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It’s True Man, We’re Up Against A Yorkshire Attack.

Dec 10th, 2012 by 'holic

“We will have an experienced squad at Bradford. We have a good recovery time ahead of the game at Reading on Monday. So we can use the players we want to use.”

I would be surprised if that wasn’t Wengercode for ‘We will pretty much start the side that played at Olympiacos last week’. The major difference between the midweek cup fixtures may be the quality of the players on the bench. It would make some sense to rest key players like Per Mertesacker, Mikel Arteta, Santi Cazorla, and Lukas Podolski, but have them available to come on at some stage if we require that little extra bit of quality to secure the result.

Certainly I can see at very least eight of those who started in Greece getting the nod to start against the League Two promotion chasers. Do you want to make yourself worried before the game gets underway? Then you’ll just need to recall the Bantams qualified for this COCup quarter-final by winning on penalties away to Premier League Wigan Athletic. Want to feel better? Their two home defeats this season came at the hands of Port Vale and Exeter City, although both by the only goal of the game.

The winners will book a semi-final berth alongside, probably, Chelsea, Swansea City, and Norwich City. No easy matches there, but close enough to offer a tantalising glimpse of a first League Cup success for a manager in need of just such a lift. Victory would see Arsenal set a new outright League Cup record by qualifying for the semi-finals for the fifteenth time, but Final defeats against Chelsea and Birmingham City are the best Arsene’s Arsenal have managed. We last lifted this trophy in the domestic cup double season of 1993.

The conditions and a lively Yorkshire crowd will make this a test of our squad strength, but as tough as Athens just a week ago? Provided the attitude is right then we should be up to the task. The ‘holic pound seeks a rare hat-trick of successive results. Gunners Gaming offer 10/1 against a 3-1 away win. If we approach it correctly that looks value for money. Don’t forget to click on the banner above to have your punt. Thanks.

For those that are going, wrap up against the elements and get behind the boys in the shirt. Those of us left behind in the UK have the benefit of Sky Sports 2 showing the game live, doubtless praying for an upset. It will make a nice change not having to stay up until after midnight to watch a delayed stream of a match against lower league opposition. Wherever you are I’m sure there will be some decent stream options as a result of the Sky broadcast.

That’s it for now. Come back after the match for my initial thoughts on the performance.

Take care ‘holics.

Posted in match preview | 487 Drinks

487 Responses to “It’s True Man, We’re Up Against A Yorkshire Attack.”

  1. on 10 Dec 2012 at 8:35 pm1Holloway2Holland

    Thirst

  2. on 10 Dec 2012 at 8:36 pm2tim

    II

  3. on 10 Dec 2012 at 8:43 pm3James

    third!

  4. on 10 Dec 2012 at 8:43 pm4Ollie

    WEll in H2H

  5. on 10 Dec 2012 at 8:44 pm5Ollie

    We will have an experience squad at Bradford

    The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Are you experienced?

  6. on 10 Dec 2012 at 8:45 pm6James

    I know I’ve said it like four times now, but barring a missed flight this will be my last live match tomorrow.

    Let’s hope I’m singing about Wembley on the way out. COYG!

  7. on 10 Dec 2012 at 8:45 pm7Brendan

    In the top 10. That’s a first. Good write up Holic hoping to see Eisfeld play from the off.

  8. on 10 Dec 2012 at 8:45 pm8Ollie

    Just as I suspected though :

    http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/team-news-giroud-walcott-and-mannone

    .con editor to blame, ‘holic simply a victim of copy-paste.

  9. on 10 Dec 2012 at 8:46 pm9tim

    It really is a winnable cup and as you say just the sort of tonic we could do with. A two legged semi-final is the only piece I’m not so keen on with our apparent tiredness. When are they – mid/late January rings a bell – before European matches return.

    League 2 side, even away from home should see a reasonable strength side get though fairly comfortably but I bet the atmosphere will be decent if they are in it for at least 45 minutes. They are more focused on promotion this season than this but of course would love to beat us. Looking forward to it…

  10. on 10 Dec 2012 at 8:48 pm10Ollie

    Victory would see Arsenal set a new outright League Cup record by qualifying for the semi-finals for the fifteenth time

    Hang on, I thought we were always disrepecting that Cup and, etc…. 😉

  11. on 10 Dec 2012 at 8:48 pm11Ollie

    +s !

  12. on 10 Dec 2012 at 8:49 pm12Ollie

    Tim, we could play Swansea up to 4 times in January…. which could bring about a lot of weariness for fans&players alike.

  13. on 10 Dec 2012 at 8:50 pm13tim

    Surely we’d win a few of the four?

  14. on 10 Dec 2012 at 8:52 pm14Holloway2Holland

    Good stuff ‘holic and I agree that you’re probably right about our would be line up. I’d personally prefer that we pay this fixture a little more respect by putting out a team that could come away with a moral boosting high scoring victory, after all, it will be a full six days until we have to take the field again and if that is not a long enough rest then I feel that our players are at the wrong club, because Arsenal are a team that competes at the high end of the game where three games a week is not the exception but the norm.

    The world will be watching and hoping that we slip, we can not, must not give them a stick to beat us with. Underestimate lower league opposition at are own peril.

    Come On You Gunners!!!!

  15. on 10 Dec 2012 at 8:53 pm15tim

    It does make me feel old when I think back to floodlit League Cup matches at Highbury with big crowds when we were all banned from Europe. My imagination isn’t playing tricks on me when I recall it being almost as important as the FA Cup does it?

    Of course it was never more important than the FA Cup – but we had some wonderful (White Hart Lane!) League Cup nights out.

  16. on 10 Dec 2012 at 8:54 pm16Holloway2Holland

    James, you’ve made more last appearances then the Rolling Stones. 😉

    Enjoy mate.

  17. on 10 Dec 2012 at 8:56 pm17Lars

    Experienced team sounds good, but then again youthful enthusiasm might be just as important in this game to counter the risk of under-estimation which really should be the only way Bradford could win this. I’d go with a team along the lines of this, subject to availability of players of course:

    Mannone
    Jenks-Djourou-Squillaci-Meade
    The Coq
    Eisfeld-Rosicky
    Gervinho-Chamakh-Arshavin

    Against League 2 opposition, that is a team that should win it quite easily provided they have the right attitude.

  18. on 10 Dec 2012 at 8:57 pm18tim

    Is it really 13 years since Bradford were in the top flight?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHv9JW9wP24

    Vivas, Manninger, Kanu, Silvinho…

  19. on 10 Dec 2012 at 9:05 pm19James

    @16 H2H

    Heh. Tis too true. It’ll be a long journey up and back tomorrow but I have faith they’ll make it worth it.

  20. on 10 Dec 2012 at 9:05 pm20Ollie

    I’m with Lars there. And his wallet.

  21. on 10 Dec 2012 at 9:06 pm21zicoinexile

    Trueman, now that man liked a pint. Not a bad bowler either by all accounts.

    Going to miss the game live – my boss is insisting in liberating the company credit card tomorrow night to buy food and drink – so expect to watch it delayed on a hazy sky-plus, circa midnight. 8)

  22. on 10 Dec 2012 at 9:11 pm22Holloway2Holland

    That looks about right Lars.

  23. on 10 Dec 2012 at 9:27 pm23Cent

    Nice preview, ‘holic, i expect us to play (and win) with maximum of five players that played from the start at the weekend.

    Off to read Wind’s North London experience.

  24. on 10 Dec 2012 at 9:29 pm24Holloway2Holland

    Cent, bring a packed lunch.

  25. on 10 Dec 2012 at 9:40 pm25Trev

    Nice one H. Did well to make a Bratfud (@TS) preview interesting.

    Nice title too. I see Zico is boycotting the game though. 😉

  26. on 10 Dec 2012 at 9:47 pm26Trev

    Wind won’t be Old enough to remember playing Bradford. Daughter and I are looking forward to seeing the youngsters on’t telly – yes, we
    both-am.

    Ok, coat please. 😉

  27. on 10 Dec 2012 at 9:53 pm27zicoinexile

    Free drink Trev.

    It’s my duty. 😉

  28. on 10 Dec 2012 at 9:56 pm28Trev

    Enjoy, mate.

    You haven’t been down for far too long. Man City I believe.

  29. on 10 Dec 2012 at 10:03 pm29NorCalArsenal

    Is it just me, are do there seem to be an inordinate number of draws this season? And ynited don’t have a single one. Weird.

    Lets go corporate cup kids, and Arshavin!

    Hookah Bob with a brace. 3-1 the stoned guys.

  30. on 10 Dec 2012 at 10:03 pm30NorCalArsenal

    Is it just me, or do there seem to be an inordinate number of draws this season? And ynited don’t have a single one. Weird.

    Lets go corporate cup kids, and Arshavin!

    Hookah Bob with a brace. 3-1 the stoned guys.

  31. on 10 Dec 2012 at 10:04 pm31dkgooner

    Schalke-in-crisis shock !
    http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/dec/10/schalke-bundesliga-huub-stevens-manager

    And AFC will (allegedly) secure K-J’s signature in January. And he’s in a slump. It’ll end in tears.

  32. on 10 Dec 2012 at 10:06 pm32NorCalArsenal

    I hadn’t posted much today so I thought I would post everything twice.
    😉

  33. on 10 Dec 2012 at 10:07 pm33NorCalArsenal

    Ditto

  34. on 10 Dec 2012 at 10:36 pm34zicoinexile

    @ 28

    Yeah, that’s the plan.

  35. on 10 Dec 2012 at 10:43 pm35David

    Greetings all. The only think I worry about tomorrow evening is the attitude of the side – which Arsenal is going to trott out and play. As me and my trusty train travellers said coming back from the match on Saturday, if the attitude is correct, any 11 of ours should win the match.

  36. on 10 Dec 2012 at 11:48 pm36Wind

    Good write-up Holic, looking forward to the game tomorrow especially after our comeback last time and I was looking forward to that fixture as well on the night! 😀

    Too right Trev @ 26, earliest fixture I remember I think is United – Arsenal in 1999-2000, FA Charity Shield, one team was in white, them I presume in hindsight and it was a fierce game, we won 2-1 though 🙂 A 2000-2001, 2001-2002 or 2002-2003 fixture between us and them sticks in the memory, caught some of it in my usual corner shop on a small TV in my old area of London before my Family moved, but the scoreline and the kits worn don’t match up to my memories when I’ve researched the fixtures 😕 (And no it wasn’t the League Winning Game! 😛 )

  37. on 10 Dec 2012 at 11:56 pm37Trev

    Sky Sports News just running an item on, guess what, Santi Cazorla’s dive. Dermot Gallagher was included to say that something has to be done about it, and if it means a video panel taking retrospective action then so be it.

    Our own manager has said the same, and most of us would probably agree. But where is all this determination when Bale dives – he now has FOUR yellow cards for diving this season.

    The Daily Express today ran a special article with pictures of Santi, in which they labelled him a cheat, said that he would now be grouped with Bale and Suarez, and that the stigma of being a cheat would stay with him.

    They also ran an adjacent match report titled “Arsenal get their Jack back”.

    The first sentence of the report started “Santi Cazorla’s dive was ugly …”

    So who was saying there is no anti Arsenal agenda in the media ? Or does that all seem perfectly proportionate ?

