The simple eloquence of the pictures says it all, Arsenal are awesome and Spurs are frankly a steaming pile of Hotspur; things are right with the world again.
Better result than performance- though RVP didnt have a lot of luck today. The boss shouldnt take all the credit- all the players did well- Everton are a tough team to beat at home.
Just wait- the media will still be crowing on about Spurs stronger squad- and how they are going to re claim third. What about John Terry’s Chelsea. Good on you Nasri.
Hahaha, sometimes three pictures say more than a million words π
At 2-0 up in the derby, Spuds were 13 points ahead of us. Now, not even four full games later, we are one point ahead. St Totteringham is alive and kicking and may yet turn up to serve us all some very tasty lasagna this season too…
Will back-drink tomorrow, now time to hit the sack!
But don’t you see…not just about winning. Kos in the 30th minute of the game, running the ball down the pitch, dodging defenders was one of my favourite plays in the entire match. Song constantly winning the ball back, and showing ATTITUDE! Rambo nearly scoring, that boy is gonna be a star. And Woj, impish grin and all after nearly being caught out, so entertaining. This is why I love the game so darn much.
on 22 Mar 2012 at 12:06 am36behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory
Great result. Mine is six pints of Guinness please mine host. The back four were awesome but why do we keep giving the ball away so much? Have to win Saturday now with the Spuds and Chavski playing each other. Come on you Reds!
‘holic, beautiful, just beautiful. i think clive (that is the handshake cunt sitting to twitchie’s right, yes?) has just asked the twitch for some toilet paper, and the twitch has told him he’s out, too…
Okay, fun over. This has to stop and it stops now. I can’t do this anymore. I have pissed myself laughing so many times that I am running out of undercrackers.
Only seen the highlights. I thought we seemed a bit wasteful at times. Not that I really give a fuck. This was a tough game and another tough 3 points. Character in bucket loads. Now for Villa. Another must win match that will set down a marker of monster proportions.
Now, on to twitch boy and the glory spuds. Only a few weeks ago they were an hour away from being 13 points ahead. Now look. I am as mystified as anyone how the best squad in the world with the best manager in the world have somehow managed to surrender a 13 point advantage in the blink of an eyelid. I was desperately trying to work out what it was all about? Where I had seen it all before. Then, it dawned on me. It all became so clear. At the shit hole they are not bothered about football. They are all involved in the re make of The Life of Brian. Monty Python rules the roost. A band of fuckwits identify the new Messiah. Their fuckwittery knows no bounds and the Messiah starts to believe it all. Until it all goes belly up. It is finally confirmed that King Harry is not in fact the Messiah that the wits proclaim. He is in fact, just a very very naughty boy. (with a dodgy pooch). Simple really.
Just watched MOTD after managing to avoid finding out the results in the other games.
Fuckin’ luvin’ it!
Ol Big Ears was so surprised, he almost forgot that Arsenal were now ahead of his precious LWC’s, Hansen still praising them for their contribution to this season almost made me piss myself, he really is still bitter about ’89, isn’t he?
Chelsea losing the petroderby wasn’t even spoiled by the fact the sans chin box muncher got the winner, the Chavs upcoming game with the swamp dwellers couldn’t come at a better time, for us it’s a win win situation whatever happens, the only way it could get any better is if whilst the game was in progress the whole field was sucked into a vortex, which then spat all the players out with their faces turned inside out, although maybe with primate featured Bale you wouldn’t really be able to tell the differance.
Liverpool and ‘king Kenny’s capulation isn’t even funny anymore, they’re just shit and of no consequence to us, although the thought of Suarez disappearing into any kind of vortex and never reappearing really does appeal to me.
As for our performance, I thought we did well, we really did come out of the blocks with a bang and could of had the game wrapped up around the twenty minute mark, but fair play to Everton who gave it a real go and pushed us all the way, although I can only really remember Woj having to make one save. Sometimes we were a wee bit complacint in the midfield, but on a night like this I feel we should leave the negativity alone and savour this sweet, sweet victory and revel in the knowledge that a great step has been made towards righting the wrongs of the world.
Beer, beer and more beer please squire and keep them coming.
Great first 20 minutes, one or two scares but some good scrapping from the boys too.
Everton goal not offside ?
Lee Mason owed us at least that one for the Saha goal at The Emirates two years ago – a clear and blatantly obvious 5 yards offside at least – even replayed on the jumbo screens (ooh! contraversy) and he still didn’t change his mind.
How many times has he refereed Arsenal vs Everton ?
H2H: I know its not Friday but I can’t allow a fellow Holloway Boy to get away with such language…
You seem to have succumbed to Hurricane’s grammatical fault of using “of” as an auxiliary verb (you both are not the only one’s on this site)…this is a clear abuse of the English Language!
When you say: “…we really did come out of the blocks with a bang and could [of] had the game wrapped up..” I immediately think that had you spent more time in English class instead of bunking into the Sobell we wouldn’t be having this conversation…
Remember in future the correct verb in that sentence should read: “..we really did come out of the blocks with a bang and could [have] had the game wrapped up…”
Now carry on having fun…(0;
on 22 Mar 2012 at 1:48 am56behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory
Has anyone figured out why Tottenham are so lame yet? π
Humble pie – sounds like the vegetarian option to me – wouldn’t touch it with a large fucking pole – I’d rather eat me own kids. If I knew where she’d taken ’em, of course.
Apparently I’ve become a right “miserable c@nt” to live with since we got good again. Charming language I’m sure. AND she called me it in front of our eldest – the foul-mouthed fuck.
Anyway we was lucky AGAIN against Everton tonight. I think that lino must been French or somethink. I reckon that bird that got Grayie and the hairy, creepy-looking weirdo fuck (Gareth Bale’s dad?) the bullet from Sky could probably have done a better job.
And I will make this one, in my opinion, particularly pertinent point – though as an opinion former I remain humbly aware of my broader responsibilities to you the fans of a club I, and you, of course, care deeply about:
YOU can SEE this peace of shit squad have BASICALLY STOPPED playing for the fool that so expensively (ok, not when compared to most of our main rivals – granted) and stupidly assembled it – Arsene the idiot/killer of MY club/so-called Wenger. BUTT – they just feel a bit sorry for him at the moment, that’s all – especially once they go a goal down and see how gutted le bloke, that pays ’em silly money for doing virtually nothing, looks.
These are pity victories – any idiot can see that a mile off (but remember I spelled it out hear first).
The players are giving le doddery old sod enough rope for him to be hung, drawn and quartered before this piss-poor group of hopelessly gifted youngsters, canny late transfer-window buys and a patiently developed dutch genius fuck it up AGAIN for him – and the board get shot of him at dawn, some time soon, any minute now, before the season’s end, in the cold light of day – as the darkness descends upon the I of the storm. Mark my words – please, cos I’ll be fucked if I can/can’t… I’m CERTAIN it’s ONE or the other, anyway.
AND anyway – tell me – just who have we really beaten in this recent so-called TREMENDOUS RUN OF FORM apart from 3 of our closest rivals in the league and the top team in Italy? Exactly!!!
Me, and peeps like me – that know where I’m coming from – really WILL NOT tell you again (you heard it hear first) – Monsieur La grand manager – GO out there, right fucking now (well, when the transfer window opens in a few months time) and SPLASH at least an HUNDRED MILLION of our HARD-EARNED on players people like me – and the arse-hole end of the media – TELL YOU (you so-called expert/genius (joke more like!!!) of 30 odd years standing) are GOOD. We’ve all got youtube/voustube now Monsieur – so we see EXACTLY what you can see – FACT! .
Then – when you’ve splashed all that cash WE can go on and WIN any old trophy and be much more like a truly top-top-top-TOP-class football club such as say – erm, Liverpool for example. An inescapable fucking bang to rights FACT!!!!!!! In my opinion!!!!!!!!
BUT – and this is the interesting bit – it took a CHANGE of manager to turn Liverpool into what they’ve become in front of a watching, wide-eyed in wonderment football world this season. Be warned Arsene and Arsenal!!!!!
Very post-modernist post, ‘Holic. That table does make sweet reading though, especially through the glasses of the darker parts of the season. I think it was the Swiss Ramble who tweeted that today was an old-school win. And it was. 1-0 to the Arsenal. Props, again, to the back four, and especially Kos and TV5. Also to Song and Arteta.
Nine games to go and nine more victories to get. Got to keep this going to the end. We’ve clawed a 13 point lead back from the LWCs. Petrociteh is only 14 points ahead.
Never thought I’d be so happy to see LeG Rash back in the bar but I am! It just tops off the fun of a hard win remembering those snarky doomers.
Mind the gap indeed you LWCs. Anyone of you bevy of gooners up for some beautiful brown bevvies? I’m buying…
Not that statistics mean much – but we’re actually on pace for more points than last season (72 vs 68). Who would have possibly predicted that in January? For what it’s worth 72 last season was enough for second.
To reach 69 points and improve on last season we need 13 points from 9 games; 4 wins and a draw.
I’m not saying 69 is vaguely excellent but a sign that we are going in the right direction. I think we’ll end up with 75 points which is right where we were in 2009/10.
This summer is crucial, we can really made the next step up or be back in the fight for 3rd-5th.
At work now, and I have to say that the match report is pure bloody genious!
The Wasp@5: π
Steve T@47: they are now running around Totnum going “I’ve got the Messiah’s shoe!”
H2H@48: if “King” Kenny had been anyone else he’d have been tarred and featherd and then hounded out of the club. If I am not mistaken his points per game ratio is now worse than that of Roy Hodgson. And poor old Woy didn’t have a penny to spend unlike “King” Kenny.
LeG@59: and that’s a FACT!
It’s funny how the team in third only has one player who would be picked to play for the team in fourth place, right you media cunts?
Those black bin liner fellas must by now, if they have any decency at all in their bodies, feel like a right bunch of twats.
On to Villa now, we are now in a situation we haven’t really been in for a while where we are the team that is being chased. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that everything’s sorted now and forget to do the job on Saturday. But the recepie for staying ahead is very simple – just keep working as hard as we have been for the past weeks and we’ll be alright.
With the caveat that there is a long way to go, and he who laughs last etc…
This morning I am mightily enjoying the despair of the chickens down the road…. but they are fans of another club and I can understand their temporary but misplaced gloating.
BUT I would love to know what the TWATS at other Arsenal sites (you know the ones) are thinking (assuming they can) right now.
We’ve all had dark thoughts this year and questioned things. And that’s perfectly correct. Things haven’t been perfect. But, with their purile insults and lack of respect to a great man, as well as their ridiculously simplistic “Wenghhaaa aaart” solution…. oh, really? And who would you replace him with? Martin O’Neill??
… to them, I have nothing but contempt. Fuck off back to your Mummies, you pubescent one handed toss pots
Trust you’re all basking in glorious Arsenal sunshine?
Big Hehs! @ LeG Rash, Steve T, H2H & Toby for the recipe π
8ball: Their slide/collapse was all caused in the NLD by Le Sagna!
Well said Trev re: offside goal. I was there at The Ems that night. What goes around, comes around. We fully deserved both victories. FACT!!! In my opinion!!! π
Another picture which clearly describes how natural order has been restored:
Can’t wait for Saturday. We have the confidence and ability to manage a comfortable win against relatively weak opposition. Having written that, we’ll probably scrape a 1-0 but who cares so long as we start to put a tight grip on third.
Very proud Gooner this morning!
COYRRRs. FOYS, FIOS.
PS: Edwin’s form – WWWWW. DLL have completed the renovations at St.Totteringham’s Junction. The station is re-opened (ahead of schedule) and the platforms are already bedecked in bunting. ETA, half past April.
And to think people wanted us to have a partnership of Samba and Cahill.
On current form, TV5+Kos is the best CB partnership. The only one challenging that would be Evans-Rio, but they haven’t been up against Spurs, Liverpool, Milan, Newcastle, and Everton.
Vermaelen has scored more goals than Torres this season now.
I wonder if there’s ever a situation where a player has to give back part of their transfer fee?
Vermaelen, whoooaaa
Vermaelen, whoooaaaaaoooo
He’s plays in our defence
But scores just like the best
Vermaelen, whoooaaa…….
Capital idea – the job is very well paid (non-officially, if you get my drift) and then the next step is normally to run for presidency of a certain club.
Once elected I will offload that trouble maker Messi to Arsenal for peanuts and tell Neanderthal Puyol to get his hair cut.
I feel ashamed to say that a few weeks ago I did start to lose the faith a bit in our team and I did begin to wonder if Arsene Wenger was still the right man for us, although in mitigation I did always maintain that with everyone fit we still had a half decent team. Now, with nearly everyone fit (fullbacks at least in place) we actually look much better than a half decent team we look bloody good – not perfect mind and there are still areas in which we will improve with experience, and a couple or so top signings wouldn’t go amiss – but we are bloody good.
With talented youngsters still to come in – Ryo, le Coq, Yennaris et al the future does indeed look very bright (and it’s not orange, it’s red).
Another gutsy performance and a good result. I am proud as punch.
Hello Lars. If memory serves me right ‘King Kenny’ did in fact throw in the towel the last time he was manager of Liverpool as soon as things got a bit tough. Some King heh?
on 22 Mar 2012 at 9:45 am109Goonertown-Thecomebackkid!
I love how my Gooners are going on right now!
We should make the prem our priority next season, good willing we are in the right shape.
Dr Feelgood lets himself in. Β The place is silent as the grave. Β He looks for evidence of any form of activity, but it is clear that the pursuit of profit has been abandoned Β – ticket desks closed, telephones that don’t ring, websites returning “error 404 – this page can not be found” messages. Β On the wall, a picture from another time,Β gathers dust – and Feelgood just about recognises a younger version of himself, with a blonde on each arm and what could be the faint trace of white powder around his nasal cavities.
Shrugging aside the inclination toward self-pity, Feelgood reaches for the ubiquitous iPhone. Β He immediately picks the name and number of his friend and erstwhile colleague, Professor Edwin Storey and clicks……..
Feelgood : “Edwin, I’m here. Β It’s just like you said – deserted. Β To all intents and purposes, abandoned.”
Edwin : “Indeed, Dr F. Β All part of the plan. Β No dead ends, no paper trails. Β No possibility of following the money.”
Feelgood: “And from what I’m hearing, a full Happy Train – seats at a premium, just like we predicted.”
Edwin : “Yeah. Β We’ve had to get some new catering staff in – some extra servings of pie required. Β How was your trip anyway?”
Feelgood : “Oh pretty boring. Β Typical Switzerland really – if you’ve seen one Bank, you’ve seen ’em all.”
Edwin : Β “Roxette said you were in the Alps?”
Feelgood : “That was the plan, but my, err, friend and financial adviser Harry……I discovered he suffers from altitude sickness……”
Loved today’s blog, says it all without saying a word!
I’m not sure whether I cope better with a last minute winner or holding on to a 1-0 for 82 minutes. Neither scenario does anything for my nerves and I fully expect the run-in to be full of edge of the seat games, not those for fans of a nervous disposition, unless fortified by the golden nectar.
It could have been a much easier night but failing to take our early chances put us under pressure in the second half . It was a night for showing our defensive prowess ,amazing what a settled back 5 and regular full backs can give the team, solidity.
Kos and TV5 were outstanding, with their interceptions and last ditch tackles. So good was their defending, my friend Szczesny had little to do in spite of the team being under considerable pressure after the interval.
RVP didn’t have any luck and Rambo still lacks confidence in front of goal. Theo didn’t get any joy out of his fullback and Song was guilty of giving the ball away in mid-field but he was not the only one. Arteta had a solid game but was reduced to a defensive role as Everton gained the upper hand and TR7 started brightly but his influence was nullified by Everton’s stronger performance after the half hour mark.
With the rest of the night’s results going in our favour, it’s going to be quite a ride at the Ems from now until May. Really looking forward to Saturday, will try and find you all at the Tollie .
Catalan@96: I like your plan of action should you get elected. You, Sir, have my vote!
Norfolk@107: he did resign, but I can’t say I know too much about the circumstances. Those who followed the game closer than I did at the time can surely give you a more detailed answer.
Just seen MOTD, and bloody hell was Moyes upset with the lino… I fully understand him, but one point that noone seems to have taken up is that Woj saw the flag and didn’t really try to save the shot. If the flag had stayed down it is entirely possible that he would have saved the shot. At least that’s how I see it when looking at the replays.
I also did a little bit of thinking and looking at the league table as well, and realized that with nine games to go we are now in a rather great position (even better than I realized yesterday) to secure at least fourth spot. We now have a six-point lead over Chelsea, and if we win four games of our last nine then they’ll have to win at least six – but if one of those four wins for us is at home against them then they have to win seven out of eight. If we draw that game and win four others, they have to win at least six out of the eight other games they have left which is of course not in any way impossible but still rather difficult.
Now, we shouldn’t settle for fourth, of course, but I just wanted to point this out to emphasize what a great position we have got ourselves into.
Tollington Road side, grown man in swimwear and diamond encrusted heels. Accompanied by a deranged former transport Exec (will probably be wearing Doc Martens).
Morning Holics , and what a very fine Morning it is .
Can’t work out what is giving me more pleasure – the complete abdication of responsibility of ‘Arry , the desperate scramble of the media whores to backtrack and rewrite their wholly premature obituaries of Arsene’s time at Arsenal , or the deafening silence from the contemptible “fans” who were so anxious to be “proved right” , that they couldn’t wait to slate a man who has done more for Modern Arsenal than any other .
Emperor ‘Arry has got no clothes , and his tiny appendage is there for all to see . Arsene still knows , and we are so so lucky to have him .
I’m not really one for believing in a celestial after-life , but if I’m wrong on that , as I so often am , (and , believe me , I would be very happy to be wrong ) , then Jimbo , you owe me a pint .
Tabs – the emperor comment was one I just made in a longish post I just accidentally deleted.
Also celebrating the complete absence of doomers (if you’re wondering where they are, just pop over to Vital Spurs – they’re all there, baying for ‘Arry’s ‘ead).
A recent LWC visitor called us fickle for bigging up AW; just check out what the whining little shits are saying on Spuds forums! I love the smell of hypocrisy in the morning.
A pint of Doom Bar for anyone within earshot please barman! And I’ll have a Wadworth Swordfish myself.
I tweeted John Cross and Matt Law asking if the amount of pieces written about how no shift of power has occurred will equal the amount of pieces written about how a shift of power has occurred.
The Wasp @5 , Holic @8 , Toby @39 , SteveT @47 , H2H @48 , Tim @57 (Never move from Cali !!!) , LegRash @59 and too many others to mention π π
Catalan @79 – Exquisitely put . You expect the LWC’s to slate us . You don’t expect it from your own . These people are beyond contempt .
TS @81 – Great pic π
Camberwell @100 – I think you did a “Camberwell” π
Dr Z @110 π π
Norfolk @107 – I’m no Kenny fan but I think that’s a bit harsh . He resigned essentially as a result of the toll that Hillsborough took on him . Doesn’t change the fact however that in managerial terms you’re right . He’s yesterday’s man , and Liverpool will go nowhere under him .
Delia @111 – Nice match report . Can’t disagree with any of that , and hopefully see you saturday .
And in fairness to Kenny, when he did resign – ‘Pool were top of the league and in the semifinal of the FA Cup if my memory serves me right. I do think that Liverpool are a better side than last year – I think they’re playing better, but not necessarily getting the results, which given our own recent past, should be something we can understood all too well. For example, if the truth be told, of all the games we’ve won of late, Wenger said we were very fortunate to get a result at Anfield and I would agree with him on that front even if I make no apologies for getting some element of luck for a change.
I just think that the status of Liverpool (and indeed AFC) has dropped somewhat in that they/we now have to compete with the Petro Clubs who were not prevalent at the time. The primary difference is that management now of clubs like AFC and ‘Pool is not about spending power – but making the most of the resources you have. In that Context we have been blessed to have Wenger and Kenny has erred in some of the signings he has made most notably Carroll and Downing who between them cost over 50m. Wenger bought 5 good players (Gervinho, Arteta, Ox, PM, Santos) for that sum and still ended up making the club a sizable profit. You might say Park is shite – but he only cost 2m and chamahk was free..!!
Agreed re King Kenny’s first stint at Klanfield , and the impact of the Petro Clubs changing the horizon . They weren’t however in an FA cup semi . He resigned after a 4-4 Cup game with Everton in one of the early rounds .
Tend to agree with you that Liverpool are probably better than they were last season , but with an investment of over Β£100m , (Β£50m net if the Torres fee is taken into account) , they should be .
They have probably been a little sidetracked by their cup runs , and though I haven’t seen a great deal of them other than their two games against us and MOTD highlights of other games , they have at times looked a half-decent side , most notably in their semi against City .
