We Huff and We Puff And Wolves House Is Collapsing
Apr 11th, 2012 by 'holic
A night of lessons we have just witnessed. I am assuming that most of you found working streams. I have to confess my surprise and delight at finding a couple that survived without any major buffering.
I suppose every view of the game should contain words to the effect that effectively the game was over as a contest after only eleven minutes. That easy to trot out phrase could have been proven very wrong had Wojciech Szczesny not produced one outstanding save around the hour mark to deny Doyle. It was made all the better by the fact that, other than that, his only other serious work came at the death as he denied Milijas. Astonishing concentration and application from a ‘keeper so young. The ‘holic pound was lost as a result, and that is not the first time he has denied me a tidy tickle this season.
Of course the major talking point was the penalty on nine minutes and the resulting red card. The Wolves fans, well, cried wolf. When Tony Gale admits the penalty against Arsenal, and the sending off of Bassong, was a correct pair of decisions, then you know it was nailed on. That apart, his negativity knew no bounds. West Ham’s answer to Gus Caesar is a strange choice as an ‘expert’ co-commentator.
The skipper broke his mini-drought with a cheeky penalty. Two minutes later the skipper turned provider. Theo was through again and this time finished himself. There followed some interesting challenges by Kightley and Doyle, enthusiastic I think you would have to describe them as Mr Swarbrick, not a referee I have seen much of, showed a reluctance to add to the hosts misery until in separate halves both committed one foul too many and were rewarded with yellows.
Our selection of Aaron Ramsey ahead of Tomas Rosicky meant we were relying on retention of the ball, rather than speed of attack, to secure the points. That looks a criticism in black and white, and criticism was levelled from many observers. The young Welshman, lacking a little in sharpness and confidence, never hid once, and was denied a clear penalty in the second-half when brought down in the box by Milijas, who waved an arm of apology before realising it wasn’t going to be given. Remember Aaron and Jack Wilshere ripping Manchester United a new one at the Grove last season and show some patience. His time will come again.
The result from Wigan shows we may well need a fresh Rosicky if we are to stretch our advantage over the neighbours to eight points when the Latics come calling next Monday. Good work by Arsene and his advisors to get the selection spot on tonight.
Following Szczesny’s wonder save we locked the points up with a super strike from Yossi Benayoun. I don’t know what the summer holds in store for him, but I hope his move is made permanent. His presence has been a feature of some important wins of late. He would remain a squad player rather than an automatic starter, I would imagine, so I guess it will come down to how much he wants regular football. Whatever happens, he has given his all when called upon and certainly adds to the experience and quality in this group. Thanks Yossi.
So basically that was that. The result at this time of the season is always more important than the performance. We may have produced something of a curate’s egg this evening, but a relatively comfortable 3-0 triumph on the road should be appreciated a little more than it was in some quarters. I can’t help thinking though we will have to raise the tempo a little to get another three points next Monday against a Wigan side who defeated the champions elect tonight, and would have done the same at Chelsea at the weekend with fair treatment from the match officials.
Enjoy the rest of the week ‘holics.
419 Responses to “We Huff and We Puff And Wolves House Is Collapsing”
Boom again??
We won the Wolves!
Sorry AL…)0;
He’s here ‘e’s there etcetra, etcetra – well in GT – now, a tad red-faced, off to read
Played ‘holic – nice nod Yossi’s way
3 bleedin’ 1?
That’s 50p I won’t be seeing again
Fair assessment, barkeep.
I’ll gladly sponsor your lagers everytime Chezzer denies your ‘Holic Pound.
Perhaps you’d have better luck with ‘Holic Euros? ๐
Win the next match.
BMBD.
I am sorry but Ramsey was absolute shite. Against a team that was 10 men.
And if the best thing you can say is that he never hid is ridiculous. We were awful and the only time we looked threatening was when we bypassed Ramsey.
Ramsey is not Arsenal material. Its Denilson wasted years all over again. And the question should be would he get into a mid-table side. The answer at the moment is ‘no’.
I would also love to see Yossi staying and I don’t get why knobs like Piers Morgan hate him so much. He was terrific at City and again today. Sure his finishing wasn’t as great as we would like it to be but today he did great to silence those knobs.
However, I doubt he would choose to stay with us. He’s at that age where he wants regular football to end his career. He isn’t gonna get that with us. Nevertheless keeping him would be great. He brings great experience, terrific running and endless effort. His tackle against one of the City c*nts last week keeps coming to mind.
He’s perfect for the pressing game we want to play. Hope he stays =/
Really, I don’t know what you guys were so worried about. You should have remained as calm as I wa… oh, right.
A little bit drunk now, but very please with the outcome!
I think we played a rather brilliant game. Save for a few minutes in the second half we controlled more or less everything. And once again, Wojciech Szczesny is a massive star in the making, that save on the Doyle header was among the best you’ll see from any keeper all season. And as usual the key is in the details – he not just saved it, he pushed it out for a corner making sure there was no rebound that could be scored from. That save is second only to the magnificent save he did at Anfield from Kuyt (I think it was, or perhaps Suarez?) when he also pushed a really difficult shot out for a corner instead of just stopping it with no control of where the rebound went.
I’m sure I had a lot of other clever things to say, but the amount of beer I have consumed tonight coupled with being very very tired has robbed my brain of those clever thoughts! Will do the back-drinking tomorrow.
Anyway, great report as usual, Holic – and as you say, let us be warned by what Wigan have done in the past two games. They are all of a sudden no pushovers anymore, and as long as we get three points against them I would really like them to stay up. I have a lot of respect for Roberto Martinez who really wants his teams to play the right way.
Five points clear now. Up the Arse!
As for Ramsey, he was part of the force that kept us going when everything looked horrible. It was in January, after we travelled to Wales and got beaten by Swansea 3-2 when he had a dreadful game that he’s never seemed to recover from. Worrying.
‘no’ – Mark. interesting!
It has to be said:
MIND THE GAP!
FOYS! COYG!
Have a word with yourself, mark.
Nice piece Holic. Not a spectacular performance by any means but as they say “horses for courses”…What I am noticing is that we have started to vary our game depending on our opponents. That wasn’t always the case. Even at the start of this latest run we’d play the same ‘rush-rush’ ‘pass-pass’ stuff no matter was was occurring on the field in front of us! Now there’s a real intelligence coming to the fore. This could just be confidence brought on by winning, but I prefer to believe that it because the new players are gelling within the team and responding to the excellent coaching that they are getting..
Lars,
Glad you’re a bit tipsy and having fun. Great observation re: Szczesny.
As for the result, never in doubt ๐ณ
Wonder what bug has flown up Mark’s Arse today? Did you really think “young” Aaron Ramsey was THAT bad today – or do you just not like him?…Before you respond remember the “young” part! (0;
Mark. Don’t think your old enough to drink without embarrassing yourself.
@14 Goonerholic.
Why? Because I am being brutally honest? Its the same sort of thinking that has kept us from winning trophies. We should not be an academy.
We failed to replace Flamini with Xabi Alonso. And after we sold Cesc, the best player we have had since Henry, we finally find a 18 year old boy who could do what Denilson should have done for years. Then we buy Arteta, or should I say Xabi Alonso clone when we lose Cesc?
If Arsene had replaced Ramsey with Rosicky 10 games earlier we would be taking advantage of Man Utd slips now.
Our attackers play poorly whenever Aaron starts and you saw that again today even when we outnumbered their central midfield. The game was over in 11 minutes. But if it hadn’t been it was QPR all over again.
Another nice win ~ got third by the short and curlies now. I think we all deserve a little tipple.
Have to say if I have to watch a stream I like the dutch commentary best they really know how to pronounce the players names, and if their critical I don’t understand anyway it so it cannot wind me up.
I also expect Chel$ki to want their Yossi back now he’s found his shoting boots, always thought he had touch of class and intelligence about him intelligent. Deserves to be somewhere he can play on a regular basis and I’m not sure we can offer him that, but happy for him to stay. Onward to Wigan who will have their tails up for us ~ one game at a time!
Regarding Ramsey, it seems hes too eager to be involved in every move, every pass – even when he’s not the best option. That added with trying something spectacular almost everytime he gets involved results in errors. But hes young and will learn. Holic is right that hes not the sort to hide – most players confidence bar would be zero looking at the chances he keeps getting in key areas and missing them. But he doesnt seem to have a confidence bar. Keeps getting involved. Thats a rare and great quality, i think. He’s a great talent – another few years.
Comparisons with denilson are unfair.
OK Mark I see the mood you are in: http://youtu.be/ExWfh6sGyso
Mark.
Yeah. Because no other manager than Vengaa would ever want him. Not Ferguson, for example ….
Hey Holic, My critique will start with your last paragraph. I think our response depends (usually) on what type of game our opponents are playing. Now to Ramsey…ahh, this lad will come good (I must be patient). His work ethic alone and his desire to score, touch my heart. He’s a keeper. Yossi always seems to wear his heart on his sleeve, a pleasure to watch. You bet against Woj, hmm…Just ragging on you. Like Lars, I’ve had some red and am a wee bit tired. Like the title, btw.
Mine is?!? Is there a full moon? Apart from in my front-room, of course!
Mark is wright. We must protest against wegner. Victory akainst wolfs only paper over cracker.
What a difference a keeper makes though lol. We never had one between lehmann and WZ
Well at least the malcontents are making themselves known after a WIN…
Pitiful, Mark…just pitiful.
BMBD.
No work tonight Nurse?
Benny in the net!
What GT said
Oy – ‘ang on, Mark’s right – if we hadn’t scored twice before our third one went in, then no-one, and I mean NO-ONE – could’ve said “That’s THREE, that is!!?!? FACT! And not just in MY OPINION! double FACT!fact!
UREDS!
Heh @ above
Hi GT, No work tonite! Really great stuff from the last set of drinks…build up of lactid acid and such.
Black mark for mark.
Lighten up dude, have an extra-cold guinness and chill.
Pitiful “highlights” from MOTD team, and on last. Now that is something worth complaining about…..that and Martin Keown not playing the piano.
Kow Chin Baz hits the nail on the head again. He is one proper fortune cookie ๐
Well said as always holic. Mark you’re on the wrong site.
Didn’t catch the game but just saw brief highlights, I thought Theo’s goal was terrific, enjoyed RVP’s pen and the Pole’s 2 excellent saves.
3-0 away is very acceptable, as Holic says Wigan will be a tough test next week, so no room for complacency but we are nicely placed for 3rd at the moment.
That’s another great match report ‘Holic, a curate’s egg of a performance indeed.
Shame others in here can’t just enjoy a decent win away during squeaky bum time and see things as they REALLY are.
Well done Arsenal! Looking good for third now.
Great write up ‘holic, and from the previous drinks- you’re welcome and I’m glad you found a decent stream. Heh over the Woj remarks.
Goonergirl. Unfortunatly there was no Dutch commentary tonight, I too had to suffer through those Sky twats on my Dutch Sports Channel.
Mark, everyones intitled to an opinion and if that’s yours then so be it. I personally thought Ramsey put in a good shift, I’ll agree with you that not everything he tried came off, but what is encouraging is that he gets himself into positions where he makes himself available to miss a chance, with a little bit of luck one will go in for him soon and then I think there’ll be no stopping him. Rosicky will probably be prefered to start against Wigan but it’s obvious that AW has big plans for Aaron so lets try to get behind the lad, shall we?
AS I posted directly after the game, I thought we did very well even though we never came out of second gear, the sending off pushed Wolves way deeper then AW thought they would play, and as we already had a two goal advantage there was no real pressure to push ourselves too hard. It was job done with a minimal of fuss.
Ol’ 2 Saints gave me a few scares, but on the whole it was a good solid team performance, another clean sheet, another three goals and another three points, luv-er-lee jub-lee.
goonergirl @ 20 Sorry I missed your post. Really nice having another gal visit the bar.
