Maturing Jack Passes Physical
Dec 22nd, 2012 by 'holic
Lo, and it came to pass on a wet and nippy afternoon in Lancashire that the Arsenal did pull up their sleeves and deliver the newborn three points in humble surroundings. What? Of course it is going to be one of those posts. I have watched us, then the the little lot up the road. This was a good day.
Truthfully it was something of an unexpected triumph given the nature of the game. In the first-half we failed to establish the passing game and with the complicity of David Moyes’ favourite referee, Jon Moss, Wigan got the upper hand in most of the battles. Focal point of the half was Jack Wilshere, earmarked by the hosts and subjected to many dubious challenges. Booked for a perfect sliding tackle of his own, Jack survived this most searching of tests of his temperament, and his skeleton.
At half-time I don’t mind admitting I was relying on Wigan running out of steam. They pressed us all over the pitch in a way Reading had failed to do in Monday’s goalfest. They didn’t fade at all, but Arsenal produced that rarely seen spine of steel and battled their way to the points with a display of sheer determination. This may or may not be something of a turning point. Let’s not fall out about that now. There is still work to be done, and a few pounds to be spent in January, but should we close out the year with a home win next Saturday then we will have survived half a season with so little consistency being displayed.
Some words about the positives, other than the display of Arsene’s fabled mental strength. Theo Walcott had a game of two halves. For me he didn’t make himself available enough in the first-half and that put pressure on advancing midfielders denied an obvious target. At the break it seems this was pointed out to him and his movement, if not his final touch, improved hugely. The only goal came as a result of him working his socks off following play to the right flank before bursting into the box and being brought down.
Alongside him on the right Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain took a lot of responsibility on his young shoulders. He is improving game by game from a slow start to the season, and he (surprisingly for me) got Niall Quinn’s vote as man of the match. Behind them the diddymen in midfield had to adjust to the physical nature of the contest, and did much to banish the doubts about them when the going gets tough. Jack in particular has seemingly put his retaliatory instincts on the back burner and showed controlled aggression. Turning a biblical blind eye, he just kept coming back for more. Mikel Arteta got his reward for a proper shift and showed a great deal of nerve as he despatched the winning spot-kick.
A final word for the BFG. Per Mertesacker found himself in a couple of awkward situations, particularly a first-half chase with Kone. He may not be a natural sprinter out of the blocks, but the way he gets those long legs into position to challenge is impressive. Rarely though does he find himself in such situations, so good is his positional sense and reading of the game. He is having an outstanding season and has earned a big old slice of Stollen after dinner on Tuesday.
As the game drew to a conclusion we survived two penalty shouts, one of which I thought might have been given, but on the day I have no doubt Wojciech Szczesny would have ensured by hook or by crook that he remained unbeaten. It was that sort of day. We made our luck with a second-half display of beast, rather than beauty. With no Boxing Day fixture we can enjoy the pantomime season that follows.
Now I am off to the West Midlands for a few days of doing what grandads do at Christmas. Before I go can I thank you for your input to the blog, even if you just read it and don’t partake in the drinks. I still see how many of you have called in, and that remains as humbling today as it was six years ago. Wherever you are I wish you all a very happy holiday, and a healthy and prosperous new year.
Thank you, ‘holics.
375 Responses to “Maturing Jack Passes Physical”
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First!
Whopee, now to read the post
Qualifying?
So, technically 2nd. Right?
Fourth place is a trophy, bla bla bla
Merry Christmas Holic and Holics.
I’ll even enter into the spirit of things and share a glass with the BBB. Just this once. You do, after all, support The Arsenal. And that makes you fine fellows (and lasses) in my book.
PS. Good to see the neighbors know their place
merry Christmas, ‘holic. fine piece, and no doubt jack was allowed to be abusd today. i am proud of how he fought back…through the game.
thanks for running such a fine bar.
Enjoy the Midlands, Holic!
Good point about Wigan targeting Jack. They clearly wanted him to rise to the bait and get himself sent off but he didn’t. There were a few occasions in the second half where he quite clearly withdrew from challenges that could have been yellow-card offenses had he gone through with them.
Redeemed!!!
Good point about Jack ,maybe after missing so much football in the last couple of years,he just does’nt want to miss any more available playing time possible.Maybe it’s his appetite for football that has made him more circumspect.
Played ‘h.
Jus’ like Poldi I is the new number nein! (Oh come on – it’s nearly chwistmas and we went and won at wigan on a wet weekend.)
Perhaps I’d have seen the new blog if I’d actually refreshed the page rather than thinking I did.
I’ll claim first out of spite.
(but well in Lars!)
Before reading the blog, I liked its title, as it was indeed quite what struck me about today.
Good shout on the BFG, ‘holic!
Now I am off to the West Midlands for a few days of doing what grandads do at Christmas.
And good luck with the Santa Claus disguise
I wish you and yours a great Christmas!
Can’t agree about the pens. I’m sure growing up pens were never given when the ball hit hands or arms right in front of the body rather than stuck out or above the head. Seems a bit of a fashion over the last few years…..
I rarely comment, yet you’re always the first I click on from newsnow. Alongside arseblog this is one of the few places I can trust on reading insightful, well balanced and entertaining arsenal chat. Your well wishes have pushed to write this and to extend them back your way.
Merry Christmas and keep up the work.
It is a pleasure to read and contribute to such a balanced and sensible blog. Merry Christmas to everyone connected with the blog and especiaaly to ‘holic a voice of reason in a daft world.
I was being a grandad today as it was my 5 year-olds birthday party and so i only saw the first half live.
Frankly I get annoyed with much of modern football and the wilshere booking should make the referee and the Wigan players who surrounded the referee ashamed. It was a textbook example of how to tackle . If the game loses that sort of challenge it is not worth playing.
I still think we need better shielding of the back four but Gibbs and the Ox have really shown signs of improvement this week. Good to get the sort of win that owes more to character than ability
Have a wonderful family break, ‘Holic, and Happy Christmas and a fabulous New Year to you and all the ‘Holics.
Bless the lot of you. Thank you.
Nice post ‘holic. As ever.
Merry Christmas, sir , and happy new year.
Same to holics everywhere.
Yeah, and the Ox was… Well, an OX today. Nice work son – and to the squad to a man. A win away at Wigan is no mean feat.
Cheers all. A round on my tab, if you please. Guiness for me!!
Blast, forgot to publish the chant of the day. Goaded about RvP by both Wigan fans, the travelling Gooners responded…
“Titus Bramble, he left cos you’re shit”
Brilliant
A merry Christmas to Holic and the Holics everywhere from the Feelgood Foundation.
I’m still feeling ropey after yesterday’s madness so I’m off to find a vacant sack or stocking to creep into, until the Fat Man’s big day.
Cheers Homer. Guinness too. With a cheeky whisky chaser
Doesn’t matter, ‘holic, that chat was on twitter
28 minutes in and still 0-0 at home against the team in 19th.
Sor’i'ou’ Gill-ott!
Excellent summary Holic.
A very merry Christmas to you and yours and to all Holics and their families everywhere.
A toast to the team we love.
Pol Roger on the bar, barman.
COYRs.
Read about that chant on Twitter, it was indeed quite brilliant
Merry Xmas ‘holic and please point out to the grandson that Wolves don’t play in the big time! Great match report as ever and many thanks for another year of great entertainment and community.
Pol Roger?
Blimey, I’m hiding that under my jumper
HT. 56 % possession not converted into goals. Pitch is still dreadful.
Zinger Burger and Chips please Vinny.
Has Mourinho lost the dressing room?
Watching on an Arabic stream, Ollie.
One way traffic barely describes it…
Haven’t seen the first half yet, but what I have seen is that we’re in third.
That’ll do me for now.
Shame that the game against Fat Sam’s Wet Spam has been called off (Fuck you ASLEF) because we’re on a nice little roll, oh well, just means we’ll be a little sharper in our next mission of tuning up the Toon.
Enjoy your trip ‘holic and all the best to you and yours.
I’d also like to extend the best wishes of the season to all ‘holics and their loved ones.
Argh! Failkillah
Happy holidays to all the holics and gooners who visit this wonderful bar!
Agree holic it was a gutsy win, and I loved it!
Rum and coke please, cheers
Way to jinx it Ollie!
Evening folks, and season’s greetings to one and all.
When I arrived at Euston this morning and ran into (almost literally) Ivan G on the station concourse, I must admit, I wasn’t feeling it to be the greatest of omens.
Several hours later and it turns out that – somewhat unexpectedly – I have been visited by three very charming Christmas presents from the club.
