A Game Of Two Halves? You Bet It Was
Sep 18th, 2012 by 'holic
So the plan is, if you are going to get involved in a game of two halves, be the team that bosses the second half to avoid any questions being asked of you afterwards. In that respect Montpellier will be pleased with their Champions League bow. Lest we forget those of us who punted on an Arsenal victory tonight trousered a few bob.
The first half, it is fair to say, went with possession. We suffered an unexpected jolt when the skipper made an early challenge under the nose of the ‘Platini’ official and although the penalty award looked a touch soft you couldn’t really argue it with any conviction. If we had got it we would have smiled, agreed, and taken the kick. Vito dropped to his right knee and was humbled by a ‘Panenka’.
Two goals in two minutes restored equilibrium in the universe. First a Diaby, Cazorla, Giroud, Podolski advance straight through the middle of the home defence saw the LFG add to his reputation and his growing tally of Arsenal goals. The mobile Gervinho made it three in two starts when getting on the end of a Jenkinson cross two minutes later and the calculators were being unsheathed. How many more goals would we see?
Frankly in what remained of the half the only threat posed by the French champions came from the serious case of imbalance suffered by Cabella. Time and again he hit the deck in spectacular fashion and that inner ear infection would cost his side later on. Thankfully the referee, although loathe to produce the yellow card with the ease that he had in the opening twenty seconds to Diaby, was seemingly aware of the little man’s problem.
Throughout halftime I was hoping we would not go past my 1-3 prediction too early. I wanted a run for my money. I needn’t have worried. If Montpellier had been tentative in the opening period, and they were, they made the second half their own with a very impressive display of pace and passion. It was to our eventual relief that they lacked the quality up top to make the most of a very determined show after the break.
Such was the effort they put in we started to visibly tire midway through the half in key areas. Diaby more than most, and not surprisingly, started to feel the pace. A weary challenge on the aforementioned Cabella could have produced both a second yellow, and a second penalty for the hosts. This time the victim‘s willingness to plunge to earth counted against him in the referees eyes, and rightly so I feel.
That is not to say there were not other close calls though, and Mannone will have been delighted that the scorer of the penalty, Belhanda, planted what looked like a straightforward chance into the ‘keeper’s arms with just ten minutes remaining.
We survived, and over the course of ninety minutes edged the contest because we had finishers and they, on the evidence of tonight, didn’t. Those who like a cliche or two will want to see me type if winning when not playing so well is the mark of a good side then we looked world-class tonight. Others will want to see more from the side. At the end of the night my saving grace was a punt on Arsenal to win, in the words of the Who, anyway, anyhow, anywhere.
We did it. Let’s leave it there.
213 Responses to “A Game Of Two Halves? You Bet It Was”
Pint please.
Back into the premiership?
Bit concerned by how tired some of our players looked tonight – we’re normally a very fit team.
3 points away though – result before performance. We can do the glamorous stuff at home.
I saw that
Thought belhanda looked a good player. Mont completely dominated the 2nd period, it was a bit of a nothing showing from arsenal who appeared a little bit tired. I’m not quite sure what this arsenal team are all about, they definately don’t keep the ball as well as a team and they concede a lot more possession. In actual fact all they really seem to do is scrape over the line picking up the odd point or maybe 3 against particularly mediocre opposition. If the other big game tonight is anything to go by then they could be facing a one sided wwe style beat down at the hands of man city, kind of like the time when Yokozuna used to sumo his opponents to the floor and then sit on their faces with his big fat arse suffocating them.
Well in zico. I must be returning to my George Graham roots. A win away from home in Europe. I don’t understand why there’s so much damnably faint praise around the place. You don’t get to play champagne football for 90 minutes of any match. In the same way, you don’t play really well 50-odd times per season.
P5 W3 D2 L0 F10 A2 in all competitions. Enjoy. Don’t look for negatives.
To quote Pepys, “and so to bed…”. Night all.
COYG ICDDR
Stuck at work. Got the game and the highlights recorded. Do I brave the full match or stick with the shortened version?
“Time and again he hit the deck in spectacular fashion and that inner ear infection would cost his side later on.”
Hah! Pint o’ Guinness, please.
@5
JG,
Pretty sure Manc’s lost. And if going by their performance against Southampton as compared to ours, I would say its our Arse that is sitting on Manshity’s face. I guess that’s why you play the games.
Did we look jaded? Yep. Probably could have used some more rotation and earlier substitutions. Ah well, an away win in the CL, I’ll take it every time. You better you better you bet!
Good report, Holic.
I have say that apart from the sitter that they missed in the second half I wasn’t ever really worried. Sure, lots of possession but very little in the way of chances created. Now we’ve got plenty of time to rest for Sunday.
2-1 Arsenal, three points in the bag and if we win our home games in the group we’re through. I’m very happy with that.
Right, off to bed…
Missed a 10 minute period including Diaby’s surging run, happy with the 1st half, need to watch the 12 min highlight package to make more judgements.
But still, woo-hoo! 3 points, top of Group B baby! (I think) π
Bring on Man Citβ¬h 8)
Short version, Steve π
Definitely agree with Zico. All that mattered in this game was that the team took three points in their opening fixture in the group. That it was away all the sweeter. On to the weekend!
Holic, Don’t know why I get so easily side tracked by your titles, but I do. You see when you said “A game off two halves”, it made me think of “A Tale of Two Cities.” Which then made me think of the opening line,’It was the best of times, it was the worst of times’. Kinda sums up our performance tonite. A happy ending to this tale. Thank you for keeping a proper perspective.
usual anti arsenal comments we won they lost any other team it would be good battling perfofmance
Can’t Explain,!!
The diff between 2 halves.
Good in the first,average in the 2nd.
But never underestimate how hard it is to win away from home in the CL,particularly early in the campaign.
I think we were caught in 2 minds,to defend our lead in the 2nd half or keep on attacking.
let’s also remember that several of the boys had been round the world and back in the past 11 days, for some this was there 4th game in that period,and i think that showed towards the end.
Monty had nothing to lose,threw everything at us in the 2nd half,but we survived,with a bit of good fortune.
I won’t comment on induividual performances because it is a team game,and each member played their part.
Apart from the Gobby Pole in Goal,and possibly the OX for Giroud,this will be the team Arsene trusts to do the job at City.
Winners are grinners,and the rest can please themselves.