My major gripe with Kenny however is that during his decade away from the game , the game has moved on in more ways than just the Petro clubs . His persistence with a big man/ little man attack up front , and the nature of his overwhelmingly “premier league Brit” signings suggest to me that he has not got to grips with either modern formations or the cosmopolitan nature of the Premier League .
One wonders how much foreign football he watched during his break from the game . I would venture that his knowledge of players outside of these shores wouldn’t hold a candle to Arsene’s . His only non premier League signing has been Suarez (perhaps a Comolli signing ?? ) , and as such , he has been left to pay top dollar for , at best , average players ( Henderson , Downing and Carroll ) .
I’m pretty sure their American owner won’t continue to pump millions in . The usual pattern , (see Randy Lerner at Villa ) , is to make an initial large investment in search of the promised land of Champs league football , and if that is not achieved , then there is a subsequent reining in of ambition and a recovery of funds by selling assets .
Kenny might get more funds in the Summer . If he is not successful next season in nailing down a top four place , (and I would have huge doubts on that score ) , then I predict that there will be massive ructions up there .
In other news , I see Gareth Le C*nt over at Le Groan starts his post with :-
“Iβm not sure whatβs happening.”
If only he had left it there . It would have been the first time I would have agreed 100% with one of his witterings .
Pedro , you have never been sure , and you never will be sure . You are a moron .
Unfortunately , after admitting that he hadn’t watched the game , he then goes on to provide a summary of what occurred !
He is beyond satire – no wonder I’m struggling with the next episode of Behind The Arse . π
Haven’t really sat down and attempted to write it . A few ideas swilling around , but hasn’t got much further than that .
Tried to do an episode at Xmas based on “A Christmas Carol” , with Ivan Gazidis in the Scrooge role , but it didn’t really work and ended up on the cutting room floor π
I will not have you talking smack about my grammar…….
She was a very nice lady and always gave me pressies everytime we met.
59 Leg Rash.
π FACT
76 Lars.
I prefer to call him ‘king Kenny, mate.
The ‘ = fuc π
79 Dr C.
Agreed sir, fortunatly those so called fans are easily recognisable, they’re the ones with egg all over their boats.
81 TS
Top pic!
Plus, that’s some record the prof’s got, kind of coincides with my return to the bar, long may we rule. π
110 Dr F.
I can’t wait for the follow up.
112 Lars.
I saw that too, Woj made hardly any effort at all to stop Drenthe’s effort and we all know that’s not his way.
116 Dr C.
Excellent tweet Ollie.
117 tabs.
I think it’s the deafening silence that’s most disturbing, after a defeat or bad performance, I would have had to wade through around 500 of the most vile stinking posts known to man, yet now we have a six game winning streak and I have less then a hundred posts to catch up on.
Where do all these moany sods get to when life is good?
It’s one of lifes greatest mysteries up there with where do all the dead pidgoens go, why does Donald Duck wear a swimming costume and if ghosts can walk through walls then why don’t they fail through the floor?
My take on ‘king Kenny is that if he’d of been anyone else he would of got the Spanish Archer ages ago. His current PL record does not stand up to scrutiny, the signings he has made, with exception to Jose Enrique and the knobhead extrodianaire Suarez, were massively overpriced and have not worked out well. I know for some unknown reason Stewart Downsyndrome is highly regarded in some quarters, but these quarters must be inhabited by complete morons.
Last nights capulation to QPR was as horrendous for them as it was hilarious for us. Yet after the game ‘king Kenny just came out and told us how well they had dominatated the game. I could hardly Adam and Eve it, I thoiught he’d been spitting fire, but he just seems to have lost it.
When I was a kid, L’pool were THE club, but their era is long gone. Unlike Utd and ourselves, they failed to invest wisely when the going was good. Unless a daddy of the extreamly sickly sweet sugary ilk comes in, then I personally can’t see them bothering too many of the now top clubs any time soon.
tabs – I no longer wander over to Le C*nt unless I need a good laugh. Not even particulalry readable any more. It’s sh*te written by c*nts and lapped up by the hard of thinking. Real shame that we still have this divide within the Gooner Family. Perhaps it has always been there but tw*tspatulaus like Gervais & Gareth only serve to widen it, in my opinion and with all due respect, etc., etc. Rant over.
Heh! @ H2H for ‘blogamis’
Joe @ #125 – FYI ‘new sh*t has come to light man’ re: the Park deal, allegedly. See Arseblog News for some detail. I have no idea how accurate these stories are but it might help to explain one of our wierdest signings since that fat t*sspot Clive All*n.
A round please Mr. Barman for some of the finest posters known to mankind.
Ollie @135 Ha! , understood , though my memories of who was and who wasn’t there on that occasion are , as already discussed , somewhat vague ! Good work @136 . It is my life’s mission for that song to become the natural successor to “Good Old Arsenal” .
Afternoon H2H , Multiple hehs , ‘king kenny π
And yes , it is a mystery where all those doomers go when times are good . Perhaps that vortex you were talking about earlier ?
But he is from the Cretaceous period, not like his long lost cousins from the Triassic period – the real archosaurs like Pulis, McCarthy and of course Allardyce.
TS – Fully agree , rarely wander over there , but can’t resist when we’ve won , in the hope that some brave soul has taken him to task and exposed him for the fraud that he is .
They say AW is tactically inept (a view I don’t agree with, and I’ve given a few examples of how he is not tactically inept in the past here), well then they haven’t looked at Kenny.
So poor it’s outrageous.
So many times this season he’s gotten his tactics wrong – The most glaring one was against United at Anfield.
As for pumping millions – Well, Henry and Werner are the Boston Red Sox’s owners and they won’t ever stop pouring money into the Sox, if they do the same with Liverpool then you can expect a Liverpool shopping spree every offseason.
Snir @144 , fair enough , I bow to your greater knowledge of the man , given the baseball link . My knowledge of Baseball is limited to knowing that the players like to dress like they are auditioning for a spot in the chorus line of The Rocky Horror Picture Show , and that it is a hyped version of Rounders . π
That said , reports of Henry’s wealth as at the time of the takeover were estimated at Β£380m . A nice sum indeed , but even if it is augmented by the wealth of his co-investors , hardly the sort of sum which would allow him to keep pace with the Petro Clubs , and throw money at it willy-nilly season after season .
As usual, I find myself agreeing with every word you say with respect to Kenny.
But y’know I do harbour some hope that they come back to better times, but obviously not at our expense. I have a soft spot for the ‘Pool – simply because they’ve such an amazing fan base. I remember the night they won the CL final in 2005, which for me, still remains one of the most surreal games of football I have ever seen. It was as if their history and supporters carried them over the line that night. I left the pub after the game in Dublin and as I walked down Grafton St, there were just multitudes of people, scarves in the air, singing you’ll never walk alone. Not an unusual sight in any Football ground in England I grant you – but at 10pm in Dublin City centre, it was amazing!!
@ Camberwell: Suggestion of self-assist? “Suggestion?!” You mean like that geezer at Klanfield – during our game the other day – who kept repeating “oy Kuyt – Kant” over and over the whole game….very subtle (0;
Joe & Dr Zee: In all my travels around the football grounds of the world – only the Geordies were better than Liverpool fans IMHO. Things may have changed of course but I still have a soft spot for Liverpool (probably ’cause of my mate Dale)…But that does not extend to my wanting them to be any better than they currently are of course..
I disagree with you both about that Milan CL Final. It was Steven Gerrard who single-handedly won that game for them. I hope JW turns out to be our version of Gerrard
Ok GT – your secret’s safe with me, i’ll not mention it again – though what i will say is that since you started doing that thing that I can’t mention (partly ‘cos i don’t know what it is, and partly ‘cos i’m the sort of quiet/considered chap who tends to keep his own counsel quite naturally as it is), but anyway – since you started with the (you know what), AND H2H re-appeared at the bars AND Tim declared his defection to super-Cali on these pages – all at about hte same time – we have absolutely won every single effin league game. And the drinks are 100% effin proof of that.
As i’ve said before – i’m prepared to acknowledge there may be other factors at work too. But i will do my little bit to ensure unsung heroes such as yourselves GET sung (???) so there…
Gentlemen your football club needs you – but i think you know that already.
Tabs, I don’t exactly know how they do it but they obviously get money from somewhere else as the Sox’s annual wage bill is over 200 million. Add that to the 100 million Liverpool spent and Henry wouldn’t have had money for this Sox offseason, and although he didn’t spend as much (due to lack of good free agents apart from Pujols, he didn’t go for any pitchers because the new manager has confidence in the current rotation) he most certainly spent this offseason.
Thanks for the kind words . Whilst I have to say that I don’t share your admiration for the Mugsmashers , (I am much more in the Dr Z school of thought on this one ) , I have long maintained that there are only really 3 big Clubs in this Country – Manure , Liverpool and ourselves – so do understand where you’re coming from , (kind of :wink:) .
How to begin the introductions? In the typical way, perhaps. My name is James, I am a 32 year old Canadian, and I am a Goonerholic. A bit of a late age to join this illustrious club, and so I make may way up to the bar a bit hesitantly after watching others drink away since my heart was stolen when I got a chance to watch live two late goals that defeated Barca at the Emirates last Feb.
I owe my allegiance to the Arsenal to my mate Tim, another Canadian but one who has been living in North London these past years and somehow managed to sneak Season Tickets in Block 5. Allows me to get a match anytime I come to London, and have to say it is quite the incentive to make the trek, particularly since I moved to Galway in October to start a PhD. Have had a few fun outings this year, no doubt the favourite was watching Henry put one past dirty Leeds right in front of us. Knowing we had the 1-0 with him scoring first with Gunnersgaming made it all the sweeter.
This has a real danger of becoming a novel, so to the point that inspires this initial contribution. Last week we saw there were some away tickets up for general sale. Tim already was planning on hopping over for a cheeky 48 hour celebratory Paddy’s Day (great post on the 17th btw ‘holic) and checking into the ryanair flights for me and trains for him, we saw that a first-ever trip to Liverpool for both of us was easily manageable. No sooner thought than done, the tickets were hours.
Fast forward to yesterday. ‘Holic, you may have had worse nights, for us, it is hard to think of much better. Checking into the hostel upon arrival, we were told to pop over to Roscoe’s Head for a start. I had my Scezzer jersey on and had only taken a few sips when a guy walks in, sees us, and demands he buy a round. An Everton man with tickets to the match, we are instantly transported by his tales of battles in the standing away section of the Kop and the like. His good-natured hatred of the Reds is assured, but his admiration for the Arsenal also shines through. Couldn’t ask for a better representative of a club, and it was with a great smile when we parted ways that he added – I hope we batter you!
Apologies, this is getting long. Let me refill my drink here….
GT @162 – I’ve still got that game down as a draw π
Snir @165 – Fair enough , my “knowledge” such as it is is all second-hand . I wonder though if the Red Sox generate their own wealth after payment of all outgoings , allowing further year on year investment ?
I don’t know the answer to that , though I have read that Henry has been very successful in maximising “the brand” .
Again , I don’t know , but I would be doubtful that Liverpool are in the happy position of generating their own profits , and will therefore be wholly dependent on Henry dipping into his own pocket .
@167 as I too am ordinarily a man of science over superstition (fingers crossed i spelt that right) I’m prepared to believe that medicines (i.e. the imbibing of copious amount of narcotics/hallucinogens etc, classes A through to C) and some petty pilfering have played their part in the club’s recovery too.
As H2H moreorless said @ 166 – and I’m sure it’s an edict Prof Storey lives by – “grab it where you can, when you can”
And SG @165…now I’m no expert on what they term “American sports” but if that lot your talking about are anything like me p’raps they “stash” their “spar cash” in their Sox where the Mrs nee the IRS can’t get their hands on it – hence their name!!! Bet you never thought of that did yer?
Right having stunk the place out with a rotten sock gag – I’ll get me cap and glove
So we arrive at Goodison early. Time for two pints of Chang and a Scouse Pie, please. To our delight, we are 2 rows from the pitch, and in front of us I spot the guy who got RVP’s jersey after the 3-5 destruction of Chelsea I watched via wifi in the Toronto airport. Beautiful.
You know the story of the game. The early goal had us singing in fine voice. Block 5 is grand, but we heard some new ones too (“I want to dance with Koscielny, I want to feel the heat with Koscielny, because Koscielny’s a gooner…”) and also a few classy renditions of “Fabrice Muamba, we’re thinking of you”. But the second half was different, scary. Not sure why we didn’t bring on someone to play down the left in front of us, but the result is what counts and it was nice to get lucky and nick it again, and then the scoreboard afterward with the Stoke result was of course all the sweeter. Tense finish that was as stressful as can be, but there is something about winning one-nil that even a newcomer to the club can appreciate.
Best was really later though. Liverpool is the most football of towns, we went to a few pubs afterward (Ship and Mitre, Flanagan’s Apple) and in each the away jersey resulted in Blues coming up and buying us pints and making us laugh. The respect for Arsenal is strong (you’ll only really get stick here if you support United, said one). I have such stories from the banter, today I didn’t really want the cab ride to the airport and the flight back to Dublin to end, such was the fun of the convo with the driver. But I have already written a bucket here, so I’ll wind it up and try and lock away that feeling in my head for awhile.
Anyway, just felt compelled to share that little colour from a game that may have seemed a bit straightforward – if it didn’t happen to be your first away trip to a great city, and one that has fans with profound respect for the quality of our side that doesn’t always translate. I can’t wait to get back, and would have probably stayed if I didn’t need to be back in Ireland to watch Christy Moore tonight.
But happily I have one more match in me this year, with Tim able to snag me a ticket to Arsenal v. Chelsea. ‘Holic and company, hope we get a chance to buy some of you the first round pre-match. I have had a blast reading this site and it has speeded my conversion to lifelong supporter status in a matter of months, and so would love to clink a pint or two in person.
Given the 12:45 kickoff, there was also recent talk with Tim about the possibility of trying to get tickets as well to the 5:30pm kickoff on the same day at Loftus Road, so we can sing, live, for a Spurs loss after what should surely be an Arsenal win. And maybe we can even the Rangers fans on their feet to sing along with us the same tune we were belting with all the away supporters as we left Goodison last night:
“Ten Points, and you fucked it up! Ten Points, and you fucked it up! Ten Points, and you fucked it up!” etc.
Cheers all, thanks for indulging my ramblings from the Dublin airport here, and good luck.
@ 169 – 1-NIL: Nice start on the story-telling front I must say. You will be very useful on slow days, interlulls and the closed-seasons. Your Doctoral candidacy will also obviously come in handy when we have research projects like the current “How many ways that Harry Redcrapp is a cunt” Project…but before we can fully access your application to join us at the Bar we need to have details of all your perversions dear boy…Please prepare an open letter addressed to Professor Edwin Storey, c/o DLL, listing said perversions and a short essay of 50-words or less entitled “What chaos I would create in the first 5-minutes if I was King for the Day”…
OneNiltoUS, great story. I feel like a cunt while everyone is such a storyteller in here. π
Takes train goes to pub watches match sings celebrates goes to pub sings some more comes takes train.
fine tales from the front onenil – confess I have a terrible weakness for hearing how much fans of other clubs like The Arse. I get all schucksish and proud and tell me again and that. Unwarranted and very silly i know – but there you go. Oops – all this victory and sun and talk of girlish glasses is making me a little giddy and loose-lipped, I may have to have a lie down
Ah yeah, Stinky Voyeur, not a wum at all. I remember exchanging posts with him when I was trying to explain why I thought Luiz Suarez was an utter cuntbucket.
Shame I’ve got no real evidence to back up such a statement.
*pulls up chaise lounge in anticipation of Ollies epic yarm*
Afternoon ‘holic & ‘holics,
Very nice post – captures last night’s events perfectly! π Great set of matches and looks like it’s been a very busy evening and day at the bar too with plenty of humble-pie being consumed within and outwith! π
The spirit, belief and confidence are now well and truly running through everyone’s veins! The fundamental characteristics that turn a good player & team into a great player & team! We’re finally on the verge of the project’s completion, and EVERYONE knows that too! Lubbly jubbly! Feck-you you anti-Arsenal cunts! Lol!
200 was a response to 197 – but i have to say it works rather well as a campanion piece with 199 – i’m starting to see what you see in these short, sharp posts Ollie –
Friends dropping round unexpectedly. From New York!
Wasn’t really planning on having a night of carnage before Saturday, and on a school night too. The punishment my liver takes in the name of friendship. My buddy loves the beautiful game though – he had a poster of Charlie Nick on his wall when I first met him. Gonna be a late one…..
I’m guess I could restrict myself to coke on Saturday π
Ahem! just re-read Ollie’s tale @185 and noticed it takes rwather a saucy turn towards the end. You’s dark horse on the story-telling front old son, intriguingly post-watershed…though I’m not sure I’d want to be stood next to you in queue at the station
heh AL good spot. I had started to put ‘comes home’ then decided that symmetry commanded ‘takes train’ again.
Obviously, my sub-editor wasn’t around :p
Evening all, and a particularly fine one it is. Drinks all round please barman.
In classic Good news, bad news style, I have a positive and a negative thought.
(Positive in case you don’t guess!) I was a little bored during the day so entered “Power shift football North London” into google. Definitely a splendid way to spend a few minutes.
On the other hand…
It shows what a lousy season this has been that we’re all (self included) so delighted to be in 3rd and ahead of that other team. Let’s keep things in perspective – we haven’t wrapped up third place, or even CL qualification yet. I’m confident we will manage both. For now, all we can do is snigger at the sight of another North London team comprehensively bottling it. Dennis willing, they won’t get it back.
The team have shown that they have what it takes to claw their way back into something approaching respectability which, to be fair, is something their predecessors didn’t usually have to do. Now they have to prove that they can maintain a lead, which their immediate predecessors demonstrably couldn’t do. I’m confident that they will manage it.
Keep those seatbelts buckled tight until May folks, the ride’s likely to continue to be rough. COYG
If I’m not mistaken the reason he was banned was because he tried to convince me that Barca is the most beautiful thing that God created and as you know me, I didn’t take it lightly π
Good thing you guys were asleep when it all happened π
Dr Z. – after yesterday and The Arsenal winning despite me being in the us, does that mean I can stay :(?? I don’t want to!!! I wanna move to the UK!!!!
on 22 Mar 2012 at 6:58 pm224behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory
OneNill you are a journalist and a gooner to boot. Glad you found our way in here. π
While acknowledging an excellent run of recent results we are still skating on very thin ice; namely one injury to RVP away from having to rely on Chamakh or Park to score goals.
I may be in a minority but for me Champions League qualification is NOT as good as winning a trophy (say the FA Cup) welcome though it might be.
Oxon @ 222: I used to be a cross-country runner in my youth and I can tell you that there is nothing sweeter than the very second you pass that bloke who shoots off into the lead, maintains a good gap throughout most of the race, starts looking over his shoulders and grinning at you, until you get close enough to notice the fear in his eyes! There is no better moment to utter the word “cunt” as you fly pass him – even if it takes all your energy!
With that tactic in mind this is what we need to do: push on for the next 5-games, HARD – winning all if we can manage it. Don’t look back. When we have built up a sizable lead we should discipline ourselves (players & bloggers alike) to refuse to talk about them at all (just in case they are looking in), the only talk should be about how close we can get to those above us! Keep our ears to the ground and listen – the sounds of weeping & gnashing of teeth will be like music to our ears. We will have the whole summer to offer “suggestions” and give “advice” to our neighbours…(0;
Thanks for explaining to me about cross country running. I’ve never been able to recognise any attraction in it at all before now, but I can see that what you describe would be really sweet.
OneNiltoUs: welcome to the bar, Sir! A splendid set of debut drinks, have a pint of your choice on my tab.
Oxon: we should not settle for third in the long run, but after the massive cock-up that was last summer and the dreadful start to the season, finishing third would be a great achievment. And I’m not sure I agree it’s been such a lousy season overall, I’ve had a lot of fun and we have seen a few rather brilliant games as well.
And as a side note, to further emphasize how much we are still paying for our bad start, if you discard the first five games, we would be third on 51 points behind ManC on 56 and ManU on 55. Spurs would be fourth on 48 (though their stats are possibly skewed by the fact that they played Everton at home after Xmas, which was the postponed opening game of the season which would have meant playing that game without either of Adebayor or Parker but instead played it when they were on top form). Chelsea? They would be a further nine points behind Spurs on just 39 points. Chelsea are, in a way, the inverse of us since they are still in touch with the top four thanks more or less only to a good start to the season.
tabs@171: I share your doubts re: Liverpool generating their own funds anytime soon. They have been bankrolled by Henry to buy the players they’ve bought in the past year, but that money is a loan, not a gift.