The first, a natty little Christmas card together with a ‘tenner off catering at the Ems’ voucher which all the travelling support were given today.
The second, a mighty welcome 3 points.
And the third – along with 40 or so remaining Gooners at Wigan train station who were sensibly waiting for the (less crowded) 16.09 back to civilisation – a visit from the squad as they boarded their private train.
As someone who has made their living out of reading people’s faces, the body language of the little entourage was fascinating. A public forum is not place for divulging much in the way of personal observations on the players and staff, so I shall save that for those of you I‘ll see in the Tollie at a later date.
What I feel I can safely divulge though, is that Cazorla and Jack were utterly mobbed, Theo was offered more pens than even his troublesome agent would be able to count, and Mikel Arteta might just actually be the most devastatingly handsome creature in the Galaxy. The lucky bastard.
All of that, along with the neighbours being their usual selves, means that I shall look forward to MOTD this evening with somewhat more enthusiasm than has been the case of late.
Right then, there is Guinness in my fridge and it aint gonna drink itself.
So thank you Arsenal, and a merry Christmas to you too. I’d have wished you a merrier one if you’d have given us all a lift back home though
Caught me out last minute shopping. I don’t even get a PL spot and I may be facing the drop from championships but I will still wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy holidays.
I threw the Coors light out, it looked like it was growing grass sitting there on the bar.
Watching Malaga-Real Madrid, a cracker of a game. Malaga just went 2-1 up through Roque Santa Cruz of all people.
And in 15 minutes I will have been watching football for eight hours, interrupted only by the intervals and short times between games.
oooh, 3-1 – what a goal! That Isco dude can play some ball, I must say. The goal was by Santa Cruz but the whole attack started with a quick pass into space from Isco.
NorCal, anything with the word “light”in it is best left untouched.
Great story Snowy. Jealous.
Yes H2H. I don’t really drink that piss.
Sounds like a fun day Snowy.
Good man
Ollie, much smoke rolling in from the Virage Sud. They must be making their own entertainment…
Lars @39 – 8 hours? Respect. But can you do it on a cold/rainy afternoon in Villa? What? Oh…
NorCal @41 – heh – good things come to those who wait. And those who are too long in the tooth to bother with really crowded matchday trains
‘holic @ 43 – cheers Guv
Now I am off to the West Midlands for a few days of doing what grandads do at Christmas.
Shouting at the kids to get out of the way of the telly, then, as their bottom lip starts to go, warning them not to ruin granny’s Christmas by crying, or else?
Happy Humbug Day.
Top Man Snowy makes an appearance in the bar, lovely stuff! I’ll be looking forward to hearing you spill the beans at the Tollie in January
But I must warn you about MOTD, Robbie Savage will be on tonight so brace yourself…
Snowy@44: heh, I can and I have the picture in the Daily Mail to prove it!
h2h does californian and oregonian stand up to the “light test” as well?
Lars @ 47 – ha – not even that dopey Lady Di lookalike will spoil my evening today
For all of the reasons I mentioned above, but also because it’s the last trip to C*nt Corner/Corridor (trademark WestStand Tone) this term
Mourinho is still looking for that dressing room that he has lost, Malaga won 3-2.
The Snow man’s in the bar – top tale sir!
Sorry, ‘holic, wasn’t on the drinks during the game, but yes, there was smoke.
Sadly the fire (and Obraniak) was missing.
Two dropped points really, should have been a rout.
The one good thing about Real being so shit in their league is that they will probably focus on beating the Mancs, for the only 2 games in the year when I will be supporting them.
Heh @ “C*nt Corridor”
Not sure about the trademark, snowy. Might be a Dangermouse one.
See you in a week?
Evenin’ AL – Good to see you here tonight, in what must be your busiest time of the year. Rejoice
Ollie @55 – oops sorry – thought it was his – and yep I’ll be there.
I feel very confused timewise today, despite having watched 3 games of football.
I still believe it’s the afternoon even though it’s gone past 10pm now.
A great read as usual! Now some more Timothy Taylor’s Landlord and a bottle of Chablis are waiting! Merry Christmas ‘holic.
Ollie, all the better then – only a little more than an hour ’til MOTD
No report yet from Steve T on the pie eating count??
Snowy @ 56 – amen to that bruvva!
And you Simon, thank you.
Scruz.
If it has light in the title then I’ll stick with the local stuff.
Heh @ Lady Di lookalike.
Hi all!
Just popped in to read the post and now I am off again…Flying visit.
Although, just wanted to add that I genuinely hope that NOBODY is finding cause to fight over this result and, as the Guvnor says quite rightly, now is not the time to fall out over the manner of the result.
I am happy to swallow some large slices of humble pie and look proudly upon a league table that, just three league games ago, told a VERY different story.
I still think that the squad lacks anything like the depth required to challenge for trophies but, as I have said for a while now, January will tell us much about whether the perennial problems we seem to face will be getting resolved any time soon.
Meanwhile, we thrashed Reading even after trying so hard to let them back into the game, we beat WBA in a fairly “efficient” manner and now we have ground out three points against a 12-man team on their own turf.
A win is a win is a win and these three have proven that there IS some character in the side, their IS some spirit in the side and there IS a “plan B”…of sorts!
So, 3rd in the league, for a little while anyway, a chance to actually challenge the likes of Citeh if we buy smart in January and, well, Wenger seems to be off the hook until the end of the transfer window at least…
ALL GOOD STUFF!
Tim – You are HATING me right now, aren’t you?!??! HAHAHAHAHA!
Have a fecking brilliant Gooner-style Christmas all, wherever you may be, whatever you may choose to be doing and whoever you are with.
‘Holic, an extra special Christmas wish to you and yours. Thank you for all your efforts in this and previous years and may we all be looking over our shoulders at Chelski come May
Feck it…Let’s just laugh at them anyway! How many trillions?!??! HA!
Lars, Steve T, Zico, Bath, The Sweeper, Trev, 8Ball, TaBS, BtM, H2H, Abbs, Ollie, Geoff, NorCal, Nonny, and so many, many others here, too many to name you all – your passion, intelligence and ability to be reasonable is matched only by your love for this great club and we should all, at the end of the day, be happy that there is such a wonderful place to argue, to agree, to laugh, to cry, to rejoice, to despair and to solve all of the world’s ills as this one.
Love you all, yes, even you Tim!!!
A ten thousand word flying visit, that is!
Heh. Cheers TW. Have yerself a happy Chrimbo!
Lily Savage on MotD;
“If you can’t do the job then you deserve the sack”.
*bites tongue while Ironymeter explodes into smitherens.
Happy Solstice from DK all.
Until the next apocalypse huh?
Crap, FilmOn died on me just as our game was about to start on MOTD. I have suffered through an hour of Hansen and Savage for nothing
Thank you ‘holic and others for your considered opinions this and other years. You are all an oasis of calm for 20 minutes for a few days a week amongst a storm of bafflling directives from above (I’m an A-Level teacher). Apart from family and friends, the Arsenal are the one true constant in our lives and we invest a lot of our time in worrying about it.
Things will change, probably sooner rather than later, and we will all move on and evolve. Wenger will, hopefully, spend some of the money put aside in January on players who will adapt very quickly to our, or the Premier League’s, style and at least third place and a Champions League final, will be ours.
On a topical note, today’s performance was gritty, flawed, but successful. The Ox showed a lot of responsibilty that bodes well and the BFG was very assured again.I really enjoyed watching us, especially in the second half. We are still pretty good at these type of performances. A slight relief for AW but there are more questions than answers still.
Here’s to you all and I hope you have a peaceful and restorative break.
Nice stuff Guvnor and a Happy Festive and massively Prosperous New Year to you and all in the bar!
3 wins on the bounce; top 4 at Christmas; transfer window to come with cash in the kitty and Arsene regaining his coaching mojo – feckin’ get in there! Club in crisis? Feck’ off you doubting, short-sighted cunts! COYBG! Victoria Concordia Crescit.
Nice one TW.
Shame Lars, all the pain and no gain.
Responsible for La Masia and one of the greatest of all time, but what does he know eh?
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/johan-cruyff-on-why-arsenal-should-never-1502106
Very best wishes for the season, Holic. Not only wouldn’t this place be the same without you, it wouldn’t be.
I think Lars’s wallet can stand a glass of the finest claret for you, guv’nor. Damn it, it can stand a round for whole bar. The very best to ‘holics one and all.
What a long day that was.
The day starts with just the hint of a lay in. Everyone up and showered we head to the all you can eat breakfast buffet. A fine spread instantly identified a North South divide. It was confirmed straight away that if it is not deep fried then our Northern friends really are not that interested.
