Seventh Heaven, Or The Last Farewell?
Dec 30th, 2012 by 'holic
So much is made of the conflict stirred up on social media sites that we tend to ignore the plus points they provide. Like new friends. Courtesy of a few friendly exchanges on Twitter I met up with John, currently residing in Australia, before embarking on yesterday evenings voyage across the emotions. We discovered, not surprisingly, John and I have been at some of the same places down the years. His family arrived outside and it was time for him to get them under cover. The ‘holics started to assemble and were delighted to find that Trev had passed a late fitness test and was among us.
The worst of the weather had passed when we strolled to the ground and took up position. You will by now know how the match panned out, so a further report on who did what and when is unnecessary. The first-half gave us no clues as to what would follow in the second. Having said that it was apparent from the off that we have worked on getting the front three into the game more consistently than we have seen on occasion of late. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski showed regularly, and dropped to forage for the ball when Newcastle were looking to advance.
For all that they are struggling with injuries at the moment Newcastle always had a threat up front and chances came and went at both ends before Theo Walcott’s wonderful opener. Further chances were squandered and we always worry under such circumstances if such profligacy will come back to bite us. The answer to that was heading for the affirmative when Jack Wilshere gave his impression of a very badly built barrier and deflected a Ba free-kick into his own net.
It could have been something of a hammer blow, coming as it did just before half-time. As the whistle blew I grabbed the neighbour’s arm. “Listen.” Listen we did, and not a single jeer was to be heard. That was one of the most encouraging things about the day. From our central vantage point you can hear a lot of discontented punters usually, but the crowd stayed firmly behind the side yesterday, and that may have made a difference as the astonishing second period took shape.
The Ox restored our advantage before the little known Geordie mime act, ‘Marcel’ Marveaux, silently ghosted in at the far post. Again the crowd encouraged. The players, freed from some of the pressure we often subject them to at the Grove, responded. Poldi made it 3-2 and we had 25 mins to hold out to land a spectacular punt on the ‘holic pound. Kieran Gibbs didn’t have the same bet, obviously, and just five minutes had elapsed before he allowed Ba to grab a third Geordie equaliser. Surely the crowd would turn? No, they didn’t. More encouragement was given from the stands and the response will live in the memory for quite a while.
Theo’s second to restore our advantage was not as significant as the arrival of Olivier Giroud as a late substitute. A tiring Newcastle side were ravaged by the rampaging Frenchman, who feasted on wonderful service from Theo the winger. The best was yet to come, however. As Gareth Bale mulled over his fifth booking of the season for diving Theo showed the opposite side of the coin. Clearly brought down in the box he sprung to his feet and netted a sublime chip.
At the whistle Theo went on a lap of honour with the matchball. The amateur psychologists have been offering interpretations. Was he saying goodbye, and look what you will be missing? Was he emphasising a point to Arsenal’s negotiators? Let’s face it, we don’t know for sure although the signs are he won’t be doing the business for us in August. Those urging the club to do what is necessary to get him to commit to a new contract seem to be ignoring the fact that the player and his agent have to want to do a deal. Time will tell.
The post mortem was as enjoyable as you would expect, but the uncertainty of the rail service meant I had to leave a little bit closer to the end of the game than I would normally have done. I needn’t have worried. The 22.00 from Paddington ran on time, thank you First Great Western, and I was back home just in time to see the last couple of games on MotD. Funnily enough, for once, that didn’t include us.
186 Responses to “Seventh Heaven, Or The Last Farewell?”
Good to see you’re not doing what a certain other blog has done and picked massive holes in a great performance, blaming Walcott for their goals.
As far as contacts go, and with reference to that certain other blogs nonsense about players being happy to sign, Jack Wilshere is 20. I have no doubt he is delighted, at 20, to be signing the deal he has just signed. I bet he won’t be happy to sign the same sort of terms when he is 23.
Blown first drink by typing a longish one, but never mind 😉
Contracts. Bloody typos in the drinks.
So there I was… talking to myself in the other bar.
Billy No Mates, that´s me!
Top three !
Trev
Forever in my shadow 😉
? 😉
I think anybody criticising our defending yesterday has a perfectly valid point Nonny, but on days like that I would rather savour our performance at the other end of the park.
Forgot to mention the half-time treat. A very agreeable flask of brandy from TS. Thank you sir, it was much-needed.
Good to hear that you made it home and didn’t end up in Cardiff, Shadders!!
Nonny
Santi signed. And Santi is 27. And Santi > Feo! 🙂
fantastic performance last night,that’s the arsenal we deserve to watch turn out every week. Not the one at norwich or one that fell to swansea…if only we could replicate that performance weekly,with a fit BFG we would win every game! BRING ON SOTON!!!
Holic’ why do you predict such ridiculous scorelines … ? 3-2 come on be reasonable..
Heh, thanks Sheepy 😉
‘holics, just to let you know, I have had a mail from GoonerTerry who has enjoyed a better Christmas than expected. He is in regular contact with the Sweeper and is genuinely appreciative of that, and the fact he is in our thoughts.
He is still reading the drinks too, so feel free to send him your best wishes via this medium.
Here’s to you Tel.
‘holic @8
I saw that
Excellent stuff, Holic. It looked a bit like this from the Everglades,
Emirates Stadium was bathed in a peculiar fog – a dense, dark, odorous fog. It had the texture of finely ground coal dust and the distinctive scent of the fetid bowels of a Tyne Trawler, ten days overdue on return to port, with its ice melted and its fish guts absolutely, foully, reekin’.
Either Newcastle United were in town, or Holic hadn’t found time to take a moment to shower before joining TaBS in an orgiastic dust-up over a haddock supper at the highly meritorious Chip Inn Fish Bar on Holloway Road.
By the thinnest stripe of the barcode on a Bigg Market stripper’s G-string, we’ll give the Magpies the finest fish scale of an advantage, in a split decision, over our Most-Literary-Duo, in that finely weighted bout of coal, hot air and battered fish-heads-with-chips contest with a “wee club from the North East”.
So, it came to pass that Newcastle United; – Dem BaBa, Alan Pardew – (he of the eight year folly – sorry, contract) and their Pappy, Senegal Cisse, were in town. They still glory in recounting tales of their famous 4-4 draw at home with The Arsenal – one of the highlights of their last century.
But today, there was no Deliberately Dishonest Dowd to lighten their lignite, to burnish their bituminous or to ameliorate their anthracite. Would they still be “Standing On The Corner”, Mr. Dreamseller when Lindisfarne’s Lighthouse shone its beam on their grime streaked Tiote’s after 90 minutes? Or would they have faded faster than a high-speed hewer up a disappearing Durham County coal seam?
Warbling Waddell (“at least Theo HAS a brain”) was waxing lyrical about the Toon’s merits. I listened in blissful silence having hit my mute button and smiled in satisfaction as Poldi fed Theo down the left for a Thieryesque first. “They won’t come back from that – they don’t have the fire power”, I thought contentedly. But I’d reckoned without Lightning Jack who nodded a Dem BaBa free kick nonchalantly beyond the reach of The Polestar. Half time. Oranges for us, and Newcy Broon for the Toon.
Alex the Ox belts a beauty and breaches their Dutch defenses again. “They won’t come back from that!”. But Sagna’s having a mare and it’s 2-2. Then, “POLDI!” and, for at least a micro-second, the Holic Pound was on at 3-2 before another floater from our right provided an easy equalizer for 3-3. But there was no way the game was going to finish there, despite Passionate Pardew’s Pleas for a Park.
Walcott had missed a couple of sitters, but showed he could do it the hard way, with a 360 degree pirouette and a neat chip into their top right for four. And then, the BtM household exploded with applause as a French Giroud emerged from the dug-out and RATTLED two beauties for six, before Theo as good as confirmed himself 100k/week with a mesmerizing seventh for his hat-trick. OllieG almost, could have, should have, made it twelve for his first season in England, but shattered the cross-bar instead. So it finished 7-3.
Most were happy. The black scarved BBB, cold-footed in their holed, second-hand plimsoles left early, miserably, saddened that their misinformed marches through the Islington marshes had been to no avail and Arsene Wenger was still at the helm doing what he does best, managing a great young squad playing some really great stuff.
