A Message For The Employee
Aug 10th, 2012 by 'holic
This is an update for the skipper about the current situation. I have kept quiet all this time out of respect and loyalty for you, but since there is so much speculation in the media, I think it is fair for you to know what’s really going on at the moment.
As announced earlier this year you had a meeting with the Boss and Mr. Gazidis after the season. This was a meeting about the club’s future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not your priority at all. Unfortunately for you our expectation was that your contract would have been discussed. We didn’t buy you, sustain you through six and a half injury-prone years, and pay you decent money to be a strategy consultant. We made a significant investment in you to score goals, and boy, in the last eighteen months did you score goals. Thanks for that much at least.
You personally had a great season and say your goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days. Funny that. Quite a few of your former team mates have come out with that old chestnut, conveniently forgetting that you yourselves were a significant cause of that lack of silverware. A team you captained, and that included trophy-hunters Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy, couldn’t even beat Birmingham in a Cup Final. Where would you lay the blame for that, pal?
Out of huge respect for Mr. Wenger, the players and the fans you don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to you that in many aspects you disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward. That is your prerogative chum, but there’s precious little respect there for the manager and supporters who backed you one hundred percent through the frustrating times. Now you are in a position to take advantage of your first unbroken season you throw that support back in our faces.
You’ve thought long and hard about it, but have decided not to extend your contract. You say “You guys, the fans, have of course the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions.” Is that so? Then I shall have to ask you to respect my opinion that you have seen one last chance to grab the megabucks being dangled under your nose by our friends in the north. Rather than come out with all of this strategy nonsense why not be open and honest. “Guys, Arsenal don’t look after over thirties so good, and I am off so I can secure my family’s future” would have been understood far more than the absurd claim that your terms were not your priority at all. If I was offered triple my salary from a new employer I’d be off, and I wouldn’t be two-faced about the reason why.
You say you love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. You have grown up and became a man during your time with Arsenal FC. Everybody at the club and the fans have always supported you over the years and you have always given your all on and off the pitch. You are very proud of being part of this fantastic club for the last 8 years. You say “I will update you if and when there are more developments.” It seems to me there have been quite a few developments of late that you have not updated us on, old son.
Well, here is my update. You are still contracted to Arsenal Football Club for another twelve months. Fergie can tap you up all he likes, but unless he shows how much he thinks of you by stumping up the hopefully excessive fee we are requesting then you will stay put. If we decide to keep you until August 31st so you don’t help out a major rival for the opening weeks of the season you will just have to respect that also. Should your suitors not agree to compensate us fully for losing your services then I hope you will knuckle down for a season and earn your free move next summer by continuing to give your all for the manager and fans who have stood behind you for so long.
But don’t expect our respect in return.
375 Responses to “A Message For The Employee”
First?
Strong words, ‘Holic, but fair and in need of saying.
Second??
Bum. Must learn to count.
HAng on ‘holic, another day off?
Not on the golf course?
Well in Ned!
Afternoon only Ollie. Took the management for a blood test. Now preparing to join the neighbours in the garden with a couple of bottles of particularly tasty Chilean merlot reserva.
Chin chin.
And what Ned said at number 2.
Thanks, ‘holic. A round of Laphroaig, help yourself!
Ah, I see ‘holic. Hope test results will be fine.
‘Negihbours’? Looks like you’ve started already 😉
Enjoy!
Are you pissed on alcohol Ollie? 😉
Nice piece ‘holic.
Problem as I see it, is, he’s fucked if he goes and he’s fucked if he stays.
Hero status gone as quick as you can say it’s not about the money.
Well said on football but you know nothing about wine it would seem as there is no such thing as …Chilean Merlot Reserva when it comes to tasty
A somewhat spleen-filled post guv’nor. Still, better out than in. (Back Wolfie. Back I say.)
Makes me wonder whether you’ve heard a whisper that the Dutch bloke will be off by 23:59:59 on 31st August.
Sad if he is. (Abb – it’s a good kind of sad, I think.)
Hey ho. Just the 200-odd mile drive him tonight. Laters.
Cheeky ‘holic. Where’s that proper ‘quote’ function? 😉
Let him see out his contract. Seeing Mancini and Fergie pouting about missing all the big signings is already worth millions…
Thank you for that cabbie.
If only I had known that before wasting all that money on the vintners courses 😉
You’re right about the spleen, Oxon, but I needed to vent it before getting back on the happy train.
I am really excited about the prospects for the coming season, and we’ll get onto that next week.
Looking at the England squad for the next friendly gives you the impression that Spu*s just won the League.
Or something.
Well said, Holic. Robin was on his way to become one of the greats, but he chose to piss all over his own legacy for money. It would take a hell of a lot of work to get back into the position he was just a few weeks ago.
8 days to go indeed, ‘holic.
Can I hope for the weather to remain as it is right now?
(well, transported to London, but I hear it’s fine there too).
Can’t remember the last time I’ve been able to go to a game without a jacket…..
Holic,
A fine post as ever. I’d love to think RVP might see this but when do those cossetted prima donnas engage with reality.
My understanding is one of the big problems with this transfer is that the nice Mr.Vos,one of his many agents,wants £4 million of the transfer fee from Arsenal. This indicates two things to a simpleton like me. One he is pretty likely to try to move RVP on if he can get 4million smackeroonies out of a deal when presumably he wouldn’t if RVP stayed put. But Arsene Wenger apart from his disgust at paying £4 million of Arsenal’s money to this gentleman really doeasn’t want to sell to the red nosed one. Good i say! Ferguson’s comments -“don’t know why arsenal are being so difficult etc” were amazing in their arrogance, The reason mate is that in the last year we’ve assembled a squad which injuries permitting is on a par with yours and we don’t want to strengthen you(although most ManU fans have no idea where he’ll play if he does go)
Frankly I’m very happy if RVP does go providing we get a ridiculously exorbitant fee as you suggest and we immediately reinvest it in the team. I think we’re all worried about left back,spare goalie and back-up for Giroud if RVP goes.
On the other matter I prefer an Argentinian Malbec although in this weather a nice sauvignon Blanc might do the trick.
Hope the tests go well.
Ollie, Aston Villa in March was a lovely day, you were there too weren’t you? 20 degrees and sunny and jackets were not needed 🙂
Rather patronising, but I like it!
Okay, so here’s how I see it.
Many of you may not agree and most will not respond as rudley as usual, but here is the thing.
RVP is in a strange place at the moment becuase his best season has come after the common duration for the modern day footballer at most clubs nowadays which is approcahing 9 years. A lot of the Wenger legends legged it around the 9 yearish mark.
Not much of a precedent there.
Also he is in the last year of his contract. The club could have tied him down as they did Fabby with a long term contract a few years ago, but because of his injury record and the many goings on in the board room they did not!
No suprise there.
RVP is in a place where if he were to give us ‘one more year’ then he can walk for free at the end of the season. On the other hand if he signs a new contract for say 3 and a half years and the squad did not strengthen as they should, pre-Giroud/Cazorla, RVP would be stuck within a boardroom ranting club with no investment in the team!
Who wants that?
On the other hand, even if RVP comes out and says: ‘yes no ambition da da da but I like the new signings, so I’m staying’ all will be forgiven!
Oh and I happen to think RVP was the best player during the CC final!
So feck off fergie and take that head transplant git with you, RVP is ours you cent!
But yeah, where’s the freakin updates RVP? when are you thinking of telling us? When you are on your way to the £1.5 billion floaters you sneaky little fecker?
Peece!
I think old Purple Nose is getting really desperate, thundertiny.
See his quotes about the ridiculous money for Moura.
While it IS ridiculous money, as a few have pointed out, remind me how much he paid for the then very-young Rooney, exactly?
Alcohol must be affecting his memory as well as his senses.
Or is he just a hypocritical red-nosed Funguscunt?
Yes Lars, I was going to say ‘maybe we had such a day in March’ indeed.
It was the arseblog 5-a-sides, generally blessed with decent weather too!
I think some lunatics chanted my name when I reached the pub.
Goonertown, there’s at least one flaw in your argument: the statement was released after the signings of Podolski and Giroud.
Ollie@26: ah, the fives – that’s right. That whole weekend was just fucking brilliant, I was actually almost in tears when boarding the flight home on the Monday because I didn’t want it to end.
Cheers Holic, interesting read.
Must admit you caught me a bit by surprise there Holic, what with the venting an’ all 😉
My view is that if and when he goes, there’ll be plenty of time for telling him what we all think of him, until then …
There’s little doubt that any thought of legendary status has gone, (I remain convinced he won’t be at the Club come the end of August), but should he stay and should he give it his all and score another thirty goals, then he will certainly have my respect.
Ollie, he’s a hypocritical red-nosed funguscunt 😉
You calling me a lunatic Ollie? 🙂
I dont give a shit if he stays or leaves…. but to sell him to man utd…. I rather we lose him for free than sell a player to the mancs… there should be a limit for how low we surrender… and selling to them is too much
heh & heh, tabs 😀
Shadi – spot on sir
That was closure, TaBS.
I don’t want to be talking about the negatives going into the season when there is so much to be positive about.
1000% agree on the honesty thing. So many players make up little fairy tales to try and make themselves look good. Just tell the truth! You’re leaving for double or triple your salary. We get it, no need to patronise.
Mind you, the clubs aren’t much better 🙂
When theres money to be made, trust no-one.
Fair enough Holic.
I seem to recall being one of the lunatics as well – in fact, unless all the beer played tricks on my memory it was me that started the singing 🙂
I’m definitely blaming you Lars 🙂
Robin Van is number 8 with 132 goals, only 47 goals away to knock Bastin from the third place. I repeat – THIRD PLACE!
If he would sign, let’s say a two year contract, he would definitely, in the next 3 seasons, score that much.
The big question is this – Do you, Mr. Van, would really like to take a couple of silverware in another colours at the end of your carrier or would you like to become an Arsenal legend even without any trophies?
