Reaction, Reaction, Reaction
Oct 23rd, 2012 by 'holic
“I expect us to respond in a very strong way”
You are not alone there Arsene. The reaction to our first really poor performance of the season will only be shown to be something of a collective knee-jerk if a result is gained against Schalke on Champions League matchday three. So many have gushed about the collective improvement afforded us by the introduction of Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski prior to Saturday. That improvement must manifest itself in a display of greater application and passion at the Grove this week.
It is likely that those who failed to execute at the weekend will get an immediate opportunity to make amends for their lacklustre display. The most likely option to come in after Saturday was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Now that he has joined the walking wounded I am expecting an unchanged starting eleven. Laurent Koscielny is the only returning option and it would be harsh on either of the current incumbents to lose their place.
For the visitors expect Farfan and Afellay to test Carl Jenkinson and Andre Santos to their limits. Between them the familiar figure of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, scorer of the first ever goal at the Grove, will look to feast on any mistake by goalkeeper or defenders. Schalke are a formidable force on the break, and Mikel Arteta could be in for a very busy evening in front of the back four. He is developing a sixth sense for combining defensive duties with a need to feature strongly in our passing game and retention of the ball.
When the two sides met in 2001 we did win the home match 3-2. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a repeat of that scoreline as two good sides trade blows. The ‘holic pound is on it. As usual you can reach Arsenal partner Gunners Gaming via the banner ad above and give yourself a chance to watch the final home group stage match in style.
If you are one of the lucky ones with tickets, and I know some top ‘holics will be there, make the most of what could be the mildest weather until the spring. The 14 degrees being forecast for Wednesday is more than double the anticipated temperature on Saturday for the visit of Queens Park Rangers. I hope the performance will give you an even warmer glow.
Tollie goers will be adding layers at the weekend. Have a good one ‘holics.
Β Thanks again
I need to thank Take a Bow Son again for jumping into the breach and reporting on the Norwich game. It was awful for him to draw the short straw for his Premiership bow. I’m also indebted to Bergkamp’s the Man, who upon not seeing a report on Sunday morning offered his customary drink as a report also. I cannot begin to tell you how much I thought of both of you when I finally got back to civilisation on Sunday, and published ‘better late than never’.
Pints and chasers for you both on Saturday.
334 Responses to “Reaction, Reaction, Reaction”
Holic’s Back! π
2nd I hope…now to read the post
Holic, The Sweeper said you’d done the near impossible before and sorted out people with North London Derby Home Tickets, I’d appreciate it very much so if you could keep an eye and a ear out if you see or hear about any going and let me or Clive know through the backchannels or wherever, thank you π
One more question. Why don’t you follow me on Twitter? Did I do something wrong on there perchance? π
Fun, courtesy of the kindness of NorCal, I am going with him to see Arsenal vs Montpellier @ the Ems in about a month, going to be both of our 1st CL Group Stage Games and his 1st Game at the Grove, very good stuff π
Welcome back ‘holic.
I hope that Poldi has recovered from whatever he had over the weekend, he was visably struggling.
Whatever team AW puts out I expect a tough game, we’ll need to be at our best for this one.
Evening all.
Wind, I am following you. As for Arsenal v Tottenham tickets I will keep my ears open but you might ask me to find something more freely available. Rocking horse droppings, for example π
good evening ‘holic
I haven’t back read or back drunk, so I don’t know what went on, but welcome back anyway and nice, though brief, post.
@ Wind
good choice.
It’s all about the six. Sorry, wrong post.
No reactionary comments please.
Cheers Holic.
3-2 at Old Trafford. I can only apologise. I did indeed jinx it.
Nice holic just watching Celtic giving barca a game here,how pissed off must our old captain be watching song playing in the middle of the park,noting against the lad but that’s gotto be a kick in the u no what’s.
Welcome back Holic hope your trip was satisfactory?
Need to be on toes and heels tomorrow night it wont be an easy game!
Hey Holic, So true about Arteta. What a sacrifice he has made for this team as well. Giving up his own personal ambition (scoring goals) to help others shine. Time for the front three to repay him, with some goals of their own. As I watch Chelsea struggle 2 down, I’m reassured that any great team can have an’off’ day. If we give it our all, like you indicate, we’ll win this one. A word about Tabs. Such a real pleasure to read his work, sincerely mean that. And BTM, is always a delight, very colorful! But it’s good to have you back π
I see I kept posting on the wrong drinks.
abb, if you didn’t see it, Juve are 1-0 down….
Wind, I’m keeping an eye too, but I still have to sort myself first if you don’t mind π
And abb, I think I’m a lucky charm for you: I had the strange feeling just as I posted 15 that Juve might equalise at the same time.
Look like they did just that, heh.
Holic @ 6, indeed you are, my apologies maestro π And π That just goes to sum up the difficulty of the request I suppose, I’ll hold out for it as Clive suggested that should be the game I go to on his generosity but any fixtures where the Holics are out in force at the Tollie would be good as well π
Fun @ 7, thanks π But I jinxed it as well :(, didn’t complete it though by going to make fun of them.
I hear that Ollie @ 16 and I appreciate it, good luck to you so you may pass on that luck to me, if I’m lucky π
Oscar’s pulled one back for the chavs…
Damn it, Barca score in the 93rd.
Certainly games other than grade A would be easier to source, Wind. (And a little more affordable for Clive, struggling to make ends meet on his pension!) π
Chavs lose though.
Only one good result tonight in the end.
I’m sure there’ll be plenty of tickets on Tx, nearer the game.
Or just after we’ve lost to QPR :s
I am just biding my time rather than throwing myself at overpriced tickets (and well you also have to be on line at the right time, which is a bit random).
Pension! Sorry the Sweeper isn’t of that age yet, seems as virile as any other man in the bar! π
I feel for Celtic, knowing what would happen to them if they attack but always the fear that Barcelona would sneak through the defence somehow if they set up shop …
In fact, this season, so far I have only either been a guest (;) ) or bought tickets on Tx. Scary.
@ abb
What would you think about Coquelin or Frimpong taking Arteta’s place as the deepest lying midfielder? I think Coquelin could both learn from Lego Hair and free him up a bit to express himself.
Oh Ollie, Thank heavens the Old Lady found her gumption ! Gigi just off injury and all. Chelsea losing restores my sense of well being π
I hope so Ollie, I wouldn’t want to put Clive out of pocket exorbitantly, would be looking for the cheapest (as Category A games go) ticket that I could get.
it would be harsh on either of the current incumbents to lose their place.