Thanks to the management and regulars for many hours of intelligent analysis and fun whilst shyly drinking in your bar over several years .just got to ask though , what the **#* is “a curates egg ” ?
Where’s our mate Tabs?
Is there a Speedo convention out of town?
Also in honour of another missing ‘holic I’ve devised this headline;
T.C’s Not The Boss As Benny and The Gang Come Out Top Dogs.
Ok, ok, I’m nowhere near the level of BtM, but I hope my feeble effort will bring him back.
Return soon gents, a drink on the bar awaits you.
chris,
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/163300.html
Parts of tonight were indeed excellent.
Missing TaBS too, and BtM, and Clive…
Thank you ‘holic for an excellent match report, particular good to read because I wasn’t as lucky as you in finding a reliable stream. I checked our goals against figures, and we have improved quite a bit. Overall we are second in that category behind Man City. Our away goals against while still fairly garish, has improved greatly from the early season when we were last in the league in that category.
‘holic@45 notch…thanks again sir
*gotcha *
Indeed, The Sweeper too.
Here’s wishing them well.
Night all.
Mark @ 8/19 come on man, he’s only come back from a fooking broken leg! Give Aaron a break, and even if he played badly (which he didn’t), he’s one of ours, who wears the Red and White and loves the club, when our players play badly, point out their faults if you must but pick them back up again, don’t push them further back down into the ground.
All I’m saying is, judge him in the 2012-2013 season when he’s had a full season to recover.
On other words, great write up ‘Holic, Szczesny played a blinder, the ‘Holic pound stood no chance ๐
I want Benayoun to stay but that would be for my own selfish reasons and he’d just be a squad player, maybe its better for him to move to a mid-table club and get regular playing time with his last few years in the game :'(
If Benny were to stay it would mean that we probably wouldn’t have enough room under the 25 player rule next season to sign some of the players we need to really push on (Podolski, Mvilla, Vertongen, etc.). With others in the squad passing the age of 21 and so having to be counted in the number, if you look at the current squad on arsenal.com, then we have to move on Squid, Park & Chamackh just to fit them in. If Ryo comes in, we really won’t have room for Benny and the new signings.
Still want him?
Wind @ 51, though I think Ramsey at this point of time has his technical limitations, I agree he would be an excellent player one day. His willingness , drive and desire to be involved and stay positive alone are great qualities. The gaps in his footballing side — the pace, the discipline about the shape — Arsene would take care of as he has done with so many others before. As others mentioned, he does get himself into good goal scoring positions and once he starts taking those chances he would blossom.
Today I thought he was good, and suited to the keep-ball game we ended up playing for most part after the first twenty odd minutes. Should have got a penalty as well.
Santos, and I like him, as expected found the frantic wing play a little hard to handle physically. It is not the pace because I think even though he is visibly not fully fit yet he is clever enough to compensate for it, but the somewhat wild and unpredictable nature of kick-ball-and-run-behind that he would need this season to get used to.
The red card, deserved as it was, killed off the match. Otherwise it could have been a better spectacle. And though tense we would have definitely won given the way we started.
To pull off two such stunning saves when he had nothing else to do show not only abilities but concentration and maturity that belies Szczesny’s youth.
Against Wigan at home Rosicky would likely be back for Ramsey. Would Arsenal start with Benayoun — who capped a very good performance with a well taken goal — or Ox or Gervinho if he returns from injury? I think Yossi could get the nod.
Evening all. Just got back from Wolverhampton and just managed to catch up on the highlights.
Arrived in Wolves at about 6. Sat in a curry house for over an hour waiting for our ruby to turn up. We eventually decided that enough was enough and left. Did they have no idea we had a football match to attend?????
I have always enjoyed my trips to Wolves and today was no exception. 2 nil up inside 10 minutes and we all felt a cricket score was on the cards. Robin’s penalty shows that although he may have a minor problem from open play at the moment it is clear that his confidence is still high.
For some strange reason we then seemed to take our foot off the gas. Surely a third in the following minutes would have let the flood gates open??? We did seem a bit lack lustre for the rest of the 1st half although credit to Wolves for at least showing some spirit.
2nd half was a lot of the same. I thought that Yossi very much deserved his goal. Just rewards for his efforts.
Not our greatest performance by any means. Ramsey was poor. He gave the ball away far too many times and on others looked clueless in possession. But we all know he can be a player. Those who want to write him off I would suggest are somewhat way off the mark. He will need to sharpen up. The other worry for me is Santos. Now I like the Brazilian. He shows some great touches but his positional sense tonight was shocking. He also looks really out of shape. After 30 minutes he was blowing put of his arse. He will definitely need to deal with this and fast.
Lots of positives, not least another 3 points. The away support was again fantastic. On the pitch Shezza showed why he can be an Arsenal keeper for the next 20 years. I also want to offer praise to someone who if honest I am really not that big a fan of. I thought that tonight Djourou had a very solid game. He was put under a lot of pressure on many occasions and dealt with it all admirably.
The drive home was made all that more exciting with the most beautiful display of cones along the M1 that I have seen in many a year. The journey was made even more fun when as we played “spot the workman.”
Onwards and upwards. Wigan will be no pushover on tonight’s showing so time to chill and spend the next 5 days preparing for that.
Keep the faith.
Chris66@52 : I think Yossi himself has said he would like to play more often, and he would probably look for a move to a mid-table team if Chelsea permits him to leave. Depending on how our respective seasons end up, Chelsea might want him more than we do.
I personally like his contribution, and if he is willing to stay as a senior squad member to be played occasionally and in important times, I think he could be valuable for one or two more seasons. Him, Arteta, Santos, Per they all brought a degree of level headed maturity that has really helped us turn things around.
I don’t think Arsene will get both M’villa an Vertonghen, with Coquelin really impressing in his chances. One of them — most likely Vertonghen because of his versatility — may be, but not both.
Dear Mark (edit). Ramsey is 21 and is in a bit of a form slump. So what, we won and that is something to get joy out of. Next you will start getting stuck into the Ox because he is not preceived to be playing at a level that you expect. When Jack comes back and has a bad period will you also jump on his back.
Not everyone plays well every time they step out, look at Johan prior to his last two appearances, it is called human nature.
Go the Gunners
Meant to say home goals against, not overall goals against. In any case, a very important three points.
Steve @ 54 — I too thought Djourou was good. Reminded me a bit of the few months last season when he and Koscielny played very well together.
I thought Ramsey was good enough in the context of the game today, his primary weakness of failing to move the ball quickly and forward notwithstanding. Made some decent passes and through balls and pressed well as well as defended well. His lack of positional discipline is frustrating but in a generally mediocre quality match when after the early burst it turned out more about controlling possession and tempo, he was more than useful.
I actually prefer Ramsey in the Wilshere role and Jack in the hole.
Have a look at Ramsey’s performances before the injury (where he played the Wilshere role alongside Song and Cesc) and his vision, and dictating of the play was immaculate.
The problem he has, is that his technique isn’t great, therefore playing in the hole, he gets less time on the ball and struggles to buy himself more time with his technique.
Jack on the other hand, can just simply glide through a tight marker with ease.
When Aaron is afforded time on the ball and runners in front of him, making smart runs, he can be brilliant.
Give him time, he’ll come good for us.
Exactly Snir, couldn’t put it better myself. He’ll be back to his old self in the 2012-2013 season ๐
Doctor Faustus @ 53, well said, he’s made of the right stuff.
SG@59: good points. Jack gives the vertical thrust, Aaron the horizontal.
Interesting to speculate how much Arteta and/or Rosicky, two of our stars this season, would have played if Jack had been fit.
Three solid points today against a side the likes of which we have dropped points before.
Not exactly sure of the practical difference between a squad or a first team player anymore given cup runs, injuries, international duties (ACN in particular). If we’re also starting to compose the team according to the opposition’s character, the first choice XI is even less obvious – have we actually played a first choice XI this season? So, Yossi Stillagoon works best for me.
Another point that comes to mind is how Rosicky blossomed when he stopped running sideways and started running forwards. Lesson for Ramsey in that?
I believe so NBN.
Win our last five?
i have nothing to offer except my biliousness
or indeed -osity
nope
nowt
So, once again, Stewart Robson thinks he knows it all, and calls the red card a terrible decision because there was no intent.
I will never understand that stupid word “intent.”
If there is no intent, there is no foul? That’s just a stupid interpretation of the rules, and a wrong one too.
A player doesn’t need to have intent to foul an opposing player for it to be a foul. It needs to be a foul for it to be a foul!
A foul denying a goal scoring opportunity by the LAST MAN is a red card Mr. Robson.
God, I hate him Robson so much.
Page 36 of FIFA laws of the game.
Sending-off offences
denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent
moving towards the playerโs goal by an offence punishable by a
free kick or a penalty kick
No mention of intent whatsoever.
Anyone have an inside word on Thomas Eisfield’s progress with the reserves? Considering we’re well-stocked in midfield and are likely to strengthen there next season, how much game time could he possibly get? I hope he doesn’t end up like Amaury Bischoff.
Also Park Chu Young? I think most people would agree that Chamakh probably needs some game time, and a return to France has been suggested, but does Wenger really rate Park? I’ve always wondered why none of the reporters who attend the Arsenal press conference question Wenger about the Korean’s worth to the side. He doesn’t get too much publicity on Arsenal.com either. There’s something sinister about Park.
Nothing to add Holic
In cruise control last night and Wojtek made some decent saves even though it meant Holicpound was denied, especially on those dying minutes.
Never seen this ref before either but he seemed to be in control of the game and his partners on the lines made correct calls throughout the match.
Wigan certainly look to be in form at the moment the way they took on Chelski and Man U last night it shows they are fighting for their lives.
Let’s enjoy this win for now.
Ramsey needs to get back to his old best I do have to admit I get slightly frustrated with him at times.
Drink all around please Barman ๐
Morning, God it’s early.
Getting Beer tanks installed (1000litre gizmos) today.
For when a barrel is just not enough. ๐
Now I can’t believe what I’m reading.
I gave away a casual sentence yesterday about Ramsey not being at his best but I’m sure he will come good. Most on here seems to agree with both parts of that statement.
Now, I’ve read around the Internet, reveling in match reports and blogs, basking in the glow of a victory that wasn’t the biggest we’ve had but a very important one still, and I am astounded by the amount of vitriol that Ramsey gets.
I stick by the notion that he at the moment isn’t as quick in releasing the ball as he should be (and with that I don’t mean that he is just passing sideways, but also that he gets closed down and that he doesn’t always decide to go for a pass that is on and should be within his technical reach.) But that is just casual observations, coming from the comfort of my armchair, and more importantly that is a review of him on current form, not as a prospect or a person.
To write off his career at Arsenal at this stage, or question him as a man, as has been done in some quarters is absolutely shameful.
I remember some of the games Song played Aarons age. That’s all I have to say.
Oh and AL, me I have very foggy memories of Lars from O’Learys here in Stockholm. But I do vaguely remember him having a beard then, which means that we are quite alike.
First?
Oh no, the report was up early.
Morning. Sunshine is back.
Let’s see….we’ve won 9 out of 10 (I think)….found some stability in a season that looked very close to hopeless, realised our backline needed nothing more than health and genuinely look to be just a few parts away from contention (not the 6 new signings people screamed for 3 months ago)….so where is the complaint?
Rotating players and thus including Ramsey is causing horrible negativity around the net. I’m not saying he had a great match but he was fair and never stopped working in a game we won 3-0. A certain Belgian defender had two awful moments at Loftus Road recently and remains lauded. As he should be. As should Ramsey.
