Do Barca Defeats Change The Blueprint?
Apr 25th, 2012 by 'holic
I would really like to address the issue of the parasites who phone and text every hour of every day trying to claim compensation for mis-sold ppi policies which I never had in the first bloody place. I would love to think somewhere out there are some really stupid people filling up our Accident and Emergency clinics having taken my advice about what to do with their telephones. I am reminded however that this is supposed to be a blog about football, about Arsenal, not about the people who really piss me off.
Talking about being pissed off, how are you dealing with the result in the Camp Nou? I don’t mean the fact that Chelsea got through. Fair play to them for that. I cannot help but think if we had the same referee when we played there last year we would in all likelihood have gone through as well.Β I’m chuffed that the tippy-tappy, tapping-up, player-stealing Catalans were found out when presented with a nine man defence to break through in a home game they were supposed to win with relative ease. A lesson for some who consider it is only us who struggle in such circumstances.
The fact that Barca have probably surrendered their La Liga title, as well as the Champions League, could have far-reaching consequences. In an office in Shenley I’m sure a grey-haired Frenchman is considering the future. Wengerball one and two owed a great deal to the influence of his native France and their all-conquering team around the turn of the millenium. The power and physicality of Petit and Vieira, followed by the solid foundation provided by Gilberto. All topped by the pace and finishing ability of Henry, the sheer all-round genius of Bergkamp and Pires.
Those sides played in a very fluid version of 4-4-2 that mutated according to the circumstances. The formation wasn’t the important thing in those sides. It was that magical combination of power and grace, of silk and steel, of a determination not to be overcome. There came a time though when that French side began to wane. It was a slow and painful deterioration for the national side spread across a decade. Zidane threatenesd a swansong, only to bow out in shame. At Shenley the grey-haired man was finding his hands tied by his vision of the future.
As a new stadium rose in the North London skyline he waved farewell to the last of his multi-prize winning artistes and set about constructing a new generation of cut price signings and talented youngsters. Without the power and strength (mental?) of their predecessors, these young Guns were now being modelled on a new example. Crisp-passing, possession-hogging, Barcelona and Spain were taking shape. We had the ideal general to sit in the middle of our latest attempt to copy what looked a winning formula.
The attempt to build the fabled third generation of Wenger winners was to fall by the wayside. There is no one reason that explains why. Instead there are little strands of truth in the arguments of all of the warring factions who have waxed and waned as results have swung wildly from good to bad. A little under-investment? Certainly, but necessary until recently. Unlucky with injuries? To a degree, yes, and certainly when one considers the possible impact on the genuine title challengers of the broken leg suffered by Eduardo in 2008.
The ‘Cesc as captain’ years all promised, and yet flattered to deceive at the same time. The capitulation on four fronts last season appears to have been the final straw for the talented talisman who was persuaded the time was right, for him and Barca at least, for a return to his roots. Nine months on I wonder if player and manager are considering the implications of what has followed. Should Spain fail to retain the European championship this summer might the Arsenal boss be considering a new model for Wengerball four – the last throw of the dice?
I’m pretty sure he will be thinking about the question. I doubt tonight he is any closer than you or I to the answer, or maybe he is. Is there a reason we find ourselves being linked so often with players from the Bundesliga? Am I grasping at a red herring? Who can beat Spain this summer? The Germany of Mertesacker, Podolski and Gotze? It will be a fascinating summer.
It may also cause one so often described as ‘stubborn’ to make yet another shift change in his vision.
304 Responses to “Do Barca Defeats Change The Blueprint?”
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Holic – Wow!
GREAT write up.
But I do think Wengerball 4 has already started with the directness of this side.
Thanks Snir.
I’m not sure it did, on purpose, Snir.
I think in the Cesc years we looked at our best going forward with pace and directness. We were just too young for so long to maintain it over a season.
I genuinely think the events of the summer caused us to make not entirely planned alterations that led to us being a more experienced squad.
I think the clearout that was planned last summer will be more evident this time around. Contracts are closer to the end, players have to start thinking about taking more realistic wages elsewhere, and hopefully this will free up spaces for planned purchases, rather than the rather hurried events of last August.
This may be the opportunity to change more than just personnel…
Holic – I’ve talked to Dr C about this.
AW did buy direct players with Gervinho and Ox before all the departures, that’s what I meant.
This summer is the chance for us to change our entire club.
This summer is our chance to dominate English football again, and build a team like the 2001-2002.
I’ll explain.
Our wage bill, is very much a harmonized one with many wages circling around each other to avoid unrest between the players.
One of the main reasons AW was able to convince Cesc to sign for us at the age of 16 was the possibility to train and play with living legends in the game.
My theory is that we should go back to that.
Sign RvP, Theo is a bonus really, Poldi, JV, Mvila, and Suarez.
And of course release the deadwood.
Everybody here knows that it’s squads that win titles.
Our current first 11 can mix it with the best, but not our squad.
If we do sign those players, we can win trophies.
If we win trophies we start a chain reaction that starts with signing RvP.
1) Signing RvP and letting him lead us to glory along with signings.
2) Trophies.
3) Players regarded as World Class.
4) Better Brand.
5) Better commercial deals in 13-14 making up for expenditure in the 12-13 summer.
6) Going back to making the young’uns kiss the grass at Colney when they train with WC players, that promotes hunger and motivation at piss poor wages.
7) Reward established youngsters who are now first teamers (i.e Ox is now on 20K but will be on 80k in 2-3 years).
All this with increased income from the commercial deals and prize money.
This is our chance to let go of that wage bill theory that has hurt us in these past 5 years.
Clever ‘holic.
And put your money on Chelsea winning the Champions League now.
Well don’t, but you know what I mean.
I live in doom now.
Snir, great plan.
Ready to take that job at AFC yet? π
Regular reader but, first time poster here.
Holic,
You make an interesting point about a possible variation in Wenger’s philosophy after last night’s match.
It should be noted that our best champions league run was built on the best defensive display ever seen from any Wenger’s team to date.
That we still hold the best champion league record without goals conceded should be enough to persuade Wenger that a little variation in philosophy would go a long way to putting us back on top.
Directness and counter attack over too much possession.
I am with the Holic on this one and I too have been thinking about the possible shift in focus from players predominantly from the French league to the German. We got Mertesacker in last summer, and got Eisfelt in the January window. We are now being very heavily linked woth Podolski and to a lesser extent with a few others playing in Germany as well.
In any case, regardless of where we finish this season, the real indication as to where we are headed long-term will be what happens during the summer. But it will of course probably be easier to have a good summer if we do manage to finish third.
It would be great to get a huge creative talent who scores
chucked in…like gotze! Now that would be a feat!
I think Bayern will get to the final: they seem to be collecting cards similarly to Chelsea.
Top ten? That could salve my ego a bit …
Knew it. π
Meaning Chelsea will win.
Bah.
heh, sorry about that bt8 ;D
Hellollie
Sort of hoping Madrid get through. I think Bayern have more suspensions now, don’t they?
Something like that, ‘holic.
It will really really pain me, and I will not even express a cheer in their favour but realistically, Real stand more of a chance than Bayern against Chelsea.
And that’s all that matters. Nevermind BarΓ§a, if only Napoli hadn’t crumbled…
correct holic last night proved even though we already knew that slick passing tippy tappy football doesn’t always work when teams park the bus i also think there will be a clear out this summer the new signings will tell us what his model for wenger ball four is. I now what that bloke in A+E was doing with a telephone sticking out of his boxers.
Lovely, ‘holic.
Pint of Guinness, please!
Ronaldo’s teammates couldn’t bail him out this time lol.