  38. on 11 Dec 2012 at 12:10 am38Trev

    10/1 against a 3-1 away win in Yorkshire. Seems fair, shouldn’t be too Close. Might have a few shillingworths in that one 😉

  39. on 11 Dec 2012 at 12:17 am39Goonerholic

    😀

  40. on 11 Dec 2012 at 12:34 am40Bergkamp's The Man

    NorCal,

    It seems that us Americans are required to find a stream for the game tomorrow? Can’t see any signs of it being on here. Am I missing something that you may know about?

    Holic,

    3-1 it is!

  41. on 11 Dec 2012 at 12:41 am41NorCalArsenal

    Our daily paper here in Redding California had an article this morning about Diving….. Or was it driving? Thriving? Conniving?
    Aw shit…. I can’t remember.
    Maybe an article about Santi Claus or the price of a Bale of hay. I Suarez there was something in our paper.
    Damn.

  42. on 11 Dec 2012 at 12:54 am42NorCalArsenal

    BtM,

    I show it being on bein sports or what used to be Gol TV. I have directv, not sure about cable.

  43. on 11 Dec 2012 at 2:44 am43behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

    NorCal. Thanks for the info. Bein Sports is what I’ll be tuning to tomorrow afternoon. The announcers are an improvement with Bein, I’ve noticed Gol TV used manic Colombians who sounded like they had only spoken English for a few months.

  44. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:32 am44Cent

    Good morning, all.

    So i dozed off in between reading Wind’s ‘report’ of the North London Derby, i’ve read it all over again this morning. Nice piece of work, mate, i think at this juncture, giving you an award for pouring the longest/largest ever drink in this bar won’t be out of place, overall, it sounded like you really had a good time. Your birthday is almost same with an ex-girlfriend of mine, the only diffrence is she was born five years earlier than you, speaking of girlfriends, i noticed how nervous/tensed you sounded been around Sian and the other girls, you’ve never had a girlfriend, have you?

    Lastly, i must salute The Sweeper, who made it possible for you to have such an awesome experience, Clive your kindness is top class and is deeply appreciated from here, cheers.

  45. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:38 am45IndianGooner

    Nice write up holic… 🙂
    really looking forward to this one , hope AW plays a good mix of players… would love to see podolski as a front man…and hope Eisfield & Gnarby get a start….
    still cant forget the final we lost to Birmingham… I was so hopeful 🙁
    But this time we have a better chance…

    Go Gunners!!!!!

  46. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:53 am46Lars

    A long day ahead of me, a one-day conference followed by dinner at my employer’s expense and then off to the pub for the footie.

    Trev@37: that is just sickening. The xenophobic undercurrent to the focus on Santi’s dive is disgusting. Now all we need is for Steven Gerrard to come out with yet another statement about how “divin forriners” are ruining the Premier League.

  47. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:11 am47Esso

    Heh ‘holic, remember this day in 1979? Day we went out to fucking Swindon! Mind you was still a top trip down the west country for various reasons.

  48. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:21 am48Goonersince54

    Cent @ 44
    Many thnks for your kind words.
    Wind’s [ Gone with the Wind ] epic post about what a great day he had Pre,and Post his first NL Derby,coupled with putting 5 past the Neighbours again,made it an extra special day for me as well.
    If that hasn’t made him a Gooner for Life,then nothing will.!!
    Cheers
    The Sweeper.

  49. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:44 am49Ollie

    Brrrrrrrrrrrrr

  50. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:46 am50Ollie

    Trev 37. Quelle surprise.
    In the immortal words of Charlie George during a Stadium tour:
    ‘I hate the meedja, they’re all cunts’.

  51. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:49 am51Ollie

    Regarding 31:

    Things at Schalke have fallen apart to such an extent that the manager, Huub Stevens, might not even survive until Christmas

    Jaysus, they don’t just sack managers over there, they shoot them.

  52. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:03 am52Ollie

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20672812

    Is John Terry foreign?

  53. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:09 am53N7 Gooner

    I wonder if Wenger might start a stronger side than we all expect this evening.

    Usually, I’d advocate a spot of rotation with an eye to the weekend, but I note that our next opponents are also playing this evening, which rather evens things up.

    Whoever finds themselves wearing the shirt, I hope they have it drummed into them what an important game this is. This tournament represents out best chance of silverware and we’re at a crucial point in the season where momentum is vital. Another first half like the one at Reading is quite simply out of the question.

    Hoping to see the metronomic Iceman get a start.

    COYG

  54. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:26 am54Ollie

    Bah, fuck I’ll have to work in Paris (city centre) next week already. I was really hoping the delays would mean staying in the office next week and only starting in the Orange lab in January.
    I’m a bit pissed off. Not, very pissed off.

  55. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:45 am55Wind

    Cent @ 44, glad you enjoyed it, had a feeling you’d fall asleep or something 😛
    On the girlfriend thing, Correct shout (bit blunt mate [!]), boys only secondary school from 11-16 years old doesn’t help with overall confidence and I’d say I’m alright with girls but a bevy of beauties interested in you is one thing, when they all support Arsenal its a completely different ball game 😳
    You don’t want to cock it up by saying something stupid and I think that was the nervousness that you might have picked up on. Or, I must be better than I previously estimated 8)

    Clive @ 48, Gooner (even though I didn’t know it) since ’01 or so here 😛 Fell in love with being a Gooner on that League Cup 3rd Round game in 2011 when I saw the Arsenal with my own god-given eyes, every subsquent game I’ve seen live and all the people I’ve talked to at games has only served to reinforce that love, but the pinnacle was watching us take out Sp*rs with my own eyes, and I have you to thank for that Cilve 🙂

  56. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:59 am56Cent

    IndianGooner,welcome to the bar, mate, i don’t think we have a better chance of winning the COC cup this season than we had in the 2010/2011 season, we are not even into the semifinal yet (hopefully we will get in there this evening) Chelsea and Swansea are still in this Cup, we’ve lost at home to these two teams already this season so i think winning this Cup, or any other Cup at all, has more to do with our application and determination rather than the team we face on the day.

    Clive, you are definitely a Gunner for life.

    Ollie, I forgot to commend your equally kind gestures to young master Wind on the day, you are a good man, Senor.

  57. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:22 am57Cent

    Hahaha, Wind, i choose to be ‘blunt’ just so that the question comes as a little bit of a surprise to you, i agree, attending an all boys secondary school doesn’t help in socializing with the opposite sex, a little advice for you though ; having a girlfriend is not all that.

  58. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:24 am58Wind

    I feel like I’ve been doing the pros and cons my entire life Cent! 😛

  59. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:40 am59Ollie

    http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/santa-hats-for-arsenal-fans-at-bradford

    Santa’s Clause.

  60. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:49 am60Ollie

    Jaysus, have just checked Eurostar prices for Newcastle game, it’s ridiculous.
    Why the fuck are people travelling bang in the middle between Christmas and New Year.
    I might exceptionally consider flying, since I only have enough points to book one single leg, and both out and in are stupidly expensive.
    Yes, it’s €425 return, in second class, for non-refundable tickets.
    It never ever used to be like that.

    Ridiculous.

  61. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:00 am61Catalan Gunner

    Morning all. It is feckin freezin down here today!!!

    A glass of something hot please barman.

    Going to be out tonight until the wee hours, so God knows if I´ll be in a fit state to watch the game on Sky+ when I get back. I suspect not..

    Has anyone else seen the weird “Nani to Arsenal” rumour?? Truly left field….

  62. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:15 am62Cent

    Wind, the key lies in finding a balance.

  63. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:38 am63Catalan Gunner

    Wind

    There are some who prefer leasing a car, with an option to renew or trade in for a better model, than buying one outright.

    Just saying….. 🙂

  64. on 11 Dec 2012 at 12:02 pm64Cent

    *Random Stat Alert*

    sir Chez has the best save to shot percentage rate of all ‘keepers in the premier league this season.

    Hart didn’t make a single save vs United on sunday.

  65. on 11 Dec 2012 at 12:07 pm65IndianGooner

    Thank you for the welcome cent…. 🙂
    I agree there are strong teams left in the competition n i think chelsea will trying hard as they are out of CL… but after last win, the team looked different n I hope as u said with determination & correct application we will have a better chance… 🙂 Go gunners!!!!

    I heard the Gustavo rumour, does anyone know how gud a player he is???????

  66. on 11 Dec 2012 at 1:22 pm66Cent

    I’ve watched Gustavo a few times (including against Chelsea in the UCL last season) he’s a defensive/Box to box midfielder, if i remember correctly he’s left footed and impressed me well enough for me to note his name and wonder where Bayern nicked him from.

  67. on 11 Dec 2012 at 1:22 pm67Ollie

    Ah, good stuff, the Newcastle game is sold out 😉

  68. on 11 Dec 2012 at 1:54 pm68Red Islington

    Did you guys hear the latest ? Alex Ferguson is going to pay Wenger 20 million pounds to take Nani off him . Or did I get it wrong ? Surely not .
    To Ollie – no experience like the Jimi Hendrix experience
    (I am experienced)

  69. on 11 Dec 2012 at 2:19 pm69arsabeatbarca

    Good day holics. Now, if you follow Holic on twitter (part of our home work), you will already know today is Arsenals’ 126th Birthday! Holic, I reckon tonite will be a real treat for both clubs, tasty as biting into a York Peppermint Patty. 🙂 This is what Arsene said of the Bantam Fans, “They show a fine mental strength off the pitch”. Ha ha! I read where their fans found out which hotel our lads were put up at and they they planned to make a lot of commotion. Gosh, what a lovely bunch they seem to be 🙂 Let’s return the favor! 🙂

  70. on 11 Dec 2012 at 2:39 pm70Holloway2Holland

    Trev.

    The meeja have been xenophobic/boarderline full blown racist for donkies. I know it seems like we get the worst of it but that ‘s because of;

    a) We have a lot of foreigners*

    b) We are percieved as being the first club to have a lot of foreigners

    c) We have a foreign manager

    and d) We pay more attention to stories about Arsenal then other clubs.

    Believe me, the meeja are equal rights racists, they pick on them all.

    *Although I haven’t seen anything been made of WBA not fielding a single Englishman against us last weekend
    ====

    Ollie, that’s a fucking ridiculous price, you could have an all inclusive week away in the sun for that amount.

    ====

    Hehs @ 51 & 63.

  71. on 11 Dec 2012 at 3:38 pm71Trev

    Seems we’re (presumes to use the royal “we”) not alone in finding MoTD a tad, nay a lot, painful.

    Mick Dennis says in today’s Daily Express that “Shearer’s vapid tosh adds nothing to complacent Match of The Day”.

    Dennis cites as an example his own detailed analysis of the changes Norwich have made since losing to Chelsea at the start of October, since when they have not lost another game. They include personnel, team structure and tactical changes.

    When asked for his take on how Norwich have changed, Shearer managed the following –

    “Well, who would have thought it on the first day of the season when they conceded five goals at Fulham, then five against Liverpool and four against Chelsea on consecutive Saturdays ?

    I mean, they are playing now with such an air of, of, of …. confidence and you have to give tremendous credit to Chris Hughton for staying calm, erm, for telling his players to have faith in them.”

    Yes, well, most illuminating…….