Sadly, and it grieves me sorely at this time of year, I have to report some misrepresentation on my part. Like the world-famous Steve T, (a household name now in Indonesia), I was caught unawares by ASLEF. Their cancellation of our home game against West Ham deprived us of a rock-solid, golden, nailed-on, guaranteed hammers home win which (given Everton’s win over Chelsea today) would have taken us to the promised third place when the bells toll oot the Auld Year.
Never mind, it’ll all come right at the end of the season. Our full first team will play, for the very first time, in January and by May – Top three; One Trophy; OllieG 20 Beauties.
A Guid New Year to ane and a’. There’s a Glenfiddich on the bar for you, Barman. Another very fine year in this hostelry of yours – thank you so much for that and the friendship of you and your clients ☺. Clive, if you see a black car – paint it red and always walk on the sunny side, my man.
Theo’s excellent second half stint yesterday will have left a very rosy glow with many (including me). It’s tempting at times like these to completely forget about the many recents weeks (months?) of totally inadequate contribution, save only, it has to be said, by the occasional excellent goal.
Is Theo Walcott worth 100k per week? In our world, “No way, Jose, go off and sniff a lamp-post”. In the unreal “real” where dwelleth the Milk Shake of Abbly Dabbly and Rockin’ Roman and even the Deeply Indebted Slur Alex – he IS, without doubt.
After yesterday, it will be a PR blow of the highest magnitude if Arsenal don’t bite the bullet and “sign him up”. Whether it will be a football blow of similar proportions is quite another matter. On the balance, and influenced heavily by Arsene’s highly positive commentary in the pre-match presser, I now expect Lord Walcott of WiddleBottom (for a stay with the Arsenal will lead, eventually to a title) to remain, at least for the next four years, a Gunner.
Future News Flash: When announcing the renewal of Theo Walcott’s contract today, Arsene Wenger said: “Now that Theo can play in the striking role, he is just like a new signing for the club”
Wow is all I can manage oh and who is that complete wanker that commentates on ESPN total Fuckwit that spent more time telling all and sundry that Arsenals fans are shit rather than commentating on what was happening on the pitch!!
Entertaining report as always BtM. The fog on the Tyne that came down at the Ems yesterday evening was the mist eminating from Pardews and the 3000 visiting supporters tearful eyes the longer the game went on.
Ah, that’s what it was, Uply. Difficult to discern from this great distance on a dodgy stream.
It’s certainly a good feeling my fellow goons after a day like yesterday.
Which makes the three scoreless games on the trot periods all the more frustrating. Still, that’s our Arsenal for you. 😀
What I don’t understand is that it will cost something like £15 – £20 mill to sign a new player with Theo’s promise – which is what it still is, promise (exciting though that may be) – so really if we are to believe that contract negotiations are stumbling over 5 or 10 grand a week is daft.
I’m not sure why everyone is blaming the club for Theo not signing da ting. Rumour has it he has been offered a very lucrative deal, which will make him the highest paid player at the club. He might just not be as squeaky clean as he looks and is waiting to walk in the summer for a bigger wedge and a comfy spot on the bench of the highest bidder. Let’s just wait and see what happens, meanwhile he can keep scoring for the club that is currently paying his wages and help us achieve our targets before he goes the way of all flesh. I will happily take this back if he proves me wrong and signs on!
BtM. An inspired report. 🙂 Lucky for me our young guests in the TV/guest room had dislodged the wires providing the sound on the broadcast so halfway through I was listening to golden silence without especially intending to do so. No doubt it helped calm my nerves not hearing the commentary. 🙂
‘holic as I was reading from bottom to top I wasn’t aware it was of your new post, but have now read it and thanks for another inspired report. A very memorable day all around. 🙂
Giroud and Walcott upfront is fantastic …. if arsene is willing to play a 4-3-3 formation… it would be better…
szcsesney
koscinely vermaelen
sagna gibbs
arteta
wilshere cazorla
podolski walcott giroud
podolski and giroud are ( ss) not wingers!!!!
the players i wold love to see at arsenal ( POSSIBLE TRANSFERS)
wilfred zaha
luke shaw
ba
mv ila
henry
Rumour has it he has been offered a very lucrative deal, which will make him the highest paid player at the club.
Rumour has it that he’s looking for £100k a week. Rumour also has it that Arshavin is paid (I can’t say earns) £95k a week and is the club’s top earner. Rumour also says that Podolski is actually the top earner on £105k a week.
So if rumour is correct and Theo has been offered a deal to make him the top wage earner, he would be getting what he supposedly wants and would sign.
Therefore, rumour can get its coat and not let the door hit its arse on the way out.
Rumour is bollocks, in my experience.
Big thanks to BtM, another classic take on events. Always enjoyable. Hope you both have a happy hogmanay and first foot it into a healthy and prosperous new year.
I’m starting to lean to the side that believes that Theo has been tapped up and is taking the club for a ride. This would be a shame as the club and fans have been very patient and tolerant with Theo. I also wish Arsene would stop talking about how these players love the club, as it make me cringe. Most modern day players don’t love football clubs, they love the Almighty Dollar.
Top stuff holic. Classy if not Foggy stuff from BtM. Still only seen the highlights so can add little.
The question with Theo has always been, can we afford to keep him. It would appear now that the question is, can we afford to lose him? As I have said before, if he wants to sign a contract then it is time for comprises to be made and for it to happen.
Fine accounts Holic and BtM.
Sorry I couldn’t make it to the Tollie yesterday either before to hear the craic or after to celebrate a fine victory. Didn’t see that result coming at ht, frankly.
It was an interestingly self-indulgent lap of honour by Feo at the end – it looked for a moment that he was planning to go round twice 😀
This late in the day, I cannot see him playing for us next season. Frankly I suspect the deal is done verbally following a tap-up from up the road. In which case he’s behaved like a manipulative, misrepresenting, mendacious microbe.
…and best wishes Gooner Terry.
Nice alliteration on the microbe there, Bath. On the balance I’d prefer the microbe to stay. If he doesn’t, MMMM will enter my Lexicon in 2013 for sure.
Hae a guid yin.
Great result yesterday. Even better news about GT.
I’ve been off the grid for the past couple of weeks, mainly to keep myself isolated from some of the less sane views occasionally expressed by visitors to this bar. I’d find it easier if those views had absolutely no basis, but as it is I find I have to read the opinions quite closely to understand the arguments before attempting to counter them. I’m pleased to find so many on here willing and able to do the good work.
So, thank you.
One question:
There appears to be a general feeling that Arsène is about to “Spend some f***ing money”. Is there any basis for this?
I’m inclined to think that we won’t be doing much business in the market in January, because we don’t often do much – Arshavin, Abebayor, Diaby and Walcott excepted, of course. We might get in some replacements if we manage to find takers for some of “the dead wood”.
Resolution of the Walcott issue, might, of course, lead to further transfer dealings. I’ve not followed the rumours particularly closely (in fact, not at all). As far as I can make out:
His contract expires at the end of this season.
Negotiations between Walcott’s people and the club have broken down.
Each side blames the other for the breakdown.
Theo himself hasn’t said much publicly.
I’m unable to form any firm opinion on what I expect to happen based on the above. If there are relevant facts that I’ve missed, I hope someone will point them out to me, and thank you in advance.
Good stuff guv, a fine insight to the general mood in the stadium, thank you.
Plus, I couldn’t agree more with what you say reguarding the Theo situation.
I haven’t completly finished backdring (up to the mid 200’s on previous) but the general consensus seems to be that we should sign him up at all costs. I’ve read the usual “spend some f-ing money” arguement and the newer give him the “FMV” opinion. Now I can only presume that “FMV” means Fair Market Value, if this is the case then this arguement is laughable at best because how can one possibly define what that amount is in such a distorted market?
Let’s say, for arguements sake, that Feo’s “FMV” is a ton a week and we go all out and break our wage structure to offer him that, what is to stop the Chavs or the Mancs coming in and offering him double just to stick him on the bench, where’s the “F” in that?
