Patience To Be Rewarded At The Arsenal?
Mar 23rd, 2012 by 'holic
There are days you look forward to rather more than is necessary. Arsenal versus Aston Villa may, or may not, be ninety minutes of pulsating action designed to enthral. Add that prospect though to a gathering of some truly awesome Gooners from around the globe and I, for one, cannot wait for the morning to arrive.
Anybody who has listened to me trying to make sense of the match on this week’s Arsecast will know I am expecting Villa to arrive with a plan. They are without their most experienced defender, Richard Dunne, and their leading marksman, Darren Bent. It will be banks of four and five designed to deny us space, and hope Agbonlahor can work some magic up top. Expect lots of sideways and backwards passing as we look to coax them forward and create some small pockets of space in behind. Over half of their points have come away from home. They don’t leave too many gaps.
The directness of Tomas Rosicky and Theo Walcott will be important. I would also throw Gervinho or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain into the mix ahead of Aaron Ramsey. Then again that is exactly what I would have done at Goodison too, and the boss got that one right. We’ll get behind whoever he sends out there to record a seventh straight Premiership triumph, and I’m sure we’ll show a degree of patience as well, if needed.
Deciding where the ‘holic pound will be pointed as I sup my fifth Guinness of the evening, I find myself getting rather bullish. Even though Phil Dowd is refereeing I am going for 3-1, a scoreline I really didn’t expect to predict until the delicious pints flooded my tonsils, and which is available at tens with Gunners Gaming.
By the time we get underway at the Grove the result of the match between the fourth and fifth placed teams at the bus stop in Fulham will be in. Villa will be a ‘game in hand’. Will we be looking to extend our lead over the neighbours to four points, or playing to regain third spot once more? That’s just one other reason to get just a little bit excited about on match-day thirty.
Whatever happens elsewhere, I have no doubt at all that a mighty good time will be enjoyed at the Tollie, before and after tomorrow. I’m looking forward to seeing lots of you there.
Wherever you plan to be for the game, have a really good day, ‘holics.
312 Responses to “Patience To Be Rewarded At The Arsenal?”
Can’t believe I’m first!
First time in how many years?
Hey Matt, I read the post!
Did you? I couldn’t be bothered with the rantings of an incorrigibly optimistic old man.
I resemble that remark π
Holic, Would love to see the aforementioned all get a chance to shine, but agree, Arsene knows best. My buzz word for this game is ‘aplomb’.
Man, now that you said it I start to resemble it too π
Back to the game I hope we won’t take it easy after our early goal. Other than that it’s been a very long time since I’ve felt so confident about the outcome. Hope the players won’t indulge as much in overconfidence…
good piece holic i’m going for 3-0
I just hope we score early. The longer the bus does the trick, the more belief they will have. I almost feel like benching Walcott, as they will be sitting so deep that he could be very ineffective. If he does start, I hope that he proves me very wrong.
i hate guinness
Have a great time tomorrow gang.
Rangers v Celtics on Sunday, too. Hope to catch that one on replay. Maybe I should’ve been born a man…Now NS gooner, did you check out COR’s link last post. Great article re Theo. Don’t agree with the author about Theo’s crossing ability, I think he is pretty good with them. Just want to see Theo cut in once in awhile and pull the trigger himself.
Know how you feel Abb @12 .
Wish I’d been born a woman π
Nice preview Holic . May have been bullish , but not bullish enough for me . I can only see a whopping 5-0 pasting on the horizon being handed out to the ginger freak .
Nurse Abb , thanks for your kind words in the last post . It’s lad rather than lass , by the way , apart from when I’m having a Wolfie moment that is π
Oh Tabs, Thanks. But I also meant any guy or gal would be lucky to have you as a friend!
You don’t like big ‘Eck much, do you TaBS? π
Nope π
Reading that post make me think about flooding my tonsils with delicious pints. π Come to think of it, why not feel optimistic. π
Last time I was there they scored 7.
You mean, it’s likely to be different this time? Jeez, Wenger out.
Look forward to seeing you and many top Gooners tomorrow, Holic.
We shall drink, drink and be merry. Like you I am anticipating a comfortable home win tomorrow which probably means we’ll end up with a repeat of the 0-2 reversal from the FA Cup.
Either way I’d like to see our Captain Vantastic and Ramsey (if he plays) get on the scoresheet and I want to see the sunburnt, shrivelled, testicle (TM Blogs) that is McLeish squirm from the abuse that you will not doubt be shouting at him from Block 31.
Baps out at 09:30 for those heading to Market Road. π
Cheers all and however, wherever you’re watching the game, enjoy!
SG@404 previous: I would add one point to yours about playing JW in the AM role. We have to avoid the trap of being so dependent on a single creative fulcrum that if he is not playing we loose our creativity altogether. It was a glaring problem in the seasons when the team was built around Cesc. And it is not an uncommon one with top teams. Hence rotation, forced or otherwise. But there has to be a Plan B, and the players to execute it. So AW should buy accordingly.
The game against Villa will be tough. They have a good league record at the Ems: Played 5 Won 2 Drawn 2 Lost 1 GF 6 GA 6. I am not sure there are many or any other teams that have taken that many points off us at home. This could well be another squeaky bum 1-0 to the Arsenal.
maybe they’ll shock us and chase the 3 points (as if). I’m going with a 5-2 after we go behind early (bad penalty awarded to them) and get very annoyed leading to full out fast pace attack on the wings, a red card or two for the Villa and at 5-1 we concede an own goal so funny we forgive Lee Dixon’s lovely lob all those summers ago.
Three points then and goal difference to boot as Chelsea thump the LWCs.
Just told the management to get an early night.
“I’ve set the alarm for six forty.”
She had just the one request in return.
“Can you try and get off the train at Swindon tomorrow night?”
Aagh, I’m hit π
Tim, you ARE in California now, right?
NBN – We already discussed this, don’t you remember :)?
I already said that I don’t think JW would make us reliant on him because we changed our style to a direct style and JW would be an improvement on AR/TR because of his technique and his ability to go past people.
JW doesn’t hold the ball up and delay the play often so it’s either he goes past people which is a bonus or he sprays it out wide to the wingers which is what we already do right now.
Holic, remiss of me I know, how is management’s progress? Best wishes from me to her.
Tim, I like the 5-2 scenario. This team isn’t going to let us down. Someone mentioned that RVP seemed a bit off lately. But he has come thru for us in defense. They cover for eachother beautifully. It won’t be easy, but what is worthwhile, rarely is. Our loss to City was one of my fav games all season long. And I”ll forgive Lee Dixon for anything, just cause he’s ONE OF THE BEST.
Sounds to me like Management has recovered some of that old magic @ 23.
Zico – Don’t worry, my crystal balls are predicting a home win and a win for Chelsea. As much damage to the neighbors as possible π !
Enjoy the match guys. Its gonna be a tight one. Will have to placate myself by going to the hurling.
.
Noel, can I suggest hurling a few LWCs into a ditch?
It’s good for the soul…..