I don’t think it would be particularly harsh on Vermaelen to lose this place, but I don’t know if Kos is being deemed sufficiently fit though.
Looks like Juve only drew though, abb, sorry.
There are Spuds tickets on txchange now, btw.
Nice preview Holic. Like you, I can’t see any changes. I’d like to see Kos paired with the Bfg for an extended run, but I’d be amazed if Arsene makes that change tomorrow. As for the rest I suppose Coq for either Ramsey or Gervinho is a possibility, if Arsene wants more solidity, but I think it’s unlikely.
As for the post on Sunday it was my pleasure, strumpet that I am π
Thank you for your kind words Abb.
I need to thank Take a Bow Son again for jumping into the breach and reporting on the Norwich game. It was awful for him to draw the short straw for his Premiership bow.
tabs is to ‘holic what Tom is to blogs π
Minus the techy stuff, I guess π
FunGunner, You have a serious footballer’s brain. Wow! Would love to know what Snir would think of that. Would love to see Arteta go forward.
So you think I will need more than a T shirt on Saturday then?
7 degrees is positively tropical, barman. 8)
@ 35
Or he’s a serial attention-seeker. π π
Already gone Fun, or someone’s added it to basket *frowns*
heh zico.
I’m considering whether it’s time to bring the heavy jacket again?
Is it worth it when you are daytripping in October?
Over 3 weeks to the game, Wind, plenty more opportunities.
Heh Ollie, definitely without the techy stuff, wouldn’t know a gigabyte from a cookie here π
Dr Z knows π
bad luck, Wind, but Ollie is right – worth checking every day.
Just an idea I was throwing out, abb. I really like Coquelin but I worry that he heeds to impose himself on the squad a bit more, and there is definitely a vacancy for the backup-to-Arteta job.
***
Good night, all. See you in the bar tomorrow if you’re not going to be at the game.
Yes we do need a proper showing from the lads tomorrow and on Saturday as well.
After all, Steve-o’s overcome his injury problems and is in town π
See you holics at the Tollie before the match tomorrow and possibly before and after the QPR match on Saturday.
Ollie @ 41
Depends how much contraband you can conceal in the lining π
Perspicacious as ever Holic.
I can’t see any changes either principally because we don’t have anyone fit at the front or in midfield who can shake it up.
So Bouldy had better get in their faces (all bar Arteta) and tell them that Saturday was totally unacceptable and must not be repeated under any circumstances. You tell’em Bouldy. Arsene can give ’em his scariest look.
Oh I’m just tickled pink gawking at all the terrific holics here. How you ALL brighten my day π
gawking, eh?
Steve-o!
You had better be there Saturday pal. I need all the news from Singapore π
Perspicacity generated by Sainsbury 12 year old Islay, baff. Strangely better than one would think, and good value.
Don’t let any of this lot tickle you abb. They are trouble, I tell you, trouble π
There are no bad distilleries on Islay – it’ll be someone you know. Off to pour a Benromach myself. You up tomorrow?
Bath, would like it to be this look:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/2628177/Arsenal-feel-force-of-Arsene-Wenger-fury-Football.html
But will probably be this one:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/aug/21/arsenal.manchesterunited
π
Oh Holic, A bit of a limerence on the lot of them. In a strictly kinda sorta way, of course π
Not midweek I’m afraid, sir. Defo Saturday to see the assorted throng from the Kingdom, Singapore, and all points north.
Spot on, NorCal @ 52. No doubt.
Limerence? – seems very technical.
Will see you Saturday then, Holic. Hopefully to toast a fine victory.
Translation of “perspicacious” for Zico
“see through you, Jimmy “. π
Who tickled Abb’s pink ? π
Heh Trev.
More like – “See you Jimmy?” – the usual prelude to a “Glesca kiss”.
Naughty @ 57.
Oh Trev….and Bath, It would appear you are all my LO (limerent objects) π Down Wolfie!
Still not sure whether that’s a compliment or an insult abb. I’ll need to read that Wiki article. It seems a bit too ‘Daily Mail Womens’ Page’ for an old lag like me.
Heh @ #57. See you tomorrow Trev.
The performance against chelski was on par with that debacle on saturday.
Cheers Trev @ 56
I thought it was a contagious disease or summat….
Holic i’m sure we will respond in a very strong way until we do the same again and we will and yourself and us all know it.
Oh abb. Kindly step this way and I’ll try to prove The Barman wrong by not showing you my collection of feather dusters and assorted tickling sticks. Tattyfilarious missus.
Hey TS, LOL. Now who here doesn’t love Whoopi Goldberg? Well, I’m kinda like her. Saying shocking things, for the betterment of mankind. If you ever have a tooth ache in the middle of the nite, here’s a proven remedy. A vibrator (heating option on) held against your cheek, will disrupt the pain signals π Now you can all tisk, tisk-but it works!!! Nite all π
Oh abb. Using a fizzy drinks mixer to cure dental pain? Better than chipped teeth I suppose. Night wighty π
PS: Does it double up as a alternative to a hot water bottle?
Good evening,friends.
Nice to see you’re back,Guv,hope you enjoyed your time off.
Let’s go beat some Germans tomorrow. UTA!!!
Time to stand up and be counted.
AW keeps telling us about the great spirit thus squad has. Wednesday night is a perfect opportunity to show that.
Bring it on.
Welcome back ‘holic and I hope a great weekend was had in the far west country. I will read your post and comment anon but first may I thank H2H and TS for their great comments about Brent Cross and suburban transport in the previous drinks. π
Well, I’m not quite sure which bar I have entered…
50-cent words like perspicacious.
Dental remedies using sexual “appliances.”
Tickling.
Pinks?!!!
Where’s the adult supervsion? Where’s the censor? Oh the humanity!
Have we beat the Germans (and then let them off the hook with some shambolic moment of idiocy) yet? I demand answers.
BMBD.
Had to look up perspicacious.
It’s the same principle behind rubbing your toe when you stub it, although I don’t usually use a vibrator. And where exactly do you lace said item?
My wife’s sweatshirt says “pink” and I’ve been slapped twice already for public tickling.
I am currently drink a Guinness to build up my black gold tolerance.
The Germans ……. Must die. Or at least lose.