Holic, Read your post 3 times over (2 glasses of red, not helping my synapses click). Never looked at AW’s aquisition of Per or the purported signings of Poldi (Gotze?) as a change in Wengerball. Really cracking good post. As is the penalty phase of this game…dear god, Bayern go through. Guess you’re onto something, Holic.
Have to say I wanted Real to go through but Bayern should do the job at home against those chavs.
Delighted with Bayern win, over the 2 legs they’ve been the better team and I thought they are more suited to beating Chelsea than Madrid. Madrid were awful most of the game they were favorite purely on reputation. Bayern at home in Munich in their own ground will have a very good chance of beating Chelsea.
Here in England Ronaldo had a reputaton of been the big game bottler, nothing has changed really.
I don’t know why people are understimating Bayern. The 4 games I have watched them against city and Madrid they have been the better side, Madrid were never really been tested until now. People need to stop looking at reputations and big names. it is about a team play and Bayern are a very good team.
Best news of all, is that Maureen can just fuck off.
Germans and penalties, who would’ve thunk it?
Interesting factor: is Spanish FA were like French FA (and the clubs ask for it, it’s taken for granted over here), El Clasico would never ever have happened on Saturday night. Would have been on the Friday, or more likely postponed. They are extremely protective of their clubs still involved in Europe.
Aye, zico. If anything? I’m delighted I won’t have to hope a Mourinho team wins a game.
And that has to be a blessing Ollie.
For us both. π
Let me get this out of the way now.
I have a feeling that if god forbid Chelsea were to win the CL I’d get plenty of posts asking me “are you happy now?”
So no, I won’t be. It would be a sportive tragedy and I’ll never get over it.
Just clearing that up π
I’m even rooting for the Germans!!! That’s how important it is :)!
Bayern certainly looked the better side to me, albeit I only watched the last 80 minutes.
Wenger’s coat, Yes (BM) are a strong team and I’m happy for them. But at least 3 of their key players are now ineligible for the final. Personally, I think Holic was too generous with his praise of Chelsea’s win. Sure, they defended well, but there’s more to the game, then that, surely. Attack, attack…till you drop.
Three observations from the semi-final on Tuesday:-
1. If the Barca who played us last year measured 100, the Barca we saw last night scored no more than 70. The team looks unbalanced and lacks the dynamism of last year’s team. Cuenca was awful; Sanchez not much better.
2. Cesc looked lost and forlorn. He has added one too many Cesc-like players; Xavi has been shifted out of position and is a pale imitation of the Xavi of last year. I have rarely seen Cesc have so little influence on a game.
3. I can’t recall seeing Messi play so poorly in back-to-back matches as this semi-final.
Aj, In a name, David Villa. Disagree about Sanchez. Messi looked exhausted, hasn’t he started all their games, save one, I believe. Not qualified to speak to your Cesc observations.
Great post Holic. For over 6 months I have actually been thinking similar thoughts. Actually I think it was my second post on your excellent blog that I mentioned how our team this year, probably due to unexpected summer departures, sometimes look like misfits when trying to play tippy tappy possession football.
No Cesc, $amir, or Jack, replaced by Arteta, TR, AR and Yossi. They are not bad replacements, but I am always inclined to think that our current midfield lineup is not best suited to Arsenal’s gameplay in the past few seasons.
TR was struggling for form early in the season, being guilty at times of playing sideways passes too often and lacking of penetration. His rise back to form coincided with his reinvigorated vigor to penetrate past defences and launch decisive moves, thereby creating goalscoring chances.
AR, meanwhile, was very decent at the start of the season, playing as a box to box midfielder that thrives in making through balls and making runs into the box (the game against Dortmund is an excellent example of this). His subsequent loss of form can be attributed to Arsenal’s growing confidence in playing tippy tappy football again, where he is now guilty of playing sideways far too often, much unlike his early season plays.
Arteta has been consistently excellent no matter what role he had been made to play. Gervinho, IMO, also plays better when allowed to play his direct game, running at players and launching counter attacks. Again we can go back to both Dortmund games, where our possession football was lacking, but we looked a real threat through counter attacks and the quality players we have, RVP’s lethal finishing, and not to mention Theo’s blistering pace when given space.
As such, I had attributed our early season slumps to Wenger’s persistence on using his Barca-like system meant for Cesc to orchestrate. When we were stuck at the bottom end of the table, our players realised the need to grind out results, and we went on a great run of games until Christmas playing not too spectacularly, but importantly scoring when it matters and not concede silly goals.
Subsequently, we have struggled to win when teams park the bus and try to beat us on the break, best portrayed by the QPR and Wigan losses, as well as the game at Sunderland before TH added another priceless moment to his legendary Arsenal career. Our last gasp win against Newcastle, where I thought we had an outstanding game, also came when we launched a counter attack utilizing Theo after all our tippy tappy passes led to a brilliant yet frustrating 90 minutes.
Think back to our best wins of the season, most notably against Chelski and Spu*s, and it can be pointed out that we scored vital goals when the game was stretched and we played penetrative, fast and direct football.
Add to this the decent signing of Per, who looked more like our old fashioned defenders from the last decade than Wenger’s more recent centerbacks that were also good footballers. Surely Per plays more comfortably when not having to defend very high up the pitch.
Granted, our climb back to third place owes much to Wenger’s possession football, greatly aided by our eagerness to press early when giving the ball away. But our recent showings also showed that playing such a high tempo possession football for 90 minutes demands a lot from the players, and sometimes it may look like our lads are just not too up for it. Perhaps a slight change in mentality is needed, especially against the lesser teams who are contempt just parking the bus, leaving our midfield to pass sideways and lack penetration. A fast, more direct approach may need to be adopted combining our technical ability with pace and grace. Much like th Invincibles. In this sense I think our players will be more naturally suited in the teamplay – TR, Gerv, Ramsey, Theo, The Ox, Diaby, even Song plays better when not having to shoulder the burden of keeping possession and playing tippy tappy.
I can go on and on about this but I need to sleep since it’s past 5 am already. But like Holic mentioned our future signings may indicate such shift in mentality, and for good reason as well.
And oh, I sure hope Bayern can get the job done in Allianz Arena. I was counting on poor Maureen to finish off Chelski in the final.
Derrick – How will you play counter attacking football and a more pacy game against a team who is not willing to go forward at all? A team that parks the bus so deep that when they get the ball they hoof it forward and you regain possession…
OK here is what I think: The Chavs will win the Champions League! Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I really wish this was not so – for all the reasons TABs gave in the previous drinks. But this is the year of the un-expected (some years are just like that)….
Here is my reasoning: Nobody expected the chavs to get this far given how shit they were under AVB. Everybody expected Barca to beat them. In keeping with this theme, only die-hard Bayern fans could have expected that they would go to Spain and win. Now that they won everybody is expecting them to win the final given the fact that they will be playing at their home ground. Its a racing certainty – ergo this is why I believe they will not win unfortunately…
Good writ as usuall Holic,i think the tippy tappy has its place but for me there always has to be oither methods and that to me has been whats missing,we must also remember sometimes it is just not ment to be in some games luck goes against and so forth,but i would love to see a change in tactics personally but with this will need a considerable change to some personal.
Holic, very thought provoking.
My somewhat scrambled observations are these:
I am with you all the way in your remarks about the CL. I didn’t see Tuesday’s match but I thought the previous week that Barca looked like us one of our off days from last season. We were never meant to be quite like Barca, though – as you say yourself, directness wasn’t supposed to be excluded, it was just that everythign was up to Cesc and if he wasn’t in the mood, it didn’t happen. Our style was always a hybrid and the acquisition of Walcott all those years ago was a sign of things to come as much as the fact that the team was built around Cesc. There was often a tension between the demands of the PL and the CL football and we improved in Europe with Wengerball Mark IV. I don’t think AW will see the result as all that significant. Anyway, we’ve already started on Wengerball mark V – partly forced on us, as you say, but still. And we are still the best high-tempo passing team in the EPL when we get it right.
