yet, but all the very best for Mrs Holic and yourself.
Mr. C @ 353 This will require our top people, for sure. All this speculation on what AW has in mind. I keep thinking all these interviews are his attempt on preparing us for something BIG! Take for example the one he did on Nemar, what a tease but it did getting me hoping (albeit foolishly).
Wind! Damn timezone trap got me making a run too late for the assist. We’ll see what sneaks up for a quadruple (I owe you).
The idea that we’re deciding WHO Arsene will sign in January feels a bit masochostic, eh? I agree with the need, and he has hinted at his agreement as well, but still feels a little far-fetched to me.
H2H- that is kind of an insane analogy to the Tevez scenario any way you slice it, mate! Although I do think that his agent is a vampire of the beautiful game and should be stayed away from on principle.
And I never want to see NB back in our jersey- we need to move onward and forward from the likes of him.
Ok, back to merry-making! π
H2H -” money grabbing chinless lesbian”? π
Don’t forget the gnashers on that scunt! π
Actually I meant Gna$her$
@Clichy as Tevez… brilliant.
Trev@326 , glad to see you’re back on line and glad I made you laugh , even though that story is still making me crumple with embarrassment every time I think of it . π
Lars , but you ARE a world-renowned Arsenal blogger π
Cheers Dr Z .
H2H @352 heh π
Well Snir , I’m Tevezed out , save to say that he left Brazil under a cloud alleging referees wouldn’t allow him to succeed as an Argentinian , he left West Ham under a cloud (West Ham refused to release his registration and it needed The Premier League’s intervention to broker a deal 2 weeks after the signing was announced ) , and he most certainly left ManU under a cloud , having at the last minute turned down a deal which he had been saying he would sign for 6 months , only to leave for the ridiculous sums on offer at their local city rivals . The man has few rivals in the c*ntheadery stakes .
Anyway , perhaps Wolfie’s more direct methods might succeed where mine have failed .
Evenin’ All
tabs – Can I take it that you’re not overly keen on Senor Tevez? Personally, I would rather re-sign Na$ri or make a bid for Farton. Phlegm dribbling twatspatulas all worthy of a lobotomy under the supervision of Messrs. C & T π
Drs. z & F – Excellent news re: travel and tickets. Dirty Leeds will be Steeeeeeeench!!!!! PS: Is BtM coming to the HoF for that game?
H2H – HILARIOUS opening to #339. Thanks for a brilliant read! π
‘Holic – Really appreciate the update , it must be tough on both of you. I understand that 5 new cuzza emporiums are now beibng planned to serve your manor in case you get bored of the DIY approach π
Ollie @ #342 – I’m changing your name to either OllieAdder or Agent Ollie, just for this evening, because your plan is so cunning, heh!
Drinks and pipes for all you fine fellows….
Trev & PiK – Welcome back fellas!!!
Cheers TS, good to hear from ya! Guinness for me. Now, time for that lovely meeting!!! See y’all in an hour.
Tabs – I didn’t know that part about the refereeing and got the impression that he didn’t sign for United cause he wasn’t wanted.
I take your word on it, and therefore I can say – he’s a cunt π
abb @ 334, lol I see where you’re coming from with jens, he’s a handsome man π
Due to Snir’s suave words, I fear Podolski is on a pedestal so high for me it will take a work of the mysterious unknown to knock him down. + there’s a potential stumbling block with the homegrown player quota and what not, but I’m hoping that Almunia and the Squid are both flogged off to Espanyol π
Pik, no worries, we’ll see what happens once the QUAD comes around eh? π
And it suddenly occurs to me that I’ve never met this ‘Ganggoolie’…
Backstory anyone?
Some interesting quotes from Coq on L’equipe.
This is from @ASCFR (the president of Arsenal France supporters club).
“I’d been luck to play some big games, United, City, Tottenham,..”
but when injured players will come back .. “it’ll be even more difficult for me to play. And at the moment the team is doing well”
Coquelin about Lille .. “I haven’t been directly in contact with Lille, but it’s flattering. LOSC is a very big Club.”
Coquelin “At the moment, the transfert window isn’t open, so i’m focused on Arsenal but then we’ll see.”
He also said he “learned a lot in first part of the season. I’m training with great players, I can’t say I didn’t progress.”
Coquelin said “I think I’ve shown Wenger I can play more when he gave me the opportunity. I know deeply that I can help the team …
… but to get better I need to play regularly.” Coquelin said his France U21 coach advised him to leave, to get more play time.
He doesn’t want to leave permanently according to the article. Just to go on loan next month, until the end of the season.
here’s the article in french http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/breves2011/20111214_182715_coquelin-il-faut-que-je-joue.html
Reporting for duty Mr C .
A very nasty outbreak of premature transferitus ejaculation I see . Both options that you outline have very obvious merits .
In a case as severe of this , I would however recommend an intensive course of Pavlovian training . This is achieved by asking the patient to read ArsenalNewsNow , whilst having electrodes attached to his testicles . Any flurry of excitement (visual , verbal or sexual ) , and the patient will receive an electric shock of increasing intensity the longer his excitement lasts . When he is able to greet news of any pending transfer with a short desultory Pfff , training is complete .
Should the patient continue to resist , and continue to spout what is known in the trade as “transfer bollocks” , I fear Patient Ging Gang Goulie will henceforward become known as merely Ging Gang , such will be the damage wreaked on his nether regions , and then we can proceed to your option 2 .
I do need to pop out for a short while ( nails appointment ) , but look forward to receiving the decision you reach as to treatment in due course .
Yours Electrically
Wolfgang Smallballs
Wind: Agent Ollie ‘respectfully nods in his direction in the bar’ π
I mean, what happened to get to a point that Ganggoolie ‘cheeks and Nurse Wolfie’s paddle have an almost (from this wary observer’s point of view) symbiotic relationship?
Wind – I told you, it’s a January pedestal… Ain’t that high π
As for Coq, I have to say, I have the feeling of Lassana Diarra from him… I don’t think he’ll be patient enough if he keeps going like this because as opposed to Woj who was saying the same, Coq is in a very complicated position.
He’s got Song in front of him playing the best football of his life and Arteta in front of him if AW decides to play him a bit further forward which he can. Not to mention being behind Jack.
I would very much like to keep hold of Coquelin. Hope he doesn’t ruin his chances by being impatient, but for now, it seems he just wants a loan.
Question is, will his position change in a year when Song will be ONLY 25 years old?
This is where I wish we did have more English players because they ARE more patient, just like Frimpong and Ox are, just the thought of them playing for Arsenal makes them patient.
You guys make it sound as if I write every rumor and don’t filter everything out here π
If I were to do that, you’d get 100 posts a day from me on “transfer bollocks” π
Yes TS , it would be fair to say I don’t hold much truck with Mr.Tevez .
Snir – hurrah ! Hold those electrodes Doc , we might have made some progress .
PS No need to take my word for it , background to all those transfers can be found on T’internet .
100 posts a day eh Snir?
Hidden ‘century’ agenda maybe? π
H2H @ 352, a ‘speedo massive’ HEH π
This bar makes me actually laugh out loud on more than a daily basis π
Snir, Ox has just arrived. Frimpong had a whole year of unfitness.
Do you mean ‘patient like David Bentley and the like’? Oh.
You know what I mean Ollie.
The guy just returned from a year loan, and while I understand his hunger and will to play after playing week in, week out, he’s gotta realize that he’s playing for a top team that is challenging for trophies and that the player in front of him is a better player right now.
He will face similar issues with playing time in every top club unless he’s one of the best midfielders in the world which he isn’t, so it’s up to him if to be patient and wait for his chance at a top club or go somewhere where he can get games, but it won’t be at the top of European football.
He’s here for 4 months since returning from the U20 WC and that’s twice already that he’s been talking about the possibility of leaving.
Really? After only four months?
He’s gotta be more patient and AW has gotta make sure he stays. He’ll be an excellent player in the future and an important squad player this season.
‘holic I send my best wishes and positive thoughts to you and The management.
I agree with that bit, Snir, I’m just not convinced by the bit that says English players are more patient.
Still Coquelin looks less of a cunt than Lasagna Diarrhoea so there is hope.
I cannot believe the amount of column inches wasted on here about who the fuck we may or may not sign in the Transfer window.
GGG,you’re the main culprit,winding everyone up with pointless speculation.
We have our most important league game to date on Sunday.
Man City away,if anyone’s fucking interested.
So let’s concentrate on that for fucks sake.!!
We should be having in depth discussions about our best line up to get a result against City.
I’m with Wolfie,give GGG the full 1,000 volts,light him up like a fucking christmas tree,until he promises not to mention the fucking transfer window rumors again.!!
SNW @ #368
Blown-up-bollox-tastic mate! Enjoy that session at the nail parlour π
π lol @ snir @ 335… you didn’t even mention N*sri π
400 approaching… is that Wind taking his tracksuit top off in the background? π
Clive, I think the team is beginning to pick itself based on injuries now. But the HT is rolling with it.
COYRRR
Clive – I reject the idea that I’m the culprit.
I’m merely commenting on what people (and the barman!!) said, that we need cover up front!
I actually have talked about City but no one seems to be interested so it didn’t really kick off!
As for City and Sunday – I have to say I’m extremely disappointed that Richards recovered in time for the match on Sunday. Had he been unavailable it would have put Manicini in a bit of a problem since he has no LBs either.
He’ll probably play Richards as RB and Zabaleta as LB.
Last season at the Grove we made some fantastic chances in that 0-0 which should have ended 20-0 when Theo was up against Zabaleta.
We should definitely exploit that.
As for Balottelli, Aguero et al, I have a feeling that Kos will be able to handle them. I also feel that Song will need to be on top of his game as he will probably need to shut down both Toure and Silva.
Heh! Clive @ #378. ALWAYS the voice of reason and you certainly light up this bar IMO π
Your point about the up-coming match with the ADVs is spot-on. Biggest test of the season to date. I’m with MtS (good to see you back in here fella!). I think the team picks itself at the moment.
So just for you, here’s the ‘Arsenal Gents XI’ courtesy of The Arsenal Gent
Sir Albert Sesley (WS),
Dewsbury (DJ), Meatlocker (PM), McNally (LK), Vermington (TV),
(Michael) Arkwright (MA), Melody (AS), Ramsara (AR)
WalcouΓ© (TW), Sir Percy (c) (RVP), Gervais (G)
All make sense?
TS @ 362 – I am awaiting confirmation from the great scribe. At one point it was a deffo, but its all gone rather quiet.
BtM, if you’re looking in – let us know re Leeds, in case we have to order in an extra barrell of the black stuff. π
TS – I think the team we need to talk about is City, cause they might be a different team than the team Mancini picked at the Bridge.
Our team is already picked. Just like you wrote it. No one will get ahead of these players so that’s settled.
The only interesting thing to me is if Mancini will try something extremely brave and start with Aguero, Dzeko and Balotelli and without Barry.
That would make the game a very offensive game. It would be easier for us offensively but very challenging defensively.
Mahoosive apologies people. Should have been a post tonight, but just back from visiting the management in the fifth bed in a four bed room. Welcome to the world of the new NHS super hospital, smaller than the one it replaced in the fastest growing town in Europe.
Too fucked to think. Maybe tomorrow when at least I get off work a little early, albeit to attend a friend’s funeral.
Have I lifted the mood a little? I knew some bastard would get me back for that massive high last week.
Carry on …
‘Holic
As you always say, NEVER apologise to your friends. Rest easy fella and please try to re-charge those batteries.
We will all be here when you get back π
Snir @ #386
Ah! my mistake, carry on…..
What I would find funny is a co-ordinated substiution of Na$ri and Frimpong both coming off the bench together and then Frimpong chasing Na$ri round the park for the rest of the game π
As it’s panto season, “He’s behind you Mrs. Chinless Lesbian”
I have to say, I don’t think Mancini will pick the team I wrote @386, cause he is after all Italian, but then again, I just don’t know anymore, the guy doesn’t take off the shackles from this team and they already scored 49 goals this season! In fifteen games! The invincibles scored 72.. How on earth is that possible?
zico @ #385 – Thanks for the heads-up. It’s going to be a decent gathering and all on a skul nite, splendid!