I said in the summer that if he didn’t sign we should get rid, but, for whatever reason, we stuck with him and he now has our balls in a wringer. From the moment his contract went under the year mark we were in a lose/lose situation. We could have stuck him in the reserves refusing to play him untill he signed da ting, in which case he would have picked up his tidy wages and walked at the end of the season anyway. By choosing to give him what he wanted (IE starting through the middle) we’ve shot ourselves not only in the foot, but taken half our leg off too.
He has now put himself firmly in the shop window and has shown potential suitors that he very well may be able to play through the middle, no matter what you thought of his performance yesterday (or other days) the simple fact is that his stats are pretty amazing and he is a far better player (when he wants to be) now then he was last term. Yesterdays hatrick would have raised his “value” astronomically.
The ball is firmly in his court, he is holding all the cards or whatever colourful methaphore you chose to use, the club have a very week negiotating chip and Theo and his people will dictate the proceedings it’s as simple as that. If you think we can cash in on him in the next window, then think again, there’s not an agent worth his salt that would let that happen when there’s a bumper pay day for them all in just a few months time.
Last night on MotD, Hanson, not historically a fan of Theo, praised the way Walcott has just got on with it during this whole saga, an extreamly small part of me agrees, but the rest is screaming bollox, (a touch of the Goram’s I think) he’s just playing the game, very well I must admit, but doing the “smart” thing all the same. He saw the backlash when his mate Robin made his ill advised statement and has decided to remain coy and reasonably quiet in the media. But I guess, unlike vP he knows he has time on his side, so he doesn’t have to say a thing.
Theo is 23 years old, a likeable, clean cut, well spoken, Englsh lad who is finaly coming into his own and showing a marked improvement. He is an agents wet dream and as rare as fairy gold dust. He’s a major meal ticket for those he repersents and they’ll be constantly whispering sweet nothings into his shell like, telling him how great he is and what he’s “worth” and I’m afraid that “worth” will be far beyond what Arsenal are willing or able to pay.
Wenger has and will continue to tell us that he wants Theo to stay and believes he will…… well, what do you expect him to say? It’s all a bit of deja-vu all over again if you ask me, we’ve been here before too many times over the last few years and it almost always ends up the same. If Theo wanted to sign then I believe it would of been dusted long ago. I don’t believe for a second all this talk about prefered position and guarentees that he would be a CF, it’s all smoke and mirrors, the bottom line is and always will be when there’s agents involved, the bottom line. It’s all about the money and let’s not fool ourselves that it’s about anything else
Apologies if this is coming over all negative after such a great result yesterday, it’s not my intention to bring anyone down, just to highlight the fact that the club have very little say in deciding Walcott’s future and to blame them if he decides to leave would be directing ire in the wrong direction.
I truly hope that my theories, because that’s all they are, are wide of the mark and Theo decides that he would be best served at the place who gave him his chance and made him what he is today, but as history is not on our side reguarding such deals I will not be holding my breath.
OK, a stiff drink on my tab if you made it this far, I’m off to do a bit of backdrinking.
Cheers.
I don’t doubt that Walcott has been offered the moon by Arsenal.
I suspect whoever it is that has tapped him up, though, to be offering the sun and the stars (plus image rights).
As well as he played yesterday, life will go on without him. No point in giving ourselves an ulcer over a situation which we cannot control.
“holic, holloway, zico, you’re all spot on re Theo. When you’re in the last year of the contract, you have all the leverage in the world, plus your agent(s)’ payday when you’re on the open market skyrockets.
And put yourself in Theo’s shoes: you’re 23 years old, your game relies mainly on speed rather than guile, your value will be diminishing with each year as your speed plateaus…why not go, right now, for the biggest payday you’ll probably ever realize? And get to sell more shirts for another club? (Biggest selling shirt in the U.S. is a Manure shirt with a player-new-to-the-club’s name on it…)
On another note, QPR down 0-2 after 17 minutes. ‘Arry looking like he’s getting that itchy twitchy feeling again….
OTM with yesterday’s result and second half performance of course (except for Gibbs defensively and Sagna generally – where’s Jenks, not even on the bench yesterday?).
Would have said something about the Walcott situation but I see H2H@34 has already said it all – almost. I have previously said of TW that he was too inconsistent, wasn’t learning and too lightweight to play through the middle. Full marks to the guy for proving me wrong on all counts (still a bit inconsistent but so am I). Hope he stays now but what will be, will be.
I sincerely hope that our ACN exile will come back and prove me wrong as well. Otherwise, the squad is looking stronger than it did a couple of weeks back – confidence is a huge factor in this game. But there is no squad that cannot be improved, so let’s hope AW comes up with a couple more gems in the next month.
Great accounts of the game from Holic and BTM.
Oxon knows.
I’m on the for now, i will drop by later in the day and chip in with my own little observations.
Aparently Aaron Ramsey wrote ‘sign, you mug’ on Theo’s matchball. That kid will become a legend of our club, Theo can do same too, if he signs.
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
I took my solitary perch in The Elizabethan at 5: 25 and contemplated the Guinness and the game in front of me.
“3 points any which way”, I suggested pre-match, but never in a hundred years, even with our ability to gift goals to the opposition, did I expect such a goal fest to unfold over the next 90 minutes. Surrounded by local neanderthals, who, for whatever reason, “just hate Arsenal”, I decided to keep my eyes front and my mouth firmly shut.
That was until Demba Ba got a run on our defence amidst more poorly executed zonal marking, and put a header over the bar. “Oh for fuck’s sake”, my neutrality rumbled as the Cro -Magnon horde looked on. That move sort of set the tone for our defending, although to be fair it wasn’t crosses coming into the box that created problems, more our sleep-walking full backs.
Sagna with a brainless challenge to give the free kick away for the first equaliser, was also jointly complicit in at least one if not both of the other two Bar-code goals, with young Master Gibbs having a (defensive) mare on the other side. For the second Newcastle goal I thought Wilshere could have done more as well, but enough of the Bad.
The Good? Where to start? Probably the second half. Whilst, we should have been well in front by the time Newcastle did score, we had two good stops from Woj which ensured that we only conceded once before the break. The second half saw our players closing down much more readily and we looked much more “at it” as a result.
Walcott was as good as I have seen him in an Arsenal shirt, but mentions in dispatches are also due for Podolski, Chamberlain and Giroud , and not simply because they scored the goals but because they all created a menacing air in the last third. Also, Gibbs who was as good going forward as he was bad at the back. Seven goals. Should have been eight but for a crossbar. And four league wins on the bounce. Could we, at last, be building some momentum?
I settled on a fourth pint before leaving following the final whistle. The smug grin on my face invited a debate from one of the Rangers fans, for that is what they were:
Me : “So why do you hate Arsenal then? ”
Ugly man “I hate them because of Wenger. He’s always complaining. It’s always someone else’s fault.”
Me : “And I suppose you’re a part-time Chelsea fan?”
Ugly man : “Naw, apart from the Bears, it’s Man Yoo for me.”
Me : “The suit of irony doesn’t fit you too well, does it?”
Ugly man: “Eh?”
With that, I sank my pint and disappeared into the night grinning inanely, the way you do when your team has just shat all over the opposition.
Heh Zico @40 – a bar full of Huns? bleugh – I hope you were wearing a body condom and had a shower before entering your living room.
…and yersel, chiel, BtM @32
GT
I had no idea that you were not at 100%, but all the best, and good to hear that you are a little better.
Heh Zico! Great reportage from the land of the great unwashed. My man from the Athens of the north (his words not mine) was quite chuffed yesterday. Also from my experiences up there (eons ago admittedly) stange to find a ‘ger with any time for united. I heard ‘How many lived…..’ being sung up there by Rangers fans long before Leeds copied it down here.
It’s no accident that we are more fluent going forward without gervinho and Ramsey in the team. Ramsey may well have a very good player hiding inside his otherwise Velcro like quality with the ball. if takes a few substitute appearances for him to learn to release the ball then I’m fine with it.
Up until 3 matches ago Wenger chose gervinho over Walcott up front but the foreheads brainless and awful displays dictated Wenger’s playing of TW14 in his much coveted position.
So it sits uncomfortably with me when I hear Wenger saying he always intended to give him a chance up top.
Good points Geoff.
Can you remember what Wenger’s on? How much would yiu want to do the job?
