Santi Climax Satisfies At The End
Oct 6th, 2012 by 'holic
I’ve had worse days. Regulars know I have a stake in Stirling Albion as a result of maternal influence. Who says you make no money out of football. Today I recovered my investment in the club and then some after they beat a little club from Glasgow. That set up the evening’s entertainment perfectly.
At Upton Park Arsenal started with a pace and intensity that hinted at a big performance to come. Come it did, but not before West Ham had struck against the run of play and made life a little more difficult than it should have been.
Unless I have misread the mood of the last couple of days Arsene started the eleven that would have garnered the most agreement from the fanbase. Per Mertesacker was restored to the defence having recovered from his virus, and Olivier Giroud was added to the side with half an eye on defending set pieces. Tactically Le Boss outsmarted Sam Allardyce and his one dimensional Hammers.
For twenty minutes the midfield trio of Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey, and the mercurial Santi Cazorla ran the show. The end product however was usually a corner as West Ham dug in deep. Then came a bolt from the blue, or rather the claret and blue. Diame got free on the left edge of the box, ran in and curled a superb solo strike into the top corner at the far post. There must be blame according to ESPN, and the BFG was rather harshly accused, I thought. Sometimes can we not just hold our hands up and say that was a cracking goal, well played?
The response was inevitable and made all the sweeter because the final touch to a breathtaking break, in which he himself had already featured, was applied by Olivier Giroud. Cue lots of la la la la from the travelling Gooners, as dominant in the off-pitch concert as the team was on the playing surface.
West Ham had their best spell in the opening phase of the second half as Arsenal adjusted to the early loss of Kieran Gibbs. How sad he may now lose the opportunity his form had created with the national side. Andre Santos climbed off the bench and was followed on the hour by Theo Walcott. West Ham spurned the opportunity to lead for a second time when Carroll beat Mannone to a cross but headed wide. That moment aside Don Vito held up well against the battering he took at set pieces, credit where it is due.
The influence of Cazorla was growing, and when he latched on to the ball deep in his half with thirteen minutes remaining we were about to be transported back to Wenger sides of years past. The Spaniard picked out the tireless Giroud in midfield who in turn sent Walcott racing clear to pass the ball in at the near post. It was breathtaking. Two passes from defence to goal. It was Vieira, to Bergkamp, to Henry. It was beautiful.
Six minutes later it was all over. Walcott battled hard and found Cazorla on the edge of the box. The little genius looked to be driving at the near post but curled his left foot around the ball and hammered it in at the far. It was a reward for a stunning individual display. That having been said I was trying to think afterwards of anybody who had a poor game, and drew a blank. This was typical of the new look Arsenal. Everybody put in a shift and contributed.
To be fair we will face sterner opposition than West Ham. We won’t be taken seriously elsewhere until we get a result against a rival. That opportunity doesn’t arise until we go to Old Trafford in four weeks time. All we can do in the meantime is keep adding to our points tally in October. Norwich away and Queens Park Rangers at home really should yield six more before that significant trip.
I wish I could sound as confident about the Binos, but sadly they don’t play Rangers every week.
Have a great Sunday, ‘holics.
418 Responses to “Santi Climax Satisfies At The End”
Santi Climax.
Very droll, barman.
Rum ‘n coke, please. 8)
Good call zico.
I’ll join you with a wee dram.
Giroud with the opening, Santi with the climax. Get in!
Holic, Since you got 18/1 on the Albion, are the drinks free tonight? π
As for your comment about “blame” on the goal, I thought Jenkinson’s positioning, and reaction to Ramsey being taken out, looked a bit suspect?
He has been brilliant of late, so I am happy to cut him all necessary slack….
Thats a cracker mate. Love Santi! Love him so much,
Does Santi have a weaker foot?
Yes, the drinks are on me tonight. π
Evening Esso. We have ourselves a footballer…
“It was breathtaking. Two passes from defence to goal. It was Vieira, to Bergkamp, to Henry. It was beautiful.”
That!
What times MOTD anyone?
10:30 I think, Esso
player profile says primarily right footed.. Well if that piledriver was from him supposedly weaker foot..I have nothing more to add.
World clazz.
Great goal from Griooooooo too. Long time since we got someone on the end of a cross..
‘Holic for some reason my comments seem to dissappear when i post them,please help me fix the issue.
“The Spaniard picked out the tireless Giroud in midfield who in turn sent Walcott racing clear to pass the ball in at the near post. It was breathtaking. Two passes from defence to goal. It was Vieira, to Bergkamp, to Henry. It was beautiful.”
Wow.
Fantastic post. How do you do it? I’m still struggling to get over Santos’s performance. That aching gap at left back felt like a goal waiting to happen, and then Walcott slips one in, as you say, recalling TH – he was never going to miss. Do we start Theo up there now?
Well done on that bet holic, a Wrexham of a bet there π great win today and hopefully a gear shift that can be maintained
Zico@4
A tad harsh there fella!
In his defence, I lost count of the number of times he popped up at DM, LB and CD covering for others who truly were out of position. Gibbs, whilst playing as well as he has been doing all season, was much more positionally dubious today, a criticism that has been levelled at him so much in the past but one that is an “off-day” comment these days.
Personally, I literally love watching him play. He plays every game like it could be his last. Maybe he is just ready to die for the cause or maybe, just maybe, he sees the possibility of not being Bacary’s beatch for too much longer!
Either way, when Gibbs being caught out of position a couple of times is the only criticism I can come up with, I think that Holic’ nailed it when he said that “This was typical of the new look Arsenal. Everybody put in a shift and contributed.”
Spot on as ever Holic’. Whatever you are drinking and make it a double π
Jenkinson reminds me strongly of Lee Dixon when he started for us. Limited but committed – will turn himself into a great full back, like Lee. I love him, and think he’ll’ go on and have a great career for us. A Gooner, playing for the team. Fantastic.
Had a bad feeling about today, but when I saw them come out in the rhubarb and custard kit I felt a bit better. Delighted we won and Giroud got his goal, but it was definitely a bit stressful at times. And to whoever in the previous drinks thought Giroud seemed better looking after his goal, sorry its not possible! Sigh.
I am Corporal’s Jenkinson’s biggest fan, TW.
I felt he was partly culpable in the goal conceded, but I was watching on a stream so you may be right.
I’ll see what Hansen etc say – if they agree with me then I’ll know I’m wrong. π
Remember this guy?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe_upIv7sNM&feature=player_embedded
Beautiful post. Nicely written!
There’s a blog already?
No MOTD here, and it looks like C+ don’t have ‘Match of Ze Day’ anymore either.
HAHAHA! Good shout Zico!
I think that he may have been a little bit “sleepy”, maybe even ballwatching, (Hansen is BOUND to say “Ballwatching” if he says anything at all!) but I have recently had a couple of fairly “strong” discussions with other Gooners much less convinced that you or I (or leescratchperrygroves for that matter) about the delights of the Jenks and so I spent a fair bit of the game watching him closely. He was genuinely everywhere, all the time.
All that aside, the competition for positions all over the pitch is actually something that we all know has been lacking for a very long time now and the results we are seeing in the likes of Gervinho, Walcott, BFG, TV, KOS, Ramsey and now Jenkinson too is something of a delight to be marvelled at.
Not like we weren’t all crying out for EXACTLY the team (team being the operative word there) that we now have. Let’s just keep the faith, the fingers crossed and see us all the way to a pot this year π
Great review-as usual- ‘Holic.
Sajit @6 what? You haven’t heard that Santi is the definition of “Ambidexstrous”?
Thierry and Forza knows @8 and 13 respectively.
Please, don’t forget LuPo. Santi was, and is magnificent but the “Thumb up” German was great all around from the start of the season. Lukas is hard core footballer as I like to say. And the two of them seems to be working (and conversing) quite well together.
Wow, they beat Rangers. I’m sure all at the club will remember this day.
For me, today was the most complete performance of the season, even better than Anfield. I can’t think of anyone who had a bad game either. All needed to and did play well. And oh my, how sweet were (all) the goals.
Special mention to our BFG-indispensable at the back.
The third goal reminded me of an old Smiths song. But instead of Sheila …….it was Santi take a bow.
Santi take a
Santi take a bow!
http://youtu.be/ROL9WPHzQzQ
Walcott made me chuckle in the post-match interview when he said that even he doesn’t know “which footed Santi is”!
That could be a new song, NCA. Although the good ones never pick up, like the Mertesackerena π
Wooooahwah – a tough game wot we won, when it didnβt always look like we would (to me, at least) β I luuuuuv that. Psed, canβt see the BFG getting dropped again any time soon β has become one of the leaders in what looks like becoming a proper team β Arsene Wenger styleee oβ course.
Lager shandy enema, please barkeep (got an early start)
Up The Arseeeeeeeenal!
Well said Silly Second Yella@26
I actually felt that iPod was getting a little heavy in the legs of late and commented as such in the previous drinks, but, on the strength of his performance today, I am happy to concede that I was correctly corrected at the time.
He was a seriously heavy-duty battery powered bunny today!
Great stuff!
LOVE BEING A GOOOOONNNNEEEERRRRRRR!!!!!!!
I’ve gpt tje Giroud song in my head now, but I shall go to bed.
Goodnigh, happy people!
I see i’ve gotten over my posting schimozzle,cheers,’Holic.
P.S. Fungunner,if you come around the bar i’ve news for you.
Finally had a half decent week in the Goonerholic Fantasy League too!
66 points and still got Lambert v Fulham tomorrow!
Jumped about 100 places or something ridiculous!
A great day all round.
Last night I urged Santi to produce an end product. Tonight he did,a true heir to Eastham,Brady and Fabregas and more two footed than all of them! Mertesacker adds a great deal of composure to the side and has helped Don Vito.Its tough on Koscielny but its life at a top club.
Holic’s match summary was right. all put in a good shift although Gervinho did my head in as he so often does. Giroud is going to get very much better and may be a monster . and I agree about their goal. This was a lovely strike ,fair play to the lad.
Let’s hope we are fully revved up by the time we return to Old Trafford. That would be a real epiphany if we can beat them and nobble RVP into the bargain
Interesting move by Wenger at the end by playing Koscielny, BFG, Vermaelen trio across the back–reminiscent of Italy national team configuration. One could envision seeing a midfield trio of Arteta, Cazorla, Wilshere. Use Giroud with Podolski/Gervinho as upfront pair, with a combination on the outside of the midfield trio of two true fullbacks, or one fullback and one winger, depending on the competition. And if Santos is to play at left fullback for a spell, maybe this formation would work well.
Any takers? I wouldn’t use this as a steady diet, and it can bite you (e.g., when City went that route vs. Dortmund they were mauled), but it would serve to get all three defenders on the pitch.
Watched the game in an Irish Bar in Charlottesville. All the other regulars there were watching college football and my shouts of joy every time we scored were out of sync with the way the college games were going apparently.
Santi Cazorla was as magic today as he was quiet against Chelski last Saturday. Excellent all-round performance.Superb goal by Giroud. That boy is going to be excellent.
Exciting to think that Jack Wilshere still has to be added as an extra ingredient to that midfield.
Evening and cheers for the write up, entertaining blog as usual!
I thought we played well today, it was disappointing to go behind when we did, but it was some finish in fairness.
Giroud, jenkinson and Cazorla seemed everywhere today, Ramsey seems to be improving but still not quite there. Mertesacker is starting to look very composed and now things are looking better.
On a side-note, the referee was the absolute pits. Im not shouting corruption, but its hard to see impartiality at times.
Finally, the ESPN commentary. Beyond awful. I could handle the blatant bias if they would just try to even make sense. It may be the worst commentry in the world.
We seem to have a team we can love again, lets hope we dont sell some of them next year!
Holic, First time I’ve missed a game this season. So I had to rely solely on your report. Think you could easily land a gig doing this on TV. So I gather Gibbs suffered an injury (shocked, hope he heals quickly). And by the way, thanks for pointing out ‘sometimes can we not just hold our hands up and say that was a cracking good goal, well played’. We should all enjoy those moments. Can’t wait to see the game tomorrow π
Evenin’ ‘Holic. Pretty accurate assessment sir. I’ll take a pint of Irelands finest please, and while we wait for that to settle,allow me to add my penny farthings worth re the game. Firstly, Giroud really looked the part today. ( the good lady wife says he always LOOKS the part). I realise we are still at the new born end of his Arsenal career, but I for one believe he is the right man for the job. I’ll admit, that New Zealand is a long way off , and my view may be partially obscured by Australia and South America, but, just the same, i really think he will become a handful for most Prenier Leagure defences in the coming months. Although clearly handicapped by a ridiculous amount of handsomeness, he is an example to all. It just goes to prove what can be achieved with self belief and a burning desire to succeed.
Theo looked good again (ON THE WING!), Poldi worked hard, Cazorla was great and Arteta immense ( as per usual) Entirely agree with you that critisicm of Merty was extremely harsh re thier goal — it was just a corker!
In the immediate aftermath of thier goal I must admit that my toughts began to wander … How good could this side be if we still had Van Quisling?
I banished all such pointless thought processes when Girouds God like presence arrived at the near post to thunder home!
You know,although it is aproaching 11am on Sunday here in Auckland, and therefore a tad early to be consuming the Ebony Nectar, I’m going to enjoy every foaming mouthful. Because any Arsenal win needs to be celebrated.
Have one yourself,my good man. And thanks for running such a pristine establishment and allowing alcohol dependant riff raff such as myself to rub shoulders with such a splendid crowd.
Bayonne Jean @ 37: My Daughters would say “duh” to playing a back-three and wing-backs. There’s a few more surprises – I suspect – that will be sprung on the unsuspecting football world by Le Boss this season. For example I would love to see the BFG play “Libero” behind Kos & Verm: that way we would have cover whenever the Capitan fancies a little rampage forward. Arsene’s best teams have always made allowances for the instincts of his players rather than try to suppress them altogether. If we can find the ideal formation or system for this set of players, then I feel we’re going to see the birth of a very special team this season ..
Arrrrghhhh,
InterBull already!
Always easier going in with a win.
Hope the Gibbs knock is just enough to keep him out for England but that’s it. Unlucky for him but could actually work for us.
Great result, great write up.
Really starting to love this team. It feels like proper Arsenal, in a way that last season’s side (prone to collapse, lead by the Dutchman with the big question mark floating over his head) and some of those from the three seasons before (too pretty to graft) did not.
Loving watching the hard work being put in. Loving the great team ethic. Loving the smiles on faces of the likes of Santi and Poldi. Loving the adonis at centre forward – he looks a proper player to me. Loving the BFG at the back, and the good Corporal popping up everywhere at once with some righteous Gooner power.
Thought we handled the high balls well and defended as a unit – won most of the second balls, if not the firsts.
Roll on two weeks time. Not sure we have a title push in us just yet, but I have a sneaky feeling we might just nab a pot come May.
Well measured post, ‘Holic. With you on the quality of Diame’s goal. If we had a Vieira, to Bergkamp, to Henry goal then his shot was pure TV14 class. Criticism of the BfG is harsh. Once Diame had got beyond Ramsey, Don Vito had to cover the near post and Mertesacker the cut-back. Diame’s was then left with his best option being the most difficult, a far post curler. He took it superbly.
Thing I loved the most – Every single player came to congratulate Santi on his goal.
I counted all ten outfield players celebrating the goal together.
That spirit will win us the title.
Loooooovvvvvvvvveeeee iiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Want some?
Great comeback and classy finishing by Giroud Walcott Cazorla. Big 3 points in the bag. Pressure withstood. All to the good. Anchor Steam here. π
***Cazorla takes over the Feelgood mantle.***
http://topsy.com/www.twitvid.com/B3IXV
Okay. Somebody admit it — when giroudscored first who thought that that iol Homer called it.
OG for the hatty!?!?
Glan to be wrongp given the facts on the day but holy cow was that a great effort by the arsenal.
We are ALL THAT.
Im nor drinking.
Nope. Not at all ….
For me, theo’s goal was the one that did it! We’ve had days when we questioned his talent and wondered if it was all about his speed.
Now everytime he steers clear, i pull a mcpurplenose! Already off my seat before it goes in.
Am glad the boss opted for ramsey instead of le coq for the midfield trio….the question of where jack s gonna fit is more serious than we deem it to be.
