Yossi Lands The Punt, But It Was Close
Dec 21st, 2011 by 'holic
I got the impression prior to the game that some thought tonight would be a stroll in the park for Arsenal. Perhaps it is worth pointing out that before the match Villa’s points tally was closer to ours than ours was to Manchester City.
I was not surprised to see them put up a pretty determined effort, and just as I thought we deserved something out of the game on Sunday, so I had some sympathy for Villa until the brain donor that is Alan Hutton decided to revert to type. The ‘holic pound was secured, but it was a tight call and earned by the introduction of Yossi Benayoun for the understandably tiring Aaron Ramsey.
Villa started brightly in front of their home crowd, and Agbonlahor’s early header brought a sharp save from Wojciech Szczesny. We needed to match them for effort, and did so. When Walcott nipped past Clark the Villa man clearly attempted to hold him back and from the resulting penalty Robin van Persie gave us the lead.
As the half wore on chances were traded as Aaron Ramsey rushed one effort high and wide, and Bannon was a bit closer with a free-kick from the left edge of the box. I mentioned in the drinks that we had earned the right to play later on in the match, not realising how late it would be before Villa ran out of steam.
Credit where it is due, the hosts started the second-half brightly and were level when I witnessed what I think was a first for me, a Thomas Vermaelen mistake. His underplayed header fell short of the Big Flipping German who, having already been booked, could not stop the nippy Albrighton by fair means or foul. The Villa man ‘megged Szczesny and it was rightly all-square. I was close to a tidy profit when Per Mertesacker blasted goalwards in the ensuing minute only to hit the Villa ‘keeper. One day, BFG, one day.
Tomas Rosicky came on for Emmanuel Frimpong as Arsene signalled our intent to snatch all three points, but it was the arrival of Yossi Benayoun that finally turned the tide our way again. He was the unlikely scorer of a far-post header from a van Persie corner and the ‘holic pound at last returned to winning ways at the best of times. We could have sealed it before that from the penalty spot when, to quote the BBC, “Van Persie was cautioned for diving despite falling under a strong challenge from Stephen Warnock“. Strong challenge indeed. Mr Moss, there is a reason you are way down the pecking order of a poor clutch of Premiership referees.
Time remained for the idiot Hutton to leave both the skipper and Vermaelen on the deck with mindless challenges. The second I thought deserved a straight red but it looked as though a second yellow was brandished first.
A few words of praise are in order for young Francis Coquelin, asked to play in the right-back role he is rumoured not to enjoy. He was harshly carded, I thought, early doors, but stayed vigilant and performed his defensive duties with some diligence thereafter. In midfield the standout performer was again Arteta, and one can only wonder what we might have achieved had we signed him three or four years ago.
A final word too for the bulk of the Villa side who have faced, and lost to, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal in consecutive home games. For three-quarters of the game they matched Arsenal for effort, which is no mean feat this season, and which is catching many by surprise. Just ditch the right back, eh? You know it makes sense.
312 Responses to “Yossi Lands The Punt, But It Was Close”
First!
Y:O:S:S:I
Israeli code for we are taking over!!
A beautiful sun-filled stream from Mexico was spoiled just a little by Pancho the bandido and his side-kick commentator playing “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me” with the Arsenal players names and even celebrating Fabregas’ presence at one stage ‘tween swigs of Corona. And then the stream disappeared. Completely. Courstesy of the Copyright police, by all accounts.
So, off to the orient, and some Chinese jibber jabber. A lousy stream that was jibbing with jabber, but overall, let me see just enough to comment. I’ll await Steve T’s (and Miss T’s) roving report to get the inside skinny on what really happened.
We looked jaded, I thought, perhaps having left a little up in the Middle Eastlands petro-mist. Agbonlehor came close to scoring inside 10. McLeish’s eyes boggled and he almost choked on his chewing gum. Disappointing miss, not the header, the chewing gum choke. Even early on this did not have the look of the Villa-drubbing I’d anticipated. But then – some stupidity from Villa turned things around.
Theo, looking infinitely more interested than he did on Sunday, burst into the Villa box from the left. A young looking Villain, couldn’t see who it was and it sounded like Rin Tin Tin in Mandarin, (and I’m sure he wasn’t playing), tugged our boy’s arm. Walcott didn’t go down but there was no question that it was a penalty and a stupid gift at that.
Robin wound the chocolate leg right up and after a ten pace sprint almost lifted the roof right off the net. All of this was within the first quarter of an hour.
So was it time to sit back and enjoy the deluge? That’s not how it worked out.
Arsenal was in the ascendancy, but not in a ruthless frame of mind. They moved the ball around sweetly, gained an excessive number of corners, but didn’t open up much in the way of scoring opportunities and suddenly, half-time arrived.
We looked more sprightly after the break, but sprightlyness wasn’t the way to describe Tommy V’s header or BFG effort to reach it. Albright skipped in merrily on high and all brightly slipped one past Wojcieck for an equalizer that I’d felt might be coming. Villa began to put on the press – so Arsene pulled a surprise white rabbit out of his topper as his pre-Christmas gift to the noisy travelling Gooners and watching millions.
Benayoun and Rosicky’s arrival transformed the flow. Russia’s finest haircut provided the slapstick humour prior to a New Year departure that looks increasingly likely. And finally, one of at least 10,000 corner kicks from the right paid off and Benayoun scored his first BPL for the Gunners to secure the points.
Rolly Polly Hutton provide some Mr Punch type agro with Robin in the role of Judy receiving his flying elbow. Moments later, McLeish’s snarling poodle was dismissed after an evil late lunge at Tommy V, with McLeish’s eyes almost popping right out of his furious purple face.
Robin led the team over to our travelers – a very nice feature of his captaincy. The team was obviously delighted with Benny’s break-through which I hope will earn him his first BPL start. His attitude certainly deserves that reward and Ramsey needs a break.
Great three points when a draw might have been a fairer result. Neither Frimpong nor Coquelin set the heather alight but will both have benefited from the experience. We do miss Alex Song, don’t we? Koscielny my MOTM – again. I’d like to see Alex The Ox again too please, Arsene.
Enjoyed your post, Holic. Congrats on the Holic pound and yes, BFG was all but there tonight. It will come shortly I suspect.
I really really really like Benny. He’s lively, shows emotion, hot some nice skills. He’s like a thinner, more intelligent and likable version of Bellamy.
Or, well, he really isn’t like Bellamy at all.
I’ll get my coat (but I’ll leave Benny’s!)
Evening Gents, just back from watching the game in a pub (live) with the boys.
One HUGE observation.
Villa were good this evening and we had 4 players off the pace, Walcott, Gerv, Ramsey and Frimpong BUT WE GROUND OUT A WIN whereas last season this was a game we would probably have lost and most likely drawn.
There is a new tenacity, a steel spine to this team and just like Man U and Chelsea in previous seasons we are capable of getting a result when below our best.
Arteta, you beauty! Skill, hunger, passion, commitment, workrate, he leads by example and to me is growing stronger and more influential game by game.
A nervewracking evening but a wonderful result.
Still wondering why we brought Hutton in as apart from breaking legs (Long at WBA springs to mind!) he is absolutely useless! Good game for us, at least we put some effort in but the result just adds more woes to the useless so called statistician from Jockland!!!
Fair reort, ‘Holic. We dug three points out of a pretty stony performance, which is the best that can be said of it.
Yes, BtM we did miss Song who is a cornerstone of our side. Excellent match reports by you and ‘holic. Mertesacker ALMOST flabbergasted me and ‘holic’s wallet but the fates were in disaccord. Koscielny excellent and so was Dunne for Villa who were a little unlucky but it does feel good to have company in seeing another club who are terrible at defending set pieces. It must be said that on that score, as well as on the area of consistent effort, we have improved. London Pride all around barman, with this toast: Here’s to winning ugly. 🙂
Firstly, apologies to Steve T. Should have back drunk when I posted earlier. We were in the same block, I was in row P! See you for QPR-ha-ha?
Delicious 3 points secured from The Villans….. in the end. It was nail-biting stuff but a really top jostle when Benny scored from a corner. Cue mayhem and the birth of a new song!
Kos, Verm & Arteta were immense again. Per was too aside from his one crucial slip (3rd time unlucky?).
I don’t care when we win ugly, I just love it when we win. A round for all in the bar please Mr.Barman and several for yourself what you’re there
Come on you Mighty Reds!!!!! Merry Xmas all!!
11TH COME ON YOU FLIPING redddddddddssssssssssss!!!!!!
Holic, Very sporty of you to give Villa some credit. They certainly had their moments and their fans should be proud of their efforts. I think Hutton is off his meds again.
Just testing |holics all good now!
I had a fucking disaster when when we score the goal!
Dont ask me why I will tell ya……….
Ski Villan @ 7 Your team owes me a manicure. Well played. Cheers!
Ramsey is so overrated.he runs all over the place at the same slow pace,hardly tackles because of his weak frame and his backheel passes are killing me. He needs a long break so does walcott
Tom, Ramsey is tired, nothing more. A good rest is what he needs. Remember they just came off a very big game, non-stop action the entire time.
When we scored the second with Benayoun and all that I asked the little Gooner to put those dirty clothes in the washing machine. To my surprise he came back in tears and water all over him. When I jumped the gun my kitchen was swimming!
He did ask me who scored for Arsenal I said Yossi he said he’s cool he kicks Marios arse every time! 🙂
Kitchen dry now need a new washing machine I suppose…..
Per you let me down but you were close!
Love and have to put up with you lot again …..Management thinks we are some kind of mafia assassins!
Couldn’t have grumbled if we had taken two points from the last two games. Three is a bonus.
BTM @3 Your last paragraph spoke for me as well, word for word. Down right uncanny.
Feeling your flood pain, Arthur.
BtM: agree 100% about Kos. The better his positioning gets, the less you notice him, always the mark of a top-class defender. I also thought Le Coq stuck doggedly to his assigned task, especially after an early yellow.