Gawd this back-drinking is hard work.
@(Lonestar)336 in the previous drinks – I’ve just read that piece in the Grauniad that CoR linked to. I know what you mean about trying too hard, which is more than I do about whatever Barney Ronay was trying to say.
I also ploughed dutifully through the Indy piece that Catalan linked to @287. A much easier read but the Indy site damn near crashed my copy of Firefox – Chrome handled it OK FWIW. What are the Indy playing at with their site and/or what’s happened to Firefox in the past few releases? They’ve done a fine job making it look like IE, but if I wanted to run IE, I would.
Is it still FFF? In that case, let me lead the way with “Fuck off Oxon you boring old git”[1].
Good luck to all going to the Tolle tomorrow, and at the Areblog 5-a-sides. Is there a footy match later?
COYRRRs UTA
[1] Hmmm, self abuse now? Could this be the start of a trend?
Evening all,
many many thanks to everyone for the kind birthday wishes, kicked off by Lars, although I haven’t a clue how he knew!
Did I start gabbling under the influence of a second half ? Either way, it must have been a hell of a long time ago.
Happy birthday to you too, Hellas.
Some good stuff in the previous drinks from all the usual suspects, and some utter shite from you GoonerTerry π
See I can say anything I like, as long it has a winky smiley thing after it π
Really looking forward to tomorrow – sounds like quite a roll-call.
While even the ‘meedja’ are commenting on the 13 point gap to Sp*rs that has vanished in the last few weeks, I was reminded of Snir’s balls. He said months ago that Sp*rs had a horrendous Feb/March and would drop sharply.
We could all probably have predicted that, but he was the man with the time and the drive to look it all up.
Can we all imagine how it must feel to see our greatest rivals finish above us season after season after season – overhauling us in the league, and forcing us out of Europe, time after time ?
Actually, no we can’t ! π
Meant to add my best wishes for Clive.
Such an absence right after his increased posting frequency would not seem to be a good sign.
Hope you’re ok Sweeper.
Trev – You could have looked it up, but you don’t have my crystal balls π
It is true. Villa have taken more league points off us at the Emirates than any other side.
We have dropped a total 60 points at the Ems to date. These are the all the villains who made off with them:
Aston Villa 8
Chelsea 7
Man Utd 7
Liverpool 6
Newcastle 4
Tottenham H 4
West Ham 4
Hull City 3
WBA 3
Everton 2
Fulham 2
Man City 2
Middlesborough 2
Sunderland 2
Birmingham City 1
Blackburn Rovers 1
Portsmouth 1
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1
Blackpool 0
Bolton Wanderers 0
Burnley 0
Charlton 0
Derby County 0
QPR 0
Reading 0
Sheffield Utd 0
Stoke City 0
Swansea 0
Watford 0
Wigan 0
Delia,
I said it in the previous drinks – look for the only half-pint glass in the place. That’s me !
Oh, and some nutter screaming/singing “Liar, liar” at the top of his voice. That’s Tabs !
And a dark haired, funny sounding chap with a mahoosive wallet. That’s Lars.
And Zico is . . . no probably best NOT to look, π
They just blow around the field like crisp packets zico, same as their team.
Thanks fellas. The management has good days and not so good. Today was fair to middling. Tomorrow will be a long one for her while I am out all day enjoying myself far too much. I will have much making up to do on Sunday…
‘Holic@39: Just take it one day at a time, and hope each day is a bit better than the previous one. Best wishes to you both.
Delia, look for the shirt…
Trev
Can you imagine us letting one of our own, the day after his birthday, at an extraordinarily large gathering of ‘Holics & Arsebloggers and at the first home game after finally overhauling the scum, stand in Tollie with a half-pint glass in his hand?
Actually, no we can’t!
Suck it up birthday boy, you won’t not regret it π
Look for this – I’ll be standing beside it
https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQEwOpU1dYdi2ZW6UX9CBpyD-f3KAQ5sdun68CtluTmhczpghUZ
Ok Lads and Ladies.
Decision time. I’ve been back-drinking. Over 3 days pretty much. Understandable, I am fecking wrecked in the head, maybe a bit delirious too. Do I post this jaunty run, or delete it and move on?
And ‘Holic. How do you post pictures? I wanna post one of my competition T-Shirt π
Understandably* Ollie, back off man! π
i hope to see showers of goals from rvp and the ox coming in place of ramsey.chel5ea vs 5pur5,draw would be preferrable to me.av a wonderful matchday 30
TS – In the absence of Ollie can I just point out the possibility of a double negative there π
Good stuff Trev π , a little birthday scotch tomorrow perhaps ? π
Can also add my own Best Wishes to Mr Waterman . Hope all is well Clive , and hopefully you’ll be back in the Bar in the not too distant future .
Holic , what Ned said @40
Dr Z @43 – How did you guess ? π π
Delia , Tolly Rd Entrance , past the lady bouncer who looks like Geoff Capes and ZZ Top man , into the juicer , turn right , and right again into the garden . Then follow Trev’s instructions for identification purposes . Simples .
Ah , having read your post again TS , I’m guessing the double negative was intentional π³
Glad you got there in the end tabs π
π
You’re looking nifty at 50 too π
Evening all. The eve on another must win game. 3 points on Saturday will have both the chavs and Spuds pooing their pants, regardless of their result.
The league encounters with Villa this year have worked out well for me. My trip to Villa Park just before Christmas was a memorable affair. The dilemma between the choice of Chippy, the Yosi late winner and spotting my daughter going nuts on the highlights added to a great trip.
Circumstances this time around mean that my companion for this match is my lad. He has a home match himself so it will be one mad dash. How can that not all be worth it though. The only real down side is that for some reason the Tollie do not allowed 8 year olds in the garden. No idea why. He knows full well that he has to buy his round. That said I am hoping to at least get the chance to say a quick hello to many holics.
Must say that if we play like we have in recent weeks then we should have more than enough to beat the Villa. I am looking for a fast, positive direct approach. Theo to thrive on his new found confidence and RVP to hit at least 5.
Bring it on.
Yes, I know.
I should be in the land of nod. Β But who can sleep?
Try winding down when all you can see in the dark, eyes closed, is the flash of red on white, big concrete letters that say : A R S E N A L , two small boys in the crook of the “L” as the proud dad takes that picture for the family album, and you remember the smell of grilled onions that wafts past your nose and onward over the Danny Fiszman bridge.
Try and slip past sleeps silent gate when all you can see is the Dutch master, left peg, rippling net. Β It’s as if you’ve regressed to a child like state on the night before Christmas, and you will the night to pass in a flash by the act of closing your eyes. Β But sleep doesn’t come. Β All you see is the beautiful, elliptical curves of the Emirates stadium, the sun reflecting off the glass at Club level which sets your mind veering off down the Hornsey Road.
Try to sleep then. Β You won’t drift off though. Β Halfway down that road, you see the faces : Professor Storey, Ollie, Wolfgang Smallballs, Dr T, Lars, Top Man Snowy, And Lester, Goonerholic, Bergkamp the Man, Steve T (going wide by the fence). Β And many more. Β The cast is growing. Β
Try and dampen down the excitement – it’s tomorrow. Β You’re going to see The Arsenal.
