Goonerholic: Eat, Sleep, Breathe, Drink, Arsenal

I’m Backing The Ox At Sunderland

Feb 10th, 2012 by 'holic

Sitting here staring out of the window at a white landscape is not giving me good vibes ahead Arsenal’s long trip to the north-east to take on a rejuvenated Sunderland. However the weather forecast promises three degrees (so take good care of yourself), and a westerly breeze of 7/8 mph. In Sunderland that is almost summer.

Let’s start, as Arsene does every week in his press conference, with the team news straight from the horses mouth.

“Everybody should be available for Saturday and we have no new injuries. We still of course have Diaby and Wilshere out. Chamakh is now at normal fitness and Gibbs is getting closer as well.”

That guarded mention of Gibbs return suggests Arsene will not be making a decision about his best centre-back pairing for tomorrow. Expect the young left-back on the bench while Thomas Vermaelen continues to cover the flank alongside Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker. It will be interesting to see if the BFG is still in the starting line up in Milan on Wednesday.

I doubt the same midfield trio will start both fixtures. Alex Song and Mikel Arteta have a partnership that should not be broken in front of the back four, but I cannot see Tomas Rosicky starting both games. Don’t be surprised if Aaron Ramsey gets a recall at the Stadium of Light. The front trio that tore Blackburn apart should get the opportunity to take up where they left off last week. Pace and a willingness to attack defenders will be key to getting a result against a side who we will also meet in next week’s FA Cup fifth round tie.

Sunderland have survived a nightmare start and change of manager to get within seven points and two places of us. The arrival of Martin O’Neill has transformed them somewhat, and you have to go back to a week before Christmas for their last defeat, an unfortunate single goal reverse at White Hart Lane (whoops, thank you Phil, they lost in similarly unfortunate circumstances by the same score at Stamford Bridge in January). O’Neill and Arsene don’t share the good relationship that the Gunners boss had with Steve Bruce. Both men would like to win this one for a variety of reasons.

At the Grove earlier this season a late Robin van Persie strike sealed the points after former young-Gunner Seb Larsson had netted a free-kick that equalised the skipper’s first minute opener. That was before the departure of Bruce. Expect this game to be every bit as tight. It goes without saying that three points are a real necessity for us in as many of the remaining games as possible. Difficult though Sunderland will be, even harder tests lie in wait. Let’s approach this in the right way and get the job done.

The search for value with the ‘holic pound is an interesting one. The fact that we are odds against, 11/10, tells you the bookies don’t fancy our chances that much. I’m taken with a 1-2 away win, and if you search around you will find that at eights or nines. I have to say, after his showing last week, I really like the Gunners Gaming offer of 27/10 against a goal for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

As usual, to those making what will be a long and weather-affected journey, I wish you a good afternoon and a happy outcome. Those of us who will be in the warm, hopefully with a half-decent stream to watch, salute you.

Thank you ‘holics

A big thank you to you all for the excellent responses this last week or so to the pieces by Bergkamp the Man and Steve T. I have to say I enjoyed both of them enormously, and you clearly did as well. It has been a great week of debate in the drinks and the civil tone of the discussion is much appreciated. We may have different ideas about the way the club is being run at the moment, but there is no doubt that we all have the best interests of the club very much at heart.

Have a great weekend ‘holics (and sorry about the Three Degrees gag. When will I see you again?).

Posted in match preview | 392 Drinks

392 Responses to “I’m Backing The Ox At Sunderland”

on 10 Feb 2012 at 12:33 pm1Shaft

First?
on 10 Feb 2012 at 12:33 pm2Shaft

Wax on, wax off baby
on 10 Feb 2012 at 12:34 pm3Shaft

My very first first…I was trembling as I clicked…
on 10 Feb 2012 at 12:38 pm4Hazza

Nice preview ‘Holic!

Up the Reeses!
on 10 Feb 2012 at 12:42 pm5Cannons of Rhetoric

Great post Holic. I too am expecting to Ramsey back in the starting line up. His energy will be very useful against the Black Cats I reckon. Sessegnon is a crazy player, will need to be contained.
The thing is (maybe it’s hubris) but I dont’ feel too worried about this one, I feel more worried about the FA Cup fixture against them which is also at their ground. If we get through this tough match, you can bet your bottom dollar (or pound) that when we meet them in the cup it’ll much harder….
Have a glass of red wine on me as let’s raise a cheer to the weekend!

UTA
on 10 Feb 2012 at 12:42 pm6zicoinexile

Like it Holic

Which one are you – Batson, Cunningham or Regis?
on 10 Feb 2012 at 12:45 pm7Goonerholic

Sheila Ferguson, zico
on 10 Feb 2012 at 12:50 pm8zicoinexile

Heh,

Mean left foot, I heard.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 12:52 pm9Camberwell Gooner

Top ten! Gotta be pleased with that.

COYRRR’s
on 10 Feb 2012 at 12:55 pm10Dhruv

Well done Shaft.

A very important game against Martin O’Neill’s side. Ox or no Ox, I hope we win.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 12:57 pm11behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

However good the guest posts were (very), it is still great to have you back Guvnor in the saddle. 27/10 doesn’t sound too tempting to me; the bookies seem almost to expect AOC to score. These two matches at Sunderland certainly have the potential to make or break our season so maximum effort is essential and Ramsey’s energy could be very important.

Re: Shaft @3: Not like you to lose your cool I guess it just goes to show what a prize the first drink really is.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 12:58 pm12Dhruv

Ryan Giggs signs another contract at the age of 38, that needs to be lauded. I would have liked to see one of the Arsenal legends to stay with us that long.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 12:59 pm13aj

Any recommendations on where to go for decent streaming of the game???
on 10 Feb 2012 at 12:59 pm14takeabowson

Early one ‘Holic .

Nice post . I hadn’t realised that there had been a spat between Arsene and the squinty-eyed Meercat . Another Premiership manager to put in the book marked “Twats of our Time” then .

I think you’re probably right re Ramsey , and that Rosicky will be held back for Milan .

Will be interesting to see if Sagna gets back in for the full 90 ahead of the very impressive Coq .
on 10 Feb 2012 at 1:00 pm15zicoinexile

Shaft @ 3

You need to get out more.

Actually, maybe not……
on 10 Feb 2012 at 1:01 pm16behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

The BBC’s Mark Lawrenson feature’s guest contestants are Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. They only guessed the score on 3 of the weekend’s contests but you have to love their prediction for the Indebted v. Liverpool:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/lawros-predictions/
on 10 Feb 2012 at 1:01 pm17Boz

Cheers, ‘holic.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 1:12 pm18Goonerholic

I ducked that one, as you noticed TaBS. I think Sagna will probably get the nod, to get a game behind him before Milan.

Coquelin was excellent last week, but will understand the bigger picture, I’m sure.

I can see him getting a game in the FA Cup tie next week in his preferred role.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 1:14 pm19Goonerholic

…and cheers to you too, Boz.

Have a great weekend.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 1:20 pm20takeabowson

Holic , yep that all makes sense , as long as Sagna is at a stage where he can play 2 games in a week .
on 10 Feb 2012 at 1:20 pm21Phil Johnson

OOPS!

Sunderland’s last defeat was against Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge, on January the 14th.

The fact that they should have won it does not change a basic mistake!
on 10 Feb 2012 at 1:27 pm22arsabeatbarca

Holic, A 1-2 win sounds about right. The weather and Larsson worry me the most. Funny about that song, I just listened to it the other night!
on 10 Feb 2012 at 1:27 pm23Goonerholic

Suitably chastised, Phil. I’m blaming a combination of the hideous new BBC website design and my new glasses.

Thanks.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 1:30 pm24arsabeatbarca

Tabs, After reading your planned agenda for today, I dispatched a posse of Peta Chics adorned only in fig leaves your way. They should be arriving momentarily. God help you if they find you wearing your fur-lined speedos!
on 10 Feb 2012 at 1:41 pm25Ollie

Bar opening in the middle of the day? wtf
on 10 Feb 2012 at 1:42 pm26Catalan Gunner

Holic @7

You and Prince Charlie, eh?
on 10 Feb 2012 at 1:45 pm27Ollie

Ah, not just me finding the new BBC website hideous then, thanks ‘holic!
on 10 Feb 2012 at 1:47 pm28Shaft

Mr. T can’t go back to New York on the 16th…..we’ve got so much work to do!
on 10 Feb 2012 at 2:02 pm29North Bank Ned

‘Holic@23: I hope they are dark glass to dull that blinding yellow.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 2:15 pm30Ollie

Fortunes
Sage words from Sir Alex Ferguson on the anointed Harry this morning.

“He has changed the fortunes of every club he has been at,” quoth Sir.

Quite so. Fans of administration enthusiasts Portsmouth and the relegated Southampton will testify to that one.