And everytime i speak of ramsey, reminds me of a holic’s post titled ‘Here’s lookin at you kid’
Great post Holic. Santi-Climax indeed! He was so powerful, hardly made any mistakes, shielded the ball well, got his passes off quickly. A giant in midfield.
Not sure if this is TMI but I think I actually jizzed in my pants when Giroud scored to bring us equal though. How many times have you punched the wall because the ball comes in and nobody’s in the box? I was so happy that Giroud took the chance to get in there and get something on it.
As far as the blame game goes, I think the commentators actually made some sense. Per had two defenders behind him so a step or two forward would have been alright. However, I think football is a sport where mistakes happen. The more important thing is we got on it without letting our heads drop. I’ve been looking back at old season reviews and even our strongest back four (with Bould, TA et al) made some serious cock-ups from time to time. Football is fluid so things aren’t always going to go according to plan.
I think these days once we get the three points I’m happy because everyone is working their socks off for the cannon on their chest. Not overlooking/ignoring mistakes but just acknowledging and moving on is the name of my game.
Lastly, am I the only one that didn’t feel in any way sorry for Vaz Te? The cunt tried to do Mannone leaving his foot in. Just desserts for such cynical play.
that santos with the lazy shuffle that he calls a tackle is going to give me a heart attack. get back soon Gibbo!
if we can fight every minute of every match we can match any team. we can do with a bit of luck here and then. why do we always need to give other teams a goal advantage. some ruthlessness in front of goal would be nice.
would also be nice to take advantage of our superior possession stats to have a comfortable last 20 mins and give rest to the likes of cazorla, arteta.
we could handle west ham because of their slow lumbering defence and attack. we will have much sterner tests ahead.
lovely team spirit, ethic. togetherness. early days but hope it continues.
Good morning,beautiful people.
Faliage was,well,impressive @41.
Gooner Terry,i don’t see Arsene starting a game with that formation but what do i know? Arsene might just surprise us one day.
Norcal @43, i’ve thought of it the same way.
Ned i love your description of Diame’s goal @45.
It’s 8:08 a.m in Nigeria and i’m still in bed,i’m not going to Church today,i’m resting the whole day since sundays are the only days i get off work throughout the week,so if any of you beautiful/handsome ‘holics find your way into a church,pls say a prayer for me,thanks.
Morning all. And a very happy back drinking later…. Not a moaning Minnie present amongst them. Well played π
Impressive F. Nice post. Made me laugh.
CoR. Yes. Way TMI !!
Bloody Mary to celebrate Sir H2H’s impressive climb up the table to second place! Please. And to celebrate The Quackers bring poised to overtake Holic’s rabble for the first time in two seasons. Come in Ben Arfa!!! π
One question: who is Oliver sitting pretty in first place?
Who’s the Newbie @ 57? π
morning ‘holic.
*waves*
Isn’t that lurky, Dr C?
Having not looked at my team since week 2 or something I’m surprised at my decent placing.
I’ve still got Szczesny and Ryan Taylor (isn’t he injured long term too?).
All the teams above me have at least one massive cunt.
CoR and anybody else – BFG didn’t go and cover the space in front of Diame because he was worried about the square pass back to a free McCartney.
Had Gervinho kept on tracking back and marked McCartney and not give up on the play after McCartney made the pass to Diame, BFG woulda gone and covered Diame’s space.
The fault has to go to Gervinho for the goal.
It reminded me of Shelvey not tracking Santi on his goal at Anfield.
I am very much with the Holic and everyone else in just doffing my cap to a great goal by Diame. We don’t always have to find a scapegoat.
A well deserved win. Credit where credit is due, Mannone did well and only made one or two real mistakes which could of course have been costly (primarily mistiming his jump v Carroll at 1-1 in the second half) but he wasn’t afraid to get stuck in when the missiles were lobbed towards Carroll. Good job, Vito! I must also mention Ramsey, he really does benefit from not having the whole creative resposibility on his shoulders. I could go on for the whole team, let’s just say that it was very much a team performance and everyone contributed.
And may I also say that Phil Dowd is just an afwul referee? CoR, I completely agree with you in not feeling sorry for Vaz Te, I am very surprised that more hasn’t been made of that, he tried to do a Stephen Hunt on Mannone. He should have been off and banned for a shitload of games. There is no way he didn’t know what he was doing there. I was screaming at the tv down the pub and people were staring at me wondering what the fuck I was going on about… until they saw the replay and joined in.
Cent, I am not a religious man so I can’t do your praying for you but I can and will wish you a happy and relaxed Sunday π
For my part I am off out to do some stuff that needs to be done, you know what tab to charge your drinks to while I am gone!
I love London Derbies.
Full of passion/blood and thunder tackling/120% effort from the first minute to the last.
The fans cheering their respective teams on all through the match.
That game was in the balance for 75mins,and even after the Schoolboy’s goal,Nolan had a wonderful chance to equalise,so we needed the 3rd goal to be absolutely safe.
I must admit to being pleasantly surprised at how well West Ham played.
After the first 20 mins which was all us,they gave as good as they got,and never stopped working for each other.
For a change there were no really bad fouls,and only a couple of yellow cards,which i thought were pretty pathetic ones personally.
In defense of Carroll,i thought this was the best game he has played since his Newcastle days.
He won virtually everything in the air that came his way,at both ends of the pitch.
A perfect example of a manager using a players attributes correctly.
We will not be the only defense to struggle with Carroll when the ball is in the air,in the box.
He is a bloody big unit,and his sheer bulk makes it very difficult for defenders to win the first ball.
For us,a good tough win.
Whether the Boss has accepted that he made an error leaving out Per and Giroud against Chelsea,i guess we will never know,but i thought the team looked better balanced yesterday.
And of course Poldi looks a diff player with his mate Ollie leading the line.
Apart from missing Diaby in midfield,this was for me the best side we could have fielded.
The daffy Brazilian looks like having to fill in for a couple of games,as Gibbs has a thigh strain,but hopefully he will be back for the big one early Nov at the TOD’s.
It’s entirely possible Wilshere and Sagna could be ready to play by then as well,so it could be an interesting dilemma for the Boss on the selection front.
Anyway 3 very important points to keep us in the Europa Cup places in the League table.
Hopefully after the Norwich and QPR games we will be in the CL places where we belong.
Cheers
The Sweeper.
Santi Climax – more like a Happy Ending !
DB10 – when that ‘lazy Santos’ came on it was still 1 – 1. Just sayin’. π
And may I also say that Phil Dowd is just an afwul referee? CoR, I completely agree with you in not feeling sorry for Vaz Te, I am very surprised that more hasnβt been made of that, he tried to do a Stephen Hunt on Mannone.
Yeah, surprised too. arseblogger did point it out though.
Oh, I missed missus.
I also missed the Vaz Te challenge as I was recharging my glass. The commentators said his injury was karma.
Please stop being mildly critical of Phil Dowd. The man is a first class, grade A, incompetent twat, and should be put out to grass.
Morning Holics
What an improvement on Wednesday. The inclusion of Giroud and Mert was crucial to combat the aerial threat of Carrol, who made life difficult for us at both ends of the pitch.
The quality of our passing gave me that old warm glow of yester-year and the room given to Cathorla was more than enough to allow the little Spaniard to put on a show, I loved it.
Their goal was a break away against the run of play and although Rambo and Mert could have done better, the finish was superb giving Mannone no chance . Cpl Jenks was out of the picture on the touch line and Mert was obviously concerned that a cross for Carrol was on the cards. We were taken aback and took time getting our passing game back on track.
Our equaliser came just before the interval and was a fast attack from Giroud- Podolski-Giroud with a fine finish on the volley, just what the Frenchman needed. The la la la Giroud had me singing along for the rest of the game.
I was a little concerned when Santos replaced Gibbs but I need not have been and when Theo replaced the disappointing Gervinho, we upped our attacking play, resulting in two very well taken goals. Theo provided a reminder to AW that he does have the makings of a PL striker and Cathorla’s strike had me jumping around like a kid! Absolutely Fabulous!
Pity about the interlull, let’s hope all our internationals come back in one piece and maybe some of those in the sick bay will be available for the Norwich game.
As always COYRs
Great title & great post Holic π
I’m with Snir @ 46, loved the team celebration for Santi’s Rocket, they did it for Giroud when he got off the mark in the Capital One Cup as well, its a good side. And even though I haven’t seen it as of late, the entire team coming to applaud & appreciate the exemplary Away Fans, making the game 12 v 12 instead of 12 v 11 (in case you’re wondering, Phil ”Twat’ Dowd was their 12th.
On the matter of Diame’s strike, my stream went down the minute and a half the West Ham Break occured and he scored, but if Snir is correct @ 62 then Gervinho should of done more regardless of the quality of the strike, if you leave someone an option, they may be able to take it. Reminds me of the Ox not staying with Fox in the Box against Southampton at Home & the latter getting a strike away at goal which was our 1st conceded in the league, quite avoidable.
But still, GIROUD!!! Sign Da Ting!!! Santi!!! Great goals one and all.
And Vaz Te, there are many words I could use to describe him for attempting to leave a boot in on the head of the Don, but the Sweeper says I’m too young to use what I feel would be the most appropriate, so enjoy your suspected dislocated shoulder you little prick.
Impressive Failage @ 41, very nice drink, hope we see you more often π
Cent @ 56, sorry mate I left there before I read your drink, but have a good restful day anyway π
Still feeling happy this Sunday Morning because of how the TEAM performed, hope our players stay safe on International Duty, train hard @ London Colney & recover soon (looking at you Gibbo), and return to the 1st Team better than ever π
Watched it again (and again) on Player – that was a penalty.
Dildo Dowd.
I agree to a 100% with the last speaker.
Especially when it comes to the last two words. I would only like to add a few exclamation marks.
!!!
There.
Truly great post, goonerholic.
I’m relieved to hear that you came out ahead with the bookies. Go Stirling Albion! They’re even in red and white so it’s almost like supporting Arsenal.
“Santi Climax Satisfies At The End”
ha ha ha. I love a double, me.
I love this side, basically for all the reasons advanced by others.
@ 18 mamie
ha ha!
I’d have to gree, on reflection
@ 20 Goonertown
Remember this guy?
I certainly do – that was one of his good points, lovely shot from distance, always on target.
@ 34 Cent and from previous drinks
Thanks so much for looking up the goal efficiency stats. It is early days, but excellent figures for Poldi and Gerve. And Giroud top of our assist charts still.
Um…hello….? Anybody there? Aargh! You’ve gone. Dying to hear my news. I’ve come around the bar and let me tell you it’s all a bit sticky here. I think one of holic’s whisky optics is leaking due to so much use.
@ 41 Impressive Failage
ha ha
enjoyed your comments
@ 52 Homer
ha ha, we believe you
Oh God – I’ve broken the blog with my italics. sorry.
Grass too good for him, ‘holic π
Oh. I haven’t.
Wish I’d seen the whole thing but I’m out in the Styx with the management keeping my folks company and lapping up the clean country air.
Couldn’t even get it on 5Live due to the rugby league (whatever…) so had it on BBC London online.
Giroud’s volley was pure class, turning that cross in with the tip of his toe. Call it a tap-in but probably more than half of all strikers could have put it wide or missed it altogether.
Theo, well what can I say? Tell you what babyface. I don’t care how good your goal was, the jury’s still out. You can score a hattrick at Old Toilet after the Interlull and I still won’t start liking you unless you sign that bleedin contract. Still deserve to stay on the bench.
Cazorla, one word: sick.
Now some of you may think me a bit odd but I think I actually get more pleasure out of beating that obese, cud-chewing, squinty-eyed Walrus c*nt than the quality of the goals themselves. Possibly!
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2012/10/07/100153_valbuena-on-va-voir-qui-est-le-petit.html
‘On va voir qui est le petit’. Heh, Valbuena is about the same size as Santi Cazorla……
Afternoon all,
Played ‘Holic – I’ll take a Santi-Climax at the end of every single game thank you. What a footballer he that man is.
Great result, thoroughly deserved with a Giroud account opener to put us back on track in the game and the aforementioned Santi-bolt for a happy ending.
TTF sounded magnificent on ESPN. Love that Giroud song. I believe we Gooners have taken him to our hearts which is a great place to be for both player and supporter. Let’s hope that we now see his name on the scoresheet on a regular basis.
Also hilarious to hear TTF singing “you’ve got a fat f*cking walrus” to the Wet Spammers after a few rounds of the standard “we’ve got a big f*cking German” (with thanks to @WestStandTone for that one).
Here’s to the Villains embarrassing the LWCs. A big ask, I know.
To The Sweeper from the previous drinks: agreed entirely with your post. Re your #64 and possibly unlike you, I am more than pleased to see the return of the so-called “Daffy Brazillian”.
Lars @ #63 – Vito+BFG+TV seems to be a better/more balanced combo than Vito+BFG+Kos. That dynamic may well change when Woj returns. I’m guessing it will be a similar defensive job away to The Canaries with big unit Holt up-front so I’m guessing that barring any injuries or illnesses, those three will start for that game too.
Final word goes to Fatty Dowd who is a bottling and/or bent c*nt for not sending off whoever the f*ck it was from their lot. Even the fat walrus from the sidelines look resigned to going down to 10 men. Was there some kind of fatties love-in going on yesterday?
Must have been Fat Sam’s dowdy suit TS. Fifty shades of grey, Fat Sam and Dowd …. Ohh, that’s messed my head up for the day now. π
Trev..now thats some vile imagination you have in your mind! Lovely post holic, dont have anything else to add. With you on Vaz Te, I said it in drinks during the game that karma have bitten him swiftly and deservedly so.
I really hope that those fabled dams will open now for Giroud, the team just needs to use his strong perks more aka I would love to see Poldi-like crosses being whipped into the box on more regular basis when OG is playing.
TS: It will be the same three v Norwich (barring the “i” word, of course), Woj won’t be back until then.
By the way, TS, will you be at the Montpellier game in November?
Very good Sunday. Welcome to some new faces in the crowd. Hey to Cent from previous drinks π You know, when you’re tired and have been drinking, you tend to be come teary eyed. Read Vito’s piece, and it was so moving (really, read it if you haven’t. He’s a gooner). Lars @ 63 Good for you, agree Vito had a solid performance. Clive, appreciate what you said about Andy Carroll, he worked hard, at both ends. Gooner Terry (last set of drinks), about players like TV who give their all for the team, my sentiments to the tee. And our goals, wow. Santi’s was so classical…and Giroud, how can a man his size be
so darn nimble? And his reflexes, amazing. Absolutely amazing. Think we’re gonna need a bigger Trophy cabinet.
Great result against Jar Jar Binks’s king but the idea of silverware is not in my thoughts at the moment. If we get to the FA cup quarters I might start to dream.
Anybody know the words to that song the away support sung for Giroud? And tune?
sung=sang*
Damn I-brain π
Great report ‘Holic, and congrats on the bet.
So all in all a very satisfactory afternoon, and let’s face it an afternoon that starts with watching Garth “balloon head” Crooks interviewing the perennial masticator can only improve.
I was surprised at how passive West Ham were in the first 20 mins. Not like old Bollock Chops to send out a side that was initially second in every challenge.
As the old cliche states however, and as I would still maintain we discovered to our cost last week, goals change games, and their goal awoke the beast and suddenly we had a contest on our hands.
I, like you, wouldn’t ascribe blame. I don’t think Per did an awful lot wrong, nor do I think Gervinho was particularly at fault for not going with his man. Aaron was perhaps turned too easily, but sometimes you’ve just got to tip your hat, and say great goal.
I thought it was crucial we got back on level terms before the break, and it was fantastic to see Giroud get it. He more than justified his inclusion with a performance full of bristling intent, superb movement and excellent touch. I would also agree with The Sweeper that Poldi looks a different player with Giroud in the side.
Once West Ham got into the game, I thought we coped reasonably well. Yes we offered up a number of chances, but I think its unreasonable to think we won’t. Most of those chances stemmed from Carroll winning his aerial duels. It is forgotten I think that amidst the hilarity that surrounds the transfer fee that Newcastle managed to extract from Liverpool, Carroll can play. He is certainly not worth Β£35m, he might not even be worth Β£15m, but he is a decent player nonetheless and he will always pose problems especially when he is playing for an odious slug whose only recognisable tactic is to launch it.
