Put ‘Em Under Pressure
Jun 10th, 2012 by 'holic
The morning ablutions complete I go to select the shirt of the day, but which one? The England cricket shirt? “I won’t be washing again before we go away next weekend”. That’s that then. The Arsenal 1971 yellow shirt? Good thinking, but then…
A question I was asked on Twitter this week flashes up in that point of the consciousness where random things crop up now and again. It was something like, was Liam Brady’s departure from Arsenal like the same as Cesc Fabregas jumping ship?
In 140 characters you cannot do justice to such a comparison. The going of both was never in doubt a year or two before they eventually departed, but the circumstances were hugely different. In a nutshell Liam left us at the end of his contract to test himself against the best footballers in Europe. In 1980 that meant going to Italy. Whilst wearing the red and white he never let a soul down at the club. He was a special talent, nurtured by us, but it was inevitable that the biggest stage would attract him.
Now Cesc was also bound to depart at some point. Introduced to the Barca way as a boy, we polished the skills he had already demonstrated because his hometown club showed a reluctance to promote him as a precocious teen. He gave us some wonderful memories I cannot deny, and was the cornerstone around which we were developing the third Wenger vision. With four years remaining on his contract last summer I think we were entitled to expect another couple of seasons from him. Unlike Liam he was already testing himself against the best in Europe, the world even, as an Arsenal player.
When he left Liam wasn’t turning his back on his adopted family to go home. He wasn’t breaking a half-completed contract to be a part of a club fighting to establish itself at Europe’s top table. Liam Brady never once refused the opportunity to pull that cannon over his chest. We understood the time had come and wished a magician with a special gift all the best.
I reached under the cricket shirt and pulled out the green grandad shirt. Then grabbed the green socks. I put an extra Guinness in the fridge. I know where my loyalties lay this week. This boy of Islington will be cheering on the spirit of Liam Brady, A great footballer, and a great man.
709 Responses to “Put ‘Em Under Pressure”
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Words fail me mate. Absolutely stunning stuff!
Great post Holic! I’m hoping Ireland do well tonight against Croatia…
Oh, the bar is open!
Wot esso said.
‘holic, is that you in the front row, above the ‘G’ of ‘dagenham’?
Bloody marvellous.
Subedit: did you mean 140 character, not 140 words…?
Splendid, ‘holic!
Drink for all in the bar, I’m sure Lars will be around later when he’s sobered up, to pick up the tab.
Maybe not perfect timing Cannons, but everybody has done the Arsenal players performances so far to death.
I cannot get behind an England team that contains you know who.
Trying to convey the emotions that I feel. I’m not a news blogger, and never have been.
….and I have nothing else to say this morning, unless you’re a cricket nut
I did Bakes, thank you. My usual sub-ed let me down
Frugal, I was a lot further back up the Bank that day.
Tino’s giving us the run-a-round right now mate.
Come On You Boys In Green
Got it on in the background, Esso. Loving it.
Tino’s loving it too.
Just dropped another!!
Interesting comment about “refusing to pull the cannon over the chest” – I hadn’t heard this particular rumour about Fabregas until this week on Twitter – is it well known and am I just a victim of living in the backwoods?
As for who to support – it’s hard being a FrancoSwedishUkranian at times
Fair few were fed it last summer, zico. Unwilling to repeat before the deal was done. Unsure just how true it was until this week.
Lovely posting sir. It’s great watching the euros on RTE because you get to hear LB7 on the panel. I nearly puked when I turned over to BBC last night.
Enjoy that cold Guinness later.
*boilk*
Cup of tea, please.
*waves*
@ 17
The re-hydration powders are in the CMC.
Alternatively, you could just go back to the pub and find the hound that savaged you
Ask yourself “What would Dr Feelgood do?”
Nice piece ‘holic.
No other players departure hurt so much as Liam’s did. Not because in the manner of how it happened, just that it happened.
He was my boyhood hero, my role model, my icon, every street kick about was about trying to emulate him and then he was gone leaving a chasm the size of the Grand Canyon in my heart and in our midfield, a blow that at the time I thought neither Arsenal nor I would ever recover from, it felt like the end of the world………….
But of course it wasn’t, we both survived, although it took my beloved Arsenal longer to adjust then I needed. Since then new heroes have come and gone, but for me Brady will always be the true born king of Highbury.
Hmm, not sure that what Dr Feelgood would do is legal in this country…
Or anywhere else.
I’ve got something in my eye
The bar is open again!
Heh @ 21 and 22
A mere technicality…..
Yeeea, you’re back.
Been wandering the net like a hobo looking for a place to fit in.
Read the Tim Stillman piece I somehow missed from Thursday, thinking the whole time that this reminds me of the Judean National Front bit from Monty Phython, went to make a smart arse comment about it only to find some even smarter arse beat me to it.
Well done Ollie, sir.
Know where you are coming from with LB-but it was also an issue about money-Arsenal couldn’t /wouldn’t pay anything like what the Italians did.
I have no ill feeling towards Cesc at all-We knew he only saw this club as a stepping stone 2 years before he left and put in a written transfer request a full year earlier yet still gave what he could the following season. I think in hindsight we made ourselves more of a victim than we needed to be by not spending a bit more money a year or so earlier and preparing for his departure.
Speaking of Cesc, looks like he’s playing centre forward for Spain.
Don’t they have a striker?
No other English club could match what Juve offered Chippy. Issue was between the different salaries on offer between Italian and English leagues at the time. Juve were owned by Fiat or the Agnelli family. They played a sugar daddy role long before Russians ever appeared on the scene. Same for many other Italian clubs – Berlusconi at Milan for example. All meant that Serie A dominated Europe in terms of salaries and attracting the best players for many years. Different story now. Why it wont last here indefinitely either.
Ah, it’s working again.
Great post ‘Holic. I too am disturbed by the “never once refused…” reference. Can you be a little less elliptical about the rumours or provide a link to them please? What happend last week to convince you of their truth?
No ill feelings towards Cesc.
He could have handled the move better, but he gave his all in the shirt, was generally honest and has spoken with nothing but praise for Arsenal since he left.
The manner and timing of his departure prevents him from being a true club legend, but equally he’s far from being an uber-Cnut of the Nasri variety.
Basically, it’s a polite applause job next time he’s at the Em.
Agree that we should have prepared for his departure, although I wonder if the boss thought that Nasri (a) had an iota of loyalty in his entire body; and (b) could play centrally. Wrong on both counts.
Personally, I still think we need someone in the slot that Cesc vacated. Unless the plan is to simply accelerate Wilshere’s development.
I’m critical of the manner of Cesc’s leaving because of the circumstances that surrounded it. Cannot deny I loved seeing him in an Arsenal shirt (THAT backheel apart) and I would have him back in a heartbeat.
There is though a marked difference between seeing out your contract and breaking a deal that made you a very wealthy young man. Particularly when you wanted that contract to be paid up in full, allegedly.
More interestingly I was asked if Nasri/Stapleton was a fairer comparison.
Oh yes…
I hated that Frank betrayed us too, but wouldn’t mince him in with the chinless one. Frank actually contributed for a good few years while Nasri only looked good for about 20 minutes.
I assume that if he did refuse to get stripped, it would’ve been for the qualifier against Udinese, thus rendering him cup-tied for the competition with Barca.
If so, a practical decision on his part, but very disappointing given the importance of that game to the club.
Here’s hoping he loses today – so many despicable cunts in that Spanish team….
Forza Italia!
Well I don’t like them, but it’s against Spain.
All the teams I might support seem to be in the first two groups.
What an unbelievably dull game this is.
…i love the way the spain play though
Cheers ‘holic.
I don’t know what the Cesc rumours are, but it did seem odd that in that last year or so at Arsenal he could barely jog without pulling a hamstring, and then after his move to Barca he was sprinting into the box like a thoroughbred to score hatfulls of goals.
I will wait to be corrected by NBN but I believe his availability for us, in
last two seasons, was not much above 50%.
It is sad that his attitude is now even called into question as I loved to watch him play, but that final season did have a hint of Thierry’s last season too.
Can’t really blame a 23 year old for wanting to go home though, having lived abroad for 7 years.
As for Liam Brady, I have always named him right up there with Dennis Bergkamp as Arsenal’s best ever player. It’s very difficult to place them ahead of Thierry Henry, but I do.
If Cesc had stayed another two years, who knows. He and Liam shared that special ability to always find that extra second or that extra yard.
But he didn’t. Liam Brady every time for me.
Trev, Cesc has had problems with his hamstring at Barca too. He was out for well over a month before Xmas and missed a few games here and there later on too.
Holic @33 -
“wanted that contract paid up in full”
Reeks of the grubby mits of Dein Jr. Who else would expect full payment for a job they didn’t want to do.
Spain should bring on Messi…
Oh…
Fantastic from Pirlo
That Natalie girls just done them.
Looked like a Spain type move.
Di Natale!
Of Christmas!
Bollocks. Fabregas score. I blame ‘holic.
But now expect Brady to score tonight too.
Great goal by the Italians.
Spain are more predictable than Arsenal at our worst. Spain really, really miss a proper attac… and just as I type this, Cesc scores.
GET IN CESC!
Nice reply
Fabraga…Oh
Heh Lars
Cesc with the equalizer… and now Jesus (Navas) is on the Spaniards side.
Pardon – Fabrega…oh
Torres is a shit elbowing cunt.
Well, the second half was a lot more entertaining than the first one. Not that that was very difficult, the first half was piss-poor entertainment wise.
Enjoyed that – good players all over the park playing good stuff
Mind you – that Torres has a change of pace in the same way as some people’s (ahem) wind does (so i hear, unfortunately) – gets away full of brio and vim – then kind of peters out
Very, very, very sorry about that, but thought it befitting of the 50 million pound chelski man
Time to pour a Guinni with a Jameson on the side, stuff your pipe with four leaved clover and get behind the most underist of underdogs.
COYBIG
If I dedude the Cesc rumour correctly then it’s very, very sad. There was a lot of talk that Wenger thought of him almost as a son. In the face of such rumoured behaviour I fear for what it may have done to Arsène
Lars @ 58 — I thought the first half was excellent tactical football by Italy. I have always found there is something fascinating about the Italian approach even in terms of aesthetics (forgetting their excellent records for a minute) — not dazzlingly entertaining a la old Brazil or modern Spain, but very astute and technically competent and can be quite thrilling in the way the attacks are constructed. Even their hatchet men like Gentile or Gatusso were more than comfortable with the ball.
I thought Marchisio and old man Pirlo had great games, as did Cassano in the first half, De Rossi was fabulous in an unfamiliar position, and the new big Giovinco showed some glimpses of quality. I won’t mind seeing him in an Arsenal shirt, or Marchisio. :–)
Other than Mannone, who was the last Italian player to have played for us?
Afternoon all. Hands up, how many Irishmen are in the bar – including me? I fear somebody is gonna get a hurt this evening..
Maternal great Grandmother from Cork.
I’m so plastic I will have to avoid the recycling truck in the morning.
OUCH..
Faustus, Italy did indeed play very well, but I thought it was mind-numbingly boring to watch
Plastic and Cork, ‘holic?
Sounds like a cheapo vino plonk.
Come On Eire
GOOOOAAAALLL
YEA..
Heh H2H
What H2H said @ 20: I saw almost every single game that Liam played. I have never, ever stopped loving him – even after he went to Italy (even saw him play in Turin for Juve) … loved Cesc too. Don’t have any ill-will towards him. But quite indifferent towards him now (much like his team really)… unlike the Guv I would not like to see him back
A mile offside surely?
Unlucky
H2H, not really sure what the current interpretation of the offside law is but I would assume that the ref meant that the Irish player had the ball under his control which means that Jelavic was not offside since he got the ball from a defender.
Agree with Lars..
I’m watching from behind the bar without commentary and it looked harsh to me, but I’ll take your words on it.
Nothing wrong with that one.
Irish for own goal = That’s a Given?
Oh come on ref, how is that not a penalty for Ireland???
What does the rules say about that one?
Looked like a pen to me.
Our favourite Crozilian about to enter the fray.
Croatia deserved to win.. I fancy them to take points off Italy & Spain..
Thought the lads showed a lot of heart, just missed a little bit of luck and a lot of quality.
