Deja Vu As Olympiacos Come Calling
Oct 2nd, 2012 by 'holic
Olympiacos. Old friends we have come up against almost every season, it feels like. Last season goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Andre Santos saw us triumph 2-1 in the corresponding fixture. It was a nervous affair as our squad strength was being tested as an injury crisis started to bite.
That makes news of Mikel Arteta being doubtful and Abou Diaby being ruled out a little more concerning, but we were in a much worse shape a year ago. Alex Song filled in at centre-half, Emmanuel Frimpong was in midfield, and Marouane Chamakh started up top. This time around Vito Mannone should start behind unchanged full-backs, and there may be a recall for Per Mertesacker alongside the skipper?
In midfield the options to replace Arteta and Diaby have made for interesting debate today. Perm any two from Francis Coquelin, Aaron Ramsey, or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to accompany Santi Cazorla. That creates a vacancy on the flank which Gervinho could fill if Olivier Giroud starts up front alongside Lukas Podolski. In a way I would prefer to see Theo Walcott start, but the reason that has kept him benchwarming thus far hasn’t gone away, and we have options.
We know Olympiacos will defend in numbers, but having lost at home to Schalke in their opener they will have to commit to hitting us on the break as often as they are allowed. They will have more ambition than perhaps we are used to seeing from them, and we will have to show we have learned the lessons of Saturday, when a side with a similar gameplan subjected us to our first defeat. They may not match Chelsea’s quality in midfield, but that doesn’t mean we should treat them lightly.
I’m going to have to punt the ‘holic pound on us to win, but that midfield disruption has me a little less bullish than usual. I will go for a repeat of the 2-0 win of 2009/10, although hopefully the goals will come a little earlier than the final twelve minutes in which they appeared that night.
Only One Place To Go To Read Up On The Finances
You will have noticed I have steered clear of the thorny topic of Arsenal’s finances after the latest results were published. There are a couple of very good reasons for that. Firstly when I do it tends to provoke a level of debate in the drinks that is spikier and less enjoyable than usual. Secondly because nobody, but nobody, covers the topic better than the excellent Swiss Ramble. For his latest update please click here.
A more thorough review of the situation you won’t find.
Take care, ‘holics.
411 Responses to “Deja Vu As Olympiacos Come Calling”
Goal !!!!
Heh!
Evening, young Trev π
Quite right Holic – it’s deja vu all over again.
Spiked drinks eh ? Who knew ? π
Thanks for leaving me in the last drinks just literally playing with myself!
π
I’ll go with the barnyard midfield of the Roster and the Bull to accompany Santi. Ramsey on the bench because I think he will be used this weekend especially if Arteta is still out.
Our deep midfield now looks shallow. We seemed to concentrate our injuries to one position.
I have a very inexpensive litre bottle of Whyte & Mackays on the go. It’s price is it’s saving grace. The word special emblazoned on the label in capital letters must have been designed in by an estate agent. As a description it may be seen by many to be a tad misleading.
Very interesting read at Swiss Ramble but it’s not exactly news that we’re doing poorly commercially, coining it in despite that, pay too much to certain players, have massive cash reserves and yet spend sod all. Also not exactly a shock that FFP is not going to ride to our rescue after all.
Whyte and Mackaye – not Chris and Dave, I presume ? π
Nothing wrong with spiky drinks.
And Arsenal’s finances aren’t going to get better now that the tickets for Category C games are free, isn’t that so ‘Holic? π
TABS,why have you gone AWOL.??
Are you doing it tough having given up the Gaspers.??
I’m still waiting to read your critique of Saturday’s game.
I owe you an OJ with a Guiness chaser my friend,after you won our little side bet.
Re our midfield,i think AW will put out his strongest possible team,
notwithstanding a tough London Derby away at the Hammers on Saturday.
I think he will want to get the 3 pts in the bag,2 wins out of 2 and we are halfway to qualifying.
So if Arteta is out,i would have Ramsey in the DM role,with the Ox behind Santi Claus.
Poldi up front with Giroud and Gervy.
Early goals important, to settle any doubts that might be lingering in the players minds after Saturday.
Cheers
The Sweeper.
Holic,short and sharp preview,i’d go with Ramsey and Coquelin to partner Santi in midfield as well as OG,Poldi and Theo upfront,my back five will be same as yours. Any win will do just fine for me.
Ollie thanks for clarifying the Martinez situation to Trev from the last drinks in my absence,to throw more light on it,i think Martinez not been registered has to do with him not been signed to us long enough to be considered as a homegrown player,it’s the same thing with Gnabry just that we opted to register Gnabry in our main squad.
Hey everyone. Holic, Theo is on the bench for more then one reason, don’t you think. Just my opinion. Like you, I’m not as confident as I was before news of Arteta’s injury came out. Time for the youngsters to step up. I’m feeling bullish also, but we should scrape by. We better.
The sweeper @10 you wont have Coquelin in your team?
Holic, nice preview – if Artie is out it’s Coq, Santi and Ox for me in MF with Per in at CB and OG leading the line and adding to his tally fed by Gerv and Poldi.
Slumming it a bit on the cratur, Holic. Like the occasional bit of ruff, then, mate? Mines a new improved blend of Glenfiddich. It’s true, it now has flavour.
Good evening,Abb.
Good evening, Cent π
Sorry for the brevity cent, but as it turns out lots of unexpected work tonight in addition to blog duties. Besides, it has to be said I am not an expert on the oppo. Only see them when they come to us. Working entirely on supposition and gut feel for this one.
Holic, Don’t take this the wrong way…but Mr Sweeper has made my day. ‘Poldi up front with Giroud and Gervy’. Music to my ears.
Evening abb π
Have AFC sent you any location details for your generous gift?
Holic, I would like for us to play TV on that holding role, meaning Per partners Kos…and that OG guy, I like him a lot..very good in the air(defensively)…I see him clear out almost all defensive corners, and he holds the ball pretty well, not forgetting he wins almost all airballs from our keeper’s kicks…
com’on you gunnerss!!
I see our french model (OG) getting a brace on this one if he starts…
4-1 to the lads in red&white π
Evening zico. You getting your cat B’s and C’s mixed up? π
Bath, Glenfiddich now has flavour? Harsh in the extreme. Always a decent swallow I thought.
Mind you, it would take a pretty foul brew to fail the ‘holic taste buds.
The W & M is borderline, but very cheap π
Holic, Glenfiddich used to be a smooth concoction for American tastebuds – it was far too watery IMHO. now much improved.
Did Sarah from the arses get through to you? She wants stories about being an Arsenal fan for her Indian readers.
Interesting how price can improve the taste of most things. Not always true in the other direction but I will agree that free anything taste better.
At work, you can put just about anything out for free and it will disappear.
:0
Holic, It will be included in the second phase of installation, scheduled for late 2012. They will send me a link as the time draws near. Just want to say sir, that we look forward to your previews very much. Many times I find myself saying “I wonder what Holic thinks about that”. Always want to know what you think!
Thanks abb π
Don’t think I have bath, but would be glad to oblige Sarah. Will also look for Glenfiddich on offer next time I go hunter-gathering for essential supplies π
Evening NorCal π
Nonny, hope all is well…
Cent,
Not my first choice mate,on the bench for me.
With 1 possibly 2 first choices missing,Play your next most experienced players.
Too important a game to take chances.
ABB, Glad i’ve made someone’s day.!!