Holic Flood is under control now with Mr FeelGood playing about with those Wisniowka Cherries again 🙂
I belevie teh lads did us proud! Tonight!
I knew for some reason they where going to give us Holic great bonus …………………………………………
Management must be feeling better I hope 🙂
I’m off chaps till tomorrow 🙂
Not the best of games but three points is three points. I am now in the car (management is driving, I’ve been to the pub!), we’re on our way to the country house where we’ll be for the next ten days or so. The three points today means Xmas can be enjoyed in a slightly more relaxed fashion 🙂
Will try to get some sleep now, drinks are on me as usual – see you tomorrow!
Steve T hope you have a wicked trip back you LUCKY sod!
Ilars have a drink on me Fella!
Definitely dry NOW!
played ‘holic
ReeSult!
Heh iLars. Have a happy and restful christmas. The beer is on me. 😉
D – Israeli Gears…and then some!
I’m already drunk, so I’ll just hutton away.
Holic thanks for the post, I didn’t manage to catch a feed and just saw brief highlights on MOTD. I always felt this was a potential banana skin after the effort against Shitty and Villa’s poor performance against pool was always going to provoke a reaction. So delighted to secure 3 points.
Glad to hear that Wenger tried Coq at right back, I think mid field players are more likely to do a job there than CBs.
Hopefully the club will appeal RVP’s yellow card, that was total bullshit.
Finally Happy Christmas to you and everyone in the bar.
Excelent report ‘holic sir.
I’ll be back sbortly with my ramblings.
In the mean time, a round for the bar please.
Had to watch the match on delay. Just calming my nerves now. Kos was again MOTM for me. I finally figured out what he reminds me of. A velociraptor. Short arms, long neck, fecking quick, with a tendency to rip attackers apart.
Holic said: “Just ditch the right back, eh? You know it makes sense” – I would only add ‘plus the fecking manager as well’ and maybe you will have a chance.
Something like this only in red and white.
http://dinocrisis.wikia.com/wiki/Velociraptor
*sbortly???
shortly.
I could blame it on my telephone, but we all know it’s the drink. 😉
I was more worried about this game than the City game.
I am always more comfortable watching a game that,on paper,is a tight one.
The games we SHOULD win worry me.
The biggest difference,in my opinion,between our current team and its recent predecessors is that this team can play an average game yet get the win.
These ugly,hard fought wins set your season up.
Look at Liverpool of recent times. They have a great record against top dudes yet struggle against so called average opponents.
Velociraptor Koscielny. Savage. 😀
8 Ball, I’ll bet he cleans up nicely in a tux!
Lovely reports as always ‘Holic and BTM.
Happy to win. Firmly in 5th spot and a hair behind Chelsea and the LWCs (since they will fulfill my wishes and play to a high scoring draw with lots of red cards). The title may be a stretch, but top four is well within our reach.
Impressed as always with Kos – surely one of the best defenders in the world right now.
Wenger’s signing of Yossi proving to be a good one. A great player to have on the bench.
It’s a sign of how far Arshavin’s stock has fallen that I was happy to see him take a shot (deflected, but could have gone in).
GoonerTerry, I suspect a number of Villa fans would be in complete agreement with that statement. Amazing to think we were battling with them for fourth a few seasons ago.
Ski Villian @ 7: You should be proud of your team this evening they game the Arsenal a nice little run around. 5 was serious above when I said that you guys should get rid of that bozo of a manager ASAP…he is spoiling the wonderful name of Villa..
Villian: Auto-correct went AWOL today sorry..hope you caught my drift
I also wonder when the FA will start handing out 8 match bans to players that make reckless career-threatening tackles.
Excellent once again (as usual) Holic.
One thing that actually quite bothers me is this “we woulda lost this last season.”
It’s been going on for 3 years now.
It’s the same sentences people said after Hull away, Stoke away, Wolves at home et al in 09-10.
Same sentences as West Ham at home, Everton home, Everton away, Wolves away in 10-11.
It’s the same sentences this year with Norwich, Villa, Swansea et al.
We might not have lost this game. There is a also a chance that these games are games we woulda lost, but you can’t say that based on the result.
And before everybody kills me for this, I know that this season’s team has a feeling of more togetherness, workrate and spirit, but didn’t we all say that last season after the aforementioned games?
And two seasons ago?
All it means, is that we’re starting to win close games as a pattern, on a span of a couple of years, and that makes me extremely happy.
Morning all. Arrived home a few minutes ago. Now first things first. I am more than aware that this bar plays host to a varied and mixed bunch from all over this glorious planet of ours. This is a question to those who reside on this beautiful island or who have sufficient knowledge of it’s workings. Can anyone who fits into that category tell me if they remember a time when the fucking M1 did not have fucking roadworks? Because I am buggered if I do.
I left ample time for my journey. I had taken the advice of my Villa buddy re parking and had hoped to be in the midlands early enough for a sit down bit of tucker with my little lady. Sadly those knobs at the ministry of transport put paid to that. No problem, I have been fortunate enough to have made a few trips to Villa Park and so had a rough idea where certain eateries were. A brief conversation ensued and the decision that the local chippy it was. I strolled by the Witton pub, the traditional away supporters ale house taking in the songs from inside. I am then faced with my first choice of the evening. 2 Chip shops. Now do I go to the imaginatively named Aston Chippy, or do we take a punt on the Villa Chippy? Creativity seems to be somewhat lacking in these parts.
The away support was as always something to be proud of. The mass of Arsenal fans as we made our way in was there for all to see. The obligatory few in their Santa outfits in an attempt to make the highlights were dotted around. Opening chants included “we’ll stand if we want” as a dig at the letters sent out telling everyone to sit was followed by and “your ground’s too big for you” as the vast amount of unsold seats became evident were amusing ditties. The traditional songs followed with Emily going for it. Then followed “Big fucking German, we’ve got a big fucking German.” “Can’t sing that one can we daddy?” “No we can’t” I said. Then, as quick as a flash the teachings of the Lord Holic entered my head and flipping was exchanged to make it accessible. Just don’t tell your mother I told her.
For the first twenty minutes I thought we very much rode our luck. We looked shaky at the back, understandably so with the absentees we have. BTM was spot on about missing Song. Frimpong has massive potential but at the moment that is what it is. We were left exposed at times by a hard working opponent that with a decent striker could have been two goals to the good.
Holic, I agree totally. It took about 30 mins but we did earn the right to play. The penalty was a welcome relief but we had now started to take control.
The second half saw Villa continue as they started the first and they deserved their goal unfortunately. Then followed relentless pressure and a Benny goal from an Arsenal corner. As rare as a clear M1 in these parts.
We still have a long way to go but we are heading in the right direction. The lack of full backs is a big blow. Not only are they missed but those that fill the wide roles in midfield are hardly know for their tracking back and their tenacity. At times we were well and truly under the cosh, but we battled. Our passing at times was lose and as mentioned above, we looked jaded. But we did not lose heart and we continued to fight. They are all massive positives. We lost a lot of quality in the summer but the team spirit seems to have increased immeasurably. One concern for me is still the question of where the goals come from? A stat quoted on the way home. RVP is top scorer this season with 20 goals. Next on the list is Theo with 4. Now I have not had time to check that out. If true then we need to address that at the first available opportunity.
3 points is 3 points. We would have come away with only one if that had been the side we had last year. That definitely made the journey home a lot easier. Madam slept for most of the way home. It was a good trip and most enjoyable. She is now safely tucked up in bed. Despite the hour I am about to make a start on the Christmas ale. Sometimes you just have to enjoy the moment. 6X it is then……..
Keep the faith.
Why can’t wenger play arshavin in place of ramsey ??…Atleast in a few games
Ricky @ 48: and you think that this will raise the tempo of our game?
He raises his bat and acknowledges the cheers of the crowd
Guys something fishy going on at Liverpool’s website. Been trying to access it for the last 30 minutes without any luck. Also tried via Barclays, no go. Just wondering if anyone has been to their site since the news on Suarez.
Loved the report, Steve T. The away fans were loud and strong on my stream.
The stat about our goal scorers is true (according to Wikipedia). Although, RvP has less than half of our total goals (48). It may just be down to Robin being so good, and it works to provide him with support.
If we were without RvP (heaven forbid), Wenger could consider a switch to a 4-4-2. That may give Theo (and perhaps even Chamakh) a better chance to score. But I think the best option is for us to spend some money in January and bring in another striker. I’d be surprised if we didn’t.
@ arsabeatbarca said: “Just wondering if anyone has been to their site since the news on Suarez”
…why would we?
abb, Liverpool’s site works fine for me (unless you factor in that it’s ugly).
abb the liverpool website must have been commandeered by the FA as another part of the punishment against suarez because comrade evra has spoken. 😉
Steve T: Great match report. But which did you choose, the Villa Chippy or the Aston Chippy? 🙂
Just as BtM is right about Song, ‘holic is right about Arteta giving another outstanding performance. Throw in Mertesacker and Benayoun who also came up big tonight and remember that Wenger signed the latter three in the space of 24 hours in August. Good thing he did.
Well, It is up and running NOW, but I’m telling you guys it was down for awhile, probably for their official team statement of support to be released. As for why I was there, I was interested in what they had to say about Suarez’s suspension. And you guys all make me smile!
Steve T –
The 2nd week of June 1984 (M1 question)
‘Holic, very nice all-rounded post, respectful of both clubs efforts 🙂
abb @ 14, heh, I know how you must be feeling due to my many sisters’ nails chipping at one point or the other 😉
BtM, abb, NBN, I feel the same way about Kos. At one point last season/towards the beginning of this season I thought he would need a lot more time to recover from the Carling Cup Final this year but he had loosened and dropped the burden of his back like a True Pro, gets better and better 🙂
IH2H @ 38, 🙂
Steve T @ 47, very nice roving write up.
The away game is something I must experience sometime soon, words of description won’t do it justice I fear…
I’d also like to know which chippy was chosen… 😉
One more thing before I potentially nod off.