One-nil, yes the scousers might hathey our hub caps but it is a proper football town and both red and sides reasonably friendly to all except mancs. Kenny has overspent on average players and it’s funny how the media have stopped comparing Liverpool and Arsenal now we are in the ascendancy.
Lars – Agree absolutely that we shouldn’t settle for third place long-term. I don’t accept that last summer was “a massive cockup” I prefer to describe it as “hugely disappointing” – that’s probably just semantics and I don’t want to dwell on it. Similarly I guess my “lousy season” equates directly to your “massive cockup” (oooh errr missus) and “dreadful start”.
Interesting stats about the season from week six onwards. Is there any good reason to believe that the team up the road wouldn’t have beaten Everton on opening day had the locals not rioted? Trouble is that those weeks happened and we are where we are, 14 points of second and not 4. We have it in our hands to reduce that gap to 11 but we can’t really expect the Oily Mancs will blow it. We can only achieve so much by crossing our fingers and wishing really, really hard and it would be greedy to hope for even more than we already have.
While I think of it, can anyone remember what the point of the “Transfer window” is supposed to be? I’m hanged if I can.
Absolutely, that is the point I was trying to make π
I guess what it all boils down to is that what we need to do is try to finish this season as strongly as possible and then hope that we have a much better summer than the last one and then see where that takes us next season.
Lars agree – if we can finish the season strongly we can take that form and confidence into next season.
At the end of last year our form was disastrous (relegation standard), and that allied to the Summer transfer shambles are key reasons why the start of this season was a continuation.
Hopefully next season will give us a much stronger start, that’s assuming we get our shit together in the transfer window this time round.
In addition to the excellent points already made, I am in no doubt that the festering discontent of the “want-aways” Na$ti and Cesc added to the sense of malaise the team got into as a result of the Beer Cup loss to B’ham. (I think that is was Arseblog that produced a stat similar to Lars which showed that had the season started at the time of the CC Final we would have been relegated!)
The thing is that I believe that those experiences has made us stronger – but it only started to work once we cleared the bulk of the mal-contents out of our system. Arshavin should not come back and we need to move out the other dead-wood (Almunia, Denilson et al comes to mind)…but regarding the closed season: I don’t recommend a crazy shopping spree. As I have said before, One maybe two marquee signings (Podolski, *Vertonghen -sp? ) and promote a selection of our Young Guns is all I believe we will need.
Tactically I think that its important that we have two functioning teams (A&B teams if you like) for next season..We must have “Units” of players getting used to playing together (CB, MD, FB & Winger pairings) as teams within the team. Radical I know. But sometime when we need to rest a player for whatever reason – Red Zone, injury or Suspension – we can take out the whole unit and replace it with another “whole” unit…
Finally we should make better use of our Reserve system and the minor cups. Its only in the last couple of months that we have been giving the first teamers a run out in the Reserves. That’s been a clear change of policy and I believe that we can see the benefits.. The B Team can be trained to pursue the Beer Cup and get plenty of games as a team in the Reserves – that way players will keep sharp…I don’t think that there’s anything in the rules to prevent this happening, is there?
* Close watchers will notice that I am not banging the Goetze drum as hard these days. I have come to the feeling that we don’t really need him – especially if we get our Jack back firing on all cylinders..
GT @236 good post; strongly agree that we just need a few high quality purchases in the Summer not a shopping spree.
Also your point about the clear out of the malcontents and the journeymen is well made. Personally despite his talent I would hate to see Arshavin come back.
We should use the money freed up to pay our best players highly, we have seen the result of paying everyone in the squad well and it doesn’t work.
I’m really up for a prolonged discussion of What Went Wrong and What We Should Do Differently, but I don’t think now is the time. I’m going to follow the spirit of GT’s wise advice @227 and try to keep my lip buttoned for now.
I need to have something to look forward to for after May 13. Ask me nicely and I’ll try to wait until after the Euroze. π
Dr Faustus: Remember the other day when we were talking about the best side outside the Wenger era? Well feast on this from the ’91 vintage: http://youtu.be/jEsIUoKslIo
WU – I don’t want Hazard. He is Nasri playing for Lille. Just listen to the way he talks.
Re the striker depth, Poldi, RvP, Campbell, Afobe, and another striker is great depth (you don’t need more than 5 CF and we’ve got plenty of wingers as well so we’re good there too).
As for the AM position, people don’t understand that Gotze is 19 and Hazard is 21, meaning that if you bring one of them, you prevent Jack moving to AM for the long term.
And then people say that Jack needs to develop but they want Hazard or Gotze. Don’t they need to develop?
Jack’s vision and technique has to be taken advantage of at AM and not deeper and AW has already said JW will play in the hole.
Snir, you have a point. Jack coming back will compete with Tomas and Aaron for the playmaker role.
Yossi’s loan will not be extended. A defensive midfielder may arrive in the summer depending on what the assessment of Coquelin’s prospects and fitness are. I suspect another loan for Frimpong while he matures.
We need a goalscorer, who may or may not be Podolski, and a defender, preferably a left-back who can play at centre-half. Not sure Vertonghen is the likely answer.
That is as close to fucking pointless transfer speculation as I am likely to go.
Quick! GooonerTerry has lost it.
It must be a bit of warm-up provocation for Feisty F*cking Friday.
He wants to bring in a whole new ‘defensive unit’ because one of our fullbacks has a bad toe!
Let’s just think about this for one moment GT.
So, Kieran Gibbs gets his toe trodden on and is going to miss two games. As a result, we will rotate the entire defensive unit, so that the replacements are all used to playing together.
Out then go Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny (and Gibbs) and
In come Fabianski, Jenkinson, Djourou, Squillaci and Santos.
Now while Jenks and Santos have done remarkably well, that ‘unit’ scares the bleeding daylights out of me !
As I said the other day, there is a very good reason why Arsene Wenger is the manager and we are all sat here typing.
I have heard the cocks of the Seven Sisters Road
Make their faint thunder, and the journalists
Hack their filth in the tabloids; and expose
Their appalling stupidity and biased bitterness
That empty the heart. I have noticed meanwhile
Arsenal rejuvenated, and new commonness
Inside the Emirates and cheering about the streets
And gooners dripping praise from pub to pub,
Because we are above all things happy.
I am contented, for I know that Quiet
Wanders laughing and eating her wild heart
Among Lily Whites and journos, while that Great Striker,
Who but awaits his hour to shoot, still hangs
A bloody boot over a T-90 Seitiro.
adapted from In The Seven Woods by William Butler Yeats
Trev: What time is it over there? Its only 9:25 PM here so I can’t “lace” into you for that bit of cheek..can I? Guv I need some guidance here…
OK? OK! Well Mr so-called Trev IF you had bothered to actually read my post you would have seen clearly that I suggested no such thing!!! I distinctly used the term “pairings” in conjunction with the term “unit”…I was suggesting that if one of the CB pair gets injured or something you (well Mr Wenger) could have the option to insert another pair of CBs! AND I was not thinking of JD or Squallicciii as I had already suggested that we get rid of the DEADWOOD didn’t I? And IMO you can’t any deader wood that those two…
Look, if you are going to pick a fight with me then the least you can do is not start off by slandering me in public…you KUYT..
@256: I love “pairing” my “units” with CBs (Chubby Babes).
And I’m not talking about “deadwood” either. π
I don’t think birthday boy Trev was trying to start a fight just for the record. Let’s face the aggro outwards on this wonderful FFF!
Guinness extra stouts for everyone π
GT / Haile Gebrselassie @227,
Spot on words mate! π
There’s no real need for Gooners to be “shooting their load” on transfers so prematurely before the final quarter of the season is completed in a blaze of utter glory and focus! Aside from revelling in the schadenfreude of so many anti-Arsenal cunts, St Totteringham’s day and regaining the crown of “London’s top club” (at only a fraction of the costs spent at the Fulham Bus-Stop) it will invariably have 3 further effects:
1. All of the players that will be involved in that fabulous run will have finally attained that level of “we are never beaten” belief and confidence in their individual and collective quality that the likes of ManU and Barcelona have had for so many years! The players that will not be involved, and have clearly failed to show that they can meet this newer standard of belief and quality, will be earmarked to leave the club in some form (i.e. out on transfer or on temporary loan).
2. With such a great run, it will almost certainly close our gap between the top two and indicate to EVERYONE (including the current players, the past cunts that left us in the lurch and the future quality signings) what might have been had we began the season with stability, and what is likely to transpire next season and beyond!
3. Finally, and most importantly, it will leave our new leader, RVP, with almost no doubt in his mind EXACTLY WHERE his professional future lies for the next 4-5 years! He already knows exactly where his personal and family life lies and his professional one will surely follow not long after the season’s end!
COYBG!
“He slips into his Gieves & Hawkes tweed, with cravat already onboard, glances into the mirror with a glint of RVP self-belief, and steps out to his chauffeur-driven Maybach taking him to the Quackery! FFF!!! π
Birthday Trev? Happy FFF*ckin’ birthday mate!!! Expecting a present from The Arse tomorrow? Hopefully you won’t be disappointed π
Agree with you re: Back 5. The last thing we want to do right now is unsettle them. A wee bit of rotation with my fave Santos and Lance Corporal Jenkinson would be fine in my book but it’s Arsene who writes the book that matters.
Welcome to the bar, cracking first post. Away games are generally the most memorable for me.
If it hasn’t been said already, the guy who got RVP’s shirt after our demolition of C*nt$ki at The Bus Stop is known as Bully. I had the pleasure to meet him briefly at the AST bar after The Barcodes game.
The Gooner Family is full of top people. It’s nice to have another one in our bar.
@183 GT – I’ll make a start on that essay, though there’s a lot of chaos you could get up to in 5 minutes.
@186 Zico – didn’t think to look at what Christy Moore was wearing on his feet, but he was sporting a plain black t-shirt that was covered in sweat by the end. Really a great performance by the man.
@190 Trev – happily no relation to anyone who would call themselves Stingy.
And thanks for the drinks Lars, I’ll be back for more.
Yes, you will find the Holics on the left of the Tollington Rd side, probably outside enjoying the sun. Soft drinks only. And no bad language. Mostly singing hymns.
Mr T … a very happy birthday to you. Will you be celebrating with a whole pint? π
Now then, did I miss something – DanC is onboard in The Quackery? Excellent work, now we just have to keep him quiet so that the management don’t start to think about looking at our credentials!
Has he met Nurse Wolfie yet? Very pleased to see that he’s with me on the tweeds and cravats. Perhaps we coiuld give him a scalpel to practise a little neuterising on any trolls that are stowing away?
Prof TS and I attempted to recruit a promising physio on Twitter the other day. Don’t think it went too well π
Following yesterday’s debacle, DLL has a strict ‘no hiring by Twitter’ policy. In any case, there is also a hiring freeze until further notice. Special applications with extenuating circumstances can submitted to the usual suspects.
Human Remains have been updated and advised.
The only possible exceptions are those candidates prepared to make a substantial donation to The Feelgood Foundation on submission of their resumes. For further details, please contact our Scottish agency.
Trust all is clear.
Regards, Edwin.
Note: The Company will not be reimbursing legal fees for employees and/or directors needing to defend restraining orders.
on 23 Mar 2012 at 12:33 pm290behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory
So sorry to be missing the convention of ‘holics. But have a blast and I’ll share in a virtual pint of extra stout. Up the Arse, and keep that winning streak alive!!!!!!
Snir: I don’t think people plan that far ahead, apart from ST holders.
Me I’m generally a ‘all home games that happen at weekends’ (+ a few others). Except that I don’t know if it will still be OK depending on work.
Happy Birthday Trev! According to your horoscope, your favourite color is RED! Your polarity is POSITIVE! And being an Aries, you are most likely to get the BALL rolling! You are surely an Arsenal man, Trev. Enjoy!!!
on 23 Mar 2012 at 2:12 pm317behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory
Happy birthday Trev, and may you celebrate it tomorrow with a win over the Villa. π
Expensive tastes Dapper Dan…I hope that you are a man of independent means because from what I know the Quackery can be a drain on one’s time and money! (0;
happy birthday Trev, its mine today too, hopefully a joint present of another 3 points tomorrow. Funny feeling we are gonna rack up a few goals against the villains.
I’m jealous! I want to go to the Tollie too.
Can anyone organize with the bartender to set up a Skype area so I join in the drinking and boozing from my present location?
on 23 Mar 2012 at 2:52 pm324behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory
‘holic I thought the Arseblog commentary by you and East Lower were excellent, insightful and good natured as always. Very enjoyable! π
(Sighs) Gooner Terry, I want so badly to join you in FFF! But where would my manners be if I didn’t wish Hellasgooner “many more” son! And of course, today’s Arsecast was, as usual, very enjoyable. To all traveling gooners, safe trip…and enjoy the game and the gathering of the faithful at the tollie.
I thought this was a Feisty Fecking Friday. I call bullshite.
The drinks to date have been a veritable love-in. Birthday well wishes, gathering plans, ASSISTS…enough of all this, where is THE CHAIRMAN when we need him. Hill-Wood, I am looking at you, sir.
Now, bring on the carnage…I’ll start
What’s with all the doctors and misters and executives in this here bar? I’d be surprised if anyone here could diagnose the boils on the back of ‘arry’s balls.
Ah Lonestar, That’s the spirit, mate! My contribution to FFF is this. Nicola’s cat, Luigi bit my dog Reg on the arse in the middle of the night. Caused quite a commotion! BTW, Luigi knows more Italian then me, go figure.
Catalan: Thanks for that link. I always loved D. O’Leary’s videos for the Arsenal. I can’t ever get tired of reading about TH 12/14..never!
There’s a fair old ding-dong FFF battle doing in the comment section of that article – better than over here anyway…tsk what a facking waste of time this is…We should call it MPKA Friday instead (Namby Pamby Kissy Ass)…tsk..
OOOooooh..spoke out too soon. Nice one TABs & Lonestar. The spirit of FFF is still alive!
ABB I am still trying to work out your contribution. As one of my favorites on here I don’t want to insult you or anything but you should definitely stay off the Morphine on Fridays (0;
Lonestar: Harry has a boil on the BACK of his balls?! Wow…how, erm, do you know that? Just curious like {0;
And a right fuck-off to you, TaBS – you rogue scholar π
Sorry CoR – that article (I could only get about halfway through it) is the prize example of the problem I have with several Guardian writers. They try so damn hard to “write smart.” Little tricks with the prose. Literary juxtaposition and tippy tappy. Overly cheeky descriptives and “inside-baseball” references…see I’m starting to do the same shit.
Note to the Guardian Punditry Staff: Just say what you fucking mean. Read some Hemmingway…read some of that TaBS fucker (that’s right, TaBS – I put you in the same comparison as Hemmingway AND called you a fucker at the same time – there!)…emulate either one.
ABB @ 328 – I don’t trust Italian speaking cats…u should help Reg out and feed that cat some antifreeze.
Anyone else itching for a fight (or alternatively, is too damn civil) can just pre-emptively fuck-ooof. This is FFF, and, at least for the next few minutes, there is a new sheriff in the bar.
What do you think ‘arry and Kev’n were discussing on the bench when ‘Holic snapped their picture? (they certainly weren’t discussing proper football…maybe they were also talking about the best way to dodge taxis – ohhhh snap!)
GT, thanks for the link. Good football, even though a bi reliant on balls over the top (based on what one can gather from the clips), but some very good finish and quick movements.
About the transfer, I think we need three major signings and keep both RVP and Theo. One striker (Podolski would be fine, though there are rumors about Giroud ), someone like Vertonghen who can play full back as well as in defensive midfield, and one really good attacking midfielder who can play on the wings when needed.
I am looking forward to a great upcoming season from JW as much as everyone, but that expectation shouldn’t cloud the reality that he may take a while to get going after an entire season of no football. Especially if he is taken to the Euros and returns fatigued. Long may Rosicky’s return to true self continue, but when we are competing in PL and CL — I agree with you the Carling Cup should be used to nurture B-teamers fully and use those in the bench who do not get much of a chance — and later in FA cup, he cannot be relied on to perform continuously at his age. Ramsey is a very good player but he is not good enough to be the attacking fulcrum on his own on a continuous basis. And we do need to keep the possibility of injury in mind.
Benayoun is surely to leave for a mid-table club where he will get more playing time. And Frimpong needs one full season on loan after he recovers. And then our midfield would become Song-Arteta-Rosicky-JW-Ramsey-Coquelin. And maybe Diaby. This midfield is two injuries away from being deprived of creative impetus, and we need another player.
Hazard seems to be not a great choice as he apparently wants to join RM eventually. And we may be priced out of Goetze. There have been rumors about Belhanda as well.
And even if we have the ideal situation of everyone being fit, a little competition for places would do no harm to JW or Ramsey just as a little competition from Ox improved Theo’s play, and next year Ryo will similarly push Gervinho and Theo both.
Another option would be to fast-track Ozyakup directly without any loan stint, but for his development that is not the best idea. Similarly for Aneke.
And as we most likely would be selling/letting go Almunia, Chamak, Bendtner, Denilson, Vela and may be also Park and Arshavin, wage wise these three new acquisitions should not be a problem.
OK its there for everyone to see: Lonestar has avoided a direct question about his prior knowledge of the boil on [the BACK of] Harry Redcrapp’s balls! So what does he have to hide eh? The public needs to know! Hmmm
P.S. And its MR. Deviant to you boy! I’m old enough to be your Dad…in fact….NAH! Don’t think I stopped in Bumfuck, TX long enough (0;
TaBS — you thought I was comparing you with Earnest Hemingway? HEMINGWAY? YOU?
You’re having a laugh. I was comparing you to Euless Hemmingway – large-animal veterinarian and frontier poet… (nah, I just mispelled his name – u du rite gud tho – an u can fook ooof two π )
Shaft – you couldn’t find intelligent life with an intelligent-life finder mechanism. You’d do well to remember the Quagmire Principle: “Big girls need love too, but THEY gotta pay.”
tabs @ #330 – Haha! Ms. Blennerhasset would be proud… and is dialling the police right now in anticipation of what may or may not occur tomorrow at a certain pub quite close to The HoF.
Lonestar Gooner, here is some more punditry for you.
“Just say what you fucking mean. Read some Hemmingway” … I am not a Hemmingway fan, though I read him thoroughly, but can you be so sure that he really wrote what he fucking meant? π
That heartfelt, ballsy, direct, unadorned prose style may actually be an artistic simulation of the finest order. Sometimes it may also be a self-parody counteracting his deeper disgust and cynicism with the world behind a noble outlook in his art. Sometimes the understatement, the ellipsis in his prose is silence that is potent with possibilities…
So I go out to buy cigs and whilst my back is turned, some lovely insults await me. Now this is more like it! GT, morphine causes constipation, don’t you know (ha, ha).
Actually, Bumfuck, Tx is quite the nice place, unlike the country town of Ipswich-my-teeth-with-yours, Suffolk.
I hear all kinds of bad things about THAT place.
As far as ‘arry’s sack is concerned, I thought it was common knowledge that his twitch came from boil-sack disease? No? Murdoch should “of” gotten some wire taps to ferret out the truth on that.
[Barkeep, feel free to insert appropriate disclaimer language.]
Mr. Shaft @ 333 Hmmm, well those are fighting words. But soooo sorry to tell you, I’m in my SKINNY jeans right now, size 2. Now to you @ 340 Uh, believe it or not, my GPA during college was 4.0! I use to say “4.0, but what do I know!”
CG @ 359 — Let us just say the omission is intentional as I don’t see Ox as an attacking midfield player. Yet. Eventually, sure. But not yet. Especially not the game we play. Yes he has impressed in that role against ACM, but I don’t think he can sustain that over a stretch of matches. He is still best suited to play on the wings. Give him a couple of more seasons. π
Somehow I don’t get this idea that just because we are on a great run we do not need squad enhancements. We do if we are to challenge on both PL and CL fronts. And as we are Arsenal, we surely must want to challenge for both CL and PL.
That’s not good about Clive….but life can get in the way sometimes….hope all is well.
Off-topic:
Do you think/presume Arteta sticks around a second season? Not that I think he will want to head off but I wonder what the longer term plan is for him based on age (and a fair few injuries in the past). I just wonder as his value will probably fall 40% in another 12 months and is he ideal if Jack is back, or better used as funding to add another central midfielder to the mix?
I do like him, I think he has added a lot of intelligence to our use of the ball and does so much away from the play that gives others freedom. Pace was never his asset so perhaps another season is a good thing?
Dr Faustus: Agree with your every word – except the need for so many players to be brought in…basically we have the talent among the young guns who have been schooled – for the most part since the age of 9 – in the Wenger / Arsenal Way. That should be equal to any new players schooled elsewhere (except of course the very top, top players)..but we’ll see..
