Ebook Review – Best Xl Arsenal
Feb 29th, 2012 by 'holic
So how many of you remember when I posted about my best ever Arsenal side? Now come on, admit it, you have all done it, probably more than once over the years. It’s a great way of recalling happy memories.
Take that a stage further, and have a best Gunners X1 selected by a panel of notable Gooners, and you have a truly worthwhile read for those miserable midweek interlulls. Yes, like now!
Journalists Damian Hall and Luke Nicoli got together with Kevin Whitcher, of The Gooner fanzine fame, and the daddy of Arsenal bloggers, Mr Arseblog himself, to hammer out their selection, and produce a compelling read on their chosen players.
There is a brief introduction to the process which suggests, and I agree, that the first half dozen names probably pick themselves. Ask a thousand people to pick the other five and you will struggle to find a handful who would agree. I won’t spoil the read for you, but I was pretty impressed in fact the book and I were in accord on eight out of the eleven.
The beauty of the book is in the chapters about the individual players. Good books recreate atmospheres, tease out deeply hidden memories of the years gone by. This is no different. Those who, like me, have Arsenal supporting fathers (or grandfathers for most of you) are also catered for as a trio of stars I have heard so much about are included from the days of Chapman.
If you are looking for a really good Arsenal read, at a paltry £2.99, then click on the Amazon link in the side bar, and snap up your eBook from the Kindle store today. Don’t worry if you haven’t got a Kindle, just download the free app for your Mac, pc, iPad, or smartphone and you have access to a great few hours of reading.
Arsenal v Newcastle United Tickets
Thank you all who entered the competition to win a pair of tickets to our home game with Newcastle next Monday week. I was pleasantly surprised at the response for a televised evening game.
Congratulations are in order for Will Rowland, from London, who correctly identified Theo Walcott and our good friends and neighbours as the correct answers.
Thanks also to Arsenal partner Indesit for providing the tickets. Please do keep in touch with the Indesit Genuine Football Fan website for details of further competitions and lots, lots more.
321 Responses to “Ebook Review – Best Xl Arsenal”
Get in!
Blimey – he’s here, he’s there he’s every blinkin’ where Gooner ‘h, Gooner ‘h
Well in Bearded.
Champion’s League qualifier!
Thanks H2H. It helped that I was lurking\basking in the glow of the 5 centuries put up in the previous post by the hard working Holics when the call that a new post was up came in.
sounds like a good read ‘holic – cheers
What AL said.
Another ‘fake’ post but with drinks again?
Most confused,
I shall re-post then:
‘Adebayor, what’s the score?
Adebayor, what’s the score?
Enjoyed that.
Is the interlull over yet?’
Ah something to put on my kindle bookshelf, for my next airport delay.
Off to Whispernet I go then.
Just finished watching the first half of Sunday’s game again – apart from his flick from which Robin hit the post, Theo really did have a first half stinker. I have been one of his critics this season, but for him to put that behind him and score 2 and be a few inches away from a hat trick, suggests that the lad may have mental strength after all.
Theo, takeabowson. 😀
Right, virtual expensive hot dog and fizzy beer consumed, off for the second half.
tabs, if you get to the virtual Tollie before me, mines a virtual guinness 8)
Some cunt wrote ‘Mong’ on my windows.
Fucking ages it took to lick it off.
(Editors note. The site cunt detector may have amended the content of this post. Who ya gonna call?)
Someone needs to be deleted sharpish.
Sounds a good read Holic .
There will be one waiting for you Dr Z . Enjoy the second half . 🙂
Dutch manager seems a decent sort .
Seconded H2H .
Pathetic – total cock – my money’s on an idiot, still sulking, s***s fukwit
Well I’m glad Adebayor didn’t answer the question, otherwise, that may have spoilt zico’s viewing of the second half! 🙂
Now he can enjoy it as much as I did.
VHS still has its use! 🙂
You knows it, AL.
Folks, why deleted? He`s quite harmless really. He clearly believes death is the worst that can happen to a man, and he is just quite far from the truth… (:
Re: Ollie in previous drinks. Madrid means beer and tapas and not much else to me. What’s not to like? 😉
Who’s Ramsy?
But do you have a say in that, Andy Goram?
I thought it had boiled down after the Twitter abuse, makes me feel sick how someone could so callously wish death upon anyone who doesn’t deserve it, whilst showing such blatant disregard to the recently departed.
Fuck off TheTruth, more like TheTwat >:O
Amen, Cousin Goram.
“Everyman dies, but not everyman truly lives” or something like that.
The poor little miscreant above surely has never lived. There are fates much worse than death. I hope he meets one of those.
bt8 : Madrid means work, no fun, madness, nonsense and a lot of incompetent people shouting.
It’s also full of people who don’t speak English, and not necessarily just because they can’t
And I have to say, Lansbury and Campbell’s goals give me hope for the near future, top quality shots from both lads 🙂
Well in Bearded on the First 😉
Nice ‘Pass’ Snir for the last Century 😛
I only watched the last 10 minutes or so of the England vs Holland game, wasn’t that interested since RvP was nowhere to be seen but Theo’s appearance whetted my appetite, bizarre goal from Cahill, poor but understandably difficult call for the lino to make, the 2nd by Young was a great team goal, similar to our 1st on Sunday, not giving up on the attack 🙂 But Robben, well if you let him get the ball in whatsoever space on the right side of the final third, be prepared for the consquences. Nice comeback from England, but they didn’t deserve to win it, hardly deserved a draw either.
And Parker falling on his face, 😆
just checked out ‘holic’s all time Arsenal 11 – hard to argue with much of that. But up the right side i’d go for Rocky (no sentiment involved) the boy had the lot – pace, power, work-rate and he scored some cracking goals.
And a bit more controversially – the best right-back i saw play live for The Arse – Viv Anderson. I know, I know.He was only with us a season or two before the traitor sloped orf to one of the Mancs for more money (not much change out of a tenner there then) – but boy was he good while he lasted – galloping up the right side etc. Oh, and i’d go for the cultured Kenny Sansom at LB. It was said he never made a tackle ‘cos he never had to. And maybes RVP is pushing for a place in the all time side now?!?
Well that was good.
Parker is a gob shite. Official.
Beers are on me – to celebrate the end of the interlull.
