Lazy Sunny Afternoon
Apr 22nd, 2012 by 'holic
The weather forecast over-estimated the likelihood and timing of showers. A relaxing pre-match tincture, followed by a gentle stroll to the ground, and I joined the throng basking in the sunshine at the Grove. A very special pre-match snack lulled me even deeper into the relaxed mood all around. The crowd were mellow, neither too critical, nor fulsome in their vocal support.
It was a chilled mood that seemed to transmit to the twenty-two participants in the principal entertainment of the day. With so much at stake the two heavyweights of London stood cautiously off each other, flicking out the occasional powder-puff jab. It was a day not for taking risks, nor for making the one mistake that may prove crucial.
The only time we were pulled out of our seats in the opening half came when Laurent Koscielny looked to have headed us in front, only to be denied by the crossbar. Tomas Rosicky picked up the first of seven yellow cards in a game surprisingly lacking in any real spite until Cole’s petulant kick at Alex Song in the closing stages. As usual, Mr Dean wanted to be noticed.
I would have thought the half-time talk would have been delivered by a fire-breathing dragon, but in truth the second-half brought more of the same. Chelsea defended deep, and in numbers, relying on Torres to operate largely unsupported by team-mates who appear to have given up on the £50 million pound man. The introduction of Abou Diaby at last gave us a more visible midfield presence. Ring-rusty he may be but he did look to get us on the front foot.
Ahead of him the skipper was having another one of those days. He’s earned it. We cannot rely on him and him alone to deliver. Typical of his day was a wild slice wide of the mark with his chocolate leg. There was another substitution nightmare when Theo folded with what looked like a hamstring niggle on the hour. To Pat Rice’s obvious exasperation Gervinho was not ready to come on. Theo was sent back on, chased a ball down the right flank, and pulled up again having clearly worsened the damage. Two costly delayed replacements in two consecutive matches. Sort it out please.
The clearest opportunity for us to secure the points was missed when our favourite referee chose not to see Cahill’s blatant shove on the skipper. Even that was received with an air of resignation. It was as if we expected not to strike from the spot anyway.
In the warm-down afterwards the feeling was that whilst the point was not a disaster it did mean that we have no room for leeway when making the difficult journey to the Potteries next week. Most were also confused at Chelsea’s lack of ambition. They appear to be hanging their hopes of qualification for the Champions League on winning this season’s competition. If Newcastle get any sort of result at the Bridge in the first week of May it is hard to see Chelsea making the top four.
Still, that is not our concern. As the post match pints were swilled we followed Tottenham’s latest humiliation by the cheers, boos, and hysterical laughter coming from inside the pub. The ‘holics were not inclined to go inside and witness the comedy at first hand. This was, after all, a day for lazing in the sun.
596 Responses to “Lazy Sunny Afternoon”
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First drink just as I had the last?
I’ll join you Ollie
Holic the headline perfectly sums up the day and the team’s performance, a real end of season feel about the whole thing. After that I can’t be arsed to write anymore….zzzzz
Top 3! Woohoo!
Great read as usual, Mr Landlord. I too was surprised by the total lack of ambition from Chelsea. Yes, I did expect them to defend and try to catch us on the break, but they hardly even tried going forward at all.
Coffee and tea all round, please!
Looks like Chelsea fans will be watching Channel 5 on Thursday evenings rather than scraping their knuckles on the floor or fantasing about their next EDL rally.
Good to see Diaby back. He looked silky smooth for someone who has (literally) barely played all season. Ramsey might benefit from watching and learning how to receive the ball, make space with the first touch, look up and move the ball on to the next player in space.
Major gripe with the physio. When Theo first pulled up feeling his hamstring, what on earth possesed him to let him back on the pitch? Why take the risk? A really daft decision.
It looks like we are crawling over the finishing line. I’ll think we’ll just about do it but we might need to win at WBA to confirm 3rd place.
It will be interesting to see who we buy in the close season. Are Gibbs / Santos really good enough to be league winning left backs? Is there genuine competition for places throughout the squad (GK, RB, DM and CF).
It’s all very well having a great notional best starting XI but it’s also about having a squad that can grind out results with 4-5 regular starters injured / suspended on a cold, windy, wet night on a pitch which isn’t manicured like a bowling green.
Until that happens, we will still be 15-20 points behind Man U.
I see that Bordeaux beat Marseille and Swindon got promoted despite losing.
Arsenal.
Played ‘holic…fine summery – odd game, good day.
Now downstairs to watch others run me hangover orf in the marathon
Why would Chelsea fans want to go to a rally for an energy supplier?
AL!
I’m baffled as to why Sky and so much of the press have been crowing about what a good point this was for Chelsea. God help us if they go through on Tuesday, the brown nosing will hit record high levels.
Hi ‘Holics and ‘Holics. I have to admit to being disappointed yesterday but I wonder if that’s because I was so wound up about beating JT et al. beforehand. I was also glad that Di Matteo brought Cashley on to remind people who boos should be reserved for. Was sorry to miss the pub yesterday and hope to meet some of you (again) at the Norwich game.
That’s the marathon taken care of – 20 minutes – a new record for me…
Hey Ollie – was i walking (i use the term loosely) you to your crash-pad yesterdeee or were you walking me to the station?! Either way a mighty fine way to end a good day.
Are you back in the old country already – old son?
What a good day that was, apart from the tedious ninety minutes in the middle
I am saving full gloating mode until the season is over.
Totally agree re: the commentary. Chelsea needed a win yesterday. All eggs now in a single basket, and a fucking rickety one at that.
Cheeky bid for Mata this summer? Presumably he won’t fancy the Europa. And it would make me laugh.
We look gassed to me. Happens every season in recent years, is just occurring later this time because we didn’t start playing until sept. Better squad needed next season – we’ve got to learn to rotate in winter.
Welcome George.
Taking my pleasure where I can find it, just in case
‘holic @15 – 90 minutes you say – blimey, felt like no more than just over a pretty uneventful hour ‘n’ arf to me – flew by – the bulk of our support on the way back to the boozer, after.
Great to see a smattering of ‘holics as per mertesacker yesterdee. And i don’t mind admitting that me and Ollie took a little parochial pride in surveying a near empty Tollie later on, and noting that once again we’d (the ‘holics) seen the arsebloggers orf! Free pints for a win?!?
Well yes but my release will be orgasmic if we get 3rd and I have saved it.
Jezz
I think jerks is fine as a replacement for Sagna. Great attitude, already good level and plenty of time to improve.
Interesting discussion today on twitter between two guys well connected to club. They agreed that two deals were done subject to CL qualification: Poldi and a CM.
Any thoughts on the CM? Snir reckons Mvila
On that note great to see Diaby yesterday.
They cant be that “well connected” if they don’t know who the player is.
Heh! N7.
No chance of getting Mata but if done publicly then would provide massive entertainment!
I’d actually prefer spuds to get Europa league place. Chelski at moment are completely out of Europe for next year. And yet they celebrated….
Spuds aren’t a threat. They’re blown if they don’t get third. IMO. But the opportunity to see Chelski down the pan too….
Pedantic. Good point, you pedant!
My impression was that they knew but weren’t telling. But you could be right!
I was just wondering, can we recall some of the players out on loan for the next 3 games, considering Theo’s injury? Vela or Arshavin came in mind, even just as a backup. Vela had a realy great month with Sociedad, and AA was on the scoresheet yesterday too.
I know that Arsene would not do that, but it is an option worth thinking, we have nothing to lose anyway.
Hi AL. I’m in the lounge waiting to board the train.
I think we must have walked like zombies to H&I.
I had to walk a little further on but thankfully I then remembered that I had a delicious snack in my pocket, of the same sort ‘holic mentioned, I suspect
Afternoon ‘holics.
Glad to hear you’re all in one piece.
I would go to Russia and carry Arshavin back in my arms.
He is exactly what was needed on Monday and Yesterday.
Well in Mr.Barkeeper. Good to see you and others yesterday. Although we left the ground feeling it was 2 points dropped, we didn’t feel like that by the end of the day. I was also thinking when was the last season that we didn’t lose to Chel$ea in the league? Is that a sign of our progress this season? Or their decline? Or both?
The hilarity of watching the LWCs fold at Loftus Road capped off a very enjoyable day helping a good mate celebrate his son’s 18th.
Roll on a lazy Sunday afternoon
Pedantic G, maybe it’s only you and me but I’d also be happy to see Arshavin back at the club for game-changing cameos.
Vela could not be recalled regardless of what the loan contract says because he is not in the list of 25. Arshavin could theoretically be recalled if the deal with the Russian club allows it, but that won’t happen anyway because a sulking Arshavin is about the last thing we need right now.
Bloody hell Ollie and Holic, what are these snacks??? Was it Class A, B or C stuff?
Storey: I think the last time we didn’t lose any of the games v Chelsea in a season was as far back as the Invincibles season.
Lars,Arshavin never sulks or shy’s.
Hey guys.
Firstly I’d like to say nice post ‘Holic, jogs in parallel with yesterday’s game pretty much, a lacklustre affair for a Category A game, I would of been pretty pissed if I had paid £50 upwards to see that
That’s why I generally stick to the Category B’s, cos they’re cheaper (Big Factor 8)) and you can count on something special to happen as I’ve been witness to this season at the Ems on two occasions 
Also, great drinks from yesterday’s bar, a pleasure to read, especially the Cesc/B*rca discussion. Never seen Snir so angry/passionate
Don’t wanna re-ignite it but my piece on it is that although they may play exquisite football on occasions, they are the most morally lacking bunch of cunts that I have ever had the displeasure to see with my own eyes. Hate them for ’06, Thierry’s transfer in ’07 which stems from my resultant tears from my Red Manc Older brother & sister’s torment when they found out, (they must of been crying tears of joy to be free of him
), the away game in ’10, the away game in ’11 and the biggest factor, Cesc’s transfer before the season began which I don’t think I’ve even fully accepted, it was like for the two days before and after he left I’d subconsciously imposed a media black-out and by the time I’d lifted it, he was gone 
Bad enough that we lost the man I had affectionately called ‘El Capitán’, it was for about £25 million less than his true monetary, the mighty Arsenal was disrespected, he was going to a team that would corrupt the moral character that had been instilled into him for 8 years in 1 year and it took away the opportunity to see him in the red and white at the Emirates potentially forever (maybe I’ll get lucky with Testimonial Tickets one day).
So that’s why I hate B*rcelona.
Can’t say I was entertained by that football match. But this summary by ‘Holic together with the drinks surely refreshes me.
Not to mention that it has been a season of some top notch “world class” posts from the Guvnor with accompanying drinks of no less a quality.
Of course I have quietly enjoyed all: sometimes with sheepish smiles, sometimes with hilarious outbursts of laughter which got my wife questioning my general well being.
The quality of the drinks has always ensured I remain only an observer as I constantly find my thoughts being produced by another here in better language and style. Kodos good ‘Holic and holics.
I will dare all and post again when 3rd spot is in the bag.
kodos = kudos (couldn’t disappoint, could I?)
Wecome frank Frank, hope to hear from you again REAL soon.
Welcome, god damnit.
Thank you Frank.
Good match report ‘holic. Glass of lemonade please.
That’s an excellent summary of a day that will be easily forgotten by those who didn’t have the great good fortune to round it out properly by pre and post-visits to The Tollie. Well done Mr Holic. Yesterday was my first non-travel match for a month, but my mind couldn’t find sufficient inspiration in what my eyes had just witnessed to merit putting finger to keyboard.
Arsene’s interview after the game and his “It wasn’t a fair result” was at least as entertaining and certainly more hard hitting than the game itself. His premise was based on “I can’t recall Chelsea having a single chance”. I never disagree with the boss, but I think I may just be able to recall several Chelsea forays down our right side in the first 15 minutes when the Theo/Sagna defensive wall appeared to be missing some mortar in its joints.
Overall, we looked sound defensively. Kos and Vermaelen are a fine centre back pairing. If the Vertongen rumours are true, then we will have 6 excellent centre backs next season (I’m including the ever improving Djourou and Miquel) in the squad. Mr Squillacci – here’s your hat, what’s your hurry?
The midfield were all careless on the ball yesterday and too easily dispossessed. Our passing wasn’t the crisp, solid, reliable platform that our game is based upon. I thought we looked for the difficult option too often and, in the early stages failed to exploit the famous “Steve T width” that Theo and The Ox offered. Arteta, Jack, Coquelin and Frimpong were all missed and it was evident, even before our commentators advised us of Rosicky’s week of sickness, that all wasn’t well with Little Mozart.
I was really pleased to see Diaby’s arrival on the scene. He is a class player who’s presence would grace all of the other five great teams in the world’s top six. Yes he looked a little ring rusty, but he certainly did put us on the front foot. Also, Aaron Ramsey looked better and happier in the AM role. It is to the youngsters credit that he is willing to take on whatever the team needs of him. He will make a great captain when he takes over the roll from Robin in four years time.
I thought that the introduction of Andre Santos as an attacking mid-fielder smacked of desperation and showed how badly depleted the squad is at the moment. Santos needs to lose at least a stone and find another 20 yards of pace. Both left backs have potential, but neither is yet the finished article for the world class contenders that we will be next season.
And finally, Robin has gone from a stage where everything he touhed turned to gold to a situation where everything turns to wood. I’ve lost count of how many times he’s hit a post in the pat six games. As Arsene said “He’s played fifty games now, but till he gave everything”. He’s the current face of all that’s good at The Grove. He must stay and I firmly believe he will. I think it’s quite likely that he’ll play just behind Podolski when both feature. That’s a prospect that will have me in the air for the first game next season. Miyaichi, Gervinho or The Ox down the left side? Now, that’s one to ponder.
I could do with a glass of Lemonade as well Holic
BtM, I respect you a LOT, your words flow like Guinness down the throats of many in this bar
but Aaron Ramsey to take over as Captain from Robin van Persie in 4 years? 
Even disregarding Vermaelen who’s the current Vice-Captain, what about Jack?
Delightfully languid report, ‘Holic. A point was probably sufficient to make it likely Chelsea won’t catch us, but three would have eased the task of ensuring third. Might out cautious start have been a reaction to the Wigan game, not wanting to risk been hit on the counter early again?
- been
+ being
I meant to add that I think the next three games will be very important for Abou Diaby. I’d like to see him start and finish all three, and in doing so, build his confidence and overcome the doubts of his many detractors, regarding his fitness and his quality.
A fit Diaby, at his best, would be a first pick on Arsene’s team sheet, every time, every game. These next three games provide him with the opportunity to demonstrate that both fitness and his best are in prospect. That will set him, and us, up very nicely for a season next year in which the excellent Mikel Arteta will struggle to get a game because of the wealth of young talent around him.
Welcome, frank Frank. Holic , I must say this is your most laid back post , since I’ve been to the bar , thank heavens! Sounds like the holics had a great time. I know our lads have it in them to succeed, they are trying hard enough. Just need to relax a bit. Maybe the team should hangout with all you holics one night, eh.
Cracking game at the Old Toilet. Everton went 1-0 up, ManU turned it around to 3-1, Everton got one back, ManU made it 4-2 and now Everton just made it 4-3 with seven + added time to go.