I defended him for years really believing that he’s a through and through but to sign for the club who’s ground was designed by Cary Grant, well, I’m speechless…
Surfin’ dead, baby, surfin’ dead.
A sublime statement from the fans (and club?) to update the employee.
I would weigh in with more wise words but the post says it all……and the peroni calls.
That’s exactly how I feel Mr Holic, and Arsene as well in a more restrained way.
My opinion for what it’s worth was RvP was so full of confidence he thought he would take his Arsenal form into the Euro’s and the top clubs in the world would be queing.
We are in a strong position because next year he will be a thirty year old who will lose his place in the Arsenal side either through injury or Girouds form.
I can see him heading out to the states to play for the Galaxy as he will be a spent force in Europe.
We also forget we only paid £3.5 mill for him so not getting a fee for him isn’t the end of the world. Unlike Man U losing £30 mill on Berbatov over 4 years. lol.
Brutal! and completely on point. Nice ‘holic nice.
That is truly masterful, Holic.
Definitely another post for that long awaited ‘Holic’s Greatest Hits Annual’.
A large Talisker is on the bar for you.
I feel and share your pain Holic. It needs to be said. Couldn’t be clearer.
Nice points by H2H @11 and Tabs @30 on a fast backdrink. A wee drap o the cratur for ye baith as weel.
Slainte
Ligue 1 starting tonight. GAme on the fridays this year, Qatari money.
I think PSG are on their national channel tomorrow too.
And Canal+ only show fucking Marseille on sunday. Bah.
tough love, ‘holic, and well-put. a sharpened corkscrew and some fine brillat-savarin on toast points to go with the reserva are waiting for you on the bar.
Weirdly, both Canal+ And Al Jazeera showing tonight’s game.
What’s the point in having the same game on TWO paying channels? :s
Holic, well said! Now, let’s win the 1st couple
of games and then boom and we are off!
Mate, you’ve written a few good ones over the years, but nothing beats that. Love ya geezer and see you soon.
That was awesome ‘Holic. Completely fair and to the point. I can only hope he reads it at some point.
You had the answer on your doorstep if only you had eyes to see it, Wenger….
Closure.
Indeed.
8 sleeps.
7 sleeps surely?
He is indeed a hypocrotical red-nosed funguscunt.
*Difficult and proud of it*
Bugger, sorry, i’m sure I used to be able to count.
Drink of your choice on the bar Z
We play on Fridays Oxon? 😉
Its a big day in the north………….
Wow, different kind of blog this time
Guess the words needed to be said, cheers ‘holic
Only cause there’s no work on Saturdays Esso 😉
Holic, a very effective dissection of RvP’s high fallutin’ clap trap.
Personally, I think it is a measure of how far you usually err on the side of caution, that some have seen that post as venting.
It’s a bit like the parents who constantly shout and rant at their kids, and are surprised that they eventually take no notice.
Compare and contrast with the quietly reasoned who, when they finally get angry, generate a genuine shock.
It’s good to see a bit of rarer passion.
The recipient certainly deserves it.
As Tabs said, if he apologises and responds with goals, he will certainly get my support again.
My respect ? That’s going to be a lot tougher.
Trev@62. My point was how unusual it was for the guv’nor to post in this vein. I don’t believe there was anything wrong with it and I don’t for a moment question his right to do so.
I didn’t, however, applaud the style in which, and with which he did it. I should have done.
Excellent piece guv, and very nicely expressed. Pour yourself a drink on my slate next time you’re serving.
PS Fingers still crossed.
Park on the score sheet again for South Korea. And plays well, too.
I know that I am one of the few here who actually rate this guy, reminds me of Eduardo, shame he did not get a chance.
ha ha ha ha! Brilliant ‘holic.
Not intending to criticise anyone Oxon.
Just thought myself that the post was still quite restrained. Do like a bit of feistiness from the Holic though – especially on a Friday. 😉
Superb — you nailed it!
I’ve been formulating the same sentiment in my mind for weeks (not with quite the same eloquence mind).
A move to City would make his flagrant yearning for more money clear for all to see, but a move to Man Utd would be a kick in the bollocks to all of us and a classless, act of disrespect and betrayal to the boss.
If you ain’t gonna sign, please… jog on. Rather fucking sharpish…
I know it’s been a busy summer, but are we really signing a Chilean called Merlot for the reserves ?
Great blog ‘holic. Looking forward to seeing you next Saturday.
heh Trev.
Blimey, Tagadab on the drinks!
See you next Saturday.
See you next Saturday “Oh O-o-llie we love you”. 😉
The thing is, I don’t believe RvP moving to Man U would be less for the money, Matt (2). It’s just that Man City can’t get rid of their too many strikers, but I doubt Man U would offer much less salary to RvP than Rooney is currently earning….
Trev, no problem. After my little numeracy problem above, I guess I’m a little more sensitive than usual. Since my hand seems to be in my pocket this evening, have one on me.
Ah, just read yours @68. Make that a small one. Sorry and all, but one does have standards dontcha know?
Barkeep, Oxon said mine’s a small one ………. 🙁
Tagadab?
I am not worthy 😉
If united buy him for 20 million on a 4 year contract on day 200 grand a week equates to about a 60 million outlay on an injury prone player with no sell on potential. Can’t see the Glazers sanctioning that
For RVP to go into his last year with only one year security, knowing how injury prone he his, is a massive risk for him. Another bad injury in march, only two months pay left, is financial suicide for him with no chance of a move.
If he stays and does not try, he’s out the shop window and another player will fill it, football moves on quickly and that’s his payday gone.
The club actually hold all the aces, and he’s backed himself into a corner.
We actually might have to thank santa cruz and money loving whore at city for refusing to leave on less money and blowing city’s bid out the water!
Trev, I said no such thing. Read it again. However, since the cap appears to fit (he wrote, mixing metaphors rather dangerously)… Barkeep, please give Trev full measure.
(Actually, that’s no safer than suggesting he make yours a large one. Err, ooh er, missus.)
John hawleys left foot: you make a very good point there about the club holding all the aces. I hadn’t thought of it that way, Robin is perhaps not in such a good bargaining position after all. He just can’t afford to mope around for a year if we make him stay.
Trev@62: very well said about support being easy but respect a hell of a lot harder to regain. Puts my feelings into words entirely.
Evening All,
Cheers for the drink Bath, Slainte!
All these “see you next saturdays” have got me all a tremble. Bring it on.
Good stuff Trev @62, and jhlf @76, that all makes a lot of sense. I have no idea how MUFC’s “new” shares fared today, but it’s difficult to imagine anything but a slide if that sort of investment in RVP is sanctioned.
So with all that in mind, a couple of questions;-
a) Will RVP captain the side on Sunday?
b) Should RVP captain the side on Sunday?
Emotively, clearly he shouldn’t wear the armband, but would his removal from the Captaincy send out the wrong message to prospective buyers in the high stakes game of poker the Club currently finds itself in?
Tricky. Can’t make my mind up, so looking to be convinced either way.
Dr Z in this Bar on a friday night? Wonders will never cease 😉
Great blog always on the level and spoken with true passion for Arsenal. And agree on Van Persie I’m not happy with the timing of his statement but I’m willing to give the benefit of the doubt until he signs with us or leaves. But if he leaves for United well that’s a different story. It’s just a shame that this is happening with a player that for so long we were waiting to see what he was capable of and now that we’ve seen it he decides our ambition doesn’t match his. It sure did when people refered to his ankles as glass. Anyway onwards and upwards a couple more signings of the same calibre as the other 3 and we’ll compete.
And I need all the love I can get…
ManU have just raised £150 million on the NY stock exchange. For that the investors get no dividends or voting rights – they can only hope the share price will rise over a few years. The Glazers have sold 10% of the company. Approx half will pay down the club debts estimated at over £400 million and the other half (£75 million approx) will go straight into the Glazers back pocket. Stan may be Silent but I know who I would rather have as the major investor in our club. 🙂
Great piece, Holic…exactly the sentiments of almost all Gooners. RVP has painted himself into a corner and once again a player is using the sympathy card (no trophies) as the excuse……all of the players that have left and RVP ARE the reason we haven’t won anything…they just want to ride someone else’s coattails over the finish line. Just say you want the payday and while we still would be unhappy, we might just except that.
In my view, there is absolutely no good reason to strengthen the teams we are chasing (even for $20mil)…..unless of course if we think the buyer would choke on his wages for four years while he is crocked which is a possibility. How many times have we seen it in sports (especially American sports) where a guy has a great year just as his contract renewal is around the corner only to have their performance/injury record revert back to the mean after the big payday. This ALWAYS happens.
Manu’s IPO is a complete joke. The range was moved down from a max of $20 per share to $14. No voting rights, no dividends, just a feel good purchase. That might be good for the novice investor/ManU supporter but it is going nowhere given the debt levels of the club. You can’t live forever on the commercial side of things….at some point you have to pay the bills. Buyers are just giving the Glazer’s money with no promises in return.
What are you fighting for…
Buyers are just giving the Glazer’s money with no promises in return.
More fool them. But if the Glazers can find the suckers…
Esso 84 …for the right to party?;-)
Ned….if RVP transfer fee to old toilet was say £25 million + 4 yr contract at Rooneys supposed £22000 per week, there’s not much change out of that £75 million net they have just raised to pay down some debt. (there
will be some extras to pay above the actual salary). Would they really invest that sort of money on an injury risk player with no re-sale value at the end?
He’s fucked if he stays,
He’s fucked if he goes,
Robin van Persie,
He’s fucked anyways!
Hey there Holic, You know some bloggers worry about losing their spontaneity…I don’t think you need to worry!!! Boy oh boy, I felt like I needed to duck and take cover. Seriously though, I really think it needed to be said. Robin shouldn’t be allowed to dampen our spirits, well done.
