The Jaded Relax On Matchday Six
Dec 3rd, 2012 by 'holic
The fixture has some similarities with the 1998 meeting with Panathinaikos, when Arsenal’s fate had already been decided and a youthful side stunned the hosts 3-1.
Words I wrote a year ago for a preview of the identical fixture come back to the forefront of my mind. Yes, there was a time we took a weakened side to Greece on matchday six and won. Last December however our youngsters were taught a bit of a lesson, the 3-1 repeat scoreline coming in favour of the hosts.
On that evening Francis Coquelin, Emmanuel Frimpong, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were exposed to the game at the highest level. Coquelin and Oxlade-Chamberlain will be considered senior professionals compared to some who have made the journey for the apparently annual meeting with Olympiacos.
Arsene has paid lip service at least to the importance of getting a result and thereby possibly topping the Group, although a win for us would have to be matched by Montpellier taking at least a point off Schalke in the other Group B fixture in France.
“There is something at stake and I’ll have to give a breather to some players who are on the edge, as well as go over there and win our game to make sure that we do the job until the end.”
Interesting to me is the fact that Theo Walcott is one ‘on the edge’ after just eight starts in four months. There is no doubt his contribution against Swansea would bear out that claim, but he is just 23 years of age. Our leading goalscorer and paciest attacker would have been a valuable asset given the importance placed on winning this match.
Looking at the travelling party I would imagine the most experienced squad players would start, so Wojciech Szczesny may keep behind a back four of Carl Jenkinson, Sebastien Squillaci, Thomas Vermaelen, and Jernade Meade, who played for Steve Bould and Neil Banfield as a left-back before being moved further forward.
Francis Coquelin and Aaron Ramsey may be tasked with protecting that makeshift quartet, with Tomas Rosicky in the advanced midfield role. Out wide we are likely to start Oxlade-Chamberlain on the right and I suppose Gervinho will get the nod over Andrey Arshavin on the left (I know what you’re thinking, me too!). Leading the line we will surely see the return of Chamakh?
My expectations are well and truly managed by the naming of that squad. The ‘holic pound, usually punted on a value winning scoreline, looks for an unlikely hero to score for us. Tomas Rosicky at a top price of sixes looks interesting, but keep any punt on this game at the lower end of your affordability scale.
Arsene is clearly taking a calculated gamble, and perhaps should be applauded for freshening things up given that our fate is not entirely in our own hands on Tuesday night. A positive performance by that squad should certainly lift the spirits back at Shenley. On the other hand a result such as last season’s can be written off without too much wringing of hands.
That gamble will only be landed if a refreshed first team takes all three points against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. However, one game at a time, as they say. Good luck to that side tomorrow. We’re due a bit of that, I think.
441 Responses to “The Jaded Relax On Matchday Six”
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its all going to be fine, honest!
The second coming!?
Turd
I’ll just talk to myself then. No idea why I am optimistic, but we are due a bit of luck. Hope its a good game, getting sick of moany folk, including me:-)
1st and 4th, good grief, did not expect that as I actually read blog. Where are my manners, hello company!
I want the interlull back: less than 400 drinks is not enough time to set up a conversation!
Well in, mamie!
Drinks all round or whatever you do for first drink. Smirks. It was the home made chicken broth that did it. Reading Philippe Auclair book on Thierry, and you’ll never believe it , but we lost sometimes even with him and Bergkamp in the team. Who would have thunk it? Put me in a better mood, which took a lot today. And thanks Ollie!
Once again we can ask ourselves which Arsenal will turn up, well, I know I can, because I don’t know a great deal about quite a few members of that squad.
Changing things up isn’t necesarily a bad thing. They’d have to be really bad to match the first 25 minutes of what we witnessed Saturday.
Santi and Arteta will get a well earned rest as will the BFG, I think it’s a bit of a gamble to play captain Verminater, lose him and we’re in Djorou/ Squilachi terrotory. Surely this game isn’t worth risking that?
I thought Rosicky was well off the pace Saturday, Gerviniho was so far off it that it was embarassing (same coud be said of his fellow forwards to be fair) so if this game can help remove the cobwebs then so be it.
Chamakh can’t even make the bench when he is our only reserve striker, so I can’t see the point in his inclusion, but if he does play and make a decent performance (as he did against Reading) then the boss must be more transparent about why he usually doesn’t make the cut. Either he’s an Arsenal player or he is not.
I have absolutly no expectations of this game, that should make for more pleasant viewing.
Indeed, H2H, tomorrow will be a rare ‘pressure-free’ game.
Well, except for the injury scenario you mention, it could happen, it happened last year.
Which leads me to link to this :
http://news.arseblog.com/2012/12/santos-ive-made-mistakes-but-ill-keep-going/
Ollie @ 6.
Yep, we were cut down mid flow.
It`s appaling that Chamakh is even travelling to greece. What reason can there possibly be for him to be preferred to one of our youngsters if we don`t need a result? This guy is like a bed-blocker in hospital.
Not sure about being due some luck H,
More for me about actually showing some pride in the Club/shirt,putting in a proper shift and making the opposition earn everything they get from the game,rather than rolling over.
Not sure what message the majority of the fringe players will take from being selected for a match that in the scheme of things doesn’t seem to be high on the list of AW’s priorities.
Not withstanding tiredness/injuries to first teamers,i’m not sure they would have been selected anyway.
I see it going either way,either the fringe players will take the opportunity to shove it right up the Boss with a big performance,or they will turn up their toes because they cannot be arsed.
Being a realist,i am plumping for the 2nd option.
Let’s see if they can surprise me.
On the subject of David Dein and my previous post,i totally disagree with the comments that because he wasn’t around when the City oil money arrived and that he wouldn’t have been able to compete with them.
He was a consummate deal maker,who was instrumental in a lot of very good players coming to the club,arguably,the Invincibles was as much his glory as Arsene’s.
He would have thrived pitting his wits against the Arabs and the Russians,and if anybody really thinks that Cole left because of an extra lousy 5 grand,then they are dreaming.
That was just the excuse,he was off regardless,seduced by the Special One big time.
Cheers
The Sweeper.
Tomorrow, I’m going to be in a soul-less hotel near an airport where, it’s odds on they won’t have Sky sports available to watch the match.
Normally I’d be gutted, but unlike Arsene, I think there is absolutely nothing at stake for us in this game, save avoiding more injuries.