Seeing Arteta surging forward with the ball in the middle of the park, it gives me a warm hopeful feeling inside 🙂
Wind@60: said it before, but it bears repeating, Kos is the new Bobby Moore.
Btw, what has happened to Yennaris? He was being spoken of as an emergency right back at the start of the season.
great result today, i am loving seeing the consistant performance the likes of Benyoun brings,i will take a consistant player over some of the flash in pan boys that have filled our ranks,the said man deserves a contract
I actually feel the same way as Ricky @48.
If Ramsey is tired I would play Arshavin in his position because let’s face it, his workrate may not be the same but those chances that Ramsey never put away would be in the back of the net if they fell to Arshavin I think.
Ned @ 62: Yes I second that question!! (can that be done?)…but I too wondered if the lad couldn’t do a job for us at this time. I like the look of him very much..
@ABB #51 http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/pics-reds-show-suarez-support
Ricky@48,COR @64 imo Arsh is just to inconsistant to start,AW seldom makes a sub until the 65TH minute unless he has to through injury,and the way Arsh plays it would be like starting with 10 men,not saying he cant perform just saying he is too inconsistant to be in a top four premeir league side,acompany that with some of the other inconsistant squadies makes for slim pickings.
Not sbortly (oops) but too many drinks (real ones) later here’s my contribution (please excuse typos etc, sobrietry is not one of my virtues)
I’d first like to draw attention to a welcome visitor from a rival clur who posted after the ‘holic cut off in the previous drinks (for those who missed it);
on 21 Dec 2011 at 11:20 pm326Villan
Well done chaps, you had the misfortune to meet us when we played the best we have all season
As for the atmosphere, well, we played a game of footy tonight and the fans responded.
Good game, that could have gone either way imo.
And yes, I thought we did dominate the first half.
The kid Clark who gave the pen away is one to keep your eye on, trust me. He’s just class.
There’s a good chance he might be playing for you in a couple of years time
Whatever, I’m happy with how we played tonight, even though we lost and fair play, you got the 3 points you needed.
Everyone’s a winner in that sense
Thanks for the chat lads.
Maybe we’ll do you next time.
Don’t worry all of you who got/offered me a drink.
The dough’s behind the bar
===
On behalf of the bar, I’d like to thank you for your contribution and wish you all the best for the rest of the season (behalf for the return game ofcourse. 😉 )
======================
Also a big thank you to our roving on the spot reporters, and to Steve T, in the time that I lived in the UK I can’t recall the M1 ever being trouble free.
===================
Back to the subject at hand, I said pre game that Villa hadn’d been at their best lately, but I also speculated that we’d have to be at our best to win.
I’ve watched Villa a number of times over the last month and I think this was the best that they have played in quite a while. The BBC half time report was maybe a tad exagerated, but Villa definely had the best of the first 45 and I think we can count ourselves lucky that we were ahead at the break.
To be totally honest, I thought they came out all guns blazing for the second half too, the equalizer, no matter how unfortunate for us, was no less then they deserved. We weren’t on top of our game and far too many of our passes (their’s too to be fair) were going astray.
I’m not going to do the pointy finger thing, because we all know who the culprits were, but luckily Mr W saw it too and rung the changes at probably the exact needed moment. The new players (well, except one) made the difference and helped us win in a Susan Boyle ugly way.
Some say that this was a game we may have drawn last season, I disagree. I think we would have lost last term and that is the greatest compliment that I can give to the players that took the field last night. We may have indeed lost some flair, but by gum (what did he say?) what we lack in that department we have certainly made up in the “balls out, no giving up, do it for the team” department. We may not be the prettiest gal at the dance anymore, but boy do we have heart. The lads never gave up and it might of took 12 corners, but in the end we came home with three delicous points and when push comes to shove, who can really ask for more?
I’m really happy for Benny (who I believe should get more playing time) that he got the winner, but this was a die hard team performance. From Woj up, every gunner played his part and we should all be proud that its starting to look like the players care as much as we do. Once again a class act from our captain Vantastic to take the team to the away supporters to acknowledge (once again) their excellent contribution.
Whisper it sofetly, but finally the mental strength and team spirit, that our beloved boss loves to talk about, is becoming clear for us all to see.
We are the Arsenal and we are the best……………. Form is tempory, class is consistent.
A beer and a voddie shot to all my ‘holics.
Cheers.
And by the way.
Something you may not see on their offical website, but still needs pointing out;
Liverpool FC strongly supports racism.
Get the unlimited edition T-shirts now available at all good KKK, NF, Apartheid and Racist Fuckwits rallys.
*Form is tempory, class is PERMINENT.
Damn phone, eeer computer, eeer fuck it.
Beer the cause of (and solution to) all of lifes problems 🙂
H2H – I disagree re lost last season (my @46 explains my opinion), I think it could go both ways, we might have lost it, but we also might have won it. There’s no need to go on with the trend of saying “we woulda lost this game last season” every time we win a close one.
As for less flair and more team, agree with you! Who cares about flair? That flair was useless.
We have the same amount of points, and MORE GOALS this season after 17 games. So obviously that “flair” we had wasn’t being put to good use.
So perhaps we are still as exciting as we’ve always been?
I think the suprise of walcots pace is gone move him to the center ,his lacking of technique is even frustrating him,ramsey was quite horrible .But yossi the bossi scored proly his first header goal in his life couldnt come at a better moment coulndnt it?
A great deal off topic but I have just been reading past episodes of “Behind the Arse” fecking hilarious..my god! Take a bow son my son..
Snir, my friend, I read your post and I respect your opinion…
What I posted was mine.
Night all.
H2H – Of course mate.
I was simply commenting on your post and stating what I disagree with (the first part) and what I agree with (the second part) and gave my post as a reference to why I disagree with the first part.
Not trying to change anybody’s mind.
Just my opinion 😀
@67: Nzgooner, our little Russian is as inconsistent as they come but regardless I think his ideal position is in the centre and if Ramsey needs a break, right not let him play there? If we don’t rest our key players from time to time they’ll break down so a couple of rotations from time to time may do the trick.
For me, Arshavin edges Ramsey on creativity in the middle whereas his workrate is inferior so of course I can see why the Boss may be hesitant to start him due to lower work rate but I’m convinced he has goals in him if he’s in the middle.
Glad we got the three points from this game. Nice match report from Steve T (as always)
I think Benayoun deserves a start in the next game as Ramsey needs a game off
One of Theo/Gervinho to be rested?
Arteta was my man of the match – the work he puts in defensively is immense
@Ricky
Because Wenger has his own football “philosophy” (whatever it is), and it is against the “philosophy” not to start Ramsey.
(Note that I’m not using words “dumb” and “stubborn” here.)
I find it baffling that after discovering so many talents and making them world class players, AW’s judgement is still being criticized.
Simply baffling.
judgement = judgement on talented youngsters such as Ramsey.
I smell a troll…let’s not feed it
Extraordinary: general power cut on ths site during the night, short-circuit caused by…..a cat!
Poor cut must have been grilled.
Have to assess the equipment tonight, maybe it’s just restarting or there’s a lot of damage….
re the “we’d have lost this game last year debate” – for me – the story – behind whatever the stats say – is that this team finds a way to win games even when things are going against them – be that injuries during and prior to the game or revitalised side giving it everything.
It was difficult to believe that some recent Arsenal sides were capable of doing that. So i agree that we may well have lost this type of game last season –
coffee please barman – mental strength
Reesult!
Still basking!!!
And i erm, Love Artetetetetetetaaaa!
http://youtu.be/kwJWr_Zk1R8
76 COR
The suggestion to start Arshavin in a central midfield role scares the shit out of me.
I strongly beg to differ on the judgement that he is inconsistent, he has been consistently crap for a long while.
I really don’t understand why he is getting game time performing like that instead of Chamberlain.
AL – Didn’t the 09-10 Arsenal beat Hull when everything went against them?
Didn’t the 10-11 Arsenal beat Everton when everything (including Lee Mason) went against them?
I get the feeling that after every single close win, that sentence is being brandished and people aren’t aware of the frequent use of it which makes it lose the effect.
I guarantee that if you go back and look at the post from last year against Everton at home, or even West Ham at home, you’ll see that sentence, or Wolves at home in 09-10 or Hull away.
Just feel as if it should be changed from “we woulda lost/drawn this last season” to – “Arsenal are starting to develop a habit of winning these matches.”
Chris Rea must be on the M25.
Poor cunt is still driving home for Christmas…
Or the M1 😉
Steve T @ #47
Those M1 roadworks and the diversion we’re a right pain the ar*e weren’t they? Getting away from the ground was none too clever either.
The Yossi song was tops though wasn’t it? A top jostle and a big f*ck you to Na$ri all in one… perfect!
Glad you and Madam T had a good trip.
I’ll try and dig out your number for QPR if you’re going.
Feelgood Mansions – East Wing – (West Wing currently not fit for purpose)
Dr Feelgood is back at home and is packing a suitcase. He knows Roxette has seen through his amnesiac ruse and is rummaging around looking for his passport. The smell of burning embers wafts through the house as he makes his way from room to room, picking up items as he goes. As he snaps shut the case, he momentarily stops and opens a drawer, pulls an Arsenal scarf out and stuffs it in his pocket.
A few hours later, Feelgood is safely through airport security and on his way abroad to see his Guru.
________________________________________________________
Trudging through the snow, Feelgood eventually reaches his destination and stops outside a large wooden door. He knocks on it three times. A diminutive character opens the door, and asks sharply “Who are you and what do you want?”
Feelgood : “I have come to see the great man. It has been some time since I last spoke to him and I am greatly in need of his counsel.”
Small servant : “You sure pick your moments. You do realise he is kinda busy? Begging letters every day. The economic crisis sweeping through Europe, a threatened Tube strike on Boxing Day, and we have an outstanding action for delivering peace to the Middle East.