Heh @ 79 – Roxette is out.
It’s just me, the dogs and the beer-fridge. 8)
As for your conundrum, will he even play?
Dunno Dr Z, your guess as good as mine, but again, doesn’t it weaken our stance that we only let him go for top dollar if he doesn’t play?
Eye’s right
Zico….still a night in with the bitch then 😉
tabs,
assuming we’re selling yes, I guess so.
Anyway, closure, remember? 😉
Uplympian, yes but not The Rottweiler 🙂
Won’t be closure until he goes or re-signs Dr Z, sadly. Might be an open sore that gets intermittently picked all season.
Sniffs a chance of glory and boots the ball forward…
That’s an unfair slur on the Rottweiler breed Zico. -;)
Gets the portable commode started and punts the ball downfield looking to catch them cold on the break.
Suddenly realises why i’m travelling so slow…forgot to empty her out before hand. Trundles into the box in anticipation.
zico, regardles of wether he plays or not there will be intense speculation as to what it means and lots of questions asked. I would guess he will play and that he will be captain, at least that would make sense if the club wants to play hardball.
tabs and Uplympian: the ManU stock exchange thingamajig was far from the success the Glazers said it would be. Only about £70 million will be available for the club to pay off debts as opposed to what was initially promised to be more than £200 million.
But the Glazers are laughing all the way to the bank regardless. They will lay their filthy mittens on tens of millions of pounds anyway.
Needn’t have worried though as Denilson is tracking me back and lunges forward.
Damn it Up, couldn’t you have posted just once more before I did? 🙂
Thanks for the assist Lars….I’d forgotton what I was there for when I finally arrived when suddenly this round object cannoned off my head and the crowd started cheering…all 2 off them.
Apparently the Glazers played down the size of their debt saying if you compared it to Lars tab at the Tollie it’s insignificant -;)
It’s now past midnight, and I have it on good authority (ok then, it says so on FaceBook) that this means that there is now a birthday boy in our midst, so…
Happy Birthday, zicoinexile!
Up, compared to my tab in here everything pales into insignificance…
Even 😉 grhh WordPress emoticons after a few beers.
Great comments holic. I wonder if RVP actually realises how much he has pissed off those that shouted his names from the rafters? My guess is that despite his end of season claims that he will always love the club that the answer is that he is not really that bothered. He has clearly received poor advice. I am sure that when he posted that wonderful statement of his that he must have felt that a move was 90% complete. It’s funny how things work out. He has gone form hero to Ade wannabe in the space of a few months.
I am not sure how he can have any future at the club unless there is a massive self indulgence on humble pie followed by the signing of a contract. However, if that is to happen then I would suggest that it has to happen very quickly. If he still refuses to sign a contract and still wants out then I really do not see how he can play an active part in the season. I certainly do not hope that we carry on as if nothing has happened with RVP retaining the captaincy and his number 10 shirt. The shirt goes to Poldi, assuming he wants it the armband goes to TV for me. RVP can then play a bit part and can be used as an impact sub. After a season of playing second fiddle I wonder if as a 30 year old that monster wages will still be on offer? Perhaps we should bring in Huntelaar and let him start with RVP on the bench. That would really wind him up. Perhaps we could give him Bendtner’s number 52 shirt?
If RVP is going then it has to be abroad. I would rather him rot in the reserves than and see him walk away for nothing than see him join a Manc side. I do think that those who hole the purse strings are unlikely to go for that course of action. If he is to be sold then all I ask is that it is done sooner rather than later and that all the funds are reinvested in his replacement.
I like many can not wait for the new season. I am excited by the business we have already completed. I hope that this is not the end of it. I would still like a bit more done before the window shuts. If RVP is part of that then sadly not many will now shed a tear. One statement has meant that any attempts at making hero status have well and truly been confined to the scrap heap.
Onwards and upwards. Keep the faith.
Well in Up.
Lars, great assist, and on RVP I think I pretty much agree with you.
I’m erring towards him being a second half sub, thereby removing the Captaincy issue and giving the Club another weeks grace. Decision will be much trickier next week if he’s still here.
Agree with you on the ManU shares. The only possible advantage I can see for any investor is that on a flotation that valued the Mancs at £1.5bill, it might be argued that the Club has been undervalued, but they won’t need to spunk too many £75m’s on non-returnable investments like RVP to make a mockery of that assessment.
Happy birthday Zico …. Roxette’s present was a night in without her company ( thanks for the heads up Lars – that’s 2 beers I owe you on your tab ). 😉
Heh Happy Birthday Dr Z!
Good stuff Steve.
Thanks Tabs…..it’s a team game. Unless RVP recants in a proper manner and signs a new contract, the arm band and first name on the team sheet should be history.
happy birthday, z, i expect you can bender it into a corner!
Happy birthday Zico.
Mancs are a financial mess. A proper mess. How funny is that????
And how funny is it listening to Mancini moaning about lack of spending??????? Poor little man. Must be hard for him????? I mean, if you can’t buy a title then that becomes a bit of a leveler doesn’t it?
Oh, I get it now. If he can’t spend £200 million each season then he might actually get found out as shite. No wonder he is moaning.
Happy Birthday zico. 🙂
Hey Steve, I agree with your posts at 107 and 115.
Hopefully the whole RVP/captaincy situation gets settled as soon as.
Regarding Mancini, he’s always been a shit manager. Didn’t he receive quite a few titles by default after the Calciopoli scandal?
He barely scraped past QPR last season with a team I’m sure cost about 4 times as much to put together. If Barton didn’t fuck everything up (when does he not eh?) then ManU could conceivably have won the league last season.
Steve T – how’s it going mate? All’s good?
Since nobody has replied about it, I’ll try it on you.
You say you don’t think he can stay and play a positive part in the campaign if he stays.
Well, I believed so as well, until I was reminded of PV’s comments before the 2001-2002 season.
He stayed despite his outrageous attack on the club, and not only did he play a positive part in the campaign, he went on to captain the Invincibles.
Any chance that could happen with RvP, in your opinion?
Dr Zee: This birthday of yours. Was it yesterday or today? I am confused. Ah well Happy belated birthday son. Hope you had / are having a great time of it ..
😎
Steve:
“I would rather him rot in the reserves than and see him walk away for nothing than see him join a Manc side. I do think that those who hold the purse strings are unlikely to go for that course of action. If he is to be sold then all I ask is that it is done sooner rather than later and that all the funds are reinvested in his replacement.”
I think you hit the nail on the head on the first two parts, but I don’t think your right on the last part.
I could see Wenger holding out for his price to the point of keeping RVP.
But I really can’t see Kronke passing up a half decent offer. It’s all well and good playing virtual pokerface now, but in 9 day days time – it will become a £20m+ decision. Can you seriously see Kronke turning that down? Wenger will be overruled. Kronke will take the money. Thats my tuppenny take on things.
As for the thinking that we’re going to take that money and re-invest it in a replacement? Well, I’m not usually gambling man, but I would wager a nifty sum of money with you Steve, against that scenario happening. I think the reason we bought Giroud beforehand was to prevent us being put in a position where the automatic asking price for any striker we potentially wanted to buy would start at the price we received for RVP. We might of course purchase a relatively unknown striker for small money with lots of potential, plus a full back / DCM. But do you seriously think we’re going to spend £20m+ on a striker? For what its worth, I would be more than happy to be wrong!
Zico!! Didn’t know you had a birthday!
Happy birthday mate!! Enjoy it!!
Joe: I agree and he will be right to take the money! As for re-investing any proceeds from a RvP sale: I agree again. We have our replacement. As far as I am concerned only Llorente would be worth that figure and I don’t think that we are interested in him..
I thought Llorente signed a contract with somebody else already?
I sense we’ll finish our dealings once we get another central midfielder and maybe a young future prospect-type striker…
Seems like we’ll be holding on to Fabianski and they seem to like Martinez…
Oh Zico, Happy Birthday. You know how we feel about you. Of course, I’m pretty fond of Dr. Feelgood as well. Hope you and your Lady had a really good day.
Now for the rest of you I haven’t had a chance today to read the drinks, because I have been studying for my ACLS recertification which is tomorrow, so wish me luck. But I did see Gooner Terry is back (missed you). And I thought Snir’s question to Chippy was memorable. Oxon and 8ball, hey to you both. Promise to read all I’ve missed, cause I know it’s gonna be good. Nite all.
Very well said ‘Holic.
You sound just like me
Good luck for tomorrow Nurse – I will be sending you positive vibes all day .. Actually I am completing Day 3 of a 2-week detox so I am being dispassionate about all the RvP stuff .. I should be great come the start of the season …
I feel that we will opt to keep him and that would be the right decision. Had a dream the other day [but didn’t post it for fear of ridicule] that Le Boss, IG and RvP cooked all this up at their meeting at the end of last season. In the dream they were all at a press conference giving the finger to Red Nose & Mancini who were both so pissed that they started to punch each other in the face … [well I made the last part up as I laid there wondering what that dream meant ..
😯
Firstly, great post Holic …. This has been talked to death but I’ll throw in my 2 cents. I say keep him and let him go for free. Arsene bought him for 2.5M eight years ago so he has paid his transfer fee many times over last season alone. I understand the argument that 20M is a year of UCL money but I’d rather we get the UCL money by actually qualifying for the UCL instead. I also understand the ” disruptive ” argument; however, RVP is under pressure to have a good season or else clubs aren’t going to falling over each other with 200K a week offers for a 30 year old with an injury history. Perhaps we win something and he wants to stay after all. The captaincy is a sticky issue but I leave it to Arsene to sort.
On a separate note … Anybody know a reliable stream for matches over here in the states? Alternatively, If I buy an Arsenal membership with Arsenal Player, do they show the matches in their entirety? And how long is the turnaround time? I can wait a few hours but eventually I’ll cave and check blogger’s game stream or something …Thanks for any help.