Players have runs of good form, poor form, excellent form and fair form….it’s always been that way. Aaron is a kid – a kid coming back from a year where his leg was snapped in two. This isn’t the gun-shy player who can never get back to former glories nor the never ending injury recurrences that stifle a great talent (Diaby). This is a kid who looked wonderful before the injury and needs to find a nice run of form again. He will be very good and I hope it’s for us.
Yes his passing is just a fraction slow and his finishing wayward, but he hasn’t played much since Rosicky had his run. Wenger sensibly rests the older head tonight and Aaron fills in. It didn’t lead to defeat nor a compromised approach.
If Wilshere comes back next season and has a few months of sub-par form will everyone be on his back? Don’t forget that from August-November when we were poor on the whole Ramsey was one of the better pieces of news and we were thrilled that he didn’t look broken. Now I think he’s probably tired, not in a good run and has been played out of position a few times lately to boot. Stick with him….please…he’s 21 years old with 60 appearances. I don’t know if he is a first eleven player yet but he will be.
Sorry….I had intended to write two sentences but I’ve read some really negative stuff tonight in rainy San Diego (one league defeat since the move…)
@ 74
*Suggests to Roxette that we should move to Holland*
Whistler @72 By all accounts the Ice Man had a good reserve game this week, and scored a cracking goal. Think he was playing up front. Not sure – others, no doubt, will verify. Or not ๐
Toby @75 – brilliantly said. Nice thoughts by Snir too… so essentially you see him in the “Arteta” role in the future..?
Morning all.
Laying into Rambo when he literally gave a leg for our cause last season and is giving us all of himself this season is sick. He just needs to settle and not be so flustered in front of goal and he’ll be alright. I’m not saying he should get a free pass all the time but surely he doesn’t need plastics jumping on his shit every time he gets on the field? Some people just need to grow up…
I like Benagoon. Based on his levelheadness and ability to come on the field and play like a true professional whenever needed is great. But as someone said earlier, we have so many players coming back in from loan and injury in midfield next season, (not to mention the number of players we may be trying to sign), will he want to stay as a squad member knowing his time might be limited?
Besides his maturity, the best reason to keep him is the fact that we KNOW he can perform in the Premiership. Do we know for sure whether or not those new signings from overseas can do a job for Arsenal?
@70: Snir, I agree with you and the use of the word “intent.” It’s absolutely irrelevant. When a drunk driver destroys a family of five, they get locked up. There is never any talk of whether the driver “intended” to do the deed. The deed itself is what’s punished.
Morning all!
Just a quick one. Who does Van Persie think he is, taking over Song’s role as the provider of laser-precision lofted through-balls over the back of defence??
Next thing we know he’ll be doing those cheeky chipped pen…Oh.
Toodle pip!
Well said Tim
I like Californian……..stuff ๐
Oh, and Theo now has 11 goals to his name this season.
Not bad for a player with no football brain, eh Hansen?
Morning.
I have not looked elsewhere on the net but with one exception on here I must say I am surprised that people even feel the need to defend Ramsey. He had a poor game. End off. He won’t be the last arsenal player to have a poor game. I really don’t see any need to make anymore of it than that?
Last night was a victory that pushed us 5 points ahead of 3rd place with 5 to go. It is not that long ago that if we had been told by someone we would now be in this position that we would have had them sectioned???? Let’s enjoy that and look forward to the Wigan game.
…or was it the camp-voiced Chuckle Brother Lawro who said that?
BTW all – goal of the night…Shaun Maloney against the Scum anyone?!
Excuse the randomness, thoughts seem to be spilling out of my brain without bothering to organise themselves into a coherent whole, but…
…QPR vs Swansea on MOTD before us? W. T. FFF???
Oh and nice to see Manure getting on the wrong end of some crap decisions for once, and speaking of crap, the Moses goal that Dowd disallowed (oh look, that rhymes…) had to be the worst of the lot – how many goals have Fat Sam’s sides put past us by blatantly blocking off the keeper on corners?
And while I’m at it: hey Spuds! How’s it going down there? Bugger, noone heard me, they’re too far away.
@88: Camberwell, the MOTD editing department are full of biased clowns. On the BBC website is a description of how they choose the lineup (talking points, excitement, goals and other arbitrary stuff) but our highlights are quite often near the end when we win and they never choose our goals for their pathetic goal of the month segments. Instead they love putting goals scored AGAINST us in every highlight reel they can make. In recent years I can only remember us being on first maybe twice…
Hit the nail on the head CoR. The bias is pretty clear to me too…
Great post, Tim!
sometimes you can’t make it up…
“I hope the learnings heโs (Arsene so-called Wenger) taken from this year dictate his policy this summer.”
Sorry ‘h – quote above from a certain other whose name shall remain – unmentioned. Can’t help popping over there every now and then at the mo to laugh me c*ck orf at the falling over themselves, slapstick stylee, back-tracking coming from the mob who’ve invested so much time and effort slagging off all things Arsene and Arsenal.
Anyways, enjoyed the haughty tone of numb nut still lecturing AW above (because of course he’s doing it their way now, therefore they taught him everyfink HE NOSE – FACT!)
And “LEARNINGS”?!? there’s only one word for that – G.E.N.U.I.S.
CG@86: it was the cock that is waddle
http://m.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/02/theo-walcott-chris-waddle-england?cat=football&type=article
Greetings all from sunny Western Australia. I’m a long time visitor first time poster. Great site you’ve got here holic with some awesome contributors, I’m shore your all aware of the anti arsenal site le groan and probably avoid it like I normally do but last night( early morning over here) I thought id pay a visit to see if things have improved considering out recent form. Can’t say I was surprised it hasn’t but I could not believe the level of vitriol being dished out on Rambo. The greatest manager and master of transfer policy that is Gambon here
“Wheres Ryan Shawcross when you need him?”
I know Aaron probably didn’t have his greatest game but to wish that on one of your own players must surely point to some sort of physcosis.
I suppose it’s my fault for even visiting that site but seriously. Please if any of you ever have the ‘pleasure’ of running into this cretin at the ems or anywhere over there please please please permanently maim or disfigure him.
Rant over, great result last night lets keep this run going against wigan on Monday
James boags premium lagers(Australia’s best beer) all round
*our not out
EXCLUSIVE
Concerns at Highberry are mounting about Aaron Ramsey. A full 12 months after recovering from his leg being snapped in two by the elegant playmaker Shawcross, he is yet to score a hat-trick.
Doubts persist whether Ramsey, who was only really ever rated by Wnegere and Sir Ferguson, will ever make it in professional football.
The 22 year old international captain was not available for comment.
Great result last night.
No idea why people feel the need to slag off individual players after a win. No harm in pointing out that a player didn’t have a great game, but banging on about how Aaron Ramsey is “Denilson all over again” and should be sold just makes it clear you’ve well and truly drunk the Leg Rash Kool-Aid.
A bit like this bloke (apologies for linking to another blog, but it really is a cracker): http://arsenaltruth.squarespace.com/arsenal-truth/2012/4/9/arsenal-1-man-city-0-another-sad-day-for-football.html?
If there’s one thing that’s been made abundantly clear this season it’s that our manager knows a fuck sight more about football than your average keyboard warrior. If Ramsey’s good enough for him, he’s good enough for me.
The same people would have been screaming for Alex Song to be sold four years ago. It doesn’t hurt to have an opinion, but failing to temper it with the recognition that you might be wrong only makes you look a twat in the long run.
Anyway, no idea how we’ve clawed our way back to where we are now, but here’s to five more wins to close out the season and send us into the summer break dreaming of a title challenge next term.
Not sure if it’s been posted before, but thought you lot might enjoy this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwtvaHmKKt4
Picks it up on the wing and darts skillfully inside, expertly sliding it to…
It’s up for grabs now………
Boom!
Wicked 1-2, well in Cam’.
See you @ 198 y’all…
Zico #79 ๐
Anyone see Mankini’s defeatist comments on MOTD?
“For me it is over”
Man up FFS!
Sensible words on Ramsey, ‘holic, as one would expect from this blog.
Greetings Holics
Found a decent stream last night. It wasn’t a great game to watch after the opening 12 minutes but we achieved what we needed, which was a very easy 3 points.
We had given our all on Sunday, particularly in the last 25 minutes and I suspect that there were not only tired legs on show last night but some of our players were also emotionally drained.
After the sending-off and the second very well taken goal by Theo, there was little cause to run ourselves into the ground and although the “keep-ball”was at times frustrating to watch , we did it very effectively.
My friend Szczesny’s wonder save was crucial at that stage of the game, when Wolves were having their only threatening period of play. Who knows how we would have responded had the home crowd got going at 1-2!
Santos worried me throughout . He was frequently caught out of position and didn’t look match fit. He probably needs more game time, which he is unlikely to get if Gibbs is back on Monday.
I am a Rambo fan and although he has not been at his best of late and does not have the directness of TR7, I am convinced he will recover his form and will be a major player with LJW, in our mid-field, for years to come.
It is a great pity that I won’t be at the Ems on Monday, First Capitol Connect only give me a late train on Fridays and Saturdays. Although 19.45 kick-offs are just doable if I leave at 21.30, missing half the second half is a no no. In the old days evening matches kicked-off at 19.30.Wigan, on their current form, will be no push-overs and we must not take them too lightly, fingers crossed.
See you all at the Tollie for the Chelski match.
As always COYRs
104 Cam.
I couldn’t Adam ‘n Eve what I was hearing.
How could he say that?
“Eeet’s over”
First I thought he might be doing that mind game thing, but if so he didn’t do it very well.
I then thought he’s probably talking about his Man Shity career, in which case he’s probably right.
Trophyless season may equal the Spanish archer for the Italian.
Morning All ,
Great write-up Holic .
Well , well , well , the old adage is that Easter sorts the men out from the boys (or chickens) , and this year would appear to be no exception .
Yesterday before the game , I postulated to Steve T on text that a win against Wolves , and we could unwrap the bunting for St Totteringham’s day . I was wisely warned not to count my chickens , but nothing that happened last night has really changed my mind . 5 points ahead with an appreciably better GD with only 5 games to go strikes me as Game Over .
Still , I won’t count my chickens , they’re just too far behind to be able to see them !
Great to see most of the usual suspects on Sunday , where the post-match Beers were spent largely reflecting on how great our midfield three were . On a day where it looked as if our play might not achieve the result it merited , Arteta’s wonder-strike was a fitting finale to his afternoon of skill and endeavour , though it would have been equally apt had either Song or Rosicky banged one in , such were their immense contributions to the afternoon .
Cue Balotelli adding stupidity to his afternoon of sin , and a fantastic piss-take of the Poznan .
City’s negativity on a day where they needed to win , was impossible to fathom . Again I was left to thank my lucky stars that we are managed by a man who is only very very rarely seduced into the more conservative approach so clearly favoured by his City counterpart .
As for last night , I never thought we’d stumble . We got out the blocks in double quick time and the game was won within 10 minutes . The ensuing game of keep-ball might not have led to the most entertaining 80 minutes of the season , but more importantly I was never concerned that Wolves would ever get back into the game , even when Sir Ches was making his wonder save .
Djourou again restated his claim that he does have something to offer this squad , and there were so few scares , I was tempted to have a nap . After some of the kamikaze defending we have seen in seasons of recent memory , this year represents huge progress in this regard .
As for the criticism of Aaron , I suspect it says far more about his denigraters than it does him . Paul Davis suffered the same kind of impatient nonsense , whilst in the present side , both Song and Kos are no strangers to the instantaneous keyboard warrior judgement . Arsene knows there’s a player there . He’ll come good , though I suspect it won’t be in the advanced midfield role . Some of his passing and speed of thought last night , betrayed a lack of confidence that ultimately will only return when he starts hitting the back of the net regularly . That he continues to get himself in the right positions gives me huge hope that that will occur . He’ll be fine , as long as he doesn’t subject himself to some of the madness on the internet .
