Steve, Neil, Nice To See You, To See You…
May 24th, 2012 by 'holic
Hello ‘holics. Today was officially new coaching team day as the official club site hit us with a wave of pieces about the recently promoted Steve Bould and Neil Banfield. You won’t be surprised to hear I am absolutely thrilled for both, but positively delighted to see ‘he’s got no hair but we don’t care‘ in as Arsene’s new number two.
The memories of Steve shoring up that famous Arsenal defence alongside Tony Adams are many and all totally positive. You won’t meet a Gooner of my vintage who won’t wax lyrical about Arsene’s first trophy with the club being secured by the skipper after a fantastic dinked through ball from Bouldy.
There is a popular groundswell of opinion that has sought to see the big man work with the first team back four for some time. It will be interesting to see just how much we develop defensively over the coming months.
It will also be intriguing to see if the appointment of men who have been concentrating on bringing through youngsters for the club will lead to more of their charges getting opportunities at the top level. Those who seek an end to Project Youth may just have got their answer.
So What Was Your Favourite Moment Of The Season?
Since @Arseblog has just let it be known on Twitter that I have shared his generously proportioned round table with @arse2mouse and @eastlower (don’t forget to listen in on Friday when you have an hour or so to spare) I would like to give ‘holics the opportunity to join in one of the discussions you will hear.
What was your favourite moment of the season? It doesn’t have to be a goal, a match, a playing moment. You may have shaken Clive Allen’s hand at your local Lidl store, or perhaps celebrated your son earning his first football medal by donning his teams kit for the trophy presentation. Whatever, let that discussion dominate the drinks rather than the endless soul-sapping transfer speculation.
Until the weekend, take care ‘holics.
276 Responses to “Steve, Neil, Nice To See You, To See You…”
First?
Well in Lars π
A Dr walked into a bar.
And it felt good.
Beer please – “his” tab.
Well in Lars
Favourite moment of the season by a country mile: seeing Henry score v Leeds and then seeing the reactions of people around me at the stadium.
I suspect that you all waited for me to post first as a consolation for my rockbottomness in the HT Fantasy League π
I’ve already done my favourite moments of the season in an earlier drink, but the more I think about it, TH against Dirty Leeds will probably live with me longer than all the others from this season, so I will give it my nomination now on reflection
Can I also throw in John Terry’s bovine moment at the Bus Stop?
On behalf of our client, Mr O Gooner, we wish to plead innocent to any charges of plagiarism regarding his drink @4 above, and would like to enter a plea of total lack of imagination in mitigation. Should it help, our client calls upon the Guv’nor to supply drinks to all and any offended parties
—— Ends ——
Bould – Adams – Goal ! Would you Adams and Eve it !
Favourite moment of a few seasons that one.
Tsk tsk, Oxon π
Evening gents.
In other news, phew, it’s a scorcher!
Evening Major!
Without question best moment was leaving the ground with a grin like the proverbial Cheshire cat after beating the LWCs – the feeling at that moment is why I’m still going week in week out over 40 years after my dad first took me – as MasterCard say , priceless!
zico, the bovine moment is of course not too shabby either. As we have already said many times – this has been a season of many highs to go with the lows.
Anybody who wants to take the missus to see the West Indies, get her a second-class return to Nottingham tomorrow…
Thank you for the inspiration Trev…
Being right down the barrel of RVP’s volley v Everton
“was that as good as I think it was?” i said to the bloke next to me
“i think so” he goes – then we watched the replay on the big-screen and both said “YESSSS it was” – and we went went bonkas again.
Oh, and securing thired
Henry goal at Leeds for me, followed by Tomas’ goal against Spurs. Both celebrations were terrific.
Best moment of the season was the end of it, what an absolutely horrible, horrible season, lets hope that the club have learnt lesson’s from last summer and don’t fcuk things up again this summer.p.s arteta goal of the season against man citeh.
Sorry ‘holic π
Having attended a grand total of one match, no surprise that my favourite moments also come from the NLD.
I hadn’t heard the Chel$ki result in advance and when the nevvy told me, I remember turning to him and saying “So, we need to beat this shower by three goals to hold onto fourth place.”
After the match, walking round the Ems, discussing whether feeling that happy menat we were irrideemably shallow, and Bad People, I almost knocked over someone coming out of an exit with a big, silly grin on his face. Then I realised I was wearing one too.
Apologies for the double post gents, but I must mention Gibbs’ block. Watching the pass to Billy Jones filled me with the most terrifying feeling of dread but the block allowed to just collapse in a feeling of bliss (albeit briefly). I swear I almost had a heart attack.
Kevtheveg almost beat me to it.
I think my favourite moment of this season, because of the sheer elation all round the ground – well, apart from the empty ‘Away’ section – was when our fifth goal went in against the Spuds.
Having been 0-2 down with our season about to disappear down the tubes, the whole place just went mad as that fifth goal hit the back of the net.
People all around me were jumping up and down and dancing in the arms of complete strangers. Brilliant!
-menat
+meant
And big Pats on the back to the two new Bs on the first-team bench – Bouldy and Blanfield
pardon – Banfield…sounds a bit ominous, mind
Evenig, ‘holc.
Fave moments: Off the top of my head, Song’s run, dribble and cross for VP’s goal against Dortmund. Ridiculous, brilliant and a bit lucky all at the same time. Then there was Arteta’s rocket free kick v. Villa, and VP’s volley v. Everton.
Seeing how much my shares are worth π
My dad recorded the 5-3 against Chelsea and I have the file sitting on my drive. I’ve watched the highlights so many times that the game almost feels like it was from a previous season.
The frustration of the inevitable opening, created by a missed transfer target, with the commentator talking about a Lampard goal “that always resonates across the capital”. Then sweet as you like, Gervinho sets up Van, only to see us concede to another set piece, as JT apparently redeems himself from his racist quandary, while the camera pans to broad blue banners embracing the disgraced captain.