Oh, and welcome, Frank!
AND IT’S 4-4!!!
(now to read BtM’s drink!)
Afternoon Holics
I did pop into the Tollie pre-match but sadly didn’t locate a single Holic!
It did appear that the Chavs came for a dress rehearsal for Tuesday,albeit with a second cast. The sad thing was we didn’t have a player on view to take a staring role and the limelight.
With RVP not firing and our other two goal scorers, Arteta and Theo out for the remaining 3 games, where are the goals coming from which will clinch our 3rd spot?
We could have done with Benayoun yesterday, particularly as the mid-field were in the most part AWOL! Song and Rambo have been out of form these past few games and without the security of Arteta’s ball retention and distribution, we failed to provide much support to the “strikers”.
At least Kos, TV5 and my friend Szczesny were in charge of things at the back but from the tone of the above, you will not be surprised to read that I’m concerned that our ability to make significant signings in the Summer Window will rely on a win at the Hawthorns!
As always COYRs
.
Hurricane, listen to a Wilshere interview on Player. Then listen to Aaron Ramsey. Footballing skill, intellect and leadership capabilities all need to go into the mix. I think the Welsh Wizward has the better mix and he’s already captain of his country. Time will tell though and I agree, it’s great to have so many strong candidates.
It won’t have escaped you that I included that comment in an attempt to “lift the headlights” of many who seem to be ready, now, to condemn a beautiful young talent to the ranks of the dustbin. I saw someone write here a couple of days ago that Aaron wouldn’t even get in Swansea’s team. What tosh.
He’s 21, he’s must still be getting over the mental scars of a horrendous double leg break and he is going to be one of THE great players in the world game over the next decade. I’m looking forward with great enthusiasm and hope of the required longevity to witness every one of these years.
That’s some game going on at Old Toilet.
That’s a great result for us at Utd.
It means that City will almost certainly still be in the title hunt when they play Newcastle in a couple of weeks’ time.
Tevez time, lads and lassies?
Good call N7.
Still looks like there could be quite a few twists to come before this season is done.
8Ball.
What?
Do we all have to bugger off and play golf?
N7: I was just thinking the same thing. This result will hopefully be a good one for us too.
The more I think about it, the more I feel that three points from our last three may very well be enough to keep Newcastle behind us and could even be enough for third. NUFC only have one more home game and that is the one v ManCity – and their away games are Wigan, Chelsea and Everton and I can easily see them lose at least two of them. Three points would also mean that Sp*rs need nine points from four games (I’ll ignore the goal diff for now, we are only a few goals ahead of them) which is of course entirely possible but still difficult for them. Chelsea would need ten points which is again very possible but also difficult. And while Chelsea have three at home and one away, the away game is at Anfield.
I have to say that the one point that I was rather disappointed with yesterday just seems better and better the more I think about it. It was, potentially, extremely important. We can still finish as low as sixth, but the situation is much, much better than I had realised. While seven points secures third no matter what the other teams do (save for Newcastle scoring shitloads of goals), I’d say there is a rather good chance that we will not need that much at all.
Lars
Spot on.
I don’t want to foster complacency, but I said on the blog last night that I reckon four points will do us for third.
All four teams in the mix are rather crawling towards the finish, bar Newcastle, who have an awful run-in.
We should still be looking to beat Stoke, of course, but given form I would be extremely surprised if any of our challengers take maximum points.
Good thinking and a good summary, Lars. We need to have a “three wins mind-set” though from our last three games to go out in the style that our best performances have demonstrated the heights that this team can achieve. A big psychological boost for next season. We don’t want to see this squad, sadly depleted as it is, limp over the line.
Pep Guardiola sounding very defensive and ruffled in the post match interview last night. “Now we focus on retaining the CL”. I don’t think they will.
Also, sad to see Cesc becoming a squad player over there. Bad decision, young man. You should have ignored all of the DNA horse-shit.
BtM.
Hard to see where he will play once David Villa returns.
But, he made his bed….
As for the run in, well the Sp**s hope’s are sinking faster then the Titanic, a hilarious turn around in fortunes.
Tottenham’s recent poor run of Premier League form – only one win in their last nine matches – is the fault of their paper-thin squad, says boss Harry Redknapp. “We had what we had today and that was all,” Redknapp said after losing 1-0 at QPR on Saturday.
Wot woz that, ‘arry?
‘aven’t you got enuff triffik lads?
You certainly changed your tune, wasn’t it your badself, Monkeyboy and Fanny Fart who were biggin’ it up in the rags a few short months ago about strength indepth?
I can’t see Chelsea under any circumstances catching us, so that only leaves Newcastle to be scared of and as I’ve said before, they’re the only ones I really fear.
BtM @ 50, well said, I never even considered the international captain aspect of things on Aaron’s side. I’m sure Jack’s got it in him, but he is 2 years younger than Aaron, and he’s got the likes of Rooney in the running for the Captaincy, not impossible but not easy either, whether Rooney manages to ever control his temper will be the deciding factor.
And it didn’t escape me, all of the lads in the red & white should be supported, its done wonders for Djourou as of late, and it will do Ramsey a world of good. We have to remember, he’s going back to the cause of his current lack of form next Saturday, I’m hoping and praying that the amazing away Gooners will bolster him up with their cheers, I’ll be doing the same next week. For someone of his age to come back from a leg break how he has, he must have the mental strength required to be a future captain of the Arsenal, I remember reading something about him not being the most outspoken or loud Welsh Captain but his words carry authority to his team-mates, respect to him.
Will look for those interviews on Arsenal Player when I get on a Computer
And I’m looking forward to MOTD 2 tonight for the Man Utd – Everton highlights, going to be a cracker I think!
Waiting for the Citeh game to come on here. Fox Soccer has four nobodies who give weekly dissertations on roast pig. Warren Barton (Who?) has the opportunity to wow an unknowing US public with stories of when Kenny Dalglish was his manager.
One of these clowns just voted Aguera the PFA striker of the year “I’m a bit unhappy with Van Persie because of that hand-shake thing”. Begs the question, “Who gets to vote for these PFA writers awards?” Ian In The Dark mentioned in his commentary yesterday that HE gets to vote. WHAT?
Lars @ 56, you always know what to say
BtM @ 58, its do-able, even without Arteta, the lads have to clse ranks and play for each other again for those last 3 games, the away games especially.
BtM/H2H @ 59/60, sad but true
We said he shouldn’t go to sit on the bench and he did. Its like he’s not valued at all there, or that he’s not as not valued as he once was here.
H2H @ 61, :lol :’)
I’ll remind the Ramsey doubters about what we were saying about Song at a similar age and experience. We have become so used to the endless supply of outstanding young talent coming up through the ranks that we tend to forget that these players are still learning the game and need experience to become the finished product.
Also Song and Arteta struck a relationship in midfield that was unexpected. Song and Ramsey don’t have that chemistry, nor have had many games to establish it. Ramsey looks a better player when he is playing as the forward midfielder, the role Rosicky has grabbed with both hands this season. The Welshman’s challenge is going to be fighting Wilshere for that position. A fully-fit squad with Song, Diaby, Wilshere, Coquelin, Arteta and Ramsey plus Frimpong, Rosicky and possibly Benayoun to fill the midfield, with the Ox able to drop back and Santos to move forward, has plenty of both depth and quality.
BtM: “that handshake thing”??? What handshake thing would that be? Didn’t he shake Clive Allens hand either?
I think he’s refering to that non-event with Caldwell after the Wigan game.
Not shaking CA’s hand would probably have got him more points.
Re: H2H @55: If the alternative is Balotelli time I hate to think what our behavior should be?
H2H: well, that’s just ridiculous, innit?
I like Ramsey, but this is the guy I’d chose to succeed RvP (not for a while though ofcourse);
http://news.arseblog.com/2012/04/vermaelen-ive-become-a-real-gunner/
8ball, neither do I mate, but I’d rather go golfing then set fire to my house, so Tevez time it is.
Lars, it is indeed and justifies BtM’s (and anyone elses) distain towards those no-marks.
Cut Me And I Bleeed Red – ON White – FACT!!!
IF your gonna get yourself a dodgy foriegn owner (that’s not racist do-gooders, plenty of foriegnars are dodgy and forigen – FACT!!! – DON’T BELIEVE ME!?! Well just look at how many of ‘em are banged-up ALL OVER the world in foiregn jails abroad, then!), get one
PREPARED TO PUMP PETROL dollars – THAT they’ve had to go out and earn with there own bear hands (manning the pumps and wiping window screens themselves in the early days – I herd) – INTO YOUR CLUB – IMHO! That way they’ll KNOW THE VALUE OF A POUND NOTE and WILL SPEND IT WISELY!!! Blue moon rising – beware Wolves – NO HOWLERS!!!
Classic LeG Rash.
Very funny, LG. You are another very worthy addition to the Goonerholic hall of fame.
Massive heh @LeG Rash!
LegRash
Sweet Lycanthropy references *wipes tear* :’)
Have to say, I’m extremely concerned that Rooney will leapfrog RvP in the race for the golden boot.
It’s 27 to 26 now…
RvP deserves it, I’ll be very disappointed if he doesn’t get it.
Oh dear Liverpool now 1-0 down and to top it off Nutsri just scored
Looks like the chinless lesbo has just secured three points for the merc citeh.
Thank you for the kind ones Gents…IF (a big if, I know) I was the sort of desperate knob-head who SPOUTED a lot of old BULLSHIT SPITE-FILLED PANDERING BOLLOX to get his fragile, needy, shallow, desperate ego fed – in short – someone flattered by flattery – then I WOOULD BE FLATTERED, beleive ME! BUTT I’M NOT!!!
All I’m doing – as you well know – IS calling IT like I see IT!!! FACT !!!!! ANYTHINK else would SIMPLY be a DEMOLITION of MY DUTY to my FELLOW ARSENAL FANS AND so UNFUKKINACCEPTABLE!!! FACT – SQUARED!!!
I’m happy for City to win today. And against Man U.
I don’t care who wins the league but I want them to be motivated against Newcastle.
Otherwise they’ll most probably lose that game.
Totally agree with you at 77 Snir.
I didn’t realise he was that close, and when they mentioned it…
It might boil down to United getting penalties while we don’t.
If we’d had all the legitimate penalties we should have had, I think RvP would already be over 30.
Nas*i must not be allowed to win the league.
He’s insignificant, H2H, I couldn’t give less of a fuck.
Newcastle will probably beat Citeh anyway, the mercs are pretty crap away from middle eastlands against teams who are willing to give it a go.
Ollie surely N@sri is significant if you have to count chances missed?
I could Ollie, because if he wins he will feel vindicatated and believe his own lie that he left us to win medals and not for the stinky pile of petro dollars that we all know he craved.
Let him believe his own lie. We don’t believe it.
Have to say ill be extremely disappointed if we sold Song.
O.K Ollie mate.
===
I see Woy got wevenge on the Mickey’s. They’re almost as laughable as the LWC’s (I said almost)
And bye bye Wolves, hope the ‘holic grandson isn’t too disapointed.
On the brightside, that maybe the wake up call needed to push him into the warmth of goonerdom
I’m with Ollie, I don’t give a rat’s dropping about Nasri in the grand scheme of things. He’ll be a cunt anyway, winning the league or not.
LG@72:
Liverpool’s points total is closer to Wolves’ than to that of either of the Mancs. Good job they didn’t start the season having splashed big money on overrated star names. Oh…
He’s standing on the shoulder of the last defender (surely that’s a foul?!?)
SG: I would really love to see a few seasons of a midfield of Song, Diaby and Wilshere in their pomp.
Studs in the collarbone definitely a yellow, AL.
Fortunately Ned – the ref hasn’t seen it and blown up…leaving the last man for dead and bending his run into the box
Atkinson missed it, so play goes on…………….
shins it
Well in AL.
heh; they all count, well played AL
And in – ta gents – looks like we got away with it, though the video review panel might have something to say about the studs up stuff – unless Atkinson decides to say he did see it but didn’t think it was your actual serious foul play
Well in, AL. Hope there is no retrospective disciplinary inquiry. I think killing an opponent counts as unsporting conduct, but there is probably an FA rule that permits it providing the referee’s assistant has half seen it but feels the corpse wasn’t interfering with play.
Heh @ Leg Rash
Man Utd fans on suicide watch on 5 live. Heh again.
I meant outpaced him Ned – rather than outsourced him. Well, at least that’s what I’ll be telling the disciplinary committee anyway…as so often with these things it’s merely a question of intent and interpretation – no?
Holic said: “Most were also confused at Chelsea’s lack of ambition.”…Well that’s because most don’t realize that the Chavs are now scared of us! The hoodoo that they had over us is broken – and they know it…so they know that if they come out at us they know that we have the measure of them and that they will get beaten. It’s as simple as that..
Thank you Spurs for being so shit. Otherwise last week would have been very costly.
Rest RvP for Stoke please. Theres no point in playing a knackered striker against those monsters. Rather have Chamakh and Diaby start.
Sajit.
I get where you’re coming from, but even if RvP’s chocolate leg fell off I still think AW would let him hop around the field rather then start with Chamakh.
He just seems to have lost all faith in the Moracan, otherwise why would he bring on Diaby, Santos and Flipper when we were crying out for a goal on Saturday?
Sadly its the lower tear for Wolves. I’m glad in a way. If they stayed up it would put BIG MICKs nose out of joint and he don’t deserve that! FACT!!!IMHO!!!!!
If he has to play RvP atleast give him support of another striker in Chamakh or something.
A tired RvP upfront alone is just not going to work and we know that.
For Chelsea, I thought Wenger got his subs spot on.
We needed a presence in midfield..We were much better once Diaby came on. Gervinho was forced and finally Santos – coz quite frankly Ox was shit yesterday.
Stoke is probably the only team in the Premiership against whom we can still play Chamakh.. He has to justify his 60k per week wages .
Cheers Lars, BtM, NBN, LeG, Ollie, Wind, Snir et al for some very enjoyable back-drinking and welcome Frank.
Like others here, I believe we’re just a few points from enjoying yet another St.Totts day and finally seeing the good ship Tottanic sink for yet another season. Is it me or have they all done a fire drill back to the shadows?
Cheers all.
Oops! Forget to mention H2H above. Keep those drinks coming fella
For all those welcoming Pedantic George you just wait until he and Snir get entangled in an argument (its bound to happen trust me!) then you will all be begging to borrow my nails – join the line. Oxon then H2H have first dibbs (0;
Heh! Dr.z @ 105. I hear the switchboards at The Samaritans in Surrey are melting with new callers
Liverpoo v. WBA, Everything about it rings of mid-table mediocrity.
Despite rumors going around that Rooney is PFA player of the year.
RvP has won it.
Robin has been sensational. Would have been a joke if anyone else won it.
Congratulations to Robin !!!
For the ladies in the bar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eGGgQW2V-k
cin-cin
Bravo Robin, great news. I got a strange feeling that he may score at least 5 goals in the last 3 games as a result of this award.
For anybody who doesn’t saw Vela’s goal yet, here it is..
http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/carlos-vela-golazo-v-villarreal/
He is stil red and white in my book.
Cheers TS.
====
Gefeliceteerd Robin!!!!