Holic,Hope everything went well today mate.
Cheers
The Sweeper.
Mr Sweeper, Your posts are a real treat for us, don’t you dare sell yourself short. Ok, that’s settled π
ABB, hope the stone is on full display in November. Wanted to take my picture with it and the family. But doesn’t sound like it will be.
Guess I’ll have to make a trip in the spring!
I think I have softened up my wife to let me make an annual trip to the Emirates. Took a lot of promises but worth it.
Drinks for all.
An American whiskey on the bar for you ‘Holic, it sounds like any will do the trick tonight. π
NorCal, England in the Spring, lovely. You and your family will have a blast.
Thanks Clive. Won’t know for a while.
Thank you NorCal. A shot of bourbon would be most agreeable.
Aye abb, it’ll be windy! π
Abb, family and I are going in Nov. I may be flying solo in the spring.
Hard to get time off for the kids.
‘Holic,i meant that comment in a positive way,i trust your posts to be always honest and reasonable,the length doesn’t matter for me,quality does,and you,sir,deliver better than a midwife.
The sweeper,i like to look at it as job-hunting,to get most jobs you need experience,to get experience you need a job,so most times it’s all about taking risks based on potentials. Cheers.
Oh NorCal, I see. Still it will be a wonderful adventure for all. The people there have a certain charm, very endearing.
Wind, I stayed at Richmond College 2 years in a row, during Spring break. It was freezing!
Evening all.
Succinct and to the point holic. All I can say is that of we expect to make progress in this competition then 3 points against the Greeks should be a must. Arteta will be a big loss but we should have the squad depth to cover that. Canβt say that I will miss Diaby. Surely we must have a contingency plan in place for his absence? It was a case of when, not if?????
I am expecting a good performance and a convincing win, no matter who takes the field. 3-0 to the Mighty Gunners.
Took a few seconds to peruse the Swiss Ramble report. I will read in full when I have more time. The few points that did stand out were these. That we continue to make an operating profit and that since we have moved to The Grove we have made Β£50 million in respect of our transfer dealings.
βThe teamβs inconsistent performances can be partly attributed to the significant amount of turnover in the playing squad.β
Considering those brief statements is it any wonder why occasionally the locals get slightly restless?
Might see some of you in the Tollie then????
Keep the Faith.
@37 – starting on the biscuits Holic ? π
Make that @31 !!?!
I’m set to watch the Under 21’s game now, looking forward to seeing Jack. Goodnite everyone and remember how special each of you are.
Good to see so much sentiment for the French hunks. I’ll admit to an occasional soft spot for the Coq myself. Come on the Coq!!!
Actually, It turned out to be the Highlights of the Under 21’s (crossing my eyes). But it didn’t disappoint. Jacks visionary run and pass to Nico was the old Jack. He’s still got ‘it’. Just needs time to build up his stamina. Frimpong, aside from a couple of wayward passes, was very tidy. Ebecilio and Gnabry, will delight crowds for years to come.
Abb. Ebecilio I haven’t seen. What can you tell us about him?
Hey 8ball, Speaking of Le Coq, Ramsey was the only Arsenal player on Saturday to complete 100% of his tackles (just learned that while watching ‘The Breakdown’ with Adrian Clarke on Player).
Oh 8ball, he’s tall, lean (a regular driving machine)! Likes to weave. Looks the part.
To add to the Giroud conversation, Arsene has been attempting to create/find a player of the archetype (in regular etymological sense, not talking Jungian here :–) ) of which he is expected to be an embodiment of. A striker who can physically dominate defenses, can be a focal point of fast counter attacks while being mobile and intelligent enough to contribute to the trademark pass-and-move penetrations. He had hoped to turn Bendy into a player like that, and I guess he had thought Chamakh would be able to take the necessary next steps to evolve into that category, and both of them had failed him. (I am sure if we ask Bendy and Chamakh they would say the club had failed them, which may be partially justified, but may not as well).
The things that may work for Giroud — vis-a-vis these previous failures — is his attitude, a combination of hunger, desire to improve and a general calmness. The typical attributes of a late bloomer.
The finest example of this archetype in the modern game was a late bloomer too. As an Arsenal supporter I am not supposed to like him: a menace to our defense, a perennial cheat on the football field, hobnobbing with the unsavory characters from the bus stop in Fullham. But he was also supposed to be an Arsenal fan, and could have played for us but he was rejected by Arsenal scouts at a time when we were spoilt with a plethora of great attacking talents. So I guess I could be forgiven for my admiration for one Didier Drogba.
In each of his first two seasons for Chelsea Drogba scored sixteen goals. Sixteen goals in forty plus games is a mediocre return for a central striker, with only ten-odd goals in PL. But he ended his career in English football as the finest striker in PL in the post-Henry era.
I am optimistic that if Giroud gets his chance, if we persevere with him, and a bit of luck goes for him, we may have in our hands a player as potentially influential in the long run as Drogba.
Faustus, I’ll also admit to admiring Drogba now that he’s safely offshore. π
Can’t believe I got to the end of the Swiss Ramble, although I didn’t try to interpret all those charts and graphs. Is that guy an econo-nerd, or what? Anyway, he seems to have proven that we need to renegotiate our commercial deals, that Tom Fox is not a fox in the box, and that we probably could have afforded not to sell so many of our top players.
Time for an old-fashioned Greek lamb roast?
http://miraimages.photoshelter.com/image/I0000cK9wmMQHiI0
8ball,
I say ” Opa,and pass the ouzo”
Clive@10: My guess would be the Coq anchoring the midfield with Ramsey doing the water carrying behind Santi. Same front three as you suggest. Kos might start as AW won’t want to be perceived to be admitting to an error last weekend, even if it is an admission by omission.
Scenes from the quackery getting ready for the game against the Greeks.
http://www.lesvos.com/ouzo.html
Intravenous Ouzo. What better way to know thy enemy!
Intravenous Ouzo. A popular entree in the quackery, of that I have great confidence. π
@ 22
Easily mixed up, when the ticket is virtual. π
God, silly o’clock again. Airport. π
Swiss Ramble was as lucid on the club’s finances as ever. The main themes, commercial revenue shortfalls compared to rival clubs because of covering the stadium financing, and the importance of net transfer spend to the bottom line are consistent with his previous analyses. The downturn in operating profit is the new twist, and disturbing if it heralds a trend. Cash in the bank also seems to have peaked, although that should be noted with the usual caveat about not drawing too firm conclusions from one set of figures. I also wonder what a prudent cash cushion would be. A season’s worth of Champions League revenue doesn’t seem overly fat. The inability of the club to increase commercial revenue more than it has does seem surprising in the light of the management resources being devoted to it. Is this simply because the shirt sponsorship and stadium naming rights are the big nuts, and they can’t be renegotiated yet, or is there more to it?
In Arsene We Trust
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxQd32iPfss
Morning,all. Doctor Faustus,knows. I remember Lampard thriving and breaking Scholes’ goalscoring record from midfield,it’s no co-incidence that once Drogba decided to become a little bit selfish and go for goals himself the goals dried up for fat Frank.
Doctor Faustus,
“pass and move penetrations” – ‘you know who’ is imploring me to seek more information, so do tell, old chap.
Not really that bothered about who starts tonight, all I want is to see a more focused and less inhibited performance than the one on Saturday. Start off at full speed, get a couple of goals and control the game from there on in, please. Now, who said being a football manager isn’t an easy job? π
But let us also heed the words of our landlord – do not underestimate them. While we are, player for player, without a doubt the better team by pretty far we still need to do the job.