Wenger has talked about Walcott getting a chance up front for years.
He made it clear he wanted him to learn his trade on the flanks first and he explained his logic.
There is absolutely nothing to say that if we’d stuck Walcott up front 2-3 years ago it would have worked. He’s clearly a more developed player now than he was even 18 months ago.
It beggars belief the way that certain members of the anti-Wenger faction (not you Geoff, but others in the media, including former players who should know better) are attempting to use Theo’s apparent success up top to beat Le Boss over the head with. As if he’s simply been an obstacle all along and has had nothing to do with bringing on the player (who quite a few people were calling for us to bin off a couple of seasons ago).
If they’re out on the pitch it’s because he chose to buy and play them. He gets the stick for Gervinho (quite rightly) then he should get some praise when Theo moves position and does the business.
H2H, can’t add much more to what you wrote about Feo, but it might not be a bad idea for Walcott to look up Michael Owen’s career after his move to Real Madrid at the age of 24, which Feo will be in March. But with a certain Dutch racaille having the (rubescent, hemangiomatic) ear of Ferguson, I have a sneaking suspicion that Walcott has already been approached by people with connections to the hedge fund collateral located at Old Trafford…As always, great posts from Zico, BtM, the fantastic ‘Holic of course, and others which serve up a wonderful dessert after an Arsenal victory (or a soothing tonic after a loss). And, Zico, for PL fans from other countries, it’s funny how often the clubs they elect to support so perfectly reflect their own c*ntish characters…
First and foremost, I am pleased to hear that GoonerTerry is feeling better. May that continue.
As for Theo, he has played the contract game masterfully. As I said yesterday, he has always known the worst he would get in terms of money is what we offered. He is in a no lose situation. I would say even if he got injured we would offer the same contract, unless it was a spot on career ending injury. Good for you Theo. Are you looking for property in Liverpoo or Manchester today? Punk.
Certain that Poldi’s on the most at 107k pw, then Rosicky/Mertesacker on 80k pw, Arshavin on 78k pw, and the Midfield Spainards next highest on 70k pw in terms of our wages although Jack could be up there in with his new contract. I’d sit Theo up 2nd at 90-95k pw in my personal opinion, but I still hope he signs, just not as our highest paid player.
Really enjoyed the highlights of what I’ve seen of the match, so indepth that I don’t feel the need to watch the whole game again, just happy for 3 more points 🙂
Oh screw it, to Player for the Standard 14 Mins Highlights 😀
Catalan from last drinks, heh, I’m too nice to my family, will probably go and get the same older sister the Ice Cream she wanted from Tesco Express (they’re like an infestation in London now!) 😛
Garsguns from last drinks, I agree haha, my finishing was atrocious in our two games, probably cos it was my 1st time using 4-3-1-2 with Giroud on the Left and Walcott on the Right, should have had Arteta on for Diaby as well but until next time 😉
Had better luck against Sajit on Fifa although he gifted me a beautfiul Giroud chip into the left top corner of the goal and a Giroud placed shot into the left bottom corner from his keeper’s mistakes 😛 He had bad lag throughout though 🙁
Hope you’re feeling better as of late GoonerTerry.
Evening All,
Great report Holic, and fine contributions BtM, Dr Z.
Humdinger of a hangover here, only just subsiding. Great to see everyone yesterday. BtM, I will admit my post-game memories are a little murky, but I can state with some certainty that there was no haddock involved. 😉
Trev, hope you feel better soon.
H2H pretty much reflects where I am re Feo. Doubt he’s arguing about 5/10K a week. Suspect he’s been offered a lot more elsewhere. Meh. Lap of honour? Meh.
Good to see Giroud looking so sharp when he came on, let’s hope he carries it into the next game. Shame he didn’t complete his hat-trick.
Thought Ox and Poldi both had great games, mixing industry with no little skill. Both deserved their goals.
The full backs will both have better days. Sagna completely skinned for their second, he looked lethargic all game. I’d give Jenks a run out at Soton if he’s fit.
N7 @46 – Well said re the pivotal role AW has played in Feo’s development. I completely agree with you. Most managers would have binned him years ago. The revisionism of the media and some of our own is sickening.
Been consigned to Sofa for most of the day so watched both games today. How Chelsea managed to steal 3 points up at Goodison is beyond me. I thought they were completely outplayed for vast swathes of the game. As for Rangers, if ‘Arry is busy working miracles, they completely passed me by. Rangers were as pitiful as anything I’ve seen in the Premiership.
Sky were reporting that Ba is travelling to Chelsea to discuss terms. No idea if there’s any truth in it, but if it is accurate that would appear to put the kibosh on any Ba to Arsenal rumours.
And all the very best to GoonerTerry. Great to hear that you are feeling a little better.
GoonerTerry. I hope all’s shipshape with you soon and you are keeping spirits high. 🙂
I don’t doubt that Walcott has been offered the moon by Arsenal.
I do.
But if they have pffered him the moon it won’t be the real one, it will be a model, the cheapskates….
Typing in the dark there. Excuse the typo
Maybe Gibbs has been picking up a few tips on his marking from Maestro Santos? God forbid, and pardon, (I hope) the thought.
A team performance like yesterday’s just makes me want the game to last 120 minutes, or at least to have the next game come quicker. At least this time we won’t have long to wait. Southampton. Away. New Year’s Day. Good thing we have AW to restrain the boys from overindulgence the night before. I think. Let the Saints drink all the bubbly they want though, I say.
@ 55Nonny
Well turn the fucking light on then ya tight cunt!
Glad you enjoyed the Marlon maestro. A shame we didn’t get to say goodbye. Like you, I arrived home in time for MoTD. Thanks again for sourcing the seat. North Bank lower is almost as good ad being at an away game. Everyone stands and most sing loudly. Met some very agreeable folk too.
HNY all!
Giroud was a best attacking Theo’s cross. There was absolutely no way he was going to let that one get away. Playing with great form and confidence.
Meant to say Giroud was a beast. I have no excuse, not typing in the dark like Nonny. 🙂
Esso,
He’s in the dark because we gave the moon and stars to Theo. 😉
Bath @ 41, I did feel a bit dirty afterward now that you mention it.
Esso @ 43 – it’s true, and I only thought about it afterwards, but there are very few, who follow the presbyterian half of the ugly sisters who care for United. As I sort of alluded to in my drink though, he wasn’t the sharpest tool in the box. 😉
Nonny – so you think the Walcott situation is down to Arsenal then – why so sure?
Hi everyone. Holic, Seventh Heaven 🙂 I’m still in the clouds. So enjoyed your reminisces of this most amazing game. Sir, you will be delighted to know, that you were not the only one in good company yesterday. I was surrounded by some wonderful souls, right here in this fine establishment 🙂 As I’m unwilling to come down to earth, just yet, I will not talk of the Theo situation 🙁 Other than to say, his 3rd goal, will remain etched in my memory as a classic. 🙂 Speaking of memories, Gooner Terry, there is a candle burning brightly just for you, Brother, right here at the bar. How I miss you, 8ball and Snir chatting it up into the wee hours of the nite…sometimes Cor and H2H would pop in as well. Good stuff 🙂
Oh and good news on GT.
Oh my goodness! who needs a medicine chest full of ‘uppers’, when the likes of Nonny, 8ball, Esso, Norcal, iStorey and Dr Z are around 🙂 Esso @ 58 LOL 🙂
Dang, Now I can take a nap with a smile on my face! Nonny, Esso got you good 🙂
Chant of the week definitely won hands down by the Loft this afternoon.
“We lose every week,
We lose every wee-ee-eek,
You’re nothing special,
We lose every week”
That put the Mickeys in their place 😀
Gooner Terry, good to know you’re getting better, mate.
Reading all this speculation about TH14 reminded me that I was informed months ago (by an agent although not Theo’s) that Theo would be leaving for another premier league team in January. That team was Liverpool. How on earth another agent would be party to that information I can only speculate.
Recently Wenger has stated that we’ll hold him for the season whatever happens but the club have a history of cashing in rather than losing all money.
Heh ‘holic.