Everything goes in cycles and this Barca team, if not the playing style, may be on the downward arc. But the effect will remain – look at the PL – look at all the promoted and mid-table teams that “play football” now as compared to five years ago. That has to be a partial victory for the quick passing game. That’s down to us, I feel.
Having said that, I think international honours will go to Germany rather than Spain in the future.
Gooner Terry- They are still shit under Di Matteo. He has to play football at some point, so far its been dire shit. This is not a team that is going to inspire or amaze people around the world with their brand of football, Inter won it playing shit, no one talks about them no one even mention their win, actually it does get a mention on how to win by playing shit. it in the history books and forgotten. Barcelona on the other hand won fans all over the world and they will be mentioned in years to come wether we hate them or not.
I can’t agree with you with your prediction. If Chelsea have no shame and decide to park the bus again in the biggest game of the year they will be undone, Bayern is not Barcelona their football is very unpredictable and they have an Alan shearer type player in Gomez who can head the ball from crosses, They change their play throughout the game they can go short long and use the flanks in different situations, If Chelsea decide to come out and play Bayern are more than a match for them so I don’t see why you came to that conclusion. Ovr the 2 legs they were the better team and deserve to win and a Final in their back yard is an incentive to win. Chelsea will be playing like an away team with no away goal advantage. I am not saying Bayern will win it. But I think they are well equipped to win it.
Nice report holic and some valid comments. Funny, I mentioned certain similar concerns about our squad 2 seasons ago and I was deemed controversial, almost a member of the BBB by some???
First things first. I really do not like the phrase tippy tappy. Tippy tappy seems to be only used when it doesn’t work. When it does then people talk about a smooth, fluent passing game.
Barca last night ran out of ideas. The one thing I did notice was that they seemed to have no one who was prepared to run at defenders. Messi looked exhausted and no one else really has that as a major quality. That means when you play against a 5-4-0 formation that you will always need some spark. Otherwise the match resembles more of a game of handball. That said I don’t ever remember a Barca side being as wasteful over two legs.
I still think that quality pace kills. We have been at our best this year when we have broken at pace and started to spread the play wide. We look pedestrian at best when we seem to play at a lower tempo and central.
My view has always been that a side needs balance. It needs leaders and it needs team players. There is no room for complacency. In the days of the Invincibles one of our greatest assets was the fact that we could break at pace. We would quite literally tear teams apart by moving the ball quickly and with precision. At times this season we have looked very lethargic.
The way forward? As I have said for years, we lack real quality in depth. The debacle of last summer must never happen again. It would appear, if there is any truth in the constant speculation, that we may have just grasped that. I feel that Wengerball 4 is very much approaching full swing. But I also feel that our final league position will go along way to confirming how quickly we are able to bring players in to make the full transition.
3rd is a must. There can be no other option, and quite frankly no excuses. Then, the rebuilding continues. It will be time to be ruthless. There will be no place for sentiment. Then, and only then will we see the true Wengerball 4 coming into fruition.
Wenger’s Coat: I’d be happy to be proven wrong this time (0;
The neighbour fully endorses this opinion or rant
Some thoughts on Chelsea vs. Bayern final: on paper Bayern would be a clear favorite playing at home, especially if Lahm-Schweinsteiger-Robben-Ribery-Gomez-Mueller remain available, but there are two factors that have some advantageous elements to Chelsea.
First one is Bayern’s run in Bundesliga and how much effort they want to put in to catch up Dortmund who are now leading by 8 points I believe. Chelsea, one would presume, is probably going to take PL relatively lightly with their senior players having a real last go at the elusive CL glory.
Second is Drogba. A potentially fit, motivated, strong Drogba whose combination of skill, power and simulation is not something that the relatively young Munich defense (and with some suspensions) would at all be familiar with. Chelsea would most likely play an ultra-defensive game with two banks of four with long balls to Drogba. That tactics, however unpleasant it is to watch, can and does work.
A potential CL success for Chelsea, even beyond all the immediate risks to Arsenal’s next season, has another far-reaching consequence that I think is unpalatable to all Arsenal fans.
It, to certain extent and in some minds, validates Chelsea’s approach to football both on and off the field. In other words, the most anti-Arsenal of the modern successful teams would be considered by some (players, potential owners, managers, and definitely journalists ) as a better archetype for success.
Many of us have different reasons to dislike/despise/hate Barca or Madrid — ethical and moral vacuity, insult to Arsenal, Mourinho, cheating etc. etc. — but at the end of the day a CL success for them means nothing to Arsenal. They have European pedigree, a great following in World, and a rich history. Arsenal has two of these above, but not the other. And that other remains as much of a target for us fans as it is for possibly the greatest ‘modern’ (in truest sense of that word, not to be confused with successful) football manager. A CL success for Chelsea would actually mean in the coming years it would then have the foundation for becoming a big club, and a more attractive destination in London even for those who are not persuaded only by money.
I really really hope Chelsea doesn’t win CL.
Sorry I missed you tabs…maybe next time tiger π
Agree that the tippy tappy style had got us nowhere. But I suppose the Boss has to play the football according to the players he got.
I thought we started to change secnd half of this season when we became more direct and harrassed the opponents more. Also, with the purchased of Ox and rise of Ryo, it reinforces the purported changes that the Boss will be enfocing into the side. Having fast and direct attacking wingers. Now all we have to do is to sign M’Villa and that power and speed combination will be complete.
Good early-morning gents! I hope all are fit and well?! π
Excellent piece this ‘holic and as many have already commented, I fully agree with you and have felt exactly the same for sometime now since I watched the young German side in South Africa 2010!
It’s certainly no coincidence that Gotze has been a major scalp that Arsene has wanted for a while, and although he has been unable to acquire him thus far, the purchases of Eisfeld (another talented, direct, young, attacking and creative midfielder whom is very GΓΆtze and TR7-esque), Per and iPodolski affirm that he’s now looking to modify Wengerball slightly to be more pragmatic and German-esque in its directness and purposefulness!
If Arsene had wanted to continue the Barca-like “tippy-tappy” strategy, I’m sure he would be reported as publicly looking at more ready-made “tippy-tappy” replacements that fit the old mould rather than the seasoned senior German professionals he’s snapped/and about to snap-up, and players like Eden Hazard! Experienced German international regulars would almost certainly not wish to be modifying how they have been used to playing in their great national side!
Hopefully the new Wengerball will very quickly become akin to the new German national-side rather than the Spanish, and with it will come a directness of play, cohesive and strong plans B & C, and an end to the predictable tippy-tippy Barca/Spanish style that will on occasion, when you least want it to, invariably find it difficult to break down a solidly built bus!
GT @35,
Fear not mate, the bus that was parked was always going to be larger with the Cuntalans because they possess absolutely no aerial threat! Bayern, on the other hand, are a different story if one naively chooses to park-up! I’m fully expecting the Germans to finally bring a limp climax to the Geriatric Bus Stop’s fellatio-in-Europe! Karma certainly can be a bitch that chooses to hit you when it’s going to hurt the most! It’s inevitable if you’re a ginormous cunt that tries to mislead people and convince them that you’re not a lying, manipulative, self-centred cunt! Couldn’t happen to a nicer John Terry (cunt)!
Bayern to win it. They’re a wonderful team that plays as a team, and they’re chock full of a lot of underrated talent.