Ha! From the usual source
on 10 Feb 2012 at 2:15 pm31takeabowson

ABB @24 – heh

If the Peta chicks do turn up , I will be happy to go naked !
on 10 Feb 2012 at 2:17 pm32Ollie

Thoroughly Confusing Statement Of The Day
‘With Harry, two plus two always makes five, not three. Harry sees the whole picture’ – Milan Mandaric in The Guardian. Erm, what?

This got me laughing out loud in the office.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 2:20 pm33behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

According to this BBC story:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16977508

AW had this to say today about Arshavin’s future:
“I expect him to be here after 24 February,” clarified Wenger. “That is clear.”

Is Arshavin going to ‘be here’ like Peter Sellers in the movie, Being There? I certainly hope he acquires a bit more presence than that, tout de suite.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 2:22 pm34behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Re: Ollie @32, Both confusing and incriminating if you ask me.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 2:30 pm35Ollie

I am guessing that this is sort of the point, bt8.
Certainly sounded to me like it did to you anyway
on 10 Feb 2012 at 2:34 pm36Lars

I remember that O’Neill outburst very well, I was at the game in question (cold as fuck it was and 0-0 it ended) and what Wenger actually did was praise Villa for their hard work, for closing us down and then playing long balls to Young and Agbonlahor. O’Neill somehow took offense at the long ball bit and went ballistic even though Arsene was right, they were playing long balls which every man and his dog could see.

Anyhoo, as many others I predict a tough game in the cold tomorrow. We should have enough to win it, my only real worry is that there is always a risk of looking too far ahead when the following game is a big one which Milan away undoubtedly is. Hopefully, though, we’ll stay focused and I hope we make Sunderland have to chase the ball a lot in the first half to tire them. We don’t need to feel a rush to score as long as we don’t concede – keep the ball and make them chase it and those who played 120 minutes on Wednesday will undoubtedly tire around the 60-minute mark or thereabouts.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 2:36 pm37behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Heh Ollie, There’s nothing like agreement, right?
on 10 Feb 2012 at 2:39 pm38behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Re: Lars, Long balls in the cold? Certainly sounds constricting in more ways than one. Seriously, maybe we should go for a temporary recall of Bendtner?
on 10 Feb 2012 at 2:40 pm39Ollie

Yep, remember that too, Lars.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 3:11 pm40Joe

In relation to the Spat with Wenger, I don’t know what exactly happened and I dare say anyone does apart from them both, but I remember being surprised at O’Neill’s reaction at the time, which I thought was surprising and overboard. I thought he just picked up on the “long ball” comment and took that out of context to the generality of Wengers comments, which were not meant to be disrespectful in any way.

I think O’Neill is a very underrated manager. When he was at Villa they were pushing for a top 4 place and were a difficult fixture for any team, home or away. Of course, Lerner sold players out from underneath him and never allowed him to re-invest the proceeds. O’Neill walked and there was no parting statement or backbiting by him in the media which I thought was admirable. Of course Randy Lerner knew best and brought in Houllier and then McLeish. Signs on – look where Villa are at today and are by comparison, a shadow of their former selves.

Since he has taken over Sunderland, they have indeed been “transformed” and are clipping our heels in the league table already. Between the league encounter tomorrow and the FA Cup draw sandwiching the intervening CL game with Milan – O’Neill will have them primed for both matches. Two tough games.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 3:17 pm41Lars

Joe – O’Neill is undoubtedly a good manager. His teams tend to play a game that in my opinion is very dull and boring, but also bloody hard to beat.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 3:17 pm42Cannons of Rhetoric

Lols, lols and more lols….

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150658151084042&set=o.123701174368610&type=1&theater
on 10 Feb 2012 at 3:19 pm43Lars

CoR: heh!
on 10 Feb 2012 at 3:20 pm44zicoinexile

Martin O’Neill is a gob shite.

In my opinion, of course.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 3:26 pm45Goonerholic

Excellent link Cannons
on 10 Feb 2012 at 3:28 pm46Ollie

Youknowsit, Dr Z.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 3:31 pm47Cannons of Rhetoric

I love Arsene asking advice on the bottom of his page, made me crack up and spit wine everywhere…
on 10 Feb 2012 at 3:47 pm48Steve T

3 degrees???? It’s 9 below zero here….
on 10 Feb 2012 at 3:56 pm49Goonerholic

Not that warm here either Steve. They’ll be topless in the Stadium of Light tomorrow, them Mackems
on 10 Feb 2012 at 4:05 pm50Ollie

Half century, don’t mind if I do.

With this : http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/02/10/article-2099361-11AB8A9C000005DC-168_468x337.jpg

courtesy arseblogger on twitter
on 10 Feb 2012 at 4:14 pm51Steve T

Great band. Very under rated. TS will know. Great old blues tune of the same name.

Mackems are not a normal breed. Not normal at all.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 4:32 pm52zicoinexile

I think the Three Degrees were a great band as well Steve T.

Haven’t heard them doing Messin’ with the Kid, though.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 4:53 pm53Goonerholic

Warning, it is inadvisable to link me with this in any way, shape, or form.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 5:27 pm54zicoinexile

Pub time.

Guinni here I come.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 6:31 pm55Steve T

9 Below Zero. Check out that blues harp……

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2Rp2b-BcwU&feature=related
on 10 Feb 2012 at 6:35 pm56Steve T

Sonny Boy Williamson. It really is 9 below zero. Just hope the mackems have the blues tomorrow evening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGUGXOxs6p0

Enjoy.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 8:42 pm57izicoinexile

Steve T

9 Below Zero?

Or just Johnny Winter?
on 10 Feb 2012 at 9:10 pm58behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Re: ‘holic @53, Not sure but you may have just done it yourself.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 9:13 pm59Wind

Alright. Before I retire to listen to sort out my music collection, I’d like to say:

From the Last Bar:
NBN @ 315, GT @ 316, Prem Justice (a massive Heh!) @ 318, , thanks for your support. My faith in the lurk, learned so eloquently from master tabs’ was shaken for a brief respite, but it has been restored

Harsha @ 329, I remember bt8b’s self assist run. It was… dark

Shaft, your ‘Who let the dogs out?’ @ 330 was excellent. I’m still sporadically laughing at random intervals during the day

Camberwell @ 332, yes Maybe you can begin to get in among the goals again
on 10 Feb 2012 at 9:18 pm60behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

CoR @42: I’m dumbfounded by the cleverness.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 9:21 pm61Wind

Nice write-up ‘Holic, never really thought about o’Neill misconstruing Wenger’s comments like that being the cause of the supposed feud.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 9:25 pm62behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

I couldn’t find a song for minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit so an instant Canadian fog video will have to suffice. For the Fahrenheit challenged, that’s minus 30 on the scale you probably use.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhDB0TeHtZs
on 10 Feb 2012 at 9:28 pm63behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Forecast high in Sunderland tomorrow afternoon is 3 degrees Celsius above zero. Balmy!!
on 10 Feb 2012 at 9:31 pm64Wind

That was really cool 8ball
on 10 Feb 2012 at 9:34 pm65iStorey

Evening Holicses

Would like to echo The Maestro and give props to The Travelling Faithful this weeks. Two trips to The Stadium of Shite and one to The San Siro. Anyone doing all three deserves an official mention of gratitude on Pravda at the very least, IMO.

Another massive, season defining week for The Arse. It’s up for grabs now

A round for all in the bar please Mr. Barman.

COYRRRs!
on 10 Feb 2012 at 9:35 pm66iStorey

Ah! I see I’m ‘en route’
on 10 Feb 2012 at 9:47 pm67North Bank Ned

CoR@42: top link. Loved the AW comment at the end.

The Sunderland games will be tough. If the ‘Holic pound lands this weekend, it will be with a hard-won three points, I suspect. O’Neil is an extremely effective manager of good but not great teams, making mid-table outfits solidly top half. That is what he has done at the Stadium of Light (is there a Stadium of Home, anywhere? One for the radio geezers at this bar). He was rather like that as a player, too. Much, much better than his raw ability talent suggested because he played with his head as much as with his feet. And something must have rubbed off from playing under Brian Clough. He has turned Sunderland around impressively this season.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 9:50 pm68North Bank Ned

bt8b@63: Is that what passes for having fun in Canada?
on 10 Feb 2012 at 9:52 pm69iStorey

Steve T – 9 Below Zero – Mod-tastic!
on 10 Feb 2012 at 9:55 pm70behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

NBN, Quite possibly.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 9:57 pm71behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Fabio Capello having done a poor job of choosing a good job, his compatriot Carlo Ancelotti seems to have done quite a lot better. Unbeatable food and surroundings, and presumably an unbeatable salary, all with considerably less competition: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16969157
on 10 Feb 2012 at 10:24 pm72Snir Geuli

I have a sneaky feeling TH will be starting tomorrow, to keep RvP fresh for Milan.

Since it’s his last EPL game.