Mannone kept the heart murmurs to a minimum though his one glaring error might have proved catastrophic on another day. In front of him the return of the Bfg seemed to instil a calm that was lacking in our last 2 games and recalibrate the Captain’s impetuosity levels for the better. On the flanks Jenks is fast turning into Mr Dependable, whilst Gibbsy was once again excellent. It will be a huge shame if his thigh strain interrupts what is a rich vein of form.
If it does then Santos will be given his chance to stake a claim, and his cameo yesterday demonstrated all too vividly why he can delight and terrify in equal measure. Easy control of the ball and an eye for a pass added to our attacking threat, whilst at the other end missed tackles almost led to our defences being breached.
Gervinho was the only real disappointment on the day and it was no surprise when he made way for Theo at a time when we were struggling to create much. Theo’s goal was a thing of beauty from start to excellent finish it has to be said. Could have done without his post match platitudes though. Wanna play Theo? Then sign the contract.
The Spanish midfield duo will once again take all the plaudits, and rightly so. Arteta’s metronomic passing and appetite for the fray continues to delight. He is made for the current role he has been given.
Santi continues to make me giggle such is his all round excellence. He was at the heart of everything good yesterday. I said a few weeks back that though it was early days in his Arsenal career, I thought that on early showings he is a better player than Fabregas. Nothing has yet made me change my mind. His goal yesterday transported me back to White Hart Lane, December 1978, and another Arsenal legend, Chippy Brady. Santi is right up there with Fabregas and Brady. I can pay him no higher compliment.
Amongst the hoopla that surrounds Arteta and Cazorla, Ramsey should not be forgotten. He got through a terrific shift yesterday, rarely gave the ball away and, as he himself hinted following his midweek goal, seemed to move the ball on quicker than he was able to for much of last season.
Is that everyone? Ah, how could I forget? Fatty Dowd, you are a disgrace. How he has the brass neck temerity not to book Diame for a foul that should have seen him see red, and then book Gervinho not 15 minutes later for a foul that was nowhere near as bad is quite beyond me, unless there really is something more sinister behind his incompetence.
I might have just found it in my heart to understand if he had decided the foul on Ramsey was just outside the box but to not give a foul at all? Scandalous. As for Vas Te leaving his leg in on Mannone, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say that I think it was the work of a cheat to try and win a penalty rather than any real attempt to maim. Either way, he should have seen red. Once again Fatty forgot to produce a card. It’s like being reffed by Oliver Hardy but without the endearing smile.
So then, West Ham were outfought, out thought and ultimately outplayed.
Put that in your chewing gum Bollock Chops.
Good afternoon all from *Bluhr which is a small town just outside the capital of *Boilk.
Due to
excessive drinking in the barwork related commitments, I once again had to record the game and watch as live later that night, well worth it.The other half had advised that it may be better to go straight to sleep, but ofcourse I was having none of it and
shitfacedtired or not I was determined to watch my beloved gunners take on the Ham of the West.I was pleased to see Giroud and Per in the line up and I thought we started off well enough but once again even though we had the lions share of the pocession the opposition managed to score with their first real chance, BANG, that was a sucker punch that sobered me up quicker then any of the blackest of coffee ever could.
I thought it amusing that our gracious host mentioned above that the ESPN commentater slated Per for that goal, his Dutch counterpart laid the blame firmly at the feet of Ramsey. I, as the guv’, just chalked it up to a well taken goal. An excellent piece of skill and a wicked curling shot, why can’t it just be that?
I didn’t see why Diame then got a yellow card, the tv said it was for excessive celebrating, I did however see how he tried to take Arteta’s leg off a little later. How the fuck was that not a yellow card? Dowd was right next to it, there’s no way he missed it, which can only mean he decided to be leanient because of the issueing of the soft yellow before which is ofcourse bullshit, a yellow is a yellow regardless of what has transpired and two yellows are a red, which means you’re off. Diame can consider himself most fortunate and Dowd can consider himself a cunt.
Our equaliser was a thing of beauty, a move started and finished off briliantly by Giroud, who I thought was excellent throughout. He busted a gut to get on the end of Poldi’s cross and finished with aplomb. He looked pretty chuffed to have scored too, didn’t he π Good man.
I’d like to give a little credit to the Hammers as they weren’t exactly the run of the mill park the bus Fat Sam team, but as I can’t stand them both I won’t. But they did have their chances and Vito, although having a semi decent game, still gave my backside the annumition to soil my boxers on a number of occasions, but fair play to him, he kept the Hammers from adding to their total.
He didn’t even complain that much when Vas Te delibratly and malicously kicked him in the head, a crime that once again went unpunished by the incompetant Dowdy fuckstick. I see some talking about Karma that the Spammer went off with an injury, I disagree, he was removed due to a shoulder problem. He should of went off because he had recieved a red card and was then punished by the FA and scentenced to penusamputation. Now that would be karma for such a dickless cowardly act.
Dowd the (anti)star of the show was so bad that I’m not even going to bother mentioning Gerviniho’s yellow for getting the ball or Ramsey being upended on the left flank. Some say it was in the box, others believe it was on the line. It didn’t matter to Dowd either way as he just waved play on and as I said earlier I’m not even going to bother mentioning it.
The game progressed and although I was sad to see Gibbs hobble off, it was good to see the Cuddly Maverick take the field doning his trademark big smile. Also, and some may disagree, I thought we looked better when Feo joined the fray. In previous drinks I’ve been advocating a Poldi-Giroud-Theo frontline, and before anyone has a go, it’s not because I hate Flipper, it’s just because I think Theo has more control, if he hurries up and signs da ting then I think he would be afforded more game time and yesterday he showed his worth.
His goal was the stuff of dreams, started by the highly impressive Santi, assisted by the swoonalicous Giroud and cooly slotted in. The downside of this great goal will be that the hacks will once again come out in force to prod the “I wanna be a striker” wound, but once again it was a goal that he took (excellently) from a run from the wing. I did love his celebration though, going to the, as ever boistrous, away fans screaming them into a frenzy. (Dowd didn’t do anything about that either)
But that wasn’t it for young Feo, his hard work set up the final nail in the Hammers coffin and wow did Santi nail it, that was some finish and no less then his impressive all round game deserved.
All in all a good result and a solid team performance, another win under our belts and three more points on the board. It’s also great to see that there seems to be a real comradery in the team. I like it a lot.
After the game I also watched the pre recorded MoTD. I was surprised that whoever edited the show decided to leave out both incidents from Diame and Vas Te, yet left in a shot of Wenger looking displeased and a soundbyte from Motty wondering why he was so upset, Twats.
I’ll have a BM to wash down this greasy crap I’m shoving down my gullet to reduce the *blup* levels and a Sunday afternoon tipple for those who fancy one, while I wade through the previous drinks, please squire.
Cheers.
CoR.
The tune is Hey Jude (the beatles)and the lyrics are basically a few la’s and Giroud.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDdI7GhZSQA
La, la la,
LaLaLa LAAA.
LaLaLa LAAA GIROUD
That deserves a BM H2H. Good stuff.
Right, off to see if The Toon can get one over on the filthy Mancs.
From H2H: “Diame can consider himself most fortunate and Dowd can consider himself a cunt.” ha ha quality. He really is a useless, portly piece of shite isn’t he?
BTW does anyone else think Vaz Te should be immediately and henceforth be nicknamed “Vadge Te”? Suits him perfectly. Enjoy your well-deserved injury you dirty little fucker.
Fine review Holic. Encouraging performance. A toast to Stirling Albion landlord.
You have to have one too Tabs, excellent report as always sir.
I’ll be watching todays games later again, but only on MoTD2, can’t be fucked to record and sit through entire games of the Scum and Manure. I’ve been promised by the cable company that all will be fixed within a week, just in time for the interlul. Gits.
Cheers Cam’,
Vadge Te π
The Interlull is upon us. Depressing.
The only remedy is to go and buy FIFA 13.
Tabs and H2H. It is good to see you are your normal vociferous selves. π
Re: Camberwell. Since when is being portly a Premier League requirement for being a referee? Did I miss something? π
No time for that anymore I’m afraid, Cam’
I used to be pretty nifty at that game on the PSOne, though.
FIFA1913 I think it was. π
tabs@87: “It is forgotten I think that amidst the hilarity that surrounds the transfer fee that Newcastle managed to extract from Liverpool, Carroll can play. He is certainly not worth Β£35m, he might not even be worth Β£15m, but he is a decent player nonetheless and he will always pose problems especially when he is playing for an odious slug whose only recognisable tactic is to launch it.”
I think Carroll, at Liverpool, went too far with the “big, strong guy” approach and simply spent too much time in the gym and got too heavy. I have no proof of this, but for most of his time at Liverpool he could hardly jump and looked quite slow. He now looks a lot more like the player he was at NUFC and I don’t think different tactics is the only key to this.
And speaking of NUFC, they have been comprehensively outplayed by ManU for the first ten minutes and are already a goal behind after some comedy defending. And Welbeck just missed an empty net from about ten yards, that should have been two.
Anyway, back to our game:
“Fatty Dowd, you are a disgrace. … unless there really is something more sinister behind his incompetence.”
I would not be the slightest bit surprised to see Dowd get caught with his hand in the cookie jar one day. I’m not saying he is definitely bent, but it is getting increasingly difficult to not think there must be more to it than just incompetence. Let’s not forget his magnificent display up at Newcastle when he awarded them two penalties that never were, and the free kick from which they got their fourth goal was also a joke. Not to mention Szczesny (!) getting booked for being thrown to the floor when Nolan did almost exactly what Diaby was sent off for…
Newcastle, by the way, have forgotten how to defend. Evra of all people is allowed to head a corner home for 2-0.
And a massive heh! at your last two lines π
H2H@82: “Some say it was in the box, others believe it was on the line”
That would not have mattered, the line is considered part of the penalty area so a foul on the line shall be a penalty. Unless Dowd is the ref, of course, and you are Arsenal. Then nothing ever is a penalty.
GIRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUDDDDDDDDDDD
Sigh…suppose I’ll set it up for someone else this time then.
Lars, that’s why I didn’t mention it. π
Well in, H2H!
Cam’
An assist from the 101 position.
Watch out, Fat Sam will be scouting you for your long ball prowess. π
Cheers Lars, have one on my tab.
Arsenal Ladies draw 1-1 at birmingham thus becoming Invincibles. Again. Next, the final of the Continental Cup on Wednesday.
@ 88 H2H
Hilarious report, thanks.
Dowd is not a rubbish referee, he just hates Arsenal.
And that Giroud song tickles me as well – it’s like…naa, whatev, let’s not be arsed…giroud!
Indeed Fun, it’s Na na na and not la la la etc,
But I didn’t want to use the na’s because I thought it would look too much like a tune sang to a certain ungreatful chinless lesbo.
Thanks H2H, that’ll be my new lullaby π
Well in on the goal btw.
Speaking of bent referees, how in the world can Webb be allowed to referee ManU games?
He’s fucking ridiculous
Tom Daley Suarez….
http://ballsdot.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/suarezgif.gif
Nonny, I sure as hell hope he got a yellow for that.
Unlike many ( based on their posts) I was not worried when Santos replaced Gibbs. I understand how his strange dance move of a tackle can raise one’s heart rate, but it is not really that reckless, and often very efficient as he wins most of them. He also doesn’t attempt it when he is too deep in Arsenal’s half. The only problem is if he loses that tackle against a fast winger he can never recover alone. Last season Song or Arteta was always ready to give him cover when the game was moving down the left in Arsenal’s half, that was really important as neither Gervinho nor Yossi were that good defensively. But with Poldi on the left wing that is less of a concern. Poldi has covered for Gibbs very well, there have been matches where Gibbo’s average position has been higher than Poldi’s.
Against stubborn oppositions defending too deep and in numbers Santos would be a very handy player to have as he can make things happen by himself with the ball on his feet.
About Cazorla, it may sound churlish to criticize any aspect of his game given the quality and work rate on display, but I think we should do better with our corner kicks. It may be a training ground thing but at least parts of it must be the delivery. I think Arteta is more clever with the corner deliveries, and we should add more variations. We have many tall players now as well as competent and willing shooters from just outside the box and we should take advantage of those options from corner kicks.
That was nothing. You fellas should’ve seen the dive by Bale against Villa. Beyond belief….
Lars – he wasn’t. He was stamped on by Huth and generally kicked around the pitch though.
According to a bod on the BBC website, Liverpool hit “the frame of the woodwork” three times. Great use of English, that.
Good morning/afternoon all.
Tabs and H2h nice reports. Delia well written perspective as well.
One nice part of these drinks is reading others perspectives on an event that we all just saw. Well, all of us except for that twat Dowd.
A comprehensive TEAM victory again. All played well yesterday. All played for each other and all played for the badge. Nice to say those words.
Other than an off game last week inwhichwe failed to really generate the energy required we are undefeated in all competitions. Nice.
On a slight off topic note, CvC really is a prick. I supported him while he wore the badge because he was our prick but now when I watch his acts on the field he is just a big f ing prick.
Nonny,
Did Suarez see an ant on the ground that he just had to get his dick in?
What the hell?
CoR,
Monkey boy doesn’t dive, he’s British. π
Heh, nice one NorCal. The commentator went on about it though, which is pretty rare when talking about Bale. He seemed morally wronged, lol
Anyway, can anybody spot the difference between these two pictures?
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nxKwpqF0oXQ/SsozpJnPTGI/AAAAAAAAAAw/HkkKj0NPMh8/s400/walrus.jpg
Bale is one of the worst divers ever. But of course it’s all right, because he only does it ‘to avoid injury’, doesn’t he?
CoR,
The one on the right is better looking
Ollie: and Suarez only dives to kindly let the referee know that there has been a foul. Well, according to his manager David Brentan Rogers anyway.
How generous is that? What a gentleman!
If by gentleman you mean racist bucktoothed wankrag, then indeed he is.
I wonder if that cunty ex-Lyon ‘keeper starting for the LWC today has something to do with board pressure.
And could Friedel then make himself available in January? π
Just finished back-drinking.
Lars @63 i echo your thoughts Re Dowd,Vas Te and Mannone. Thanks for the good wishes and do have a good evening.
Wind @69 thanks for the good wishes,mate.
FunG @73,i couldn’t get the stats for this season,but for last season the top goalscorers and their shots per goal ratio are as follows; RvP 5,Rooney 5,Aguero 5,Demba Ba6,Jelavic 4,Suarez 11,Gerv11,Poldi 4. For this season Gerv has scored one out of every 3 shots he has taken same as Poldi,so they have done quite well and have both improved from their ratios of last season but as you said it’s still early days.
Off to watch the Clasico now,i will respond to other drinks later. Cheers.
Not so classical El Classico in progress…
The Barca defense sans Puyol looks slow, disorganized and a bit scared. And the famed pressing game has fallen off, with missed passes creeping in. Too much reliance on the individual brilliance of Messi and Iniesta, Xavi and Cesc looking ordinary.
And Madrid, despite so much talent at disposal, such cynicism and narrow mindedness … not a great advert for football.
I have now seen the Bale dive. Worse than Suarez indeed. Did he get booked at least?
Cheers H2H, and well in on the century. Heh @121.
Thanks 8Ball, NorCal.
Lars, good points on Carroll. I think he probably is more streamlined than he has been for a while. Probably because Fat Sam snaffles any food that’s going round! As for Dowd I hope you’re wrong but nothing would surprise me. His performance up at Newcastle 2 seasons ago was indeed a disgrace.
And heh at David Brenton Rodgers.
El Cuntico quite interesting if you can ignore the hyperbolic guff coming from the Sky commentator. Barca poor and lucky to be level at HT.
Several potential candidates for man of the match, but you wouldn’t go far wrong with the metronomic Mikel Arteta…I think we can all be grateful he doesn’t play in Spain’s national side, because these international breaks are the only rest he’s likely to get this year.
Indeed, abraham
Thanks, Cent.
Messi…always the savior. Almost always…
Cesc is fuming after being subbed. After that injury in 09-10 season he never really looked fully fit. He had some good performances for Spain and Barca but he seems to have lost pace and the runs with and without the ball he was capable of one never gets to see anymore.
Ollie @ 128 — the porous Barca defense is breached once more. I am sure Song would do a better job than what is on display.