Ollie from the previous session: sorry mate, I thought the Qatar job was one you weren’t too keen on. Must have got it mixed up with something else.
Not wishing to instigate a session if spiky drinks but, one could imagine that the commercial revenues and the match day income will both rise, or cease to fall, when we stop selling all our best players.
I know, I know, that given that attitude is all part of a “best” player, maybe we haven’t “sold all our best players”.
But if we have a well plumped cash cushion, maybe we should invest in more quality, e.g Santi Cazorlas, when our big name players do leave.
Ultimately, our commercial attraction and ability to draw bums onto seats, will increase as the strength and quality of the team increases.
Please note, I have carefully avoided using the phrase “win sonething”.
Finally, may I say that for all it’s brilliance, the ultra sensitivity of the iPad’s keyboard makes it a frigging nightmare to type on. Cheers. π
Hey Lars,
I did ask Feelgood to make sure the handbrake on the HT was properly released for tonight, but just got a load of grumpy sarcasm back.
Still, he does live in Scotland so he’s bound to get a bit grumpy now and then. π
Ok, work for me – late start today. π
Trev@61: heh! π
Hey NorCal@51, tks for the interesting ouzo article, its not my favourite tipple, but coincidentally was in “Brettos” bar in Plaka after the game last week, hoovering through their excellent wine list.
Unfortunaltel cant make it over for tonight, although not sure whether the Greeks will have as many travelling fans at the Ems as they did last season. I heard from the local lads in the Arsenal Club here that tickets for tonight were on general sale, maybe “austerity” finally kicking in…..
3-1 for me, hopefully with Giroud on the sheet
Has anyone read the piece from Swiss Ramble today?
http://swissramble.blogspot.ch/2012/10/arsenal-song-remains-same.html?m=1
Self-sustaining my arse.
How can the model be deemed SS if we generated over 90% of profits in the past 6 years solely through player sales (Β£190m total profit; Β£176m profit from player sales). Since 2007 the club has a negative net spend (profit) of Β£49m.
So we can claim to be a well run club on the basis that we consistently sell the ‘family silver’ like some back alley crackhead!!
Surely a SS model doesn’t require you to sell your best assets every season in order to turn a profit. If that’s what SS means then god help us.
At least Ivan’s compensation package was increased by 24% to Β£2.15m. Cheap I’d say given he oversaw the clubs shocking summer transfer policy, increased ticket prices and a team that barely scraped into the champions league. Well cheaper than the Glazers i suppose.
Its ridiculous.
Good stuff ‘holic.
We almost have the same team, I’d have Feo up front, but you’re probably right that he’ll be on the bench due to lack of
signing on the fucking dotted lineform.From previous drinks;
Trev, I won’t criticise or dissaprove of your team choice, others beat me to it. π
Ollie, shame about Qutar, I’m sure something else will come along, good luck.
====
From above.
8ball, I haven’t seen anything of Kyle Ebecilio, but his brother Lorenzo plays for Ajax and isn’t too bad.
Dr Faustus, I agree with a lot of that. Post Henry there was always the – Who’s the best, Torres or Drogba- discussion, I thought the latter won hands down, he always terrorised us.
Swiss also makes an interesting point regarding a players fee and wages being a hinderence to the club making a marquee signing.
Due to 25 man squad sizes he believes that a players wages wouldn’t be that much of an issue as some of this would be offset with the needed sale of a player to accommodate the new addition.
@ 65 – It’s self sustaining because the club exists within its means and is not loading debt upon debt. They are only interested in the balance sheet and selling assets is the only way they can claim this moral high ground.
Its not really a well run club at all, any more than I can say I’m clever with my finances becuase I sell my record collection to pay the bills, but it could be a lot worse.
I see that ‘the excellent ArseBlog’ made it to Mediawatch….
http://www.football365.com/mediawatch/8135565/Mediawatch
Trev, I can imagine a rise in matchday income this season with the new price structures: new cat C is a lot cheaper, but Cat A is a lot more expensive, and cat B still about 10% more expensive that the old cat B.
And still popular as QPR sold out so quick it was incredible. I didn’t even have time to sort out the pair I’m looking for.
@10 Alright Clive,
Cheers for the Guinness chaser! π
I’m afraid by the time my hangover had cleared, all I wanted to say on the game had already been said. Given that the result was always likely to bring out on the one hand the negative ninnies and on the other the Arsenal Taliban , I thought that discretion might prove the better part of valour.
For the record, I thought you were entirely right on Per. I had thought before the game that Arsene would go for Per and TV rather than my choice of Per and Kos, and said so before the game. What I hadn’t thought possible was that Per would be dropped/rested.
Arsene got it wrong plain and simple.
I have never believed in rotation of centre backs, and if previous seasons are anything to go by, nor has Arsene. After 6 games, the argument that Per needed to be rested does not wash. He was in great form, playing with great confidence, and was our stand out performer at Eastlands.
I am not as convinced as others that Per +a.n.other, will always represent our best pairing, but until such time as Per loses form or gets injured, it unquestionably does at the moment. You simply don’t drop your in form players, and the decision smacked of Arsene shoe horning his best defender of last season in with his Captain. Lesson learned I hope.
There is no greater supporter of Arsene Wenger than I, but some of the rationales presented to defend the decision were laughable. These ranged from “Per might have made a mistake too” to “it’s all down to the players”. The first is of course meaningless nonsense , whilst the second excuses the manager from any decision he might make with a free pass.
Arsene is always willing to acknowledge his mistakes, even if for obvious reasons his mea culpa is not always contemporaneous. The refusal of some of our support to even consider the possibility that he is fallible ultimately undermines him as much as those who wish to cast every decision he makes in a negative light.
As regards Giroud, I broadly agreed with you, though not in such strong terms. I was certainly surprised that he was dropped for the Southampton game, though after a 6-1 win itβs difficult to argue that it was the wrong decision. Gervinho will always split opinion. I thought he had a better game at Eastlands than you did, hence the bet, so wasnβt surprised that he started. I canβt deny however that his excellent goal aside, he was poor on the day and I hope Giroud is now given a run of games to start to feel comfortable at the Club. I won’t be offering double or quits π
As for the game itself I was very much in the Ollie camp of βfine marginsβ. That said I take on board Holicβs excellent point that you do get a very different perspective inside the ground, and I was watching in the Pub.
Cheers mate.
TaBs is back, that calls for a tipple.
Line them up please squire.
Excellent H2H π
Well, my first drink from the new work place. Got introduced to the team etc, liking it so far
Looking forward to tonight, although I don’t know how I will be able to stay awake to watch as I’m extremely knackered already
Ollie.
Good stuff on Mediawatch and on Arseblog, must admit that I laughed heartily when that reporter talked about research, what a plum.
Also interesting on the Mediawatch was the piece about Fat Sam who likened the style of Wet Spam to Real and Farca with the use of stats.
Personaly I’m not much of a fan of stats, but they seem to be becoming more and more part and parcel of todays game, it’s all a bit too Americanised for me. (I hope that all our friends on the other side of the pond don’t take offence) I do understand that certain stats can be useful but I don’t see them as the be all and end all of every discusion.
Cent, I enjoy your posts, but to compare Gerv with RvP with the use of stats seems pretty futile to me, they are completly different players, but the “facts and figures” can basically make you believe whatever it is you want to believe, as shown in said Fat Sam article.