I think it matters not a jot whether we finish first or second – we need to find some form between now and the knock out stage or it will all be academic.
Maybe Arsenal are more exciting on Blogs’ live blog?
Oh, and Wolfgang…. you have male. Er, post.
Reckon there’s a whiff of dead rubber re this one ‘h – the look of the squad sent out would suggest that, i think. (Am glad AW’s taken the opp to rest up a few, by the way.)
But still a win/good performance in the red and white/yellow etc would certainly help make the Goonerverse a little lighter and brighter – i reckon.
(Psed – have to confess i found meself enjoying “return of the mac” – it’s been a while.)
Over the post:
Norcal, not at all sir – jus’ making sure we were singing from the same as hymn sheet. (Have misconstrued a thing or two in the bar already today. Am a bit slow just now. Still haven’t shaken off the affects of finishing up yesterdee’s sacraMENTAL wine.)
And heh H2H re Phil “Orangy” Brown.
For reasons unknown I’m feeling quietly confident and looking forward to a match without too much real pressure and angst
.
Good stuff ‘Holic and let’s hope we do indeed get a slice of luck but, as The Sweeper points out…
“More for me about actually showing some pride in the club/shirt, putting in a proper shift and making the opposition earn everything they get from the game, rather than rolling over.”
Yep, THAT!
…and a cheeky glass of whatever everybody wants…
…on Lars’ tab
Also forgot to mention, but I’m pretty sure Feo having a knock was mentioned after the game, so no big surprise he’s not making the trip, don’t need to be jaded to be injured.
Zico. I think its on council TV and not sky.
Ah right, Steve T.
Adrian Chiles still gives me a sufficient excuse to miss the game I reckon
A game to miss, I think.
Who knew Cesc was shagging the princess?
Both announce they are expecting on the same day. Coincidence? I think not!
Or as Chamack might say ‘a game to miss in’
I’ll check Ollie, but I’m pretty sure he and Podolski were mentioned as being in need of a rest before Arsene went on to those with knocks. How on earth would he have got a knock on Saturday hiding behind all those defenders?
Rev AL, singing from the same hymn sheet? The self same metaphor beloved of the first rate clowns who run my workplace, still – you weren’t to know that unfortunate fact…
As for the mighty red and white, COME ON YOU REDS! I’ve literally worked through all my angst and come what may they get my support. Win, lose, draw you name it.
Oh dear I really shouldn’t be this drunk on a Monday.
He played with an injury on Saturday. He got the knock against Everton.
Good preview ‘Holic.
Despite his protestations to the contrary, I think Arsene has written this one off. Hope springs eternal however, so let’s hope the rag-tag team of youngsters and squad fillers can pull something out of the fire.
Dr Z – you have a reply.
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2012/12/03/194748_ancelotti-le-debut-de-saison-n-est-pas-bon.html
I wasn’t sure whether this was Ancelotti or Arsène, they seem to be having the same kind of discourse.
I don’t see it either, ‘holic, unless he was playing while unfit. That’s how I see it, his previous knock not having properly cleared.
Agree with you tabs@28. And to be fair, I expected that sort of squad selection after the previous CL game, whatever the performance/result of last Saturday.
Or what Nonny said. *puts tinfoil hat back on*
NorCal: Cesc is pregnant?
Who care’s what happens tomorrow, we’re out in the next round anyway.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/akpom-ansah-and-monteiro-in-arsenal-squad
Actually, ‘holic, it’s the other way round: Theo and Poldi were mentioned as ‘those with knocks’ before he went on to those in need of a rest
More worried about the no mention of Giroud, which sounds like the no mention of Szcz when he got injured.
Way to go, Dan, keep it up, we need you.
Nice preview ‘Holic and it’s nice to have a chance for the regulars to rest-up before matters more serious on the weekend and the sick-bed returnees to play themselves into some semblance of competitive fitness. If they do with a victory, great. If not, then one only hopes that the Germans aren’t shocked by the French wooden-spooners – I’ll be a tad peeved, yet again, if that occurs! Gonna enjoy the Mercs being taught another German lesson in Europe by the ever impressive Dortmund!
Biscuitbum @12,
Just cos of that I’m gonna put 50 squids on the “impressive target man” to brace! 4 goals in 2 matches; the mercurial shisha smoker’ll strike again!
“Bed-blocker”; heh
Ollie,
I like Cesc. Still one of my favorite players but at times I think Wolfie was slipping him some estrogen. Maybe he got stuck in during one of those cycles.
Ok ok I’m leaving…
Some lucky youth team player gets to room with Chamack tonight!
Hope there’s only enough gel for his hair
I heard that Feo picked up a slight niggle.
It’s not really a problem, but you do have to be careful when it comes to a swollen ego. Afteral, we may need him this weekend and we’ll have to make sure his head fits into his shirt.
The only reason Arsene talks about us winning the group is because if he said “we don’t give a flying eff about this game” he would probably be suspended and fined. This is all about resting as many players as possible while still keeping up the pretence that we actually care about the game – and to a certain extent probably also about preparing for the Bradford game.
I must say I have absolutely no idea what to expect tomorrow. I am glad several have been rested. Poor little soldiers have worked so hard in recent weeks that they deserve their break.
Like others I am hoping that those who take the field do so with honour and pride. I just hope that we don’t come with with a few more 3 weekers.
First-rate clowns; you poor soul CG (though you may have misread me slightly, but nevermind – more drink i think may be the answer there).
Right, now for some decidedly second-rate clowning. We’re in Greece, therefore i th ink it only right and proper that AW should make full use of what is after all a fairly large squid.
I’ll get the bill.
He was saying it was important to win the group after the last round, but that was before the league season completely fell apart and saving players for the league became more important. He’s not a complete fool and he knows that a team so badly out of touch is not going to win the CL, so who we play next is unimportant really.
Everything is going to be put into trying to get into the top four chase now, although he should really pay attention to the League Cup as well, because the way things are going we might need that just to get into the Europa League next year.
/Doomed.
Lots of transfer speculation as you would expect but why are we constantly being linked with Pepe Reina? This story seems to be gathering more momentum by the day. I am more than in favour of signing an experienced keeper but surely if there is any truth in it Reina won’t be interested unless it is as a first choice?
Peper talk Steve T?
Psed – i’ll get me cassock.