Cent, you’re welcome!
Currently watching the second half again and noted one thing when I saw the Carroll header that went wide of the “empty net”: the net wasn’t entirely empty, Vermaelen was there and could possibly have been able to stop the ball had it been on target. Still a mistake by Mannone, though.
We were actually far more dominant than I thought yesterday. For every West Ham chance that would have gone in “had he just finished it better”, we had at least twice as many that you could say the exact same thing about. It wasn’t a perfect game by any means, but a solid performance at a fairly difficult ground.
And Ramsey should have had a free kick, not a penalty. It was just outside the area, but Dowd is a twat anyway.
Camberwell @76,am with you on Theo,i don’t think he can succeed as a lone striker and he’s not good enough for us to change our whole system to suit him (i wouldn’t want us to depend on any individual either).
Heh Abb @83,i read his interview on the dot com,i was impressed.
The Classico has just turned into a personal audition for Messi and Ronaldo,they’ve now got two goals each for their efforts,i wouldn’t be surprised if they both scored hat-tricks in this game.
P.S. Alex Song is occupying his deserved position…on the bench while Adriano plays at centre back for Farca.
Yeah, I thought that was just on the edge of the box but outside too, Lars. But that was after only having seen one replay while drunk.
Because everyone else seemed to think it was a penalty, I thought it was just me being kind because of the final score, but maybe not then π
It’s 1-0 to Marseille here, goal from an in-form Gignac (Bordeaux drew 1-1 earlier, still unbeaten but too many draws).
Oh 1-1 as I speak. Ibrahimocunt.
Must say I liked our tactical setup after we scored our third. Basically a 5-3-2 in defense which turned into 3-5-2 when we had the ball. This must have been something we’ve worked on in training, because every time we won the ball both Jenkinson and Santos immediately moved 15-20 yards up the pitch and when we lost possession they both ran back at full pelt to assume normal full-back positions even if the ball was in the middle of the West Ham half. Very interesting, I wonder if this is something we intend to use in other situations as well? Maybe this was a first trial run in a real match?
Tom Daley Bale
http://i.minus.com/iI04qBVyEBQp2.gif
2-1 Same player shoots again.
Were you lurking over there, Nonny? π
Fun,you are welcome.
Lots of drinks all of a sudden, I can’t keep up π
tabs@126: heh, you are probably right about Fat Sam gobbing up all the food!
Cent@132: I think Theo could work as a lone striker against teams that attack us more, thus giving much more space to run in behind the back four.
Ollie – no, you weren’t kind, you were right π
Gignac 2 Ibrahimovic 2, very similar to the Spanish Cuntfest then, except only over half an hour has been played.
Nonny@136: fucking hell, that was a dive and half! Oh no, sorry, I forgot – he was “just avoiding injury”…
Over where? I nicked it from a warez forum. Went looking for Microsoft Word and found that lol.
heh Nonny.
Apparently he didn’t get booked.
Evening all.
Not a bad game I suppose…
So an El Classico ends without a single red card!
Barca is missing a genuine number 9 like Eto’s or Villa as much as they are missing imposing midfielders like Keita or Ya Ya, and not to say Puyol in defense. The relentless pressing game is gone and they look a physically strained side so early in the season. If this is how it continues for them, especially the ‘defense’, I am confident we can beat them over two legs in CL if we can keep Messi relatively quiet, which we have done before.
Tabs, H2H – great work.
Lars, Ollie – good stuff too. Isn’t just outside the area close enough then ?
Newcastle rolled over peacefully for the Indebted then.
Pardew pulled off Pappa Cisse – no, really – just to make sure there was no late comeback. What is Mike Ashley’s plan exactly, giving him an 8 year contract ?
Is it me, or is Dobbin van Persie taking on a more equine appearance since assuming van Neighstelrooy’s old role. And all dressed up in that bloody tea towel an’ all.
Is the Interlull over yet ?
Loved seeing Santos back on the pitch yesterday. Smooth, easy skill and a perma-smile.
Nothing wrong with Gibbs, by the way, but with Santi, Santos and Poldi on the pitch, the whole stadium will soon be giggling – not just you TABS. π
Heh Trev π
Hey Trev.
I hear VanQuisling may be done for using elbows?
Ollie@122: Friedel would be a wonderful January pick-up. But is he likely to swap sitting on the bench at WHL for sitting on the bench at the Ems?
…unless of course he did so just to raise two fingers to the Board there, which would be awesome.
Trev @ 147 — Van Persie always looked like a violently deranged horse mistakenly released from his rusty cage , and his on-field petulance — even though Arsene calmed him down and channeled his general aggressiveness towards the world into something more coherent — never went away. But we didn’t care because he was our mad horse. We could be supporting the classiest club in the world, but we are still football fans, and as forgiving to our own as with any other football fans.
The fact of the matter is Vieira, RVP, Cesc have all occasionally acted as low-lifes wearing the red-and-white…but we did not ever really mind.
I was wondering about it on exactly the same terms, NEN π
Dr F:@111: as Santi is two footed, I am surprised he always takes corners from the right with his right foot, ie out swingers. If he took some with his left, ie in swingers, that would at least mix it up.
Good point, NBN
Ollie, haven’t seen anything but Twitter rumours that CvC will be charged so I wouldn’t pay too much attention to it.
It should have been a straight red, though. He very clearly saw Cabaye coming and raised his arm so Cabaye would “accidentally” run into his elbow.
Have to say that both dives are disgusting, I am not hypocritical enough to not see that our players sometimes go down too easy as well but this is just ridiculous ..especially if no card has been shown.
I only saw this, Lars :
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2012/10/07/214233_pardew-denonce-van-persie.html
It’s Pardew though.
Maybe Cabaye told him : ‘Giroud’s better than you’! π
Lars@140: the problem is how many times do we play teams that attack us in a season? Even if we play teams that attack us they can simply change tactics,sit deep and nullify him completely,i prefer playing with someone like Giroud upfront and having Theo run in from the right when he sees space as he did against Westham. Theo needs to develop his hold up play and his close control when moving with the ball,Gerv has these two slight but significant edge over him at the moment and i feel that,and his contract situation,explains why Gerv is getting chances upfront ahead of him.
Unlike just about everyone posting,i don’t agree about the penalty.
i don’t think any ref would have given one in that instance.
The players have only themselves to blame.
There has been so much diving/falling over as if struck by lightning at the slightest touch,not just in the penalty area but all over the pitch.
I read a comment recently that unless the ref can be 100% certain,and by that i mean,clear handball,or clear foul in a one on one situation,they are clearly not prepared to blow the whistle.
You will still get the impetuous Ref’s who will give them,and regret it later,but the majority are waving play on.
Ramsey,with 2 WH defenders all going for the same ball,a collision,Ramsey hits the deck,benefit of the doubt to the defenders,so no free kick either.
I don’t blame the ref for that.
I also don’t blame him for not sending Diame off,it was his first foul,granted it was late,but his booking was for celebrating scoring a goal,so to book him again,would have been 2 yellows and a sending off,and i think Dowd was well aware of it.
I also think if the boot was on the other foot,we would have been less than impressed if one of our players got his marching orders for a similar incident.
Some superb writeups of the game on here today/yesterday.
The quality of posts is getting Hemingway esque.!!
cheers
The Sweeper.
2-2 nothing to report in the second half. I suppose they heard the result of the Spanish Clasico at half-time and thought they’d just settle for the same.
Clive –
I seldom disagree with anything you post but we part company on the Diame sending off issue.
We wouldn’t be impressed to see one of ours sent off for a second yellow incurred for a goal celebration, but those is the rules !
The foul could on another day, with another ref,have been a red on it’s own. I think all fans would like to see the “celebration card” scrapped – unless it’s for Cole, Terry or Lampard – but it hasn’t been.
Cast your mind back to Diaby retaliating against Barton at Newcastle, and it’s clear that Dowdy ain’t afraid to give ’em, as it were.
Good to see you back here so regularly, by the way.
Cheers.
Dr Faustus @152,
Good stuff. Can’t, unfortunately, deny any of that. π
Amused to read that the players have been banned from shaking hands with each other at the moment, to prevent the potential spread of a virus that has already claimed several victims.
Wonder what was made of the various celebratory hugs and embraces after our 3 goals.
I bet the Golders Green Ramblers were a right lot of huggers and kissers, π
The other OG (the plug ugly one) pushes open the bar door and wanders toward the hand pumps and optics.
Having only seen the game once, on MoTD, he is a little diffident about offering an opinion. However, plucking up courage, he begs to mention that Santi’s goal put him in mind of none other than the incomparable Dennis.
With that, he retires to bed.
COYG ICDDR
Trev you rascal,
The GGR’s just butted heads.!!
Re Diame,we will have to disagree,as i dont think it was a straight red,i think it was more mistimed than anything else,rash posssibly,but not worthy of a red.
Definitley a yellow if Dowd hadn’t had to boon him for his goal celebrations.
As you say,another ref on another day could have booked and sent him off,so maybe they drew the long straw on that one.
Re Diaby at Newcastle,i cannot see that as a comparison,he clearly retaliated not once but twice,so Dowd had no option in that instance.
2 very funny dives today from Bale and Suarez. Suarez get long articles about his dirty trade, and rightly so. But you can see the hypocrisy in this country. Bale is as bad but does not get the same treatment. maybe because he is british. Apparently only dirty foreigners do it.
http://i.minus.com/iI04qBVyEBQp2.gif
I asked Giroud through Puma Football “Oilvier what do you think the best goal you ever scored was and who was it against?” And he replied “Olivier Giroud says “The goal I scored with the National Team against Germany means a lot for me” π
Imagine that, I spelt his first name wrong and he still replied to me π
Trev,
I agree with you. What’s the point of giving the yellow for celebration if it means you won’t then give another for a bad foul?
Poorly timed tackle? Yep and because it was it was a yellow card. Gervinho got a yellow for a poorly timed tackle that I don’t even think he touched the guy.
Unfortunately, you can’t expect consistency from one ref to another but what should be consistent is the same ref in the same game.
In Dowd’s case yesterday that just means an idiot.
Wengers coat,
Suarez and “I love to flail” Bale are the two worst Divers in the league. Ashley Young and Shrek are not far behind. The fact that neither got a card only encourages their antics. I wish the FA would give retrospective red cards for blatant dives. Especially the players who continually do it. Maybe a point system. Maybe 3 strikes and then a 3 match ban.
Re: FG. It’s the first time I can recall ‘holic writing about climax of any player, satisfying or otherwise. π
bt8b@172, yes, but at least it wasn’t related to young Coquelin…
I was told someone described Cazorola’s goal against west Ham as ‘sensantional’ and I tried googling to find out who wrote it, but all I got back were references to Lampard’s sensantional goal posted by illiterate Chelski fans ha ha ha.
Not sure if you’re interested but I found Arsenal Ladies vs Barcelona on Youtube. Check it out if you’re bored like I am on this day off of mine…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQuJbcpuxcE
Full game by the way. With Spanish commentary 8)
Just finished my second viewing of the game. Cazorla, Giroud and Podolski all came very close to scoring more goals, not to mention Mertesacker whose turn was agility itself. Giroud looking quite predatorial and could have had a hat trick. Quite a good game to watch, especially knowing the outcome ahead of time. π
Morning all,
Trev @ #79 – Thanks for that, now my head’s messed up for the day π
Lars @ #s 81&82 – I don’t know yet about the Montpellier game yet. I have to wait on a mate who often gets the midweek CL games. Will let you know as soon as I know. here’s to a safe passge through the interlull for all of our internationals so that we can field the same defence for Naaaarwich. BTW, where is Norfolk Dumpling these days?
Shame about the results yesterday but The Villains remain a heap of poo despite ditching testicle face and The Toon are simply not as good as they were last season. Oh well, we’ll just have to keep winning to haul ourselves back to the top of the table.
UTA!
Ollie @ #134 and various – Thanks for continuing to keep us informed of French football. Very useful especially as we seem to do a lot of our shopping over there. Heh! at ‘Ibrahimoc*nt’ π
TS: ok, as an added incentive I can tell you that Liz, one of the blondes from the Villa game, will be over for that one as well π
Still think it was a penalty.
I am ready to fight anyone who diasagrees. Want some?
Bastard Mondays……
Blatant foul, no question, but contact was outside the box by a gnat’s chuff, so put that in your pipe and smoke it π
Morning Feisty holics π Adorable Alert: Poldi likes to ride the bus (cute interview). Now back to earth π Usually Chelsea start to implode but don’t see that happening anytime soon. None of the teams in the lower half of the league table won this weekend (bad news for us). We had 16 corners against West Ham without anything to show for. With all the talent we have it is a mystery to me that the lads don’t capitalize on these ‘gifts’. Agree with Dr Faustus that Arteta should get in on the corners more, and it will help to rest the irrepressible Santi as well. After watching it again, Vas Te deliberately stomped on Vito’s head, no doubt about it. He should be brought to account for his actions and be denied pain medication until he says he’s sorry π
zico – Happy to oblige on fisticuffs and Glasgow kisses if that’s your thing but I’m sorry to report that I agree with you re: the penalty π
Lars – I believe green eyes and blonde hair is more of a tempter for Dr.F. Perhaps he can be persuaded to organise a travel exec’s biz meeting in London on that day with the added incentive of trying to use Edwin’s head as a punch-bag?
Dispicable act of cheating from Galen Bale, a blatent dive.
Let’s hope that the FA stamp out this particular aspect of the game (although I won’t hold my breath) and that the refs take into consideration that the son of Curious George is cheating chimp when they make decisios in the future. (Like they now seem to do with Suarez)
I missed MoTD2 last night, went out to dinner with the other half instead. Popped around a mates bar for a quick drinky or two, that ended up in double figures.
Now tell me why I don’t like Mondays (BOILK) π
The Sweeper
Any archive piccies of the GGRs that you’d care to share in this corner of t’internet? I’m happy to scan them if you’re willing to provide them. It would help to ease the tedium of the interlull.
I remain with Trev re: the red card and would also bet that had it been one of ours, he would of walked. I will NEVER trust that fat b’stard again after the Newcastle debacle of 2 seasons ago, no matter how self-induced it was. The biased refereeing also played a hand in that ridiculous draw.
Abb – good to see that your time in The Quackery has not been wasted. π
It was a pelanty.
Dobbin van Persie will NOT be charged for his elbowing / forearming of Cabaye.
Suppose that’s one advantage of playing for Indebted. Wouldn’t have got away with it if he was still playing for us.
Heh @ 183.
What date is Montpellier at home?
H2H – The chimp and the beaver are as bad as eachother when it comes to theatrics. London zoo awaits….
H2H @184 –
Won’t the FA have to ban themselves for stamping then ? π
TS –
Did you know London Zoo only has one dog. It’s a shitzoo. π
Heh.
Dr.F
Wednesday 21st November @ 19:45. The HT will need a full service at Drayton Park sidings as well.
However, my head is definitely not the right sort of density for boxing practice.
Regards, Edwin.
Heh! @ Mr.T. That’s a keeper π
Prof TES –
A full service at Drayton Park sidings ?
Getting into Sweeper territory there …… π
21st November is sorting out the economy day.
I suppose I will have to go to London to do it. π
You and the Swedish Blondes Dr F ?
A selfless gesture. π
Who wants it?
Neat, simple formula why the media won’t cover Mark Noble’s dive to get Gervinho booked – http://themarblehalls.com/2012/10/08/when-is-a-dive-not-a-dive-a-handy-guide/#comment-7995 – but quite surprised there was no mention of it in the drinks. And also surprised to read criticism of Jenkinson on Diame’s goal. He was covering Jarvis while Ramsay had Diame from the beginning. I suppose Gervinho not continuing to track McCartney caused Mertesacker to cover the cross rather than closing down Diame, but it’s also quite noticeable how much BIGGER Szczesny makes himself in goal than Mannone. But really, have to agree that it’s churlish to nitpick after such a good overall team effort. Also, was certain at first that Vaz Te left his boot in in order to injure Don Vito and was infuriated it was not mentioned in the media, but after reading TABS@87, agree that he was probably looking for a penalty. So OK, a cheat rather than a thug…
assists
On a plate. You’re welcome.
I SWEAR that was unintentional I was trying to tee it up for someone else!