Sad fact now is that four points probably won’t get Ireland through, so need to beat Spain and Italy.
Oh well
Evening Holic and holics. Oranges and apples, both very tasty. One however, far superior in its nutritional content. So I usually prefer the orange. Brady and Cesc. Pretty much the same, but emotion plays a part (unlike choosing fruit). Like Arsene, many of us consider our lads as part of our family, like sons. Never held a grudge against Cesc wanting to go HOME, just sad in the manner he chose to leave us. Wish him well.
Hello nurse.
Last look in to see everybody is behaving.
Glad to see they are.
G’night all
An interesting and thought provoking subject Holic. For me Chippy wins hands down. I was heart broken when he left for Italy. He was my first real Arsenal hero. I look at his departure now and I can understand why he moved on, although it still hurts. But I do believe he is an Arsenal man through and through. His recent contributions should only seek to confirm that.
Cesc on the other hand is a whole different ball game. Like many I was massively disappointed in the way he orchestrated his move. For me Cesc ended up a massive disappointment. He was handed an 8 year contract by AW. Now there many that will tell you that a contract is not worth the paper it is written on. I do not agree with that. I accept that they are as much a business tool these days but Cesc was shown massive faith when he signed that deal. Other more senior players left to ensure the rapid rise to first team regular. The captaincy followed. It was easy to see why such a contract had been offered and signed. Cesc was the future. The team would be built around him. This must have been the case. I certainly do not remember any other contract of such length.
It must have been a massive disappointment to AW when with 5 years remaining Cesc said he wanted out. Project Wenger would have been thrown into turmoil. He was persuaded to stay. As has been mentioned by many, at times in his last season his attitude was poor. This was not the same Cesc. I for one was very disappointed.
So the sulking continued until the poor, broken Cesc got his own way. Barca through the 18 months prior to the deal being concluded were an absolute disgrace although I am still disappointed that we allowed ourselves to be bullied by them. Yes I loved seeing him play when he wanted to be here. At times he was brilliant. But the way he just jumped ship will always leave a sour taste with me. Polite applause if he ever takes the field at the Grove again. Would I welcome him back? Not in a million years. He has made his decision. He can stick with it. I never want to see him near the club in an Arsenal capacity again.
So Cesc V Chippy? Is there really any debate? Not for me.
Keep the faith.
Ahh the lovely written word.
Great Blog – Great Mind.
*raises glass and dips head*
Sláinte
I really enjoyed the Spain v Italy game. I thought Spain were being matched pound for pound by an equally skilled fighter that wasn’t afraid to hold on to the ball and pass it. I was very impressed. Bollocks to that theory that you can only beat Spain by playing negatively. The Italians did so much running I did think that they could’ve been on something though!
Didn’t get to see the Ireland game though. Sounds like they get effed in the a…
I thought if they got a result in this match they would have a chance of going through but odds are super-slim for them now you have to say
Oh and Cesc wasn’t the Messiah, he was just a naughty boy (with naughty DNA)
I wouldn’t take him back either. But thanks for the memories
…and Liam has atoned for sins by training the Arsenal youth for future battles over the years. Much respect for Chippy
Trev@41: Cesc played in 25 of our 38 league games in 2010-11, or 66%, and in 27 in 2009-10, or 71%. But he played only 22 league games in 2008-09, or 58%. His busiest season was 2006-07 when he played in all 38.
CoR: I thought Spain v Italy was a great game. Tactically intriguing and technically outstanding. Ireland v Croatia was a bit like watching Stoke v Stoke Reserves in comparison – 4-4-2 v 4-4-2 with a lot of hoofing long balls to the front two of either side. Italy played a classic Italian game, defending strongly (not parking the bus, though) and then hitting on the break. They looked dangerous enough in attack to have a dark-horse run deep into the tournament.
Hey NBN, glad I didn’t stay up for the Ireland v Croatia game then. I just saw the highlights btw, Ireland seem to be always unlucky at these tournaments…
I’m hoping we see more high scoring games though. Maybe England v France could be a 4-4? Would be awesome for the neutrals
Been a bit busy lately, catching up with the drinks just now
I too thought Italy Vs Spain was very well contested and I loved the way Italians fought
That Pirlo guy can still play eh?
Starts morning move with a throw -in.
Adds a throw up
Heh.
Runs away from the mess with the ball at his feet and boots it far away in the direction of the box.
Chips it!
That has to be the longest build up to a goal, ever!
Nooo! My 3 hour sprint towards the ball was foiled at the end by Harsha and his chippy feet
Morning holics and gooner o’holic from Ireland with a sore head,great day out with the mrs and my junior Gunnerette yesterday build up beers and burgers all undone within 3minutes no plan b at all anyway best of luck to the English holics today,my dads a total footie man and the two players he always talks about are giles and Brady have to admit to not seeing a whole lot of either.
Losing Brady was bad enough, since he was head and shoulders above any other member of his Arsenal team. But the double whammy was the nominal transfer fee we received for him of only £500,000. This was because of special rules between European clubs in force at the time and was way below his market value and effectively prevented us from splashing out on an equivalent talent, not that I’m convinced we would have done anyway, we’ve always been a bit tight.
Was there an equivalent talent to Brady anyway?
Well done Harsha.
I have to say – International footie is not my thing at all. I dare say I even watched 90mins of all the qualifiers. But a big thanks to all at the bar who supported the boys in green last night. Looks like the tournament is over for us, but being honest, we did ever so well to even qualify. When your hopes rest on how Richard Dunne, Robbie Keane and Glen Whelan play – then it says all you need to know about the talent at our disposal.
So far I’ve really enjoyed the Russians who have some really great technical players and some fine young players coming through too. The Italians were surprising, because nobody expected a performance from them and unsurprisingly, they looked a much better team with Di Natalie upfront rather than Ballotelli. Spain too look impressive and the Dutch, for all their talent, look like a group of individuals as opposed to a team prepared to work for each other.
And so tonight we will see how Hodgson gets on against the French. I for one, have been impressed with how he has so far managed to play down expectations with the media. While Rooney will be missed, England have enough talent to go far in this competition. So tonight, I’ll be supporting our neighbours across the channel.
Allez les Bleus….!!!
Afternoon All.
Top blogging again ‘Holic. I can only speak for myself but my affection and fond memories of Senor Fabregas are already below those of Chippy even though I would struggle to say our Liam was better in his pomp than Fab was for us as an Arsenal player. That picture you posted above of Brady celebrating in front of a jubilant Northbank really brought it home to me. The bond between player and fans was stronger for Brady, IMO.
Great stuff from the regulars above, cheers fellas enjoyed a wee bit of back drinking. There’s a line of drinks on the bar for you all funded by Lars’ debt which is now being paid-off by the EU and siphoned-off into Spain to keep the Euro zone alive.
Good luck to Woy’s Boys tonight and keep out of harms way please AOC and Theo.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18391663
Downing Street said no protection officers would face disciplinary action over the incident, adding that security arrangements were constantly under review.
Mr Pickles was also asked about the incident during a BBC News Channel interview, saying: “I’m very glad that Nancy was missing for only 15 minutes. It could happen to anybody. It must be any family’s nightmare.”
I am a bit baffled as to which planet politicians live in.
Ollie
Same as ours but with rules and regulations removed/adapted to maximise personal gain.
From @ KeithTheGooner this morning:
“You have to feel sorry for David Cameron’s daughter. Left alone in a pub with all that beer and then he came back to take her away. Prick”
heh, nice one, cheers TS.
Re: NBN @93. Nice numbers, which should clearly prove to all that Barcelona were foolish to pick up an over the hill commodity.
Hello all you special gooners. So glad I don’t have to choose a fav here. Emotions have a way of rewriting history, to some extent. When Holic writes about Tony Adams, you all best behave!!! Missed both fixtures yesterday and none too happy about it either (work and sleep and work again). Of course I wanted Ireland to win, and I’m delighted Italy held Spain. Guess Buffon did ok? Nick is a fan of Casanno (he use to play for Bari, Nick’s home town). It’s heartening to see that he seems to have made a fully recovery from his stroke. Now to entertain today’s much anticipated match up. Seems Theo won’t be starting and neither will Kos (can’t wrap my head around that decision, something about team work, etc.) Kos doesn’t seem to get the respect he deserves, hope he’s given the chance to shine.
Joe @ 107
I don’t think that Hodgson has needed to play down the media’s expectations – for once, I think the English and the English media are realistic about their team’s prospects. That is not a sentence I ever expected to write
If England manage to get out the group though, I expect the usual jingoistic tub-thumping to emerge and from what I have seen of the tournament thus far, there doesn’t look like there is one exceptional team, so who knows what might happen, especially in a world where Chelsea can defend thir way to a CL in?
At the start of the competition, I took a punt on Italy, cause I thought odds of 14 to 1 were generous in the extreme.
in = win
@ 90 CoR
Good point
@ 91 CoR
Ha ha!
@ 107 Joe
I really like Di Natale from when he played in the CL qualifiers. Great finisher, clever, classy. Would be great for us.
@ 113 abb
It does seem barking mad not to start Kos in this match in particular, given that he knows the forwards France will be facing and he is used to the English style. Not to mention what a great defender he is. But I guess Blanc might be thinking that Mexes and wotsisname form a better partnership, and that is what counts for more.
I can’t bring myself to support a team with Terry in it. (John Terry, obviously – I’d always support a team with GoonerTerry in it!) It’s not just the racism charges, I feel that his conduct overall is not befitting a captain. I know he’s not the captain now, but you know what I mean. So I will be getting behind the Arsenal players and hopign they have great games. Against the general sentiment, I think England could do quite well. But I was very impressed by the Germans last WC, and now that we have some in their squad, it doesn’t feel weird to support them. I also like the way the Bundesliga is run. Just reaching for reasons now…
Surprised that Sky hasn’t picked up this trick for Euro 2012 coverage from Guangdong TV in China:
http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20120610000082&cid=1303
Or that it hasn’t hired CCTV’s anchorwoman, Liu Yan:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/photo/2012-06/11/c_131645639.htm
Zico,
My word 14/1 really..? Y’know I backed Italy to win the world cup in 2006 and people thought I was nuts. That year, they were 10/1 at the start of the tournament..! But they have been playing very poorly in recent times – so a longer price is not surprising. But in relation to the performance against the Spanish, I would say they’re a balanced side and could go quite far.
Hodgson, in my mind, brings a sense of composure to the English squad. The media I think find it harder to have a go at Roy. He’s not foreign, he’s not flash, he comes across as being a rather safe pair of hands and dare I say it, a little conservative and boring. Its just what England needed I feel. For a long time now, England have had some wonderful players but have never been able to deliver partly because the expectation and sheer abuse at times was over the top. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think England have enough to win this tournament because I feel that they’ll struggle against other nations, particularly in midfield. But I do feel that this tournament could be the start of putting a seriously good national side together for the English. Tonight for example, Oxlade will start. Thats a bloody good decision in my mind. He deserves to start given the season he’s had. And were it not for Theo’s contractual situation at AFC, he would have started alot sooner for his club too I feel. The decision to leave Rio at home was a good one too I felt. Rio’s been poor for a long time now.
Oxlade, Hart, Wilshire, Rodwell, Young, Rooney, Jones…………I genuinely think England have the capability of putting together a squad that could go places. And to do so, they needed to appoint someone who could pull it all together. I like to think that Hodgson might well be that man.
NBN -
Thanks for the Cesc stats – I knew you’d have all the figures at your fingertips. Well, 98.69% of them anyway.
Preventive strike: I do not give a fuck who wins between France and England. If both could lose, that would be perfect.
I mean, fuck it, I’d rather Belgium were in it
Funnily enough, I’ll be in the pub (well maybe only for the second half) watching the game with a couple of…… Aussies.
According to the beeb, Appelation d’Origine Contrôlée is set to start.
Evra vs Terry. What a cuntfest. Tonight, I might be mostly shouting abuse at all but AOC (Feo will be on the bench, I guess).
Afternoon all.
En-ger-land is the team of the day. I kinow there’s a bunch of toe rags in the squad, but it’s still the land of my birth so I’ll be cheering them on.
Time to release the Ox…
Hey FunGunner! How you doing? Was looking at Gothic/Victorian clothing just now, what a hoot! Love the way ladies use to dress. Also love dresses from India, oh the colors, so vibrant. Now back to basics. About our Kos, just seems the press are a bit dismissive of him, can’t for the world understand why.