It may be your reverence but it is a story that has appeared a lot more than once. From memory even Bob Wilson confirmed that some time ago we had made a bid. If there is any truth in it, it would cause chaos.
FFS it’s ps
Ps
Wenger talking about strong spirit and mental strength. It’s a fucking comedy act I swear
Nice preview,Guv. I’m hoping/Praying for an upset to lift gooner spirits a wee bit.
Stephen Sondheim must have been a closet Gooner:
Isn’t it rich?
Isn’t it queer,
Losing my timing this late
In my career?
And where are the clowns?
There ought to be clowns.
Well, maybe next year.
Don’t bother they’re here!
Show us what you’ve got, Chamakh baby. And enough sauntering around aimlessly. I’m talking about direct penetration here. Uh-huh-uh-huh-uhuh.
Nice one 8 ball!
FFS – Fekkin fabulous song?
Geoff, It’s either that or send in the clowns.
Is it better for next season’s league campaign if we miss out on Europa League qualification entirely? Maybe we should consult the experts on this dilemma at Sp*rs and Liverpool.
Ps,
Geoff, go kick a spud FFS
Psed: HEH, AL
These last few games have taken a bit out of me. It’s fairly obvious to say this but we need a psychological lift, and it doesn’t much matter which quarter it comes from. That’s why all my support is behind Squallaci and Chamakh to lead us to the promised land.
It sure seems like we have more than our share of worries right now. Like we haven’t figured out how to left off the pressure. Catharsis indicated
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUjdiDeJ0xg
Norcal@57: I wouldn’t want to touch one even with the end of my boot!
Players are tired. Players are injured. Players are on the edge. Players are jaded. Spending money in January is not necessarily the best thing to do. We didn’t sign anyone because we only look for super super quality – yes, I noticed, looking through tomorrow’s squad list.
Would it be asking too much to hear just one piece of positivity.
The constant negativity in messages about the state of the players is affecting performance as was clearly demonstrated on Saturday. All life had been sucked out of the crowd after the opening ten minutes of square and backwards passing in our own half where Swansea were not even pressing.
Mountains of computer print out is collected on the players’ performances so that training programmes can be tailored to each individual’s requirements.
If players are seriously tired, jaded, on the edge after the first few weeks of the season, might one suggest that said training programmes need a bit of a re-think.
A massive PPPFFFFTTTTT to all this tiredness bollocks, I say.
Pride, determination and guts is what they need, not yet another little rest.
Let’s hope tomorrow’s squad see the game that way, and not as one to dump as the manager seems to be suggesting.
Nice to see Steve Bould dishing out some bollockings.do them no harm at all.Then le boss can have a quiet word with them after, all calm and philosophical.
Good cop, bad cop.
The best ideas are simple ones.
We’ll probably draw on saturday,then go unbeaten for the rest of the season.
I do wish Pingpong would come home.
Peace
Frimpong can piss off to Watford and take his twatting Dench with him for all I care. He’s a poor man’s Eboue.
Stabbed spuds supporter on the mend…good news.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/dec/03/tottenham-fan-rome-attack-released
They predict a full recovery……I assume he’s coming over to the Arsenal then.
Ok. This may be a longish post so if you are not interested in this whole tired/jaded argument then skip it.
AW has been heralded for changing the game in England by bringing in innovative tactics in training and diet. Few will argue that. The game has progressed significantly in the past 16 years. Twenty years ago the average footballer ran approximately 8.8 km per game. Today’s players average just short of 10 km per game. Now that in itself is not a significant change. However, where there has been a significant change is what type of running it is.
Over the course of a 90 minute game there is action for approximately 60-70 minutes. During that time 2/3 of it a player is either walking or jogging. The other 1/3 he is actually running or sprinting an average of 10-50 meters. These sprints occur approximately 150 times over the 90 minutes but only cover 340 meters total . Now what has significantly changed over the last 20 years is the overall intensity of those sprints and the ground covered. The number of high intensity sprints has increased almost 3 fold ( from 50/game to 150/game) and the amount of ground covered during those sprints are up over 40%. This shows that the game is getting faster and more intense and physically taxing.
So what does this have to do with Arsenal? Well, we have heard from AW and other managers that their players are fatigued/ tired/ jaded. I am not doubting that there are more physical demands in today’s game then ever before, but what I don’t get is with today’s technology, diets and training why we are not doing a better job at avoiding long term fatigue.
Where we and are failing is in endurance training/diet and rotation of the squad. AW is correct in saying that we have players reaching the “red zone” and that is where injuries and losses occur ( 25% of all injuries occur in the last 10-15 minutes of a game and at the 2006 world cup 40% of the goals were scored in the last 15-20 minutes of the game, as an example) Fatigue leads to injuries and losses. Unfortunately, we are our own worst enemy in this area. The depth of our squad has become paltry yet again. Whether thru injury or lack of skill or lack of confidence we find ourselves with a severely depleted squad and worse yet we seemed to be thinnest in the positions that exert the most energy on our team(midfield and fullback).
Now, short of selling/ dumping/ killing the deadwood on the team and buying 5-10 quality players, there are some things that we should be doing in training and diet. The information is out there and I am not saying we are not trying these things but instead of rolling out the ” we are a bit tired/jaded” line again why not remind people that Arsenal are at the cutting edge of science, medicine and sports physiology and tell people what we are doing to combat this fatigue ( increased interval training, diet and supplement implementation, meaningful squad rotation). We can do better. We have the resources. We shouldn’t be fatigued or jaded.
The only other thing I will say about fatigue is that without a very deep squad fighting for all four trophies every year is suicide. I know that we play the youngsters in the corporate cup and I agree with that choice on a fatigue stand point and to give them experience. I also agree with today’s CL team being filled with youngsters and less used first teamers. I hope TV5 is not played at all.
I will also say that Man shitty is now favorites to win the league as they are already out of the CL and corporate cups.
Please have a double if you made it this far. You deserve it.
( I did sit with Wind a few weeks ago, he must have rubbed off on me)
Cheers
If you want to read more on fatigue/ endurance and training written by one of the most published Sports physiologist and who I plagiarized liberally then follow this link:
http://www.southernsoccerscene.com/sportsmedicine.htm#Training%20For%20Endurance
At what point does Arsene Wenger stop making excuses for this pampered lot?
Taking some responsibility for their poor performances wouldn’t go amiss – from both players and management alike.