BtM (wherever you are) – Does The Chompoo beckon?
Snir @ #390
Easy! Throw a β¬1Bn at a football team and just see what happens π
PiK, if you’re about, assume the position π
Snir
You are the only one here that thinks you aren’t the Culprit,but i will let that pass through to Woj.
On to Matters City,
It is a shame if Richards is fit to play,but then we don’t want City blaming injuries after we beat them.!!
I am more concerned about our line up,
I would much prefer Kos at right back,with TV and Per in central defence and play Miquel at left back.
I just think for this game TV has to play centrally.
Song and Artie have to sit deeper to cover the back 4 and hopefully Artie can assist Miquel when we are defending.
Gervy and Walcott have to face up to their defensive responsibilities,to help out the fullbacks as well.
Ramsey will have to play the link role to the front man RVP.
With the strength and size of the City midfield,we have to make sure we are not muscled out of it in that area.
It’s not beyond the realms of possibilty that Wenger may opt for extra strength in midfield,and play Frimpong,although that is probably a longshot.
As for City,interesting that Nasri didn’t get a start,Mancini went with the workhorse Milner instead.
I am sure he will start against us,particularly with 2 central defenders playing as full backs.
That is where they will attack us so it is vital that we defend as a TEAM and shut down their avenues of attack and then hit them on the
break.
I think we are both better teams than played up there last season,and as usual it will probably come down to that extra little bit of luck on the day,that will decide the outcome.
Cheers
The Sweeper
PS to TS @ 384,
very very clever,you pound a mean laptop yourself.!!
By the By,was it you who stole the ‘ Baby Jesus ‘ Doll.??
Would a lurking bird in the meadow be a meadowlurk?
I am here…
Just in time
be gone lurker!
Waddle waddle…
Self-assist
Rest up, ‘Holic. All thoughts of those in the bar with you and the management.
shoots!
Wait, what!? You can’t claim my pass your own assist!!!
Wind, where was the faith!? My silent swoop was too silent I see…
Get in?
Clive – While I agree that having TV centrally is important, I still prefer him over Miquel at LB because of his experience and composure.
I think that’s the reason that AW will pick TV and not Miquel at LB, don’t see him throwing a youngster in on a game like this (he did that with Coq but had no choice as he was our only fit DM).
I’m quite unsure about what Manicini will do as it is a home game so he’ll probably want to take the initiative but he really likes Milner so I don’t know :\
As for attacking our full backs, that doesn’t really bother me, what bothers me is Silva. Just Silva, everything else we can handle, Silva is the tricky one.
LO@400: Too many touches for the purists, but well in anyway.
So the Lurker nicked it.
Crap!
Just back from the goal celebration with the crowd. Feels nice:)
Well in, lurking. Snir, the only proper pronunciation for “Well in” is an exclamation point. Another yellow card. π
PiK, I appreciate the sentiment of the assist, we’re good dude π
6 attempts in 1 minute, the odds were against me lol.
Clive @ #394. Now why on earth would I want to do that? π
8ball, I put a question mark because it’s a speculative/optimistic/cheeky effort π
I agree, it was a bit too hectic in the box for the likes of us smooth counterattacking types… π
Snir, You’re let off this time due to my error. Apparently, you wrote “Get in” not “Well in” although both actually call for an exclamation point, not a question mark. Call this one an “auto-yelllow” and count yourself lucky. π
On a nostalgic note, here’s a nice article on the passing of the great Socrates last weekend:
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2011/12/2011121475132705761.html
R.I.P.
@BT8BBGFG-BNTBFG Gotta admit though, Get in question mark is hilarious.
Jol’s face after Fulham drew with Odenese BK and crashed out of Channel 5 Europa League….
PRICELESS!
Clive, SG and others@various. Against the big clubs, Mancini likes to start Balotelli playing up front with Aguero, Milner and Silva wide and Barry and YaYa as the holding midfielders. Dzeko starts on the bench.
I suspect our back four will be DJ, Mertesacker, Kos and TV, with Miquel on the bench.
Just wondering why nobody mentiones (not just in this blog, but the blogosphere and certainly FA) that younger Toure needs to be banned 3 games for obvious reasons at the Bridge, just like Song was after the Newcastle game.
Lurking
I have already mentioned it during the game on monday. No FA investigation launched after the kick on Mata!
True that, LO. Fascinating what ‘slips’ people’s minds…
I can get over that Toure issue, and consider myself not a fan of conspiracy over Arsenal, but did anyone of you noticed which one of the holy trio (Webb, Dowd, Dean) is going to be in charge on sunday?:)
If anyone is stil in dilemma, the great City-fan-Dowd is the answer of course.
NBN & Snir
you may well be right about our backline,but the thought of the Swiss cheese at right back terrifies me.
I am sure City will have looked at the Chelsea game against us,when DJ was done like a kipper several times,and we cold have been 3 down before we had even warmed up.!!
I thought Miquel aquitted himself very well against City in the CC,and i just think he is quicker to recover than DJ and being younger has no fear of failure.
The weak link for us is in midfield,where i am certain if Diaby hadn’t had a minor setback the other week,he would have been in the starting lineup on Sunday.
Ramsey is still not at the top level for me,his weight of passing leaves a lot to be desired,as does some of his decision making,and being a lightweight,he is easily muscled off the ball.
He does do some excellent work,on and off the ball,but not consistently enough for me, at this level.
This is NOT a criticism,this is an observation on my part.
he is still young and has some maturing still to do,but if Diaby and Jack were fully fit,Aaron would be on the bench.
Midfield is the area that worries me,because that is where the early battles are fought,and you earn the right to play.
It could be our Achilles heel on Sunday.
Cheers
The Sweeper
TS @ 412,
My money is on the Feelgood Boy.
Whadyathink, Clive, can Frimpong frimpong ’em in their frimpongs!?
Ah , we have raced past the 400 mark I see . Oh well , saving myself for the 500 !
TS @379 – Wolfie thanks you for your kind words . Thankfully , he has retired for the evening , wearing a very strange hair net and a romper suit .
Clive @378 – Looks like you’ll be turning on the Christmas lights in the Bar this year π
As for saturday , some very interesting stuff . Have to say I entirely agree with Clive . I too would prefer to see Miquel in , Vermaelen central , and the predictably unpredictable Djourou rested . That said , I don’t think AW will agree .
Some very good stuff on Ramsey too . I like him and I think he will be a wonderful talent , but he isn’t there yet . There is a danger that he will be swept aside in the physical hurley-burley of a game like Sunday’s , and it should be remembered that he is likely to make way when injured players return .
The recent heart-warming run of results , and the consequent upturn in confidence that has allowed greater freedom of expression in our play to return , has indeed been a huge tonic .
But the hyperbole in some quarters is astonishing . We are not , certainly at the moment , premiership contenders , any more than we were relegation battlers at the end of September . There is still huge work to be done to secure a top four berth , given our start .
We are capable of beating City , but we are huge outsiders . Offer me a point now , and I take it , simple as that . It should be remembered where we have come from , and that Man City , notwithstanding recent hugely entertaining blips , have been on an entirely different level .
Let us hope that the players on Sunday take their cue from the qualities that have brought us back to respectability , and not from an entirely premature sense that we are suddenly world-beaters .
Saturday = Sunday !
“The recent heart-warming run of results , and the consequent upturn in confidence that has allowed greater freedom of expression in our play to return , has indeed been a huge tonic .
But the hyperbole in some quarters is astonishing . We are not , certainly at the moment , premiership contenders , any more than we were relegation battlers at the end of September . There is still huge work to be done to secure a top four berth , given our start .”
Well said, TABS. While clearly in relation to points in the table we are easily contending for top 4, I assume you wisely point to the fact that we are not well and beyond a run of bad form where City have been consistently dominant thus far (goals for in the table speak loadly in that case). On the other hand, if any of our attacking players joins RVP in a string of good form, I see no reason why we couldn’t consider ourselves contenders.
Speaking perched up high on that table, you are quite reasoned my friend! π
Tradition, I love it. 125 great years count for quite a lot for me.
I would have loved to have got out of work later to pat Robin on the back and thank him for all of his hard work this season!
That grapefruit headed Vincent Kompany thinks Shiteh can bounce back against us on Sunday!
I don’t think so son!
OK –
NBN – True he does play that way but he only played against the big teams away from home this season, so I wonder if he’ll try and be a bit more adventurous at home.
Clive – JD is an enigma. He had great games at RB (Fulham the best of them) along with horrible ones (Blackburn the worst). Just like you say City must have watched the Chelsea game but on the other hand, AW must have watched that as well. He probably will talk to the team about that threat and threats that we can exploit in City’s defense with Zabalata on the left and the poor Lescott in the middle.
As for Ramsey, I agree, he isn’t the finished article yet but that just shows what a talent he is. He has 4 assists in the EPL this season and is playing great since Arteta joined and let him express himself (granted, he was absolutely horrible at the beginning of the season).
I agree on the weight of the pass point, but it usually improves DURING the game as he gets his touch.
Tabs – You might say hyperbole is astonishing. I say the people are overrating our Top 4 rivals.
Granted, City are a great team, but I have yet to see how they react under pressure and against the big teams they weren’t convincing (United apart, that was a freak. So much a freak that United conceded 3 goals in Fergie time), not against Liverpool, not Chelsea, not Bayern and not even Napoli.
United are injured from top to bottom and have no midfield.
Chelsea will drop a lot of points this season.
This is hard for me to say – but the most impressive and the team I “fear” the most in the top 4 or thereabouts is Spurs. They have an excellent team.
I look at our starting eleven and I don’t feel inferior to any team in the league. Don’t know about our squad yet but we aren’t at the part where we need to talk about the squad yet, it is only December.
I don’t agree that we aren’t contenders. True, we did have to come from deep, but based on the starting eleven we should be contenders and we will be. The squad will prove itself (IMO) as opposed to previous years with the addition of Yossi, the return of Jack and Bac and many more hard working players.
We have a GK who is among the EPL best, 3 international CBs and the best RB in the EPL, the best DM (by far) in the EPL, a good playmaker in Aaron and Jack coming back who is one of the best players in the world (you just have to look at his performance against Barca to see that. The way he drives us forward when we’re in “walking ball retention” mode is very very dangerous) and the best striker in the EPL.
Sometimes I think our team is underrated because of previous years’ failures. I understand why people can think that, but I really feel the right balance has been found and this is the TEAM that will bring the silverware as opposed to the players (Cesc, Nasri, AA et al) who were supposed to bring the silverware.
I may be overrating Arsenal (I don’t think I am), but that’s how I feel.
I also feel the right balance has been found. Experience with youthful endeavour and a strong leader who leads by example, encouragement and strong words when necessary. I love the fact that all of the players respect and respond to RVP both on and off the pitch.
This season the team spirit has improved significantly to the point where despite the general consensus that we have “less skillful” players at the club we are getting the results that those “more talented” players could not. I feel less anxiety this season because I have the sense that everyone on the pitch will be giving their everything to make sure we don’t go home empty handed.
I feel that talk of contending and silverware is premature at this point though. I think we should take it one game at a time and see where we are at the end of January in terms of points earned and injuries.
As for Man City, while a very good team, I find it hard to describe them as a “great” team. Some great players yes, but not a great team. They found it very hard to stay unified when things weren’t going their way in Europe and at Chelsea recently. If things don’t their way in our fixture again, they’ll start imploding on the pitch. Let’s hope our red and white avengers can throw a spanner in their works.