Great goal@121, nice foot work@ 120! Goodnite all.
Robin got my vote after THAT volley against Everton.
Hope this results in him finding his mojo again for the next 3 games. It would be a bit galling if thatch-head ended up scoring more league goals than him.
Anyway, congratulations Robin. I hope Gary Caldwell voted for you.
Great write up holic. I think the title said it all. What is it with these early kick offs???? Some great comments above as well.
I thought we were poor in a poor game. W lacked any invention, ideas or creativity. We were so slow at times and the movement off the ball was as poor as I can remember. It was so static. I thought a draw was a fair result because quite simply no team deserved to win it. The first 80 mins were like a testimonial. We had a major opportunity to take three points today and it was almost like we just could not be arsed. Very disappointing indeed.
We suffered today with having no real strength in depth. We have got away it in recent weeks but against wigan and today we just have not cut it. RVP can’t buy a goal at the moment. It tells you a lot when the way we try and get a winner is to bring on a left back and play him in midfield.
People have rightly praised Kos but I also think TV player well. The centre backs both linked well. I thought Ramsey battled well and it was pleasing to hear his name sung several times. Sadly not a lot else to shout about and at times I thought Song was Chelski’s best player.
I agree with those that say we have 3 massive games ahead. We are capable of winning all three and more than capable of losing all three. I really do not buy this rest RVP stuff. The only other credible goal threat we have left comes from two centre backs at set pieces. We need Robin to re-discover his form and give us 3 more games. Time to bin any complacency once and for all.
Also agree re Diaby. He could be the one player who can add some creative spark that will be very much needed. I would also love to see Le Coq get a run out. I think we have missed someone with his energy.
3 left so 3 to win. Let’s do it.
A late Evening All,
have done as much back-drinking as time would allow, so just a few impressions (not Tommy Cooper though), as ever, rather than a match report.
Had a wave at ‘Holic, AL and other unidentified bodies from the wrong side of The Tollie railings, as the daughter was called into my squad very late on Friday evening after an unexpected ticket became available.
Then bumped into True Storey on Hornsey Road – what were the chances – on the way to the stadium.
This is what this blog does, you see – makes you feel part of it all in an era when much of the game has become so remote from the fans.
Very pleased to see Aaron Ramsey enjoy a much improved second half, which was far from guaranteed after a bit of a stuttering first half performance.
Santos looks quite simply a natural footballer, if not a natural defender, and his easy Brazilian beach style may prove a real bonus in a midfield that is currently starved of some creativity.
Diaby, I thought, made an excellent contribution, considering the length of time he has been out – again. There is a tremendous player in there, just waiting to be freed from the shackles of continuous injury.
The Ox carried the ball well, for the most part, before being brought down by the next Chav$ki player waiting to avoid a yellow card. When he starts more regularly he will stop trying to impress quite so hard and undoubtedly become a brilliant player for it.
So we now have Wilshere, Arteta and Walcott all out for the rest of the season.
If someone can just smuggle the CMC (Uppers version) into the training ground over the next three weeks, we may just make it. A few of the players are looking knackered and like they “need a little bit the beach”.
Snir –
I know you are a passionate chap who dearly loves The Arsenal.
Like many others, you, we, feel betrayed by those who turn their backs on the club that we would all give our right arms to play for.
But, you cannot seriously hate Cesc Fabregas?
He came to Arsenal as a child, and over the next seven years began to feel that he wanted to return home, to be among his own friends and family, as surely anyone who had moved to a foreign country at such a young age would do.
The manner of his moving was not ideal, but neither was it under his control.
I don’t believe he lost his class as soon as he left. He has done, and continues to restate his love of Arsenal.
I don’t admire any player who dives / play-acts / cheats, and it would be much better if he refrained from doing so.
But hate him? Certainly not.
I also agree that he has gone, and we should all just move on. But if it doesn’t work out for him at Barcelona and, one day in the not too distant future, we read that he is returning, fully motivated, to The Arsenal, tell me you would not be just a little bit excited.
Bust-up between Adebayor and Twitchy…
How surprising…
Lol
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4271858/Fabrice-Muamba-I-asked-God-to-protect-me-he-didnt-let-me-down.html
This is what this blog does, you see – makes you feel part of it all in an era when much of the game has become so remote from the fans.
Not just this blog, Trev, but a very valid point nonetheless. The social aspect is an increasing influence on me continuing to come to matches. Yesterday after the game I had chats with some really great people.
The passion around the battle cruiser is infectious.
Need a little bit the beach.
Our boys are not the only ones, I can say from a personal perspective.
It is really comical, it shows How England as a nation fell behind when it comes to producing decent managers. This useless mug has been hailed as a genious. You simply can’t make it up .
http://fourfourtwo.com/blogs/fourfourtwoview/archive/2012/04/04/meeting-zlatan-the-football-league-s-top-50-amp-king-arry-s-managerial-merry-go-round.aspx
Sunday Factoid: It seems that RvP has got previous. Guess we shouldn’t be worried then…
July 8, 2009: After several months of talks and with his existing deal entering its final year, signs a new four-year contract.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2133540/Robin-van-Persie-wins-PFA-Players-Player-Year-award.html#ixzz1soiqFTgY
Congratulations captain! Much deserved. Now a handful of goals in the last three matches to secure third spot and the golden boot…
Looking at the PFA team of the season, Scott Parker ahead of Song or (or even, given that Ya Ya is already in the team) Arteta ?? Interesting choice.
Also, am i just biased or Koscielny should really be in place of Coloccini as well?
Steve @ 125: Unlike many others I think to avoid even the remotest chance of despair (not securing the 3rd position) we must win the next two matches and then see where we stand. If other teams have dropped points by then, fine, we go to the final match with no pressure. But the idea of having to play an away match (against a well-organzied team that will have no pressure for and hence may play with verve and enthusiasm) on the final day with a minimum target is something that doesn’t completely fill me with conviction. If we have to make that happen because of other teams enjoying a mini-run or a few lucky breaks, fine, but we shouldn’t put ourselves in that position.
And next two games are eminently winnable — notwithstanding the injuries and RVP’s drop in form — if we can play the pressing game with focus, urgency and tactical discipline.
With you on Diaby and Coquelin, I think both could play vital roles in these crucial games. Coquelin was playing really well before the hamstring injury and his relative versatility can come in handy.
Great post Holic, and great drinks by the usual suspects.
I caught the match in a pub surrounded by boisterous Chelski and Manure fans and I was a little miffed that we didn’t come away with three points but there you go. It seemed like a weird low-key affair for both teams. After it ended I started watching the Bolton match and fell asleep in the pub with 2 Guinnii in front of me.
Last night I caught a couple of the big games, ordinarily I HATE watching any Man U game but something told me to watch that one. I was not disappointed. Seeing their smug faces turn into masks of despair was epic. Happy that the ref didn’t get conned by their diving antics in the box and fair play to Everton, who I have a soft spot for (despite their seedy past). I’m torn now, I wanted Man City not to win the League to spite Nasri et al, but watching that match just made me remember how much I hate Fergie and his bunch of mouthbreathing pissflaps…Meh
Anyway, I’m really happy for RVP and his PFA award. Let’s hope he continues excelling with us. Praying that we regroup and help him win the Golden Boot as well.
I read Sajit’s post about resting RVP for Stoke and it seems to make sense. But I feel like if he was forced to rest when so close to reaching a new peak in his career he might be so livid he could leave. Hoping for the best here, i.e. that he scores a couple and Ramsey gets on the scoresheet as well and hits the Brittania some double Vs all the way back the centre circle…
Also for the record I’m in the middle of Snir and Steve about how I feel about Cesc and Barca.
Cesc gave us a lot of himself but he also put us in a lot of shit by forcing his way out and getting us to undersell him. I also suspect that he got his friends in Catalan to help with their endless annoying interviews and it affected the entire club’s performances for maybe a year and a half in the process.
But, I don’t think him about him at all, or feel regret when I see him in a Barca shirt. I don’t bear him any ill will but I must admit my extreme dislike of Barcelona does make me enjoy their current suffering…
I will never forget that goal against the LWCs though. One of the best goals we scored against the scum, up there with the rest of the amazing goals down the years…
Oh and LeG Rash wins my vote for Character of the Season award
Well said CoR@ 137
He gets my vote too, CoR
We need to beat those Orc cunts. If we win there 3rd is guaranteed in my eyes
Three Spuds players in the PFA Team of the Season – you can tell these votes were done at the end of February!
Well done Mr Captain Robin van Persie for your PFA Player of the Year Award, doing the club proud, I knew there was no way Shrek would get his stinking breath all over it like black fog
Now its time for him to use the award as a spring board to secure 3rd place for us and the Golden Boot for himself
And I thought that Diaby was a relevation for us on Saturday, but I’m not sure I want him to feature against Stoke at all, if there was ever a place where someone with his injury problems could be afflicted again, it would be at the Britannia. Stadium
Dear BBBs:
Stat of the week from Twitter:
Number of consecutive years top 4 finish (approaching): 16
Number of top 4 finishes between WWII and Wenger: 15.
Now fuck off.
I can’t believe Scott Parker got in that lineup. Maybe it’s because he has hero hair? I remember reading this writeup about the perception of players and how different it can be from the facts…
It’s a little old but here’s a link to it http://desigunner.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/on-scott-parkers-talents-and-related-misconceptions/
I don’t expect any crazy violence in the Stoke game actually. Last few times we played them we were the more aggressive teams I thought. I’m actually very interested to see how the Potters treat Ramsey this time around. Do you think they’ll boo him again?
teams=team
CoR
I’m afraid they will, (boo AR) that’s what classless pondscum sucking, mouth breathing, cock smoking invertebrates do.
Good day to you all from a wet and gloomy West Friesland. (Monday Morning Meh)
Getin Robin…
That bit ‘holic quotes @ 130 Trev – beeeeeaaaauuuuutifully put
COR re LG too kind – right back atchyer re Shaft with the ‘tache nicking best support (or should that be the other way round) shurely.
And while one’s on a luvvy ‘holic nominations thingy – the Feelgood stuff – slipped in, no fanfare or nuffink, and never less than super-fine.
‘holic’s sets the standards – on the words front and otherwise – and so many – too many to mention – fine contributors here fill their Arsenal supporting football boots. Back to what Trev said best @ 126
UREDS!
pardon “‘holic sets the standards” … i’m a little overcome with the emotion of the occasion *blows hooter hard into hanky*
Who’s Hooter??
‘Ere that wasn’t me that said the above – that was that other MUG I have to share a thingy with. And THE IDIOT posted under my handle.
Eff the lot of you I SAY. Call yourselfs so-called supporters – you’ve got it consistently wrong on here ALL SEASON – check mate!
UNDER Arsene so-called Wenger – that mad misguided clueless (Clouseau – get it?) MENTAL continental we’re consistently RUBBISH – and it’s not just me and some stats that I’m not allowed to make public that say so!!! FACT!
The bring back BRUCE RIOCH campaign starts write hear, write NOW!!!
IF (a big if, I know) he’d been allowed to finish the job HE STARTED imagine how DIFFERENT the last 15 years would have been. AND he WAS English – captaining Scotland notwithstanding!!!
Morning ‘Holics,
Good stuff, well said Trev @ #126. What an incredible coincidence it was bumping into you of all people on the road twixt Tollie and HoF
‘Holic, equally well said at #130.
Good Mondays and weeks to you all.
*Wiping Hooter clean*
CG @ 148 – this is a soloman occasion – no need for that sort of trash talk…
Great report Holic , and a pleasure to see most of the usual suspects in The Tollie .
Can’t really add much to what’s already been said . Thought our two hits against the woodwork in the first half flattered us . Thought we were better second half , without ever really threatening to nick a win . Thought Diaby did very well when he came on , Gervinho not far behind . Was fairly mystified by the Santos for Ox substitution , and completely bewildered by Chelsea’s negative attitude on the day .
Biggest cheer of the day was in The Tollie afterwards when Rangers scored . Tried to lead the masses in a rousing rendition of “Liar Liar” at that point . It was , sadly , another epic fail . I’m beginning to doubt that this song will ever become a terrace classic .
Just time thereafter to discuss the possibility of a podcast with AL . Think our proposed title of “Le Grove are Cunts ” might need tweaking though
Pedantic George and Frank Frank – Nice to have you here .
LegRash @various – Hilarious . Double FACT .
Good stuff Trev .
With you all the way Mr Tabs.
Seen the cunt this morning, talking about Aaron wetting the bed?
Proper mature from the keyboard warrior. That site is an utter embarrassment to Arsenal supporters.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-i-hope-diaby-can-help-us-now
Considering he was ill, that was actually a decent shift from TR7.
I listened to tabs a long time ago about Le Grove, probably viewed that site twice in total, was able to percieve it for what it was (a crock of shit) when I started reading from Newsnow Arsenal.
Can I please be a guest on the Podcast referred to @ 153.
“He’s got Doc Marten boots on……”
Don’t be so modest, tabs. You admitted it yourself, ‘liar liar’ got a better reception than on the previous outings.
Admittedly that isn’t saying much
Trev @ 126, Such a delightful entry, a real pleasure to read.
tabs @ 153 – As you’ve moreorless said afore – ent it funny how all the BEST ideas occur when a chap has a belly full of beer!!! Reckon you’re right re the tweaking too…
How about – “Pedocast – adrift, the c*nt!” Erm – nah…still needs work
Old – They are dreadful to the very core of their being . Pedro seemed to think he could have a drink in the Tollie after the Villa game with normal Arsenal fans . It wasn’t long before he was disabused of that notion .
Dr F @157 – Of course ! Recording in the Tollie after about 9 pints
Ollie – sadly all too true .
AL @160 – I fear you might be right
As for the title , what about Tollie Brolly Folly ?
Trev – please read my posts again.
I didn’t say I hate Cesc even once. I said that I think he’ll return one day and I’ll be chuffed if he does.
I also totally understand him wanting to go back home, as an Israeli living in the states. There is nothing I want more than to live close to my family, friends, and countrymen who have a mentality similar to mine.
But fuck Barca, fuck Cesc merely means he’s not important anymore so he doesn’t have that special value anymore, so while he isn’t like every Barca player he still isn’t an Arsenal player and won’t get my love and I won’t feel sorry for him (which is what triggered this discussion).
Always loved him, but he is not TH, so my love to him was contingent on being an Arsenal player.
Tollie Brolly Follies.
Like it.
Closely followed by the Jelly Belly Fellies *
*Scottish for fellows
Well, a fair few of us have had a few of them ‘neath them brollies, and – erm, a fair few o’ them an’ all…
Snir,
It will suit Arsenal and therefore us, for Barcelona to go through tomorrow.
Ollie knows. (Although he may have only shared the knowledge on Twitter – don’t have time to back drink).
So Barcelona, tomorrow, Snir – Show them the love
The LWCs’ inquest into their shit result at the weekend appears to be in full swing.
In fact, they may well have tracked down the source of their crap performance:
http://www.tottenhamhotspurs.tv/forum/players-lounge/27663-qpr-hoardings.html
Heh, Tollie Brolly Follies – that’s the name nailed on right there! First recording to start about two hours after Norwich next Saturday?