And now you. Again.”
Feelgood (removing his coat) : “I won’t stay long. I have three simple requests – is he in?”
Small servant : “Go on through. Just remember, we’re in the middle of packing, and he needs to focus!”
Feelgood walks down a corridor and at the end is shown into a large room by another small servant. In the middle of the room, an elderly, man is sitting comfortably with a glass of malt whiskey in his hand and he is reading a letter intently. He has a luxurious red and white outfit which is straining across his generous stomach. Looking up, and over his spectacles, he sees Feelgood staring at him expectantly…..
Feelgood : “Ah, thanks for seeing me your, erm highness, er grace….it’s been a long time.”
Wise old man : “It has indeed. But at least you write me regularly. Nice scarf. How’s Roxette? Still playing pirates?”
Feelgood : “Look, I won’t mess about. Roxette is on to me. I’ve been forced into retirement and some old dear has dug up a copy of the Feelgood Tapes. You need to fix it.”
Wise old man (wearily) : “I can do all of these things. But you must look deep into your heart and ask yourself the question, “Why do these things keep happening to me?”
Feelgood : “Well it all started on the Happy Train. Too much drink and drugs. And that was just the staff.”
Wise old man (ignoring Feelgood’s reply) : “And this time, you must make good your promise to behave. Do you promise to change your ways?”
Feelgood : “Yes, of course Santa.”
Wise old man /Santa : “Did I ever tell you that the Feelgood Tapes were only ever released on Betamax….?”
Holic
Really should have acknowledged your post in my mini report last night. We saw the same game. Another great win and a top piece of writing to match it.
UTA!
zico,
Is that the same old man that guards the bridge in MP’s “The Holy Grail”? 😉
The madness of Feelgood III continues….
Keep going old bean 🙂
Heh TS
African or European?
I’ve got a vision for the future. A better future. Some might even say “I have a dream.”
Now, don’t confuse this with the saying “The grass is greener on the other side” because it is not. This dream, this vision, this prophecy is taking place in Villa Park. So, obviously the grass isn’t greener. But I digress…
Close your eyes. It’s quite dark. No, not just because your eyes are closed but also because things are not going that well for all that is good in this world at this precise moment. But this will soon change. The future is here.
Picture this – A lineswoman is standing next to the corner flag waiting for a corner being taken. She doesn’t get any abuse because of her sex. She is capable and will oversee this corner with diligence. The man who is taking this corner is Dutch. He is usually injured but let us, in our rosy picture of this wonderful future, pretend that he is fit and in form. It’s a big ask I know, but play along. The corner is taken and the ball comes flying into the six yard box. A short Israeli is there. But no Suare… eh, Terry… eh, racist is in sight. Anti-semitism will not taint this beautiful spectacle. The Israeli meets the ball with his head and the away fans erupts in celebration as the ball crashes into the goal.
The Arsenal has scored from a corner!
Now, I know there are a lot of improbables here but I really must say I long for the day when this could happen.
It might look a little bit like this:
http://arsenalist.com/video/?id=xn5x6v
I’m still savouring yesterday 😉
One more point, re post match celebrations:
Don’t know if this was caught on camera but after the team had all come over to thank us the BFG (clearly relieved) jumped on Little Theo’s back followed by Szcz jumping on the BFG’s back!!
How poor Little Theo didn’t get a ‘little bit the hernia’ with those two monsters on his back I’ll never know but it was hilarious to watch, got a huge cheer from TTF and was a great indicator of the genuine team spirit that has returned to the club since the departures of Cesc and Na$ri (with all due respect to Cesc).
Heh, excellent post Toby.
Score from a corner you say? In my lifetime?
@ TFF #92,
I don’t know that! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2011/12/22/093100_le-gardien-d-alkmaar-expulse-apres-une-attaque-d-un-hooligan.html
Sending off? :O
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/important-wolves-game-postponed-by-24-hours
Fucking cunts.
Presumably that’ll be over 200 Euros thrown out of the windows for me.
Think I’ll give QPR a miss now.
@ Ollie 🙁 🙁
VERMAELENESQUE DAISY CUTTER!
…and he SCORES!
To be fair, I thought the game would be postponed when I saw that Cuntski CONFIRMED their own game yesterday.
Just a hunch I had.
Not good Ollie – had a similar experience myself last season when the big bastard snow fell.
(jaysus the entire world seems to be retweeting me now, what went wrong? :s)
I feel for you Ollie!
and with all this fuckwittery, I’ve been put at the back of the queue for Man U tickets.
Not a great morning so far.
Dr Z:
Nov’08 : stuck on a train while we beat Man U.
Heard the final whistle from Isledon Rd. on the positive side, I was the first in the pub after the game! 😉
Dec’09 : stuck on the train from hell while we beat Man U. Epic journey out and back, made it to London 1am; back to Paris 4am on the monday morning.
Dec’10: arrived in the pub just as the Stoke game got called off. Thanks to ‘holic and the Tollie though, had a smashing day. Travel back: stuck on a train, no night bus, etc, home at 5am.
Dec’11, something had to happen. Although this time I know in advance of travelling….
This extraordinary tweet had me laughing to bits:
Eurostar @Eurostar 6m
@ollieroo if you are affected by the strikes in Belgium, we are offering a refund or exchange. All info on our web site ow.ly/87sMG
I mean, so wrong as it’s so off topic if it wasn’t such an automatic thing and they bothered checking what they replied to.
But so hilarious in the context of the whole Belgium joke.
While the red booking bar is only a third through, I fear I may be left with a choice of tickets very high up in the upper tier clock end.
Might be a case of waiting for Tx as I’m only booking one for myself for once.
Ollie @ 107
If ever there was a need for a Happy Train 😉
Haha zico 😀
Robin van Persie
An assist and a sumptuous penalty to end his eleven-day scoring drought. The crisis is over.
The remaining curiosity is what he has done to offend officialdom, home and abroad. 2011 might have been Van Persie’s record-breaking breakthrough year but its most striking image is the scandal he suffered in the Nou Camp while Wednesday night’s victimisation – there is no other word for it when his name is sullied by a charge of diving when a) contact is blatant, b) elsewhere on the same evening, Victor Moses is able to throw himself to the ground in front of a referee without punishment – also offered the reminder that the Dutchman’s haul of 34 goals in the calendar year is also bereft of two onside goals wrongly ruled out last winter while his chip at City on Sunday was no more offside than the chance Sergio Aguero was ruled free to blaze over beforehand.
Indeed.
Man U ticket sorted. Block 98 Row 22. High up.
SteveT@47: as always, your accounts of your travels make for great reading. Hope those 6X’s were to your satisfaction!
Very happy for Bennygoon to get the winner last night. He always works hard for the team, and doesn’t seem to complain at all about not starting too many games. A great player to have as an impact sub.
Not sure if Villain is here to read anymore, but if you are – thank you for your contribution to the bar. You are a pride to your team, and I really hope that you won’t have to put up with that plonker McLeish for too much longer. You deserve much better.
Have to say I am getting increasingly pleased with the win last night. It might not have been 100% deserved and fair play to Villa for really giving it a go (and thank our lucky stars that Bent wasn’t on hand to finish off any of those early chances!) and taking the game to us.
Just a few words also on the Suarez situation. I have to say I cringed when I saw the LFC players on MOTD wearing Suarez shirts during the warm-up, they really are trying to milk it for all it’s worth trying to create a seige mentality, an “us against the world” situation. And when Kenny Dalglish waffled on about the great bond between the player and the club and the fans and how “nothing will ever break that” I almost threw up all over my laptop. Jesus effin Christ, could you be any more melodramatic? Liverpool really haven’t covered themselves in any glory whatsoever in this (H2H summed it up perfectly in his post@69), the guy has admitted to calling Evra a “negro” and it doesn’t matter that maybe it would be ok in certain situations in Uruguay, he’s not there now and he’s been in Europe and England long enough to be very well aware of the debate regarding racism in football. If he isn’t, then he really just is thick as shit and deserves his eight-match ban for that alone. Liverpool and Suarez could have been so much more clever and gone out with “I am so sorry, I did not understand how offensive this is here but I have now learned my lesson and I extend my sincerest apologies to Mr Evra etc etc etc” and then just accepted the punishment. He would even probably have been much less severely punished if he had actually apologized instead of trying to hide behind some very dubious claim of cultural differences.
Holic@86: 😆
Feelgood@89: MASSIVE 😆
Toby@93: great post!
TS@94: I have also noted the team spirit thing, and Szczesny seems to be a big contributor here.
Right everyone, those pints that are lining up on the bar are all free for you to enjoy!
But not free for you, Lars 😉
Thanks.
Lars @ #114
I think they are all contibutors but Szczesny is an extra big character. Big props to our Captain Vantastic too! The team plays for him as much as it does Le Boss.
PS: Funny to hear Arsene say it didn’t look like a penalty (when Robin was booked) in his post-match presser after initially answering that his press officer said it was a penalty. Me thinks he is a little bit taking the p*ss. Festive spirits perhaps?
Ollie @97. No video available now – but if I understand the French, the goalie was attacked by a fan, lamped him and then got sent off for his troubles?
Ollie @98. Nasty.
A fantastic result in the end. Hutton – utter scumbag.
Evening made better by the swift climb in the Goonerholic Fantasy Football League. Up to 29th. What are the plans for the Xmas period Holic? I assume the Grand’holic’children are receiving Arsenal merchandise. Don’t allow any head turning with that 5-0 result for Utd.
Have a great Xmas Holics
Dr C yes. ‘keeper kicked him twice and quite hard, but fair enough.
Ollie
Well, maybe the “fan” will think twice before attacking someone again!
*off to youtube to see if I can find the video* 🙂
This seems to be the only one that YouTube hasn’t removed yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZKuqh03zCQ
I’m so impressed with Mikel Arteta I cannot begin to tell you how much! Wenger made the right subs to close the game down and get that winning goal! I wouldn’t mind yossi staying on permanently at this stage. The more happy journey men workin hard for the team the better! Agree Ramsey needs a break ( what happened to his goal aim shawcross?).