Cheers
The Sweeper.
sure it was. the only negative to the second half, and thus the game, was our inability to keep the ball better. it was a battling, professional performance. top of the group, undefeated in the league…nice.
Scruz,
I looked up Felton. You live like 12 miles from my sister-in-law. She lives of Summit Road.
If I get down there some time soon we should definitely grab a pint!
In the mean time, a virtual one is on the bar.
Nearly getting drunk now, but like the threadbare style with which the team held on, my guinness is held at ransom from bottle to glass then to my sack, hehehe. From paper to chances to results. And to you goonerholic, like your title says, I’ve got a head of two instincts “invincibles II” || “hold on boy, don’t ‘arry”.
Ok, sleeping & smilling, what it should always be.
FG
In the last set of drinks, I just said thank you.
That was a game and a half π
cheers, norcal. which side of 17? and a pint back atcha, any time you’re down one here has your name on it…
She’s lives on the East side. Opposite of you ( I think). By the Christmas tree farm.
What a day. Took a day off from work because Kurtis (lovely chap from NYC Arsenal) had warned us that there could be a special guest today.
Rumors spread that it could be Pat Rice. I decided that a vacation lost could well be worth it.
Thanks to the NJ transit delays I missed the first 10 minutes of the game. Blind Pig was packed by then. Two lovely goals from our team and we were back to business.
The only MNP player who really impressed me was their captain.
Voices were in good numbers and we sang all the regular chants . Including are you Tottenham in disguise when that guy missed that point blank chance.
And then came the BIGGGG Moment.
Pat Rice came in. We were so thrilled. And he was such an amazing person. So humble.
I dont know how to explain to you guys who see the team in person every week. But for someone like me, who has followed the team for a decade now but never really got a chance to meet anyone in person.. this was a special special special moment. (I had gone for the TH14 event ) but to see a legend such as PAt Rice up close and personal – was sometihng totally different.
He was kind enough to have his picture clicked with me. He also signed my jersey..
Now I know what heaven feels like….
norcal, precisely. i drove by there the other day on the way to a woodworker’s gathering.
sajit, i must say, your soft, gentle, reflective tone certainly shows your feelings for having met pat…and i cannot tell you how much i envy meeting him. congratulations, and a pint of your pleasure on the bar, on lars…
Sounds like a good day Sajit. Cheers.
Cheers guys. Thank you.
I had prepared some stuff to talk to him and ask him when I met him. But my knees were shaking when I approached him.
All I did was mumble something.
That’s excellent stuff Sajit
The Sweeper knows at #16.
Holic, Who-tastic. As our generation would say, you better, you better you bet. Good substitutes tonight? Overall, I’m a happy Jack. π
Oh, and hopefully Tommy won’t get fooled again.
ts, i think the love is reigning o’er sajit right about now, and not from a quick one (while he’s away). we’re all riding the magic bus (aka the happy train), and i’d have to figure the kids are alright after tonight…
I need this sanity after plunging in to le moan. Thanks ‘holic
azzberg. Why would you plunge into le moan? Are you sane? π
I think it’s time to sleep. 3 points. Happy.
Night night Ollie.
That was winning ugly, but there are no ugly wins. The Club doesn’t win that game last year…it is a tie. At best.
Didn’t know Arteta had such a cynical streak. Nice.
What was with the pitch…tearing on every hard cut?
I missed a series of games last winter and never understood why Wenger was suspended after the home Milan game…I gather he got after an official, but why did he get after the official?
Diaby held the ball too long again tonight. He gets hurt doing that.
Even though Giroud isn’t scoring he is working really hard. I like that.
Theo does need to come back. How about a start on Sunday?
Goal line technology, don’t go there! Almost all calls are correct, don’t create stoppages. Review has ruined American football for me and is ruining basketball. Make the call and move on. Keep the game moving.
Great story Sajit! I’m envious as well. I think if I came across anyone that connected to the club I would be arrested for acting like a freakazoid.
With regards to the game, I must say that all I care about is 3 points. Whether it’s “Winning ugly like Champions do” or “Riding our luck in a game we shouldn’t have won” depends on which tabloid you dare to read. City lost yet they are branded as “adventurous and courageous”. Pfft. How many points do they have in the CL again? Exactly. A win’s a win. Let’s hope everyone recovers in time for Sunday’s massacre of the c**ts in skyblue!
UTA
[…] away with the result – despite the second half performance. Β As Goonerholic points out,Β if you are going to get involved in a game of two halves, be the team that bosses the second half to…. Β That said, some people are just never satisfied. Β In the recent past we’d have drawn, or […]
Odds on people saying “we wouldn’t have won that last season” despite winning the most points from losing positions??
Guys, I can gladly tell you, that I’ve switched to Guinness and am now a hardcore fan of the beer π
People already have Snir π
Welcome to the world of Guinness my friend. Watch out for the pot belly though!
Morning all,
Nice one scruz @ #30. Nothing wrong with a bit of Who-punnery. Was rather surprised not to see Steve T join in.
A morning after thought on last night: We’ll play better this season and lose so I’m really going to enjoy three delicious CL away points and trust that on Sunday, an invigorated Arsenal squad will turn up to face a (hopefully) demoralized Man City team with a gobby goalie (cf Clive) who has hopefully been slapped by his manager and will help us on to an unfancied away win.
COYRRRs!!!
A win is a win!
I’m with the sweeper, our players looked very tired the near the end of the second half.
Morning all. I wake up this morning with no more patience for nay-sayers, and well… yes… but…-sayers than I had last night. We won. End of.
COYG ICDDR
The positive from that game last night was that the team learned to win the game in the first half and defend a lead in the second.
The way they went about preying for an equaliser and then a lead was inspiring.
We lacked mental strength a few seasons ago, so last nights tactics were better late than never!
Cups of tea all round to freshen up the British this morning barman!
π
Guinness… :/
Maybe its because I’ve only experienced it bottled, but I just didn’t see the appeal π
Is it only me or is Steve Bould too fond of using word “fabulous?” π
Guinness is the bomb Wind! As far as I’m concerned, either bottle or draught is fine by me. Maybe when you’re tired of (or should that be “able to”?) drinking lager beer you’ll see the appeal.
Lots of iron to be had in that as well 8)
You know you want to be drinking what Shaft drinks!
Have only seen the highlights once. Someone explain to me how that was a penalty? I thought we took our 2 goals well and I loved what it meant to podolski when he scored. If Gerv continues like that I can see why Theo had not signed. He may struggle to get a game.