Hello abb….yr 66…be careful, you’ll be putting the Feelgood Foundation out of business. They don’t take kindly to such action. 😉
GT…glad you are on the up mate. Anyone think it strange that our GT and that c*nt JTerry are both missing in action at the same time. I recall all those protestations from GT earlier in the year that he was not JT – particularly his moniker mmmm. 😉
Geoff, Feo out of contract means his agent can (has) negotiate a far better deal with another club than Arsenal can offer, even by putting him alongside our top earners. Quite simply does he love Arsenal enough to stay though still earning a king’s ransom or just go for the biggest bucks elsewhere. History tells us the answer but we hope he will buck the trend.
Everyone in the bar wishing you the best, GT. Hope Saturday’s goal fest perked you up a bit more.
BtM: is there something in the water down there, apart from ‘gators that is? Your match report as amusant as ever. I’d say there was a touch of the Stuart Halls developing in you except it might be taken the wrong way.
Very mellow post, ‘Holic. You are spot on about Theo. It takes two to tango. It would be worth keeping Theo if for no other reason than to keep OG fired up in the competition for the CF spot. A near hat-trick in 20 mins was a statement of its own. [Cue Alan Davies loud cod French accent] “What! You take a whole game to score three…?”
I blame the agents. There is precious little in it for them when a player stays with a club. They make a bigger bundle every time their man moves on. I imagine most of them spend most of their time impressing on their charges how green the grass is elsewhere.
Very few players have half the smarts of the spivs who represent them. Er, who represent themselves more like!
Oskar
Okay, ‘precious little’ was wrong … but certainly a lot less than moving their man on.
Oskar
Good summary ‘holic of a highly entertaining game!
Our footballing brand is fully on its way back! Attackingly potent; defensively impotent at times – abit like that debt-laden hedge-fund up north! Heh 🙂
N7 @46 knows!
Feo’s developing just like TH14 did! Came as a highly mobile central striker but was initially played on both flanks so as to learn the “complete attacking trade” before being redeployed back centrally with more comprehensive skills! Arsene’s MO’s always been brilliantly simple and consistently clear to see for the educated and enlightened; total footballing intelligence and development within your position and don’t just be a “one-track pony”! That’s why many of those ignorant douche-bags in the footballing-world will never ever appreciate just how brilliant he is at developing talent.
Question – Is this what Arsene’s trying to do with Poldi too? Hmmm I wonder?! Perhaps it’s the same with Gervinho?! From a winger to a central striker?? But I think he’ll have his work cut-out with that one! Wilifried Zaha anyone?! Feo’ll sign a new deal once TH14 explains fully what’s what to him.
Regarding general signings in the January window, I’m not too fussed but i am very encouraged to hear the stories of Brian Marwood returning to our club to assist in a “David Dein-esque” role. Onwards and upwards Gunners!
On a more heartening matter, get fully well soon GT. Have been missing your presence and drinks in the bar, man! I hope the New Year’s filled with good health and prosperity to you and your family.
A happy and prosperous 2014 to all the patrons of this glorious establishment. COYBG! Victoria Concordia Crescit.
Sorry, Happy 2013! Getting abit ahead of myself as I’m expecting the Quadruple in 2014! 🙂 COYBG!
Home at last! Now to read the blog.
Geoff: “It’s no accident that we are more fluent going forward without gervinho and Ramsey in the team.”
Ramsey was subbed on after pretty much 81 minutes. His first touches of the ball set up Theo for a shot that deflected off a defender and went about two inches wide.
The second thing he did was win the ball back way up the pitch by the corner flag and giving it to Santi who tried a cross but failed spectacularly. No, sorry, that was the third thing he did – he had chased a slightly too long corner kick and given the ball to Santi just before that.
Newcastle broke from the failed cross attempt and… yes, Ramsey tracked back and together with Koscielny he won the ball about halfway into our half. He then turned around quickly and played the ball to Santi who played it to Sagna who fed it to Walcott who crossed for Giroud and the game was home and dry.
At 7-3 he also fed a perfect ball to Giroud who hit the underside of the bar.
So in summary, with this player who slows everything down so much we scored three and had one off the bar in just under 14 minutes.
tabs: “The revisionism of the media and some of our own is sickening.”
Amen to that, brother. For years we have been told by the media that Theo is shit and a waste of time and money and now all of a sudden Arsene is an idiot for not having tied him down to a contract earlier. And I have heard people who previously basically wanted Theo taken out and shot unashamedly have a go at Arsene for not having signed Theo up when he wasn’t as good because “he would surely have accepted a lower wage then”. It’s Flamini all over again, he was on his way to Birmingham and no one gave a rat’s arse but he was persuaded by Arsene to stay and then all of a sudden all and sundry had a go at Arsene for not getting him to sign a new contract in the summer when he hadn’t had his breakthrough.
And as I have said before, before shelling out for Theo I’d like some assurances (which I know that I can’t ever get, though) that he is not just another chaser of big deals. The afforementioned Flamini is a case in point, as is Nasri. Or, for that matter, Adepaymemore. Like others, I can’t see Theo signing a new contract when it’s gone this far but for his own sake I hope he comes to his senses and realises that not only is the best place for him to be exactly where he is right now and also that he fucking owes the club, us fans and most of all Arsene big time. He’d most likely have been nowhere today without the guidance and patience of Arsene.
And in other news, I went with the missus to see the Hobbit (which was a popular choice for patrons of this bar over the Xmas holidays it seems) today. Quite disappointed, I must say. Had far too much of “hey, let them fight twice as many
Stoke playersorchs as in Lord of the Rings and that’ll be like awesome, dude!” for my liking.Lars fucking knows! Well except, maybe the movie part, i don’t really watch movies, i’ve definitely not watched the movie in question.
Lars, totally agree with you. (but I didn’t go and see the Hobbit)
haha, I see Cent has done that one just before 🙂
Top bombing, Lars…
that there was no haddock involved.
tabs, I can confirm that. Looks like bouncer at the Tollie was happy to see the back of you (was it the spilt pint?), but if you remember, we reached the Indian Ocean but it was closed.
I left you at Holloway Road tube station, I see you got back in one piece 🙂
Hope you are feeling better Yaadman GT. All the best Sir.
Lars knows indeed.
Ollie @81, great minds and all that?
Cheers for the kind words, all!
GoonerTerry, good to hear your news at 13. Best wishes for the New Year!
Lars knows indeed.
And to prove he’s not infallible – which, to be fair, neither he nor any of the LKBs has ever claimed – he appears to think that being right is enough.
No! A thousand times no!
To achieve anything approaching respect, you need not only to be right ALL the time, you must be popular with the Press and you must be English.
Lars – Apologies. I have no idea whether you believe being right is enough and no right to suggest that you do.
Actually, on mature consideration, my last sentence is incorrect too as it’s acceptable to be Scottish. Or Portuguese.
Oxon, no worries – I must admit I didn’t quite follow what you meant@90 anyway 🙂
Spot on Lars.
Heh Ollie, I had indeed forgotten that 🙂 Whole evening a bit of a blur if I’m honest. Don’t remember the spilt pint either!!!
Oh dear, must stop drinking Stella.
BTM — are you a pro? You write like one. Perhaps you are just a product of The Scottish education system.
From your vantage point in the Everglades you seem to have an exceptional view.
Holic’-nice post as per usual.
Everyone else — As we in NZ will be the first on the planet to greet the new year,may I wish you all a happy and healthy one!
Evening all. Having now been able to watch the match there is nothing that I can add to those who have gone before me. Let’s hope for a similar performance at the Saints but without the defensive lapses.
Re Theo.
I guess that this will be a situation that will decide opinion, as Theo himself has done throughout his Arsenal career, until it is finally resolved. I have read the drinks and agree with many of the points made, in particular the ones made by BtM, H2H and Lars.
The first point is this. Whatever happens with Theo the club has to accept some responsibility for allowing him to reach the final year with nothing remotely in place. The Flamini situation followed by the shambles with Nasri and RVP are lessons that we have hopefully now learned. The recent contract extension announcements would tend to suggest that we are someway to addressing that.
As I understand it contract negotiations started last summer at some stage. The early indications were that if a deal was not struck then Theo would be sold. But then there was a reprieve. Talks would continue. Obviously what also followed was the media circus and constant speculation.