What? Am I in the right bar? Sheeeeeit!
Hi Nurse; best of luck for tomorrow. Many happy returns Zico.
BMBD.
Oh belated wishes Dr Z!
..and best of luck abb
Tabs, Re: RVP captaincy for the friendly, I would let him have the arm band when he plays on Sunday. It’s a bluff which could pay off either way
He shouldn’t be given the armband ever again, even if he pens a new deal,undermined the club and manager.happy b’day zico.
Beautifully constructed, expressive and perfectly timed prose ‘holic! A bottle of Merlot for you and the neighbours.
With the wisdom of hindsight, i’m sure RVP wishes he had had much more acumen and foresight to have evaded releasing his “Double-D’d,Red & White – constructed” statement for a more suitable, and credible, time! It just exhibits that a fool certainly can be fooled by another fool or, in this case, a bunch of fools! Complete Muppets with Mugs, the lot of ’em!
COYBG!
Happy Birthday Zico!
Been thinking about the captaincy. I’d like to see it offered to Artetea, not sure if he’d want it though. If he did, I think he’d be a good captain.
He has to be one of the first names on the team sheet when fit; he’s experienced, he’s respected by all and having only just signed, he’s going absolutely fucking nowhere for at least the next 2 years. I think TV has enough on his plate trying to up his defensive game, without the added pressure of the captaincy.
Just have a hunch Super Mik would slot seamlessly into the role, as he did into the team last season. Also a strong possibility that his response to being given the honour of captaining the Arsenal, would improve him still further.
Tabs,
Wrt RVP’s captaincy against Cologne, agree with garsguns, let him retain the captaincy. His internal emotional turmoil and demons can only be positive for AFC either way! It’ll irritate SAF & Manure no end too! 😎
If I’m not mistaken, Arteta was captain for one of my favorite matches last season … 1-0 vs. Leeds on Henry’s winner.
Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone.
I’m touched.
To clarify, it IS today.
I scoured all of the media for news of my birthday present, but it seems that the head of John Terry is still attached to his shoulders.
The sun is shining (5 days on the trot! and some think 7 years without a trophy is a long spell) so I’m out of here to see what mischief awaits for Dr Feelgood and family……
Laters Arse-friends…..
Morning all.
All good Snir, thanks. I hope you and yours are fit and well? Re RVP coming back. I can’t see it being a positive unless there is a massive back track on his part. I think for him to be accepted back, certainly by the fans he would need to issue a statement that would include a large amount of humble pie chomping. He would also need to sign a new contract and effectively replicate last season. I remember the reaction after all of the Ade shenanigans. The locals were not impressed by his antics. Many have stuck by RVP during leaner times. Most of those feel very let down at the moment.
Joe. I think sing from the same song sheet. I think that as the days tick by that if an acceptable offer is received then I think he will be sold. Like you, I don’t see Stan turning down the cash either. You may well be right re the signing of Giroud although I had seriously hoped that he was brought in as an addition to the squad and not a replacement. I would hope that if RVP is going, that we already had plans to bring in a quality replacement. One thing I do think is that we are not yet finished in the transfer market. We still have a few that need removing from the wage bill to make room for potential new arrivals.
Morning all!
Holic – Really glad you said all that. I’m sure it speaks for a large majority of the fans and probably in a more measured way. Not for the first time one of our employees has taken poor advice and misjudged his worth versus the club. Thankfully this time we’ve played ourselves into a posititon of reasonable strength to do some super hard-nosed bargaining. Feeling super-positive about our prospects this season, with or without the employee.
This summer has made me realise that an updated heroes and villains list has emerged. Mine would be as follows:
Heroes (They :
1) Arsene Wenger – How could we have ever doubted him? I want no-one else in charge of the team for as long as is possible.
2) Stevie Bould – Will he make our defence tighter than a camel’s ar*e in a sandstorm?
3) Our new signings – Can they carry us to greater glory?
4) Ivan Gazidis – You may not want him to paint your fence but he negotiates a mean deal for The Club.
5) Andre Santos – Our cuddly maverick (copywright @Arseblog) gets more loveable by the day.
6) Kos – Treats Arsenal contracts in the same way that Lord Tony of Adams did.
Villains (and megac*nts):
1) Any team employee that doesn’t wish to be an employee anymore. Go find your greener grass (but on OUR terms) and be careful not to hit yourselves in your vaginas on the way out.
2) SAF – When he starts to bitch about The Arsenal to his mates in the press you know he’s sh*tting himself. Love it.
3) The Petro Clubs – Skewing/spoling the game in a really bad way. Surely unsustainable in the longterm?
4) Agent AVB – Just carry on and do the same job at The Sh*thole that you did at The Bus Stop. Make sure you have your holidays booked for January.
Hardly exhaustive. Any more for any more ‘Holics?
PS: Happy birthday Dr.Z. Do you make the heroes list?
Happy Birthday Zico, good luck abb (and thanks for the namecheck).
GT: Good to see you getting behind the “massive conspiracy between van Perise, Arsène and the Club” theory. I remember the universal bewilderment that was expressed when I floated the possibility after the “statement” was released (and I remember how justified that bewilderment was).
Somethng else to ponder upon is the way this summer has been defined by two press releases, and how they have been received. The Dutch bloke’s brought consternation followed swiftly by anger. The Gorbals bloke’s just seems to have brought universally ridicule. Good times, say I. Bring it on.
COYG CCMUED
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZICO 😀
zico’s birthday?
Happy Birthday, Dr Z. Party on the train!
[…] Which would suggest that although the player is publicly keeping quiet and getting on with training, they are still trying to make a move happen. Quite what those ‘tactics’ are I don’t know but an agent looking for his commission on a big transfer deal is a motivated guy, especially if he and his client are singing from the same hymn sheet. Talk of reconciliation is premature I think. And for further excellent reading on this, I suggest the latest from Goonerholic. […]
I see the Holic survived the onslaught of the neighbours last night 🙂
Good luck, abb!
TS, pretty much agree on your heroes/villains list.
Sunshine here in Stockholm as well, so I’m off out for a run. Laters!
TS,
Pretty much agree with your list!
On the heroes’ list, I’d reinstall Cesc following his Cazorla influence on the move to our beloved club!
On the villains’ list, the perennial title-challengers must surely include the scum, British sporting hacks! Feckers!
[…] Which would suggest that although the player is publicly keeping quiet and getting on with training, they are still trying to make a move happen. Quite what those ‘tactics’ are I don’t know but an agent looking for his commission on a big transfer deal is a motivated guy, especially if he and his client are singing from the same hymn sheet. Talk of reconciliation is premature I think. And for further excellent reading on this, I suggest the latest from Goonerholic. […]
Hollic,Tabs and I have a gang you might want to join
Happy Birthday, Zico
Please have a very old and incredibly expensive whisky on me.
@ 133 Esso
Good points about the captaincy. TV is my fave but I admit he may not be a nailed-on starter, what with BFG being around.
Morning George,
If TaBS and yourself are involved then count me in 😉
Persie looking for easy way out, Arsenal didn’t look that way towards him. I hope Robin watched the Olypmics as those guys put footballers to shame. I don’t buy looking after my family crap, he’s worth over £20m how much does anyone need.
Morning all,
Just watching the Olliempic diving competition, eondering if there is to be an early season glimpse of Wolfie creeping into shot amongst the Speedo clad competitors.
So far, no sight of anyone teaming said Speedoes with an ostrich feather so I guess he’s not there.
TS – One for the villains list.
Whoever on the Health and Safety team at The Emirates decided that my eight year old daughter and I should not be allowed to keep the top on a plastic bottle of soft drink, as we watch the game from our seats half way up the West Upper stand, over the half-way line.
This is in case we try to throw it at the away fans in the far corner of the stadium !
If I could get anywhere close to that feat, I would be taking part in the Olliempics, not watching them.
@ Trev 151
With your talk of ostrich feathers, I am getting a vision of Wolfie performing a sort of burlesque now….
@ Corny 150
Fair point
FunG –
If only he could be persuaded to stop at Burlesque, 🙁
Well said, my liege.
@ 153 Trev
ha ha ha
[…] not happening. There is quite a lot of rant on the internet, and you should read these pieces from Goonerholic and Gooner Daily, if you too want to get a piece of the action, but do not have a blog to express […]
The Goonerholic FPL is up and running for the new season.
Code number is 840986-209160
The Happy Train Invitational will be sorted later.
Having re read all of this the key word for me here is employee. That’s all he is. Quite frankly its about time he realised that.
Trev. I had to leave half way through the diving semi final. Please enlighten me. Did Drogba qualify for tonights final?
Is this FPL malarky invitation only? If not, where is it?
As is so often the case, the Venerable Goonerholic has got it exactly right. A footballer’s career is most often quite short, and can sometimes be even further shortened by life-affecting injuries at any time. Moreover, many if not most footballers are not very good custodians of wealth and have been known to fritter it away with breathtaking ease. The fans would have of course been disappointed with Van Persie’s decision not to sign a new contract with Arsenal (although some might also have had misgivings over Arsenal giving an injury prone 29-year old a four year contract at exorbitant wages), but they would have surely understood it if Van Persie had simply stated that at this stage in his career, looking after his family’s future was his primary concern. But what is unforgiveable was Van Persie’s betrayal of Arsene Wenger, the man who believed in him, took a chance on him, nurtured him, shaped him, nursed him, nursed him again repeatedly, and gave him the platform on which to gain worldwide recognition, for let us not have any delusions about it, it was Arsene Wenger he attacked with his ‘disagreement’ about how “Arsenal FC should move forward.” Robin Van Persie, for this act of shameless betrayal alone, you are beneath contempt.