Yours grumpily
(Airport at silly o clock, what else did you expect?)
Cheers for the preview ‘holic!
NorCal@65, good stuff. I especially agree about the placebo tiredness. Stop whining about it Arsene, it will only make the players feel even more tired!
I’m tired of the tiredness talk. On both sides of the fence, frankly.
I’m glad at now at an airport though, so good luck zico.
I’m jaded, Ollie.
Or hungover.
I’m not sure how the words ‘I’m not’ got replaced by ‘at now’ :s
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-fatigue-only-one-factor-in-defeat
Not sure why I’m being dragged back into it by this article on pravda, but he has a point:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-fatigue-only-one-factor-in-defeat
Twice? No need for that. I’ll go back to bed.
If only I had a bed at work.
Another good offering from arseblog today.
Ollie, what Arsene says in that article makes a lot of sense, I think.
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2012/12/04/101733_anelka-la-situation-du-psg-est-difficile.html
Weird: Anelka’s car seems to be registered in Belgium.
I’m tired of this tiredness culture. Why don’t we develop a hunger culture?
“there is a lot of strength in this team.”
“we are in fantastic shape.”
So why are we so jaded then???????
No, like many I don’t get it either. Come on boys, time to roll up those sleeves and to man up.
Santa : we tried, but then people starting slagging off Santos&Arshavin!
“lack of freshness can happen with repetition of games.”
Perhaps we need a stronger squad to cope with the “repetition?”
I must admit, I for one am getting just a tad fatigued with excuse repetition.
“It is not an excuse. It doesn’t stop me feeling completely responsible for losing the Swansea game [...]“
Steve T, are you a journalist, selecting the quotes that irritate and ignoring the other ones?
You need to widen your mind
This oddball assortment of youth, misfits and the odd first team member that will take the field tonight will either crash and burn (adding more fuel to the critics) or pull an amazing result out of the bag like we did in ’98. If I remember correctly Boa Morte played a blinder that night.
Of course its an excuse Ollie. If not then why say it in the first place? Why not just accept we were not good enough rather than come out with all of that?
I’d say that’s partly because he’s probably too honest./thorough.
To be fair, I’m bored of hearing the same soundbites too, so I tend to ignore them, and I think Arsène should take a temporary sabbatical on press conferences/.con interviews, Funguscunt-style.
Bath. I am not sure too many are that concerned about tonight. I think regardless of tonight the pressure comes at the weekend.
What Steve T said at 86.
But Ollie, it is everything but honest. It is just another excuse that sadly the media just jump on and use to laugh at us. I wish there was more honesty. If not then just keep quiet.
At times we really don’t make it easy for ourselves.
Prediction for tonight: Montpellier and Schalke to draw. Us to lose.
Which will no doubt anger a few (rather than just the loss in itself).
I think as ‘one of the explanations’ it is fairly honest.
But like you I don’t think it needs to be say over and over again, and indeed we don’t make it easy for ourselves.
Ollie,i too think that Arsene’s greatest problem/fault is that he’s too honest and loyal,he needs someone to do the dirty job for him and i think that’s the only part of his relationship with Dein Snr that he needs at the moment.
Steve T, we’ll have to disagree on this one. Arsene repeatedly says tiredness is not an excuse for losing the game.
“It is not an excuse. It doesn’t stop me feeling completely responsible for losing the Swansea game but I believe as well that has happened before and I try to be as objective as possible after a defeat. That little bit of freshness [we lack] is only part of the explanation. Some players didn’t play on Wednesday night at Everton, so they were not tired.
“We had some internationals who played Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday – and we were only ones to play two away games in the Premier League. That is why I felt we lacked freshness but it is not the only explanation for our defeat.”
Lars,Ollie and Steve T,the reason Arsene keeps repeating this words is because he’s asked to explain everything he does (or doesn’t do) after the Villa game he was made to explain why he left jack on the bench,as if Jack has a divine right to start every game,as if a manager no longer has the power to bench any player he wants at anytime he wants to,i might be wrong but are all other managers made to explain as much things as ours is made to do?
Lars,thanks for that 92.
Lars. My point is this. If the squad had enough strength in depth then it would not be an issue. We can not rest players as we want because there is not sufficient quality available to fill in. That is why I am tired hearing it.
The century looms…
Plays a cross field pass…
Picks up the ball, beats three defenders with RP7-esque shimmy and dash and curls the ball into the box.
Where Gervinho skid-heads it to the corner flag for a throw-in
BAM
CENTury?
……from an impossible angle where it landed from Nonny’s header.
Reminiscent of Kanu vs Chavski.
I Tabsed it.
Well in bath! Oh What i will give to have a player of Kanu’s quality in our forward line now.
Re: the fatigue issue, I think Steve T makes a good point.
The fact we complain about this so often only speaks to the paucity of our squad.
I also think that it gives the players a ready-made excuse, and must also be deflating for the rest of the squad: clearly Arteta is completely exhausted but we play him anyway. The implication being that Coquelin is not trusted.
I am 100% behind the management team, but I think it’s entirely legitimate to observe that modern football is a squad game, and that the notion we can scrape through the season using predominantly the 15 or 16 favoured players who are trusted to play in the first team is a nonsense.
Rotation was needed as far back as the Norwich game. By delaying and delaying it, we’ve just worsened the problem.
I totally believe in player fatigue as a phenomenon, even as early as November. I just don’t see the value in talking about it publicly quite so much, and I find it deeply disconcerting to watch players being fielded on injuries and otherwise run into the ground.
Hopefully, we’ll see a response from some of the lads tonight. Really looking for a flicker from the Ox, because we’re going to need him to step up a bit if Walcott leaves next month.
COYG
I don’t ever recall Vieira, Henry, Pires, Campbell, Cole, Gilberto, Lauren et al being so ‘jaded’ by the end of November, yet they would start just about every PL & CL match..
Well in Bath.
Right – a lightish lunch then a little gentle limbering up ahead of the game.
You never hear of teams that are in form saying they are tired. “Tired and jaded” is Arsenal speak for “not very good”
It’s not our youngsters been taught a lesson at the moment. A positive performance lift the spirits ? Yeah right.
*Peers in for the first time after the disgrace that was Saturday*
I agree with Lars
Hello Harsha.
Uncle Charlie – here, here.
So, who’s right, Lars or Steve T ?