Now Arsenal as we all know is very much run like a business. I have no doubt that Theo’s agents have tested other waters. I have no doubt they have made enquiries and sounded out other options. As much as I hate agents they would not be doing their job if they hadn’t. I also believe that during talks with the club that at some stage that Theo has stated a desire to remain at the club. If he had not then I would not have expected him to have started the season as Arsenal player. The businessmen at the club I am convinced would not have allowed that.
Theo has always struck me as a decent, honest young man. I am sure that whatever his future holds and wherever that may be that he will always have an affection and tremendous respect for both AW and Arsenal. That is why at this stage I am happy to believe that whatever he will have told AW will be the truth. If, as RVP stated, that he had no intention of signing a new contract I would hope that he would have the common decency to have said so. Am I asking too much? I sincerely hope not.
So where does that leave us now? Well, the one thing I would say is that if we allow Theo to leave on a free then it will be one of the biggest acts of miss management we have witnessed. Everyone will have an opinion on Theo. Should he stay? How much is he worth? Etc. The fact is that he is 23 and clearly has the best years ahead of him. AW has always prided himself on developing young talent. If Theo is allowed to walk away for nothing then I think that is one monstrously massive waste. Not just of the player but for all of the time and effort invested in him over the years. It would completely defeat the object of buying players at that age. We might as well save our money and go for the finished article.
So what now? Well for me this matter has to be resolved in January and for more than one reason. If talks are still “on going” then there must be both common ground and agreement. If the decision to sell Theo in the summer was reversed then I can only assume that this was done because certain assurances, promises or agreements were made back then. Whether that is to do with money, starting position, image rights I really do not know. All I know now is that those involved in such negotiations need to sit down now and thrash out the fine grain detail. The big difference from August is that Theo holds a lot more of the trump cards than he did back then. The other consideration for the board now is how much would it cost us to replace Theo? He is top scorer with 14 goals this season. This is from 20 appearances, 9 of which have been from the bench. How do we replace that?
My view now is that we sit down now and effectively offer Theo what he wants. He eat a bit of humble pie, bend the club rules a bit of necessary and just get it done. If having made that kind of offer and he still wont sign it then I would suggest that is all the indication we need that he has no intention of staying. We then let the auction commence before European sides get him to sign a pre contract agreement. Apart from the financial reasons, the other main reason it needs to be sorted is that it will just become an even bigger distraction than it already has become. Every time a player is interviewed he is asked about the contract. The same with AW. The same with Theo. The same with almost anyone connected with the club. It is a distraction that will not do us any favours as the season rolls on. I just hope that a sensible and speedy conclusion can be reached.
GT. Good luck and best wishes.
Keep the faith.
Evening Lars, thanks for the minute by minute Ramsey stats. He was good when he came on against Newcastle but he’s been garbage this season. If he plays consistently to his 9 minute level over 90 he’ll be in the team on merit.
You obviously have more mates in the bar than me this evening. We may disagree on many issues but we’re All gooners so a drink for you all.
Pretty much what I said at 21 Steve T Re: Theo.
We’ll need to shell out £15 mill + to replace a player with that promise so any quibbling over £10 k a week more or whatever pales into insignificance when faced with the signing fee of a new player if Theo leaves on a free. Plus the new player will want similar wages to Theo.
So the fact that AFC can’t just come out and offer an ‘offer you can’t refuse’ is rather bemusing, not for the first time either.
The juries still out on Ramsey for me Geoff 😉
Lofts it high to the other post ala Jack Wilshere 🙂
Lurks in
Paper talk but makes sense to me.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2255069/Theo-Walcott-given-deadline-Arsenal-sign-new-contract.html
Well in H2H
H2H. Poachers finish. You can’t teach that.
Heh, cheers lads.
I wonder if Cole, Clichy, Toure, Flamini, Hleb, Adebayor, Nasri, RvP etc etc ever stop to ponder how successful Arsenal (and themselves) could have been if they’d stayed loyal to their club manager rather than their bank manager.
Will Theo be any different? I doubt it. His recent good form has probably convinced him that he was always right (and AW wrong) about his CF wet dreams. The likelihood he’ll be loyal now seems remote.
Oskar
PS: I purposely exclude Fabregas from the above list since his reasons for moving were understandable
Oskar: In all fairness, I loathe to say it , but Cole has had a very distinguished career and being the c*nt he is, I doubt he would look back and ponder.
Impressive Failage @94. Please let us know when and if 2013 is turning out to be a good one so we can make plans. 😉
Steve T @101: two weeks takes us to half way through the window, which would give the club two weeks to sell Theo if his answer is no.
Well in for the ton, H2H. Ghosted in like a mist off the North Sea.
Why is everybody saying Giroud scored 11 already when he only scored 9?
6 in the league, 2 in the CoC, and 1 in the CL.
If Theo is allowed to walk away for nothing
Sorry Steve, but that’s one thing I really can’t be happy to read over and over here and there.
The only way we can avoid this for sure is to put a gun to his head.
If other clubs offer him £150,000 a week for instance, we can’t compete with that.
I also believe that contract negotiations with the club began much earlier than just last summer.
I hope he stays but I can’t really see it. Even though, like Arsène, I think he really belongs here and would be a fool to go. And I’ve seen stuff on Saturday that I didn’t think him capable of doing. Whether it’s experience or confidence, I don’t know, but he looks to be turning into a rather decent player.
As has been stated, it’s very doubtful he’d have had that much time to develop at other big clubs.
I’m vaguely hoping that for once a player could turn out not to be a driven-by-money massive cunt, but obviously, after the RvP fiasco, I struggle to even just pretend it’s possible.
Show us your balls (not literally), and ‘sign da ting’, Theo.
And well in H2H.
But apart from the ‘what he wants’ thing, same excellent points, Steve 😉
Also Mark 97, it’s all well saying that, but as you well know, there’s an internal side to that argument: other players could then ask for ‘the same wage as Feo’.
If only things were ever as simple as you describe them there.
There’s always a bigger picture than just wee Theo, you know.
Being an Arsenal fan these days really is an exercise in frustration-management.
12 months ago, straws were readily grasped as many raced to the conclusion that Robin van Persie loved being at Arsenal, took his role as captain seriously, and read whole chapters into body language which could only signify the renewal of his contract. Oh, and the clincher – “he owes us”.
Fast forward to today and we find ourselves in an almost identical situation regarding Theodore Walcott. Talks regarding his contract have taken on epic proportions – I can only conclude that the reason they have gone on as long is that each round of negotiations lasts 2 minutes, along the lines of:
AFC: “So, you going to sign then?”
Team Walcott : “Eh, no.”
AFC : “See you next month then.”
So talks are “ongoing”.
We have heard all the arguments about how Walcott wants to play centre forward, how he will never be guaranteed that role were he to go to, say Man City, or Chelsea, and also how Walcott “owes us”. All of which misses the point.
If we are to believe Team Walcott, it isn’t about money. Really?
Far from owing us, the modern footballer thinks that their employer and the fans “owe them”. An inflated sense of entitlement and expectation that comes from being enveloped in a bubble that protects them from the rest of us and our mundane reality. I get the impression that Arsenal, for all the right reasons, and perhaps similar to (or maybe even more than) other clubs, create this divide, by trying to ensure that players have no distractions other than keeping fit and playing football. If they then appear unaffected by events the way we are, can we really expect anything else?
There is much talk about mis-management of Walcott’s contract negotiations, coming as it does in the wake of the departures of Van Persie, Nasri, Fabregas and so on. This, more than anything is the source of frustration I mentioned earlier. But it assumes that the fault all lies with the club. Many on here are confident of this but I would be eager to understand where this certainty comes from. In the absence of the facts, I can’t take any solace in “rumour has it” stories.
For me, irrespective of how incompetent you may think our “Management” happens to be, I don’t think that they are blissfully unaware of the messages, subliminal and overt that will be taken from losing another “star” player. But if the “talks” merely consist of lip service from one of the parties, the other is most certainly going to end up frustrated. And so will we.
Serially so.
And a pint for zico too! 🙂
Cheers Ollie,
And there was me setting myself up for some disappointment too 😉
Doh!