Come on you Munichs! (or something)
Thought provoking post, ‘Holic. The German national team switched a couple of years back from playing 4-4-2 to 4-2-3-1, not a million miles from how we line-up now, and especially when RvP plays as the 1 in much the same way as Klose plays for Germany (as opposed to a Messi-like false 9 which he has drifted into a bit in recent games), and when Song and Arteta provide the double pivot in midfield like Schweinsteiger and Khedira . AW has also switched late in a couple of games when we are chasing a goal to 3-4-2-1, something Lowe, the German coach, also does in similar circumstances. Note Santos going on as pure wing-back against Chelsea Perhaps an early version of Wengerball 4 has already arrived.
I have this terrible feeling that the Chavs’ name is on the CL trophy this season. They got a flat Barca that couldn’t buy a goal in the semis, the Benfica that out played the Mancs never turned up against them in the quarters, Napoli let them off the hook in the Round of 16, and they were in probably the softest group. Now just wait for Bayern to choke on the expectations of wining it on their own ground.
Wengerball 4 is indeed upon us. Pace. Power. Passion. Panache. Panzer spine.
I think Wengerball 3 relied on youth partly because of a wish to use a fluid 4-3-3 (which requires quite a lot of energy that older players may not be able to sustain for long periods) but mostly because of the financial constraints we’ve been suffering from after the stadium was built. It was so agonizingly close to success but I don’t think we need to get into the reasons why we fell short again…
When you look at Arsene’s successful teams, his teams have always had a good blend of youth and experience. With the financial constraints slowly coming off, Arsene has and will continue to bring in the experienced players he feels will be able to understand and implement the new direction he wants to move in.
Hopefully with a good preseason we may see a more powerful force with deeper resources to work with in the Premiership next year.
@Oxongooner from the last bar: I drink way too much
to remember if I coined “Fulham in blue.” Could have probably come from one of the regulars here, feel free to use it or come up with something even more insulting π
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4279437/Tony-Pulis-wants-to-get-sixy-by-taking-a-point-off-Arsenal.html
Dr Faustus – one could say Bayerm remaining fixtures would be played at walking pace because they already lost the Bundesliga. They are 8 points off Dortmund with two games left.
@50: He doesn’t need any points from us. Doesn’t he already have like 15 points….on his driver’s licence? π
@52
Ha, Well said.
But it’s odd that he’d prefer an unbeaten run against the top 6 over the achievements of an FA Cup final and qualification for Europe. Weird fella, that chap.
Small people focus on small things Whistler. We can’t do much about that. We’re going to have to work really hard up there this weekend. Let’s hope we can do it!
Just a quick drink before I head off to work after extensive back-drinking.
SteveT@39: I completely agree with you about the use of the phrase “tippy tappy”. Well said Sir and only a mild curse for making the point before me.
CoR@49: Thanks. Fuck off Fulham in blue. Yes, that sums it up nicely.
Please tell me It’s not happening. One of the reasons I now drink in this bar in preference to my previous Arsenal-related virtual watering hole is because it’s normally so well grounded and rooted in the present. We have three matches left and third place to win. Let’s return to (worrying about) that – there will be plenty of time to consider how this season went, and why, when it’s over.
Thanks
Along the same lines (getting more physical), even if he is Frenck (and Kos’ mate).
http://www.lifesapitch.co.uk/opinions/giroud-the-support-striker-van-persie-has-been-waiting-for/
And Jamie is normally right.
Ollie??
I think the changes started with TV … and maybe his easy adaptation to the PL opened Wenger’s eyes to the fact that the Dutch and German leagues are much more similar to the PL, and so an easier transition.
Per probably confirmed that.
Podolski / Giroug / both / Vert? and cutting the deadwood…. happy days.
But get 3rd first!!
Really enjoyed the post Holic, Wengerball 4! Looking forward to it π
Nice link @ 56 Catalan, Giroud or M.Suarez, Javier Perez seems certain that we’ve definitely signed the latter but I’m inbetween 2 minds over them, Giroud seems like something and is friends with Koscielny apparently, tricky choice for Le Boss… π
Good question Hurricane
Fuck it, as Freddie says… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pm4fQRl72k
#Tuneful Thursday
And Snir mate, maybe you should switch the Crystal Balls’ settings to Transfers In and Out only, broader range with results predictions seems to decrease the accuracy (!) π π π
But in all seriousness, only me, maybe Ollie & definitely abb entertained the possibility of Bayern Munich. In the Champions League Final. Potentially winning it. At the Allanz Arena. Which is their own stadium… π‘ Lightbulb! Lightbulb!
Excellent post ‘holic.
The transormation this year was definetly more forced then planned, but hopefully lessons have been learned and the next changes will be all according to script and in our control.
Greek women are loyal
Greek men are scared
What’s the greekness about?
search me, and I’m living here ???
From previous drinks;
Wind #550
Showing your age there a bit, young padawan, didn’t like the 2010-11 kit?
That was the first proper Arsenal looking shirt we’d had in years…..
It’s all about taste and perspective I suppose.
=======
Snir, why do you think 4 Chelsea players are out of the CL final?
As far as I can gather only two cunts are suspended (JT and Branislav) the other two, Cahil and Luiz are only injured and have a chance (however slim) of playing.
and again @ 581
I just donβt think Chelsea winning is a possibility.
Sorry, but that seems a bit of a silly statement for someone I consider to be quite an intellegent chap.
They’re in the final, 90 odd minutes away from winning it, statisically seen a 50% chance, to use the most basic of odds, a one in two chance.
That’s a pretty large possibility.
I did love your “even I will be supporting the Germans” comment though. π
H2H
I think Ramires is out?
Ollie
Zico started it!
H2H I think he was only talking about defenders there.
Otherwise indeed Ramires and Terrycunt are out.
But Snir was suggesting Cahill and Luiz were out (which is wrong, as I already noted too).
I think he’s thinking they’ll still be injured but I doubt it.
And when I said ‘H2H’, I meant ‘Dr C’, naturally.
Penelope was loyal but Clytemnestra wasn’t.
Just to confuse further Zico’s baffling statement….
Why is twitter suggesting I follow Joey Barton?
I’m not following a single football player, even from Arsenal.
Holic I’m not sure if the Barcelona defeats represent a power shift but I would welcome seeing some different clubs having more success. As for Arsenal signings, I suspect that the Spanish losses will confirm what we already know, i.e. that the first Arsenal signing will not be Criastiano Ronaldo due to the fact that he is a cuntisimo who god named the word petulant after.
My bad, I missed Ramires (with every stone I chucked)
In other news, it looks like the SR penalty has finally landed;
http://i.imgur.com/WKX8r.gif
Call yourself Arsenal supporters?
I have it on the authority of the President with the yellow boots, that Greek women are loyal.
Go figure.
Call yourselves…..
Is that a tuesday club reference?
Sorry to go completely off topic but if anyone is in London tonight, it looks like the Ladies need a bit of support at the Emirates when they take on Chelsea in a WSL fixture, 7:45pm.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/ladies-news/tickets-still-available-for-ladies-clash
I’m going. But don’t let that put you off.
Ollie might just know…….
ΞΞ»Ξ»Ξ·Ξ½Ξ―Ξ΄Ξ΅Ο Ξ³Ο Ξ½Ξ±Ξ―ΞΊΞ΅Ο Ξ΅Ξ―Ξ½Ξ±ΞΉ ΟΞΉΟΟΞΏΞ―
‘Holic – Great piece!!! I totally agree that people trying to sell you on compensation for mis-sold policies that you don’t have should each and every on eof their orifices filled with the largest possible smart phone. What? Football? Oh….
Dr.Z – The President from Dover knows all about Mediterranean women who favour yellow footwear. Can you believe it? That sums it all up π
PS: Well done Bayern. No go rip those chavs a new one in Munchen.