For example, if a player has been totally anonymous in a game having touched the ball only twice, with both times the ball going to a teammate, the stats will tell you that he has a 100% pass rate and this will be seen as a positive even though he contributed bugger all to the game.
Another example would be to cite a players achievements over a season. This individual won a domestic cup, a CL medal, on the International scene he picked up a winners medal and the Golden Boot in the Euros. Wow, that’s some haul, he must of been on fire last season, surely he was the player of the year and will be up for the Ballon d’ore, oh……hold up…… it was Fernando Torres.
It’s all about perception my friend.
Well said H2H. I was going to produce a couple of similar examples on stats – no need to now.
Sorry you didn’t like my adventurous team selection, by the way. Apart from the ineligible goalkeeper I thought it was damned fine. π
Trev/H2H – Completely agree with you on the use of stats. Football has of course been slow to embrace the usefulness of stats, but it will never be a stat led sport. Even Arsene is on record as saying that he only uses stats to reinforce a perception/feeling that he already has. A decision will never be made based on stats alone.
It was a mighty fine team indeed Trev, filled with gunners. π
Bar rthe keeper, the only difference between yours and mine was the positioning and you had Santos and I had Feo, neither of which will probably play tonight proving exactly how much we know. π
Filled with Gunners indeed H2H –
That must be why bathgooner is on for 15 mins at CF tonight.
I want my money back. π
Tabs, good to see you back.
I have to admit that I do occasionally fall into the trap of overegging the statistics pudding when discussing football. What makes it doubly annoying is that I do know enough about statistical analysis to know better. I can’t remember all the maths about chi-squared tests and other such stuff that proper statisticians do but I do know that what might look like a clear trend and an obvious correlation might be nothing of the sort.
Lars,
I can only repeat my favourite statistic which is that the average person has fewer than two legs. It is actually around 1.97354 something or other.
True but very misleading.
heh Trev
Trev: that is a very good one! Another one I like is “if I stand with one foot in a bucket of ice and the other one in pot of boiling water, then on average I am quite comfortable”…
Trev. Speculate to accumulate? Without going broke? Not rocket science is it? It’s just a shame the board don’t always get it.
Nice to see that in these days of austerity that the hardworking Mr Gazidis managed to become one of the highest paid board members in the game thanks to his 24% pay rise???????
Is it me or are we slightly being taken advantage of here?
Song for Feo, Sign Da Ting;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jPBm-GvEVlg
Classic indeed, Lars π
Steve T, at least the company is ‘doing OK’. My company is doing shit and the CEO gave himself a generous pay rise while we all have pay freeze and there are job cuts….
Afternoon all.
Looking forward to the game tonight. Two, so-called ‘must win’ matches before another bloody interlull.
Only my thrid trip to The HoF this season but hugely grateful to an old friend who has given me a ticket. Hope to see a few of you in The Tollie tonight.
Trev @ #81 – African or European?
‘Holic
Re: midfield conundrum. My guess for tonight is Caz-Ram-Coq.
There’s probably a smutty joke in there somewhere….
Up-front, Pol-Ox-Roud?
Just a feeling, no science.
TS – I couldnt resist changing your front line around a bit
Roo-ox-anne Pol
That made me Feelgood
No science either
84 SteveT and 86 Ollie – unfortunately its the way of the world now that bosses get richer and the workers struggle to keep up with inflation.
I wait with interest for Prezzie Hollande and Milliband Minor and their promises of ΓgalitΓ© for the lesser paid…
@cognac – Haha and very splendid π
Had to check into the bar to see if the regulars are alive to watch us kick ass in the land of Zeus!…had a greek foreign exchange student whose last name was Delthocopolenius, i expected his first name to be shorter…well it wasnt. Kicker is, He Fckin loves arsenal…wonder which side he’s on.
Special HIs to Holic, great post as always ABB, Zico, BTM, Norcal…hey.Sajit here yet?
Good morning, afternoon, evening everyone. Looking forward to today’s game. Hope it washes the bad taste out of my mouth. ( I don’t think it’s the Ouzo. )
As far as finances and balancing the books. It is a shame that we have to sell players to make up our short comings. I do think in the next few years that our commercial income should help bridge that gap. We should be very active even now at looking at getting the best deal possible for our kits. If Nike wants to keep it then they need to fight for it. If liverpoo can get a big deal on their kit then we should really be looking to significantly improve ours. We have made strides in the secondary sponsor realm by picking up some in Africa. But that should just be a starting point. Asia tours have helped but I also think we could increase our brand exposure here in North America. The game is increasing in popularity here and we should try to take full advantage.
Tabs i share your sentiments about stats been a means to an end and not an end in itself,the first time i compared RvP and Le forhead (games played vs goals scored) i was just making a point about why i think Arsene started Gerv against Chelski and seem to rate him as a better striker than Theo,the point i was trying to make is that Gerv is in form and his goals per game ratio so far this season is quite in the same range as a world class player (RvP),the second comparison (big chance conversion rates/big chances missed) was to see if Gerv is really as wasteful as people make him out to be so i compared him to a world class striker (RvP) and a supposedly better finisher who i suspected wasn’t quite as clinical as he is made out to be (Theo),i used their big chances’ conversion rate(percentage) and found out that RvP is the best finisher amongst the three followed by Gervinho,to avoid the problem of your example 1,i tried to find out the raw number of big chances they missed throughout last season and the current one,i found out RvP missed the highest,Gervinho missed a significantly lower number than RvP but RvP still had the much better conversion rate,since i didnt find the number for Theo i dropped him and didn’t make any conclusions but stated that my thoughts were that the best players miss the most chances because they are intelligent enough to get into good scoring positions more times than lesser gifted players.
Lars @ 83,very good example,point noted.
Cent, once again a nice post, but I prefer to use my eyes and watch the games played on grass rather then on paper. My eyes tell me that Gerv is an erratic player that wastes pocession with poor decision making and running into cul-de-sacs unnecessarily. But at least he gives it his all.
Cent….you actually did all that to find the best goal machine? Bloody show-off you…
Rootin for gerv to start eh?
The good news is there seems to be a job lined up for me in October instead of Qatar. Even closer from home than the office I believe (that’s about 5 miles then….), so no interference with Arsenal.
Cheeky little chip into the box off the cheek of the Greek defender, Somethingolopolous.
Ping!
Giroud!!!
And Gervinho uses his forehead to smack that ball over the ex Manu keeper into the back of the net!
Oh, Snir happy Giroud scored,but Gervais tried!
Snir, where did that come from?
Well in. Giroud’s run was so cleverly disguised the Greeks didn’t even know he was in the pitch.
Good news Ollie, congrats.
Well in Snir.
Timely assist Cent!
Ollie, Here’s hoping that pans out for you. Closer to work is always a good thing. Less chance of being ‘controlled’ by the police, statistically speaking π
H2H @95 thanks,fair play to you,i like to cross check what my eyes see with a few random numbers,sometimes am right sometimes am not but i enjoy it that way. Gervinho is definitely an erratic player,i think the closer to the opponents goal we play him the more efficient he will be for us.
@kenyan,hahahahhaha,i don’t think Gervinho will start tonight.
Ollie,congrats.
Well in,Snir.
Abb,i will take the compliment even though i was going for goal.
Kenyan @ 92, Well thank you very much chap, including me amongst such illustrious company (looking to the heavens).
