Bruce Rioch Put This Rabble In Their Place
Nov 16th, 2012 by 'holic
The restorative powers that are generated by THE London derby are well recognised by this particular scribe. As I type it is less than forty hours since waking a shaking, sweating mess. Several cups of tea, a bowl of soup, and umpteen paracetamols later I am now grateful not to be missing North London’s equivalent of Henley, the Lords Test, or Wimbledon, with added grrr.
Never mind that it appears to the neutral observer to be a lower-key affair than in recent years in as much as the two teams are battling to escape mid-table mediocrity and rejoin the battle for a top four berth. Such is the fug surrounding both camps that lower-key it most definitely is not for the respective managers, both of whom know uncomfortable days lie ahead for the loser. In fact the neutral observer, if they will forgive me, can keep their beak out of our business.
The worries about who will or will not make it to the game extend to both teams as well as their virus-laden supporters. Unfortunately I’m not sure lentil and bacon soup is as good on muscular knocks and fetlock sprains as it is fevers. That means we, already deprived of Gibbs, Diaby, Gervinho, and Rosicky, will be praying tonight that the likes of Szczesny, Sagna, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, and possibly Djourou (I don’t think Le Boss meant Giroud) will pass fitness tests on assorted ailments of the body and mind.
The visitors, like us attempting to rebuild consistency in the wake of high-profile departures in the last transfer window, may be luckier than us in this respect as the three players who withdrew from England’s squad for the match in Sweden have, according to that nice Mr Villas-Boas, “done one more recovery session“. Surprised, we are not. The likeable buffoon who took Chelsea out of the top four has been making some predictable noises this week straight from the Spurs media training pack originally written eighty years ago.
“We are certainly getting nearer in terms of what we are doing for the club“
Yes, we hear the message again. Just ask yourself Andre, why there is no Tottenham equivalent of St Totteringham’s Day? Forever in our shadow, my friend, as countless hapless managers, coaches and hand-shaking specialists who have had your job before can attest.
It is seventeen years since Tottenham last finished above us. We appointed Bruce Rioch for a year just to show how easy it was to put them back in their place, and then appointed Arsene, who has spent his entire sixteen year tenure looking down on them in much the same way as Christie Brinkley eyed the little and frankly slightly ugly Billy Joel. There is a relationship, but it is based on disdain.
The ‘holic pound could be lumped on just about anything. Neither defence looks that secure, neither attack has yet settled in, but I am hoping we will have something of an edge in midfield. Whether that in itself will be enough in a match where rapid breaks from back to front have been successfully used by both sides in recent years, I don’t know. I am taken with the 20/1 offered by Gunners Gaming against a 3-2 home win. Don’t forget if you bet Β£10 with them before midday Sunday you go into the hat for four places in their box for next week’s Champions League match against Montpellier. You have seen the banner above, click on it and have your punt. Thanks.
Now then ‘holics, I hope most of you are in rude health for the game and have a decent uninterrupted view, wherever you may be. To those who are meeting in the usual place, don’t forget it is ten o’clock opening tomorrow. It would be best though if you avoid Ollie and I, shivering in the corner with our cups of coffee π
Have a great one ‘holics.
314 Responses to “Bruce Rioch Put This Rabble In Their Place”
First. A drink and many thoughts to Snir and his.
hand-shaking specialists
haha
Trust me. Hot milk, teaspoon of honey before bed and you’ll be cured.
Or spewing so hard a mere cold won’t be a problem π
I’m still hoping for an Irish coffee, ‘holic. π
D’oh!
Six – Tony Adams to Laurent Koscielny.
We need some steel tomorrow.
UTA!
Sounds good to me, Ollie. Much better than that honey shit Nonny keeps trying to poison me with.
Put some wedge on a spread bet on total goals scored.
Looking at both defences of late, could be a basketball score. π
See you there Holic et all, although I’m not sure what time exactly I should or will get there for, what will I do for 2hr and 45 mins if I arrived at 10am? π
I hope with all my heart that your family & friends remain safe Snir.
A low key NLD?!
Not while I got a hole in my Arsenal!
COME ON YOU GOONERS!
PS – Great stuff ‘Holic, as usual! Rioch! HA! Almost, ALMOST, forgot about him!
Wind, what people normally do is drink ;-).
I should be around at about 11-ish am.
Hope the atmosphere of the NLD vanquishes any remaining lurgi. Since when was Guinness renamed as coffee?
If you’re buying Ollie… π
‘holic?
Neighbour?
Hey there ‘holic, I’m glad to hear you are feeling better. I was feeling fairly decent about the game until I saw Lawrenson tip us to win it, as well as his competition, Andy Murray, who tips us to win it by your 3-2 score. I say go a bit more outlandish since these things get pretty crazy. 6-4 it is. π
One other thing: Wenger is French, albeit Alsatian and therefore could have a German tinge to his accent. In any case, he is unlikely to pronounce Djourou as Giroud no matter how close the two are even when pronounced and heard correctly. π
Giroud was training today…
Wind me Boy,
Enjoy every second of your first NLD.