Don’t know why, just a feeling, not basing it on anything though.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 10:27 pm73Cannons of Rhetoric

@68: Hey Ned, not sure about England, but the local team I go and watch, Vissel Kobe, play at Home’s Stadium….they are like the Wolves or Wigan of the J-League. Every season starts and they immediately begin a relegation battle but somehow they manage to always beat the big teams when it looks unlikely…

Thanks for the encouraging words and great musical links fellow gooners! I’m off to play futsal on a mountain.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-zzVfyTuZg
on 10 Feb 2012 at 11:07 pm74Steve T

IS. Thank you. I was wondering when someone would appreciate it. 9 Below. Still playing these days. Well worth checking out.

Mackems away? Tough fixture. made even tougher by the fact that Nicky B cant play for them. One of about God knows how many must win games. Bacs has to start. I do feel that Le Coq more than deserves a role in midfield. Time for Aaron to rest and let Le Coq have a run out. He seems so full of energy, he could just have the kind of spark that makes the difference. I must say that out of all those of his sort of age he is the one that I really do think can go on to be something of real quality.

It will be tough tomorrow and I must say, I do think that it is games like this that tell us exactly where we are. A good result and those around will really sit up and take notice. Marker time. Time to plant our flag in the soil and announce to them all that we are The Arsenal. Let others quake. Even if it is 9 Below Zero.

Gunners Gaming you say holic? Nothing to do with free sausage rolls and a bottle of Blue Nun per chance?????

Keep the faith.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 11:12 pm75arsabeatbarca

Wind @ 60 How about Adele’s ” Set Fire to the Rain” for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!
on 10 Feb 2012 at 11:30 pm76Wind

abb @ 76, one of my younger sister’s favourites, I appreciate the quality of Adele’s vocals in it but I prefer “Rolling in the Deep”
on 10 Feb 2012 at 11:31 pm77Steve T

Snir. You might well be right re TH. Sounds more than plausable to me.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 11:38 pm78Goonerholic

Evening chums,

Home at last. That really is very cold indeed outside. Take it from one who has just walked the mile home.

Brrrr.
on 10 Feb 2012 at 11:38 pm79Ricey

“However the weather forecast promises three degrees (so take good care of yourself),”

Great stuff.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 1:19 am80behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Re: Steve T @74: Can we make yours an anti Nicky B. vote then?
on 11 Feb 2012 at 1:21 am81Snir Geuli

This of course is pure speculation but if this is the shirt – My goodness it is horrendous.

http://www.epltalk.com/arsenal-home-shirt-for-2012-13-season-revealed-photo-39438
on 11 Feb 2012 at 2:47 am82North Bank Ned

SG@81: it is indeed a monstrosity. Nike seems to have fallen in love with these sleeve cuffs. Lots of their shirts for next season have them, and no one seems to like them. Go figure.

This example is so hideous that, should it indeed prove to be the shirt, we should all refuse to buy replicas. Total boycott.

CoR@73: My favorite Japanese team, though they are a baseball team, was the Nippon Ham Fighters. I though ham fighting would be a terrific sport and was crushed, crushed to discover the team was sponsored by the Nippon Ham company.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 2:55 am83behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

NBN: Thank you for explaining the derivation of the Ham Fighters name, which I too had admired but never figured out. Now I too am disillusioned.
For a new favorite I will settle for Urawa Red Diamonds, a J-League club. Probably sponsored by a brewery or some such large corporate entity but a nice name nevertheless.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:42 am84North Bank Ned

Urawa is a place, part of Saitama. The team was founded by Mitsubishi Heavy and is owned/sponsored by Mitsubishi Motors today, I think. CoR would be the man to know.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:47 am85GoonerTerry

Snir: NIKE can stick that shirt right up their ARSE for all I care..
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:21 am86nz gooner

Good post Holic,Go the Arsenal,And give it heaps the Away Lads do us proud as ever,look forward to the songs through the telly a world away.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:23 am87nz gooner

And the new proposed Home shirt is drop dead Awful
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:24 am88Snir Geuli

I am seeing angels above Arteta…. Are you seeing this too or am I too drunk?
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:25 am89Cannons of Rhetoric

Oh no, not Urawa Reds! They’re the Man U of Japan, even have the same uniform so I hate them
Not sure about the backgrounds of the other teams in the J-League but I would imagine they’re all mostly owned by businesses. No oil money here…yet. Ljungberg is here in Japan though. I tried to get my shirt signed last season but like a true Arsenal player he was injured and didn’t show when his team came down to Kobe

Nippon Ham Fighters was always a good laugh for me and my friends. I also used to wonder why their niche was fighting ham…fighting boars on the other hand sounds like a good night out
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:26 am90Cannons of Rhetoric

New uniform designs look crap by the way…where’d they buy those design templates, at the toilet store?
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:39 am91Catalan Gunner

CoR

Uniform?

Are we going to war? Oh.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:57 am92True Storey

Morning All!

Steve T @ #74 – Glad that you appreciate my appreciation. Saw them live in the early 80s mate, possibly with The Purple Hearts. My memory is hazy these days

Snir @ #88 – You’re definitley drunk mate but good point @ #72. AW’s going to have to rotate “little bit” for next three games so why not? He was bigging-up our ‘Impact Deity’ (copywright Arsenal Gent) at Friday’s presser so it seems reasonable to me that he’ll start one of the next three matches. BUT, what do I know……

CoR – I’m fairly sure that new kit photo is a wind-up *crosses fingers and toes* I’m in a tiny minority that quite likes our current away kit *ducks rotten fruit* but even I think that mock-up is truly horrendous.

An early round please Mr.Barman on lars’ tab.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:02 am93True Storey

PS:

I do wish our great manager would learn a small lesson himself and choose some of his wording just “little bit” more carefully:

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/-i-m-confident-about-our-big-week-ahead-

Would absolutley LOVE to be eating my words come Saturday night next week.

UTA!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:13 am94Lars

Those shirts look bloody awful. Won’t be buying one if that’s how they turn out, which I’m quite sure they will. These images usually turn out to be genuine.

SteveT@74: agree about the Coq looking more and more like the real deal, but I’d say there are more of his age with potential. You ever heard of this guy Wilshere, for example? Frimpong is also in the same bracket, but I really do fear his knees might put the kibosh on his prospects.

But generally speaking, players like Coquelin are almost invaluable under the current squad rules. Having players that can cover several positions well is a real asset and he will most likely keep improving for yet a few more years. He’s played in four different positions this season (remember he took Walcott’s position for a few minutes when Sagna came on v Villa in the cup!) and done well in all of them. He is basically what Jay-Emmanuel Thomas could have become if he had had his head screwed on and hadn’t been too lazy to put that extra bit of work into taking the final step.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:59 am95zicoinexile

Uniform? Wtf?

That strip is hideous – surprised there isn’t a Red Devil on it……
on 11 Feb 2012 at 10:02 am96Goonerholic

Takes ball off opponents toe on the edge of the box, looks left while playing precision pass to right wing. Run, Theo, run!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 10:04 am97Lars

Makes a decoy run to create space…
on 11 Feb 2012 at 10:16 am98And Lester

Nods it on
on 11 Feb 2012 at 10:17 am99bathgooner

Tees it up
on 11 Feb 2012 at 10:18 am100bathgooner

and blasts it in
on 11 Feb 2012 at 10:19 am101bathgooner

Nice post ‘Holic.

Sorry about the self assist but I’ve never got near a century before and couldn’t resist it.

Now GO WIN Arsenal.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 10:58 am102Delia- Block112

Greetings Holics
.
I’m off to the ENO to the opera today. Anyone looking for a good stream this afternoon should try LSHunter TV where you will find a choice of streams, at least one in English. The quality was very good yesterday when watching live Davis Cup tennis from Switzerland.

Everything crossed for 3 points today, should catch up on the game on Football First sometime after midnight!

As always COYRs
on 11 Feb 2012 at 11:11 am103Goonerholic

Morning bath.

As a great man once said, “I didn’t see it”.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 11:12 am104Goonerholic

Opera, Delia!

Well played. What a cultured crowd we are
on 11 Feb 2012 at 11:34 am105Lars

Time has been moving slowly this morning, I have to confess to being a bit nervous about this game. Feels like a bit of make-or-break.

Anyhoo, time to shut down the laptop and bugger off to the pub
on 11 Feb 2012 at 11:38 am106takeabowson

Whoaaaa Peeps , bit premature to be getting our knickers in a twist about the new kit .

Check out comment 14 in the link – a far more palatable version .
on 11 Feb 2012 at 11:38 am107takeabowson

forgot the link …

http://www.football-shirts.co.uk/fans/celtic-arsenal-manchester-united-juventus-inter-201213-nike-shirts-details_14336
on 11 Feb 2012 at 11:44 am108bathgooner

@ tabs 107

That doesn’t look too bad compared with the dog’s breakfast posted elsewhere yesterday.

2 ‘Holic 103

Good morning maestro – noither did oi!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 12:01 pm109takeabowson

Canons @42 – Brilliant link

Snir @72 – Possible I guess , but I have to say that I will be amazed if TH12 gets the nod over RVP today . We are simply not in a position to prioritise the Champs League over the League .