Been moaning for ages I can’t get Sky Sports Go because I subscribe via cable. Just found out I have Virgin TV anywhere and all of the Sky channels are on that.
Need for streams lessens further.
Zico 113
I feel the same frustration. I feel most footballers are simply mercenaries doing their work for the highest bidder. We get too emotionally invested in our clubs we overlook the greedy pigs that they are. Of course it is not all of them but the majority seem to be that way.
More annoying is sports journalists (john cross and sam wallace come to mind) doing what seems to be PR work for the player and his agents.
This piece seems to be the most neutral by marcotti
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323320404578211441936337024.html
P.S.
Happy New Year everyone
Excellent observations zico @113. Couldn’t agree more.
Happy Hogmanay Holic and Holics.
Thank you Holic for another year of excellent blogging.
And thank you Holics for another year of stimulating chat and entertainment.
Pre-Hogmanay drinkies of your choice on the bar for all Holics.
Cheers baff. Sorry you couldn’t make it to the Tollie on Saturday.
Happy Hogmanay to you and all the Scottish fellows.
Happy NYE to the rest of ya 😉
Ollie. If Theo either wants or has been offered 150k then the answer is simple. Sell him now. My belief is that if that was the case then he would have been sold in the summer.
Cheers Ollie. Slainte. See you next year.
Good link AFBOFW @117 – interesting reading – and very much makes sense.
Morning all.
Good stuff from Stevr T and Lars yesterday.
Top post Zico, kinda what I was trying to get at in a previous offering, but you did it better.
So, last day of the year, I think that calls for a drink or
twoten…..Cheers Baff.
A glimpse into what Hogmanay means for Dr Feelgood:
Finish “work” at Mid-day.
Shortly after, meet a small coterie of colleagues and ex-colleagues in The Guildford Arms to kiss goodbye to the working year, and generally shoot the breeze about the State of the Nation.
Pour myself onto a Kingdom-bound train circa 5:15 (how apt) and on arrival, await the acerbic tongue of Roxette: “We are going to my brother’s in less than 2 hours. Your eyes are in their own orbit. What a surprise.”
Stand under a shower for 30 minutes singing wildly out of tune, to sober up / shut out the noise of Rox on the other side of the door, actually a combination of both.
Then drink some strong black coffee.
About 7:30 pm, a taxi will take assorted Feelgood family to a gathering of Roxette’s side plus neighbours and a gentle goodbye of 2012 will start to get raucous about 10, silly by 11:30, kissing strangers by 12 midnight, and the hardcore will probably keep going till 4 or 5am.
A taxi will then deposit Feelgood, Rox and Roxettes back at Feelgood Towers.
Dr Feelgood is unlikely to see much of daylight on the first day of the New Year, but hopes to emerge in time for kick off versus Southampton.
Happy New Year to all when it comes – special best wishes and thanks to the Barman for a year’s worth of sensible blogging and bad influencing. 😉
See you tomorrow, in the Phantom Zone. 8)
Clue’s in the name maybes – The O Doore Walck Out – and maybes not.
H-H-Happy nearly new year ‘holics – and big, BIG LOVE to Tel.
117 AFBOFW.
Fine article, it’s good to see someone in the media actually thinking before just printing the usual “but you shudda signed him earlier and stuff” bullshit.
This bit confused me though;
If he were an NFL draft prospect, he’d be the guy who’s a bit raw but wows scouts at the combine and aces the Wonderlic test.
What (or whom) do they have to lick? 😉
==
‘holic.
How long have you been paying for that then?
Titi to sign for sure.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2255232/Arsene-Wenger-praises-Southamptons-youth-set-up.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
zico, tell Dr Feelgood that if Roxette gives him a tough time then he can always blame Ollie or tabs. I mean, that seems to work for the Holic whenever he wakes up in Wales…
AFBOFW, agree wit H2H – nice to see a journo actually think for himself and not just go with the established “truth” that Arsenal are perennial fuck-ups.
Good stuff from Steve T (although I don’t agree with it all but that’s another matter), zico and others on the Theo situation.
I would also like to take the opportunity to wish you all a happy new year and thank you very much for the fun that we had during the year, looking forward to more of the same in 2013!
I actually get Sky Sports and Movies free, H2H. Long story involving Arsenal TV.
Thanks all for your kind words.
Happy new year to all points south.
Hopefully a Saints preview will follow before 2013 hits in these parts.
Oh – and a large stiff one (courtesy of the mighty Trev) for the top barman what makes this place what it is with all that tremendous blogging lark he does – plus the keeping things civilized bit in tricky times an’ all.
Gawd bless this mighty Arse house. Amen are, mostly, better than theirs! HalleluYeah!!!
Zico @113 – that nails it for me.
This assumption that the club “forget” to extend contracts until it is too late is really a bit daft.
When Arsene Wenger came to Arsenal, people were amazed at his encyclopaedic knowledge of players from 17 years of age, and upwards, from all countries, and of tneir current contract situations.
I have had the good fortune to have seen the coaches offices and, although it’s probably all housed on hard drives now, the piles of videos lining the office walls, of teams and players you have never heard of.
With that level of knowledge and interest, it is hard to believe that the manager would simply forget about the contract situation of a player at his own club, who he bought, and has spent seven years developing.
I have heard Arsene Wenger say, long before it became a “contract issue”, that his intention was to eventually use Walcott as a central striker, but he needed to learn how to beat defenders first, which he could do more easily playing on the wing. Theo would now be converting at the same age as Thierry Henry, somewhat reluctantly, made the change at Wenger’s persistence.
As Zico said, this is all something of nothing. I don’t see one of the most innovative managers in the game, missing the chance to create the rarest commodity in the game – a goal scorer – right under his nose, when he has already done it before.
The issue with Theo is, I’m sure, money.
Again, the background is summed up by Zico, the bottom line is provided by clubs who can offer him money they don’t have to earn.
We can all see that Theo is best off where he is in football terms, and we all struggle to understand how c£4,000,000 per year is not enough.
But Theo is young and doesn’t have the benefits of perspective and hindsight. He does have Thierry Henry at the club to talk to, at the moment, though.
Let’s hope he is as bright as he seems.
Right boys and girls, new year is pretty much a no go for me. I am off to work very shortly. I will finish at 10 but be back in for 8 on new years day. So I will take this opportunity to wish you all health, happiness and prosperity for 2013. For those out celebrating this evening I hope you all have a great time. Many thanks to one and all for some wonderful comments over the year and to you holic for being such a wonderful host.
Enjoy people.
Excuse me, AL!! What have I got to do with large stiff ones ?!
Good links @117, and Snir. Cheers.
Ree TV? And from Sky?
Friends in high places, I bet. (no not you Dr F 😉 )
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Heh Trev, that’s Wolfie terrotory.
Ree TV? Free TV, dammit.
Gotta go easy on the New Years Eve drinky…………
But I won’t. 😎
So Titi is signing for sure (as was written in the my link @127), Zaha needs to decide between us and United (a life-long gooner) and strong rumors that Villa wants to join and we are very much in for him.
I’m liking this “Arsenal is full of money” version of the transfer window 🙂
Dec 31st and Snir’s back with strong rumours. Who would have thought ? 😉
Glad to see you’re enjoying it Snir, I love your optimism.
You can find me in the – I’ll believe it when they sign- corner.
Cheers H2H, left you a pint there.. Enjoy.
Trev.. You can’t say the thought of David Villa in Arsenal colors does nothing to you. 🙂
What a player he is.
All the best to GoonerTerry in the New Year.
Did you ever get the “supplements” email, btw ?
It does Snir but too often rumours let you down…….
That’s why it’s the new and rich Arsenal 😉
Ollie, zico & Dr.T
The Theo situation (once again) well encapsulated by the three of you.
I hope the club uses him to the fullest extent until the summer which should help us to secure a top four slot and maybe even a cup. Then I believe we’ll see a wilting of Mr.W’s testes coupled with a huge swelling of his bank account. The only cure for that situation would be a pen and a piece of paper.