3 points from a tricky away tie in the champs lge. Not something to moan about.
Bring on Shity, that’s what I say.
Not really buzzing after the win, a game of two halves, we were walking a tight rope in the second half. My skin crawled everytime Belhanda and the Cabella guy (this guy put Arteta to work!) were on the ball. Mapou yanga-mbiwa, well, i now know why he is highly rate
Sajit, u are the few lucky ones
Next! Oh, the Mancs…b-OIL-k!
Top stuff Sajit
Bonjour
Comment ca va Ollie? How’s Belgium?
Good good.
Looks sunny out there today.
Enjoy the rays man, rainy as hell over here π
By the way, I found a pretty cool video by Remi Gaillard on youtube. Pretty fun to watch and a new Gunner makes a guest appearance!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BURnfFozfO4
Anyone else noticed Giroud wasnt just winning his aerial duels? He was knocking it down to his teammates,every single time he got his head on the ball he made sure to direct it towards a teammate,and his pass for Podolski’s goal required vision and grit from him. Anybody who thinks he isnt a good player is obviously not a good analyst.
Triffic Eandy, just triffic.
Good result – job done. Excellent determination shown despite seriously tired players late on. Work still to be done at Colney. Progress.
No champagne but a cheeky little Sekt all round.
Cent
Giroud’s work off the ball is indeed very encouraging and I’m a fan already.
Ultimately, his career success will be judged on goals scored. He’s been employed to stick it in the back of the net so that’s what he must do and I’m sure he will start doing that sooner or later.
Cheers bath, don’t mind if I do.
Nice holic,hi lads and ladies great win last night how many times have we battered teams and been unlucky?gerv the swerve is really coming into his own now,seems to have an extra yard of pace to.hope big girou gets off the Mark soon they seemed to relish kicking the daylights out of him last night,for me he will come good and leads the line well but with the other false 9s getting off the mark how long will the boss give him?anyway I’m just happy to be off to work with 3 points in the bag while moneybags are licking there wounds.good day holics.
Ollie
Which one of the Gorams is ‘Good’ as opposed to ‘good’?
Cent @56
By the Numbers on Arseblog News report he won 8 aerial duels, his marker won 0 fairly. Giroud only lost 3 in which he was fouled.
This fella has a future at Arsenal, no question. I just wish the goal hysteria would quieten down but I guess there is only one way.
Had to switch it off at nine because the Tivo was recording three things and needed the third tuner π
Sounds like I didn’t miss much though, and as I’ve been struck down with manflu the early night was handy.
Mancini moaning at Hart was funny on the highlights show on ITV.
Nonny
if you caught our first half performance, the Hart whinge/mini-rant, the Mancini ‘media-slap’ as well as man-flu then you had a productive evening.
GWS! Dr.C may prescribe an Aunty Beechams Slammer. Then again, he may not.
Cent – We will score a lot of goals from these knockdowns this season.
There was one particular one, which could have set Gervinho to a one on one with the last defender to beat but he was too slow to react.
He’s a magnificent player.
Ollie – Everybody is saying how he was booed against Belarus, but could it be boos for Valbuena (who replaced him) who plays for Marseille and the game took place in Paris (that was my initial thought process)?
TS – Manflu was almost the highlight of the day up to the kick off. Dealing with it with St Clements, paracetamol and cuddling up to an old dog. Roll on Sunday. I was even impressed with Girou last night and Podolski has swiftly banished the doubts..
Wow, if the second half didnt give me a heart attack then I ain’t getting one soon. I thought we played magnificently in the first half and got rewarded with two sumptuous goals. I thought their penalty was soft but good thing it didnt demoralize the team as we fought right back and got the two goals in quick succession.
Delia in the previous blog, I was joking about Montepelier having put something funny in our water at half time too:D I kept thinking that we would soak the pressure in the first 10 mins or so and run for it but it never happened, truth be told we looked like we were dead on our legs while the opposition looked like they had drunk something magical as they kept going on and on and on. We could really have used some fresh legs and early substitutions on this game.
A win is a win is a win so I am happy with the result even though we could have done much better for the second half.
No 5 comment what do you want for this team? We are damned if we do and damned if we dont,win ugly it is “they got lucky” win pretty and it is “the opposition wasnt good enough” from where I am standing I’d rather we get the points even when we are playing like shit.
No 64 Mancity should thank their lucky stars, the fact that they didnt concede before half time has alot to do with Hart who kept them in the game, at some point I thought Real would rue their chances, glad it didnt come to that, nothing better than kicking a dog when it is down, hope city will be demoralized when we meet them on Sunday.
the team won the game without having to push themselves to the limit, this is what experienced teams do, they get the points and reserve some fuel in the tank and without any major injuries. with city away coming up I was expecting the team to ease off a little, even a draw would’ve been enough. To dominate every game for 90 is simply impossible if you do that you run the risk of a burn out and when it comes to the crunch you have nothing left in the tank. Job well done I say.
Morning Holics
Said my piece late in the previous blog. I am very relieved that the projected hangover hasn’t materialised , amazing considering the amount of alcohol consumed in the second half. Luck I guess!
As always COYRs
TS@59 Agreed up to a point.
Giroud’s career success will likely be judged on the number of goals he scores.
However, there’s a case for saying he’s employed to help the team win football matches. If he does that by scoring, then fine. If for some reason he can’t do that but contributes by winning balls in the box, providing final passes to colleagues or whatever, then that’s fine too.
Ultimately, it doen’t really matter since we all he’s going to start banging in goals left, right and centre real soon now, and will be part of a successful, trophy-winning team.
COYG ICDDR
Well said Oxon π
Only the fickle go out & judge a striker on fulfilling his primary function of scoring goals, that’s what a good striker does, a great one does that and in addition assists the team in anyway he can, and that’s what Giroud is doing with his knock-downs and decisive passing. The goals, like the eventuality of aging, will come.
Afternoon all.
A game of two halves indeed, for myself a night of two halves. Just before kick off I wemt into internet lockdown, as predicted a number of punters wanted to view the BD v Ajax showdown, so I ofcourse oblidged but set down strict rules; There would be no mention of any other games takiing place, during the half time break the tv was to be switched off and at the full time whistle too, to avoid gaining knowledge of the outcome in France, I even turned off my telephone to block updates via sms, the web and whatsapp, good thing too, because when I turned it back on I had a good two dozen messages retaining to the result. Contracts were drafted and signed (in blood) and the Ajax game was watched. I predicted that they’d take a good beating but they actually did quite well, but ze Germans did what ze Germans do and scored in the 86th minute to break Dutch hearts.