Ollie. I’m starting to get the picture but my experience of the incompetent people shouting was mostly inside one bar or another. Beer and tapas must be some consolation???
AL@27: what a choice of a manager to have to make: whether to drop DB10 or TH14 for RvP. Would almost be tempted to play an old school 2-3-5 formation. With that attacking talent wouldn’t need much by way of a defence.
‘Holic: I know it is hard to compare the players from the really old days with those in the modern game, but Jack Kelsey would be a legitimate candidate for going in goals for your all-time team. (There is another interlull-killer idea, best pre-EPL era team, and best pre-end of maximum wage era team. There are enough geezers and geezers-in-training in the bar for a lively conversation. You might even get a ‘Holic ebook out of it.)
Trev@428 previous: Wikipedia claims that the longest word to have been published is:
Lopadotemachoselachogalekranioleipsanodrimhypotrimmatosilphioparaomeltkatakechymenkichlepikossyphophotopersisteralektryonoptkephalliokigklopeleiolagoiosiraiobathetraganopterygon, which as I am sure you will recognize, is a transliteration of the Ancient Greek word λοπαδοτεμαχοσελαχογαλεοκρανιολειψανοδριμυποτριμματοσιλφιοκαραβομελιτοκατακεχυμενοκιχλεπικοσσυφοφαττοπεριστεραλεκτρυονοπτοκεφαλλιοκιγκλοπελειολαγῳοσιραιοβαφητραγανοπτερύγων.
It is a fictional dish mentioned in Aristophanes’ comedy Assemblywomen, combining 16 sweet and sour ingredients including rotted dogfish.
Google it yourself if you want to find out the rest. Except you can’t as it such a long a word, even Google chokes on it.
I am now done with cutting and pasting.
AL@432 previous: The playing close season is probably IG’s open season. That is when the transfer business gets done. Oh! Perhaps he has been taking his holidays then…
Tabs@449 previous: You have pictures?
SG@526 previous: So EU health and safety rules to prevent 18-21 year olds being overplayed, like child labour laws?
Back drinking and traversing drinks is thirst making work. A round for all in the bar…
The magic of DVR means I’ll be able to see the Liverpool match late Tuesday night when I get back in town. Will it be possible to avoid finding out the score until then though. I’m afraid I just lack the necessary mental strength and discipline. 🙁
Sadly not Ned 🙂
Has anyone mentioned Italy 0 USA 1 yet, along with all that jazz about Italy never having lost in Genoa before? There is a fresh if unconfirmed rumor that England tried to annex Texas to get Clint Dempsey into the team but Lonestar Gooner commanded a fleet of battleships at the mouth of Galveston Bay and drove out the invaders.
Well done, Ned.
That was a Herculean effort.
BMBD
8ball @ 33 –
Damn straight I did! We’ve seen the Brits sniffing about, and had enough of them scooping up our home-grown talent.
Damned furriner interlopers.
We’re gonna keep our boys and start our own, no wait…
BMBD
Ollie – When are you in Madrid?
NBN@30 – oh gawd not this again – i have 2 words for you – Dick Law – an ancient dictate i believe IG invokes so that he can get time orf at any point – be it the close season or not…
By the way – like the sound of your 2-3-5 formation – my 5 would be His Highness Henry Two-Times, God, Son-of-god/RVP, the peerless Pires and Rocky 1
Or how about a 3-2-5 – Herbert Chapman’s revolutionary WM formation – with Winterburn and Merson getting a start somewhere!??!
Bob Wilson
Chris White —— Willy Young/Martin Keown———Nigel Winterburn
—Marc overmars—— Manu Petit—Michael Thomas——Martin Hayes
————————Paul Merson/Malcolm Macdonald————–
Manager Arsene Wenger
Herbert Chapman’s WM formation updated – right i’m orf to get a life/beer
Right – think i may have managed to bore everybody out of the bar – a triumph of sorts
Over to the nightshift!
Wright
Djourou – Stepanovs – Cesar – Traore
McGoldrick – Johnston – Hillier – Helder
Hornsby – Chapman
I thank you, G’night. 😉
@33 – does The US of A really have a soccer team ? 😉
Heh Trev, They may not all be as good as the great Mia Hamm but at least they try hard, unlike some I could mention. 😉
Trev @ #40, I’ll try and raise that Herculean effort with my own personal ‘faves’…..
Barnett
Batson-Squillaci-Sylvestre-Traore
Marinello-Denilson-Powling-Bischoff
Aliadiere-Bentley
A team with more than enough talent to thrash an average Isthmian League side on any given Sunday.
We’ve never had it so good….
With all due respect, etc., etc.
Trev @41 that’s a side to wet the appetite, maybe Cygan for Djourou but hard to fault your judgement..
TS I’d forgotten Bischoff, a truly remarkable signing….
8ball
Did you witness Tarore’s smile as he walked off the pitch after ‘that game’ at The Old Toilet with not a care in the world?
How Le Boss got QPR to pay us actual money for him was a work of true genius.
A drink of your choice sir.
Trev @ 41 –
I guess the Italians were beaten by Wales masquerading as Americans! 😛
BMBD
TS, I can’t pass up an offer like that. 🙂 Glenmorangie please barman, and that should put me to bed a happy man.
Did anybody notice who got a massive 87 point bulge last week in the FFL HT League? Not me, that’s for sure. 😉
WU@45: I think Arsenal forgot Bischoff, too.
LG: shouldn’t Texas have its own national team, recognized by Fifa, like other unrecognized states and autonomous or autonomy-seeking regions such as Catalonia?
Cheers holic like the subuteo figure many hours past in our family playing we even had a league running at one stage.
Trev and TS truly a coupla sides built to erm – entertain, and no place Almunia – we must be blessed in that department
Neat footwork @ 11 Guv’nor
Indeed AL, his eye is still sharp, his USB Mouse still responsive 😉
The scene : Emirates Stadium
Harry Redknapp sits with the look and embodiment of extreme disgruntlement. He has already complained to Tubby Dowd and everyone within 10 yards of his technical area about the joker behind him and the things he’s been shouting out to him. It is none other than Dr Feelgood:
Feelgood : “Oi Harry? OK, I’ve got the dog. What next?”
Twitch : “Fack off.”
Feelgood : “I was thinking about calling him Dozey, err…..52 – would that work?
Twitch : “Facking facker. Joe, write me a note. I want to complain…..”