I expect a stellar post from you either Saturday night or Sunday morning,detailing the whole Match day experience,from the first moment to the last.
As a Newbie you shouldn’t have to put your hand in your pocket to buy a drink at the Tollie.
Trust me,you will make some lifelong friends among the Holics you meet for the first time on Saturday.
If over the ensuing years, you get as much pleasure as i have had from following the Gunners for over 50 yrs,then you will be blessed.
So thoroughly enjoy the first of many NLD’s to come,and remember once you’re in,you’re in for ever.!!
Cheers
The Sweeper
Missed zico’s 379 in the last drinks, which was monumentally entertaining, π and the scary news about Snir’s family in Israel. π
Win. There is no acceptable substitute for that. This is The Scum we’re talking about here. The LWCs. That Lot.
Win.
Ollie goes to London and I end up in Paris. Wish all the ‘holics a great time tomorrow. Wish I could be there. I’ll be at the next two games to take up the cause and the chorus.
Wind, enjoy my friend. We will do it again on Wednesday night.
Hope all that ills is better soon.
Prayers for Snir and his family.
Snir, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, mean that.
Holic and holics, evening. Holic, a delightful read. ‘Keep Calm and Support the Arsenal’. Guess someone with a sense of humour thought up that that one π Nite all and take care.
From previous;
Snir, all our thoughts and prayers are going out to your loved ones.
Be safe, nothing, and I mean nothing else matters.
Ollie. I don’t just work in the bar, I own it, I work rest, post and play here. π
=====
Good stuff guv’, glad to hear you’ll be there, wouldn’t be the same without ya I’m sure.
Wind, enjoy and savour every moment.
The Sweeper, once again I stand in awe of your genorisity, you are a true gooner and a gentleman in every sense of the world and I raise a glass to you sir.
NorCal, enjoy your trip, I’m as excited for you for Wednesday as you are…… well almost. π
For all ‘holics near and far, let’s put all our differences aside for one day and focus on the real enemy who are the scumsuckers from the stinky end of the Seven Sisters, fuck Aston Villa Boss (or whatever his name is) and his pack of buttmunching mongtards. We are the glorious Arsenal and they aren’t worth the steam off our piss.
ARSENAL BLOODY ARSENAL!!!
I’ll drink to all of that H2H.
And a rousing call to arms!
Well said H2H.
Hic. π―
Brolly or bench inside tomorrow H ?
Glad you’ll be there anyway.
Snir, all good wishes for your family.
buttmunching mongtards?? This is starting to sound even seriouser than I thought …
Desperately difficult to predict this one but it could revitalise our season if we win like last season. Our injury list is ridiculous and Wenger must ignore the sick notes when planning his January rejig of the squad ( haha). Even Gibbs has to be discounted as a serious full back option he’s made of porcelain . As for Diaby…….
AVB has only managed against Wenger and we won 5-3 so let’s hope he cocks up again. But a bit of stability would be very welcome. I’d settle for any sort of win in this one.
Bt8b…….don’t worry, h2h was being polite….he refrained from his true feelings in case woman & children might be reading π
Well put h2h, grinding the marsh dwellers into the ground is all that matters. Wishing Better health to the sickly ones tomorrow….no doubt spirits drunk to the victory after the match will be purely medicinal.
Wind enjoy the experience…the NLD is like no other. Meeting and drinking with the other ‘holics ditto. Clive knows!!!
Norcal….be careful in “gay Paris”….hope you have some money left after visiting there.
SNIR…thoughts are for the safety of your family.
Abb…good night at 5pm local time? Perhaps you are having a good evening π
All the other regulars enjoy the match / drink.
NorCal,
Particularly bad planning to come all the way from the U.S and then miss the Spuds game ?!?!?!
Thanks again Clive, a debt of kindness that will forever remain in the memory π I’ll do my best on that stellar post, I might keep a diary of some sorts on my phone so I can precisely recall events π
NorCal, thanks for the well wishes, indeed we will Enjoy Paris π
H2H & Uplympian, thanks again for your kind thoughts, I’ll do my best! π
It has been some talk over past couple of days about the 3-5-2 formation. At first I immediately rejected the idea that we might start with 3 at the back, but after reconsidering, that is not as bad as it seemed. Just my thoughts.
Back three
Kos, Mertesacker, Vermaelen
– First, because we do not have a proper left back.
– We have 3 quality CB’s.
– Third, if we play with 4 at the back, Bale is the real menace. Sagna should do fine, but the problem is that Bale tends to cut through the middle, leaving Mertesacker to deal with his speed.
With 3 at the back, Mertesacker should be positioned central dealing with Adebayor, with Kos as a right CB taking care of Bale, along with Bacary.
– And last, Arsene could withstand the temptation to leave his captain out of the first 11. At least for now.
Then, we have 5 midfield consisting of
Chamberlain, Wilshere, Arteta, Cazorla, Sagna
-Not quite the strongest and tallest, but certainly creative and fast.
– We are not reliant only on Arteta to bring the ball out of our half. Wilshere, Cazorla and even Kos will be there to do that.