TS @93 – Not sure what you wanted AW to say . “Big week ahead but I have to say overall I am not confident” ???

Right , tough game today . I don’t think any tiredness on Sunderland’s part will play a part . One accusation that can’t be levelled at O’Neill’s teams is lack of fitness . Easy to forget fatigue when you’re winning which they have been .

Think they have enjoyed some luck in their recent run , so let’s hope that deserts them today . 2-0 to the Arse , Theo to score the opener , nervy second half , and then the OX to wrap it up .

Away juicer of choice today , so good luck everybody .

COME ON THE ARSENAL !!!!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 12:05 pm110takeabowson

Bath ,

Looks ok I thought . I think there is little doubt that there will be hoops somewhere on the sleeve , but how big they are and where they appear is all a matter of guesswork . ArsenalInsider (Snir’s link) admitted that their shirt was a mock-up and not a photo .

Congrats on your maiden century by the way
on 11 Feb 2012 at 12:20 pm111Spelling Police

Self-assists, baff? Goal disallowed.

Shirt on that page is on a par with 1992-1994 to me, no worse no better.
And I reckon it’ll look much better in reality than in this photoshop still.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 12:21 pm112Spelling Police

Indeed, tabs. but after a 7-1, we had to find a new reason to moan, right?

Hopefully, very hopefully we won’t have one after today’s game but I’m very nervous about it for once.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 12:22 pm113Spelling Police

And heh at the lumberjack Man U shirt!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 12:31 pm114Ollie

What the Spelling Police said.

All of it.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 12:33 pm115bathgooner

Spelling Police @ 111 – there was no-one to pass to, absolutely empty field when I teed it up. I paused, waited and then had to thump it in or the keeper would have had it.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 1:01 pm116Goonerholic

Before I forget. Report will be late tonight. Off out to dinner at six.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 1:08 pm117Geoff

Afternoon ‘holic and ‘holics.

Work has been CRAZY, not a second to myself to eat never mind post. I’ve missed posting and missed you all.

Did anyone just see Suarez refuse to shake Evra’s hand?

The man is beneath contempt.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 1:27 pm118N7 Gooner

Suarez is a disgrace, they should ban him again. And charge his manager too.

If what they’ve said and done this week doesn’t bring the game into disrepute, I don’t know what would.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 1:30 pm119Wind (The Hurricane)

I was torn in the Evra-Suarez debate, Evra is a mahoosive cunt, but Suarez is a dirty racist, but with Suarez refusing the shake, he has shrouded himself not in glory, but in shit.

New Shirt @ 81, I will probably not be owning that, although tabs’ addition at 107 gives me a gamut of hope.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 1:33 pm120Ollie

I would refuse to shake Evra’s hand.
To be fair, I’d refuse to shake Suarez’s hand too.

In fact, I’m not giving them any second of my time, the television is also off.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 1:43 pm121Wind (The Hurricane)

And Bathgooner, I can’t say ‘Well In’ for 100, due to my own personal experiences, but I can say I understand
on 11 Feb 2012 at 1:44 pm122Ollie

I have now noticed that our game isn’t on Canal+ Sport. Fucking cunts are showing Everton vs Cuntski.

Much dismayed.
I demand that, if they’re going to show 3pm kick-offs, they choose the greatest team the world has ever seen, not some fucking dross.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 1:55 pm123Charlie

A match involving Liverpool, Man Utd and Phil Dowd. The combined hideousness is too much to bear!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 2:12 pm124True Storey

tabs @ #109.

It was the points about “we have learned our lessons”, “mental strength”, etc. IMO, better not to have said anything about those two subjects. Of course, I want him and the team to be super-positive about our up-coming fixtures.

Enjoy the AJOC.

UTA!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 2:31 pm125Toby

Looks like we are playing pretty much our best available team today. At least it’s the in-form team, innit?

Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Song, Arteta, Rosicky, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Van Persie.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 2:33 pm126Ollie

Looks right, Toby.
Come on You Gunners! Time to deliver in the big NorthEast.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 2:36 pm127North Bank Ned

Here is a Nike shirt for Brazil for next season. Cuffed, but only one band on the sleeve.

http://www.footballshirtculture.com/12/13-kits/brazil-2012-2013-nike-home-football-shirt.html
on 11 Feb 2012 at 2:38 pm128Toby

And having Ramsey on the bench raring to go, Gibbs if we need some extra speed in the end, Le Coq or perhaps Henry to get another, we got, if not a strong bench but at least one that should be able to help us win today.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 2:51 pm129Snir Geuli

Same team from Saturday apart from one change which is Bac for LeCoq.

I’m still seeing angels…
on 11 Feb 2012 at 2:53 pm130behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Come on the Gunners. TR7 it could be your game so squeeze it by the ball(s)!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 2:57 pm131Wind (The Hurricane)

Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal…
UtA!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:00 pm132Joshua

COME ON YOU GUNNERS
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:14 pm133cognacgunner

Anyone need a commentary , Im happy to give one
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:17 pm134behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

cognac, Delia’s link @102 doesn’t work for me so I can use your commentary, and anyone else’s.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:18 pm135cognacgunner

Richardson yellow card for nasty on Sagna
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:19 pm136Trev

Afternoon all,
no internet for the last 1 1/2 days due to huge BT failure in our area.

Haven’t been able to back-drink in detail but did note Mr C’s memo.

Agreed Mr C, there was always something suspicious about Nurse Abb.
I’ll leave it to you I think, to check her qualifications more thoroughly, including those of her own gender, I would suggest

Hard task this afternoon, COME ON REDSSS!!!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:19 pm137Trev

Chavs 1 – 0 down to Everton !!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:20 pm138cognacgunner

bt8 ok

Sagna OK

Pressure after Free kick but come sto nought
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:20 pm139cognacgunner

bt8 try hostream.net
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:21 pm140cognacgunner

Sunderland tackling back well but generally fairly
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:23 pm141cognacgunner

Theo gets well fed and slides across past far post
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:24 pm142cognacgunner

Just be4 Ox had a good run but crowded out
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:25 pm143cognacgunner

Message to AW – get Song an eye test (at least 3 poor passes)
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:27 pm144cognacgunner

3 minutes solid pressure comes to 0
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:28 pm145cognacgunner

Theo cannot penetrate as well as Ox when on ball
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:29 pm146cognacgunner

Rvp down in box but 0
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:31 pm147cognacgunner

Long pass by Song over to to Theo, took it on fly but OTT
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:31 pm148Catalan Gunner

8ball…

http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/106925/1/watch-sunderland-vs-arsenal.html
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:33 pm149cognacgunner

Totally dominant but no end product.

Just about to praise Rosicky but poor pass return went out for Goal kick
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:35 pm150cognacgunner

Sund break out but stopped by Ox
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:37 pm151cognacgunner

Sund playing so deep BFG in their half, good attack beaten out
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:39 pm152cognacgunner

ball bounces off BFG’s arm in our box as he was falling – nothing – lucky I think
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:40 pm153behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

None of those streams is working for me. It must be the CIA or one of those other fascistic government agencies conspiring against me. Thanks for the updates cognac and Catalan!!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:41 pm154cognacgunner

Rvp fouled by Turner played it short , pressure comes to 0 after multiple shots
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:42 pm155cognacgunner

Song gentle lob into box but a trifle short – good idea
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:44 pm156cognacgunner

good 3 man break, RVP brought down yello for Campbell outside box
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:45 pm157cognacgunner

Artetta on ball – hits wall
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:47 pm158cognacgunner

Quick sund break 3 v 2 but well defended by Verm — Half time 0-0
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:52 pm159wedroppedalittlein2ndhalf

Nothing is working.Typical O’neil tactics, I’ve seen these games so many times when he was at Villa. we have to up the tempo, passing in front of them will led nowhere. We need some sharp quick through balls to open them up
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:54 pm160Catalan Gunner

8ball Heh!

Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you
on 11 Feb 2012 at 3:58 pm161cognacgunner

Impressed by Ox, TR and Song at front, and defence looking sound in general so far

Will have to spread the ball a bit more to split their defence, and Alex’s lobs could yet get a result

COYRS
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:01 pm162SlaSh

Lotsa foreplay but no penetration.

Lets win it in the 2nd with the good old 1-0 to the Arsenal and hope for a reverse score at Goodison.