PPS: Who wants to talk about hatred of naked head-utting, driving-ban avoiding Pulis and his band of RFC Munsters?
UTA!
I was looking forward to only three more weekends of footie ups and downs, and now there could be one more to reckon with, if Arsenal not third. Here’s the extremes of possible outcomes:
Ultimate nightmare is easy: 1) Citeh 2) United 3) Spuds 4) Arsenal 5) Geordies 6) Chavs FA: Chavs CL: Chavs
Ultimate golden slumbers has possible deviations.
First, the obvious winner: 1) United 2) Citeh 3) Arsenal 4) Geordies 5) Chavs 6) Spuds FA: Scousers CL: Bayern
The leading golden slumber deviation: same top three 4) Spuds 5) Geordies even with Spuds on points, both two behind Arsenal 6) Chavs FA: Scousers CL: Chavs. That would be excruciatingly cruel to Spuds (YES!), and cruel (actually spell that “Krul” — time-wasting SOB cost 3 point differential vis-a-vis Arsenal ) to Geordies.
Main question: is it more delightful to have Spuds “qualify” but get scooped by a Chav win in CL, yet have everyone kissing Chavs’ asses for years for their “heroic run”? There’s also a possible upside to a Chav win — they can’t get rid of the side that wins the CL, so keep too many old line players on too long.
Opinions?
So many spilling mistooks and errors in my last post that I don’t know where to begin to correct so I won’t.
I wouldn’t mind but I haven’t even had a drink! :-0
@ True Storey
naked head-utting, driving-ban avoiding Pulis and his band of RFC Munsters?
You flatter them.
H2H @ 66, fair enough. Is it weird that I was indifference to last season’s home kit (not terrible, not spectacular) but next season’s kit intrigues me… 8)
Bayonne Jean @ 82, you’re scaring me with these scenarios *phew*
‘Ultimate golden slumbers’ is beautiful though :’)
Doc C @80. That’s easy for you to.say…..
Heh! I wouldn’t even know where to begin!
Hellas?? Help…. π
Great post Holic .
The drinks , however , are all greek to me .
All drinks are Greek tabs… Ouzo?
TS, no spilling mistakes in the bar please π
H2H,
Ramires, Mereleis, CunTerry and Ivanovic are all suspended. Unfortunately, Bayern will have at least a similar number suspended too, especially their first choice centre-backs and 2 midfielders! Pisser but I don’t expect it to be too much of a handicap as they are just as physical and determined as Chel$ki no matter who they bring in!
Bayonne Jean,
Anything less than the ultimate golden slumber would make my schadenfreude-ending to the season a damp squib!
In NO WAY whatsoever will I ever accept the Fulham Bus-Stop being the first London club to win Europe’s premier club competition! Nor do I accept that it’s written in the stars that the cup has their name on it! The same could easily be said for Bayern! Chel$ki are just not that good anymore and certainly not better than I side as direct and aggressive as Bayern are!
Tabs @88,
Heehee! π
Kalimera all you gooners! Tis all greek to me as well. As usual, enjoyed all the drinks. CG @56 This Giroud character has quite a goal repertoire, but can we afford him. H2H @74 Sergio Ramos has always been a thorn in my side so I REALLY enjoyed that!!! Now to clear up who will be ineligible to play in the CL final for Chelsea: Terry, Ivanovic, Meireles and Ramires (their biggest loss, I feel). Bayern lose 2 midfielders in Alaba and Gustavo, and defender Badstuber. Raging debate ensuing whether yellow cards should be waived for the final. I feel they should!!!
Well Mr Dan C, See you beat me to it! Well in chap. Obviously, great minds plot alike (sighing).
OK, Thanx Dan and abb.
Apologies to Snir.
@ 71
Hopefully down a dark alley, and you can give him a good kicking π
@ Various above
German teams, as a rule, tend to be far from complacent and will be a difficult proposition for the Chav scumbags.
I can only see upsides to Bayern playing for the biggest trophy on their own ground.
I don’t see how this constitutes “pressure”.
The only thing you need to worry about is the fickle finger of fate…….
π
Agreed Zico.
Ze Germans will be up for it and anyone thinking Bayern are in anyway a lessr team then Real and therefore an easier game for the Chavs is sadly mistaken.
The Bundesliga is a quality league with quality teams, and it just goes to show how well we did in our games against Dortmond and what a travesty the whole seeding in the group stages was. (Dortmond in pot 4)
Abbs @93,
One can only but hope to reach your level of enlightenment my dear friend! ……As he sits at his bureau with his index finger placed upon his chin in deep thoat and reflection!…..
Perfect through ball…
DanC is Deep Throat?
Who knew?
Zico @ 95 ha, ha . @ 96 BM, far better team, that’s why I worry! But you’re absolutely correct, they should prevail. Mean while Sky Sports reporting QPR debating whether to shake Terry’s hand…what a shameful legacy he owns.
Plato like in philosophical embodiment!
The only Greek girl I know is a saucy little minx called Donna Kebab . Always turns up when I’m pissed . No idea if she’s loyal …
Well in Zico…
* I wanted to jump that deep thoat bit but waited ’til someone grabbed the century, well played sir, well played indeed.
I think I need a bucket:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17860112
Zico @the Ton!
Well in geezer! Heh! π
@ 103
Of course she is loyal – her sweet chilli smell will linger on your shirt for days π
Tabs &103, H2H @104,
Heehee! π
H2H @105,
What CunTerry is this! “it’s a feckin’ disgrace”!
Zico @107,
Heehee! π
I’m not nto this celebrating centuries folks.
Silverware. That’s where it’s at.
Or you can give me money. 8)
H2H Hats off to you, that was a REAL assist! Zico, surely you’ve had enough cheers from me, but what the heck, great goal, lad.Tabs, be careful, you’ll make Daphne a bit jealous. H2H@105, please,don’t want him invading my dreams, anymore. Dan C @ 98, surely you jest, but that was lovely of you to say. Now for a nap, my JT voodoo doll at my side.
Dr Z – Heh .
H2H , to be fair to the racist cunt , I think that when he kneed the Barca player in the back , he was merely denying that he had in fact kneed him in the back by way of a demonstration of what he was denying .
” I did not knee you in the back like this” .
Apparently this type of Defence stands half a chance in the criminal courts of England when accused of racism .
I think therefore he should appeal to Uefa .
110 Zico,
OK, I’ll send a check….
Will Rosicky do? π
Tabs, so what you’re saying is he’s only a cunt because he used to be a cunt?
H2H I have no idea what I’m saying , you should know that by now π
π
SKY REPORTS, Pep out at end of season!!!
H2H,
You’ll send a cheque, mate?
How about this one?
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=google+images+miss+czech+republic&hl=en&client=safari&tbo=d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=-H-ZT_GrHoea8QOHoIyzBg&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CFsQ_AUoAQ&biw=768&bih=928
Oh bugger,
Well every one can send one each, I guess! π
Pep, A very sad day for futbol fans the world over, you choosing to step down. Arsene, don’t you dare let the bastards, get to you, too. Rant over (for now).
F*cking Hell , Robbie Savage has just said that there is no way that Chelsea will beat Bayern .
He gets absolutely nothing right . He has therefore single-handedly guaranteed a Chelsea win .
What a c*nt .
Strange news this Pep stuff Abb .
Hope he doesn’t end up at the Chavs . He’s far too classy to manage that bunch of poisonous inbreds surely ?
Tabs, he says he wants to take a year off from the game. Really upset about this…don’t know how I’m gonna sleep now. April really has been full of surprises…
Tabs wants to take a year off from the game?!