Try to sleep. Β
Pfft………
Steve T , quite happy to take your son’s money over the fence if he insists on buying his round . I’ll even get him a lemonade ! π
Dr Z , Poetry old son . Bravo !
zico @43 – π π
Tabs, TS – top fellas
zico @53 – excellent stuff. Off to try for an early night myself. I can cope with all the other night visions, but those faces ?!??
Well stated, Dr. Z…
Have fun and be safe everyone.
BMBD.
Before you sleep Trev, I hope you had a very happy birthday mate π
Same goes to you Hellas.
Tabs, I had the lady bouncer at The Tollie down for Jackie Pallo’s mum ?
Cheers Wind.
@58 – not sure how to imbed the url but there’s a pic at ‘hawkwindmuseum.co.uk’ pallo3.gif
For Delia’s reference and yours if you’re unfamiliar Tabs.
This one Trev ? …
http://www.hawkwindmuseum.co.uk/pallo3.gif
Haha , Spot on ! π π
Zico…
Yes I am, I won’t cross state lines until the end of the season.
Typed up a really post then closed the browser like a noob losing everything!
I’m really sad that I can’t meet up with you gooners at the Tollie or in the Emirates to watch the Arsenal. Must be great having company at matches, there’s just this one gimpy gooner here who spends more time getting us thrown out of establishments in Sannomiya than watching the game. Disrupts my zen-like football watching…
Oh well, with all of you positive gooners heading to the match, I think it’s safe to say we’ll be in good stead. It will be a tough match but once we use some elbow grease I don’t see any reason why we should not do well against Mc-so-called-Cleish and his gang of killjoys today.
Make it so Arsenal, make it so.
Chelsea will beat the LWCs I reckon. Those cunnies are in trouble, clubbin’ crisis!
Wayne Rooney has visited Fabrice Muamba in hospital.
“It’s great, he can almost string a sentence together” said Fabrice.
What is this point of this crap?
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4214966/Alex-McLeish-I-nearly-signed-Robin-Van-Persie-ten-years-ago.html
Re: Steve T @52: Consider this a formal protest that the Tollie does not allow 8 year olds in the garden. Bald-faced discrimination. No more and no less! π π π π
My Back-Drinking from the Last Great Bar π
Camberwell @ 128, I walked out, but my soul trudged out… π
tabs @ 134, new ‘Behind the Arse’ in the near-future? Excelsior! π
H2H @ 139, I couldn’t agree more mate. Oh wait I just did (^o^)
Zico @ 142, were they in Jurassic Park? π
tabs @ 149, ‘a hyped version of Rounders’? Hahaha, I need Oxygen π
AL @ 164, I have my own ritual an’ all, involves a certain, ‘powder’ 8)
tabs @ 168, only 3 clubs on more than 10 league titiles, am I right?
OneNiltoUs(ONtU) @ 169/176, great story mate, good to have you in the bar π
GT @ 183, heh heh 8)
Ollie @ 185, same here mate, although my talent lies in exceptional back-drinking methinks… π
And @ 199, he assists when he wants… π
AL @ 200, like a flash π
H2H @ 201/207, near-instantaneous ‘tabs’ style mate, unlucky π
AL @ 218, I see where you’re going with that mate! Saucy indeed 8)
Snir @ 223, certain ‘effects’ are in place to fortify the lads π
GT @ 227, well said my good man.
Arshavinalaff @ 231, very interesting indeed.
West Upper @ 234, indeed, I’m happy when I think forward towards next season, like all our trials and tribulations were worth something :’)
GT @ 236/237, genius my friend. Expect the call from ArsΓ©ne regarding his soon to be vacant No 2 position.
Snir @ 238, if there’s a chance of Vertonghen for Djourjou, I’ll rejoice.
West Upper @ 239, few high quality purchases away? Looks like Wenger’s with that school of thought as well π
GT @ 242, thanks for that Arsenal vs Coventry link at Highbury on the final game of the 1990-1991 season, quality stuff.
Snir @ 245, your Jack in the Hole/CAM argument = very compelling π
‘Holic @ 248, wise words from a wise man π
GT @ 257, quality.
DanC @ 264, very dapper drink if I do say so myself π
TS @ 281, 4 months or so… 8)
Catalan @ 287, that Thierry Henry link made my day :’)
Snir @ 297, I see what you mean. The life of a student isn’t easy either, I haven’t seen the Arsenal live since October I think, 3-0 win against WBA, Carl’s last game for us in 2011 π
Camberwell @ 300/302, I’m proud of you.
And that was a great lofted ball H2H @ 299 π
GT @ 309, I’ve got my eye on him…
West Upper @ 311, π
Lonestar @ 327, π π³ π
CoR @ 329, about that Theo link, I don’t know what to say. Skip his best moments and focus on the negatives with a dim synopsis at the end :/
Lonestar @ 336, delivered like a boss B-) (Y)
Doctor Faustus @ 338, I’m with tabs @ 346, astute and wise indeed *nods* π
GT @ 344, Bumfuck, TX? Brutal π
Zico @ 345, heh!
‘Holic @ 350, you wish boss π
Catalan @ 359, slightly true, take heed Dr Faustus. π Although you have already at @ 364, I am in awe of your anticipationary skills good sir.
abb @ 360, witty retort, its sharp, I like it! π
‘Holic @ 365, regarding Clive, I’m worried. I’ve been ‘ere for going on 7 months I believe (End of August/Beginning of September), I remember that and every now and then he popped in.
Hope he’s safe.
Lonestar @ 368, I wouldn’t say you’re fat from the pictures I’ve seen (your llama guest post ;), I’d say your someone (like me) who enjoyed his food π A lot. Although as I’m playing weekly football & badminton, my fitness gets better and better and the pounds are dropping of me (Yes!) I can wear tight or slim T-Shirts without feeling so damn self-conscious π³
abb @ 372, I have to agree, I think that with our best available team he’s on the bench but he’d be very effective coming on at 60 mins or so to help stabilise a lead or extend it in my opinion.
GT @ 377, my mind is churning at the thought of the next #FFF, I’m gonna have the akimbo verbals from the get-go, instant transmission from friendly post to well… You know. 8) abb @ 379’s right, you’re on fire mate π
Andy @ 382, its been some time. And Andy @ 383, *tips proverbial hat*
GT @ 385, That Hazard, he’s a little slut he is! Fur rug in front of the fireplace indeed!
Delia @ 390, I hope you meet up with the boys today π
NBN @ 391, heh.
Consecutive assists H2H, Ollie himself would be proud π
Give it some welly NBN my son, love it @ 400 π
Snir @ 404, isn’t it a back 4 that brings titiles? And I’m backing on Podolski and Matias Suarez as our 2 summer striker signings, Vertonghen along with those two and we’re going to be golden next season, I can feel it in my chest π
GT @ 410, I love when Wenger has a wry π on his face when he’s talking to the media, what a beautiful man.
tabs @ 412, hate pigeons. Torrential fear of getting slapped by one π
Zico @ 413, indeed.
abb @ 415, well said Ms π
For the latest Bar:
Matt @ 1, well in mate.