Trev@119: and only 18.6% of them are bogus at any particular time.
Carefully, ABB, you’ll start getting Wolfie all of a flutter. Victorian Speedoes begar the imagination.
Afternoon All,
Just seen the England team. Go on the Ox.
If it wasn’t for Terry I could get behind this team more than other England sides of the recent past.
A softening of my attitude towards the National team is due in no small part to Roy Hodgson. I think Roy has been very impressive in dealing with the Press both in regard to high profile omissions and a more realistic management of expectations. Thought he also spoke intelligently and sensitively after the Squad’s visit to Auschwitz in a way that would have been quite beyond ‘Arry. Think he’s a great ambassador for the country.
Got a sneaky feeling England will win today and have a good tournament, so I can only hope that Terry does his cruciate within 5 mins of the start.
Thought the Italians were very good yesterday and deserved to sneak it, so hats off to those who have stuck a few bob on them to win.
Listening to Jamie Carragher is akin to listening to a couple of cats making out in an air raid shelter.
Much more and my ears will start bleedin’ .
Hey Lads and Lasses, Enjoy! NBN, naughty. Smiling.
“Of the wide men available to Hodgson, he’s had the courage to go for the best in choosing Oxlade Chamberlain”
Liam Brady, RTE……
That’s the way to do it Ox!
Great post by the way ‘Holic .
Like everyone of my vintage I am of course in the Brady camp. Heartbroken when he left and it took over half a decade for the Club to recover.
That said, I can’t help feeling that some of the differences between the two departures outlined above have more to do with the passage of time than any real basis in fact.
Footballers are much bigger heroes to youngsters in their early teens than they are to men in their forties, (or at least should be), and are therefore forgiven more.
Both left to play with the best, and Brady was only 24 when he made his decision. Both left after having had 2 years of constant speculation prior to their leaving, and we pretty much knew that both were leaving in the last year of their stay.
Not sure I agree with those that say Chippy’s attitude was so much better than Cesc’s. To christmas of his final year, his form was poor and given the backdrop of constant speculation, his relationship with the North Bank was whilst not broken, certainly a little strained. These things are forgotten with both the passing of time, and the relationship with the North Bk was only re-established by his form in the second half of the season.
I’m all for looking back at the past with rose-tinted, but I refuse to be too hard on Cesc. His last season may well have worked out differently, League Cup and even the Premiership, had he not got nobbled against Stoke .
How did Milner miss that. Did you see Rooney?
Do you think all the empty seats are to make Scott Parker feel at home????
Just saying.
Got that one, Steve T. Funny. Good open game.
@ 128 takeabowson
pretty much how I feel. I was almost there with the manager and the team until Wodgson put JT in.
@ abb
It’s Edwardian for me – the Downton Abbey look.
Les Cott!
Hey FG! Goal, Lescott special!
YESSSCott
England looking like Hodgson’s Fulham at their best.
Good save Hart! Yellow for the Ox, but he wears it well.
Les Bian!
GOAAAAAAL, Nasri!
Not the fuckin’lesbo
I guess you could call it the French Connection. Sorry.
England are playing like the Fulham Blue cunts
@ And Lester
ha ha – clever!
GT, Lots of time left. Lescott’s header superb, really. Worry that Roy might take AOC out cause of that yellow. Maybe Theo on for Wellbeck, he picked up a knock.
AL
HT – thought Hart looked nervous, one good save aside. Back four did ok against a dangerous front 3 for the french. Gerard had a good half. Parker looked not to put too fine a point on it … useless. Ox looked great sporadically and I thought Welbeck and Young looked very good up front.
Oh and Nasri looks more and more like Jo Brand with each passing day.
England look technically short as usual, but still all to play for …
Good block Parker.
2nd yellow for England.
Ox off, great effort kid. Parker too.
Hugo is a quick Lloris.
The good thing about having a face like Ribery’s is that no matter how many times you get smacked in it you know you’ll not mess it up too much
GT, You are sooo bad. Ribery work horse!
Finally, Theo.
Feeeoooo
Rooney can’t wait to join the frey!
Ah Theo, an honest to goodness Theo sighting!
Timely save by Joe. Nasri still has it (just saying, its true).
En-ger-land will be the happier side ..
I can see England drawing all three of their games.
Only saw the last 30 minutes – looks like Chelsea’s approach i.e. anti-football, will be the new flavour for many international teams.
Based on that 30 minutes, England were like Portugal against Germany – one dimensional.
Bring back the home internationals
Looked to me to be a game against two teams who’s main objective was not to lose.
big smiles reading the blog – o’ ‘holic
good oul Liam – a hero
his chin taught Kirk Douglas’ everything it needed to know about dominating the middle of your park
69% France on the ball. They look far more cohesive. Why does Nasri, after making a short sideways pass, drop back most of the time. Shouldn’t he then run forward, setting himself up? Not faulting him, just wonder.
only time i saw the great man himself was when he was at west ham
(undercover gooner maneouvres were called for)
roaring “Go on Liam ye boy ye” as soon as i saw him might have blown my cover and indeed those around me
i remain unapologetic !
including my spellaging
167 abb.
That would be because he is a money grabbing, word breaking, backstabbing, no chin having, carpet munching, indigo girl’s music loving, son of a camel blowing putain. So please…..
feel free to fault him.
cba Heh.
Tabs @129 –
Anyone interested in a Euro 2012 Colemanballs?
Great starter on BBC Five Live this lunchtime –
“Jo Hart has a presence and he gives confidence to tho other players – especially those in front of him”.
!!!
Well played The Ox today. Looked like the only England player who could go past an opponent without giving the ball away, and had the most natural first touch in the England team.
And the Frenchies knew it too. Hence the constant crafty fouls they needed to stop him. He will have to hope too that the other players learn to trust him a bit more.
He often seemed to take up good positions to receive the ball only for team mates to ignore him and try to turn and go the other way – Steeeeve Gerraaaard. Or to take greedy useless shots when he was standing unmarked in the area – Glen Johnson.
How old is Scott(y) Parker ?
I swear Jordan Henderson looks like his love child – uncanny resemblance as the camera switched from one to the other when
Scott( y) was subbed.
Agree with Tabs’ comments on Roy Hodgson – job well done so far, sir.
Bignoseavic scores for Lars’ lads.
OK Lars mate, have a drink on me.
The ancient geezer equalises.
Now it’s starting to look like a game.
Again
Cheers H2H, though I am very much not very bothered at all about the Swedish national team.
And Shevchenko can still score goals, it seems. Two really good headers, even if the defending was pretty awful in both cases.
Heh Trev,
, will keep a lookout for more.
H2H @170
I think you summed it up perfectly.
All going wrong for the Swedes. Shame for Lars. Has to be said though that Ibrahimovic is an uber c*nt.
Good man Lars, have another.
Cheers Tabs, I wasn’t sure if I’d done him justice.
Grab a drinky from me too.
England v France wasn’t really exciting.
I got into the pub just in time to see that cunt score.
Back home now, looks like the Qataris have stopped broadcasting for free just tonight.
Thankfully, German TV to the rescue so I can watch the end of the game.
While eating a kebab.
Ironically Ollie, I had Ketnet/Canvas (Belgium tv for those not in the know) to thank for my Eng v Fra images. Was a big storm here that fucked up my Ned 1/NOS signal.
Well-deserved win for Ukraine, the Swedish team looked petrified for most of the game.
All finely poised for the second set of group games.
Bring it on!
heH2H.
Cheers H2H .
So Hansen having described Shevchenko as yesterday’s man at HT, now says that he was sensational. Clueless.
Only Lee Dixon had the foresight at HT to say that Shevchenko might yet have a decisive impact on the game .
Enjoy that kebab Ollie.
An English team being lucky bastards in a European Cup final against Bayern, Shevchenko scoring goals in Ukraine – are we sure it’s 2012 and not 1999?
It’s not 1999? Why weren’t we told?
Evening Holics
I fell asleep before half-time in our match.It might have had something to do with my delayed 70th birthday all day Pimms Party of yesterday. Were we any good? Pity I missed the Ox.
Evening all,
Well what a strange evening. Ibra against Sheva and Voronin and not a wooden stake in sight.
Average age out there must have been over 40?
But Sheva rolled back the years, ‘Holic.
Aye, that he did Ned. Quality.
Remarkable that these are his first Euros.
Belated Birthday wishes Delia.
To tell the truth you didn’t miss much, but AOL gave a good account of himself. Looked like the only player in midfield willing to run at players.
I just listened to the MOTD experts bigging England up telling us that they have nothing to fear from Swe or Ukr, but to be totally honest I don’t think they’ll see much in us to fear either unless ol Roy can pull out a different game plan then the one we had against the French (if indeed there was a game plan)
Happy birthday, Delia. Loved the video of your party:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PPV7Eg4Jv5w
I love this bar, Gentlemen, just my kind of place.
There are people falling asleep in the middle of games, others who don’t know what year it is and, according to Charlie, we’ve just beaten the Germans.
Jolly good show, I say.
I’ll recommend the place to Gazidis, get him to pop in for a few drinks. You’ll be surprised what he can tell after a couple of looseners.
NBN, You’re a smart fella. Can you answer my question @ 167. Promise not to email your suggestions to Sammy (fingers crossed).
Holloway2Holland has already answered your question perfectly satisfactorily.
Heh, the Hon. Chairman.
That’s what I call a vote of confidence.
Many happy belated returns Delia
Dribbles from penalty area towards the centre circle, passes a weighted ball towards the box, before retiring cream crackered……
Bruises his forehead on the weighted ball……..
Ping.
BMBD
Splendid goal Lonestar! Believe me, cause I know talent when I see it!
Nice goal Loanstar – splendid assist Trev
‘Holics -
Nice assist, Trev. Missed you Lads and Lasses, but I’ve been quite busy with work. Fingers crossed for our team matters… come on and sign Dempsey, I say.
Anyways…I read more than I drink now-a-days – just know I continue to be with you all in speerit.
COYRRR.
BMBD.
Thanks, Nurse ABB – I hope all is well in your neck of the woods. Thanks, GT.
Laters, all. I left some whiskey behind the bar for all who care to imbibe.
BMBD
GT @202 – thanks, I’ve given up trying to score.
Lurkers, the lot of ya
Cheers Lonestar.
First Fabregas scores, then Nasri. Which ex-Arsenal player is next in line? Eduardo, anyone?
Well in Lonestar and an excellent demonstration of the maxim, direct is best.
So after watching the England France game I think it’s safe to say that:
a) Nasri is still a twat
b) see a
Theo on for the last second of play annoyed me. Cmon Mr. Hodgson, he’s not that shit.
Next gunner to score will be Tomas Rosicky, at least he will be playing before the others do so he has the best chance to do so
ABB@194: thank you for the compliment. Flattery will get you everywhere. There is a technical answer to your question–wanting to find space between the lines and preferring to run at the back line with the ball at his feet–and CoR’s answer @210. Both are equally valid.
LG, welcome back, and back with a bang. Well in.
Giroud story on Setanta: Fabrication or ‘Factication’?:
http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2012/06/11/Gunners-agree-striker-fee/gnid-144596/?
Well it’s funny, that article says ‘Chelsea and QPR have also been linked’, while a very short piece in today’s free metro paper here said 4 clubs were interested in Giroud, Atletico Madrid, Malaga, another I can’t remember (but wasn’t QPR or Chelsea) and Arsenal.
In any case, I very much doubt we sign Giroud, unless we sell RvP.
Any Australians in the bar? Japan v Australia World Cup qualifier kicking off in a couple of hours. Should be a change from the 1-0s and 1-1s of the Euros. I’m going 5-0 to Japan
Btw, I came across a great write-up on Arshavin by Rocky Rocastle’s son…
http://1nildown2oneup.net/ryan-rocastle-asks-in-the-case-of-arshavin-who-is-lazier-the-fans-the-management-or-the-player-2/#more-598
I feel basically the same about the little Russian
CoR: I don’t.
Arshavin’s a magic man with magic feet, I think he’d do well behind the strikers. We’d just need the other players to do more defensive work if we lose the ball.
Do you think he’s coming back though Ollie?