Djourou to Song, who swivels and lays off in one sublime moment, and through on goal, the commentator screams “Santos!”, he does his samba dance, turning his flawed first half upside down. Minutes later, Cole remonstrates, but Theo wiggles, to the annoyance of the co-commentator (he claims to be of Arsenal, but who would believe him) … and laces through the ball in non-Henry fashion – “what kind of a goal is that?!”
Then a rare moment when you say of the opposition, “wow, nice goal” – Mata slams it in and you can understand why the blue people like that one. But not to be, unreal as it might feel, a 4th in slow motion, RVP has time to look behind him before slotting in. And then “Arsenal have numbers here…” RVP winds up, it arcs in and the overflow lasts hours. I still see the moggy away fans in the corner, with Arteta sitting in his holding-beers pose.
My dad missed the game and is driving home. I ask on the mobile, “Did you see the game?” “No, what happened?” he replies anxiously. “We put five past Chelsea.” He replies to make sure he heard right: “We put five past Chelsea?”
Pretending to sack Gazidis on April 1st !
Finally getting away from those nutters on that bleeding train. 8)
I think the season was full of great moments, and reckon I enjoyed this season more than any other since 07-08.
The joyous exhilaration of the NLD,JT grass-eating, late goals celebrated by a full away juicer of choice against Sunderland and Liverpool, doing the Posnan against City , TH12’s fairy-tale winner against Leeds, and the comeback v Milan.
If you pushed me however, bellowing to TH12 that he had a nice arse when he was warming up against Blackburn, and getting a grin in return is my standout moment .
And the bugger didn’t even buy me dinner !
Evening holics favourite mo for me was after WBA game when we finished 3rd,walked down to my local and drank the β¬100 I took off the loudest mank you are likely to meet,who after our spanking at old toliet said we had no chance of a top 4..
Favorite moment? I have two. One complete and the other a “nearly” amazing moment:
1). Arteta nicks the ball, takes a few steps and curls a right foot shot pass Hart to beat Shitty..
2). The Ox picks up the ball in the inside right channel and darts for the area and cuts in between two Milan defenders. Penalty!
More than those individual pieces of brilliance was the team’s absolute pace, power & technique against top notch opponents. Those performances gives me hope that we will step to the next level next season..
Calling Gareth Le Cunt a wanker in The Tollie after Villa .
Winning the FFL and bringing out a new range of commemorative Speedoes to mark the event .
Interviewing Wolfgang Smallballs.
Marrying Andy Goram .
Leaving that bloody Mexican Gaol and working with Shaft .
Being sick on Darren Dein’s biscuit .
Having a threeway with PHW and a Llama .
Attending to my Doctors needs .
Joining Reverend AL’s church .
TaBS
Take a bow son.
I had forgotten the Poznan. Fantastic moment. Even Block 32, Conservative Central, were at it π
Getting out from under the table.
And discovering there was Jagermeister left. 8)
Highlight of the season for me was Theo Walcott’s trick for his goal against Chelsea, where he pretended to fall over, left three men chin scratching, then belted it into the net π
Heh Holic, that was certainly a great moment π
Brother and sisters and all those in between my doors are always open (Oh Yeah! Hallelujah!) to all of YOUS! Up The Arse!
Sagna’s brilliant header against that lot when we were trailing 2-0 at home…Full back right in the thick of things,wandering in the box in open play…And the celebration with clenched fist – Season changer for me
Winning all those trophies…….
Evening all.
Savage @26. Excellent drink.
===
I’m going to go a bit against the grain here as my favourite moments of the season all involved defencive players.
1) Sagna’s fuck off you LWC’s header, ball grab out of the net and run back to restart the game against the cunts.
As in your face a goal as you will ever see.
===
Woj’s unbelievable penalty stop against Udinesse at a crucial point in the game. The save that literaly guarenteed us CL footy and enabled us to make our deadline day signings.
===
Woj’s performance in the L’pool game.
Firstly for picking Kos up after his own goal and getting him to shake it off, secondly for insuring justice was done with (yet another) briliant penalty save and thirdly for making some absolutly top notch blocks to insure we (literaly) stole the points at Anfield.
For me, this was a major turning point, proving that we could also win ugly and gave the team a major boost.
Collecting my pay check.
Wearing And Lester’s pint – could have been Rev AL’s first baptism π
I will not over-react on these two new appointees as yet, until I see the result of their contributions.
We want to see the end of a leaky defence, plus individual personal performances improving. Where there is no improvements, players are at a stand still!
Coaches were being paid for contributing very little. I hope we see the end of that culture.
Aplication for the HT denied. ^^^^
53 Fuck off you chinless carpet muncher this is my monniker.
Twas that Zico – a pint pot for a font at the church of the Tollie Brollie. Fanks, prayers and beers given in honour of Our Lord Dennis and mighty Arse victories.
Why – what gatherings – and as memorable for this old pastor as anythink that went on on the pitch in what was truly a most memorable season there too. Amen are always better than theirs.
Quite right The BearMan.
Pat contributed fuck all really. Double and FA Cup as a player. All seven Wenger pots as number two. Check out who George Graham had in the dugout for all of his significant moments too.
I wonder if Bouldy will restart the original Tuesday Club ? Reckon Santos will be up for it .
How dare you ‘holic sir.
Putting facts in the way of a good moan.
Always thought the Tuesday club was a misnomer. Some of those boys could do it any night of the week…
Haha true Holic .
Always thought Bouldy played his hand really well. Always in amongst it, but never really copped any flak apart from one occasion when he was fined with,I think, Paul Merson for getting pissed at some formal do .
I think he was Allan Lamb to Tony Adams’ Ian Botham .
Favourite moment of the season – blimey that’s a tough one…
On the pitch, Sir Chez’s immaculate double save at Klanfield.