I think we all owe Snir a beer if Giroud scores today.
Nice one Cent, a drink of choice on the bar for your goodself.
Snir, brilliant lurky century there!
On my way to the pub, come on Arsenal!
Tabs @ 71 Ok Tabs, Surely in school you participated in the debate club. Your brilliance is in evidence with ‘the refusal of some of our support to even consider the possibility that he is fallible utimately undermines him as much as those who wish to cast every decision he makes in a negative light’. Really enjoyed that!
snir: he *is* giroud.
well in, young man. let’s see a brace from the start this morning/afternoon/evening, depending upon who’s watching where.
coq, santi, and ramsey in midfield please, theo on the bench. per and kozzer, with a touch of don vito. not with *the* touch of don vito, mind.
good morning to all assembled, i’d like to offer some licorice-flavoried beverages on the bar: ouzo on the left, absinthe in the middle, and anisette on the right. and a large pitcher of water for your louching pleasure.
let’s kick some greek butt!
Thank you,H2H,i’m staying away from alcohol so i will just have the official malt drink of The Arsenal in Nigeria.
Just re-read the title of this post and I too had a deja-vu moment. I was thinking of a few greek puns to throw into the drinks, but had a flashback of such a punfeest here in the bar a few years ago, so I delved into the archives to see what I could find.
If you have the time check this out, not as many drinks back then, but still quality stuff;
http://goonerholic.com/2009/12/young-guns-may-need-to-ab-zorba-bit-of-pressure/#comments
Thanks for the link to the back drinks h2h, so were quite Herareous.
Nice reminder Holloway, few people can do greek puns…n we got one here!
what the hellas? greek puns? horses for courses, of course.
i think giroud is going to score hippo-crates of goals…
H2H @ 115 A treasure buried. That was nice π
NorCal and Scruz, Good tries fellas. Like to see what Trev can do.
Alecia Mcpurplenose says “foreign players dive more, except for his (Nani),of course”. He also is upset that he didn’t get enough added time to equalize this past weekend. If AW had said such things the headlines would be everywhere.
H2H,thanks for the link,i noticed Ollie-mpiacos were not present in the drinks at that time.
I will get my coat,
Yeah those Johny Foriegners are cheats, an English guy would never do that……………………………
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIB_89PW94E
Oh!
ABB,
As the great socratic philosopher Yoda once said ” there is no try, only do.”
Ok…
Giroud on the bench, Gerv upfront with Poldi and Ox.
Coq in for Diaby, Arteta plays.
BFG not in the squad!! Injured?
I must say that I am disappointed OG is not playing. Think he brings out the best in Poldi, and like Sweeper said… how can he be dropped 4 games into his Arsenal career?? Not exactly going to build up his confidence.
Hey ho….
H2H, what a crock. I believe it was his English lad that took a dive to end our invincible run.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTxl799Q2t4&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Indeed it was NorCal, indeed it was.
Wenger gets stick for being shortsighted when it comes to incindents involving our players.
Well, if AW is indeed a bit shortsighted SAF must be as blind as a fucking bat, red nosed git.
Hey NorCal (waves)!
Hey ABB.
Time for a good showing today. Let’s bounce back in style. 3-0
Glad to see Arteta came through OK, a bit surprised that OG not in the starting XI.
Something must have happened to the BFG in the warm up. Arseblog had him in the starting XI before making a correction (or it was just a typo, these things happen you know)
Thanks, ‘holic, evening, all.
We should definitely beware of Olimpiacos. They are hugely motivated to get a result because of their loss to Schalke, and they are the underdogs with nothing to lose tonight.
I have seen rumours that Le Coq will start, and I am looking forward to that.
It seems to me that we don’t sell our best players for the money, we sell players when they make it clear that they want to leave. The good/bad business side only comes in at that stage. We hung on to Cesc for at least one season longer than he wanted to be here, even with all the money we threw at him. Was it worth it?
Perhaps Arsene’s daughter thinks her dad is perfect, but I don’t think there is a Gooner in the world who thinks AW is infallible. But I and others trust him to always make decisions for the right reasons and on reasonable grounds. The boss doesn’t control all or even most of the factors which come into play in a match or which affect the club, so the test I apply is whether the decision was reasonable, not whether the result was the desired one. That is not in his control. But if you make decisions in the right way for good reasons, you’ll get more right than wrong, I believe.
Made me laugh in the presser when AW said if foreigners had brought diving into the game, English players had learned pretty quickly!
Mr C I would have bet the farm that Per would have started. Wonder what is up.
Where are you seeing the team news? And would you mind posting what the squad is?
Apparently BFG is a little poorly.
Well, heΒ΄s a big poorly, but you know what I mean….
So, Theo, howΒ΄s that contract thing working out for ya?
Fingers crossed it’s not an injury. Perhaps Per is being rested because Kos and TV need the practice.
FG….
arseblog β@arseblog
CORRECTION: Mannone – Jenkinson – Koscielny – Vermaelen – Gibbs – Arteta – Coquelin – Cazorla – Podolski – Oxlade-Chamberlain – Gervinho
Hi ABB, hope your farm is safe!
Arsenal.com β@Arsenal
Subs: Shea, Santos, Djourou, Arshavin, Ramsey, Walcott, Giroud
Heh Mr C.
Thanks, Mr C
I wonder if Per has got the same thing as Le Coq had…whatever that was?
Holics, Mert looked great in the training pics yesterday. Maybe that virus that’s been making the rounds, got a hold on him. Maybe.
And I hope Arteta really is 100%.
Stuck at home. Phoned the 3 nearest pubs – all showing fucking manc cunts. Why? Internet on a dongle, so cant even stream audio, let alone video. And not even on the fucking Radio – all in all gutted.
Bummer, Esso.
What kind of shit pubs you got around your way.
These are the times when you wish we had Arsenal TV. (Sigh)
Hi Mr C! We’re sure glad you’re here to give us the heads up.
Esso, It’s not being shown in the states, till later. Have to listen on player. Don’t remember this happening last season π
I’m surprised Giroud doesn’t start. Just noticed that!
FunGunner, Disappointed as well. He needs that vote of confidence. And we need him!
I’m recording the game again today as the cable won’t be fixed untill next week (bastards). Plus there’s a bunch of Ajax fans that will want to see their game v Madrid, so once again I’ll be going into media lock down within the next half hour.
H2H, Bet it will be a rowdy bunch, good luck.
@146 arsabeatbarca.
Thats the problem mate cant even stream the audio, cos of shitty internet on a dongle situation in my miserable Worthing lodgings.
Never mind, hammering Bud and cooking a ruby murray.
I’m there in spirit!
Hmm…sad to see OG on the bench also no Per is surely due to some (hopefully not major) injury. Although this might be perfect time for Kos to redeem himself..since I am huge fan of mr. Bosscielny I hope he will have hell of a good game today ..and that OG will score once he will get on the pitch.
Oh Esso! Love the way you talk, bet you have a terrific accent!
and bah! only sopcast streams are russian and polish O.o although the russian one is in great quality, so I suppose I will have to do with “slavic commentary from which I can understand like 15% even while being czech”.
@153 arsabeatbarca. Heh! Nah its a bit weird actually. Originally from the Midlands, but many years down in the south-east has left its mark as well.
@ Eandy
What’s “slavic commentary”? I am intrigued.