There’s only one way to find out – FIGHT !!!
Well I was jaded this morning.
But boring meeting concluded, and now having just sunk some black and white, I am feeling bouncier than a bouncy thing from bouncy land.
There’s your answer right there – the only thing that needs rotation is the beer glasses.
And beer goggles, if Roxette strays into view.
Sensible option, Trev!
Looks like Silent Stan know how to invest our money!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2242510/Arsenals-American-owner-Stan-Kroenke-buys-80m-ranch-Rocky-Mountains.html
Right, a few observations …
Arsene Wenger is on record, ON RECORD, as saying that when he gives press conferences he’s not speaking to the press, he’s not speaking to me, and what do you know, he’s not even speaking to you. He is talking to the players, plain and simple. So for those of you put out by what he’s had to say, relax, he’s really not talking to you. Relax or grow a pair.
Now then we can argue about what he is saying to the players through the medium of his Press Con is correct. I don’t think he is right. I have a lot of sympathy for the argument that talking about tiredness creates tiredness, or placebo tiredness as Lars called it. I think AW is wrong to do it and have said so in the past BUT …
He was asked about tiredness and he responded. Go and watch the Press Con in full and in context. If you can’t be arsed to do that, read Lars @92. The fact that the Press are so willing to misconstrue merely for the purpose of ridicule is sad enough, but the fact that so many Arsenal supporters are so willing to swallow the media’s bullshit without so much as a backward glance is much much sadder.
I’m tired, going for a lie-down.
Jaded post alert @ 117
Certainly looks like tiredness is upon him
117 takeabowson
I have only one problem with this so called “excuse”
How come over teams don’t use it?
They do Arthur. See Ollie’s comments in last round of drinks.
Dr Z – Too right
Our players aren’t too tired to dance, that’s for sure!
Looking good Bac.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GWzCFdf8TYU#!
TABS
I’m bored of hearing same old excuses every yeah and every time things don’t go as well as they should do. He gives his lecture on how many games we played, internationals and away fixtures etc. It’s rather sad in a way that our manager can not just say it “we weren’t good enough” and need to improve real quick, instead he blames it on the tiredness but contradicts himself with saying it wasn’t the ONLY reason.
Come on same old, same old, same old! I know he’s not Funguscunt as Ollie mentioned earlier (was in stitches BTW
) but he needs to criticise these so called professional footballers because frankly they look like they can get away with anything because he protects them way too much when they don’t preform.
So in his press conference, all comments are aimed only at the players??????????? Interesting one that.
Of course players get tired. It’s only natural. My point as above was simply this. If the squad was strong enough players would get the rest they need. Or is it that when he states they lack freshness it is really a message to those players that have hardly played that it’s their fault because they simply aren’t good enough?
Arthur, that’s fair enough, but “we weren’t good enough” is exactly what he DID say, though you wouldn’t know it from how the Media have reported his comments.
In answer to your question Steve, yes that is exactly what he is on record as saying. Makes perfect sense.
To me at least
Are we talking about tiredness or squad strength? I thought it was the former.
I’m tyred.
^ You must feel quite deflated and a bit worn
Both are linked. I can’t for one second believe that half the squad are tired because they have hardly kicked a ball.
Is the presser is only aimed at the players then that is totally a new one on me. I am surprised any of us tune in if that’s the case.
Arthur at 123. Spot on dear fellow.
ARthur 120: other teams use it.
Even the ‘great’ (spits, pukes, not my words) Mourinho used it not two weeks ago.
The fact that the Press are so willing to misconstrue merely for the purpose of ridicule is sad enough, but the fact that so many Arsenal supporters are so willing to swallow the media’s bullshit without so much as a backward glance is much much sadder.
I vote tabs again.
And I have now seen my spokesperson’s 121.
127-128
Top work
Quite the opposite Uncle Charles, I’m fully pumped.
Like my ego.
Just be careful where you tread.
Or someone’ll puncture?
Wheel find out sooner rather than later. Then wheel see who spoke out of turn.
michelin man ,your round
This chicken’s rubbery.
Afternoon all.
Leaving behind what was actually said or not said to whoever it may or may not of been directed to, I get where Steve T is comming from, because after all is said (or not said) and done, the simple fact remains that this is once again a problem of our own doing, a very crappily made bed resulting in sleepless nights.
Last season we were one injury away from being exactly where we are now, a team with no one who can take a game by the scruff of the neck and make a real difference. Our talisman from last year is gone and replacements have been brought in, they’re new so it would be pretty unfair for us to expect the same level of influence from them.
However, yet again the same mistakes have been made, Groundhogday2 point motherfucking 0. A squad that is too thin, players in the squad that are considered not good enough by the management who refuse to utilise them, reliance on players that everybody and I mean everybody knows are not going to be fit enough to play more then a handful of games. What was it that Einstein said about insanity?
Tiredness, jaded, lack of confidence, we played two games away, they we’re bigger then us , they stole our lunch money in the tunnel during half time……. boo fucking hoo! Stop making excuses and start telling/showing us solutions.
We have no divine right to win every game and all of us in our 40′s or older know that this is not our worst run ever and our current situation is not the end of the world, but hearing excuses to problems that were so cleary avoidable is what is so gawd dang frustrating.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS.
Michelin Man: Haven’t you always been tyred though?
Punfest and Trev nowhere to be seen?
Tyre puns are the pits……..stop!
Tyre puns?
Spare me.
You called it yesterday Ollie;
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4679570/Demba-Ba-transfer-Arsenal-want-Newcastle-striker.html
Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge has demanded an £80,000-a-week salary to join Liverpool in January. The 23-year-old reportedly also wants a guarantee that he will be played through the middle rather than out wide.
Full story: Daily Mirror
====
Are you Feo, are you Feo, are you Feo in disguise?
I see tabs’s tweet comparing phil brown critting AW’s management record to Ollie Holt marking Shakespeare’s homework – got retweeted by the mighty Arseblog last night – congrats are in order dearboy.
As H2H said. It is not just the excuses, it is the same old excuses. The same mistakes that we have all known about (including AW) for the last 4/5 seasons. The same mistakes that we have the capablity of rectifying, or at least attempting to rectify. But for some reason known to only a vey few, we haven’t.
Re: Ba, he does look an Arsenal-type player, but there have to be some lingering doubts about our willingness to pay what will presumably be some fairly high wages to a guy who has a knackered knee that could reportedly go at any minute.