Here’s to a fitter than usual squad going in to the Christmas break!
Sorry about the postponement, Ollie. I would go for that Belgium refund if I were you 😉
I’d also give Yossi a contract – he seems like a perfect professional and an excellent example for the younger players.
Even if he doesn’t play all the time (and I think he deserves to start in place of the tired Ramsey soon) he would be an excellent squad member for the next couple of years.
GT
I admit to being mystified by some of the doom and gloom about Arteta when he signed. He’d always been a class act for Everton.
Dr F @ 89, Betamaz! 😆
Toby @ 93, I want to see your vision, I do! But I can’t close my eyes to see it… 😛
It was a great game, loved that there was a female lino on the top of her game, loved that we scored AGAIN from a corner with a headed goal, I actually need to see that again.
Man, Yossi’s scored some awesome goals for us so far this season 🙂
And on 94, I always missed those great moments on my streams lol, more of a team we are 😀
Also, well in for the century mate 😉
GoonerTown @ 122, agree with every word mate, but in addition, at this stage, I’d be distraught if Yossi isn’t signed permanently in the summer. He’s a real positive game changer, we can use more players like him.
CG & Wind
Sentiments excact gentlemen. I think we should open a bottle of seasonal port on that one 😉
GT 122. Yes; but the words ‘Ramsey’ ‘break’ and ‘Shawcross’ in the same sentence?
Hey Wind. HI. Agree about Yossi, such enthusiasm he has. I also thought TR made an impact immmediately after coming on. Would love to see him get more play time. Don’t know what to think about some suggesting AA start for Ramsey. What do you think?
Ollie @ 107 Ollie, I pray you are STUCK ON A TRAIN the next time we play Manu. Ha, Ha!
I was in the stadium last season when we beat them, abb….
Oh Ollie, You always cheer me up!
Good afternoon Holics
Listened to Dan’s commentary on the IPlayer which gave the impression that we were poor in all respects, followed by watching Sky’s hour of highlights. You obviously can’t always believe what you hear! I was cheered by our efforts after such a draining encounter on Sunday and thought Arteta, Kos and the big Pole did us proud.
Rambo needs a rest and I hope to see TR7 get a start over the holiday period. Boy do we need LJW back in the mid-field and Sagna back at RB.
RVPs yellow was a nonsense but I doubt that it will be appealed . As for Hutton, he should have been given a straight red for his attack on TV5. Where did the PL dredge up that Ref, needs to go back to Ref’s school!
As always COYRs
Time for another call with US and Spain, deep joy!
I’ve obviously not seen the e-mails from last night that are currently being mentioned.
I’m just a passive witness to the mess now.
SG @85 the overall spirit in this Arsenal side – imo – seems self-evidenty way, way better than it has done for some seasons – i’ll take your examples as exceptions that prove that rule.
Ollie – Tales from The Depths of Despair 🙂
Hi Delia, Always enjoy your posts! Very curious to hear what the Manc Ladies thought of our lads. Cheers!
What a bell end!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2077478/Alan-Hansen-apologises-Match-Day-race-gaffe.html
Ollie – Thats true. Allow me to re-construct that sentence.
‘Shawcross you fucking munster cunt bitch!’
Aah -that feels much better!
Alan Hansen.
Once a tool, always a tool.
SG – It would be hugely satisfying to think that this season’s excellent team spirit is all about development and evolution – not least because Le Pof likes to do things that way, and because it was of course the basis of his TAMM (teenage-midget-master-plan). But something broke in the summer and fortunately the boss had the character and humility to recognise that that beautiful dream of youth-based domination – though it almost brought us everything – had run its course.
Fortunately for us he then demonstrated that he still posessed the expertise and all-round football knowledge to do something about it, speedily – once Cesc and Na$ri were out the door.
I can’t remember the exact numbers but AW got shot of about 10 first-team squad members (from squad of 25 excluding kids) and brought in about the same number.
Gone were players – who for a variety of reasons – you could easily imagine being bad – or at best unhelpful – re team spirit: Plan – Big nik – B, Dennis Neilson, Flaky Clichy (silly/costly errors if nothing else), Na$ri and even Cesc in the end with his desperately wanting to be somewhere else. There are probably some I’ve forgotten already.
In their place AW brought in players with experience, know-how and/or personality/character/bottle/mental strength/will to win – whatever you want to call it: Artetetetaaa!, The Sack, Santos, Gervinho, Jinky Jenkinson, The Ox (bottle and skill and physicality) and last night’s last minute hero Benny.
Arsene acknowledged at the beginning of the season that such an en masse change of first-team squad personnel was a radical break from what had gone before – a massive gamble and one he’d never taken before in his long, glorious managerial career.
The pay-off in terms of team-spirit looks to me to have been mighty already. It’s the thing that right now I love most about this side – and i think that they and AW and Pat etc deserve great credit for making it happen in unnaturally quick time
And me – I salute AW most of all for having the courage to risk almost everything when as the transfer window was closing he tore up his own blue-print, grabbed the moment by the scruff, shook it up and radically changed things around when clearly it broke his heart a little to let go of an idea he’d fallen in love with.
Up The Arsene an’ all!
AL
Good read maestro! I’ll drink to that with you!
Nothing wrong with teenage midgets, just ask The Sweeper 😉
AL…. don’t you know he was “panicking”??? Tssk Tssk….
Good stuff at 140!
Talking of team spirit
Just been reading “Sport”. It seems that Wolfsberg are returning Hleb to Barca from their loan deal, having started just a handful of games.
Apparently his attitude in his one year here was so bad that Barca are investigating the legal situation to see if they can avoid having him train with the first team!
QPR have been mentioned as a possibility too.
Careful what you wish for, Alex…..
Blimey Kombouaré got the sack?
Obviously being top by 3 points in the French League at the winter break is not good enough.
PSG probably turning even worse than Chavski and Oil City.
‘Sport’ ah, not the Sport, I see.
The funny thing about the Kombouaré case is that because they waited so long (rather than act on the back of a couple of defeats at some point), they managed to do it just as PSG reclaimed top spot.
So they can’t argue that this is about anything but ‘image’.
138 abb
The ladies concerned were Norwich City fans, give me some credit!
Pleased someone reads my jottings!
Afternoon all.
I was so punch drunk with our win yesterday (Okay. okay beer drunk too.) that I completly forgot to mention the bizare happenings in Amsterdam last night.
If you haven’t seen it yet, check this out
The AZ manager was so pissed that he removed all his players and refused to finish the game. Later both clubs chairmen came out condemming the action of the “fan” but as far as I know at this moment the KNVB haven’t sanctioned anyone or made a decision how to procede (Athe game was stopped after 37mins with Ajax leading 1-0) However I can tell you that the red card given to the keeper has been resinded.
There were (mini) riots outside the stadium after the game too, so it’s not looking good for Ajax at the moment.
It never fails to ‘amuse’ me how some folk always have to have a scape goat or hate figure. This time last year it was Kos, now he’s everyones favourite. It now seems to be Ramsey, for fucks sake give the lad a chance he is very talented and works his socks off every game. Yes, he makes mistakes but he is playing too much because of the absence of one Jack Wilshere and is therefore probably knackered. I will say the same here about Ramsey as I said about Kos – one day he will be a great Arsenal player. I do however concede that I said the same about Denilson! Oh well I can’t be right all the time, I too make mistakes!
Delia @ 151 Oh dear, yes your’re right (sorry!). Like reading your jottings, as they give me some idea what it must be like to actually be there. As I gaze out my window, looking forlornly at all the palm trees in my backyard. Enduring temperatures around 80 degrees. Cheers!
GoonerTown @ 127, heh, with you on that notion 🙂
abb @ 129, hey, I would personally go against the grain and start Arshavin in Ramsey’s position, the times this season he seems to have had a good game is in the proverbial ‘hole’, and Ramsey LCM or so position is as good a starting point for him to try and unearth some form before he is potentially sold back to Mother Russia in January.
Lets all be honest here, as good as Ramsey is, I don’t think one person in this bar would play him ahead of Wilshere, regardless. And in the last few games (Villa, Citeh, Everton, Wigan, Fulham, Norwich) he’s made some bad midfield decisions and passes, in my opinion because he’s burning out.
My ideal situation is that Arshavin starts in Ramsey’s position next Tuesday with Ramsey and the Ox on the bench. If the touch paper that is Arshavin doesn’t come alight, he is taken off for the Ox. I would rather Ramsey rests up for QPR on New Year’s Eve, even with that thug Barton it will be a less physical game for him.
Basically what Norfolk Dumping is saying at 153. Almost, exactly what Norfolk Dumpling is saying at 153… ‘raises eyebrow’ 😉
Delia, you along with Steve T, Bergkamp the Man and many others are people who I along with many others look forward to seeing your posts 🙂
Wind
I had a soft spot for AA. But he has well and truly run our of credit in the last month as far as I’m concerned. Let’s move on – give Yossi a game (“gizzajob”) and start blooding the Ox. They are the present and future.
For me AA represents an all too brief past. Sell him, with best wishes, and move on. Probably best for all parties.
Wind @ 155, Yes, It would be fitting, to give him this chance. Watching the game, my heart went out to him. Did you see how he tried to calm the Villa players down. Tears my heart out to see him languish. Perhaps we owe him that much. As for OX, well, you know how I feel about him.
Catalan
My soft spot for AA23 is from when B*rca got smashed by us at the Grove, I’ll remember the winner for a long time 🙂
Even softer spot is from Anfield back in ’09, 4 goals in a league game.
I guess when he comes on, I feel that there’s a chance, as slim as it is, that he may replicate those feats in one way or another but I guess its time for Andrey’s time at the HoF to draw to a close at this rate…
See, there goes that soft spot again with the ellipses…
ND @153 I think the general concensus is that Ramsey is suffering from fatigue not from lack of talent. For someone so young, he carries himself admirably. A shining star for sure.
abb @ 157, I saw him calming them down, even with the size difference…
My heart goes out to him, I don’t want him to leave.