@ 3, heh! π
abb @ 2, respect *initates fist-bump* π
‘Holic @ 23, feels like a Classic from the Management π I hope she goes from strength to strength as the days go by.
abb @ 27, I have to agree, I love and believe in THIS Arsenal side. A million times better than last year’s side in terms of the fact that everyone fights for each other, and respects the shirt. They’ve been listening to Thierry it seems π
Snir @ 29, we can only hope & believe π
Oxon @ 32, hahahahahahahahahahaha! Ahh, back-drinking is hard work eh? *see above*
NBN @ 36, interesting stats, some teams come up a cropper, West Ham, Hull etc. Astonishing even.
CoR @ 65, and I thought the SAF one was bad… X_X
Hey Wind you back-drinker you! Fancy a pint of Old Speckled Hen?
I tried taking a deep breath and reading your drink at 71 to the end but passed out midway through. Whew! Lengthy π
So do you have any predictions for the upcoming match?
Give. Me. Pint. I don’t care what it is. (What is it?) π
CoR, if you’re still here, I’m gonna shoot for 4-2 for us, the Captain with 2, Theo with 1 and Gervinho with the other one, 1 dodgy call for them and a slight defensive lapse on our part for their 2nd.
4-2 eh? That sounds like a 2009-2010 Arsenal style result there….back when Chamakh used to score for fun!
I think Theo will get on the scoresheet today, probably Robin too so I’m going for a 2-1 to us.
*2010-2011, how drunk am I???????
Wind – good God, mate…that was an epic set of backdrinks. Cheers for the comments. Not to worry, I’m not self conscious…but thanks for the kind words all the same.
CoR – I wonder how your mate gets you thrown out of a bar in Japan? They seem a long-suffering people to me. He must really be a piece of work.
I just have a feeling we’re gonna do the Villains somethin’ proppa like… oh wait, that feeling was just a bit of indigestion. 1nil to the Arsenal works just fine for me.
BMBD.
Wind, Has anyone told you lately what a terrific lad you are.
*Beams Brightly at Cannons of Rhetoric, Lonestar Gooner and arsabeatbarca* π
CoR, I’d be happy with either result, a win’s a win mate, although I’d like us to bolster up the Goal Difference a bit, ya’mean? π
You’re such a positive lass… ABB
*keeping the lovefest going*
abb’s the kind of person that you rely on to keep your faith in humanity and the innate goodness of mankind intact π
The best kind of person π
And with that I go to hibernate for 6 hours before I have to get up early for Physics at College tomorrow before rushing home for the game #:-s
See you abroad peeps on the flip side in the morning or afternoon, lovely talking with you three π
Good night and good luck, brother Wind.
BMBD.
Wind after that post maybe your moniker should be Long Wind (ed)…
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/03/23/2985372/in-defence-of-wenger-how-the-arsenal-boss-is-building-a
Beautiful.
Although there are two things I disagree with – the criticism on Song (I think he does offer great protection to the back four) and brandishing PM as a panic buy and disregarding him.
Holic good luck with the Swindon stop,looking forward to this game,i think there bus will play into our hands,it is not one of the better busses going around,would love to see Rosicky get on the score sheet again and see that confidence grow.
Morning all. Pulling into a sunny Reading with Dave and Ansel Collins ‘That girl’ in my ears. Life is good.
The Sun’s rising , but there’s still a bit of a nip in the air .
Do I wear the fur-lined Speedoes with inner padding and localised thermal control , or do I go for the summer look with the light Egyptian cotton “Alan Sunderland’s ‘tache ’79” Speedoes , which allows for greater air-flow and increased “coolness” ?
Decisions , decisions …
Reading at 8am is no place for any man.
Morning all. Poached eggs and a light warm up routine to start the day.
Woolfgang. Definitely the summer look with plenty of chip fat.
Right you are Steve . A wise choice .
I do like a man who’s decisive π
Morning All ,
Wind @67 – Good Lord ! Ten out of ten for effort me old son . And yes , you’re right , only 3 teams have won it more than 10 times . Everton are fourth on 9 , and Sp*rs are nowhere nicely tucked in between Preston North End and Derby County.
Big Club my Arse ! π
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_English_football_champions
Morning gents.
So what’s on the agenda today then? π
Hey H2H, don’t know about you but I’m going to take a long bath to ease my back pain. Running after a football is not what it used to be with this belly!
@73: LG, well, he does get a bit rowdy when we’re losing and most of the pub owners seem to be Liverpool fans over here! These days the best bet is to watch a stream at home with the lady…
@75: Wind, most definitely. If we can increase our goal difference today it would be great but these next few games are going to be like a box of Toblerone chocolates…..hard and nutty
Tabs,
you can’t be messing with the choice of Speedoes at this late stage – you’re going to leave Delia all confused.
‘Tis true there’s a nip in the air though – should she be looking for tights with the Jimmy Choos today, or will it be the hairy legs ?
This is ridiculous.
Team SPIRIT!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93cS4pOv-JI
Trev , neither . Got the Ladyshave out last night – smooth as a baby’s bum . Never wear tights . Suspenders and stockings man . This Lady has standards as you are well aware !!
π
Right , I’m outta here . Come on Wolfie , Carlos … there’s Beers to be drunk , songs to be sung , Villains to be slain , and a giant big Ginger testicle to be sliced . ETA 11 35 .
Good luck everybody .
COME ON THE ARSENAL !!!!
Shower, breakfast and train for me. At The Tollie by 1.00.
4 – 0 for me today. COYYRRRSSSS!!!!!
Lonestar @ 79, thanks bro π
West Upper @ 80, rightfully so π
tabs @ 89, such lavish praise from the master makes the student blush π³ And on the matter of those LWCs, π π π That is all π
CoR @ 91, loving the Toberlone chocolate analogy man, my favourite’s are the white chocolate ones with honey *salivates briefly* But I feel like the Arsenal are in a hungry mood, with fists banging on tables for more and jaws ready to chomp even the hardest and nuttiest of chocolates (the last 9 games) Come on Arsenal!
Sets up Wind to nod it in…….
Get in!
Throws himself at the ball!
Snir sneaks in at the near post, didn’t see you there mate, well in.
Clinical finish Snir
Snir! You should see my face! I’m in disbelief, you let me tabs-it on such a day like this :O
But well in anyway you cheeky Israeli-yank, and I appreciate the sentiment H2H π
I’m not back to my full goal-scoring potential yet, lost my penchant for knowing when to shoot lol π
Israeli – Yank… Hmm not sure I like that.
I’m a Sox fan. Fuck the Yankees π !
On to more serious business.
Bac is set to play his 198th game for Arsenal today.
Bacary Sagna: “Reaching 200 games for Arsenal would be a dream come true. Would I finish my career here? I would like that very much.”