My other point though was that we should use the minor cups and the reserve league more strategically to develop our B Team and fringe players. With a 25-man squad + U-21’s most will not get a first team game otherwise but the pressure will be on them to perform when called upon…that’s not fair on the players. Training ground routines is not enough to develop players and loan spells – except to Bolton – don’t seem to garner results…so I would keep them at home and play then in the reserves & minor cups. That’s a lot of games and Le Boss and his staff can keep a closer eye on their development / progress..
….
I hear what you say about long balls over the top but I defy anyone to deny that a good long ball with someone like Super Mac charging onto it wasn’t a thing of beauty (0;
Tim, Arteta has the most passes in the league, with 90% accuracy. Not shabby. But he also brings maturity and stability. He’s a keeper (I hope). Ageism at its cruelist…if he goes.
Lonestar @ 368 At the start of the season, I was a good 10 pounds over…but Arsenal’s winning ways have left me feeling, well, just plain happy. As for you, I like you, just the way you are. Mean that.
Hmm Nurse ABB and Lonestar flirting in public. Talk of tight jeans and pent up passions (nod to the Sweeper there),,this FFF is turning into a Carpetbaggers-esque novel..tsk..
Where’s Trev the cunt…enjoying his birthday with a few lemonades no doubt…he’s my only worth opponent…ah well
Oh! I forgot – one final insult: Lonestar, get a UK map and look-up where Holloway, Islington, North London is. Then look up where Ipswich, Norfuck (sorry Dumpling. Couldn’t resist)…and when you have located both calculate the mileage between both places..
We that’s too long and obscure to work as a good insult but its what I intended I can assure you (0;
Oh Holic, turn my back just for one sec, and I miss you. Darn it! Please tell Ms. P. I say hi and I’m gonna dedicate the Arsenal v City game in her honour (can’t wait for that game. oh the glory it will be!).
We don’t have a very busy schedule so that probably explains why there’s so much transfer talk. I’m enjoying our football too much at the moment to really care but aside from Podolski I don’t see us buying anyone unless some of the youngsters are sent on loan (Miyashi and Frimpong come to mind). The only things that really matter is to get Song and RvP to extend their contracts.
And frankly I’ll trade any transfer for a bit more luck on the injury front…
Is there any truth in the rumour that the Station Announcer at Tottenham Hale adds the words “you cunts” at the end of the usual pronouncement to “mind the gap” ?
Please look out for me tomorrow at the Tollie , would hate to miss you this time around. I doubt if there will be too many other blond OAPs in a Szczesny shirt in the vicinity!
Can’t see the game being anything other than a hard grind. Villa will park the bus and we have to hope that the likes of TR7, Theo and RVP can find that little bit of magic to see us over the line and 3 points.If all else fails , there is always the Verminator!
Holic: Answer to Man from East Lower’s question of where are all the baby pigeons? As I don’t post to either of those blogs perhaps you can pass this on to Blogs:
Baby Pigeons are there among the grown up pigeons! Baby birds are notoriously greedy bastards so the young ones tend to be fairly big cunts when they are young…once they start working for a living the cunts tend to loose weight flying around looking for food to feed their lazy, greedy baby cunts sitting there in the nest doing fuck-all..
I’ve written here before that for the 3 midfield positions we have 9 decent options.
As for the AM position.
There is nobody in today’s European football that is worth preventing JW the move to AM. The only one who I can think of would be Kaka but he’s more than settled at RM now.
Gotze is 19, Hazard is 21, either one of them would be a signing for the long term which makes JW a player at a deeper midfield position for the long term.
JW’s creativity is something that you CAN NOT buy elsewhere and his chemistry with the squad and his presence within the squad is something that can’t be bought.
Our priorities (providing we only sign three players) should be two strikers that can play on the wings (therefore Giroud should be ruled out), since if we bring a proper CF, he will be Chamakh MKII since he won’t get any games and when he will he won’t be sharp.
We also need a replacement for JD as 4th CB and Vertonghen would be perfect as he can also play LB and DM. A quartet of TV, Kos, PM, and JV can bring a title, because it’s squad that brings titles.
The reason we need two strikers and not just one is because once we clear out, we are left with RvP, Campbell, Afobe, and Poldi, which is not enough for a whole season as Afobe and Campbell can’t be relied on to be sole replacements for RvP.
I don’t think we need someone to replace Song as I believe he’s one of the best in Europe and definitely better than M’Vila, and I rate Coq very highly.
Well got to go and fetch my girls from school. For all you hard-drinking, hard-playing, traveling Holics – remember proper hydration is the key to a healthy functioning kidney & liver according to Nurse ABB. So please try to mix in a little water with your libations..(0;!
I will see you all after the Villa game tomorrow..
on 23 Mar 2012 at 7:07 pm406Goonertown - iwantthird!
Well Snir you got that one spot on!
So who else will we get?
Harard or even Gotze?
on 23 Mar 2012 at 7:09 pm407Goonertown - iwantthird!
Personally I wouldn’t mind if that chap from Ajax came in to replace Squillaci!
on 23 Mar 2012 at 7:20 pm409Goonertown - iwantthird!
Snir
I take your point the only reason why we may not get one of those glossy AM will be because of JW return, Artetas presence and Rosicky’s resurgence.
I think AW will only buy where there is an urgent need and Podolski has been lined up as a priority. AW rates Diaby quite highly and rightfully so, but his injury record is apalling.
So I reckon another CB may be our only other purchase dependant upon any other activites in particular going out of the club.
If JV can play LB too then he would be ideal for strengthening the squad. An AM or DM will be an added bonus!
Wenger running his mouth again about Podolski – Geez that man must learn to keep his own council before loose talk let the cat out of the tumble dryer: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17493071
Now I am really off..(0;
on 23 Mar 2012 at 7:22 pm411Goonertown - iwantthird!
SG
I don’t know why people in here think I’m a piss taker. I’m just a happy go lucky joker, but I am always serious about improving our squad! π
Tabs, Why are you so naughty. But on a more somber note (since you’re around) just wanted to say what a beautiful tribute to your mate Jim, in the last post. Guess your’re the kinda fella every lad/lass would want as a friend.
Zico, (heh) Son, don”t get me singing your praises. Look what I did to poor Ollie! Will that poor chap ever forgive me. Oh well, if ALL you guys weren”t so smart, witty, and adorable…let’s just leave it at that.
Mind the gap you cunts!
Fantastic post, goonerholic – a picture says a thousand words!
Forever In Our Shadow
Shall we start our season in November next year to give them a proper chance to avoid St.Tott’s Day?
Love it, ‘holic.
‘arry – you doing anything this summer Kevin?
Kevin – nah
‘arry – me neither
How eloquent Holic (0;
Yes, well said FG. Thank you ‘Holic for a ‘triffic’ post and for providing us with this marvellous bar. Breakfast Guinness on Saturday?
Apologies for the abbreviated team names in the League table.
Of course it should read ‘the worst Arsenal team in fifteen years’ and ‘the best Tottenham team in half a century’.
‘Holic knows
HAHA
Vey fine evening, but how could I download the Holic Bar (which remind me a lot about the old spursclock at Arseweb).
Yyyyyyyyyaaaaeeeeaaaaaannnn. WTF was that? Just Arsenal overtaking Spurs. Nose bleeds in north London …
Bite the gap!
And a fair bit of what tabs at 233 and N7 @ 236 said over the post
One Arsene Wenger, there’s only one etc. ad intothenightum!
Hahaha i told them that before the end of march ARSENAL will be in 3rd position. Well done gunners well done ARSENE.
IN ARSENE WE TRUST
Brillant Holic!!! Then I saw your remarks @ 8! You sure are in a feisty mood, but after 2 glases of wine, I’ll let it slip. Oh to be a goonah!
The simple eloquence of the pictures says it all, Arsenal are awesome and Spurs are frankly a steaming pile of Hotspur; things are right with the world again.
Mind the gap Tshirts for sale – used once for 43 mins then covered with a jumper to avoid embarrassment – two bob o.n.o.
Well, that should read ‘glasses’ but I’m a wee bit tipsy.
Yes!
I knew it was going to be special ‘Holic, you done good Boss, you done good π
Mind the gap!
Order Restored
Better result than performance- though RVP didnt have a lot of luck today. The boss shouldnt take all the credit- all the players did well- Everton are a tough team to beat at home.
Just wait- the media will still be crowing on about Spurs stronger squad- and how they are going to re claim third. What about John Terry’s Chelsea. Good on you Nasri.
“I haven’t stopped laughing yet…”
Wasn’t that a song?
Brilliant. π
Excellent result, although not a great performance apart form the start of the game.
Don’t know if that’s because Everton stopped us playing well. Props to the back 4.
If we can do the business on Saturday we are going to be in very good shape for the run in.
The table looking laughlably good.
Cheers Tim from previous drinks, I beleive in the power of you and California. Do not move, ever.
The swamp is full of fear and loathing tonight…..
Sleep well ‘Holics – normal service has been resumed. 8)
Hahaha, sometimes three pictures say more than a million words π
At 2-0 up in the derby, Spuds were 13 points ahead of us. Now, not even four full games later, we are one point ahead. St Totteringham is alive and kicking and may yet turn up to serve us all some very tasty lasagna this season too…
Will back-drink tomorrow, now time to hit the sack!
Oh snap now there is a Blogpost long to be remembered. Well done Holic.
Na$ri is still a cunt, no matter if he scored the winner against the Chavs. Back to the bench for you rent boy.
I cant imagine any match report that could say it better than this holic.
Tim. You’re a great man, and your missus is a great woman. π
But don’t you see…not just about winning. Kos in the 30th minute of the game, running the ball down the pitch, dodging defenders was one of my favourite plays in the entire match. Song constantly winning the ball back, and showing ATTITUDE! Rambo nearly scoring, that boy is gonna be a star. And Woj, impish grin and all after nearly being caught out, so entertaining. This is why I love the game so darn much.
Stunningly good photos, ‘holic! π
Great result. Mine is six pints of Guinness please mine host. The back four were awesome but why do we keep giving the ball away so much? Have to win Saturday now with the Spuds and Chavski playing each other. Come on you Reds!
Wasp @ 5 – Classic.
BMBD.
1-1/2 pound Ground Beef
1 pound Hot Breakfast Sausage
2 cloves Garlic, Minced
2 cans (14.5 Ounce) Whole Tomatoes
2 cans (6 Ounce) Tomato Paste
2 Tablespoons Dried Parsley
2 Tablespoons Dried Basil
1 teaspoon Salt
3 cups Lowfat Cottage Cheese
2 whole Beaten Eggs
1/2 cup Grated (not Shredded) Parmesan Cheese
2 Tablespoons Dried Parsley
1 teaspoon Salt
1 pound Sliced Mozzarella Cheese
1 package (10 Ounce) Lasagna Noodles
(add 1/2 Teaspoon Salt And 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil To Pasta Water)
‘holic, beautiful, just beautiful. i think clive (that is the handshake cunt sitting to twitchie’s right, yes?) has just asked the twitch for some toilet paper, and the twitch has told him he’s out, too…
@toby, “bake then let sit in a warm, slightly moist place for the better part of a week. offer as a post-loss diversion to LWC.”
Good to see you back in the bar, Kevnal…
ABB (relaxing after saving lives today) – I agree with you wholeheartedly. It’s the effort the lads are putting in that’s erased the gap.
Long may it last. It’s like thunder all through the night…
BMBD
Surely it’s the recipe for humble pie that we should be thinking about offering up to that mob at the mo… think i might know someone who knows it
@AL, we should be sure to make enough of *that* for LeGRash…and his ilk. π
Hey Lonestar! My heart is full of joy tonite, pure joy. I’m one proud lioness and these boys are my cubs.
Too true Scruz @ 44, too true
Okay, fun over. This has to stop and it stops now. I can’t do this anymore. I have pissed myself laughing so many times that I am running out of undercrackers.
Only seen the highlights. I thought we seemed a bit wasteful at times. Not that I really give a fuck. This was a tough game and another tough 3 points. Character in bucket loads. Now for Villa. Another must win match that will set down a marker of monster proportions.
Now, on to twitch boy and the glory spuds. Only a few weeks ago they were an hour away from being 13 points ahead. Now look. I am as mystified as anyone how the best squad in the world with the best manager in the world have somehow managed to surrender a 13 point advantage in the blink of an eyelid. I was desperately trying to work out what it was all about? Where I had seen it all before. Then, it dawned on me. It all became so clear. At the shit hole they are not bothered about football. They are all involved in the re make of The Life of Brian. Monty Python rules the roost. A band of fuckwits identify the new Messiah. Their fuckwittery knows no bounds and the Messiah starts to believe it all. Until it all goes belly up. It is finally confirmed that King Harry is not in fact the Messiah that the wits proclaim. He is in fact, just a very very naughty boy. (with a dodgy pooch). Simple really.
Onwards and upwards.
Just watched MOTD after managing to avoid finding out the results in the other games.
Fuckin’ luvin’ it!
Ol Big Ears was so surprised, he almost forgot that Arsenal were now ahead of his precious LWC’s, Hansen still praising them for their contribution to this season almost made me piss myself, he really is still bitter about ’89, isn’t he?
Chelsea losing the petroderby wasn’t even spoiled by the fact the sans chin box muncher got the winner, the Chavs upcoming game with the swamp dwellers couldn’t come at a better time, for us it’s a win win situation whatever happens, the only way it could get any better is if whilst the game was in progress the whole field was sucked into a vortex, which then spat all the players out with their faces turned inside out, although maybe with primate featured Bale you wouldn’t really be able to tell the differance.
Liverpool and ‘king Kenny’s capulation isn’t even funny anymore, they’re just shit and of no consequence to us, although the thought of Suarez disappearing into any kind of vortex and never reappearing really does appeal to me.
As for our performance, I thought we did well, we really did come out of the blocks with a bang and could of had the game wrapped up around the twenty minute mark, but fair play to Everton who gave it a real go and pushed us all the way, although I can only really remember Woj having to make one save. Sometimes we were a wee bit complacint in the midfield, but on a night like this I feel we should leave the negativity alone and savour this sweet, sweet victory and revel in the knowledge that a great step has been made towards righting the wrongs of the world.
Beer, beer and more beer please squire and keep them coming.
Cheers.
@steve T: lilywhitecunti ite domum
Great first 20 minutes, one or two scares but some good scrapping from the boys too.
Everton goal not offside ?
Lee Mason owed us at least that one for the Saha goal at The Emirates two years ago – a clear and blatantly obvious 5 yards offside at least – even replayed on the jumbo screens (ooh! contraversy) and he still didn’t change his mind.
How many times has he refereed Arsenal vs Everton ?
Great win – bring on the Villa !!!
Ill admit it. When I asked Wenger to eff off back in August, I never ever thought I’d see this day this season.
Eat my humble pie.
Oh, forgot – Long may King Kenny reign π
Biggus Dickus. Fuck me. That could be anyone???? Wafael??? Awon Lennon???? Who knows????
Poor old Hawwy Wedknapp…….
i think the cunts are turning into the popular front for the liberation of north london….or was that the people’s front of holloway road?
H2H: I know its not Friday but I can’t allow a fellow Holloway Boy to get away with such language…
You seem to have succumbed to Hurricane’s grammatical fault of using “of” as an auxiliary verb (you both are not the only one’s on this site)…this is a clear abuse of the English Language!
When you say: “…we really did come out of the blocks with a bang and could [of] had the game wrapped up..” I immediately think that had you spent more time in English class instead of bunking into the Sobell we wouldn’t be having this conversation…
Remember in future the correct verb in that sentence should read: “..we really did come out of the blocks with a bang and could [have] had the game wrapped up…”
Now carry on having fun…(0;
Has anyone figured out why Tottenham are so lame yet? π
cos they have their reputation to consider?
heh, ‘Holic.
Just lurv it.
Humble pie – sounds like the vegetarian option to me – wouldn’t touch it with a large fucking pole – I’d rather eat me own kids. If I knew where she’d taken ’em, of course.
Apparently I’ve become a right “miserable c@nt” to live with since we got good again. Charming language I’m sure. AND she called me it in front of our eldest – the foul-mouthed fuck.
Anyway we was lucky AGAIN against Everton tonight. I think that lino must been French or somethink. I reckon that bird that got Grayie and the hairy, creepy-looking weirdo fuck (Gareth Bale’s dad?) the bullet from Sky could probably have done a better job.
And I will make this one, in my opinion, particularly pertinent point – though as an opinion former I remain humbly aware of my broader responsibilities to you the fans of a club I, and you, of course, care deeply about:
YOU can SEE this peace of shit squad have BASICALLY STOPPED playing for the fool that so expensively (ok, not when compared to most of our main rivals – granted) and stupidly assembled it – Arsene the idiot/killer of MY club/so-called Wenger. BUTT – they just feel a bit sorry for him at the moment, that’s all – especially once they go a goal down and see how gutted le bloke, that pays ’em silly money for doing virtually nothing, looks.
These are pity victories – any idiot can see that a mile off (but remember I spelled it out hear first).
The players are giving le doddery old sod enough rope for him to be hung, drawn and quartered before this piss-poor group of hopelessly gifted youngsters, canny late transfer-window buys and a patiently developed dutch genius fuck it up AGAIN for him – and the board get shot of him at dawn, some time soon, any minute now, before the season’s end, in the cold light of day – as the darkness descends upon the I of the storm. Mark my words – please, cos I’ll be fucked if I can/can’t… I’m CERTAIN it’s ONE or the other, anyway.
AND anyway – tell me – just who have we really beaten in this recent so-called TREMENDOUS RUN OF FORM apart from 3 of our closest rivals in the league and the top team in Italy? Exactly!!!
Me, and peeps like me – that know where I’m coming from – really WILL NOT tell you again (you heard it hear first) – Monsieur La grand manager – GO out there, right fucking now (well, when the transfer window opens in a few months time) and SPLASH at least an HUNDRED MILLION of our HARD-EARNED on players people like me – and the arse-hole end of the media – TELL YOU (you so-called expert/genius (joke more like!!!) of 30 odd years standing) are GOOD. We’ve all got youtube/voustube now Monsieur – so we see EXACTLY what you can see – FACT! .
Then – when you’ve splashed all that cash WE can go on and WIN any old trophy and be much more like a truly top-top-top-TOP-class football club such as say – erm, Liverpool for example. An inescapable fucking bang to rights FACT!!!!!!! In my opinion!!!!!!!!
BUT – and this is the interesting bit – it took a CHANGE of manager to turn Liverpool into what they’ve become in front of a watching, wide-eyed in wonderment football world this season. Be warned Arsene and Arsenal!!!!!
good point….what Arsenal have displayed in the last 6 weeks can’t be bought on the transfer market…..
LeG Rash:
Pity victories.
Who else could have conceived of such a thing??????
LeG Rash is back, FACT!!
Very post-modernist post, ‘Holic. That table does make sweet reading though, especially through the glasses of the darker parts of the season. I think it was the Swiss Ramble who tweeted that today was an old-school win. And it was. 1-0 to the Arsenal. Props, again, to the back four, and especially Kos and TV5. Also to Song and Arteta.
Nine games to go and nine more victories to get. Got to keep this going to the end. We’ve clawed a 13 point lead back from the LWCs. Petrociteh is only 14 points ahead.
Never thought I’d be so happy to see LeG Rash back in the bar but I am! It just tops off the fun of a hard win remembering those snarky doomers.
Mind the gap indeed you LWCs. Anyone of you bevy of gooners up for some beautiful brown bevvies? I’m buying…
Not that statistics mean much – but we’re actually on pace for more points than last season (72 vs 68). Who would have possibly predicted that in January? For what it’s worth 72 last season was enough for second.
To reach 69 points and improve on last season we need 13 points from 9 games; 4 wins and a draw.
I’m not saying 69 is vaguely excellent but a sign that we are going in the right direction. I think we’ll end up with 75 points which is right where we were in 2009/10.
This summer is crucial, we can really made the next step up or be back in the fight for 3rd-5th.
Hello holics
I think Ramsey just needs one or two breaks with his goal scoring and he’ll start banging them in
Loved the win yesterday. UReds!
Leg Rash, massive heh!
Leg Rash, telling it like it is. Fact. Ish.
Spurs.
LOL.
Your best post yet! π
Arsenal coming from behind to overtake Spurs makes me proud….also makes me want to light a cigarette
What’s that noise? Ah yes, that’ll be the sound of choking coming from down the Seven Sisters Road!
Stop it, stop it! It’s only fun when we’re on top poking fun at Arsenal.
You don’t want to make this geezer cry, do ya?
love that photo LOL,great result today bring on Villa.
@51: Hey Sajit, it takes a big man to admit when he was mistaken. Have a pint of Guinness on me!