-Chamberlain is my choice for RM, and I believe that he can not only close Lennonwith his speed, but offer more in attack on that side.
-So, no Podolski, and certainly no Ramsey for me in midfield.
Then Giroud and Walcott in attack. In that order.
-Giroud, closer to the midfield, battling in air with Huddlestone and Sandro when needed.
-Walcott, and I thought I will never gonna say this, but, give the lad the striking role. Spuds have very slow defensive line including their central midfielders, baring their RB. Walcott should exploit that. Even Giroud should exploit that
What is good in this 3-5-1-1 is that it can change whenever we want to our usual 4-3-3, with Verm as LB, the Ox as LW, Sagna as RB and Theo as LW.
So. I can’t fall a sleep tonight, if anyone is still wondering.
Come on Arsenal.
Interesting thought Lurky.
Playing devils advocate isnt 3-5-2 a bit flavor of the month?
For me sagna has to be on the pitch on the right.
He Ox tho i love the lad is crap getting back. Otherwise its a good thought.
I wonder tho; put our jolly elf santos on the left. Relieved of a major defensive roll. Send the brazillian forward i say! I really fancy Sanos. Great on the ball. Just lose a few pounds man!!
But if it backfired and we conceded say 2 or 3. The pundits would have a field day on AW. The last thing he or we need.
A drink on me sir. Im about to get back into the Guiness.
I can barely sleep. π
“And then one day you find ten years have got behind you
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun”
Of course in Sp*rs case, fifty years may be substituted. π
Ive a feeling. My crystal ball looks really sharpe tonight:
Giroud with a brace. Theo will score. TV5 will put a thunderous header in. OX will get. one. And AA will get one as a sub.
Yes yes. A thorough dick stomping on the offing.
I cant fooking wait for kickoff!!!!!!
Homer. I count six in all. That could fit in nicely with my scenario. I like it. π
Agreed. Better and better!!!!
Let’s all find a little bit ze charisma.
Decent kip, no temperature, rumbling tum though. May have to cut down on intake today.
BUT, YA MO BE THERE, or words to that effect π
From an Arse down under, I hope all of you lucky enough to see the game live, or even watch it in a pub in the right part of London, enjoy it.
Wind, not that is any of business, but get there at 10 and get stuck in mate. Have a beer for me!
I shall be positioned, as I am every weekend, on the edge of my sofa in the early hours of the morning, arsenal top donned and sleep deprived but loving it all the same.
I’m sending good vibes from NZ, now there is no way we can lose.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sweeper, you are a good man, and I hope we don’t let down your far too generous act of goodwill.
Have a good day all. Off now.
Good journey holic!
Safe travels to all that are now moving towards the Home of Football.
Trev, I wanted to go to the NLD and may have been able to get a ticket from a friend of a friend kinda thing but Ivana got a bit upset over the prospect of me going to 3 games. ( this is a family vacation and all. ) Logistically the NLD was the game that was trimmed from my schedule. Oh the agony!
Enjoy the match!
Arse Down Under, thanks, I resolved to get there for 10am around 12am in the morning when I searched @TheTollington on Twitter & saw so many people planning to be there for opening time π
Woke up about 30 minutes ago, now wondering what the feck I am going to do for the next 100 minutes or so until it’s time to leave for the pub… Not sure what to think about the game, normally at least I have a feeling about who I think will win but today I genuinely have no idea. It feels like we can lose 3-0 just as well as win it by the same margin.
Anyway, time for a shower and some brekkie. All of you going to the game, hope you have a great day out and Wind – enjoy the free beer that you will be given π
Shower and train it is then.
Clive, top man.
Don’t worry, I’ll make sure Wind has no more than a half so he’s in a fit state to do your write up, π
COYRs.
Lars, Trev, my thanks haha π
Membership Pack opened, Arsenal (matchday) earphones retrieved (along with other things π ), Arsecast being listened to on the bus π Is Blogs going to the game?
Unable to watch today due to family commitments in Toulouse, so those who are going/watching enjoy a great victory
COYR
@52 – It doesn’t look like he is, which is a good thing as he’s a jinx.
First I’d heard Nonny.
Right, off to the pub…
Ok I’m in the Tollie (forgot my I’d in my rush) X_X
Holic, you are at your most eloquent on this one:
“Arsene, who has spent his entire sixteen year tenure looking down on them in much the same way as Christie Brinkley eyed the little and frankly slightly ugly Billy Joel. There is a relationship, but it is based on disdain.”
Glad you are feeling better.
You and Ollie on coffee? I don’t believe it.
Enjoy the game all Holics who are going, I hope you’re all singing victory songs under the brollie afterwards.
Snir, be safe, fella.
“There is a relationship, but it is based on disdain” – ha!
Come on you rip roaring. Time to show these mugs who they’re dealing with.
Top four. One trophy. Ollie G 20 goals.
I’m just saying.
Yoo da man, BtM π
Less then an hour to go.
Tension building…..
COYG’s
Arsenal team to play Tottenham: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski, Giroud.
Bar Gibbs, that’s probably our strongest team.
Bentley ended up at Rostov? MUSTARD!