And the unlikely (based on a look at the table) winner of the HT You Ropey League is Dr. Feelgood. Give the man some drugs …
Dr. Feelgood is the weekly winner based on the weekend’s results, that is …
Damn, possibly a block 32 came and went.
Jaysus, the number of tickets on Tx for QPR right now is ludicrous. Strangely though, not a single pair together.
There’s a block 32 for Fulham too (but I’ve already got a block 6), I’d hazard it’s the same that was there for Spu*s but got promptly snapped.
And when I say ‘hazard’, I don’t mean dive.
Position suggests that 32 may be the same I got for Norwich last year.
Good morning,lovers of the Arse.
Early feelers is that our front three for tonight will be Poldi,Gerv and Ramsey while our Coq fills the hole in the middle.
8 ball @ 75
I picked a team of non-Arsenal c***s and have since left them to fester. It wasn’t meant to be like this…..
In other news, Roxette keeps asking me to take her to the dentist π―
Morning Cent. Sounds plausible but maybe a little harsh on Giroud? I thought he was one of the very few at least trying to put a shift in vs Narch. Still, he can come-off the bench to supplement that Coq filled hole.
Dr. z, ditto. How on earth I have managed the dizzy heights of mid-table mediocrity vs relegation candidate I’ll never know but the manager’s policy of total neglect and non-intervention appears to be a master stroke. There’s a lesson in there somewhere.
Just flew in from Miami Beach BOAC (well something like that anyway). Resting in St Reatham. Planning to be at The Tolly at 5.30 or thereabouts tonight. Look forward to seeing you if you’re coming. New JW 10 top getting its first run out this evening – testing the turf for the arrival of the real thing on Saturday.
Dr Z, very grateful for your offer of the seat next to Roxette on your private jet return to the Kingdom on Saturday night.
BOAC? Heh! @ BtM.
Dr.F – ‘Private’ jet? Misappropriating company funds seems to have become a career mantra. Be careful out there.
I imagine if LJW does get a run-out on Saturday that it’ll take the roof off The Ems when he comes on. A great thought to set yourself up for the weekend.
See you under a brollie Mr. Time Lord. Apparently, zico recommends wearing shorts, flip-flops and a knotted hanky considering the tropical temps vs The Kingdom of Fife.
BTM is onto a good thing with JW10 on the shirt, it was only ever that or SC19 for this 2 year Home Shirt… But I’ll probably get JW10 next season π
I see another media harlot on Pravda this morning π
BtM, be careful, she bites!
True story,yeah,it would be very harsh on Giroud to be benched,personally i wouldn’t bench him and i don’t think Arsene is “benching” him,looks more like a tactics thing to me.
See you at the Tollie, BTM.
I had completely forgotten about the HT League and the misadventures of Bell End FC, and now that I logged on I see I have two bellends that aren’t even playing in the Premier League anymore in my team… I might be the worst fantasy manager ever.
Oh Lars π
Cent – Tonight, I’d like to see a front three of Caz – Giroud – Poldi (if he’s fit). We’ll find out soon enough. Injuries are really starting to bite. The returns of Jack, Bac, Ox, Theo & Szcz (all near-term???) should give us a decent boost.
Lars – Your bellends are dragging the floor (of the table). No wonder you’re always smiling.
‘holic I would also settle for a 3-2 win and the 3 points but then I’d prefer to see some more defensive solidity and a boring boring 1-0 to the Arsenal. Which reminds me that before going to bed last night I got to see most of the first half of the game that ended up Deportivo 4-5 Barcelona. When I turned it on it was Deportivo 0-2 Barcelona and when I turned it off just before halftime each team had scored twice including two magnificent Messi goals each from a lovely assist by Fabregas. Deportivo’s two goals were dodgy by any stretch of the imagination, including a penalty that shouldn’t have been and a howler by Valdes that would have had the anti-Mannone contingent howling from the trees. Only pure fatigue made me turn off the game at Deportivo 2-4 Barcelona. But now, let’s see BfG and Poldi out-German the Germans. I have the game set to record, figuring I may be late home from work.
The Tolly you say? Under the brolly? Sounds like that could be a plan.
“I see another media harlot”
Who dat den?
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/talking-heads-arsenal-v-schalke
π
In other news a gurt big slice of homemade carrot cake is just ten bob, or 50p if you prefer, from our charity fundraisers today. Yum.
Well harlotted ‘Holic.
Not so sure about your often negatively disposed partner in crime.
The crowd will indeed be expectant.
The birth of a l-o-n-g run of wins until Xmas?
T.S. That front three of yours looks tasty but i dont think we will see it till we have more fit midfielders and maybe less fit attackers.
Nicks the ball off Huntelar and spreads it out the wing for a sharp counter attack…
Bounces one off Giroud’s butt straight into the path of …
Looking forward to a Tolly Brolly tonight.
Wolfie will be there, I hear in a green felt hat with a purple-dyed ostrich feather, gold lame Speedoes and matching Jimmy Choos.
On Saturday, for QPR, he’s coming in fancy dress. π
Abb,
Does holding a heated vibrator against your cheek count as a blow job ?
Just wondrin’ ……..
And heads it in!
Blow dries Coloccini’s hair before plugging into goal …
Slams home a rare shot and protests his innocence as the ref reaches for his pocket ………..
Trev and Abb. What a pair!!
What ??!!?! Missed again.
What the hell are you doing here at this time of day Abb ?
That is one piece of outstanding lurking.
Well in,Abb,lurky you.
Oh my goodness ! Bows to a standing ovation and thanks Trev profusely π
My pleasure Abb, he lies having had the ball snatched off his toes again. π
Any less fit attackers Cent, and we might see the BFG deployed as a stand-in centre-forward for an entire 90 minutes π
You’ve inspired me to conjure a fantasy & further injury hit (Dennis forbid) ‘Arse Emergency XI’:
Martinez
Kos-Bould(!)-Miquel-Santos
Verm-Coq-Djourou
Caz-BFG-Gerv
How’s that for brown trousers?
Trev,Heh at question for Abb @99.
Oh fellas, must offer up explanation of sorts. Been dealing with an impacted wisdom tooth lately, the pain is exquisite (throbbing). But I stand by my remedy π
A 14 hour lurk Abb !!!
Oh my, abb up at this time? More power required for mom’s fizzy drinks mixer?
Time to look the other way fellas.
Abb has reached the exquisite throbbing stage with her heated vibrator.