N7, I don’t want to tarnish my shiny new laptop by clicking on a link which takes me to the home of that lot, so what does it say?
tabs@161: so he was told to leave? That’s great stuff.
So, it being St George’s day, you lot will know a thing about dragon-slaying, right?
Roxette ain’t yer run-of-the-mill dragon, mind.
Did I imagine it , or were people telling me late on saturday that there had been a bit of a brawl in the Tollie garden with a Chav interloper ?
Really gutted I was inside watching the LWC’s and missed the opportunity to shout “Fight! Fight! Fight!” in the manner of Julian Clary .
Lars @169 – In a manner of speaking
zico@170:
Lars@ 168
It’s some muppet suggesting they got beat by QPR because the stadium hoardings were carrying an advert for the Sun with Muamba’s name on it, which obviously reduced all their players to quivering emotional wrecks.
Entirely deliberate on QPR’s part, and apparently the club need to contact the FA to lodge a formal complaint.
God knows how they’ll manage the next time they come to ours for a fixture. The mere sight of the word “Emirates” will surely trigger some terrible flashbacks to the humping they got last time they ventured down from their dilapidated sh!thole.
@ 171
Replace “fight” with “pint” and you can be as Julian Clary as you like
N7: ah, and they say we have bad excuses when we lose…
With all due respect to those that disagree , anyone who doesn’t want Chelsea to get absolutely spanked by Barca must be barking mad . So many reasons to want Barca to win :-
1. If Chelsea somehow sneak through , their winning the Champs League becomes a real possibility . In those circumstances , we are at best consigned to a qualifying game , and at worst might miss out altogether .
2. With Chelsea going out , the possibility of them giving Newcastle a proper game increases .
3. With Chelsea going out , we would all get to look upon the Russian gangster’s face as he contemplates his colossal failure in laying down any kind of groundwork for sustained success rather than the short-term fix he always opts for .
4. This year is I’m sure , John Terry’s last crack at it . Without winning it , he will always be haunted by dreams of his penalty shoot out miss , dreams so horrendous that they won’t even be assuaged by the bedroom tickles of his colleagues’ wives . This thought makes me happy .
5. Drogba’s cheating will not be vindicated .
6. Cashley Hole .
7. Fuck Buck !
Come on Barca !
@175
tabs@177: could not agree more. There are absolutely no reasons for hoping Chelsea don’t get knocked out and preferrably well and truly tonked in the process tomorrow. But I do fear Chelsea getting an early goal on a breakaway and Barca then choking when they have to chase goals, they simply aren’t anywhere near as good this season as the last one. They really, really miss David Villa and perhaps Xavi has passed his peak too. In my eyes he was pretty much crap (well, compared to his own previous high standard, that is) in the game at the bus stop.
can’t get the android thing to work #luddite
Lars @179 , Couldn’t agree more . Really fearful that the Chavs might nick it . Every chance that they’ll score , and I fear Barca might struggle to score three , given the Chav’s propensity to park the Bus , and Barca’s own falling off in form . We need Messi (or the Ref) to have a stormer .
I feel safe with Gibbs at leftback,though some backup would be good.Santos probably happier up the field.Was playng the bergkamp role at one point on Saturday.Has Park been murdered? No -one seems to know where he is.
If it’s any consolation, UEFA will also be fretting that their pets, Madrid and Barcelona are not already guaranteed to be in the final.
I expect their officials will do their duty when on Spanish soil.
I think Arsene has shut that door on Park Larry .
Following on from Tabs’ post.
Tim Stillman put it very succintly on Twitter; if you’re having any doubts as to who to support, repeat this phrase repeatedly, “John Terry, Champions League winner”
tabs@181: yeah, for once I wouldn’t complain if Barca got a couple of soft penalties… but I think there is a great risk that the ref will instead be very reluctant to give them any penalties considering all the talk about the decisions that have been going their way lately.
larry grayson: the only problem with Gibbs is his brittleness. If he could stay fit for longer periods we would have no problems at all in that position. I think he is a better player than Clichy was and ever will be, but that is of little use if you can only play a total of 15-20 games per season.
Hope so Dr Z .
Catalan@185: if those words from Mr Stillman are not enough to persuade anyone in doubt, then there is no hope!
N7/tabs @ 174/177,
especially tabs’ point #4, delicious food for thought for the mind 
“repeat repeatedly”…. sorry, in advance, Ollie!!
Dr C , heh , he’s a good writer that Stillman . Succint and on the money .
Lars , I really hope you’re right . Hoping here that John Terry gets a red card in the tunnel pre-game for no other reason than being a racist . Mind you , if the Ref applies that sort of criteria , he’ll have to expel all the travelling Chavs and a huge percentage of the home support as well .
A salient reminder to All .
It is never wise to forget to put on your Speedoes !
http://yfrog.com/h0p6nuclj
Sorry, can’t see any chance for Chelsea to win it, even if they reach the final.
Barking mad then, @ 192.
And 193.
Snir, I wouldn’t have Chel$ki near any final if I could interfere, especially the Champions League Final since they are fluke artists and were only undone by John Terry’s cuntery causing gravity to latch onto his bonce and pull him to the ground as he kicked that ball back in ’08
B*rca, do the bloody business at home please!
Snir, just like you could not see us drop points v Wigan, you mean?
Or just to add another reason to Tabs list @ 177 (with your kind permission good sir):
Anyone who has even the remotest degree of appreciation or respect as to how the game should be played – should be screaming their lungs out for Barca.
Yes – I despise the media manipulation, the public tapping up of players and the simulation that they’re capable of as much as anyone else – but these are all problems that need to be addressed by the administrators. No-one can take away from Barcelona the beautiful way they actually play the game. That is something that every team should aspire to, including ourselves. Any team can park the bus. You don’t need to spend £800m to learn how to do that. Tony Pubis could teach you how to do that for a fiver!
Lars – To be honest, my dad and I have been predicting results this season and I’m on more than 60%
But I just don’t see it happening.
It’s a neutral venue with both teams focused to the maximum. Vastly superior ability should prevail in this case.
Ok bang, gang.
Joe – Once again.
I’m not a fan of the game.
I’m a fan of Arsenal.
Of course I would want us to play the game the right way, but that doesn’t mean I have to “scream my lungs out for them” (regardless of whether Chelsea is the opponent or not) simply because of that fact when they clearly disrespected The Arsenal.
They can shove their style of play up their arse for all I care.
No one disrespects The Arsenal and gets my support or me to “scream my lungs out for them.”
Snir, but it’s only 90 minutes – luck can play a huge part in a single game.
But let’s hope that Barca makes sure that is nothing more than an academical discussion.
Whoa, nice double century, Zico!
tabs 171, there was a brawl with somebody who claimed that somebody else was a Chelsea interloper.
Landlady confirmed though that he wasn’t a Chelsea interloper.
Good evening all. Good to see the usual suspects in situ.
TaBS, said brawl was one drunken swing. Handbag, rather than handbags. There was nothing to see. Move along.
The constabulary were impressively quick on the scene.
Anyone engaging in that nonsense after the welcome we get from Martin, Lou and the gang every other week deserves to be carted off.
Hello Holic. Hello Holics. Hope all is well in the Goonerverse….On a slow day here is something to make you smile: http://youtu.be/6D7rWLzloOI
Did anybody mention meeting someone who knew Lars in the Tollie?
Well he’s your president, apparently, Lars (as in ‘of the Swedish Supporters Club’).
‘holic, the constabulary wasn’t so much ‘quick on the scene’ as ‘happening to be driving around just at that moment’ (I am amazed that I was still in a state to recall all Louise said, I had obviously completely forgotten about the whole incident until tabs mentioned it above though)
There was a good bunch of American Gooners too.
Ollie: ah, that was Axel, then.
Lad with glasses, he was with Kris Elwe (?), Lars. Good lads the pair of ‘em.
Yes, NYC too. Got to meet Brett Chase. Great fella, easy to chat to.
Evening Ollie
Or maybe he didn’t have glasses. My memory isn’t so hot
Holic, yup – that would have been him. He was one of the chaps you and I bumped into when we were walking from the Tollie to the stadium before Villa at home, by the way. Top blokes, both of them. Kris lives in London and travels to practically every away game as well, I think he’s missed one or two away games all season – including the Champions League ones.
Holic@212: Glasses and often a pretty impressive beard, too
@ 211
I’m sure I got introduced to that Brett chap by Curtis, when I was at the Blind Pig in Manhattan.
Mind you, I got introduced to a few Gooners that day.
And a few glasses of stout as well.
Joe – Yes indeed couldn’t agree more . Some will disagree , (and I recognise that Barca do have some rather despicable chaps playing for them ) , but this Barca side will be lauded for years to come . Like Ajax in the seventies , and to a lesser extent Milan in the nineties , they have broken the mould . They have played football in a way that takes the breath away .
They are , by a million miles , the best side I have ever seen in the flesh . TV does not do their movement and one touch interplay justice . At times they look like they have 20 men on the pitch . All that , and the best player to have ever graced the game (imho) .
How anyone would rather Chelsea win is quite beyond me .
Come on Barca !
Get off that keyboard Wolfie @216 .
Ollie and Holic – re the contretemps , fair enough , was worried that I had dreamt the whole thing up . I had my parasol at the ready if it had escalated .
That would be him indeed with the glasses, ‘holic (always keep to your first impression/memory
).
Axel then, I have to admit I hadn’t caught his name whether he told me or not!
And yes Kris is always there, but probably mostly with the chaps in Garden 2 (or is that Garden 1? Can’t remember how ‘holic named them :p)
No beard at all though!
So let’s recap;
The Chavs are cu*ts.
Barca are cu*ts.
The latter are dispicable, disrespectful, run by bungholes, tippy tappy uppy, corupt Quatar sponsered, dodgy homing DNA having ubertwatspatulers with one redeeming feature….
They are not Chelski.
Heh H2H
To completely change the topic, earlier one rather peculiar thing struck me regarding the ManU-Everton game yesterday:
The away team goes 1-0 up.
The home team makes it 1-1 before the break and then turns it around and cruises their way to a 3-1 lead early in the second half.
The away team gets one back quickly.
The home team restores the two-goal advantage very soon after, play well and come very close to killing off the game with a fifth goal.
The away team then scores twice in about three minutes close to the end to make it 4-4…
Remind you of a derby game at the Emirates a few years ago that we’d rather forget about?
Lars.
I had completely forgotten about it.
Thanks for the reminder. >:O
GT @206. Fucking funny.
Orient vs Brentford Lars ?
tabs: something like that, yes…
We are Garden One.
Akhil and the lightweights are in Garden Two
Ollie @209
Well you say good….
Not one to court controversy:
http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/13324989/dr-feelgood-olympic-sports
Hey all you groovy Gooners . Couple of great links and mouth watering drinks since I last peeked. Joe @ 198 Exactly how I feel about Barca. That being said, when our lads are all fit and on their game, they can take Barca on and win. No doubt in mind. Snir, just to make your nite complete, Juve 4-Roma 0 (smiling).
Even later Evening All,
abb – thanks for your kind words- glad you enjoyed it.
Tabs –
hi mate, good work @177, and @191 “Hoping here that John Terry gets a red card in the tunnel” – nice euphamism!
LeG Rash @ various – thanks for your kind words and brilliant work of your own
zico @229 – great stuff. That robot’s voice swearing is too much!
Lars @222 – thanks a lot, I’d forgotten about that
Catalan –
nearly forgot – “Who’s Hooter?” – a concise Catalan classic
tired legs, illness injury all play their part. what worries me more is the creeping attitude that we turn up at smaller clubs and pick up 3 points automatically.We’ve come acropper twice recently,finish on a high,carry it into next season.
Snir -
I have read your posts again, and it is true that you did not say you “hate Cesc”.
Your @122 (i think) in the previous drinks did say “He represents everything that is evil to me” and “Fuck Barca, fuck Cesc”.
Still a tad strong in my book, old chap, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Apologies for misreading your post though
Trev – that simply means I no longer disconnect him from Barca and he is no longer Cesc for me, but Cesc who used to play for Arsenal but now plays for Barca, meaning he’s one of them, as opposed to TH who was always TH and was always disconnected from that bunch in my eyes. So much so that I was even happy when he scored.
I wanted TH to score and Barca to lose.
I don’t care how Cesc does there.
That’s the main difference.
@220: H2H, brilliant comedic timing!
So, Cesc is no longer Cesc, but TH is, and always will be, TH.
Glad that’s been cleared up, then.
Unfortunately, Squillaci is not Vertonghen.
I can’t believe I am this anxious about a game which doesn’t involve us
I just don’t want the fluky cunts to win this, is Drogba fit?
Morning.
Thanks, Trev above.
RVP – anyone else feel that “the ladies” are goonh yo be a st ring influencie on RVP staying? And Song too.
There Seems to be a really strong social scene amongst the players at the club – TV and Bac involved too, where not only the players, but their wives too are friends.
If you’re happy, enjoying London, and the management is happy too, why disturb it? I do think it’s a big factor.
Coffee for all the usuals. Meths for any unusuals
Is that crystal meth?
@ 232
Robot? That was my best BBC voice
Zico – Must you make a joke out of everything
?
Dr C – I’m certain Bouchra is one of the main reasons RvP will stay.
TV and his girlfriend broke up but yeah, he is very much in their group.
Bouchra also hangs out with Olivia (Song) and Ludivine (Sagna) a lot.
That girl is the skipper of the managements.
RvP will stay. I’m sure of it. The only team that can change his mind is Barca but he’s an intelligent kid and knows we are not that far off from glory.
Buying quick (which is why we need to make sure we don’t need qualifiers for the CL, for the cash needed in order to buy) would show him exactly that we mean business.
Poldi, Mvila (which seems to be the CM you were talking about), Suarez (the guy who broke out the news of his pre-contract was proven right with Gaitan for Fabio, Macheda and 20 million, so I guess he does have some credibility), and Vertonghen would go a long way into establishing a scary squad.
A squad that can challenge with the best of ‘em.
He’s staying.
239: Zico, but fortunately for us, Frimpong is Dench.
@ 243
Of course.
It’s what keeps me sane.
If RVP goes to Juve, I might as well switch my sport to Baseball
Meanwhile, any NBA fans see the elbow on Harden by Ron Artest? What a thug he is!
‘holic, according to blogs today, Almunia’s contract is up this summer.
Joe @ 198, Well said on B*rca. Anyone who wants my thoughts on it so I don’t feel left out, do a me and back-drink to 33
Zico @ 200, one of the most unique centuries I’ve seen since August, well in
Snir, did you predict the assist then?
Wolfie @ 216, again, well said
tabs @ 217, shush
H2H @ 220,
Lars @ 222, I thought the home side was gonna take it, so I never watched it and was at the library/watching the London Marathon from the top deck of a bus
Zico @ 239, you are one of the masters of comedy in this bar *bows elaborately*
Snir @ 243, I still can’t get used to you calling someone your senior a kid
But still, spot on with your hypothesis, I’ve been telling every mug that confronts me over RvP as a last resort that Robin isn’t going anywhere or staying anywhere unless Bouchra says so, simple as that, and it looks like she doesn’t want to disturb the kids/leave her friends, so van Persie should be staying with us onwards and beyond 
. Liking your signings though, Podolski, M.Suarez, Vertonghen, maybe swap M’Vila out for a more central attacking player but on the whole, its good, the 2012/2013 squad is looking good 
Van Persie bags the Football Writers’ Player of the Year Award.