  72. on 11 Dec 2012 at 3:51 pm72Ollie

    Indeed, H2H. I predict the game to get cancelled on the day anyway 😉

    Hope it’s not before ‘holic turns up though 😛

  73. on 11 Dec 2012 at 3:52 pm73Holloway2Holland

    If you look carefully you can see that Shearer is wearing a small earpiece in which he recieves instructions from the programmes directors.

    I wouldn’t be surprised if these instructons were “breath in, breath out”.

  74. on 11 Dec 2012 at 3:52 pm74Ollie

    ‘Nadal to make Abu Dhabi comeback’.

    I wish he could make Abou Diaby come back.

  75. on 11 Dec 2012 at 3:54 pm75Ollie

    Trev, Shearer is a genius. I have no other explanation.
    I hope he is our new manager soon.

    Hmmm, am I getting this right?

  76. on 11 Dec 2012 at 3:59 pm76NorCalArsenal

    Hello friends,

    It looks to me like we have got quite the team of foreigners right here in the bar today. As your clueless gaffer I may play you in some foreign positions today but just remember I am an American so I haven’t a clue about what’s going on.
    Right,

    Indie goal we have a fresh youngster who has bided his time and not wants a step up and that IndianGooner.

    At right back we have someone who is nothing but money, all the way from Nigeria,cent.
    Keeping the middle safe since 54 and adding that famed British Steal to all we do is Clive and if I had to guesso I would say Esso.
    Now at left back is a man who has travelled far but has his heart at home, a man who is as Dutch as we get: H2H. I don’t think he ever drinks H2O.

    In our midfield 3 we have a trio of international that keep the bar moving. Lars, a man of swede words and actions who is always moving the ball around. Next to him we have our assist maker extraordinaire. He is so casual but lethal, our French correspondent Ollie. To fill out that trio and keep the other 2 in line I see the ever gracious but always vivacious ABB.

    That just leaves today’s front line. Heading the line is our always practical but never dull man of optimism a clinical finisher if ever there was: N7.
    Flanking him and running the channels like his name says is The Wind, himself. Now our team is completed only be adding a little Spanish flare on the opposite flank. A hard worker who has flare but is never Gaudi it is the Doctor of Catalan.

    Our only sub is always late but never bitter. He loves the meedja like no other. He needs no introduction but yet revels in the attention. He always scores after the game. Well, run to the corner and Take a Bow Son.

    Right, that’s today’s team.
    Everyone say thanks to the owner on the way by.
    Thanks Holic.

  77. on 11 Dec 2012 at 4:16 pm77N7 Gooner

    Cheers NorCal.

    As one of the team centre forwards I would just like to reassure everyone that there is not a “little boy in me” and that even if there was he would most certainly fcuking not be “screaming for Utd”.

    Screaming abuse at Utd and the scarlet-conked tool who helms them, maybe.

  78. on 11 Dec 2012 at 4:30 pm78NorCalArsenal

    Sorry for the typos. iPhone and a bit distracted.

    Cheers all. Lets get to the semi’s!

  79. on 11 Dec 2012 at 4:58 pm79Holloway2Holland

    Cheers NorCal.

    That’s the second “holic team that I’ve been put in as LB, not surprising because in my youth I was always Left Back (in the dressing room)

  80. on 11 Dec 2012 at 5:15 pm80arsabeatbarca

    Oh NorCal, love being a midfielder with Ollie and Lars as me mates! What could possibly go wrong 🙂 Cheers mate 🙂

  81. on 11 Dec 2012 at 5:55 pm81Silly Second Yella

    “There’s nothing there to be found,
    except skeletons on the ground.
    You can stand there and weep,
    over things that used to be sheep.
    Down in the Valley Parade!”

  82. on 11 Dec 2012 at 5:58 pm82Adam

    A hat-trick of successes? I see this is what happens when I finally lose faith.

  83. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:00 pm83Holloway2Holland

    Keep (losing) the faith, Adam. 😉

  84. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:00 pm84NorCalArsenal

    It seems even ESPN can’t keep up with the corporate cup name and has referred to it as the Carling cup on their website.
    I hope we brought a team that enjoys playing in the cold. Maybe Adidas can make up a shirt with a built in snood for these games.

    Cheers

  85. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:16 pm85Ollie

    I’ll have to keep a complete media and phone lockdown: due to Valenciennes vs PSG, our game will be shown with 10 or 15 minutes delay, at least for the first half.

  86. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:16 pm86Ollie

    Yo Adam!

  87. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:17 pm87Ollie

    NorCal: NOT Adidas….

  88. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:22 pm88NorCalArsenal

    That was just for you Ollie 😉

  89. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:32 pm89bathgooner

    Afternoon Holics. I have tracked down a bottle of Crabbie’s Green Ginger Wine so that the drams can be spiced up to help y’all deal with tonight’s plunging temperatures.

    COYRRRs

  90. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:33 pm90Camberwell Gooner

    I don’t give a toss what people say about this cup, I like it and I’m excited about the chance to be in the semis.

    Come on you reds. ‘Ave it!

  91. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:40 pm91arsabeatbarca

    What I find really sweet is that their fans are so PROUD that their team has this chance to take on The Arsenal. I know it sounds corny and mushy, but it touches my gooner heart. Love fans who show pride in their team 🙂

  92. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:50 pm92behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

    Plummeting temperatures you say? Did they decide to switch the venue to Minnesota then?

  93. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:54 pm93Ollie

    Surprisingly strong line-up.

  94. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:54 pm94Eandy

    wow, quite a lot of streams for our match, here you go http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=182241&part=sports

  95. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:54 pm95washed up in france

    Fred Trueman’s definition of a gentleman always makes me chuckle.
    “A gentleman is someone who will get out of the bath to go to the toilet”

  96. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:56 pm96Bergkamp's The Man

    Line up, Ollie?

  97. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:57 pm97Holloway2Holland

    Ollie, I got Valenciennes vs PSG, followed by the PL fixture on the box.

    Will be stream surfing for the Arsenal game as I can’t find it on tv. 🙁

    Cheers Bath, don’t mind if I do. It’s chucking it down with snow here, taters in the mould.

    You and me both, Cam’.

  98. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:57 pm98Ollie

    They’re nearly as sweet as you, abb! I take it you don’t take sugar in your coffee? 😉

  99. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:58 pm99Ollie

    Oh, an assist from midfield is due.

  100. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:59 pm100NorCalArsenal

    Assist from today’s Gaffer?

  101. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:59 pm101Bergkamp's The Man

    Left foot

  102. on 11 Dec 2012 at 6:59 pm102Ollie

    H2H, I have Valenciennes vs PSG followed by our game here (slight delay as mentioned).

    BtM : Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Wilshere, Coquelin, Ramsey, Cazorla, Podolski, Gervinho.

    Well in NCA!

  103. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:00 pm103washed up in france

    have you got tonight’s team Ollie @93

  104. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:00 pm104arsabeatbarca

    Hmm Ollie, No I don’t! ARSENAL FOOTBALL CLUB, I WANT MY FIGURE BACK (lol, gained 10 pounds in the last couple of months) 🙁 Blame it on Arsenal, of course 🙂

  105. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:00 pm105NorCalArsenal

    Whoops. A goal from the sideline.
    Good omen!

  106. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:02 pm106NorCalArsenal

    You sure about that lineup Ollie?

    That’s very strong. Even for us in the corporate cup.

  107. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:03 pm107Ollie

    Substitutes: Mannone, Jenkinson, Squillaci, Rosicky, Arteta, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chamakh.

    Jaysus, even the bench doesn’t have youngsters, I didn’t expect that.

    Slightly worried as we’re on a hiding to nothing if we don’t qualify.

  108. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:04 pm108Ollie

    No washed up but Ollie at 102&107 does 😉

  109. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:06 pm109Eandy

    woah, would not expect Arsene fielding such a strong squad against bradford, not including the likes of gnabry, eisfeld, akpom and such is really surprising. Against who else should they play?

  110. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:07 pm110NorCalArsenal

    Please I injuries!!

  111. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:07 pm111NorCalArsenal

    I= no

  112. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:09 pm112Holloway2Holland

    Top assist Ollie, well in NorCal.

    Nice line up, looks like we’re going for it.

    COYG’s

  113. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:10 pm113NorCalArsenal

    BtM,

    Will you get to see the game on Bein Sports?
    Hope so.

    Have a round on me gang.

  114. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:10 pm114Ollie

    I’m actually worried that Ibrahimocunt scored 2 more goals just after I tweeted that the game was Valenciennes vs him (rather than PSG).

  115. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:21 pm115Goonerholic

    Looks like Le Boss wants them to build a bit of confidence. Hope they don’t ‘freeze’ on him.

    Minus 6 here tonight. Not good for us warm-blooded Brits 🙁

  116. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:25 pm116Holloway2Holland

    Minus 6??

    That’s beach weather for those of you with a caledonian leaning. 😉

  117. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:30 pm117washed up in france

    good news PSG three up so no extra time fot those watching Bein in France

  118. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:31 pm118Ollie

    Yo ‘holic. If you missed my earlier drink: Newcastle sold out 😉

  119. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:32 pm119Ollie

    washed up: it’s a League game, no extra time 😉

  120. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:32 pm120washed up in france

    whoops cup fever here ,PSG is ligue mqatch

  121. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:33 pm121Holloway2Holland

    My sports channel is not showing the game, but there is a stream available on internet from them.

    Wierd!?

  122. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:33 pm122washed up in france

    thought you’d spot that Ollie

  123. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:34 pm123Cent

    Good evening,all.

    Norcal @74, Top post, mate, i’m honoured to be in the same line-up with 10 legends of this great bar.

    Alright gentlemen and ladies, I will have to exit the bar for a while to go watch the game but not to worry…wait for it…i will be right Bac like Sagna.

  124. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:37 pm124arsabeatbarca

    Listening on player fellas, so be chatty on what is going on, please 🙂 I too am surprised no Eisfeld and company on the bench. But Bradford has won like their last 10 out of 11 games, so, deep breath 🙂

  125. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:38 pm125Wind

    Winger in the Holic team, sounds about right, thanks NorCal 🙂

  126. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:41 pm126Ollie

    Time for the media lockdown due to the delay!

  127. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:42 pm127arsabeatbarca

    Here we go holics, Good Luck Arsenal!!! 🙂

  128. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:45 pm128Cent

    Come on you Red and Whites!

  129. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:45 pm129Wind

    What a line up, Wenger’s going all out, wish Eisfeld was on the bench though 🙁 Wonder if Ramsey and Wilshere will rediscover their connection ala May 2011…

    Tony Adams and Ian Wright on the stream in the studio 🙂

  130. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:46 pm130arsabeatbarca

    Mike Dean Ref 🙁

  131. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:48 pm131arsabeatbarca

    Hey Wind, Wave to Tony and Ian for me 🙂

  132. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:49 pm132arsabeatbarca

    Good stuff from Le Coq!

  133. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:50 pm133Wind

    Heh abb, Ian was on my stream in the last round as well 🙂

  134. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:51 pm134arsabeatbarca

    Thank you Woj! Sounds like he made a terrific save!

  135. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:53 pm135arsabeatbarca

    Hi Wind, Ian Right, Right, Right 🙂

  136. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:54 pm136Wind

    Gervinho what the hell was that? 😕

  137. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:55 pm137Steve T

    Why is Gervinho up front and podolski playing out wide? Not sure I get that one.