Here we go, regardless of how we feel about the way the club is run, the players, the manager right now all gooners want this one!
Come on boys, PASSION, FIGHT, NEVER SAY DIE, MAKE US PROUD!!!!
I feel little less nervous than I expected to feel. Usually it means that we are going to win this, and win it comfortably.
Positive thoughts towards our guys from me. Lets win this one.
Look s like the Cunts are lining up 4-2-4.
Wjn the midfield battle and we’ll ‘ave ’em.
COME ON ARSENAL!!!!!!!
Here we go!!!! Hi everyone. Wind, hope you have the time of your life! π
Listen to our fans, fantastic cheering!
FUCK
Non existent going forward, I don’t think Cazorla has touched the ball yet
Hope the presence of the legends in the stands inspires the team. Ball is mostly on our side. COYG.
C’mon you rip roaring reds! Punish them!
Nice move p
Nice play with Jack to Theo.
Red card that should be
Yes. Fuck off Cuntybayor
That has to be red
Yes, Ade gets RED!!!!! Ha, Ha π
Steffen Freund looks like he’s dipped his face into a beehive
Yep., Adebyebye, what a cunt
Good teh cunt is off
Oh dear, Cazorla is wearing tights. IT’S NOT COLD
I wished Jack could have punched out Bale π
Adebayor should have gone whether that was a yellow or a red, because he should have been booked for his goal celebration but wasn’t.
Anyway, fuck him.
He should have shouted GET YOUR PAWS OFF ME, YOU DAMN DIRTY APE rather than punch him π
Hey Nonny π
YEEEEEES – Great cross and MERT!
BFGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
FEO FEO FEO etc π
MERT, OMG!
Per fect!!!
Hey Fellas, lets buy Mert a drink π
Theo has the beating of this left back. Get the ball to him.
I’m so fucking incensed over things in my life today, and that Adebayor assault didn’t calm me one bit. Now Per is putting things right.
Beat the living crap out of them now. We fucking need it.
I fucking need it.
What Nonny said.
We need to get it forward quicker, there’s room in behind, Theo is making the run and having to jam the anchors on every time.
Yeah, Toby’s back ! π
Hopeful punt forward…..
They were just down to nine men and one twenty yard surge from Bale left half our lot in his wake. Thank God for the last ditch tackle.
Congrats H2H, good form. :0
Nice tempo to our play though.
Cheers Nursie.
COME ON ARSENALLLLL
OOooooo Giroud, nice effort.
Almost OG! Hey H2H!
That was some shot from Santi.
How did that not dip?
Bloody hell, deal with the free kick ffs
Ridiculous lack of tackling. Sort it out
That’s more like it. Score the hell out of them. Bye, what’s with ex arse cunts like adewhore and vanpussy and their two footed challenges on the former mates?
Cazorla not wearing tights, his shorts were hanging low earlier. What a relief.
Oh Nonny! π
How many more?
Dennis, Sibbling rivalry, my best guess.
How many fouls is he gonna lety SAndro get awat with?
Had to score there.
Aaaawwww Giroud,
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Almost again, beautiful work up!
POLLLLDDDDIIII
PODLOLSKI
Lucky, but who cares
YES POLDI!!! TERRIFIC TEAM WORK!!!!
Briliant dummy run by Arteta
I think the Sandra cunt has been warned from the moment he was born. Meanwhile podolski scores. Yeah!!!
Henry is relishing this in the crowd. Fantastic to see
More. I need more. Fuck it. Bloody murder them.
@ 125 Very funny π
H2H
Sandro should have been booked 3 mins in. Getting away with murder.
Henry is there! Man oh man, Good times!
Webb, get out the way you knob
Three fucking one
GIIIRRRRRROOOOUUUUD
MORE. MORE. MORE. Fuck the bastards.
Yes OG! Oh boy, I’m in heaven π
Lovely finish from Giroud and well done to Webb for the advantage
Fuck yeah!!!!!! Wanted podi, Giroud and cazorla to score, cazorla to score soon!!!!
Why are they expressing any surprise at Adebayor losing it? He’s the type who’d get into an argument with his own reflection.
Adebayor’s best ever game for Arsenal? π
@nonny, and loss it too.
Adebayor playing so shite the last 35 minutes of that half it looked like he wasn’t even on the pitch. Oh, wait.
Heads on. It’s still a derby, anything can happen. Need to start the second half like we finished the first.
I would be amazed if they send that left back out after the break.
‘Tot n ham’ lunch is served….
*screaming over the noise in the pub*
I told you to pile money on the goals scored spread market……
Enjoying this so much – keep it up boys
@142 – The odds on a Spurs win are 66/1, a draw is 12/1 with Arsenal 1/50
What could possibly go wrong? π
Keep up the pressurec and put them to the sword.
A nice moral boosting thrashing of the enemy will turn our season around.
Zico, Enjoy! Is it too early in the day, for The Joy Of Six?! π
Nonny 145….hehehe, what could possibly go wrong!!