Her words, not mine ….. π
Hey guys, Have any of you played between the sticks? If so, can you share with us, what it feels like. To have the weight of the world resting on your shoulders π
*averts eyes*
*hides batteries*
Hahahah True story,i don’t want to see any eleven like that unless it’s for someone’s testmonial at the grove.
Unfortunately have to leave this naughty madness and return to my internet free zone.
See some of you tonight.
Come on Reds !
Heh Cent but imagine playing a team like that and beating the LWCs or Manure. Just like a trophy? π
Abb, everything you say seems to be a euphemism all of a sudden. π
TS – interesting that Ramsey didn’t make your team @108. Oh dear ….
Must go. π
Trev – I decided to assume he was also in the Diaby wing of the Colney Infirmary.
See you later….
Get well soon nurse.
Nicely planted between the sticks too.
Abb,i sustained an ankle knock that took almost a year to heal when i was in secondary school,so the only way i could get on the field of play was by been in between the sticks.
It was quite an enjoyable experience (been that the only thing ever at stake was bragging rights). Confidence in your defenders and yourself is essential because when you trust each other,you won’t be tempted to make rash decisions and vice versa. When i had “Almunia moments” i was always wanted to redeem my image immediately,at such times i would will the opponents to take more shots and hopefully i’d pull off a few saves to make up for my gaffes and build up confidence. How a ‘keeper deals with the first and second shots he faces in a game pretty much determines his confidence level and form for that game. Another thing is that shouting at a ‘keeper most times does him more harm than good,the best solution is always fair and calculated criticisms and dwelling on his mistakes will only make him think of mistakes when ever he has a decision to make and thinking of mistakes will only lead to more mistakes.
True Story beating Manure or the LWC with that team would definitely feel good but i want the REAL shiny stuff.
Oh Cent, How I enjoyed that! Really is mind over matter. Yes, agree with you about shots coming in, keeps you on your toes. Very nice π
TS @ 122 Thanks π
Re: Cent @123. Having played a bit between the sticks in my time I have to agree with your assessment of the psychological requirements. Not thinking about mistakes is tough enough without teammates reminding you the way the rest of the world (meedja, esp.) is bound to be trying to do. How to avoid negative thinking is the issue, and some people just seem to be better at it. SZCZ certainly seems to be the best one in this regard among our choices. Whenever I think about him I conjure up this image of him celebrating Arshavin’s goal against Barcelona. No negative thinking is possible at that moment, so maybe it’s just a question of loading a continually repeating highlight film of positive moments inside one’s head?
Afternoon folks
Well in abb, that will go down as the lurk of the century.
A diary mix up will see me in a restaurant when the mighty Arsenal take the field tonight, not the end of the world because due to the same old cable defiecence (I’ve been promised it will be fixed on Friday, I’m sceptic to say the least) I’d of only been able to have the Ajax- Vulgarian clash on in the bar.
So once again the trusty HD recorder thingymebob has been primed and I shall go into media lockdown as the game approaches, which will probably please the other half no end, and I’ll get to watch it as live later, a win- win situation, which I’m hoping will turn into a win – win- win for the rip roaring reds situation.
I’d like to wish everyone going a fine evening and wherever and however you’re watching the game tonight, enjoy.
lPod > CUNT : http://www.football365.com/topical-top-10/8190661/Top-Ten
Oh you’re welcome nurse and I still play in goal for Gents 5s. Actually, the whole team rotates but I am known to partake of a decent double stop when called upon. No weight, just fun and injury from time-to-time. ‘Joy & Pain’. A bit like your fizzy drinks mixer conundrum.
Nice one Ollie. He’s > Dzeko too!
Enjoy H2H and I will very impressed if you manage your lock down. Never succeeded myself.
Thanks,Abb.
8ball,yeah,i’ve always felt Bendtner would have been a more successful footballer if he was a goalkeeper,his ego would’ve been put to better use.
H2H,sorry about your situation.
It’s not that difficult here TS mate, I live in the middle of nowhere, the restaurant has no TV’s, I’ve asked all my mates not to sms, call, whatsapp, e-mail, carrier pidgoen etc me, but just in case the telephone will be turned off and I’ve promised myself that if a see smoke signals in the distance I won’t pay any attention
Well dun, ABB.
BMBD.
Hey Fellas, 8ball from your lips to Vito’s ears. Positive imagery might just be the ticket! TS, good idea about rotation…there’s a lesson there, I think. Cent, Bendy’s got the ego alright, but he seems so aloof (detached from his mates). Did you know that Gigi makes pilgrimages to Holy Sites, on behalf of his game? Very spiritual. After all, the longest walk for a keeper, is to go and retrieve the ball from the back of the net π Keep you antidotes coming, please! And H2H, Only audio for me tonite, courtesy of Player.
Hi LoneStar, Hope you and yours are doing well π
Abb,Gigi is one of the few remaining model proffessional’s in the game today. A ‘keeper needs to have the respect of his teammates to be able to command them in his box,if our fantasy keeper Bendy has to be detached from his teammates to able to get that,i say so be it.
I’m in Aviemore.
Roxette has some really daft ideas on match day
At least the snow-gates will be open – I will get back in time for kick off.
Won’t I? π
Zico, I googled Aviemore, charming hamlet π And Rox continues to capture my admiration!
Aviemore?
Are you going downhill fast, Dr z?
I am deeply troubled by the 99-100 vocabulary combination from Trev & abb.
Ollie π Ollie, when the holics play against arseblog, who plays keeper for us? Spill the beans π
What kind of person schedules a csection when Arsenal have a game to play.
An out of touch American surgeon!!
She doesn’t need anesthesia right??
Hey nurse, can I borrow your warm vibrator!!
The patient might want to borrow it too. π
Hi NorCal (sheepish smile).
Hey ABB.
looks like I will miss at least the first half due to a ……… Scheduling conflict.
Hope we come out pressing all over. A win tonight really puts us in a good position and we need the morale boost.
Reaction, reaction,reaction. As a wise man once said.
John Terry, Luis Suarez and the rest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0Ti-gkJiXc
Andy @ 140
I can’t really tell – she’s driving and therefore I have my blindfold on.
These rosary beads better work as well…..
NorCal – if it’s a C section, do you really need to press all over? π
Saw over on arseblog where we hired a previous Adidas man as our new head of licensing and retail. Hope he can push thru a real kit deal. Personally I prefer Adidas over Nike anyway. But whatever increases our revenue will help.