  138. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:55 pm138arsabeatbarca

    C’mon Arsenal! That’s the way to do it Gervais! Our first corner. TV misses 🙁

  139. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:56 pm139arsabeatbarca

    Another save from Woj, whew!

  140. on 11 Dec 2012 at 7:57 pm140arsabeatbarca

    Ohhhh Poldi! Misses header.

  141. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:00 pm141Wind

    I just realised that Steve T, I wouldn’t even line-up the front 3 like that on Fifa 13… Hope it comes off.

  142. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:02 pm142arsabeatbarca

    Oh boy. Bradford first to get on the sheet. 1-0 🙁

  143. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:02 pm143Eandy

    am I dreamin?

  144. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:02 pm144Wind

    Had a bad feeling about that, immediate response?

  145. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:02 pm145ArthurTheGooner

    Come on you Reds!

    Oh dear…and I was gonna write we have a good spell!

    Terrible marking!

  146. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:03 pm146arsabeatbarca

    Yes, we must fight back NOW!

  147. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:03 pm147Steve T

    More shocking defending.

  148. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:03 pm148Holloway2Holland

    WEAK!!

  149. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:03 pm149Eandy

    why are we always making things difficult for ourselves? O.o

  150. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:04 pm150ArthurTheGooner

    Wenger is off his seat already!

  151. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:05 pm151arsabeatbarca

    See, we must get players in the box!!!

  152. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:05 pm152ArthurTheGooner

    BTW Evening all 🙂

  153. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:06 pm153arsabeatbarca

    Hi ATG 🙂

  154. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:07 pm154Wind

    … Jack?

  155. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:07 pm155Geoff

    THAT more than anything else sums Ramsey up.

  156. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:08 pm156ArthurTheGooner

    That was awful from Ramsey is he asleep?

  157. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:09 pm157arsabeatbarca

    Linesman incorrect on offsides call on Gervais (again?)

  158. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:10 pm158Steve T

    Why oh why do we persist with this zonal bollocks?

  159. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:10 pm159ArthurTheGooner

    And after 24 min we haven’t shown a great deal…

    Come on Arsenal!

  160. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:14 pm160arsabeatbarca

    Glad Arteta and Rosicky on the bench J.I.C. (just in case).

  161. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:15 pm161Geoff

    Great performance from Bradford so far

  162. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:15 pm162Eandy

    Make the keeper work god damnit! 🙁 very frustrating so far

  163. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:16 pm163ArthurTheGooner

    What are they doing Jesus

  164. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:16 pm164arsabeatbarca

    Woj saving our hide.

  165. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:18 pm165Geoff

    Question boys, where is our goal coming from?

  166. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:18 pm166arsabeatbarca

    4 min to halftime, dear me 🙁

  167. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:20 pm167ArthurTheGooner

    Good question where is the goal going to come from they don’t really look up for it or is Bradford that good so far?

  168. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:20 pm168Matt (2)

    I haven’t seen us play this bad since…. ahem…

    Oh yeah… this year, this is how we play…

  169. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:22 pm169ArthurTheGooner

    Ramsey you slipped end off

  170. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:23 pm170Geoff

    Arthur, I think Bradford are set up beautifully. Happy for us to have the ball until 10 yards inside their half

  171. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:23 pm171tim

    OK…just tuned in to the match…all will be fine now

    How bad has it been?

  172. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:23 pm172ArthurTheGooner

    It’s slightly embarrassing we have practically our first 11 out and we are toothless!

  173. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:24 pm173arsabeatbarca

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, Le Coq almost!

  174. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:24 pm174Matt (2)

    Great stuff from Le Coq

  175. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:24 pm175Wind

    That move deserved a goal 😮

  176. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:24 pm176Eandy

    ooh shame

  177. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:25 pm177ArthurTheGooner

    Now Conquelan showed some skill there!Unlucky son!

  178. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:26 pm178Steve T

    No width. It’s all too central and too congested. Need pace on the wings.

  179. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:28 pm179Geoff

    Class act gervinho, what a useless cunt!

  180. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:28 pm180tim

    Come on Arsenal !!

  181. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:28 pm181ArthurTheGooner

    Verminator is having another shocker

  182. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:28 pm182Holloway2Holland

    Gervinih-nooooooooooooooooooo

    COME ON YOU GUNNERS

  183. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:28 pm183Wind

    Great instinct but not the finish, ffs Gervinho! 😡

  184. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:28 pm184Eandy

    Gerv-fucking-ho HOW ON EARTH!

  185. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:28 pm185Geoff

    And that wasn’t even his head, seriously no corner flag is safe

  186. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:28 pm186Steve T

    How the fuck has flipper missed that?????? FFS.

    Get a Fucking grip.

  187. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:28 pm187ArthurTheGooner

    Gervinho misses from a yard! Fuck sake!

  188. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:28 pm188Matt (2)

    Gervinho — easier to score than miss — surely. Sounds all too familiar… again.

    Rights, that’s it — negativity over

  189. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:29 pm189Geoff

    I wonder what bradfords wage bill is?

  190. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:30 pm190tim

    blimey…could have been 2

  191. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:31 pm191Silly Second Yella

    Travelllin’ Goonahs are first class.

    Maybe they should play.

  192. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:31 pm192Eandy

    WHEW! ..okay …this is getting embarrasing, come on you gunners! get a freaking grip of the game!

  193. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:31 pm193Wind

    Vermaelen is being taken for a mug X_X

  194. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:32 pm194tim

    Wilshere smashed and ref plays on?

  195. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:32 pm195Geoff

    Well played Bradford!

  196. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:33 pm196ArthurTheGooner

    I hope Wenger throws a fucking boot at them at half time! 🙁

  197. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:34 pm197Eandy

    its Dean tim, dont forget that but seriously, we have not shown much, Gerv should have scored, without doubt. We are static its beyond belief, painful to watch, slow paced passes, no real urgency, yet again lethargic Arsenal showed up. Hard to single out someone who is playing well so far except of Woj.

  198. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:35 pm198iLars

    Well that was a rather shit first half… to put it very mildly.

  199. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:35 pm199Holloway2Holland

    Pretty sad that, but fair play to Bradford.

    Still 45 mins to put it right and then we can laugh that half off. 😕

    Come on you Gunners………………..PLEASE

  200. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:37 pm200Harsha

    That was a fucking awful miss! What the fuck?

    Why not play Poldi through the middle and Gervinho on the right?

  201. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:37 pm201Thierry Wrightkamp

    Does what only Gervinho cannot…

  202. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:37 pm202Steve T

    That was genuinely embarrassing. 2 top quality centre backs given the run around by two 2nd division strikers. Very little creativity and no width. I know its cold but some of those players need to find some heart and some fight because that was dreadful.

  203. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:39 pm203tim

    We don’t need another Wrexham….

  204. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:39 pm204Trev

    There’s trouble at’ mill.

    Vermaelen cannot handle Wells at all, and up front we have Gervinh-oh, who has inherited Adebarndoor’s understanding of the offside rule, doesn’t even challenge for anything in the air, and now has a genuine contender for the greatest miss of all time.

    Sorry if I’m ‘having a go’ at one of our players but I’m sick of the sight of him codsing up chance after chance after chance.

    Sagna is crossing to nobody – why not put Podolski in the middle and keep Gervinh-oh out the way on the wing.

    Come on Reds, we have to be better than this.

  205. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:39 pm205arsabeatbarca

    You guys, Bradford a good team (they beat Swindon 😉 ! Umm, never judge a team by their league.

  206. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:41 pm206tim

    Don Bloody Goodman? He looks like he just crawled out of a wheelie bin.

  207. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:41 pm207Thierry Wrightkamp

    Thanks for the assist H2H.

    Sorry about the snide anti-Gervinho comment, but he is fucking useless, isn’t he?!

    We have to turn this around second half but with him up front I have to agree with Geoff…

    Who is going to actually stick the ball in the back of the net?

  208. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:41 pm208Eandy

    The main difference is that Bradford wants to play, we dont, I really hope Arsene gives them proper rollicking they deserve now.

  209. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:42 pm209Harsha

    ..and never judge a man by his hair. Oh, wait

  210. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:42 pm210Steve T

    Bouldy. Get changed son and get out there. We need some desire and some leadership.

  211. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:42 pm211DanC

    Disjointed, monotonous, predictable, complacent, arrogant, diva-esque performance against a club 2 divisions below!
    Furthermore, only 3 first-teamers missing from the starting line-up!
    Win or lose, utter, utter garbage from all but Le Coq!
    Well played Bradford; that’s what “desire” actually looks like!

  212. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:43 pm212behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

    If Vermaelen can’t handle Wells does that mean Wells should be playing in our division or Vermaelen should be playing in theirs??

  213. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:44 pm213behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

    Seems like Sagna has been crossing to nobody for years.

  214. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:45 pm214tim

    I know I missed the first 35 mins…but why not bring Chamakh on?

  215. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:46 pm215arsabeatbarca

    Yes and just who is this Well’s chap, didn’t make my scouting report! Bloody hell!

  216. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:46 pm216behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

    That said, shore up defensively and things SHOULD start going our way. Not sure about Gervinho though. His head seems seriously somewhere else.

  217. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:47 pm217Delia- Block112

    We seem to be making heavy weather of what should be a relatively easy game . Arsene for heaven’s sake put Poldi in the middle and I can see Arteta and TR7 having to come to the rescue.How did Gervinho miss from a yard out?

    I thought Tommy V had got over his poor spell but he is being given the run-around tonight and my friend Szczesny needs to be on his game in the second half, all their set plays are making me nervous.

    A large drink is required!

    COYRs

  218. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:48 pm218DanC

    Sorry, 3 divisions below!

  219. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:48 pm219arsabeatbarca

    Dan C, probably right on your assessment, but I’m only able to hear this fiasco 🙁

  220. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:48 pm220Chippy

    Shouldn’t laugh but that miss had me in Stiches what a waste of space 🙂 That was pretty much as bad as it gets utterly toothless, Should still win but Fuck me we are poor side these days 🙁

  221. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:49 pm221arsabeatbarca

    Hey Delia, I’m buying you a drink 🙂 So good to have you here 🙂

  222. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:50 pm222DanC

    Why the feck do our back 4 look so edgy on the ball?! No composure or confidence when a little bit of pressure is applied! Useless!

  223. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:52 pm223arsabeatbarca

    Bring on AOC, Rosicky and Arteta, please 🙂

  224. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:52 pm224dkgooner

    3 mins in and still shocking – no movement off the ball.

  225. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:53 pm225DanC

    Abbs, it’s utterly embarrassing! I envy you not watching this shower! At least against Reading it was entertaining!

  226. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:54 pm226arsabeatbarca

    Well Arsenal never make it easy for themselves ( or us) DanC 🙂

  227. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:54 pm227Matt (2)

    Clearly no rocket at half-time. If anything we’re worse. What is Verm playing at?

  228. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:54 pm228tim

    back 4? Gibbs has just gone wandering this half….

  229. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:56 pm229DanC

    So feckin’ predictable and too many set pieces being given away! Bring on Rosicky and AOC!