The 3 mile journey to the ground was horrendous. An hour to travel a mile and a half resulted in the abandonment of the car in a side street, the donning of anything remotely water proof and the search for brollies. The amusement for my two started as we managed to pass cars that they recognised as having been in front of us.
The Christmas cards and free beer tokens as we entered were an added bonus. Especially as a £5 kids ticket managed to secure a £10 voucher. No wonder we have no money to strengthen the squad if those are the maths we are working on?
J
The game matched the weather in being a bit of a damp squib. We never really seemed to get going. Too many passes went astray, too many second balls were not won and it was not our finest hour. Theo I thought had a real mixed bag. At times I thought he looked a little lost. However the effort and determination shown to win the penalty show what he can do.
I agree with you holic an many other re AOC. I thought he grew into the game and had a real influence. Jack was Jack. He buzzed around the midfield and was a pain from start to finish. I have not seen his booking again. MOTD deemed it not worthy of showing again. I agree with them, it seemed nothing to me.
The last 15 minutes were a tad edgy. There was what seemed lots of Wigan possession but we managed to restrict them to barely troubling Shezza.
The final whistle was a welcome sound. A fitting finale to the afternoon saw shirts being thrown into the crowd. However, yet again, the one it seemed to mean more to than anyone else was big Per. A big leap in the air, the clenched fist and a large bellow were greeted universally with “we’ve got a big fucking German.” He is rapidly becoming a real cult hero.
The banter as always was top class. The Titus Bramble retort was awesome. Even the Wigan fans laughed. This was followed by a chorus of “your ground’s too big for you.”
We started to make our way back to the car. As Clive said yesterday, the cold, wind and rain matter very little on days like this. Three and a half hours later and yet another mini adventure is over. It’s been a hectic two days but thoroughly enjoyable. Tiredness kicked in on the return journey. That was until Ben piped up. As grateful as ever he continued to say thank you for his little away trip. He could obviously tell from the tone on my voice how much I had enjoyed it as well. There was a brief pause before he suddenly said, “dad, you know when Arsenal play a game say in Italy, or Spain? Can we go to one of those one day?” Sounds good to me little man, just don’t mention it to your mother just yet.
Great write up holic. I hope you have a fantastic time with yours in the Midlands. To you and everyone else who frequents this fine establishment, may I wish you and all of yours a very Merry Christmas. I wish you all health, happiness and plenty of width.
Keep the faith.
That tackle from Jack was superb. What a shame referee gave him a booking. If he consistently develops like this, he could be a “complete midfielder” Cesc never managed to be. The Ox is making the right side his own now. His best performance of the season. Constantly threatening from the right flank and always helping Bac when defending. Even Walcott might find it difficult to play as right winger if Giroud takes him place.
Steve T. Great stuff and it sounds like you deserve that spot by the fire.
Nice Steve T, nice. A nice wine and time with my kids has made me sentimental this evening. Enjoyed hearing the same from you this evening.
Cheers all. Enjoy the season. No Boxing Day game. No worries.
Have a great holidays everyone.
And thanks to you ‘Holic for a great year here in the bar. Gunners one and all at the end of the day!
Merry Christmas, ‘Holics!
That is all.
BMBD
Thanks brother for the updates and for being a Gunner like me. May the glory of the Lord follow you during this festive season. To the club i adore, Arsenal fc ” merry xmas and happy and prosperous new year 2013″. Let us have of result oriented.
Hey y’all.
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!
Have a great Christmas Dad, if you can’t make it to a pc on Monday, I know you’ll be with me in spirit.
Pass on my best wishes to The Management.
wish you a happy holiday?
Just wish everyone Merry Christmas. Nobody is going to get upset ‘holic.
Wish everyone in the bar a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Hello son, a rare and welcome treat to see you here. I will try and catch up with Monday’s show when we get back. Give my best to all. Hope you and Sharon get to spend some quality time with the family.
Great stuff Steve. Glad the kids got vouchers too. You are the man to follow for free beer at the Grove
Not everybody here is Christian DB10, but most will be enjoying a little break.
Thanks all for your good wishes. Have a great one.
*boilk* for the first time in ages; but it was well worth it.
Off to collect the Turkey at 11.00 and then return via Majestic for a shipping order of beer, wine and spirits.
Seasons Greetings to one and all.
Happy Xmas to all holics and thanks to the barman for running a fine shop,have a great time all.
Steve T 75: superb, thanks for that!
A lovely winter’s morning here in the Swedish sticks, but there is shovelling of snow to do again unfortunately. On the other hand, after stuffing my face with beer, food, crisps and candy for two days the exercise will probably do me good
Steve T, lovely stuff! Hope you all have dried up and warmed up by now
And finally I would like to take the opportunity to extend my best wishes for whatever kind of holiday everyone is celebrating, take care of yourselves and your loved ones.
And now I am off out for an appointment with some tools of manual labour!
New book coming up: The Shovel and The Wallet.
just a sirmple win will make us so proud but unless wenger buy us a new player we wont win…. anything and we hve to fight for 4th lol
Essooooooooooooo!
My birthday two days before the Citeh home game. Just sayin’ like
Happy Xmas ‘Holic and please keep up the good work
http://news.arseblog.com/2012/12/wigan-0-1-arsenal-player-ratings-dulux-colour-chart-special/
HEH
Great blog as usual. Couldn’t agree more about the BFG, he has been superb all season.
Happy festive break to everyone and thanks holic for providing us with a place where sensible people are having proper and sometimes nicely heated debate without insulting each other. Long may it continue!
@90 win should make you proud every time, agreed that there are areas of the squad which require additions but we have just collected 9 of 9, sitting happily on third and we seem to regain our old zip and mojo. Questions still are to be asked but I dont think its time for complaining right now
I still have to wait to know if I can take the monday off before I book my trip. Which means it might be very costly again.
I also need to get a match ticket, mind.
It’s moved to F&F which means paper ticket and more rip-off fees and there are truly shitloads of tickets available.
Oh, including lower tier, so maybe I’ll just bite the bullet and explore the clock end area behind the goal, not far from the away fans. Would be a new place for me.
It will clearly never sell out, so perhaps I’ll have to do that ‘pay extra to just collect a fucking paper ticket on the day’, however annoying and short-changing it is.
Oh and on rumours about signing David Villa – yes, pretty please Arsene.
Holic – thanks for the great work you do on the blog. Happy Christmas and hopefully a successful New Year.
Whips a cross in with pace to the near post
Boom!
Cheers Nonny.
In off the backside will do
Can’t believe Martinez is bitching about either of the penalty shouts, ridiculous. Our pen – nailed on; bundling into someone from behind in the box like that? Just asking for trouble. And then Gomez’s shot leading to the ‘handball’? Do me a favour, it was travelling at stupid mph and hit the player on the outside of his upper arm. Never, ever a handball. Shut it Wigan and stop clutching at straws!
Merry Xmas Holic and all, hope you get what you want from Santa. Hmmm, looks like he came early to my folks house ’cause I just unwrapped 3 points! Cheers!
Ollie@89: I rather think it sounds like a good name for a pub. “The Shovel and Wallet Public House”
Have a great Christmas and new year Holic and Holic`s
3 points is 3 points, I dont care how we get them. Through hard work with little flair is fine by me !
Camberwell@103: I must say Martinez disappointed in that respect, though I suspect that it may very well have been a bit of a deliberate attempt to deflect attention away from his players. It is also worth noting that there weren’t really any protests from the Wigan players either apart from one or two rather lame attempts that were probably more for show than anything else. If you look at the reaction of Beausejour and the look on his face just after the ref blew his whistle it is quite clear that that is a player who knows he’s fucked up. The Wigan players knew it was a penalty, no question about that.
Looking forward to the grand opening, Lars
Ollie, one day when I am rich I shall buy the Tollington and rename it!
(and all drinks will be free of charge for Holic bar regulars, of course)
108 Lars…I’ll drink to that…on your tab of course.
Best wishes to you all for a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and wealthy new year, especially to ‘Holic & his family for the time and effort in making this THE place to visit for all things Arsenal & beyond.
Cheers All.
Hmm..apparently Huntelaar just extended with Schalke till 2015, so Arsene, go for Villa
Great post Steve T.
Good luck with the shovelling -Lars
ande the ticket hunting – Ollie.
ps. I don’t think renaming the Tollie would go down too well with the locals, a lot of history there, lads.
Unless we’re talking about an exceedingly large wallet.
Afternoon all,
Excellent write-up Holic, says absolutely everything for me.
I’ve never got round to asking you what you do for a living, but it should have been writing.