No! Please don’t Guvnor! A trophy will come soon!
H2H – don’t be so petty.
Obviously they have a chance but I will be utterly shocked. As shocked as I was when Leeds beat Utd at OT in 09-10.
Bayern play a very impressive pressing game high up the pitch and Chelsea always have problems with that.
They also have two magnificent wingers in Robben and Ribbery, and as opposed to Barca, they wouldn’t mind pumping crosses into the box with Gomez in the box.
If that is not abandoning a sinking ship I don’t know what is.
Barca is a sinking ship as of now. In Barca terms of course.
Pep resigned because of his assistant (who is behind Barca’s tactics), Tito Villanova’s medical condition isn’t optimal, making him miss many away games.
Barca’s downfall has started.
I’m extremely intrigued to see how he does the rest of his career. Whether his success was Messi and Xavi (and of course Villanova’s pressing) or his. I just hope for his sake it’s the latter and not the former.
I hope for his sake he won’t seem as clueless as Cappello seemed in charge of England compared to his Real teams.
Frankly, whether Pep stays or leaves Barca is neither here nor there for me! I don’t really care as long as it has nothing to do with us, so goodluck to him.
On the other-hand though, i’m pretty sure Cesc doesn’t feel the same way as i do! π
DanC – I predicted last summer that Cesc will come back when Pep replaces AW.
We do have first refusal (which Gazidis insisted on. Hmmm) and his value hasn’t really skyrocketed this season.
Snir: Yet when I the other day suggested that Pep would be an ideal successor to Le Boss you called me a crazy cunt (or words to that effect)…wtf??
Snir,
Agreed and until that happens i couldn’t give a flying feck what goes on in Catalonia!
Wrt Bayern, exactly! And it is for those precise reasons that they will give those cunts from the Bus-Stop a rollicking! Bring on the final so that the wankfest can finally stop!
Fine analysis mine host, nicely written. You may well be right. Taliskers all round, barman.
Dapper DanC et. al: I’d prefer that when discussing the blue racist cunt you used his full name – John Terry – because when I see people suggesting “Terry” is a cunt I always start looking for someone to punch (0;
Gooner-not-the-CunTerry @132,
Heeheehee! Point taken mate! π
So if Barça are falling apart, there might be a few players we can get from them..
They’ve got a number 4 we might be interested in.
I see that Alialialialialiadière is injured for tomorrow night. Whether that means Joël Campbell will start remain to be seen, but it certainly gives him a bigger chance to figure. Especially as Sunu is still out.
i kind of think if Barca had the time over again i dont think they would have bought Cesc,to me he does not fit there midfield and looks awkward on the left,Pep will not leave he is just having a wee sulk as they do.
GT @ 132-
But Terry IS a cunt. FACT π
BMBD.
I said I didn’t want him to be AW’s successor based solely on reputation because I believe his reputation is supplemented by the fact that he managed to manage a team with Xavi and Messi.
I wouldn’t mind him because I don’t rate a log of managers around the world.
I do however rate Moyes extremely highly along with Fergie and AW.
Then it would be the uduals Hiddink, Cappello, Pep et al.
‘Barcelona’s downfall has started?’ Come off it Snir, that’s the sort of talk you get in the idiot press about teams after they’ve had a few bad results.
All-Spanish final in Europe.
It’s happening, but in Bucharest, not Munich.
Charlie – When their coach leaves, I think it’s rather drastic, don’t you?
Downfall in Barca terms is not dominating European football.
Their downfall is not everybody else’s definition of downfall.
Then ‘downfall’ is a daft word to use. Besides Rinus Michels left Ajax in 1971 and Bob Paisley left Liverpool in 1983, so it’s not unheard of for a manager to want to bow out of a club that’s been doing so well.
Not so good evening all. Sorry about using the ‘B’ word in my rant. You see, I see some similarities between Pep and AW. Both under pressure to win. Pep not winning La Liga this year, Arsene still without a trophy. Yet for many of us, they have provided many magical moments.
Nurse Abb,
Let’s not forget all those not so magical moments that Barcelona have bestowed upon us for what seems like, forever…..
Like continually talking about and upsetting our players…..this has gone on for a lot longer than the jinxed Cesc Fabregas.
I like Guardiola and I wish I him well.
But I haven’t forgotten all those twatspatulas from Catalunya like Sandra Rossell and the gimpy Mayor, and the endless arrogance of their fans and their sense of entitlement.
To hell with them, I say.
Well then there’s only one thing for it – Change of name dammit..
@ 145
I agree.
Have you considered Nigel?
*To hell with them, I say*
Here, here Dr Zee…I second that emotion
LOL, G(not that)T.
BMBD.
Nigel Dr Zee? wtf?
zicoiexile: What’s wrong with being called Nigel??!!! You namist cunts!
Bacardi on a Thursday afternoon? 151 even?
Yes!! The numerology touch seems to be returning. π
Whenever names fail you, I say turn to numbers. As in hey you number 3 cunt. That is to be used when Ashley Cole’s name cannot be remembered.
@ 150
I only asked if it had been considered. π
zicoinexile: Yes but we know what you were thinking don’t we? Look let’s just agree to disagree right??!!! Unlike some people on here I don’t enjoy long, drawn-out arguments! OK??
So the FA cancels hand-shakes.
I just hope that doesn’t extend to Tiffany October and April April * π
* Come back Clive
I wouldn’t trust anyone who changes their name. The very definition of riffraff, of that you may be certain.
Present company excluded, of course. ::
Wow, someone else knows what I’m thinking.
Roxette, meet Nigel.
Dr Zee: That new boys is aggressive isn’t he? Are you sure you want him to meet Roxette…I’d be careful if I were you (0;
GT,
Doesn’t sound like a fair fight to me. π
Rumors circulating that AW is one of the candidates Barca will consider.
Don’t see it happening, but just the thought of that, makes me wanna throw up.
Oh my, that would be awful.
Zico @ 144 Thank you for saying that about my Pep. Gooner Terry, no need to change your name. I will refer to ‘him’ as JT from now on.
+++++++++++++++Breaking news from Sky++++++++++++++++
John Terry did not mean to sleep with Wayne Bridge’s Mrs. He’s just not that sort of bloke. She just cut across his path and his momentum meant that he piled into the back of her.
Just saying like.
Not going to join the Barca debate. I care not a jot who their manager is just as long as they do not come calling at The Grove. As for Cesc, as far as I am concerned he has made his bed and best he snuggle down in it. I for one have no desires to ever see him back in an Arsenal shirt. I think his behaviour was poor at best in his final days and the way he facilitated his move. No way would I welcome him back.
Snir. AW is third favourite with the bookies for what that is worth.
#125
When I’m being petty, I’ll let you know sunshine.
If you make bold statements then you should expect to be called up on them.
This guy is Petty;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lWJXDG2i0A
I think he wrote this song with the LWC’s in mind.
Steve and Snir, I know the futbol world is in chaos, but Arsene would never ever leave us! Not until he retires. You know the timing of Holic’s post and this business with Pep, is downright eerie. On that note, nite all.
Plenty o’ sauerkraut for thought there ‘h…
Oxon Gooner (from previous drinks)
I think I can assist, BMBD = Barca Must Be Destroyed
This gives me hope Chel$ki will lose in the final.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/apr/26/chelsea-john-terry-champions-trophy
That picture is pretty good too. I think he is actually stupid enough to be incredulous at the red card.
Good man, H2H.
Work has prevented me from drinking as regularly as I would like. I’ll gladly take credit for the drastic fall Farca has taken…long may the decline reign (and intensify).
Steve T, I’m with you mate. You never take the heartbreakers back. Never. That Spanish Bloke can just suck it. FACT.