Ahh, I’m torn between him leaving and staying, I want him to re-invent himself as a gamechanger/playmaker, but I don’t want the club to suffer either.
oh God… 🙁
Wind @ 160 Now we know how Arsene must feel. Wouldn’t want to be in his shoes..
‘Arsene Knows’ has never rung truer for me than at this point in time right now abb…
Evening Troops ,
Some great stuff above . Holic , great report , Steve T , terrific on the spot report , and splendid stuff from all the regulars .
Lars , found myself agreeing with your every word @114 . Particularly spot on re the whole Suarez thing . Liverpool’s “statement” is frankly scandalous and I really hope they are brought to book as a club . Docked points ? Why not , we were docked points for far far less .
Feelgood @89 – Usual excellence 🙂
Goonerterry @73 – Thank you for the kind words .
Fantastic 3 points last night . Away at Villa was always going to be a tricky hurdle only 3 days after the blood and thunder of Eastlands . That we prevailed was , as others have said , due in no small part to the new resolve that this group have found .
Would join the chorus in praising Mr Arteta – he brings so much to the table – a cool head , precise passing and a capacity for a huge workload .
Kos is enjoying a fantastic run of form , whilst Benny deserves his moment in the sun , for his under-stated effort every time he is called upon .
Let’s hope The Spuds and Chavski kick seven shades of sh*t out of each other tonight .
“Behind you !” and getting closer . Only a matter of time …
Onwards and upwards .
The Feelgood Boy @ 89
Superb!!
Your fertile mind knows no bounds.
On the subject of the vertically challenged,
Mr/Mrs and Ms Dwarf are all on secondment at the North Pole.
Something to do with polishing Reindeer horns i believe.
Cheers
The Sweeper.
PS to all those who went to Villa,i heard you loud and clear throughout the game,top support,you are a credit to the club.
PPS to the Storey Boy,i trust you behaved yourself and left the silk underwear at home.??
I see I’m slipping down the League Table again.
Re: Feelgood @89 😀
Re: Toby @100. WhaT A GOAL!!
Today’s game was one of those win/win situations. Either Chelsea or Tottenham were going to lose or both sides were going to drop points. As it is, Arsenal gain on both. Pathetic performance by both sides, and I didn’t even watch the game. 😉
I think somehow I’d still have preferred Spu*s to lose.
Because they are Spu*s. While I think Chelsea are shit anyway.
Draw is fine though.
1-1 at the crumbling dump. Unfortunately no sending offs or other suspension-inducing activites for either team. Time will tell if that was a good result for us or not, but for now all we know is that we have gained two points on both teams.
Lars, don’t forget that Chelsea brought two players off, both due to injury or at least precaution to injury. That has to count for something! I’ll take what I can get…
What I took from today’s game was that Spurs couldn’t keep up their pressure on Chelsea going into the 2nd half. They pretty much dominated the first half. Asley Cole had a couple of beautiful crosses and Sturridge is a real talent. Bale looked the most threatening on Spur’s behalf. The important thing is that the results helped us.
I fancy that was a good result for us. In truth I really didn’t fancy that Chelsea side on paper. There is a reason we ripped them a new one, and to see the LWC’s fail to do that is encouraging.
Hey Holic! Was just about to say I’m sorry about spelling Ashley’s name wrong.
Abb
Why?
Last 4 games pre christmas
City 9pts out of 12
Spuds 7 out of 12
Chelsea 8 out of 12
Utd 12 out of 12,[ they played 4 pub teams !! ]
Liverpool 7 out of 12
Arse 9 out of 12
So we have lost no ground on City,and improved our points differential against Chelsea/Spuds and Liverpool.
This with arguably the hardest pre christmas programme of the top 6.
Points gained on both with 2 home games coming up next.
Also we have still to play the neighbours and the tramps from the bus-stop at the Grove.
Most def a good result for us tonight. 🙂
Drinks all round please barman.
CG @ 174 Cause they each got a point, and no more? BTW, the Newcastle/West Brom game was very entertaining.
A draw in the c*nts v other c*nts game was the best possible result for us.
Inspite of all the hoopla over the greatest Spuds team ever, they are now only 3pts above us. The Chavs, who may very well lose their captain fot a while are only a solitary point above us and without their F A cuckholder they are nowhere near the same team.
Look out top 4, the mighty Arsenal is on the march.
Abb
No I meant why apologise for spelling his name incorrectly ?
A fine player. And a cu€t.
Just watching barca win a cup game 9-0.
Yawn.
CG @ 174 Oh boy, ha ha. You meant why was I sorry about spelling Cole’s name incorrectly, right?! At least you didn’t make an inference about Bale when I said he looked ‘threatening’.
Abb @ 173, I’m with Catalan @ 174, why are you sorry about spelling Assley’s name wrong?
CG @ 179 Now this is just too funny! Agree about Barca, time for a new Lord of the Manor. Have just the team in mind! Go Gunners!
Ohh, its been answered abb (?)
Oh Wind, what can I say. He behaved himself today.
Heh 🙂
HeH yourself! Wind, I’m thinkin a young Denzel would be a perfect understudy for you in Holic’s movie!
I think… you’re thinking right abb 😀
I can see it now… ‘flashes off into imaginary film sequence’
Room 209 for you two ….,
Nice stats CW @ 175.
The season still has a long, long way to go and as usual it will come down to who finishes the strongest and not necessarily who is on top of the pile now. I fancy the end of this season will be better for us than other recent ones have been with Jack and the full backs all set to return, plus our new found resilience and determination.
Good result for us tonight.
Cheers, I’m now off to my kipper.
H2H@178: agreed. Top five are starting to pull away, and especially the top two, unfortunately.
Yes, and I feel like poor ‘Bridget Jones’ right about now. She and I have a lot in common. One glorious blunder after another, ahh.
One last thing Cole is a c–t and so is Bale. Did you see that dive? F–k me!
CG @ 209 I’m representing Wind in an official capacity, his talent agent, you rascal. Cheers!
NBN @ 190 We should finish in the top 3. And I predict we make it to the final CL game in Germany.
ND @ 192 That’s the spirit lad! Now I’m off to sleep. My red and white scarf tucked safely under my pillow.
Thank you abb @ 193, glad to get some help in my acting endeavours 😉
I think we can and will go the distance in the CL this year, just gotta feeling about it…
Looks around, sees an emptyish bar, the american ‘Holics aren’t around…
Or is a powerful lurker hidden from my gaze!?
Begins run to the edge of the box…
Whacks the air…
Powers it home
Releases the Rocket!
The master at work, a glorious sight!
Need to time my runs better 🙂
Well done tabs! I stole both the first post and the first century so felt I didn’t want to go for this one!
Runs to the heaving masses , and points to Wind and Toby , the true architects of the goal . The crowd rise as one in their acclaim .
Trots back to the halfway line , pausing only to deliver a karate kick to John Terry’s head …
Cheers boys – thought it was about time I got myself on the scoresheet 🙂
It appears that Toby is like RVP, he scores when he wants. So what is this fear of the treble??
Well in Tabs!
Very skillful martial arts @ 204 tabs! 😆
What a strike by TaBS,
Impressive in the extreme.
Hi Holic , thank you kind Sir .
Didn’t see the Spuds tonight , but a good result methinks . With 2 home games to come , what odds The Arsenal sitting pretty in third after the next 2 rounds of games ? Short , I reckon .
For all of us who will be caused massive problems by the tube strike and fixture change please click on the link below. I hope it puts a smile on your faces……
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UymKurTBdhw
Hmm , just checked , and maybe not so short after all . Chavski at home to Fulham and Villa . Spuds away at Norwich and Swansea . Pretty long odds I would have to say in Spuds failing to win either game and Chelsea failing to win one . Might be worth an outside punt .
Cheers 8Ball , and Wind .
Right , bed beckons . Night all .
Steve T – heh 🙂
AL – AW is my hero and role model. I want to be like him when I go into the job market (in the economic sense, not tactical sense, never bothered about being a coach or something like that) of Sports Management.
I agree with you that he needs to be saluted but this has nothing to do with my point.
I’m claiming that the frequent use of that sentence is making it lose its effect.
It can’t be that every time we won a close game it woulda been a game we woulda lost/drawn the season before.
I could go and look at last season’s posts and you’ll see what I mean but I think you get my drift.
Holic, Ollie and Snowy – Check your inbox.
Evening everyone.
Starting to catch up. It was a tad late last night.
Holic, top write up.
BTM. Top stuff as always.
8 ball and Wind. I was always told that when on holiday you should eat where the locals eat. The biggest queue was at the Villa Chippy, so like a typical Brit I joined it. A decent bit of cod for the dosh.
Tim@59. Thank you.
H2H@68. Good stuff. I agree with almost all of that.
Snir@85. I understand what you say but the mental approach and attitude is much much better this year. I said last season that the attitude of players like Cesc and Nasri at times was poor. Walking back when a move broke down for example. This season we do not have the flair and creativity we are used to. However, the work rate and attitude has improved massively. A big positive of this is that it manifests itself throughout the rest of the side. We now have a great foundation. A great platform on which to build. Some quality in January and we could be really back in business.
TS@94. I agree and it shows how goo the spirit is. RVP can take a lot of credit for that. I also think that the BFG plays a big part. He is always last off the field and always shows his appreciation. The jumping on Theo seemed fair enough considering how much he has been carried all year.
Were you in for the warm up? One thing I meant to mention last night. RVP and others going through their routine with Pat Rice. As they move to an area of the pitch near the fans the “he scores when he wants” gets a massive airing. The first verse finishes and then starts again but even louder. The smile that came over his face told you all you need to know. Great moment.