Potentially a great acquisition, but equally could be another Diaby.
I think Huntelaar is a more likely option, despite his age. I also hope we take a look at Llorente, assuming he’s not already halfway to Turin.
Cheers AL – I shall now retire from Twitter!
Good morning,
I have just rolled out of bed to make the morning piss stop. I tread lightly into the bar and see a wheel debate has taken over. I merely wanted to present some science behind the jaded comments of our pit boss in my earlier post. I am sure players are tired and I am also sure it is not unique to Arsenal, but I also think we have made the same mistakes as before. What I do fear is if we are already this jaded then we will skid out of control again in February, march and April.
The bit of tiredness and the lack of freshness should not come as a surprise and as H2H eloquently states the absolute frustration is the Groundhog Day we keep finding ourselves in. ( Don’t drive angry).
Well here’s to a Goodyear.
The way I see things is like this. Imagine you own a brand new Ferrari. A brand new shiny red one. You want the best for your Ferrari. So you take care of it the best way you can. You ensure that after a certain amount of usage that it is given a bit of TLC. A bit of a breather. You make sure that it is serviced on a regular basis. Bits are adjusted and tinkered with. When things go wrong you take it back to the Ferrari dealer. You get the experts to fix it and replace anything that needs replacing with genuine, quality Ferrari parts. As a result your pride and joy remains just that. It is still a top quality Ferrari. It still runs smoothly and as if it was new. Everything works as it should and everyone is happy.
Now there is another option. The same gleaming Ferrari starts life like that. But rather than pay the full price for the dealer service you take it to a garage that is not quite up to the task. Now, they do a decent enough job but clearly the performance starts to suffer. As things inevitably go wrong the repairs are again undertaken, but not at a main dealer. They make a good effort but it is not the same. As the years go buy the fact that genuine parts are not used in an attempt to save money results in a drop in performance. The car still runs but not as smoothly and not as it should. The money that you may well have saved in the short term may well end up costing you more in the long run.
None of that of course means that it can not be rectified. Replace the second rate pattern parts with the genuine article and the engine runs smoothly again and delivers top performance.
We have suffered for the last few seasons in my opinion. We have not invested where we all know we should have. 2 seasons ago we had 2 world class players. Last year we had 1. This year we do not have any. You can not keep letting your best players leave and not have adequate replacements available if you wish to be considered contenders. It just does not work. Eventually, the engine just does not run as smoothly. That is why I can not have any sympathy with the fatigue argument. As H2H stated above. We have made our own bed. We are the masters of our own destiny. We have the capability to deal with the issues but for the past few years now have decided to seek servicing and repairs at the cheaper garage in the hope that the parts obtained will be able to do the job. This is why, in my humble opinion, fans get so frustrated with it all. This may just be why they perceive recent comments as just excuses that they are tired of hearing. Perhaps now it is time to realise that the experiment does not work and it is time to return our custom the main dealers once again?????
Agree re the ongoing thinness/imbalance of squad and this season’s apparent partial reliance on the injury prone. It’s testing ‘most every Goonah’s patience i think it’s fair to say.
Time for the club to put it’s new money (or old, if there really is any) where its wassername is; signings in Jan – hopefully.
I guess it hasn’t been a good year so far, and here we are retreading the same old ground again and again; i can see why it’s driving some folk crazy and why they’ve groan tyred of puns plus excuses … Still – the club could yet turn the corner, go up a coupla gears and make this a season to remember. Or – hit the skids and crash and burn. That’s why we never tyre of top-level sports and The Arse – i s’pose.
Steve T, seriously, I may have meant it as half-a-joke earlier, but I think we’ve exhausted the topic
147 and 150
Media whore
^^Oh piss off, fatty.^^
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20581755
Heh. He’ll be asked questions. Like ‘What do you think of Tottenham?’.
Aha, the Michelin man reveals himself!
Heh Ollie, I have already asked him for confirmation of what he said to “the wanky Tottenham Hotspur”.
Did I see Ollie mention puns ? I’m flitting in and out of work ’til 7, no time
That picture of the pope has to merit a caption competition ……
“Ïf only Moses had a tablet like this”
===
“OK, thats how Twitter works, now how can I download a porno?”
Steve T is looking for a main dealer, Dr Z.
AL is talking about Reliants and tyredness.
It would be refreshing if we could tread a new path – maybe look towards the Continental for tonight’s game.
Maybe we will hit the skids in Greece – we’ll just have to cross that Bridgestone when we come to it.
Meanwhile, it appears in the land of Dr Z that the McIntyres and the Dunlops have merged into a single clan.
Many claim that is really no surprise as, actually, the Dunlops have been mackin’ tyres for years.
Up to Arsene then to remould our squad into a winning formula tonight.
Hope he comes up with a few slick options.
I’m exhausted.
‘It’s Rick Astley, these days, your Holiness’.
(cas you don’t get it AVB=Rick Astley)
No H2H, it’s the pope, not the pipe.
Real Madrid v Ajax
Dortmond v Man City
Milan v Zenit
PSG v Porto
Montepellier v Schalke
Malaga v Anderlecht
Are the games which will be broadcasted on my Sports channel tonight.
Can’t remember an Arsenal CL game not being broadcasted, we are slipping down the ratings, another reason to be pissed at van Quisling.
Pope : do we own a lot of Apple stock?
Cardinal: is the pope catholic?
Heh Trev and Ollie.
I see TRev at 163 has made up for lost time!
Pope: a royal baby! Who’s the page 3 girl of the day?
H2H, I can get all the games.
Your broadcaster really is a cunt? Surely if they have 6 games, they can have 8….
Only 6 channels Ollie.
First time that Arsenal are not broadcasted though.
Maybe signing Huntelaar will not be such a bad idea after all.
H2H, be glad you get 6 choices. We get 1 or maybe 2 here in the states live. Fox soccer chooses.
In other news David Ginola has defended Gareth Bale over his diving. He said let’s be fair, unlike in his normal habitat, there are no tree branches on a football pitch to help him remain upright.
H2H..looking at the squad selected, maybe your cable company thought it was the NextGen series match.
The choice of 6 still sucks if the Arsenal are not one of them, NorCal.