A man of few words, ‘holic.
Nice one. Another one for Belgium’s finest.
Morning all.
At work now, and I have to say that the match report is pure bloody genious!
The Wasp@5: π
Steve T@47: they are now running around Totnum going “I’ve got the Messiah’s shoe!”
H2H@48: if “King” Kenny had been anyone else he’d have been tarred and featherd and then hounded out of the club. If I am not mistaken his points per game ratio is now worse than that of Roy Hodgson. And poor old Woy didn’t have a penny to spend unlike “King” Kenny.
LeG@59: and that’s a FACT!
It’s funny how the team in third only has one player who would be picked to play for the team in fourth place, right you media cunts?
Those black bin liner fellas must by now, if they have any decency at all in their bodies, feel like a right bunch of twats.
On to Villa now, we are now in a situation we haven’t really been in for a while where we are the team that is being chased. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that everything’s sorted now and forget to do the job on Saturday. But the recepie for staying ahead is very simple – just keep working as hard as we have been for the past weeks and we’ll be alright.
Cup of tea, please!
And I see that Real Mourinho have reverted to type. How I would love Barça to miraculously win that particular league.
You know something has changed when even the Moan King, Kevin Whitcher writes something positive on Onlinegooner.
Some things just don’t change though —–>
http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/142250.html
With the caveat that there is a long way to go, and he who laughs last etc…
This morning I am mightily enjoying the despair of the chickens down the road…. but they are fans of another club and I can understand their temporary but misplaced gloating.
BUT I would love to know what the TWATS at other Arsenal sites (you know the ones) are thinking (assuming they can) right now.
We’ve all had dark thoughts this year and questioned things. And that’s perfectly correct. Things haven’t been perfect. But, with their purile insults and lack of respect to a great man, as well as their ridiculously simplistic “Wenghhaaa aaart” solution…. oh, really? And who would you replace him with? Martin O’Neill??
… to them, I have nothing but contempt. Fuck off back to your Mummies, you pubescent one handed toss pots
Nicely put, Dr C.
Morning All
Trust you’re all basking in glorious Arsenal sunshine?
Big Hehs! @ LeG Rash, Steve T, H2H & Toby for the recipe π
8ball: Their slide/collapse was all caused in the NLD by Le Sagna!
Well said Trev re: offside goal. I was there at The Ems that night. What goes around, comes around. We fully deserved both victories. FACT!!! In my opinion!!! π
Another picture which clearly describes how natural order has been restored:
https://twitter.com/#!/realarsenalism/status/182740584149155841/photo/1
Can’t wait for Saturday. We have the confidence and ability to manage a comfortable win against relatively weak opposition. Having written that, we’ll probably scrape a 1-0 but who cares so long as we start to put a tight grip on third.
Very proud Gooner this morning!
COYRRRs. FOYS, FIOS.
PS: Edwin’s form – WWWWW. DLL have completed the renovations at St.Totteringham’s Junction. The station is re-opened (ahead of schedule) and the platforms are already bedecked in bunting. ETA, half past April.
Dr.C – What Ollie said. Well done!
And to think people wanted us to have a partnership of Samba and Cahill.
On current form, TV5+Kos is the best CB partnership. The only one challenging that would be Evans-Rio, but they haven’t been up against Spurs, Liverpool, Milan, Newcastle, and Everton.
What a pairing.
Absolutely magnificent.
Dr C for Mayor.
(Of Barcelona).
Or Vidic-Rio? But indeed, Snir, you knows it.
Samba and Cahill, heh bullets dodged.
TS – FIOS? Erm, Fuck It Our Spurs? Fly In Old Socks (as I’m sure some pilots do…)? Furry Insoles Originate in Spain? Forget It Or Sodoff?
Confused.com.
@81: Major heh! That’s what happens when they take their collective eye off the basketball….
Hey Camberwell, if I had to guess, I would say FIOS probably means more than one Feo Walcott π
Koscielny is vying for my opinion of Best CB at the Club, but Vermaelen’s golden with his goalscoring form π
Forever In Our Shadow, Camberwell.
Heh at Cannons though π
Oh and BTW chaps. Fancy a barrelful of laughs?? Get over to Vital Spurs and listen to their wailing and gnashing of teeth. Priceless!
Cheers Olz! Although I have to say I prefer my interpretations.
Vermaelen has scored more goals than Torres this season now.
I wonder if there’s ever a situation where a player has to give back part of their transfer fee?
Vermaelen, whoooaaa
Vermaelen, whoooaaaaaoooo
He’s plays in our defence
But scores just like the best
Vermaelen, whoooaaa…….
Shaft stands over the ball shielding it with his black leather jacket and pointy elbows. Looks over to see who’s making the overlap…
Zico @84
Capital idea – the job is very well paid (non-officially, if you get my drift) and then the next step is normally to run for presidency of a certain club.
Once elected I will offload that trouble maker Messi to Arsenal for peanuts and tell Neanderthal Puyol to get his hair cut.
Oh, and introduce Xavi’s mouth to my boot. π
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-we-were-resilient-and-focused-
Where we come from, we know what suffering means because in some press conferences I had to answer ‘are you playing not to go down?’.
Heh, true, I remember this after the Man U or Blackburn games early in the season.
*dribbles on the left wing, wipes mouth and crosses the ball*
to me, of course.
Rude to take it?
Receives it on the chest and turns feinting left but really going right simultaneously putting the ball through the keeper’s spindly legs….
Suggestion of self-assist?
Oh! Steve T – I just love it at 47.
I feel ashamed to say that a few weeks ago I did start to lose the faith a bit in our team and I did begin to wonder if Arsene Wenger was still the right man for us, although in mitigation I did always maintain that with everyone fit we still had a half decent team. Now, with nearly everyone fit (fullbacks at least in place) we actually look much better than a half decent team we look bloody good – not perfect mind and there are still areas in which we will improve with experience, and a couple or so top signings wouldn’t go amiss – but we are bloody good.
With talented youngsters still to come in – Ryo, le Coq, Yennaris et al the future does indeed look very bright (and it’s not orange, it’s red).
Another gutsy performance and a good result. I am proud as punch.
More than a suggestion Camber!
Btw, we beat Everton 1-0 twice this season in the league so are they the new Barcodes or just caught in our Victory Matrix?
Ollie – I meant on current form, and Vidic is nowhere near form π
Just heard ‘The Messiah’ on the radio and he tells us that he’s, “Still looking for that fird place” Dream on you wanker!
Catalan, I’m right with you @ 79.
Hello Lars. If memory serves me right ‘King Kenny’ did in fact throw in the towel the last time he was manager of Liverpool as soon as things got a bit tough. Some King heh?
I love how my Gooners are going on right now!
We should make the prem our priority next season, good willing we are in the right shape.
Big up Muamba – always thinking of you!
The Scene – D L Ltd Operations Room
Dr Feelgood lets himself in. Β The place is silent as the grave. Β He looks for evidence of any form of activity, but it is clear that the pursuit of profit has been abandoned Β – ticket desks closed, telephones that don’t ring, websites returning “error 404 – this page can not be found” messages. Β On the wall, a picture from another time,Β gathers dust – and Feelgood just about recognises a younger version of himself, with a blonde on each arm and what could be the faint trace of white powder around his nasal cavities.
Shrugging aside the inclination toward self-pity, Feelgood reaches for the ubiquitous iPhone. Β He immediately picks the name and number of his friend and erstwhile colleague, Professor Edwin Storey and clicks……..
Feelgood : “Edwin, I’m here. Β It’s just like you said – deserted. Β To all intents and purposes, abandoned.”
Edwin : “Indeed, Dr F. Β All part of the plan. Β No dead ends, no paper trails. Β No possibility of following the money.”
Feelgood: “And from what I’m hearing, a full Happy Train – seats at a premium, just like we predicted.”
Edwin : “Yeah. Β We’ve had to get some new catering staff in – some extra servings of pie required. Β How was your trip anyway?”
Feelgood : “Oh pretty boring. Β Typical Switzerland really – if you’ve seen one Bank, you’ve seen ’em all.”
Edwin : Β “Roxette said you were in the Alps?”
Feelgood : “That was the plan, but my, err, friend and financial adviser Harry……I discovered he suffers from altitude sickness……”
To be continued
Greetings Holics
Loved today’s blog, says it all without saying a word!
I’m not sure whether I cope better with a last minute winner or holding on to a 1-0 for 82 minutes. Neither scenario does anything for my nerves and I fully expect the run-in to be full of edge of the seat games, not those for fans of a nervous disposition, unless fortified by the golden nectar.
It could have been a much easier night but failing to take our early chances put us under pressure in the second half . It was a night for showing our defensive prowess ,amazing what a settled back 5 and regular full backs can give the team, solidity.
Kos and TV5 were outstanding, with their interceptions and last ditch tackles. So good was their defending, my friend Szczesny had little to do in spite of the team being under considerable pressure after the interval.
RVP didn’t have any luck and Rambo still lacks confidence in front of goal. Theo didn’t get any joy out of his fullback and Song was guilty of giving the ball away in mid-field but he was not the only one. Arteta had a solid game but was reduced to a defensive role as Everton gained the upper hand and TR7 started brightly but his influence was nullified by Everton’s stronger performance after the half hour mark.
With the rest of the night’s results going in our favour, it’s going to be quite a ride at the Ems from now until May. Really looking forward to Saturday, will try and find you all at the Tollie .
As always COYRs
Catalan@96: I like your plan of action should you get elected. You, Sir, have my vote!
Norfolk@107: he did resign, but I can’t say I know too much about the circumstances. Those who followed the game closer than I did at the time can surely give you a more detailed answer.
Just seen MOTD, and bloody hell was Moyes upset with the lino… I fully understand him, but one point that noone seems to have taken up is that Woj saw the flag and didn’t really try to save the shot. If the flag had stayed down it is entirely possible that he would have saved the shot. At least that’s how I see it when looking at the replays.
I also did a little bit of thinking and looking at the league table as well, and realized that with nine games to go we are now in a rather great position (even better than I realized yesterday) to secure at least fourth spot. We now have a six-point lead over Chelsea, and if we win four games of our last nine then they’ll have to win at least six – but if one of those four wins for us is at home against them then they have to win seven out of eight. If we draw that game and win four others, they have to win at least six out of the eight other games they have left which is of course not in any way impossible but still rather difficult.
Now, we shouldn’t settle for fourth, of course, but I just wanted to point this out to emphasize what a great position we have got ourselves into.
Snir 105, fair point π
Don’t know if anyone mentioned it already, but tabs, you will be pleased to know that the ‘liar, liar’ chant made it to twitter last night π
Delia @ 112
Tollington Road side, grown man in swimwear and diamond encrusted heels. Accompanied by a deranged former transport Exec (will probably be wearing Doc Martens).
You can’t miss us. π
Just seen a tweet from Ollie that deserves a wider audience than his few miserable followers π ….
Luka Modric – 114 league games and 12 goals. Thomas from Ireland – 57 league games and 12 goals. Nice return from a great defender.
Morning Holics , and what a very fine Morning it is .
Can’t work out what is giving me more pleasure – the complete abdication of responsibility of ‘Arry , the desperate scramble of the media whores to backtrack and rewrite their wholly premature obituaries of Arsene’s time at Arsenal , or the deafening silence from the contemptible “fans” who were so anxious to be “proved right” , that they couldn’t wait to slate a man who has done more for Modern Arsenal than any other .
Emperor ‘Arry has got no clothes , and his tiny appendage is there for all to see . Arsene still knows , and we are so so lucky to have him .
I’m not really one for believing in a celestial after-life , but if I’m wrong on that , as I so often am , (and , believe me , I would be very happy to be wrong ) , then Jimbo , you owe me a pint .
Ollie @114 – Really ???!!! π π π
Is it trending ?
What wise old bird tweeted that ? He/she must have been in the Tollie Garden after the City Sp*rs game , when I gave it an airing at full volume π
Remiss of me . Holic , great match report . Succint and to the point π
Tabs – the emperor comment was one I just made in a longish post I just accidentally deleted.
Also celebrating the complete absence of doomers (if you’re wondering where they are, just pop over to Vital Spurs – they’re all there, baying for ‘Arry’s ‘ead).
A recent LWC visitor called us fickle for bigging up AW; just check out what the whining little shits are saying on Spuds forums! I love the smell of hypocrisy in the morning.
A pint of Doom Bar for anyone within earshot please barman! And I’ll have a Wadworth Swordfish myself.
I tweeted John Cross and Matt Law asking if the amount of pieces written about how no shift of power has occurred will equal the amount of pieces written about how a shift of power has occurred.
Surprisingly, I got no answer.
The Wasp @5 , Holic @8 , Toby @39 , SteveT @47 , H2H @48 , Tim @57 (Never move from Cali !!!) , LegRash @59 and too many others to mention π π
Catalan @79 – Exquisitely put . You expect the LWC’s to slate us . You don’t expect it from your own . These people are beyond contempt .
TS @81 – Great pic π
Camberwell @100 – I think you did a “Camberwell” π
Dr Z @110 π π
Norfolk @107 – I’m no Kenny fan but I think that’s a bit harsh . He resigned essentially as a result of the toll that Hillsborough took on him . Doesn’t change the fact however that in managerial terms you’re right . He’s yesterday’s man , and Liverpool will go nowhere under him .
Delia @111 – Nice match report . Can’t disagree with any of that , and hopefully see you saturday .
Camberwell @119 Heh π Great minds and all that π
I’ll join you in one of those Wadworth Swordfish jobbies . Sounds interesting .
Delia/Lars @ 111/112, two of the best drinks from you highly esteemed Gooners π
Camberwell @ 100, is their any hope for your poor troubled soul? :'(
*takes off white doctor’s coat and walks away…*
Norfolk @ 107 & Tabs @ 121 :
And in fairness to Kenny, when he did resign – ‘Pool were top of the league and in the semifinal of the FA Cup if my memory serves me right. I do think that Liverpool are a better side than last year – I think they’re playing better, but not necessarily getting the results, which given our own recent past, should be something we can understood all too well. For example, if the truth be told, of all the games we’ve won of late, Wenger said we were very fortunate to get a result at Anfield and I would agree with him on that front even if I make no apologies for getting some element of luck for a change.
I just think that the status of Liverpool (and indeed AFC) has dropped somewhat in that they/we now have to compete with the Petro Clubs who were not prevalent at the time. The primary difference is that management now of clubs like AFC and ‘Pool is not about spending power – but making the most of the resources you have. In that Context we have been blessed to have Wenger and Kenny has erred in some of the signings he has made most notably Carroll and Downing who between them cost over 50m. Wenger bought 5 good players (Gervinho, Arteta, Ox, PM, Santos) for that sum and still ended up making the club a sizable profit. You might say Park is shite – but he only cost 2m and chamahk was free..!!
Wind and Tabs – I knew I shouldn’t have, I knew it but the century was just there for the taking! Once a Camberwell, always a Camberwell I guess.
Back to rehab for me.
zico @110: heh!
Delia @111: It sounds like squeaky bum time. π
Wind @ 124, I think “trudges” would sum up your frustration and despair better than “walks”. π
Joe @ 125
You neglected to mention the oversized head of Henderson. Talk about overpriced……and I don’t mean his head.
Or maybe I do.
Some excellent drinking above by all the usual suspects. There’s a lot to be said for a winning run. Lifts the spirits so.
Joe @125 –
Agreed re King Kenny’s first stint at Klanfield , and the impact of the Petro Clubs changing the horizon . They weren’t however in an FA cup semi . He resigned after a 4-4 Cup game with Everton in one of the early rounds .
Tend to agree with you that Liverpool are probably better than they were last season , but with an investment of over Β£100m , (Β£50m net if the Torres fee is taken into account) , they should be .
They have probably been a little sidetracked by their cup runs , and though I haven’t seen a great deal of them other than their two games against us and MOTD highlights of other games , they have at times looked a half-decent side , most notably in their semi against City .
My major gripe with Kenny however is that during his decade away from the game , the game has moved on in more ways than just the Petro clubs . His persistence with a big man/ little man attack up front , and the nature of his overwhelmingly “premier league Brit” signings suggest to me that he has not got to grips with either modern formations or the cosmopolitan nature of the Premier League .
One wonders how much foreign football he watched during his break from the game . I would venture that his knowledge of players outside of these shores wouldn’t hold a candle to Arsene’s . His only non premier League signing has been Suarez (perhaps a Comolli signing ?? ) , and as such , he has been left to pay top dollar for , at best , average players ( Henderson , Downing and Carroll ) .
I’m pretty sure their American owner won’t continue to pump millions in . The usual pattern , (see Randy Lerner at Villa ) , is to make an initial large investment in search of the promised land of Champs league football , and if that is not achieved , then there is a subsequent reining in of ambition and a recovery of funds by selling assets .
Kenny might get more funds in the Summer . If he is not successful next season in nailing down a top four place , (and I would have huge doubts on that score ) , then I predict that there will be massive ructions up there .
In other news , I see Gareth Le C*nt over at Le Groan starts his post with :-
“Iβm not sure whatβs happening.”
If only he had left it there . It would have been the first time I would have agreed 100% with one of his witterings .
Pedro , you have never been sure , and you never will be sure . You are a moron .
Unfortunately , after admitting that he hadn’t watched the game , he then goes on to provide a summary of what occurred !
He is beyond satire – no wonder I’m struggling with the next episode of Behind The Arse . π
Agree with all of that tabs.
Apart from Pedro being moron. He is clearly a comedic genius.
Btw, you’ve been struggling with the next episode of BTA for some time – not so much writers block as constipation, eh? π
Too much to catch up with.
Dr C, no credit for me, it was a retweet. And given the person I was retweeting there’s a good chance that my followers are included in his in fact!
Dr Z heh π
Haven’t really sat down and attempted to write it . A few ideas swilling around , but hasn’t got much further than that .
Tried to do an episode at Xmas based on “A Christmas Carol” , with Ivan Gazidis in the Scrooge role , but it didn’t really work and ended up on the cutting room floor π
tabs 188, a Tollie afficionado indeed. He was still there when we were only a few left with the Norwegians.
15h Ricky Garcha Ricky Garcha β @GeezyPeas
Arry Redknapp told me tottenham were good, I say LIAR, FUCKIN, FUCKIN LIAR…hahahhahaha
Needless to say, I promptly retweeted it.
188 is the new 118, obviously
Bonjour blogamis.
55 GT.
I will not have you talking smack about my grammar…….
She was a very nice lady and always gave me pressies everytime we met.
59 Leg Rash.
π FACT
76 Lars.
I prefer to call him ‘king Kenny, mate.
The ‘ = fuc π
79 Dr C.
Agreed sir, fortunatly those so called fans are easily recognisable, they’re the ones with egg all over their boats.
81 TS
Top pic!
Plus, that’s some record the prof’s got, kind of coincides with my return to the bar, long may we rule. π
110 Dr F.
I can’t wait for the follow up.
112 Lars.
I saw that too, Woj made hardly any effort at all to stop Drenthe’s effort and we all know that’s not his way.
116 Dr C.
Excellent tweet Ollie.
117 tabs.
I think it’s the deafening silence that’s most disturbing, after a defeat or bad performance, I would have had to wade through around 500 of the most vile stinking posts known to man, yet now we have a six game winning streak and I have less then a hundred posts to catch up on.
Where do all these moany sods get to when life is good?
It’s one of lifes greatest mysteries up there with where do all the dead pidgoens go, why does Donald Duck wear a swimming costume and if ghosts can walk through walls then why don’t they fail through the floor?
120 Snir
HEH!!
My take on ‘king Kenny is that if he’d of been anyone else he would of got the Spanish Archer ages ago. His current PL record does not stand up to scrutiny, the signings he has made, with exception to Jose Enrique and the knobhead extrodianaire Suarez, were massively overpriced and have not worked out well. I know for some unknown reason Stewart Downsyndrome is highly regarded in some quarters, but these quarters must be inhabited by complete morons.
Last nights capulation to QPR was as horrendous for them as it was hilarious for us. Yet after the game ‘king Kenny just came out and told us how well they had dominatated the game. I could hardly Adam and Eve it, I thoiught he’d been spitting fire, but he just seems to have lost it.
When I was a kid, L’pool were THE club, but their era is long gone. Unlike Utd and ourselves, they failed to invest wisely when the going was good. Unless a daddy of the extreamly sickly sweet sugary ilk comes in, then I personally can’t see them bothering too many of the now top clubs any time soon.
tabs – I no longer wander over to Le C*nt unless I need a good laugh. Not even particulalry readable any more. It’s sh*te written by c*nts and lapped up by the hard of thinking. Real shame that we still have this divide within the Gooner Family. Perhaps it has always been there but tw*tspatulaus like Gervais & Gareth only serve to widen it, in my opinion and with all due respect, etc., etc. Rant over.