A draw at the shit hole was good for us. Stewards all miked up to gather evidence to assist in convictions of scum with scum chants. A regular sight at all grounds these days??? Er, no. No it is not. Just at that toilet. I think that along with the messages the other week to Chris HOY (not FOY) on Twitter tells you all you need to know. Even pond life get the arse at being compared to spuds. Never lose sight of that and never lose sight of how fortunate we all are.
TABS. It is a track that is both funny and alarmingly accurate.
The draw today was favorable for us as we are just grinding them down point by point…..or in today’s case, two points by two points.
Bit worried that we are getting a little “leggy” with the fixture congestion and injuries….we might have to summon the “chocolate leg” for the next round of games and a bit more of BennyGoon and Rosicky, the latter in 20-30 minutes spells.
Re: AA23, the chances that he can summon his match winning form for more than a couple of games doesn’t seem likely. His inability to track back and offer cover for the fullbacks certainly is one of the reasons Arsene has chosen to look elsewhere. He needs a run of games to get out of the rut but I don’t think he’s going to see the pitch much from here on out…..unless he moves to another team.
I had Boxing Day all set-up, now it looks like more hooky and internet football for Tuesday as I don’t think DirectTV (US) can handle the rescheduling. Let’s get three more points.
fair play to you SG – what i was on about in a round about somewhat elaborate old way was that – imho – the team spirit this season does appear stronger and i think there are possibly good reasons for that that are worth celebrating – so
champers for all please barman
UREDS!
AL, Steve – Don’t get me wrong, I agree that the team spirit has improved and you can see that with RvP’s comment on Yossi’s goal.
But all I’m saying is that this team spirit is only getting better, it’s not appearing just this season, cause if it was, then we really would have lost to Everton last season and Wolves in 09-10.
It did exist last season and the seasons before, but not like this, this is the best I’ve seen it in years.
Steve – I tend to agree with you re flair and excitement and one my most used sentences this year has been “we’re not as exciting as we were, but we’re stronger.”
After looking at the info from last season and this season I really don’t know if that’s the case anymore.
We have the same points and more goals after 17 games this season and we have a similar schedule to last season, we played all but one of the strong teams away from home (Liverpool at home this season, Spurs at home last season).
If it was just the same number of points I would have said “oh well, coincidence” but scoring MORE goals? That makes me think maybe we aren’t less exciting like we think we are.
Snir. Stats are all about interpretation. Staistically the average number of legs that each person has in the UK is less than 2??????? Stats don’t always paint an accurate picture
Stats have their place but you have to add the human factor. I am fortunate enough to go to many games as you know. The attitude is different. What we now need to do is add to that. The balance of the side is better. The attitude is better. The spirit is better. Yes it was there last year, but not in the way it is now.
Steve – That is exactly what I said 😀
That it was there but it’s definitely better this season, but it was there last season.
I agree that a picture of us being more exciting/creative/with more flair is a weird one but we did score more goals… God knows how, but we did.
Hi guys
Question:
in the away scheme membership, how many tickets are members able to buy? Is there a limit for each member? Is it just one?
It was there last season. But it has increased massively. I would hope that any pro sportsman would have a bit of fight. Last season that was not alway on display. This was not just a one off and was very frustrating. It is something we have improved on massively. Our side last season would not have battled like we did yesterday. Team spirit has improved and it is very noticable.
Snir. The away scheme effectively guarantees you a tciket for each away game. It is like an away season ticket. You undertake to buy a ticket for all away games. It is something you sign up to at the start of the season. Other away tickets go on sale to members, often with a certain amount of credits. Each away game you attend adds to your credits etc.
So no chance of getting a possibility to buy tickets to the Anfield game then…
Pretty sure it won’t be available for Red members, will it?
Very unlikely I would say.
Steve T, thanks for the Aston Chippy reveal ‘burden lifted off my mind’ 😉
As you were told about where to eat when on holiday, now I know, thanks for the useful general info fact.
And the link @ 211 was great, the Arseblogger gets better and better 🙂
Norfolk Dumpling @ 153: I thought that I was fighting a one-man war against the Ramsey bashers (admittedly not on this site) but it has been getting on my nerves too. Today I had to site the case of Tony Adams when someone on 7AM called Rambo a donkey! He is going to be great for the Arsenal and anyone who can’t see that is a wanker (0;
Hi fellas.
Quick question.
Why was Luiz Suarez facing disciplinary action from the FA only and John Terry from both the Police (a legal issue) AND the FA?
Why not both from the same bodies if the charge is the same?
Is it because Terry is a citizen? That doesn’t seem right to me as Suarez is on a work permit in England, he’s got the same rules to follow, just like everybody else in England.
TaBS @ 204: I keep replaying the vid of you kicking the blue cunt in the head over & over & over. In fact I am making copies for all my Arse mates who may have missed it for their xmas pressies…
Steve T @ 211: It strikes me that that song is far too good to waste on London Underground. I wonder whether we could re-word it for the LWC’s in time for when they come to the Em?
Snir @ 211 & various: Dead Horse mate!!! Kinda like my defending Rambo…no takers.
Snir @ 229: Apparently in the case of the Blue Cunt a member of the public reported him to the police. Once that happened then it was out of the hands of the FA.
Morning Holics-
So the idiot pundits can’t see the two Manchester clubs slipping up any more this season?
Well let’s see? Thursday night Europa trash to deal with and then Sat/Sun footy? Give the kids a run our Fergie said, huh! Sure thing, can’t really see it ,can you? Then they’ve both got to come to the home of football ( should be at least a 3 point loss each, right holics?)
All I’m saying to the pundits out there is, let’s not start licking those Manchester dicks just yet, as we are half way through the season and anything can happen. We have a he’ll of a lot of decent players due back shortly and if AW and PR can get their rotation spot on, who knows?
We were predicted to finish put side the top four this season, a challenge the lads are already showing they are up for, so all I can say for now is…
COYRRRS!!!
…oh and sorry about typos, but you catch my drift holics!
Sweet mother of God, how does Chris Rea afford all this petrol.
heh.
Morning ‘holic.
Snir
Could you clarify; we have spirit or just more than last year? Was last year’s enough and now we have plenty? Or last year’s was lacking and therefore we are merely better than not enough and could improve more?
Have you factored in the post Christmas cheer factor into your spirit calculation? And which method are you using to measure it? Hopefully not the Bogdam index, as that has been discredited since the Rome scandal in 2003.
I await your advice. 😉
Dr C. We have more Talisker.
Measured in cl.
Oh go on then!
The spirit in the team is teeming like the spirit in my belly…in other words, a lot of spirit has come into the club…boilk
Spirit appears to be the same as this time every year, as though something special can happen with half a chance. At the moment we have half a chance=good spirit
(if you ask me)
So is it the spirit of Christmases past?
It’s the spirit of christmas present(s).
New striker please Santa.
Seasons greetings everyone.
Leaving early from work for a long Christmas weekend as I have Monday and Tuesday, off
We may have missed a trick when west ham were selling Demba Ba out of the bargain basement in the summer, but after promising the toonies a replacement for Andy Caroll and with his goal tally up and away, Pardew has been talking up the sales of any of his current crop, which widely are crop!
Anyway Santa maybe good to us and Park and Chammy may rediscover their form in the Fuck All cup!
Seasons greetings everyone Ho Ho Ho!
Alright gooners and goonerettes, off to do some shopping, carousing with loose women and drink some Guinness. May not be around for a few days as I’ll be travelling, so Merry Christmas and I’ll pop back in the bar when I touch down in the sunshine state.
In the meantime have a Guinness on me and if you happen to be a chubby with a cute face, expect some open flirting in your Christmas stocking 🙂
Merry christmas Harsha and CoR.
I’m heading down to the Catalan gathering. The fact that i shall use this bar as a Refuge of sanity from the madness tells you all you need to know!
MOmentous ht league news. CoR one point off the top! And i believe you are clean? 🙂
Happy Christmas, travellers. Come back safe, and soon 😉
Clean Mr C ? I give you one word – Nani !!! About as clean as one of Shaft’s conquests if you ask me . Not that I’m bitter or anything 😉
Steve T @216 – can’t disagree with you there .
Goonerterry @230 – heh 🙂 , it’s a best seller .
Mr C @236 🙂
Happy Christmas to all those that are leaving the Bar for a few days for their yuletide celebrations .
I had a funny(-ish) anecdote to share but I’ve forgotten it now.
I’ll second that (third that?) ‘Holic and Tabs, safe travel to everyone hitting the roads the next few days! There might not be that much snow around but I’m guessing you’ll have to dodge drunk drivers and other hazards. Take care and Merry Christmas to all gooners out there!
Ollie, would it make you feel better if we all laughed a bit anyway? 🙂
Remember now. Not quite funny, but the guy who does the deliveries here at work was dressed up as Santa today. Nice touch.
You had to see it to laugh, Lars 😉
Goonertown, Ba certainly looks interesting. Very strong and a really powerful shot both from set pieces and open play. But I’m not sure we can afford him, if he moves this January I suspect it might be to Chelsea who really are in need of a striker. With Drogba gone to the ACN in January and probably gone for good come the summer, they need to get someone else in. Sturridge has come a along way this season but they’ll need someone else as well in the long term.
Ollie, I guess so 🙂
Boooo CoR!!!! Boooo!!
Thanks for the tip off TaBs 🙂
http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7392574/McLeish-Claims-Hutton-Was-Conned-By-Arsenal
Words can’t tell how much I despise Alex McLeish
Ollie
Truly he is a tit of the highest order. A great comment at the bottom of that article though.
Ollie @251 – brilliant in its simplicity 🙂
Mr C , you’re welcome 🙂
Morning / Afternoon all,
Happy Christmas to everyone – exhausting workload just finished.
Lunch, last minute shopping and catch-up on drinks beckon – then hopefully back online.
I would also like to add my best wishes to all Holics for the Festive Season.
Less concerned here with the drunk drivers than the drunk wife here in Feelgood Towers.