Giroud-to-Cazorla-esque
Mr Sweeper.
I’d begrudgingly give Dowdy the benifit of the doubt regarding the Ramsey decision, because as you say he has to be 100% sure, but Diame had to go.
I personally think the yellow for celebrating or removing your shirt is a bit excessive, I think they brought that rule in after the world was subjugated to Ryan Giggs running the length of the field twirling his shirt, bearing his dead rat infested chest. *shudders* But agree with it or not, it is the rule and you, me and every player on the planet knows it is a bookable offence. Booking number one.
This means that the tackle is not his first offence, it’s his second.
Dowd was right on top of it when it happened, he had a great view. He blew his whistle immeaditely and approached the player, he was 100% sure that this was a foul and weather it was more clumbsy then malicous is neither here nor there, it was a bookable offence and by the letter of the law he should of recieved his marching orders.
Nice assist TS.
Nice
assistgoal, well in Cam’Y’see, I wish we had a commercial department as switched on as Newcastle’s
http://shop.nufc.co.uk/cgi-bin/live/ecommerce.pl?site=theclubshop_nufc&state=item&dept_id=45&sub_dept_id=91&product_id=327659
Or maybe not…
Cheers TS and H2H, I thought with my previous on self-assisting I’d be straight in the sin-bin! Looks like the landlord believes me too…
Heh Nonny @205.
Funny that you have to order the wig seperatly, why can’t they just sell the whole clown outfit in one go?
I was thinking of ordering the Toon Tottie…………
but Β£32.99 is way too expensive for a Geordie slapper. π
I had a hectic weekend and just barely managed to watch the game (highlight of my weekend) in which I thought the team did very well as a whole. I too thought Diame’s goal was great and nothing much could have been done about it, reminded me of Cabaye’s last season. Our scorers all scored beauties too.
Fungunner and Mamie after thinking it through I can categorically say Giroud gets more handsome each day, after scoring he just doubled up on it, he’ll probably look better next time we see him.
I also cant stand Dowd, How anyone with his physique gets to ref games is beyond me, he doesn’t look fit in the general populous leave alone on a football pitch. The only thing I thought he was fair at is giving Both Diame and Walcott cards for celebrating with the fans. Diame’s foul was definitely worth a yellow and the fact that he didnt give it just because he’d given him one afew mins earlier doesnt make it less of a cardable offence. I only watched the game once but I remember him letting go of a very blatant handball from Carrol which could have cost us, funny nobody has mentioned it in the drinks.
Anyway it is always good going off for the international breaks with a win behind us, here is to hoping all our players come back in one piece.
Barman I’ll have a cold beer lager on Lars tab π I am a fast learner!
Um, h2h@203, when has the letter of the law been consistently applied by referees to Arsenal? I’m still convinced that Arsenal won the league in 2007/08 except for an extraordinary sequence of outrageous, unforgiveable refereeing decisions in consecutive games beginning with the Birmingham game when Martin Taylor shattered Eduardo’s leg. Arsenal and Arsene’s vision of responsible, self-sustaining football would have been gloriously vindicated, and I don’t think all the players that left would have had we won the title. Still makes me sick thinking about it.
And thanks to the people that posted the giff images of the suarez and bale’s dives, they both drew a chuckle out of me!! And to think Eduardo got slaughtered for much much less.
When I heard the one who is dead to me was to get a 3 match ban for elbowing a player I couldn’t believe my ears and wondered how the FA did that, I guess some things are just too good to be true π coz apparently it wont happen.
Dr Feelgood, I am happy to hear that you intend to attend the Montpellier game!
@ 196
For you, Trev, one on each arm. π
Sweeper,
Yep, have to agree to disagree on the Ramsey penalty incident. I agree though that to an extent the players only have themselves to blame given the culture of going down at the slightest touch that now seems to pervade the game. I went back and had another look after your comments, given that I rarely disagree with you.
There is only one defender and he gets the wrong side of Ramsey. There is no reason for Ramsey to go down unless he’s clipped given that he’s goalside of the defender and in a great position. There is also nothing excessive in the way he goes down. Dowd is in a great position to see all that, and I still can’t work out why he does not give a foul.
Normally I am pretty dismissive of reffing conspiracy theories, but Dowd is so consistently poor in our matches, I do wonder.
As regards the non sending off, I’m afraid I also agree with others. Like you I believe yellow cards for excessive celebration to be silly, especially on a weekend when we’ve had two of the most blatant dives you’re likely to see, a stamp, and a flailing arm all go unpunished. Rules is rules however, and Diame knew those rules before he took his shirt off or whatever else it was that he did to earn the initial card.
The second offence was definitely a yellow card. Dowd should not have let the first decision influence the second. If he does he is actually flouting the FA’s own rules by the backdoor, even if those rules are silly.
H2H @207 heh π
Nonny @205 Yikes! π
The video replays pretty incontrovertibly show that Taylor kicked the back of Ramsey’s right ankle inches outside the penalty box. It looked like it was probably a foul in real time but to give Dowd a thoroughly undeserved benefit of the doubt, I think Santi and Poldi may have been in his line of sight.
Is it just me or is the holic site extremely slow today?
Browser: Chrome
Not just Chrome, Harsha, Explorer too, and all i had was gin yesterday instead of the usual witches’ brew…
Probably just you Harsha, no problems here.
tabs @213
It’s simple. Dowd is an incompetent tosser.
Second yellow was obligatory for that challenge; first was nonsense.
Minimum on the penalty incident was a free kick on the edge of the box. Rambo was clipped just outside the box then his left leg was taken out when he was a pace inside. That second contact could be argued as an innocent coming together but abolished any ‘advantage’ from not penalising the first clip.
Tosser. Simples.
I’m on the iPad and I can honestly say my ibrowser fine.
So are the lashes. π
.If he does he is actually flouting the FAβs own rules by the backdoor, even if those rules are silly.
And that sir, is what they say is in a nutshell.
Heh Trev
If you accept the argument in principle, that Dowd is in fact a dildo, then everything else falls into place.
There could of course be mitigating circumstances, for example, faulty batteries, or perhaps quality control issues at the factory, but a dildo is a dildo.
I would just like to dedicate this Double-Nelson to the West Indies T20 team and all my friends in Barbados.
Nice. 8)
So when Fat Phil goes eventually to meet his maker, will we call it
‘Dildo Dowdy Die Day’ ?
Well, I will …… π
Those dives are unreal, they’re so badly executed!
@ Firstlady
Hello! I was worried that you had passed out – after that Chelsea game! π So we have another player to share, I see!
@ 152 Dr F
Regarding the greedy badger, quite right, he has always had that side to him. I would also add that there was never any chance of him being punished or even charged for the off-the-ball elbow now that he is a Red Manc.
@ 160 Cent
Took the words out of my mouth!
@ 172 behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory
In public, you mean. π
@ CoR
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the Arsenal Ladies clip.
@ 182 abb
ha ha, re Vaz Te, who should have been sent off for that.
@ 209 bstrum
Agree 100%. Absolutely blatant.
**
Little bit of trivia – in the U21 match vs Reading today, featuring JW, Sagna and Frimpers, Martin Keown’s son will be lining up for Reading. Isn’t that lovely?
All this talk about Dowd might give the wholly incorrect impression that the rest of the referees are of an acceptable standard or at least not quite as bad as Dowd. Realizing that refereeing even kids’ games is not easy, one should expect at the very least from the Premier League that the incorrect decisions for or against one side should even out over time. Many, however, might not be convinced this happens for certain clubs, but most don’t have the time nor the selflessness to tally up the validity of referee decisions for each game. Some apparently do:
http://www.refereedecisions.co.uk/how-the-refs-treated-man-u-last-season/
http://www.refereedecisions.co.uk/
Good day all,
The start of a long interBull. I can understand why you are feisty today, Dr Z. Unfortunately(?) ,I think I agree with you on all accounts
1. Diame should have seen red
2. It was a foul but more specifically a penalty
3. Dowd is a complete failure and a massive twat
4. Wolfie is indeed the brains of the operation
Well……maybe?
BTW, quite accidentally saw Aneke’s wonderful goal for Crewe on TV last night — in the Sky Sports news that Fox soccer in US re-broadcasts. Lovely strike from outside the box. If he keeps on improving in this rate a couple of seasons from now we will have a great prospect in the midfield.
Speaking of the loaned out players, Ryo should be getting more playing time for Wigan. He looked lively whenever he has played.
bstrum @214 – Possible I suppose though both Poldi and Santi look to be already inside of Dowd when Ramsey is brought down. Dowd’s over dramatic waving of play on also looked to be the action of a man who saw it and said no rather than someone whose view was obscured.
In any case I can’t think of a less deserving case of the benefit of the doubt than Dowd! π
Hehs at Bath, Trev, H2H and Feelgood. π
Observer editorial nails the John Terry affair.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/oct/06/editorial-john-terry-ashley-cole-chelsea-england
Does anybody know if Olivier Giroud is bringing out an aftershave any time soon?
I wish to bathe in his very essence.
Does nobody in this bar listen to Steve McManamanamanaman and Chrissy Twaddle
The word is PEL-ANTY !!!!
And how many commentators does it take to convince you lot his name is CAR-ZOLA !!!!
FFS – how difficult can it be ?
Is the Interlull over yet ? π
Trev π
Lots of feisty regulars today.
NorCal, I certainly agree with (4) ! π
Iβve been watching that Santi goal over and over again this weekend, and itβs got me pondering on icons.
How we love our iconic players at Arsenal.
Some of the regulars will know from previous drinking, that the first Arsenal player that I attributed iconic status to, was, Ray Kennedy. Even at a young age, I could recognise that this was a Rolls Royce of a footballer. My soft spot did not weaken even when he moved to the Scallys, I still looked out for his contributions on a monochrome Saturday night, playing further back in a different role but still majestic, making everything look simple and effortless. It is utterly tragic what the gods had in store for him after he retired prematurely at 32.
But this was all before I had even laid eyes on Highbury, or parted with the coins that first took me through the turnstiles at the Clock End. When I was lucky enough to do so, I came face to face with another icon. Chippy Brady was so far ahead of his teammates, it was as plain as the ruptured blood vessels on Alex Fergusonβs nose. Such a sweet left foot, vision, and a tough little fucker to boot. His deification assured by that goal against the swamp-dwellers on that Christmas Eve. Many a heart was broken when he ventured off to Juventus, but Liam is still at the club, and the bonds of affection which may have been temporarily broken, have long since been re-tied.
Players who were βlegendsβ, and I use that term in a very loose sense, have in recent times soiled, if not their legacy, then certainly their reputations, with populist pronouncements in mainstream media about the failings of the modern Arsenal, continually getting it right where Wenger gets it wrong, and never shy of pocketing some change for the benefit of their consultancy. Iβm looking at you Messrs. Wright, Merson, Parlour, Nicholas to name but a few.
Before moving on to more modern icons, I should point out that I deliberately chose the first two above to put into perspective how the game and our relationship with the players that represent the team we love, has changed. With the relative shillings earned by Kennedy (and even Brady) to the off- the-scale wealth of your average current Arsenal player, I suppose guys like Merson are simply making the most of very limited gifts and using the one thing that makes them marketable β their connection with our past.
It is very difficult though to put any of the aforementioned from the George Graham era in my list of icons and if pushed to name one, would plump simply for Rocky, as I cannot imagine him, had he lived, pontificating on Sky Sports about zonal marking or suggesting a power-shift in North London.
Then we have the Invincible icons.
Dennis, Paddy, Henry.
In βretirementβ we hear very little from, or about, Dennis β not really that different from when he was playing. Just quietly going about his business at Ajax in his own godly fashion I suspect, we would welcome him back tomorrow at the club in any capacity (personally I would like him to serve me some fizzy beer on the concourse of the North Bank β delivered with elan and precision). Thierry Henry has been cast in his own bronze image β I donβt need to say any more, do I? Viera, though troubles me. It pains me to see him pimping for the novueax riche at Eastlands, and I have deep-seated concerns about his role in the migration of any Arsenal player moving in that direction. Probably rampant paranoia on my part but there you go. I would prefer he was spreading the gospel in North America rather than Lancashire.
In recent times, our icons have been getting younger and younger. When I first saw young master Fabregas in the Charity Shield (whenever that was β details get less clear the older I get) I could not take my eyes off him β how could someone so young play with so much poise and assurance β was he really only 16? Young master Wilshere has managed to become perhaps an even better player in everyoneβs imaginations by virtue of not playing this last year β an icon in absentia!
In the much trumpeted recent βbarrenβ years, it has been harder to find these icons though. There were times last year, when I watched Robin van Persie and automatically in my mind conferred on him this iconic status that I have been wittering on about. Some of the things he did were Berkgampesque. I could not have envisaged him becoming anything other than an Arsenal legend but well, we all know how that turned out. But we have this insatiable need for a hero.
Which brings me back to Cazorla.
A new icon in the making, based on the early evidence, itβs going to be hard not to put this talented Spaniard on a pedestal. There is so much to admire about him, great left and right feet, he can shoot, great depth of passing ability, he is quite sturdy in the challenge for a little guy, he has brought a much-needed creativity to our play and someone we will be able to rely on to drive the team forward from wherever he picks up the ball. His most admirable quality though, is, in my opinion, that he plays with a gargantuan smile on his face. When you consider the serial scowling of someone like Balotelli, how can you not warm to a guy who patently just loves being out there playing?
It takes a lot to make an Arsenal icon, and Santi probably has a massive distance to go.
But I am not going to be shy, right this minute, in declaring my man-love.
Santi I love you.
Well speaking of feisty, Tony Pulis gave an intelligent interview post match about Suarez’s penchant for diving. Good for him. Before this season started, the EPL captains were supposed to address this very issue with their players. Don’t know how Bale and Suarez can look themselves in the mirror.
Zico, You are totally within the bounds of decorum to profess your ‘manlove’ (so openly) for Santi. You nail it about his smile (and his eyes sparkle ever so). I’m a believer. Sigh.
zico @ 235 — lovely post.
As you so wistfully written, icons are born out of our need for hero worshipping. We extrapolate their excellence, sophistication, art on the football pitch to assume a similar effortless way of being in the world. And as a consequence, we attribute larger than life ethical and moral dimensions to them. We invent a being that simply doesn’t exist.
I personally don’t believe in icons, just as I don’t believe in teleological gods. I am sure I miss out on the thrills of seeing my heroes conquer obstacles, but I am not surprised when they are found to be human, all too human after all.
Forget footballers, who do not really get the chance to nurture the intellectual-ethical sides of their personality in youth because of the fierceness and dedication needed to succeed in sports, even some stalwarts from the fields of art, music and literature I had the privilege of knowing, people who are famous also for their humanism and wisdom as reflected in their creation, turned out to be as fallible as any of us.
I love our great footballers when they are on the pitch playing for the red-and-white. But my affection ends for them with the final whistle and is not replaced by any curiosity. And I expect them to act in the most selfish manner, just like the most of the rest of us.
TABS@228, just watched a replay and I think you’re right about Santi and Poldi: Cazorla’s in front of Dowd but not enough to completely obstruct his view and Poldi only runs into his line of view when Ramsey is already falling down. And yes, Dowd’s reaction was laughably over dramatic – in fact, watching it again, it was downright bizarre. Dowd denied the penalty and then half turned to the sideline and emphatically denied it again. And then, after awarding a corner to Podolski immediately afterwards, he appears to turn to Wenger and bellow, “No way!” or something like that. The TV coverage might have been deceiving, but it seems like we have at least two rotund cunts who are obsessed with Wenger: the F.C.C. Dowd and the F.F.F. Platini. I might be wrong, but I can’t remember referees ever behaving like that to Ferguson.
Zico,
Haha
I knew you were really a lover and not a fighter.
π
Dr Z, hurrah, something to get our teeth into. Excellent piece, Bravo! Much to admire and just a little to disagree with.
Like you, Kennedy was also my childhood favourite. Not really because I appreciated what a fine left foot he had at such a young age, but for no other reason than he bore a slight resemblance to the old man and because he scored all the goals (or at least did before he started eating too many pies). Childhood hero? Absolutely. Arsenal icon? Not for me.
The definitive Arsenal icon of that era was and is Charlie George. Even ignoring Charlie’s claims, there are many I would suggest – Rice Wilson McLintock, Armstrong Radford – who have stronger claims than Kennedy.