Coffee and grapefruit juice please maestro. They Joy of Six, you say abb? Don’t mind if I do. π
Giroud showing that if we play to his strengths he can hurt the opposition. That means wingers getting plenty of crosses in, that means we have to do whatever it takes to keep Theo
Hey there 8ball π
Except he wants to play through the middle, Geoff π
just what the Dr. ordered boys, but no losing focus in second half OR giving Webb an excuse to level things up in personnel. We need this to be a right thrashing.
LWC’s taketwo defenders off and bring on one defender and a striker, ballsy or stupid?
H2H, Ballsy. Admirable.
Come on Feo, be alright son.
Theo has had no luck with injuries. Almost every part of his anatomy has taken a hit this season:(
COME ON YOU REDS
MORE. I WANT MORE.
YEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSS CArzollllaaaa
That was vintage Arsenal
Just fucking finish it. More.
Yes Santi, New lads all scored!!!
cathorla
Don’t make any changes. You can give the reserves a run in the cup in midweek, keep your foot on the throat on this game.
This is boring. I am off to bed:)
What did I say? Cazorlaaaaaa!!!!! Excellent, all the three guys I wanted I score. COYG,,,
Oh Toby, Isn’t this so pleasant π
What Nonny said. Let’s end this lot for the season.
Can we play you every week?
Although if someone does go it would be Wilshere for me. He looks a bit leggy
YESSSSS!!!!!
About time he got booked.
Finally a yellow for Scumdro
Poldi is having his best game in an Arsenal shirt, he’s evertwhere
Sandro reminds me of Mikel (Chelsea).
Nice work by podolski, owned bale.
Sloppy.
They gave him way too much room.
COME ON YOU REDS
Get Coquelin on.
Should be well out of sight and now a nervous 20 minutes
So we’ll just score another one…yes we will!
If they don’t win this, can we have another bonfire night and chuck them all on top of it?
When the ball deflects off the ref, ppl always score against us, at least I remember a similar incident two seasons ago. Manu I thing it was against.
GET A FUCKING GRIP
Nonny. 4-1 up IS out of sight. Sure, they got their consolation goal now, but we’ll get another. We are NOT losing this. Nor drawing. 4-1 was out of sight, but we are still way ahead and I am not worried in the slightest. Now, Ramsey will have another great cameo appearance. Watch the game and enjoy us scoring another.
Fuck the scum.
WAKE UP FFS!!!
The game is too open and we’re committing too many men forward. Get a grip on it.
Be patient and the goal will come. Don’t go chasing after it.
Lets take charge again please COME ON ARSENAL!
Come on you lot, don’t worry. There is something poetic over another 5-2 win isn’t it?
Awww Feo, too heavy.
This is almost a next goal wins situation. Shitting it.
Shambolic defending for that corner.
COME ON ARSENAL
NO DON’T BRING THIS TWAT ON
Oh my god, what’s santos doing coming on?
Right, after seeing that corner I am starting to agree with you Nonny!
What are you doing, Ramsey?
WHY?
Santos on for podolski is the right sub. Hate to say it, but it’s true.
This is better.
Feo styleee……….
Ox to score.
Release the Ox!!
Theo at centre forward
Last ten mins we’ve been excellent
FEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Theo 5-2!
Magic. Well done lads.
New contracts for Bac and Feo PLEASE.
Good, good, he almost did.
“Come on you lot, donβt worry. There is something poetic over another 5-2 win isnβt it?”
Santos shouldn’t have eaten that roast before kick off.
Fire drill in the Sp*rs end.
FIOS!
Up yours, gap-closers!
Santi, I love you. 8)
COME ON NOW LETS GET THIS PARTY STARTED!
Let in a goal out of nothing, got a bit nervous for a few minutes, recent results in the back of our minds. Got back on top, started controlling the game again, got another and saw the game out. I won’t be complaining.
Cheers lads. I needed this today and you provided. Now, to get hammered.
Hurray 5-2! Welcome back woj! Team win π
5-2……again. A good habit.
Well done lads, let’s build on this.
Bale smiling and hugging Walcott at the final whistle…no clue what a North London derby match means….twat
All right. Lets hope this is the restart we needed, let the goals keep coming in, and let the winning streak start. Good night everyone. Glass of warm milk please. For you too holic, with honey as someone suggested earlier.
and it’s a har de har har from me
π
Tim – I spotted that. Bale off in the summer, blatant.
Great result, well played lads, especially Theo, Bac and the new lads. Giroud is a star.
What would we do without Spurs? Always find new ways to help get our season started. Cheers, you mugs.
Thanks to Adebayor for being such a brainless cunt and for AVB going 3 at the back in the 2nd half. Thank you, you idiots! Oh and did you see AVB sming and shaking hands with our players on the pitch? Fuck me what’s wrong with that guy?
Clean sheet. Our season begins now.
Good to see the Theo the old hand getting on the scoresheet along with all the new boys (BfG, Poldi, Giroud, Santi). It didn’t quite come up to Homer’s predicted group of goalscorers, but close enough for comfort. π
How come this team still has the capacity to make you feel nervous even when leading 4-2? But, hey, a 5-2 NLD win always puts the world to rights.
*Heads for warming cognac with pre-installed glow….