Dr Z, if you saw how some OB doctors did a C section here you would see a lot of pressing and pulling. π
http://vermaelen05.blogspot.com/2012/10/arsene-wenger-rules-of-life.html
Zico 138 pisted again π
We’re still north of Perth, she says.
Not Perth WA, I hope…… π
BBC Report 4 hr ago: Police in Perth are on a massive manhunt for a man described as in his forties, medium build, clean shaven with a round face….believed to be an escaped bank robber. Helicopters and tracking dogs are aiding the authorities.
Zico….there are unconfirmed reports of the Yeti being sighted on the slopes of the Grampians;-)
Hi abb..hope u r well. Team news….the Coq is playing and the BHF is on the bench. Off to the pub…enjoy the game.
Well, I am anxious for the game to kick off alright!
Hope I am horribly wrong, but I don’t like the Coq in for Olivier. Come back later to see my face covered in egg…
We go from being fat in the midfield to now only having arshavin left as a sub. He makes the midfield pudgy but in an entirely different way.
I am sending my CV into the medical facilities. Something has gotta change!
Le Coq for a brace then….eh ‘holic.
And Ollie G with 2 more from the bench. π
Hey Uply and company. Coq for Giroud…sigh. Deep breath. Must say, I don’t get it.
We are 5/4 against.
For a home group match.
Almost unprecedented π
Gwan U Redz!
COYRRR’s
Media lockdown in 5…4..3..3….
Nutty looking good on Sky.
Evening, all
I see you talked with your head on arsenal.com, goonerholic.
Cent, good guess/prediction for the line-up. Le Coq to give Arteta a chance to be more creative AND to put in some more tackles (we were very low on tackles last time) and Gervinho for Giroud is just horses for courses, no reflection on OG.
Come on Arsenal! Get back to being you!
Good evening,’holics.
Abb and everybody not watching the game,i will try and drop by when ever i can to share my thoughts with you guys. Up the Arse!!!!!
Evening all, back after taking a break from all things arsenal after weekend to avoid doomsaying articles and such, I really hope boys will put in good shift today. I can see goals in this match being scored on both ends, still believe it will end up in the way we want. Come on lads!
On 3 bets.
2-1, 3-1, 3-2.
Be good you Gunners…
Arsenal team: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos, Coquelin, Arteta, Ramsey, Podolski, Cazorla, Gervinho. Subs: Shea, Koscielny, Djourou, Arshavin, Gnabry, Giroud, Chamakh
Gnabry on the bench. (rubs hands gleefully)
@ abb
I had to look up “limerence”. I love a new word. thanks.
Come on Arsenal! Hey everyone π
Arsene still banned?
Yes FG, he is.
Thanks, abb.
Sounds like the tempo is up, which is a mercy.
Mannone,my heart.
TV on a yellow.
Not a good start!
Come on Arsenal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just listening, not being able to SEE what’s happening, is killing me…
Oooh!
Are we overcompensating with over-enthusiastic tackles?
C’mon lads win the ball back!
@ 180
I hear ya – same here!
Santos is observing the offside trap well.
Abb we’re playing quite well,harrying them into mistakes and moving the ball well,i reckon we will concede then equalize and win.
Has Gerv lost his legs already?
Gervs oh my god
Gervinho couldn’t finish a bag of chips.
Let alone defend a fish supper π
Think Gers has to come off. Not sure where his head is…
BMBD.
LG
Agree he has certainly lost his pace and trickery
Oh Nonny π To be fair to Gervais, it SOUNDS like no one is supporting him, anticipating his passes.
Get in there, Santi!
BMBD.
Come on Arsenal – corner!
Indeed, AtG…he seems to have no decisiveness either.
BMBD.
They keep saying that none of the others are keeping up with Gerve, so no-one to exchange passes with in or around the box.
Well, If we need Gnarby to come on, lets not wait until the 70th min. please.
I think Gerv looks a bit lost the problem again is we are not quick enough from midfield to the final third
Gnabry would provide pace, certainly.
Oh gawd, TV hurt?
But why is it HIS fault, no one else’s?
Mert with a HUGE block there. Thank God for Mert.
Podolski doing the wide arms “FOR FUCK’S SAKE MOVE!” gesture to Gervinho.
Well, it sounds like the game is opening up. TV injured? Kos to come on.
As much as like Gervinho ..he forces game to no mans areas, now just forced Poldi to pass to him to the sideline losing the ball after it ..sigh
Mert with another one
Per Mer is the man.
Mertersacker is just too good.
BfG is MotM to this point. A stellar performance so far.
BMBD.
I’d switch over to Prehistoric Autopsy at nine but knowing my luck they’d reconstruct the humanoid and it would have a massive forehead and dreads π
I’m off for a Babycham or two, I think. Life on the edge.
Dammit, Gerv.
BMBD.
Gerv must come off come on the guy just makes it too hard for himself now!
Schalke is looking better then they really are. Our fault.
I don’t like the scent of a game so far.
Smells like a draw.
My goodness…
This smells like a loss, if we don’t get our thumbs out from our arses.
BMBD.
This tactic is wrong we will never beat them like this!
We need someone to play a Chicharito opportunistic-style of play, hang around the net, ready to bang the ball at a sec’s notice.
Here, here, Arthur.
What do you suggest? Bring on Giroud and go two up top? Something needs changing…nope, it’s not my diaper.
BMBD.
What an end to end game,both teams lacking the final passCoquelin doesn’t look out of place,Ramsey is playing it safe and been efficient,Santos is running himself into the ground,i don’t think Arteta has micplaced a single pass,Mertersacker is an octopus,Gervinho’s movement is causing them problems,Poldi is putting in a shift,Santi has been wriggling out of tight spaces and Jenkinson is a corporal.
Appreciate that synopsis, Cent. So, why can’t we get the job done?
Hi drinkers – really end to end, but Santos being pushed to limit by lack of support/protection against their right side
Gervy seems to be floating between his natural left side play and the CF role I thought he was playing today
Midfield is very congested with no-one dominating, and what role is Rambo playing – does he know
BFG was the man of the half
Mannone non-pelanty for me as he seemed to touch ball first (on replay from behind him)
2nd half SB must bring Kos on and send TV to replace Santos on left
Abb can you try atdhenet.tv?
More urgency than Saturday but equally toothless up front.
Need to keep things tighter at the back. Santos can’t defend!