I must say I’m getting increasingly worried that Rooney will pip RvP to the golden boot award.
Afternoon all.
Interesting news regarding RVP’s agent. With 3 games to go in the PL it does look like it’s the business end as far as RVP’s contract is concerned, especially since Wenger wants to finalize contract talks before the Euros. It is therefore imperative that we end this season well, finish third, and by doing so enable ourselves to attract players that can push us to trophy winning heights next season. Hopefully Wenger can convince RVP of Arsenal’s ambition and ability to win trophies next term, and I guess at the end of the day RVP will be a good judge of where this club is heading.
I remember when RVP first signed for us he said of how he was looking forward to winning lots of trophies with AFC. I guess he has realized since that trophies have to be earned the hard way. Nothing will guarantee him winning trophies next year – not Barca, not Real, certainly not Citeh. And I really think RVP wants to win trophies with Arsenal, as shown by his relentless commitment to our cause and his focused performances the past couple seasons.
On to other matters, tonight’s CL game leaves me with a big headache. Tabs at 177 made a good argument, and likewise my head tells me that it is better for us that Chelsea lose tonight. Yet my heart loathes everything Barcelona ever since the whole Cesc saga, and I will be resigned to watch the game tonight with ambivalent feelings. I agree with Snir that Chelsea most probably will not win the CL even if they manage to get to the final, although I do think Bayern will struggle against Chelski if they square up in the final. It would suit me best I guess if Chelski win tonight but both Cashley and JT get red cards and are therefore suspended for the Final, of which they will eventually lose. That would really be somethng.
Lars defo Axel – i actually got chatting to him at HT in the ground. He said he was a Swede, and slightly ashamed – even as i was saying it – i asked “You don’t know Lars do you?” – Thought i might, deservedly, get the old “we don’t all effin know one another, you know” type reply. But he goes “Lars Lundstedt? Yeah” – which made us both chuckle quite a bit. Actually – it was probably the most interesting moment during that game for me.
Forgot about the punch-up in the garden – it was a rotten one, pathetic. As ‘h said the rozzers were on it double-quick, and i think i overheard them actually nicking the participants for incompetence – i may have got that wrong. But truly ’twas piss-poor and pointless all round.
Talking of which – i too am in Camp Nou when it comes to tonight. I hope those boys in blue get smashed by Messi and his Barca posse. Watching the money-launderers seeing out the season with nowt to play for would put a smile on mine.
Comon the Catalans!
Conngrats again to Robin for another award.
Don’t really see much in that Mirror story about him going to Juve. No quotes from anyone that matters, just conjecture and most damningly a “Mirror Exclusive”. YAWN.
Snir – if we get 3rd, Rooney is welcome to the Golden Boot to be honest. It would be a shame, but all that matters now is the league position. Especially as that’s one big key to convincing Van Persie to stay.
Let’s face it, his agent would be seriously useless if he wasn’t talking to other clubs!!
Find out what’s on the table. Make a decision. Hardly a surprise. EXCLUSIVE !!!!!!
Meh.
With the awards in the bag, I am reduced to hoping RvP feels relaxed enough to bang in the goals again now.
Indeed Charlie.
Plus it might give RvP an extra motivation for next season: win that Golden Boot
Charlie – Why does it have to come in place of the Golden Boot?
Why can’t we have both?!
We’ll get third.
Simply because Spurs are shite, and Newcastle have a horrible run-in.
I really do want RvP to get it. He deserves it.
I rest my case.
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/spanish-newspaper-sport-forced-to-change-their-front-cover-today-look-at-puyol-xavi/
The way I see it is like it’s a giant catch 22 plus;
i) We need to finish in third to convince Robin to stay.
ii) We need Robin to score to finish third.
iii) No matter who wins tonight there will still be a bunch of dispicable shitbox tongue punchers in the CL final. (not relavent to the RvP conundrum, but worth pointing out nonetheless
)
RVP to Juventus? ha ha ha. If its Madrid Barca I can beleive it. If he leaves Arsenal then he deserves something better than Juve. But I can see him stay at Arsenal. RVP can play till the age of 34 he is that type of player who does not rely heavily on speed, he is a bit like Bergkamp, he has a lot of technical ability and inteligence to stay in the game much longer than others and for some reason he seems to get stronger as he got older. So I can see him playing another 6 years within that period I believe he has a big chance of lifting a trophy with Arsenal. Its up to Arsenal to show him their plans and future signings that will convince him he can lift trophies as captain with Arsenal. But if there is no ambition from the club then I would not grudge him a move elsewhere as he desrves to be amongst the best and not juventus for sure.
Snir.
Snir, Newcastle’s ‘horrible’ run-in could become rather easy.
-Chelsea qualify against Barça and put all their eggs in that particular basket, rest everyone for the Newcastle game.
-Man City lose or draw against Man U and have practically nothing to play for against the Barcodes.
Oh and err – Bayern to Munick it in the final – please Dennis, if you’re listening
I struggled too, H2H, but fat bellies perhaps, H2H?
Yes, I have a fat belly Ollie.
AL@252: so you ran into Axel at the game? Well, it’s a small world – or at least the microcosm of the Emirates Stadium sometimes is
Ollie@263: exactly my opinion too. Chelsea out tonight and ManCity to win on Monday is what we probably want. Well, apart from winning or our own games, obviously.
Have to say though that I have a bad feeling for tonight
But that’s for later, for now all I want to say is this:
Lunch-time pints all round, please Mr Landlord!
Larsene knows, when to get ‘em in!
Don’t mind if I do Lars, cheers.
* he pours when he wants.
Don’t mind me
Cheers Lars.
271: Who are ye? Who are ye?
There’s more bar-staff than punters in here
Afternoon All
Just popped-in to add my congrats to double winner RVP who picked up the PWA player of the year award too today.
What a shining example he is to young, apsiring players. Contrast with the captain he played against on Saturday.
Oh captain, my captain!
I’m mostly in the bar from the bar, zico. A busmans holiday kind of deal.
Very exciting day to all (giggling). Wenger’coat @261 It’s not FFF, why are you poking fun at my Juve (lol). Zico, just too funny, Rox must adore you! Lars, you have your moments too(laughs). H2H,@ 266, fat bellies make great pillows! Now a riddle. Why is the barkeep being mum on tonite’s game…can’t believe he doesn’t have an opinion(shaking her head).
Have to say Ollie @ 263, thats a great point you make.
I thought Chelsea had to win when they came to the Ems last weekend – and what do they do, put out their B team looking for a point! I can’t help but feel that the Oligarch had a hand in that call. So yeah, if they manage to beat Barca – no doubt Drogba & co will be given a few weeks on the yacht to prepare for the final.
And as for Citeh – who would want to turn up to play the barcodes if your being paid 250k a week when it doesn’t really matter? Its hard enough to get that team of plonkers motivated when it actually does matter if their recent trip to the Ems is anything to go by.
Is it likely that Chelski will win tonight and that Newcastle will still win against Chelski B and Citeh B……?
Then again, is it likely that we’ll take maximum results given the QPR and Wigan, how did Wenger put it, “Blips”..????
That would be 10 “blips” this season or in other words, a 30% loss rate.
Miraculously we find ourselves third.
Very strange season.
Re: H2H @270. I am awed.
_
To supplement my post at #274, there’s a rather splendid FREE video on Arsenal Player which pieces together the highlights of Robin’s incredible season.
The link is on Pravda’s homepage.
It’s the bit where he makes the LWC defence look like the amateurs that they really are which I enjoyed most. Make you own minds up though…
I’ll have a Guinness please Lars, cheers!
UTA!
Arrrghh, organizing my team to go to a big tournament and my Catalan superstar dropped out at the last minute! Life imitating Premiership art?
I have been in oz since 89 ,I’m now reliant on banter ,educated, some times,I do miss the white horse? Is it there still,this is our religion Never leave the faith.who remembers Greg matthews, and 58 000 in north bank v man city.rididing bk in cattle truck from Forrest after Brady free kick.love it still
I didn’t watch the first leg of Chavs vs Barça. I think I still won’t bother watching tonight’s game, but I’ll be fretting, checking score updates very nervously…
I think you should look in tonight Ollie.
You may see John Terry’s head explode – the fix is in.
I didn’t watch the first leg live either, I’m free on Wednesdays and there was no way I was going to sit through that dross, it was obvious before the game that Chelsea were going to employ their brand of anti football. I’ve got the ladies billart club in tonight, which means the fellas will probably want it on the box on the otherside of the bar, so I’ll be able to catch the odd glimpse.
Zico, if JT’s head explodes then let’s not fix it.
Ha! Dr Z!I so hope this happens.
Does that involve ladies playing with balls, H2H?
Snir @ 259,
abb @ 276, correct about the pillows assumption
Ollie @ 283, I’m not gonna watch it either, going to see Frankie Howard’s Good News/Extra at the Hammersmith with some mates, looking forward to the Madrid vs Bayern game tomorrow as well
I’ll have a pint of whatever Arsenal 71 was drinking!
If you mean the Sloaney Poney, then yes, it’s still there. But what’s Gre Matthews got to do with it???
Heh, indeed Ollie.
Balls, sticks, but no pockets.
What’s the feeling on the score in El C*ntico tonight boys and girls?
The hope is something, the feeling is something else. And it won’t change anything to what actually happens……are you presently bored, TS?
A little Ollie. Too much to do so trying to avoid work whilst I think about what i should do first. I know, it’s f*cked up
Heh, it’s a classic, TS.
TS – tsk – worrying about work – sign of an ailing mind.
Think about blue cunts and exploding heads – it works for me
Heh! Dr.z, the perfect cure-meister as always
Did John Terry’s head explode yet?
Ollie – correct me if I’m wrong but we certainly didn’t find it easier when Chelsea rested 8 of their first teamers.
I’m not even sure they’ll beat Wigan away who aren’t out of the danger yet.
Tsk tsk Dr Z – what a bad influence you are…
Here’s my suggestions to help you prioritise TS:
1) Make a ‘To do’ list
2) Asterisk the items that are important and/or urgent
3) Go to the pub
Are (1) and (2) strictly necessary Snowy ? I tend to jump straight to (3)
GOAL prioritised
Thanks Snowy, that clearly worked
*skips to pub in search of blue c*nts*
Played TS, and a fine assist tabs
Think that calls for a round of tequila slammers at the very least…
Well in TS .
I’ve got the salt ….
@ 298 and 299
I find 1 and 3 are the same thing
Heh Zico.
Someone say Tequila?
… and the lemon
Good timing H2H :wink
8 ball @ 296
Not yet.
Know any voodoo?
Is there anybody there?
There is no pain, you are receding Oxon
Oxon
Think they’re all under the table doing slammers.
Lucky old Slammers.
First beer of the evening in the garden sunshine.
Some are doing slimmers, but not Shaft
Hehs @311 and @312
For any still wavering , care of Keith the Gooner …
https://twitter.com/#!/KeithTheGooner/status/194838844166774784/photo/1/large
Come on Barca !
zico@310: you are only coming through in waves…
@ 314
This man, has just received the news that every man dreads
“Sir, your head is about to explode on National Television”
More witty twitty:
For JT: https://twitter.com/#!/ArsenalGent/status/194843249570091008
For Messi:
https://twitter.com/#!/GarethDParker/status/194834027600035842/photo/1
Come on Cesc, do it for Arsene.
Don’t tell me you all are not glued to your tv, cause I won”t believe it. My prediction, Barca wins.
I love you Nurse Abb,
Let me take you away from all this…….
Hey Zico, No Dani Alves! Porque?!
Sorry abb:
a) the game hasn’t started
b) I haven’t turned the telly on and probably won’t.
If I had the budget to buy a TV every week, I might watch some of these cuntfests, but as it is I’d rather keep my screen.
Too much potential for punching the TV.
zico 316, post of the day!
Ollie, aaaah, what to do with you, meh!
Evening all.
Too right nurse. I’ll be watching Barca hopefully win with a Cole own goal in the sixth of five added minutes.
Will post tomorrow night. Possibly something about our opponents on Saturday, possibly a musical one, maybe a reference to this evening’s game, or a celebration of the footballer of the year.
That’s the beauty of blogging. I haven’t got a bloody clue right now what it will be about
@ 320
Alves is a pig?
Who knew?
Holic, Suspect it will be a little of each, with a photo or video included, something for everyone!
What should we say? Forza Barca?
Holic,
If you post ANYTHING about our opponents on Saturday, be prepared for a mass infusion of bottom-feeders from the Potteries spamming the blog.
Could be good sport for us regulars though
Aternativetelly – Miyachi – the real Ryo – in the Bolton side v the Villa 2nite.
Harsha : Força Barça, they’re not Italians
I guess Cahill didn’t learn from Theo.
Cech has got that Krul disease……..
There it is!!
Yes!!!!Goal!!!
Limp Biskit
1-0 Barca. Not the best defending from Cuntley Cunt.
Terry Red ha ha
Heh, his head MUST explode now……
John Terry sees Red, whoopee!!!
HAHAHAHA, JOHN TERRY YOU FUCKING IDIOT!
Non racist John Terry disgraces himself again. Abramovich must be really proud of his multi-million pound investment.
What did I tell you!!!
Does Terry think he can get away with anything, that the rules don’t apply to him?
2
Here’s hoping they got totally rogered.
2-1 barca
I’ve just finished a book.
I then see that Barça are 1-0 up and that Chelsea had a red card.
I then see that the red card was John Terry.
Now I see zico say ’2′. And the update on francefootball says 2-0.
I think I might switch the telly on if the score gets to 4-0.
Please don’t let me down, Barça.
2-2
Fuck, Chelsea score. Barca are quite rubbish at defending.
WTF
Fudge it! Not on my script!
Oh seriously, fuck.
I’ve just jinxed it the same way as in the first leg.
*turns off Goonerholic.com*
Sublime finish by Ramires. Game on.
(the jinx was on the arses in the first leg. Everything I touch turns to dust)
I ‘predicted’ a JT red card earlier, now a Cashley red would be just about perfect. Btw what happened with the Terry red? Was on the phone and did not catch it clearly.
Excellent finish by Ramirez – although Barcelona defending reminded me of a couple of goals we have lost this season….
Just sayin’.
Kneed Sanchez off the ball. Desperately unlucky. Only sixteen of the thirty-two cameras saw it, dopey twat.
I am quite devastated.
Do you think the blind faithful will still love him tomorrow?
Just hope Gerard Pique is ok. Very nasty collision with Victor Valdes. I don’t think players should have a say when they have a head/neck injury.
On our darkest days….at our lowest ebb….just remain thankful we have never sent out a player like John Teryy
Ned @ 342
I think we both know the answer to that – he has been shown up for what he is.
I think we have all misunderstood Terry. He was just showing Sanchez what he had absolutely not done before.