Just saw that Ol’ Arry Twitchyapp will be a pundit on MOTD tonight, that should be a larf.
N7: Bale and Theo on the same team would be pretty scary to defenders.
Well that was fun.
Brilliant result for The Arse. Time to kick-on.
H2H: I’ll bet you lars’ tab that Ol’ Twitchy will use it as an oppty to stick another knife into the back of A V(acancy) By….
UTA!!!
Drink for agent Ade, who is clearly showing signs of wanting to come back into the fold, even if they are somewhat reluctant ones. Some psychiatrists might even call them subliminal ones. π
Don’t forget that Feo and Galen used to be room mates at Southampton.
Agreed TS, should be fun.
Might not go down well here, but I still have to applaud the LWC’s for going for it, they never gave up and it takes a brave manager to still make his players attack when your one man and two goals down.
Other then that, fuck those LWC’s. π
Marsh vermin put to the sword =good weekend
Early kick-off = very messy Tolly warriors
MOTM in defence =Koscielny, did not put a foot wrong
MOTM in midfield =Cazorla,vision and dribbling supreme
MOTM in attack =Giroud ,never stopped working in attack and defence
Wa-Hey
AHOMT,
“BTM @ 394, Stark Cold Reality will hit you full on this saturday my friend.”
Top 3. One trophy. Ollie G 25 goals.
I’m just saying.
Priceless conversation:
The Storey Son sitting on my knee. We’re watching the NLD together on a dodgy stream. The Arse are pinging the ball around during the second-half and the LWCs can’t get near it:
“Pass and move daddy. It stops the other team playing and then you can win the game.”
Even 4 year old Gooners know the value of Wengerball π
Heh! @ BtM.
I don’t know about top 3, we need a l-o-n-g string of games without losing before we can declare that but Top 4 and an actual silver trophy definitely possible.
Regards to VA.
… oops and HN!
@zicointhepub
He loves you too and promises more of the same on Wednesday in honour of your absence π
Chelsea playing the B team at West Brom. And a goal down. Today just keeps on giving.
Well good win and hope we kick start from here. But am I the only one who was shivering when that 2nd went in for spurs. Don’t know why we are so open on counter attacks. Arteta us no holding player. Come on Arsene. Get a decent holding midfielder. Against 11, we might have suffered.
But hey. Fuck off Adewhore. You belong to that scum. Please sign an extended contract for the scum. Makes my weekend. Just shows that we have enough threat going forward when we get stuck in. Giroud is fast becoming my favorite. He may not have the touch of that Dutch bastard but he puts in some shift.
H2H: yes I agree with you, they had a real go and it was brave to do so.
Post match on sky Wenger used the word special when describing his team, ahem arsene, 5 wins from 12 league games? Today was special so please give us more ok?
Why Arsenal.com still keeps the same headline from last year result? Oh wait…
H2H, AVB brave indeed. Ole Ade HATES Arsenal fans, and his contempt led to his demise π Santi MOTM for me, but really a swell team win π Have a great one holics wherever you happen to be π
Fantastic result. Don’t like to put a negative spin on things here, but they were much the better team until Adebayor got sent off.
A lot of very good performances but WTF was SCZ doing with 15-minutes left time-wasting. I have my worries about him and had Mannone done the same for the first goal, I think he would have been slaughtered.
Can anyone deny that Walcott is not worth Β£100K pw. We need him to sign da ting.
A glorious weekend now awaits!!
Nice one TS, you have taught him well.
H2H – Strong is the force in this one π
Geoff – How are you doing? You’re a tough cookie to please but agree it’s too early to say we’re special based on results this season so far. I’m going to enjoy this result though. Five past the LWCs is always a bit special but good to see we’re making a habit of it π
Matt (2)
Walcott is in the form of his life. It’s unlikely to be a coincidence either as he puts himself in the shop window for a very fat contract.
Enjoy this version of The-o whilst we still have him. I doubt that he’ll be pulling on the famous R&W jersey in the new year.
@242:”…. but they were much the better team until Adebayor got sent off.”
Surely the red card helped but I don’t think they were ‘that’ much better.
Re: Wenger and “special”, two thoughts:
(i) sometimes the boss says things he knows aren’t true. He’s under no obligation to be honest with Sky.
(ii) we’ve looked a team short of confidence in recent weeks. He’s blatantly trying to lift the players after a good result.
Anyway, it’s a worry for another day. Just enjoy this result FFS.
Five goals from five different scorers is also a bit special, no way we can be accused of being a one man team.
Santi took some time to get going, but when he did he was sublieme. Poldoski was at it from the off, he really looked like he knew what it was to be in a NLD. He was everywhere, closing ang harrassing when we didn’t have the ball, that was the Poldi I’ve been waiting to see.
Matt (2) Can’t say I completely disagree with your first scentence, but I think now is the time to bask and gloat. Time to get our smug on. π
Favourite post match quote from Arsene, asked if Adebayor is difficult to manage: “Errrr… Yes. You should ask Villas Boas that question.”
H2H
Great point. My smug is well and truly super-glued on.
COYG!