So maximum points interspersed with the chickens being hilariously devoured by the canaries .
St Totteringham’s Day ? Never in effin’ doubt !
Camberwell at 104. His attitude may explain why there were so many empty seats. Big club?
The same can be said of the chavs. I am reliably informed that despite that despite a week of a general sale they still can’t sell their allocation for Sunday. Quite pathetic. Big club ?
Delia. I agree as above. We saw the same game.
…As for the criticism of Aaron , I suspect it says far more about his denigraters than it does him . Paul Davis suffered the same kind of impatient nonsense , whilst in the present side , both Song and Kos are no strangers to the instantaneous keyboard warrior judgement . Arsene knows thereโs a player there…
Well said. This season, the BBBs have shifted their attention from The-o to Arshavin to Ramsey. Fine players all. Whos’ next? Who cares? Haters have go to hate I suppose.
Camberwell @ #104
I suspect he’s atempting to play mind games and take the pressure away from his squad of mercenaries. If they keep winning and beat United it will be close but I can only see the title going back to United at present *chokes*
*attempting*
GT @15 – adaptation to our opponents – the result of more experience in the side too.
LeGRaSH @33 – ๐ ๐
off aahht now, back to read the rest later.
Cheers ‘Holics, another great three points – 27 from 30 now – I’m off to book my St Totts Day do.
Excellent account of the Wolves match, ‘holic. I just want to remind folks about the Robson petition.
http://www.change.org/petitions/arsenal-football-club-relieve-stewart-robson-from-his-arsenal-player-duties
Morning All! Some great drinks and links posted since last night. Hello Tabs. I still smile when I think about your trip to the hair stylist a way back. As for me I just feel elated, so much so, I’m going to congratulate Joey Barton on his goal! Don’t worry, just warming up for Friday.
tabs is back, great write-up!
Who’s “tabs”?
Oh, that tabs!
Wolfie – did you check your mail? Some near cross-dressing recorded for posterity? ๐
And welcome back – I assume you have been out drumming up business for your temperance group?
Cheers TS and Ollie .
Dr Z , sadly I have checked my mail . “Tired and emotional” is , I think, the modern vernacular which is most apposite for my appearance ๐
Re: Camberwell @98: Seldom has such skillfulness and expertise been seen in one quick assist!
@ 119
I thought you looked resplendent ๐
Return of the tabs, now for the sweeper and BtM.
abb, we’ll have none of that, cogratulating Joey Deacon Bartscum on anyting except for being top of the Biggest Douche in The Galaxy poll.
Dr Z , I have been designated by BtM as head of the anti-haddock movement and he has even sent some photos to prove it !
A healthy disdain for the haddock whilst other more liquid forms of refreshment are still on offer seems to me to be an absolutely definitive requirement of the modern man .
I have therefore been busy drumming up support throughout the country , for what promises to be a hugely popular movement .
“Ban the Fish” is the catchy title . Get with the programme , joining fees to be sent to the usual account ๐
But battered haddock is our national dish, mon.
Tabs@108: spot on about Ramsey’s detractors. And good to see you back in the bar.
H2H @ 122 Ain’t that the truth. But deep down inside is a man struggling to make good, for his sake I hope he can.
abb, happy with Del Piero yesterday?
bt8 @ 120 – I was in there like a shot! Must be all the Pro Evo I’ve been playing lately…
Camberwell @ 100, is your treatment reaching fruition? ๐
Great assist H2H ๐
tabs @ 123, anti-haddock movement!? Haddock’s the best, Cod is mediocre ;P
Whistler @ 72: You can see the highlights of the reserves’ game against Newcastle. Eisfield scored a good goal and playing up front showed pace, nice skills and some good understanding with Ozyakup.
Ozyakup, just as he has been this reserves’ season (based on highlights), was truly excellent. Dribbling, range of passing, vision, pace, defensive work…
Conor Henderson played after returning from injury, some good crosses and passes.
Good crop of reserves players coming through — Aneke, Ozyakup, Eisfield, Henderson. And then there is Miquel who already has shown promise playing for the first team.
Eisfield probably would play one more season with the reserves, but we may see more of Miquel and Ozyakup in the first team next year. Aneke and Afobe for loan stints in PL teams, maybe.
Call me sentimental but I just love it, “love it” (Kevin Keegan’s voice) when H2H & TABs are in the house (0;
Doctor Faustus – I’m not yet positive Afobe would be loaned out.
Considering Chamakh, NB52, Park, Arshavin, and Vela all leave, that means you are left with ONLY RvP as a striker.
Podolski and potentially another striker who can play on the wing coming in, is nice but not enough for a whole season.
I would not be surprised to see Afobe and Campbell being brought up to the first team squad and becoming 4th and 5th choice strikers.
That of course is in the case they don’t prove themselves in the preseason, because if they do (like Jack did in the preseason of 2010-2011 when AW admitted to wanting him to have another loan at Bolton but rejected it because he was very impressed with his preseason), they’ll undoubtedly make the step up.
Hey GT! Ollie @ 127 Well, what do you think! His last season as well. Que lastima! What about Christiano’s two goals, my goodness.
Dr. Faustus: I too am excited about the quality of our young Guns. The management will have some serious pruning of the deadwood to do this summer to allow space for these players to get more games. A while back I posted my views about how we could use the Reserves and minor cups to keep our squad sharp and engaged throughout the season. I believe that with the pressing game we now favour we can’t possibly keep up such intensity without using our entire squad. We should get rid of all those players that makes us shudder and take a chance on youth – they will not let us down..
Oh Hi Nurse ABB: forgot to mention you in my list of people that make me happy to see in the bar (0;
Ah, shucks Tel, very kind of you to say.
Give that man a beer please barkeep.
Thanks GT! Many of my favs have been at the bar today…the rest will eventually get thirsty and come visit. You guys are so right about all our young talent. Campbell, want to see him play for us.
Hey if you all want a little laugh today, Hayley Wright’s V-Blog is quite funny today: http://gingers4limpar.com/
Just spotted: SG’s man – Stewart Robson – made a somewhat silly mistake when commentating on The Wolves v Arse match up yesterdee (am certain the old pro can only have done it deliberately, to keep us Arse fans on our toes – the cheeky wee crowd-pleaser!?!).
Anyway – first he begrudgingly concedes that what he describes as a “clash of legs” (between Walcott and Bassong) – was in fact a penalty.
He then goes on to call the sending-off an “unbelievable decsion” (it was p’raps hard on Wolves, but if the ref gives that pen then, as the rules stand, the man has to go too).
He follows that lot up, most emphatically, by saying how he’s said this “again and again” …”the rule” (to send the man off who denies the goal-scoring opp) “was brought in for the professional foul…Willy Young on Paul Allen in the 1981 cup final!!”
1981!!?!?1981?!!?1981?!!? Now we’re all prone to the odd factual mistake here and there – meself very much included, what with my fading memory and that.
But i’m not a former Arsenal (and West Ham) player, working for Arsenal by commentating to a predominantly Arsenal supporting public – on yes, you’ve guess it – Arsenal
The above might seem a tad tough on the boy, to some – but i’d like to think it was not unlike many of SR’s own assessments on all things Arsenal – harsh and fairly fukkin’-well unfair!?!
Anyways, as he’s gotten up a few hooters lately thought i’d pop it up for perusal –
UREDS!
No idea about Ronaldo, abb, he’s a cunt, so I’m just annoyed when he scores but I don’t bother watching his goals.
GT @ 138 Haley is so charming and I must confess I share her sentiments towards Roberto Martinez. A true gentleman.
Ah Ollie, These were no ordinary goals. Not a fan of his but I can’t help but admire his many skills. Too bad he can’t be a little more humble, like RVP is.
I was probably trying to put 1981 in the conversation, AL, to highlight how much of a cunt he is, given who won the FA Cup in 1981.
Seeing as Paul Allen later played for that lot too. Cunts, all of them.
I? He…….. Jaysus.
Ticket Xchange ticket for Canaries = ยฃ178.50 – not quite what I had in mind.
The only pass I will get from Roxette at that price will be of the hospital variety. ๐
If anyone can source me a ticket at a price not aimed at Investment Bankers give me a shout.
Ollie – you may be on to something. More evidence for the prosecution i reckon.
Though, in SR’s defence, the tackle in question was launched in the 1980 cup-final, and Big Willie was slow – just not that fukkin’ slow
Cheers H2H , Ned , GT and hello back to Nurse Abb .
This little discussion concerning our former hammer loving midfield terrier reminds me of a conundrum I was once set , to which I have still not settled on a definitive answer ;-
When settling down to a televised Arsenal game would you rather ,
(a) Listen to Tony Gale’s childish interventions or
(b) Listen to Stewart Robson’s patronisingly facile solutions or
(c) Slice your own ears off with a carving knife .
Tricky I grant you , but on balance I think that as long as I was guaranteed a clean snap , I would have to plump for (c) slicing my own ears off .
zico, keep checking, I got a ยฃ35 pounds one yesterday. Block 2, row 9.
So a bit to the left of the home bench (tunnel will protect me from ‘holic anyway)
I like your way of thinking tabs, however the problem is I’d still be able to hear the git plus my glasses wouldn’t fit anymore. ๐
Damn , I hadn’t thought of that H2H ๐
Contact lenses are definitely the way forward ๐
Snir’s petition looking better by the minute. ๐
Tabs – good to see you back.
Wanger Out – heh ๐
Ozgoon82 –
I paid my first ever visit to “that site” after the Man Citeh game just to see what sort of negativity they could come up with after such a good performance and such a great run of results.
The author opened his report by apologising for bringing everyone “such another sugar coated” report. They actually begrudge having to write something positive.
Overall, the experience made me even more appreciative of this blog and let’s just say I won’t be making a return visit.
To the Ramsey detractors –
It is frustrating to see a player giving the ball away and missing chances, even if some of them are self-created.
However, the Guvnor here, and others, have made the point more than once in this difficult season that it is the job of supporters to support.
Some will interpret that as “blind allegiance”, others will see it as an opportunity to contribute to a concerted effort to help the club out of trouble.
We have all now seen what the steadily but greatly improved atmosphere has done at The Grove, which has helped the team collect 27 out of the last 30 available points.
In my book, anyone who has contributed to that sort of effort is deserving of our total support.
It is a miracle that Aaron Ramsey is playing football at all.
Think back to the stricken figure who sat on the pitch at Stoke contemplating the 90 degree bend in the middle of his shin.
If you still feel like moaning you have my sympathy.
Well said Trev.
Nice one Trev .
tabs, good to see you back again.
Trev@152: very well said. As for Ramsey, sadly it seems people have to have a scapegoat, someone to bully no matter what happens. If we won every game in every competition 10-0 people would still be moaning about us not winning 11-0 and blaming it on Ramsey or whoever happens to have the unfortunate role of scapegoat for the moment.
Ollie – thanks for the heads up.
Great post Trev.
And Lester – what’s the problem with the Allen and Young comment?
And as for the other stuff, that’s exactly what I wrote @70,71
Thanks fellas – I wonder what some people get out of “supporting” their team.
As for the petition – if you haven’t signed it yet, all I ask is just for you to watch a full game on Arsenal player with the thought in mind that the player is intended for Arsenal fans.
Late to the bar on this one Holic, but I tend to agree about Ramsey. I remember a certain young Spaniard having a season when he couldn’t score in a women’s prison with a handful of pardons, and he came good one year later and bagged a whole bunch of goals. All in good time.
The Arsenal West Ham cup-final (scene of said tackle) took place in 1980 not 1981 – as most good goonahs and ex-players and current Arsenal employed pundits (certainly of a certain vintage, would know).