Off the pitch, almost certainly the spontaneous Poznan against City.
Honourable mention in despatches however for the moment after Wigan away when our Pole in the Goal shushed us travelling supporters up, and then led a quick sing song for us all…boy’s a genius
Now, since I have a day’s leave tomorrow, is it time for the Jaegerbombs yet?
π
Ah, wish tomorrow was a leave day, although some would argue I have the next best thing, snowy.
I am going to be a human sheepdog for the day. No, seriously…
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/9142813/Shepherd-offers-team-building.html
Blimey ‘holic – you best have some Jaegerbombs then π
Baa, humbug.
I don’t have to tell you what lunch is, do I?
Β£400 to Β£2,000 !
Must have seen ewe coming.
Ewe’ve been fleeced.
Don’t be nervous in front of the sheep – you can’t do it with an attack of the collie-wobbles.
Goodnight ! Drinks are on the ………. baa!
Do you get to dress up as a Sheepdog Its a Knockout stylee Holic ?
More likely they’ll all be mutton dressed up as lamb, Tabs π
I has wellies and and a teeshirt. Them sheep should be very worried tonight…
Don’t flock with the shepards, they’re true gooners.
They go all the way back to the days of Wool-ich Arsenal.
Haha . π
RvP’s 2nd goal at Anfield.
One of the best days of my life.
Can you make a ewe turn ‘Holic ?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/78565425@N03/6887579138/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/78565425@N03/6887580308/in/photostream
Alan Shearer won’t be there will he?
Demba Baa might be.
Alan Lamb too.
Oh dear God, no …
Alan Minter ?
Living in Hong Kong and only having been back for two matches this season my favourite moment is when a mate from Hong Kong took his 85 year old dad to see the Spurs match.
I was watching on TV at home and we were texting.
When we got to 4 I asked how the old boy was and the answer was
“he’s gone absolutely potty”
He wasn’t the only one
Stan Collymore ?
Calista Flockhart.
Okay, I’ve obviously drunk too much.
Nighty night.
And no, I won’t be counting………….
Me too . Night all .
Best moment of the season for me. Rosicky v. Sp***
Get in!!!
Moment of the season for me is melting Michel Platini in Crete.
Good riddance to fat rubbish….
My moments of the season are;
-Redknapp being taken to court for tax-evasion, having to admit he’s an idiot who can’t read, write or think, and in the process losing the England job (which was never going to him in the first place!)
-RVP’s hat-trick against the blue scum, 5-2 against the LWCs
-Seeing Everton score 4 at Old Trafford. An ABU’s dream…
Being hugged by Arsene. It were brilliant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwx3grWK1sE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
This is my moment of the year captured immaculately well by this video. To no surprise it’s Thierry’s winner against Leeds, watched it live around 3 am in a hotel room in Singapore, a couple hours after I just arrived from a 17 hour flight from Los Angeles. His goal had me grinning non stop for the next two days, felt like I was in wonderland.
The best moment for me was during his goal celebration, certainly one of his most emotional celebration in an Arsenal shirt, when the commentator provided a fitting quote.
“He may be cast in bronze, but he still capable of producing some truly golden moments.” Splendid.
Besides this, I reckon Vermaelen’s last gasp winner against Newcastle was magical as well, especially as our performance that night was quite outstanding, and it gave RVP the chance to laugh at Krul.
Sorry for the double post, but I had to share this before leaving to work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW0fTxlT16Q&feature=youtube_gdata_player
We have a Polish wonderkid in our ranks at Arsenal. He could be the next big thing….
My moment of the season was vomitting under the table in the HT bar with my knickers over me head….then dancing meself sober as we beat Man City….*belch*
Sagna’s header versus the Spuds….the moment when you realised we still had it as a club.
On a personal note…moving to our new home in San Diego at last and it coinciding with our great run from Feb onwards (due to the move of course). Impact of a full season in California has always been a trophy…mark my words.
Tim. Sorry for the impertinence, but speaking of California and trophies…
http://static.skynetblogs.be/media/775/969_california-girl.2.jpg
The impact John Terry is having….terrible innit?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/euro2012/article-2149548/Euro-2012-Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlains-family-fear-racism.html
bt8b –
What can I possibly add….let’s just say even going to the supermarket is worth the time around here.
I hate to point out the quality of the sources, but the Daily Star reports Vertonghen leaning to Arsenal and the Guardian reports Vertonghen leaning to Spurs. π
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/may/24/tottenham-jan-vertonghen-ajax
On the other hand, the Daily Star article does have a lot of Vertonghen quotes so you can be the judge.
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/253138/Arsenal-to-swipe-Tottenham-target-Jan-Vertonghen/?
My favorite moment of the season besides Sagna “I’ve had fucking enough of this shit” celebration will be the impromptu team celebration after beating chelski at shithole bridge.
It proved imo opinion that genuine camaraderie and team spirit is being fostered with this new bunch, which is essential. This team spirit held us in good stead throughout the season. I think the willingness of players to play for each other was the main reason we can back from the dead more than 1 time this season, Wenger too attested to this in an end of season interview.
@92: Them be some fine bitches….they still need to eat a little more though! One in red could maybe pass my exacting standards of girth…
Shaft. Here’s the deal. You get the one in red for half price and the other four for free. On Lars’ tab, of course. π
8ball, this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Let me get my BearGrease…
Can I watch????
Yellow card!!
Favourite moment of the season; the last 60 minutes of the LWC’s game and what followed. And all thanks to your good self ‘holic. Cheers mate!
Well in Daphne, you luscious lush you!
Anyone notice that the PFA want to introduce a new ruling that racist conduct gets you sacked from next season?