I am also very curious to know what the people who have for years clamoured for the return of David Dein have to say now. This is the man who decided to make £75 million by selling his shares of Arsenal to an Uzbeki-pardoned billionaire whom every other self-respecting Arsenal director would not and cannot abide. Can they still not see the hands of the Dirty Deins smeared all over this RVP affair, from David Dein’s statement at the PFA ceremony to the spiteful and childish comment regarding Gazidis’ two-week vacation (wtf?!) in Van Persie’s statement to the seemingly coordinated statement by the Uzbeki-pardoned billionaire? When you consider all the public disparagement of Arsenal coming from David Dein and the Uzbeki-Irani Red & White Holdings, and all the damage caused by the transfer agitations by players represented or advised by Dein’s spawn, can you think of any greater sabotage against Arsenal outside the field of play (i.e. leaving aside the referees, the leg-breakers, and the FFF Michel Platini)?
looking back on it the injury ridden time RVP has had at Arsenal, signing him has turned out to be an extraordinary waste of time and resources.
i wish we got someone else
Errr, choccy…
Strikes me that we might well not be in the Champions League tis coming season without van Persie. This doesn’t make his behaviour since the end of the season any less reprehensible, but “waste of time and resources”? I think not.
Preach !!
Could not agree more !!
Fantastic Piece, Loved it !!
It is all so true !!
I also didnt want to get involved in the transfers this season as I am sick of the money grabbing low life scum who think they should leave after one good season. Loyalty ? Ha !!
Sorry Arshavin you didnt have one good season, 5 months dont count.
Steve T@158: no, he just missed out on a place in the final, narrowly beaten to it by Ashley Young and Gareth Bale.
I will join the Holic Fantasy Premier League in a bit. I have to prepare a proper presentation for my team first…
Absolutely brilliant post and exactly what’s on many gooners’ minds. How many times did I defend rvp to utd supporters when he was little more than fragile potential? I always have thought that going to a “big” team in search for trophies is a cowardly thing to do. Here’s an idea: win some trophies by leading the team you captain to the promised land, not just by moving over to a team who will probably win silverware without you. Sad that Arsenal is at a point where captains just use it as a stepping stone, but one day there will be a captain who has the intestinal fortitude to do what captains are supposed to do. That
man, whoever he may be, will rightly be an arsenal legend. This is the year, let’s hope.
I’m in George’s gang? Excellent news! 🙂
Trev @151 🙂 🙂
Great stuff bstrum.
Wolfie? I have it on good authority that he has today been invited to a pool party and has forgotten his Speedoes. Oh the irony! 🙂
Right, off to drink Beer, smoke fags and eat some burnt, yet strangely undercooked, meat.
I’ve tried to log into that Fantasy Football again, but all I got was about 10 pages asking me which sort of fucking adverts I’d like to receive, leading to re-registration.
I said no to all, and now I login and see nothing, nothing about Fantasy Football, what the fuck is that about?
Oh yeah, I see it now, one of the sections of ‘my account’, not at all highlighted is about Fantasy Football.
I’m heavily tempted to boycott the cunts, it’s not like I’m updating my teams or pretending to compete with my fellow ‘holics anyway.
Everything’s about corporate bullshit, I’m annoyed.
Dear Mr Trev,
I had hoped to compete today in the 10 metre Diving competition. Sadly, the Restraining Order served on me by Tom Daley has curtailed my involvement with the GB Team.
I am still hoping to represent Germany (on account of Great Uncle Wolfgang Smallballs the Third), but negotiations are still at a delicate stage. They are not too keen on me taking to the Board dressed in Jimmy Choos and feather Boa, but I remain hopeful.
Yours Zsa Zsa Gaboringly,
Wolfgang Smallballs.
Fuck him. I’d rather we sold him as soon as poss but I know its hard cos only united have the dough and the will at the moment and they don’t wanna pay enough. It will definitely piss me off if he starts the season with us but thats just an emotion. Business wise hes one of the best around at his job and we will benefit just fine. One thing that will help will be if he is stripped of the armband. Then we can let bygones be bygones. Give it to the verminator or artekkers and lets keep it moving.
But i repeat.. fuck him.
Happy birthday Zico, and good luck with the recertification, ABB.
WS@169: I would keep your powder dry, so to speak, for the 2016 games. Brazil will be far better suited to the waxed and befeathered.
Ollie @ 28
I do believe Giroud signed on 26 June and RVP published his statement on 4 July.
So I therefore take it there remains no flaw in my assertion above?
Nice one Holic
Van Persie can fuck off to where ever he wants to go as long as its not The Mancs. The little twerp thought he had us over a barrel. Now he’s up shit creek with out his clogs, and will soon be grovelling and begging to stay now no one apart from old purple nose wants him. This will be the biggest U turn in History since ze Germans saw us pissing on their sand castles at Dunkirk.
Arsenal Till I Die means just that. So Van Persie and any other prima Donna’s within the team who want to try and fuck us should remember that.
Wolfgang @169 🙂
Steve T @158 –
I don’t know what Lars has been watching in Sweden but, on my TV, Drogba did indeed win the semi-final heat.
Tonight’s diving final line-up, so far as I can remeber –
GB – Wayne Rooney (late replacement for T Daly)
Spain – Sergio Biscuits
Portugal. – Christiano Ronaldo
Uruguay. – Luis Suarez
Wales. – Gareth Bale (guaranteed fail – ears cause too much splash)
Holland. – Arjen Robben
Germany. – Wolfgang Smallballs III
Enjoy !!! 😉
Oops, forgot Drogba – but who hasn’t ?!? 😉
Nice shiny windows.
Many happy returns to the Zico gang.
Quite a line-up there, Trev.
Although I thought that, as hosts, GB were allowed two entries, with Ashley Young taking part too.
Hello Oxon.
The Fantasy League is here, http://fantasy.premierleague.com/
And a Happy Train invite may well be coming your way later this weekend as long as I have a correct email address for you.
[…] 建议看这篇Goonerholic对于范佩西转会的分析大作. […]
Never posted on here before,read most days though.The reason I’m posting today is my usual place is closed and mr holic has posted my favourite write up on here ever-well written sir.This smallballs chap seems interesting,as it’s my first post Tia Maria and lucozades all round.
Heh at Chinese arseblog linking back 😉
Firstly – excellent post Goonerholic! The venom was understated, but palpable. I fear RvP will never get to read this, however. If I were a footballer, there is no way I’d hop on “the interweb” to read comments about my antics/heroics. It’d induce some type of manic-depressive episode.
Comments tend to be one extreme or the other.
“He’s the worst; kill him.” “He’s the best; live forever!”
Secondly – I was caught wondering about RvP’s current station in life vs. AFC.
Who really has the upper-hand in proceedings?!
If only AFC held all the aces… *sigh* I don’t think that’s the case; AFC certainly has more to lose. I doubt RvP’s injury status or his age will play much to clubs with money, or clubs without. Ask yourself – If you had the chance to sign RvP for your club, would you? Absolutely! Even if he only played half the season. His experience and left-footed master strokes on the football canvas bleed into other players, thus elevating their knowledge and skill. Even if only on the training ground. I had my doubts about him wearing the Captain’s armband last season. But he led by example, and he often carried the fight! Oftentimes, if he didn’t do it, then it didn’t get done. And isn’t that what a Captain should be/do?
If he leaves on a free transfer next summer, RvP will be even more likely to get his desired weekly wages. Will he get the trophies, though? All he has to do is bide his time. He is well-compensated already, and could just wait it out another year. City, UTD, PSG, and Juventus will still be circling next summer and Kees will still be tapping up suitors next May. The ball is in Arsene’s court, but advantage Robin! If Arsene stalls, RvP will still achieve his move. It will just be later, than sooner. And let’s say he decides to resign at AFC, he’ll get a larger weekly wage (check mark) and the prospects of lifting a trophy at AFC haven’t been brighter in the past 3 years (check mark).
I think a January transfer is Arsene’s best option, at the moment. We would still get some kind of cash influx, and the fans/players would get a sense of what could be achieved with Cazorla, Podolski, Giroud, RvP, and – fingers crossed – Wilshere in the starting XI. Which might just be enough to convince RvP trophies are an option at AFC.
How mouth-watering is a 4-4-2 of:
Gibbs, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Sagna, Podolski, Arteta, Song, Cazorla, Giroud, RvP?!
As football fans, we are a fickle lot, and if RvP stays, I dare say a lot of angst and bile will be washed over with a goal or three (“when he wants…”) in August, a kissing of the badge and some team celebrations.
Heh ‘holic, you fired the window cleaner(licker)
Thanks for the FFL link, I’m in like sin.
Ollie, just refuse all the email and corp’ crap, I did.
After a quick back drink I have to say I’m with Esso on the captaincy going to Arteta. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Verm to bits, but I´m not so sure he´s an automatic starter anymore, got a feeling that AW will go with Kos and the BFG.
Understand the feelings, but he was a great captain last year on and off pitch. It would be great to get him to stay and compete with the new additions. When agents smell huge fees, it’s about the money. Hopefully the door is open and rvp stays.
Cheers Maurice.
I´ll give the Tia Maria and Lucozade a miss though.
Oh and good luck Nurse ABB.
I think Chamakh would have scored what new Bus Stop Boy with too much hair just missed.
Laffin’ at Brazil.
Ollie, laffin’ with you. And also at Rafael making a total prat of himself by squaring up to a team mate and then, realizing he is about to be subbed off, proceeds to sarcastically applaud said team mate, then turning towards the by now booing crowd and sarcastically applauding them as well…
Ha ha ha, Rafael deserves an Oscar for that performance…
Love it. Well said.
anyone got a stream for Koln match – Arsenal Player appear to have struck me off the list for some unknown reason. 🙁
Works hard in defence, wins a sliding tackle and runs with the ball a few yards up the right wing and punts it upfield…
Trev, you do realize that the game is tomorrow, right? 🙂
That’s the shit RVP is aspiring to play alongside. What a silly fella!
Yep Lars 190, that bit.