As for the rest – i whole-heartedly apologise as, as you say – it’s exactly what you wrote @70/71
psed well said Trev
And good to see that tabs has made a full recovery too
Oops – pardon, @161 is mostlilily a reply to Snir @ 157
Hi all,
New day, still living in love of these last two games. I’m going to take a devil’s advocate postion a bit on Ramsey however, with the intention of reaching for a conversation beyond ‘he’s shite because he’s not perfect’.
His form has dipped of late, I notice and share that observation. He tries to do a bit too much I reckon, not unlike Gervinho (though in different form)- it’s a critique I have of each of their games in different ways. For a lot of players, particularly attacking play which requires confidence and creativity in droves to come off, a little arrogance or over elaboration is part of the mix that leads to the brilliance we see and love. Robin’s attempted chip a few games back that didn’t come off comes to mind. I thought it was brilliant, and couldn’t agree with any criticism of it at all- it’s what a striker needs to do. For Ramsey, however, I think what he’s trying is not coming off, and he’s neglecting opportunity for more simple open play as he tries to seek it. I’m empathetic, and don’t want to dog him in the slightest, but I can’t help but wish he’d reign that in a bit, like when Song starts to over elaborate. Song is brilliant, but at times he isn’t. Ramsey has played a bit selfish recently in my eyes, and it’s not helping his or our game. It’s a critique, in the genuine non-moralizing sense of the word, that I’m attempting. Pointing that out is not necessarily an attack or refutation of his great skill or of my support for him, or some fantastical belief (as some fans seem to carry) that I somehow could do better or even come close.
This is all coming off a bit like I’m taking it personally, which I don’t intend, because I think I really agree with tabs, trev, H2H etc. on the chronic bullshit moaning about a real man not being perfect and therefore shit and worthless. I just don’t want to lump all conversation about any player’s game and it’s affect on the team as equivalent to that.
Cheers all, drink on me if you’ll have it!
I recommend that patrons be advised to drink alcoholic beverages liberally until any urge to complain after a win subsides.
BTW well-argued discussion about particular players, their progress, development or current form is not complaining. That’s just having a legitimate, reasoned opinion.
That is all.
๐
Dr Spin, even if I am not feeling any urge to complain, may I still drink alcoholic beverages liberally?
But of course Lars. It is after all your tab ๐
AL thank you sir.
PiK – I have to disagree. I do feel that he’s desperate for a goal, and trying hard to score but I also think it made him inhibit his passing play.
There were a number of opportunities for him to thread a through ball, but he held and passed on the wing despite having the ability to pass that sort of pass. That’s a direct result from losing confidence, so he does inhibit himself a bit, and I have to say I’d prefer it if he wouldn’t.
Great post, Trev.
Drink on Lars’ tab, indeed.
Don’t mention it SG
Lars’ tab – ay!!! Psed Lars i think you have an impersonator on here. Just between me and you (as i’m dead against loose-lipped gossip, which when passed on and taken out of context can come across something awful), he calls himself Toby. He seems like a very nice fella and has made several interesting posts. But thought i ought to tip you the wink anyway
Now a drink, i think…
Evening all.
One amongst us has gone above and beyond. You know who you are. The patient will email you.
Thank you.
A little bit like a few months ago when the HT board declared full support for Dr. Feelgoode?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17696038
Some awesome drinks there too, everybody. Enjoyed going through them all this evening.
Work is silly crazy at the moment so not much opportunity to contribute more.
Oh, and big thanks to David Bailey, aka BtM, for some wonderful snaps of the weekend.
The ‘holic community has become far more awesome than I could ever imagine.
Good evening all. Trev @ 152 You at your very best. Which brings me to Pik and then Snir @168. One of the many reasons I like this blog. An opportunity for me to learn. Trying to picture what they both think is the best course for Ramsey to take.
Dr Spin, thank you very much, Sir. Even if it is my tab it doesn’t neccessarily mean I am allowed to drink what I pay for, so I thought I’d ask just in case!
AL@170: that Toby fella is a bit of a mystery to me too. He claims to have seen me at our Stockholm boozer but I have no idea who he is ๐
pik@164: good post.
Mr Barman: drinks all round, please!
Ok, somebody has to tell me what psed is.
Is that like a “by the way” whispering sound :)?
Lars you don’t need Dr Spin’s permission for anything – he’s a total charlatan you know ๐
But since you’re offering, several pints of Guinness please. Nerves need a good alcoholic steadying after a flurry of emails today with BtM’s photographic ‘handiwork’ as attachments….
‘holic – he’s not David Bailey – he’s a very naughty boy ๐
Don’t worry snowy. I am fully au fait with the requirements of the data protection act ๐
Heh – Top Man ‘Holic ๐
Ah fuck it. I’m just going to have to make it over there for a Holic gathering soon aren’t I!? Hate missing out….
http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/drivetime/120412/durhams-rant-rvp-showed-lack-class-against-wolves-169659
HOW THE FUCK DOES HE STILL HAVE A RADIO SHOW?!?!?
HE’S GETTING MONEY FOR THIS!!! HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE!?!?
Danny Graft – You’re a genius. You should have had another verse on that absolute twat.
Top Man Snowy, I will take your advice and just ignore Dr Spin from now on!
Holic – are you a candidate for the England FFL team??? ๐
‘Cause I’ve just leapfrogged your lot for third… ๐
Forever in Snir’s shadow.
New rule.
Don’t post links to that shit radio station on here. They want publicity. You are giving the cunts oxygen.
I haven’t listened to them since Eduardo, and never will. Suggest you do the same.
Won’t do it ever again, but I really want a proper explanation from this world.
How can such an unbiased person have his own radio show?
It’s outrageous!
Shock jocks bring outraged callers to the station at premium call rates.
If you don’t listen to or mention the pathetic sod then he will be kicked out on his arse. It’s up to you.
Wow Snir,No consideration that maybe RVP just didn’t want to ‘over think’ his approach. Robin is one of the most gracious men ever to grace the pitch. Btw, I looked up psed in the Urban Dictionary. Rather surprised to see what this word meant.
It doesn’t seem to fit with the couple of times above it’s been used, abb.
I am none the wiser. Maybe it’s something exlusive to AL ๐
If I had to take a wild guess (it’s what I usually do when I answer any question about anything) then I’d say that “psed” is used as a kind of ps as in post script, but more in a kind of “by the way” or “I’d also like to add….” mode.
I could of course be way off so don’t quote me on that.
No it doesn’t fit but I really do think that it’s a by the way whispering sound ๐
It sounds like how you would get someone’s attention in a quiet classroom ๐
Dr Spin is back?
Yay!
William, William it was really nothing ๐
I can’t imagine any classroom AL being in quiet.
http://www.putlocker.com/file/AD27AC1259767A5F
Kevin Hart is ridiculously funny!!! ๐
Lurkers… 8)
Assemble.
Hey All, Al quiet…ha, ha. Snir, you have our permission to understand that word anyway you so desire. Must admit this talk of word meanings made me reflect on chrisgooner’s question @ 43. I didn’t know the meaning either, but I was a bit wary of it all the same (chuckles). Thanks to Holic’s link @ 45, we can all dazzle and confuse ourselves to our heart’s content. That’s a wrap, off to work. Sweet dreams.
Blows down the wing, dervish of red.
Looks up at Snir, shaking his head.
ABB whatever saucy/bad-mannered thing you’ve got in mind i can assure you it’s not that – nooonoooonoooo
Beats the offside trap…..
Get in H2H! Nice assist AL.
But to finish my prose/poem,
Shapes up to shoot, looking for glory.
Changes his mind, passes to………
Guess ๐
*Runs to the corner to congratulate Sian Massey for being able to suss out the offside rule and advise her not to shop in the boyswear section of her local sport shop anymore.
Well-timed run H2H – everything’s going the Holl Man’s way at the mo
Thanks AL, tip of the hat to Wind for starting it off.
SG – the ‘psed’ is nuffink more than a kind of made up, very silly past tense ps (psed) – the add on bit of a letter or note – that i seemed to have slipped into doing on this fine sight among Arsenal chums.
So i’m sort of doing an “oh, and another thing” – in my head (i can only apologise). And probably, and sadly, because it looks a little bit like a rude word involving alcohol (so abb was right after all) that appeals to me too.
In short – pathetic, puerile and very, very, very silly – but then what else would you expect
psed – the Guv’nor’s right about that lot SG – they’re not worth it. The second part of their station name is often changed to “spite” or, better still imho, “shite” – for good reason
Pardon/sorry sir – i see you’d already pretty much done the leg work on that one H2H
‘e’s ‘ere, ‘e’s there, ‘e’s every etcetra, etcetra
@ 180 : Yes 8)
H2H @ 204, thanks mate ๐
The answer was: True Storey!
oh – and ta Wind too for the big Pat on the back…you play come poem maker you. Could prove an interesting tac-tic that one
Its officially now FFF in Grand Bretagne, n’est pas?
Fuck off Terry ๐
This is kind of funny from Tim Stillman: http://arseblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/poznan_haha.jpg
Is it fuck as like.
Behave yerselves ๐
Love you too Dr Zee…wanker (sotto voce)
Hey Boss thought you were asleep like…(0;
Ignore him GT ๐
Let’s go Bruins.
We want Vancouver in the Final AGAIN!!!
Who the fuck let this crazy ferker into the bar? And wtf is he talking about?
Silly American sports ๐
Oh…I thought that he was some sort of protester! (0;
Did someone say Poznan?
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/see-mikel-s-matchwinner-from-a-new-angle
Holic: That will go down as one of the best moments at the Ems (0;
SG, about Afobe, Campbell, Bendtner and Vela — I am not as certain as you are that both Vela and NB52 will be sold. Or should be.
I think both are special and unique players who haven’t yet fulfilled their potentials. By all appearance that is primarily because of their attitude and other psychological factors, but those are the things Arsene can improve upon.
I known NB52 gets a lot of bad press and criticism for Arsenal supporters, but his goal scoring record is decent while playing for us. And he is just not only a poacher but has good technical abilities and can play on the wing, and did play on the wing, when necessary. He just seems to be lazy in the defensive side of the game and shows lapses of concentration and poor judgment. But I think the combination of physical strength, technical abilities, goal scoring instincts can yet eventually make him a very good striker. Remember how late in his career someone like Drogba blossomed. And Arsene has always publicly expressed his admiration for Bendtner.
Vela is another matter as he evidently displeased Arsene because of attitude issues and when given chance he has been inconsistent. But he too can play as the CF as well as on the left wing, and has all the things we want to see in an Arsenal player. IMHO, he is technically better than Gervinho but of course doesn’t have that blistering pace.
Arsene has invested in these two a lot; I am not so certain he would give up on both of them at the same time at so early stages in their career.
Afobe, I think, needs a full season at top level to get used to the demands of a long season before he can become a reliable 3rd choice after RVP & Podolski (assuming RVP stays and we are getting Poldi, that is). If Bolton stays up, he may be loaned out to them. Campbell too is not playing the number of games for Lorient to gain enough experience.
Also, we might see more and more of Theo as a CF too.
I wouldn’t draw the curtains on Vela and Bendtner’s Arsenal careers just yet.
Doctor Faustus.
Most people said that a player who doesn’t want to play at Arsenal should be sold when they talked about Cesc.
If they think like that in the case of Cesc, then surely NB52 and Vela are the same. Their talents aren’t even close to Cesc’s and people still wanted the team to have “players who wanted to play for Arsenal” only.
Both Vela and NB52 have come out and said they want to leave.
They should leave.
Strictly analyzing their positions would also garner the conclusion that they should be sold.
Simply because they are either average wingers (which they will need to be as no player in the world should play up front ahead of RvP), and/or moody when they don’t play.
I have long said that our system requires us to buy only CF who can play on the wing, as NB52, Torres, Giroud and the rest will have the same fate as Chamakh. Never play, and when will play, will be rusty due to lack of match practice.