Favorite moments of the season:
1. Sagna’s header against the cunts. Right then, I knew we would win it
2. Henry’s goal against Leeds. Stuff of dreams
3. RVP’s goal against Everton
A few other enjoyable ones:
1. RVP showing the ‘wanker’ sign after a crunching tackle on Kelly(?) at Anfield
2. Henry shushing Martin O’Neil in the final minutes of Sunderland away after he had just scored the winner
Have just back-drunk my way through some marvellous sheep-related puns, cheers for giving me a good laugh to start the day with!
Les@80: lovely little story, and also yet another testament to how football can affect us all no matter how young or old we are.
Derrick: great video, I honestly started welling up towards the end.
8ball, heed the Barman’s words: no transfer talk in this session! π
Harsha: heh, I had forgotten about RvP doing the wanker sign – at the team I was scared shitless that it would get him suspended after the game but he wasn’t, thankfully.
‘Elloarwe ta’in faverit moanments ‘eah? Wwwell mine’s moan moan moan bitch complain Ja’Wilshr, TheoWacott, Suh-chesny, moan moan defensv errah complain complain moan Aasnul moan moan poor defend’n. ‘Aveto mprove bitch moan moan no’goodnuff bitch complain moan.
First?
Oh.
And I got my car back at last. Got a SMS at 5.50 this morning to tell me it was ready.
Looks like they had to practically dismember it all, so it cost me an extra leg on top of the arm & leg it was meant to cost.
Seems to work and go through the gears now(including reverse), although it does make a rather nasty and scary ‘clang’ when moving down to 2nd from 3rd.
Favourite moment of the season?
So many. Tomas Rosicky’s goal against Spurs maybe.
But there were many many favourite moments that day.
(I’d go as far as to say that Bacary picking up the ball after his goal was the DEFINING moment of the season, the pivotal instant, the…. [I’ll let tabs wax lyrical if he wants])
MIND. THE. GAP.
Ollie HEH! Taking the piss me ole mucker ? π π
Derrick , would like to echo Lars’ words . What a link ! Thank you for posting.
What a lovely day – perfect for a bit of sheep-worrying ! π
Right I’m off to get me some rays . π
Anyone not wearing Speedoes today, offset with an Arsenal Parasol and a pair of slingbacks , is quite frankly mad .
Laters fashionistas .
No pisstake in fact, tabs. I was just thinking of launching a succession of superlatives, but figured I didn’t feel inspired this morning, whereas I was sure YOU’d pull it off in style if need be.
Split personalities = twice the sunshine, hooray!
And heh Wolfie
Wish I could go out and spend some time in the sunny weather too, but have to work π
Same here, Lars, same here.
Back drinking from last night…..a big heh to all the sheep puns. I guess the event is being held at Shepherds Bush.
Best moment of the season….Bacary Sagna’s header against the LWC and picking the ball out of the net with a “take that you c@nts & there’s more to follow ” look.
Wool in my eyes, I seem to have missed the sheep puns.
Dip back into the drinks Ollie and ewe can’t miss them. They started off subtle but later we were just Raming them home.
Morning all, well the sun’s still shining here, I think I’ll have to consult Guiness as I’m sure that this is some kind of record.
It could be argued that this drinking session has turned into a discussion about Premiersheep highlights.
Hmm, tempted to lambast those going in for sheep puns, only to find I was on of the flock.
Heh Lars, you bleat me to it.
What do you call an emotionally unstable sheep dog?
A Borderline Collie.
What can you say about these puns?
Shear quality.
*I’ll get me goat*
http://www.football365.com/f365-features/7777323/here
Check the ‘answer’ to question 2. The folks at F365 have had too much to drink already.
*Disclaimer: maybe they’ll edit it before you click.
TaBS @60
Heh! There are some classic stories about those two…. IΒ΄ll have a search and see if I can find the one IΒ΄m thinking of…. it involves the CMC!
You lot talk about knocking the sheep puns on the head, but I know what you’re like. You won’t pull the wool over my eyes. No sir.
Sagna’s FU header.
Well in to all milking the sheep jokes. A piping hot bowl of lambswool is on the bar for you.
I think a pint of Ramrod is in order for all the sheep pun-ters. It seems Lars tab appears the norm in these situations but if I’m out of order the pleasure’s all mine.
My favourite moment of the season came early on during that dire opening month. Walking to the ground past the Tolly, as we came to the railway arches there was some excited commotion, which turned out to be focussed on “Super Bob” who was strolling down to the game (against Udinese) with the Hoi Polloi and apparently enjoying every moment of it. Many chants of “Sign him up, sign him up, sign him up!” Good on yer, Bobby.
Re: Lars @105. Apologies old boy, I must be going soft in the head. Stuff some more lamb’s wool in my mouth. Please. π
And whoever it was who picked the last 60 minutes against Spurs as the best moment got it about right. Why split hairs when it was all great. π
bt8 : Esso (102) is always spot on.
I popped into the bar to see what’s happening and now I feel a bit sheepish…
FANtastic post, Holic! Without a doubt, my favorite moment, was the whole season (minus the injuries). The anticipation leading up to every match, the gathering of the faithful at the bar on game day…how I enjoyed the holics company. The away fans, listening to them sing their hearts out. And did you notice how when one player had lost his mojo, another would rise to the task at hand. When life dealt us lemons in our personal life, the Mighty Arsenal always came through.
People seem to arrive a touch later and leave much earlier in this team.
I may adopt the ‘In Rome do as the Romans do’ approach while I’m not being stretched….
1. RVPΒ΄s rounding of the Cech as JT ate grass – the first time that Boy Catalan could see a goal coming. Jumping up and down shouting “yes, yes!” for three seconds before it went in
2. MikelΒ΄s goal against City (jumping around the room with Boy Catalan)
3. TVΒ΄s goal against Newcastle (jumping around room with Dad Catalan!)
4. SagnaΒ΄s “fuck this” moment. Celebration (just a clenched fist) as important as the goal.
5. HenryΒ΄s fairy tale goal against Leeds
Number 4 most important for the team, 1-3 most important for me!