@ 218 Cent
Thanks for that.
They say on the ArsenalPlayer commentary that Podolski isn’t tracking the Schalke full back – is that what you’re seeing as well? Seems very uncharacteristic.
Gnabry would add pace, AA would add unpredictability (can be a good or a bad thing!).
LG anything but not this.
Everyone looks tired out there, lets bring the midfield closer to start with there is no real forward so let’s play Poldi up front with Gerv on the left I hate him on the right he’s lost there.
For some god forsaken reason I missed the first 25 minutes due to a series of updates, freezes & various but I have not enjoyed what I’ve seen so far apart from Merte’s blocks. Gervinho & Santos are not serious right now…
Interesting observations, CG. Afraid to try streams, too many bad experiences. Glad to hear your wife is on the mend.
Ajax tie Man City π
phew!
Why is Santos still on?
Another let off……………..
Come on Arsenal!
Cuddly Maverik not up to it today for real
Is Mert the only one out there?! Dang it lads, fight!!!
Conq is doing great too
Gnabry, AA and OG warming up.
Are we playing at home???
Come you REDS!!!!!!!!!!
@ 233 ArthurTheGooner
I wish he was more involved
Oh boy, this is growing increasingly dangerous. We’ve lost the ball and they are stepping up the pressure. Bring on the subs NOW!
Ajax 2-City 1 π
Time’s a wastin’, Bouldie.
Let’s get on some subs.
BMBD.
Woohoo Ajax
My heart isn’t going to last the night.
Agree abb, we seem to have a habit of delaying subs far too late to be eeffective
Mannone has no presence whatsoever. He is Almunia 2.0.
BMBD.
Aaaargh. Ramsey close?
Seriously , what happened to the team that played Man City off the park?
Wat’s this? A Schalke sub? I think I am going to become quite upset this last half hour.
BMBD.
Ajax 3- City 1 π
Go Ajax! At least someone’s scoring.
Good God, Gervinho. Two men over, runs with it up a blind alley, gets free, takes a dive when all he has to do is cross it. And it was a dive. Get him off.
Schalke lucky with Gervy’s run and fall
Thank God their finishing or final balls are so poor.
He slipped, I think.
Die Knappen are waaaaay much louder.
I wonder why?
Girooo for Gervy must be good COYR
Thank God he’s gone off. Only problem is, 0-1.
Shit.
Oh damn damn damn
Fucking new it!
Boogar Hootlar
OMG!
Fucking knew it………….correction!
Two goals now please Arsenal
Jeepers creepers, Halloween has come early.
But from where FG?..I am usually the last person who doesnt believe in our lads but we are not making chances:(
I’d have preferred Gerv to stay on and someone else go off. But that’s going on the audio.
@ Eandy
Dunno – I’m praying.
Right with you on that one, Fun.
Now we wakeup!
I missed the goal.
Was it Schalke quality? or our incompetence? And why only give the subs 8 mins?
This is malfeasance.
BMBD.
Coquelin to RB?
Jenks down?
Holics pond is gone why do we disappoint so much!
Oh dear.
Deserved – walk in like your own park is yours
SHAMBLES!
*******************
0-2 left back isolation syndrome
That was incompetence.
Sheer incompetence.
I’m done.
bmbd.
Jenkinson off, Ramsey still on?
WTF
WTF
WTF
Response my arse!
lurky – Santos should have been off not Jenks
There’s tear in my beer….Gallons, actually.
After great start of the season – Here we go again!
Fuck.
Enough three minutes at home getting thrashed it’s fucking shambles whatever you want call it…………….
can we start to panic now? we’re making it look like we had a good season last year.
Apologies to say but we are FUCKING weak! Always have been!
Well not for the good years!
This is just awful!
Positives ? WTF?????????????????????????
Hugely disappointing. Hangover from the weekend?
Hurts jus the same as the last game
I can’t wait to see Wenger’s rationale this time for such a dreadful performance.
Was there an international break between Sunday and Wednesday? No, sir.
Did we underestimate our opposition? Well Bundesliga 3rd place finisher v. Prem 3rd place finisher…no reason to take them for granted.
I guess we played with the handbrake on too long…
So here we are. As Norwich showed, we can’t beat lower competition who pack the final third, and, as Schalke have shown, we can’t beat teams who come to play football on our own pitch.
It’s gonna be a dreadfully long season folks. I’ve lost my optimism. Let’s just beat the spuds on Nov. 17th. Please?
bmbd.
Dreadful
SHAMBLES IS NOT THE WORD BUT WE WILL BOUNCE…………of the tennis table court π
Fun –
Aren’t these manboys supposed to be professionals? Aren’t the coaches? What do they mean by “hangover?”
I’m REALLY tired of all the excuses.
bmbd.
From worse to worse.
Olympiakos just scored. Trip to Greece is going to be decisive. It is us or them for the second. Just a reminder, that they were without two of their best players when we meet.
Wow, Is Steve Bould really in charge of this game? I think he is not. If he is and as a defender himself he would certainly sub Santos after 10 min. to be fair not just him. all of them, the fans were rubbish as well. their fans took over the stadium their players outplayed us, from satrt to finish. Taking jenkinson off was simply stupid, the best Arsenal player on the pitch alongside Coquelin. the reset were simply rubbish. Well beaten
Tough to swallow. Very little clear cut chances in 2 games for us. Hope it gets better from here on. 3.30 AM, sleep time and a long day at work awaits.
Night all.
Hope our lads recover from this, and then some.
And thats for me for tonight, and no, I still dont think its time for panic, its time for Arsene to get lads back on the right track. Poor defending is one thing, but what worries me more is fact that we were unable to make clear cut chances in last two games, passing was slow, without real urgency.
Its not even about having strikers capable of scoring, since Poldi, Gervs and OG all showed they are capable of doing so, but there is no actual service for them. I ll start to be concerned should we fuck up against QPR on weekend, but thats all I can do anyway, its down to Arsene and lads in the end to turn things around again.
I would blame injuries but I reckon he would have played the same side anyway, even with AOC and Theo fit (definitely wouldn’t have played Theo and probably not AOC either)
Hard to make definitive comments when I haven’t seen the match. But I’m extremely worried now. This wasn’t a fluke, this is us now. Until we prove differently. So very sorry holics.
!If I was earning this much at least i would have made the effort
£££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££
@ 290/292 Lonestar Gooner
They didn’t make excuses for Norwich.