Finally got to see the replay of jt’s red. Cahill injured and he goes on and does something this stupid. Unbelievable. That will certainly boost his reputation…
Ollie at least if Chelsea makes it JT won’t be playing, which makes the almost impossible task of winning both the semis and final with mere luck even more improbable.
Penalty
WANKER MISSED
Fucking hell….
Omg… The bar again saves Chelski.
Splash goes Cesc
Messi just can’t score v Chelsea…
Cech pulled out some funky Spiderman moves to really put off messi.
Barca aren’t creating very much right now, are they?
They’re missing mid-field creativity. too much passing across the field. They need a Ramsey to break through
BtM, heh!
If Chelsea go through after what Terry did I will renounce all belief in Karma.
Steve T territory.
Barcelona have wide-o-phobia.
Midget cunts, FFS, score!!
Have they attacked the goal line once tonight?
They certainly do, zico. Chelsea are going to win this, Barca are panicing. They have frozen completely.
What did cuntski do to ever earn such luck since the wigan game?
Barca, you are a pack of wankers.
FUCK YOU, BARCA.
Fucking midget cunts!
Has God taken a day off?
No words can describe how I feel right now.
Snir, care to comment?
you gotta laugh at the Barca wankers tonight
Jesus wept
Now I really have seen it all. The luckiest result in champions league history
Someone up there likes Chelsea. Unbelievable. But, fair play to them, a masterclass in bus parking.
curse of Cesc?
I think I’m going to be sick.
Just like us – very vulnerable to the counter
Cannot quite get my head round that.
Does Terry get to miss the final because of the red?
But, never at a loss for words…nauseated, god forsaken, AND furious.
Ned, yes.
Barca twats deserve it!
What a bunch of twats! INCLUDING CESC!
Elswhere in the world of football, Bolton beat Villa away tonight which migh tbe significant for us because Bolton are playing Sp*rs next week and we want the Trotters to have something to play for in that game. It might also mean that Villa will have to get something from their game v Sp*rs as well.
I don’t care how much you hate Barcelona, anyone who takes pleasure from tonight’s result is off their rocker.
Lars – Plus it means McLeish might still manage to get another team relegated this season.
Those cunts did it! Year in year out! Fair play Turkish Ref did the job!
Tim@390: just like us on our bad days in not playing with pace in the final third or being prepared to shoot from distance.
How’s Cesc’s DNA tonight. D efinitely should N ot have left A rsenal
‘holics please tell me you are lying. Chelsea did not do any such thing. It couldn’t be!!!
Charlie why?
I prefer an englich team than Barca any time!
Who hoo! He scores when Barca can’t….
@ Charlie…..it only offers pleasure because it was so bloody unlikely…reminded me of one of our worst days in so many ways
Chelsea will win the final too. Mark my words.
I apologise for the jinxing.
But I’m sick to death of people saying ‘fair play to Chelsea, congrats’ etc.
FUCK OFF CHELSEA you despicable horrible cunts.
Nice job on the quadra-ton, NBN. He scores 4 when he wants.
Charlie@398: that’s true!
English………..
Fuck Braca! We should have done this to them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You lot feel sorry for each other!
Heh at 404 good goal NBN
Di Matteo really is going to be the new Tony Barton. They might even play Bayern in the final as well!
Ok Maureen, please forget all the awful things I’ve said about you, you know what is needed now. You all realize we have to endure the pundits from now to the final.
Yes, Messi is good but can he do it on a warmish Tuesday night in Barcelona?
No, apparently not.
Lars – I have to say I’m pleased.
Not ’cause Chelsea advanced but because Barca didn’t.
And I was calculating it reasonably.
And Barca in the final against Bayern or Real have more of a chance than Chelsea against Real or Bayern.
Don’t want either to win (for anyone who somehow thought otherwise!).
Chelsea won’t win it Lars, don’t worry. Especially without Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Ramirez and Cahill.
If Abramovic doesn’t sign RDM to a long term contract he is utterly daft.
It’s been a while since I felt as pissed off as I do now about a game that Arsenal weren’t playing in.
Chelsea have all their crap players suspended from the final too…..
I hope the people who could see positive when Chelsea beat Napoli also realise their mistake .
#Ollieknows
How can anyone on here be pleased?
Fourth place is now no guarantee of champs league football. Those horrible cunts have just raised the fucking bar for us.
Snir,
Could be the perfect scenarion. Bastardly Barca dumped out petulantly by ten brawlers. Chelski embarrassed in the final.
Snir 416. After the Napoli win you said not to worry because Barcelona would trash them. Sorry but I’m extremely worried.
Heh Ollie, if I was a twitter fan, I’d follow you.
Fortunatly I have a life.
No offense meant Snir, but your crystal ball has been rather off the mark lately so I still think Chelsea will win the final. You and many others forget that this is the final showdown for many of their oldies (although Terry won’t play of course) and they will now save themselvs for that game for several weeks and then it’s just 90 minutes. And can you imagine the pressure Bayern would be under, playing the final at their own ground? Real would be under massive pressure too because everyone expects them to win.
So no, I am quite convinced that Chelsea will win it.
I would like to say a big fuck you to Napoli for bottling it, Benfica for not being anywhere near as good as they were against Man Utd in the group stage, and Barcelona for putting in their worst performances in years.
Ollie – True, but I obviously underestimated the difference in Chelsea’s play under RDM.
I still think that both Bayern and Real will have too much for Chelsea.
Lars – They have no Terry, Ramirez, Ivanovic, Cahill, and Luiz.
In my opinion, that would prove too hard for them.
Chelsea will also now presumably get out of the way of Newcastle in their league match.
This was a terrible result for us.
N7 Gooner, Trust me mate, I’m livid. After our game to Chelsea, I went to sleep, only to have John Terry, invade my dreams. We were sitting next to each other on a bus (believe it or not). I guess I was talking his ear off about Arsenal, because he said people always think footballers want to talk aboutfutbal. Next thing I knew, MrTerry was fast asleep, his head on my shoulder. Then I woke up, in a hurry. True story.
Lars, Bayern or Madrid 3-0 Chelski. Don’t be Putin you’re money on a Kremlin win, it won’t happen.
Go off and have a fine relaxing Swedish beer. Zico, 70 shillings for you, my man. Chelski will rest up a bit in the league and won’t make Fourth. Shitty will beat barcodes in Newcastle.
We’ll finish third. Only one Arsene Wenger. Only ONE Aaron Ramsey. Cesc who?
N7, This was a terrible result for mankind….
Maybe the Mayans were right, 2012 = Apocolypse
N7: we’ll have to hope they will use their remaining PL games to practive the bus parking and draw 0-0 v the Magpies and all other games too.
H2H @ 430
Magic.
And so fucking true.
3rd is vital now. At time it was like Watching Arsenal against many teams that park the bus at the Emirates. Barcelona like Arsenal are guilty of trying to walk the ball through a brick wall. Barcelona started to bore me in the last 20 minutes they never changed anything no long range shots or crosses into the box or get a big man upfront it was useless sideways passing around the box. One thing for sure Chelsea cannot play like that against Bayern or Madrid as both teams vary they play. they can play long short and have the aerial power. So it is intersting to see how Chelsea play the final.
Well, that’s fucked the local economy!
Can’t trust the midgets with anything..
If Chelsea win the final, does the third-placed team in the premier league have to go through a qualifier for next season’s CL?
no the one who finishes 4th misses out.
435
Yes!
Shit result. Really, really shit result.
I hope Real make it through to the final, only because I don’t see Mourinho losing to his chelsea. Not when he managed to win with the relatively inferior side of Inter against chelsea. Meanwhile a bayern chelsea final would suit another park the bus approach for di matteo.
Speaking of karma, it is not too hard pressed to imagine karma biting back at barca for tapping up Cesc and messing with The Arsenal for two seasons. Last season they beat us at camp nou after comical refereeing, and tonight they failed to beat chelsea after jt gave them a real gift. So perhaps they do not really deserve to be playing at the final.
Not saying that chelsea deserve to be finalists, not when the goal frame has been their ultimate savior, not when they played like thugs and what with lampard trying to break Cesc’s leg. Yet karma will be back again, biting chelsea up the ass in the final. And won’t it be the ultimate irony for Mourinho to deny Roman his CL trophy?
Leaving the opponent aside.
I wonder how many people will now say what they’ve been saying about AW for years.
Pep has no plan B.
I’ve said before that he’s a “continue manager” (I think I already wrote here what my theory about continue managers is).
That basically means, he’s like the kids playing FM and pressing continue waiting for the players to win by themselves, and when it gets tough, just wait for the players to bail out the manager.
No in game adjustments whatsoever.
Purely relying on the players’ talents without trying anything differently.
I know many will say AW is like that, but he has proven he does change, like when he took Djourou out and put Chambo in, or when against Barca, took Song out and put NB52 in.
Pep had chances to adjust but never did.
The first time I realized this, was against Inter in 2009-2010. Inter’s bus was forcing Barca to go wide and cross the ball, but Ibrahimovic was having a tough time against Samuel and Lucio.
Instead of bringing on TH to help Ibrahimovic in the box, and making something happen, he brought on Pedro.
That is why when Barca struggle they rely solely on Messi’s talents, which why their away form in La Liga is so poor.
The same happened to Del-Bosque against Switzerland in the first game at the WC. Putting Navas in instead of Cesc or Llorente to either thread a pass or get on the end of a cross.
Oh well.
Guess that’s a privilege you have when you have the world’s best player.
Well Holics it’s 3rd place or bust now. Fancy Messi and Co not being able to get passed that parked London bus!
Yes xiper.
I called that one indeed N7 427.
An I can picture Torres scoring the winner in the final and the headlines about that.
Aaaaaaaargh!
Snir
Over the last few seasons, Guardiola is the best manager in the world. His record is ridiculous.
The notion that he just sends his players out and lets them get on with it is entirely incorrect. I’ve watched quite a lot of barca these last four years and he tinkers endlessly (usually involving Dani Alves).
There’s a lot to dislike about Barca, but credit where it’s due.
Thanks Ollie.
Just hope they lose in the final!
I have not completely given up on Karma despite my earlier statements. Maybe she is even more dastardly than I thought and let Chelsea win so they would throw away their league position by not trying much in the last couple prem games, all in hopes of winning the final. Only she will have them lose on a last minute goal from ideally Bayern, but RM will do as well at this point. Please restore my faith.
Drink for Bearded. You make me hope again. You bastard!
N7 – Phil Jackson has been lauded as the best NBA manager but had MJ, and then Kobe.
He made no adjustments in the 2010 Finals series and almost lost that series (they won because the Cs center was injured in game six, leading the Lakers to have 29 offensive rebounds in game 7, which obviously made the difference).
I watch Barca week in, week out, and they do not make any kinds of adjustments when they get stuck against a hard working bus.
Using Dani Alves is part of plan A, not plan B.
That is why their away record is poor. They come up against stubborn buses and are out of ideas when Messi is not on top of his game.
This has nothing to do with my dislike for Barca. It’s merely an observation.
I definitely need and will take that drink Ollie. Faith and hope can only get you so far.
Have a late night pint on my tab, everyone – I’m off to bed. See you tomorrow.
Sound logic Snir. But I believe that both Le Boss & Pep believe in the philosophy that the players on the field are in the bast position to judge what tactic to use in a given situation. We know that Arsene used to not even believe in having a traditional captain and thought that his teams should take decisions ‘collectively’ – that implies super intelligent players. Which is perhaps one reason why he favours foreign players or ones he develops himself…
Any way you look t it this is a shocking result )0;
I just thought Fabregas was the wrong player for them to buy. Alexis Fabregas Xavi Iniesta Pedro all very similar players physically and technically. You would expect them to go for a proven finisher or a big guy to hussle defenders when things aren’t working. I have mixed feelings about the result, I did no want Chelsea to win purely for our position in the league and I did not want Barcelona to win it again. It is proof leaving Arsenal does not guarantee you trophies. Teams have sussed them out over the last 3 years and they are getting closer and closer to beating this Barcelona team. Park the bus well and thats about it, don’t worry about aerial threat or anything else. Some teams woud feel ashamed to play like that but others would not care how they win.
This does show again though how hard it is to retain the European Cup, been 22 years now, and that was when it was the old knockout format. Forest was the second to last team to win it back to back!
for all messi magic and passing from iniesta/xavi/cecs/sanchez barca were missing david villa big time,with all the money they spend they have only 1 striker in their squad and he is been injured for quiet some time now
he is maybe the best finisher out there and would have score some of the chance barca create easily.maybe gaurdiola need realise playing 4/6/0 is ok with open attacking team but it isnt vs good team who seat back and break fast
fair play to chav , hope they get trash in final,really they must not win the champions league
GT – I really do think that we have no idea what AW thinks.
And that’s because I don’t believe a word he says to the media anymore. He plays them the way he wants to.
That’s why I think people are taking his “settling RvP’s future after the season, before the Euros” too much at face value, like they took his “we will do our business early on” last summer at face value.
I’ve heard so many times how AW doesn’t care about the opposition and only about us, but that is simple BS.
Just look at the NLD. Ox was on a roll, playing great, but AW didn’t go for the in form player, but for Yossi, because of the tracking back he would offer against a pacy Spurs team, meaning he played someone based on the opponent!
There are many other examples (for instance, the way we play Barca… Tire them till the 70th minute and hammer them with Theo’s pace. Fact is we scored in 09-10 in the 69th & 85 minutes, when Barca couldn’t get the ball in the last twenty minutes, or 78th& 83rd minutes in 10-11) for AW adapting to the opponent.
More dooming thoughts. This result might make Barca think hey need to buy RvP…..
Snir
Fair play. It sounds like we see different things in the barca games we’ve watched.
From where I’m sat guardiola makes regular tactical changes in big games. Often they involve Busquets being pulled deeper and/or Alves being asked to play in a more advanced role. Not going to get into it here, but if you drop by zonal marking and look at (for example) their analysis of the last champs league final and the league win over Real earlier this season then you’ll see what I mean.
I don’t think they went out tonight because he got his tactics wrong – he went looking for first half goals and got them. They went out because they missed sitters and pens. To me, their legs look shot – if you’re going to find fault with Guardiola then I think it’s legit to ask whether he’s overused Messi this season.
I would also add that I thought Valdes had a howler over the two legs. He was in no man’s land for the first goal tonight and has been poor for the last few weeks.
Anyway, that’s enough from me, I’m off for some kip and to start praying that the gods of football slip our lads a little of whatever Chelsea were on tonight, because fuck me we could use it this weekend.
Fuck me Ollie, how am I meant to sleep tonight after that @ 454?!
ABB @ 428: Well thank God it was him who fell asleep! Any other situation and I would have feared for your dignity (0;
442N7 Gooner- Of course Pep and Wenger are top managers . I can’t rememeber who it was, one of our former players he is a pundit now said he knows for a fact Arsenal do not practice set pieces. to master the passing game takes huge amount of work 90% will be a about passing and attacking, defending would possibly come second as we saw with this Barcelona team tonight. very similar to the Wigan game we lost. Actually this year we have a mixed it up a bit more than the usual endless passing in front of goal. If we add a bit more to our defending and a bit of the ball over the top for few more headed goals then we will be a complete team.
H2H@394: Terry missing final is about the only silver lining to a black day.