Oh look, Beer oΒ΄clock!
Oh, go then Dr C.
Footballing wise definitely agree with Catalan’s #1 @135. However, I know the thrashing at Old Toilet early in the season was painful, but I had goose bumps when the incredible away support was belting out “We love you Arsenal we do” even when it was 8-2. Most fans would have been catatonic at that point, but even that score could not dampen the love for this club.
6X for lunch with a whole spit roast lamb was yummy, but Guinness and cricket in the battle is wonderful.
Glad u weren’t baarred then ‘Holic. Wadsworth’s 6xxx good stuff -normally sorts out the men from the boys..in my humble opinion that is.
Well I guess that is one less sheep to count tonite as you try to fall asleep, Holic (sighs). Now what of our lad, Santos, holics? Can Steve and Neil (I believe they can) fine tune this player into the something special we all know he can be?! And what is this nonsense Seth Blatter(can’t be arsed to correct the spelling)is spewing about doing away with PK’s in the CL final, has he finally gone round the bend!
Abb, No matter how I feel about Blatter on any other issues, if he can do away from penalty kicks deciding major championships then all I can say is more power to him.
‘holic, Whole spit roast lamb π I’ll take your word for it on the cricket. BTW, Is that a subtle attempt to end the lamb puns to start a string of cricket ones? If so, it’s cricket with me. π
Hey 8ball, Why? Oh the glory it is, the excitement and the chance to see your goalie score!!!
Aaron’s goal in Marseille, first half at Ashburton against Milan, RVP’s triple at the Bridge and beating the Shrews 3 – 1.
Abb, It basically comes down to I’m all for playing another game next week to decide things. If that means the underdogs win less often, so be it.
That is, I can enjoy the spectacle of penalty kicks as much as the next fan. The drama of our away victory in Rome a few years ago, for instance, was as exciting as it gets. But it really is the fairness issue that for me makes the argument so strong against penalty kicks in a major final. Scheduling a replay shouldn’t be that difficult for all concerned. Let them name any more important things they have on their schedule the following week than playing a replay for the European Cup. And let me have a share of the ticket proceeds for the replay. My two cents, anyway.
Hi again 8ball…this season Barca, RM and BM turned the futbol world upside down and inside out with their poor showings in the latter stages of the CL. To deprive fans the ultimate spectacle in showmanship that is penalty kicks and all the drama that goes with it, would be some what lacking (at least for me and all those great goalies out there!).
Abb, Penalty kicks being such an important part of the game, maybe we should have kept Almunia who was one of the greatest shot stoppers we have had in (at least my) living memory. Just substitute him in with one second left in extra time and penalty kicks are half won right there!
(Aside: Descanse en paz don Miguelito.)
Today I’ve mostly been gardening .
Today I’ve mostly been uphill gardening π
Esso has a birthday! Happy birthday mate!
Top Gooner!
Re: Tabs and Wolfie. Say hello to the worms for me, those cute little buggers. π
Top man Esso, Happy Birthday. And Happy Motoring!!
Uh. Wolfie, Care to explain 149 in more detail for those not educated in the arts of uphill gardening, perchance?
abb –
“PK’s in the CL final” – “Barca, RM and BM”
Do you guys refer to everything by it’s initials in the U.S of A ? π
H B Esso or should I say S O ?
8ball – Pop round my little lovely . I shall show you the ways of uphill gardening .
Esso, top man. Been through it of late. You deserve better geezer.
Love you to bits.
Many happy ones.
Uh. Not if it has anything to do with turnips, Wolfie. Or parsnips for that matter. Come to think of it, any root vegetable is quite out of the question.
Happy Birthday Esso…you and I have never had the opportunity to ‘talk’ but I look forward to the day we do.
Small steps 8Ball π
Find your Speedo Aura and then all shall be revealed .
Happy Birthday Esso , proper Gooner !
All the Best. Will look forward to the next pint at The Tollie .
Wolfie, Small steps, you say? If Elmo can do it…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDdviI0NmG0
Then who’s to say we’re not all capable? π
More feelgood music, guaranteed ….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klObyJY1W_I
… and I can’t forget this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUcXI2BIUOQ
Guinness for breakfast?
Don’t mind if I do.
How are you soldiers? Feeling good I hope?
Cheers people. Off to drop the youngest down with his Grandma at Worthing. Then I just might be tempted to have a drink this aftie! Happy St Michaels Day to all!
Enjoy the Happy St Michael’s Birthday, Esso!
Ah May 26th, also known as the anniversary of the game that still knocks spots off Man City v QPR, no matter what anyone in the press may say.
23 years ago today!
23 years ago today eh?
Wow, I remember it like it was yesterday.
Yesterday however…………!??!
Damn delicious beer in warm weather. π
==
Many Happy Returns Esso.
Cheers Esso! Here’s another reason to celebrate, today is ‘Blueberry Cheesecake Day’ and ‘Cherry Dessert Day’! Here’s some more trivia. Did you know there is no record of a St Trev (Trevor)…perhaps he did indeed exist but failed to mind the gap. However, I’m pleased to announce there are three bonified saints who use my real name. Just thought you all should know. Have a wonderful day holics!
St Arsabeatbarca?
Hey there! There’s a patron saint for barkeeps as well! Cheers!
And Wolfie gardening?
Manscaping?
And Pope John Paul the 2nd is Patron Saint of goalies, he played that position as young lad growing up in his native land of Poland.
Who are we playing today?
H2H @169 – heh π
St Wolfgang is in Austria – FACT!! ‘cos I’ve been there.
Re: Nurse abb. I believe your theory about St. Trev having failed to mind the gap is unquestionably correct. π
Someone is impersonating me impersonating PHW – now then π
Are nasturtiums being cast in my direction here ? Which gap have I failed to mind, exactly ?