Heh! @ H2H for ‘blogamis’
Joe @ #125 – FYI ‘new sh*t has come to light man’ re: the Park deal, allegedly. See Arseblog News for some detail. I have no idea how accurate these stories are but it might help to explain one of our wierdest signings since that fat t*sspot Clive All*n.
A round please Mr. Barman for some of the finest posters known to mankind.
Ollie @135 Ha! , understood , though my memories of who was and who wasn’t there on that occasion are , as already discussed , somewhat vague ! Good work @136 . It is my life’s mission for that song to become the natural successor to “Good Old Arsenal” .
Afternoon H2H , Multiple hehs , ‘king kenny π
And yes , it is a mystery where all those doomers go when times are good . Perhaps that vortex you were talking about earlier ?
Round Of London Prides for all .
Kenny is not a king.
He is a dinosaur.
But he is from the Cretaceous period, not like his long lost cousins from the Triassic period – the real archosaurs like Pulis, McCarthy and of course Allardyce.
So in tabs words, yesterday’s man. Err, dinosaur.
TS – Fully agree , rarely wander over there , but can’t resist when we’ve won , in the hope that some brave soul has taken him to task and exposed him for the fraud that he is .
Tabs – Agree completely re Kenny.
They say AW is tactically inept (a view I don’t agree with, and I’ve given a few examples of how he is not tactically inept in the past here), well then they haven’t looked at Kenny.
So poor it’s outrageous.
So many times this season he’s gotten his tactics wrong – The most glaring one was against United at Anfield.
As for pumping millions – Well, Henry and Werner are the Boston Red Sox’s owners and they won’t ever stop pouring money into the Sox, if they do the same with Liverpool then you can expect a Liverpool shopping spree every offseason.
Kenny is a Jockscousasaurus.
-rex
heh Dr Z142
H2H – I had him down as a Gi-C*nt-atops π
Snir @144 , fair enough , I bow to your greater knowledge of the man , given the baseball link . My knowledge of Baseball is limited to knowing that the players like to dress like they are auditioning for a spot in the chorus line of The Rocky Horror Picture Show , and that it is a hyped version of Rounders . π
That said , reports of Henry’s wealth as at the time of the takeover were estimated at Β£380m . A nice sum indeed , but even if it is augmented by the wealth of his co-investors , hardly the sort of sum which would allow him to keep pace with the Petro Clubs , and throw money at it willy-nilly season after season .
You’re not far wrong TS, definetly a descendent of the Vaginasaurus, such is the size of his twatdom. π
Sorry forgot the link …
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/8049812/Liverpool-takeover-John-W-Henrys-new-regime-will-need-deep-pockets.html
Shaft, any relation???
http://www.arsenal.com/news/reserves-news/isaac-hayden-signs-professional-terms
Tabs @ 131,
As usual, I find myself agreeing with every word you say with respect to Kenny.
But y’know I do harbour some hope that they come back to better times, but obviously not at our expense. I have a soft spot for the ‘Pool – simply because they’ve such an amazing fan base. I remember the night they won the CL final in 2005, which for me, still remains one of the most surreal games of football I have ever seen. It was as if their history and supporters carried them over the line that night. I left the pub after the game in Dublin and as I walked down Grafton St, there were just multitudes of people, scarves in the air, singing you’ll never walk alone. Not an unusual sight in any Football ground in England I grant you – but at 10pm in Dublin City centre, it was amazing!!
Aaaahhahahaahhaaa – sweet, sweet victory…still basking and the sun’s out an’ all
Re the hot-topic of the day – I pitch King Kunt Kenny AKA KKK of Klanfield
A tad harsh, p’raps – but on balance fair overall – I think
Afternoon Gents & Gentiles:
@ H2H: Apologies to your Nan…
@ Camberwell: Suggestion of self-assist? “Suggestion?!” You mean like that geezer at Klanfield – during our game the other day – who kept repeating “oy Kuyt – Kant” over and over the whole game….very subtle (0;
Sorry Joe,
Don’t agree.
Liverpool may be a proper football club but their supporters are a bunch of c***s as far as I am concerned.
To listen to the self serving crap they all came up with to justify the behaviour of Suarez and the fall out from it, tells you all you need to know.
Offended by everything, ashamed of nothing.
And for the record, 2005 had more to do with the complacency of Milan than it had to do with Liverpool supporters.
@152:
Who’s that strong, tough-tackling player who can operate in defence or midfield?
Isaac!
Damn right. π
@ AL: Schh about the …erm..”pre-match” preparations – the less said the better…know what I mean like? (0;
Lest we forget, it was the Mickey’s good honest to god fans that got all English clubs banned from Europen competition in the 80’s.
And Dr. Z heh @110 – ‘Arry with an altitude problem ay. Apparently it turns out that the man was destined to go down one way or another in early 2012
‘Arry can only escape being shafted so many times…
Yosh, MOTD again and then bed for this weary worker!
Joe & Dr Zee: In all my travels around the football grounds of the world – only the Geordies were better than Liverpool fans IMHO. Things may have changed of course but I still have a soft spot for Liverpool (probably ’cause of my mate Dale)…But that does not extend to my wanting them to be any better than they currently are of course..
I disagree with you both about that Milan CL Final. It was Steven Gerrard who single-handedly won that game for them. I hope JW turns out to be our version of Gerrard
H2H @ 159: yes of course..the cunts! I had quite forgotten about that (0;
Ok GT – your secret’s safe with me, i’ll not mention it again – though what i will say is that since you started doing that thing that I can’t mention (partly ‘cos i don’t know what it is, and partly ‘cos i’m the sort of quiet/considered chap who tends to keep his own counsel quite naturally as it is), but anyway – since you started with the (you know what), AND H2H re-appeared at the bars AND Tim declared his defection to super-Cali on these pages – all at about hte same time – we have absolutely won every single effin league game. And the drinks are 100% effin proof of that.
As i’ve said before – i’m prepared to acknowledge there may be other factors at work too. But i will do my little bit to ensure unsung heroes such as yourselves GET sung (???) so there…
Gentlemen your football club needs you – but i think you know that already.
Up The Arse!
Tabs, I don’t exactly know how they do it but they obviously get money from somewhere else as the Sox’s annual wage bill is over 200 million. Add that to the 100 million Liverpool spent and Henry wouldn’t have had money for this Sox offseason, and although he didn’t spend as much (due to lack of good free agents apart from Pujols, he didn’t go for any pitchers because the new manager has confidence in the current rotation) he most certainly spent this offseason.
AL, whoever is responsible and whatever it is, long may it continue.
Snir, baseball is a game full of pitchers and tossers? π
@ 164
All of these things are mere co-incidences. Red fish if you like.
Professor Storey is the real reason. It can all be traced to that day when he left the keys to a certain cabinet on a certain table……
Joe @153 ,
Thanks for the kind words . Whilst I have to say that I don’t share your admiration for the Mugsmashers , (I am much more in the Dr Z school of thought on this one ) , I have long maintained that there are only really 3 big Clubs in this Country – Manure , Liverpool and ourselves – so do understand where you’re coming from , (kind of :wink:) .
How to begin the introductions? In the typical way, perhaps. My name is James, I am a 32 year old Canadian, and I am a Goonerholic. A bit of a late age to join this illustrious club, and so I make may way up to the bar a bit hesitantly after watching others drink away since my heart was stolen when I got a chance to watch live two late goals that defeated Barca at the Emirates last Feb.
I owe my allegiance to the Arsenal to my mate Tim, another Canadian but one who has been living in North London these past years and somehow managed to sneak Season Tickets in Block 5. Allows me to get a match anytime I come to London, and have to say it is quite the incentive to make the trek, particularly since I moved to Galway in October to start a PhD. Have had a few fun outings this year, no doubt the favourite was watching Henry put one past dirty Leeds right in front of us. Knowing we had the 1-0 with him scoring first with Gunnersgaming made it all the sweeter.
This has a real danger of becoming a novel, so to the point that inspires this initial contribution. Last week we saw there were some away tickets up for general sale. Tim already was planning on hopping over for a cheeky 48 hour celebratory Paddy’s Day (great post on the 17th btw ‘holic) and checking into the ryanair flights for me and trains for him, we saw that a first-ever trip to Liverpool for both of us was easily manageable. No sooner thought than done, the tickets were hours.
Fast forward to yesterday. ‘Holic, you may have had worse nights, for us, it is hard to think of much better. Checking into the hostel upon arrival, we were told to pop over to Roscoe’s Head for a start. I had my Scezzer jersey on and had only taken a few sips when a guy walks in, sees us, and demands he buy a round. An Everton man with tickets to the match, we are instantly transported by his tales of battles in the standing away section of the Kop and the like. His good-natured hatred of the Reds is assured, but his admiration for the Arsenal also shines through. Couldn’t ask for a better representative of a club, and it was with a great smile when we parted ways that he added – I hope we batter you!
Apologies, this is getting long. Let me refill my drink here….
Toby @39 – π
LeG Rash @59 – eckslunt stuff ! Maybe a tad negative though π
Snir and yet Sfar – great point about Samba and Cahill.
GT @162 – I’ve still got that game down as a draw π
Snir @165 – Fair enough , my “knowledge” such as it is is all second-hand . I wonder though if the Red Sox generate their own wealth after payment of all outgoings , allowing further year on year investment ?
I don’t know the answer to that , though I have read that Henry has been very successful in maximising “the brand” .
Again , I don’t know , but I would be doubtful that Liverpool are in the happy position of generating their own profits , and will therefore be wholly dependent on Henry dipping into his own pocket .
OneNiltoUs – Nice story . Pint of Pride on the Bar .
OneNilToUs. Great….start π
Your refill is on Lars’ tab anyway.
Zico @110 – π
Delia – “try to find you all in The Tollie”
You can’t miss us – I will be the only person in the entire place holding a half-pint glass π
@167 as I too am ordinarily a man of science over superstition (fingers crossed i spelt that right) I’m prepared to believe that medicines (i.e. the imbibing of copious amount of narcotics/hallucinogens etc, classes A through to C) and some petty pilfering have played their part in the club’s recovery too.
As H2H moreorless said @ 166 – and I’m sure it’s an edict Prof Storey lives by – “grab it where you can, when you can”
And SG @165…now I’m no expert on what they term “American sports” but if that lot your talking about are anything like me p’raps they “stash” their “spar cash” in their Sox where the Mrs nee the IRS can’t get their hands on it – hence their name!!! Bet you never thought of that did yer?
Right having stunk the place out with a rotten sock gag – I’ll get me cap and glove
So we arrive at Goodison early. Time for two pints of Chang and a Scouse Pie, please. To our delight, we are 2 rows from the pitch, and in front of us I spot the guy who got RVP’s jersey after the 3-5 destruction of Chelsea I watched via wifi in the Toronto airport. Beautiful.
You know the story of the game. The early goal had us singing in fine voice. Block 5 is grand, but we heard some new ones too (“I want to dance with Koscielny, I want to feel the heat with Koscielny, because Koscielny’s a gooner…”) and also a few classy renditions of “Fabrice Muamba, we’re thinking of you”. But the second half was different, scary. Not sure why we didn’t bring on someone to play down the left in front of us, but the result is what counts and it was nice to get lucky and nick it again, and then the scoreboard afterward with the Stoke result was of course all the sweeter. Tense finish that was as stressful as can be, but there is something about winning one-nil that even a newcomer to the club can appreciate.
Best was really later though. Liverpool is the most football of towns, we went to a few pubs afterward (Ship and Mitre, Flanagan’s Apple) and in each the away jersey resulted in Blues coming up and buying us pints and making us laugh. The respect for Arsenal is strong (you’ll only really get stick here if you support United, said one). I have such stories from the banter, today I didn’t really want the cab ride to the airport and the flight back to Dublin to end, such was the fun of the convo with the driver. But I have already written a bucket here, so I’ll wind it up and try and lock away that feeling in my head for awhile.
Anyway, just felt compelled to share that little colour from a game that may have seemed a bit straightforward – if it didn’t happen to be your first away trip to a great city, and one that has fans with profound respect for the quality of our side that doesn’t always translate. I can’t wait to get back, and would have probably stayed if I didn’t need to be back in Ireland to watch Christy Moore tonight.
But happily I have one more match in me this year, with Tim able to snag me a ticket to Arsenal v. Chelsea. ‘Holic and company, hope we get a chance to buy some of you the first round pre-match. I have had a blast reading this site and it has speeded my conversion to lifelong supporter status in a matter of months, and so would love to clink a pint or two in person.
Given the 12:45 kickoff, there was also recent talk with Tim about the possibility of trying to get tickets as well to the 5:30pm kickoff on the same day at Loftus Road, so we can sing, live, for a Spurs loss after what should surely be an Arsenal win. And maybe we can even the Rangers fans on their feet to sing along with us the same tune we were belting with all the away supporters as we left Goodison last night:
“Ten Points, and you fucked it up! Ten Points, and you fucked it up! Ten Points, and you fucked it up!” etc.
Cheers all, thanks for indulging my ramblings from the Dublin airport here, and good luck.
Oops – pardon – “spare cash”
Welcome to the bar, 1nil.
Heh, Trev.
It is entirely possible that the neighbour will also have a girlie glass π
Welcome Onenil, good intro.
Snir –
that Henry bloke must be worth a lot more than you think if he spends $200 million a year on socks !
Hey TS – off to read your bit at Arseblog News – this Park business is a mystery.
‘Holic –
“girlie glass” – I resemble that remark ! π
@ 169 – 1-NIL: Nice start on the story-telling front I must say. You will be very useful on slow days, interlulls and the closed-seasons. Your Doctoral candidacy will also obviously come in handy when we have research projects like the current “How many ways that Harry Redcrapp is a cunt” Project…but before we can fully access your application to join us at the Bar we need to have details of all your perversions dear boy…Please prepare an open letter addressed to Professor Edwin Storey, c/o DLL, listing said perversions and a short essay of 50-words or less entitled “What chaos I would create in the first 5-minutes if I was King for the Day”…
Your speedy response is anticipated..
GT
It turns out that my two best friends are both called William Hill.
What are the odds ?
OneNiltoUS, great story. I feel like a cunt while everyone is such a storyteller in here. π
Takes train goes to pub watches match sings celebrates goes to pub sings some more comes takes train.
Welcome onenil.
I have a question – does Christy Moore still play his gigs in an old T shirt and slippers?
Possibly the least rock n roll looking musician I’ve ever seen live.
Liked a pint though π
Heh Trev
Ollie – far too hard on yourself there buddy.
185, Great story Ollie.
fine tales from the front onenil – confess I have a terrible weakness for hearing how much fans of other clubs like The Arse. I get all schucksish and proud and tell me again and that. Unwarranted and very silly i know – but there you go. Oops – all this victory and sun and talk of girlish glasses is making me a little giddy and loose-lipped, I may have to have a lie down
Heh H2H!
Welcome OneNiltoUs – on condition you’re not related to the Canadian formerly known as ‘Stingy Voyageur’ ! π
Ollie, tell me a story about the train?
I like them. π
Hey GT – one on the bar for you old son.
Must be approaching FFF if you’re lurking . . π
Come on, gather round everyone, Ollie is about to begin π
I’m all ears
Trev.
Ah yeah, Stinky Voyeur, not a wum at all. I remember exchanging posts with him when I was trying to explain why I thought Luiz Suarez was an utter cuntbucket.
Shame I’ve got no real evidence to back up such a statement.
*pulls up chaise lounge in anticipation of Ollies epic yarm*
Pardon ?
heh H2H 188 and zico 191 π
What do you think of it so far ? π
Trev 193 : the trouble with these stories is you never know when they end π
*gets coat*
the end?
Bang
Afternoon ‘holic & ‘holics,
Very nice post – captures last night’s events perfectly! π Great set of matches and looks like it’s been a very busy evening and day at the bar too with plenty of humble-pie being consumed within and outwith! π
The spirit, belief and confidence are now well and truly running through everyone’s veins! The fundamental characteristics that turn a good player & team into a great player & team! We’re finally on the verge of the project’s completion, and EVERYONE knows that too! Lubbly jubbly! Feck-you you anti-Arsenal cunts! Lol!
….of that particular move, AL. And what a finish! Magnificent!
Damp squib at 201 I’m afraid, H2H.
Ollie, your stories are rubbish! π
200 was a response to 197 – but i have to say it works rather well as a campanion piece with 199 – i’m starting to see what you see in these short, sharp posts Ollie –
Well in AL, my “bang” was the sound of the celebrotory fireworks going off after your fine effort.
*Walks off, wiping brow, thinking; phew, I think I got away with it.*
Crap, Ollie rumbled me. π
Nice effort AL.
Welcome Onenil… bit of warning, keep your good eye on those blokes from DLL, Ltd; they can be a right dodgy bunch… π
Since when do chickens play footie, anyway?
BMBD.
Indeed AL – i was responding to you and got all out of synch. Still far more interesting than Ollie’s story though π
Work interferes now π
Thax Trev. Missed it last week but sharp as a tack for FFF this week (0;
And ta a bunch for the assist Ollie – all that training you’ve been doing looks to be paying orf.
H2H – fireworks? Niiiiice touch from the dutch (very ish, i know) contingent on the continent there…
Friends dropping round unexpectedly. From New York!
Wasn’t really planning on having a night of carnage before Saturday, and on a school night too. The punishment my liver takes in the name of friendship. My buddy loves the beautiful game though – he had a poster of Charlie Nick on his wall when I first met him. Gonna be a late one…..
I’m guess I could restrict myself to coke on Saturday π
My pleasure AL.
My stories about trains are available in all the best bookshops, Trev.
OneNil ToUs: Please ignore Lonestar. There is nothing to fear [from DLL Ltd] but fear itself…I believe.
Boo Ollie. That’s lazy story-telling. Shame on you..
* Tottenham’s eight points from their last eight games makes them worse than Blackburn and Aston Villa on form
Ahem! just re-read Ollie’s tale @185 and noticed it takes rwather a saucy turn towards the end. You’s dark horse on the story-telling front old son, intriguingly post-watershed…though I’m not sure I’d want to be stood next to you in queue at the station
heh AL good spot. I had started to put ‘comes home’ then decided that symmetry commanded ‘takes train’ again.
Obviously, my sub-editor wasn’t around :p
I thought it took a fairly saucy turn fairly early on with the “I feel like a c*nt ” line .
Clearly your tale is open to many and varied interpretations Ollie – the mark of a good piece of Literature .
A fine story Ollie – keep up the good work !!
Trev @181 and @184 – Good work Girlie π
Nice goal AL
Dr Z @214 – Just look upon it as a decent warm up . π
By the by , I STILL have pictures of Charlie Nich plastered over my bedroom wall !
Evening all, and a particularly fine one it is. Drinks all round please barman.
In classic Good news, bad news style, I have a positive and a negative thought.
(Positive in case you don’t guess!) I was a little bored during the day so entered “Power shift football North London” into google. Definitely a splendid way to spend a few minutes.
On the other hand…
It shows what a lousy season this has been that we’re all (self included) so delighted to be in 3rd and ahead of that other team. Let’s keep things in perspective – we haven’t wrapped up third place, or even CL qualification yet. I’m confident we will manage both. For now, all we can do is snigger at the sight of another North London team comprehensively bottling it. Dennis willing, they won’t get it back.
The team have shown that they have what it takes to claw their way back into something approaching respectability which, to be fair, is something their predecessors didn’t usually have to do. Now they have to prove that they can maintain a lead, which their immediate predecessors demonstrably couldn’t do. I’m confident that they will manage it.
Keep those seatbelts buckled tight until May folks, the ride’s likely to continue to be rough. COYG
Ughhhh Stingy Voyeur!
That dude knew how to press my buttons!!
If I’m not mistaken the reason he was banned was because he tried to convince me that Barca is the most beautiful thing that God created and as you know me, I didn’t take it lightly π
Good thing you guys were asleep when it all happened π
Dr Z. – after yesterday and The Arsenal winning despite me being in the us, does that mean I can stay :(?? I don’t want to!!! I wanna move to the UK!!!!
OneNill you are a journalist and a gooner to boot. Glad you found our way in here. π
OG @ 222
Thanks for injecting a healthy dose of reality.
While acknowledging an excellent run of recent results we are still skating on very thin ice; namely one injury to RVP away from having to rely on Chamakh or Park to score goals.
I may be in a minority but for me Champions League qualification is NOT as good as winning a trophy (say the FA Cup) welcome though it might be.