You definitely have a journalistic bent. His name is Wolfie.
Seriously though, to keep producing such good stuff time after time is not easy. It’s all about consistency, as we know, and you, sir, have it.
A very Happy Christmas to you, The Management and the family, especially as things were not too bright last time around. Is that really already a year ago ?
Thierry W –
thanks for your mention. It’s very flattering to think that anybody might actually read my old nonsense, and pleasing to think some of it might even raise a smile or two in a far too serious world.
Very best wishes too, to all the real friends made via this blog and The Tollie – TS, Tabs, Zico, Ollie, Lars, AL, Top Man Snowy, Bath, Snir, Wind, oh yes, and Holic, – and all the virtual ones who make this such a great place to spend time every day.
Silly season approaching again?
Aaah go on then, I’ll bite.
David Villa?
Two/three years ago I would have bit your hand off up to the elbow, today, maybe a slight nibble on the tip of your longest fingernail if I was feeling generous. 31 years old, a major leg break and struggling to find any kind of decent form but still commanding a top fee and wages, meh.
If you’re looking at La Liga, look for a younger version, AM’s Lopez maybe.
Re: 93. Blogs must have been spending some time recently picking paint colors, if you ask me.
Swansea late goal to steal it?
Magnolia?
Is that because they finally showed a bit of steel.
Question for the barman (Trev reminded me of it there): any news on the stone having actually been set, and where to find it if yes?
Magnolia lacks steel unless specifically added, in my opinion. In general it’s an inconclusive color, although a nice one for a formal dining room.
Yanited draw. Sp*rs draw. Arsenal win.
Things are starting to jolly up around here.
H2H@111 – you have a point there. I will just modify the name slightly to the Tollington Shovel & Wallet Public House
Ashley Williams is my new favorite non-Arsenal player.
Making my dreams come true.
http://www.101greatgoals.com/wp-content/gallery/gimages/ashley-williams.jpg
8ball 118
116 was a crappy 80′s film reference.
Briliant Lars.
http://www.football365.com/
‘United loses points, RVP loses his head’,
if only that was literally the case…..
He really was pissed though.
I really thought he was gonna chin the geezer who kicked the ball against his head.
Fergie going mental about the ball into RvP’s head. I think he’s been on the Christmas grog a few days early.
363 days early.
If that’s the most dangerous thing he’s seen on a football pitch in many years, he’s even more blind than he looks.
Re: Snir @121. Do you have the video? If and when available the video is bound to be a classic.
Best angle?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR4UYbbJN5c
Six inches away? What the deuce is that bloke going on about? It’s got to be nine inches, at least.
Not sure why all the players’ numbers are backwards in the video @129.
Seasons Greetings Holics
Just in from the village pub where I won a bottle of Merlot in the raffle.
Heh, Ferguson really is a drunken cunt.
heh at the video at 129:
taken in a mirror? :s
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/did-ashley-williams-smack-the-ball-at-robin-van-persies-head-on-purpose/
Nice one, Delia!
132 I seem to have over indulged with Abbott, just wanted to complement Steve T on his report, which I thought was a very fair reflection on the game. Reminded me of trips in the long distant past, when my late father took me to Arsenal away games .1961 Rotherham in the Cup springs to mind.
See you all next Saturday at the Ems.
As always COYRs
131.
Reverse angle?
If you haven’t seen the incident yet, you might think Swansea defender Ashley Williams took a knife to Robin van Persie or at the very least, swung a boot at the Dutchman’s head. But no, Williams kicked the ball (probably unintentionally) at the prone striker, who promptly went batsh*t mental. “It’s the most dangerous thing I’ve seen on a football field for many, many years,” said Ferguson. Anyone would think they’d just dropped points at Swansea.
heh, quite
Indeed Ollie.
===
Villa getting taken to town by the Chavs, ah well I don’t think there’s one amongst us who wouldn’t have taken 4th pace if offered it three games ago.
Just watching that RvP incident again, I think they’re both lucky that he slipped when going to confront AW, otherwise AW would of got knocked out and RvP banned for quite a while.
Mmm, just poured myself a Gin & Tonic… this Xmas business has it’s good sides.
H2H, such a shame that he slipped, it would have been a bit funny if he had got himself banned for a couple of games
“the most dangerous thing I’ve seen on a football field for many years”This is a man who regularly watches fouls by Scholes and Rooney nowadays and not long ago Keane and Cantona.
Fucking hell, Villa are awful today. 4-0 with half an hour to go, and it could have been something like 8-0, Chelsea have missed a few sitters and Guzan has made a couple of really good saves.
Fergie’s a fool. It may have been cynical but ” most dangerous”?
Ha he’s having a laugh. The only thing it hurt was the little pussy inside of Persie. Wish he would have swung at Williams and gotten a red.
Chelski are ripping Villa apart. Real shame that Nando seems to be finding a groove. A few billion dollars can buy you a few talented players. But not class.
Correct Lars.
Villa are bending over and taling it Gang
bangman style.Oops there’s another.
Pelanty for Chelski and it’s now 6-0. I think we canfairly safely assume that we will be fourth over Xmas.
7-0. Villa are hardly even trying anymore.
Sir Rednose is a top manager but a whinning twat. He’s so fussy, reminds me of a teen age girl.
I’m reading the Martinex comments and all the BS on various sites saying how Feo was not fouled and Gibbs was a sure handball/no call.
Well eff me. I watched the match. And the replays of those plays about 5 times. Feo was absolutely fouled. Gibbs arms were IN, not out. McCarthy, who played well for Wigan TBH, shoulda been sent off. And Jack got booked for nothing – a perfectly clean tackle.
I hate it when we lose and people make stuff up and whine and sound generally bitter and embarassing. But, c’mon … a little perspective. Arsenal ground it out and Wigan, though pressing well and generally pretty decent and organized just couldn’t get it done.
Sorry, rant over.
Oh, and Fergie is a crybaby. Wait … yeah, that’s about right.
H2H,
They are indeed “Taling” it up the …..
This is not the same Villa that has been playing the last few weeks. Too bad it is boosting chelski’s GD.
And another….
Phil Dowd trying to get on the assist list by giving a penalty.
Missed though.
Fucking embarrassing.
No matter. The defense quit playing an hour ago. Unbelievable. The space they are leaving is amazing. The game against us they closed down quickly.
It finished 8-0 but it should have been double figures. The best player on the pitch was probably Guzan…
I hate to see that. It’s not good for the league. If Uefa wants a game that’s shows what’s wrong with the financial doping in Football that just might be the one.
Merry Christmas to all
Great to be third before xmas and oh what a shame we wont have a derby on boxing day . Would`ve been sweet . We did go down to fourth within 28 hrs but it was nice and fresh , breathing that clear air up there where we belong . Who`s coming on january ? will we close the gap ? more to be seen next year .
Drink responsibly
(that is – get utterly f*cked)
154 Indeed Lars.
He still managed to get 5 points in the FFL even though he let in 8, that’s pretty unbelievable.
Backdrinking: Lars 144, what about those lottery numbers please?
No idea about that fantasy football business.
I’ll check it now for the first time in ages, whoever is in my team!
Haha, I just found out that Santi IS my captain in fact, so must have scored points on monday.
4 players who couldn’t play less good
Ollie@158: ooh, you are right – maybe I am of Mayan descent?
Greetings ‘Holic and fellow drinkers from a steamy,sultry and very warm NZ. Glad you all survived the Mayan Apocolypse.
Woeful match — right result.
Here in New Zealand they show most matches live with the rest delayed by an hour or two. Arsenal games are usually live as was the Wigan game. We have to endure that complete arse S. Robson with his rabid anti Wenger/Arsenal stance — heres hoping UK Gooners dont suffer the same fate.He’s a frigging prize one — as the old saying goes” I may not be a gynecologist,but I know a cunt when I see one”.
Seasons Greetings to one and all — and a special thanks to our host for allowing us this forum to vent our spleens.
Worst team arsene’ s put together and still above spurs – merry Xmas
Ashley Williams – you sir are a legend!
I had Giroud as captain for the previous two games, a grand total of 2 points.
Last week was so bad I didn’t even qualify for the cup. (only the first 2.1 mill qualified)
Homer @149,
I’m pleased to say that McPurplenose does not remind me of any teenaged girls I knew.
You need to move mate.
The Great Christmas Holicdays Mystery (Where is takeabowson ?)
The True Storey.
The Storey is set in a remote part of Sweden, where the owner of a chain of pubs stretching from Holloway to Holland and all the way up into Sweden, is busy shovelling snow outside his appropriately named latest acquisition, “The Shovel and Wallet”.