Finally, I don’t think we need to worry about Aaron in terms of physical presence against City. He’s a strong lad and his endurance will get him through. He never hides which is what I like about him. I’m more worried about him putting away the chances that will come his way but I’m sure he will be doing so soon. Will be great if he scores against City. If he scores the only goal of the game, which despot will fall I wonder…
pik, Nice article. The Economist also had a good one:
http://www.economist.com/node/21541371
Oh my goodness.
Just watched the Q&A and AW gave a very strong hint that he’ll re-sign TH in January.
When asked about Titi: “It’s not a stupid suggestion. It is a possible option. Do I do it? I can not tell you at the moment.”
While it isn’t clear cut, this is as good as it gets from AW on transfers.
Wow. Simply wow.
TH14:oops: :lots of smiling faces:
@435: Great find Joshua.
I loved this line: βBeauty comes first. Victory is secondary. What matters is joy.β True legend he was.
Ollie @ 342: Or Gazidis could dress up as a Junior Gunner and get RvP to “autograph” the signature section of the new contract…I wonder if I can work that scenario into my next story….hmmm
Snir @ 343: When I swapped the word “context” for your “consequence” it made more sense…just saying..(0;
Snir @ 336: ..yet in a press conference after the Everton game Le Boss said that TH14 contractually has to return to the Red Bulls on January 15 ..- in response to the same question
GoonerTerry – He also said “No” when asked if he was interested in Arteta only 2 days before he signed him (at the Man U post match).
That’s why I’m saying that answer is the closest we’ll ever get from AW to “I’m thinking about it.”
@ Snir: I agree. The boss likes the curved ball doesn’t he?
tabs @ 427: you stated:
“It should be remembered where we have come from , and that Man City , notwithstanding recent hugely entertaining blips , have been on an entirely different level”
Yet in two games last season (home & away) we gave them the beating of their lives: Those games will count come Sunday…just as the beating we gave Chelsea at home last season paved the way (psychologically) for the beating we game them at their place this season..
CoR – I agree.
AW has said himself, let’s see where we are at the end of December.
When I say silverware and contending, I mean we have the players to do so. It wouldn’t be far fetched to think that these players are capable of a trophy. And if someone would tell you that it is then they’re lying because we strengthened in the places we needed from last season to get over the hump.
Granted, Cesc left and that hurt but like I said, we have more points and more importantly more goals this season than we had after 15 games last season, so obviously we found ways to compensate.
Continued:
The words : “Shaft is that you?” jolted him awake.. the voice was clear as a bell. He sat bolt upright and was surprised to find that he was sitting in bed – the last he remembered he was sitting on the sofa in his office with Patrick Vieira. He looked about him in the darkened room and fell back onto the pillow. How could this be?…wasn’t he just talking to Vieira in his office? But as he laid there discombobulated he had no idea how he could have overheard Vieira on the phone. Then it started to dawn on him that he must have been dreaming…but….did he dream the whole thing? It was so vivid. He shuddered..Did he, for example, dream that he and Abdul had locked Mansour in his office and planned to have al Qaeda kidnap him? He looked at the clock on the bedside table: 4:40 am. Thursday, December 8…And how would Vieira know Shaft anyhow? Nobody at the club knew of his association with Shaft.. Feeling a little silly but hugely relieved Mancini laughed to himself and pulled the covers up under his chin…
As he laid there the dreadful realization of the crushing blow his team received the night before came into his mind. He shuddered. Suddenly it felt as though the temperature had dropped 10 degrees. “fucking cold” he though…”fucking Manchester..what a dump” ….inexplicably he started to hum..”in your Manchester slums…” he smiled…those fucking Arsenal supporters had chanted that last season at the Emirates Stadium. “now there’s an irony” he thought to himself “we are the richest club in the history of the world, yet they made us feel like slumdog millionaires.. but what a wonderful club. What a stadium. What a classy operation…sigh” …
The phone jolted him out of his reverie! He looked at the time: 5:30 am. He picked up the phone. “hello?…ah Sheik Mansour…no, no I wasn’t asleep….”
445 and still holding his bat…enjoy the tale…goodnight…see you on the morrow. Holic my prayers are with you and Mrs H..
GT @ 442 I remember our ATV man Shovel (I think he used to be in that group MPeople) used to say “you’ve got to beleeeeve”
I reckon that A 2 D Teta and RVP will give Citeh a torrid time on Sunday. In fact Geo, T.O will all be in the mix and so I reckon that aslong as we have left back covered ( which I gave no doubt that we do-fuckin ell Wenger), we are going to give those filthy oil mining mancs a footballing lesson they’ll never forget!
This season teams have thought, ‘it’s the same old Arsenal, just catch them on the counter, set prices and the like and you’ll get your points if em’. But solidity at the back fluidity in the centre and pace in attack has proven otherwise. As SR said earlier a draw would not be a bad result, however 2-1 to D Arsenal is more fitting for this newly improved team.
Morning gooners, have a good day and remember “you’ve got to beleeeve”
So yeah I agree with GT @ 442
Mark @ 381, I eventually got my tracksuit off circa 393, but I was subbed on just a bit too late π
Oliva @ 400, humph! ‘Curt nod of acknowledgment’
PiK @ 414, π That’s helped me come to terms with missing the quad, I’m at peace… Until 500 8)
The Sweeper @ 425, my mate said the exact same thing to be over the phone about Aaron on the bench when Jack returns, Aaron’s just not ‘there’ yet. Spot on Clive.
tabs @ 427, well said mate!
PiK @ 429, also well said!
Snir @ 433, possible redemption, perhaps?
Very eloquently expressed.
Does anyone where think Wenger can bring the best out of Torres in a hypothetical situation where he’s purchased for Β£20m?
Forgiving the unlikeliness of Chelsea selling one of their ‘star?’ strikers to one of their rivals like that, he’s still a world class striker, better than Rooney on his day easily although he can’t hold a candle alight to van the man.
And just because I can, in prep for the big 500, I walk it into the net π
PS – ‘Holic, any news of the management’s current condition?
David Villa’s fractured his tibia. I guess Barca will be in for Park now… π
Heh! π
PIK @429 – Thank you for your kind words and great to have you back in the Bar . We have missed the old Californian Green . By the way , during your long absence , you did get a mention in Episode 4 of BTA in the Summer ( now available in the bar at the top of the page – not that I’m shamelessly plugging my own work , you understand π
You’ll be surprised what you can see atop a table π
I agree with your last paragraph . We are of course strong contenders for the top 4 and may yet challenge for better things . The point I was trying to make was really only that we should , as the old cliche tells us , go game by game , with the same attitude hitherto shown , and see where we are at the end of January .
Goonerterry @442 – You make a fair point , but on this occasion I would respectfully disagree . I don’t think there is much to be gleaned from last season’s game up at Eastlands .
Arsenal’s line up that day was :-
Fabianski, Sagna, Djourou, Squillaci, Clichy, Nasri, Fabregas, Song, Denilson, Arshavin, Chamakh.
At best , there will only be 2 survivors in our starting XI come sunday , Song and Djourou , and Djourou will be playing in a different position . City are of course also much changed , not only in personnel , (though not as much as us) , but more importantly in the mindset of their manager . He firmly believes he has the best set of players this season . I doubt that that was the case last season .
Nor do I think that our win at Chelsea this season was as a result of our thumping home win last season . This is a new team with a new mindset . What I would say is that the 5-3 win over Chelsea , achieved with a sprinkling of luck in the 1st half , (about time we enjoyed some) , and a dominant second half performance , has given THIS side a belief that they can live with the big boys and prevail , and that that belief has played a huge part in the recent run of good results .
Great story by the way re Steve Walford in the last set of drinks .
Snir @433 – AT THE MOMENT , we are not contenders is all I said . Our leader Arsene quite rightly resolutely refuses to get drawn in to such a discussion , and perhaps I should follow suit . By the end of January we may have closed the gap to a position where we can start looking higher than fourth . Conversely , lose on Sunday and suffer a blip in form , and title-talk will be shown to be as silly and as premature as the voices of Doom were , earlier in the season .
Wind – Cheers old Son .
Holic – Hope things are as well as can be hoped for on the home front . All the best to you and the Management .
Oh god, just shoot me now.
Farca have made it to the final of the Club World Cup.
*dons waterproofs and prepares to be covered in editorial jizz after they beat some Anonymous FC from Melbourne and get hailed as gods*
Future headline prediction:
Barcelona canonised by Pope
Barcelona beat crap team 20-0, find cure for cancer, achieve world peace
Barcelona ascend to the right hand of the Father
I would say a bit too much Camberwell, but in terms of the situation, probably just about right.
Some quick catch up with drinks
I am terrified of “swiss cheese(heh)” playing at right back too
Agree with tabs Re: Title contenders. One game at a time folks
Signing TH14?? No, please. That would spoil to for me
Wind – You know it’s true mate. The Club World Cup is a joke tournament, set up by FIFA for one main reason: to top up their groaning coffers (full of bribe payments, backhanders and brown envelopes).
When ‘they’ win it, expect to see a massive upsurge in physio bills across the country as millions of hacks check themselves in with ‘one-arm fatigue’.
I feel sick already…noone show me a picture of that pondlife Rooney or I really will bring up my lunch.
Clive,
Your post @ 425 is precisely where I sit on the game with Citeh : that Vermy goes back n the centre; Kos and Miquel/Coq are brought in at full back; that the game will be won or lost in midfield.
Tabs @ 427/453 – well reasoned posts, (as usual), and agree with your summation that we’re not contenders yet. The Citeh game will be down to our midfield performance. The biggest problem I have with our current midfield is our inability to retain possession in tough games. I would agree that we got a sprinkle of luck against Chelski, (and long-overdue as you say), but I really thought Chelski were quite poor that day trying to play a high defensive line (which they’ve since stopped) and Cech had a nightmare too. The Citeh game will be a good barometer for this young team to be measured against. IF, (and its a big IF), we can manage to close them down in midfield and link the play to our front three we’ll certainly create chances against a pretty average Citeh defense. Then of course, we’re going to have to take our chances and be far more efficient than we have been of late, if the truth be told.
Tabs: i respectfully request you opt out of the race for #500 π
This is not the end. Or even the beginning of the end. It is the end of the beginning.
#paraphraseshamelessly#
Geoff, I respectfully act you to do the same π
There’s a resurgence on the windy horizon…
Afternoon Geoff , Blimey its a bit early for The Big Guns to be gathering π
I know we like to play it around in midfield a bit , but a 38 pass move to the century really is pushing it !
Harsha – Thanks for your kind words , and at the risk of repeating myself , I agree with you on TH14 . Methinks Arsene was just playing a little footsie (as is his want) , with a receptive audience .
Joe @458 – Thank you and agree with you as to where the game might be won or lost on sunday .
Camberwell – Your views on the World Club Championship both very eloquently expressed and on the money .
Tabs – cheers! Pint on the bar for you sir.
And let that be a message to all other holics…compliments will always result in rounds of drinks – not even on Lars’ tab either.
Such a shame we’re playing Human Rights Abuse FC on Sunday – I’ve sadly used up all my excellent oil puns.
Although having said that, I do expect blues fans on here in the next couple of days with their ‘veiled’ attempts at sarcasm.
Camel for one.
Barca plays Santos in the final (not our crocked left back π so it’s not going to be a walk in the park. It should be a fun watch regardless, seeing Neymar vs Messi. I hate Barca and don’t want them to win but I watched Santos play and while they have lots of talented players their defence seems porous at times and they’re vulnerable to the counterattack….won’t be 20-0 but might be 3-1 or something
FIFA is corrupt but at least I get to see football at a normal time in Japan here eh π
463 Cam’
Good stuff, briliant, top notch…….
Ahhh cheers, I needed that π
====
Afternoon ‘holics.
Thanks for the kind words yesterday, humbled I was.
Let me dive in head first to the Citeh game defence debate, I personally would like to see Vermy return to the CB position alongside the BFG with Kos and the young Iggy on the flanks. This was also the line up I was hoping for in the pre Everton game drinks, but as we all know, that didn’t happen.