Feelgood : “I did what you said. I told them I could barely spell. I told them I left it all to “My Guvnor”, just like you said. I told them it was all a mis-understanding. The fix is in, right, Harry?”
Twitch : “I’m not ‘aving this – Kevin, get me my Brief.”
Feelgood : “C’mon Harry, I didn’t call you a thief.”
Twitch : “Fack off.”
Feelgood : “Excellent Harry. Like you, I need a lift.”
Twitch: “Actually , We’s way ahead of you lot in the league…..”
Feelgood : “No, I’m having trouble with me taxis, Harry….”
“Trouble with me taxis” – fare play to you Feelgood
Something tells me the contents of the post@11 was originally something quite different 🙂
West Upper@45: I don’t think Bischoff was such a strange signing. Arsene made no secret about the fact that it was a long shot, he knew the player from before and knew the talent was there and took a gamble on him overcoming his injury problems.
zico@56: 😆 😆 😆
Morning chaps. Another bloody Interlull eh?
Still, it’s not all bad. England lost and were made to look quite ordinary (Robben’s first goal was class – watch the defence get their knickers in a proper twist as Huntelaar ‘tugs’ them out of position with his clever running…oi, stop sniggering at the back!).
And as for SOOPER Joel Campbell: scores when he wants etc…lush first touch and a sneaky finish inside the opposite post. Almost as tasty as my breakfast porridge with golden syrup and diced strawberries!
UTA
Oh, and Nescafes all round…best I can do since I’m at work I’m afraid.
Snir, I don’t yet know if I’ll be in Madrid. Perhaps someone sees sense, that in our current work context it doesn’t make that much sense, as they’ll have to get used to doing without me soon enough anyway.
I should find out over the course of the next two days, I guess.
If I go, I guess I’ll be there next week, and, depending, maybe beyond but I doubt it.
Will Gareth Bale be granted compassionate leave for Davy Jones funeral?
Bad taste, I know, but couldn’t resist it.
RIP Mr Jones.
Zico @ 56, top draw old son 🙂
Same to you AL with the corresponding 57 😉
Less of the old – I just have a good memory 🙂
Dr Z:
Sunday : a Monkey dives
Wednesday : a Monkee dies
Spot the difference
Ollie – one of them got up?
Sorry, bad taste again. 🙁
heh, zico, you’re on form!
My boss is on holidays.
So the Spanish send another e-mail to the (kind of) equivalent US boss (who has absolutely no hierarchical power to send me anywhere) asking for any news about the request to have me in Madrid, or that otherwise they threaten to escalate to…..the boss’s boss (who is an utter cunt, shall I say it again?).
I wish the boss wasn’t on hols, because should this go direct from the aforementioned cunt to me, I could be tempted to tell him to fuck off.
I am trying to mentally prepare myself to being on a plane tomorrow or saturday already though. Utter cuntery.
Ollie , tell ’em to fack off – it feels gooooood ! (though the feeling is only temporary 😉
Dr Z , Ollie – Heh , bad taste or no , made me laugh 🙂
TS , Trev – A pair of fine teams there . Trev , bit harsh on Djourou and Helder to lump them in with that lot . TS , likewise with Powling and Marinello (magnificent player and did a fine line in kipper ties 😉 ) .
Helder was a strange one wasn’t he . Looked mustard when he first arrived and hopeless thereafter . A bit Chamakhesque in that regard .
Dr Z @56 – heh 🙂 🙂
8Ball @49 – Ha ! Thought no-one else had noticed . The Massive are running into form just at the right time . Smallballs survived the sustained media campaign against him and now its payback time 🙂
Oh, yeah – that Fantasy League malarky… I am doing so badly that I had completely forgotten about it! Got a whopping 30 pts last week. But at least now I have sold Bent who looks to be out for the rest of the season.
“As you can imagine, the Champions League game was torture. And on Sunday it didn’t look good for half an hour or so. But then I thought: wow, that’s some cool club – they are turning it around!
“I almost felt like in the old days, when I followed Arsenal from a distance and felt like a fan: “This is a great club!” I am really proud of being part of a team that is capable of putting in a performance like that.”
Gotta love our BFG !
BFG?
Baldy Fella Gazidis?
Must have been watching from his hotel room 😉
🙂
heh, zico is on top form at the moment!
Quality hat-trick Zico – hats orf and applauds
Aw shucks, guys, it’s either spend some time in this place or work.
And I’m allergic to at least one of the above 👿
I know they don’t want foreigners, but :
Zico for England !
*hides*
Controversial Ollie
Your request will be honoured, albeit temporarily, on the 24th 😀
And in the same spirit…..
Ollie for Madrid
Heh.
Touché.
TS and West Upper – Love the anti-favourite Arse XI but cannot BELIEVE Cygan isn’t there. Almost every time he played, something bloody horrible happened!
One memory that still haunts me is in a home CL game when the oppo had a speculative strike from absolutely miles out, that bald twat tries to put his head on it and only succeeds in diverting it to the opposite post – naturally wrong-footing the keeper completely. Comedy and horror rolled into one.
Is it just me or do we seem to concede the most shocking goals? Surely these schockers affect other teams too…
Afternoon gents.
Some great teams there, worth their vweight in every drop of fear induced cold sweat. Glad to see my personal (anti) hero Lee Chapman made the cut, no George Woods though?
‘holic, well edited at #11
Tabs, question from prev drinks. The week I put that dasterdly lot in the team was the week they had to play twice (the catch up Everton game) unfortunatly, the week after was the week that I started with the whole bar switcharoo deal, so I haven’t had time to swap them back. Time permiting I’ll have a butchers at that later.
Still no excuse though and I’ll take my punishment like a man. (but don’t tell that to Wolfie)
As for Glen Helder. I used to run into him quite a lot in various nightlife spots a few years ago (I was a dj/mc in a previous life) Last time I saw him was in the Escape venue in Amsterdam, I was on the decks, he was on the drums. I shit you not.
CG@80
Wow could you imagine going with a back three of Squillaci, sylvester and cygan! That’d make for an exciting afternoon!
Anyone watch england last night? well until RVP was subbed 🙂 It could’ve been him going for hollands second goal!!! imagine.
Funny stuff from our comedic duo, Zicollie.