Welcome OneNil, nice story π
OneNil sounds a little too much like O’Neil though, so I’ll use 1-0
Oxon @ 222: I used to be a cross-country runner in my youth and I can tell you that there is nothing sweeter than the very second you pass that bloke who shoots off into the lead, maintains a good gap throughout most of the race, starts looking over his shoulders and grinning at you, until you get close enough to notice the fear in his eyes! There is no better moment to utter the word “cunt” as you fly pass him – even if it takes all your energy!
With that tactic in mind this is what we need to do: push on for the next 5-games, HARD – winning all if we can manage it. Don’t look back. When we have built up a sizable lead we should discipline ourselves (players & bloggers alike) to refuse to talk about them at all (just in case they are looking in), the only talk should be about how close we can get to those above us! Keep our ears to the ground and listen – the sounds of weeping & gnashing of teeth will be like music to our ears. We will have the whole summer to offer “suggestions” and give “advice” to our neighbours…(0;
Wise words GT, wise words.
Thanks for explaining to me about cross country running. I’ve never been able to recognise any attraction in it at all before now, but I can see that what you describe would be really sweet.
OneNiltoUs: welcome to the bar, Sir! A splendid set of debut drinks, have a pint of your choice on my tab.
Oxon: we should not settle for third in the long run, but after the massive cock-up that was last summer and the dreadful start to the season, finishing third would be a great achievment. And I’m not sure I agree it’s been such a lousy season overall, I’ve had a lot of fun and we have seen a few rather brilliant games as well.
And as a side note, to further emphasize how much we are still paying for our bad start, if you discard the first five games, we would be third on 51 points behind ManC on 56 and ManU on 55. Spurs would be fourth on 48 (though their stats are possibly skewed by the fact that they played Everton at home after Xmas, which was the postponed opening game of the season which would have meant playing that game without either of Adebayor or Parker but instead played it when they were on top form). Chelsea? They would be a further nine points behind Spurs on just 39 points. Chelsea are, in a way, the inverse of us since they are still in touch with the top four thanks more or less only to a good start to the season.
tabs@171: I share your doubts re: Liverpool generating their own funds anytime soon. They have been bankrolled by Henry to buy the players they’ve bought in the past year, but that money is a loan, not a gift.
“Aaaah, you’ve met Harry, I can see by your eyes
If once there was action, now there is no life”
One-nil, yes the scousers might hathey our hub caps but it is a proper football town and both red and sides reasonably friendly to all except mancs. Kenny has overspent on average players and it’s funny how the media have stopped comparing Liverpool and Arsenal now we are in the ascendancy.
Lars – Agree absolutely that we shouldn’t settle for third place long-term. I don’t accept that last summer was “a massive cockup” I prefer to describe it as “hugely disappointing” – that’s probably just semantics and I don’t want to dwell on it. Similarly I guess my “lousy season” equates directly to your “massive cockup” (oooh errr missus) and “dreadful start”.
Interesting stats about the season from week six onwards. Is there any good reason to believe that the team up the road wouldn’t have beaten Everton on opening day had the locals not rioted? Trouble is that those weeks happened and we are where we are, 14 points of second and not 4. We have it in our hands to reduce that gap to 11 but we can’t really expect the Oily Mancs will blow it. We can only achieve so much by crossing our fingers and wishing really, really hard and it would be greedy to hope for even more than we already have.
While I think of it, can anyone remember what the point of the “Transfer window” is supposed to be? I’m hanged if I can.
Oxon: “Trouble is that those weeks happened”
Absolutely, that is the point I was trying to make π
I guess what it all boils down to is that what we need to do is try to finish this season as strongly as possible and then hope that we have a much better summer than the last one and then see where that takes us next season.
Lars agree – if we can finish the season strongly we can take that form and confidence into next season.
At the end of last year our form was disastrous (relegation standard), and that allied to the Summer transfer shambles are key reasons why the start of this season was a continuation.
Hopefully next season will give us a much stronger start, that’s assuming we get our shit together in the transfer window this time round.
Normal service has been resumed.
Interesting comments @ 232, 233, 234 and 235.
In addition to the excellent points already made, I am in no doubt that the festering discontent of the “want-aways” Na$ti and Cesc added to the sense of malaise the team got into as a result of the Beer Cup loss to B’ham. (I think that is was Arseblog that produced a stat similar to Lars which showed that had the season started at the time of the CC Final we would have been relegated!)
The thing is that I believe that those experiences has made us stronger – but it only started to work once we cleared the bulk of the mal-contents out of our system. Arshavin should not come back and we need to move out the other dead-wood (Almunia, Denilson et al comes to mind)…but regarding the closed season: I don’t recommend a crazy shopping spree. As I have said before, One maybe two marquee signings (Podolski, *Vertonghen -sp? ) and promote a selection of our Young Guns is all I believe we will need.
Tactically I think that its important that we have two functioning teams (A&B teams if you like) for next season..We must have “Units” of players getting used to playing together (CB, MD, FB & Winger pairings) as teams within the team. Radical I know. But sometime when we need to rest a player for whatever reason – Red Zone, injury or Suspension – we can take out the whole unit and replace it with another “whole” unit…
Finally we should make better use of our Reserve system and the minor cups. Its only in the last couple of months that we have been giving the first teamers a run out in the Reserves. That’s been a clear change of policy and I believe that we can see the benefits.. The B Team can be trained to pursue the Beer Cup and get plenty of games as a team in the Reserves – that way players will keep sharp…I don’t think that there’s anything in the rules to prevent this happening, is there?
* Close watchers will notice that I am not banging the Goetze drum as hard these days. I have come to the feeling that we don’t really need him – especially if we get our Jack back firing on all cylinders..
I’ve said it countless times, and I’ll say it again.
We are not as far off as people might have you believe.
Two strikers in the offseason, along with JW, and we’re good (Vertonghen for JD is only a bonus).
Very good.
GT @236 good post; strongly agree that we just need a few high quality purchases in the Summer not a shopping spree.
Also your point about the clear out of the malcontents and the journeymen is well made. Personally despite his talent I would hate to see Arshavin come back.
We should use the money freed up to pay our best players highly, we have seen the result of paying everyone in the squad well and it doesn’t work.
Lars, GT,
I’m really up for a prolonged discussion of What Went Wrong and What We Should Do Differently, but I don’t think now is the time. I’m going to follow the spirit of GT’s wise advice @227 and try to keep my lip buttoned for now.
I need to have something to look forward to for after May 13. Ask me nicely and I’ll try to wait until after the Euroze. π
WU – We’ve already got (presumably) Poldi, just give me another striker and I’m good.
DON’T want Gotze/Hazard.
JW π³
Dr Faustus: Remember the other day when we were talking about the best side outside the Wenger era? Well feast on this from the ’91 vintage: http://youtu.be/jEsIUoKslIo
holic love the photo of the two spuds choking. forever in our shadow.
SG yes the current squad does look pretty tasty if fit apart from striker depth. Most of them a pretty good age too.
I hope you’re right and Poldi really is a done deal.
I’m greedy, I would like Hazard but that ain’t going to happen as we can’t compete with the obscene amounts of money Shitty and Chelski spray around..
WU – I don’t want Hazard. He is Nasri playing for Lille. Just listen to the way he talks.
Re the striker depth, Poldi, RvP, Campbell, Afobe, and another striker is great depth (you don’t need more than 5 CF and we’ve got plenty of wingers as well so we’re good there too).
As for the AM position, people don’t understand that Gotze is 19 and Hazard is 21, meaning that if you bring one of them, you prevent Jack moving to AM for the long term.
And then people say that Jack needs to develop but they want Hazard or Gotze. Don’t they need to develop?
Jack’s vision and technique has to be taken advantage of at AM and not deeper and AW has already said JW will play in the hole.
I, for one, can’t wait.
Snir: Me too (0;
Agree about Jack the best home grown player we have produced for yonks, a really special talent.
Snir, you have a point. Jack coming back will compete with Tomas and Aaron for the playmaker role.
Yossi’s loan will not be extended. A defensive midfielder may arrive in the summer depending on what the assessment of Coquelin’s prospects and fitness are. I suspect another loan for Frimpong while he matures.
We need a goalscorer, who may or may not be Podolski, and a defender, preferably a left-back who can play at centre-half. Not sure Vertonghen is the likely answer.
That is as close to fucking pointless transfer speculation as I am likely to go.
NURSE !!! N-U-RSSE !!!
Quick! GooonerTerry has lost it.
It must be a bit of warm-up provocation for Feisty F*cking Friday.
He wants to bring in a whole new ‘defensive unit’ because one of our fullbacks has a bad toe!
Let’s just think about this for one moment GT.
So, Kieran Gibbs gets his toe trodden on and is going to miss two games. As a result, we will rotate the entire defensive unit, so that the replacements are all used to playing together.
Out then go Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny (and Gibbs) and
In come Fabianski, Jenkinson, Djourou, Squillaci and Santos.
Now while Jenks and Santos have done remarkably well, that ‘unit’ scares the bleeding daylights out of me !
As I said the other day, there is a very good reason why Arsene Wenger is the manager and we are all sat here typing.
NUURRRSSSSEEEEE!!!!!
‘Holic, getting your predictions in in March! Unlike you π
Trev, Holic – Dr C already declared me as Arsene’s apprentice so I’m allowed to think about potential players at any time.
I mean, we all know Arsenal scout everyone, everyday! π
Sorry Trev. Won’t happen again π
At last. The kind of headline I can sink my teeth into:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17470384
For those of you too bothered to click, that would be:
Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp: We have lost our way
IN THE SEVEN SISTERS ROAD
I have heard the cocks of the Seven Sisters Road
Make their faint thunder, and the journalists
Hack their filth in the tabloids; and expose
Their appalling stupidity and biased bitterness
That empty the heart. I have noticed meanwhile
Arsenal rejuvenated, and new commonness
Inside the Emirates and cheering about the streets
And gooners dripping praise from pub to pub,
Because we are above all things happy.
I am contented, for I know that Quiet
Wanders laughing and eating her wild heart
Among Lily Whites and journos, while that Great Striker,
Who but awaits his hour to shoot, still hangs
A bloody boot over a T-90 Seitiro.
adapted from In The Seven Woods by William Butler Yeats
Trev: What time is it over there? Its only 9:25 PM here so I can’t “lace” into you for that bit of cheek..can I? Guv I need some guidance here…
OK? OK! Well Mr so-called Trev IF you had bothered to actually read my post you would have seen clearly that I suggested no such thing!!! I distinctly used the term “pairings” in conjunction with the term “unit”…I was suggesting that if one of the CB pair gets injured or something you (well Mr Wenger) could have the option to insert another pair of CBs! AND I was not thinking of JD or Squallicciii as I had already suggested that we get rid of the DEADWOOD didn’t I? And IMO you can’t any deader wood that those two…
Look, if you are going to pick a fight with me then the least you can do is not start off by slandering me in public…you KUYT..
* you can’t get any…
Hey mind the GAP! Ops too late: http://youtu.be/Fe_HtA5zw9U
Early start to the day, just about to leave for the airport. If I am not mistaken, today is Trev’s birthday – happy birthday, Dr Quack!
Probably won’t visit this bar too much in the coming days, will make up for that at the Tollie tomorrow π See you there, everybody who are going!
Safe travel Lars…
@256: I love “pairing” my “units” with CBs (Chubby Babes).
And I’m not talking about “deadwood” either. π
I don’t think birthday boy Trev was trying to start a fight just for the record. Let’s face the aggro outwards on this wonderful FFF!
Guinness extra stouts for everyone π
Happy birthday Trev!
Was so lovely to meet you!!!
Cannons – Yeats and Shaft – why a pairing fit to lead any attack, well played.
So in the spirit of, erm – poetry Friday – ahem…
Safe journey to Lars in whatever clarss
And If it’s so – happy b’day Trev of the girlie glarss –
Game day approaches – Up The Arse!!!
Morning ‘holics,
GT / Haile Gebrselassie @227,
Spot on words mate! π
There’s no real need for Gooners to be “shooting their load” on transfers so prematurely before the final quarter of the season is completed in a blaze of utter glory and focus! Aside from revelling in the schadenfreude of so many anti-Arsenal cunts, St Totteringham’s day and regaining the crown of “London’s top club” (at only a fraction of the costs spent at the Fulham Bus-Stop) it will invariably have 3 further effects:
1. All of the players that will be involved in that fabulous run will have finally attained that level of “we are never beaten” belief and confidence in their individual and collective quality that the likes of ManU and Barcelona have had for so many years! The players that will not be involved, and have clearly failed to show that they can meet this newer standard of belief and quality, will be earmarked to leave the club in some form (i.e. out on transfer or on temporary loan).
2. With such a great run, it will almost certainly close our gap between the top two and indicate to EVERYONE (including the current players, the past cunts that left us in the lurch and the future quality signings) what might have been had we began the season with stability, and what is likely to transpire next season and beyond!
3. Finally, and most importantly, it will leave our new leader, RVP, with almost no doubt in his mind EXACTLY WHERE his professional future lies for the next 4-5 years! He already knows exactly where his personal and family life lies and his professional one will surely follow not long after the season’s end!
COYBG!
“He slips into his Gieves & Hawkes tweed, with cravat already onboard, glances into the mirror with a glint of RVP self-belief, and steps out to his chauffeur-driven Maybach taking him to the Quackery! FFF!!! π
Happy boilkday Trev
Morning
Regrettably so, Ollie
@263: Great poem AL! Short and sweet…
Yosh, beer o’clock over here maties. Have a good one.
Will pop my head back in the bar later for some of the black stuff
Trev’s Birthday?
Many happy returns Trev
heh zico.
And happy birthday so, Trev!
Birthday Trev? Happy FFF*ckin’ birthday mate!!! Expecting a present from The Arse tomorrow? Hopefully you won’t be disappointed π
Agree with you re: Back 5. The last thing we want to do right now is unsettle them. A wee bit of rotation with my fave Santos and Lance Corporal Jenkinson would be fine in my book but it’s Arsene who writes the book that matters.
UTA!
‘Holic on the Arsecast just before the drink-off tomorrow.
Co-incidence? I think not. 8)
OneNiltoUs
Welcome to the bar, cracking first post. Away games are generally the most memorable for me.
If it hasn’t been said already, the guy who got RVP’s shirt after our demolition of C*nt$ki at The Bus Stop is known as Bully. I had the pleasure to meet him briefly at the AST bar after The Barcodes game.
The Gooner Family is full of top people. It’s nice to have another one in our bar.
‘Holic @ #248 – A rare treat getting a glimpse of your crystal balls π
Snir @ 223
In memory of Joe
“I’m so bored with the USA”
Come on over.
@248 Is that ‘holic? I thought for a moment that it was Snir π
@183 GT – I’ll make a start on that essay, though there’s a lot of chaos you could get up to in 5 minutes.
@186 Zico – didn’t think to look at what Christy Moore was wearing on his feet, but he was sporting a plain black t-shirt that was covered in sweat by the end. Really a great performance by the man.
@190 Trev – happily no relation to anyone who would call themselves Stingy.
And thanks for the drinks Lars, I’ll be back for more.
Morning Arsefans!
Ah, Friday. The day before the afternoon of festivities.
And seeing as I have a ticket to the Villa game (did I mention that? Well, I do) I may well pop my head in at the Tollie for a swiftie before kickoff.
PS – Is that the pub on the corner of Hornsey Rd and Tollington Rd?
Camberwell,
Yes, you will find the Holics on the left of the Tollington Rd side, probably outside enjoying the sun. Soft drinks only. And no bad language. Mostly singing hymns.
‘Holics register for the Tollie tomorrow:
‘Holic
zico
Ollie
Trev
tabs
Lars
TM Snowy
BtM
Camberwell?
AL?
Delia?
Steve T?
Messy. Very, very messy.
tick
Mr T … a very happy birthday to you. Will you be celebrating with a whole pint? π
Now then, did I miss something – DanC is onboard in The Quackery? Excellent work, now we just have to keep him quiet so that the management don’t start to think about looking at our credentials!
Has he met Nurse Wolfie yet? Very pleased to see that he’s with me on the tweeds and cravats. Perhaps we coiuld give him a scalpel to practise a little neuterising on any trolls that are stowing away?
Prof TS and I attempted to recruit a promising physio on Twitter the other day. Don’t think it went too well π
Zico – understood. J20 for me and I’ll bring my English Hymnal with me and speak when spoken to.
DLL Memo: Recrutiment
—————————-
Dear All
Following yesterday’s debacle, DLL has a strict ‘no hiring by Twitter’ policy. In any case, there is also a hiring freeze until further notice. Special applications with extenuating circumstances can submitted to the usual suspects.
Human Remains have been updated and advised.
The only possible exceptions are those candidates prepared to make a substantial donation to The Feelgood Foundation on submission of their resumes. For further details, please contact our Scottish agency.
Trust all is clear.
Regards, Edwin.
Note: The Company will not be reimbursing legal fees for employees and/or directors needing to defend restraining orders.
Heh @ the Prof
Great interview / piece on a great man…. honoured to have seen him in the flesh. History in the making.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/dermot-oleary-thierry-henry-is-one-of-those-players-that-every-fan-should-love-7582476.html
Now, who wants a fuckin’ pint?
#FFF#
One of the rare people I will have seen in the flesh AND as a statue.
Well there’s Tony Adams too, I guess.
Great article, thanks for pointing it out, Dr C!
So sorry to be missing the convention of ‘holics. But have a blast and I’ll share in a virtual pint of extra stout. Up the Arse, and keep that winning streak alive!!!!!!
Happy FFF peeps
People, you better write in the offseason what games you’re going to next season.
No chance I’m missing another gathering like tomorrow!!
“@JamesOlley: Podolski has passed a medical at #Arsenal. Deal expected to be announced early next week. Β£10.9m fee, four-year contract.”
Many happy ones Trev. Let me buy you a half tomorrow π
…if we can get anywhere near the bar. It is going to be hella busy π
Snir: I don’t think people plan that far ahead, apart from ST holders.
Me I’m generally a ‘all home games that happen at weekends’ (+ a few others). Except that I don’t know if it will still be OK depending on work.
Speaking of which, I’m out of here!
Hollywood pass out to the wing….
I meant the non regulars and people who live out of the UK.
We usually need to plan months ahead since it’s a holiday.
Just like you’d plan any other holiday with the missus.
This is our holiday.
Arsenal is our missus π π³
Have a great day Dr T.
Assist…………..
IN!!!
Bang…
On the money baby π π π
Self assist THAT!
Nipped in ahead of me CG… good finish..
Cheers WU
I had to resist the urge to self assist (oo-er)
Unlucky West, well in CG.
Well in, CamG. And a deft self-assisted assist, H2H.
Self assisted assist, heh.
Trev: Happy birthday mate – hope you get all the things on your extensive list (0;…Now let the hostilities begin!
(Well after I have caught up with the drinks obviously)
This Camberwell boy has become quite prolific hasn’t he…Is anyone looking at him?
Happy birthday, Trev.
Is a self assist like having a wank….?
Afternoon All ,
Look Chaps , its Speedo weather ! Bring on tomorrow π
Many Happy Returns Trev .
Well Played on the ArseCast Holic .
March 23: Wenger pre-Aston Villa
** Wenger – Diaby can be massive for us
** ‘The Podolski deal is not done’
** Wenger – Muamba has always been a fighter
** ‘I’m completely happy with our medical checking’
** Wenger – We won’t be big in the transfer market
** Wenger – Villa can be a major threat to anyone
Le Boss has spoken, no need for speculation π
**We won’t be big in the transfer market**
Someone of Arshavin’s size then?
Happy Birthday Trev! According to your horoscope, your favourite color is RED! Your polarity is POSITIVE! And being an Aries, you are most likely to get the BALL rolling! You are surely an Arsenal man, Trev. Enjoy!!!
Happy birthday Trev, and may you celebrate it tomorrow with a win over the Villa. π
TS @ 281: With the lovely Delia promising to be there I hope that you vagabonds remember your manners and decorum..(0;
Expensive tastes Dapper Dan…I hope that you are a man of independent means because from what I know the Quackery can be a drain on one’s time and money! (0;
I think I’ve packed all I need to pack.
happy birthday Trev, its mine today too, hopefully a joint present of another 3 points tomorrow. Funny feeling we are gonna rack up a few goals against the villains.
And many Happy Returns to you too Hellas .
Ollie , whatever you do don’t forget the Speedoes , its gonna be scorchio .
I’m jealous! I want to go to the Tollie too.
Can anyone organize with the bartender to set up a Skype area so I join in the drinking and boozing from my present location?
‘holic I thought the Arseblog commentary by you and East Lower were excellent, insightful and good natured as always. Very enjoyable! π
tabs:
‘Don’t attempt anything without the Speedos’
‘I demand to have some swimwear’
‘Bring me the finest trunks known to man’
Heh! @ #315 – a perfect Wengerism if you think about it.
Ollie – Did you pack your drinking head?