The defence that AW choose for the anniversary game kept a clean sheet, so if I was a betting man, I’d lay odds on him sticking with them.
=====
As for us being serious title challengers, well, when I remove my rose tinted spectacles, I just can’t really see it….. yet.
I think this team has come on in leaps and bounds and I’m loving the togetherness that the lads seem to have lately. We still need to strengthen in certain areas and as Steve T has been saying, over the last three seasons or so, we don’t need major surgery, just a few additions in one or two key positions and we’ll be in with a real shout.
It’s a big game this weekend, many/most expect us to lose, which is not necassarily a bad thing, takes the pressure off the lads a bit. Personally, I’m feeling quietly optimistic….. Roll on Sunday.
Right, beer time, this one’s on me.
Can I join the motion for Iggy at left back please?
Kos vs JD at right back – no comparison.
H2H – fast learner π
Fast drinker too, so get ’em in again. π
===
Dr C, consider yourself joined.
At the risk of stating the bleeding obvious, there are compromises and therefore risks whichever defensive line up we choose given no natural full backs.
Worried about DJ at RB, worried about Per German Bloke being run at by Aguero, Silva and yes even the lesbian known as Nasri. Worried about young Iggy’s inexperience.
I personally don’t think this is a game for Per. I would risk both DJ and Iggy at FB and play TV and Kos at centre back as they are best our centre pairing and Kos in particular has already shown he can handle Aguero.
Not that the gambling French so called Arsene Wenger will agree apologies AL ;).
Apologies for Yoda impersonation above too π
All is well at Citeh (with thanks to Graudian Fiiiver)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/dec/15/mario-balotelli-micah-richards-confrontation
Although as the article says , previous problems have had no long term consequences (apart from AdebTevez…)
‘Hols, all my best to you and the Management. Be well ol’ boy.
G
My two cents on the back four for the Citeh game is that we shouldn’t be picking a line-up based on second guessing Citeh’s attack, but putting out our best available defence, which, for me, is still DJ, Mertesacker, Kos and TV. Miquel shows great promise but DJ’s experience tips the balance in this game. As others have noted, Theo’s improvement in his defensive duties makes us more solid on the right hand side. As others have also said, the mid-field battle is crucial. If there is one criticism of the Song-Arteta-Ramsey trio this season it is that they have taken time to get going, but once they do, they haven’t looked second best against any one. We could have been two or three down in short order in several games, so a solid first quarter of an hour is essential. An RvP hat-trick in that time wouldn’t go amiss either…
It is going to be a hard-fought game. I don’t think many of us are going to have much by way of fingernails left at the end of this game, but I have that sneaking feeling that we are going to come away with a win. And there is nothing ugly about three points.
Nothing ugly about 3 points. Wise words.
Beer for NBN and any other century sneakers limbering up like the fools that they are π
Who you callin’ fool ? π
*delivered in best Mr T (A-Team , not Quackery) impersonation*
heh, “typecast tabs”, I call him π
‘Takes off tracksuit without any Balotelli-esque struggles’
‘Begins his stretches for the big one…’ π
H2H @469 π
Joshua , forgot to mention , great link to that Economist obit . Thanks .
Cheers for the drink Camberwell .
Dr Z @477 heh π
Wind , you might want to rephrase that ! π
zico@475: limbering up, indeed. I am of that generation of athletes who only bent down at the start of races to stub out my cigar…
Wind @478: if that is really true, you won’t be ghosting in at the far post unnoticed anymore…
tabs@480: π
Got to see a man about a dog, so a premature well in! to whomever scores at 500. No self-assists, now. You know what your mother said about that…
NBN , you stub out your cigar ? That’s where I’ve been going wrong ! I rely on a quick toke at the halfway mark to see me over the finishing line .
Modern training regimes eh π
I’m here
Stretching with Wind near the corner flag, taking off the watch, ready to get on the field.
Substitution made, the crowd welcomes Lurky Oliva who has just 15 minutes to score for his team once more this season.
I’m a little more optimistic than most of you here. I still feel at full strength, the way we’re playing, we will be strong out there!
I would put my money where my mouth is if we had a natural lefty, but the beer cup game and last Saturday showed me that the strength in depth that Citeh boast, injuries suspensions or not, can be exposed with real determination. We will only be as good as we play rather than the names on our shirts. I agree with Harsha that we should take one game at a time and so taking this game into account and not being the favourites going into Sunday, we should at least give them a good game. A draw or win will be a pleasant bonus addition!
Right beers in π
Rephrased
Takes off tracksuit without any Balotelli-esque strugglesβ
βBegins his stretches in anticipation of coming onto the pitchβ¦β
‘Finishes stretching with Oliva, is also substituted on, has about 20 mins to make his mark on the big stage…’
tabs @ 480, this is why I am still a grasshopper in many ways… π³
NBN @ 481, heh! Very astute of you π Its not true, my movement capabilities won’t be damaged beyond repair my inexperienced innocent ill-wording ‘wipes forehead in relief’ π
500!
Ollie @489 – re count demanded
Ollie, are you travelling in time again? π
Are the Spuds out no matter the result? They’re currently up 3-0 but should be a man down.
*begins run from deep inside his own half*
Wind: take note I prefer it to feet!
Tabs – I hear what you’re saying but have this to say.
Chelsea were still considered contenders before the game on Monday despite being 10 points behind the leaders coming into a six pointer with the leaders.
We come into a six pointer with the leaders being 9 points behind them.
Why are they contenders and we aren’t (and make no mistake about it, everybody is considering Chelsea as contenders. Maybe not main contenders like City and United but still contenders)?
Picks the ball up off Geoff, weaves down the right wing through a couple midfielders…
Plays it back to Wind.
Lurking around 16m box, watches for offside
Henned in by the centre backs, Denilson-esque pass towards the left to…
Screams at Wind for a one two as approaches the box
Get in!
Missed
Goal!!!
Played it in towards Geoff…
Bang
missed it
Takes a shot…
The old veteran looks on and surveys the scene having unearthed another pearler from 35 yards . He stubs out his cigarette and calls on the trainer for a quick lager-infusion . The crowd rise as one to yet another example of his genius . He salutes the crowd , runs back to the halfway line , and urges his team to ever more glorious deeds …
Boo!!!
Off I say, off!
Well in Geoff π
Ooh stewards enquiry for lurking Oliva?
But the ball bounces of the keeper back and gets into empty net, Lurking Oliva saves the team once again:)
F*cking hell , my latest yet π
LO well done – its clear that long distances kicks always blow in the Wind
Geoff, by default.
Oh bugger, missed it!
Heh Cognac π
Would the honourable self-appointed referee please make a decision?
Hey Zico, I agree π
What does the committee say?
Lurking – the rules aren’t complicated FFS . No self-assisting . 3 Game ban .
Well in Geoff !
heh lurking oliva.
You obviously didn’t score on purpose!
Great comedy goal π
Cheers tabs, I seem to recall a yellow card for my one and only self assist earlier in my career!
(Interview after the game)
Oliva: Well, I must say that I’am suprised with the goal too, but, what’s in, that’s in, little luck is always welcomed. Looking forward for the next game, and I have exlusive signing session tommorow morning if anyone wants a shirt. Greetings
Haha Geoff, my legendary 10(14?) drink lurk to the century at 6:30 in the morning was halted by CoR, best self-assist I never had π
Nothing wrong with a good old self-assist…
Whoops, sorry Wind. Fell off the wagon there.:P
Tabs mate- D’you have a look @493 π ?
Snir @493 , for the record I don’t think Chelsea are contenders particularly , certainly not before their rather fortuitous win on Monday .
What the media says is of no concern to me , but I would guess their elevated status in those circles has something to do with winning the league 3 times in the last 7 years .
Having had the privilege of watching 5 Championship-winning sides in the flesh in adulthood , and having distant childhood memories of another , we are AT THE MOMENT not at that level . We may yet go to Man City and win , we may yet acquire the more consistent Defensive cohesion required , we may yet either through January reinforcements or the return of injured players acquire both the depth of squad and the pizazz required to go on and win the League . No-one will be happier than me if we do so .
But as things stand AT THE MOMENT , we are 9 points behind the leaders who whatever the arguments as to the source of their amoral wealth , have played better football than us thus far , and who have a chance to go 12 points clear of us on Sunday .
As such , I stand full square behind my previous contention . AT THE MOMENT , to talk of winning the League is nothing more than hyperbole .
heh Wind.
I thought bt8 was the original ‘post 20 posts in the middle of the night to get to the century’ – criminal.
I think it’s more a way of perception.
We were contenders last season after 15 games and had less goals and less points. It’s just that the competition barely dropped points this season.
OK – I accept your point for at the moment, but what would you do to make sure we are? Because H2H was talking about what Steve T has been talking about for the last couple of years and we did improve that.
We did improve our width, we did deal with the CB issue, we did deal with the DM issue (albeit internally) and we did deal with the GK issue.
When I’m saying we are contenders I mean that the current first 11 is as strong as every other team and the time where squad will have to step up will be in March/April, maybe then we won’t be contenders, but right now we have the ability in our team to rival Man City, UTD and the rest for the title because we have the ability to win every match.
It’s all about consistency and we have been consistent for the last 2 months.
I give up ! π
I saw a big burly guy in a Building and Roofing Supplies Truck this morning,which had a sign printed on the back and each side,in bright Pink Capital letters saying, I LOVE MEN.!!
It’s a Wonderful World.!!
Snir,you have a lot ot answer for,
Even old Myles Palmer on ANR,is quoted on his blog saying the Podolski deal is almost done.!!
You scallywag you.
cheers
The Sweeper.
PS,To the Feelgood Boy,
The Storey Boy has vehemently denied stealing the ‘ Baby Jesus’ Doll.
Which leaves you and the Smallballs Boy.
I know which one my money is on.
Lol Tabs, I was being serious. What would you do to make us contenders?
(I’m guessing, buying a striker?)
Tabs @ 426
I’m not sure a 1,000 volts will be enough.
We may have to hire a bigger Generator.!!
Clive – Miles also said that we’re gonna sign both Cahill and Jagielka at the end of July and that it is 100% certain.
Nothing to answer for… Yet π
Tabs @368 – π π (nurse Wolfie)
Clive @ 378 – hehs, thought I recognised your style from the Diplomatic Corps.
Have to say I completely agree with your thoughts, Cive, on the team for Shitty, and a touch uncomfortably with yours Tabs, on the state of the squad / team.
TS @ 388 – nice words.
On that subject, ‘Holic, hope things are as well as could be expected. Sounds like a horrendous sequel to last week. All the very best . .
Personally I’m looking forward to January 31st, so we can get Snir’s thoughts on what will happen in the summer window π
Have been to my daughter’s Carol Concert this lunchtime, as she’s recovered just about enough voice and puff to sing now.
I found, for better or worse, that the tune of Once in Royal David’s City, inspired the following festive (festering) offering –
Once in Royal London’s City
Stood a crumbling cattle shed,
Where a team called Tottenham Hotspurs
Tried in vain to beat The Team in red.
Players came and players went,
Hoddle, Gascoigne, even Darren Bent.
They all tried to win a title
But it was no use at all,
They could only watch the Doubles
Scooped up by The Ar-sen-al.
Fifty years and more rolled up,
Gooner George won them their only cup.
Ramos, Jol and ‘Arry Redknapp,
Countless others tried and lost,
Failed to beat the famous Arsenal,
Daniel Levy counts the cost.
Hear the mighty North Bank sing,
“Hang your boots up, Ledley King!”
*coat please*
No worries Camberwell @ 521, you’ve made remarkable process over the last few weeks, a very brief relapse is understandable π
Ollie @ 524, haha, I remember that! The next morning, universal disdain at bt8b’s underhand and table methods π
Evening all. Thank you for your patience. Just about to dish up a couple of pans of something Mediterranean to, er, well just me π
Management has a nasty little bug which they have identified and are working on a cocktail of antibiotics to knock out. If they get it right first time she should be home at the weekend.