He is being watched from the garden of his establishment by a Snowman he doesn’t remember building, but he likes the look of his new “friend” and decides it lends the pub, at this time of year, a certain feelgood factor.
The snow lies deep and crisp and even on this very Feast of Steven T and, indeed, the Three Wide Men.
Approaching the Shovel and Wallet, trudging through the deep snow, are three figures blurred by the freezing mist which hangs in the air.
They can be heard chatting as they near The Shovel, and it becomes clear that two of the men are from the West of England, Swindon and Bath to be precise, and, so, are used to being out in such a snowy wilderness. The third man’s joyously positive stride is unmistakeable, but his dialect is completely incomprehensible apart from his bursting into repeated choruses of “Walking in a Bergkamp Wonderland”.
The first two men do not quite share the unbounded enthusiasm of their companion, and are quick to engage the proprietor of The Shovel in conversation.
“Hey Lars, have you seen or heard anything of Wolfie?”
“No, why?”, replies Lars.
“Well, we were all having a bit of a Christmas Carols sing song at your other pub in the next village. We’d just started ‘The Ollie and The Ivy’ and, you know Wolfie, he starts dancing on the tables in the garden, even in this bloody weather, in his new set of fur lined Speedos and gold lame Jimmy Choos.
Unluckily for him, the Football Intelligence Squad had heard he was travelling to these parts, and had sent a special detail to keep tabs on him, if you see what we mean.
Apparantly they were two agents from MI6, calling themselves the Mince Spies.
Well they nabbed old Wolfie, whisked him off, and we haven’t seen him since.”
At this point, the snowman in the garden of The Shovel throws off his disguise and speaks to the assembled throng, for that is what you call more than three people gathered in the same place at any time in December.
“Yes, my friends, we have Wolfie now. His behaviour has just become too much, and he has been taken away for, ahem, rehabilitation, in The Special Services Quackery.
Initial estimates are that this will take three weeks, so I fear you will not be seeing your friend for some time.
He is being held in connection with the Mental Health Act, and his only hope of escape is to plead under Section N5, of the Sanity Clause.
But then, everybody knows there is no such thing as the Sanity Clause”.
Trev above. Awesome.
Now THAT is a Christmas tale@168
Trev, awesome
Heh Trev @ 168
You have excelled yourself, maestro. Awesome.
Thanks folks. Have a great time, all.
Have a lovely Christmas and New Year.
*waves*
Lets try this one:
Who refuses to stay in the rubbish bin?
Joan not being Jack, and passes not being studies, I must have imagined a similarity between the title of this piece and the first line of “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” which goes like this:
Joan was quizzical, studied pataphysical
Not knowing the definition of pataphysical however I did try to find out some more information about it and Wikipedia as ever came to my aid.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%27Pataphysics
One step beyond metaphysical, apparently.
Jack Wilshere on the other hand is not particularly even metaphysical, I would suspect.
Happy Christmas Trev and abundant kudos for that triffic story.
RS@177: is the answer anything to do with Mark the Mod from Stamford Hill?
Trev@168: Magical.
Trev @ 167.
That comment sir, was fucking epic.
Cheers. And id like to end the year on a note that hilarious.
Absolutley killing me!!!
Quite honestly I’m convinced Ashley Williams deserves to get an apology from “Sir Alex Ferguson” as the BBC so prominently call him in their headline story in which they quote him as saying RVP is lucky to be alive and Williams deserves to be banned for kicking the ball at him. When else in football can I recall one player kicking a ball at another one? Give me a break.
“The referee had one of those days where we didn’t get anything out of him. It was a shocking performance. I know he is a young referee but I was disappointed with that performance.”
Said Purplenose without a hint of irony
Maybe Sagna is interested in pataphysics.
The Guardian confirms Di Santo was “mistakenly adjudged to be wearing an earring.”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/dec/22/wigan-arsenal-premier-league-report
I have serious doubts about the abilities of that official.
Trev at 168, that is the best Christmas tale I have ever read.
Fabulous, cheers!
And a great Christmas to all ‘holics well and not.
I thought Van Persie was lucky not to get a red card for his reaction. Generally, if you put your hands up and kick off a 20 man ruck, you see red. Ref clearly shat himself, although evidently not enough for Fergie’s tastes. Classic example of the post match harassment of officials, and since when is it okay for managers to publicly call for specific opposition players to receive lengthy bans?
Utd getting away with murder, as ever. If only there was a way for both Manc clubs to blow the title.
Big love and hugs mrs. Lovely to see you here. x
Good news this morning: my days off have been validates so I am
a) not daytripping for City
b) going to Munich
-s
+d
Utd getting away with murder, as ever Now I’m confused, Sir Purplenose said it was Williaws who got away with it
Morning all, today I shall mostly be eating, drinking and opening a few presents (Swedish Xmas tradition is to do the celebration stuff on the 24th) so let’s hope Santi has brought me some nice things
N7, I agree – RvP should have walked for his reaction and to be fair so should Williams for putting his hand to RvP’s face in the melee that ensued. The ref bottled it big time there.
But does Sir Rednose really believe van Persie could have been killed? Of course not. But now (almost) nobody is talking about how crap they were for large spells of the game, particularly in defense. Target achieved as far as Sir Grumpy is concerned.
(And isn’t it kind of interesting how when Ferguson says something like this on the back of a bad result then that is just reported verbatim with no questions asked but when Arsene does it then it’s “insane frenchie loses the plot on the back of disgraceful result by his shit team”?)
Morning Ollie. Missing my birthday drinks? Who do I need to email at work to correct this travesty?
Lars, don’t open your present from Wolfie in front of the family. Oh the shame…
Have you ever had a football kicked against you by an opponent?
What you didn’t realise was that this was attempted murder.
If this has ever happened to you then it may have affected your ability to become a successful investment banker/theatre impresario/international sporting mercenary/football agent/oligarch.
That single episode may not only have broken your neck, it may have stopped you earning millions.
You may be entitled to compensation.
Call Sew, Grabbit and Run today.
No win, no fee.
Morning all.
After the way this season has panned out so far, sitting in 4th place at Christmas is a delightful surprise.
Merry Christmas Eve Gooners.
‘holic, just the opposite : you misinterpreted me (the words ‘day’ and ‘off’ should have appealed to you, as the game is on Sunday):
If I am not daytripping, I am overnighting
Holic, thanks for the reminder – I shall make sure to hide that particular present and open it when no one is around!
Right, going ahead and booking a City Ticket in the clock end as said yesterday.
Still can’t believe the bastards charge you £4.30 instead of the usual £1.65 in various fees, for a paper tickets they won’t even send you because you are abroad, while you have a membership card.
Banter with the away fans (is that possible with Mancs?) here we come: block 23, row 4.
Great seat Ollie. They used to stick our club next to the visitors. Had some wonderful exchanges down there.
Lord bath, I trust you and family will have a very happy Christmas. The Talisker is opened at nine after the traditional Christmas Eve Guinness and rioja. Just setting the head up for playing with the grandkids at six in the morning. A glass will be raised…
*back to assisting mode*
A yuletide *BANG*
Oh yes, getting a double century on Christmas Eve!
OK, must dash now – have a great day everyone!
N7, Lars – quite agree that van Persie seems to already be feeling the security of that red check, referee repelling table cloth wrapped around him, although it doesn’t prevent death from being hit by a football.
And about the press reaction to comments from Ferguson vs Wenger.
Well in Lars!
I can also happily report that Eurostar prices are back to ‘normal’ for the City trip.
I’m waiting for Williams to be traumatised, and for Laudrup to ask SAF to apologise.
Namby pamby Premiership footballers.
That type of thing happens every Sunday in our 7 a side game – the only difference is that there isn’t usually a ball in the vicinity to be kicked towards the prostate player’s head.
‘prostate player’, zico?
Don’t tell Wolfie.
Good morning Holics
What a set of drinks to warm the cockles of my heart. Back-drinking has gotten me into the spirit of Xmas, good and proper.
A sermon from the (unexpectedly) snow-topped mount from His Holiness The Barman.
Genuinely splendid Xmas tales of good travellings from the besotted Top Man Snowy and the ultra wide Steve T.
All capped off with more sermons from The Reverend AL himself and A Holics Carol from team physio, Dr.Trev or even Dr.T-Rev.
I would like to add my seasonal good wishes to everyone who frequents this fine establishment.
To those of you travelling down to The HoF on 29th, I look forward to re-acquainting myself with you in by far the greatest bar the world has ever seen (copywright Blogs).
Cheers one and all! Drinks on the usual tab I presume?