Mines so big, the weather channel has just issued a smug warning in my general vicinity.
How is everyone in this august establishment?
Have been traveling across three continents with our 10 months old. A profoundly illuminating experience about the world and yourself. π
Been able to watch the game uninterrupted at our ancestral residence in India with my father. Of no particular persuasion where PL is considered, he was expressing pity for the LWCs when Cazorla scored the fourth. π
If anyone even mentions the red card as some kind of an excuse — all I have to say is intelligence is as much a part of the game as passion and rank stupidity should get what it deserves.
There were still too many uncertainties even when 4-1 up, but this can and should be the catalyst for a good run in the next couple of months.
BTW, Nonny and all other Giroud doubters — I hope this has been convincing enough. The common sobriquets like ‘hardworking’ or ‘solid’ don’t do full justice to the intelligence and calmness with which he plays. A very impressive frontman.
Theo I thought though superb with his crosses could have been better with his first touches when put clearly through. But definitely a must-keep with this type of performance.
Ox’s cameo was great. Congrats to Per on his first goal: what an occasion! Koscielny is getting back to his last season’s standards. And Santi when given a little space is a truly astounding player.
Ummm… What time is it?
BMBD
Dr F, space is what Wilshere gives Santi. It is difficult for oppositions to press both of them simultaneously and still keep shape.
Giroud coming along nicely. He means we have offensive alternatives to tikki-takka. Makes bus parking less effective. Plus he is proving a big plus defensively on corners and free kicks.
It was 5-2 iLG π
Crappy officiating takes on new meaning at Middle Eastlands, as Citeh get a penalty for absolutly nothing. Only Toure was appealing…… and that was for a corner, shocking.
Well, that was one way to remove the funk that we had found ourselves in.
I am now so currently out of funk that I shall need to get down and boogie with the first green-eyed that crosses my path.
It was a strange game.
All that is good and bad about the current Arsenal team was in evidence today, but as H2H says, time to get the smug on.
I might actually record and watch MoTD for the first time in weeks. 8)
Now have to pretend to Roxette I have only had a couple…..
PS – congrats to Clive for gifting today to young Hurricane
Good point Dr.z re: The Sweeper & Wind. What a first game to attend.
I had to put up with a dour series of draws and humiliating defeats to teams like Liverpool in my tender years. Hey ho, wouldn’t swap them for anything.
I didn’t see too much wrong with today’s performance apart from our very shaky start but I was wearing rose-tinteds today.
The smug is on.
PS: I have a month’s worth of MoTD recordings too π
NBN @ 254: Yes, whoever is playing with Santi — Diaby, Jack, Rosicky, Ramsey — simply needs to drag deep midfielders away to open up space. I actually think a more natural defensive midfielder and Arteta-Santi can also be a very good combination. I know that makes it hard to find a place for Jack or Diaby, but I still feel Arteta is a bit wasted on that ‘Pirlo’ role. π
I have always said Giroud would be a handful once he gets used to the pace of the PL. Not only crosses or deliveries in the box, he can be very effective from outside the box as well.
Thought the performance was fine today. We started a little slow, but we only gave up three or four chances all afternoon, and two of those were in the opening ten mins.
It felt a bit edgy, but that’s more a reflection of recent weird results and comebacks weighing on the mind than what was actually going on out on the park.
There was a five minute period just before Bale’s goal when our shape went out and we started to throw men forward and chase goals, truly daft at 4-1 up, but otherwise we looked decent for the vast majority of the game. In fact, I’d suggest that with a totally match fit Woj that could have been a clean sheet.
I agree with others about Arteta. Great player, but it’s a big ask for him to carry that def mid role all season. We either need to give Coquelin more game time or have a new def mid lined up for January.
I also think Giroud and Theo can be a great combination: drop deep and OG will muller you in the air, push up and Feo will get in behind. Good understanding too.
Lots of positives, for me. Now we need to push on.
I had a hreat post that my iphome ate.
Damnit!
Giroud. Poldi. Theo. cazorla! The BFG!!! – have you got one????
He haters and anti-AW crew can just shut the hell up.
Arsenal bloody ARSENAL!!!!!!!!’nn
We won the derby!
The lurky pound striked again.
My crystal balls were right @62!
The Chavs had lost!
What a day!
http://i.imgbox.com/adnnNEAq.jpg
Photo of the day
That was fucking excellent! Was the game ruined because of the red card?! No fucking way. In fact it made it more enjoyable
We were always going to win
Nonny, prefer this one:
http://twitter.com/TeddyEastoe/status/269835736398827521/photo/1
Nonny, Zico.
They’re both great….. More please.
Hi all! Great fight, solid victory. Per’s first was a highlight- glorious finish and the tide which shifted with Adewhore’s sending was truly crashing in. Sweet demise of the scum.
AVB “We kept a smile on our face as we were excellent for 90 minutes”.
Fucking ‘ell……he must want to be fired?
Great photos Nonny @264 and zico @266.
Sum up a great afternoon.
Now for a few wee drinkies.
Tim @269.
Nah, he’s just fuckin’ mental.
English not his strong suit then. π
A 52’s…encore.