What was that – Ole for Madrid
Why Reina supported Suarez;
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/liverpool-try-to-steer-clear-of-reinas-racist-tv-advert-7466740.html
Could someone please bring me a side of beef, cooked, to Reading. One cup of tea, all day 🙁
H2H , well that explanation makes sense I suppose , although I still think that sort of transgression should go upstairs to Holic for a suitable fine ! 🙂
As for Helder , yep I remember reading a while back that he was quite the musician . Let’s hope he’s better at beating the drumskins than he was at beating the full back !
A round of Afternoon shots to celebrate H2H’s return to the Bar , and a toast to the success of his new one .
Right , off to have a real Beer in the Sun .
Laters Chaps .
Sorry ‘holic sir, a little out of my region.
However, I would like to offer you a VirtueAle©
He wasn’t too bad as I recall Tabs, enjoy that drink, but what is this “sun” thing you refer too?
Ollie
Tell him as a Barca follower (note NOT supporter) that it is clearly against your religion, and perhaps even your DNA, to go to Madrid and interact with all of those preening meringues….. job done.
Easy.
The Scene: Stung by the recent criticisms that he has been derelict in his duties as CEO, Ivan Gazides has turned up at the training ground to help out with the pre-Liverpool preparations:
IG: Oooh that was great Arsene, Thanks!
AW: Where are you going?
IG: Back to the Club House for my massage – aren’t we done?
AW: We are still in warm up!
IG: Warm up?! Look I am dripping of sweat. I must’ve gone 6 times round the ground and..
AW: Four!
IG: Pardon?
AW: You went 4 times around the perimeter Ivan…not six!
IG: Four, Six. What’s the difference? I am knackered and I deserve a rub down!
AW: Well if that’s your attitude then you can fuck off back to Highbury House and we’ll bring the reserve players back to collect the balls from over the fence!
‘holic – in between times am having a go at coming up with an Arsenal refreshments side – to go with your cup of tea – good luck.
So far I’ve got Sol Campbell (a kind fish soup), and HamPer Mertesacker…so that’s the centre-halves sorted, and with those two there should be plenty to go round…anymore for anymore?
Cherry Groves
Patrick Scallops (Vieira in Portuguese)
..Seeing AL free on the left GT ping an inch perfect pass cross-field pass into space in front of him…
Bathgoram makes a driving run through the middle……
Pat “fried” Rice
Gathers it, and dinks into the space behind the oppo FB
Ps Petit dejeurner (excuse my French)
Bathgoram launches himself at the crossball.
collects on the half volley 30-yards out and boom!
and misses… but distracts the defence from GT’s masterful positioning and strike.
Great spot GT – Willie Young’s bitter
Nice erm ..dummy.. bg (0;
The fried Rice that is AND the ton – the boy comes back to the bar with a bang(er)
Ah..Willie…what a legend..
Pizza Marinello?
AL: But what about my Ivan Gazedis…you don’t like? That was dedicated to you mon ami..(0;
gorn
Aye he was – lovable and iffy. Remember him scoring late goals on European nights. He probably only did it once (against Malmo?) but in my mind’s eye he did it loads.
Could never quite forgive him though, for laying on the winner for Ipswich in the ’78 cup-final. The only one of those 3 finals on the bounce at the end of the seventies I could snaffle a ticket for.
Rocky and chips
The CEO being less than upfront with the figures and maybe not fit for purpose – you may be on to something there GT – though of course in the end one hopes not. Nice work.
AL: Went to all three of those finals. The ’78 was particularly painful because out of character I dressed all in Red & White (white Tesco Bommers, red Harringtons, white Ben Shermans, Red boots, club scarf & tam)…looked like a right pillock! I must have been the last person to be ushered out of Wemberly by the stewards…gutted does not quite describe the feeling..
AL @ 110: Nice work spotting the Allegorical references…you are smarter than I thought (0;
GT @ 111 my heart goes out to you for the journey home – that must’ve been tough – nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.
Here goes the old git bit – but I loved it that people used to dress up and dye their hair and make funny/punny banners and outfits. Cup final day was biggest single day of the year back then – even if your team wasn’t in it. Though of course it sent you bandy if they were – which brings us right back to your getup in ’78 – well played – sir. top o’ the shop!
Ps if you haven’t burnt all the photos i’d love to see a picture
Lamb Brady
Book downloaded! Cheers Holic.
Ian Celery?
Ok, coat on….
Terry, 78 for ‘holic was butchers coat, suitably graffitied up, and club flag draped around shoulders.
And have only just spotted Bath’s quality Pizza Marinello – there for Four seasons?
Beef Wellington
Ah – the butchers coat – i remember seeing them quite a bit at matches back in the day, no idea why they caught on at the time though
Flan Merida
Gael Quichely
GoonerTerry, what a cracker of a shot mate! 😀
BathGoram, some may say what they will, but I’m liking this new versatile side to your game, its like what I’ve been doing recently, although of late, I’ve been nowhere near the goals, build up play’s the game for now 😉
Tournados Rosicky
Eastham, egg, and chips.
Malcolm MacDonald’s
Wilshire Pudding 😛
AL @ 114: No photographic evidence I’m afraid. Long before the digital age when photos were expensive to develop….and couldn’t chance taking my Minolta just in case I got pissed before, during or after the game (which for me was not unusual in those days)…
Going home was an ordeal – as you would expect – not only for the sniggers (regretted not leaving with the crowd) but on the Central Line a drunken Irishman decided that we were best friends: Coming on to the train he spotted me and at the top of his voice announced to the whole carriage “You see you? You see me? These fuckers don’t like us! The don’t! Well fuck them”…and then he sat down next to me, threw his arms around me and repeated variations of the same theme until I could escape several stops later….. (0;
OMG I hope that Holic is going to compile this team afterwards…Nice work Guv, Hurricane, AL..
Brady and butter pudding
Gingerbread Mendez
All these food connotations and no Joe Baker?
Holic cooking on gas!
GT – now that’s earning your Goonah stripes – some day!
Bacary lasagna
Oh very dear…..
Holic / AL: Butchers Coats. I remember when they were all the fashion – with the long Dr Martins! I think that Millwall’s F Troop started the trend..didn’t they ‘holic?
Doc Martens please GT
Still trendy in these parts 😉
To be honest Tel it is one of those things shrouded in the mists of time. Memories stirred on Twitter today when someone posted Chris Lightbown’s 1972 article about London mobs when Arsenal were the Mutts.