Somehow I managed to make it through to 2am totally oblivious to what had transpired, so after a quick clean up I headed behind to watch the recorded match. At time of typing, behalf from ‘holics report above, I haven’t read any reports (or drinks) retaining to the game, so here’s how I saw it;
The first half I thought we slightly edged, although they weren’t that bad. In their ranks they had Bellendha, Paris’ brother and the guy from CHiPs, but their best player was surprisingly wearing a different colour shirt and had a whistle and a yellow card like object that he only managed to keep concealed for approx half a minute before having the need to let Diaby have a look at it too. Strangely he didn’t feel the need to show any of his team said yellow object until much later in the game even though some really asked for it.
Their goal, as you all know came from the penalty spot, I couldnΒ΄t believe that that tackle merited a spot kick, even after the replays I thought it was dubious at best, but it was a well taken kick, balls of steal to do that chippy thing, 1~0 to PrattiniΒ΄s team. Our responce was swift and decisive and before too long it was 2~1 gunners, the rest of the half was played out with us prettty much in control.
The next 45 saw us struggle as the French team dominatated possession and they can consider themselves very unfortunate that they didnΒ΄t get anything from the game. I felt we rode our luck for way too long and I was literaly screaming at the TV for Bould to ring the changes. Diaby looked like an accident waiting to happen, twice relinquishing possession in dangerous areas and that was a penalty when he clumbsely tackled that guy in the box, we would of been screaming blue murder if it happened at the other end. I also thought Gerv looked a little jaded around the hour mark, but fair play to him, he kept running. Somehow the scoreline remained the same and we go into the next game with three points on the board.
A great result, made all the better because if weΒ΄re really honest we werenΒ΄t at our best, but IΒ΄m sure none of the players will be overly concerned about the performance as in the end getting victory away in a CL game is an extreamly difficult thing to do, yet, mission accomplished.
Forgot to add…
I thought Arteta was massive, what a player.
Back drinky time.
There was me ,floundering about looking for some direction , and I could just have popped in here.
Will Gervinho play CF against City? My thoughts are that I hope so. But then again ,I would play Arshavin .So what do I know?
Nice read again Holic.
H2H. You spot on about Arteta, who turned a many many potentially negative situations right around in our favor.
Any player with as much experience should know and be ready for the completely different rules employed by Champions League officials regarding what constitutes a foul and/or a penalty. The penalty conceded by Vermaelen goes uncalled several times in just about every Premier League game. Since it happened in the first ten minutes I’m wondering if Vermaelen remembered which league he was playing in., but it shouldn’t have been that hard, having travelled to Montpellier, France. France, as in a foreign country ….
@5
In actual fact all they really seem to do is scrape over the line picking up the odd point or maybe 3 against particularly mediocre opposition…………
A bit harsh that, not sure what more you expect, maybe you should stick to the fixed inviroment of the wwe, were victory is a lot better cheoreographed.
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Nice story Sajit, good for you.
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No *boilk* Delhia? No hangover? Tut, tut, you really must try harder. π
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I also thought that our full backs equiped themselves well, great experience for two very young lads that will only make them better.
Plus (no 5) on what evidence of yesterdays matches leads you to conclude that we will recieve a “slapdown” from the oily gits.
As far as I can see, with 5 minutes remaining in both games, Citeh and Arsenal were leading 2-1, yet Arsenal came home with 3 points and Citeh have none.
You all, Jamie Galvin @ #5 is a Citizen Fan. With the upcoming game against Citeh, we can expect more of them to drop in for a drink. Rolling my eyes. Speaking of which, Pedro snubbed me at Le Grove, just a simple invite and he ‘erased’ it. I didn’t break any of their ‘rules’, guess he felt threatened by the mere mention of our bar. Imagine that! Sajit, delightful piece (saw Pat’s sunburned face on Twitter). As for the game, truly was surprised that Kos was not utilized. Rotation is not a bad concept. Problem now is I fully expect AW to use Per against Citeh, so I must be patient (I miss our Kos!).
‘holic, you’re not the only one cursing our failure to win 3-1
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/unlucky-punter-misses-108k-one-goal-092701985.html
Thanks guys..Still buzzing.
As I said in previous drinks, I believe this was our toughest game in the CL, and the fact that we came back with 3 points is nothing but exceptional.
Just a little worried that some of the players look knackered. (Santi for ex)
Dunno if this was posted earlier but simply the best song ever
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShvJT5_ogCI
ABB, please, we don’t need that sort in here.
Please make sure you go through the regular de-tox proceduers.
Sajit- TUUUUUUUNE!
Back home yesterday (delay because of missus treatment – getting better slowly thanks for good wishes you all)
then find speeding ticket from pont d’aquitaine – Ollie -watch out if you are coming back,
and then only poor streams for match
Given Steve Bs comments on tiredness, why didnt he put subs on sooner – its all very good to consider the next match but if someone is then too tired to even be on the bench, isnt that a risk too far?
Arteta was immense in covering back and Santi baby can do no wrong
Great write-up, goonerholic
@ 10 The Sweeper
Great comments
@ 20 Goonertown
You’re welcome!
@ 46 Eandy
Is it only me or is Steve Bould too fond of using word βfabulous?β
Sorry, sweetie but it’s just not possible to overuse that word.
@ Sajit
Lovely story – lucky you! However often you’ve seen someone you admire on telly, it’s always so much more overwhelming to meet them in real life.
**
I’m not expecting Giroud to get going until Christmas – I have a feeling he will step in after Gerve the Swerve goes to the ACN.
**
@ 61 garsguns
great win last night how many times have we battered teams and been unlucky?
So true – we’re finally starting to get “winners’ luck”, now. I was thinking to myself the other day that perhaps AW had a dream like Joseph’s, but the other way around, and we were fated to have seven years of bad luck followed by seven years of good luck.
@ 80arsabeatbarca
I hope you showered well after visiting that place…
Nice report Holic, not much to add to what you and others have said. My stream played up yesterday, so for large parts of the game it felt like I was watching it through an opaque bathroom window.