Nonny.
Fantastic pic.
So glad that c@nt is gone.
Are you T*ttenham in Disguise? π
Well Ive had a nervous afternoon, not daring to look on the net, and what happens when I get on – ‘We thrashed them’ -BBC
Now Ive got a reason to watch MOTD and see the ‘experts’ find reasons to criticise a clear win
I hope that Wind enjoyed the visit and stays awake all night reminiscing
BTW is AVB bidding to take over from AW when he retires – you heard it here first
Cheers all. Sounds like I missed a cracker. Enjoyed the day in Paris and was relieved to find excellent cell service at Versailles. The chateau was nice but I started really smiling around minute 18 when Ade said Adios. Knew it was a good omen when I first arrived in England last Sunday and the immigration guy was a Gooner. Lets keep some momentum for the next week. Sad I missed today, but even more excited for Wednesday and next Saturday.
Proud to be a Gooner!
NorCal, you may be able to see the highlights on CanalPlus later. Ollie will still be in the Tollie but he would have been able to tell you. Have a great trip. May be able to join you Wednesday.
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahaha!
Home already Wind?
I thought you’d be stretched out under a Tolly Brolly after a game like that.
Yeeeeeeeeeees!
I’ll be back later for back-drknking and studf, right now I’m busy getting smashed beyond recognition, see a lot of you on Wednesday!
There are some good photos on the Mirror match report. One great shot of Mertesacker’s header
There’s one of Giroud celebrating in front of the fans that probably includes some familiar faces
Norridge!
Cheers nonny, those were great. And thanks for sharing that excellent conversation, TS- priceless.
PiK! Where have you been for the past few months? π
Hey Lars! Hiding in misery! π
Reverted to lurking, sometimes I talk to much. But today was too much fun. While the Happy Train seemed well and truly crashed, we can still go and party inside, no?
A number of reasons to smile:
Moyes team and our supposed rivals elect – beat
hughes cunt – beat
pardew cunt – beat
chavski cunts – beat
sir nose and cunts – beat
Joy to the world
Now off to celebrate Mr Roxette senior’s birthday in style.
BFG got one. Poldi too, a nice one. Santi’s was a beauty, Ollie G got one. Theo got a cracker. Who didn’t get one?
Dutch Skunk and the entire Manure pile. Aaaaah, shame.
Ah, you’re starting to see the sunny side, Dr Z?
Heh BtM
It’s a nice place the goonerverse tonite – regards to you and her Nelly (and ask her to ignore the Methil-style language above π
The moment after the second goal when the camera showed Thierry rubbing his hands together with a smile on his face: “Now it’s on…” fucking perfect!
Bale gets yellow card for eating the Emirates lawn, free kick to the Arsenal. Wind subs in, jogs into the box…
Pass back to Woj, whose cracking up laughing at Lars, Zico, and 8Ball doing impersonations of Gallas… sends the ball up field…
What a gay day π
NorCal,i’m afraid they have stopped doing highlights on canal+ “Match of ze Day” but you should be able to catch on your computer the real british version of Match of the day with this link http://www.filmon.com/#LIVE
I think Pires was sitting behind Henry. There’s a photo showing Henry standing up, Sol to the left of shot and what looks like a beaming Pires behind.
Also there’s a pic I’ve seen of Woj doing a “keep your chin up” to the Spurs fans.
flicks ball up, onto right shoulder, left shoulder then slides pass through opposition midfield
bang !
now really have to go…..
nice ton zico – have a good evening, matey
Well in, Zico! Nonny, links?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20379290
did their Andre really watch the game?
Speaking purely for myself Kenyan, I’d be quite happy for Arsenal to be outplayed every week and just manage to scrape a three-goal win. Others are, of course, entitled to think otherwise.
COYG and a tip of the hat to the Canaries
Happy, are we? π
Oxon…..he’s on the wrong job…he should be a politician!
Hey Guv,,,i see u thinking of drawing that line
I love Arsenal Football Club:)
Thank you for lifting my spirits.
Good to see you post Snir. π
8 hours later still flying…..76f so off to the beach to take the dog for a run
Guys, thank you for all the wishes.
May God take care of my family and all of Israel and keep them safe.
Just wanted to put this out there: so far this season, Arsenal have only had one really poor result.
There’s no massive shame in losing to Utd, Chelsea, or even Schalke (currently ahead of Dortmund in the Bundesliga). The one we can look back on and declare to be a real stinker was Norwich, but even that is given a slightly rosier tint by today’s result at the theatre of inbreeding.
Granted, some of our performances have been howlers. Granted, we’re not currently placed in the top four. Granted, the Old Trafford display had me punching the walls. Granted, there’s a lot to improve on.
But the season to date has not been the catastrophe some have been making out. I’m backing BTM’s tip, up to a point: comfortable top four and a trophy to boot.
COYG
And it should be noted, even with our defensive issues we still need to work on, we’ve conceded fewer goals than Man Utd and the same number as Chelsea. Obviously you win nothing for what’s in your goals conceded column, but still.
http://PoznanInMyPants.com/2012/11/25/concordia/