  230. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:57 pm230Chippy

    I’m not sure a rocket will work anymore it’s not like we’ve got an abundance of talent that can come in and take under performing players positions, The players we have got in reserve all seem to have been frozen out completely it’s bizarre,

  231. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:57 pm231lurky oliva

    The Welsh Wizard strikes again.

  232. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:57 pm232DanC

    Please Arsene, put Ramsey and Gervinho out of their misery!

  233. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:58 pm233tim

    I mean really…we should be passing them to death and creating easy finishes…this is horrendous.

  234. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:58 pm234Steve T

    55 mins and not one shot on target. Totally inexcusable.

  235. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:59 pm235Trev

    Gervinho dances OFF the ball again. Woe. Ful.

  236. on 11 Dec 2012 at 8:59 pm236Wind

    Hope our subs are warming up because this just isn’t good enough.

  237. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:02 pm237tim

    Switch to a 3-5-2 for all the good TV is doing…..

  238. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:03 pm238Trev

    Our travelling support is amazing.

  239. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:03 pm239tim

    Come on Chamakh…this is your tournament 🙂

  240. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:03 pm240Matt (2)

    About f**ckin time — Arsene decides we need a proper striker

  241. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:04 pm241DanC

    Does anyone really know what they want to do upfront?! Yeah Chamahk on for Gervinho! On wait…….feck! For Le Coq?!

  242. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:05 pm242dkgooner

    Coq off?
    You don’t know what ….

  243. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:05 pm243The Wasp

    Gervinho – a very poor mans Wiltord.

  244. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:07 pm244Matt (2)

    Why is Verm committing so many fouls this season?

  245. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:07 pm245DanC

    Vermaelen! Every feckin time he fouls! Is Hanson Drogba or what?!

  246. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:07 pm246Wind

    I think with that most recent miss I’ve lost patience with Gervinho.

    Chamakh on, good to see we’re still going for it…

  247. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:08 pm247dkgooner

    Which one of these sides is in the Premier?
    January window can’t come soon enough.

  248. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:08 pm248ArthurTheGooner

    Fucking awful!

  249. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:08 pm249Trev

    I’m embarrassed, and I’m watching it by myself ! 🙁

  250. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:10 pm250tim

    oh my god…they look more dangerous than us……

    this is all just a bad dream…it’s weird cos all the other ‘holics are seeing the same thing

  251. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:10 pm251Eandy

    Totally dreadful so far ..hard to find any positives really 🙁

  252. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:10 pm252arsabeatbarca

    Alright, that’s enough! Lace up holics, we’re doing a pitch invasion NOW!

  253. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:11 pm253N7 Gooner

    Where the fuck has the Arsenal side that played at Anfield gone? This performance is inexcusably bad.

  254. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:12 pm254DanC

    Finally! AOC & Mozart!

  255. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:12 pm255Steve T

    If Chamakh is our trump card we really do have problems.

  256. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:12 pm256arsabeatbarca

    TR and AOC coming to the resue (please lord).

  257. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:13 pm257lurky oliva

    Oh, the Welsh Wizard is off. Finally we can play. 20 minutes. Enough time.

  258. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:13 pm258DanC

    Already! Improvement!

  259. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:13 pm259tim

    better…come on you sods

  260. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:13 pm260arsabeatbarca

    TR, what energy !

  261. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:13 pm261Eandy

    Poldi DOWN?..whyyy? I mean he is not much better than Gerv today but at least he can finish.

  262. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:14 pm262tim

    alright…last 20 mins should be entirely in their half

  263. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:14 pm263N7 Gooner

    Better. COYG

  264. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:15 pm264DanC

    Come on ffs! Give it wide to the Ox and get in the feckin’ box!

  265. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:15 pm265arsabeatbarca

    18 min….tick tock 🙁

  266. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:16 pm266tim

    Bradford are smart…no sign of parking the bus and thus keeping us unable to commit 100% to attack

  267. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:16 pm267DanC

    Move it quicker ffs!

  268. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:17 pm268ArthurTheGooner

    Ox slow down a little

  269. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:20 pm269ArthurTheGooner

    Ox is trying to be flash fucking hell

  270. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:21 pm270ArthurTheGooner

    GET A GRIP FOR GOD SAKE!!!

  271. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:21 pm271pires is king

    one goal. what we need. (basic analysis, I know…)

  272. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:22 pm272tim

    Come on Arsenal…come on Arsenal

  273. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:22 pm273Geoff

    One Arsene Wenger, There’s only one Arsene Wenger.

    Do the decent thing man and pass the baton

  274. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:23 pm274tim

    Yorkshire Bitter…..I’m starting drinking early

  275. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:23 pm275ArthurTheGooner

    Pains to watch this shyte

  276. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:24 pm276Eandy

    this is just painful to watch, what the hell is happening.

  277. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:24 pm277tim

    Jack should have passed to the Ox there…

  278. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:25 pm278Wind

    Its like these lot have never played together, I’m in disbelief.
    Bit of desire from Wilshere from range.

  279. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:25 pm279arsabeatbarca

    Crimminey Arsenal! Jeez 🙁

  280. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:26 pm280Matt (2)

    Shameful performance. And we’ve seen some awful games these past few seasons. Past few weeks actually. Pitiful

  281. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:26 pm281DanC

    Sagna can’t ever beat the first man!

  282. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:28 pm282Eandy

    GAAAAH! COME ON

  283. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:28 pm283DanC

    This is a seminal moment we’re watching here!

  284. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:29 pm284Eandy

    no one, literally no one is moving up front…

  285. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:29 pm285pires is king

    The unity in the side (or extreme lack thereof) is seriously concerning. This is not about any need for signings- we just don’t seem like a team in any sense of the word.

  286. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:29 pm286pires is king

    Come on Arsenal!!!!

  287. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:30 pm287tim

    pass and fucking move Arsenal….so static it’s sick

  288. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:30 pm288DanC

    Finally!

  289. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:30 pm289pires is king

    There it is!!!!!!!

  290. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:30 pm290Matt (2)

    Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

  291. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:30 pm291tim

    YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS about time too….

    Let’s get another

  292. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:31 pm292arsabeatbarca

    TV scored ! I’m delirious!

  293. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:31 pm293Eandy

    FINALLYYY!

  294. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:31 pm294Wind

    Get in there Vermaelen!

  295. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:31 pm295Bergkamp's The Man

    Never in doubt.

  296. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:31 pm296ArthurTheGooner

    At fucking last !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  297. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:31 pm297tim

    unlucky TR

  298. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:32 pm298tim

    lol @BTM

  299. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:32 pm299arsabeatbarca

    Oh BTM, sooooooooooooooo glad you’re here 🙂

  300. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:32 pm300tim

    schoots

  301. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:33 pm301Geoff

    Yes we’re fantastic. We showed great spirit and mental strength to score an 86th minute equaliser against Bradford.

    What a fucking joke.

    Just crap performance after crap performance

  302. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:33 pm302Eandy

    Gerv keep it simpleeeee

  303. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:34 pm303tim

    That’s why the game lasts 90 Geoff

  304. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:34 pm304arsabeatbarca

    C’mon you rip roaring, alcohol inducing REDS!

  305. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:34 pm305DanC

    Regardless of the result, this is still a seminal moment! So many “below average” players! Possibly 120mins and Reading away to play on Saturday! Tut tut!

  306. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:35 pm306tim

    we don’t play til Monday

  307. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:35 pm307pires is king

    Geoff… if Arsenal scoring makes you angrier, you might consider doing something else. I appreciate some of your frustration, but there’s gotta be some joy in that for ya.

  308. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:35 pm308Camberwell Gooner

    COME ON YOU REDS!!!

  309. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:36 pm309NorCalArsenal

    The next game is not until Monday. But understand your point.

  310. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:36 pm310DanC

    Please explain to me why the feck Gervinho always has to beat himself after creating space?

  311. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:36 pm311pires is king

    Who can it hit from that distance?

  312. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:37 pm312tim

    let’s hope they know there’s an extra 30 (unlike Reading)

  313. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:37 pm313arsabeatbarca

    Holics CHANNEL ALL YOUR GOOD THOUGHTS NOW!!!

  314. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:37 pm314pires is king

    Santi!

  315. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:37 pm315tim

    Santi….Santi….Santi…..

    extra-time

  316. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:38 pm316DanC

    Thanks for the clarification Tim & Norcal!

  317. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:38 pm317NorCalArsenal

    Gerv always has at least one defender on him, his head.

  318. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:39 pm318tim

    If we make it to the final and win it…I couldn’t give two fucks about how we get there

  319. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:39 pm319Bergkamp's The Man

    That’s what cup ties are about, Geoff and all the better for it.

  320. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:39 pm320Steve T

    Not sure I can take another 30 minutes of this garbage.

    Barca, Juve, Bayern and the like must be shitting their pants.

  321. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:40 pm321Eandy

    I might be getting old with this but I just cant admire how much energy TR injects to this side, putting some other lads to shame with the attitude and effort. Now lets turn this game on its head and score two or three in extra time.

  322. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:40 pm322Bergkamp's The Man

    Abb, are there other thoughts than good thoughts then?

  323. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:40 pm323Ollie

    Well, with all this we have caught up and the game is now live, heh.

    Eandy, TR7 is class. Always!

  324. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:41 pm324Silly Second Yella

    Extra time. What’s extra about it?

  325. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:41 pm325arsabeatbarca

    Here WE Go Again! Will name my next cat on the next Arsenal player to score 🙂

  326. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:42 pm326tim

    Bacary is a great name for a moggie

  327. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:42 pm327arsabeatbarca

    Waves to BTM 🙂 and the ollister!

  328. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:42 pm328Ollie

    That gives me the opportunity to say that Mike Dean is a cunt.
    If any of you had any doubt 😉

  329. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:42 pm329Arse Down Under

    Well a draw after 90mins with Bradford is a shocker!!! Luckily we are gifted with extra time!

  330. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:43 pm330arsabeatbarca

    Hey Tim 🙂

  331. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:44 pm331tim

    surely I meant Moggy

  332. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:44 pm332DanC

    Well put Eandy! TR7, immaculate technique with attacking intent!
    Vermaelen at it again! How can a player be so naive so often?!

  333. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:44 pm333Ollie

    Luckily gifted it? By our own endeavour and success in equalising?
    I’ll take that.

  334. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:44 pm334pires is king

    Rosicky needs to hit the winner ASAP

  335. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:45 pm335Eandy

    Observe.. TR7, soon to be 32 just showed fastest sprint from whole match.

  336. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:45 pm336pires is king

    Sagna looks knackered

  337. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:46 pm337Chippy

    Rosicky has made a big difference his energy levels alone have injected a desire into the team – Saying that the captains goal has probably saved Wengers job as this is just pure garbage !

  338. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:47 pm338Geoff

    Tim, you make some very valid points.

    A game lasts 90 minutes to allow a premier league team with a wage bill of 140 million equalise 4 mins from the end of a game against a league 2 team

  339. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:47 pm339arsabeatbarca

    Ohhhhhhhhhh Jack! Great effort!

  340. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:47 pm340Ollie

    If he was right-footed, that cat would have been called, Jack, abb.