Badly missing the football season here, as up and down as it was.
How long ’til we kick off again? π
Just tell me who we are playing dad, please! We have to close the gap on those two clubs above us and we only have a few games left. Lovely day for football, I must say. π
Arsenal vs Newcastle 2-1 ( Thomas Vermaelen goal vs Newcastle 90+5β²)
For all the laughing at Spurs, for all the joy I felt after the 5-2, and for that matter the 5-3 against one half of the El Cashico, or the 1-0 against the other team that does contest the The English Money Derby, I just cannot see past a last second winner. It’s one of the best feelings in the world, and the goal coming from the vice-capt, a centre back, sprinting the length of the pitch, and just getting the ball over the line against a team that has played football pretty much at the same level as we have all season, was one of those moments that just sticks.
Nah, who am I kidding. That’s moment nr 2.
Nr 1 is Henry vs Leeds. That man. With THAT finish. Oh, how we celebrated.
Lots of patron saints of brewers: http://brookstonbeerbulletin.com/beer-saints/
The list probably gets longer the more you drink.
A pint of Abbot, if you would, ‘Holic…
If Newcastle was a beach security guard, and Vermaelen a pro frisbee thrower, this is pretty much how his goal against Newcastle would have looked.
http://youtu.be/Zxgxa1GJlnI
Also, notice the celebratory fist pump.
Re: NBN @183. Interesting stuff, and quite useful that St. Adrian of Nicomedia has three different feast days. Considerable drinking advantages there, I should say. π
… That’s not to mention that St. Adrian’s wife Natalia is quite the looker. π
Also comforting to know there are patrons saints of hop pickers and hop growers, as well as innkeepers, publicans and bartenders. And mead drinkers, most particularly. All in all it makes an already crowded drinking calendar that much more so. Positive news, indeed. I’ll lift one to that! π
Oh when the saints, come marching in, oh when the saints come marching in, I want to be there in that number (thats right Trev, whistle along lad)…just rememeber folks, ‘Tonite we are young, We’re gonna set the world on fire…ok, when’s the next game, please.
Now listen here PHW Jr., I have no idea of whose loins you are the fruit, but I am pretty damned certain they are not mine.
I had never experienced the female charms until last summer’s dalliance with the ever delightful Lady Nina. As you appear to be able to write already, I am assuming that you are a little over two months old. I could barely grip a tit at that age, let alone operate a computer keyboard.
If you are after my money, I have none, as you will note from my rather paltry shareholding. I am maintained in my position here purely at the generous whim of Mr Kroenke. I always liked his sort.
If you are after my Monet, I have sold that too.
There, I have nothing to offer you. Now be a dear and fuck off!
Why is that confounded nurse singing Southampton songs now ?
Haven’t we got Doctors round here – could one of them please see to her.
Bt8b: indeed. We are all celebrants.
Some pretty impressive miracles by beer saints that would make them welcome in this bar. St Brigid turned bath water into beer by blessing it.
http://www.beerhistory.com/library/holdings/patron_saints.shtml
PHW, in the sense you see to Lady Nina?
Ned that’s nothing.
I can turn bathwater into a decent 9% proof by pissing in it. π
‘When the Saints go Malting in’, cheers NBN! 8ball, can we make NBN and company, honorary Yanks for the day? You guys rock.
iH2H@194: too much information.
ABB@195: would that mean having to drink Buds all day? That wouldn’t do much for H2H’s bathwater.
That 200th looks like it might wait a bit.
*does best Dixon ’89 impression’*
It’s up for grabs now…………..
In?
Celebrates to deafening silence.
Nice assist from your bath, H2H.
Spain up 2 now. to win euros on what else, pk’s!
As in in the inmortal words of Oxon Gooner, “well in” NBN.
Well in NBN.
Switzerland 5, Germany 3 currently. Very clever free-kick from the Swiss for the 5th.
Djourou on to play injury time (well, some of it…)
Well min Ned, shades of Mickey Thomas that one, the ball didn’t seem to want to come down.
Wish I could see that one, Ollie. Sounds much better. Really can’t wait to see Brazil play.
Brazil game was played a lot earlier today though.
Later on here I got Nederland against the oldest Womble dude, (Uncle) Bulgaria.
Van Persie starting on the right wing, wearing shirt No 7.
They’re only showing England vs Norway here.
Not sure I’ll be bothered.
Someone txt me when the Ox comes on please π
Will do Ollie; H2H, cell, please.
Actually looking forward to this game. Can’t you guys pretend we’re playing and provide some play by play action. Can’t affort to loose these skills. Sod it, why can’t I live in England!
‘lose’ not ‘loose’…cept maybe a screw or two.
He scorse when he wants.
Sneijder dinking a Song-esque pass over the defence and RvP volleying it home.
Deja vu all over again.
scorse?
Dear o dear, add that to my well min from earlier and you can all see how productive my day in the beer garden was.
ashley young scores!
You mean ‘some diving cunt’, abb
Yeah, I know Ollie. This game pretty lame so far…bring on Nemar! Just some humor…hope H2H is fairing better.
Not really abb, the Dutch game is pretty crap too. 1-1 at the mo.
Watching the England game on the laptop at the same time, so I’ve got the worst of both worlds.
Those ITV commentaters are fucking dire.
hey H2H, just saw both goals. Here’s to a better half, cheers!
The Dutch game is now almost done.
Ooops, the Womble’s just scored in the last minute of ET, v Maarwijk going mental.
Well be some media fallout here tomorrow.
Back to the England game.
Now that I think of it, it serves Holland right for making that stupid Birdie song comercial (I’m not going to link to it, cos it’s horrid).
Theo Alert, he’s coming on! Go Theo!
OLLIE.
FEEO’s coming on.