Morning ladies and gents:). So it has come to this again, Czechs vs Greece in pretty much deciding match of the tourney. I feared that it will come to this since lets say they are not our favourite team to play against. We didnt manage to score once against them (which was especially painful on Euros 2004, best team we ever had), also on club level their clubs continuously batter ours from various competitions.
I really hope that Tomas will conjure something today, our defense will not be as flaky as they were against Russia and that Baros will find his mojo again as I dont see Pekhart or Lafata being used instead of him. Still cannot wrap my head around what the hell Kadlec was doing, played on his favourite left back position where he continues to impress in Leverkusen yet this was his worst showing in national team I have ever seen. Come on guys, lets not let Greeks fluke their way to some success again!
Morning
So, if we sign Giroud, it could be to replace RVP.
Or, it could be to demonstrate our new super quality and to play alongside the newly re-signed RVP.
Or, it could be to cover for and eventually replace RVP as he plays his final season for us.
Or, we may not sign him.
Excellent!
How are you all?
PS.. I would like us to sign Fellaini, that would be very interesting. Think we´d get priced out of it though…
CoR, I think Arshavin’s a luxury player (a pleasure to watch at time no doubt, and entertaining) and no, I don’t think he’s coming back, and I indeed hope he isn’t.
Well summed up Dr C.
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2012/06/12/080800_nasri-on-m-a-descendu-en-flamme.html
There’s only one surprise: he didn’t say this was addressed to Arsenal fans
Maybe Arshavin would produce more in the middle.
But would the team as a whole do better?
Morning ‘Holics!
I’m with Ollie re: Arshavin. Great player that he is, the combination of team/club/player was no longer working, hence his loan out to Zenit. I prefer to look forward into the new season. With all due respect to a huge talent, thinking about Arshavin is the same as looking back… for me anyway.
Lars – I’m sure you’re right but for whatever reason that’s not where Le Boss wants to play him in our current team. Plus, now we have Poldi to accommodate and integrate.
PS: Loved watching AOC sparkle yesterday. Hated watching Na$ri score a very good goal.
Hey ho, The Euros is, for me, already way better entertainment than the whole of the previous World Cup.
England will do well to progress from the group stages. Thought Sweden and The Ukraine both looked dangerous going forwards.
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2012/06/12/100956_dugarry-refuse-la-comparaison-avec-nasri.html
Dugarry>>Nasri
CoR
5-0 ha ha no chance. Aussies to nick a late winner. 2-1 Cahill to repeat his 2006 heroics!!!
okay …I just treated myself to quite goosebumps making video/song together:) watched 2011/2012 summary of Arsenals season without sound to this song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE9OaujxHPg …time to do that again!:D
@239:OG82, really tense first half but Japan still in with a shout!
Red card! Let the goals come forth now!
is Ryo playing?:)
Ryo’s not playing today unfortunately
So how did that Oz game go? It’s gone quiet…
@235
The Oz game finished 1-1 with two red cards (second yellows) and a very soft penalty for the Aussies suggesting that, once again, officiating left something to be desired. Japan probably shaded it but the Aussies toughed it out.
Good Tuesday everyone, Haven’t finished reading the drinks just yet. NBN, Thanks for your answer! I feel Nasri has a lot of growing up to do and the way he left Arsenal was plain wrong. He added to my dismay by his disparaging comments about OUR club. That being said, he is a talented player.He is not in the league of John Terry. Just thought Arsene utilized him a bit differently, don’t remember him backtracking as much when he played for us, rather he seemed to press forward more. Ultimately, I feel that under AW’s tutelage, his game could have improved even more. Again NBN, thanks!
Thanks Noosa.
Commented Alan Green, on BBC Radio 5Live, before the England game:
“Someone choke that bloke on the Tannoy! For goodness sake!…Is he on an ego trip or what?!”
Satire is dead, people.
Not Entirely Sure If It’s Good Or Terrible Headline Of The Day
‘Shevy Mettle’ – The Daily Mirror.
heh
Afternoon El Holicos.
First round of Euro games over and I must admit it’s not been completly meh. Plus it also gives me a great excuse, not that I really need one, to pour and down an early evening beer.
So, who’s up for a lunchtime tipple then?
H2H, it looks like Poland v Russia, a replay of several major wars but this time with a field general of Napoleonic stature (i.e., AA23). Come on the invading Russians.
Yeah ..I will be rooting for Russia too, Woj is not at goal so I hope they will reproduce that kind of play they did against us (although Poles would have to be as terrible as us).
Cor @ 216 Terrific read. Ryan echoed many of my sentiments, as well. I remember worrying about the little fella, thinking he was in the deep throes of depression. Would still love to see him play for us but it looks as though Zenit (rightly so) want to keep him.
Ollie, I liked this bit;
‘Think about it. Joleon Lescott scores our goal and John Terry is the rock of England’s defence – again! A couple of powerful football reasons for having brought them along, you might say.
‘So maybe, just maybe, we can now finally put an end to the great Rio debate.’
Quite so. You know what else could put an end to ‘the great Rio debate’? BY NOT F**KING WRITING ABOUT IT CONSTANTLY IN A NATIONAL NEWSPAPER.
=====
Couldn’t agree more
Indeed, H2H.
Afternoon All,
H2H, Good man, I’m up for an ice cold cider in the hope that I can yet prevail in the ever increasingly forlorn battle to convince myself that it is indeed Summer.
Full square with Ollie on the Arshavin debate. Have to admit to being completely baffled as to why it remains a debate in some quarters of the Gooner hoi polloi.
I can’t think of one established star at Arsenal or anyone else who has been sent out on loan and returned to their mother club and re-established themselves.
I’d be willing to gamble my last Rollo that we’ve seen the last of AA in an Arsenal shirt, and the reasons for that lie firmly at the Russian’s diminutive size threes.
Ollie @239 Heh
Lars @225 Exactly. In a word, No
Belated Happy B’day Delia.
Giroud ? Cant really say that the thought of his signature gets the juices flowing, but then I’ve seen exactly nil minutes of him playing.
Agree with Mr C. Would love to see Fellaini in an Arsenal shirt.
Czechs and the Poles get my support today.
abb/CoR
I agree with some aspects of that piece, I’ve always felt that AA was played out of position too. However, regarding his substitution in the Man U game, although admitedly I wasn’t there, I got the feeling that the booing was more bourn from frustration and aimed at Wenger for taking off AOC rather then being directed towards AA coming on, I don’t think it would of been different whoever had been brought in.
Or is that just me?
ps. I’m not trying to condone or justife the booing, just trying to put it in perspective regarding the said incident.
tabs.
How many members of Faithless do you have lying around?
I’ve been reading Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince to my 8 year old daughter while she lingers over her breakfast cereal. Now I’m pondering over how to make use of snitches, parseltongue and bezoars to improve Arsenal’s chances in the new season. Maybe if I can figure out a way my daughter will agree to watch a game or two with me?
8ball. Just tell her that Slitheren is playing against Gryffindor in a variation of the game of quidditch without broomsticks.
*This post was made possible with the help of Wikipedia.
Hey 8ball, What a great dad you are! Does your daughter play soccer? My dad use to watch world cup games with me as a kid, fond memories, indeed. That’s how I caught the ‘bug’!
H2H @249
and heh @251
Nice casual half century 8Ball .
H2H @ 248 Agree with you, I think the booing was directed towards the OX being taken off. Doesn’t justify the fans booing, as you said. BTW, your answer to my question re Nasri was quite funny. Being a futbol romantic, I feel like I’m the patron saint of lost causes, always seeking redemption, something to salvage in a skilled player gone wrong in some of his decision making.
Abb she does play soccer but her team is getting demolished so far this year, unlike last year when they were top of the league.
More time on the practice pitch seems to be indicated. 
Tabs, I bet Arthur the Gooner will be rooting against the Russians too.
Heh! to H2H @ #245…. the c*nts
I’m sure he will 8Ball
H2H @248 –
I was there and you are spot on re the booing at The Ox substitution.
Cider eh Tabs?
I knew a fisherman’s daughter who was always very fond of the local winkles in cider.
I guess you guys are right regarding Andrey returning eh. Too much has happened and I saw that he changed his team on his official website recently too…
I guess that’s what happens when you sign players that look amazing at the Euros
As for the Japan v Australia game, I’ve never seen a more rubbish referee in my entire life! Two people sent off for each team, a penalty that shouldn’t have been given to Australia, and the cunt gave a free-kick to Japan and then blew the whistle as Honda was about to take it!!!!! In all my life I’ve never seen such a crap official. Bent like fuck…
“The booing was not directed at Arshavin, it was directed at taking off the OX”.
Sorry, but that argument doesn’t hold water for me. Let me just ask you this:
Would anyone have booed if it had been Thierry Henry coming on instead?
Afternoon Trev, spot on re: the substitution at The United game. It was all about The Ox being pulled-off by Arsene (oo..err). Arshavin was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I know the whole booing thing was a bit of this and a bit of that, but :
I don’t think it would of been different whoever had been brought in
Ask yourself. Had Thierry Henry be fit, it might have been him coming on. Do you think he’d have been booed?
The whole thing had been buried deep inside, so I do not thank you for bringing that whole booing thing back
I’m still seething about it.
The Spurs game is how I want to remember our support. Keeping up even at 2-0 down.(well in my section anyway).
Heh Lars 261: great minds, etc.
#262 was for H2H too… my bad
Ollie@264: heh!
CoR 260 : surely you’ve seen a few Arsenal games over the last couple of season
Lars, probably not but Thierry is a bit of a special case.
I think the point was that we had just seen, in The Ox’s performance, the first chink of light at the end of a very long tunnel. Then, just as he looked able to produce something he was hauled off.
That was really the great frustration, although Ihave tosay I would not personally ever boo.
Errrr…. for the record, was NOT condoning the booing in my previous posts
abb, patron saint of lost causes eh? That would be St Jude, who is also the patron saint of Policemen, go figure?
Cheers for that Trev, I know a small majority of our fans can be overly harsh at times but I couldn’t imagine even them booing an Arsenal player before he’d even entered the field of play, unless he’d been a complete tool in the media or had been holding the club to ransom leading up to that game
Trev – I’ve booed MANY times at The Ems and am very PROUD of it.
Every time I see Pulis, Shawcross, any LWC, Na$ri, Cole, etc., etc.
Lars, Ollie, good point.
But I think TH would be the exception to the rule in this context. Just the mere sight of him on the touchline was enough to make every gooner cream themselves, so I’m afraid I’ll stick to my premise.
Anyways, a good few regs in at the mo’, so high time for another round. Keep the wallet pocketed Lars, I’ve got this one.
TS Heh.
Well played
And True Joey.
Case in point. Joey Barton should have been a pugilist. See, I can’t quite help myself…
Heh Ollie! Cheeky b’stard
Cider is for girls.
Lot of talk on Twotter re: JD20, multi-million pound bids for him and that we’re likely to accept.
What’s the consensus in the bar???
@ 278
For the figures being quoted, bite their mitts off!
I like JD, always thought he gave his best even when played out of position. Had one pretty decent season but due to whatever reasons (injury, form, lack of appearances) just didn’t push on from there.
He is now destined to be the 4th choice CB in Arsenes squad and as his appearances suggest he’s not relly cut out to be a back up as full back. I think he’s at the point that he needs to be playing on a regular basis and that should be respected. I can’t see that happening at Arsenal so I personally wouldn’t begrudge him a move, especially if it could earn us a bob or two that could be re-invested in the squad.
I wish him all the best whatever he decides.
@277
And so are skirts
Zico, if it’s spiked, then I’m in! TS @278 You would have to ask a tough question. Talk about being conflicted! JD seems like a really terrific guy, a great ambassador for Arsenal. Didn’t get a whole lot of consistent playing time…sounds familar. How many of us could do our jobs well if we only did it sporadically.
I like JD as a back-up CB. Good in the air, fast and strong. Problem is, without a lot of game time he’s liable to make mistakes…
I’d rather not keep selling players every summer. Keep him I say. We don’t need money that badly do we?
@281
Racist AND sexist – I’m seething in my speedos
The irony of calling someone else a sexist is not lost on Dr Feelgood…..
Interesting points raised Lars/Ollie.