  341. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:47 pm341pires is king

    Wilshere’s chocolate leg

  342. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:47 pm342Bergkamp's The Man

    ST, they would be diahorraeic if they had to play on an ice rink in Bradford. Would get very Messi in the underpants.

  343. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:48 pm343Ollie

    336, yes he does indeed pik

  344. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:48 pm344Eandy

    Ooooh almost

  345. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:48 pm345DanC

    Gervinho never a central striker in a million years!
    The troika of Jack, Santi & Mozart; I’m liking that alot!

  346. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:48 pm346tim

    That was your chance Sagna!

  347. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:48 pm347pires is king

    Yup, those are the facts, Geoff. Do you care who wins still?

  348. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:49 pm348arsabeatbarca

    Hey Ollie, I’m warming to the name of Jack!

  349. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:49 pm349Ollie

    Geoff, for now we are still in that cup. Some big teams with bigger wages aren’t.

  350. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:50 pm350pires is king

    Gibbs hits it like a lefty Titi

  351. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:50 pm351arsabeatbarca

    Oh Gibbsy and Sagna, sounded close!

  352. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:50 pm352tim

    Sagna wants it!

  353. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:52 pm353pires is king

    C’mon Chamachk’s head!!!!

  354. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:52 pm354arsabeatbarca

    Protect Woj and keep on attacking!

  355. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:53 pm355tim

    Geoff…..switch it off if it makes you so unhappy.

    I’ll let you know who gets our winner.

  356. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:53 pm356Bergkamp's The Man

    Geoff, what’s your seat number at The Emirates?

  357. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:53 pm357Goonersince54

    Regardless of the result,i wonder whether AW erred in going with a full strength side.
    I just get the feeling the players thought being picked to play in this game was beneath them.
    Having said that,I have no doubt that the team chosen, expected to go to little old 2nd Division Bradford,stroll about and win comfortably.
    And that is exactly how they have played.
    If AW had picked some of the up and coming youngsters with plenty to prove,and desperate to impress the Boss,i am sure they would have turned up with the positive attitude and mental desire to match Bradford’s,and we would have seen a different game.
    Cheers
    The Sweeper.

  358. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:53 pm358NorCalArsenal

    Aw shit. Just remembered I am recording this mess to watch later since I’m at work but not sure i recorded enough for the extra time. If you think it’s frustrating to watch then try hitting refresh on your iPad while reading the comments.

  359. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:54 pm359Geoff

    Nice one Tim!

  360. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:54 pm360DanC

    Narrow! Narrow! Narrow!

  361. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:56 pm361pires is king

    Shouldn’t be so, ’54, given the first team’s lack of recent form/ results, but I think you have a point my friend.

  362. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:56 pm362Bergkamp's The Man

    Sweeper, in the USA us Yanks call that Monday morning quarter- backing.

  363. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:56 pm363Geoff

    BtM

    Only had my season tickets for 40 years season ticket holder. Please don’t get all sanctimonious on me.

    I’m entitled to voice my opinion as you are yours.

  364. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:56 pm364pires is king

    C’mon Arsenal! C’mon Arsenal!

  365. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:57 pm365arsabeatbarca

    Hang in there NorCal! Where there is TIME, there is HOPE! 🙂

  366. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:57 pm366Matt (2)

    I think Gervinho needs a permanent run-out for the reserves

  367. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:58 pm367Ollie

    Sweeper, I wondered too, I would have quite liked a more classic ‘Carling Cup’-style line-up rather than risk the ‘A’ team getting mentally slaughtered.
    But hey-ho. We’re here now still in it,and just in need of the finishing touch.

  368. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:59 pm368Arse Down Under

    Gervinho needs to be put down like a lame horse

  369. on 11 Dec 2012 at 9:59 pm369Bergkamp's The Man

    Not getting sanctimonious Geoff and your opinion’s welcome here. Just never want to find myself sitting beside you. I’d be suicidal before kick-off. 🙂

    P S what means Santi moaniass?

  370. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:00 pm370Ollie

    Gervinho is at his frustrating ‘best’ today Matt(2)

  371. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:00 pm371NorCalArsenal

    24 shots to 5. Why arsenal. Why?

  372. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:00 pm372Ollie

    Oooooooooooooooh, nearly Santi

  373. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:00 pm373pires is king

    SANTI!!

  374. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:01 pm374tim

    Come on you blue and purples or whatever we are

  375. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:01 pm375Geoff

    BtM: 🙂

  376. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:01 pm376Steve T

    NorCal. Just get home and hit delete. You have done nothing that deserves putting yourself through this.

  377. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:01 pm377Eandy

    OOOOOH FUCK CLOSE!

  378. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:01 pm378Arse Down Under

    Screamer !! Santi

  379. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:02 pm379pires is king

    Steve T, I can pull out some special California green reserves for you if you’re in extra need. We probably all are!

  380. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:03 pm380tim

    score in a minute…

  381. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:04 pm381NorCalArsenal

    Probably best I can’t see it. I’ve got a box full of drugs sitting next to me. Don’t need to invitation.

  382. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:05 pm382ArthurTheGooner

    Shall we get ready for pens?

  383. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:05 pm383Steve T

    PIK. I am very grateful for the offer but I am beyond that now.

    😉

  384. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:06 pm384arsabeatbarca

    Oh Steve @ 376 Luv the British sense of humour ! 🙂 Geoff, good to see you smile @ 375 🙂 Tim, just cause 🙂

  385. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:06 pm385tim

    let’s not

  386. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:06 pm386bathgooner

    HORRORS

  387. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:07 pm387tim

    AOC – you get to shout at teammates after you’ve won us a few games

  388. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:08 pm388tim

    or deliver a better cross than you did a few minutes earlier

  389. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:10 pm389Matt (2)

    Shit pass from Chamakh to the Ox. But what do you expect from a striker who never plays. And who’s fault is that?

    Who’s responsible for this shite? For picking a team that thought Bradford were below them. For persevering with players so hopelessly out of form (Ramsey, Gervinho)

    Whatever happens tonight, I’m starting to lose patience with Arsene. What the fuck is going on?

  390. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:10 pm390tim

    do not want pens…..

  391. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:10 pm391DanC

    Aside from Santi, can anyone else cross the feckin’ ball?

  392. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:11 pm392tim

    We have a striker who can head the ball…so we slide crosses on the floor? Come on Arsenal !

  393. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:12 pm393bathgooner

    Lottery time 🙁

  394. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:13 pm394bathgooner

    COYPABHs

  395. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:15 pm395Matt (2)

    I wouldn’t put it past AW to give the 1st penalty to Gervinho

  396. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:15 pm396Arse Down Under

    Pens!!! What a joke!

  397. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:16 pm397bathgooner

    Come on Chezzer

    BE A HERO

  398. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:17 pm398Geoff

    Matt: you’re no longer a voice in the wilderness

  399. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:18 pm399arsabeatbarca

    Come on Santi, please!

  400. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:19 pm400Steve T

    Why do we put ourselves in these positions?

  401. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:19 pm401NorCalArsenal

    Can you assist a peno?

  402. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:19 pm402arsabeatbarca

    oh dear…

  403. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:21 pm403pires is king

    You’re right Steve T. No hiding now. We stand up and take this.

  404. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:21 pm404ArthurTheGooner

    shocking

  405. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:21 pm405Eandy

    is this really happening?

  406. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:22 pm406Eandy

    WOJ!

  407. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:22 pm407pires is king

    C’mon Alex.

  408. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:23 pm408pires is king

    C’mon Woj!

  409. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:23 pm409arsabeatbarca

    YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS Woj!

  410. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:24 pm410Eandy

    WOOOJ!

  411. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:24 pm411bathgooner

    pants

  412. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:24 pm412pires is king

    And there she goes…. fuck all.

  413. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:25 pm413Wind

    Damn it.

  414. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:25 pm414Matt (2)

    And goodnight

  415. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:25 pm415N7 Gooner

    Need to go and have a long sit down in a dark room before I post anything.

  416. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:25 pm416DanC

    Just as expected; seminal moment! Well done Bradford! Well deserved! Goodnight ‘holics!

  417. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:25 pm417Eandy

    Shambles …shambles ..and again shambles …three posts, one crossbar. ..fuck it ..night.

  418. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:26 pm418Arse Down Under

    Completely hopeless!! Absolutely shit!

  419. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:26 pm419ArthurTheGooner

    Sums them up no passion for playing in normal time shocking penalties!

    WE GOT WHAT WE DESERVED!!!!

  420. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:27 pm420West Upper

    Arsene knows……………………….

  421. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:29 pm421NorCalArsenal

    Right, looks like its one for the patient and 2 for me. Damn.
    Only thing that is keeping me going right now is reading Fever Pitch everyday a realizing things will change. Things will change. Things will….

  422. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:32 pm422Silly Second Yella

    Rock bottom, ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll bottom.

  423. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:33 pm423N7 Gooner

    Fair play to Bradford.

    We need to take a long, hard look at the squad in January and make some difficult decisions. It’s starting to feel like there are less and less players who can be trusted out on the pitch.

  424. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:35 pm424Holloway2Holland

    Well done Bradford!

  425. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:36 pm425dkgooner

    Well that was Arsene’s swan song.
    No-one, not even me, can defend him now.
    Who was it who said the definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing even when it’s not working (or something like that)?
    The press are going to have a field day.
    My guess is the next BSM demo will have a few more attendees.

  426. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:36 pm426Wind

    Well.
    Chamakh’s done at this club after that joke of a penalty. And the Captain’s confidence is going to be shot yet again, even those he saved our collective arse with the equaliser. This is the situation where the next game being on a Monday is the worst possible outcome. And this competition was our best chance of a trophy and all.

  427. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:37 pm427Geoff

    Well done Bradford. Your players showed great mental strength and belief.

    This result has been a long time coming and for all who still support Wenger you’ve just had a perfect example if why I want him to go.

    Again, congratulations to a fantastic Bradford performance, proper david v goliath and reminds me why I love football.

  428. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:37 pm428dkgooner

    And forget 4th place – this lot don’t have it in them.

  429. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:37 pm429tim

    Out of the darkness comes the light…or something like that.

    Let’s see if the media (who apparently don’t hate Arsenal) have fun with this.

  430. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:38 pm430Doctor Faustus

    Hopefully, NOT the seminal moment. Pathetic and darkly comic, yes.

    But serves us right for sending out a full strength team. This is always the danger of taking a really unimportant competition that seriously. A League Cup won would not have mattered a jolt — those who are clamoring for any trophy at all would not have been satisfied in any case and would not have mattered to the overall health or progress of the club anyway. Liverpool and Birmingham are the last two winners.

    However it shows the kind of pressure that Arsene is under to win something. I am sure deep inside he would have preferred to stick to the typical youngsters policy for this match.

    Meader, Eisfield, Akpom, Gnabry — playing them would have been a better idea, as it has been.

    Hopefully this result has been the slap-in-the-face of the terribly underperforming senior players that was needed and serves as a wake-up call and not the demoralizing tailspin losing out in 2011 final was.

  431. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:40 pm431tim

    Yes…let’s forget 4th place, with 22 league games remaining and us being 2 points back.

    For utter rubbish being spoken we’d be top of the league this season.