Just make sure you get your five a day to ensure you have a Stapleton diet.
Sorry.
Holic send me a link…would love to have a butchers…(heh)
Dr Zee: I’m a lover not a speller (0;
When I get home I will. No worries.
OK GT, I’ll get me butcher’s coat 😀
Forgot to mention: Remember once showing up on the Norf Bank in a Cup Tie with Millwall and the whole place was covered with big burly men in white coats…that was the single most frightening experience I have had at Highbury..
George ‘Graham Crackers’ anyone?
..and thumbs up to Catalan labouring away over there in the corner (0;
* Off to get the little Gooners from school laters…
A nice drop of Bruce Riocha to wash it down with
Foodplayer puns, mmmmm.
Holic,
What news on The Management? Whilst concerned about your immediate hankering for a sandwich, big picture, I hope things are looking uppish for The Boss?
Nice one, AL. Let me Reyes my glass too.
And what zico asked.
Night on edge zico. Had to take her back to Reading today. Outlook better than this morning. 50/50 another op tomorrow. Everything crossed. At last she is in the right place. Our local super-hospital have failed her this week.
Thoughts from Belgian will be there too, ‘holic. All digits crossed.
Speaking of Belgium/Belgian, that photo taken by Frugal Bugle with the Stella Advert by the bridge is a classic! 🙂
All the very best to yous both ‘holic
Ditto, what AL said.
Mwahahah,
I hope you’ve all seen that one :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FBdECA_kO0M
What And Lester said.
Guinness sunk, now finally have food for the first time today. Szechuan chicken to the rescue. Thank you China.
All the best to the Management and yourself Holic. Thinking of you both.
Just watching our game v LWC again.
2 points emerge:
1) as observed here or on the arses, Mike Dean does a little hop skip and jump for joy and almost raises both arms (before reversing the movement and raising one to indicate a goal rather than joy) when Saha’s deflected shot hits the back of the net. What joy for a referee! Little shit – maybe that’s why we rarely win when he refs – he cannot wait to give a decision against us. He’s a closet LWC!
2) when the Chimp dives for his pen, Dean doesn’t hesitate for a moment to give the pen. He then wanders over to the lino pointing to his head and then to the lino’s head. He then does the same on the way back to the spot. Meanwhile that paragon of English captain-hood, likkle Skotty Parker is whin ing to him about sending off Szcz and he points to his head again – did he think that Szcz nutted the Chimp on his legs? A miracle that he didn’t send Szcz off – maybe Dean thought he had won them the game with the pen?
Like the boys said on the Tuesday Club, this is the moment to protest about Bale’s cheating. We won so it’s not sour grapes. The chimp is a cheat – and he has form. Time for a chimp-hunt imho.
The Chimp is a disgrace to Wales and the Welsh.
Meanwhile, each goal looks better the fourth time round! Even Feo’s!
and that ugly LWC slag who was in the cartoon that the Gooner used to carry (might still – like TaBS, I save my money now) got herself on the crowd shot.
My heart goes out to you ‘holic. I hope all is well with the management soon.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17215880
First Suarez now Reina. This year’s Liverpool public relations “bonanza” is one for the ages. Another age, really. 🙁
All thought with you both, ‘Holic. Hoping for the very best.
Thanks all.
Off to listen to the Tuesday Club now…
Holic: Those guys were totally off the charts this week – enjoy (0;
Ollie @ 153: Parker saw Arteta do that many, times on Sunday and thought “how hard can that be?”…
I’m getting slightly superstitious of my jinxing abilities sometimes, so I shall wait until after the Liverpool game to listen to the Tuesday Club.
(the reason being I hadn’t listened to it in ages, and decided to listen to it after the Blackburn game on my way to the pub for the Milan game)
News just in : Andy Goram listens to the Tuesday Club, and goes to watch the Arsenal in pubs sometimes
As promised Tel…
http://greatwen.com/2012/02/24/londons-football-gangs-1972/
Ollie: Which of them tho?
Think I’ll give the Tuesday club a listen when I get home, rave reviews from you lot, that’s all the endorsement a Gooner needs, and a bit less 😉
Is there something you didn’t tell us, PHW? 😉
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/bracewell-smith-named-honorary-vice-president
Holic, Thanks for the great link @165. It looks like they saved the best for last. 🙂
Thanks Holic…(0;
156 Bath.
On Dutch TV they said that they (the incognito LWC with the whistle and the linesman) were having trouble with their headsets.
I did n’t want to go anyway
PHW, you’ve got some answering to be doing methinks 🙂 (Ollie’s 168)
Friday night at midnight Fox Soccer Channel will be showing our massacree of the LWCs, FanZone style. I think Fox is ESPN in England, check your local listings. I can’t imagine much funnier than watching a thick as two short planks Scum fan be pincushioned by 5 straight goals…
And ‘Holic, prayers for you and the management…
Just finished my second viewing of the 5 straight goals on DVR. Capital viewing it is, but especially that goal by Rosicky. It was thrilling the first time and no less so the second, one of the great goals for sure.
Bt8b, I watched the whole game for the third time this morning, and that goal is certainly my favorite. He ran so *fast* after getting the ball to Sagna for the return. Not so fast as Theo from our 18 to his 1st goal, but fast nonetheless.
Great article here: http://aculturedleftfoot.wordpress.com/2012/03/02/one-of-us-speaks-why-are-you-so-proud-of-our-dirty-linen/
Thanks for the link Scruz, I enjoyed the read 🙂
Hello drinkers
What a week to be on hols on an island without internet or stream access
On sunday was allowed to find BBC world with a ticker which showed ‘shock result’ but I missed what it was
Later on same channel was allowed to watch sportsline – hosted by Jas*n R*binson with Steph*n R*ad providing useless input- I couldnt believe it. Was impressed by a gooner from Egypt (I think), discussing lucidly the state of the club – a marked contrast with other club supporters who found difficulty in putting 2 words together
Anyway, even though Im still trying to get to grips with the result, I have back read most drinks but couldnt find many bottom of the roaders coming on to gloat?
I did later see a small interview with the next England manager, boasting how he was able to totally control our attacks and lead his team to victory or was that Stuart Pierce on Wednesday – I must be jet lagged or something
Must go and find a stream with the goals at least
Bring on the Liverish Lads
Weclome back Cognac.