BMBD.
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/bart-simpson-analyses-geoff-shreeves-telling-branislav-ivanovic-he-will-miss-the-champions-league-final/
Steve – Who are the other two?
I don’t see it happening because AW never leaves in the middle of a contract. He ALWAYS respects his contract to its last day.
Thank God for that as Bayern wanted him when he was manager of Monaco.
Luis Enrique is the Fav. Can’t remember who was second on the list.
I agree totally. I can’t see him going either. Remember that he has been offered the Madrid job twice as well.
Right, I’ve just come baxk home from tve pub where I’ve been out drinking with Martin who is here visiting from London for the weekend. We drnk lots of beers and had a smashing good tinme! I don’t really have anything clever to say right now apart fron I FUCKING LOVE ARSENAL!
Right, I thunk i need to go to bed now. Pints on me as usual!
Gooner (Not that) Terry aka Gooner Nigel,
Heehee! π
Steve T @163,
Heehee! π
Heehee, iLars is pissed! ;-D
A wee dram of your finest malt in memory of Pep’s achievements bar-keep! Salut & goodnight ‘holics!
Even later Evening All,
‘Holic, good thought provoking piece – this man knows stuff π
I’m as back drunk as I can afford to be – checked all from the previous post, but not from this one yet.
I have to say I’m firmly in the “let’s just win all our games and it won’t matter what anyone else does ‘cos we’ll finish third” camp.
I’m also in the “hate what Chavski stand for and don’t want them to win anything – most of all the Champions League” camp.
That’s for two reasons – firstly, because they’ve already won the Premier League, so it becomes even more important that they don’t beat us to winning the Champions League, which is reason number two.
Because Chav$ki are playing in it, I’m already sick and tired of hearing about the Champions League final – shame really for a football fan, but there are far more interesting issues approaching for The Arsenal.
For example, if we are going to start building a German Wengerball team, will the Emirates caterers start serving better sausages ?
Will Wolfgang Smallballs abandon his Speedoes and convert to wearing Lederhosen to matches ?
Will we finally ditch The Wonder of You before the teams run out, and replace it with yodelling songs ?
Come 2014, Der Wolkswagenarsenalfussballstadion could be an entirely unpronounceable place to watch football matches . . . . . .
H2H: Thanks also for BMBD. I was afraid to ask but now I think that Lonsestar is THE man!
Lars: I’m glad to make “baxk” home safe & sound (0;
Re: Trev. I’m all for better sausages and Wolfgang wearing Lederhosen. As for a German song to play before matches, what could be more peppy and uplifting than this one?:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztYSlNazJno&feature=fvst
H2H, Nice one @166. LWC’s can use some musical accompaniment on their way down. π
Leather Speedoes with braces? How could Wolfgang resist?
@177: Trev, I’d prefer “99 Luft Red and White Balloons” myself. Would be a classic…
The players could wear those nice little hats on the field and the club could also be affectionately called Die Goonershaft so I’m up for it ;D
Did anyone say Shaft?
What’s up youngblood?
talking to Snir on FB…how come you never requested to be my friend on FB….you don’t like Jamaicans?
How could Shaft like Jamaicans?
They taste terrible. π
*Now where’s my coat?*
BMBD.
Lonestar you are such a cad…naughty boy
BMBD (imagine…that’s so clever)
I don’t know about Jamaicans but Snir likes Trinidadians GT π
Lonestar, what’s up man? Now that Barca has been destroyed (this season) you should change that acronym according to our remaining games, starting with SMBD for this weekend!
S = Spurs or Stoke? Or both?:)
I like Trinidadians? Yeah, I guess you could say that. Talked to quite a few of them as part of my previous job. Nice people. But that just fits with what you guys already know. That I’m a loving person who has time for everyone in this world, right :)?
At this point in time, I think that acronym should be for Stoke and we should use SMBP for the LWCS….Spurs Must Be Pitied π
Currently, making plans for Nigel.
And only a matter of hours before pre-preview pints. Which means, it must be Friday, and that means…..
To hell with you low-life.
#FFF
Pitied?? I don’t pity them.
For all I care, they can suffer to the point where they need to close the team, only to keep it so that we’d still have a NLD.
Told you I’m a loving person π
You again old sod? I thought I told you last week to shut up…
#FFF
π
Trev @ 177
Have you forgotten Wolfgang’s psychedelic lederhosen, which has already made an appearance this season?
I know tabs hasn’t π
Lars @ 175, get in there π
Trev @ 177, well said, I also do care about the final, because Chel$ki must not win the Champions League before Arsenal, we should be the 1st London team to do it because we’re the best in London and the best club in London, the mighty Arsenal should go down in History as the 1st Club to win the Champions League, simples. Go Bayern!!!
JT @ 186 ;), oi! You never requested to be my friend on Facebook either, and you’re even funnier than that Snir, so I’m taking it as a personal insult, alright? π
Lonestar @ 187, the tears freely roll down out of my eyes… And I can not stop them π₯ π
Snir @ 193, classic π
On Cesc, maybe I’d want him back, but not at all if it would disrupt the new German Wengerball Mark 4 team with all its efficiency and resilence. Even if he’s not that type of purpose, a former Captain returning to play for us can become problematic in the middle of the park.
*boilk*
Cesc is gone, people.
Move on.
Ok gang, bang!
Anyone fancy a wax?
Dancing Daphne, are you still here you lush-ious female?
Agree with zico@198, Cesc is gone so let’s move on. We’ve got the small matter of trying to win a game against a bunch of cavemen tomorrow to focus on.
H2H@169 Thanks for sorting that out. Seems I wasn’t the only one who was puzzled by BMBD. Rather embarrassed that I didn’t spot it myself what with the Cato reference. Hey ho.
Personally, I’m still in the vaguely indifferent camp, and will probably remain there until we next play the Catalans.
Finally, what a shame that LG didn’t feel able to go with the original CCBDE.
Sigh, off to work. Have a good ‘un…
Let’s dance you fecking hellions!
Coke on me….literally and figuratively….
*Belches and vomits all over the floor*
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2012/04/thierry-henry-wants-to-coach-arsenal-win-mls-cup/1
Hey Oxon, does CCBDE mean Carling Cup Brings Destruction to Everyone?
Pah. I’ll move on when I’m ready you crazy Doctor and Swede. Or not at all.
Can’t help but think Dr C has started cross-dressing @ 204.
Hope you’re going to clean that up, Daphne?
Lars 175, post of the day!
Thanks Snir @205!
Yeah Snir, it was a great link π
Clean?
Maybe wehn I’m sober…if you don’t like it, spank me
*starts dancing barefoot in the bar*
‘As ‘Arry actually been complaining of having a thin squad? Don’t those LWC’s buy like 5 players every window??
C*nt.
That is all.
Bielsa is the other one, Snir&Steve T
Ollie, or perhaps post of the night π
Great read@205, Snir!
My Dear Zico
I can happily confirm that Dancing Daphne is in no way relaed to me. I am quite keen to get “her” into the Quackery for an evaluation.
As usual, Nurse Wolfie will conduct the gender test. I have my suspicions that “she” may not be all that she seems…
Don’t look up mah skirt unless ya mean it…
Not related to you, then I have another suspect.
Daphne is Sybil.
I certainly used to be a cybil servant in a past life…last night parttying destroyed that avenue…
Has anyone seen TS and Daphne in the same room?
Or could “she” be Zico??
Is talking to your HT alter ego allowed?
No.
‘Is Talking to your HT alter ego allowed?’
Well, is it?
We need to know.
All right, if nobody’s going to answer that one:
yes. Clearly.