This is opposed to Poldi who would play on the wing and be sharp when asked to lead the line in RvP’s absence.
In addition, they should be sold because the one special thing about this group of guys is the great team spirit, and moody players don’t belong in a group with a great team spirit.
Damn autocorrect.
*garner = result in
don’t ask me how that happened, I’m watching Hockey!
Doctor Faustus @ 223, good points, but I’m with Zico @ 224, once you turn your back on the mighty Arsenal, there shouldn’t be a way back. If Vela wants to stay at Real Sociedad, good for him, thanks for the Chips mate, but Bendtner said he never wants to play for us every again, so he needs to fuck off, wish completed.
Doctor Faustus: I have to agree with Snir where it comes to both Vala & NB52. Sell them: pay for Prince Poldi…simple.
Speaking of RvP and Theo: Have you noticed how they have started to change positions lately? Against Wolves this caused much confusion at times – and of course the first two goals…something to develop methinks..
Snir @ 224, sorry all, I’m so tired… ๐
Two questions for sunny sydney
1) how many gooners went to wolves
on tv here it looked like all one side was red
2) wheres clive?
Happy FFF… you AKB wanker lot (except for you, Nurse…you’re special ๐ )
BMBD
Happy FFF you prawn-eating, praise-giving, Poznan-nicking gooners you!
I rate Bendtner over Chamakh btw and would keep him if we sell Chamakh this summer. That is, if he wants to stay with us…Who wants another ex-Gunner banging in goals against us?
CoR – Do you honestly see NB52, playing over Theo and/or Poldi/Ox on the wing?
No.
So there is no difference.
Would be as rusty as Chamakh is now.
Plus being quoted saying he doesn’t want to ever play for Arsenal again, why would you wanna keep him then?
So CoR, just for the record, just how many ex-Gooners (except for the feckingcuntadebayor) can you name that has scored against us recently?
Happy #FFF you Chinless Lesbian Lovers! (Apart from nurse abb & co, we’re on the same team :))
Wind – who’s on her team? You, me, and 8ball, no?
Yep Snir, ready to roll ๐
God, Robson makes me sick :& Fucking intent, stick it up your arse you cunt.
Hurricane: Who else on here loves the Chinless Wonder but nurse ABB?…so that means you have just insulted the venerable nurse….bad boy (0;
oi Wind, Wat you gat ginst chinless lesbians????
I prefer chinless lesbians to this lot of Poznan-dancing sissies who chase hardworking, industrious, and dedicated teammmates like Arshavin back to the tundra, all while coddling, babying, and generally making excuses for lazy, selfish, clueless anti-teammates like Rambo… ๐
Supporters like the fair-weather fan TaBS; afraid-to-leave-Cali Tim; House2Home; And Loser; Drs C, Z, T (whateva); Trebuchets of Talking; Slim Goodie; Oily Olly Oxen Free; Snowed In; Deacon Fack off…and our esteemed, most respected, co-opted company-man and shameless shill – ‘Holic (sorry, couldn’t work any magic on the moniker that remotely made any sense) are the VERY reason we find ourselves where we are at this very end of a long season… oh, wait.
BMBD.
Oh, and anyone else I forgot, sans Abb and Delia, can just fuck off as well ๐
BMBD
That means you – Lars and GT.
BMBD.
You know GT, you’re a real bastard on #FFF, d’you know that? ๐
Oh, and PiK – welcome back, brutha…now fuck off ๐
BMBD.
I only have one word for you two: Bollox! You wait until the others wake up, they are gonna roll you over you bums (0;
GT-
In the, now immortal, words of George W. Bush, “Bring it on.”
*…and I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free…*
BMBD.
G’nite all…
I did my best for the FFF cause.
Here’s a bottle of Tito’s to get the party started when you clowns, er, jokers, I mean – kind souls wake up.
BMBD.
Cheers Lonestar! Fuck you too! ๐
And pour me a glass if you will… cheers!
Not over those players you mentioned Snir, but I think Bendtner is better backup for RVP as the pointman. He’s up himself and on record as not wanting to come back but if we’re moving Chamakh on then why not have a proven big man in the fold? He’s handy up top and I prefer sticking with academy graduates at the moment…
@233: GT, didn’t Sebastian Larsson score against us for Sunderland with that incredible freekick this season?
There haven’t been many ex-Gunners that are thorns in our side recently as they generally turn crap once they leave but usually we had many problems with ex-LWCs and ex-Gunners down the years…
GT @244
I’m not going to roll over anyone’s bums, thank you very much.
Don’t know who’s team we’re all on. Don’t care. You can all foxtrot Oscar.
#FFF
I am in agreement with faustus on NB, especially when his record for Arsenal speaks for itself. Bear in mind that his goalscoring record was made playing as a non-regular, and it is pretty indicative that NB is never a player short of confidence even when not given regular playing time (then again this is quite obvious even without the goalscoring record).
I cannot imagine Poldi being used as a sub if and when he joins us, although how AW will try to use him and RVP together is a wholly different thing. This leaves us with still no proven backup for RVP. Brimming with potential as they may be, Afobe and Joel Campbell is not a proven backup we so need. Perhaps they could be useful for the odd game or Cup games, but it would be a gamble to use them for anything more.
This leads us to Chamakh. He is clearly a player that needs to be given regular gametime to find form and and confidence, but it is clear RVP’s current form will deny him this. Fingers crossed that RVP continues to stay away from injury next season, we need a backup that will prove his worth given his limited gametime. IMO NB is such a player. And I totally agree with the comparison to Drogba and how he only shone at the latter stages of his careee. NB is young still, and given a vote of confidence and enough chances, he may yet prove a valuable asset especially when we consider RVP is close approaching his thirties.
Lastly I do concur with Snir that him saying that he does not want to play for us again is a letdown, but this came after AW constantly chose Chamakh over him last season. If he wants to stay and make amends for his mistake, I would give him the benefit of the doubt. In any case, I still think there is a player in Bendtner, be it as a mere squad player or even a striker leading the line for us in the future.
CoR, Derrick – Once again, I have to say, I disagree.
I cannot see any (!) player who can regularly perform for us if his job description is purely CF.
Poldi will play on the left wing as he does for Germany and did at Bayern (despite the belief he flopped at Bayern, he actually scored 26 goals in 50 starts, it was his injury and lack of stable environment that prevent him from succeeding).
Once he plays on the wing (which he will), it won’t be a problem for him to be sharp as cover for RvP.
NB52 can have as much confidence as he likes, it won’t make him sharp, he will still be as rusty as the next guy on the bench.
On the other hand – we can sell him and get his lofty wages off the books and buy Matias Suarez who can also play on the wing.
Not to mention that if Cologne get relegated, we get Poldi for 5 million which is about what NB52 will be sold for.
I’ll take Poldi over NB52 every day of the week.
p.s: most people here know I do not rate NB52 at all, but this has nothing to do with the player himself but with the fact that he can’t play on the wing. I would reject Torres too, and I think he’s a fantastic player which has suffered the same fate as Chamakh, despite having more opportunities to play himself out of the funk.
On the other hand, I’d take Higuain in a heartbeat.
Just a preview of Suarez’s ability. From Wednesday.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GZ1yPCeC9c&feature=player_detailpage#t=243s
No many people rate Bendy but the boss does.
During that fracas he chose to keep Bendtner over Adebayor, that should say something.
And while not ideal, he does play well on the wing.
Most of the people I’ve spoken to have a problem with his attitude not his ability.
Derrick
If Poldi plays left wing then he won’t have to be substitute. He can interchange with RVP during the game as Ronin is now doing with Theo.
If RVP is injured or just needs a rest then Poldi moves to centre, and is obviously confident having banged in a hat trick against Sp*rs the previous week! Gervinho steps in ok the left as a very handy back up.
Theo and Ox continue to bring the best out of each other on the right.
Afobe Ryo and JC all potentially can Bevin the squad for the first part of the season or go out on loan.
The trophies are ours. Simples! ๐
PSed… I was a GSTEL apologist. No longer…
Addendum;
All of the above depends, of course on us buying Poldi and RVP staying!
Of course they will. Then, at the end of the season, in an unprecedented joint announcement on the middle of the pitch, Wenger will announce his successor in 2014 as the man he has just vanquished in the Champions League Final – Pep Guardiola.
Easy this game, isn’t it?!
If you don’t agree with my opinion you’re clearly wrong.
#FFF
Bevin the squad – dontcha just love spellcheck ๐
Fuck Pep, Fuck Barca!
#Don’tneedaspecialdayforthat
I had hopes for Bendtner, but no more.
Attitude problem, and that includes on the pitch.
He’s a bit like Arshavin playing a bit further forward.
I’m happy to get shot of him.
I’d say the moment that made me want him off was against Barรงa.
He had his chance to write himself into Arsenal folklore, but spectacularly failed.
Snir, I still hope you’re going to be rooting for Barรงa in the CL semi-final.
I was gutted that Cuntski beat Napoli, and I don’t want the horror to get one step nearer completion.
We can disagree on who we want to win La Liga. ๐
I always rated Bevin! ๐
Big fingers, small fucking iPhone!
Bendtner?
He’s dead to me.
With courtesy to HBO and Tony Soprano
The biggest problem that Bendtner has is also his greatest strength – which is of course his massive, overblown self-confidence. It mean he never stops believing he can score, but it has also turned him into a rather twattish character. Finally, it seems we are starting to have a real team spirit and I think bringing Bendy back could disrupt that positive development.
Reminder courtesy of Little Dutch on Twitter – RIP Danny. 1 year today.
Hah, Lars, the answer is very simple really.
I did attend the boozer quite a few games a few years back, being a member of Arsenal Sweden whilst I was working as a journalist. Then I did have a bit of a career change and now I’m studying to become an architect, which means my monetary situation isn’t what it used to be so nowadays most games are watched at home or at a friends, the money being saved for boozing other days. I have vague memories of saying hello to you way back, but they are strengthened by you having a picture up on the Arsenal Sweden website so that I have been able to make sure I do remember you as the correct face. So no wonders you don’t remember me. I’ll probably be there for the Chelsea game!
Or will I…? BA BA BA BUUUUUUM
@ 180
Yes
Nail. Head. Lars. Beer!
Good shout, Dr C
Thanks for the link, Snir
Suarez looks handy, and a good game too!
Now, why did my 207 get half repeated at 266?
Enjoy the scroll, thrill-seekers ๐
Apologies for the plug, H, but there’s a good post on ACLF this morning on young Arsenal players – some would be wise to read it.
My left foot is cultured?
Not yours, Ollie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HoaDA6vvGY Quite fitting for our current situation.
Hey it’s FFF!
Well played Catalan, old son, I’m gonna be in your team!
That “Bevin” trick was a masterstroke – Snir will be out of action, fine tooth-combing the internet to check on Bevin’s availability, wage demands, international career etc. ๐
Lonestar – “your best for FFF” – indeed !
A pile of clearly contrived pseudo nastiness which impressed nobody.
GT – we’ve got this week sewn up already. There’s only the American nurse to come.
Abb –
Bring it on! Hell yeah!
I’m feeling feistier than fifty Philly fillies in their frillies!
Thanks for the kind words re @152, by the way.
Now take my advice and quit while you’re behind ๐
zico @269 – pardon?
CoR @254 –
true, he did keep Bendy over Barndoor, but he also sent him out on loan for the season and brought in Park!
Barndoor was a long lost cause by then, too.
FFF
It’s a battle of wits…. unfortunately you all come unarmed!
Trev – Heh! Glad that you appreciated “The Bevin”. It should take Snir out of the game for a while!
zico @207, 266, Catalan @180 – yes ๐
Heh ๐
@ 278 – the scroll troll worked it out!