Only caught the last few minutes of the game, but enough to make me smile 😛
bstrum 191, I see what you did there 😉
Red faced, Lars, no, thought it was today. However, Arsenal have apparantly cancelled my Player subscription – will investigate.
thanks 🙁
Cheeky lob
F*ck this overemphasis on BMBD is what I say. Aren’t there at least a half dozen other clubs that MBD just as urgently?
Well in, 8 ball!
Trev, if you are a Red Member or higher you should have Player access.
…included in the membership, that is. No separate subscription needed.
Cheers, all. 🙂
Trev@198, good luck with contacting them re: Player, hope you have better luck than i do. I can’t access with my e-mail address anymore either, only with the membership number which is a pain. But now I can’t change account information – it’s so f*ing retarded…
@181. Good point, well made.
Very good, holic.
I rarely post here but had to today seeing as so many Arsenal fans seem to be prepared to forgive and forget RVP iof he stays.
I won’t. I’ll support him while he wears the shirt but have no interest in the man.
Disloyalty always gets my goat.
Morris Day @ 182 –
Do you have the Thyme? Har. Har.
‘Hols – looking forward to redeeming myself on the Happy Train comp this year…
I believe I earlier said that Arteta should wear the armband…that would be luvly.
BMBD
8ball@200-
Well done. Honestly, I have as many teams set for “MBD” treatment as Nixon had on his “Enemies List”. But we have to start somewhere…how about BMUMBD?
BMBD.
would have surely understood it if Van Persie had simply stated that at this stage in his career, looking after his family’s future was his primary concern. But what is unforgiveable was Van Persie’s betrayal of Arsene Wenger, the man who believed in him, took a chance on him, nurtured him, shaped him, nursed him, nursed him again repeatedly, and gave him the platform on which to gain worldwide recognition, for let us not have any delusions about it, it was Arsene Wenger he attacked with his ‘disagreement’ about how “Arsenal FC should move forward.” Robin Van Persie, for this act of shameless betrayal alone, you are beneath contempt.
Thats the pick for my,COYG!!!
Bstrum – my problem exactly re ‘Player’ .
Every time I try to use the effin’ thing live, there’s a problem. Why have they suddenly, with no notification, removed the email access ?
Great post @160 btw, sorry forgot to mention it when I was mucking about re the diving tonight.
Ollie
I think my point was that RVP refused to extend his contract after Podolski signed but before Giroud signed. I don’t think the point at which RVP released his ‘update for the fans’ changes the point I made above. But I could be wrong ( I’m human).
Gold for Mo the gooner.
Go on my son!!
Mo Magic!
Trev, it’s because now it is linked to membership, so no point in using the e-mail for login.
Double double double
Mo Farah has won the double
While the scum from the Lane
Has won fuck-all again
Mo Farah has won the double!
(inspired by a tweet from AFCAMDEN)
Goonertown, well of course it makes a difference.
Several reasons for that :
1) You can be pretty sure that IF the reason he didn’t want to extend was truly because of lack of signings blahblah, Arsène would have mentioned that some signings only required signing on the dotted line but everything was agreed (for Giroud)
2) The fact that Giroud had signed BEFORE the statement, well, is RvP supposed to live on such a different planet that the news didn’t reach him before that was published? Don’t think so. So it’s extremely relevant.
heh, nice one Lars.
This site is getting slow for me now.
Just had to pop in to say, Mo Farah, you are a total utter and absolute star.
Great Article, ‘holic. Cheers!
PSG 1-0 down at home.
Bordeaux 2-1 up away.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/athletics/mo-farah-how-britains-athletics-hero-escaped-the-chaos-of-somalia-2037996.html
Mr Watkinson, 45, first came across the slight yet spritely schoolboy at Feltham Community College, when as a 14-year-old still struggling to master English and with little academic aptitude, Farah was still getting into trouble and his ambitions consisted largely of playing on the right wing for his beloved Arsenal.
There is a new advert in my country(Nigeria) by a leading mobile telecomunication coy witht the inscription ‘meet our new team mates’ and RVP stands tall in front of other Arsenal players but it saddens my heart every time I come across the board, thinking the genuity of the club are always put to ridicule by those we fans look forward to, to uphold the tenet of the club’s principles. For AF, why wouldn’t he question Santos’ operating style for demanding 45m for Lucas.
Ollie
You argumentative little so and so. I see YOUR point.
But my point was RVP’s signature which to ME is most relevant.
His refusal to sign blah, blah, blah came pre-Giroud. His statement post Giroud claimed contract negotiations were still ongoing and would resume once IG returned from his holiday which I understand.
Since then, no update as promised.
Kmt!
Now songbillabong appears to be in line for a barker blood transfusion to install the barker DNA
But anyone who does not want to remain at the club post 1 sept 2012 should really just feck owf!!
(In my humble opinion)
2-0 to Lorient, Aliadière scored, heh! This is funny.
[…] Anyway, this whole RvP business can be summed up well over at Goonerholic’s blog. […]
His statement post Giroud claimed contract negotiations were still ongoing and would resume once IG returned from his holiday which I understand.
Huh? His statement clearly said he wouldn’t sign a new contract, that didn’t sound like negociations.
The IG being on holiday bit proved to be bollocks….while RvP himself was on holidays.
” Should your suitors not agree to compensate us fully for losing your services then I hope you will knuckle down for a season. ”
Or sulk like Fabregas and get the move.
Lonestar @208. Drink to diversification? 😉
Bollix, PSG 2-2 now, late penalty from Ibrahinosevic.
Ollie
How did you do italics?
Goonertown:
<i> – Italics on
</i;gt; – Italics off
Be careful! If you forget to turn them off, all remaining drinks are italicised until the guv’nor comes along and deitalicises them. And you don’t want to upset the guv’nor. Trust me.
Damn.
</i> – Italics off
Ollie he may not have used the term negotiations but clearly one way or another negotiations are still taking place.
Be it he stays or he goes
I personally would not be mad if he stays. We have ourselves to blame if he goes. He’s entitled to do as he Pleases.
It’s not as though he did not win any trophies with us, much less triple footballer of the year and golden boot a few months ago.
Heh!
Don’t worry, Giroud will prob give us 30 goals next season knowing us. Then the Arsenal tappings will continue until we develop transfer and contract balls!
There I said it!
I personally would not be mad if he stays.
This, I’m OK with.
We have ourselves to blame if he goes.
That, on the other hand, I really really can’t see how ‘we’, whether you mean ‘you and I’ or ‘the club’ are to blame.
We have him, but I`m yet to get used to this idea 🙂
Pft! http://player.arsenal.com/home/player/2348-cazorla-in-training
I passed, with a little help from my pals, thank you! My reward is to now read the drinks. I hope you all haven’t been behaving.
Lars @ 215. Love it…… If that doesn’t get an airing at some stage next season then I will be very disappointmented I must say.
Drum, Very nice, what a treat. Must get player for the whole season.
Lovely goals from Bordeaux. And, you’ll be surprised to hear, ‘holic, buy by all accounts Ben Khalfailure played very very well.
I don’t know what you passed, abb but congrats.
Oxon, I feel your pain about the Italics, that’s all I’m gonna say.
Ollie 229 do you mean Ibrasonofabitch 😉
Oh there you are Ollie, thanks! It was Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
Congrats abb on passed – unlike some here who after a visit to the Tollie have passed out 😉
Ollie, I must share something with you. When you post your links to that French newspaper, I always have trouble opening them up. I hit the translate button, it works but I can’t bring up the intended article. So I never can comment on it. Just wanted you to know (sighs).
That one indeed, Ups 🙂
Right, wish you all a good night.
Hi Uply, thanks. But now your’e in big trouble! Aren’t you just a wee bit afraid of Holic? I am.
Zico hope you have had a good birthday day out. I see that the World Pipe Chamionships were being held in Glasgow today….how well did Dr F do?
Maybe GT was there representing Jamaica 😉
Abb – congratulations. Do you do any form of Italic Life Support? I think a smidgeon of Basic Italic Life Support would do, although it’s traditional to rely on Lars when BILS are involved.
Anyone seen my coat?
Not me abb…..I will claim in order: old age, wearer of spectacles, insanity and if they all fail, a large malt of his choice should just about save the day 🙂
Oxon….*anyone seen my coat* – seems like you need a trip to Specsavers as well 😉
Goonertown @ 223, You know, I’m really starting to feel the same way. When I think of those away fans, freezing their bums off and singing their hearts out, well they deserve better. At least I’m at home, have access to the frig and ‘facilities’ during the matches.
Cheers Umply! But it ain’t gonna fly.
Oxon, let’s just say computers and me are hopeless. Fraid your on your own, you adorable goof.
Congratulations Nurse Abb –
Properly qualified personnel in The Quackery; whatever next ?
Thanks Mr T. But I hate those questions when they ask you WHAT WOULD YOU DO FIRST? Haven’t the good doctors heard of multitasking?!
Steve T, I’m looking forward to your trip reports to the games with your little ones. I think they are lovely. You see for someone like me who has never been, well it just kinda makes me feel like I’m experiencing some of the fun.
Ok abb…I’ll get my passport ready and increase my life insurance just in case. 🙂
Abb – “WHAT WOULD YOU DO FIRST ?” questions.
Telephone operator on the emergency switchboard gets a call from a panicked Irishman:
“I think my wife’s had a heart attack. I think she’s dead, I do, I think she’s dead. What am I supposed to do ?”
Tel Op: “First of all, make sure she is dead …….” *hears sound of the phone being put down – followed by sound of two gun shots*
Irishman returning to phone: ” Ok, done that. What do I do next ?”
* apologises and fetches coat *
Hey Mr T, bloody brilliant!
Heh @259 😀
We don’t mess about in The Quackery, nurse. 😉
Hi Lars! Ok this is official business. Never have I seen so many new posters at one drink, this might just be a record of sorts. Welcome to you all, I really mean it. Fresh perspectives, new personalities. Please come back you all.