  432. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:42 pm432leescratchperrygroves

    holic, I’ve been a Gooner since 1971. Been all over the country and Europe like you. Priced out since 2006 but that’s another story. Never been one for knee jerk reactions. Arsene Wenger has given me the best memories of my life as an Arsenal fan, but now, I’m going to say it, he’s got to go. It’s not that this is a surprise, more that it’s not. That was the best team he could have put out, and we don’t have a centre forward. You like a bet – I’ll bet you now Jack Wilshere is not an Arsenal player in two years time, any odds you like, if Arsene remains. I say this with great sadness, I am not ranting and raving, but it’s over. Our best team is not good enough to beat a team three leagues lower. Nobody else bought Gervinho etc. All we will get is more of the same. It’s time for respected men like yourself and Arseblog etc to get off the fence. We’ve all played the game and watched it for decades, and we know when things are broken. The brutal question is not whether we can win anything with Arsene, which we surely can’t, but just how bad things can get. And I love the man, by the way. Like I say, I could feel angry, and feel bad for those 4,500 who made the trip, but mostly I just feel a great sadness.

  433. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:42 pm433Steve T

    Another one of many many one offs. Utter shite. I feel totally embarrassed by that performance. Nights like that call for players to stand up and be counted. Very little back bone. Poor mistake for their goal but not having a shot on target for 70 minutes is completely inexcusable.

    I wonder what the excuses will be this time? Ball too round? Lines to straight? Grass too green??????

    Trev. If you think the media are biased against Arsenal then I suggest you stay well clear of the paper shop. I genuinely dread to think what they will be saying tomorrow morning.

    Still, just as long as we have the best squad then all is still rosy I guess??????

  434. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:43 pm434Chippy

    I used to dread the day Id awake to the news Wenger had left Arsenal now it will be a relief – And as for Silent fucking Stan and his commander in chief Gazidis please please do us all a favour and sell up, It’s finally reached a defining moment and the sooner they go the better, Then again it’s only a game we should be happy we’ve got such a good brand 🙂

  435. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:44 pm435Thierry Wrightkamp

    Norwich lose 4-1 to Villa.
    Reading lose 3-0 to Sunderland.
    Arsenal play like a bunch of part fucking timers for 70-odd minutes and we will STILL have to hear about how things will be fine.

    Seriously people, anybody who thinks that Wenger hasn’t almost finished destroying his legacy is living with him in cloud cuckoo land.

    What was that? Rope-a-dope against Bradford City?

    So many bad decisions made again.
    So many obvious holes in the team again.
    So many broken promises again.
    So many false dawns again.
    So many players lacking drive and passion again.

    Same old, same old…Again.

    Sorry guys, finally going to say it…

    Wenger and half the squad have to go.

    Hate that it has come to this, but where else can it go? We are simply atrocious. We cannot get our tactics together. We have the worst squad under Wenger’s reign. We keep trying the same thing over and over expecting a different result.

    These are all problems that the manager is supposed to take care of. He isn’t doing any such thing and we are now a club that is so far in decline that it is impossible to see a way out of it.

    Buy Falcao. Buy Llorente. Buy Goetze.

    No…

    Sell Fabregas. Sell The Rotter. Sell Na$ri. Let Theo leave for free. Let Sagna leave for free.

    It’s the Arsenal way, don’t you know.

    A SUCCESSFUL sustainable business model MUST include success in the end product or it is simply sustainable until the lack of success destroys the brand. This is not degree level economics, this is business 101.

    Who would WANT to join us in January playing like this, regardless of how much money we choose to throw at the problem? And let’s face it, we all know we will do no such thing.

    Sad days indeed.

    Bring on the reasoned, thoughtful, intelligent debate that is going to change all of this. Or the general abuse about not being able to criticise the management of the club.

    I am sure I will get it all in spades and yet I KNOW that we all KNOW that the inevitable is coming. Why not begin the necessary preparations and make the necessary adjustments now?

    Well, all of us know apart from BtM 😉

  436. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:45 pm436True Storey

    Lovely to see you back in here Pires but what a night to make your return….

    There are no words…. well maybe three

    SH*T, F*CK, B*LL*CKS.

    The HT MKII is banished to the sidings for a night or two.

    A dieu ladies and gents, I may be a while….

  437. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:48 pm437Geoff

    Don’t worry lads, I have it on good authority we’re going to get 4th place, win a trophy and OG will score 20 goals. Sorry mate but you deserved that for questioning my support, no hard feelings eh 🙂

    Sadly Its well jntentioned but misplaced support and wild optimism that will allow Wenger to remain in charge.

    As long as he does we’ll get more of the same.

  438. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:48 pm438tim

    Perspective gents…..in 1992 we were the reigning league champions, we lost 2-1 away to Wrexham who had finished bottom of the old Div 4 the year before and were about to finish 14th.

    It happens….

  439. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:48 pm439garsguns

    That’s football ladies n gents,cup football,tips hat to bradford.only prob I have with the game tonight is this why are the midfielders not whipping balls cross the 6yard box when chamack comes on?looking at his game tonight he’s pointing in the direction he wants it,in fairness to the lad he’s making the runs but were not playing to his strength,so buck up and give the boy a break.

  440. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:49 pm440His First Wife (aka 'a right cnut' - His words not mine).

    Well to be honest – the dim-witted, dead-eyed, tedious numbnut did bang on and on and on and on (not with me by the way – I wouldn’t let him anywhere near – but that’s another story), about the same old same old things, in the same crass, classless way – over and over and over, year after year after bloody year (though to be fair he did crawl back under his well-worn hand-knitted comfort blanket his nan made him when he was a toddler – and seethe quietly, favourite thumb in mouth, for months on end – when things weren’t going his toys out of pram/bed-wetting way. A heavan-sent relief for all of us, I must say. But as soon as things got tough, he was off again – wailing away).
    You know, I’m not entirely sure why he takes these things so, so, so personally – cos in the end they don’t actually have all that much to do with him – really.
    But I suppose he wants to feel included and loved and important – like we all do. Although I did always used to wonder whether it also had something to do with the fact that he had to wear school-boy size underpants (he always insisted that his dear-old mum bought them for him, and she didn’t seem to acknowledge that he was supposed to be a grown-up at all).
    So perhaps the tight 70’s purple nylon racing-car patterned pants that used to make him wince (me too!) as he pulled them on – stunted him in some way – you know, in the soul.
    Plus they must’ve been a right pain in the youknowwhatsits – which might, in the end, be enough, all on its own to make anyone an incessantly miserable arrested personality-type whinger – the poor, pitiful, emotionally parched lamb.
    Still, after a while, like everyone else he comes into contact with, I stopped listening to him. I’d had enough. It was too late. The damage had been done – I was sick of him.
    So I ran off with the tall, clever, sensitive, erudite, rangy, calm, sophisticated, educated, articulate, decent, interesting, witty, wealthy (he gets surprisingly good tips), well-mannered, generously-thatched, worldly-wise (yet charmingly humble) French head-waiter what worked in the local restaurant – Les Pistolets Rouges.
    But tragically, heart-breakingly and to my everlasting, profoundly sincere and deep, deep, deep super-quality regret – that dreary cunt’s had it in for us ever since. Siiiiiiiiggggggggggghhhhhhh

  441. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:51 pm441Trev

    Speechless.

    Apart from that.

  442. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:52 pm442Delia- Block112

    Not a happy Gooner. How many chances did we have against a 2nd division side ? More than enough to put this game to bed. The crosses were poor, the shooting from both inside and outside the box even poorer.Why do we never have anyone anticipating a parry by the keeper?

    I couldn’t believe we gave Chamakh a spot kick. So it all ended in tears, I’m afraid there is going to be quite a bit of flack falling Arsene’s way following this defeat. We need a class goal scorer and quickly!

    As always COYRs

  443. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:52 pm443Geoff

    We’re all gooners, passionate for our club but seriously if we have an ounce of ambition we have to relieve Wenger of his job asap, for his health and ours.

    Put Bouldy in charge for the season and the vacancy for a manager in the shop window.

  444. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:53 pm444wenger's coat

    Anybody can miss a penalty. The game should’ve been wrapped up in the 90, this is a team 3 division below us, Gervinho all he had to do is poke the the ball into the net, what we normally call a tap in. Apart from Giroud and Walcott I cannot see who is going to score for us and this is a big problem. One thing wich made me laugh tonight was the qualirty of the crosses, absolutely awful, everyone of them. Any team who can defend with discipline can beat us.

  445. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:55 pm445Chippy

    Tim,
    Indeed it does but over the past year we’ve seen our biggest ever league hammering – Our biggest ever European Hammering – Watched us lose a 4 goal lead and we are going backwards at a rate of knots That’s not even to mention watching our best players sold off year in year out The clubs in a rot and it needs a full on sweep clean, This isn’t knee jerk this car crash has been coming for yonks!

  446. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:55 pm446Thierry Wrightkamp

    Perspective tim…

    We are NOT the current reigning champions and we have a team that will be champions of precisely nothing yet again.

    Aren’t you getting the least bit bored trying to support a management team that is obviously not supporting the people that pay it’s wages?

    This is NOT about supporting AFC, this is about supporting AFC PLC.

  447. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:55 pm447Geoff

    440: BtM that’s utterly brilliant!!! Thank you 🙂

  448. on 11 Dec 2012 at 10:56 pm448Thierry Wrightkamp

    Chippy @ 445

    That.

  449. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:01 pm449N7 Gooner

    Nice to see a few of the anti-Arsene mob out and vocal, sporting massive boners at the result.

    Enjoy it lads, Xmas has come early this year.

  450. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:02 pm450wenger's coat

    must be fatigue

  451. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:03 pm451Uncle Charlie

    Embarrassing.. I thought things couldn’t get any worse, but I clearly overlooked being knocked out of a cup quarter final by a fourth division team.

    Wake me up on Monday night.

  452. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:05 pm452tim

    Ultimately the League Cup is listed as fifth on Wenger’s priority list. When all is said and done that does make perfect sense. How we do on our quest for the other four will probably determine whether he decides to come back next August to start it all over again.

    He won’t get the sack, nor should he. I do think he has the pride to say he has done all he can. Whether he has been the fall guy for the board since leaving Highbury we’ll never know unless he writes a book. What we do or don’t do in January may be some indication.

    Changing manager mid-season is what you do when you’re either in danger of getting relegated or are Chelsea. We’re in neither camp and it won’t happen – so save your energy. If we finish outside the top 4 Arsene may well walk away.

    Tonight was shit. Yes. We drew the match really – penalties prove nothing. Of course we’d expect to beat a lower division side and that was only the 2nd time in 16 years we’ve failed to do so under Wenger.

    However, we’re only 2 points off 4th and through in Europe as usual. Saying the kids should have played tonight is as easy as saying we should have put a full strength team out if the kids had managed to lose. Hindsight tastes so filling I guess?

    Wenger deserves to finish this season and I genuinely hope our performance merits more. If he’s waited over half a decade to have some money to spend and we actually now have it I’d rather he got the chance to do it than rent-a-manager.

  453. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:08 pm453Steve T

    Be the best you can be. It’s all I ask. It’s all I have ever asked.

    Are we??????