Up yours Trev
#FFF
Ok, Toby – then we might have met and we might not ๐
Trev@278, zico@various, Catalan@180: I am joining the “yes” men here!
Catalan –
may the sun light up your Feisty F*cking Friday, and up yours Zico too.
zico, don’t apologise for linking to Yogi. He’s one of the bloggers other bloggers read.
Cut ME And I Bleed Red!!! FACT!
I’m LIKING the sound of this Bevin boy a lot!!!…
is there any of the usual shaky, hand-held footage of an off in the distance game, getting constantly interrupted by a coupla stray/mad dogs, being played on a heavily sanded semi-pitch in some dodgy far-flung foreign land (that’s not racist, most foreign lands ARE dodgy – FACT! – just ask anyone that’s been to ’em, or the Home Office), in the rain, at twilight – available on youtube for MY OWN personal perusal, does anybody know?!??!
And if our newish signings/contracts man – Dick Law – is NOT already on THE CASE I (yes, ME!) wanna know WYH!!!
GET OUT THEIR (wherever it is!) and make a multi-mega-MILLIONS bid – DICK!!!
I’M (yes ME,ME!) TELLING you (Dick) to SPLASH LOADS of our FUKKIN’ HARD-EARNED CASH ON THIS WONDERKID what everyone’s talking about – RIGHT NOW! BEFORE – ANYBODY – ELSE – GETS – HOLD – OF – HIM, comprende, compadre!!! For fucks SAKE! WHAT YER waiting FOR?!??! GO ON!!!Get A move on!!!!!
PULL your FUKKIN’ FINGER out DICK!!! And if you haven’t PULLED IT OUT already – THAT’S UNACCEPTABLE in MY BOOK!!!!! And I’m (that’s right, ME AGAIN) gonna wanna know wyh?
BE warned – I”ll be asking THE AKWARD QESTIONS and I’m gonna expect YOU to provide the corect ARNSERS – right here, right now (well, in a bit – obviously – but you get my point Dick – I’m sure), on an ARSE sight, in front of an ARSE supporting PUBIC – DICK!!!!!
BUT DO they EVVVVER fukkkkkin’ listen to ME, peoples?!?!! NO they DO NOT! Which is precisely wyh wear where we are RIGHT now everyone!!!
TOTAL, FUKKIN’, FULL-ON, SUPER-CHARGED – FACT!!!!!
Trev.
Zico thinks the sun is already up there!
#FFF
All bow before his glorious majesty, Rash.
๐
@ 248 – I saw the sun last year. Bright fucker, innit?
@ 284 even ๐ณ
Lars, worried you have a stalker? ๐
Ollie – seriously? Does it really matter who we root for in the CL SF?
Barca are gonna break records against that not very good team ๐
I reckon at least 8 goals in total.
Snir
Should we be looking at getting Bevin?? The rumours seem pretty strong..
I saw Bevin play at U14 level – he was immense then.
Snir, the little matter of a now possibly vital League clash between Barรงa and Real in the middle of that SF is what has got me worried.
Zico
Do you have any video footage?
Bevin picks up the ball in midfield and launches it out to the wing to zicoinexile, who returns the ball and stops for a pint…….
I actually met Bevin. ‘Twas the first time I first met Lars. We had a beer and a laugh. He’s a nice bloke. Has quite a big wallet. Bevis that is. How could I have known he would go on to make himself such a big name? Lars that is.
Bevin and Bevis, I think they are related.
To Butthead.
@ 292 – I don’t have video footage but I believe that Dr Feelgood has quite a lot ๐
John Cross jus’ tweeted that AW responded to yesterdee’s call from Sol soupy Campbell for the mighty Arse to spend big (oddly/publicity-seeking timed?) with ‘Sol has a lot of money – he’s welcome to give us a gift.’ AW IS BACK!
PSed – assume above response came in a prezza that may be going on right here (well – you know, wherever they have them), right now!!! No news yet on whether any of the press boys and girls have pushed AW for an update on the Bevin situation; but it can only be a matter of time. AND rest assured – my ears peeled!!!
I don’t know why I’m so contrary these days but I my crystal ball tells me that Chelsea are going to slip past Barca.
Am I proper fucking mental or just exhausted from work?
@296: AL, that comeback by Arsene was groovy…
Does anyone know whether Bevin is on twitter?
Boom
Snir? Has his head exploded???
Well in Toby!
Speaking of a mental turn of events…
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17688465
Proper fuckin’ mental from the sounds of it ๐
Might be a bit of tinfoil hat on-warning on what I’m about to say but:
Can it be that Sol is Bevins agent?
LeG Rash –
don’t tell Snir but Bevin is just a spelling mistake.
Otherwise excellent post ๐
Have these Chinese clubs got pots of money?
Wouldn’t want to get gazumped on the Bevin signing……
@303: ๐ They are looking so much like they’re going to lose that they just might win I reckon! I knew I shouldn’t have mixed motrin with wine
Nice stuff AL /LegRash @283 . Top notch ๐
@ 305
So it’s Bojan?
Not exploded, but I’m in class!!! ๐
I cam still tell you Chelsea will get absolutely battered by Barca and if somehow they don’t then they will by Real or Bayern.
Don’t sweat it. It’s Chelsea, they’re the CL version of PL Spurs.
Keep up zico – Bojan is a place in Yugoslavia ๐
@310: Heh, nice one ๐ Clurs then?
Why should I give a rat’s fart about Hugo’s Saliva?
You’re the doctor……
Canons @307 ,
Just my hugely fallible opinion , but I think Chelsea will be annihilated by Barca . They looked dreadfully open against both Napoli and Benfica , both of whom should have won , given a fairer wind . Barca may have the distraction of an El Crappico , but Chelsea have to play the LWC’s on a sapping Wembley pitch 3 days before , and a game at the Ems inbetween .
Can’t see anything other than a Chelsea humiliation on the horizon .
CG – you don’t want my teacher to hear me YouTubing Bevin and hearing the commentator scream his name after the screamer at the weekend, do you :)?
@313 –
Hugo Saliva – now you’re talking. That’s someone we SHOULD sign – what a fantastic dribbler!
But then again, that’s what everyone said about us and we were a single goal away from going through thanks to the craziness of football! Of course I don’t want them to go through but there’s nothing I like more than seeing Barca lose so I’m torn…
CoR – I want Barca to be eliminated by Chelsea. There I said it.
It’s just that I don’t think Bayern or Real can deny Barca the cup in the final (despite the final being in Munich), and I see both annihilating Chelsea.
Whooooaaa! @ 302 – Breath…taken…away…(Spiderman in extremis stylee voice)
For a player that always seemed a bit schitzo (to ALL the qualified medical pros on here, i’m using schitzo in the light-hearted, flippant sense of the word, and am not making fun of nut-jobs in any way. Some of my bestest friends are dingbats!), that’s surely a crazy course of action. I mean what’s gonna happen if say he has to drop himself…will he start talking to other clubs behind his own back!?!
Madness!
So, in summary, we are going to sign:
Bevin, Bevis, Butthead, Bojan and Hugo. That’s almost certainly going to require a change in our formation. But at least we are going to spend some f*****n’ money.
And we’ll have to get rid of the deadwood. Let’s start with Podolski, what has he ever done for us? (He’s not a Roman is he?).
If we go with a midfield of Bevin, Bevis and Butthead then the BBB can have a segment of the team, all to themselves.
Will Hugo be happy with a place on the bench, though?
zico @320 –
brilliant ๐ ๐
The fire brigade has just arrived to tend to poor Mr Geuli ๐
Zico @320
That’s fucking classic. I love how everything just seems to come together to make a proper pun out of a a couple of spelling mistakes and some free association. More, Maestro!
Gentlemen – and some ladies (you know who you are), I see it as my Arse given duty to come hear and speak THE BRUTAL TRUETH!!!
And IF some of you kind peoples wanna THANK ME for that, well โ THANK you!!!
Butt pleas, PLEAS REMEBER these phew words of wisedom: The BRUTAL trueth is a double-edged sword that can cut you like a knife threw butter!!!FACT!!!!!
So beware, you might not ALWAYS LIKE what I have to say, even if I say so myself.
Anywayโฆ
Onward! To thired place and beyond (though thiredโll do…FOR NOW!!!)
Liking the sound of the B – team, Dr.Zee. A lot!!!
Mr LeG Rash,
I have had a preliminary chat with Gazidis, and we would like to offer you a position on the board.
Your sort – of common sense – is just what we need to keep us on the straight and narrow minded.
Toby @ 304 – I see where you’re coming from – nice work!
Snir @315
You had a screamer at the weekend?? Lucky boy! Did the neighbours complain? ๐
Not so much Feisty Fuckin Friday as Free-Forming Friday
Zico @ 262, qualiry ๐
#TeamLeGRash ๐
@ 295
There is no such thing as the Feelgood Tapes.
OI! YOU @ 331 – thems my words – And Frankly imHo – you’ve always had far too fucking much to say for yerself…
Mr. Wood, sah โ donโt get me wrong, Iโm flattered (and, to be honest, Iโve been expecting the call!!!) butt you may be barking-mad up the wrong tree โ sah!
You see, you have to UNDERSTAND IโฆAM AN UNASHAMED โ mavrick, a one-man-banned, a heat-seaking missile aimed at exploding the unpalatable trueth into the stratosfear (I think he played for Bolton at one point), unclubbababable, unbreachable, an island of honesty in a stormy, choppy, crawl sea of obfuscation and obstreperous obstructionismsโฆ
Iโm sorry what was the question โ again?!?
@ 331
You’ve outed yourself Rash
Never get a job with the Feelgood Foundation unless you wise up ๐
OH yeaaaaah, that’s write Mr. Wood – SAH! – you was offering little ol’ ME a plaice on the BOARD…
Well – if it comes with free biscuits every day and a parking-space for the nearly-new LeG Rash Hummer (with personalized plates – of course!) … YEEEEEAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A joint statement (well it’s Fridee afternoon after all entit!)
We have no idea what yer on about Doctors Zee and F.
End Statement.
Who does?
I need a drink.
Too many HEHS to mention, good stuff lads.
Well – we’re glad we’ve all done our bit to clear up that confusion, Doctors F through to Zee. The day has not BEEN WASTED!
Teknikally too early to start Friday night yet?!?
I really need a drink. Anybody wants anything?
No fair, you guys started without me, the SPECIAL one, no less! Now to back drink and see who pisses me off the most (today), ha, ha!
Toby, help your self and don’t make a mess. Elbows off the bar, and take off your hat. A lady is present! Cheers!
Cheers.
Now I want a smoke.
you lot been drinking like mad.
Good goal Toby.
Liking that AW quote at 296, AL!
Snir 318, please report to the Quackery.
There is no bigger evil than Chelsea.
Leg rash, you are a legend man..I laughed quite a bit, thanks for that gem
snir,
Cuntski cannot go to the final. If they do ,they most likely can fluke it even if we all know they are a Shite team
Odds really, simples
Talking of quotes,
I feel that a tweet from a certain Mr Holic on Wednesday deserves a wider audience….
“Goooaaaal !!! Yossi you absolute beauty! What? Oh… ”
Take the applause, maestro!
Just re-read Dr Zee @ 320 – and I reckon now that they could be better described not as the B-team, butt as the B and H team…
step forward captain-in-waiting Andre The-Drag (on the fag)-Back Santos
CG I for one concur with that retweet – ’twas well worthy of a wider audience – getin!
Bad news
Bevin was moonlighting in Australia at egg chasing and has been injured.
Doubt he’ll be available for the start of the season. Wusss.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d2gbDRz-wI
and as it is FFF, I give you this for your delectation….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsrP-LH-Syo&feature=fvwrel
You have to hand it to rugby, if the ref is in the way, just knock him out!