With that in mind i would just say the following :-
– I didn’t think their pen was a penalty. Like SteveT and H2H all I saw was a slight coming together involving minimal contact and a bloke throwing himself to the floor. On the other hand I thought we were very lucky to get away with Diaby’s challenge in the closing minutes, a tired tackle made with the wrong leg and where the contact was sufficient for the bloke to go down.
– Agree with those who have lauded Arteta’s performance.
– Very good in the first half, controlled the game to a large extent and looked cohesive, fluent and committed.
– Not so good second half, but on my viewing, nowhere near as bad as some commentators had us. As Lars said we gave up 2 clear chances and someone hit the bar with an outstanding chip. That is hardly being overrun. I never saw the sense of panic that characterised some of our defensive displays in 10-11 and at the start of last season.
-Tony Adams was pretty unwilling to give out any praise post match. Whilst I would be the first to welcome a young and fit Tony Adams into our side, I do think that his views last night were indicative of an increasingly revisionist attitude towards our previous defensive parsimony. TA is on record as saying that the finest defensive display of his era was against Parma in the 94 final. I don’t dispute that for one second, but even in that game we still gave up a number of chances and at times were extremely fortunate not to concede. My point is that even the best defences need a fair wallop of luck, and last night we got that. Plenty of times when we haven’t been favoured by fortune so don’t knock it.
-If one were to be hyper critical, I thought we ceased to have any attacking ambition far too early in the game (65 mins?), and possession became an exercise in keep ball rather than any real attempt to threaten the Montpelier goal. As others have said this was pretty indicative of tired bodies and probably tired minds and I felt substitutions might have been made far earlier than they were.
-Still, it doesn’t matter. We won, and as The Sweeper wisely said “winners are grinners”. 3 very good points, and onwards to Manchester.
– H2H “Bellendha” π
True story- what Oxon said @ 71
Bath Gooner- well said.
Snir Geuli-he also gives the defense the confidence of clearing the ball upfield when under pressure.
If Woj is fit again on Sunday, it will be very interesting to see who we play up at Middle Eastlands. Mannone has developed enormously just in these past few weeks and maybe it’s all about confidence? While I have always rated Szczesny much higher than Mannone and still believe Woj has the capacity to be one of the very best, he does at the moment seem to be a bit low on confidence. I thought playing Woj on Saturday was the right decision, but assume we play him on Sunday and he cocks up again – how will Mannone react to that? Will he feel that it’s no use whatever he does and perform less well again and we are stuck with two keepers low on confidence? Then again, Arsene could also say to him “ok Vito, I’m giving Szczesny one last chance but unless he plays a blinder you’re the number one from now on” which he would probably have no problems with.
Hmm…
Lars- i think it will take more than two cock-ups in two weeks for Arsene to drop Woj permanently,if he indeed does cock-up again and Manone gives up because we kept faith in him i’d say Manone lacks the patience and profesionalism required to play football at the very top. It’s a tough decision for Arsene though.
Lars, I don’t think AW should say anything like that to Vito, who is in a competition with Szczesny every week over who is no. 1.
Just finished watching the “When I was young” feature on Arsenal Player about Mannone and I came away thinking he’s not the sharpest tack in the box. Favorite school subjects: P.E. and Drawing. Least favorite: Math (“I still hate it.”) Well, Vito young man I think it’s time to work on your geometrical angles.
abb @ 80, unlucky, pedro is a anti-arsenal prick, nuff said.
Nonny @ 81, unbelieveable bad luck X_X
Sajit @ 83, great song, gonna go listen to it again! π
And also, lovely story, I can relate to being speechless in front of an arsenal legend π *looks away wistfully in memory*
Haha, actually I am not ‘Still Backdrinking’, forgot to change the name on this Computer :p
I would say if Szczceny is not exactly 100% ( don’t let Vito do the math), then I would hold him out this week. Vito has not played poorly at all. And an injured Szczceny who makes a mistake may be worse off if his confidence stays in the crapper because he played hurt.
ABB, I knew that it was a manc glory hunter @5. I just thought one quick retort was the least he deserved.
Two halves make a pint, which is a full glass in my book.
Cent@90, good points.
@Wind
I swear, that song is so addictive… Ive been humming it all day.. π
*Looking for a run into the box*
Sends in a wicked cross
Boom!
Tabs it
(Back-drinking with much more pleasure after the century.)
Thanks for the triple assist Sajit.
Lurky,
You lurky devil! π
Ahh I’m still rusty from 5 weeks off, the attack passed me by! π
Ollie-esque cross Sajit (the song might be my new ringtone mate! :D), and lovely lurk Oliva, but the plaudits have to go to false number ‘tabs’ H2H with the 101 8)
Lots of negativity around the Manchester mercenaries. Hart criticizes the team, Mancini criticizes Hart, Aguero talking about playing for Real.
Sounds like a bunch of individuals not a team. Let’s hope we can add to that this weekend. let’s keep that ball rolling!
Evening all, I suppose Eboue’s presence just about swings the Old Trafford game on the box tonight?
Good choice of highlights, interviews of Vermaelen, Podolski and Bould, and analysis by Adams, Hoodle and Wilkins. Highlight of highlights: Bould’s answer to the question, Did you enjoy your night as manager?
(Answer, without batting an eye: It gives you a headache, that’s for sure.)
Eboue to score. At least one. π
No Bentner for Juve, not even on the bench. Such a shame for TGSTEL:)
I don’t know if I mentioned earlier, but, tonight I am Juve fan.
Forza Juve!
The link for those highlights mentioned above:
http://tinyurl.com/9r9ksjl
Holic, Eboue it is!
Less than a minute in and an away player is brought down in the penaly area at Old Trafford. Not very surprisingly, the dildo-waving cunt who had a clear view of it from five yards was not very interested in making Alex Ferguson angry by having the temerity to make a correct call.
Hey all just checking in.
Nice one FG
Sajit
Sounds like a good evening.
As for that song you posted it kinda reminded me of another. I think it was posted here a year ago and noticed my mates younger cousin in the video. Basically they are a UK rap group and here, one of the members’ goes in solo on the mic about the mighty Arsenal.
To all those who’ve already seen this, here it is again. To all of those who haven’t had a chance to see it yet, enjoy:
http://youtu.be/lXAZJ28s1rU
As for my mate? he’s a chavski! Nuff said!