I’m still fully of the view that the booing was aimed at the decision rather than the individual.
The sight of TH12 on the touchline would have arrested the booing, but wouldn’t have stopped the chorus of boos that first greeted the sight of The Ox’s number going up.
An out-of-form and perenially unfit Arshavin was never likely to do that and therefore the booing went on longer than it might have done.I would still maintain that it was never aimed at him personally.
The booing was only limited really to one section anyway.No booing near me, though there was much shaking of heads.
@284
Trev @259 Took me a while but heh
As for me Trev @ 259
*whoosh*
say it out loud Dr Z
wallops the ball route one stylee into the oppo’s half, changes into his Speedoes whilst waiting for the ball to come down, anticipates a mad scramble to ensue , and ambles nonchalantly up the wing …
What H2H said at 280. All of it.
By recent form, it’s an early start for that move, tabs, but hey it’s busy so let’s build from the back.
Puts ball under control with a nice bit of skill and give it back to wing-stationed tabs.
Nods to Ollie, looks up for tabs, sprays one forward…
@ 270Holloway2Holland
“Cheers for that Trev, I know a small majority of our fans can be overly harsh at times but I couldn’t imagine even them booing an Arsenal player before he’d even entered the field of play”
Eboue.
@ CoR
Agree about JD. He’s 25 and needs to play but let’s keep him if we can – he’s quality when he gets going and we need stability. I think he’s a gooner too and we can’t have too many of them in the squad.
Pleased to see the flame haired minstrel has joined the fray, plays a bit of keepy-uppy and then then does a perfectly executed bicycle kick back to Ollie with a cry of “allez!” …
Wasn’t Eboue brought on, played badly and then booed and then taken off?
Heads ball towards the box.
It’s up for grabs now…
BANG!
Fun,
I stand to be corrected but am struggling to think of when Eboue was booed whilst waiting to come on. Infamous game against Wigan, Eboue came on early in the game as a sub, had a shocker, and was subbed for his own good after getting the treatment.
Thereafter, after an exercise of much hand wringing and mea culpa, he became something of a cult hero (ironic though that acclamation might have been), in much the same way that Perry Groves and Willie Young had been before him .
Great timing, Eandy! Maybe Tomas can get some inspiration for tonight.
Well in the Czech gent, a good omen for the upcoming game I hope.
*bows* I surely hope he will, should we not beat Greece, we can pretty much pack our stuff and prepare for way home.
@ tabs and H2H
Yes, I meant Wigan. I should make clear that I was not there, but at the time, some people said that he had been booed on the touchline. Then his first touch was jeered, and it went on from there.
I was there Fun, and that is not how I remember it.
He came on v early from memory, prob in first 10 mins, and had an ok, if inconspicuous first half.
Had a nightmare second half including a dire 5 mins in which he gave the ball away 5 or 6 times in a very short space of time in increasingly dangerous positions.I think we were hanging onto a one goal lead at the time and the booing became increasingly personalised and he was removed from the fray in tears.
That’s how I remember it anyway, though admit my memory is increasingly fallible !
I wasn’t there either, but my memories are pretty much what tabs has written, although from a tv watching p.o.v.
Eandy’s boys off to a flying start.
JIRACEK GET IN!
tabs, Eboue was indeed subbed on early, he replaced an injured Na$ri after 32 minutes. We did win 1-0 (Cuntybayor scored).
And no, I did not take that from memory – I looked it up on Arsenal.com´:-)
By the way Jiracek is kind of player I would love to see in Arsenal after two or three years he will spend in Wolfsburg..that man has two sets of lungs and really resembles Pavel Nedved in many things.
2-0 Great start, lovely ball from Tomas.
Czech 1 nil up already?
Well done.
I’ll try to be home for the second half.
2? Heh, I’m obviously a step behind everybody then.
Tomas, Gebre, Pilar …wohoo!
Woah, Czech’s on fire.
Your 300 definitely looking like it was a good omen now, Eandy!
H2H, if you have now read Mediawatch, do you think that will be a headline tomorrow, following ‘Kings of Joleon’ ?
Heh Ollie. .
It will probably be just as bad, I’m expecting something like “Czech mate” or “Greece Slip Up” or depending on the latter game’s result; “Pole Axed”. (They can use that one for a win or a lose)
See, anyone could work for the red tops, it’s just a pity I’ve got an ounce of self respect.
Cheers ABB, Dr.Z, H2H, Ollie for the feedback on JD question.
I am conflicted on this one.
On the one hand, as a 4th choice CB he’s more than good enough and a decent squad player.
On the other, we have Miquel waiting in the wings and the extra cash and freeing-up of salary would help pave the way for another decent signing.
Either way is OK so win-win?
@ 319
Greece smashed by bouncing Czechs?
Power cut right at the start of the game – missed both goals and 40-minutes of the first half ..
TS.
I think for this particular transfer the ball is in JD’s court, it all depends on how he sees his future.
===
Heh at bouncing Czechs.
Oh heh @ 259
Crashing sound of large penny dropping……
JD: I am with the “sell him and free up resources” side of the debate
Maybe a Djourou-Miquel boxing match to decide the fourth CB position? It could fill the Emirates and fund the purchase of M’Vila. Forward thinking you said you wanted??
Besides I feel Miquel is ready to step up and more versatile – and we don’t to “kill” him do we? (:
* don’t WANT to…FFS!
Good thing I’m home on time for the second half, eh?
The game is not even on fucking TV.
French TV, eh?
Any other foreign channel to save me?
Blank screen on RAI Uno, meaning it’s probably one, but they don’t have the right to show it in France.
Cuntery.
Rosicky not coming out for the 2nd half.
Can you get Belgian Channels Ollie.
If so Ketnet/Canvas.
Or German TV = ARD
GT @ #322 – Is you electricity utility co. owned by Greece by any chance?
H2H @ #323 – Yes, I’m with that. It will also depend on what Arsenal want to do too.
8ball @ #326 – Perhaps not quite that forward. Highly creative though, sir. You should consider sending your CV in to Mark Gonella
Oh Petr Cech, what a numpty.
Mmmm…. hope Rosicky is being rested and is not broken.
Cech, you numpty.
@ H2H, tabs, Lars
fair enough. As I said, I was not there.
Oh, Cech, that was a proper howler…
@ GT
Miquel v good, but won’t he go out on loan?
The ref in this game really likes to show off his shiny new yellow card.
Fun @ #338
If we sell JD, Ignasi could inherit his place in the squad.
FG, I think Miquel would benefit quite a lot from going on loan to another Premiership club where he would get a lot of time on the pitch.
bah..leaving work when we are 2-0 getting home to 2-1..what did Cech do?:(
@ TS
I meant, mightn’t AW prefer him to go on loan? He’s only 18 or 19, isn’t he?
Pekhart in ..hmm..the one substitution lot of people were calling for here. Also its kind of surreal to see Dan Kolar playing on Euro…its a lad I used to play small footy with when I was 10-15
..even more surreal than seeing him in Champions League against Barca and AC Milan.
Or what Lars said, basically!
Lars @310 heh cheers
Czechs missing TR7. 2 poor sides.
The Greek guy that just got subbed Kostas Fortounis.
How much do you think he’s worth.
Sterling or Euros ?
Sorry H2H, no Belgian channels, and no ARD either. My foreign channels are very limited.
Did Cech make a howler?
Why didn’t he do that in the Champions League final, the utter utter utter twat?
oh come on Pilar ..first time pass in instead of this -_-
Fun @ #343
Yes, loaning-out Ignasi must be an option for a fine young talent. AW is also quite a risk taker and could just hand him a first-team CB role. He’d have fine mentors in Kos, Vermy & The BFG.
… Or maybe Bouldy will be tempted back in-case of injuries/suspensions to others?
whew..now can calmly watch Poles vs Russia:)
Congratulations Eandy.
Commiserations Hellasgooner (wherever you are)
A bit of a damp squid of a game though.
Missed the Greek goal as well – Sister-in-law needed help to change flat tire. As soon as I was going down the stairs they scored! Don’t worry didn’t bitch-slap my sis.. but felt like it ..
RAI Uno is back on, I guess the game is over.
Congrats Eandy.
All set up for a tasty last game against the Poles.
thanks tabs, that game will be intense, looking forward to it already:)
Did the game finish 2-1 then?
I think Poland vs Russia might be on TV.
*crosses fingers*
Anyone with news of what happened to Tomas?
Hmm..according to first news TR7 felt pain in his heel and Achilles tendon, thats why he was not in second half. Hopefully wont be too serious :/
@ 353 TS
ha ha. Don’t even joke about it, with our injury history.
@ Eandy
Bad news. Come home now, please Tomas and put your foot up.
Eandy that nearly makes me wish the Czech don’t qualify so that he can be guaranteed a proper rest
Hehe yeah, if he wont be able to make it against Poles and we go through, that might be the best option, cant see us going further than quarter finals anyways, but still would be considered relative success here:)
Always hoped to read about a good reason to have had a kid at an older age ..
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18392873
… not only that but you have to love a good article about sperm.
GoonerTerry, What does your sister look like? Depending on your answer, I’ll volunteer to bitch-slap her.
Did I actually say that? I sure hope not.
This from Jamie @ Young Guns Blog:
Tomáš Rosický battered and bruised. Has been nursing calf injury for weeks, now has achilles tendon issue. Will need a scan. #AFC.
Come home Tomas!
Good freekick by Obraniak!
Allez Bordeaux!
When I see these teams lining up I find it pretty hard to support anybody but Poland. Underdogs, you see.
Offside indeed, but good movement.
Eandy must be on the lash now. Well played the Czechs.
Bonus news. I had a punt on Tomas to score the next goal at half-time. Good old Ladbrokes refunded it, so I had a little play in the casino – and won
@ 368 bt8b
roll around on the ground clutching your face to deflect the ref’s attention from your own misdemeanour.
Pity about the offside.
Congratulations, ‘holic. So that’s drinks and pork scratchings aplenty for all, presumably?
Well done, ‘holic.
May this be the harbinger of a successful season for the ‘holic pound.
Nice assist Arshavin.
A bit worrying news about Rosicky feeling his achilles tendon. Not very good, especially for an older player.
Rumours (nothing official yet)going around that Yappy is leaving the LWC’s.
Do Pompey have a manager at this moment?
TS @271. – oh yeah, me too.
Tabs – re the Carragher / cats making out comment yesterday. Heh.
Re JD. I think at 25 his positioning should be a lot better for a CB – gets the wrong side of the attacker and the ball far too often.
Like many, I thought he looked the real deal at the start of the season before last, but that form evaporated with injury and never returned.
He has said himself that his favoured position is as a central midfielder and that may suit his talents better. The worry is still his tendency to run the wrong side of the ball when defending, and giving the ball away by constantly trying to over elaborate.
A shame ‘cos he has all the physical attributes, but doesn’t quite seem to be mentally sharp enough for the top level.
381. Twitter. Seriously. Just ignore.
Ollie, just because it’s Twitter it doesn’t mean we can’t use it as an excuse to poke a bit of fun at ‘Arry Yappyapp, now does it?
Superbly done, Poland!
Look who fucked it up?
Arshavin…..
Oh, what a goal by the Poles!
And it was created from a very poor Arshavin attempt at a final ball, after which he proceeded to walk slowly away from the play.
I am currently travelling and therefore not able to watch the footy.
After the equaliser, talk me through the celebrations – any pole dancing?
Yes Lars, a far more familiar scenario
zico, I take it you’re travelling with a coat then
Heh Ollie,
Coat retrieved
Yeah I went for few celebratory lagers, good match so far. If it ends like this the last matches are really goint to be all or nothing kind of stuff, which is awesome:)
Szczesny and Fabianski looking smart.
Staropramen?
Hope Poland keep this up for Arthur. What a great game.
Nah, too sour for my taste, preferring Pilsner Urquell for regular “just in pub” drinking. When going for real treat Svijany are great, also Unetice are supreme (13 and 14 degrees), small breweries but no “big” european beer can compare to those.
Very enjoying game indeed.
I fancy Obraniak for the winner though
Enjoying being a cross between entertaining and enjoyable, of course.
*punts ball forward*
Jumps up and heads it on…
*chests it down in front of the box for the second wave attack*
Shoots…
YES! The crows goes wild in celebration!