You didn’t miss much. Heh. 😀
Weclome? Feck, I didn’t even realise I was hungover…. 🙁
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2012/03/02/102514_une-blague-d-hazard-retarde-l-avion.html
That cunt Hazard probably delayed Thomas.
@ Ollie
So he’s a thief?
Right up Harry’s street then 😉
Morning fellow ‘Holics
As I was cleaning out Dr. Feelgood’s desk, I found this in one of his drawers.
https://twitter.com/#!/ArsenalFamiglia/status/175520590411726849/photo/1
I think it was an early prototype. Don’t remember who the guinea pig was, he may have been someone Carlos extracted from the pets carriage. Either way, a fond memory of lab work in the development of the Bubble Wrap Suit. They’re still available on special request, by the way.
Yours, Edwin.
Yeah, whatevs Edwin….
Looks like DIABY is BACK!?!?
Aaaand, SANTOS will be back in TWO WEEKS!
The yin to the yang of a possibly crocked Vermy and *whispers* RVP?
Heh Professor,
That indeed was a prototype. The one that ended up mass produced did not come with glasses or a look of profound humiliation. 😉
TS @ 186 – are you starting wicked rumours?
Or is this scuttlebutt from the twitterverse?
The rumours are sadly from Wenger himself http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2109157/Robin-van-Persie-Thomas-Vermaelen-doubts-Arsenal-v-Liverpool.html
zico, I guess ‘all’ will be ‘clarified’ when we can replay Arsene’s presser later today.
I sincerely hope the rumours re: Vermy & RVP are indeed scuttlebutt.
Fancy a mid-morning snifter? 🙂
LO
You can’t be lurky when you declare your presence at #189.
Get back in those the shadows and try not to mix with any LWCs whilst you’re there 😉
Fucking ridiculous.
I hate international football. Blatter and Platini, a plague on both your houses!
These ‘rumours’ were more than predictable:
Vermaelen : crocked on sunday, plays 90 fucking minutes for Belgium
RvP : groin strain on the tuesday, plays 45 minutes from Holland.
Those Belgians and Dutchies are pissing me off a bit. fucking Interlull, but they still didn’t have to play them.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/team-news-van-persie-ramsey-santos-and-more
However, they look like they are still only ‘rumours’.
…. and don’t forget the Belgian manager whilst you’re about it. Played Vermy for full 90 mins despite requests from AFC. B’stard!
Thanks ollie and ‘morning. Note absence of Vermy in that pravda article.
Or….
http://www.arsenal.com/digest
Has anyone else watched the pasting of the LWC’s more than once?
Telling you, that sh!t NEVER gets old!
The worst thing about it? I just can’t choose my favourite…
Is it RVP’s? The guy took on about 4 defenders for his goal.
What about Little Mozart? The little dinked finish was more delicate than the second movement of a string symphony.
Theo’s first? That’s the kind of goal that if I score it playing PES, I lie on my back in the living room doing a Gazza dentist chair celebration.
Decisions, decisions!
Assist for lurky oliva
Been politely waiting for the assist for ages now. Might as well…
‘Ave it!!!
Rude not to really.
Camberwell @ 198
Yes, me.
Main reason though was to try and work out who was shouting at Twitch from behind the dugout. 🙂
Hah! Well in CG.
lurky, what happened? Waylaid by an LWC? 😉
That was ace…and not a whiff of self-assisting, or ‘doing a Camberwell’
heh Zico!
Classy Finish, Camberwell!
Zico – only when I rewatched it (again) half an hour ago did I realise how much noise the faithful were making…it sounded absolutely deafening – we definitely need a lot more of that in the next few weeks.
Cheers all! Deuchars all round.
Right, I really ought make a telling contribution to actually discussing arsenal stuff, or people might start whispering about goal-hanging for the centuries and self-assisting and stuff like tha…
Oh.
Well whatever happens, I certainly ain’t lifting a finger for the powers that be at this end. Did I mention they were all cunts? Ollie, I’m with you on that one mate.
Lurking in the shadows…..
Heh!
*note to self* ….Must refresh before posting 🙂
Erm, well in CG?
Dear CG
Shut it!
CG 🙂
It’s CG squared!
Great Football365 about tomorrow’s opponents….
http://www.football365.com/faves/7558862/Edge-Of-Sanity
Haha Catalan at 209, classic!
zico@213.
A touch of the Goramitis, I’d say.
TS, I was like jogging in Walcott mode, thanks for the assist anyway
Ha ha CG 😀 😀
Camberwell: CyGan – your ‘fave’ player. CG cubed?
tabs: Re – Powling and Marinello. In my ‘fave’ team mainly for reasons of unfulfilled potential esp. Peter M. I clearly remember the excitement that surrounded Marinello when he broke into the first team at Highbury. Was it injury that did for both of them?
Dr.C @ #209 – Remember to wipe-off the LWC drool if you’re hanging about in shadows or report to DLL HQ for a new biosuit.
lurky – You’re welcome. Do you need to improve your match fitness? Injured in the interlull?
I see that AW is complaining about Belgium and Vermaelen.
Isn’t it about time that one of the big clubs tested the legal waters about the rights of the club in relation to players i.e. they have contracts of employment with Arsenal not the football association of country “x”
we all saw what happened when Parker crocked him on Sunday – why do we not take them on and refuse to release the player for international duty?
This has probably been discussed before (and if so I apologise) but I just don’t understand this madness. Is there a legal precedent, does anybody know?
http://www.football365.com/faves/7558797/Cheeky-Punt
Been done to death here and on other Arsenal websites, but heh at the title 😉
Dr.z
AW was fairly scathing re: Belgian NT and rightly so. Thought he dealt brilliantly with the Podolski question BTW.
At this point, I need to state, again, that there’s not an ounce of Belgian in me.
Ollie, not even that chocolate bar you snaffled for lunch?
…or that glass of Stella? 😛
I haven’t seen the press conference, TS, as I am doing that thing that begins with W and ends with K
No, work you dirty minded…….
Anyway, it’s all very well being scathing with words – but it’s like howling at the moon. Which is kind of apt, as this whole international fiasco is madness.
What’s dirty about ‘Walk’ ? :s
Or wink 😉
Whisk, whelk, walk, wreck…….
Warnock.
Now that’s disgusting.