I realise I was sitting in the Lower Tier (I think) with the YASC once, maybe it was clock end then? May not be completely a first then.
Mr.Lars @ #190
Sage words as usual sir.
It may also have been a genuine crack in his booze-stained armour as he realised that if their defence (not as good as ours?) continues to play as it has done for much of the season then they will not end up as champions. I believe the pressure may have gotten to old purple schnoz on Saturday. Long may it continue.
As zico says, you see far worse things when old f*rts like he and me attempt to play footballwith other old f*rts. RVP’s reaction was well over the top and he should’ve received a yellow card too for his petulant retaliation *sniggers*. Life threatening incident? I believe a Xmas lunch of ham may be in order up at The Old Toilet.
Of course, that means both Fellaini and Williams are now cult heroes at The Arse
Trev, that was superb
Fine fine work Sir.
Great result at the weekend. Dug it out, liked it. Great tales from the front from Snowy and SteveT. Glad you both had a terrific day out.
So Nasri gets kneed in the nadgers, Shawcross gets headbutted, and now the Skunk gets booted on the bonce from close range. Who says Santa doesn’t deliver?
‘Holic, congratulations on another year of fine writing and keeping this wonderful Blog in full swing. Wishing you a very Happy Christmas Sir.
Happy Christmas to all ‘Holics far and wide. Wishing you all a peaceful and enjoyable holiday with eat and drink aplenty.
No dancing on the tables though!
As Trev has pointed out, I like to spend the Yuletide Season in a Correctional facility.
They love a bit of Arse in there.
Happy Christmas to all Arse lovers everywhere.
Who says Santa doesn’t deliver
Er, you, as recently as our last meeting
Cheers all for the kind words.
A very happy Christmas to everyone in this mad and brilliant place.
Off with Mrs Trev and the two girls this afternoon to the pantomime.
Oh, yes I am …….
Trev
It’s curtains on yet another massive pun-fest opportunity.
Enjoy!
Merry Christmas one and all!
Now in the family casa about an hour south of Barcelona. First glass of red safely in hand, kids running riot.
All is good.
Thanks Holic, as ever, for your superb bar. I haven´t been the regular that I once was, due only to that “life” thing. But always present in spirit(s)!
Here´s to a bigger and better 2013… I actually think we will be pleasantly surprised. Just a feeling….. perhaps brought on by exposure to Snir´s infectiously optomistic texts this morning…. apparently we will be just six points off Manure by the end of January.
And get this – when he explained it, it all made perfect sense!
Salud!!
Dr.C
A pleasure to see you in the bar old bean. I’ll join you in a cheeky glass of optomistic red and wish you and yours a properous new year.
Cheers!
It turns out Wolfie isn’t away for the full three weeks after all. And I was wondering where Trev got the inside scoop on that news.
It’s happy holidays on the happy train. Who would have thought?
Optimistic red over here too if you will barman. With this many old beans in the house it’s high time.
Thank you for the reminder Mr. 8ball.
The HT Mk II is having a well-earned re-fit having recently returned from the wilds of see-you-next-Tuesday corridor.
Normal service to be resumed on 29th December.
Any members of staff threatening to strike over the holiday period will be locked in the pets carriage for a week without food or water.
Yours, Edwin.
*optimistic* & *prosperous* before Ollie wades in
There seems to be a shortage of some letters at the end of the year, TS
French ones, Ollie?
Afternoon one and all on this Eve of Chrimbo.
Briliant yuletide tale Trev.
===
So ol rednose (not Rudolph) really has lost the plot.
Didn’t he kick a boot into Beckham’s noggin once upon a time?
Someone call the police.
Didn’t realise the Scum were facing Villa on Boxing Day. Is it too much to hope for yesterday to have been a one-off?
Hopefully it will mean they will try harder Ollie because they’ll want to bounce back after a kicking like that.
Ollie, I’m with H2H. It could well spark something of a reaction… and we all know about the mental strength of Sperz teams over the years.
Good afternoon, all. I’ve packing and travelling for some days now and not had the time to post, nice post from the usual suspects non more spectacular than
Trev @168, great Xmas tale and i bow to your lyrical superiority meastro, but if there is no such thing as a sainity clause and Wolfie has made an appearance here can we say (s)he was let out because of the deCent friends clause? ( that’s just my poor attempt at been part of that lovely christmas tale).
Clive, you’ve got a lovely grandson.
Happy Xmas one and all, have a lovely one wherever you are.
Around this time of year it’s always good to think about the past…..
98 years ago today, British and German troops, stopped the fighting and brought a temporary ceasefire to the Great War, they climbed out of the trenches and in the true spirit of Christmas exchanged gifts and rations and ended up playing a game of footy out in no-man’s land.
The fighting resumed when somebody was killed after being hit on the head with the football.
A very merry Xmas to all yous adorable mighty Arse folk what makes up the mighty Arse flock.
Dennis bless the lot of yer! HalleBerry! Amen (are better than there’s – so there!!!)
Big HEH H2H
My wish for all you Holics is simple but from my heart. May your Guardian Angel watch over you and yours and keep you safe. May what ever troubles you the most, be banished once and for all. My gratitude towards this wonderful, magical place and the colorful characters who frequent it, well you simply have no idea…God Bless.
All I can add to the above is: CHEERS, AMEN AND HALLELUJAH.
Another mega heh for H2H @230.
Hallelujah!!!
Merry Christmas to all you lovely Gooners and your respective families!!!! Hopefully I’ll be able to pop in more often in the new year
Just for laughs
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/doh-manchester-united-fans-tweet-abuse-at-the-wrong-ashley-williams/
As funny as hoynotfoy by the scums.
United fans are idiots
one could make a fruitcake from the denizens of this bar.
trev and h2h, thanks for the warm heart and the tickled funny bone.
merry christmas, and what abb said. all the best from california’s momentarily sunny central valley (visiting the parents, celebrating the scruzdad’s health, especially).
Hello all. First ever post alert, and its a holiday poem. Yikes! Hope that’s not a cardable offense. I’ve been lurking here, probably too much to be healthy:), for this season and last. Got inspired today…
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the bars,
Not a creature was stirring, not even Lars;
The Tollie was stocked with Guiness black gold,
In anticipation of Gooners celebrating victory so Bould;
The Holics all nestled, logged into the site
With visions of of puns, fishy and trite;
The moon on the breast of the manicured pitch,
Gave a luster to the Ems, beautiful and rich;
When what to our wondering eyes should appear,
A youngish man, all decked in red and white gear,
With a rosy glow, a warm smile and wink,
Why it was the Holic himself, seeking a drink;
More rapid than coursers the Holics they came,
And he whistled and sang and chanted by name,
Now Zico, ABB, now, H2H and Ollie,
On Wind, on Gorams, on Tabs to the Tollie,
To the bar Trev, BtM, all lovers of Arse football,
Lars’ wallet is open, so drink away, drink away, drink away all!
They all rose up in song in support of their love,
A pint to the Arsenal and of course, the Guv,
Friends, virtual and real, companions from this site,
Happy Christmas to all Gooners, and to all a good night!
Cheers from Pennsylvania. I am about an hour from America’s oldest brewery, DG Yeungling & Son. They make a nice black and tan, pints on the bar for all.
Excellent first drink PaGooner.
Welcome to the bar, don’t be a stranger.
Heh @ Sajit.
Illiterate W/Manckers.
This site seems to have been around for two years already but I first saw it today. Well worth a look.
arsenalcartoons.com/
Astute lurking, PaGooner.
Oh my god,
Infamous in Pennsylvania….that darn Happy Train needs GPS
Excellent stuff, PaGooner.
Nice post PaGooner. I was a lurker for a year or two until I decided to post much. This bar has a lovely temperament and a great comradarie. A few simple rules but based on the above post, it doesn’t look like you will fall foul.
Scruz,
Glad to hear you will enjoy the holidays with a healthier father.
The sun has made an appearance here as well.
CoRs,
Glad to see you pop in. Have a great holiday.
Looks like my phone is still stuck on my work name. My work is never done at the Quackery!
Merry Christmas All,
NorCal
As DL Ltd exec (Lowlands division) I feel it my duty to remind the honourable (in the broadest possible sense of the word) Chairman that any upgrades to the HT (that may cost money that could be
wastedallocated to product, to be futher knowh as alcohol and well you know what I mean) must be disscued with all board members.And if you thought the Highlanders were frugal I’ll see your Jimmy and raise you a Hans.
Where do you think the stingy saying “going Dutch”comes from.
Yours penny pinchingly.
Sir H2H
Mr Receptacle.
What is this “sun” object of which you speak?