I was the one who said “hangover?”, not them. I was just making an observation that they may not have got over the shock loss, mentally. I don’t know whether you call that making an excuse.
It also sounded as if the way were set up did not help – if Santos and Podolski were both coming infield, lots of space for their fb. And not enough pacy players on the field? Just a guess until I see the clip on ArsenalPlayer.
It is just beyond me how can we get from pretty much dominant performance at West Ham to this piss poor in just two weeks…baffling ..anyway..off for today.
Perhaps if you show the a bigger pay cheque they will start wrung around!
Silly laptop keyboard :
perhaps if you show the a bigger pay cheque they will start runing around!
We didnt deserve any more tonight, but for me the fault lies with management more than those on the pitch. They should have reorganized sooner and brought subs on earlier
Santos was poor, but that is no surprise when he was totally exposed all match – you cannot blame him for everything that got past him. It was never clear which midfielder was supposed to support him. In fact, Le Coq seemed like he was playing in Arteta’s zone rather than having a separate patrol area, such as being Santos’ support on the left
Gervy didnt play as an out and out CF, and had a poor touch too often
Jenks and BFG and Arteta were the most consistent, and Santi did well when he escaped the shackles
Overall credit is due to Schalke, who crowded their defence to snuffle our mostly predictable threats, and broke fast and in numbers again and again
We can still be second, but we need our missing english quartet of Gibbs, Jack, Ox and Theo as a minimum
It can only get better and it WILL
Schalke could have won this match 3-0 or even 4-0, such dire was our performance.
The only shot on goal was from Gnabry!!
Ramsey, Gervinho and Santos had performances not only unworthy of a top-tier football team, but in phases of lower league quality. Santos at least showed some spark going forward even though the defending was abysmal, but Ramsey had one from the worst days of last season. No composure, no accuracy, no pace, no discipline.
And let us please stop playing Gervinho down the middle against opposition that knows how to defend. He has neither the physical strength nor the reflexes of a center forward. Henry and RVP had the physical and instinctual attributes of a goal-scorer, Gervinho doesn’t.
And hopefully this performance would convince us that Theo is not as easily dispensable as many of us are suggesting. We have relied on him to win European matches like this. An injury to him and Ox and we need to rely on a 17 year old — albeit with superlative talent — to get us through difficult games.
Finally, why avoid the proactive replacements? Top level footballers don’t have psyche made of glass and they can take an earlier sub. Santos was simply not ready today to defend and should have been taken out, Kos going to the center and TV5 on the left. And given the number of times we lost the ball in the opposition final third a strong hold-up player like Giroud would have come much more handy.
This is unarguably one of the worst home performance in CL!!
Ooops
players playing out of position,and getting crucified Check
Lack of Width Check
Lack of Pace check
A left back that looks and plays more like a tele tubby Check
No midfield Drive Check
No Options on the bench Check
Park and Chamack Still at the club Check
Diaby injured Check
Kranky at the game – That’s a new one
Ar Least Le Coq looks a player probably means he will be sold in the summer to a rival,
AGM Should be Fun !
I have watched this bollocks for too long!
Always excuses International break yes too many players injured…..
How the fuck are we different form any other club? Why is Wenger using Cazorla in his press conf that he played two games? What difference does it make?
Same old shyte as usual, i don’t think this team is capable of winning the league no way….lets skip those dreams.
If we can keep to top four that yet again form Mr Gazdis and Mr Wenger will be a top prize!
Where is Benayoun when you need one.
Did I mentioned how poor Ramsey really is? And where he get credits for his Arsenal starts? Can someone please explain to me, because I am too stupid to understand, what is his role on the field? Someone please?
Cant remember a game when he started and we won, except maybe Everton last year, with gallons of luck.
And Bould took of Jenks, our best runner, with Ramsey still on the pitch. What the f… he was thinking.
Who knew Gibbs was turning into our most important player. I’ve been thinking that since the season started. Fucking injuries.
When is he back? Tomorrow please…
@ 299. No, it is not a fluke. we are back to normal. We failed to score in 4 games now. That is very unlike the Arsenal we know. we used to score goals but conceed a lot. the difference now is we sill conceed and don’t score. Girooud does not have anything else to offer, i have not seen anything to suggest he will improve, and podolski is played as a winger we are desperate for goals and there is no one who has that little extra to pull us out of trouble.
Another season stone dead by October. Why don’t they shoot the lot of them and put us out of OUR misery.
Very grey day here, meteorologically as well as futbolistically speaking. Leaves me wondering how much of my early season optimism was down to the excellent play of Diaby, who we haven’t seen in a while and probably never will again. Fingers crossed that I’m wrong but of course we can never depend on him. Of the other players we missed today Gibbs is the one we missed the most because Santos was different class but not in a good way. π
We need a kick up the arse and fast because we were completely outclassed at home the game after we were completely outclassed by the last club in the league. Reaction? None that I can see and certainly not in the second half which was pitiful.
Not all and gloom here but we will not anything YET AGAIN!
The fact is we always aim for champions league spot so who thew fuck gets all that money?
BTW, the tactics is showing signs of the Cesc-era singleminded-ness (in the worst possible sense) where everything must happen through Cazorla and unless the ball in in his feet there are no off-the-ball movements. Arteta was visibly frustrated towards the end on an entirely static forward line-up.
And only way Gerv and Poldi should be playing together is if Poldi moves to the center, and even then it is questionable. They have a very different understanding about the usage of space in the final third and not at all on the same wavelength.
Other than the money, what really is the point of competing in CL if we cannot even produce a match of quality at home? Against Olympiakos we were tentative but at least had enough nous to win…but we haven’t managed to play well consistently in any of these three matches.
Atleast Stan was present tonight to see exactly were we are at…..that is assuming Stan understands soccer!
I’m sure PW explained exactly what was happening.
AGM should be interesting tomorrow.
NBN, If you’re still there, can you break it down for us. What is your take, please.
lurky oliva @ 309: I think this should be the career deciding season for Ramsey in Arsenal. He started off well this season, the performance against Man City was very accomplished. But he has reverted back to the last season’s second half awfulness. Whether that is physical or mental we won’t know, but that is not befitting the performance of any promising young footballer, let alone one in Arsenal shirt.