COYG
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:02 pm163cognacgunner

8ball – have you got a stream now?
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:03 pm164behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Catalan. Precisely. That is why my anxiety is increasing so rapidly as I sit here in my concrete bunker.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:04 pm165cognacgunner

Theo bullyed off the ball
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:05 pm166cognacgunner

FK central outside box
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:06 pm167behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

cognac, just got it, 3 minutes into the second half. Thanks for tiding me through!!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:08 pm168behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

firstrowsports.eu by the way
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:08 pm169scruzgooner

are sunderland naturally whiney, weak, divers? because they are really, really good at it.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:09 pm170cognacgunner

Bac gives ball away , Arteta gets it back but FK given in Larsson range
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:09 pm171cognacgunner

played short bounced around and O’shea blasts over
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:11 pm172cognacgunner

Bfg drives forward but pass too hard for Theo
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:12 pm173cognacgunner

Song eye test again
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:15 pm174cognacgunner

continuous pressure but block defence
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:18 pm175cognacgunner

Sunderland break out ball crossed in but straight across phew
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:19 pm176cognacgunner

Long shot fired in by Gardner but Woz managed to push it out at full stretch
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:21 pm177cognacgunner

Total repeat = Woz keeping us in it from Gardner again
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:22 pm178cognacgunner

COYR get the ball back and keep it
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:23 pm179cognacgunner

Thierry on for Ox – why not for Theo?
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:24 pm180cognacgunner

We break forward but Alex too hard with pass
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:25 pm181behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Saw a couple of big saves by SZCZ We need to get the ball in their half. Here’s Henry.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:28 pm182cognacgunner

Bfg falls over himself badly and Sund score from nothing
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:28 pm183cognacgunner

Looks bad leg injury for BFG who was not under pressure
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:29 pm184cognacgunner

Rambo coming on for BFG
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:30 pm185scruzgooner

bye bye per. that’s an achilles, and he’s out six months minimum.

ugh.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:31 pm186cognacgunner

Song at back now
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:32 pm187scruzgooner

welcome to the game, mr. ramsay!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:32 pm188Bergkamp's The Man

We’ve seen this movie before. All the possession but little penetration. Our final through balls lack guile and accuracy.

YES Rambo!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:32 pm189Joshua

Get in there
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:32 pm190cognacgunner

Goal Rambo in off both posts

1-1
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:32 pm191Steve T

Very unlucky to concede from there but we really have not created anywhere near enough.

And then…… Super Rambo
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:33 pm192Bergkamp's The Man

We can win this now.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:33 pm193behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

1-1 come on boys!!!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:33 pm194Bergkamp's The Man

Steve, we’re lacking WIDTH now that the Ox is back in the box.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:35 pm195cognacgunner

Campbell goes down outside area Rosicky yellow

Can hear our lot singing – yeah
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:39 pm196Steve T

Def too narrow on the left.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:39 pm197cognacgunner

Th is slower (no surprise) but still determined
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:40 pm198cognacgunner

Surely AA is coming on?
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:41 pm199Bergkamp's The Man

Surely not!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:41 pm200Steve T

The pitch does not look.good but some of our passing at times has been poor.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:42 pm201cognacgunner

For Theo no doubt?
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:44 pm202Bergkamp's The Man

It’s all relative Steve. In the Manure game earlier the passing was woeful. We look like magicians in comparison.

Theo’s first touch disappoints me.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:44 pm203cognacgunner

AA Theo
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:44 pm204Bergkamp's The Man

He’s had his hair cut specially for this!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:46 pm205bird

This is a practically wasted 3rd substitution. How can you expect a man who hasn`t played for weeks find his feet in the last 4 minutes? Should have done it 15 min ago.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:46 pm206cognacgunner

AA cross to RVP head into goalie
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:47 pm207Steve T

Did not see the earlier game.

Time for one bit of magic from the Russian munchkin.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:48 pm208cognacgunner

4 mins added

COYR
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:48 pm209cognacgunner

Goal that frenchman from AA

THIERRRRY
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:48 pm210bird

Should`ve done it from the start!!!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:49 pm211scruzgooner

henrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:49 pm212Joshua

had to be
theirrrry
henry
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:49 pm213cognacgunner

Legged it in from 1 yard out
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:49 pm214Bergkamp's The Man

We def deserve that! Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:49 pm215Wind (The Hurricane)

Arshavin and the King combine! 229 goals, 1-2 to the Arsenal!!!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:49 pm216scruzgooner

CONCENTRATE!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:50 pm217Joshua

AA’s had a good few minutes since he’s come on.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:50 pm218cognacgunner

Have to rebuild that statue a bit bigger I think
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:50 pm219scruzgooner

now all that timewasting after they were 1-0 up is coming back to haunt them.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:51 pm220cognacgunner

Holding them off in last minute
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:51 pm221behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

I saw THAT one!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:52 pm222scruzgooner

aii! my stream died. last minute…what’s happening…
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:52 pm223N7 Gooner

Jesus Thierry.

Sign him up Arsene. Look what a difference it makes having a striker off the bench.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:52 pm224cognacgunner

Arteta fouled by desperate tackle

What a lovely song I can hear

Its over
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:53 pm225scruzgooner

ft?
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:53 pm226Bergkamp's The Man

You CANNOT write this stuff unless your Grimm!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:53 pm227bird

Great result gays!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:53 pm228behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Good signing, that one!!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:54 pm229cognacgunner

Apparently weve overtaken the bus stop into 4th
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:54 pm230scruzgooner

YES!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:54 pm231Steve T

Where do they continue to find these script writers.

Note BtM. One cross from out wide and see what happens?
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:55 pm232cognacgunner

bird – what you say?
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:55 pm233N7 Gooner

Well done lads – showed proper bottle there.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:55 pm234And Lester

Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,
Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,
Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,
Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,
Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,
Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,
Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,
Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,
Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,Thierry Henry,
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:56 pm235Wind (The Hurricane)

As soon as the ball left Arshavin’s foot, I knew something special was gonna happen. This could be the turning point of our season, and it could stem from our little Russian
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:56 pm236And Lester

(the goal-scorer)
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:56 pm237Toby

I’m getting drunk. See you later GOONERS
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:56 pm238Tim

This french chap Henry looks a bit good….

Lovely grit Arsenal….keep the faith.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:57 pm239scruzgooner

ooooooh, to be a gooner!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:57 pm240Trev

Brilliant result !

3 goals for Thierry in a fairly paltry number of minutes playing time.
I thought we had an option for another 2 weeks – come on Arsene, keep him for the Spuds, PLEASE !!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:58 pm241Cannons of Rhetoric

Insanity…speechless
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:58 pm242Bearded Gooner

No one is expected to knock the ball out when presented with that oppo but for those that believe in karma I think McLean not knocking that out when Per was in clear distress doomed his team. What a way to win it! The direct sub for Per equalizes and the most maligned player on the team threads an inch perfect cross to the Legend for his swan song. Incredible.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:58 pm243Joshua

Great substitutions by Wenger today.

And get well soon, Mertesacker.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:58 pm244North Bank Ned

With the Scousers and Chelski losing that is such a big win. Back in fourth, if only by the thinest of whiskers. And as long as Newcastle doesn’t beat the Spuds, we’ll stay there tonight. A draw in the late game wouldn’t be all bad. Fourth, fifth and sixth would all be on 43 points but third would then be only eight points away.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:59 pm245scruzgooner

soccernet has the live table incorrect…after goal differential isn’t the tiebreaker total goals scored? we best the bus stop. wins? there, too.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:59 pm246lurky oliva

WTF, Wenger out!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 4:59 pm247Ollie

Whisper it but I’ve just heard that we won from 1-0 down, that Thierry Henry scored, and that the Bus Stop in Fulham lost.

Didn’t watch any of it, but happy days!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:00 pm248scruzgooner

well said, bearded gooner.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:01 pm249Trev

Same points, same goal difference as the Chavs. COYR!

Had to lose a player i suppose as one is coming back. Only fair!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:01 pm250Bearded Gooner

4th pending the Newcastle v Scum game. As much as I’d like 4th at the end of the weekend I have to want Newcastle to drag the scum back into the race for 3rd and 4th so we can send them them further on their way down the table in a couple weeks.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:02 pm251Wind (The Hurricane)

Couldn’t of said it better myself bearded gooner
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:03 pm252North Bank Ned

And props to the much maligned Ramsey and AA today. Both subs found something that won the game. And props to AW for the subs!

The Ox got a lesson in League football. Up against a canny old pro in Bardsley he didn’t get much of a look in. Theo looked one dimensional. If he doesn’t get space to run behind the defenders he doesn’t seem to have a plan B. And Sunderland didn’t give him an inch.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:04 pm253scruzgooner

ah, fixed. arsenal showing in fourth. what a pretty sight.

i won’t mind a geordie win, i think we have a better chance getting through them, and scum losing would be another bowl of grease on their downhill slide.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:05 pm254North Bank Ned

TH12 has become as much of a legend as TH14.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:05 pm255scruzgooner

in other words, i agree with bearded gooner
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:06 pm256SlaSh

First of all screw Mclean, and O’neill.

And well i think today is the perfect day to get this off of my chest: AW is NOT tactically naive, I am sick and tired of people having a dig at him when the subs don’t work out. Should have done this, should have played that they say. Time to eat humble pie today, all three subs combined for both the goals today.

What a cross by Arshavin, you beauty.

and oh what AL said @ 234.