Ah, thanks once again to the birthday well-wishers who have further accumulated since I was last here.
Not all my birthday wishes came true (see John Terry file) but I was well looked after by Roxette. (Once I took the bag off her head and let her pay the bill.) 8)
Some real live Arsenal tomorrow……nice.
Mr T, FunGunner is now in charge of picking out the nurses’ uniforms cause she’s got moxy and more. I’m now in charge of all Brazillian recruits (winks).
you adorable goof:blush:
Night all
COYG CCMUED
Zico and Roxette, long may they live happily ever after. And with that happy thought good night you wonderful peeps.
Bloody smileys! 😳
Nurse abb, meant to say Congratulations
Dr. Z. While it’s still your birthday, have a happy one. 🙂
Nurse Abb,
I refer you to post #265 above.
Not being familiar with the expression “moxy”, I decided, thank god, to avail myself of a dictionary definition, which was as follows:
“When someone has guts and balls, they have moxy .
Now you may well have just passed your ACLS examination, but you have clearly not been trained in Personnel Management !
Can you begin to imagine the mayhem in The Quackery if our admittedly over sensitive Nurse Wolfie were to discover that one of his peers had randomly passed his fashion based duties on to a friend, who is not even on Quackery staff.
Moreover, to a female friend who has balls !!!
I fear you may be needing your new Advanced Cardiac Life Support talents sooner than you ever could have imagined.
You must forbid FunGunner from even thinking about getting involved with uniform
Oops ! selection for all our sakes.
Sorry about the interruption in the communique – it was due to my TIA, induced by yourself, FYI.
Yours fittingly,
Mr T.
Dear Mr All,
What a day, what a day at the Diving. It had it all, tears, laughter, pathos, bathos, and a bucketload of the tightest Speedoes seen since Greg Louganis gave up catwalk modelling.
Regular readers will be pleased to know that I managed to achieve my dream and represented Germany in the Final. The organisers insisted on calling me Wolfram, but I am not concerned with such small technicalities.
Sadly, I was not able to medal. Apparently I was not gay enough. 🙁
Yours Germanically,
Wolfgang Smallballs
PS Congratulations to young Tom, my hero.
PPS If I find out that someone has been messing with my nurses uniforms, there will be hell to pay!
Ok, so what did we decide as rules for the HT FFL?
I suggested no Spurs, Chelsea, Man U, Man City, Liverpool, and Stoke players allowed.
Tabs suggested one “bastard” team allowed (as long as it’s not Spurs).
Thoughts?
P.S – Tabs said we should pick players from a bastard team, to vary the teams as we’d have pretty much the same teams if six teams are disqualified.
Just came across this article http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/19229223
by Tom Fordyce (BBc chief sport writer)about Mo Farah and I find this quote really interesting.
“Watkinson (PE teacher ) had to bribe the 13-year-old Farah with the offer of an Arsenal shirt to get him to run cross country rather than play right-back for Brentham United”
if it wasn’t for that Arsenal shirt would we have an olympic champion? as a true gooner he won 2 gold medals for the shirt.
after a long trophy drought, I would love him to parade those medals at the Emirates, it might inspire some of our players.
WC @ 275: You beat me to it – I was just about to talk about that article 🙂
Mo Farah in the 5,000 a great winner of a great, great race. Jamaica in the 4×100 relay just as spectacular, not to leave out a tremendous performance by the U.S. women in the 4×400. Great show all around. 🙂
I read The Secret Footballer post on Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/aug/10/secret-footballer-undercover-premier-league and now I kinda understand what RVP felt.
Life at the top must be tough. RVP certainly would compare himself with the other players. For example he would ask question why Na$ri the bench warmer earns more than him, the best Premier League player of the season. Why Adebayor, the Citeh unwanted one earns more than him, the captain and best player of Arsenal?
There’s a lot of stress competing in the Premier League that we fans couldn’t understand. And it’s not like the players aren’t intelligent (some are dumb for sure), but they seem to be caught by the occasions and influenced by the lifestyle of the top. These players could be easily influenced by the agents, ill-advised by those who use them as cash cow.
I really think Wenger doesn’t want to lose him and prepares to give him a chance for a U turn. First by proving to him that he’s not really wanted by other clubs. And if Wenger prepares to give him a second chance, so do we I think.
His attitude on the pitch (training) after the ill-advised statement has been a model pro. We can respect that.
But on the contrary, Van Persie needs to read that Secret Footballer article so he could understand this:
“For the record, I never thought I’d be this old. My career has flown by; there have been unbelievable highs and terrible lows. If I’m honest with myself, for about a year I have been drinking very heavily and eating excessively in a pathetic attempt to develop a gut so that they won’t pick me any more.
What I will say, though, is that there is no feeling like having tens of thousands of fans singing your name, especially when you have just scored a goal. It feels as if you are floating for a couple of seconds. You don’t hear anything the players are shouting in your ear as they try to celebrate with you. It is just a wall of colour for a few seconds as your brain attempts to find a pattern that it understands. When the whistle goes to get the game under way again, it feels as if you can do anything for about a minute afterwards. When I finish playing, that might just turn out to be the one thing I can’t replace.”
Amen, I say amen! One good year out of eight and he’s ready to move on? I say hold him to the end of contract…if the past is any predictor of the future he will spend 1/2 of the season on the physio’s table and be looking to finish out his career at “the club he loves.”
I wonder if anybody has explained to him to not crap where he eats?
The only time am going to believe RVP is staying is from 8am september 1st when no news can filter in the deal was faxed in but the fa fax machine was broken by ashley young preparing for the 2016 divin olympics. On more spending i doubt it, my gut says we are done though my heart says more more!!
COYG lets go there
“A team you captained, and that included trophy-hunters Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy, couldn’t even beat Birmingham in a Cup Final. Where would you lay the blame for that, pal?”
stopped reading after this sentence. laughable. i’m disappointed in van persie but some people need to get a grip.
I dont see it as laughable at all. I was there. It was fucking painful. And the responsibility for that performance started and ended with those on the pitch. Captained by Van Persie.
Snir, I’m sticking to my rules -;)
— which means Europe is beyond me, but hey-ho.
Benhan @279. Nice one 🙂
Today and fit the next week I shall be mostly be spotting D list celebrities in La Manga. Let’s see if I can improve on Gavin Hastings *shudder* from a few years back
Can’t wait for this afternoon.
PS. Mo. You hero.
woah woah ..lot of backdrinking to do ..just got back from here http://brutalassault.cz/en/schedule/ so after three days of constant drinking without any sleep at all basically, it is time for me to make human out of myself again, crack open one pilsner to maintain the level of drunkeness, backdrink and then enjoy the cologne game.
Oh and also apparently, red bull with jäger (not that I even remember drinking that but according to others I did) makes you show off your arsenal membership card and go on about the greatest team this world has ever seen to complete strangers who couldnt care less. Slightly embarrassed but mostly proud as hell:D
Heh, good work spreading the gospel according to the Arsenal, Eandy!
(and I hope your hangover doesn’t get too bad…)
On the BBC.
Brendan Foster; “Everytime we come here you win a gold medal, what are you doing next Saturday?
Mo Farah; “Arsenal are playing.”
Legend.
Heh Eandy. Jägerbombs make you do all sort of crazy stuff you won’t remember, indeed.
I’m guessing the hangover will only kick in tomorrow 😉
Cheers, H2H, excellent!
Steve @ 237
If RVP doesnt get an airing next season then I’m sure he himself will be disappointed! Heh
Judging by the name of the festival and the band, I take it this wasn’t an acoustic festival of twee. Did Mr Rosicky play? 😉
Ollie let’s agree to disagree
When I say we I ALWAYS mean the club
Thanks ABB
Mr. Rosicky wasn’t involved unfortunately, I think band or two he likes might play there this year. I went there mainly to see three bands I have yet to see live but discovered many more great ones..still the show Amon Amarth did was the pinnacle of awesome 😛
Thanks Oxon
Goonertown, let’s have a refreshing drink now. Cheers!
Since when has Arsenal been considered a big club? Serious question! I’m pretty sure they suck ARSE bahahaha. Not sure why players would want to stay at Arsenal they pay shit they play shit. Just a big old feeder club for better teams LIKE TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR bahahahaha.
Truth hurts.
p.s. GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED!
Why do you even bother coming here? Or are you just another keyboard warrior who wants to show off his e-peen to others by writing empty insults like this? Just bugger off please 🙂
*throws nuts*
Not much of a warrior I’d say, Eandy.
*crosses ball*
Smashes 1 in girouuuuu
This will be the real century in a bit, I suspect…
@ 288 H2H
hear, hear!
Lovely goal garsguns – and quick-thinking assist from Ollie
Just delighted to get off to a great start for this wonderful club would also like to thank my new teammate ollicarzola on the sublime assist 😉
Nice one gars, and heh @ Lars, he knows 🙂
Mo Farah on BBC Five Live, 1 minute ago.
“Arsenal are playing next Saturday, WOOOHHHH!”
Brilliant ! 🙂
Hey Zico, Lars –
Thought the same myself while pondering a lurky shot at 300 😉
Was wondering too, Lars 301, but I think that post needs to stay for the edification of the masses 😉
Well in garsguns.
It’s Cazorllie, gars 😉
And thanks for looking up the meaning of “moxy”, Mr T. I feared it might be some sort of incurable medical condition and am relieved to find that it is not. So thanks for saying I have it, abb.
I’ll be leaving any uniform design to Wolfgang, who is the fashion consultant and I suspect, likes uniforms. As style consultant, my remit is broad and vague – so I can randomly comment about all or any aspects of dress, goonerholic’s choice of interior decoration and the clientele.
Enjoy the game. I have to be somewhere else, so will catch up later.