Watching the chavs game. I struggled to watch Eboue when he was an Arsenal player. Not going to put myself through it again now.
He has reminded us of why we outed him Steve, but at just 1-0 there is yet hope.
I don’t doubt that for one second holic. Chavs first goal very lucky. Second I hate to say was real class.
That’s two clear penalties for Galatasaray not given. π
Galatasaray are rubbish at defending, but I can’t say Man U look particularly impressive in that regard either. Two Gala shots have touched the outside of the woodwork with De Gea well and truly beaten and with the penalty they weren’t given it wouldn’t have taken very much for them to be at least level with ManU.
That Dutch guy has, by the way, hardly touched the ball so far. This does of course mean he will score the winning goal in the fifth of the three added minutes.
Steve T: in that case I think you made the right decision. Like the Holic says, he has reminded us of why he was shipped out. This first half has been like a greatest hits compilation (but in a negative way) – playing the scorer onside while waving his arm instead of defending, tripping on his own feet while trying to allow the ball to run out for a goal kick and instead giving away a corner, generally running around like a headless chicken, making incomprehensible arm/hand gestures etc etc. The only thing he didn’t do was his trademark pathetic dives…
OK, Lars you are right the second “penalty” was not even in the area. My bad.
Lars: Re his “trademark pathetic dives” you haven’t seen the second half yet. π
In all honesty though, I’m sorry to hear you guys are so down on the guy. π
8ball, I did say “this first half”, there’s still about 35 minutes to go π
And I actually quite like the guy. Always works hard and seems like a genuinely nice fella, but he is incredibly inconsistent as a player and his diving is a part of his game I have never liked.
Oooh, another one off the outside of the woodwork for the Turks!
Heh Ninny missed a penalty.
Great piece Holic’, as ever.
Only really want to say that when Utd put in a performance like that it is “the stuff of champions”.
Read as much into that as you will π
Lurky, drink of your choice. Hi peeps. Took a shower π
Lars. Do you think Eboue could give RVP a cheeky little dig on that ankle?
Juve even it up!
He just had his chance Steve, but shook his hand instead.
RvP yellow and subbed.
Witnessing Bayern completely outclassing Valencia, german efficiency at its best, Kroos’ goal for 2-0 was stuff of beauty.
I wish that German efficiency from Bayern had been at its best back in May!
Well done Juve. A lovely finish from a Q-can’tevenbothertospell guy.
Bring on ManC. Can’t wait till Sunday.
Liverpool fans must have watched Juve this night and thought there is hope for them as regards getting back into the Champions league,in other news Geoff Shreeves was last seen headed to Merseyside with printed copies of the league table in hand.
So, The consensus at the bar is that the lads looked ‘tired’ last night. Good, we all agree on something! Now Gooner Terry has put forth (in the past) an interesting proposition, which could be the answer to player fatigue. Remember he talked about teaming up players who practise with each other, as a specialized unit. Rotation could be almost seamless, something to think about. A lifeline to extend to well deserving players who just want a chance to play and rest others who need it.
We got the best result out of the English teams, yet we get the most shit.
Madness isn’t it Snir?
Eboue prior to united game
βThis game has inspired me to destroy Manchester United tomorrow. If I start, I would score and dance.βI am going to make Manchester United players eat grass tomorrow after so much beating.β
he made laugh. Eboue Arsenal legend.
not impressed with any team so far. i guess its still early. i hope it is our year in europe.
To win our first group game away to the French Champions – what’s there not to love about that? Fuck anybody who wants to make a negative out of that…
ABB: She knows ..
π
Oh Gooner Terry, just thinking about you! I know I didn’t give your theory justice, but I always belived it made sense.
The thought of Terry, Lampard, Cole etc etc etc drove me to the ManUre game hoping for a bit of Eboue magic.
Didn’t bother with that much of it but Eboue’s play acting was embarrassing.
Almost as bad was van Pursestring’s first touch, resulting in him being subbed for CheekyRita or whatever he calls himself these days.
This on the back of the news that Slur Chewy McPurplenose has to do an ‘Arsene’ in the January transfer window, and make at least a Β£4million profit. The coffers at the Theatre of Dreams are evidently empty. π
Has old Chewy extended his admonishments of Hillsborough songs, to those directed at Arsene for the last 15 years.
That is in no way intended to cheapen the issue of Hillsborough, by the way. I opted for the Channel 5 documentary on Hillsborough tonight, which graphically portrayed the contents of TABS’ epic post of last week.
Shocking beyond belief.
Without going over too much well covered ground again, the pictures of the melee at those gates literally made me cold, as someone who has been to semi-finals at that ground.
It is possible to have some sympathy for the officer who ordered that gate to be opened, in so far as it was a decision, and indeed a terrible mistake, made by someone exercising authority beyond his experience.
The subsequent conspiracy to cover up the truth of the events that followed, by the health / ambulance service as well as the South Yorkshire Police force, is the thing that is disgraceful and unbelievable.
TABS, apologies for repeating a little of the gist of your post, but those pictures tonight were haunting.
I’m fortunate in that my memory of that tragedy had faded before tonight.
Many, who lost partners and their children that day, have not been so lucky.
His name is Chicarito, Trev.
It’s Spanish for Little Pea-nus.
π
H2H,
You showed incredible nous with your “nus”!
π
Last year there was the great Mancini-Tevez battle royale, which Mancini won in the end. Now another one seems to be shaping up between Mancini and Hart. Who will have to stand down this time??
This from today’s BBC article:
“You can’t go 2-1 up with five minutes to go and lose the game,” Hart said. “We can only blame ourselves.”
But Mancini responded: “I agree but I think Joe Hart should do his job. I can criticise the team not Joe Hart.”
The Italian added: “Joe Hart should stay as goalie. I am the judge, not Joe Hart.”
Of course, Tevez is back in the team now so maybe he really won last year’s battle royale(?)
Our savior
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULUERtSdMu0&feature=youtu.be&continue_action=n0UBnQr52wkvpUg5c-YlHYE348t71JyuwRm0t3An-lxK3wdN8fOoXUpZrJM7HzM9gKCZXy-IyVieVuCR-zeq6aBASlSAtCde-4dh2U9d8ck=
Please add the = to your address bar after pressing the link.
And you REALLY WANNA WATCH THIS!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrQf_voR9LU
A story of a legend – Dennis Bergkamp.
And this – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ_MaGEFH8g&feature=player_embedded
A Wrighty documentary.