Also said a final goodbye to a friend today. It’s been emotional, as you can imagine.
Will attempt a Citeh preview at some stage of tomorrow, but could be well late.
Heartened by the news of Spurs failure to dominate the Europa Michel Le Mouse Trophy.
Holic, I’ll make you some Mediterranean food when I come to London π
Hehs to you too Mr T
No fucking point in beating about the fucking bush.!!
I see Balotelli and Richards were involved in a punch up at training this morning,had to be pulled apart by teammates.
Ego’s at 50 paces.
Trev
top notch mate,you should post it on the Spuds website.!!
I see the Arsenal website has been named best site of the year 2011.
Like the Football Pitch,absoulutely first class.
Cheers
The Sweeper.
Holic
Commiserations my friend.
I have a very very good mate of mine who has been through 6 weeks of the 2ND round of Chemo,[ the first lot didn’t do it’s job ]
He gets the results tomorrow, a negative prognosis doesn’t bear thinking about,
I haven’t got many left.
Clive
A few Gooners on here with squeaky bums over the Shitty game…must say I am glad non of you will be playing come Sunday..
To my most illustrious friend, The Sweeper,
I once made off with a doll, but Roxette heard about it and I was beaten to within an inch of my life. (Some said I enjoyed it).
Smallballs may well still play with dolls – you can never tell with that nut-job.
I think you (and Mrs Dale) doth protest too much, personally π
And Dr T @ 535 π
Did I ever tell you lot, you are the mutts.
I am very lucky.
Ah Holic, behave.
We are the lucky ones.
Btw, Hope all goes well with the Boss and she’s out to give you ear-ache π
Crossing fingers for the management to make it home for the weekend, ‘holic.
Take care.
Just to add my hopes for a thumbs up sign from the management by the weekend Holic π
Tabs@483: it probably wasn’t the puff at halfway, it was more likely the stopping for a minute or two to savor it.
SG@525 and others: the real question is not whether we, or Chelski, are contenders (top five and nine points off the pace with half a season to go qualifies as being in contention), nor whether this team is better than last year’s (we all agree it is, and last year’s had the title in its own hands until late in the season, lest we forget), but whether this team has the legs and will to last the distance. Past few seasons we have been faders. Champions don’t fade.
And don’t write off the Mancs, for all that ails them now. No manager gets better performances out of a team at the business end of the season than Fergie.
‘Holic@535: glad to hear the prognosis on the management is optimistic. Hope she is home with you soon. Something Mediterranean? A robust Sardinian red, I hope.
NBN – I agree, and like I said I think people tend to underrate our squad based on us being faders in the last five seasons.
But this season feels different, mainly because the squad is stronger.
We’re playing great football and are supposed to get Jack and Bac back in the next two months.
That will surely add to the depth which is better than last season along with a purchase in January (I’m pretty sure AW will buy, don’t know who, but I’m pretty sure he will).
Can’t wait for the draw!!!!
Holic, I’m off to work. Please stock up on yogourt for the Management, as it will help. That and plenty of back rubs. And foot massages. That should put her right!
Bugger me, I have missed a right old royal bun fight in here. Glad to hear about our new signings?????
Holic, my best wishes to Mrs H. I hope she is home fit and well very soon.
SG@546: the other non-sensible reason we are underrated is the lack of big-money wastes-of-money. How can you take a club seriously that isn’t paying 50 million to put a Torres or a Carroll on the bench? If you only pay 2.75 million for your strikers you end up with the likes of Robin van Persie. ‘Nuff said.
…and Arshavin is the exception that proves the rule.
Tabs: @523 good summary and that’s about where I’m out. Having said that Snir makes a persuasive argument, nice work Snir.
Trev: @ 533 if you can sing as well as you write Britains Got talent awaits π
Holic,
May the gods be with you and yours this yuletide – I too know precisely where you are at, both this Xmas and last.
Clive – I do hope your friends prognosis is good.
And to the general drinkers:
While most commentators are all red hot on RVP, we’d be absolutely fucked this season were it not for guys like Kos, Vermy, PM, Chesney, Song and of course Sagna. Strange to be complementing the defense given whats happened over the past 6/7 years, but they’ve been every bit as responsible for our little comeback this season than the goal scoring feats of RVP. And while its far from perfect, yet – its a damn size better than where we were.
Y’know if we manage to beat Citeh this weekend, maintain some consistency over the Xmas and collect a player or two in the transfer window, we just might be contenders again..!
Good news ‘holic – hopefully home with a full squad for the big away game.
For me it’s been away day. But hopefully if we get into city in the 125 (year of our etc) surely that puts our title ambitions back on track and gives us a platform from which to attack the top lot – if you follow my train of thought (apologies). Even if we don’t lose (TS) – it’s choo-choose The Happy Train full s-team ahead – no?
I’ll get me coach.
It’s a massive game ‘cos our lot have made it that way. And we’re maybe one BIG,big result in the next game away from calling ourselves genuine contenders?
Bring it on!
UUUrrrEEEEDSSS!!
Snir @528 What would I do ? I would be quite happy to leave it to Arsene .
Win the next game is what i would do , and then win the next one after that , and the one after that and the one after that until such time as we are in such proximity to the top that this is a conversation worth having .
Until such time I shall be taking a leaf out of Arsene’s book and will not be discussing or debating “the bleeding obvious” . π
Clive @529 – that thought had occurred to me π
Trev @533 – Awesome mate , brilliant π π
Clive – best wishes for your mate .
Holic – Sounds like a very tough day . Great to hear that the news on Mrs H is positive and hope the antibiotics do the trick .
NBN – Given my last inept performance in the century stakes (later than a Chopper Harris tackle) , I may have to give up the smokes . Some of these youngsters are quicker than a Darren Fletcher sprint to the loo .
And if the worst happens it doesn’t make us a bad side but it probably sinks any thoughts of us winning thing. I can’t remember a league in December with this much riding on The Happy Train – and that makes me grin
A Pride please barman – and as i’m on me own i’m away to find something to stick on the juke-box
I know i should be more measured but sod it – I can’t help meself –
http://youtu.be/bbwgKH2SqoY
pardon – ‘the thing’ and a league ‘game’ – oh dear – it’s been a long 48 hrs – in a good way. and if there are any tpoys here i apologise in advance
UreDS!
And tabs tangling with SG only weeks away from an open transfer window strikes me as reckless in the extreme. You’ll find yourself dancing atop tables in a packed match-day juicer if you don’t watch it
People are telling me that thursday is now the new friday . Well , if like me , you now struggle with a double header , let alone a triple header , and fancy a mellow evening in , you could do worse than have a little listen to my new mate , Frank from The Kings Head , talking about a life in Football from a Different Age .
It is The Gooner equivalent of drinking a warming glass of single malt in front of a roaring fire whilst being gently massaged by a Swedish Barmaid π
http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/sporting-life/blog/2011-06-20/my-sporting-life-frank-mclintock
Evening AL and heh π
Tabs, zico, Clive, Geoff – thanks all.
Drink quietly now, Snir may have dropped off in the corner π
Clive @527
I vehemently deny I was the “Jesus snatcher” .
Even in my youth I was more of an “Action Man” type of guy . Always liked a man in Uniform , and have to say , I identified with the smallness of his balls ! π
Evening Trev , brilliant Carol , I have to say .
Stole my thunder a bit . I was going to bastardise a couple of carols for the BTA Christmas Not So Special , though it has to be said not with anything like your level of expertise π
AL @553 –
another bumper haul of railway puns i see, as the Happy Train prepares to steam towards the middle Eastlands. For me, there’s no point in worrying about Citeh as, lately, we tender do well in the big games.
A great performance will determinus as contenders rather than sleepers and signal great potential to our coach.
Sounds like just the ticket to me. π
Great link tabs – ta. it’s going with me – bedfordshire beckons – ta, ta
Nonsense Tabs, you go for it π
Darn it – post – post clocked Trev had choo-chooned into train of thought puns – and thought there’s only one-way i can go here – must return – trip’ll be fun-ride
Next stop Bedfordshire
Wide awake here π !
Awake and in work here! Irish coffee anyone? I had a pissup after futsal last night, now to “work hard” and get ready for another end of year party later.
Just out of curiousity…has City reached a level of “hate-status” in your opinion? At this point in time I find it hard to feel anything towards the team myself but just wondering what you gooners think.
City – no.
Nasri – yes!
Heh, Nasri. To think I came this close to putting his number on my shirt once! Don’t care about him either, we got better replacements and profit on top of that anyway.
I think when they first got their new owners I was happy because they were giving it to Manure. These days they’re just “meh” in my eyes though.
@541: Sir Holic, you’re not so bad yourself mate. Hope the cooking’s going alright!
572 and not a boo nor a cheer for my humble tale @ 444…How’s a chap to improve his story telling with feedback?
…I am gonna go away and sulk until after the game (or the review of the game – whichever comes first) if someone don’t say something…
Or maybe I will just expose the whole dastardly plot and screw the lotta-a-ya..
** with = without
Re: Ollie @524: Maybe not the original, but could be one of the most devious. π
Re: ‘holic: Good management news!! Make sure she gets all that chicken soup!
575? Blimey!
I guess Snir is the type who can be described as ‘glass so full that it is overflowing’. A proper happy trainer π
To draw a line under it, it doesn’t matter if we or the meeja think(at this stage of the season) whether we are contenders or not! In the end, the team just has to focus on the next game.
8 Ball – Most devious century ever, no doubt π
Trev – Brilliant carol!
Somewhere below Zurich lies Syph Blatter in a dark, wet cavern wearing a jumpsuit made out of the skin of dead infants. He is surrounded by hundreds of sloths and they are either asleep or lazily picking their armpits in the damp earth. He is writing the new Rules of the Game on the cavern walls using his own faeces when he hears the click-clacking of footsteps. He turns around and squints his eyes at the silhouette making his way through the furry mounds on the ground. Itβs Platini wearing blue racing overalls covered with numerous sponsor names which he can barely fit into. He is wearing a broad smile and smoking a pencil thin cigarette. Blatter scowls.
Blatter: You were supposed to be here weeks ago. Where have you been?
Platini: Mon ami, cβest super. Iβve been watching ze Formula One races in Monaco, trying to see how les enfants are handling their new models.
Blatter: But I thought you hated Formula One?
Platini: Moi? Non monsieur, you must have mistaken. I would never have said that.
Blatter: Hmphβ¦my memoryβs not what it used to be since that time I hit my head on the sink in the Hippodrome. And what about our problem, Shaft? Is he taken care of?
Platini: No need to worry about him monsieur, everything is fine.
Blatter: Why didnβt you say so? Iβve been in this cave for weeks now. Havenβt had a baby in weeksβ¦
Platini: Iβm sorry to hear that sir. But shall we get down to business? Iβve been thinkingβ¦donβt you think that itβs about time we introduced technology into the game? The people are complaining about corrupt officials and matches that look bought in Europeβ¦
Blatter glares at Platini for a few seconds.
Blatter: Go on.
Platini: Maybe we should do something about it, sir. It would help ourβ¦ourβ¦comment dit-on, ah ouiβ¦our reputation, sir.
Blatter: But we talked about this before Michelle. I hope you havenβt forgotten whoβs been buttering your breadβ¦
Platini: Non, nonβ¦just a thought sir, just a thought. Anyway, hereβs something that I think youβll appreciate, sir.
Platini produces a bottle and a crying baby from behind his back and Blatterβs face changes from one of suspicion to a picture of glee.
Platini: A bottle of orphan tears from Monaco and a gypsy firstborn, sir. Your favourite.
Blatter: WUNDERBAR! You just made my day Michelle. Now do like Santa Claus and leave my presence.
Platini: Oui monsieur.
Platini makes his way out of the cave and Blatter watches him all the way out while holding the baby and the bottle. As soon as Platini disappears from sight he uncorks the bottle and takes a long swig of the green liquid contained within. He then bites into the soft belly of the infant with his razor sharp fangs and does not stop until all thatβs left are tiny red bones and a torn cloth diaper. He then writes βMichelle was different todayβ on the wall with his bloodstained fingers.