Lars@406: If Chelsea is up against Bayern in the final, they could well win it. Mourinho’s team will be a different matter.
BtM@408, Ollie@412: quadruple cheers!
Lars@415:
SG@417: di Matteo will probably win the CL for Abramovich and then be sacked because he isn’t a big enough name. It would be the Abramovich way.
N7G@420, Delia@440: It is third or nothing now.
ABB@428: you need a shower, a holiday, or serious medication…
H2H@430: It would have been a terrible result for mankind whichever way it had gone.
WC@436: doesn’t a CL champion that hasn’t qualified by dint of league position, get put directly in the group stage? So as well as chipping one club from the PL out of a place, doesn’t a club from somewhere have to drop down to the qualifying round to create room for the CL champion in the group stage?
Derrick@438: If only Bendtner could have finished last year in the Nou Camp like Ramires did today…
SG@439: Barca looked played out, and have done so for some weeks. Apart from the brief period bookended by their goals, they just didn’t seem to have any drive. None of the ping-ping-ping first time passing that is their hallmark when they are on song. Rather like us when we play with the proverbial handbrake on. You are right, I think, that Guardiola has no plan B. But he certainly has plans A1, A2 and A3, just no desperate roll of the dice when all else has failed. I guess when you have a team as talented as his you can mostly get away with it (and no plan B is going to save you from the world’s most prolific striker missing penalties, or hitting the woodwork. Also Messi played too deep today, to my mind, especially after Terry was sent off. With Chelsea setting out two defensive lines so close to each other, there was no space between them for him to get into to open up the seams in the back line, which were pretty narrow anyway with six at the back. He should have pushed up and worked off the back line using his control to jink through. But as we know to our cost, it is really hard to play through a parked bus, and Chelsea, whatever you think of them, gave a masterclass in bus parking today.
Lars@448: don’t mind if I do. Thirsty work, back-drinking. Cheers.
Snir: I don’t disagree with you at all…But in fact we DO know a lot how Wenger thinks. There was a great book “the making of a modern super club” where the authors got unprecedented access to Le Boss and where he spelled out his philosophies on all aspects of the game there. Also he normally gives very frank interviews to the French press – partly because they are not as prone to mis-represent his responses and are less hostile to the Arsenal….
N7G@455: spot on about Valdes. I’ll cut him some slack for the first goal because Ramires’s chip was so sublime; Valdes wouldn’t have looked so out of position if the shot had been low to the far post or high to the near. But I thought he was very weak with the second goal. He didn’t look convincing against RM, nor in the first leg against Chelsea. That said Barca’s defence has only conceded 26 goals in 34 matches in La Liga.
Damn. Bloody Chelsea. Bloody Barca. Bugger.
Just woke up. Don’t know how to feel! I love the fact the Catalan B boys are out but not happy that Fulham in blue made the final. #torn
N7 – I read Zonal Marking every once in a while, and I think they are guilty of over-analyzing. Just like so many others who deal with football.
I give Pep a lot of credit for implementing the excellent pressing game, but I do think it (success) has made him spoiled at times, making him just sit back and wait for some piece of magic from his players to get the win.
Lars@396: Villa have West Brom, Spurs and Norwich to play. Could be nine points for them or none. Successive relegations for McLeish would have a certain attraction it must be said.
Prior to the game Wenger said this :
“It is far from impossible for Chelsea,” “They go there off the back of a fantastic result [in the first leg], 1-0, and if they defend like they did at Stamford Bridge they have a chance. The Barcelona of now is not the Barcelona of last year. They miss David Villa, who is a goalscorer for them, and Lionel Messi looks a bit tired. Though he is still dangerous, he is not as sharp as he was.”
Got it spot on Wenger. Thye missed a goal scorer other than Messi. That will not be the case in the final. Madrid have about 5 who can put the ball in the net and Bayern Have Gomez who is an aerial threat. Parking the bus will simply not work and if they do try to play football they will get beat. they also have a number of players who are missing from the final. They have not won it yet So lets calm down a bit.It won’t be easy for them who ever it is in the final.
“To be away from injuries. To be really, really fit. To have a great season.”
Abou Diaby talking on Arsenal Player. “And so say all of us”. A 100% fit Diaby can have the impact that a 100% fit Van Persie has had this season.
OK. So, I hope we now treat our game against The Munsters as our Champions League Final. And the final two for that matter.
UTA!
I’ll drink to that BtM. After tonight ANYTHING is possible in football
Boys – if you care to do extensive backdrinking you’ll find I called this very scenario several “bars” ago.
Today is A GREAT DAY…cheer up folks. Chel$ki are gonna get murderized in the final (more so if Real make it – and Maureen aside, I quite like the squad).
We simply need to win OUR matches. If we do that, it doesn’t matter if Chel$ki win the final (which I am sure they will not). Not an easy proposition, but, if we are to be the team we want to – then it’s high time the lads notched a few professional wins. Go out there and get a result when circumstances call for it.
Bottomline is this – I’m sitting down to the table and enjoying my huge chocolate schadenfreude cake with a nice, cold glass of schadenfreude nectar. “That Spanish Bloke” is getting his just deserts (the grass IS NOT GREENER – I hope you are enjoying your boyhood home). Those diving, cheating, insufferable C U Next Tuesdays are put out by an old, ragtag, bunch of twats. And, if we do what we know we can… third place is ours.
If we fail – we have no one to blame but ourselves. In the words of Master Yoda, “Do. Or do not – there is no try.”
BMBD. BMBD. BMBD. BMBD. BMBD. BMBD.
(It worked for Cato. It has worked for Lonestar. Long may it work for all football.)
NBN @ 459 I’ll take all 3, please (smiling).
Nurse!
I think you need to distribute some happy pills to the others. I hope you’ve been well
BMBD.
Hi Lonestar! Feel a bit out of sorts at the moment…too much parking the bus. Same crappy tactics employed against Arsenal too many times. Barca and Arsenal, kings of posession and passing, fall victims to these cheats.
So, John Terry walks into the back of a stationary Alexis Sanchez and, because one half of his only brain cell is engaged in said walking task, forgets completely what he is doing – and that there are 40 cameras and 6 officials watching – and knees him in the arse.
After arguing vehemently with the referee that he should not be sent off, he states in his post match interview that having seen the video, it did not look too good, but that he was TRYING TO PROTECT HIMSELF A BIT.
With a masterly abdication of responsibility he then declared that, yes, he had let his team mates daahhn, and let the fans daahhn, but that anybody who knows him would tell you that he is not that kind of bloke.
Anybody, I imagine, except Wayne Bridge, Anton Ferdinand, presumably his wife, and anyone who really knows him.
He didn’t say that last bit, by the way
Nice one @470 Lonestar -
I can’t like Ronaldo though, what with him being another diving See You Next Tuesday an’ all . . . .
The PL director of communications has confirmed that if Chelsea were to win the CL, all 4 English teams would qualify for the group stages.
contd . . .
Branislav Ivanovic, keen to impress his captain (*guffaws*) in the Stupid Stakes, walks up to the referee after Messi has already missed the penalty that the Chav$ki defender was so upset about, and gives the official a mouthful.
In so doing, he earns himself the yellow card that now bars him from the Champions League Final – along with about half of the rest of the team.
What have these twats got between their ears ?
Not that I’m unhappy about it.
They will lose the final and we will get third place
The PL director of communications has confirmed that if Chelsea were to win the CL, all 4 English teams would qualify for the group stages
Snir, are you sure about it? Can you paste the link?
http://angryofislington.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/redknapp-1987005.jpg?w=584&h=882
Finally confirmed.
I have to say, this is funny.
Hi Trev. Snir @ 476 Good to know. I’m happy to report Pique is all right and will spend the night in hospital for observation.
https://twitter.com/#!/PLDan/status/194891825323061248
Due to technical difficulties on the tube tonight, I missed the cuntfest, but I was greeted at the door by news that the Chelseascum had somehow gangsterised their way into the final.
I can’t tell you how sad and angry this news made me feel.
I am therefore in the mood for a rant.
Snir, for you to say that tonight’s result “pleased” you is frankly at odds with anything that an Arsenal fan will be feeling tonight. Part of being a true Arsenal fan is to hate all other London clubs, Brentford aside
Ignoring the pragmatic downside that affects Arsenal how anyone can possibly enjoy the Chelsea love-in that followed tonight’s wholly fortuitous result is quite beyond me.
#getwiththeprogramme
Off to drink Scotch, smoke crack and ingest ecstasy in the hope that tonight’s result never happened and that Arsenal fans will never again allow their own personal prejudices to hope for a result that materially blights Arsenal’s future.
I am pleased with the result as well (I’m also ignoring the Cuntski love-in). I wanted to see Barca humiliated and next we’ll see those blue racists humiliated in the final. What more can you want tabsie
Anything is possible these days…maybe even reaching 500 drinks?????
Tabs – When did I say I don’t hate all the other London teams?
Show me the time and date I said I don’t hate Chelsea.
Who cares about the lovefest going on? I’m not even watching any of it.
Funny you mention just me by name as one to criticize when more than a few wanted Barca to get eliminated.
I didn’t want any of them to win. Not Chelsea, not Barca. Footballistically speaking, Barca have more of a chance against Bayern or Real, therefore I wanted Barca out in the SF and Chelsea out in the final.
Does that make me “not a true Arsenal fan?”
How it blights Arsenal’s future I don’t know either. I guess you are referring to the possibility that 3rd will have to go through the qualifiers, but as I already said, in the case of Chelsea (god forbid) winning the CL, all four English teams will go straight to the group stages.
I am pleased because I didn’t want either to win, and Barca in the final makes that possibility a much more realistic one than Chelsea in the final.
Here here, CoR.
Here, here.
BMBD.
Luckily Cannons you have caught me just before my final suicidal injection.
What more DO I want?
I want more drugs, more beer, and more dancing girls. Apart from those necessities, I require Arsenal fans to recognise the reality that:
a) Chelsea now have the very real possibility of becoming the first London club to win the CL.
b) Any more of this Chelsea-loving nonsense and I WILL begin serious Cell Farming.
c) The said win makes our participation next year’s competition all the more tricky.
d) Speedoes are frankly no defence to this kind of emotional trauma.
#getwiththeprogramme
Easy, Snir.
I don’t TaBS meant anything to serious by his comments. I, for one, am extremely chuffed. No need to repeat the reasons why…, no wait.
Barca – suck on it.
“That Spanish Bloke” – suck on it.
Awesome.
BMBD.
Alright Snir, I have not had time to back drink since early this evening. I therefore only singled you out because you were on record much earlier as saying that you wanted Chelsea to win. It was not a personal pop at you.
However, your continued espousal that tonight’s result does not affect Arsenal, based on nothing more than a wholly fallible trust in your crystal balls, is frankly bollocks
Piece FACT! In my opinion!
TaBS – there will be no celebrations at the bus stop in Fulham. The footballing gods will not permit it to be so.
Be of good cheer, mates.
BMBD.
Tabs – It has nothing to do with the crystal balls.
Logically and footballistically speaking, surely you and the rest agree with me that Barca have more of a chance in the final than Chelsea.
I can’t see Chelsea winning, perhaps because I rate RM very highly (they do have a Plan B to parked buses), and I assume Bayern will get a massive boost playing in Munich.
All this and Chelsea will be missing Terry, Luiz, Ivanovic, Meireles, Ramirez, and Cahill. They have 4 (!) CBs out for that fixture.
That, IMO would prove a mountain too high for them.
As for us, I really do believe we’ll get third even if we don’t win all our remaining games. I will be shocked if Newcastle beat both Chelsea and City in two successive weeks.
I know Chelsea will be rotating, but as we experienced, their reserves can defend pretty well.
Now I’m in the uncomfortable position to root for Christiano, Marcelo, Di Maria, and Sergio Ramos. Yuck!!! Ollie, this is all your fault (smirking)
Abb- now I have it on good authority that you positively drool at Ronaldo’s legs…
I think we can all hold our noses and at least tolerate the “Special One.”
BMBD.
@482 – What? You even hate Charlton, after all they did for Alex Song
I suppose that’s because Pardew was there at the time canceling out the warm golden glow that Alex bestowed on the club?
But wait. It can’t be that. I recall at the time that you said Alex Song wasn’t worth a sixpence.
Tabs, at the end of the season Dennis-willing, we’ll be smoking cigars and laughing at the ruins of the clubs that were “on the up” this season according the media. I won’t say anymore, but we’ve got a man on the inside and he’ll see his mission through to the bitter end
As for your request for more drugs, beer and girls…will 2 overweight, drug-addled, lushes do?
Hey! Here’s the skinny on the stats. Barca had a whopping 83% time on the ball. Corner kicks Barca 10, Chelsea 1. Shots (on goal) Barca 23(6). Chelsea 7(3). Fouls Barca 8, Chelsea 10.
So, you wouldn’t Sing a Song For Sixpence, even for Alex Bilong.
Here’s the cross…
Have at it, Lurkers.
BMBD.
So that couldn’t have been the reason you hated them, TaBS.
Oh, Lonestar. I was on a one man drivel down the wing and you took the ball right off my toe.
John Terry whooaaa
John Terry whooaaaooo
He’ll hate you if you’re black,
He’ll kick you in the back…
*blushing*
Forgive me, BtM.
BMBD.
I approve that goal@ 500. Best of the evening!
Thanks, Nurse ABB.
BMBD.
@479: Snir, that was a great find. I’ve long heard whispers but reading Bournemouth manager Arry say to the press:
“Arsenal are the club I supported as a lad and I have many happy memories.”
“[My father and I] used to follow the Gunners all over the country.”
and especially reading this:
“The three most difficult sides to take on are Liverpool, Everton and Arsenal. You always have the feeling you can beat the Tottenhams and the West Hams but Arsenal have a little bit more steel about them. I’m not saying they can’t be beaten but it is going to be tough.”
kinda makes me wonder if we should make a cheeky bid to bring the prodigal son into the fold. Number 2 next year?
Well in, LG.
I do worry that this result might provoke the one club RVP would leave Arsenal for into a spot of retail therapy.
Let’s hope they go for a left back monkey rather than a CF god
They are going for Jordi Alba and/or Bale.
As a first priority.
Second priority is Thiago Silva.
Strong rumors circulating that RvP met with City representatives yesterday, but I’d be shocked if he’d leave to a different English team.
@ 487
I could not agree more:
I want more drugs, more beer and more dancing girls
Oh, and be quick. I’m starting work in 10 minutes.
That was a shite result, I still can’t remove images of Chelsea – Champions league winners from my head
Who wants me?
*BELCH*
Oh my, those are stunning kits. I really hope these are the real kits and not the other ones going around.
http://t.co/o1hYopZW
Snir
We can only hope. Not a lot of contest between the two, is there?
Well, there is the one going around that is a bit too Man U for me, as it’s got Black bands on the sleeve and black socks and the away kit is almost identical to the third kit of 06/07.
I got Colombian marching powder and booze….
…loose morals and low self-esteem too
Chelsea winning make it more likely that Newcastle will finish 3rd.
So I’ll have none of the nonsense, Snir.