Morning all (bar one)
Another heh! at Lars for understanding the real value of timing and unparalleled movement around the box (as you were Trev) 😀
Come on The Arsenal, show them the power of a man’s aftershave. Brut-al.
*hands ‘smellies’ pun reigns back to Trev*
I wonder if Sir Mo of Farrah will be guest of honour at The HoF next week?
All Bar One? Shit bars, although I’ve generally been impressed by the staff.
311: that would be the decent thing. Especially as he’s clearly implied he’s going to the games.
Legend! (he sure will get a better reception than RvP 😉 )
top work mate.
Scooooooooooooooooooops!
diehard ARSE fan@296: Many thanks for your timely intervention. If ever I start to question my preference for this bar, I shall remember your contribution and the reaction from my fellow patrons.
I’m not sure what you hoped to achieve, I suspect it wasn’t a polite request that you bugger off.
Eandy, congratulations; beautifully put. I particularly liked the “please” at the end.
Guv’nor please leave the intervention in place. It serves as a magnificent illustration of all that’s best in this place.
COYG CCMUED Goonerholic’s Bar for ever.
Snir –
WRT the HT League, why can’t we select mugsmashers or citizens?
Wat time is the game today?
BMBD
BTW, for our friend @ 296 –
Glory, glory(hole) United.
BMBD.
iLG @ #317
15:30 BST.
All details on Arse Player
@312 – Yes, they’re sh*te 🙂
Indeed Mo, is already a living legend. What an athlete.
Gracias, Senor TS!
BMBD
Congrats on your recertification, ABB.
Not sure whether to be appalled or sorry for The Guardian’s secret footballer.
Gentlemen, in particular Lonestar.
CCMUED (Ceterum censeo Manchester United esse delendum) is dead. Long live ICDDR (Ita censeo delendam daemonia rubrum). Many thanks to the good people at Google translate.
Sorry about the Latin everyone, and I don’t want to come the elitist , but I do like the historical allusions. As I heard it, back in the day the Romans were involved in a long-lasting war with the Cartheginians. Cato was a Roman politician who took a really hardline hawkish line about the war and would finish every speech in the Senate, whether it was about the war or building new drains, whatever, with “and so I believe that Carthage must be destroyed”.
Lonestar doesn’t like Catalonians, my concerns are closer to home.
COYG ICDDR.
Todays the Big One, good day all. Thanks, Zico, everyone’s well wishes/congrats were like Christmas for me. Mr T, you are one amazing character. Wolfgang you are a character as well (laughing). As is Oxon.
Hi Fun (waving)!
Hey there NBN, thanks. Also appreciated when you posted awhile back that AW has never sold one of our players to United. Gives me some hope!
I wonder if we are going to hear Lu-Lu song today:P and hey abb 🙂
Poldi with dreaded no.9 :O
nice routine!:) well done!
first few touches by Cazorla and he shows his class already..really nice to watch:)
Hey Eandy, You’re back, just in time. Looks like you did some serious partying.
Poldi, from penalty 2-0 :), so far Giroud and Santi are really impressing me, Lukas didnt show much so far except the spot kick, but boy Cazorla really makes us tick, cant wait to see him playing along with Arteta. Oh yeah abb, much needed partying it was:P
abb – thanks for the kind words. Please may I return to being an adorable goof? Thanks, I was sure you’d understand 🙂
Brilliant save, that was a sitter for Giroud.
was it not for Colognes keeper, Giroud scored three already O.o
3-0 Poldi smashes it in!:D
Congratulations, ABB.
Oxon @ 322, good to see a convert to the wisdom of Cato the Elder. Regulars will remember that I began this solitary crusade at the start of last season (and look what happened to those Farca bastards this year). You can also visit some bars from months past to learn why you can’t just translate English to Latin… But I applaud the sentiment all the same.
Last i saw, the boys were up 2 nil. Roll on next week.
COYG
BMBD
Get In!…Nice One Poldy…
@Eandy…Early signs suggest you shouldn’t fear…
Lookin’ good for now.
Cruisin’ with Lukas and the guns!
Great to see Per Mer.
Bought an iPad yesterday, registered for Arsenal Player and watching the match on it. Best. Purchase. Ever. …. Really like what I see from the new boys. Cazorla is going to be awesome. Vicious strike by Podolski. Unlike Chamack, Giroud shoots on sight. Not sure how I feel about Ox as part of the 2 in a 4-2-3-1 but encouraging nonetheless. Can’t wait for next Saturday. COYR!!!!
I shouldnt fear what?:P *still little slow today*
Okay one thought in mind, how well could midfield consisting of Arteta-TR-Santi work? Thoughts?:)
hey fellows. Great work from the whole team. Poldi, man I’m impressed. Santi, Giroud…this is the season, can’t help but feel some thing special gonna happen. And Ox, what more can I say.
Eandy, If I`m given a chance to play centre-forward with such a midfield, I`d… immediately switch it for a centre-back role! 🙂
I think the best midfield combo is Arteta and Song with Cazorla on top. If Song leaves then I’d prefer a very defensive minded midfielder brought in.
I think that will be first choice midfield for the start of the season Neiu, was just thinking about that, sparked memories of Flamini-Hleb-Cesc-TR midfield we used to have.
Song was not really defensive midfielder in the later stages of the season while playing with Arteta and TR and it still worked pretty well, rotating in positions. Thats why I wondered should Song be unavailable for any reason if it could work or not:)
Gerv!
RVP took the armband … Hmmmm
4-0 t’would be a fine score for next week’s game too. 😉
Okay, I have to agree with abb that that gut feeling about this being _the_ season returned now, cannot really feel more excited about it. Solve remaining issues with ins and outs and bring it on!
Does anyone have a link to a recording of the match please? Pretty please ..
🙂
Here`s the first half, wouldn`t bother with the second though 🙂
http://hotfile.com/dl/166614564/e5bb39d/12082012KolnvsArsenal1ert.flv.html
Gervinho’s got his confidence back, lovely work by him leading up to his goal. Will see more from him. Diaby was his calm self and held up. Shades of the old AA towards the end with that spot on pass to Gervais. And as for those newbies…looks like their gonna work out just fine, me thinks.
All the new signings fit in very well. Really impressed by the Cazorla-Ox interplay, and pleasantly surprised by how smooth that was.
Poldi probably would be MoTM, and Cazorla was excellent as well, I thought Giroud has shown real promise as an all-round striker: abilities in the air, on feet, good positional play, confident, willingness to shoot.
Among the old gang, Gervinho obviously shined (best player across all the pre-season matches). Diaby was consistent and Ox was neat and pacy. I liked a lot of what I saw from Theo as well, quite matured and effective.
RVP, Chamakh, Arshavin all looked rather off the pace. Arshavin had a couple of brilliant moments though — the excellent run and a through ball.
Hope whatever knock Arteta has picked up is not too serious, assuming Arteta plays next week this would be my team:
Woj – Gibbs, TV5, Kos, Jenk — Song, Arteta, Cazorla — Gervinho, Podolski, Theo.
Giroud, Ox, Diaby as the three first target substitutes.
If Arteta is not fit would start with Ox rather than Diaby. Maybe a bit unfair on Diaby but the Ox-Cazorla combination play was really impressive.
GT @ 350 : The full match should be available in Arsenal Player by Monday morning UK time, as it typically does. As much as the goals – which were all excellent — some of the other movements that didn’t add to the scoreline (Cologne keeper made a few good saves) were equally impressive. Some very creative pass-and-movement. Haven’t seen us play that well in pre-season for a while now.
Hey you guys, what say we dedicate this game to Holic and the Management. I’ll raise my glass, won’t you join me. See you later.
abb @ 355: Consider me joining you in your dedication and glass raised.
Looking forward to this great blog and the lively discussions afterwards for the new season as much as the games.
What Doctor said, I have risen my glass so many times in the course of last three days that I will gladly do it once more along with you abb 🙂
Thanks Eandy and Dr Faustus. Holic, we miss you and are thinking of the lovely Management, hope all is ok.
fumar @ 351: Thanks mate.. Why was the second half crap?
I might be in the minority to criticize Gervinho here. His goal was very nice, but he’s such a black hole. The ball goes in and never comes back out. He could have easily set up Podolski for a hat trick if he would have lifted his head up.
@359 … The second half was played at a walking pace
@ neiuwleven 360: You called Gerv a Black Hole? Expect to hear from the FA mate 🙂
nei @ 360: Don’t think Gerv is particularly a greedy player — he had a few important assists last season — but it is just that his decision making in the final third can do with some improvement. There are times when he goes for a pass too many where a direct attempt would have been more effective. This could be a very good season for him.
Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, we’ve got the best midfield in the PL.
By far.
SG @ 364 — Yes only if Song stays (hopefully), Diaby remains fit (hopefully!), and Rosicky and Jack are back soon (please !)…then there is an amazing depth, competition for places and positional versatility …
GT @359: No mate, was just joking. The guy who recorded it hadn`t uploaded it yet.
Here it goes: http://hotfile.com/dl/166618956/9387e22/12082012KolnvsArsenal2dot.flv.html
Have to say, I thought the team that we brought up in the second half approached nowhere near the level of cohesion, so apparent in the first.
Speaking of midfield, how is the situation about the M’Villa guy anyway? *nudges Snir* 🙂
Steve T
You didn’t have to wait for the first Premier league game to hear the boos 😉
ABB@325: glad at least one person in is bar is certified. The rest of us are just certifiable…
– is
+ this
An ice cold one please Ollie 🙂
Not sure what one can take from the attacking moves in this game. Premier league defending is deeper and harder than what Cologne produced, but I did like the straightness of our back four. Bould making his mark.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Goonertown is incorrect.
The club DID try to extend his contract but he wouldn’t sign.
Stop blaming the club for his refusal to renew his contract.
Goonertown:
“We have ourselves to blame if he goes. He’s entitled to do as he Pleases.”
Explain this. He refused to renew his contract. He would not take the increased wages we offered.