Drinks are on the Ba…
‘holic, some good news this side of the channel: 😉
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2012/12/31/102449_gillot-va-prolonger.html
Anybody notice Tom soars comment wishing zaha well with arsenal,not on twitter myself, lady arse had it up on her site.loved his comment I might be a tinpot footballer but I don’t bullshit.my prediction/hope is reina zaha,shaw,mvilla,striker if we get another walker.we can all hope happy new year to all.
121: one of the issues this summer was PR. An other, maybe more important? That would need a buyer 😉
Steve T, good luck with work, and we’ll see you in the New Year!
Have a happy one!
haha Trev 138
garsguns, I believe that account has been outed as fake anyway, sorry 😉
Snir at 127, the picture in that article, what an extraordinary long arm Giroud has!
Cheers ollie u wouldnt know what to believe these days!
Hey Ollie.
Seeing that our shared favourite news outlet Mediawatch seems to be on holiday, I done a bit of spotting myself;
Spanish side Espanyol could be set to make a surprise move for Stoke City striker Michael Owen, 33, during the January transfer window.
Full story: Metro
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They have room on the physios bench for a player of his calibre?
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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says the club need to give top scorer Luis Suarez, 25, hope of a Champions League challenge if they want to keep him at Anfield beyond the summer.
Full story: Mail on Sunday
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Might as well sell him now then.
———–
The Magpies will pay Ba a £2m “loyalty” fee if he joins Chelsea in January.
Full story: Daily Mail
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Someone needs to go oop north and expain to them the meaning of that word.
And finally….
Arsenal have given forward Theo Walcott, 23, two weeks to sign a new deal at the club.
Full story: Daily Mail
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He must be an idiot….
If I try real hard I can sign my name in little less then a day. 😉
Good news indeed Ollie.
Now if they can just exchange FailKillah for someone who can cover Obraniak…
Are you guys playing scrabble?
They’re some awesome double points words. 😉
Afternoon All,
Good stuff above from SteveT, Ollie, Dr Z and Trev re Theo.
I have to say that I’m completely on board with what Dr Z says. There are probably many things for which the Arsenal “management” are culpable, but I don’t think the Theo situation is one of them.
2 years ago how many of us would have argued that Theo should be paid “what he wants”? Not many I would suggest. For every precocious display (Barca at home when he salvaged a draw from the bench), there were many more performances where he was ineffectual, peripheral and anonymous.
Last season showed a big improvement and a natural understanding with the Dutchman, but very few had him down as one of our most consistent performers over the season as a whole. When the player of the season awards were handed out, VP, Arteta, Kos and Song were all way ahead of him. The Spurs game at home summed him up. Mercurial in the second half, but abject in the first.
This season there has been a marked improvement, but who really saw it coming? I didn’t. That Theo is now worth more in his weekly pay packet is clear, but my own view is that he knows that he can earn significantly more elsewhere. It’s always all about the money. How much guff did we have to suffer from him about his playing position? Well his bluff has been well and truly called, and yet the contract remains unsigned.
Those that say sell him now if he doesn’t sign surely miss the point. All the power resides with Theo. The Club cannot force him away against his will even if they wished to. Why would Theo leave now when he knows that in the Summer any transfer fee will be factored into his wage? What would buying Clubs offer this late into his contract? 5/6 mill? Not enough for Arsenal to further jeopardise a top four place to be tempted I would have thought.
I really hope that I’m proved wrong, but I can’t see any other outcome than Theo walking away in the Summer with a big bag of cash in his back-pocket.
I agree with BtM. When he does walk, it will of course be a huge PR disaster. The Board/Arsene will get it in the neck as being parsimonious and lacking the requisite “ambition” because that fits the narrative. Whether it will be a footballing disaster is still open to question. Theo still has it all to do to turn himself from an inconsistent sometimes excellent player into the type of player that his wage demands would suggest that he is.
In any event, it is my view that it will be far easier to replace him than either Fabregas or VP. If at all possible, it would be great to get his replacement in, in January, but I have my doubts.
Various hehs above, Rev AL, Trev, H2H amongst others. Liking the sound of a Feelgood Hogmanay.
Loved that QPR chant Holic. 🙂
Happy New Year to one and all.
Just had a guy from Birmingham in. He asked me;
When do Villa kick off tomorrow?
I replied;
Taking into consideration their last few games, after about every ten minutes.
Cheers Tabs, and good stuff yourself.
Ollie @110, a rare long one from you and I missed it. Good stuff.
H2H @153 🙂
Morning TS, sorry, Afternoon.
Heh H2H,
I just bought a ticket for the Villa sweepstake, i.e. what time they will score their first goal.
Mine says “February”. 🙁
Heh Trev, I think their manager will be doing the old Lambert Walk soon.
I can OFFICIALLY proclaim Happy New Years to holics residing in New Zealand and most of Australia. By 0930, this greeting will extend to the Northern Territories, as well. 10 am, Japan (Cor) 🙂 The rest of you will just have to wait 🙂
As far as Theo goes, you all make some astute observations. But Oxon Gooner @ 33, is where I’m at. Simply not privy to what is going on behind the scenes to comment. Do want him to stay 🙂
Lars, I must say that your defense of Aaron was terrific! The way you backed up what you said about him, with keen observations and the numbers, really was a special effort on your part. Well done 🙂
Are you saying that Lars could add some steel to the Arsenal defence? 😉
Sign him up.
If we can afford his wallet.
Abb, and everyone. Sorry if I wrote something sensible @33. I think I can guarantee that it won’t happen again. Not this year, anyway.
Happy New Year to one and all.
Hey Fellas, Oxon, Ollie, and H2H! Just making my twitter rounds 🙂
Twitter rounds?
You must work at a very modern hospital, nursie. 🙂
H2H, I’m home now. Off tonite and NYD. Get to watch the game! 🙂
Whilst i’m still sober enough to type , I would like to wish goonerholics everywhere a happy, healthy and prosperous new year with a very special thanks to the guvnor for making this the best gooner place to visit and enjoy the company of fellow drinkers.
Slainte
HNY to you too Uply, and may I second your sentiments.
Re: abb @161. If what you say is true, we should be anticipating reports from Impressive Failage, sydneyred and any and all other Australasian (assuming that includes New Zealand, of course, but please correct me if I am wrong) who have actually experienced the wonderful and magical year of 2013. Happy New Year to Old World, New World, Under World and all other world Gooners everywhere. 2013 is the year for us. 🙂
Cheers Oxon, co-incidentally I’m currently working my way through a large supply of Applefords beers bought for her old man by my well trained daughter.
Slainte
Morning all. The last of 2012.
I’m afraid I am in the Steve T group of poor saps that have to work late today and back at it early tomorrow.
Have fun everyone but be careful. You don’t want to come see me at the hospital.
I have happily stocked the Quackery with a full complement of “meds”. Enjoy but don’t drive. 😉
3 game ban for Nasri. Looks like we know why he did it now: he couldn’t stand getting booed at The Grove again. 😉
Happy New Year all!
Ollie knows.
Heh. Not sure Sami has that much forethought. 😉
NorCal.
As a lesbo he’s pretty in touch with his femine side, so he was probably hurting. 😉
Come to think about it as a lesbo he’s pretty in touch with other femine sides too, lucky chinless git. 😉
Because if Sami’s “persuasion” I would think he would have plenty of “hindsight”. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
But maybe Wolfie can clear that up.
😉
Either that or a good ointment. 🙂
Happy new year holics!!
A quick drop-in to wish all the fine Gooners who frequent this bar a happy and healthy New Year.
And thanks to Holic for another year of the finest posting and hosting.
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“we should be anticipating reports from Impressive Failage, sydneyred and any and all other Australasian (assuming that includes New Zealand, of course, but please correct me if I am wrong) who have actually experienced the wonderful and magical year of 2013.” #172
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Nothing so wonderful about it in NZ just yet, guys. But whaddya expect on waking up after New Year’s Eve?? Try again tomorrow…
And happy hangovers to all of you too!
Oskar
PS: Could someone tell me if I can get ALL Arsenal games (Premiership and CL) on TV in England, same as I currently get here? I’m seriously contemplating moving back home, but not if it means missing my regular Gunnery diet. I’m happy to pay, just so long as it is possible. Cheers.
Happy New Year you lot:)