Completely agree with you on Brady. Of that team only O’Leary and Stapleton might have achieved similar iconic status but we all know what Stapleton did, whilst O’Leary ruined his chances with his unerring stupidity both as opposing manager and pundit.
On the ex-Arsenal players now making a living as a pundit, I think you nailed it. Such is the scale of the Club, the views of ex players of Arsenal, like those of Liverpool and Yanited, will always have currency, and apart from paying them some bunce allows them to stand in the light shone by the Club for a little longer.
Of the names you mentioned, I must admit that Wright has long got on my tits a bit, but then I watched that interview link that Snir posted a while back and just thought he was marvellous all over again. Merse is a buffoon who I would suggest is not to be taken seriously. Haven’t heard Razor enough but I don’t think he’s that reactionary is he? The one name you mentioned that did surprise me was Charlie boy. I don’t watch Soccer Saturday that often, but whenever I do, I always think he remains broadly supportive of what Arsene and Arsenal are trying to achieve.
As well as Rocky, you would have to include TA from that era. He was on Football Focus on Saturday and though again I didn’t think he particularly covered himself in glory, he surely remains an Arsenal icon.
Of the Invincibles how dare you leave out Bobby, how very dare you! π
As regards Vieira I haven’t got a problem with him working for the Mancs and doing the job to the best of his ability. I’d rather he wasn’t obviously, but I don’t think it disturbs his Arsenal legacy one jot.
As for Cazorla, I couldn’t agree with you more. In the wake of the Dutchman and the Spaniard both moving on we desperately needed a hero. Like you, I’m pretty sure we’ve found one.
bstrum – Make you right. No referee would dare behave like that towards PurpleNose.
Wonderful post, Zico, and Santi Cazorla is well deserving of it. There is sunshine emanating from that little magic man, and I can’t wait for Wilshere to play beside him. Speaking of, I’ve never been as completely awestruck by a young player as I was with the sixteen year-old Wilshere when he fearlessly schooled Sergio Ramos (repeatedly) against Madrid in a friendly – no, not even by Fabregas. I felt right then that he would be huge for Arsenal, someone as important as Brady even, and we can just hope that injuries don’t cause the best laid plans to go agley…
Now sorted for QPR! I shall be keeping an eye on the barman from the other side of the pitch.
That’s if I bring binoculars π
Zico@235: touching post. I desperately hope that Cazorla doesn’t turn out to have feet of clay like so many other aspirants to legend status. There is a joy to his play that is infectious, as others have noted. A twinkle in his eye as well as twinkling toes. Even AW seems to revel in it.
Doctor Faustus, Just to pick up on the views that you expressed @152.
I completely agree with you that all football fans will be blind to the failings of their own, whilst over-emphasising the dastardly deeds of others.
Some of the revisionist thinking on the Dutchman since he left has been quite laughable. He is exactly the same player now, but we all chose in the past not to see it.
I’m always interested to hear what a good friend of mine, a Spurs man but a sound judge for all that, thinks of Arsenal players. I remember for example that he absolutely detested Ashley Cole long before I did. Blinded by the red and white I just couldn’t see it.
I’m not sure however that I would agree with you on either Fabregas or Vieira. Fab could be guilty of simulation at times, he might have spat at someone (?) once and he could be a bit mouthy, but I always thought he chose his targets very well – Phil Brown Mark Hughes etc
As for Vieira he was definitely more sinned against than sinning. He only really ever got into trouble for retaliatory acts after he had been provoked beyond measure. I do remember him spitting at Neil Ruddock, but in my view he should be knighted for that. Vieira played hard, but he was definitely one of the good guys.
If we end up with Cazorla, Wilshere and Arteta as our first-choices for the middle three — and what a mouthwatering trio they make — would that be the shortest midfield outside Barcelona?
Evening chums,
Wonderful posts z and TaBS. I appear to be getting a splintered arse sitting between the two of you.
Sadly don’t have the opportunity to add to that at this point. I am apparently booked for a property management company AGM tonight so boo to that π
Two words. Joe Baker π
If the Fabregas spitting incident mentioned @246 was the one against a sitting Ballack, I don’t think he was actually spitting at him. An incensed Fabregas was screaming at Ballack because he had dove, and I think spittle was flying, hence the Ballack reaction. Or am I just viewing it through red and white tinted glasses?
Ned,
Wilshere 5’8 Busquets 6’2
Cazorla 5’6 Xavi 5’7
Arteta 5’9 Iniesta 5’7
We would be smaller! Much bigger up front and on the flanks though.
Dr Faustus, A couple of nights ago, I was heading to work on a major highway. Right in front of me was a car, in which a tiny dog jumped out, racing right towards oncoming traffic. It wasn’t pretty. The dog’s owner leaped out of the car, her shock and grief evident. Her life turned up side down in an instant. Everytime our players have to travel, I pray for their safe return. When they are injured, I wish them a speedy recovery. I know I’m not the one here, who feels the same. I’m very lucky to be a part of the Arsenal family. Their games are often the highlight of my life, such as it is. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction then seeing a player improve season to season. Not even winning trumps that, for me. They are my sons, and I care for them, faults and all.
Joe Baker eh Holic. Before my time I’m afraid π
Bstrum, yes it was the Ballack incident I was thinking of. I would need to see it again before commenting on whether you’ve got the red and white glasses on! π
tabs,
My post wasn’t really a “I’m telling you” sort of affair (apart from the man-love bit at the end), it was just musings on my part to while away some time at work when I should’ve been doing something much more productive but much less Arsenal.
Your “arguments” are all equally valid, I’m sure.
One thing I will say though , regarding the media “pundits”, all of them, and I mean all of them, are fed lines and they are either too stupid to realise they are being played or shameless enough to take the money irrespective of what they think, or how it makes them look to Arsenal fans.
That was a very nice love letter Dr Z π
Nice piece Zico.
I’m afraid my hero worship days ended the moment that Liam departed Highbury for his Itailian adventure, I was heartbroken, devastated and even at that tender age I promised I’d never let something that was out of my hands effect in me such an adverse way again.
My love and passion from that day on was for the Arsenal, that’s not to say that I won’t support the lads that pull on the shirt to the hilt, ofcourse I will, it’s just that if they leave there wil be no tears or remourse, just a meh and a fuck you I never really liked you anyway. (self preservation plus a great deal of denial mode)
When Arsenal legends like Tony Adams, who let’s face it, has shown all the managerial nous of David Brent (that’s Michael Scott for our American bredren) can find the balls to criticise AW then you know that something is very wrong with the physcy of the modern proffesional. Theo claiming that he loves the club and wants to become a legend yet scoffs at a weekly wage greater then many make per anum.
From RvPenus’ “I’ll always be a gunner” remixed with “it’s not about the money, you guys, yet signing for a bitter rival for a kings ransom per week to Adebuymore “not feeling the love” but filling his pockets and ending up at Shite fart Lane to Fabregas needing to head home because of faulty DNA, over the last few years we’ve seen it all and if you haven’t realised by now that football is just a day job to those at the highest level then you will be hurt over and over again. This is not just a thing that happens with us, look at the Rooney sisuation at Manure, he publicy stated that he thought IOU lacked ambition until they supplemented his pay to the tune of an extra 30+ grand per week, suddenly they were ambitious again, sickening.
Ofrcourse there are exceptions to the rule, Z’ mentioned Dennis, who I have the priveledge of seeing (on the box) on a regular basis in his capacity as assitant to De Boer. You’ll never see him talking muck about us or anything else for that matter, a true gent of the game.
Still, when all’s said and done I’ll go as doo lally as the next man when a player shows that extra bit of floir, skill or passion, tha’s what it is to be a fan I suppose, but my heart will always belong to the Arsenal collective and not to the individual.
..and an excellent follow up post by tabs. I love Bobby, me π
Sagna & Frimpong & Wilshere start.
Stop the long posts, that’s too much catching up to do! π
I have no opportunity for distractions during the day now, so have to catch up with the whole of the interweb in the evening.
Oh and Coquelin and Santos, quite a strong line-up!
Dr Z, I know.
I wasn’t trying to present a “counter argument” in any way.
Thought your piece was a great piece. Like you, all I was doing was to while away a few moments by using your piece as the starting point for a discussion.I certainly wasn’t trying to present any real disagreement.
What, no mention of Perry Groves in the pantheon?!
‘holic – I see your Joe Baker and raise you George Eastham, with a little George Armstrong on the side.
COYG ICDDR
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19873605
Howard Webb, eh?
Dr Z at 235 : magnificent write-up!
*applauds*
tabs, as long as one considers Vieira was a great player who once played for Arsenal.
But he’s always had mercenary tendencies, and while I acknowledge his immense contributions to some fantastic years, he’ll never be a ‘Gooner’ to me. I mean of course he would have come back to us in preference to the Bluemancs IF we had the same kind of money, but still.
Neither will the last cunt who said ‘whatever happens, I’ll always be a Gooner’, mind π
Speaking of heroes, one of the heroes of my youth is out of coma and ‘getting better’.
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2012/10/08/181239_dieter-muller-va-mieux.html
Good evening,all.
What H2H said @203. I don’t think Dowd is a bad refree rather i think he just has a dislike of Arsenal and never gives us the benefit of doubt in any call that looks 50/50 to him.
Trev@223,i will too!
Zico,great piece @235,made me envy you elderly gooners.
H26 knows,again,@255.
Bugger *H2H,knows,again,@255
Oh fuck. I’m elderly.
Don’t tell Rox, she’s been through enough π
Zico,
If these are “musings” on your part – then I’d be delighted to hear some more…!! Great post.
I would agree with most of what you say and indeed with Faustus and Tabs too.
To achieve iconic status for me, you not only have to be a lion on the field, but most of all – you must always respect the club, management and fans. That much costs nothing. It shows some level of class and appreciation for what the club has done for you.
And while PV4 never blatantly disrespected the club ala RVP – I can see what you mean about his presence at Citeh.
Would Adams take a paycheck over a job at AFC?
Would he tarnish his reputation by becoming some sort of glorified mascot to entice Nasri, Clichy and RVP to go to Citeh? Would Henry? Would Dennis?
PV4 could have come to Arsenal. He would have been welcomed with open arms. He could have coached. He could possibly, one day, have managed. He could have consolidated his legacy and instead he simply took the easy option and cashed in.
Its like what Trev says, when it comes to renewing a season ticket, though it might be increasingly expensive – it’s not a rational choice. It’s just something you do automatically because the club is just a big part of who you are as a person.
Going to Citeh was a rational choice for Patrick. So too was staying there after he retired. Dennis might have went home to get his badges but he’s never hidden where he wants to end up when the time is right. Henry is still playing and Adams would jump at the chance of being involved at the club again. They know where their heart is. It’s not a choice. They know who they are.
That’s the reason there are 3 bronze statues outside the stadium. Its also the reason why PV4 isn’t one of them..!
*nods in the direction of Joe*
Nice one Joe.
Like I said, Patrick at City troubles me.
But then, so do men much too old for it, chewing Juicy Fruit. π
Dr Z are you staying overnight for QPR or daytripping?
Zico, Tabs –
excellent Interlull work and certainly a couple of debate openers.
Dr Faustus –
If there was an eloquent way to disagree with Zico, you nailed it.
Personally, I would love to recover the thrill of having sone heroes in the Arsenal shirt again. Unfortunately the advance from boyhood, and the behaviour of the modern player make that a difficult one to achieve.
Santi, and this current team in general are starting to work the old magic again though. The spirit in the side is looking genuine again. That would be as great a pleasure to me, this season, as winning something.
Btw, I thought an icon was a dodgy deal on Ebay. π
Ollie – having to get the last flight back on Saturday night.
Should still have sufficient time to mix up some medicine before I leave, though π
Re: Joe @270. It sounds like on most fronts, Jenkinson qualifies for a statue then? π
Daytripping too. Someone else will have to be a bad influence π
Hate to say it but can’t agree with Joe @270 re: Tony Adams. I get the feeling that he thought it was his droit du seigneur to walk into a coaching job at Arsenal and has never forgiven Arsene for not accomodating his wishes (his subsequent inability to see through even one coaching job speaks volume about the soundness of Arsene’s judgement). Although one or two of Adams’ non-appearances at the Higbury closing ceremonies and other important Arsenal events might be explained away due to ‘personal reasons’, all of them surely cannot be, especially since everybody else managed to show up from all parts of the world. In the end, his shunning of Arsenal/Arsene could only be deliberate and I have found at least his earlier media comments to be equally disrespectful of Arsene Wenger’s management (haven’t followed any of his latest so can’t speak for them). Similarly, it seemed there were no opportunities at Arsenal for Vieira either, but while his City boosterism is quite irritating, he at least doesn’t publicly disrespect Wenger. Thierry Henry and his Divineness and Cesc (and Mad Jens and Bobby too), on the other hand, have only spread the Arsenal gospel since they have left. It’s quite a contrast…
This bar is at times mad, bad, argumentative, sycophantic some say, supportive of the club and of each other, most often good fun, has always an underlying decency, is never allowed to be abusive thanks to the Guvnor, and as we know has spawned many real friendships.
I finished work around 8.00pm tonight and logged on as ever, to see what was happening.
What was happening was a series of posts from Zico, Tabs, Dr Faustus, H2H, Joe, bstrum, and, on another night, it will be a different group of contributors.
I don’t believe there is another blog with such diversity, or that can match the quality and consistency of the Guvnor and the ‘drinkers’.
Just to immediately contradict myself, I have to say that Arseblogger is also consistently superb.
A pleasure to be here fellas.
This place would be great if it weren’t for sickofants like that Trev bloke…..
Me, I’m sick of ants, beetles, flies, the entire insect kingdom. Can’t stand ’em.
Has the season started yet?
COYG ICDDR
bstrum @ 279
Tony Adams is a difficult one.
I don’t doubt he is an icon to many, if not most Arsenal fans, whatever issues he currently has with the club now.
For my part, my main impression of him is that he is strange.
I didn’t see him on Football Focus on Saturday, but I did see him on Sky recently and he was peddling the same old tired cliches that the rest of the George Graham vintage I mentioned above were, and that as much as anything probably influenced why I didn’t put him in my list.
I fully understand why he would be right up there for a large contingent of our broad church.
Sorry Zico, thought I’d removed you from the list ….. Bloody iPad. π
Oxon,
That was my point. I think Suarez was sick of ants too that’s why he threw his body on top of them this weekend. Flail Bale as well.
Wait….what was my point?
Ah forget it. Rounds on me.
I’m sick of ants.
sickofants π
heh Zico.
Drinks for all. Even in Lars’ absence.
Speaking of sycophants, you never hear any ex-ManUre slag off their team (their performance on a given day, maybe, but never Man U)…
Great discussion going on above. My only comment on the subject is that the modern athlete, no matter what the sport, has no real sense of loyalty. This is not completely a modern phenomenon but is so much more common in today’s sports. The modern sports industry is such big business and revolves almost entirely around money. That being said the modern athletes all have their price at which loyalty can be bought. We are all too aware of this. To become a legend, hero or icon at any team in this climate several things have to happen at the same time.
1. You have to have exceptional Talent
2. You have to have an inner Drive to always play up to your potential
3. You have to be a Leader (ship)
4. You have to always respect the team and what it has done for you. Loyalty
5. You must Achieve something
6. And in todays environment, You have to be monetarily compensated equal to what you ( and your agent) believe your worth to be. Otherwise, you will switch teams before your legacy is set. Longevity.
That’s what to me makes a sports legend:
Talent, Drive, Leadership, Loyalty, Achievement, and Longevity.
Few attain such heights and today’s instant gratification and money driven climate makes it almost damn near impossible to attain.
Lets hope one of our current squad can reach for it.
bstrum,
I can certainly see your point.
I’ve always felt that Adams had a somewhat overrated opinion of himself as a coach – which has never really transpired into what he achieved as a player. As you say, his past management forays have never really provided any basis to feel that a coaching position was a sense of entitlement at the club. Bould has put in the hard years at the club – and his appointment from within was unquestionably the right choice. And while its premature to judge him as yet, one would have to say that he will likely be a frontrunner to replace the great man one day. And sometimes, as a pundit, I feel Tony tries to be somewhat insightful and clever – and it just doesn’t translate well on the box.