  454. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:08 pm454Chippy

    N7,
    If thats aimed at me I’ve never been Anti Arsene, Anti Kroenke and Gazidis Yes – I carnt stand the pair of cnuts,

  455. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:08 pm455wenger's coat

    there was only one winner once it went to penalties. Bradford have won their last 8 shoot out that is a record. winning takes all forms. Our team is not set to win at all cost but rather to look pretty and get praised how lovely our football. Play dirty, play long ,play to beat your opponent.

  456. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:09 pm456N7 Gooner

    Tim and Steve T both applying nail to head in very different ways.

  457. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:10 pm457tim

    @Chippy…

    If we finish 7th with 52-58 points in the league I’d agree with “we’re going backwards at a rate of knots” – if we finish 3rd or 4th with 68-73 points then we are exactly where we’ve been since 2009.

    We also had our biggest comeback in history (in the last round) and our best defensive start to a season in history this year. A handful of games and streaks don’t paint a picture, just a piece of it.

    Either way we won’t know until May.

  458. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:12 pm458N7 Gooner

    Chippy – not aimed at you at all.

    Aimed at the minority on here tonight who seem to take more delight in being proven right than pain in seeing Arsenal lose.

    Criticism is fine, gloating about your own team losing and coating others for having a bit of hope is a game for mugs.

    Roll on Monday night.

  459. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:12 pm459garsguns

    Diehards dying fast wtf,where’s the good dr z to put some perspective on a bad night.to the he has to go brigade, 1 question not taking the p,who do we bring in? Thought so.

  460. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:12 pm460Lars

    A day that was mostly a massive clusterfuck of a day finished accordingly. I’m off to bed and hope to wake up to a far better tomorrow.

    Take care everyone, see you later.

  461. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:14 pm461tim

    @TW

    I’m bored with people expecting us to win the league when we can’t match the payroll of the existing top 3. Our payroll has gone through the roof since 2008 just trying to tread water.

    Changing manager won’t change much unless he is allowed to operate with a completely different set of financial rules.

  462. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:15 pm462N7 Gooner

    @ Garsuns

    Apparently you’re not allowed to ask who to bring in.

    It’s unfair to ask people to fully think through the probable consequences of their angry demands.

  463. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:17 pm463Geoff

    Tim: standing still while others progress is going backwards. And by the way we knew in May last year, and the May before (and before that too)

  464. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:19 pm464Thierry Wrightkamp

    N7 Gooner

    Do you REALLY, TRULY believe that I or any other true Arsenal fan is actually ENJOYING this?

    Loyalty beyond reason…This is the biggest problem we have as a club, and not for the first time.

    I remember when a few of us realised that GG needed to go. 10th place, 12th place finishes were replaced by an unknown called Arsene Wenger (Arsene WHO? if you care to remember) and suddenly leapt to 4th and then champions carrying on a run of trophy-filled years until, inevitably, Arsene said this:

    “There is a power-shift taking place in English football.”

    That was right before we started to win absolutely nothing whatsoever for 7 years.

    Incidentally, when AW won his first EPL title we had also gone 7 years without a trophy.

    For the record, and before you throw any more unfounded insults at people like me who have ALSO supported this fine club all of our memorable lives, you know NOTHING about me whatsoever and, truth be told, if you did you may feel a little foolish for claiming that people like myself only speak up when things are bad.

    Nothing of the sort. I tell it how I see it and, let’s be fair, it has never been more obvious to see.

    Sad days, as I said, but not days for fellow Gooners to tear each other’s virtual throats out when the writing on the wall is so clear to read.

    Why not explain why you think that criticising Wenger is such a heinous crime? That would be better than just throwing random stones now, wouldn’t it?

  465. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:19 pm465Steve T

    N7. I am just so frustrated. This has been going on for years and tonight may just be the night that gives the camel an horrendous spinal injury. I am just bored with excuses. Excuses for weaknesses that AW himself told us 4 years ago that the club had identified and were going to address. I do not like the way we are being run as a club at present. Unfortunately, lame and limp performances like this evening’s do little to alleviate those frustrations.

  466. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:19 pm466NorCalArsenal

    Me! Me!
    Pick me. I want a shot. Pick me. I’ll turn this mother around.
    Sorry AW old chap, my turn.
    New manager of The Arsenal: NorCal Baby!

  467. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:20 pm467Silly Second Yella

    This is a sad end of an era. I’m really sad for Mr. Wenger. I just don’t know what happenned from 2005. Something did but I just can’t put my finger on it. Or fingers?

    I’m 47 years old but looking like 57. I kid around a lot but now I’m just sad.

    Arsenal must rise. I don’t fuckin’ care who will pay the price but we are on our knees and that’s not where we supposed to be. We are proud.

  468. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:20 pm468Geoff

    Hey Tim, do you reckon we can match bradford’s payroll?

  469. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:21 pm469wenger's coat

    Wenger must regret not playing the kids, at least he would have said we lacked a bit of maturity. this is a strong side he put out. I have to say I have defended Wenger over the years but this is the 1st year I’m starting to wonder wether he needs a new challenge elsewhere. small things which has nothing to do with spending huge sums of money, things like playing coquelin from the start, playing Ramsey on the wing and leaving Ox on the bench. get a player who can actually deliver a decent cross, these decisions don’t cost lots of money.Just a bit of tactics and play different when tour passing game is not working

  470. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:22 pm470Chippy

    N7-
    Cool Soz for the snappy reply not in the best of moods tonight 🙂 would like nothing more than to see Arsene pull us out of this hole and go out a winner but for a variety of reasons -The biggest being it will probably be 2-3 seasons worth of rebuilding to get this squad properly re balanced and just dont think he’s got the years in him, In my view he’s been hung out to dry by the board and that’s one of many reasons for my massive dislike of our American Friends !!

    Anyone that takes pleasure in us losing is not right in the head 🙂 Especially when you realise Cunts like Howard Durham and Morgan will have a field day tomorrow,

  471. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:22 pm471tim

    Amazing how all the doomers seemed to have lost internet connection after we won at the weekend. My favourite being TW who rather than show any support during the match (yes I know the players can’t see us typing) has his prewritten obituary all dusted up and ready to go right when Vermaelen hits the post with the final penalty.

    Who would want to join us in January? The player who can increase his pay-cheque by 25%. Same as ever really.

    If I’m wrong in May I’ll still be on here supporting the club. If I’m right and we finish top 4 will you be?

  472. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:23 pm472NorCalArsenal

    Wow these drugs are like really strong.

  473. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:23 pm473Geoff

    Beautifully said TW! I’m agreeing with your every word.

  474. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:24 pm474Impressive Failage

    In my opinion BTM is among the most lucid and erudite of contributers,but I simply cannot share his optimism.Bradfords players earn a tiny fraction of ours — surely this is based on thier percieved diminished quality. Hard to tell who were the 4th division side for the first 70 odd minutes tonight. Where do we go from here?
    For light relief, (and typical Arsenal Gallows Humour) please re arrange the following sentence into a well known phrase or saying: League,Having,Laugh,A,Champions,Are,We.
    Oh, and a Pan Gallactic Gargle Blaster please barkeep,unless you have anything stronger.

  475. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:24 pm475Goonerholic

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

  476. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:25 pm4769

    A good manager has to be a good motivator and get the best out of his team.
    Is Arsene getting the best out of the players at his disposal?
    It was a league 4 side ffs.
    Two seasons ago we beat Barcelona……..

  477. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:25 pm477tim

    Geoff

    Last May we finished 3rd. Tell me, did you really expect Wenger to get that squad into the top two. Would someone else have done so?

  478. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:26 pm478Geoff

    Tim, relax, we’re all here to share our pain, some in ways you may not but we’re all gooners. I was a regular at highbury when 17’000 was our average crowd.

    I’ll support us until my dying die and I reserve the right to state my opinion and to hear others.

  479. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:26 pm479wenger's coat

    Chippy- how can you blame the board for not been able to beat bradford? this is a very inferior team that cost a fraction of what we spent.

  480. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:27 pm480Thierry Wrightkamp

    N7 Gooner@462

    No, the problem is that the world of football does not always revolve around those options that we already know of.

    Remember, for example, when we employed that unknown Wenger bloke?

    Not our job to fire or hire, but an opinion is EXACTLY what fans get as a luxury in return for a lifetime of support.

    THE BOARD, sir, have that honour.

    How do you fancy the chances of this board actually getting this one right?!

  481. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:28 pm481Doctor Faustus

    Tim @ 452: I agree that Arsene should and would not get the sack over this and as you pointed out if the season doesn’t end in what the board sees as success — CL qualification — he would definitely walk out. I also agree that if now is the time for us to spend money then I would rather have Arsene than anyone else to spend that by.

    However, playing a full strength team away at a 4th Div side in this weather is the type of decision making mistakes that Arsene has been repeating lately. As the League Cup is really the lowest in our priorities why risk Jack and Santi and Per in Woj and Sagna in these conditions where a season-ending injury to one of them really would have been catastrophic? Yes, catastrophic in the context of the season.

    He made a similar mistake last season playing TV5 and Santos away at the final meaningless league game in Olympiacos and we had paid the price for that, not having a single recognized FB for a few months.

    And then the delicate issue of the morale. Taking the least important competition this ‘seriously’ always has the risk of a failure backfiring on a team where confidence is fragile and a supporter base that is divided at best. ‘!!!! he played the kids again and no wonder they lost’ is better than ‘Our first team is not good enough to win at Bradford, fire them all!!!’, as a reaction from the fans and the media.

    And finally the question of policy. Of all aspects of our much debated ‘youth policy’, playing the youngsters in League Cup is IMHO the soundest of all. Why veer from something that is known to be a good principle? That you believe to be a good principle. I thought we are the club of principles.

  482. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:29 pm482Chippy

    Oh and as for Managers Klopp would be my First choice, He’s young enough and has built Dortmund up over a few seasons so would seem a perfect fit + Wed have the added bonus of maybe stealing one or two of their fine young players !!

    Would I trust the board to make the right appointment Nope 🙂

  483. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:35 pm483garsguns

    North cal u get my vote,I believe they got some nice green over there 😉

  484. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:41 pm484wenger's coat

    Chippy. Absolutely. Yes Klopp would be the perfect man. people are still not convinced by him yet but he has done a fantastic job at Dortmund. Out of respect for Wenger I would hand him the money and give him another year to prove he can still do it if he doesn’t then that would be it. Klopp would make sense then

  485. on 11 Dec 2012 at 11:54 pm485garsguns

    Fook it I’m voting for that north cali lad!there is few certainties in life but 1..when we wake up in the morning we will all still be gunners.”

  486. on 12 Dec 2012 at 12:04 am486Tim

    @Geoff

    I’m totally relaxed. I have adjusted my expectations for a club that doesn’t pay top wages. You should too.

    You didn’t answer my question though – is Wenger failing when he gets us to 3rd last season. It doesn’t matter how – the final table never lies.

    I was there with 17,000 crowds too, people were more realistic then.

  487. on 12 Dec 2012 at 12:08 am487Tim

    @Dr F

    I think Wenger made the fatal mistake of listening to the press/fans tonight and playing the (almost) first team. He shouldn’t have, but then fans would have send ‘why isn’t he taking our best chance of a cup more seriously’ if we lost or just scraped a result.

    My biggest complaint is in the tactics and rotation. Chamakh isn’t as shit as people make out…nor is Arshavin. Never letting them play is never going to allow you to expect much from them when they are called upon.

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