(ignoring CG’s unfounded 222)
I thought the Goram’s would have a view on this…
If only I had an alter ego……instead of a massive one.
(Ego, that is).
@224: I agree
I can catergorically state that I am not Daphne……..
Think I mighty of dated her though.
Stop trying to figures me out and enjoy the partee…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVlLTqQNFZg
Exiting all the cup competitions so early can make these mid-weeks seem as if it is summer already. I just hope the boys are resting up and making little injuries better so we can attack these last three matches with relish. Now if we can just make sure to hold the mustard and ketchup. π
I know who is who, don’t forget π
Yellow card Goramsey. How many more alter-egos will you have today?
π
Re: Daphne @229. Now what was it I was thinking about boring, boring Arsenal again? Enough distractions! π
Maybe Daphne might be able to train our 3 amigo reserve keepers might raise there transfer fees?
Re: garsguns @233. So you heard the rumor about Daphne and Mannone too?
Dr Z / Dr F / Daphne ….. I place my bet now.
Do I win, ‘Holic, sir? Do I?
Not to spread rumors, of course. π
Didn’t get any reception over twitter, so trying it
here:http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/houghton-the-supporters-were-tremendous-
βWe just want to say thanks to all the supporters who came out.β
heh
Good to see AW reminding everyone (including RVP) that VP is not out of contract this summer. So we can keep him if we want to…..
No 8ball heard noting my friend,just have a vision of our 3 keepers’ trying to hold there nerves in training with daphene:)
I did “heh” quietly to myself on that one Ollie.
This was tweeted by Glenn too…. priceless;
Aaron Lennon, on the most intelligent Spurs player: “We ain’t got the brightest team. I’ll give it to someone like Gomes. He wears glasses.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17865151
We’ll have to fight to stock up the CMC.
heh, yes I saw that one Dr C, made me chuckle.
241 Ollie.
Or give me a call, that ban doesn’t apply to me.
Good point, H2H, thanks.
Well, it’s official, Barca will be sin Pep next term.
Always seemed to me to be a pretty decent chap.
Leather lederhosen me up !
Double leather Wolfie? Kinky.
Tito new Barca manager…
#silly names
Re: Catalan, Is that Tito as in field marshall Tito of Yugoslavia? If so, how fitting. π
@ 235
Epic fail.
Or so say the voices in my head…….
Zico – doh!
8ball – yep, they’ve dug him up for his offensive qualities! π
Current assistant Tito Vilanova will take over the reigns.
Heh, cunts to be managed by tits.
My middle name H2H .
I can say with some degree of certainty that I am not Daphne .
I am not a party girl and am happily married to Andy Goram .
I , however am deeply unhappy with my Andy Goram , and am not therefore ruling myself out .
Heh H2H , that deserves a drink . π
H2H
There’s a joke about Sp*rs there somewhere…. cocks, cunts, tits
Apologies for my language.
Off to the pub
*passed out under the table inside a lampshade*
Dear Virginia Ironsides
Can you please help me find a girl like Daphne?
Yours Jagerly,
BD
Pub time.
Water of liffey, I surrender. 8)
Right, it’s Stoke next and you know what?
I am fed up of this. Β This shrinking-violet side to Arsenal. Β This “we-should-be-worried-because-they-deploy-rugby-type-tactics” and so on.
Fuck that.Β
Time to kick back. Β Time to grap Lenny by the scrotum at each corner and squeeze real hard. Β How do you like them (bruised) apples, you cro-magnon cunt?
Time to take Delap’s towel and wrap it tightly round his windpipe. Β
Time for Arsene to pull that baseball cap over Pulis’ eyes and then kick him in the nads.
What would Paddy have done? Β Lauren? Β Dennis?
Bullies – stand up to them.
We are the Arsenal.
0-3. Β
Cheers tabs.
Excellent cry to arms Zico.
Friday session in full effect, my round barman.
For reasons that may or may not become apparent, I really, really want us to cunt Stoke in the bastard tomorrow.
Hence I entirely concur with my Caledonian chum. Time to fight fire with fucking napalm.
Well said Dr Z and ‘Holic .
I want Pulis screaming foul play at the end , after his side has been kicked to bits and has lost 5-0 .
Let’s gut those feckers!!!
Cry havoc and unleash the Song of war….
@ 258: I have solved the problem! Dancing Daphne is no other than Dr Disorder (DD gedditt??)…
Team talk. You five, keep the ball and pass them to death. The rest of you, an eye for a eye…
Holic: Bloody right mate…remember the days of Wenger Mark 1? That team had steel, as well as silk. I believe that were are moving in that direction again….
Reading the transcript of the Guardiola’s news conference. He cites exhaustion, pressure, stress, loss of energy as factors leading to his resignation…it makes me even more appreciative of the strength of Arsene Wenger who has withstood much more pressures from so-called “fans” and the gutter U.K. press over the years – even when things were going well for us..
Think we should recall Peter Storey and Sammy Nelson for one game only .
Where’s Frimpong when you really need him?
Get Willie Young out there!
TONY PULIS = LOUSY PINT
*gets coat* π
In surprising news it’s been announced that Tony Pulis is to join teenage heartthrobs One Direction.
“Tony embodies perfectly that look of teenage vacuity that we’re always looking for” said a Band spokesman .
There does not, however, appear to be any truth to the rumours that all round cunt Ryan Shawcross will follow his former Boss .
“I much prefer to break teenage legs , rather than teenage hearts” blubbed the cry baby .”I’m staying at Stoke” .
Asked about his new career , Tony said that he had been brought in to maximise the amount of female panties thrown on stage during the singing foetus’s World Tour.
“I will be going all out to bore the pants off of every single one of One Direction’s fans” said Tony “It’s what I’m good at ” .
Wind @273 – heh π
π Wind, briliant.
zico@261: well said. Less focus on what they do or do not do and more focus on standing up for ourselves and playing better football and scoring more goals than they do.
And heh, tabs.
Heh young Hurricane.
That’s a long tweet @ 274 π
Thought it deserved a wider audience Dr Z π
A bit harsh on vacant teenagers, if you ask me. π
I want someone to be harsh with me….hic
GT @ 266
Pure co-incidence.
Borda does like Double Ds though π
STOKE CITY = YETI STOCK .
I feel nothing but love & goodwill for all my holic friends today…for me FFF means Fittingly Friendly Friday..(0;
Allyour holic friends G(NT)T? Ah, I see what you’ve done there…
Dr Zee: How do you know your wife sizes? Do you rummage around in the laundry basket? Hmmmmm (0;
* excuse the tiny grammatical mistake..
Super Brain Oxon (0;
DD, Please excuse me if I am too bold in asking, What kind of wax do you like to use on your pole? And I assume you won’t answer with any references to Fabianski.
Holic that was an excellent drink @263.
Heh GT – who doesn’t?
CoR@206 bloody close. I’ll leave it to LG to reveal my what I meant. Actually I may adopt a related sig.
SSMUED
…”reveal my what I meant”?
-my
Oops.
Bugger.
CCMUED
Takes the ball down and passes cross field in a single movement…ambles forward..
CCMUED – carling cup mix up, edwin dethroned
Easy.
What do I win?
Pass goes out of play…so ambles over to take the throw in himself…receives towel from ball-boy
Gives it a nice clean round and round…and round again….hands towel back to ball-boy…signs his autograph book…
…dismisses zico’s suggestion contemptuously…
Bullet header top corner!
…resists temptation to go for cheap triple ton. He’s not that kind of player…
Scores when he wants, Nigel scores when he wants, scoooores when he waaaants etc..(0;
Me neither Oxon, me neither. We must uphold our standards no matter what eh?
Remember class is permanent – champion’s league finals are transitory..(0;
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>