Dark, Shaft. Most dark.
@444: Hey GT, I read your post but it wasn’t really clear what was going on I thought. Is Mancini planning a hostile takeover of Etihad or something?
Not that is just downright nasty!
Evening all. Late to the party, but plenty still around having fun I see. Or are you all just lingering to
Catch that esteemed Golaso- the 600th.
We shall see…. (returns to hiding behind cape).
And I don’t give much a shit about Citeh, though their player quality is not to be ignored. On the pitch that is…
Balotelli is fun to watch- just sit around and wait for him to freak out and do something stupid, it’s great!
Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark, PiK
True indeed NBN. A drink on me- to the as of yet unseen dawn!
Rabindranath Tagore’s words rather than mine, by way of full disclosure, but I hope you’ll join me in what is a night cap for me…
Ned@582 – is that saucy?
Starts to limber up but not certain there’s time enough for me to get on and make me mark
Tries to catch the manager’s eye – hoping to get the nod – but aware others are going through their warm-up routines too
Bollox. Gets the signal from the assistant M. to sit back down on the bench, and does so with a hint of attitude. makes promise to himself to speak to agent in the morning re the upcoming opening of the T. window.
Meanwhile, back at Shaftβs apartment. Nimfh OβManiac and Honey Bottom are both covered in moustache wax and lying exhausted on Shaftβs huge heart-shaped waterbed. Theyβve both managed to lose 200 pounds each during their two-day-long mΓ©nage-a-wax session. Shaft is sitting at his computer wearing an Arsenal bathrobe when he receives an incoming cable from Control. He reads it silently.
Shaft: I thought I would have a few days to myself but I guess a manβs gotta earn a living.
Nimfh: What was that Shaft?
Shaft: Seems like Arsenal won a tour to Lagos but Control wants me to make sure itβs on the level before they commit to going down there. Wonβt do anybody any good if it turned out to be another one of those Nigerian scams.
Nimfh: Yeah, thereβs been a rake of that going on likeβ¦
Shaft: Anyway, I organized a meet with Kanu so Iβm making a move sweetcheeks.
Nimfh: Alright Shaft, Iβm headinβ meself. It was gas craic altogether but Iβd ate the arse off a farmer through a tennis racquet right about now. Iβll let ye know the latest from Venezuela later.
Shaft: You do that sugar. Make sure you eat right too, you know I have a taste for the stout.
Nimfh: Oh Shaftβ¦
Shaft gets dressed, leaves the apartment and jumps in his Camaro to make the long drive up to Portsmouth. But when he gets there he just finds a solitary Tudor wall with the words βFratton Park, 1898β in front of a vacant lot. He sees an old man standing with a cane near the wall.
Shaft: Hey man, whatβs up? What happened to Fratton Park?
Old Man: The whole thing just got repossessed and towed about an hour ago, geezer. Players and allβ¦
Shaft: Shit. Adminstrationβs a bitch.
3 hours from the draw.
Predictions on who we get?
I say Basel.
Hmm, I think we might get Milan. We usually get the hard teams…
Well if the shitty whites can beat Milan, I say we can wipe the floor with them. Personally I am not too concerned who we play as we need to beat all of our opponents to win the trophy, so
Go on Arsenal!
I had a feeling people might say that “I don’t mind who we get, gotta beat the best etc…”
But this was just a question to see if you’re good punters or not π
Heh TABS @526
You have fallen victim to the second biggest mistake in the world: “never engage Snir in a debate about which he has already made up his mind”.
Number one is “never start a land war in Asia”
Is it too late to enter the fray? π
Weaves up the field, as he is pelted by the elements.
Looks for runners in the shape of…
CG flying up the wing looking menacing….
Receives the ball with a sumptuous first touch, bamboozles Rooney, leaving him flat on his face, steps on his head, scraping off a clump of fake hair and arcs into the area…
Threads the ball in towards CG.
‘senses a strong lurk in the area…’
Lays it off towards CG for his rehabilitation…
A massive wall of cunts blocks his route to goal. He stands on the ball and spots Wind open on his left. Looking right, he flicks it the other way with the outside of the boot. Three huge cunts fall over.
Erm…goal?
Get in CG!
Your treatment is complete π
Yes it is! In off Wind’s right arsecheek!
Heh heh!
All in the name of medicine π
Runs to the corner flag to do his trademark air guitar celebration, pulling out an Axel Rose-style bandana and tieing it round his head.
Points to the assister/therapist Wind with an inane grin on his face.
BTW folks, has noone noticed that the Sp*ds’ ‘glorious’ european cup run is over?
Big club my ARSE
Catalan – have you not seen me agree with them on Tevez? I can be persuaded sometimes. Not a lot but sometimes π
Apologies for the lack of cohesion to my points this AM but I’m just spouting whatever comes into my head, stream-of-consciousness-style.
According to football365, Chelski and Arsenal are both praying to avoid Milan in the draw today.
I say screw that. I really hope we get them. I want a massive Euro game to look forward to in February and I’m definitely not afraid of that lot. Bring it on.
Well in Camberwell!
What time is the draw? 11 UK time?
Harsha, UEFA.com says it starts 12.00 CET (1pm in English money), so they might possibly have it wrapped up by chucking-out time tonight.
For a full run-down how it will all unfold, see arseblog’s minute-by-minute itinerary.
P.S. It was AVB who’s been quoted as saying they want to avoid Milan. Spineles twat.
SpinelesS
I think it’s at 11:00 GMT Camberwell
The draw is definitely at 11.
The 12 draw is for clubs from Manchester.
Wenger: ‘I played Santos because I wanted to be fair to the competition… I had a long hesitation before I picked him’
Fuck the competition AW. Fuck UEFA. Coulda done without an injury to Santos.
The draw will take ages.
First there’s the matter of Platini droning on interminably, then we have the official presentation of the brown envelopes, followed by the mutual back-slapping of various UEFA dignitaries, finishing off with the setting of illegal bribe amounts for next year.
So much to do!
nap vs chavs
milan !!!!! come on arse !
So fucking obvious.
We get Dortmund as 4th seed and we get AC Milan in the last 16.
C’mon now…
Can’t remember last time we were beaten by the Italians apart from Inter at home , which was of course avenged by a 5-1 thrashing away from home .
confident .
Really looking forward to this game. I’d rather take on Milan, with all of the clubs history (good and bad), politics, intrigue, Zlatan (for me as a Swede) and a good pitch, instead of Moscow with the long flight, the synthetic pitch and the weather.
As we always say, this is what the competition is about. And I have so fond memories of Cescs tears during that 0-2 game so I’m hoping to see Jack doing the same in a few months time!
Not a bad draw to be honest, we can definitely do em!
It’s an improvement on getting Barcelona at this stage last year.
Bring it on!!
When’s the draw?
Or is it gone already?
We are The Arsenal…
Zico – Improvement but weren’t finishing on top supposed to give us and Chelsea some help π ?
2 Hardest teams lol
Milan will be shitting themselves….
I see it’s gone.
I told you these fuckers from Lyon would get APOEL Nicosie.
It really is a massive FIX.
I think we can do AC Milan no problem, but it’s a bit of a fucker of a draw. I mean they’re by far the best second placed team there.
Also it’s in fucking Italy which is a bugger to watch football in (bad memories of being held up in the stadium in Rome and then held up forever in traffic in the buses).
Bit gutted to be honest. Not sure whether I want to go to the away game.
in other news, the wind’s just gone stronger.
Speaking of Apoel, UEFA are so stupid that when they showed videos about each team they showed a video of Hapoel Tel-Aviv and named them Hapoel (fucking cunts).
We can do Milan but I don’t think think it’s gonna be “no problem.”
Milan it is then?
Good. Positively wetting myself in anticipation.
It will be tough but if we can do THAT to Farca we can definitely turn over Milan…who to be fair are probably not sitting there thinking, “Thank god we got Arsenal.”
Bring it, bitches.
Yes, you’re right Snir, I think the ‘no problem’ was an involuntary turn of phrase, bit of a reflex, unfortunate.
Not so surprised at the idiots at UEFA confusing their Apples.
Listen to those cunts on F365:
“A nightmare draw for Arsenal.”
If that was Man U, it would be:
“A mouth-watering cup-tie for ManYoo.”
Can anyone say with certainty that either of us or Milan are favourites? I’d say it was pretty even stevens and we can therefore do them.
WOOOOWOWOWHOWHOWHWOHWOHW !!!!
Home match 6th of March which is when I’m in London!!!
Ollie and the rest – Where can I get tickets from (I’m asking 3 months in advance for a reason cause I’ve got the feeling that I’ll hear the words “it’ll be hard for a class A game etc…”) π
the weekend prior to the first leg we play sunderland.. who does milan play? udinese!!!
the same udinese who we turned over in 2 legs with a weakened team. the same udinese who are 2nd on serie a points on goal difference.
no problem there. grab the away goals and we can let park chu young a run in the second π
Right, time to pick the pace up a bit, chaps.
Have we ever seen a 700-commenter in these hallowed halls?
…and more importantly, is it too early to start the countdown?
AW on Jack: “he had an important scan on Thursday and the results were very very good, exceptionally good, he’ll be back in mid-February.”
I think by mid-February he means completely back and in contention to be chosen in the first eleven because it was said that he’d be coming back in the end of January to a reserve match against Bolton on 24/1/12.
That means AC Milan away π
As for Gibbs, he could be back for Villa or the week after against Wolves.
That’s great news.
I wouldn’t have thought so, we just need to start it further back in the game, so here goes:
CG reaches over and switches off his alarm clock. He climbs slowly out of bed, careful not to wake the management and starts packing his kit, towel and shower gel.
ATVO are awesome π
They just put the archives of the previous AC Milan on today’s Arsenal Player schedule π
…kisses his lucky charm, crosses himself and puts on his goalscoring boxers (which haven’t been washed since 600).
Meanwhile, across town in Chez Wind…
Camberwell @ 636 – 1000 plus on transfer deadline day if I recall correctly.
With all this frivolous century hunting going on, it’s only a matter of time….. π
Moi? Century hunting??
Do you think Holic would book me if I used one word per post?
Like
this?
No but I think Ollie will kick you in the nuts – he hates back drinking.
π
What’s his stance on geese?
Dr Z knows.
Metting with HR (possibly) and cunt of all cunts that is my boss’s boss in half an hour.
I honestly don’t know if I can stop msyelf from calling him a cunt.
He’s a smooth talker but he’s a despicable human being who only cares about himself not his teams. The opposite of my boss.
Not sure what the ‘official’ communication will be, but I’m seething.
I don’t think he stands on geese, CG.
… just done my back-drinking π
Shaft @ various – not really sure what’s going on anymore or who’s a goodie and who’s a baddie , but heh anyway π Perhaps a recap of the plot thus far might be handy ?
Harsha @576 – Very well said , and consider the line very drawn .
Snir @589 – Crystal ball still not working , I see π
Mr C @593 – Too true , Sir , too true , though there were times that I thought a war in Asia might be the easier option . π
Well in Camberwell , and nice assist Wind .
Snir @607 – Yes you did come round to the side of reason re Tevez eventually , but it was like pulling teeth π
Milan ? Bring the whiney bitches on .
Re: Camberwell @600: Innovative. π
Before you start worrying though, no lay-off, just the destruction of the team, a team that brought quality support world-wide and worked a lot of hours for absolutely fucking free.
Still, we cost too much and some ‘rationalisation’ mean they want to have ZERO R&D Optics budget in France now….
We’ll see what the options are (I may even fall under Belgium management, heh), no doubt there’s some more global reorganisation of support to go along with it, but dropping down one level of support to work with some rather incompetent people doesn’t appeal that much to me.
Emigrating to the US obviously not an option as it’s too far from The Arsenal…
Anyway………..