…and scores, well done Lars, great one-two with Eandy.
Mind the crows celebrating, stay away from their beaks though.
Hahaha, “crows” – that was probably one of the funnier spelling errors I have made in this bar
Apparently Tomas injured himself by “sharper movement” and finished the half “on one foot” according to his own words, not looking good
It was a good one indeed
This has been a very entertaining game, by the way.
No more energy in Arshavin’s tank.
He’s not THAT fit yet.
There’s a saying in Scotland Lars….
If you fly with the crows you get shot with the crows…
I have another one:
If you fly with the cows, you’ve got BSE too.
They are absolutely shattered. Really good game and fantastic comeback by the Poles.
Why take off Obraniak now?
I think he’s been very good, and just as they’re about to take a free-kick?
He’s been superb at that, I can understand why he’d be pissed off.
Well, looks like Czech Republic vs Poland is a final for qualification.
Czech might be missing Rosicky.
zico and olllie, stop crowing about that now, will you!
By the way, if we had a crow at Arsenal, would he play on the wing?
I know the Arsenal Birds’ team is great, but a crow and an owl?
Goodnight, folks.
Well, bedfordshire beckons. Need to be up early tomorrow. There’s a round of pints for you all at the bar, see you tomorrow!
Best game of the tournament thus far. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Brian Sparrow for the Arsenal Birds team.
So, Rosicky down.
How many more Arsenal players to get injured in this tournament?
International football? Apart from giving us lot something to talk about….
It sucks.
I just heard on tv that ‘Arry was busy writing his resignation letter.
That could take a while.
Don’t think it will H2H
https://twitter.com/alexthenac/status/212619202606022656/photo/1/large
In a bit of a fog, just woke up. TR hurt? Hope nothing serious. Eandy congrats on your country’s win and your goal as well, cheers! Gooner Terry and 8ball being a bit frisky (shakes head up and down in approval). Fungunner, yes JD is a gooner, wish him all the best. Eboue, seem to remember having a mental chat with that lad (chuckling). Harry resigning (still in a bit of a fog here)?
8thBall: Sister-in-Law. And she’s quite presentable if a little “high maintenance” so if you do the slapping it will keep me in good stead with the Mother-in-Law..thanks..
Hey Nurse ABB: Nothing pleases me more than keeping you happy
Tabs @ 421 Well then, it’s official!
Hey GT, You always do lad (smiling)! Got’s to get ready for work but still in a fog. Nite all.
@ abb
And right on cue…
http://www.arsenalinsider.com/6632/djourous-twitter-vow-my-future-is-at-arsenal/#axzz1xcY8OFAH
Awwww. Good night all. Or good morning to abb, since you’ve just woken up!
GoonerTerry: Quite glad to step in to help with “family matters” as needed.
The Polish captain, whose name is B*********** in the same way as our goalkeeper’s name is SZCZ, scored the goal of the tournament and broke a few million Russian hearts in the process. Not bad for a young Polish lad …
Hiya Holics.
Anybody here?!
I’m back (just for tonight though) !
Heya Snir! How’s tricks?
anyone know how to get rid of pigeons ?
the back of my house is plagued by dozens of the wee flying feckers
ta
Read between the lines of this story and there can be no doubt but that Fat Harry will be headed to Qatar on the morrow.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18418066
Nice to see you back, Snir. Speaking of Fat Harry, have you considered big game hunting?
i bet those Quatar stories really stick in the back of his nose
.
*slopes towards the coat wrack*
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3646149.stm
The more things change the more they remain the same. Found this story about the Invincibles era and thought it made great reading..
cba: Not good news about the Pigeons I’m afraid – they are notorious territorialists and will roost in the same place for years and years if left undisturbed (Trafalgar Square for example).. You have to disrupt them when they are nesting (destroy eggs, kill the little babies, knee-cap all the men and boys and .. oh? – what we talking about again?
Snir’s in da house! Give him a big cheer, but don’t mention the Boston Celtics FFS
Great find GT,
More irony in that piece than Steptoe’s yard….
The JD conundrum: squad depth means having internationals who don’t regularly start. Yet defenders need runs of games to establish form and familiarity with rest of defence. However, they don’t get them because they are on the bench more often than not. Then they get criticised for inconsistency
Perhaps JD would be better off as the back-up DM.
Good link, GT, if depressingly familiar reading.
I heard Harry submitted his letter of resignation already.
Here’s what the letter looks like
http://mobile.twitter.com/alexthenac/status/212619202606022656/photo/1/large
Morning cba. I’m told pigeons are allergic to a decent .22
Last night I dreamt that Bacary Sagna had died
Eurghhhh. Morning all.
Jaysus, did I see Snir above?
Oh yes, the transfer window officially opens today, doesn’t it?
NBN 439, which might bring us back to more money issues: the only way to keep ‘international’ players happy who don’t regularly start is to pay them silly money they don’t deserve and we can’t afford
Park to play in the Olympics?
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2012/06/13/082902_park-chu-young-aux-jo.html
24 Hours from now I will be fleeing the country, heading for Budapest, where they have ruin pubs .
Guess I’ll have go visit some ruins then…..and get ruined.
http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7809644/Poland-Hold-Russia...
Poland started the second half in the same manner they approached the third
Er, what? :s
Have fun Dr Z!
‘Shame’ arseblogger is back: one now has to wait a bit longer for the daily dose
Heh Ollie @ 448
Reminds me of my dim witted friend who once asked about the length of an American Football game…
“How many quarters are there?
The Scene : Feelgood Mansions
Dr Feelgood sits in his back garden staring vacuously into space, as Roxette fusses around, administering to flower beds, hanging baskets and shrubbery with an urgency that seems manic in comparison to the lissitude that surrounds him.
The non-football season takes its’ toll every year on Feelgood – with no tribal fanfares or trains to organise, he is most vulnerable to the siren call of all his ne’er-do-well friends. Worst of all is Dr Disorder, who is intent on a Jager-Bombing raid across the middle of Europe, and we join the two, peering over a map of landlocked Hungary:
Dr Disorder: ”……..Happy Train, direct from St Pancras and eventually we end up in Vienna. From there it gets interesting – weissbeer, and slip incognito onto a catamaran, and down the Danube…….”
Feelgood: “At night?”
Dr Disorder : “Probably not. Why do you ask?”
Feelgood : “Don’t want to go …..down to the Danube at midnight…..”
Dr Disorder (shrugs) : “Right, get your passport – I’ll distract Rox”
Feelgood dashes off and packs his spare boxer shorts and several counterfeit currencies.
Both he and Dr Disorder are almost out the door when Roxette blocks their path….
Roxette (suspiciously) : “And where do you think you’re going?”
Feelgood : “Hungary”
Roxette : “Solids are for softies“, remember?”
Feelgood : “But…..”
Roxette : “And you’re supposed to be off the drink – another recent declaration.”
Feelgood : “When did I say any such thing…?”
Roxette : “You said “this will be a year of triumph for the self-restraining model…..”
To be continued….
What, Dr Disorder was sufficiently sober to form coherent sentences??? This is sensational stuff!
Dr Disorder has plans for tables in Europe, Lars
Softies are nice when solid I’ve noticed…
Morning holics, just watched “best of Gibbs” on arsenal.com and how the hell there isnt his season saving tackle vs West Brom O.o..I expected that one to be there in slo-mo with epic music :-/
How on earth we finished 3rd last season I don’t know. I will never quite be able to comprehend it. It still hasn’t sunk in. Aside from the laboured 7-match winning run, we were generally awful. We stopped caring about our style, desperate for points to save our future. I suppose we have to be grateful to Harry, AVB and ultimately the West Brom keeper.
Well I think we all had a laugh before the Holland v Denmark game when Gary Lineker suggested to Redknapp that RVP’s goals carried Arsenal into the CL last season, and Harry preferred to point the finger at the WBA goalie, rather than his own team’s utter capitulation!
Watching the fall from grace of ‘Arry is oddly compelling, is it not?
Twitter survey of spuds today were 90% against him. Even they can see who was to blame….
Well Pasha, there is no magic involved. If over the course of 38 games you get more points than 17 other clubs then you finish third.
IF there’s something worse than twitter rumours, Dr C, it’s got to be twitter surveys
Didn’t even know that kind of idiocy existed :p
Goonerholic @436 – hmm, don’t know how you found an eight year old article but very interesting read.
Feelgood – heh.
iPad out of control – it turned GoonerT into Goonerholic. Apologies to whoever is most offended.
Don’t you think it’s amazing, Andy Goram?
We are by far the worst team in the League, and, only due to the generosity of other teams, we still end up 3rd.
And special thanks to AVB, even though Chelsea probably lost more places in the League after he left….
I know, Andy, but we’re lucky that Chelsea had a rare awful league campaign, and that the Spuds hit a brick wall.
This team is capable of winning trophies? Goodness knows how we would have coped had we not been knocked out of every cup competition by February.
Pukka
Mediawatch welcomed the exclusion of the rather irritating England band from the France game on Monday. It allowed us to watch an England match without the repeated drone of the sodding Great Escape theme tune.
However, as they’re sponsored by Pukka Pies, it was somewhat inevitable that everyone’s favourite heart-attack-wrapped-in-pastry merchants would get involved.
They released a statement that said: “The way the band have been treated leaves a sour taste in the mouth…”
Insert own joke here.
heh
Clearly we would have been relegated. Useless shower.
Thank God for those early exits.
hmm..Czechs team doctor said about Tomas – “it is nothing serious, both him and Petr Cech are just overplayed, but they should be ready for the match with Poland”. I don’t buy that, I really hope that they won’t stupidly go for playing Tomas even if he is on the edge of making the injury much more serious. On the other side, I am able to understand his desire to play, he is our captain in the end.
Why blame the shower?
Dr F
Ollie – Heh. Can you imagine the desolation at spending a small fortune to get out there and get a match ticket, and finding yourself sitting next to a fat bloke blowing unmusically into a trombone.
Amazed that they haven’t had their brass instruments shoved up their arses … sideways.
Take drums instead! Always more fun beating on some goat skin…
@465
I am fairly confident that yes, this team is capable of winning stuff, just needs strenghtening in few areas, on which Arsene and everyone involved with it is definitely working right now.
It would be stupid beyond comprehension if they didnt take a clue from the disastrous last summer and conduct the transfer business in same way they did.
Should we manage to keep RvP, Song, Theo and sign one DM with another striker *points to Giroud rumours above* I see no reason why we wouldnt be in the mix for major trophies next season. There is strong spine in this current squad to build on, good mix of experience and youth along with lot of skill.
Unless you’re the goat, Shaft.
Great find GT @436 – Cheers for linking.
Some goats pay good money for that kind of action…
The list of reasons for why I hate watching England is quite a long one, but having to endure that horrendous brass band playing the same old dreary tunes for 90 mins is somewhere near the top. In all seriousness, something needs to be done about it.
Beating on some what-skin?
Must be true then
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18425253
Interesting that Arsene Wenger is going to play him in a 3 alongside Juve’s Robin van Persie *
* twitter incorporated
Re: H2H @251. The spelling police have arrived but this time they are not quite what you were expecting if you expected some benign old-fashioned bobbies. On your doorstep is the entire alumni of Slytherin house led by Lord Voldemort himself followed by a motley crew of witches, warlocks and whatnot all intent on cursing you for misspelling the name of their house. Slitheren, indeed!
“We bought Theo for £12mil at 16, I know we only ended up paying £8mil, but that was our good fortune. So £12mil for a 16 year old is taking a chance, and really no different to paying £24mil for a proven 23 year old.”
Le Gr*ve.
Impossible to argue with logic like that. F*ckin’ genius.
zico 478 heh
Just playing and fantasising (for the moment), but this is our potential squad next year;
Szccscsc (Fabianski or other)
Sagna (Jenks) TV5 (BFG) Kos (JD) Gibbs / Santos
Arteta (Rosicky) M´Vila (Song) Wilshere (Ox / Ramsey)
Feeeo (Ox) RVP (Girou) Poldi (Flipper)
That´s 22 players.
Left over to contest three places:
Le Coq / Frimpong / Miquel / Afobe / Joel Campbell
And that´s assuming we manage to jettison the dead wood.
Not exactly a bad situation if all of that comes off, is it?