Well in at the century, Snir. It may be only the overseas Gooners in the drinks today. Everybody else is apparently on their way to the Tollie. π
Re: Snir @82: I agree with your two criticisms of the Goal article on our back five, but also think it is overly enthusiastic about Gibbs’ achievements at this point. Yes the unit has looked good over the last month but that doesn’t mean Gibbs has won the position in my mind.
Sadly I cannot join the assembly of Holics and Arseurs in the Tollie today. I am in Key West on the Wife of Bath’s birthday trip. Big birthday, hence the big splash. So as I sit here on the balcony overlooking Mallory Square and the Gulf, I yell “Come on you Reds!”
Worse places to be then Florida, Bath mate, enjoy.
We’ll make you an honourary member of the overseas ‘holics for the duration of your trip. Sorted.
What’s happened to Alan Smith? Neville and Le Tessier getting games. Was he fired?
Big Wind @ 67: epic.
SG: well in. Another nice nsaa, H2H,
Assist when I want,
Assist when I want,
H 2 Hay-aatch
I assist when I want,
It’s good to see our family are getting their swag back!
If RVP stays which I reckon he will particularly if we bring in a couple more players then I reckon we will do well next season, starting with a vital win at home againt Mcliesh and his contingent!
I’ll go for a 3-1 today as we usually perform well at home when the sun is out π
What a snoozefest at SHL.
Anyways 2-0 to the gunners.
COYR
That should be snoozefest at Moscow stadium, its rather difficult to differentiate between the two shitbowls.
H2H – thanks for the assist.
Treat yourself to a drink of your choice on my tab!
Cheers Snir, don’t mind if I do.
Snir @ 104, I understand the rivalry, I retract the ‘yank’ and give you a ‘sox’ π
bt8b @ 106, not exactly. I just never knew that all the UK Holics were having such a gathering at today’s match, otherwise I might of put more effort into getting a ticket to meet up with everyone. On the flipside, that would exhaust the rest of my meagre funds, and I have to provide a minute by minute running commentary to one of my Gooner mates who’s on a Biology Trip over the weekend and won’t be able to watch the match, especially as he did the same favour for me on the weekend of the NLD last month :’)
NBN @ 111, thanks mate π In fact, you’ve giving me a great idea… 8)
H2H @ 112, heh, indeed you do π
GoonerTown @ 113, I’m so confident he’ll stay I’m getting him put on the back of this season’s home kit that I’ve already got with the #10 & the badges π
Watching Spuds/Chavs it is hard to believe they are our competition or peers this season. Mustn’t get complacent but they look collectively stale considering it’s a game both need to win rather urgently.
Keep doing what we’re doing Arsenal and 3rd will be secured sooner rather than later.
Heh — Adebayor just fecked up a good chance (courtesy Cahill….glad we never got him)
Wind@118: so what do you have in mind? Epics like Icelandic sagas? There is a Gunnars Saga and a Gunnlaugs Saga in that particular cannon so it is only a short step to a Gooners Saga.
Greetings fellow ‘holics
Very jealous of all those going today, have to make do with usual Vulgar commentary
Still 0-0 for LWC and Chelski cant be all bad
terrible, terrible match that was. I guess a point was good for us relatively speaking but wish I didn’t watch that shite
Cracking 0-0 result in the derby of the cunts.
Win this afternoon and we’re 8 points clear of 5th with 8 games left, softer fixtures and no cup matches to distract us.
OOHTOBE
From the Beeb:
“BREAKING TEAM NEWS
Late change in the Arsenal team as Laurent Koscielny suffers a knee injury in the warm-up. Johan Djourou replaces him.”
Thanks go to West Upper @ 80 & NBN @ 111 for the inspiration π
Good news from the wank derby, 0-0 will do nicely.
Not so good with Kos, time for JD to step up.
I nearly was bored to death watching that match.
Anyhow time for the Arsenal to make a statement.
COYG
OMG. Is it confirmed??
Kos was wearing some bandages in training, in the photos on Arsenal.com, not good.
Hopefully it’s a precaution and he can have two weeks off, during which we play Aston Villa today and then QPR away. It’s a full two weeks until we play Man City, just get him back for that.
Come On You Gunners.
Vermy on right and Johan on left
Got that wrong -tother way JD right Vermy left
JD clipped already in bump with Heskey – looked harmless but still down
Blood everywhere…walk it off Johan. We need you today…
Nice intercept by Vermy after Song got robbed badly
Petrov yellow for attack on Arteta
Gibbssssyyy goalll
Let the goals begin
Gibbbsssyyyy!!!
Good penetration and ball went through Funky Given
Good long pass to Theo and desperate lunge for corner
Well done Gibbsy!
And I absolutely love the Vermaelen to Theo-ball. It’s as good as the Szcz to Sagna to Walcott-ball but not as good as the Song to Van Persie-ball. At least we have a few ways to get the ball forward!
stream, anyone?
Arteta does 1 in 100 missed pass
THAT tackle from Van Persie is the best thing I’ve seen all season.
Good defence by Gervy after long chase
Theo 2-0!!!!!!!!!!!!
FeoFeoFeo!
Good assist by Song
Future looks good for the English national team…
FEEEEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
This goal scoring cover for RVP seems to be doing well
… and I was going to draft Theo and Song into my FF team. If only I hadn’t been hungover! π
Please — anyone got a link for a stream?
Good save by Given from Arteta snap shot
CG Try http://atdhenet.tv/
Wenger out! We’re ripping them to shreds
Villa are like Marmalade at moment – torn to shreds
Catalan –
Myp2p is as clear as day. I feel like I’m actually sitting in the stands. It’s a beautiful day down there .
Cognac… you’re a gent! Cheers
CG no prob – btw worried about FF – got RVP as captain!!
Albrighton is our 12th man
LW @ 118
I fully concur with you on that one. How many captains can say they led their team from despair?
Nice one with the shirt. π
Whose Robbin Robin
That move really deserved a goal. Wonderful attack, too bad a Villa head got there in the end.
RVP had 3 attempts but couldnt dig it out
How did they head that shot away!
Its BLW now Goonertown, and maybe you should be saying ‘You want 2nd’ π
Come on Arsenal!!!
Arteta uses his weight to dispossess Heskant
Gervy down in time added on
Toby @ 164, have to agree, would of been goal of the day imo.
Half time – slightly one sided – what can we do to improve!!
Some smart playing by the Gunners today. So far, so good. Let’s hope we continue our pressing in the centre of the field in the second half with the same intensity, or even with more intensity. I want to massacre them today, we must take no chances and give no quarter…unless it’s to put in the parking metre before leaving the Emirates with their tails behind their legs
@153: Catalan you missed a trick! Both are in my team today, bringing in the points ;D
Wigan 1 up on Liverpool btw. What a pile of shite that team is
I am loving this Arsenal. Just fantastic.
Also know this must be the most repeated statement in the Arsenal internetdom for the past 1 month but: “How good have we been since the full backs came back??”