311,
Wengers Coat, I Haven’t given up on Giroud as of yet against Norwich he had absolutely fuck all service and tonight the game was cast when he came on, There’s something there he makes decent runs and can hold a ball up well and if you play to his strengths Ie get the fucking ball in the box I think he’d do ok, I may be proved completely wrong and he may be Chamack/parks love child but we certainly dont play to his strengths,Wrong System wrong club in my view,
The scary thing is that this looks like just a beginning of the end. The mighty Zamora’s QPR are coming this weekeng. They haven’t beat anyone yet? Who cares. So were Norwich.
Chippy @ 320 — I agree with you about Giroud. I think he is a promising players and can offer us somethings we lack and must absolutely need — a presence in the box, natural goalscoring abilities and hold-up play. Add to that his off-the-ball movement. He has four assists already, the most of any Arsenal player this season and whenever he received support he looked to be able to open up spaces.
The most worrying signs from the last two matches are the old problems of no width-no pace- all through the center tactics is back. This works only if we can press relentlessly and only if we have genuine and effective dribblers to take on defense.
Doctor Faustus, I agree that he had a decent game against City. One in ten. Is that enough. We are talking Arsenal here.
I am asking you, and please be honest, do you see him making at Arsenal, because I don’t.
Santos is another story. He was awful. He was worst player on the pitch. But, this is his second game of the season, and I don’t see him starting when Gibbs is back. So, I don’t see him as a potential weak link at the team in long terms. But Ramsey… He is Arsene’s favorite, he starts games on the left, on the right, in the middle, everywhere. And that is what bothers me. So I am asking once again, because I am certainly stupid that I can’t see what did Ramsey did, and what he does to deserve that?
Could be worse… Look at Man City.
We should still qualify from the group but may have to accept 2nd place and risks that come with that.
What’s very worrying is two successive performances which have been diabolical.
Can’t remember us being so creatively dire – no shots on goal tonight and only 1 (?) against Norwich on Saturday.
And Santos looked horrific tonight! As someone as said already how could Bould not see he was getting swamped in the 1st half and tried to do something about it? (e.g. Change to 5 at the back…)
Anyhow three big games coming up now…
Not feeling confident about QPR’s visit. But with this sort of team, I wouldn’t even if we’d won today.
I’m posting my opinion on the game and our players without reading other drinks so here goes:
mannone-wasn’t really called into action apart from the goals,has to take some responsibility for the 1st goal.
Vermaelen-strong in the tackle,played the offside trap well and put in a shift.
Mertersacker- man of the match for us,led the defence well and intercepted everything that came towards him,getting stronger in the air and adding a little bit of the needed aggresiveness to his game.
Jenks-didn’t play the offside trap well and lucky not to have been punished it,worked in defence and played safe in attack,had a good game overall.
Santos-his positioning wasn’t top class and got punished the one time he played the offside trap wrongly,commited too many fouls in attack and needs to be on his toes,always.
Arteta-assured in possesion,worked hard in defence and attack,had a good game.
Santi-he made things difficult for himself a few times and drifted to the wings on too many occasions,lacked the final pass but he had a good game overall.
Coquelin-didn’t look out of place in the midfield,rotated well with Arteta,got stuck in had good movement on the ball.
Ramsey-never stopped running,played the game safe and seemed to be scared to try anything spectacular.
Poldi,worked his socks off and combined well with Santi and Santos,lacked end product though.
Gervinho-his movement caused the opposition problems but his final ball was awful and ultimately he had a poor game.
Arshavin didn’t do anything of mote. Giroud contested for the aerial balls but got no service from the midfield. Gnabry is obviously talented but his game still lacks maturity,got our first shot on target.
Now backdrinking and will try to answer as many questions as i can.
the whole team looked slow. never felt we were going to get a goal, even the fans were not behind the team. it was a forgetable night.
Gibbs absence is alarming. he is very underratted. I love the runs he makes down the flanks and whip those balls into the box, he gives something different. tonight was just slow, a midfield of Ramsey, Podolski, Coquelin, Arteta and santos was never going to over run the opposition. Ox, Gibbs even Theo’s impact as a sub was missing today. Gnabry is good but he is not better than Theo at the moment, So the club need to extend his contract and add a gool scorer to the team. Giroud I’m afraid is not going to turn into a Thierry or RVP. he is what he is.How is he better than Chamakh? At least Chamakh satrted well in his first year then he was frozen out because of RVP’s return from injury.
Let’s be constructive with the criticism, and no abuse please. Thanks.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Wasp Yes Citeh lost, but they are #2 in the League. We’re going the way of Liverpool, I’m afraid. Madrid lost too, but again are doing well in their own League. I try to stay positive and upbeat, but I’m scared. When things go wrong, it’s either 1) a people failure or 2) a system’s failure. It’s NOT supposed to be both…not at the same time at least.
Abb @219,we can’t/didn’t score because we don’t/didn’t shoot.
FunG @223,looked like poldi was asked to help Gerv in attack while Santi covered Santos.@227,Coquelin has to learn to show for the ball more.
Eandy knows @297.
I don’t know why everybody is getting on Ramsey’s back,the lad played his part weel in my opinion,he didn’t take any risks in attack to avoid giving the ball away needlessly,he kept runnign for the full 90 minutes and always made himself available. Our biggest problem is that we DON’T shoot! Santi needs to be more direct and thread those defence splitting passes.
chippy. If we are looking to replace the like of Thierry or RVP then we are looking at the wrong man. GIROUD is a good player, like Chamkh he will suffer from the way we play our football. majority of Chamkh’s goals at Bordeaux were headers, Giroud is abit similar he relays on his height to attack or hold the ball up and get others involved but this is not our game, maybe at Stoke or possibly a Sam allydce’s team who uses those tactics effectively he will do really well. he does not get the service he deserves , the only player who does cross the ball is Gibbs, the rest prefer to either dribble or play short passes around the box then lose it. against Norwich the first long range shot from outside the box came on the 85th minute. We are one dimensional and easy to defend against.
Back from the game.
We were so shit.
Why did they not change things around at half time?
Were we really hanging on for a draw?
Disgraceful. They should be ashamed.
And Santos should be spit roasted.
if we use Giroud, then we need 2 proper wingers, and the midfielders have to support him by running into the box more often. Its a shame we have some good players but somehow not syncing right, management /coach problem ? So frustrating to see Santos meandering up and down and all over the place, was it at one time he’s right in front of the opposite box, alone ? A left back playing centre forward. That’s tell you the real problem of this Arsenal team.