Professor Storey can make one out of matchsticks, H2H, fear ye not.
Or he can go without wages for 6 months
HEH
“Going Dutch” at my house just means that Ivana gets to bring her friend Johan with her on our date. ( and I pay for all 3 of us and usually go home alone)
NorCal
For Christmas the good folk at DLL would like to send you a pair of balls.
Use them well young padawan.
Heh.
They are not Wolfie’s are they?
From whom or wence they came will remain a DLL secret under a law that we’ll make up as we go along.
NorCal,
The not-so-good-folk at DLL would like to send you some product.
Sale starts Boxing Day.
See the local Rep, Pires is King (if you can find him).
Heh,
Yeah
I have Wolfie’s in a jar on my desk at the Quackery. They make me feel…… Massively impressive when I look at them.
Wolfie however placed a couple of bells in the void and was running down the halls this morning screaming ” call me Wolfie JingleBalls”.
Ah the sounds of Christmas.
Zico,
Don’t I need to actually ” try” the product before I can ” see” the rep?
Heh, would explain PiK’s disappearing trick.
I just thought he was on the run from the Feds….
257 NorCal.
With the contents of that jar “Deck the halls” could take on a whole different meaning this season, be careful with the “shake before use” instructions.
“It’s that time of year again” said Roxette, “go and get your suit on”.
How was I to know she didn’t mean “pirate”?
She suddenly appears to be into fat blokes with a ruddy complexion – fickle or what?
At least I get to wear red and white….
Have a cool yule Holics, see you on the rooftops!
Great first post, PaGooner.
Heh @various above.
Merry Christmas one and all, and Happy Holidays to the rest of you.
A tip of the hat to all those posters above who deserve one.
Many, many thanks to the Guv’nor for all his hard work running this bar.
COYG
I have rediscovered old table tennis skills. I am still the Daddy! Well ok, the Grandaddy. I am the king of the pong and the ping.
Love you all loads. Have a great Christmas Day.
Who makes me smile? Laugh? Think? Go look in the mirror! For it is YOU
Hugs and kisses (on the cheek, of course) Off to work now, Cheers 
261 Zico
Should we call you Zanta?
===
264 ‘holic
King Pong doesn’t have such a great ring to it.
=======
It’s past the midnight hour here in mainland Europe so……..
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY.
heh to the thought of wolfie’s balls in a jar, deck the halls with balls of wolfie, come all ye (holic) faithful over the river and through the woods (bring the little drummer boy and it won’t be a silent night, even if wolfie gets greensleeves from norcal)…i’m off to dream of an abb Christmas
I picture ‘Holic going for overhead smashes against 8-10 year olds and screaming “who’s your daddy? I mean who’s your granddaddy?!”
Merry Christmas Holic. Enjoy the time. You deserve a little joy with the family.
Cheers all.
I’ll keep my eyes open for Santa in his pirate suit!
Good morning all and Merry Christmas!
I lucky win I would say which, together with Jack’s improving performace, were the positive sides of the game. But yet again I am questioning Arsene’s compitens as a match coach.
In the first half we saw two very poor performances by Carzola and Ox. Ox is still very young and a bit inconsistant so he may be exused. Then in the second half Ox opened up very really good just to be replaced by Ramsey.
The reason for this move beats me as Ramsey is neither a very good defender nor a good attacker. The game was still a draw then and a better choice would have been to replace Carzola, who continued to game like he started. Ramsey is much better in a centre position and he can also run with the ball.
Goran,
Arteta scored in 60th minute and Ramsey came on in 75th, so we were leading. Aaron does provide a more steady influence on the game than The Ox and believe it or not gives the ball away less. AOC was having a good game but I don’t disagree with that substitution. He basically replaced an attacking mid fielder with more of a possession midfielder to see out the game.
Been looking for a house recently that would let us play ping pong in the basement in winter time as well as in summer. What else is there to do in the winter in Minnesota, anyway? Go skating on a lake or something, I imagine you will all say in a chorus, but I have to say I am sorry I am not going to go freeze my balls off until I hit a chunk of uneven ice and fall down and break every bone in my body! Indoor sports only, please!
Happy Christmas everyone.
Merry Christmas All
Merry Christmas, ‘holics all.
best wishes to you and yours wherever you are
Happy Christmas all of you. Thanks for dropping by.
Merry Christmas ‘holics one and all!
Off to the family do.
What all the previous said
- and will Wind 273 be revognah then?
Merry Christmas everyone!
Merry Christmas Holic to you and yours and to Holics everywhere.
Have a great day, everyone.
Moet et Chandon Bucks Fizz lined up on the bar to start the day….
Lanson here bath, just a couple, then a couple of cheapies, then Cava, Rioja, Guinness, and Talisker, in that order.
What a great day
Merry Christmas everyone !
Up to my knees in wrapping paper and cardboard.
Raspberry Schloers lined up and waiting.
Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year to all of you and yours, and thanks to Holic for hosting this last year! A place of solace and entertainment in good times and bad!
A brief note this Christmas morning to say thanks Holic for yet another year of unstinting service to us all on the blog.
It is most appreciated from this little corner in Ireland.
Enjoy the break with your family. And Indeed to all holics throughout the gooner-holic-dom – have a warm Xmas…!
Enjoying Bloody Mary’s followed by Kir Royal in between bacon rolls en famille. Islington and the wonderfully named Balls Pond Road quiet as we drove through earlier this morning. Word of advise to anyone coming into town on the A40 – the Greenford Flyover is closed until 5 jan…long delays, so avoid!
A special thanks to the Guv for all the work that goes into making this such a fantastic blog to visit and inter-act. Hope all you holics everywhere have a wonderful day, continuing through the festive holiday period and a very happy new year.
Cheers Everyone.
Starters were at 12. Selection of home made pates. Crab, pheasant, smoked salmon, and chicken liver. Roast turkey and beef in half an hour. Big old Xmas pud and highly alcoholic sherry trifle at six. Just making the transfer from champoo to rioja. Grandkids have iPod minis, adults thus not required.
Messy Kwismis!!
Lots o’ grub, loads a grog, none of it for me I’m afraid.
We had a request to host a large family Christmas/birthday 4 course Dinner party which was too good to turn down, so I’ve been in the kitchen, with the other half, all day getting everything ready.
So, please all, have a drink for me and enjoy your day with your loved ones.
I’ll have mine tomorrow.
For Lars for paying for the drinks all year long.
http://www.alltommat.se/Recipes/2002/AoM18/recept.583.460×345.jpg
Merry Christmas to all the holics including not least of all the guvnor himself who must be hard at work plying the Wolves supporting grandsonholic with presents to bring him over to our side. Every success to you good sir!!
Happy Christmas to everybody. Just received the annual phone call from my cousin in Liverpool. He is distinctly underwhelmed that the scousers are spending £12m of their wonga on more top British talent!
Missed out one platter. Venison too. My size has gone up by one more X
A very merry Christmas to all holics…waiting on breakfast, cuppa coffee in hand. Younger bro with fam arrives this afternoon, then turkey supper with all the trimmings…
Evening all. Today went well though quiet. Most shocking though was while rummaging through old stuff I found an old copy of ‘Marine et Blanc’ (the then Girondins magazine) with Clive Allen on the cover (see picture on twitter).
A copy of ‘Gunners’ with DB10 on it was soothing after that
Merry Christmas to Holic and all Holics around the world! At my dads for dinner cant eat any more far too much turkey and carp. Shame we aint playing tomorrow.
Happy Christmas holics! enjoy
Who’s gonna nik the Xmas day goal…
I might get the goal.
Or get stuffed.
Kids almost packed off to bed. Winding down….
This will take tricky timing today …..
As I’m all about working today here’s an assist……….
Well. I know Ivana does indeed love me and has also given into my passion for Arsenal. My Christmas gift was a football signed by this years squad. So see H2H, I did indeed receive a ball for Christmas.
Merry Christmas from the Mericans!
And a goal with my new ball!
This man is on Fire!
Thx for the assist H2H. Well play sir.
NorCal. I thought we were merkans. At least Ollie said so.
Happy festivas from all gooners down under
Boxing day here and off to see the hobbit with the family
I don’t
Mean jack!
Well in NorCal.
Merry Xmas to all youse Merkan Goonahs.
Just mellowing here with a glass of Ardbeg following a tasting of 6 malts with the Bathlets.
(gotta educate the young ‘uns in the important things in life -
teams to love
teams to hate
an appreciation of the finer things in life)
We too are off to watch the Hobbit en famille tomorow.
Thank you all for such festive INTERNATIONAL drinks! Grinning, with a silly smile
Best present ever! 