COYG
That was some clearance by Warnock btw,one of the best i have ever seen.
Having said that I concur with CoR @ 172lets rip them a new one today.
Indeed CoR.
We need to put them to the sword in the 2nd half and jack up our GD.
COYRRR’s
So far so good, no let-up in the second half!!
Warnock sees red but ref’s error – changed to yellow, for prof foul on Theo
Luvverly move by Theo, Gervy and TR leads to FK
Quick break down left but Gervy off target with cross
Good header by JD well placed
Goalmouth tumble and Villa get it away lucky for them
We’re playing quite well aren’t we? What I absolutely love is that we keep the tempo up, and the attacks coming. One part of that is the pressing which means we win the ball back quite a lot, but another thing is that we just do not get caught offside. All our forwards are keeping themselves on the right side of the Villa back four which means they never get it back cheaply.
Is the money still on 3-1?
Unlucky TR with long shot
Is that Heskant off – didnt realise he was on
Rambo and Santos for Gervinho and Gibbs – both had good game
Santos first touch is poor – lucky Reds
Ireland booked for poor 2 foot challenge
Not the best start by Andre.
Come on 2 Saints and come on you reds.
Why no 2nd card for Ireland
Rambo shoots off target – stat 19 shots to 2
Ox comes on for Theo
Wind
Please do accept my apologies
It’s all about timing I guess π
Cognac
Although I said 3-1 before I’d take a clean sheet now looking at Villa’s attack.
Dowd is blind – or maybe not – good tackle by dirty Ireland
Haha, yes Goonertown π
GT – must say I would prefer 3-0
If its gonna happen, the Ox will be the Catalyst.
Collins boked for stupid foul outside OUR area
Assist
Ball in like Sagna
4 added minutes come on RVP wheres that goal
Get in!!! it didn’t happen in the last attack, but it has now!
Runs over to H2H, who smiles and cleans his boot on his knee π
That’s gotta be some kinda
sadrecord. πIn like Sagna against the LWC’s, Wind, nice one.
WOW!!!!
R 2 DA TETA, wicked strike.
Oooooh
R2dteta!
Arteta for 3 yesssssss
Nice one wind and H2H
Once again we score in extra time, gotta luv it.
Well that was satisfying wasn’t it?…
Cognac
Your wish appears to have been fullfilled
Arteta (^0^)
3 lovely points.
Another clean sheet.
LWC’s and Chavs in rearview mirror.
TOP.
Result – dont care about FF
Brilliant performance by the Arsenal. Amazing freekick by Arteta to round it off as well. Can’t ask for more than that!
We brought the goals, Villa brought the fouls. Terrible team managed by a terrible twat. Get some drinks in ya happy gooners!
Yes GT but why no goal for Robim – whats wrong with wanting perfection from this great team!!!
WTF, Wagner out! Now!!!
Oh and Liverpool lost to Wigan. King Kenny’s Kants are failing and I’m loving it!
Very very nice…..just watched the 2nd goal again…how wonderful has Song become at picking out those 25 yard passes into the box. A thing of beauty – perhaps just as wonderful as Arteta’s strike.
This team have the pride, spirit and captain (and manager) that everyone claimed we didn’t. Better than last season? Yes of course…
Keep the faith
I think the records will show that earlier in the season I had a 86-87 sensation about this growing team.
It’s getting stronger!
All this AND a lesson in technology from Snir! π
I’d pick this team over last season’s team a million times over.
Three Great Goals, van Persie deserved to score but he’ll score in our next game, away at QPR right?
Just had a peek at what heaven must be like…enjoy all you fun loving gooners. Thank you lads for another smashing win. And I want Arsene to be my life coach.
You couldn’t make this up…
BBC Spurs love in:
“Draw at Chelsea boosts Spurs top 4 hopes”
It seems the goal posts have been moved somewhat.
Not “Spurs collect 2nd point out of last possible 15”.
Na’mean abb! Arsene Wenger, so amazing…
Since the move back to Calif. played 7, won 7, GF 22, GA 7
Best of all – we’re now keeping clean sheets. Love this team.
To ‘Holic’s point, a patient display. More sloppiness in some of the passing than one likes to see, and sharper sides than Villa might have punished us for it. But we didn’t have to get out of first gear to win so it is difficult to be too churlish.
Hope Kos’s injury is temporary. We just look more solid in defence when he and TV5 are at the heart of it. But first clean sheet at home of the year, so, again, it is diffiuclt to be too churlish.
– diffiuclt
+difficult
<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>
Carnage at the Tollie: Details are sketchy but a source close to a close friend of one of the security staff at a popular watering hole near the Emirates Stadium says that a man had been turfed out of the bar for dancing on the table with only a “gaily-coloured” pair of swimsuit to cover his modesty. Patrons apparently began a riot as apparently it was this individual’s turn to buy the next round of drinks…
More later..
<<>>>
WordPress ate my BREAKING NEWS headline..
CatG@221: Would that be the same Spurs the BBC was tipping as title challengers earlier in the season, by any chance?
And also, special mention to Johan Djourou for his performance today, reminded me of how he used to be, good. π
NED: Difficult to be churlish yes..but you are doing quite well – carry on. You are making us all laugh (0;
McLeish could find himself in the bottom three by the end of the season. Villa has a pretty tough run-in. It is not inconceivable that they won’t pick up more than a couple of points over the rest of the season. Could think of a nice ginger twat to be relegated in successive seasons with different clubs.
If Villa get relegated because of McLeish, it will be insane. Pitchforks and stakes will be out for him in Birmingham…
Great results so far. Ryo assisted one of Wheater’s goals and helped Bolton beat Blackburn. Spurs and Chelsea exposed as the shit teams we always knew they were. Liverpool is beyond shit at this point.
Arsenal though were extremely professional today. We misplaced a few balls from time to time, but generally speaking, we determined the pace of the game and we scored at the right times to unsettle Villa. RVP unlucky a bit, but glad to see Gibbs, Theo and Mikel score. Great performance by our red and white soldiers. Very proud…
I can’t remember the last time i had such a bum squeak free time during an Arsenal game.
Brilliant display from team. Really bodes well for the next season.
COYG
Good to see the cunt Suarez cheating again. And ‘king Kenny supporting him.
Shock. Horror.
LFC…joke team
http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/luis-suarez-liverpool-hand-ball-goal-disallowed-v-wigan/
Djourou looked a little nervy initially, but played okay afterwards. Hopefully Koscielny’s knee injury is not too bad and he will be back at least before the Man City game.
Vermaelen and Song were extraordinary, they were almost everywhere.
Theo had a good game, his first touches are improving rapidly. So did Gervinho, good defensive work rate from both of them.
Two matches now without RVP scoring a goal! The falling-over-stand-up-drag-and-chip would have been a great addition to the list of wondrous goals he scored this season…
Goonerholic @n 84: Funny you should mention Dave & Ansell Collins. Double Barrel was the first record that I ever bought with my own money: http://youtu.be/H_7Kx2FlFQY
BLW @ 229 one assist and a goal…. very tidy…
Props to Rosicky today as well who I thought was excellent. Very good all round team performance.