But having a different opinion to Arsene – and being disrespectful are two different things. I can’t remember Adams ever being disrespectful or spiteful to either coach or club. Of late, he opines that selling RVP was a mistake. Many fans would agree with him. I think even Wenger admitted that selling him was a risk. But I just felt that there were more reasons to let RVP go that there were to keep him – and it’s not entirely all down to the money. His position as captain, I felt, was untenable after “that statement”. His demands were outrageous. And it was time for others to stand up and be counted – which is a big part in what we’ve seen so far this season. We lost a great player – but we’re a better team for it and I think we’re all fed up of players lifting the skirts in other directions. In this context, I (again) echo Trev’s thoughts that seeing that genuine spirit back in the side is most important.
Just back from a week touring around the beautiful county of Yorkshire….studiously avoiding the blackspot of Leeds ( never forgiven them since the Revie teams of late 60s). Managed to get the updated portable commode mk 2 in working order…..many friendly truck drivers passed me on my travels waving their fists in support or giving me the no 1 finger sign !
Two great results whilst I’ve been away and some great posts to match
Holic 248…agree with Joe Baker, apart from being a great goal scorer, laying out “big” Ron Yeats of the scallys with one punch gave cult hero status.
Oxon 262 agree with you entirely…Georgies Eastham & Armstrong were my first icons (all these youthful naΓ―vetΓ© ).
Dr Z, Tabs, Dr F, bstrum, Joe, Trev (apologies for anyone I’ve missed) great posts / points put forward. To me, icon status means a great player who shows his commitment over a long period and never disrespects the club that gave them the opportunity. Of the modern era (last 20 yrs), that’s Dennis,Thierry & TA. The latter has lost points since he left by his constant sniping at Arsene, no doubt due to not being offered any coaching / mangement role….quite rightly so. If you have read his book “Addicted”, it shows someone whose behaviour is a little odd at times – perhaps caused by coping with his alcoholic abstinence.
There are many great players one level below icon ststus such as Cesc, RP7, all other members of the invincibles, the famous GG back 5, Freddie etc etc but not icons IMHO.
Today we are in an instant gratification world, heroes come & go all too quickly, so we can have crushes when they arise, living in a belief they will not let us down in the future – it’s goes with the terrorists of being a true supporter. Psed excuse the old boy rambling on.
Terrorists…should read territory….fkcu iPad predictive text.
On the issue of Tony Adams’ loyalty,there is no denying the fact that he loves Arsenal,there is also no denying the fact that recently he speaks about Arsenal,and Arsene especially,in a tone that suggests he is bearing grudges for someone or some set of people at the top echelons of our club,he also looks to me as someone who has a high opinion of himself and so despises anyone who tries to tell him otherwise,even if the person does it in the most polite of manners. I respect Tony Adams the footballer,legendary captain of Arsenal Fc,(even though i didn’t have the privilage of watching him in his prime) but i find it really hard to respect Tony Adams the ex-Arsenal player and former manager of Pompey.
Ollie 278 Dr Z & Daytripping are synonymous non? π
Oh and btw – your thoughts Bstrum on Ex Manu players disrespecting the club is correct.
I think its been a 20 year mantra thats being indoctrinated into the roots of the club at every level by old Red Nose. Do what you want – but don’t disrespect the club. And thats been evident by how briskly some players were moved on (Jaap Stam comes to mind, as does Keane) who straddled that line. Even when Ronaldo wanted to leave – it was all handled with an appropriate sense of decorum and respect by all parties.
And I wince somewhat when I say that, because I detest almost everything Fergie represents in some ways, but in other ways, you have to respect what he’s achieved as a manager.
Uply,
Looks like we have a very similar definition of the modern hero/legend/icon.
May I buy you a drink, sir?
Bstrum,i think you will find that a certain Roy Keane still has issues with Sir funguson and Stam recently confessed that Sir Funguson always encouraged them to go down at the slightest challenge in the box.
Manure’s 12th man, Coward Webb at it again. Avignon reviewed the video, he decides that RvanPursie’s alleged elbow of Cabaye was not an offence and therefore the FA cannot take any further action….now there’s a surprise then? π
Looks down field for the three ton elephant in the room……
Smashed it in!!!!
Hey, Joe,great minds and all that.
Well in Norcal…we certainly agree on icon status ( as well as many other things). Thanks for the drink….will collect it next time I’m along Highway 1… Maybe Fort Bragg will be appropriate. π
Apparently good showing from all (especially Gnabry in the U-21 v Reading with Sagna playing an hour and Wilshere 74 minutes, while Frimpong, Coquelin, and the U-21 svelte version of Andre Santos playing the entire game…but why wasn’t mini-Keown in the Arsenal academy? Surely having a genetic ability to scream down obnoxious Dutchmen should be considered a massive Arsenal asset, no?
NorCal, well in,for the three ton.
well pointed out, Cent @ 298 and Joe – yep, forgot all about Jaap’s yap and that walking carricature of a drunk who plays the big man but who was always careful to have the referee in between him and Vierira…
and Vieira as well…
Rumbled @ 295
(Again). 8)
Cent…TA was known as “Mr Arsenal” due to his phenonemal service to the club as player and captain. Since leaving he has had a dismal record as coach / manager and does not appear to have what it takes to succeed in this role. In fact most great captains have failed to make the grade as a manager……Bryan Robson, Roy Keane for example. Is it me but some of his utterances seem a bit strange at times.
I also missed Paddy4 off my earlier list of icons 295 – to me he is at the level below i.e. great player. He was constantly was seeking pastures new in his later years and his subsequent involvement at Middle Eastlands leaves a bad taste in view of the transfer activities of the past few years. I ‘m sure he was offered a role at Arsenal before he took on his “executive” role at ManShitty.
Tremendous discussion above. This is such a classy venue. Spot on Trev @280.
Romantic contribution by Dr Z @235 and hard nosed pragmatism from Dr F @ 238. I’m with tabs @ 241 and H2H @255.
I agree with bstum@279 and Joe @291 on TA6. Sad disintegration of an icon.
Great analysis NorCal @290 and Uplympian @292.
What a way to start the Interlull.
Well done gents.
A bottle of Benromach Smoke and Peat Special is open on the bar for all who are partial to the cratur.
“Benromach Smoke and Peat”……heh, now how could any man resist the sound of that alone..! 21 Yr Old Bushmills for you sir.
Hey Bath, cheers Sir, just a tea for me thanks, but do have a glass yourself.
Cheers Bath….just a wee dram to see me off to bed…..well it would be impolite to refuse such a generous offer π
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcTJbvOsvYQ&feature=related
Best video.
EVER.
@ 230 Wolfgang Smallballs
ha ha ha!
@ 249 bstrum
You are correct – he didn’t spit at Ballack. Ballack verified that at the time of Spitgate (Brian, why did you lie!) and the communications director of the club Ballack was at at the time said he had no knowledge of any such incident.
good points at 279 as well, although I can’t call Cesc “His divineness”. I think there’s a lot of guilt driving his comments about the club.
@ Cent re Tony Adams, yes, that is my reservation about him, too.
**
@ abb
I know exactly what you mean when you talk of quasi-maternal feelings towards these young men, especially when they join Arsenal as kids. It’s like being godmother to a friend’s child and watching him grow up. Ridiculous, when you consider that they don’t even know we exist, but there you go!
***
Somewhat late, my reflections on iconic status.
We would all pretty much agree about the criteria for legendary status, even though we could argue about individual cases. I’d like to throw Bob Wilson into that mix.
I just wanted to say that for me, for a player to be an icon of the club, which I see as a different category, the player has to represent the club to others, to be its face. He also has to have star quality in himself – in other words, he has to be capable of supporting an idealised perception of himself. In my eyes, Thierry Henry will always be *the* icon of Arsenal football club. I recognise that many will argue that there were better players, but he had a charisma that set him apart in the same way as the club is set apart. He turned me from someone who had only a passing interest in football and the careers of some players into a passionate fan of the club he played for. Watching Arsenal, I began to understand why football was called the beautiful game. At his peak, Henry epitomised the Arsenal football of the time – beautiful and dynamic, exotic and flamboyant, sublime technique underpinned by graft, a team ethic woven from strands of individual brilliance; pace, guile and an exhilarating ruthlessness. There was a constant reaching towards perfection, towards the apotheosis of football as a spectacle, allied to a drive for results. Romanticism and pragmatism in balance. Beautiful football was winning football, winning football was beautiful football. Henry represents that, too – a genuine, passionate fan, who nevertheless promotes that as part of his carefully nurtured image. In my limited time as a Gooner, never has any player been so closely identified with the club’s style and ethos. In a way he is still and always will be an Arsenal player – the phrase “once a gunner…” is viscerally true of him.
I think that that – his total identification with the club and his charisma – is why he was voted Arsenal’s greatest player, why he has the statue – it was not only because younger fans simply had not had the opportunity to see the older greats in action. He doesn’t just represent Arsenal, he represents an ideal.
Fun,
Well said about Henry. He is THE Arsenal icon in the modern age. He has always paid respect to the club and its coach. He has also always said that it is his home and the one place he will always support. He is unique in that he was able to leave the club while still a very active player but still retain the loyalty that others have attempted to display but have come up short upon departure.
Cesc try’s to show that loyalty but he left the club too early to secure his status at the club and also moved to his home. He will be viewed as a farcelona player that played for Arsenal. I also believe Cesc was not the leader that we all had hoped for including AW.
I am sure some will disagree but that is my view.
There have been so many great posts on the subject that I hesitate to cite them lest I leave out a ‘drinker’, but FunGunner@316 put it beautifully: “The player has to represent the club to others, to be its face. He also has to have star quality in himself β in other words, he has to be capable of supporting an idealised perception of himself.”
I can think of only one other in the last thirty years who fits FG’s definition, and that is obviously His Divineness, Dennis Bergkamp. (I think we have to go with Uplympian’s taxonomy and put Fabregas and other worthies in a secondary group. Also, I assume he puts Tony Pulis and his orcs in a different subphylum entirely…)
I’m sure the desire is mutual, Monsieur Olivier. π
http://news.arseblog.com/2012/10/giroud-i-want-to-pleasure-the-fans/
Fun @316 – I guess it’s almost like actors in some sense.
For me, Jennifer Aniston will always be Rachel, just like Jason Alexander will always be George Costanza.
Those actors have played and will play in different movies/series in the past and future, but will always be recognized as those characters.
Henry for me, will always be Arsenal, despite playing for Barca, NY, et al.
Just like DB and Bobby will be Arsenal.
On the other hand, Petit and Overmars won’t be Arsenal for me.
@320 agreed about George. (“You’re breaking up with me?” ) even Elaine for that matter. cannot see any show /movie with these two and not think back abt a Seinfeld episode.
anyone see cesc’s face after being subbed in the classico following messi’s 2nd goal.
seemed very very shocked to have been sitting on the bench.
and the commentary team did not even mention his substitution.
remember thinking at the time that he has only a bit part role these days at camp nou in a role not too different from our theo.
if he is going to sit on the bench for most of his career you have to say he would be considered a very average player.
despite anything he wins in that time.
you got a God given talent. why not show it on the pitch playing in a team week in week out.
Oh well. Arsene knows best i guess.
TA has seemed visibly deflated for some time now. Hoping everything is alright with him actually.
He’s still one of my favourite Arsenal icons though. His height, strength and no-nonsense approach to captaining Arsenal in a time when all of the players around him were men is what I liked the best about him as a player.
It seems like most of the Graham boys have beef with Arsene.
Some of the ex-players just preferred the former boss. Players who maybe thought they would be at Arsenal for life, getting shown the door probably fuels their desire to stick the knife in as well.
It’s interesting that someone mentioned no ex-Manc players publicly bash their former club. But I’ve noticed that none of them ever have a good word to say about Fergie as a person when they leave though.
I think when Man Utd start losing more than they win, more of their ex-players will start coming out with harsh criticism. The media encourages bandwagonning of opinions. And so many ex-players of many clubs seem to be told what to think and say to the public…
Fun 316 – beautifully put.
Norcal 317 – in total agreement again mon amis.
bstrum 318 – Tony Pubis & his ilk come under the grouping of ΓΌber cunts π
CoR 322 – TA6 = Arsenal legend but as a coach regretfully flawed.
So very many wonderful comments here! Interlull my arse!
Just finished a heavy back-drinking session and simply cannot list/comment on all of the great stuff being posted here today/yesterday.
What a genuine privilege it is to be a Gooner as well as a visitor to this fine establishment.
I do have one thing I would like to add though, and I think that the Guvnor will probably add a little weight to this. I think that there are some interesting ideas as to what makes a hero/icon/legend, most of them simply fabulous thinking, but it was summed up best so far by NorCal @290…
“Talent, Drive, Leadership, Loyalty, Achievement, and Longevity.”
So, my two cents or, in reality, two words…
Pat Rice.
The Scene : D L Ltd – Operations Room
All is quiet. The interlull has induced a sense of calm to proceedings on the Happy Train and only Professor Storey and Dr Feelgood are in the office. Feelgood, as ever, is racking hs brain to devise new ways of laundering Foundation profits:
Feelgood : “Edwin, you are a modern man – I’ve been thinking about getting one of them iPads. Of course, it would have to be in London, somewhere stylish, with a view overlooking the river,”
Edwin : “I think, Dr F, (and it’s out of character I admit), you’ve got your wires crossed. An iPad is a tablet.”
Feelgood : “Really? Do we stock them? Uppers or downers?”
Edwin: “No, it’s like a computer. Just like your phone. It’s Apple. iPhone, iPod, iCloud.”
Feelgood: “So, I am an iCon?”
Edwin (under his breath) : “Well, the Trading Standards Office seem to think so…….”
To be continued
I was going to wax lyrical about the many excellent drinks unearthed in this morning’s backdrinking session [ (FunGunner, Joe, Ulympian, NorCal, bstrum, H2H, Dr Faustus, tabs, Zico π ] but then I saw… “The Scene : D L Ltd – Operations Room”… 8)
hearty heh @ z @326
The Adams interview I have seen recently was very short and he didn’t “bash the club” at all. If you think saying that he wouldn’t have sold Robin van Persie, that he thinks the club will just fall short of winning something and that Bould might have a difficult time getting the defence sorted is really bashing the club, you have a very thin skin!
But maybe I would say that because I agree with him on the first two points and had my doubts on the third, but things seem to be working out (largely) in that area. Because Arsene Wenger has paid scant attention to defending and our problems in that area for a number of years, and knowing how tightly he likes to run his training sessions, I think it is reasonable to at least think that he might not be inclined to give Bould the training pitch time he needs to sort it out.
Don’t forget Adams has worked under Wenger and trained under him, so he will know first hand about the Frenchman’s attitude to defensive coaching.
I do think Adams is a little put out that he wasn’t offered a job on the staff when he retired, but I don’t think he is slamming the club. As far as ex Man U players criticising their old club, they haven’t had a seven year trophy drought to hang an opinion on, even if they wanted to criticise. I do seem to recall a few articles here and there that were mildly critical when Fungus was supposedly going to retire and they had a three year drought though.
If this is how the interlull is going to be, then thank goodness I am retired and have the time to read it all! Quality stuff today folks, tried to note down those who caught my notice especially but run out of paper. Firstlady at 208, Giroud can’t just keep getting better looking, I cannot handle that, mercy please! Trev and Fungunner on fire today too, and Zico and Joe. And as for Fungunner re Henry, wholeheartedly agree. My grandson got me watching Henry and Arsenal and I was on the slippery slope whether I wanted to be or not, wonderful to watch. Really enjoying this season so far. Agree with whoever was talking about smiley Santi, Zico I think, its a pleasure to see players happy in their work, long may it continue. And a final word for my current favourite, Lukas Podolski, brilliant to watch. We are blessed folks!
Great conversation all… lolng may it continue during this interlull (11 days to go…)
Fancy cocktails to match your shoe colours today, please.
Γ la Wolfie.
By the way, how’s Alex Song been getting on at FC Bastard Loner? I’ve not really been following that league lately..
Re “Icon” status. Particularly in reply to Fun@316 and NorCal@317.