COYG
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:07 pm257Steve T

NBN. The point I was about to make. Great winner from the legend but a lot of praise due to AA for finding space for the cross and then putting it on a sixpence.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:07 pm258Ollie

229?
230 in Milan please
/greedy

Seriously, I hope some of the people who said he’d be useless are eating humble pie.
Including the nauseous Paul Parker, but I don’t expect much from this twat.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:07 pm259Snir Geuli

(How many times will people write that we wouldn’t have won that game last season?)

That pitch is the worst in the PL bar none. I can’t believe it’s not disallowed. The ball was jumping around like a basketball and PM is badly hurt, I’m sure of it. His leg was planted as he was trying to turn… That can only be bad.

Those two crosses by AA (the assist and the cross for RvP) were excellent.

Inswingers are always dangerous.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:08 pm260Joshua

A win for the ‘Holic pound as well?
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:10 pm261Catalan Gunner

Harsha on Twitter reckons Henry also told O’Neill to shut up. To be confirmed….

Thierry is a Gooner.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:11 pm262Wind (The Hurricane)

Seems so Joshua, ‘Holic must be dancing around while holding a pint of the blackish stuff
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:12 pm263Bearded Gooner

Great minds think alike scruz. Even more so when they are Gooners
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:14 pm264andy

Henry was giving o’Neil the yibba yabba hand movement and the shhhh.

lol.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:16 pm265Joshua

Catalan, I saw the gesture, but didn’t see who it was to.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:17 pm266Bearded Gooner

O’Neill was yapping at Thierry after he booted the ball out of play. The irony of his team time wasting for the 15 minutes prior to Thierry’s goal was not surprisingly lost on the poor little guy so Thierry did the hand talking thing so they would be talking on equal terms.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:17 pm267Snir Geuli

No Euros for BFG then eh?

It looked horrible.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:18 pm268Chippy

E.I.E Fucking E !!!!!!! BoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooM
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:21 pm269lurky oliva

Right about the pitch Snir, that is a part of their tactics a guess. Sunderland looked a very strong and organized team. That Fraiser guy had a dynamo in the ass or what. Always on our side when attacking, and always duplicating the little Ox when defending. McClean had a decent game as I have feared.
But what is more important, I feel that we played very mature and with patience. Sad about Mert though, but I don’t know why was he on the pitch anyway. Sunderland have quick attackers, height was not quite needed, except for the corners.
I am so glad for Arshavin. He deserve it.
And of course. There is only one King of Arsenal. Long live King Henry. So happy. Up the Arse!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:23 pm270GoonerTerry

I just watched the post-match interview with Shrek – nice hair jobbie..with every penny I thought…

What????
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:24 pm271Snir Geuli

Arteta is the best player in the PL in ball retention.

116 passes (76 more than the highest passing Sunderland player!!!) with a 94% (109 out of 116) completion rate.

That is mind boggling.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:25 pm272North Bank Ned

Trev@240 (and I really must get out more)

TH12′s playing minutes (regular + added on):

Sunderland (League) 24 -+ 6 — 1
Blackburn (League) 22 + 5 — 1
Bolton (League) 21 + 4
Aston Villa (FA Cup) 1 + 5 FA Cup
Man U (League) 0 — unavailable
Swansea (League) 27 + 5
Leeds (FA Cup) 22 + 4 — 1

Total 146 mins. Three goals, two of them the game winners. At that pace, he would score 73 goals in a full League season.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:26 pm273GoonerTerry

with = worth (0;
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:28 pm274North Bank Ned

@272: the –1 means the number of goals TH scored.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:29 pm275Ollie

Good point Joshua.

Kerrrching!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:31 pm276Snir Geuli

Mikel Arteta’s 80.8 pass per game average in context: he’s 4th behind Xavi (105.7), Alonso (83.5) and Pirlo (81.2).

Shows why we struggled so much when he was out in January.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:33 pm277Steve T

Last season we would have struggled to win that.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:35 pm278North Bank Ned

Cleaned up TH12 table:

TH12′s playing minutes (regular + added on — no of goals scored) :

Sunderland (League) 24 + 6 — 1
Blackburn (League) 22 + 5 — 1
Bolton (League) 21 + 4 — 0
Aston Villa (FA Cup) 1 + 5 — 0
Man U (League) 0; unavailable
Swansea (League) 27 + 5 — 0
Leeds (FA Cup) 22 + 4 — 1

Total 146 mins. Three goals, two of them the game winners. At that pace, he would score 73 goals in a full League season.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:43 pm279Bergkamp's The Man

Shit, my boy Ade’s made two in five minutes for the Scum. I should have put my foot down and never let him go.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:56 pm280Joshua

Oh well, at least we stay in the top four.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:58 pm281wedroppedalittlein2ndhalf

i’m still optimistic for 3rd spot.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 5:59 pm282Doctor Faustus

How is a game in ‘world’s best’ league allowed in that pitch? An injury like Per’s was just waiting to happen. Hopefully it is not too severe as he has been looking increasingly assured.

Excellent few minutes from Arshavin, sure this would do his confidence a world of good and we would need him to perform at some point in this season. He is generally more willing to cut in from the left and dribble through or pass, but today sent two very good crosses.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 6:01 pm283Wind (The Hurricane)

Spuds 3-0 up before 30 mins, that game is over.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 6:04 pm284Ollie

Nobody (aside from maybe Sepp Blatter) could sensibly argue that the pre-match handshake means a great deal. In fact, this ritual that is supposed to show respect between the two clubs involved is causing more aggravation than it’s worth, and we should ask the FA why, after they suspended it before the QPR v Chelsea game, they allowed it to happen this time.

Indeed
on 11 Feb 2012 at 6:17 pm285Ollie

I have to thank ‘holic for tipping me last monday. Otherwise I’d have had Saha in my Fantasy Football team, and I would feel very very bad.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 6:28 pm286North Bank Ned

Newcastle can come back from four down
on 11 Feb 2012 at 6:33 pm287SlaSh

Is Phil Dowd officiating NBN?
on 11 Feb 2012 at 6:33 pm288Trev

NED – Thanks, again, and you are THE stat man
on 11 Feb 2012 at 6:48 pm289Steve T

Does anyone actually know what per has done? It was not clear on my stream but it looked more muscular? Did not see if it was a twist or a turn of a knee/ankle etc.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 6:57 pm290lurky oliva

Steve T, this is from Arsene on Per:
We are a bit worried about his ankle I must say because he goes home on crutches. He has done some ligament damage, but how big that is we will have to check tomorrow. For sure he is out for Wednesday.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:03 pm291Ollie

Erugh, I predicted a lot of Spu*s/Redknapp spunk all over the papers tomorrow.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:05 pm292Joshua

Wenger says it’s ligament damage but isn’t sure how bad. From the replays, it looked like Per caught his studs on the “pitch”.

http://news.arseblog.com/2012/02/mertesacker-to-miss-milan/
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:05 pm293GoonerTerry

That pitch is worse than Wigan’s and they play Rugby League on theirs!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:06 pm294The Wasp

Got 2 mates from Belfast tickets for the game today.

Absolutely delighted for them and the TTF.

Have they witnessed history – the King’s last ever goal for The Arsenal?

Colin, Alan – if you’re reading this, I’m very jealous!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:16 pm295Ollie

Jaysus, Barça are losing.

Goodness stopped at 6pm, quite clearly. Well 5pm in the UK.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:17 pm296Ollie

Note that I don’t mind Barça losing as such, but in the context of Madrid being already so many points ahead… I fucking hate Real Madrid.
Did I ever mention that?
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:17 pm297Ollie

Good stuff, Wasp. They must be buzzing!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:19 pm298Charlie

Apparently our record in Saturday 3pm kickoffs this season is won seven out of seven, with only one goal conceded. Is this true? And if so, it’s very annoying the next time we play Saturday at 3 is mid-March! And that game at Everton will be postponed if either us or they win next weekend in the cup.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:20 pm299GoonerTerry

Ghosting into the box like TH12..
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:21 pm300GoonerTerry

Boom!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:21 pm301GoonerTerry

What???
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:22 pm302Ollie

What is it with self-assists today?

Booooooooooooooooooooooooo
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:24 pm303GoonerTerry

Hey Ollie: Cesc is a jinks – they will win nothing for 6-years now (0;
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:26 pm304GoonerTerry

Come on Ollie I never touched the ball until I volleyed it in…wtf??
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:30 pm305Snir Geuli

Ollie – I hate Barca, did I ever mention that?
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:31 pm306Goonertown-crisiswhatcrisis?

What bloody crisis mate?
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:36 pm307GoonerTerry

Off topic: I know that Suarez is the current hate figure but why is that turd handling him during the pre-match ‘handshake’…surely Suarez does not have to if he does not want to..

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/58448000/jpg/_58448876_mmsuarezhandshake.jpg
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:38 pm308Ollie

Ha, Snir! I was thinking you might dive in just there
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:39 pm309Ollie

GT. Evra is a humungous cunt.
A petty, childish one at that.