Youtubing back to the glory days, eh Snir?
Jebus, we REALLY must win something this year…else we will be overrun wil nostagia. π
BMBD
Actually a good article on Arsenal’s group prospects in the aftermath of Montpellier. The clever title is an all too easily made pun so Trev should like it. π
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/mannone-grateful-to-have-been-to-hull-and-back-8157276.html
For all the his fans, it’s a recap of everything you ever wanted to know about Eboue and lots more, including video of the man dancing with Felipe Melo after Galatasaray won the Turkish championship last year.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2205476/Emmanuel-Eboue-returns-England-Galatasaray.html?openGraphAuthor=%2Fhome%2Fsearch.html%3Fs%3D%26authornamef%3DAdam%2BShergold%2B
I have to say it looks like Felipe Melo is a better dancer, but I always thought Eboue couldn’t keep up with Adebayor either. π
Snir, you’re the man! I’m putting all of those vids on my Itouch for tomorrow’s long train ride to work π
@139: Hey Trev, I think I remember Slur Alex calling for an end to that Anti-Arsene chant last season but nothing happened. Manure fans are despicable. In any case, his unwillingness to do anything about it all these years has caused that situation so I think it’ll continue…
I can’t tell you how bad I want us to beat those cunts right in their Theatre of Shit. Hate them…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuP07Y9jClA
All 106 of TH’s assists for Arsenal
*boilk*
Biere de Belgique to blame Ollie? They make some real killers over there.
Lonestar 149….good job YouTube wasn’t around in the 60s…. You’d have a hard job finding 100 good assists over the whole decade π
Agree 100% we need new trophies to salivate over…this year could be the start of our new golden era.
Uplympian
That’s very mean spirited of you.!!
I’m sure the likes of Johnny Barnwell/George Eastham/Jimmy Mcleod/
David Court/Colin Addison/Tommy Coakley/David Jenkins,
and Danny Clapton,to name a few ghosts from the sixties,would not be too impressed reading your comments.!!
Cheers
The sweeper.
Funny you should mention David Court, Clive. Shook hands with him before the game on Saturday. He still works at the club.
The Sweeper& ‘Holic…..twas a little tongue in cheek. David Court was a decent player who although not the most skilful, gave 100 % every game. Came through the ranks boy & man – a good servant of the club. Now Georgie Eastham was a fantastic player who was normally 2 steps ahead of his team mates. Unfortunately he was slightly built and was kicked off the park by the physical teams of the day…I’m thinking of Leeds when they became a force – both meanings of the word.
David Jenkins was a half season wonder who we passed onto the LWC down the road with our compliments . Think it was an exchange deal…did we get Jimmy Neighbour in return?
Jimmy Macleod was a typically tricky Scottish winger quite exciting to watch. He was quietly transferred to the Villa as it was rumoured he was scoring both for Billy Wright (the manager) and his wife Joy as well.
Timers they be-a changing……
Itouch in the train?????
You used to get arrested for that.
H2H. Please speak for yourself and Don’t accuse me of that! π
I’m not a ventriloquist, 8Ball, I only ever speak for (and sometimes to) myself.
Uply @160 –
Think it was Jimmy Robertson we got in exchange for Jenkins.
H2H. Ventriloquist or not, it’s really more like the times did change, then continued and after that they kept on changing and then they changed again. If you insist that they still are changing I guess I’ll have to grant you one there, but it was 21 years ago (i.e., one generation plus one extra year in some terminologies) that this song came out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv-34w8kGPM
Wilshere is back in training, confirmed by Stuart MacFarlane on Twitter with photographic evidence to prove it!
…and about two minutes after I posted that, .con also confirms it:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/45081/arsenal-train-ahead-of-man-city-pictures
Wonder if Jack might even be on the bench for the cup game next week? Sure, he’ll only have trained about a week but why not give him a few minutes towards the end? He’ll need game time to get up to speed so why not start right away?
Afternoon all. Back from the beach.
Managed to get a small rendition of ‘you’re just a bus stop in Fulham’ in a pub yesterday, they loved it.
Bit colder here than down south, but the weather is OK.
Great news lar,fingers crossed he holds up,our midfield looks really strong this year.
At the moment our u18 squad would beat Coventry the way there playing,shocking this season,could see a midfield of the future play against cov,coq frimmers jack rambo anyone.
That very well be so, 8Ball, but nowadays;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otCpCn0l4Wo&feature=relmfu
===
Good news indeed Lars, but slowly and easy does it must be his reintrigation into the first XI.
===
Beach Ollie? Warm weather? It’s brass monkeys here, well it might not be as cold as I think, because less then 10 days ago I was in a hot place, so it5 may just seem colder. Where you at?
Welcome back Jack!!
A new signing!
A new number 10!
But easy does it to start young man.
Apologies for all the mistakes, my typing skills (used in the loosist sense of the word) seem to have abonded me today.
Although, now I think about, you lot are used to my usual standards so probably didn’t even notice.
Ho hum.
H2H: easy start, yes, but we are playing Coventry and one would assume that Jack has done a lot of fitness work before resuming full training. Also, in pre-season (which of course in many ways is where Jack is now) players quite often play games after a week or even less of training. I wouldn’t say it’s at all impossible that he’ll get ten minutes in the cup – especially if we find ourselves a coupe of goals ahead.
…but I don’t think we’ll see him with the first team for a few weeks yet. I’d say the first game after the October Interlull is a likely target for a subs appearance.
I was fortunate about 15 years ago to actually play against David Court in a charity game. He wad then a little barrel of a chap, although not something I would chastise the man for. I remember him jogging around in central midfield hitting 40/50 yard passes with either foot, and sticking each one on a sixpence. It was quite an interesting afternoon.
I like the Coventry plan Lars.
Steve, but did you play with proper width? π
Lars. It was back in my pre tubby days. I was an old fashioned left back. I only crossed the half way line on the very odd occasion. However, you will be pleased to know that I refused to venture too far inwards. I hugged that touch line as if it was a dear long lost friend.