I know it´s a big “if”, but it´s getting a smaller “if” every day….
A celebratory pint, anyone??
Dr. Z: Quite interesting, this sentence of the article: “Manager Arsene Wenger intends to play him alongside fellow new signing Lukas Podolski and Dutch striker Robin van Persie in a front three.” But the BBC appear to have shortchanged Giroud a half-inch. According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivier_Giroud) Giroud is 6 feet 3 and a half inches tall, and when it comes to scoring headers we should all recognize that half-inches can matter.
@478: Can we really trust Auntie Beeb? I won’t believe it till I Giroud tells me himself in front of the Arsenal tube station while wearing an Arsenal shirt and displaying his contract for me to take photos of
heh, TaBS @480! Mind boggling.
I have three ducks. Actually they are two geese. So really, what is the difference between them and a llama?
Mr C , no Diaby ?
Can we trust Auntie?
I have now checked back and it’s just as I expected ‘by David Ornstein’.
So no
.
(I know Snir will disagree, but that would be about the 3rd massive bollocks story from him on the beeb/twitter this year as far as I’m concerned).
tabs&DrC I think the 25 players squad has tweaked rules for young players etc.
Tabs, Mr. C is working right in sync with AW on this one. Diaby is our (very) secret weapon. I suggest we start calling him “he who must not be named.”
@485 Exactly
What’s the difference between £12m and £24m ?
Err, £12m give or take
@ 485
There is a mammothdifference
Mr bowson,
Please take yourself to the defumigation carriage and de-grove yourself……
Ollie, absolutely.
Haven’t looked at the b’days recently but there’s a number who wouldn’t count towards the 25.
Certainly Miquel , Afobe, and Ox .
Not sure about Jack, Coq, Frimpong, Jenks Gibbs
TaBS, Ollie
Of course I was taking it for granted that Diaby would be first on the team sheet, as he has been for the last few seasons!
Ahem….!
Truthfully, as others have said, a great shame, but it could be time to say goodbye. I hope I´m proved wrong, as on his day he brings something different to the team.
Ollie – good point about the kids. You clever soul, you!
Will do Mr Inexile
I’ll be as happy as a pig in mud if it’s true though!
Mmmmmmm, muddddddd
I figure Diaby may be heading out this season, eh….it’s been too long and it seems like we’re making significant new moves. One new player in and counting last I checked
I’d give him another year Mr C .
Mighty kind of you TaBS – why not?! One more year it is…
Boom?
And Bang
Bollocks, Well in Ollie
I dedicate this goal to post 485. It made me laugh.
tabs, back to his old ways
Completely fortunate, as I had just refreshed the page, read a few drinks to catch up, scrolled down, saw 498 and thought I’d have a pop.
Opportunistic! Thanks tabs.
Well in Ollmeister
I see tabs is back to his old ways! A leopard can’t change his spots, because if he did he’d be called a panter….or at least that’s what we say in Trinidad…
Shaft is from Trinidad? Who knew? Island rum and mainland coke please, barman.
tabs@480: that logic reminded me of The Chewbacca Defense from South Park.
Ollie, nicely taken half-millenium! Good to see tabs back on form too in his usual “one post too late” fashion
I made Ollie laugh??
My work here is complete….
I met (Ferguson) and contacted him a few times afterwards. I thought we hit it off, which meant a lot to me
Kagawa on the whisky already?
Hahaha, the Chewbacca defence, nice one Lars, had forgotten about it, shall re-watch when at home I think.
Don’t know if it’s been mentioned, but following the start of the Djourou debate, looks like the man has spoken.
http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7810349/Djourou-Committed-To-Arsenal
I like JD and I think that with our injury record he is great player to keep, although if we get offered anywhere near 8-10 mil for him then its no brainer.
It’s Hump Day, holics. Brisk business at the bar with a couple of celebrity sightings (Snir and Dr.Feelgood). Just keeps getting better. Ollie don’t fret over your Sagna mare. Remember, John Terry was sitting next to me in mine. And now that Goonerholic is back safe and sound from his holiday, I can tell you I dreamt he got lost in the woods, never to be found! Only in this dream, he owned a store, and people gathered outside, peering in the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of him…funny how the mind works (or doesn’t). Whatever! FG, nice piece on JD, gotta respect the man. As for the ‘Diaby Debate’, I have to agree with those who feel it’s time to say farewell. But AW’s more likely gonna give him one more season.
Heh at dreams
funny enough I found out how weird I am today since when my mind finally decides to include well known person with nice looks (ie. Maria Serapova) to my dream, it ends up in playing 1 on 1 floorball while being watched by Rafa Nadal instead of any spicy encounter. Left me puzzled when I woke up :S.
I somehow still believe in miraculous rejuvenation for Abou (something like Tomas has now), but if he was about to go to make place for someone else who is about to improve our squad, it is time to say farewell indeed.
Eandy, you make me feel sane (laughing).
hehehe good, I think that I work like that for many people around me:)
THIS FROM THE BBC:
Poland coach Franciszek Smuda is expected re-call Wojciech Szczesny against Czech Republic with the goalkeeper having served a one-match ban. Replacement keeper Przemyslaw Tyton saved a penalty with his first touch against Greece but Smuda says: “We have said from the start that Wojciech Szczesny is number one and there is no discussion about that. There is a chance he will play against the Czechs.”
What a breath of fresh air the team spirit of the poles. One gets the impression that its quite the opposite with the Dutch team. That will be their undoing I am afraid..
btw: Afternoon all you Holics in the bar..
* blows kisses in the direction of the Nurse *
Heh Lars,The Chewbacca Defence – spot on !
Read something on Twitter (ahem) a couple of days ago from someone who bought the new shirt.
He said that the guys in the shop who do the name printing on the back had been told to give a nod and a wink to those people who requested Arshavin, Vela and … Diaby. No such forewarning existed for RVP and err Squillaci.
I know its all bollocks but I’m bored
Thanks all for your kind words on my 501
Think Nurse Abb and Eandy have been overdoing the hallucogens.
Have we got a Dr in the house ?
heh tabs. I’m still staying away from twitter. Silly season.
tabs – haha, this just gets better and better, rumours about giving nods and winks when printing shirts is up there with the best of them!
A wise choice Ollie.
spot on GT regarding Dutch team spirit, so many individuals wanting to shine on their own. When you have Huntelaar openly whining in media about Robin being first choice striker there is something seriously wrong about the side.
Their match today will be tough cookie, Germans are well organized as always and very very dangerous side…oh and speaking of Germans…this just cracked me up so much I m laughing like an idiot at office
http://edge.ebaumsworld.com/mediaFiles/picture/218923/82594966.jpg
I know Lars
In fairness, I did have a quick squint at the rest of his TL just to satisfy myself that he was indeed barking.
He was.
Afternoon all from a very nervous NL.
Those dressed in orange looking almost green with worry.
Charlie Candle is on his way? We´ll miss the chipper fella.
Oh good, there is a Doctor in the house.
Sadly he appears to have also overdosed on the drugs
Afternoon H2H, bumper crowd in tonight I imagine ?
Large Bloody Mary to settle your nerves mate.
Dr C @ 459: All ‘arry needed to do during the “Happy for England” campaign was make a statement that he was fully committed to spurtz and that all he is thinking about is getting them into the Champions League (hehehehehe *chokes* – I need to compose myself…ah that’s better) but of course we know he’s incapable of a simple clear thought like that..
Cheers tabs.
I hope they get a result tonight, not only for the takings, but for the hours it took me to hang up all the orange shit.
Dutch clogs and Danish Beer for me tonight … just your usual wednesday night really
Good luck H2H.
The presence of our two boys in the German ranks, and Robben and Van Bommel in the Dutch makes the choice more problematic than usual , but still rooting for the Dutch … just.
Fancy RvP to nab the winner and shut his detractors up.
TABs: They were both my choices for the tournament but now I believe that the Dutch are going home – sorry H2H mate..
I think I might go and see the doctor, but I seem to have some sort of tinnitus for over a week now (weirdly, since more or less since the sore throat then running nose went – hayfever stuff excepted), and I don’t know if it will ever leave me now.
Felt a wee bit better today compared to yesterday but it’s still very much there.
No problem Tel, I’m trying my best to be optimistic, but truth be told I’m pretty scared of ze Germans (who coincidently I had to win the Tournament)
Getv well soon Ollie.
Right Now up Denemark v Ronaldo aka Legoland v Egoland.
I thought I was suffering from the same Ollie, then I realised that Jamie Carragher was airing his views on the box.
Don’t mean to play down what you’ve got – hope you feel better soon.
I wish it were only that, tabs, but it still deserves a heh
.
Not sure the first game is on TV, a bit like yesterday, but I think I might still leave the office soon.
What kind of crap tv channels do you have in France, Ollie? I thought every game was on tv in most European countries.
All games are on BeINSport aka Al Jazeera, Lars.
It’s a new channel that’s just started only a few weeks ago, and on my cable service, they were broadcasting for free until Sunday, as a teaser.
I thought they’d do that until the end of the first round, you know, just to endear themselves to people (despite the technical sound problems), you know, with their Qatari billions.
But no. So apart from them, on free-to-air TV, TF1 and M6 do not show all the games, only some.
Managed to catch the late monday game on ZDF for instance as I have it, but yesterday’s first game was not on any of my Channels.
Anyway, I’m off now.
I thought all games were free to air. The cable and sattelite channels are not allowed to show them. Same as the WC.
Nice goal Portugal.
Just watching the odious Portugal captain. It occurs to me that there was a lot of talk, a year or two after the event, that AW had been after him before he signed for ManYoo. If he’d signed for us, would he have developed into a less unpleasant person, or would we simply have loved him despite his obvious flaws?
I think we’ve had some pretty flawed individuals over the past few years who were greatly loved – so I won’t name them. On the other hand Sylvain Wiltord had a bad reputation before he came and I don’t remember hearing that he caused any trouble.
Thoughts anyone?
If he was a gunner, we would of loved him, but he wasn’t so we don’t.
Ollie @534 – “felt a wee bit better today”
Sounds like incontinence to me.
Tabs gets 501 – if only we played darts in this bar…….
I think you’re right H2H. Where’s the moral high ground when you need it?
LWC reject on the scoresheet.
Why the fuck couldn’t NL do that.
Ollie
Didn´t you say that you had an Osteopath you went to?
Go see him – most likely an inflammed nerve at the base of the skull….they connect to ears, eyes, throat etc from there.
He should sort you out easily enough.
Ollie: ah, of course – the joys of being in the hands of your cable provider.
TGSTEL!!!
Suddenly heard TGSWEL mentioned, then he only goes and scores!
2-0 Postiga
Oxon, I think personal flaws are generally overlooked by any set of fans, though I get the feeling That Ronaldo was never loved by ManUre fans in the same way that other heroes of theirs were.
2-1 Bendtner
Seriously Ollie,
As Catalan was saying, there are neurolymphatic reflexes in the neck, quite aside from plain old tight muscle, that can interfere with the ears – amongst other things – at C3-C4 level. Your osteopath should deal with that.
So what are we rooting for in the Holland-Germany match ‘holics? A triplet of goals and assists from Podolski?
Dr T,
Can you introduce me to one of them neurolymphomaniacs?
A brainy athlete with urges, right?
555.
Only if RvP gets two hatricks too.
Dr F knows
Well, the game is on ZDF. Vive les Allemands!
Heh, I see the Bus Stop have confirmed Terry/Lampard Di Matteo for next year.
Strikethrough not working? Bah.
Perfect, that`s the best scenario. This way Holland qualifies by winning the last match as well.
Heh, I see the Bus Stop have confirmed
Terry/LampardDi Matteo for next year.There you go Ollie.
The game is indeed on ZicoDrFeelgood TV Ollie.
On the downside so is Andy Townsend, the spunkbucket.
Ollie, it’s strike, not strikethrough for WordPress comments.
TGSTEL – we’ll take an extra million please…..
Ronaldo you wanker.
Bendy just put another mill on his price tag.
Yeah, Lars, I tried with s only. H2H will have to give me the trick.
Good header from tungsten, but poor goalkeeping.
Heh Zico.
The greatahst stroikah tha evah liiiiiived stikes again to make it 2-2!
heh Dr Feelgood
replace the s with strike and use the same rules as with italics.