(Sighs) Gooner Terry, I want so badly to join you in FFF! But where would my manners be if I didn’t wish Hellasgooner “many more” son! And of course, today’s Arsecast was, as usual, very enjoyable. To all traveling gooners, safe trip…and enjoy the game and the gathering of the faithful at the tollie.
Hmph!!
I thought this was a Feisty Fecking Friday. I call bullshite.
The drinks to date have been a veritable love-in. Birthday well wishes, gathering plans, ASSISTS…enough of all this, where is THE CHAIRMAN when we need him. Hill-Wood, I am looking at you, sir.
Now, bring on the carnage…I’ll start
What’s with all the doctors and misters and executives in this here bar? I’d be surprised if anyone here could diagnose the boils on the back of ‘arry’s balls.
BMBD.
Ah Lonestar, That’s the spirit, mate! My contribution to FFF is this. Nicola’s cat, Luigi bit my dog Reg on the arse in the middle of the night. Caused quite a commotion! BTW, Luigi knows more Italian then me, go figure.
So, uh, according to the Guardian we now play guerrilla football…they also talk about the improvement of Feo…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/mar/23/arsenal-theo-walcott
Ah TS , a man after me own heart , Mr Withnail , the man with a quote for every occasion …
Bouncer at Tollie : You’re drunk.
Me : I assure you I’m not, Mr Bouncer who looks like ZZ Top man . Honestly. I’ve only had a few ales. π
Fuck off Lonestar π π
Catalan: Thanks for that link. I always loved D. O’Leary’s videos for the Arsenal. I can’t ever get tired of reading about TH 12/14..never!
There’s a fair old ding-dong FFF battle doing in the comment section of that article – better than over here anyway…tsk what a facking waste of time this is…We should call it MPKA Friday instead (Namby Pamby Kissy Ass)…tsk..
I always thought FFF meant Fat Female Fridays?
OOOooooh..spoke out too soon. Nice one TABs & Lonestar. The spirit of FFF is still alive!
ABB I am still trying to work out your contribution. As one of my favorites on here I don’t want to insult you or anything but you should definitely stay off the Morphine on Fridays (0;
Lonestar: Harry has a boil on the BACK of his balls?! Wow…how, erm, do you know that? Just curious like {0;
And a right fuck-off to you, TaBS – you rogue scholar π
Sorry CoR – that article (I could only get about halfway through it) is the prize example of the problem I have with several Guardian writers. They try so damn hard to “write smart.” Little tricks with the prose. Literary juxtaposition and tippy tappy. Overly cheeky descriptives and “inside-baseball” references…see I’m starting to do the same shit.
Note to the Guardian Punditry Staff: Just say what you fucking mean. Read some Hemmingway…read some of that TaBS fucker (that’s right, TaBS – I put you in the same comparison as Hemmingway AND called you a fucker at the same time – there!)…emulate either one.
ABB @ 328 – I don’t trust Italian speaking cats…u should help Reg out and feed that cat some antifreeze.
Anyone else itching for a fight (or alternatively, is too damn civil) can just pre-emptively fuck-ooof. This is FFF, and, at least for the next few minutes, there is a new sheriff in the bar.
BMBD (bitches).
Just fuck off back to sleep Shaft – you two Bob detective!
GT – you smarmy, little deviant π
What do you think ‘arry and Kev’n were discussing on the bench when ‘Holic snapped their picture? (they certainly weren’t discussing proper football…maybe they were also talking about the best way to dodge taxis – ohhhh snap!)
BMBD.
GT, thanks for the link. Good football, even though a bi reliant on balls over the top (based on what one can gather from the clips), but some very good finish and quick movements.
About the transfer, I think we need three major signings and keep both RVP and Theo. One striker (Podolski would be fine, though there are rumors about Giroud ), someone like Vertonghen who can play full back as well as in defensive midfield, and one really good attacking midfielder who can play on the wings when needed.
I am looking forward to a great upcoming season from JW as much as everyone, but that expectation shouldn’t cloud the reality that he may take a while to get going after an entire season of no football. Especially if he is taken to the Euros and returns fatigued. Long may Rosicky’s return to true self continue, but when we are competing in PL and CL — I agree with you the Carling Cup should be used to nurture B-teamers fully and use those in the bench who do not get much of a chance — and later in FA cup, he cannot be relied on to perform continuously at his age. Ramsey is a very good player but he is not good enough to be the attacking fulcrum on his own on a continuous basis. And we do need to keep the possibility of injury in mind.
Benayoun is surely to leave for a mid-table club where he will get more playing time. And Frimpong needs one full season on loan after he recovers. And then our midfield would become Song-Arteta-Rosicky-JW-Ramsey-Coquelin. And maybe Diaby. This midfield is two injuries away from being deprived of creative impetus, and we need another player.
Hazard seems to be not a great choice as he apparently wants to join RM eventually. And we may be priced out of Goetze. There have been rumors about Belhanda as well.
And even if we have the ideal situation of everyone being fit, a little competition for places would do no harm to JW or Ramsey just as a little competition from Ox improved Theo’s play, and next year Ryo will similarly push Gervinho and Theo both.
Another option would be to fast-track Ozyakup directly without any loan stint, but for his development that is not the best idea. Similarly for Aneke.
And as we most likely would be selling/letting go Almunia, Chamak, Bendtner, Denilson, Vela and may be also Park and Arshavin, wage wise these three new acquisitions should not be a problem.
Haha , Hemingway eh ? High praise indeed Lonestar , but you can still fuck off . π
Sleep? I’m too busy looking for ways for intelligence life forms in this bar but failing miserably…;)
Did Hemingway not blow his own head off with a shotgun?
Just askin…..?
Cat training ? Easy when you know how .
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/cat-on-a-hot-spin-pet-survives-768524
FFF .
Dr Z @341 Ha π
What are the good Doctor’s plans tomorrow . What time you planning on parachuting in ?
OK its there for everyone to see: Lonestar has avoided a direct question about his prior knowledge of the boil on [the BACK of] Harry Redcrapp’s balls! So what does he have to hide eh? The public needs to know! Hmmm
P.S. And its MR. Deviant to you boy! I’m old enough to be your Dad…in fact….NAH! Don’t think I stopped in Bumfuck, TX long enough (0;
The good doctor ain’t travelling.
The bad doctor should be there by mid-day. 8)
Dr Faustus , hate to say it on FFF , but I agree entirely with all of that .
TaBS — you thought I was comparing you with Earnest Hemingway? HEMINGWAY? YOU?
You’re having a laugh. I was comparing you to Euless Hemmingway – large-animal veterinarian and frontier poet… (nah, I just mispelled his name – u du rite gud tho – an u can fook ooof two π )
Shaft – you couldn’t find intelligent life with an intelligent-life finder mechanism. You’d do well to remember the Quagmire Principle: “Big girls need love too, but THEY gotta pay.”
BMBD.
tabs @ #330 – Haha! Ms. Blennerhasset would be proud… and is dialling the police right now in anticipation of what may or may not occur tomorrow at a certain pub quite close to The HoF.
Lonestar Gooner, here is some more punditry for you.
“Just say what you fucking mean. Read some Hemmingway” … I am not a Hemmingway fan, though I read him thoroughly, but can you be so sure that he really wrote what he fucking meant? π
That heartfelt, ballsy, direct, unadorned prose style may actually be an artistic simulation of the finest order. Sometimes it may also be a self-parody counteracting his deeper disgust and cynicism with the world behind a noble outlook in his art. Sometimes the understatement, the ellipsis in his prose is silence that is potent with possibilities…
Anyway, I get your point and agree with it. π
FFS, pigeons on the arsecast, and Hemingway in the drinks.
Am I in some sort of parallel fucking Gooniverse?
So I go out to buy cigs and whilst my back is turned, some lovely insults await me. Now this is more like it! GT, morphine causes constipation, don’t you know (ha, ha).
It’s the bartender, run!
Dr Z @345 – Lightweight ! π
Holic, did Clive reply to your email? Is he ok?
Dr Zee: After ploughing my way through the Complete Hemingway I can understand why….what a depressing cunt..
ABB @ 351: Really? Shit!
Lonestar @347 π Frontier Poet will do me . As for the veterinary bit , just stick ’em in the tumble dryer . See @342
GT @ 344 – You don’t know me, Mister.
Actually, Bumfuck, Tx is quite the nice place, unlike the country town of Ipswich-my-teeth-with-yours, Suffolk.
I hear all kinds of bad things about THAT place.
As far as ‘arry’s sack is concerned, I thought it was common knowledge that his twitch came from boil-sack disease? No? Murdoch should “of” gotten some wire taps to ferret out the truth on that.
[Barkeep, feel free to insert appropriate disclaimer language.]
BMBD.
Dr Faustus
You fool!
“an attacking midfielder who can play on the wings”, and then you omit to mention The Ox!!
For Fuck’s Sake!
#FFF# …. great work Lonestar and GT, keep it up, you f*ckers.
Tabs – Hemingway? More Oscar Wilde, me thinks! Anyway, you can F*ck off too.
Mr. Shaft @ 333 Hmmm, well those are fighting words. But soooo sorry to tell you, I’m in my SKINNY jeans right now, size 2. Now to you @ 340 Uh, believe it or not, my GPA during college was 4.0! I use to say “4.0, but what do I know!”
GT @ 356 Heh!
@ 353
Lightweight?
Yes, means that I can parachute in all the quicker.
Just don’t give me that Galileo gravity shit…..
Faustus @ 349 –
Now THAT, THERE is some cerebral punditry. You semi-smart fucker. π
BMBD.
CG @ 359 — Let us just say the omission is intentional as I don’t see Ox as an attacking midfield player. Yet. Eventually, sure. But not yet. Especially not the game we play. Yes he has impressed in that role against ACM, but I don’t think he can sustain that over a stretch of matches. He is still best suited to play on the wings. Give him a couple of more seasons. π
Somehow I don’t get this idea that just because we are on a great run we do not need squad enhancements. We do if we are to challenge on both PL and CL fronts. And as we are Arsenal, we surely must want to challenge for both CL and PL.
Not a word from Clive, I’m afraid. π
Off now to train for tomorrow. May drop you a line from the battle cruiser…
Tabs @ 342 OMG!
That’s not very good news on the Sweeper, ‘Holic.
I hope his absence is all down to the lovely Cecilia and he is being royally “looked after”.
Regarding this dubious five-a-side competition tomorrow, I hope someone can post video links to the festivities.
I want to see all you drunk, jet-lagged, out-of-shape fuckers lumbering about all over the town square.
I’m fat, so I can laugh at other fat people.
However, God bless you, ABB. You and your size 2 skinny jeans.
BMBD.
That’s not good about Clive….but life can get in the way sometimes….hope all is well.
Off-topic:
Do you think/presume Arteta sticks around a second season? Not that I think he will want to head off but I wonder what the longer term plan is for him based on age (and a fair few injuries in the past). I just wonder as his value will probably fall 40% in another 12 months and is he ideal if Jack is back, or better used as funding to add another central midfielder to the mix?
I do like him, I think he has added a lot of intelligence to our use of the ball and does so much away from the play that gives others freedom. Pace was never his asset so perhaps another season is a good thing?
Just wondered what others thought?
Cheers all
Dr Faustus: Agree with your every word – except the need for so many players to be brought in…basically we have the talent among the young guns who have been schooled – for the most part since the age of 9 – in the Wenger / Arsenal Way. That should be equal to any new players schooled elsewhere (except of course the very top, top players)..but we’ll see..
My other point though was that we should use the minor cups and the reserve league more strategically to develop our B Team and fringe players. With a 25-man squad + U-21’s most will not get a first team game otherwise but the pressure will be on them to perform when called upon…that’s not fair on the players. Training ground routines is not enough to develop players and loan spells – except to Bolton – don’t seem to garner results…so I would keep them at home and play then in the reserves & minor cups. That’s a lot of games and Le Boss and his staff can keep a closer eye on their development / progress..
….
I hear what you say about long balls over the top but I defy anyone to deny that a good long ball with someone like Super Mac charging onto it wasn’t a thing of beauty (0;
With you on that zico.
First tasty pint heading south. How many will tonight’s preview take, I wonder?
Tim, Arteta has the most passes in the league, with 90% accuracy. Not shabby. But he also brings maturity and stability. He’s a keeper (I hope). Ageism at its cruelist…if he goes.
‘Hols – MY money is on a six-pinter.
I have extended babysitting duty this weekend, so I will be on my best behavior. No imbibing permitted.
I think I’ll be handing the FFF baton of for a bit. There’s work to be done in the office.
Laters, all.
BMBD.
Lonestar @ 368 At the start of the season, I was a good 10 pounds over…but Arsenal’s winning ways have left me feeling, well, just plain happy. As for you, I like you, just the way you are. Mean that.
Won’t be more than five, LG. This is only a warm up for the main event.
Don’t worry, nurse. Mikel Arteta will be here next season.
In the spirit of FFF;
To all those meeting in the Tollie tomorrow.
Have a great time, such a gathering of
socially retarded drunken nutjobsdistingushed ‘holics, makes meglad I live in Hollandwish I could be there.Enjoy.
Hmm Nurse ABB and Lonestar flirting in public. Talk of tight jeans and pent up passions (nod to the Sweeper there),,this FFF is turning into a Carpetbaggers-esque novel..tsk..
Where’s Trev the cunt…enjoying his birthday with a few lemonades no doubt…he’s my only worth opponent…ah well
Oh! I forgot – one final insult: Lonestar, get a UK map and look-up where Holloway, Islington, North London is. Then look up where Ipswich, Norfuck (sorry Dumpling. Couldn’t resist)…and when you have located both calculate the mileage between both places..
We that’s too long and obscure to work as a good insult but its what I intended I can assure you (0;
Oh Holic, turn my back just for one sec, and I miss you. Darn it! Please tell Ms. P. I say hi and I’m gonna dedicate the Arsenal v City game in her honour (can’t wait for that game. oh the glory it will be!).
GT, You’re on fire!
Clive, really hope all is well with you.
We don’t have a very busy schedule so that probably explains why there’s so much transfer talk. I’m enjoying our football too much at the moment to really care but aside from Podolski I don’t see us buying anyone unless some of the youngsters are sent on loan (Miyashi and Frimpong come to mind). The only things that really matter is to get Song and RvP to extend their contracts.
And frankly I’ll trade any transfer for a bit more luck on the injury front…
H2H – Heh π
Did someone mention the Neighbours ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ojomTUt0X4
In tears π
Points failure at White Hart Lane again…
Fucking TfL excuses π
Is there any truth in the rumour that the Station Announcer at Tottenham Hale adds the words “you cunts” at the end of the usual pronouncement to “mind the gap” ?
Take a look at this cunt: http://www.theweek.co.uk/football/premier-league/45990/spurs-decline-eden-hazard-tempted-arsenal
Hehs! @ #376 & #384 π
Stands to reason, TaBS.
tabs: mind the gap you cunts…has a certain ring to it doesn’t it?
This from FannyderFaarts twitter account:
“Tomorrow another important game: Chelsea-Spurs. Battle for 3rd place is full on. Any predictions?”
Has it occured to you, you handballing, shushing, thick c*nt, that you might be battling for fourth?
Another twatspatula putting the C in LWCs.
#FFF
Greetings Holics
Please look out for me tomorrow at the Tollie , would hate to miss you this time around. I doubt if there will be too many other blond OAPs in a Szczesny shirt in the vicinity!
Can’t see the game being anything other than a hard grind. Villa will park the bus and we have to hope that the likes of TR7, Theo and RVP can find that little bit of magic to see us over the line and 3 points.If all else fails , there is always the Verminator!
As always COYRs
TS@389: RvdV’s gap is between his ears.
No news of The Sweeper doesn’t sound good news. Hope all is well with you, Clive.
Holic: Answer to Man from East Lower’s question of where are all the baby pigeons? As I don’t post to either of those blogs perhaps you can pass this on to Blogs:
Baby Pigeons are there among the grown up pigeons! Baby birds are notoriously greedy bastards so the young ones tend to be fairly big cunts when they are young…once they start working for a living the cunts tend to loose weight flying around looking for food to feed their lazy, greedy baby cunts sitting there in the nest doing fuck-all..
Hope that this helps..(0;
Delia, we should declare tomorrow Blonde OAP in a Szczesny Shirt Day in your honour.
Bit of tippy-tippy among the back four, do I detect?
NBN @ #391 – Heh! and seconded re: The Sweeper.
Delia – Will keep an eye out and promise to moderate my language in the presence of ‘Holic Royalty π
I’m with CoR. We need a video link from the Tollie for all of us in the far flung corners.
Speculative punt from the halfway line , and he’s off …
Drags a defender wide….
assisy 2
Wellies it!
Whoo hoo! First in a Rosicky while. Nice not self assisted assist H2H.
assisy??
stoopid phone.
Well in Ned.
I now consider myself a fully-fledged expert on fucking pigeons.
Thank you Terry. I have been made aware of this fact many times over today. You wait ’til I get my hands on that cunt from East Lower π
Dr. Faustus – I disagree.
Our priorities lie (IMO) elsewhere.
I’ve written here before that for the 3 midfield positions we have 9 decent options.
As for the AM position.
There is nobody in today’s European football that is worth preventing JW the move to AM. The only one who I can think of would be Kaka but he’s more than settled at RM now.
Gotze is 19, Hazard is 21, either one of them would be a signing for the long term which makes JW a player at a deeper midfield position for the long term.
JW’s creativity is something that you CAN NOT buy elsewhere and his chemistry with the squad and his presence within the squad is something that can’t be bought.
Our priorities (providing we only sign three players) should be two strikers that can play on the wings (therefore Giroud should be ruled out), since if we bring a proper CF, he will be Chamakh MKII since he won’t get any games and when he will he won’t be sharp.
We also need a replacement for JD as 4th CB and Vertonghen would be perfect as he can also play LB and DM. A quartet of TV, Kos, PM, and JV can bring a title, because it’s squad that brings titles.
The reason we need two strikers and not just one is because once we clear out, we are left with RvP, Campbell, Afobe, and Poldi, which is not enough for a whole season as Afobe and Campbell can’t be relied on to be sole replacements for RvP.
I don’t think we need someone to replace Song as I believe he’s one of the best in Europe and definitely better than M’Vila, and I rate Coq very highly.
Well done Ned.
Well got to go and fetch my girls from school. For all you hard-drinking, hard-playing, traveling Holics – remember proper hydration is the key to a healthy functioning kidney & liver according to Nurse ABB. So please try to mix in a little water with your libations..(0;!
I will see you all after the Villa game tomorrow..
Well Snir you got that one spot on!
So who else will we get?
Harard or even Gotze?
Personally I wouldn’t mind if that chap from Ajax came in to replace Squillaci!
Oh and M’villa!
Just my opinion!
Taking the piss Goonertown, eh :)?
Snir
I take your point the only reason why we may not get one of those glossy AM will be because of JW return, Artetas presence and Rosicky’s resurgence.
I think AW will only buy where there is an urgent need and Podolski has been lined up as a priority. AW rates Diaby quite highly and rightfully so, but his injury record is apalling.
So I reckon another CB may be our only other purchase dependant upon any other activites in particular going out of the club.
If JV can play LB too then he would be ideal for strengthening the squad. An AM or DM will be an added bonus!
Wenger running his mouth again about Podolski – Geez that man must learn to keep his own council before loose talk let the cat out of the tumble dryer: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17493071
Now I am really off..(0;
SG
I don’t know why people in here think I’m a piss taker. I’m just a happy go lucky joker, but I am always serious about improving our squad! π
Pigeons ? Irritating fuckers . At their best with a red wine jus , saute potatoes , and mixed veg I reckon .
Or shitting over White Hart Lane.
(Assuming they’re not upside down).
Ha π
Tabs, Why are you so naughty. But on a more somber note (since you’re around) just wanted to say what a beautiful tribute to your mate Jim, in the last post. Guess your’re the kinda fella every lad/lass would want as a friend.
Zico,Shouldn’t you be getting ready for your New Yorker? I bet Rox is!
TaBS – don’t you know you can’t eat pigeons? They give you worms, or gas, or somethin’ ‘nother.
ABB @ 374 – you’re too kind, mami.
Drinks on the bar…
BMBD.
abb, that was LAST night.
Tonight I am behaving – have an appointment with what you would probably call “a soda” tomorrow. π
I saw that
Lonestar, Just being honest! But thanks for the drink, it”s pretty hot here. Mid 80’s, I reckin.
Zico, (heh) Son, don”t get me singing your praises. Look what I did to poor Ollie! Will that poor chap ever forgive me. Oh well, if ALL you guys weren”t so smart, witty, and adorable…let’s just leave it at that.
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http://youtu.be/K30tA3R_FYY