The view from up in the gods – a blow-by-blow match report in soundbites
“You just know they’ll sit back and defend for 90 minutes”
“Look how much space they’re giving us!”
“Bloody hell Gibbs, who knew he could play up front?”
“Typical McCleish team, fortieth than the gusset of my cycling shorts”
“Theo you little beauty!!”
“Basically dude, Villa are an embarrassment”
“What a run from the Ox!”
“Dowd you portly, cheating, blind cunt!!”
“Right, stop poncing around with the ball at the back you’re giving me the heeby-jeebies”
“Perfect angle to watch the free kick from here…ARTETAAAAAA!!!”
Our record for 3pm kickoffs this season now reads won 8 out of 8, and conceded one goal. Hope it continues next weekend!
Fortieth?? Dirtier!
Ps – Good to finally meet you Holic
Stoke 1-0 up! The lanky cunt scores (0;
Camberwell @ 238: βRight, stop poncing around with the ball at the back youβre giving me the heeby-jeebiesβ
That was me shouting all the way from Kingston, Jamaica! (0;
Another solid display from the boys in red and white. We’ve got that mojo working again. Arteta’s injury time cannonball was the perfect icing on the cake. Can’t wait to watch it again on MOTD. Up The Arse !
Jammy bastards equalized…lucky deflection Yaya Toure
GT@230: π
DrF@235: good to see the good Theo, especially in the first half. His goal was exceptional – the run, the first touch, the shot – and he made it look so much easier than it was.
West Upper @ 237, thanks mate.
As I posted on Twitter, Rosicky is in the ascendancy, I think he’s beginning to re-discover his shooting range… π
Camberwell @ 238, heh! π
Am I missing something not being on Twitter?
Long time no here Come on Arsenal get in there!
Great result today and the others too…..!!!!!!!!
Long live the Holics…Bless you all!
GT – get on it. Your choice what you read.
Banter with others (beware Snir and transfer rumours / stats π , or just as an Arsenal news feed. You tend to get breaking news much much quicker than on any websites.
Just think of it as texting… about The Arsenal
GT@248 Don’t do it mate; it’s a passing fad, like this interweb thingy that all the kids are talking about. It’ll never come to anything, mark my words. Remember when they were telling us that we’d all have to have computors or something to keep up?
Oxon. Heh!! π
Just checking out the BBC site’s write up of today’s game.
No xenophobia at the BBC. You’ve got to love them.
I’m not into Twitter me, I get nervous when people start to follow me. (too many disco biskitz in the 80’s & 90’s π )
Snir posts breaking news way quicker anyway. π
Special for ‘holic;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07Y0cy-nvAg
No Sleep Till
BrooklynSwindonAnyone watching Match of the Day?
Recording it.
Got a full bar here to abuse π
I’m watching it
That’s the way H2H π
Looks like we won’t be seeing the Tollington gang until tomorrow, same goes for ‘Holic’s preview X_X
Same here Oxon.
Crouch’s goal for goal of the season? π
“What really pisses me off though is the way that supposedly-fragile Arsenal have crept up on us, waltzed past us and are now sitting pretty in third.”
I love it love it love it. Spuds and Chelski fans are livid.
3 really great goals today, party at the Tollie must have been wild.
H2H: Not sure Holic heard your lovely song in time…
If you like spectacular shots with your eyes closed… He received the ball, turned round and let fly, Denis knows how he knew where the goal was.
The Beeb do like spectacular goals, so yes, it probably will be goal of the season. Not for me though.
Matt, I think Wenger always knew about our mental strength, could be jovially laughing to himself as we speak π
Oxon, fair enough *nods knowingly*
Finally, the Arsenal are on.
Matt.
It was for the loooooong journey home.
…and they’re off again π
Excellent quote from Matt@261. Where’s it from?
From what i saw of top-man snowy, zico, tabs, ts, ollie, lars, holic, btm trev(pre match only) – overall they were largely receptive re the result(trev-wise i’ve no idea – obviously)…i’m prepared, however, to be proved worng!
Up The Arse!
MOTD a real treat tonight.
Shearer starts off by listing the “three cup competitions” Liverpool have entered this season: “the carling cup, the FA cup and… Errrr…. the league” and then proceeds to suggest that Arsenal fans would rather win the Carling Cup than finish top four.
He’s right, of course. We’d all kill to be Liverpool fans right now.
One of the great pleasures of the last few weeks has been watching our (many) critics squirm.
As I have read this blog (and most of the comments) for past few months I discovered that you lot are entertaining bunch of Gooners and after todays smashing victory I finally decide to contribute too π
I have to say that to be completely honest I found it very hard to be Arsenal fan this season, so many ups and downs its crazy but last few weeks are happy days!
I can’t help but to admire (although I might be bit biased since I am from Prague hehe) the rejuvenation of Tomas, I mean, I always knew our captain was a quality player but after his long injury I almost feared he would be never able to play on level he used to..also “what if” thought creeps in..where he would be should he remained fit in those 18 months when he was sidelined. It’s just joy to watch him play these days!
And that goes for whole team, I cannot remember time from this season when I felt 2-0 for us was secure, until today, such a great performance from whole squad. Song is unbelievably good and consistent in his defensive work and his passes during whole season…oh his passes, not only yummy lobbed assists but in almost every match he manages to send “highway” of an pass with good accuracy.
Back four seems pretty much settled now, not going to throw any more superlatives on them (although well deserved!), the biggest compliment is in my opinion that inclusion of Djorou for todays match did not seem to cause any troubles, yay for healthy rotation possibilities.
Already praised TR7 but midfield wise I think that Arteta-him-Song should be way to go for reast of the season while rotating in Ramsey..as for attacking players ..I have always been a Theoists and he is embodiment of Arsenal results this season..sometimes dreadful, sometimes absolutely unstoppable..may the unstoppable (like today) continue the longest. RvP ..out of adjectives for him this seasons…just one thing…hope he will get on target next match! Gervinho and Ox looks like good options for me on the left side:P
Now I am kinda regretting that I didnt manage to secure tickets for Chelsea match π had nice trip to London planned but work stepped in ..would be thrilling to see lads live playing in this form …alright ..enough for too long first post ..:P
Eandy @ 270, nice first post (drink) π
And there’s still a chance you could get tickets for the Chelsea game, the good people of this bar have many excellent contacts, if you manage to endear yourself to them with suave skills and good charm, well, who knows π
Enjoy Eandy, nice post. I’ve always been a fan of TR7, he is just an quintessence of what Arsenal player should be.
I am planning a trip to London for the Chelsea game next month, and it is going to be my first visit to the Emirates, so I am looking forward to it.:) It’s to early but I hope to meet some of the regular holics there.
Eandy, welcome to the blog and keep the faith.
Being a fan is all about ups and downs, we canΒ΄t win all the time, but always remember we are the Arsenal and to be a fan comes with a certain responsibility and that is to support the team no matter what.