@ abb
Taking pressure off him, maybe? Although French journalists (ok, Julien Laurens) says he’s someone who needs to start games to be at his best.
But I was born in the south. Well Hampshire. Nearest club to my birthplace is The Scummers. How fucking sad is that?
eandy try this
http://premier–streams.info/channel2.html
I tell you what Esso. Get a gig on Arsecast, and let me be the judge π
sorry try channel3
Fun, Yeah (the pressure thing). But I’m with you and others, wanted him to get a full game.
Would love to be on the ‘cast mate. However the ‘fucking cunts’ scale of the broadcast would be too much, even for Blogs.
FG – watching stream from Russian tv hehe π
Multible heys, Esso!
Eandy, 2-3 more weeks and we get our TR back!!!
OK boys and girls, I’m off.
Enjoy the game.
COYRRR’s.
And thanks cognac π I try to avoid flash streams unless really necessary since quality of sopcast ones is usually three or four times better. But thanks none the less..at least have another source π
@ Eandy
I hope you have some vodka to go with your Russian stream.
See you, H2H – enjoy the game.
Either Per has a bug or perhaps AW is throwing Kosmaelen back into the fire to sort out their partnership sharpish. We have seen both CB partnerships with Per work well so if this one can find some stability then we will really have a good set of options in the back on any given day. Not saying this is the best game to experiment with but is there ever really a good time given he won’t play them in the Beer Cup.
So Per is ill.
Those that truly trust Arsene to make decisions “for the right reasons and on reasonable grounds”, are also honest enough to admit when he gets it badly wrong, as he, like everybody else, occasionally does, and as he, himself, admits.
They do not obfuscate, or otherwise seek to cloud confuse or darken what was a simple mistake with a spurious kind of anti-logic, reference to meaningless hypothetical situations or a futile disavowal of managerial responsibility.
Such unadorned sycophancy merely gives grist to the mill of those who would seek to bring him down.
Amazing getting the audio sgtream via Player. Shutting down all other windows to save bandwidth. laters drinkers
Enjoy Esso. Hi Tabs.
What’s our tempo like, those who are watching? Nice crisp passing? Please say yes.
Come on you Gunners!
Robbed of a penalty?
Am i the only one missing ramsey in this line up?
Come on lads, keep up that pressure!
definite handball, say commentators.
Kenyan, No you’re not.
@ 178Kenyanconnection
how do you mean?
Montpellier go 1 goal up v Schalke.
Come on Gervinho and Poldi, keep that partnership going!
Read the emails at the break, please π
Schalke have equalised
Fungunner 182….think he shud hav started ahead of le coq, to help carzorla launch attacks, arteta n le coq are too deep
Richard Clarke is killing me. His voice gets so excited…and then we haven’t scored. Shredding my nerves.
My word i thought kos was seeing red, awful tackle
Thank you Vito
Do we ever learn?
Think it’s raining there.
@ kenyan connection
Ah. Thanks.
Hey Arthur.
Come one Arsenal!
Hey arse! We are struggling a little
Go on you Gunners!
We are officially asleep π
Phew!
Living on the edge here now, that scare! Norcal get in here…
Bring on AA for Le Coq and OG for AOC.
Another needless free kick ..come on guys ..wakey wakey!
TV not having a good one either.
Keep it up Vito!
That was too close for my liking come on Arsenal wake the hell up!
GERVINHOOO!
Thats much Better!!!!!! Come Gerv!!!! π
Gervihno
Forehead!
Gervinho,Best improved player on the squad!!!
Against the run of play to be honest but sweet none the less!
Now please relax and play your best, boys!
Gervinho
There you go ABB. just for you
I discovered Pele, Neymar and Gervinho π
You are the greatest scout in the world, then!
Verminator FFS
Hi NorCal! Proud of my man!!!!
Merci, FunGunner!
Thats was awful!
deserved equaliser..GOD DAMN EVERY FUCKING TIME
What are they doing at the back!
From the heights of euphoria, to the depths of despair…
What the f… is this Ox kid think he is?
Oh for… I leave the room and they score. Gah.
Who had the assist for Gervais?
So sorry, late to the party.
Where are you all getting the match?
I’m a bit worried that we are so nervous again. We were nervous on Saturday as well. Can’t understand it.
Hi Abb, sorry I disappeared off to watch the game. Thanks for the kind words earlier.
I risk making myself very unpopular, but Vermealen just seems like he isn’t concentrating. Is being captain too big for him right now? Underneath that I really like him but he’s nowhere near his best.
On the positive side I said in the summer that Gerv was going to have a great season and for all his strange quirks he is off to quite a start.
We need far more urgency is the 2nd half…I don’t think Arteta is even at 80% is he?
Come on Arsenal
Greeks will go out after half time on the high ..my word I am not usually slacking us but we are not in it at all! Sloppy play from Verm and Kos, giving away possession too often, our midfield not really in control of the game.
As much as I love Ox, he should be subbed right the hell now, OG to lead our attack, Gervs to the right and Ramsey in for Coq. I really hope mr. Bould will give both Skipper and Kos hell of a rollicking. Very unconfident display so far from many boys in red and white.
Lets face it we did not deserve to be in the lead so I think it’s a fair result to be honest!
After we score we should have gone for the kill instead Verminator gifts a pass them the two of them can’t mark one forward!
At this level not good enough same old story rings to mind but I think it’s way too early for that!
So what did we learn?
Fuck ups in the back room.
Per Mer would’ve nailed it.
Abb, fluke miscontrol by arteta for the assist, kinda looks like its gerv’s year aint it?
what was ‘holic saying about deja vous?
ugh.
Hey Tabs. Think you and Fun, rock the joint with your talking points.
@ Tim
I think the opposite about TV – that he’s not as confident as one might think and is over-compensating, or taking too much on himself.
Kenyan, a drink on the bar for you. Just hope it is a celebratory toast!
Gerve the Swerve is the most unlikely goal machine, but he’s on some kind of streak at the moment. If only we could keep the back door shut!
@ 236 abb
Thanks – champers for you, and consolatory pints/cocktails whatever for anyone who needs one. It’s all virtual, I can afford to be generous.
tv *has* looked preoccupied. he isn’t communicating with vito at all, and his passes are far too casual. i’m not one to dump on our captain, but it’s worrysome.
on the other hand, the misplaced passes are all through the team. everyone is trying *really* hard, being tricky or really rifling the ball, and not keeping it simple. it’s like everyone is struggling with the idea that they have to get a result with every trick or pass, rather than build on the control that was evident in the first five or so games (up through al-citeh).
FG. Are you taking over Lars’ tab? Think twice before answering. π
@FunGunner
Different way of saying the same thing…but yes…I don’t think overconfidence is the issue, I’m not sure that marhsaling the backline (as a captain should?) in addition to playing his fairly free flowing aggressive style doesn’t seem to mesh.
His desire to always win a ball rather than control the opponent and guide him / slow him is resulting in too many fouls.
*sipping on fine archive mead* I really hope for some sort of “day and night” kind of halves like we pulled of last year against villa in the cup game. We need more confidence, urgency and movement…and sharpness or this will be night to forget.
tim, why should his being captain make him want to win the ball more?
Come on Arsenal!
Okay then…time for 45 mins of lovely football. COYR
@ Tim
Sorry – I just realised you mused about whether being captain was too big for TV, not that he had got big headed by being captain. So I was agreeing with you.
@ Eandy
AOC does seem to be losing the ball too often. That has been brewing since Coventry, where it didn’t hurt us.