It’s just a shame they didn’t literally kill each other there and then.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:46 pm310Steve T

Cheers lurky.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:54 pm311Ollie

No egg chasing at Stade de France.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 7:54 pm312GoonerTerry

Ollie here is what I recommend Suarez do whenever Evra tries to ‘shake’ his hand again: http://youtu.be/yxeSIxMXIxg
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:00 pm313True Storey

Wonderful win. Great day for The Arse. Back into the Top 4 where we belong. Yee-f*cking-har!

Great post NBN @ #278! It’s really not looking good for Chamakh (in comparison) is it?

Getting Gervais back next week (possibly) should help us to out-gun and out-fox Sunderland again!

Get well soon Per, you’ll be sorely (no pun intended) missed. Fortunately, with Gibbs coming back we can deploy ‘The Kosinator’ pairing in the centre of defence.

Forwards Arsenal! Momentum building again just in the nick o’time.

UTA!!!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:04 pm314Mark the spark

Evening gents.

Proper, proper Arsenal is all I can say

I just KNEW we was going to win that
(from them going 1-0 up)

Lol @ BtM @199 and Bird @ 205

Also Slash @256… there was no change of tactics involved today. Just subs that did their job. It doesn’t always work, but today it did in Hans Christian Anderson style
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:11 pm315Snir Geuli

MtS – That’s not entirely correct.

There was a change in tactics.

When AS replaced PM, he was employed much higher up the pitch almost as a midfielder and not a CB.

He got the license to play higher up the pitch despite being a CB and add a creative spark to the midfield instead of taking his skills back to the defensive line.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:11 pm316N7 Gooner

Barca 1-2 now.

Have to say, I think we need them winning their league games. If they find themselves 12 points back on Madrid and start resting the whole first XI ahead of champs league matches then it becomes very, very hard to see any other team stopping them retaining the trophy.

Nice, close tussle for La Liga is what we need.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:14 pm317Snir Geuli

You mean 3-1
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:14 pm318N7 Gooner

1-3 now.

I’ve watched Barca a fair bit these last few years and I have to say: they aren’t right this season. They look knackered.

If someone can put Madrid out, I think this may end up being the weakest champs league for a good long while.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:16 pm319Snir Geuli

N7 – They are a bad away team. A very bad away team.

They can be had.

To be honest I just don’t want them to realize that they need to strengthen and try to sign RvP because if there is one club I think RvP will sign with apart from Arsenal it’s Barca. He always wanted to play either for Arsenal or Barca and Cesc is his soul mate on the pitch.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:19 pm320GoonerTerry

I tell you Cesc is jinking them ..
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:19 pm321behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

ChUfFeD !!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:20 pm322GoonerTerry

* that too (0;
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:20 pm323Snir Geuli

N7 – Barca are having a horrible time as an away team because they have a hard time developing their passing game with no time on the ball.

They don’t have time on the ball in away games as the home crowd spurs the players to close down quickly as opposed to sitting back at the Nou Camp.

You can see that quite clearly tonight.

This Osasuna is a team that was beaten 8-0 at Nou Camp by Barca and even without Xavi Barca should be beating them but with no time on the ball, you have to rely on personal technique to beat players and nobody is doing that apart from Messi.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:21 pm324Snir Geuli

GT – That’s quite obvious.

They’ll win the Copa del Rey and that’s it. Just like the FA Cup.

He’s a jinx.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:22 pm325Lars

I’ll take things in a relatively chronological order.

First off, Suarez is becoming such a burden on Liverpool FC that I am seriously beggining to wonder if he’ll be there next season. A manager can only go so far in defending a player and Dalglish is tainting his own legacy with all his increasingly strange statments lately. And I don’t think the owners are too happy about all the negative publicity.

Not that Evra covered himself in glory either. His exaggerated celebrations in front of Suarez were quite chilidsh.

And then to our game. That must have been the worst pitch I’ve seen since we played Wigan away the day after there had been a rugby game at the JJB. We didn’t play that well but right now I just don’t give a shit, this was an extremely important win. We are fourth with the slightest of margins, but we are fourth and are very much in the race for a CL spot.

I was absolutely convinced that the BFG had done his achilles, but if it is “only” ligament damage then there is still a chance he’ll play again this season. It looked awfully nasty in any case.

And oh how sweet it must feel for Arsene, Ramsey scored the equalizer and then Arshavin and Henry combining for the winner. Arshavin produced two very good crosses in the short time he was on and maybe, just maybe this can be a bit of a turning point?

A very nice three points in any case. Pints all round!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:25 pm326GoonerTerry

Snir: Stop panicking..RvP is going nowhere! He has never even suggested that he ever wants to leave the Arsenal – his team. He has a chance to be a legend at Arsenal: if he stays fit he could even beat TH12′s record. We love him and he loves us and so I believe that he will resist the lore of both Madrid & Barca…
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:26 pm327N7 Gooner

Snir

Good shout.

Something is also definitely not right with Messi.

He’s still head and shoulders above the rest, and has nearly 40 goals for the season, but he’s starting to drift in and out of games and looks to me like he needs a break.

I don’t want to tempt fate, but I wonder if RVP is top orthodox a centre forward for guardiola. He’s been burned before by the big angry swede.

If also would hope that if the Catalan cunts do come knocking on our door this summer with their begging bowl out, pleading poverty and asking to sign the skipper for the change they found down the back of their sofa we tell them that the chat doesn’t even start until an offer of £50m, a slam the phone straight down and then disconnect the fucker.

If he’s got to go, he’s got to go, but I don’t think I could hack being fleeced two summers running by those mugs.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:28 pm328andy

RvP is a adidas man so RM is his destination.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:29 pm329Snir Geuli

GT – I know all these considerations.

All I’m saying is that I’m convinced RvP will sign, but if he won’t I’d be absolutely flabbergasted if it would be for a club which isn’t Barca.

I know he never expressed a desire to leave Arsenal, but it’s been his dream as a kid to play for Arsenal or Barca.

Barca really is the only club I see with a tiny chance of signing RvP.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:33 pm330Snir Geuli

N7 – RvP has the ability to play on the wings as opposed to Ibrahimovic who was burnt by Messi’s request to play up front.

In addition, Pep is dithering on signing a new deal (as he always does), and this time it looks genuine. I think he wants a new challenge.

New manager might mean new targets.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:36 pm331N7 Gooner

2-3

I suspect Snir is right about the skipper and Barca.

That said, much as I love Van Persie, I couldn’t give a fuck what club he dreamt of playing for as a kid. We had all this bollocks last summer.

If he decides he wants to leave, which I pray he doesn’t (particularly as I firmly believe we’re Goetze and Podolski away from having a really handy looking squad) then it needs to be an open auction. None of this “club of my heart” business.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:39 pm332GoonerTerry

Snir: Not if we sign their manager first (0;
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:42 pm333N7 Gooner

Snir

Do you think he’s mobile enough to play that role? If Barca spend another £40m this summer I don’t think it’ll be up front.

Guillem Balague, who is usually on the money, reckons that Guardiola’s contract is a formality. I suspect that will become doubley true if they don’t win La Liga, which looks increasingly likely.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:42 pm334Catalan Gunner

GT

re the handshake. Rather than a neck break throw, this is the best response… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whWIlw2UrDU

N7

No one is really talking about RVP to Barca “on the street” here (yet). They are all very much expecting Bale to arrive.. which makes sense when you look at where they “need” strengthening. They have Messi, Alexis, Pedro and (ahem) Cesc. Not sure they need RVP.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:42 pm335Snir Geuli

N7 – Of course mate. Only an auction, but I think that as opposed to Cesc, clubs will bid for RvP cause they’d fancy their chances to sign RvP and that would create an auction. But, IMO no club will be a strong enough pull for RvP to leave Arsenal, especially not City, Chelsea et al.

GT – I still prefer AW over Pep. Any day of the week.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:43 pm336True Storey

Cheers lars @ #325. Haven’t had a Boddies in ages
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:45 pm337Snir Geuli

N7 – re Messi – He’s fine, it’s just his away form.

He’s got 4 away goals as opposed to 19 home goals.

He has trouble with (so many) people in his face as soon as he gets the ball.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:47 pm338Ollie

I see tha logic and reason now makes Snir want Barça to win things over Real
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:47 pm339Snir Geuli

Balague is anything but on the money

Bullshit is his middle name.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:49 pm340Catalan Gunner

Mmmm Boddies….

10 points. Beat them and it’s 7. That’s 2 fuck ups and a draw.

Quite simply we must just keep winning. Do that and we can still celebrate St Tott’s day…..

Come on!!!!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:51 pm341Ollie

Indeed Snir.

Although I reckon he is on much money in fact
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:53 pm342GoonerTerry

Snir: Me too..but I believe that Le Boss will not renew his contract after next season….and I believe that Pep can carry on his legacy..

CG: ..funny but that does not kill the cunt does it? Maybe he should do that BEFORE he snaps his f***king neck…just think how it would look on youtube? I tell you if Suarez did that I would fly to England to defend him for free (0;
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:53 pm343N7 Gooner

Well, they’ve lost.