I don’t think Chelsea winning means they’ll suddenly lie down against Newcastle next week, they’ll be wary of putting all their eggs into a one off game. Besides it’s immaterial, if we win our games, other results will not matter. So let’s make sure they don’t.
That’s the best way indeed, Charlie.
What time can you get round to mine Daphne ?
Morning ‘Holic & ‘Holics,
Trev @ #s474/5/7 – Very well said sir. Sums it all up for me perfectly.
On a personal note, I have a deep footballing hatred for any London club when we play them. I’ll admit to soft spots for Orient and Watford as I went to quite a few matches at both clubs with various school chums back in the day but I digress.
My hatred for all things LWC has been overly documented on this blog previously. The only time I ever ‘want’ that lot to win is when it does Arsenal a big favour. Apart from that, a plague on all their houses. A resonably close second, for me, is Chel$ea for what they’ve become since 2003 and what they’ve done to the game. Pre 2003 they were nothing more than a smallish, struggling club with a stong element of racists in their fan base. Now it’s ABC (as Dr.z would say).
I’m gutted that Chel$ea are in the CL final. I wanted them to be embarrassed by the Catalan C*nts last night but it wasn’t to be. In reality, they probably have a 50:50 chance of the unthinkable albeit with a heavily depleted squad, thank Dennis.
However, I thought Bearded put it very well @ #444. Karma is a strange lady. It could work out very well for us in the end. We’ll all find out soon enough anyway.
For me, all of the regulars in this bar are exceptional Arsenal supporters in different ways. I apply that especially to those that commit time, effort and money to travel 1000s of miles in a season to follow our team – I doff my cap to you.
I think the only really important thing right now is that we travel up to The Potteries, rip Pulis and his horrific band of Munsters several new ar*eholes and the rest should take care of itself.
Drinks are on the bar for those those want them.
Cheers all.
Morning all.
First off, fuck the chavs, as I’ve said all along, win our games and we’ve got nothing to worry about.
As for the dispicables solely concentrating on the CL final, well, I don’t buy into that for a second. They now find themselves in two finals and are on quite a run, they’ll want to keep their momentum going, they’d be stupid to slack off in any game, they need to keep winning, one loss anywhere and the confidence could go.
But that’s enough about them, we are the Arsenal, next mission- destroy the swampmunsters.
COYRRR’s.
They’re on a run of Black Magic, H2H. Woodwork enchantment, Olliejinxing. I don’t see that they’ve had a run of victories or great performances….
Let’s win our games.
Of course, ‘Black’ Magic combined with John Terry sounds a bit odd.
Even if the person that suggested that a 3rd place regarding a Chelsea win in the Champions League with a 5th/6th place finish for them will go straight to the group stages is right ie the Arsenal, I still want them to get stuffed by Bayern in the final solely because Arsenal should be the 1st London Club to win it (should won it in ’06 (Snir, I need a link to the whole painful match) and if Chelsea gave up the chance back in ’08 and they don’t deserve the accolade in my eyes.
tabs @ 487, you’re a hero
The BtM/Lonestar combo for the Quintuple century, sweet
Snir @ 515, those kits are beautiful, wonder what the 3rd alternate one will look like (*o*)
.con have been on the case now for the qualification permutations:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/champions-league-2012/13-permutations
Which confirms all we knew after Snir’s update re: direct qualification for 3rd place if Cuntski win (which I didn’t know until yesterday night)
Ollie.
2 x Heh.
Free today, so I’m off before it starts to rain frogs or some other apocolyptic crap happens.
Snir @485 , “How it blights Arsenal’s future I don’t know” .
Come on !!!!!!
Whether you rely on crystal balls or whether you speak “logically and footballistically” , the fact remains that Chelsea’s chances of winning the Champions League are now rather greater than if they had lost last night !!!!!
Anything can happen over the course of one game of football . “Logic” often goes out the window . Your espousal at the time of the draw that Barca would beat Chelsea by eight should have taught you that .
The Final might see Chelsea play well and deservedly win , it might see them benefit from a couple of lucky reffing decisions and win , it might see them nick an early one , park the Bus and win , it might see them hang on grimly for a draw and win on penalties .
Any of the above scenarios and the possibility of missing out on Champs League football becomes materially greater . We can all argue possible scenarios based only on conjecture as to what might happen to the end of the season , but that is the only fact that emerges from last night .
Should the worst occur , (we finish 4th , Chelsea win the Champs League ) , we lose out on income which is north of £20m , we face a much harder task in getting RVP to re-sign , and our attraction to potential new signings becomes significantly weaker .
If that scenario does not potentially blight Arsenal’s future , then I don’t know what does .
I don’t really care if people prefer Chelsea or Barca . Everyone is entitled to their view on that score , no matter how extreme their views .
The refusal , however , to recognise the potentially huge downside to Arsenal emanating from last night’s result , (whether it actually comes to pass or not) , suggests to me that a desire to see Barca come a cropper is more important to some than the welfare of their own Club .
“Logically and footballistically” , that is twisted .
BTM @499 – I only have one Song .
I thought Cesc was pretty anonymous last night…. So no CL, no Spanish title, fat pay cut, ordingary looking among messi etc…. Poor old Cesc
*applauds tabs*
Hi holics dave @533 for that reason alone I didn’t mind chelski winning,the grass isn’t always greener fook them catalans!chelski 2 get smashed in the final would then be even sweeter.
Afternoon all.
Original curry pot noodle here. That’s how bad things are…
Barca losing is a cause for celebration for me, but in no way shape or form can we countenance the other lot boring their way to the trophy.
Well put ‘Holic. Lunchtime snifter to help remove the taste of MSG?
Fortunately, I missed last nights “entertainment” due to work commitments.
Suffice to say, it is a sad sad day for AFC.
The possibility of seeing that shower of mercenaries clump their way towards being the first London club to win the European Cup, or even to make it to the final, is from a football perspective, such a metamorphic turnabout that its akin to watching the butterfly turn back into a bug..!
Joe, I also missed last night’s “entertainment” due to work. Fortunately, Stoke City 0 Arsenal 5 promises to be much more entertaining.
Right!
Pipes of peace for everyone!!
Quack’s orders…. pull up some cushions, light the opium and take a ticket for Daphne (the one in Scooby Doo? Always fancied her).
Let’s win our next 3 games and quit worrying about lesser clubs.
Snir, those kits posted earlier are fake, and have been around the web for a while, according to the never ever ever ever wrong twitter.
And to be fair, I don’t know but I manage to find them ugly in that picture.
Possibly because of the display set-up, mind.
Ollie, someone I know was supposed to be receiving a sample of those kits. I’ll check out the veracity or otherwise.
Well said Mr.C. All for the pipes but I’ll take a rain cheque on ‘DD’ Daphne if it’s all the same to you
Tabs, I concede that at the time I either overestimated Barca or underestimated Chelsea as I hadn’t noticed that the RDM Chelsea is back to being real Chelsea.
They defend very well, but aside from the fact that I fancy Real or Bayern in a neutral venue based on Real’s talents and Bayern “Munichness” I believe it would now be close to impossible for them to defend like that without their banned players who are basically every CB they have.
As for us finishing fourth – I have to say that for a HT you guys aren’t really confident when it comes to Arsenal’s ability.
And Ollie – I was pretty sure those are fake, but aren’t they stunning?!?
Snir, I’m not sure where you get the idea that Cahill and Luiz will be unavailable though..
Or am I missing something.
Sorry, I haven’t imbibed of all the drinks. Two things strike me after last night; firstly why have a side as lauded as Barca absolutely no idea about defending? It is as much part of the game as attacking and many would say that all of the best sides in history were built on the foundation of a solid defence. Secondly, how did Messi miss that penalty? Actually I thought he looked tight, tense and nervous and I wasn’t all that surprised to see the ball hit the bar.
To me recent performances have just underlined what a bunch of c***s the Chelski players are. They decided not to play for AVB and didn’t, they have decided to play for Di Mateo and are. Too much player power!
Stunning I don’t know, Snir. They’re OK, but as I said the presentation set-up doesn’t make them look good.
So while I fundamentally prefer these designs by a long stretch, the picture of the other home kit I’ve seen make it look better.
These look a bit plastic and shit. Poor badges in particular.
I bumped into Barça supporting colleague at lunch, told him I would never speak to him again….
Fake kits eh? I’ll probably buy next season’s so I can get as close to a standard normal Red and White kit with standard crest as possible, didn’t like 10-11′s, this season’s has its own significance obviously and 2008-2010 will always be special to me as it was my first
Need to plan a foray into away kits also for us, this season’s training jacket and kit is in the sights.
Who should progress tonight from our perspective? I think Real have a higher chance of beating Cuntski in the final. Go Real?!
What the fuck has life come to?!
Ollie may I ask what this guy mvilla is like,is he as good as is being claimed(desaily)supposed to be in advanced talks with us?
I don’t think I can say, garsguns, I have hardly seen Rennes play this season.
I think he’s very solid, but possibly we’ll have a better idea watching him at the Euros. I assume he will be playing now, especially as Alou Diarra has been rather woeful this season.
Would certainly prove good competition for Song in our team, but would he accept a non-guaranteed starting place? Tough one.
Unless Song leaves, of course.
Harsha, Bayern should and will go through. They won’t lose the final in their own stadium, of that I’m sure.
Cheers ollie if he signs i hope it is to complement song he has been superb this season thanks for the reply.
Snir , being on the HT , or being confident about Arsenal’s chances of finishing third has nothing to do with the point that I make .
I can shout from the rooftops that Arsenal will finish third until I’m blue in the face . That of itself doesn’t make the chances of arsenal finishing third any more or any less likely .
As things stand at the moment , we are still in pole position to finish third , BUT it is far from certain .
My point was that support for a scenario which makes the likelihood of the removal of the safety net of 4th place more possible , at a time when none of us can say with any certainty where Arsenal will finish , is to allow a dislike for Barca to override Arsenal’s own interests .
In my view , it is wrong to gamble (for at this stage that is what it is) with Arsenal’s future to satiate a need to see Barca fail .
Had a Chelsea win been in Arsenal’s interests last night , I would have supported them . Arsenal come first always .
Anyway , you have your view , I have mine . Time to agree to disagree and suck on Dr C’s pipes of peace
tabs, I may be your PR man, but you sound like my spokesperson.
How does that work, eh?
FAKE KITS????
Ahhh, not a typo……
“suck on Dr C’s pipes of peace” Shouldn’t Wolfie have posted that tabs?
H2H: Eartha Kitts???
TABs: Masterful. I want you sitting next to me if I am ever in need of council. Promise?
heh H2H, you’re on a roll. Or is it a bap?
BAKED KIDS?
What’s all this about a dancing Daphne?
Am I too late?
Oh, well, Jagerbomb, please. Make that two (well, she might come back!)
I am liking posts #524, 532 and 556.
I am not liking Chelsea.
Period.
Time to turn on the mongs from Stoke.
GT@449 and 460. I’m surprised at you. Looks like I’m never going to get those bloody nails.
Lonestar@470. I get the elitist Cato reference, but please what does BMBD mean?
TS@524. Thank you for your words about Chav$ki (thanks also to CoR for the term “Fulham in Blue” – I like it, is it copyright?). I’ve never bought into this ‘Abrhamovich brings the big times back to them’, they’d never had big times before. (They are, admittedly bigger than our neighbours as CFC’s Premier League win in 2004-5 was only 50 years after their previous championship.)
TaBS@532. Big tick.
Oxon @ 566: I am surprised at you sir! Didn’t you see my post that clearly stated that you and TABs have first “dibbs” on the nails? I believe that soon I will only require a single strategically placed nail instead of the wasteful multiple nails I used before. The problem I have is that I can’t efficiently drive a nail between my own eyes (at the very tip of my nose)…and neither of my daughters nor my wife are willing to help sadly…so I will have to rely on you guys refraining from long, detailed debates with lots of statistics and equations and all that stuff – Unlike you Ox-Bridge elites I only went to a lowly PE College and tried very hard to miss all my math classes (0;
I don’t know why this should strike me as so surprising but looking at the league table here: http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/champions-league-2012/13-permutations a few things jumped out at me:
1). We are third in the goals table (67) behind the two Manchester cunts.
2). At 43 – and taking into consideration the worst start in 56-years – we’ve only conceded 5 more than the chavs; 4 more than the teeny-weeny totts, and; 1 more than the barcodes!
3) We have won more games (20) than everybody except the aforementioned Manchester cunts..
Conclusion: This is a pretty decent showing considering……
Nurse!
Extra helpings of opium in Tabs’ and Snir’s pipes.
Can’t I get a moment’s peace around here?
Come on Bayern!!!
Crikey
The FFL is getting interesting – really must tinker with the team occasionally.
Thanks Guv (0;
Cheers Dr.z @ #565
Oxon @ #566 – Good points. It was only the injection of Mr.A’s huge capital (oo..er…missus) that has turned The Bus Stop Dwellers into a bigger club than Rottenham. Prior to that the Tiny Totts would have looked down their noses at CFC so that tells you something that you probably knew already, heh!
Nurse?! Fresh pipes please!
*chows down*
Hello fellas. Hi Delia. I never learn, but I predict RM the winner by a narrow margin. Bayern a very good side, should be a great game. BTW, personally prefer the retro Arsenal look, baggy sleeves and all.
I really really hate Real Madrid.
Tonight I get even more furious about yesterday’s result that will make me have to support these utter cunts.
Bad luck with that yellow card. CR takes the PK, and goal it is.
And now Robben misses a sitter.
Football is doomed. Planet of Cunts.
Ollie, A wide open game, enough for me to enjoy. Not a bus in sight.
Oh dear, CR goal # 2. Come on Bayern.
I’ve turned the telly off now, abb.
Ollie, You are a natural (tis a complement).
Tabs – I’ll agree to disagree
I just don’t think Chelsea winning is a possibility.
And I’m not certain that Chelsea in the final definitely means that they won’t try vs. Newcastle.
Plus, Roberto Martinez would take points off Newcastle on the weekend and render this whole conversation redundant
Yes, PK awarded to BM! Robben scores!!!
I won’t turn it back on
Just a sneaky peek, Ollie? You know you want to…
Lots of spills and thrills thus far (giggling). Will Mesut Ozil play the entire 90 minutes (inside joke).
No (inside joke answer)
This is already miles better than last night’s game.
The cable package put the Real Madrid game on a channel I’ve never heard of before so I missed most of the first half, watching highlights of QPR v. Tinny Totts. Then a ribbon passed at the bottom of the screen, “Real Madrid game is on channel 248″ so at least I’ll watch the second half. Sigh. Hala Madrid, by the way.
Hey Snir, Just knew you would take the bait (smiling, really big smile)!
Snir and abb, Why don’t the pair of you just rent a room?
So glad you guys showed up. Delia, please feel free to do some commentary…I’m not too good at it. But, it’s the beautiful game and it makes me happy!
8 ball, Your moniker really suits you! Hope everything ok in your neck of the woods.
Abb, No glory in sight and the 8 ball seems to be growing larger.
8ball – we wouldn’t wanna enrage Nick, would we abb
?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sorry Snir, was watching the game. Nick is very jealous of the holic bar and every thirsty drinker who visits. Snir knows!