Any subs yet….hint, hint
Come on Goldi Poldi!!!
@ 242behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory
I don’t even have to think – no, I’m not!
@ 243 Tim
Yeah, good points
***
Right, arsenal – let’s bring it!
That’s 3 calls against us (2 handballs earlier).
Thanks nursie….i’ll have the Ouzo, i hear it comes highly recommended
bring on 2nd half
scruz…
No he’s always done that, not related. Some might like that he always does that..I think it leads to issues. I wonder if the armband is causing him to try and be more of a motivator/organiser and causing distraction to what comes naturally. He is playing like he’s got too much in his head….daft speculation from me of course.
Oh feck it…I’m not making sense but I’m annoyed until we wrap this match up.
ooooh, santi.
Oh Santi…thought he was on his way down my chimney there.
Poldi to Gervais to Santi, almost (sigh) but good stuff!
cheers, tim. i think you might be onto something. perhaps tracking the whole field, rather than just his defensive responsibility, is causing him to play more mistakes.
much better tempo so far
not offside on gervais. really poor.
@Scruz….
exactly what I failed to articulate…. tracking the whole field/the whole team
@ 254 Tim
Is that why TV plays so well with PM, perhaps?
tim, maybe it’s something he has to mature into?
Come on lads, we’re counting on you!
gervs is really doing well this game.
gervs with the assist, well in poldi!
POLDI!
Poldiiiiii
Goldi Poldi!
double five-hole for poldi!
Come on Podolski what a left foot !
now, lads, CONCENTRATE.
ok NOW can we keep it tight at the back?
Poldi scores!!! Gervais with assist! Bring on the stats!!!!!!!!!
FG – I think they are a perfect marriage at the back
OHHHH PODOLSKI>>> Smashed the crap out of that! Vermaelen is the best captain ever again π
Scruz – Yes…I’m not very patient. He’ll come good…
great anticipation by Jenks
Jenks hasnt misplaced a pass!
tim, to me, this is one of the biggest issues with the turnover we’ve had. each year it’s taking time to gel, to get used to new roles, and to develop partnerships. maybe as much as half a season. if we can stay up there with that happening, we’re good. otherwise everyone freaks we’re shite.
if we can get through that, and win something this season, we might see some stability into next season, and even more success.
olliempiokos’s coach looks like a grumpy arjen robben.
*how* was that not a foul on le coq?
lol scruz had same thoughts about their coach XD
ooooh, kozzer skies a free header.
ooooooh.
oooh, santi, what a ball for ox. too bad it didn’t come off for ox.
AOC picked his game up, good on him.
Sounds like AOC getting his stride back. You go lad!
Scruz
Really good points…it has become a hallmark of what we’re trying to do. Which, to me, further illustrates just how dynamic Wenger remains – you can still tell this is Arsenal despite having no players left from 5 or 6 years ago. The frustration with no trophies overshadows the fact that we have always failed to need a complete rebuilding project. That’s down to Wenger.
The good news – bar Walcott I can’t see anyone wanting away next Summer (or January) unless stupid money gets offered to Gervinho after he scores 35 this season.
Hey Fun, great minds and all π
@ abb
π
cheers, tim, it’s why i can’t fathom the reasoning behind the “wagner out” brigade.
fingers crossed it’s not even that kind of change, and that we bring in one or two to improve the squad, bottom line be damned.
btw, how good is the cazorlad’s close control? he keeps the ball through some amazing shite.
Cross fingers tim.
Gervs and 35 goals. Yes … now that would be something.
RVP can finish, but he’s got no where near the forehead our man Gervs does!
Oil City are losing…shame
I’ll take 28 from Gerv and 22 from Podolski
hmm..Feo for Ox ..maybe OG for Poldi later on with Gervs moving to left
alox off for theo. let’s see what *he* can do with those santipasses.
Cazorla’s close control?…only Messi looks better to me
we just need Gerv to show him how to shoot
pretty much, tim.
eandi, i’d like to see that front three, if poldi comes off.
i am getting tired of the greeks flopping.
Giroud in!
eandy in!
jesus, they do everything but shackle santi, and he still gets off the pass.
that fucking pass deserved a goal…my word
beautiful move, very nearly in for tv.
gervs first obvious mistake.
I wouldn’t swap our full backs for any team in our league…and Sagna still to return.
coquelin is playing a brilliant game. every time they come in from the left he’s there to stop the play, or make them play around him.
Tim, Can you SEE the game? Provide anything you can.
Sagna may be my favorite current Gunner. Total class and totally reliable my man Bac. But my word he may have time winning his spot from Jenks!
okay ..so the OG, Feo and Poldi it is up front..lets see how that turns out.
giroud and ramsey on for gervs (clap, clap, clap), and poldi, respectively.
Yes…watching it…
Ramsey and Giroud coming on for our 35 goal hero in the making and Ramsey for Podolksi
The Greeks are still playing with some belief…three up top
oh Poldi subbed..my bad.
eandy, we might be playing a faux-faux-two. or, santi has gone up left, with aaron, le coq, and arteta in the midst.
Jenkinson pretends he’s from Brazil and pulls it off. Jenks then is punished for standing behind one of theirs
now that was clarion cry heh …wanker.
Tim, Scruz thanks for the ‘color’ Come on lads another goal and hold the fort!
looks like aaron front left, santi staying in the middle.
Bloody hell that bloke’s squeal was so loud I thought the Jimmy Savile documentary had started early.
unlucky for Giroud ..come on boys!
Koscielny hesitated but the bubble…didn’t burst the net..safe to Mannone…
Walcott zips past FB and Giroud is there…but can’t quite beat the keeper.
tim@316, heck yes. sweet backheel.
and then a cross from jenks for a very nearly giroud goal.
Gerv, my Man of the match leaves for the stands,
they’ve seen our video tape…trying to sell the ref on FKs and getting them…but no harm done
nonny, sure you’re not wolfie in disguise?
TV steals through ball and sprints upfield again….play breaks down
Never heard of him/her
playing with really good width…Walcott delivers half decent ball but cleared. another FK to them
Greeks diving are really getting on my nerves.
tim, i’d say we’re matching them, if not bossing them. lots of open play on our part going forward.
theo with a poor cross in to giroud. and another greek falls to the ground, and so the ref calls it. i wonder if the ref is stuffed with tiny greeks, like an old horse.
Wenger asking IG for a small loan in the stands
nonny, either you haven’t, or he hasn’t, been hanging around this bar enough.
We just need to close this out.
Jenks spins in another cross…cleared out. Ramsey often drifting left and back to the middle….lots of rotation across the top. Ramsey wins corner
aaron earns a corner, nice interplay with giroud down the left.
Bad luck Giroud
OH MY WORD just not going to happen for OG:(
again, almost from giroud, but blocked at the last second. brilliant pass from santi, after great exchanges with aaron down the left.
How much time left?
ramsey backheel…cazorla sharp cross and OG so nearly smashes it in…he was in the perfect place but blocked behind for a corner…
corner from Santi comes loose to Aaron who can’t get shot on target…he had time as well
My heart goes out to Giroud. Don’t worry son, we know your worth.
89th minute
*this* is how you control a game from the front. (throwing the sign of the corna, so as not to jinx things.)