Merry Christmas!
Missing the hobbit as outlaws of stepson due tomorrow (Boxing Day). It will be as huge as today. Awesome!
Bath, your lineage should be eternally grateful. They are receiving a proper education.
I need to do some work on mine, having received a Glenlivet 12
Great pressie that NorCal.
Bath, make sure you see the 3D version. For a lot of films it doesn’t make a difference, but for The Hobbit it works.
Happy Xmas abb
Well in NorCal!
Well played H2H. And bt8 @302 knows!
Thanks H2H, Miss B insisted on 3D. Paying an extra £1 a skull for the specs. Glad to hear it’s worth it.
Aye Holic, it’s well worth the exercise. I got a lovely Glenfarclas 15yo for Christmas. Best of the tasting.
Felix Navidad Ollster.
and abb.
Has (one of) my nephew(s) sing to me ‘We’ll win cos we’re Arsenal’ today. I said I’ll arrange to take him to a game
baff @313 : have we signed him?
You know, I think I have no whisky left here (and no I didn’t drink any today
). So save one for me, will ya?
New acronym…
JOB…
Jealous of bath
Evening Ollster.
To make you drool, Holic:
Glenfarclas 15yo
Benromach Peat Smoke 10yo
Arran Founder’s Reserve
Ledaig 1990
Bunnahabhain 12yo
Ardbeg 10 yo
Nice way to round off an evening.
Slainte….
hic
I’ll keep ya a wee drap o the Ardbeg, Ollie.
Oh wow.
More slobbering than drooling.
It isn’t a pretty sight
Ardbeg is angels tears…
The effect of too much table tennis surely….you need to lie back with a big glass of that Glenfiddich 12yo.
Doctor’s orders.
Aye that Ardbeg is very nice but that Glenfarclas is the nectar of the Gods.
There used to be an Ardbeg restaurant in Stockholm. They had a special Ardbeg-enhanced barbecue sauce to go with your meat (but of course I also had the normal version
).
Last time I checked it didn’t exist anymore.
Cheers baff (what a list!) and all.
And as the maestro put it: a special thought to Gooner Terry and to the Sweeper too.
OK, I have checked and there is a drop of Knockando left, so guess it would be rude not to have a nightcap.
After all, it’s been a sober day, so can’t call it abuse!
Knockando will be very nice. Never drunk it but I was there around the age of 10.
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It’s off to work I go! What it is it with Doctors plying Nurses with fattening goodies, I ask!!! Merry Christmas Holic
And Bath 
And ALL 
Can’t wait for Saturday! Good nite everyone xoxo 
Oh, and Ollie can bake 
Last punter just left…
Now I can bake too.
(For me) Christmas starts here.
Interesting selection of whiskeys above. Also interesting that a Google Images search for “Merkan” yields a first page of results including images of Dolly Parton, Donald Trump, and the pair of gay lovers in “Brokeback Mountain.” Does this ensemble represent anything in particular? I didn’t think so.
Upon further reflection I have decided the above ensemble of images represents the Republican Party ticket and top advisors in 2016.
Still got an unopened bottle of the Ardbeg 10. It`s sheer nectar.
Toasting Arsene Wenger with a touch of Calvados we got for our Boxing Day goose recipe. Calvados sublime. We’re not actually celebrating Boxing Day per se, although perhaps we should, but our friends decided to visit us that day so maybe I shouldn’t finish off the bottle just yet.
Turns out we’re not playing tomorrow due to some transit strike thingamajiggy. Sounds like the perfect chance to watch those Tottnum players fall flat on their fat littlle arses.
hello gooners
back from the film
absolutly brillant
as good as perhaps better than the LOR
bum a bit sore after almost 3 hours
now for some ham sandwiches and perhaps good aussie sav blanc
sydneyred
Many thanks for the film recommendation. With our daughter out of school this week we are looking for things to do and The Hobbit is at the top of the list.
That old chestnut is rolled out this morning from the boss,we will only sign exceptional quality in January.this jan could be a long month.
Morning ‘holics. Another day of partying awaits. Thinking of those of you who have to work today. Thanks from the rest of us.
@338:
Tube drivers obviously not included in those thanks…
Jack reacher is the lead in Lee child novels
Merry Christmas to you all!
Please note that in my absence over the New Years period, special guest, Impressive Failage will be posting his well rounded opinions on all things Arsenal! It will be his first blog post so why not pop on and take a look. It’s bound to be better than the shit I write!
Good stuff, ADU, good luck, IF!
Yep, this is more like it.
Proper Chrimbo breaky, booze at lunch, prezzies distributed and still dinner and the rest to come, a whole day free, wow, I’d almost forgotten what that was like.
No Arsenal game means no distractions just fam’ time.
Enjoy your day ‘holics however you choose to spend it.
Colin Wanker’s team getting battered is as good as Boxing day goes (since we’re not playing).
Have Sp*ds been hit for six yet?
“Arse Down Under”? Sounds like something Wolfie would be interested in.
Thanks H2H, Zico, 8ball, Norcal. And Norcal, nice to know I’m not alone in taking some time to come out of the closet… *insert smiley winky thing*
Tufty?
Barman. I’ll take some Perch and chips to go with my Newcastle Brown Ale, if you please. And I have a feeling I’ll have an appetite for seconds too.
Fact: Ferguson is the biggest whinger.
The only question is why does he keep on getting reward for it?
heh at Esso 348
Afternoon all. I hope you have all enjoyed the festivities. Gutted out game was called off. Really missing it now. Would have been nice not to have to eat and drink for a couple of hours.
Enjoy boys and girls.
Would have been nice not to have to eat and drink for a couple of hours.
Heh, poor you, Steve T!
Word of advice: if you ever book trains from France going to Germany, use Deutsche Bahn, rather than SNCF.
Haven’t completely made my mind up whether to take the train (over 6h) or the plane (only 1h30, but added time and hassle to go to/from the airport, check-in early, etc…), but for the same trains, and in the same sorts of tickets regarding exchangeability, I get via DB for €78 what SNCF offers me for…. €204.
Can’t wait until DB gets trains through the Tunnel, hope they’ll be able to operate to Paris from London
Ollie – looked other day from Angouleme – Munich but was too expensive both for DB and SNCF – also showed 15 hour one way!
Quite a way from Angoulême to Munich! Although surely if Paris to Munich is 6, it shouldn’t add 9 hours? Connection times not ideal I guess? :s
The only thing I know about Angoulême is the train station on the way to/from Bordeaux. As seen from inside trains!
Or did they make you go across France via Clermont-Ferrand, Lyon or such?
If we subtract points Utd have got from Rvp goals and assists and add that to Arsenal , we would be where they are -_-
Sajit, and if my auntie had bollocks she’d be my uncle. Going on about “if we had van Persie” is about as meaningful as saying “if only we’d bought Messi this summer”.
But we did have rvp in the summer. Small different there
Yes, but RvP didn’t want to play for us anymore. That is a small but rather important detail. If we had forced him to stay, would he have done the business for us? Would we have ended up with the same problem as with Henry in 2006/7? Etc. What-ifs are not going to help us one bit.
Lars you have a point there. But perhaps we can also use hindsight as a tool to make future decisions… Like choosing to sell our talisman to a rival club. Or perhaps that star players do perform, even though you have to spend more money for them.
What ifs are painful and not helpful, yes. But I do hope we won’t be selling more of our performers to rivals.
Fair enough.
I see Villa are making asses of themselves again. They can just fuck right off.
So much for a reaction from Villa. :-/. And they played out of their skins against us.
Fuck off.
You just wish we could play Villa now. Bah.
Let’s win our games so that other rubbish doesn’t matter.
So we slipped three places in the table today.
The only logical explanation for that must be that Arsene has lost the dressing room.
Sack everyone!!!
heh, Lars!
I am sure we will still get 4th place – come end of the season. We will do enough [both in the market & on the pitch] to ensure we get CL qualification.
But therein lies the problem.
Doctors, has anybody got Roberto’s medicine? The lad sounds a bit down
http://goonerholic.com/2012/12/so-what-are-you-doing-on-friday-night-fantasy-football-club-with-sky/#comments
theres another blog/competition up
Cognac@356 same story from PACA ,I’m going to have to hop on a plane and no low cost flights on this route.Never mind at least the match tickets and hotels ar’nt too dear
http://www.football365.com/news/21554/8359479/Forest-Sack-O-Driscoll
That will be Mark Hughes to Forest then, right?
Heh. Idiots.
washed up, hope you’ve got a cheaper route to tickets this time, to avoid repeat of the Schalke thing?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>, I seee.