Other sites may complain and bitch, but here you will find a collection of true supporters with a host that epotimises what it is to be a gooner.
Have yourself as welcome drink on my tab.
ps Prague kicks arse, wicked party town.
Lurky @ 271, good to know π
H2H @ 272, well said man!
What’s all this celebration and effusive self-congratulation about? We ONLY put three past that crap-for-team known as Villa?
Give me a break.
Where was all this free-scoring when we were kicked out of the cup and Europe? Where was Rosicky? Where was Feo?
Sell ’em all and start over this summer. Wanger out…at this rate, we’ll never finish above Spu-
Oh, wait…
Heh, Lonestar.
Eandy @ 269: Nice first post my man…I agree about Tomas 100%
Lonestar Goram? WTF?? How many Goram’s is that now?
gt, there’s only one andy goram. unless you count the second one.
now, the gorlamb *clan* is pretty big.
So is the “little Gorlamb” the Chinese version (0;
Fellow Goram – follow me to the promised land OR follow Wanger and get seventeen continuous years of Champions League qualification; that’s just like a new trophy (LANT).
The Scene: Harry Redcrapp is sipping his morning coffee and can’t shake the uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. He never likes playing the Arsenal – a club he supported as a boy – despite having an enviable record against them. Cruel fate has forced his hand and now he manages the greatest club in the land – if he’s to believe all the plaudits he’s been getting lately. He glances at the newspapers strewn on the floor all about him. He picks up the Daily Telegraph and glances at Henry Winter’s article. From what he can make out Henry has declared his team the new power in North London. He thinks to himself: “ten points. and if we beat ’em today we move 13 ahead”….Henry Winter thinks Arsenal are a spent force…”he knows what he’s talking about don’t he?”…
He takes a last sip and grabs his coat…”these morning kick-offs will be the death of me” he thinks to himself as he steps into the car… “shake yourself out of it Harry. What can possibly go wrong?”
*****
The noise is deafening. His team has just scored a second goal. Two – Nil at the Emirates! He glances at the happy faces of the Spurs Supporters and a wry smile unfurls his tense lips. He remembers his unease of the morning and shakes his head….he glances at his watch and looks up to see van Persie receiving the ball with his back to the goal…”good” he thinks “Kaboul is tight on him and the goalkeeper is in a good position….we need to hold out till half time”…He glances at his watch again…..”Relax” he thinks “he can’t possibly score from there..”
@Oxon Gooner/266: I lifted it from the commment thread on the Guardian’s Chelski-Spud match report.
@H2H: Let’s hope Holic isn’t on the train still π
@Lonestart Goram: Right on! Ouenger out, let’s get AVB and buy some quality players for 100M like Caroll and Downing. Show some ambition goddam it!
GT @ 282 – Heh! what could possibly go wrong?…
Matt @ 283 – I’m with you, mate. Where’s Le GRash when you need him?
BMBD.
@269: Welcome Eandy! Great first post. I agree with you about Theo, sometimes sublime, sometimes shocking but then again that has been Arsenal this season. For me it’s fun not knowing what you’re going to witness but hard on the heart.
Speaking of hard on the heart…hear’s Keane having a go at Fergie. Chuckle-licious
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4215163/Roy-Keane-column-Youre-wrong-about-Tevez-Fergie.html
Wanger out. Wrangler in. Heifer-Wrangler that is…ooo baby
Shut your mouf!
With regard to the article, CoR, Keano should really be informed that one sentence does not a paragraph make… no matter how funny the sentence.
Yeah I know! It’s funny how much Roy Keane hates United now though I must say…
What’s funny to me is how few of Red Nose’s players actually relay fond memories of their times at the Toilet…
much more of the sniping or disinterested silence.
How fantastic was Arteta’s wonder strike?
BMBD.
great result today,the chelski LWC game went our way too,what a run we are having long may it continue.good to see Santo’s back even though he almost gave me a heart attack LOL
Any player who comes back from injury and gives away the ball with their first kick must be castrated and shot out of a cannon…
Santos Out!
*CoR removes his grey tracksuit and dashes onto the field just in time to get a move toward goal started. He is fresh and eager*
How good was Rosicky?!!
I swear, his acceleration and drive are fantastic. I’d say, right now, he’s probably the third fastest on the squad behind Feo, and the Oxlade-Chamberlain-mechanism.
It was a great result, but it was a bit of a worrying let down for the final twenty minutes of the second half; prior to Arteta’s free kick. But, it’s likely impossible to maintain complete focus for 90 minutes.
Really loving Song’s assists as well. He’s making a habit of the lofted assist. Slowly, but surely, all the qualities previously embodied by that Spanish Bloke (the passing to unlock defenses, the vision, the scoring) are being diffused throughout the squad – and coming from several players. Equally important, we now have a feisty Captain who leads line from the front and does the hard work. We’re tracking back and closing down, and we’re scoring from numerous personnel.
We can get second, folks. Win the next match.
BMBD.
Spotting CoR’s eager-beaver posture, lofts a 50 yard Song-special to CoR out on the right.
I love Arsenal.
I hate all the others.
Spurs are shit.
Life is fun.
Yo LG, you up?
Hit me up.
Didn’t think you were up and didn’t wanna wake baby LG.
Snir Guizzle!
What’s happening? Spurs are shit. Mickey’s are shit. Chel$ki are shit.
Next year should be the one for us.
There’s only one Arsene Wenger!
BMBD.
Snir, I’ll give you a shout later in the morning, boss. I’m about to turn for a couple hours shut eye.
Right after I lob this early cross, invitingly, into the box.
*Have at it, lurkers*
BMBD.
Nicks it?
I got into the box as fast as I could but thanks to half time pints CoR was beaten by AL π Well in AL!
cheers Cannons – it’s been that kind of weekend so far, and it’s only Sundee morning here – why i wish we ‘ad another game, already
Up The Arse!
s***s most in-form player right now…imho Pienaar – ‘arry knows
@303: Heh π Btw, I can’t remember if I mentioned but Djourou did very well in my opinion after having to take the field in such short notice. Despite being targeted all game as a weak spot I thought he stood up well. As a back-up Centre Back I’d keep him for sure…
Yeah JD did real well – still get the sense though that he needs someone right up his arse, geeing him up reminding he to concentrate etc
oops – him –
Very.
Interesting.
View.
Sore head though. π
@296 Snir Geuli
“I love Arsenal.
I hate all the others.
Spurs are shit.
Life is fun.”
ha ha!
Succinct and on the money.
Morning all.
Whose stupid idea was it to put the clock forward an hour?
Three hours drunken coma is not enough “rest”.
Ah well, here we go again.
BM please.
I feel your pain, H2H. 8)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
It’s not so much the pain, Zico, I can handle that (I’m a pro ;))
It’s all these happy go lucky punters with their coffee and apple pie.
Ah well so is life, keep on keepin’on etc, whatever.
How’s about a hair of the dog for you fine sir?
I’m looking forward to tales from the Tollie, enlighten us o great adventurers. π