I must disagree about TH12/14. A month or two back someone mentioned his performance in the CL final against Barca, which I remember. I also remember the repeated dirty looks and shouting at Reyes, which could hardly have been encouraging to a lad who, as we now all recognise, had a fragile personality. Reyes may have descerved black looks and harsh words but they were unlikely to get the best out of him, and undeniably didn’t. TH was captain at the time and his first reponsibility should have been to get the team playing as well as possible.
Another criterion that’s been advanced as a requirement for “icon” status is the manner of departure. Even if there were “special, personal reasons”, Henry was glad to leave the club – not a worthy emotion in an icon.
An even more recent drinker seemed to suggest a difference between “icon” and “legend”. Assuming that “icon” has the highest rakning, I’m happy to put Thierry in the “legend” category.
For me the most recent “icon” was the divine Dennis.
I’d also rate Pirès pretty highly; to me his only sins were looking disappointed when substituted in the CL final against Barca (surely forgivable) and wanting a two-year contract when only a one-year extension was offered; when it became clear that Arsène wouldn’t budge he accepted the decision with a reluctant shrug and moved on. He fully deserved the rapturous reception he received when he came back as an opposition player.
Is the interlull over yet, Mummy? Has the footbal started yet? Are we nearly there?
COYG ICDDR
zico@326: heh!
Also, that was a magnificent drink that started the discussion about heroes and icons. Cheers to all who joined in, enjoyed reading every drink on the topic.
Drinks all round!
What Lars said @334.
It’s not really surprising that the Manure old guard don’t bad mouth the club.
They don’t want to get on the “Gaffers” bad side;
http://images.wikia.com/starwars-exodus/images/d/d7/Dark_Lightning.jpg
It’s a little known fakht that the S in SAF stands for Sidious.
Feelgood @326 – heh. π
Much more elaborate version of my icon / Ebay effort. If only I had the time. π
Fried Onions –
“how’s Alex Song been getting on” ?
He’s been getting on the bench, mostly. π
Is Lars’ wallet an icon ?
Actually, why are heavily padded and contoured Recaro Rally seats still called a ‘bench’ ?
Trev,
apologies – any plagiarism was purely sub-conscious.
I wouldn’t really like to be of the same mind π
@335: H2H, I always suspected that! Is Darth Shrek his number two? They always travel in pairs Sith Lords. Never more, never less.
Anyhoo, seems we’re cutting Park loose.
http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/arsenal-accept-5-5m-loss-on-celta-vigo-striker
I still find the Park signing utterly incomprehensible. He seems to have “out-Jeffered” Jeffers!.
I wonder if we sold any shirts in South Korea as a result?
Trev@338 – I’ve always seen lars’ wallet as more of a legend
I’ll head across to Seoul and do some investigation next weekend, bath;)
Trev 339 -Maybe because they started off as benches back when and it would be too much trouble chanigng the names every time the design changed? π
Mamie lets hope he doesnt get any better looking for all our sakes coz I dont think I can swoon any more for the guy.
Fungunner, Zico, Cent, Norcal very good points about icons, legends and might have beens.
I think the reason I feel so betrayed by the “dead one to me” is because I had put him on such a high pedestal and could never imagine in a million ways him betraying Arsenal that badly!
NorCal – nice work @290 with the icon definition, and there will be plenty who will agree with your @317, that Thierry Henry is THE icon of the modern era.
Personally, I cannot place anyone above Dennis Bergkamp.
Once his peak years were over he accepted lesser deals and less playing time with none of the ridiculous Ballatellionics we have grown used to these days.
And make no mistake, Dennis was a superstar.
There could be an argument to nominate any of the Invincibles as iconic because, as we often remind ourselves, it is a team game and an unbeaten season is one hell of a thing to achieve.
I don’t disagree with TH14, but Dennis ticks all of Norcal’s boxes and, very importantly for Arsenal FC, he was the first player of such stature that we had ever signed.
It would be a tough choice between Thierry and Dennis but, if I had to make it, it would be Dennis Bergkamp for me, ‘cos he never went to play anywhere else.
Firstlady – given their attempts at CAZ-ORLA, I doubt any of the commentators could manage ‘Recaro’ either. π
Take it from an ex-con, iconoclasts rule! 8)
Zico –
No apologies needed, yours was just much better. π
Trev @346.
With you all the way there. There’s only one modern icon and that’s DB10.
Where’s the damn statue?
In my back garden, bath. π
Lucky man Trev,
this pose?
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=dennis+bergkamp+arsenal&num=10&hl=en&biw=1278&bih=626&tbm=isch&tbnid=FtBGsyl7PLNEqM:&imgrefurl=http://www.arsenalpics.com/low.php%3Fxp%3Dmedia%26xm%3D272154&docid=N7ESaaQn6xJr7M&imgurl=http://www.arsenalpics.com/image/dennis_bergkamp_arsenal_272154.jpg&w=450&h=321&ei=wh90UKGCPKqb0QXL9YDgCA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=795&vpy=115&dur=3515&hovh=190&hovw=266&tx=138&ty=107&sig=103515509838695838021&page=2&tbnh=142&tbnw=198&start=19&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:10,s:19,i:169
Any pose will do me, bath.
Have to admit to still getting a bit lumpy throated just to think that “Dennis Bergkamp played for Arsenal”.
I figure this pose is better.
http://www.gophoto.it/view.php?i=http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/01/21/article-1126239-0000C41E00000258-65_468x479.jpg#.UHQjcVFq3V0
Would be hard to get it to remain hovering though…
Bath, Trev & COR,
Dennis is indeed the “Modern Icon” at Arsenal and I consider the Ems as his symbol(we played his testimonial as the inaugural game) which is imo a bigger symbol than a statue.
And if a statue is indeed made of the God, one with the ball at his feet will be the one for me like this one: http://the100.ru/images/football/id1312/dennis-bergkamp-football-1540.jpg
Trev @347 I still havent gotten it. So is it Carzola as is written or is it Carthola as I have heard plenty pronounce it. Names give me a hard time to pronounce but spanish ones more so, villa-via
TH was the man, but Bergy was God.
Stayed with us untill the end and retired in style, not tarnishing his rep’ by going to a lesser club.
For me the he’s the Icon.
=====
CoR, I’m afraid Shrek is not a Sith Lord, inspite of his repulsive appearance and impirialistic behaviour I’ve concluded that it wouldn’t be a smart move for SidiousAF to keep his apprentice so close.
The overwelming evidence points to a dark satanic figure also operating in the PL, check the pictorial evidence and fakhts below;
http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120114202635/starwars/images/f/fe/MaulFaceReveal-TPM.jpg
http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/attachments/football-manager-2012-stories/223045d1329071075-potters-story-tony-pulis.jpg
The resemblence is uncanny.
In the first photo he has his face painted in the same colour as his teams home strip, the same colours that SidiousAF’s team don too. Coincidence? I think not.
In the second photo he’s cleaned all the paint off his face and is wearing a head cover to conceal his horns. For what other feasable reason could there possibly ever be for a middle aged man who works in footy to sport a baseball cap?
If that’s not proof enough then how can you explain him gathering up all the misfits and miscreants of the galaxy (Crouch and Shawcross to name just two) with the sole purpose of destroying the beautiful game and trying to turn it into the Empires game of choice, Interplanetry Hoofball. *shudders*
Beware of Darth Pulis.
In different news, I see Owen Coyle has got the ol’ heave ho out the door at the Reebok. Shame, he always seemed a pretty decent chap.
At least he can say that Bolton are not in the relagation zone in the PL like when he took over……………. Oh, wait……….
Firstlady –
It is neither. It is CAZORLA, pronounced in Spanish, CATHORLA.
The “r” is in the second syllable, NOT the first, which has escaped almost every commentator and pundit. Saying names isn’t that hard a job, is it ?
Effects of climax still lingering …
H2H. Quite some horror pics. Makes me want to refrain from taking my daughter out for Halloween trick of treating …
Are we taking about Him??
Is that enough excuse to watch this again? π
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yv8brpKO1i0
Firstlady – just re-reading above.
Hope you didn’t take my answer as a dig at you. It was aimed at the professionals who can’t be bothered to get it right.
Hope you accept that no offence was intended.
Brilliant Catalan. π
Why did he have to get “old”. π
Trev
I could have shared my secret elixcir of youth with him.. but all things considered I was too selfish and wanted it all to myself! π
How are you??
Licks her?
Where?
Maybe Vito’s better then some of us (yours truly included) give him credit for;
http://www.football365.com/topical-top-10/8152653/Top-Ten-Statistically-Speaking-Goalkeepers
Or maybe this is just futher proof that statistics can mean whatever you want them to.
Anyone else disagree with Arseblogger that Sagna should walk straight back into the first team, when fit?
I would give Bacary a go on the Recarro Rally seats, personally…..
Tough one that, Zico.
Jenks has improved greatly and is well worth his spot, but lets not forget that Bacs is one of our most consistant players and on his day one of the best in the league.
I’d be careful with him, but if he’s 100% fit then he’d be in my starting line up.
Play players on merit – once Jenks performances either dips or fades in comparison to his showing in the early part of the season, then you can ease him out.
Mangagement is easy. π
zico, in my opinion Sagna should definitely NOT walk straight back into the starting XI. While he is still most likely the better player, he has just come back from about six months out and his second leg break in a year. He’ll need a couple of subs appearances before he is anywhere near ready to start, I’d say Jenkinson is still the starter for a few games yet and then we’ll see if Bac has performed well enough in his subs appearances.
Cheers everyone,
Great drinks/ drunks above.
I have no argument that DB10 is an icon. I will only say that TH14 is still in the public eye ( DB seems a quiet leader) and just made a nice return to the team last season, so for those reasons I chose him. Is he perfect? Probably not. And watching his elegance on the pitch is matched by DB10 in everyway except maybe speed of foot, not speed of thought.
Cheers
Sagna’s form hadn’t dipped, he was removed from the game by a Cunnynary who helped aggrevate an injury caused by a cunny of the Lilywhite persuasion.
If Sagna’s form was not that great before he got clogged then I’d agree, but he was on a good run (as usual) therefor I believe his return to the starting XI to be merited.
Assistant management at it’s best, watch out Bouldy. π
But I still stress’that I’d be very careful with his re-introduction.
Hey Holics. Before I can comment on some fantastic drinks here, I must offer up an apology of my own, namely to Dr Faustus. Sir, I hope my zeal in defending our players, did not put you off. I tend to get emotional very easily and can be rather self righteous at times. Please forgive me π
What’s the news of Gibbs? If he’s still out, and if he’s fit, what about Bac at left-back. If not, how about the skipper there?
Just saying, like
COYG ICDDR
H2H@367: goalie stats are questionable at the best of times, but after just seven games I would say they are pretty useless. But I must comment on this particular gem:
“On a reflective note, Cech’s ranking would be even higher were it not for goals conceded against Norwich, Wigan, Reading and Arsenal. ”
No shit, Sherlock? I would never have guessed that a goalie’s stats would be better if we assumed he didn’t concede any of the goals he actually has conceded…
(they are factually wrong too, by the way – he didn’t concede at all v Wigan, Reading scored two at the bus stop)
I think we learned our lesson about playing players out of position last season, Oxon sir.
H2H@373: after six months out you need a couple of games to get up to speed. Like I said, Sagna is still most likely the better player but there is no need to rush him back.
Lars, indeed, I posted it to back up my anti-stats prose. π
well spotted i.e the mistake, you should send them an e-mail to their Mediawatch section, they’d love that.
Heh, good idea H2H, think I’ll do that π
H2H@328, fair comment. Bloody silly idea. Sorry.
COYG ICDDR
H2H, mail sent π
I’ll be looking out for that in tomorrows mediawatch, Lars.
Catalan –
I’m ok thanks, just very busy and very tired. Trust you are in good health ?
I do have a question for you – in our Mr C / T hats.
Lars reckons Sagna will need a couple of games to get up to speed.
Do we have stocks of that in The Quackery ?
Is the Manager allowed to be an icon ?
Still Dennis for me as far as players are concerned, but Arsenal Wenger must be right up there too after 16 years.
Trev, I know your tired, but do you think Gibbs’s thigh injury could have been prevented by him being rested. He gives 110% and I fear the same fate could await Jenks. Tricky with Bac playing too early on, as for the reasons stated by Lars @ 371.
The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.
If you can enunciate that well enough after a week of practice then I may give you your chance to try Cazorla as next week’s bonus exercise. π
Abb –
I can categorically assure you that if Gibbs had not played, he would not have strained his thigh. Not sure that helps though. π
The same fate could indeed await Jenks, but they are young men playing football twice a week, backed up by some of the finest monitoring and recovery facilities in existence.
Nothing in life is 100% Abb, let alone 110%, and Any of the players could get injured in training on any given day, just as easily as in a match.
Arsene seems pretty geared into their ” red zones”, so I’ll let him earn his Β£7 million a year as far as that goes.
After the Giroud article of the other day, I see Mr arseblogger is having fun again on the news part of his site:
http://news.arseblog.com/2012/10/england-trying-to-catch-jenkinsons-eye/
π
Hey Trev, Thanks for the ‘office’ visit. Check is in the mail π Now enjoy your nite off!
Computer boffs are strange folk indeed.
Had one ask me if my eyebrowser ok, or was I having trouble with my Safari.
I said I hadn’t been on a Safari. He said he had, but had decided it wasn’t very good for iPads.
I don’t know what his fixation with animals is, but he reckons he has a Mountain Lion and a Puffin that run on apples.
I asked him if I looked like I was born yesterday and invited him to piss off !!!
Hey, good stuff Ollie. π
Lurking, looking, lurking…..
A well timed steal out on the flank and passed up to Arteta to recycle forward….
And so Trev is having fun π Now my heart is bursting with joy over the drinks, and I won’t let my guilty conscience stand in the way of celebrating them. Snir, that ‘best ever video’ you posted, was hilarious π And I think Jennifer Aniston grows more beautiful as time goes by. Cor @ 354 That pic of Dennis gets my vote. H2H, Thanks for those stats on Vito. He’s trying real hard and I believe he takes his role very seriously. Agree about Owen Coyle, likable he is. FunGunner, hey lady (thanks). First Lady and Mamie, sounds like smelling salts might be needed for you both π As for me, I prefer my men with a touch of grey π
Great clip CG@362. Had not seen that.
There is only one ICONIC GOD.
Nods the ball down for NorCal
Don’t mind if I do……
Through the center circle to they always santifying
Santi Carrrrzorrrrlaaaa….
Assists?
Ping…
Chips in the middle….
That’s for you lonestar. Hope all is well. You have been conspicuously absent if late
Thanks Ollie for the assist.
Well in NorCal. Got distracted.
Nice assist Ollie.
Wellin NorCal.
I can’t type on this damn
Ikeyboard. Sorry for all the typos.
Oh…the ball had already hit the net and come out…..video technology can’t come soon enough ;-). Well in Norcal.
Well in NCA, timely run. Random assist, as 397 was there as I posted, and I had been checking other stuff, but eh, it’s a gift π
All the icons do Ollie. π
I am on the side of Sagna does not step back in as a starter. Just like Jacky Boy. Will need to ease bac’s in.
Was glad to see Sagna praise the work and job that Jenks has been doing.
Great team sperwit.
Last year’s Cazorla. Almost as good as this year’s model. π
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiUXPISKDFY
As for the Jenkinson/Sagna debate, I say we should be prepared to use them both at the same time. There’s nothing like confusing the opposition. π
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19868217
#bunchofbottlingtwats
Apparently, Mannone is from Desio, which is a short distance north of Milan. But it has not been revealed whether he has Milan or Inter DNA.
http://www.football-italia.net/25963/serie-sides-eye-mannone?
what Ollie said at 411; actually remarkably similar to what Cuntley said.
No wonder athletes act the way they do. No repercussion for their actions. Sad state the world is in.
Good evening,friends. Back drinking…
Having gone through all the drinks i just had to praise the team spirit and sportsmanship on display here,reading through drinks of people of diverse cultures and orientations-who even though they have diffrent opinions about diffrent issues present their thoughts in the most respectful of manners without engaging in the stupidity some of our so-called role models (John Terry,Suarez) have engaged in,in the not so distant past-gives me Joy and hope for our game and world in general. I consider myself privilaged to be in the company of you ladies and gentlemen. Cheers,mates.
More old boy rambling >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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