H2H, I was in Montpellier for a few days π
Nice one Ollie.
an interesting article on soccer “fandom” in the usa: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/blog/_/name/relegationzone/id/262?cc=5901
in particular: “[Compared with other U.S. sports’ audiences, ] The U.S. soccer audience is also unique in Luker’s eyes. “It is a true community. The only group that comes close are college sports fans or followers of the Grateful Dead. They embrace soccer as a communal lifestyle as opposed to a personal experience or a community that only exists on gameday.”
with an “avid fanbase of 33 million people”, that’s a big community…
Interesting to hear Steve T, advocate on and off the pitch for width π
Made my day to hear about and see proof of Jack & Emmanuel being back on the ball (in Jack’s case anyway) And it also made me think about how we use our league cup games so effectively, primarily giving the youth a chance to shine but also for easing injured players back into the 1st team, did the trick for Vermaelen last season in the 4th Round against Bolton.
But on that thought, I’d prefer for JW10 to start in the 4th Round should we beat Coventry on Tuesday (we should ;)) rather than come on for 10 minutes at the end, feel like it would put less pressure on him to come right back into the team as every sensible Gooner knows that he’s not going to come back with his vs Barca form or even vs Aston Villa away, its gonna take some time for him to get back up to speed.
Frimmers and Wilshere in the middle along with Gnabry or someone in the 4th Round, that would be interesting… π
Barton starts tonight in Turkey, could be interesting….
Steve, I am happy to hear that you live as you learn! π
Guys… just in case youΒ΄re not pumped up enough already;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULUERtSdMu0&feature=youtu.be
Fantastic….
Sajit cool story, we have to meet up at the blind pig one day. Great place!
http://www.arsenal.com/assets/_files/scaled/498×389/sep_12/zp_152585776_SM_4976_F_9ACE4C_copy_9224.jpg?ic=2a7a20T
Who are these people?
Scruz,
Interesting article and good read about the sport here in America.
I agree that it is a generational change. My Father grew up playing American football, my grandfather it was baseball. I played soccer ( sorry for the use of that word) my whole life. My passion for the game was passed on to my kids. All three of them played it and only my daughter has stopped. It is their sport of choice. We watch some NFL and some college sports ( mostly from my alma maters), but mostly we watch soccer. The biggest problem for the MLS right now is the number of teams and the overall quality of play, but both are slowly improving.
As my children’s generation grows up it will again improve.
If you look at my generation and how many Americans were playing in Top leagues it was paltry. Now there are more and more. The tide is turning and soon it will crest with a “golden generation”. It already has with women, where we had a lot less ground to make up.
NorCal- I wrote a paper on it.
The reason “soccer” is one of the most played by kids up to the age of 18, is the soccer mamas and the “perceived” lack of violence as opposed to hockey, and football.
The reason it stops being a popular sport is because of the lack of passion to the collegiate level.
Football and basketball keep that fire going in people for the sport through the colleges. Hockey doesn’t and that’s why most players are Canadian (junior hockey is huge there), and baseball is America’s pastime. Soccer is extremely popular up to college but then suffers a lapse in popularity.
As for fandom, the reason that the US soccer fan is more similar to the European fan is because most of the fan base is Hispanic and they adopted that culture as opposed to shouts of D-fence or chants. They sing, they don’t chant (something I still have a problem with, with the British style but some things will never change).
To the point where they even chant “vamos vamos united, esta noche tenemo de ganar” (DC united song) which is a song created by the Chilean NT (in their version it’s Vamos Chilenos).
Wind @ 92, Sometimes people can surprise you (in a delightful way). He must respect the barman. Yesterday’s column, the comment section (BST, around 1800).
Bordeaux 4-0 against Bruges.
And that’s the Bruges in Belgium, not the one in the Bordeaux suburb π
Dashes into the box Gervinhoesque
@Nigel
Great to see another NYC gooner :).. I love blind pig. Do you come for most of the games?
Since i live in NJ, coming for the early morning games is tough but I try to make it as much as possible.
Too early to make a run , Cent haha π Gervinhosque
Sajit- lol i’m going in slow motion,looks like Jenko wants to brush his Mohawk before sending in the cross.
Sadly, Marseille have come back from 2-0 to 2-2.
They were 2-0 down when Barton got subbed. He didn’t even get a yellow.
*back to assisting mode*
Gervinho?
Sticks a toe out
Ollie- looks like Marseile are feeling the effects of having a Joey good fella in their team.
Well in Snir,looks like my luck in front of goal is little bit Giroudish (i took the defender with me allowing you to run in on goal unmarked)
Well in, Snir!
Unlucky, Cent.
Ollie,hopefully my luck will get better with time,my manager and teammates have confidence in me.
Goodnight all.
Well in Snir! Nice assist Ollie, you truly are the king of assists! π
I still feel off the pace in terms of goalscoring, the lurk is nowhere as strong as it once was but like Jack & Emmanuel, its strength & skill will return 8)
Ollie,hopefully my luck will get better with time,my manager and teammates have confidence in me so i feel under pressure to score.
Goodnight all.
Snir,
Thanks for that. I can’t agree with you more. When I looked at colleges and went to college, my state school didn’t even have a team ( UT). I ended up going to North Carolina State because they offered me an opportunity to walk on. Long story short injury kept me from actually playing and I ended up transfer back home after my first year. As you said, it is still not a major sport at most universities. This is slowly changing, but it will never compete with American football at colleges. A good youth system may help bridge that gap and I think we have improved in that area but we are still miles behind other systems.
My point above was that as more fathers and uncles and mothers and aunts who played “soccer” growing up will expose a greater number of kids and it will become more popular. My fathers generation had almost no one playing, even at the grade school level.
And you point about the heterogeneous make up of our country is also very true.
Just re-read my above comment and the grammar is atrocious. Sorry. A bit distracted by work while typing.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
as regards the Chesney v Mannone debate.I reckon that last season Chesney was the keeper we needed because we could all see that there was a clear need for someone at the back to take command and bollock those who needed bollocking .I have always believed that the captain should be a central defender with a clear view of the organisation from the back to the front and even though we do’nt see TV being over demonstrational ,he leadefense and all those that should of been assisting the defence needed to be shouted at and told what to do,whereas now there seems to be a tacit team effort to work hard in attack and defence
sorry that got out before I was finished,phnarr phnarr.
anyhow TV leads by example but has Stevie Bould preparing the whole team to defend from the front and attack from the back which means we do not need to have an overly expressive goalkeeper.I wonder if Chesney was the right keeper last season due to team defensive fragility and we should not be too blinkered as to alternatives this season.Which of course is going to be the greatest season ever.smiley
doesn’t matter nobody is going to read it anyway.So to the new post.