Evening all,
Sorry not been around more. Bloody interweb is playing silly beggars, or rather my ISP is π
Norway having the Viking share of the ball so far…come on lads!
Heh, very good abb.
Evening ‘holic sir. One on the bar for your good self.
Some great stuff from Norway just now…whew.
Hey Holic!
Thanks H2H, is it worth tuning back in then?
Game must be nearly over now.
Ollie, The Ox!!! …Young goes off.
Ollie, Ollie, Ox is free.
Worth it just to see the Ox.
England are pretty crap for the rest though
Well, congratulations to young Alex, but that did not make for enjoyable viewing.
Thanks H2H, just what the Doctor ordered. Well, one of them anyway…
Evening nurse…
Hellollie π
Oh well, the company was way cool. Ox should have started the game (broken record here).I’ve earned a nap.
Nurse. While the cat naps the mice will …
Drink their nitecaps?
abb @227 – “Norway having the Viking share of the ball”
Oh dear, oh dear, American Geography – must be an oxymoron – strikes again !
I think you’ll find the Vikings were from Denmark. That’s just next to Switzerland if you want to look it up…….. π
Offering profuse apologies – thought I’d better look it up, and i learned something.
I’d only ever heard of Vikings from Denmark but it seems they were from Norway too.
Doubles, by way of apology, are on the bar π
Ok.
Great post Holic, great idea also π
I’m going to do it as favourite moment on the pitch & off the pitch, makes it easier for me as a fan & a person.
So my favourite moment on the pitch 100% bet your life on it was Thierry’s goal against Dirty Leeds. Euphoria flowed in my arteries & veins for hours after that, and a facebook post about the great man himself received more positive plaudits from non-Arsenal fans than Arsenal Fans I think, maybe a 45-55 split.
That was the kind of goal that temporarily disintegrates the borders of club football & brings together fans of the beautiful game :’)
A close 2nd was being at the Emirates to witness Robin van Persie’s 99th & 100th goals for the club against Bolton in the League, only my 3rd ever time seeing my beloved Arsenal play live, I high-fived and hugged a complete stranger that day in the West Stand, ooh to be a Gooner indeed, the Emirates came together that day from all 4 sections, from Lower to Upper to celebrate that milestone achievement.
My favourite moment off the pitch was me meeting the Arsenal Invincible Sol Campbell π The memory of it still comes to me, still can’t believe I got to meet him & take a picture + get a handshake in addition to that. Felt like I was on Cloud 9 for a week after, a true delight for every Gooner at my Sixth Form College π
8ball Whose the cat? Drink up lad. Now Trev…fraid I’m the one who should say oops! But you see, you have a high teaseability rating (not a real word, I suspect). I once had this professor in college who was just too intelligent (and he knew it too), spent all semester trying to outsmart him. Never succeeded, but it sure was fun trying!
Abb, If I understand your sentence construction correctly, mine the cat.
‘holic, The temptation to engage in transfer speculation is getting stronger by the minute, despite the tediousness of delving into so much rumor and falsehood. But seriously, what came of the rumor about Tabs being sold to the King’s Head??
Bt8b: what are you hoping to extract from the cat by mining it? Or is that mining the cat in the sense of attaching ordinance?
As it happens, NBN, my cat just extracted me from bed at 3am to let him into the house, I guess because I made it mine a couple of years ago. π
Bloody Scandinavians, Trev, all of them.*
*I possibly descend from the Denmark branch
Beautiful barmais though π
Barmaids even π³
8ball.
Seeing that it was me who completly fabricated that rumour I can also tell you that I think its almost 100% true maybe.
I can also reveal my sauce is from Heinz.
Morning all, from le jardin de biere.
Morning zico and saucy H2H.
Morning guys,
Blue sky and big yellow disc here.
Some kind of confidence trick, I’m sure…..
Morning all,
scorchio again.
Will try and put some words together about something this evening. It’s definitely a disadvantage being a blogger who detests pointless transfer speculation in summer.
I hope something Arsenal related happens over lunch today…
“Dennis cursed as waitress spills gravy”
It’s sunny and warm, but I’ve just added a layer as I now definitely have fever on top of the sore throat.
Bah.
Manflu by the sound of it, Ollie.
Would you like flowers, or donations to a charity? π
heh, ‘holic.
Aspirin please.
A glass of Auntie Beechams and Irish it up for Ollie.
Should have him up and running in no time.
Good plan.
You sure you are not a Doctor, H2H?
Cheers H2H.
Think it will be doctor time this week though, when your body gives in after a week of struggling, you know you’ve been an idiot.
F1 commentators very patronising towards a legendary Belgian.
Talking to Jacky Ickxx : ‘what do you think of our French pilot? I know you’re Belgian, but surely you’re French at heart?’.
If I were truly Belgian, I’d be angry.
Poor Arshavin (Arsecast Voice)
http://en.rian.ru/sports/20120526/173687502.html
Sure blame it on the waitress! Ollie, no aspirin with alcohol, please. Good day all. Saw Huddersfield take on Sheffield United, very entertaining. Why?! Cause it went down to PK’s, that’s why. Towards the end, it was the goalies turn…one sweet finale. Judging from the expressions on the players, managers and fans, one nail biting euphoric affair.
Hey Wind! Kindness, terrific sense of humor, and brains go a long way in my book. Just the kind I like to ‘read’.
Re: Wind @260: If Arshavin is “gruesome” I’d love to hear what she has to say about Elokobi. Just saying (for all you Elokobi fans out there).
I guess this is a slow news day, although I’m not completely sure about that. Anyway, here’s something on the theme.
http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/rma/lowres/rman517l.jpg
What am I going to do without Arsenal until August? Sure the Euros are on but it’s just not the same emotional roller-coaster. After the West Brom game I was relieved the season was over b/c we barely got through to the CL. But after last weekend without proper football I’m pacing.