Ajax would of been on the box in the bar anyway, because I wouldn’t of been able to focus fully on the game, but I would of recorded it and watched it “as live” later., Now it looks like I’ll be stream hunting, keeping half an eye on it, while relying on the drinks to fill in what I miss.
Heh Uply.
*Checks Europort to see if they were fished in too
*Eurosport, not a harbour in Rotterdam
Trev 163 (I’m back drinking), you missed that if we get beaten tonight, we will all be deflated.
It would certainly lift spirits if tonight’s team could win and finish top of the group. It would set us up nicely for a win on Saturday and turn around our ‘tiredness’.
H2H, fair enough. Our live choice is Dortmund and shitty. Arsenal game not on until 5 hours after it is played. Ah well.
Lets go boys. Give us a good showing!
Anyone who has satellite liveonsat.com
the match is on these channels
ST: 20:45
* SimulCast: Idman TV
Al Jazeera Sport +1
Al Jazeera Sport +3
beIN Sport Max 4
C+ Liga Campeones 4
ITV 1 / HD
Nova Sports 2 (hellas) / HD
nSport (109)
Sky Calcio 5 / HD
Sky Sport 1 (germany)
Sport 1 (israel)
Sport 1 HD (israel)
Sport TV4
STV (scotland) / HD
SuperSport 5 (za)
SuperSport HD (za)
TV3 (ireland)
UTV (ulster) / HD
Viasat Football (nor) / HD
Viasat Football (swe)
Viasat Football HD (swe)
Viasat Xtra 3
~ CYP: Cytavision Sports 1
~ MLT: GO Sports 4
~ SUI: TeleClub Sport PPV
~ UAE: Al Jazeera Sport.tv
~ USA: Fox Soccer 2GO
COY (JUNIOR) Gunners
H2H, our main CL broadcaster havent shown one single Arsenal game this year so far and its not going to change today either, so streams it is again for me.
Just got in to see Gilles Grimandii on C+Sport.
Ups 175
trev @ 163 breathing new-life into the whole tyredness thing…
Uply @ 175 – i reckon that’s fair comment re the big S.winger
CoMOnU(mostly)reserveReDSS(yeLLowS etc.)!
Is he in good form Ollie @185?
Qu’est ce qu’il a dit?
Bath – top of the group would mean we’d avoid Barcelona.
I think that Barca team are one of the all time great teams of football.
So avoiding them would be a good thing and give the team more time to gel.
Captions for the Pontiff:
“So now you can follow all the sex abuse cases, live on-line”
Or how about:
“Children of Africa, even if you have aids, God does not want you to use a condom – ok?”
yes, baff, I loves GG. (and too much to transcribe, but nothing quotable).
There was another C+ journo though (who I have seen several times in the Eurostar lounge) who is clearly a cunt: called Mertesacker shit and useless, and went to his ‘I heard this week that Real Madrid have asked Wenger if he wants to take over’. Which may be true again (they have in the past), but he’ll never go to that freak circus.
Joe, first or second in the group will matter not one jot if we don’t improve greatly, forget Barca, I’d be afraid to meet most of the other teams too (in our current form).
====
The Pope- “hmm, Myles Palmer, the boys from Le Groan……… Who else can I put on the excommunication list?”
OR
Looking at GarethBale.com
“Maybe that Charles Darwin chappie had a point with his Evolution mumbo jumbo.”
All condoms aside, Has this man just passed Santos in the left-back pecking order?
http://www.arsenal.com/reserves-youth/players/jernade-meade
cognacgunner. Only Abramovich and the Sheik can get all those channels. I’m just trying to see if there’s any way I can find one to avoid stream searching.
8Ball,Santos is injured. Having said that i fully expect people to call Meade to be starting ahead of Santos if he has a good game today.
Doubt it, bt8, Santos is injured.
BeInSport Max 4 here. It’s on cognac’s list, naturellement
*”to call FOR Meade”
How did Cent’s post appear before mine? I’m outraged!
(and too many people read my mind on this blog :s )
Heh @ Ollie,great minds and all that?
Double CENTury?
Gooooooooooooooooooooooooal!
So coolly finished Ollie!!
Well in Ollie! I was expecting your trademark assist.
Rosicky to start, really interested how he is going to play, its well known that I am big fan of his and should he find form from last season, he might be the one to help us turn the current tide of weak performances.
Nice one Ollie – Lungberg like.
btw, here are streams for the match http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=180562&part=sports
Unlucky. again Cent.
Well in Ollie, a goal to add to your billion assists
Thanks Cent! Perfect touch and pass.
Sorry I’d got to put food in the oven, so couldn’t provide the usual assist for the one-two
Sorry Ollie….you missed your assist – no glory for you. please do not get above your station
Hah, zico! Akhil would appreciate
nice MM Ollie and poor old CENT who must be looking for a cheap drink after his luck today
bt8 – Ive actually got a motorised dish which allows me to see all satellites from 40east to 40west – but most sports are encrypted! – (there are 6000+ rubbish channels at least)
luckily tonight its on ITV1 otherwise at the moment there is a patch to see certain B(v)ulgar channels but that won’t last
good hunting for a stream you guys
heh, good point, cognac 101 and 199.
Next time, Cent, next time.
Spot on with the team again. Anybody would think they told me in advance
Eandy,i’m with you on Rozay.
Indeed,H2H.
No problem,Ollie,you deserve the goal.
Madison Square Garden network seems to have us on so no stream searching will be necessary but thanks anyway Eandy. Come on boys, let my afternoon not be in vain,
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x12rl9_the-clash-train-in-vain_music#.UL5QHaVDsw0
Heh@ Cognac.
Ollie, got your emails on my return today. Hopefully will get back to you tomorrow. Don’t buy Newcastle yet. What have you got to lose by waiting. If it doesn’t sell out buy upper, not forgetting lower tier may become available in top or on Twitter..
Come to think of it ‘holic your team selection tends to be preternaturally spot on./
MMM lockdown. Laters.
‘holic, if only they could tell you how to place the ‘holicpound too
ITV1! Finally, after 5 matchdays, we feature on the 6th one:)
And thanks for 217
heh Wind!
I have noticed my Blackberry’s battery has gone really shit lately.
I blame you
The Blackberry’s had it, and following the blog on my brother’s spare W995 isn’t easy so I’ll probably be in after the game, enjoy it all
Well, come on Arsenal!