Mr C – big lol 🙂
Definitely agree on Ba, excellent player (getting me a shitload of FFL points too 🙂 ).
GT – it’ll be hard for City to drop it as they’ve already played all the big teams away from home except for us. Will only drop it if they start losing points to the lesser teams which might happen later in the season when those teams ate fighting for their lives and ate desperate for the points. In the meantime City is crushing all the lesser teams.
Good morning Tabs! 🙂
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2077893/Tottenham-Chelsea-Arsenal-hoping-Kaka-Christmas-present.html
This is from the comments to the McLeish article:
“I think I speak on behalf of all Villa fans when I say we don’t support or condone the bulls**t from McLeish or the behaviour of Hutton. I would very much like both of them out of the club as soon as possible. Hutton is a thug.”
Appointing McLeish as manager of Villa must have been one of the most stupid decisions ever made by a top-flight club.
Snir, Kaka? No thanks. One of the most overrated players in the last few years. There must be much better value for money available elsewhere.
Lars, I don’t want him anymore, strictly because I don’t think our need for an AMC is as big as it was in the summer now that we changed our style of play, and if we are to get an AMC AW won’t bring a 29 year old when he can get a 22 year old (Goetze). I don’t think he is overrated though, I think he’s a magnificent player.
I was just posting the link since he’s Tabs’ dream and prediction 🙂 !
Good morning Snir ! 🙂
Just call me the man with the crystal balls 😉
Lars , we’ll have to disagree on this one . Kaka has been badly hit by injuries and he may not be the player he once was (ie frm the very very top drawer ) , but he would still be a sensation . I also think it could be a financial low risk transfer given the commercial opportunities , he would present .
Wishing all traveling Gooners a Merry Christmas and safe travels. Your presence at Holic’s Bar will be sorely missed. Be prepared to comeback in your best form as we rachet it up a notch and transform this place into The Stategic Command Center. Cheers, and as always, God bless.
Merry Christmas and Safe Travels all Travelling ‘Holics!
Only place I’ll be travelling to is the Turkey on the Kitchen Table! 😉
Well Mates, you certainly have me going with all this name dropping. Is Demba Ba qualified to play in the CL? He is the reason I watched yesterday’s game twice. As for Kaka, I think both Tabs and Snir both make valid points.
Hey Wind, Enjoy!
With the ‘Kaka situation, the only viable option for him is the HoF or the Bus Stop, hopefully he chooses us, the team that can cater for his style of play.
A marquee signing to marquee all signings in my eyes 🙂
That Alex McLeish… I’m sure fans of Aston Villa’s Christmas wish is for Santa’s sack to give him the sack.
But Wayne Bridge as LB Cover? Say it ain’t so(?)
Team news, looks like we’re going to be without any full back until February….not so cool.
Thanks abb, I always do 🙂
Hope you enjoy your Christmas celebrations as well.
Wind, Arsène indeed said it ain’t so.
Only sick journos make up the ‘Bridge to Arsenal’ rumours. Presumbably because they think Arsène’s had too easy a ride with Arsenal fans lately, or something.
Seriously, I’ve read someone in another place be very upset saying Arsène’s lost it or something just on that very spurious Bridge rumour.
Yeah, some nonce on the Daily Mail comments said that Wenger’s ‘lost it’ with the quality of recent signings.
The Professor can’t manage us forever, but when he gracefully steps down, oh the wailing and gnashing of teeth that will ensue… 🙁
Ollie and Wind, I try not to think of that fateful day when Arsene and Pat are no longer at the helm, how sad that will be. BTW we have drawn Stuart Attwell as the ref for the next game. At least he will have the energy to keep up with the lads, so hopefully it will be a fair game. Remember lads, The Arsenal needs no charity, just a fair shake! We are the little engine that could.
I like the world tat ABB lives in. It seems like a happy one! 🙂
Seasons gretings and all that lark, happy holidays for all those finishing work, me, I’ll be working everyday up to and including 1 Jan, not that I mind of course, I’ll just have to sneak in a few exra beers to heighten the X-mas at-mos.
As for the latest rubbish from the rumour mill;
Kaka? No thank you, too expensive and not a shadow of his former self, injury prone and CL cuptied to boot. Can’t see that happening at all.
Wayne Bridge? Really? He couldn’t even cut it West Ham and Arsene must surely remember his last appearance against us. He was woeful. I hope this one doesn’t happen.
I wonder what the odds on Steve bould being promoted on that fateful day are? Hope it’s being considered. Barca didn’t do so badly by promoting from within….
Season’s greetings to all of my fellow ‘Holics and The ‘Holic himself.
It’s been a pleasure exchanging thoughts with you all this year whether they be sane, insane or inane. A true priviledge to virtually know some of you and even more so for those that I have had the pleasure to meet this year. Top, top Gonners and people one and all.
Steve T, thanks for for the comments at #215. Loved the RVP story. I think he’ll be convinced to stay. Just a feeling, nothing more but I’m sure that he loves The Arsenal.
Lars, McCleish is the new Tone Pubis. A mahoosive c*nt who doesn’t even win games (or wear a stoopid cap). I heard that he’s only won 6 EPL games in his previous 30!! I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that he’s in danger of dragging Villa down to The Championship. He’s way out of his depth in the EPL. That’s why he likes to use ‘players’ like Hutton (yet another mahoosive c*nt) and let proper players like Agbonlahor (spelling?) wither on the vine. The sooner they get rid, the better IMO. Apparently, both McCleish & Hutton speak highly of me too 😉
Wind, Edwin assures me that he doesn’t manage The Arse but was flattered by your comment nonetheless 😉
A yuletide round for all. Here’s to a great 2012 for us all and of course, the club that we adore.
CG @ 279 Hi there! Yes, I try to make the most of it. Early on the Arsenal were doing poorly as was ACM. Now both clubs have earned the right to make a challenge of winning the CL. In my heart, I really see us going the distance, to Germany. I’ll never forgive Manu for throwing away last year’s game. They didn’t even put up a fight. Well, Rooney gave it his all in the first half, but where the hell was the rest of his team! We should have been there, we are the ones who beat Barca last year, darnit! At least we would have given it our all.
H2H, Sorry you have to work, real bummer. I work tonite as well. At least we have this wonderful bar to keep us company. Cheers!
Not many people left in the building.
abb, no need to worry about me.
I got footy on the TV, a pooltable, mostly a drink in one hand and a ciggie in the other.
Somehow, I’ll soldier through. 🙂
Re: Kaka – One of my favourite non Arsenal players to have played the game
He was brilliant for AC Milan – Especially when they turned over the mancs in Champs league
He’s past his peak though
Ollie, your’re here. Got to count for something. Cheers mate!
H2H, Ha, HA, Good for you!
Harsha, Hello. Yes Kaka might be a bit passed his prime but he is itching to reclaim some of his former glory. Factor in that Arsene has a way of bringing out the best in his players. Case in point, Santos. Some said his work rate was poor, but here he has proven he is a real go getter.
Just got back from drinking copious amounts of Guinni and watching TinTin with a lovely lady and checked the Fantasy League, I’m now number 1! I’m official a facking wheeler-dealer now 😀
Not clean but then again, the road to the top never is 😉
Drinks on me!
TS @ 282!
You and Edwin have just made me burst into spontaneous belly laughter, I thank you good sir, making merriment out of a potential sad future situation 🙂
CoR, It appears your selection of Nani has done much to put you over the top. Fair play I say but don’t expect such good will from everybody else.
We’ll see how long you can withstand the pressure of being on top. 😉
8 ball Heh. Nani is such a Diva.
abb, He’s a Diva and a Diver to boot!
And a dirty stinking Manc, I forgot to say. ;(
So beautiful to see pictures of Bacary back running in training on the official site. Not that it is a surprise that he is out but any idea what is going on with Diaby? End of last month it was a slight muscular problem that would rule him out for 10 days and haven’t heard anything since.
Who is that palpable lurking presence???
Passes the ball to 8 ball, nearly being taken down by Hutton in the process…
Lurks it
AND IN?
H2H, How did you do that? I thought the ciggie in hand would be too much a detriment for effective lurking … 😉
Well in at any rate, and a lovely assist from the lovely nurse abb, should add. 🙂
H2H, Well done. 8 ball where the heck were you. Hutton gave me a shiner for my efforts!
Red card for Hutton and he’s out for three more matches!! Sorry about the shiner, abb. 🙂
Mate, I’ve been smoking since I was two, a ciggie in the hand is just like having an extra finger that I can ocasionally take a lug on. 😉
Plus, it’s all about multitasking.
Meh, meh and thrice meh!!!
The virus I caught trying to watch the Wigan game on stream, has disguised itsself and now reappeared – my laptop is now completely Donald Ducked !
Guru has taken it away, again, to reload from scratch and I have commandeered the desk-top which is running slower than Denilson on the morning after the Christmas party.
Will endeavour to keep up – in the meantime,
nice roving report from Steve T – good work from H2H, Feelgood and TS.
A fecking Windows Update is now demanding total control of my machine so I have to restart the frigging thing.
Ollie, this is all the fault of your ilk ! Bloody techno-boffs who don’t have to actually use these boxes of tricks.
Just kidding, btw, in case you are currently in a state of near spontaneous combustion.
Help yourself to one on Lars’ tab, which seems to have slipped into near redundancy 😉
Laters PC Haters !
8 Ball, I’ll take one for the team anytime. Plus you should of seen what I did to Hutton afterwards! His voice is now a couple of octaves higher and he’s walking kinda funny too. Ha ha! And on that pleasant image, I’m off to bed.
Aha, 308 is for when you lurk too hard 😛
Hum, possible time-travel capabilities for lurking…?
Well in H2H for the lurk, great assist full of finesse from abb 🙂
Hum.
The lurk time-machine was one post off.
‘Goes off to calibrate’
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
have a merry xmas all,great post holic and holics enjuyed all the clips,and was a memorable brady goal all that remember those days remember that goal.