Wonder if they used a video review… ๐
Now this confirms it! An injured player, not sure he will be ready for the start of the season? Of course we’re in for Bevin! It’s going to happen!
Really looking forward to him playing the in the midfield. Few actually knows that he started off his career as a goal keeper but had a tendency to do an Almunia and get involved in the middle of the pitch. And if anything, Wenger loves players that plays on the front foot, which of course is the reason he did keep Manu in goal for so long.
I got all this information from his homepage http://www.bwin.com. He seems to be very good at poker as well so I just hope he won’t cause a stir in the dressing room!
That all the depends if the ref saw the knee that knocked him the fuck out or not, Dr C.
COR @ 297 Well you opened the door with that one…easy pickings there. Snir @ 318 OK, glad you feel better (never in a million years would that happen)! Zico @ 320 You really should be on TV, you know that, surely you do. @335 Brilliant! Catalan @ 327 Now that’s what I’Mm talking about (blushing)! Now to hunt for more hapless victims.
H2H – You’d imagine that he was aware of the incident. Or maybe not!
ABB @352 – Zico has the perfect face for radio! ๐
Ollie, Where the hell is our weather report, times a wastin. And so are we.
Heh abb;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeUrIA64ZOI
Catalan, how the heck am I supposed to get through all these bloody drinks, with all you cleaver wankers messing with me!
Cleaver wankers?
Chop chop.
Oh noooooo, H2H @ 357!!! Just tell me to sod off now. @ 355 tears in my eyes.
Can we just never ever use the words “cleaver” and “sank” in the same sentence ever again?
Wow. Spellchecker is really weaving it’s magic today. Of course it was s’posed to be “cleaver” and “wank” but that just kind of sank.
Agreed Toby.
Sounds like a bad idea all round! I’d imagine and hope even Wolfie would shy away from cleaver wanking.
Cleaver wanking?!? Now that’s a hard knock life!!!
Oh I don’t know Mr C . A nice chopper always gives me a frisson of excitement .
AL ๐
Wolfie – touchaaaaay!!
Oops – pardon, that would’ve been much more elegantly phrased if I’d writted/posited: Cleaver wanking? Is that the product of a hard-knock life?
Sorry I f******g-well forgot meself
Right. I’ve seen enough. Snir can’t be arsed enough to figure out who is on our team. Lonestar rides off into the horizon. And Sammy is persona non grata! Gooner Terry, you may have your bat, but apparently I’ve got a cleaver (LOL) and I’m after you. Trev, now why did you have to make nice at the end !!! I’ll get you next week. Delia, I just know you’re out there< how about helping a sister out the next time (cheers lovely lady). Wind, I'm not messing with you kid, not now at least. And for all you toss pots who dared to talk futbol seriously on fff, god love ya, some good stuff there to be read. Now off to catch some zeees…
I like Feisty ABB! ๐
AL, Very funny mister, very funny. Almost as bad as when I thought Lurky Oliva was a birdie (that is what you blokes call lasses there?).Well I hope so. Laters!!!
See Catalan, I feel like Brando (or was it Pacino) who said in the Godfather(to paraphrase) “and still they keep pulling me back”. No more peeks by me!
@ 354
Oi!
This face launched a thousand ships. (Being Scottish, no one wanted to break a perfectly good bottle).
I would just like to dedicate the perfectly formed pint of Guinness (with extra clover up top) in front of me, to all you wonderful Holics.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, me and my muse have some catching up to do.
I love Friday 5pm 8)
The Scene : HTMkII Executive Carriage
Professor Storey is once again relaxing in his Executive Chair, with a grin so large it is threatening to take over his entire face.
Dr Feelgood walks in, immediately drawing ย attention to himself as he holds a large pointed object, which he is throwing up into the air with reckless abandon. ย Edwin, moves nervously and motions to Feelgood to keep his distance.
Edwin (smugly) ย “Feelgood? ย What brings you here? ย Got a job yet? Nohing for you to do here – its all under control….”
Feelgood : “I have a job, Edwin – I’m on my way there now.”
Edwin: “Feelgood Foundation business?”
Feelgood : “No, Arsenal business. ย I’m going to change the rules at the FA.”
Edwin : “How so?”
Feelgood : “Well, this Balotelli thing. ย They forgot to consult at least one stake holder……”
abb.
busy
grey
raining soon maybe
Abb is grey?
I had her down for blonde. ๐
abb @ 367, heh, I’m Immune… for now! ๐ 8)
@ 331 Dennis doth move in more and more mysteriouser ways –
below is obligatory footage proving the above – beyond all doubt
http://youtu.be/MPzgP6Is3H8
Ollie @ 343 it’s a cracker entit. I think it was a retweet from Dr. C. (i still haven’t quite got the hang of this twitter lark – it’s not natural i tell yer!) therefore hats off to the medicine man – i reckon
Drs F through to Zee @ 373 you simply can’t leave it hanging there like that – you terrible tease!!!!!
A second pint/splash of muse for that shady looking fellow skulking in the back of Bannerman’s (a decentish boozer in Edinburgh, for the uninitiated) or some such similar establishment in that locale – PLEASE barman!
You guys are ridiculous!!! It seems like I can’t be out of the bar on Fridays!! I’m missing all the fun!!
Meanwhile…
“Arsenal are rumoured to have completed the signing, subject to clearance once the transfer window opens in the summer of Jan Vertonghen.”
Good news SG – and it looks like – unlike the Lord – that he’s not afraid of flying!!!
psed – things seem to have gone a little quiet on the Bevin front!?!
Wow that is big news Snir.
Source?
AL – I was in that very locale last night – ended up getting home at midnight:
Roxette : “You’re early.”
As for the “cliff-hanger”, maybe after the watershed. I mean, Feelgood, a sharpened stake, and the FA? Will no one think of the children……?
@ 381
Not quite so quiet here on the bevvyin’ front ๐
My head hurts trying to keep up… sigh. Snir, where’d ya hear that?!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuPc-eSHuLw
Enjoy.
Source, signings, Bevin, bevvyin’/sauce – there can only be one course of action – a drink then(well, that’s at least 2 courses of action then?!?)…
(a Zico) Taxi!!!! “Bannerman’s and putchyerfoot, please fella”
All quiet on the front… man living in Cali sucks ’round this place! ๐
Contrary to popular belief, a good display.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_z6B-OpGjBo
Being a man of moderation (or is it “in need of moderation”?) I settled for four pints and then home, to await the 6 pint-preview then realised we are not playing till Monday…….
I hate to think how many pints H will sink between now and then ๐
V interesting vid SG – well played. I reckon if Rambo nicks a goal in the midst of a performance like that, then the naysayers will start to sing his praises again – after congratulating themselves, of course, on getting him good again due to the terrible, misplaced stick they gave him. Like they’ve done with Theo
psed – i appreciate that The-o (TS) really did go through a longish rough one and even some wise-heads on here ( though always balanced and decent in their criticism) started to wonder aloud about him – so not an inch perfect comparison – but…
But Snir. What’s your Vert salsa? Reveal your Deep Throat.
Or maybe best not to..
Yes, Snir, spill the beans re 379.
Where did you hear the news, or was it just a conversation you had with yourself in front of the mirror? ๐
Consider this a tri-‘holic shake-down Snir – who’s yer snitch?!?
zico @388 –
I think you meant “being a man in need of modernisation” ? ๐
*charges forward over the half-way line*
Tally Ho! Come on boys, I want to score my first ever goal!
Pass it over here, now !
Here Santos, hold my cigar, boy!
*pulls shorts up under his arm pits and hobbles up the touch line*
Come on you buggers, I’ve seen more interest in a Lloyds deposit account.
*chortles as bankers do*
Passes sweetly into the path of…
returned with interest Mr Hill-Wood, sah
Bevin? You’ve not been signed yet. Out!
Oh, please…
My agents may be contacted suem@grabbitandrun.co.uk
I believe that the goal was to have been scored by Bojan but his and Bevin’s eminence grise was unable to make the search function in his browser work properly, and, under time pressure, couldn’t recall the names of Arsenal’s new signings.
Well don’t know if he’s been signed, but he seems to score.
Oops. I really must learn how to operate Firefox
Bevin is not the reverse-Chamakh,
Obv.
Well he’s done more than Park …. Nicely in Bevin / Oxon
BOOM!!!!! The Boy Bevin comes good!
It’s only a matter of time before Bevin is in the red zone……
Actually, Dr Z, I am feeling a little iffy. Might be strain trying not to distract the management while I listen to the
Tuesday Club.
(Makes odd face while holding groin)
We are in a dark place right now.
Snir ain’t got no salsa. He is sin salsa. No hay. No existe. Vertongen smeggen. As they probably don’t say in Tel Aviv.
Well Bevin is one player we won’t be signing. Teach the bastard to pinch my goal. Not sure what happened there. Last thing I remember was sprinting into the box and . . . . must have passed out . . . . .
Woohoo, that Bevin dude can really score – we should sign him!
Who signed for Tonga ?
Gazidis . . .! If you don’t . . . .
Heavy shit >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Evening all…I hope that you have all been fairly pleasant to each other on this Fairly ~Fine ~ Friday (0;
Catalan @ 255 / 256 says: “If Poldi plays left wing then he wonโt have to be substitute. He can interchange with RVP during the game as [Robin] is now doing with Theo”.
And Pep to take over from Le Boss! YES..
You clearly have been reading my past posts on this subject: Le Boss is looking for a fluid front three. With the wide players capable of cutting inside or going to the by-line and cutting the ball back..In all his time at Arsenal he has never sought a traditional CF…that is too static for the game he’s striving for…and traditional wingers lobbing in crosses into the box is just not the Wenger way – besides only RvP of the forwards can head the ball worth a fuck!
I am excited at the thought of Poldi in the team in a front three of Poldi/RvP/Theo with them all interchangeable! Can you imagine the chaos that they will cause opposition defenders?
Finally I am looking no further than Pep to take over from Arsene Wenger! Feck Snir and his biased-assed opinions (0;
@snir 253
I totally agree with Poldi playing on the left and interchanging with other forwards as GT mentions above as well. I guess I did not make it clear that I was not choosing NB over Poldi, but rather NB as a mere backup for RVP for next season over Chamakh. Fair play to consider we have The Ox and Gerv and possibly Ryo to play on the left, hence Poldi can play on the center when needed as well.
But both RVP and Poldi does not boast injury free careers, and it is also worth considering they are quite similar players in style (albeit two of the greatest examples of such kind). I see a benefit in NB when we are chasing a goal with time running out, our opponents defending deep and we are condemned to passing around their defense, where he can prove decisive with his aerial threat and a knack to be in the right place at the right time.
The Barca game showed this very well, although sadly it also showed his capacity to choke when it matters. I believe the latter can be improved with practice, though, and at least he does not sulk after missing good opportunities like other non-regular strikers might. Demanding Bendtner to play like Poldi and RVP upfront is missing the point IMO, since we should use his abillities to its fullest if and when needed, which means playing him as an out and out striker akin to his
role at Sunderland.
On the other hand, Snir’s point about team spirit is a valid one, and if Wenger deems him as a negative influence of such I’m convinced we will offload him, in which case AW will have my full backing. AW knows best in any case. It’s just that I still prefer NB over another signing of a forward, or hoping for Chamakh to recover form. Poor Chamakh needs to go for the good of his own career. Afobe and Campbell might still need more experience.
Ps. I sure hope Wenger gives Ryo Miyaichi a chance next season. Pace, technique, mental strength, work ethic – this boy is a real gem!
Just read GT’s post more carefully about AW not preferring a true CF, and I am in full agreement with this. But having a fully balanced, title winning squad might mean saving space for one such CF just in case it is needed. Think Kanu back in the day, or perhaps Berbatov for Manu.
@417: Great post Derrick. That’s how I feel as well. But I think everyone is the next bar now ๐
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