It seems every year the off-season is termed the most important in the club’s history….I really hope we learned our lesson last year of not waiting until the last minute….but then again we kind of got away with it by qualifying again although we didn’t win any trophies. Please Arsene, not again.
Last night I watched most of the 2-2 Barca draw from a couple of years ago….we lined-up Eboue at right-back, Song at center-back, Denilson in the midfield at Bendtner up top……yikes. Do miss those runs up the field by Eboue, though…..although not much ever came of it.
Only Arsenal related news is that the Djourou’s national team coach said he should leave us if he wants to play on the national team……yawn.
Danish, Ollie?
I would have said you were from the Norwegian side, descended from Ollie Gunnar Solskjaer. Oops, sorry Ollie, what a wally *said in a sing songy Swedish accent*
*waits for grief fron Lars* π
*throws a bucket of grief in the general direction of Trev*
Almost three months until the proper football returns¨.
What a depressing thought π
Good, I need three months to get over the horrors of last weekend. I’m looking forward to the European Championships, the last couple have been great. Er…which probably means we’re overdue a poor one admittedly.
Euro 2008 was brilliant, especially the Russians, Spaniards and Dutch, so I’ll be happy if this year’s event can even come close to matching it. Just four years ago but how much has changed. Arshavin was the star but I doubt too many people expect that much from him this time.
I recently read that Iniesta and Xavi are both only 5 feet 5 inches tall. Of course they were also great stars of Euro 2008 but I would have thought they each might have grown some in stature in the last four years. Unless they actually have, and they were 5’4″ back then. π
Personally in that time I have moved from the east coast to the west coast to near the middle coast of North America, but have been following Arsenal closely the whole time. I have two best memories of Arshavin at Arsenal and they both came the first year after we got him of course. One is the same as everybody’s, the four goals at Anfield. The other one is his cheeky goal at Blackburn when he went to the by-line to the left of goal before lifting it over the shocked keeper’s shoulder.
All watched in Baker Street, my favorite local bar at the time in the Upper East Side of New York City.
Which reminds me of two other great New York City bars where I watched some of the other games of Euro 2008 since they both bars deserve a shout and a return visit: Nevada Smith’s and Doc Watson’s.
I’m not sure yet which team I will end up supporting at Euro 2012, but it will be the one that shows a special mix of spirit, desire, teamwork and skill. And I put my blind trust in Polish and Ukrainian fans to defy their reputations and abstain from all racist incidents.
cheers ‘hol
plannin on comin over for a game next season
tis over twenty years since i roared at them
and i’ll hold you to the jar and the half
and i’ll make myself known
*’holic hides*
can you take devastating good looks on the flight as carry on ?
One more memory of Euro 2008: The Swiss consulate sponsored an outdoor TV showing of the opening game of the tournament between Switzerland and (?) in Central Park which had a great turnout and, as all events in Central Park have, a tremendously friendly and international atmosphere, kind of like this in a way:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqCuw3wMZ-8
Nice discussions…a very welcome departure from the relentless rumor mongering and transfer speculations in so many other places.
I am a little late to catch up on all of these excellent ‘favorite moments’ reminiscences. Given that living on the other side of the pond I had watched all the matches on TV/internet I have obviously and evidently missed out on many of the moments that can only be experienced being in the stadium. My favorite moments, in no particular order
a. Szczesny’s penalty save against Di Natale away at Udinese. A pivotal moment for the season as we were very close to losing out on CL. I remember the tension in myself watching the penalty and I remember the palpable tension in the players’ body language. A very well taken penalty and then the incredible save and the moment of pure exhilaration.
b. TV5’s goal and the post-goal celebration against Newcastle at home. A fractious match with RVP losing his cool against his compatriot. Mentally preparing to get away from the living room at the end of the game with the sad feeling of dropping points at home when we were so much the better team … and then came the counter-attack at physics-defying speed and even before I could consciously formulate some hope in my mind Vermaelen is there to score and then comes the extraordinary celebration of the players.
c. Rosicky’s goal at the 5-2 NLD win and his celebration with the fans, it gave me goosebumps even watching on TV. The goal was excellent, and the way we had started in the second half very much deserved, and none better than Rosicky to have deserved it. One of my favorite modern Arsenal players, it was so great to see him playing back close to his real potential and abilities. An excellent finish…and I knew we will score at least one more.
d. Henry’s last minute winner away at Sunderland. Surely not as romantic as that goal against Leeds. But I will remember it probably as long as his first goal in return. We were losing, Ramsey came and equalized. Arshavin and Henry were introduced. Arshavin had one of his rare excellent cameos. The cross was quite extraordinary in quality — showcased the little Russian and what he could really do, what a pity he couldn’t motivate himself to play that way in all of his cameo appearances — and Henry’s finish, following which he takes a run towards the away supporters, RVP joins in, Henry turns back and makes a gesture of appreciation towards Arshavin and then joins the fans in celebration…classy.
e. RVP’s first goal against Dortmund at home. A very tight game against an excellent opposition — this Dortmund is really such a good football team, if they don’t lose too many of their key players I believe we will see them going to the deep end of CL next season — in a very tight group. Almost a must-win game for us. And the goal comes from nowhere with Song showing lovely skills and tenacity to dribble through and then deliver that perfect cross to RVP to head home. For all his gorgeous through-balls to RVP this season and the consequent sublime finishes, this Song assist was so unique in its sheer unanticipated nature …truly memorable.
Great memories, Doctor Faustus. π
As I seem to be wallowing in New York nostalgia, here’s one more for good measure.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK81edShkXI
Faustus, I had almost forgotten that penalty save v Udinese. Very, very important for the rest of the season.
Tommy V v Newcastle also a great one along with Ramsey winning it in that otherwise incredibly dull Marseille away game. There is something special about last-minute winners, and we had a few of those this season.
It will be a pleasure to buy you a pint, cba.
Now >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>