The Dutch breath a sigh of relief
striked outSee how easy that was, Ollie?
can I have a go?On
strikeYay.
Ooh, cheeky toe-poke..
That
complicatedsimple?Fucking long to type though.
That wasn’t very schone.
Cheers H2H
Welcome.
Good turnout today ‘holics, thank you.
If I can think of anything will post something after the Holland and Germany game.
Nice little WordPress lesson there H2H…
*bows*
Evening ‘holic, who’s the pound on tonight?
Sound is shit or Arsène has a bit of a cold, his voice sounds bizarre, slightly sped up in fact.
Don’t make me stay awake late, ‘holic, thanks
TF1 are quite incredible: they manage to squeeze some ads between the anthems and kick-off time.
Here we go.
HUP HOLLAND HUP
Big chance but Robin has been very tentative in this tournament – his mind in turmoil affecting his game perhaps?
I think you should suggest that on twitter, Dr Z.
almost…go Robin..I really want him to score on this tourney
I see my old team mate Jonas Eriksson is refereeing this game. Let’s hope he doesn’t make as huge an ass of himself as the Swedish team did the other day.
I get enough hate mail Ollie
also after few beers soooo time to cheer good football but just want Lu Lu Lu and Robin to score today
*passe ball towards both Podolski and RvP, yes, magic!*
+s
BANG!!
*runs towards crowd to celebrate*
Czechs strike again.
*watches in amazement as crowds turns into crows, Lars-stylee and start attacking Eandy*
Pfft, Eandy – running to the crowd is soooo yesterday’s news, it’s all about the crows these days!
Ah, Ollie beat me to it – should have read all the posts before I tried to be funny…
oooh right! crows it is today!! *attacked by them struggling..but still worthy!*
Gomez, Goooooooooooooooooal!
Yay! Neatly done.
Nice goal by the Germans, but pretty poor defending by the Dutch.
Robin going home?
very nice goal!
Heh, Huntelaar on the sidelines counting on his fingers the number of Van Persie misses…..
Commentators trying to ask Arsène about Giroud, but he doesn’t bit.
What did they expect?
Van Bommel is like a slightly more subtle Joey Barton.
Ok, sell Robin buy Gomez! ;D
I think the phrase rhymes with Clucking Bell.
Gomez is on FIRE!!
lol czech commentator “They should lock down Gomez in German national bank since he proves to be national treasure!”
Sad especially for H2H. Looks like we’ll learn about RvP’s future earlier than expected though.
I know the game isn’t over, but this doesn’t quite look like Tiny Totts 2-0 up against us.
just like I said earlier, goal, Gomez. Que lastima!
The Germans are huge.
Maybe Netherlands will spark some kind of comeback Czechs did against them on Euro 2004, will be hard though, this German side looks very very solid.
The Dutch once again look like they are riven with cliques…..and not very good defenders….
Punch-up at halftime, Dr Z?
Problem as I see it is there’s way too much room between the Dutch lines. Defence- big gap- midfield non existant – gap- RvP alone in no mans land.
Plus the Germans are pretty tasty.
Grown men crying in their beer here, ‘holic’s Unhappy Hour will be in full effect starting soon.
Unless the come back of the century occurs in the second half.
Dutch going for broke at last.
There will be more goals in this game.
Exactly the substitutions we were talking about here in the bar.
Kom op Oranje!
Don’t seem to be working at all so far though, H2H.
the dutch look like they’re a step slow, and have had no creativity in midfield at all. i am glad they left van persie in when they brought in huntelaar and vanderfart, but i think they should put him in the hole and put klas up on point. that would solve the gap/lack of creativity, and perhaps give the oranje some drive.
that said, the tchermans have been pretty irresistable, playing very hard and very pretty.
poll: if the dutch lose this game, and go out, will that aid or hinder our cause of re-signing rvp?
Aren’t the Dutch supposed to peg back the Germans with those subs?
I get the impression Hummels is practically an attacking midfielder now….
Might not make a difference, scruz, expect it will intensify press articles and rumours.
Meedja are cunts.
great shot rvp, great save…
prollie not ollie, i am thinking that if he was down he’d want to keep his life stable, rather than moving somewhere and having so much more uncertainty (though huge dosh makes that balance quite a bit).
and i thought the meedja were tosspots.
RvP really unlucky so far, great shot!
Or maybe if he’s down he’ll think ‘I need a change’, it could work both ways
dutch midfield applying NO pressure. robin running like a champ, bless his cotton socks.
maybe, ollie, maybe. i sure hope bac has it right from a day or two ago!
Podolski is often in a good position but the cunts don’t give him the ball.
scruz.
If the Dutch lose they’re not quite out.
Will need a big result against Portugal and hope that ze Germans beat Denmark.
Ollie@638, was thinking the same. Poldi has made several good runs but the ball hasn’t been given to him.
h2h, true, i just can’t see the germans doing the dutch any favors.
ach, robben.
scruz, you’re forgeting Germans only think about themselves.
Robin with the chocolate leg!
He scores when he wants!!!!
*imagines atmosphere in H2Hbar*
Great chocolate legwork!
Robiin!!
great shot, rvp, great turn and run, too. he wanted to score!
h2h, lol…
What a shot! Would like to know the distance on that one.
Feckin’ get in there Guvnor!!! Game on!
two more in 15, please, oranje.
I would go for around 25 yards abb:)
ref not conned by ozil. seems to have had a pretty good game, overall.
Ollie, it looks like it’s working now.
holland really in it now, game on:)
Classic De Jong.
Last 10 minutes will be interesting.
/famous last words.
Hey all you late comers! Yeah Eandy, sounds about right, terrific surgical strike. BTW all, officially have been up 24 hours now. Bows to polite applause.
Good luck with that abb. Hope you can get some sleep soon.
*applauds and hands over well prepared latte….and redbull with vodka* choice is yours
a very professional performance by the tchermans.
It’s clearly gone flat since I said it would be interesting….
Hey Ollie, hope you’re feeling better soon.
Thanks Eandy. This is just what I live for. Cheers! Scruz, good to see you fella.
you too, abb. sorry to hear you’re running such long shifts…i’d (personally) go for the latte, not the red bull and vodka, beware
Germany win.
I hope Holland trash the Portuguese.
Ominously easy for the Germans..
so, what does huntelaar say? he can’t complain too much, as van persie got the goal, and it was defensive lapses that got the germans theirs (though props to gomez, who gets rvp’s shirt). he didn’t do too much once he came on. what will bert do?
666 mark of the beast Ollie – maybe its your demon trying to get out through your throat .. just saying..
I had Germany down as the winners of the whole tournament before it started and I see no reason to change that. Really, really impressed by what I have seen today. Calm and composed and apart from a few minutes after the goal, Holland never even came close to threatening them.
Dutch very poor from what i’ve heard! What’s happenin’ H2H?
No worries Scruz! Interesting game. Thought it would be close. Heat might have played a part. Wesley continues to impress me. Inter don’t utilize him properly. Congrats to RVP and Gomez.
Germany will beat Denmark, Netherlands will smash Portugal, they just need to start effing playing as a team. On the other hand, if Robin goes home early..well..sooner we know if he stays with us or not:)
Geez! 650+ posts! A hell of alot of alcoholics at this bar! Especially that nurse Abbs! She can lead anyone astray!
*fire drill here in the bar*
I think I’m gonna call the guys from the Guiness book.
Fire drill indeed. This bar or that bar or both?
Anyway, g’night.
Quick calculations;
Germany 2 Denmark 0
Nederland 3 Portugal 0
The party continues.
NL go for broke in the last game with the same XI that started the 2nd half.
Germany are still the favourites for me though.
That tosser Richard Keyes reporting that ‘Arry has been sacked.
Despite all that if Holland can beat Portugal by two goals and Germany beats Denmark, the Dutch still go through under UEFA’s tie breaker rules, right?
Re: DanC: 650+ drinks doesn’t impress me any. Just sounds like one of my lost weekends.
At least Robin can now rest his chocolate legs for next season! “Every cloud…..”!
Go to bed Ollie. Unless there is an announcement from elsewhere tonight.
The next ‘holic will be tomorrow.
H2H, I Holland 2 Portugal 0 and Germany beating Denmark is enough. That puts Holland, Denmark and Portugal on 3 pts each which makes it come down to goal difference and then it would be Holland going through. They would then have +1, Denmark at best -1 and Portugal -1.
Multiple heys. My bible is at my side (Soccer for Dummies).
@680,
Heh! Good lad!
Dammit, can’t believe the Dutch let Gomez score twice…Lost some good money there :/
I wonder if Heitinga can stand up to Ronaldo in the next match, doesn’t seem likely but anything’s possible I guess.
That game against the Portuguese will be mental and violent I reckon
Robben, Van Bommel and Affelay need to be dropped from the starting line-up. Not offering anything really. Midfield is spare when the Netherlands go forward…
RE calculated;
Ger 1 Den 0
Nl 2 Por 0
NL through.
Phew, I don’t have to take the decorations down just yet.
Oops, Lars knows.
Put your wallet away son, your drinks untill Sunday are on me.
Cheers H2H!
What is soccer?
Will it give this sucker succour?
Suck it and see…..
What’s this about sucking?
Don’t know why but I’m sucking on a vodka drink at 6:30am here before going to work. Mental stuff…
‘arry & Rosie all but out at the LWCs! Lol!
Karma’s such a bitch! Keep on minding that gap ye cunts!
Which wannabe cunt’s next to get fecked by the mighty Gunners?!
Oh Zico!!! Time for a nap, methinks. Great entertainment, thanks lads and lasses. Remember, this is the time of our lives, enjoy!
Lars, my reading of the competition rules is that the first three tiebreakers are all based on games between the countries level on points, not on the overall results of the group. So a Dutch win and a Danish loss would leave Holland, Denmark and Portugal all with three points from their games with each other. Tie breaker two is goal difference in the games involving the clubs tied on points that is the first tie breaker, not goal difference in the overall group (which is tiebreaker no 4). Still comes out to the same ask of Holland, though, a win by two goals and a Danish loss. That would leave Denmark with a goal difference of zero, regardless of how heavily they are beaten by the Germans; Holland at at least +1 and Portugal at at least -1. A one goal win by Holland would leave goal differences all square at zero. Then it gets comes down to goals scored, so if Portugal score in losing by odd goal they go through and Holland and Denmark are out, but if Holland wins 1-0, Denmark and Portugal are tied at 3 goals scored each, so it goes to tie breaker no 4, overall group goal difference, which is where it starts to get complicated…
It is all in section 8.07 of the tournament rules, if you can be arsed.
http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Download/Regulations/competitions/Regulations/91/48/36/914836_DOWNLOAD.pdf
Oops. That should read: Tie breaker two is goal difference in the games involving the clubs tied on points, not goal difference in the overall group (which is tiebreaker no 4).
NBN.
I thought that too, but according to Dutch TV, if we (NL) win by two clear goals and Germany beat Denmark, then NL and Ger are through.
Ned, you are right – I forgot to discount the goals from games involving Germany. But as you say, the end result is still the same.
Passes a perfect through ball…
Waited too long, so accepted yellow card
Smashes it in to the top corner with his “chocolate” left peg!
Damn you H2H! Robben-like greed! Glory-hunter!
“Goodnight!” he yelps as he wanders off around the whole pitch ignoring, the supporters and the bench, and mopes away down the tunnel! “I ain’t playin’ for these feckers again, I’m just too good for all this International-footy shite!
No yellow card for H2H as the goal was deemed necessary to help lift his spirits
H2H, what Lars said. A two goal win by the Dutch with Denmark losing puts Holland through regardless of the UEFA small print. But if the Danes get even a point, the Dutch are out regardless.
Sorry DanC, the Robben insult taken………….
BUT NOT FORGOTTEN…….
Shaft knows.
We’re on the same page Ned.
‘holic, a round for all the fine gentleman in the bar and your goodself please.
Silver lining is starting to shine through. I won the blind pool here in the bar (250 euros) and a few side bets from before the tournament began= a nice little earner for moi, plus Sunday’s game still means something.
‘Arry out >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
http://www.goal.com/en/news/2898/euro-2012/2012/06/14/3172349/laurens-arsenal-bargain-giroud-should-learn-from-van-persie