I don’t see how they can win the league now. Which could make them very, very tough to beat in Europe.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:54 pm344Snir Geuli

Ollie – Fuck logic.

Hatred prevails.

I am thrilled they lost.

Cesc is a jinx hahahahahh

Trophies he wanted…

My arse.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:54 pm345True Storey

Dr.C @ #340

There is a chance. 13 games to go. If we beat that lot at The HoF and can keep our newly re-found momentum going then I think it’s game on.

Anyone got that lasagne recipe?
on 11 Feb 2012 at 8:59 pm346Ollie

I do like the idea of Cesc being a jinx.

They’ll probably win at least the King’s Cup though.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:00 pm347andy

v persie in 1996 in his Barca kit.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:00 pm348GoonerTerry

N7: It doesn’t follow that just because they crash in La Liga that they will do well in the CL…maybe they will crash out there as well – remember they weren’t that convincing in the group stage in a weak group. Maybe they are just having a ‘Arsenal-type’ season..Casc has experience of that sort of thing from his years here (0;
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:01 pm349Snir Geuli

Dr C, TS – No doubt it’s still possible.

A win next week would make it 7.

The week after is Spurs – Utd and L’pool – Arsenal.

Very possible that they’d lose points and we’ll beat L’pool (did I say how much I don’t rate L’pool yet?).

A week later is another important round of fixtures with Arsenal – Newcastle and Everton – Spurs.

Two weeks later it’s Arsenal – Villa and Chelsea – Spurs.

It’s still possible.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:03 pm350andy

http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/VanPersie.jpg

whoops
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:04 pm351Lars

N7, I have always said (and I still see no reason to change my opinion) that Messi will have a very short career at the top. For all his trickery and skills on the ball, his game is built mainly on him being very, very quick but just like Ronaldino discovered, when you can no longer outrun your defender as often it doesn’t matter how many stepovers you can do per second. Ronaldino was more or less a has-been at 27, Messi will (unless he develops other sides of his game, of course) go the same way.

And I’m not sure their league position will neccessarily make them more dangerous in the Champions League. The pressure on them will increase enormously and when you’re used to winning things almost at will it becomes much, much harder to handle setbacks.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:04 pm352andy

http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/VanPersie.jpg

Vpersie in his barca kit.

I will get there in the end..
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:07 pm353GoonerTerry

Andy @ 347: I see you and raise you this: http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/VanPersie.jpg
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:08 pm354Snir Geuli

That’s a known picture.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHLsP7kmq5A

Andy – Have a look at 1:44.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:14 pm355andy

He doesn’t work hard enough to fit into peps set up.

Too lazy at closing down.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:15 pm356andy

It still amazes me how someone so left footed is right handed.
Summit wrong with him.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:20 pm357Snir Geuli

It happens a lot in world football.

Cesc is left handed and right footed.

Jack is right handed and left footed.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:20 pm358GoonerTerry

Snir: but right after that he says…”Maar ik zou worden gestript als ik gespeeld voor de Catalaanse kutjes”..
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:21 pm359GoonerTerry

Andy..we’ll break him before long..(0;
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:23 pm360arsabeatbarca

Soooooooooo, Just dragged myself out of bed and not knowing who one the game. Fire up my laptap, my fingers literally trembling and moist with perspiration. I rub my bleary eyes, summon up all my gooner courage, and look at the score….now to back drink!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:27 pm361arsabeatbarca

Well, I’m still not quite awake. “one” is won!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:32 pm362arsabeatbarca

Ollie @ 296 Tis my religion to hate Real Madrid.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:35 pm363GoonerTerry

Nurse ABB: Late shift tonight?
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:37 pm364andy

jus watchin football first. any chance of the scottish geezer saying anything nice about the Arsenal?
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:38 pm365arsabeatbarca

Snir @ 276 It was I who pointed out several posts ago that Arteta was the catalyst for our many wins…
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:39 pm366arsabeatbarca

Hey GT, worked last night and again tonite, no rest for the wicked! Cheers mate.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:44 pm367arsabeatbarca

And Lester @ 234 Writer’s block? Just kidding mate, sums up my emotions perfectly!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:50 pm368arsabeatbarca

Wind @ 76 Little sis has very good taste!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 9:58 pm369arsabeatbarca

Trev @ 136 Ha, Ha! Unlike Mr Lurky Oliva, I don’t have to ‘check’ to see which gender I belong. I am Woman!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 10:01 pm370arsabeatbarca

Tabs @ 31 Sir, you are incorrigible ( and we wouldn’t have it any other way)!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 10:12 pm371andy

Szezzer should have done better with the sunderland goal.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 10:14 pm372andy

Martin O Neill next Arsenal manager. lol

LG posters are legends
on 11 Feb 2012 at 10:18 pm373Snir Geuli

andy, maybe.

But his two saves on Gardner were world class. Two extremely difficult saves with everybody blocking his view.

I was thrilled to see him get back to form.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 10:21 pm374snowy

What a very long day. And not the prettiest game I’m football I’ve ever seen. But a very important win.

Can’t believe I’m going to have to go all the way back up there again next weekend….

I hope no-one will feel offended if I can’t summon the energy to back drink this evening. I’m sure you were all as brilliant, insightful and hilarious as you all usually are.

Cheers all, pints of London Pride all round pleazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…….
on 11 Feb 2012 at 10:24 pm375andy

Respect to to the away Gooners, cheers snowy.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 10:30 pm376izicoinexile

Top Man Snowy, you should have kept coming North and I would have treated you to a Jagerbomb
on 11 Feb 2012 at 10:40 pm377Snir Geuli

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Arsenal-Jack-Wilshere-is-expected-to-return-from-injury-sooner-than-expected-article863993.html
on 11 Feb 2012 at 10:41 pm378Lars

andy, I don’t think there was much he could do about the goal. It was a thunderbolt from five or six yards out.

Top Man Snowy, going all the way up there to support the team gives you licence to not have to back-drink
on 11 Feb 2012 at 10:43 pm379snowy

Cheers Andy and iZico

Hope I’m awake by the time MOTD gets round to broadcasting some proper football. But just in case, thank you in advance Sky+….
on 11 Feb 2012 at 10:49 pm380nz gooner

Great result and great strike from that man again,Roy of the Rovers or is it Billy’s Boots,no its HENRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 11:06 pm381Snir Geuli

This whole phony handshakes ritual is so fucking stupid.

It should be scrapped.

Such an overreaction on stuff like that. Bridge -Terry, Nasri-Gallas, Evra- Suarez, Terry- Anton Ferdinand causing the whole ritual to be scrapped.

What the fuck is all the fuss about?!? It’s a stupid stupid ritual.

To anybody who is gonna say Suarez is a cunt etc. I’ll just remind y’all that you were commending Nasri for refusing Gallas.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 11:14 pm382GoonerTerry

I have just 2 football wishes:

1. For the Arsenal to win a trophy this year, and;
2. For someone to lay that cunt Evra out flat…OUT!!
on 11 Feb 2012 at 11:17 pm383Fin

Snir

I’d agree about the lack of need for pre-match handshakes. My son’s U11 league do handshakes at the end of the game. But in the context of what had gone on before I think Suarez was wrong. However that’s enough about Scousers and Mancs – we’re on MOTD now !
on 11 Feb 2012 at 11:33 pm384andy

Man U have played the PR very clever.
Apart from Evra’s post match.
Dalglish is 20 years out of date.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 11:35 pm385N7 Gooner

What a ball from the Russian. Unreal.

Good to see the MotD bottlers steering clear of criticising their mate Kenny.

Snir – I would generally agree re: handshakes – no idea what you should be expected to shake hands with someone you loathe. However, in this instance: (a) there was a public order element – he really lit the blue touch paper for a match that was already pretty tasty; (b) he made his manager look a twat; and (c) refusing to shake the hand of a geezer you’ve been charged with racially insulting is pretty low.

If Suarez and Liverpool don’t think he said anything untoward to Evra (the horrible little shite) they should have appealed. They didn’t, so they should shut up and move on.

If would also add that if any Arsenal player behaved like Suarez has done (I.e went up on a racial charge and then pulled the shit we saw today) I’d want him out the club.
on 11 Feb 2012 at 11:56 pm386North Bank Ned

The infuriating thing about AA, N7G, is that you might get no more than that one moment of sublime quality out of him if he was on the pitch for the full 90 mins rather than for the 10 mins cameo he was given today.
on 12 Feb 2012 at 12:22 am387GoonerTerry

That Hayley Wright is a bit tasty isn’t she – I hadn’t noticed her before…
on 12 Feb 2012 at 12:48 am388behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Shaft and Suarez. They could be quite a dynamic duo. Just a thought….
on 12 Feb 2012 at 12:49 am389behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Evra and Crouch. Another odd couple.
on 12 Feb 2012 at 12:49 am390behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

Wolfgang and Lady Nina Bracewell Smith?
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