And a tidy little half-century without even trying – the boy’s on form today .
Dr Z , heh π
Good luck Ollie .
WTF???? π
zico @ 649 – ha ha ha
bt8 @ 651 – ta!
Both: round on me.
The “WTF” was in response to the Geese question, not Ollie’s imminent relocation…
London beckons Ollie . Job going in The Tollie , I hear .
Ollie @ 652 – I heard my massive twat of a CEO use the word ‘rationalisation’ in a meeting when what he really meant was ‘redundancies’.
Bellend. Not even got the nuts to say it like it is.
Off topic looks like Bendy aint coming back in Jan after all:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2074986/Nicklas-Bendtner-Lee-Cattermole-arrested-trashing-cars.html
@ 657
Job at the Tollie indeed – bouncer.
Keep excitable patrons off the tables π
CG @ 656 – Allow me to explain.
Prior to the Oil City tie in the beer cup I was in here doing my usual, hugely popular comedy routine of ingenious puns on all topics oil and middle east-related (e.g. “What we need is some slick passing tonight” – Holic himself could barely type, he was in stitches).
I saved my ‘best’ one for the century (kept it on the clipboard, ready for lightning-quick deployment), then when the usual countdown was going on I just jumped straight in, bang on the ton with my comedy gold, completely ignoring the etiqutte of assisting, playing the ball round etc.
What did I get for my efforts? Someone said “Fuck off Camberwell you goose!”
There’s gratitude for you!
CG – now that you mention it, I do remember! π
Was it Ollie? And why a goose?
Another of life’s eternal mysteries. π
ATG @659…. I belive Bendy is going to be the textbook example of a career wasted…..
Free the Camberwell Geese.
They is innocent.
Definitely some strange people frequent this establishment.
If you ask me.
Dr Z @660 – heh π I was thinking more along the lines of the “serve your mates some freebies” position π
Is the Camberwell Goose being fattened for Christmas ?
Now here’s a poser:
What’s the corniest chat-up line you know?
One of my favourites is:
Are you a parking ticket, ‘cuz you’ve got “fine” written all over you!
Slays ’em every time.
Camberwell , heh π
‘Arry feeling the pressure .
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/tottenham-hotspur/8960110/Harry-Redknapp-could-face-misconduct-charge-for-clenched-fist-riposte-aimed-at-Shamrock-fans.html
Altogether now , ” F*cked in the showers , you’re getting f*cked in the showers “
I’m saving the piece de resistance for the 700 – if the holics can stand the suspense that long.
668 wasn’t my chat-up line by the way π
Heh!
Tabs – Glad you told me. I couldn’t really see “You’re getting f*cked in the showers” working as a chat-up line…
God, you two (CG and tabs), don’t feed Clive’s frenzied imagination.
Replace “the showers” with “my bedroom” and you could be onto a winner…
Are you making a pass at me , Camberwell ? π
Afternoon All
Somewhat predictable but what a brilliant draw for The Arse! The pick of the round (I think) and confident that we can get a result over two legs.
tabs @ 668 – Brilliant! π TWITCHCON 10
A round for all in the bar please Mr. Barman. Forwards to 700?
Afternoon TS , I’ve got about 15 minutes to see us through to the 700 . If we work quickly , we might avoid the lurkers !
*stubs cig out and does a few hasty star jumps*
Did you fart? Cause you blew me away.
Excuse me do you know how much a polar bear weighs? No ? Me neither but it breaks the ice.
Have got a stupidly busy afternoon, so only time for a quick drink and back-drinking will have to wait until later. Milan does not scare me particularly, especially since we should have both Jack and Sagna and possibly (though it might be a bit soon) even Santos back by then. Sure, by no means a foregone conclusion but in my mind we should be favourites to go through.
Pints are on the bar for everyone, got to run off again!
Tabs, forget the star jumps. Don’t want to peak too early.
Is a rare 700 really in prospect?
Ollie – keep going mate, its always a good sign when they don’t talk layoffs
I managed to escape layoffs 6 or 7 times in my career(?) , including one threat to move from Yorkshire to Birmingham ‘or else’ – they should not try force moves without massive compensation in France
Still blowing strong in Cognac – how is it down south?
Sorry – forgot ‘holic – hope its only good news for the management
Lars @ 680: I really think that there isn’t any team left that we can’t beat in the CL if we are at full strength. Equally, I don’t think we’ll have any easy ties from here on in. We’ll just have to take it one round at a time.
Ollie, hang in there, while looking around for alternatives would be my advice. Walking into a new job while pocketing the package from the old one is always a fine way to leave.
It has all gone very quiet out there. Not even the faint stir of lurkers?
tabs – Are your parents retarded? Because you’re definitely special.
NBN, I started the lurking way back before the 6-5-oh.
Wolfie @ 675: Not intentionally…maybe a cold shower would be a good move right now…
CG@689: so that faint sound was the flap of a goose’s wing rather than the rustle of the Wind?
Ball now being confidently move around the edge of the final third…
CG@690 – if you want a cold gale with streaming rain – you can take this one here
Ball balloons up – where it will land noone (but the Wind) knows
Cognac@693: kind offer, but I’ve already got one.
Cross floats in…
ball swirls around
…air kick…
late run…
… tries overhead kick..
Chocolate legs it.
falls to CG
result!!!!!
– ta CG and NBN
come on 800
Well in, cognac. Spectacular finish worthy of a rare 700.
….and some unheard of 5 year old from Papa New Guinea leaps like a salmon to outjump the ageing holics….
Bugger. See you later then you big bullies. Overhead kicks are overrated anyway. π
geo @706 – to be honest it was a simulated kick – at my age I can only dream
It is already on YouTube, cognac….
http://youtu.be/e9c0FbsEw6E
…but how sick would you be to have a shot like that wrongly ruled offside?
Hey, geo. The older holics get the better we were.
The Scene : Feelgood Towers, the small hours……
Dr Feelgood is pacing up and down his front path, and continually looking at his watch. He has a decidedly worried look on his face and has difficulty concentrating. A car pulls up in the drive and he rushes toward it already shouting before Roxette has turned off the ignition…….
Feelgood : “It wasn’t my fault, the instructions in the book were wrong, or incomplete, or something…..”
Roxette (calmly) : “Can you at least let me get out of the car?”
Feelgood moves away from the car and is gesticulating wildly and still ranting, but Roxette cannot hear what he says. On looking up, she is horrified to see that half of the left hand side of the house has been destroyed, presumably by some form of explosion.
Feelgood : “……and then on page 4 it said “add…….”
Roxette (interrupting) : “Too far. You patently cannot be left for two minutes. It is highly unlikely we’re insured for “lunatic playing with fertiliser” or whatever it is you’ve been doing in that stupid greenhouse these past few days…..and, of course, you had to destroy the side of the house reserved for Mother……”
Feelgood starts throwing up.
Roxette : “And you can forget the attention-seeking. Now we will have to go and STAY with Mother, instead.”
Feelgood faints.
A few hours later, Feelgood wakes, and thinks for a second he is back in his room in the retreat ‘Somewhere in the Home Counties’. At his bedside is Professor Storey. Roxette is in the doorway talking to a Consultant in hushed tones, with a concerned look on her face.
Edwin : “Ah, Doctor F, welcome back. You had me scared for a bit – I’m not used to you passing out, in err, natural circumstances.”
Feelgood : “Where am I?”
Edwin : βItβs all right, youβre in the Quackery. No need for helicopters this time around. Youβre in the hands of Professionals.β
Feelgood : βQuackery? Whatβs a Quackery?β
At this point, the Consultant, whose face has not yet been revealed, walks out into the corridor. The clip-clop sound of heels is then heard, and skipping into the room with a flourish, is none other than Wolfgang Smallballs, head-to-toe in nurseβs uniform, with an excited gleam in his eye.
Wolfgang : βSorry Iβm late. Just come from a Nativity play. So, whoβs the new vict…., I mean patient?β
Edwin : Itβs our old friend. However he wonβt recognise you. He has only gone and lost his memory…….
To be continued…..
lol congac – long time reader, long time admirer of this blog. Only comment now and then, but will be doing so more often now – I have a thirst for goals only rivaled by some of the prolific poachers on here, and RvP of course…!
NbN – haha! I agree, and must admit I told a little lie about my age.. and my nationality… and my ability to leap like a salmon… damn this compulsive streak of mine π
heh, geo, never let the facts get in the way of a good story…..
I would never do that zico. Truth? Fact? meh. Speculation and fiction is where it’s at. And that’s a fact.
Sorry, i’ll stop trying to be funny now.
Thanks for keeping me entertained and thanks for your excellent writing and comments section ‘Holic. Off to see the family in Ireland (if we can make it out of Ingerland tonight), but will be sure to visit these pastures in 2012. Peace to all. And up the Arse.
NBN @ 708 Leaves me breathless everytime I watch it, goal of the century and beyond. Truly a work of art. No words can do it justice.
‘Site Rationalisation’.
What a load of codswallop.
As I said, US & Italy (apart from a couple of days early next year) are too far from the Arsenal, so not for me.
Not sure what I’ll do. I know offers from within the company won’t be missing, see if I like it or not.
It’s just the feeling of an enormous waste that’s getting my goat.
Hope it all works out Ollie.
There are worse places to be a Gooner than NYC, mind π
Zico, Because you have such a vivid imagination, I pose this scenario to you. What If someone like director/producer Roger Moore were to do a movie based on Holic’s Bar? Who would you like to see play your part?
True zico, but somehow I prefer to be at the game.
And be a bad influence to the barman π
nurse Abb,
Keith Richards has been parodying my life for years…..maybe we could get him?
Or Oliver Reed. The things they can do with computers, eh? 8)
heh Ollie – your influence would be missed, and not just by the Guvnor. π
Zico @ 721 Keith Richards, hmm, that could work. But I had Hugh Grant in mind. For Holic, Colin Firth. Snir will present the greatest challenge. Cary Grant would have made a great Ollie!
Oh, I just know I’m pushing my luck and everyone’s patience but Wind has to be played by Johnny Depp. Now, I’ll be quiet and go sit in the corner ( and think some more).
heh ABB.
In other news after another long and emotional chat with my boss, he really truly is the best boss in the history of bosses ever.
And I’ll try to bring him back for an ARsenal game before the end of the season.
Right, work to do.
Onwards to the 8th century!
NBN @708 – never mind being sick at having an off-side , I’m sick at the energy involved in that celebration – would definitely need Nursie for a week
Heh abb @ 724
Ollie @ 725 – sounds like some good news jobwise
Not really good news, cognac. The future remains undecided.
And my boss will probably not be my boss in a year’s time, whether I still work with him or not.
It’s just that he truly is the best boss ever.
Re: Dr. F: No wonder they call it the quackery, with patients, er victims like you. π
Damn, I was hoping for a 2 bit cameo played by Mr. Depp! Oh well, I guess I can be played by a ‘relaxed’ Keanu Reeves
Ollie, If someone tried to send me to Italy, and paid me for it, it wouldn’t be against my will. π
Hey, best of luck through all that Ollie- doesn’t sound fun. I’ll save my best ‘purple haze’ just for you, case you need it!
Erm, @ # 729
Who are you again?
“Mancini, whoa oh oh,
He came from Italy,
to manage a bunch of mercenary cunts.”
Poetry, that is.
PS Christmas drinking should be left to the professionals. I hate it at this time of year when Gladys from HR makes a tit of herself in the pub after two sweet sherries……
Rant over, Arse chums.
What it is with all these one line drinks just before the century mark?
In any case, well in at 700 monsieur cognacgunner.
Cognacs all around the bar please, barman. My wallet is feeling a little bit Swedish today. π
Not to stereotype all Swedes as generous, unless Lars begs to differ.
Does anybody else care who gets the 3/4 of the millenium drink??