Dr.z @ #226
Heh! and agreed.
The ‘madness of Feelgood’ pales into significance by comparison 😉
The van Persie wing of the LC Infirmary is once again re-opened. The latest official body count on Pravda (not including TV) is ten! ten!!
Messrs. T & C: Please, for the love of Dennis, report to the LC Infirmary. Take as many BWSs as you need.
Whack.
Both of you, stop whelking please!
*suitably chastised and sitting sulking in the corner*
No news on the Madrid situation. I may still be on a plane before the weekend has ended.
I hope not though.
That ten is a bit misleading though TS (not like Pravda to be wrong)….
They have Frimpong (out of our squad had he been fit) and the lesser spotted Diaby who is fit according to the Boss.
Also Squillaci is on it, so it’s not all bad news……right?
Ollie, if your plane is diverted over Tottenham you do realise you will have to fly upside down?
Step out that corner please Dr.z.
You are needed on the HT MkII. BIG game tomorrow. Plenty to be happy about:
1 – We beat the scum 5-2
2 – Diaby ‘available’
3 – Santos ‘back in 2 weeks’ (Chippies of the Holloway Road unite!)
4 – This haven on the internet
5 – HT MkII still on the rails despite everything this season
I’m giving up on w–k today. The week’s exertions have left me exhausted and I’m totally spent….. filfthy b*ggers!
Heh at this on the website linked with Football365….
BRIAN DURAND, LIVERPOOL THROUGH AND THROUGH
‘Feb 29th. The day millions of us monthly paid workers do an extra days work for sweet fa’
You’re always the victim. Even finding offence in the concept of the leap year.
TS, I don’t like being cornered. (Lasted all of 8 minutes if you check the posts above).
Meanwhile, tell me about this HT? Responsibility is not all it’s cracked up to be, eh? 😀
Dr. Z, Responsibility sucking as it does, why should any body on the HT be shouldered with such a burden. Should not anarchy should rule the day?
Dear Snir
Have Maccabi signed Almunia???
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/891841-maccabi-haifa-keeper-scores-bizarre-wind-assisted-own-goal#ixzz1ntff38cK
🙂 🙂
Haha, zico 236.
Though i don’t plan to fly on a pigeon 😉
It’s the other Maccabi though, isn’t it?
Well I guess there are 3 million Maccabis or so.
My good friend 8 ball,
I think you’ll find that when Feelgood was around, anarchy was another word for organised 😉
Professor Storey will now, no doubt, put a big black mark against my name on the manifest……
Ollie
So there’s less Maccabis than Gorams?
Dr Zee @ 220: I am so mad this morning I can’t even articulate my feelings about those cunts…are they trying to destroy TV’s career? FiFA and the National Federations (UEFA) have too much power over the rights of the employer & the employee (club & player) and I believe that this could be tested in a class action in court. But it would need a few clubs to come together. I like the stuff Karl Heinz is doing with the Association of European Clubs. All clubs should be backing his efforts..
This is all a legacy from a time when Being an International player added value to a player…when FIFA actually brought money into the game. Now with the television revenue that clubs can command, it is FIFA that is sponging off the local game – they are directly competing with the clubs. The national teams are desperately always trying to win games to get up the country rankings – even meaningless “so called” friendlies to get more money from FIFA…time for clubs & supporters to raise their voices..
FICK FUFA!
There is a new Sheriff in town – all hail Sheriff GonnerTerry.
Class Action. Now!
PS – I’m working class – is that allowed?
Or Sheriff GoonerTerry even. 😳
Ollie @ 183: My French isn’t that good I admit but my understanding of the France Football article (at least by the title) is that someone “blagged” the retard Hazard on a Belgian Airline..am I correct?
Dr Zee: For you http://youtu.be/2XiYUYcpsT4
…and Dr Zee the method in my madness is that I believe this should be taken up the U.S. Courts (on behalf of all free people of the world)…and if it fails we can blame the Americans. Clever eh? (0;
And for those not residing in the UK this (non football related) funny thing (0; http://gu.com/p/35zdg
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/arsenal-train-ahead-of-liverpool-pictures
Abou Diaby has hair! Cool, I think his best period with us, however ultimately a short one, was ‘with hair’.
DR C @245 : HEH
GT 249.
Hazard was the author of the prank.
I think you can go back to school. And it looks like zico can be your teacher.
Good piece which may explain the erratic behaviour of the club last summer….
http://www.thebeautifulgroan.com/2012/02/25/spurs-preview-fourth-isnt-critical-but-third-could-be/
Arsène Barclays Manager of The Month.
Kiss of Doom though..
It’s round about this time on a Friday, that a man’s attention turns to the attractions/distractions of the night ahead. Now let me see,
(a) Guinness x 1 or
(b) Guinness x 2 or
(c) Guiness x 4
(d) A product of all of the above?
Assuming (d), then a man’s attention will subsequently turn to rum and coke.
And later still, a man will be required to ward off some pirates. 😉
That’s Arsène Wenger of course, and Barclays are the sponsor :p
Right – I’m an hour ahead of youze guys. I’m off.
Big party night tonight for bro-in-law’s birthday. Dinner at a Mexican. Tequila is inevitable, especially with my big Dutch blockhead friend….
Laters. 🙂
Heh Ollie : Arsene Barclay
Auld Alliance? 😀
Good luck, Dr C.
The Auld Alliance was a myth of Disney-esqu proportion.
Sadly the French always promised much but always let us (the Scots) down….always…..every time…..
No hard feeling, Ollie.
Well none directed at you…
bath,
The French made up for it a long time ago.
One Arsene Wenger!
Right,
Pub time.
Laters, virtual thrill-seekers. 8)
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-wins-february-manager-of-the-month
Nice piece of magic between pictures 2 and 3
Off to the hospital.
Racist Bindippers preview will be very, very late.
True, zico, I did think of that very person after I posted.
fingers crossed for you and the mgt, ‘holic. get well soon, mrs. ‘holic!
All the best, ‘holic.
gt@252, hilarious, especially showing over pink floyd’s “run like hell” live in the background (didn’t turn off itunes). very apt.
ollie@253, those pics don’t show a vermalen or van persie that appear hobbled…hopefully it’s just to give mr. wenger a platform to be pissed at the national FAs.
and if you look through all those pics, it looks like jenks’ new hairdo is raising a ruckus, as well.