Wrap this up now lads, back to winning ways
abb, certainly. his movement is brilliant.
into the last minute…they finally have the ball back and are trying to build down the middle…nothing doing. Ramsey to Gibbs and back…slowing play at corner flag…our throw + 3 to play
Olympi try to break down left…touch too heavy…goal kick
props to our boys, they’re as full of running now as they were at the start of the game, if not more.
Ok Arsenal, park the bus and have a barbecue.
Thanks Eandy and Tim
late equaliser at Schalke – please not here.
90 seconds. another greek falls to the floor, apparently mortally wounded, freekick.
Oh God, Coquelin hurt.
FK to bubbles…91:40 hit long comes looe on right..TV bashes it out…long ball in…headed clear…Greek throw…Coquelin looks hurt….ouch…he got up after being down and pulled something
Valium, anyone?
last few seconds….we’ve tightened up a lot over the final 15…quite tidy performance
Win it is,,,,,,nyt everyone
whew, thought that was le coq’s achilles…
Ramsey!!!!
Ramsey gets his goal!
Ramsey after absolutely MAGNIFICENT header pass by Giroud makes it 3-1
game over, get IN AARON! 3-1 in the dying embers of the game. great little chip after a beautiful run. OG with the header that sprung him.
RAMSEY …long ball….lovely finish…chips keeper…..header on from Giroud was pure Alan Smith…..
OG creates another…good for Aaron…deserves that
3-1 94:00
annnnnnd, that’s a wrap. well done, lads.
You fantastic Gunners – got through it! So important to stop the rot and get right back on that winning horse.
top of the group. NICE.
What a rollacoaster ride. Oh Arsenal, How We Love You!
Would it be stating the obvious that OG’s movement and field vision is fucking spectacular?
That was the second half we asked for. No complaints — especially as Schalke drew with Montpellier
And a draw at Schalke – makes our result even better!
so, was le coq actually hurt?
Tim, OG with the assist? Fantastic!
@ Homer
It might be, but I don’t see anyone complaining!
Bravo for Ramsey. Reminded me of someone else:)
So Giroo sacrificies all to give Rambo a goal
This frenchman has to go – he just cant score
Coq stayed on the field so I hope he’s alright.
Yes assist on the 3rd was OG header…lovely in it’s simplicity
‘Only Shooting Stars Break The Mold’ Smash Mouth.
must go — thanks chaps….Dense Fog advisory here so want to go and ride my bike before I can’t see!
Giroud was on for odd 15 mins, created two good chances for himself, very unlucky at the second one and contributed great assist for Aaron to wrap it up, I suppose this guy really deserves to start the games. Cant see Gervs being benched though while in this kind of form.
He did everything he should right today, except that last heavy touch, more of the same please sir, and if Arsene is trying to work his mojo to make another winger to world class striker on him, now how awesome that would be if he actually succeeded in that? There is great player somewhere inside, he has that pace at short distances, trickery and positioning. Once he gets calmer in final third…maybe.
TV said ‘1st half not great, we dropped a bit’ ‘Steve Bould said what went wrong and what we could do better, be more cautious with the ball..don’t lose too many balls’ Bould is brilliant eh?
Safe ride Tim and thanks for your help.
Now surely that counts as winning when playing badly?
@ 375 cg
ha ha
See you, Tim, thanks for the commentary
Eandy, Gervinho, OG, and Poldi can all start. And thanks to Vito, for keeping the faith (he reads the awful press).
Missed the second half. Sounds like we were better.
Giroud needs some starts. Please AW. Hammer west ham with the Giroud!
Right. I’m drunk. See you all later!
Oh, and good win, if not game. Should not have let that goal in, no pressing the crosser, bad marking for the header, but I wouldn’t put the crisis button just yet. We did quite alright, won the game and Giroud played well when he came on. It’s all good.
Now, where was I? Right, drunk, bed.
Now that Aaron has scored, who’s going to die?
Thatcher
(not Ben)
Heh ..looking at highlights at czech tv from all games (since they aired Mancs) …after highlights from our game “We have to say that Arsenal has quite easy group, but wins ..and that counts” “I dont think this Arsenal team is anywhere near to win something and will look at the backs of others in PL again” …right….time to turn sound off.
I’ve been saying it for weeks — need to get Giroud pitch time! When’s the last time an Arsenal forward did a header knock down to a runner for a goal?
For me, MotM was Gibbs. Great fullback play from the boys — just another reason to have Giroud on as target man for their crosses.
That Giroud knockdown had Drogba written all over it.
I love it.
We’ve been missing a target man like that.
Snir,
No matter how good you are, you can’t be a target man on the bench. All of us want him on the pitch more, what is it that we don’t know?
Watching the game now, around the 30th min. Proud of Vito.
NorCal – nothing.
Don’t overanalyze it. AW prefers a mobile CF for now. Giroud will get plenty of starts.
Fair enough Snir. Just thought his play thus far deserves more than the cameos he is getting. Although he has actually done well as an impact sub. He gets in the mix as soon as he gets on the pitch.
Gibbs takes the ball from a Greek diving champion and pushes forward….
That was weird. I didn’t even discover what channel the game was on until the stroke of halftime when the score was already 1-1 and the announcers were saying Arsenal hadn’t even started yet. The second half was alright but nothing spectacular. The way they keep putting the Arsenal games on different channels is enough to make me pull my hair out. Almost. Giroud looked good in his stint.
Little one two..
.Excellent observation, NorCal about him getting involed straight away. He does in every fixture he is a sub.
I have just heard the most incredible stat I have EVER heard (I’m not even kidding).
Dortmund had 57(!!!!!!!) shots, 22 of them on target, 18 were saved by Joe Hart.
That is crazy.
22 on target…
How on earth did they not win????
City’s defense is an absolute disgrace.
Dortmund will absolutely shatter City in Germany.
Job done with a scoreline more convincing than the performance, but job done, which is the main thing. The fullbacks were excellent again. Glad that Ramsey scored at last. Hope it opens the floodgates. He has scored only eight goals in 101 Premiership and Championship games (and five in 21 for Wales). Not overly prolific in the league for a mostly attacking midfielder.
Good game by the boys,they did what needed to be done,Giroud should definitely start at Westham this weekend,he knocked it down for Aaron a’la Drogba for Lampard those years and the Welshman brought back memories of our now departed Mexican chipster,Poldi hammered in his goal in true German efficient style,that Gervinho goal took me by surprise. All in all,we got the points,there’s still room for improvement and i believe we will continue growing as a team. Up the Arse!
‘involved’ 2 margaritas are the blame π
Bang!
Well done Snir. I think I kicked it into the side netting in celebration (looks sheepish and joins manpile)
NBN – he didn’t play attacking midfielder before his injury, but yeah, he needs to improve his finishing.
@ 401North Bank Ned
Aaron has been waiting to score that goal for about 9 months.
Snir@406: fair point. AW likes to blood his young attacking midfielders in the defensive disciplines before moving them forward. He should be aiming for at least the strike rate of someone like Rosicky, who scores almost twice as frequently as Ramsey.
And well in for the 400. Only needed one shot, not 57.
Ramsey got into some very good positions last year but could not get the finish right. He looked worn out at the end of last year, this year he looks quicker and that extra spring in his step may just improve his finishing. That’s my hope at least. If Le Coq is out I would play Arteta – Ramsey – Cazorla in the midfield this weekend. Poldi OG Gerv frontline.
Watching Aaron play for England this past summer, not at all surprised. He is a very serious lad. Had him in my starting 11, for good reason.
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