I’ll care if I claim it! If not, it’s a useless, unimportant trophy… π
Back pass to the BFG… we’ll build this attack slowly…
…very slowly… -_-
Apparently the rest of the bar out did themselves last night and are all asleep at the HT wheel!
If a penguin-footed frenchie scores a golaso and no ones there to see it, does it go swish at the back of the net?
waddle waddle (slowly working up the left side of the field, pulls hair behind ear…)
As if in a dream, Dreamy briefly looks around, seeing no one, absolutely no one…
He pauses- a moment’s hesitation…
Then swiftly, decisively, he places the through ball splitting the two non-existent defenders…
A touch to the outside, avoiding the on rushing, invisible keeper with deft surity
This is gonna be a big one…
tabs @ 554, Darren Fletcher sprint to the loo? π
@ 678, some of the highest quality pulling technique I have had the pleasure to witness π
Shaft @ 577, dark like chocolate, but I like a change every now and then.
@ 588, heh.
Camberwell @ 640, allez! I wish I could of had a run in after my selfless assist, but I was being entertained by Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows with a mate and a dead Blackberry, no chance mate π
@ 661, hahahahaha! π
Wolfie @ 675, heh heh π
NBN & Cognac @ 691/694, thanks for nudging me on towards the 700 but I was sadly predisposed in a film as mentioned above π
zico @ 710, its hotting up again π
abb @ 724, Johnny Depp! Aww you flatter me but I’d have to be played by Idris Elba, he’s one smooth black dude, much like our Shaft heh heh π
PiK @ 730, Mr Depp is all yours, although I think Keanu might suit you better… π
Well in Cognac mate! Age ain’t nothing but a number… π
And on the draw, I’d rather we had drew an easier team, especially in light of Cesc not being with us anymore (plays well against Italian teams he does), but you’ve got to beat whoever’s in front of you to get to the final, our Cup Run in the 05/06 season had some hard teams, Real Madrid, Juventus, Villarreal but we beat them all π
Here’s too another succesful run with an hopeful trophy at the end of it π ‘raises glass’
A simple strike of the ball, rolling towards goal line…
(no one will ever know what happened next)
Whey-hey!
What perfect unintentional timing!
Wind!!!! You bastard!!! Well played, man, you got the coveted seventyhalf century with a no look run!
Get in!
Unlucky PiK, I’ll take that useless, unimportant trophy! π
Ollie, Holic
The two of you have mail π
Such is the life of an assister…
bottle of Bordeaux please.
haha man, I’ve been unlucky on the last two centuries, perhaps this is a sign of a new wind blowing around for me? π
Dear Ollie/ Holic,
Your good friend Snir is on his way to the Grove, just in time for Milano!!! But alas, no ticket in his hand. What are you kind fellas up to and will you take me pleasepleasepleasepleasepleeeeeeaaaasssseeee!!!
Love,
Snir
Yea! 750- what a joke. Who wants that anyways!
sigh…
Believe me PiK, I have travelled that hard lonely road many a time…
I’ll join you with that bottle of Bordeaux.
Carving through the defence like a walrus sunning himself, PiK
Wind scores when he pleases….
Thanks NBN. Any more Tagore to help keep up the spirits?
βIf you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.β
Ok, Rabindranath, I’ll try…
I prefer ‘scores when he wants’ NBN, since her Majesty the Queen isn’t frequenting this good bar today, but thanks anyway π
Alright, fine sirs, back to the fields… Till we meet again!
Evening all,
Back from hospital. Oven on. Dinner will be simple fare tonight. I am phuqued.
Citeh preview will be in the morning now. I ‘m so sorry, but it would just be even more gibberish than usual right now.
Management hoping to be out over the weekend, but still not a hundred percent.
Snir, I will try and get back to you over the weekend. I have something a little easier to attend to first. The Greek national debt problem π
Try this, PiK,
Let your life lightly dance on the edges of time like dew on the tip of a leaf.
‘Holic, I hope the management is going from strength to strength in the hospital π
Watched Cesc’s goal vs AC Milan, tear in my right eye…
‘Holic@767: feet up, glass of something that cheers and take it easy. We have been able to keep ourselves amused. Stirling work from all the regulars. Glad to hear the management is on the mend, if still a ways to go. Best wishes from all of us here in the bar.
‘holic, hope the mgt. gets well soon! sorry to hear she’s in hospital, will say a prayer to the gooner gods for her.
loving milan in cl. a true test, and one i believe we can pass. looks most likely we’ll be missing song and gervais away in milan, so let’s see young coq and the frimpong step up. any chance of jackie being back by then?
Thanks Wind.
Poor lass is up and down at the moment. Badly needs the right drugs cocktail to knock that nasty little bug on the head.
Made more difficult by her having an auto-immune disease anyway. Can’t fault hospital to be fair.
I may also write an article about the difference between ‘upgrading’ OS on Mac and Windoze.
That should bore everyone to tears π
Wind@765: not loading up your clipboard with the Book of Kells in anticipation of the 1,000, I trust…
I am here.
LO@775: never doubted it for a minute…
Just arrived from work:) Too early for 800 century, but a chance of a lifetime, CL semi-final, needs some decent stretching. Off to read the drinks, hope everything is fine with ‘Holic’ management.
Holic, Sorry to hear that. Really wish there was something we could do to help.
Aha, Lurky Oliva, my centruy rival nemesis…
This will be a battle of the ages! Of Lurking π
NBN, book of kells? ‘goes to google’
Lurky, I see now that the predicted news broke early. How quickly does said reorganisation take effect?
Thank you all for your kind thoughts and words.
I’m a lucky fella.
Century* at 779
NBN, from what I’ve seen, it looks very interesting, but I wouldn’t do that lol, probably add the length of a 100 drinks to the post π
As someone already said up there, we’re the lucky ones ‘Holic π
lurky going through reorgs too?
Sorry to hear the not so good news ‘holic.
Hope the drugs do work.
Wind@782: This.
Wind@781: well, you just can’t get the monks these days…
All the best wishes to the management `Holic. Seems like a pretty tough week both of you had.
And for Ollie: you were blessed with an wonderful experience,doesn’t happen too often in a professional life for many people. Having be there I sympathize with your plight. As for expatriation I can tell you is that I enjoyed working in the UK and now in the US infinitely more than in France. Heck, I even liked working in Germany more. Many good things in France but the work environment is not one of them…
Scruz, Song will not be at the ACN, Cameroon have not qualified.
Long day today, feeling totally knackered. Looking forward to a relaxed Saturday tomorrow. Drinks on my tab as always!
Many Thanks Lars π
‘Finishes Roast Dinner, begins to limber up’
Lars@787: and you can bet Cameroon wouldn’t have slapped a 15 match ban on Eto’o if they had.
One plus to the CL draw is that we don’t have to go to Russia in February. One or both of Real Madrid and Benfica could come a cropper there.
OK, lurkers, into the 90s now. Start showing yourselves…
Wind, present!
‘Gets the nod from Le Boss, tears onto the field!’
Boss switches to a 1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 formation with Wind one of the ones….
Wind has been working on the assist aspect of his game for sometime, but is looking to get back to more offensive orientated ways today π
So this formation is tailor-made for him…
…as he can play in the false one role…
This is a chance for wind to show his talent, his movement speed, as he can be all over the pitch…
Crowd chants “There is only one Wind…”
GET IN!!!!!
Unleashes a blustering shot towards goal!
WIND!?!?!? Why didn’t you assist ?!?!? You’ve been pinponging posts with NBN for 15 minutes now, but disappeared in the moment of truth!!!!
BOOOOOO
Get in!!!!!
He’s done the big 800!
And the North Bank goes wild!!! π
Selfish.
Just selfish.
…that blows the keeper away. Well in!
Oh well… An assist is good too… I’m sure OptaJoe has already put down the assist in my 2011-2012 statistic record. π
It is all in the timing, SG.
Ah ah ah, shoulda called for it earlier on Snir.
+ I still thought your 3 match ban was still on π
Nahh… the 700 was my last one, it was a CC match π
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3749778/Terry-Venables-How-the-Premier-League-will-finish.html
This is absolutely hilarious.
People actually predicted us winning the Europa League as if we’d be knocked out by Udinese.
Bunch of clueless wankers.
My statistic record for the 1st half of the 2011/2012 season must be phenomonal in terms of goals and assists.
I am a natural phenomenon after all… ‘super ;)’
Haha, Venables should stick to singing ‘While I can dream!!! Please let my dreams!!! Come true…’
LOLLLLLLLL
The competition on this week’s Arsecast!!
“Arsenal sold 2 french players to Manchester City. Which one was of them was the complete and an utter chinless cunt? Was it A) Samir Nasri.
10 seconds of silence.
Answers to competition@arseblog.com”
Genius. Absolutely hilarious.
I’ll wait till bed for the Arsecast, I like listening to it on my phone nowadays π
Holic, I’ll echo what someone else already said, It is us who are indeed lucky.
Blimey, sadly not got enough time to catch up on all the drinks. I hope I have not missed anything. Did just hear AW say that Podolski is definitely not a target so that looks a non starter.
Holic, all the very best to the boss. I hope she is on the mend and home soon. I also hope that the bug gets a bit of the Zamora treatment and ends up getting booted into row Z.
Keep the faith.
Hi Fellas, Wind great choice, plus he is an Arsenal fan. Pires, Johnny Depp it is! As for who should portray our very own Snir, ACM’s Gattuso gets my vote. Google Gattuso ACM and click on YouTube. There is a video of him taking on Tottenham, including Harry, truly priceless.
Steve – He also said no on Arteta 3 days before we signed him, so once again, we shouldn’t read anything (!!!) into what AW tells the media in terms of transfers. Never a definite answer.
ABB – I’d like to think of myself as a bit more talented than Gattuso who has no talent whatsoever. Just a fighting spirit. I’ve got both π
Snir, just passing on what he said. Make of it what you will.
Right now, the only thing that is in my mind, is why is the game on Sunday? Can’t wait that long!
Steve T –
don’t forget Snir is looking into the transfer window with the benefit of his balls !
Hereinafter referred to as The Ging Gang Goolies π
It’s G’night from me.
Trev – you know you can’t electrocute me… I’m too elusive for you guys.. You’ll never catch me π
It’s all balls you say???????????????
Bed for me. Up in 5 hours.
Snir @ 817 Snir I fervently hope he hasn’t heard your remarks. Plus, he’s one of the greats of all time, truly. He defends his club the way you defend Arsenal, to the death! BTW, I predict a wild and crazy match with ACM. Plenty of excitement at both ends. With Arsenal winning. Cheers!
800’s? The worlds gone mad! G’night all
Abb- One of the greats of all time??? Did the winter cold hit you too???
He is just an Italian Vinnie Jones. He only knows how to play dirty, he’s not even a good tackler and he has no football in his legs.
No football at all.
Interesting read…
http://desigunner.wordpress.com/2011/12/17/are-arsenal-showing-greater-resolve-this-season-comparison-with-top-sides/
Mama Mia Snir! On a serious note, I hope he regains his vision. My prayers for David Villa, as well. I’ll always have a soft spot for men who bring a little something extra to the beautiful game.
Hey guys and girls! Having a good one I hope π
I predicted we’d get Milan and I was right! Have I achieved psychic status yet?
Morning. So cold here that when I got out the car a penguin bit me on the arse.
CoR. If you had money on it then yes you have. If you didn’t then you still out it down as a guess.
Simples.
Hehe, thanks for clearing that up Steve π
Yes COR I do believe you are a psychic!
As I said before guys I’m not too worried about Milan and Shitehs, more worried about injuries and suspensions to hey players.
…and the I-phone translating certain words after I’ve submitted my post. Somebody resurrect Mr Jobs and ask him what the fecks going on with that sheet!
Gonnertown, just turn the autocorrect thingie off and you’ll be alright!
SteveT, you’re in luck. Over here it’s so rainy I just saw an elderly man with a boat rounding up pairs of animals of various sorts.
Heh Lars π
I wish we were playing today, feeling so impatient…
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>