Holic, Praying for you both and hoping for the best outcome possible. God bless.
Yeah, I noticed they ‘looked’ OK on that, scruz. I like Jenks but not sure about the hairdo, makew him look a bit too much like a common Joey.
All the best for the management, ‘Holic.
@ 268
Will be worth waiting on, I’m sure.
All the best, Dave.
zico – No black marks just refreshing black pints. Thought you might like to sample life on the HT as a passenger / customer as it speeds it’s way to the ‘racist bindippers’ (TM) ‘Holic. Plenty of room in the caboose. If you’d be so kind, please remember to kick the pets on your way through. The bar staff will still be giving you your usual welcome.
Ollie – I know of Maccabis Tel-Aviv & Haifa. I’m guessing Snir will confirm/correct the next time he swings by. Fairly certain there are more Gorams than professional Maccabi football teams.
Holic – Best wishes to Management. Thoughts with you both.
Congrats to Le Boss
http://www.arsenalnews.co.uk/arsene-wenger-named-february-manager-of-the-month/
Guys you’ve ALL outdone yourselves in this latest batch of drinks. Checked out all the terrific links as well. Great team spirit! Catalan Gunner @ 209 and 210, priceless.
The Scene : A country field somewhere near Feelgood Mansions….
Dr Feelgood and Dr Disorder are walking along a path which has been laid on the foundations of a disused railway line. Feelgood is striding purposefully, and Borda, (partly due to his choice of lifestyle), struggles to keep up with him……
Dr Disorder : “Wait up, what’s the rush?”
Feelgood : “Come on Borda, people to see, money to make. Time waits for Numan. Are friends electric? They will be, when I’ve finished with them. Heh.”
Dr Disorder (under his breath) : “Oh god, he’s off on one.”
Feelgood (surveying the scene before him) : “Did you know, the original Happy Train used to run on a track here, right down this very road, long before we had Bubble Wrap Suits and Swedish blondes? Back then, it was all Doc Martens and bomber jackets…..
Dr Disorder (suddenly curious) : “Jager Bombs?”
Feelgood (wistful) : “Fuck yeah. People were a lot easier to please back in the day. You turned up on Saturday, paid a few bob, you won, you lost, you got drunk. If all went to plan, you copped a grope with some peroxide bint as you went through a tunnel…..man, that was the age of the train……”
Dr Disorder : “Wow, so this here’s a trip down memory lane? To be expected I suppose, given your recent retirement……
Feelgood : “Retirement? Borda, I sometimes think you’re not fully conscious. It’s like I told Rox this morning, I’m moving upstairs…..”
Dr Disorder : “You live in a bungalow, Dr F…..”
On reading ‘Lansbury : wondergoal was Wind-assisted’, I wonder if we can recreate this, for number 300 for instance.
OK I am boycotting Goonerholic until the Liverpool game tomorrow. Don’t facking ask me why you bunch of facking vankers..
P.S. You can all stick your FFF up the ARSE..
TS 279, did you check my 267? Or 257? 😉
*juggles ball*
Ollie, clearly not! 😳
Oh well, such pleasant and surprising news worth repeating, I guess.
Didn’t intend to p*ss on your frites 🙂
#FFF…..*ck you Gooner T and the horse you rode in on! 😛
Well done for the FFF reminder, now p*ss off and have a nice day.
Long hours at work all week, but now the weekend is here and on Sunday morning I leave for London. Good stuff, that.
Ollie, I had no idea our Wind was also an English U-21 player!
International friendlies are a crime against the Geneva Convention. Or something. They are very useless, boring, pointless, crap.
TS, shut the fuck up and see you Tuesday, perhaps?
See you NEXT Tuesday, Lars 😉
(is the phrase, unfortunately I won’t be seeing you)
plays the ball over to ollie on the right, sprints to the inside left position…
Alright alright Ollie, NEXT fucking Tuesday then!
But isn’t “see you Tuesday” just as correct? Any English teachers in here? 🙂
Lars I understood … Ollie is a bit picky..
I’m afraid you missed the ‘Tuesday Club-style’ joke there, Lars.
Not related to grammar at all 😀
Heh @ Ollie.
And Lars. 👿
No one in the box as usual….
We’re all waiting for Wind
Following Ollie’s injury time pep talk, drops his kecks, points his arse towards the opposition goal and lets rip with an enormous fart not caring if he follows through..
Knocked over by WU’s emission, I manage to scrape the ball towards the box…
Hoping it’s not a self assist, he swings his left peg at the ball
heads on despite being near asphyxiated by West Upper….
Or heads in 8)
Nicely in izicoinexile not as elegant as Lansbury’s in mid week but we tried..
Good assist scruz
And in by The good Dr! Well headed, even as you were passing out…
Cheers, WU, nearly had 22 dead on the pitch, tho.
Sorry about that, only way I could come up with to follow Ollie’s instructions
Heh, quality riposte from West Upper 🙂
Not Wind-assisted, but congrats izico
heh West Upper 😎
Ollie@293, I hang my head in shame! How could I miss that one??? 😳
Re: Ollie @285. Showoff. Try doing that in a Madrid back alley and run for your life, first shouting epithets in bad Spanish! 😉
A beer on your tab will bring forgiveness, Lars 😀
bt8: if I go to Madrid, THEY are all going to run for their lives.
Re: Dr. Z. Good stuff @281. 😀
Anarchy rules.
I feel I’m being followed by an Evil Scotsman now 😉
The worst kind of stalker, Ollie 🙂
Well in @300, Zico. Not many would have got a sniff of that one. Then again…
‘Holic: all the best to you and the Management. Hope all is as well as it can be in the circumstances.
CatG@241: 🙂
Ollie, you know the beers are always on my tab!
Saw AA (remember him?) training @ Zenit, he’s # 29, and is on the roster for tomorrow’s match. Good luck kiddo!
abb@317: Curious quote from Zenit’s coach, Lucianno Spalletti, “Andrey is returning to Zenit and here he meets the situation and tasks, which are more complicated that he had at Arsenal. Because we want to win, and as for Arsenal – we don’t know what they wanted.”
NBN @ 316 And here we thought the cold war was over. Sounds like fighting words to me.
Well NBN, I meant @ 318 (sigh). Since I spilt beer on my laptap during the Spurs debacle, it’s been acting a little funky.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>