See 224 ollie, my battery’s even worse, I’ve got a white screen on it currently, have had it for about 2-3 weeks now, symptoms appeared on the 17th of November…
Wind. Have a drink on me. Glad to see you here.
Ha!
It probably got too near Spuds, Wind! You should have worn a NBC suit
Again though, something uncanny about my mind being open to all here: how the fuck did you post about Blackberry at the same time as me???
Meade isn’t any taller than the kid he is escorting.
He will get the winning header off a corner.
COME ON YOU eeeer BLACK AND PURPLE STRIPEY THINGYMIWHATSITS
We look bruised not jaded
great pass by TR7!
Cazorla like pass from Rosicky.
NorCal @ 227, thanks, and nice long drink recently
Ollie @ 228/229, agreed :p
I knew you’d say that Eandy, he’s looking great so far
Indeed he does Wind, I really hope to see Little Mozart back to his best
Blatant tug back on TR7, no wonder he went flying in.
oooh shame Aaron!
If TV5 gets injured tonight do we have a replacement? Big call..
We are looking lively though so far, keep it up lads!
Oh Ramsey
TV5 really impressive so far
Eisfeld would have buried that.
Missed the beginning are we any good?
Those counter attacks scare me!
Game already getting stretched.
Come on Arsenal!
Save Woj!!!!! COME ON ARSENAL!
bah choices choices …dodgy-ish stream of itv ..or flawless one although with chinese commentary …pfft -_-
Wow, inch high private eye just won a header, impressive!
Come on LADS sort the passing out!
Their Number 93 is carving us apart in our backline
Eandy, I got the 5th streqam from your list…. Perfect
supporting our young left back by drinking fine mead, come on lads!
Goon run by Jenkinson
Bloody keyboard…..
Ramsey come on lad!
And now ofcourse I’ve jinxed it and the stream is fucked.
That sums up gervinho, brainless cunt
FUCKS SAKE GERV pass the damn ball!
Look up Gervinho!
H2H
http://www.coolsport.tv/stream3.html
Congrats Holic!
Second that Eandy and Geoff, most obvious pass in the world and he just doesn’t bother releasing it.
ROSICKYYYYY!
Get in there Little Mozart!
come on now, boys!
ROSSSSIIICCCKKKY BAM
Ah at last gervinho, you looked! Hallelujah
I’ve missed you Rosie!
More like it!
Tomas Rosicky….!!!!!
Thanks Arthur.
That was too close!
Hope it’s working for ya
Lovely technique from TR7
I think we missed Rosicky guys!
Screw it, sopcast with korean commentary it is XD
Too right ATG
Not too bad, not too bad at all.
264: great counterjinx
Did I ever mention how much I love Tomas Rosicky?
Good first half, lively performance, bit too open in the back but I am quite pleased from what I saw so far.
1-0 up at HT, hope the other result stays as a draw or Montpellier take the lead and keep it
Meade done OK. Rosicky masterful.
Just call me mystic ‘holic
I love Rosicky too
I still think we’ll concede, but hey-ho, it’s good to be 1-0 up at H-T.
By the way regarding our signings speculation, give me Demba Ba over Huntelaar any day, I just think that guy would be a poison for the dressing room, however might become quite a meaty meeting with van Pigsty later in the season as they dont get along too well:P
Good first half dipped a little in middle of the half but overall very good display with the team we have on the pitch.
Ramsey had two good chances, hopefully this might just inspire Gervinho at last. I thought Chamakh wasted one as well.
It’s good to see Rosicky get a goal it will be a good asset to have him fully fit now.
Wind, Agreed about their number 93. Do we have a number 93 shirt available at Arsenal?
‘holic: ignore my 220. Well, they obviously told you what to do with the pound today: fix!
Great stuff: we have our ‘holicpound back
Good team performance.
TR7. Man of the first half
Gervaise….apart from the pass for the goal, shocking decision making.
Ramsey having a good game….The Ox where art thou – Corp J needs your help.
Woj excellent.
Keep it up lads.
Tommy Ros is back – yeehaaa!
Ah, I looked back to see the ‘holic pound firmly placed on Rosicky to score…
Fuck me.
8ball,
I think we have a 93. He plays nose guard.
bt8b, it must be available, highest number tonight is 64 on the bench.
God I hate Adrian Chiles, what a sack of talking crap he is :/
Gets in?
May not have time for a half-time assist?
….with the searching cross..
Or why not?
Norcal our no 93 s on the under 14s team
Wind…can’t stand Chiles….I turn off the sound.
And it’s another goal!
Fine assist from TR7′s fellow countryman.
Two in a row for Ollie!
A brace in your face.
And surely even those who are not the brightest knobs on the dial know better than to call their own players cunts. Save that sort of shite for the likes of Adrian Chilles or the shaving mirror in the morning.
Goal?
Well in Ollie…a tactical switch from main assist to striker….confused the opposition.
Game hasn’t restarted yet, Wind.
I mean surealy you are not talking about number 300 now?
Eandy and Oliie on the pitch for the second please!
Arshavin in for TR7. Not surprised at all. I didn’t mention it, but I could have called it when the line-up was announced.
Precautionary I would say.
‘holicpound job done, so fair enough
I just saw a Russian waddle out!
Well in Ollie
)
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
heh Ups and ATG
(and I mean the half-time change, I saw it this way)
Yeah..45 mins is enough for second appearance in the season and Russian Meerkat might make something happen for us too
A russian waddle???
Did he ask for Ze Pelanty?
Tut tut Ollie *saves face* :p
Hope nothing’s wrong with TR7, wonder what AA23 will do apart from slip…
Squillaci barging in on their keeper. Good stuff, almost like Blackburn v. Arsenal.
Uply @ 301,
So he’s a teammate of Meade’s
Ollie why on earth are wearing number 23?
Meade looks 100% at home….
Does a full back need more height? Discuss…
Tim answer is – Roberto Carlos, so not really.
good call Eandy
Come on Gervinho what are you doing?
Getting caught on the ball too much. Not moving as well. TR 7 controlled the middle better.
Kenny Sansom must only have been about 5’6 also?
Coquelan needs to watch himself!
Schalke are one up!
93 looks quite crafty. He has opened us up all game.
Schalke up, back to 2nd.
Well I dont care much about topping the group, I just want us to win this one to restore confidence, with our luck we are still going to get Real or Dortmund no matter the place, you heard it here first:P
@tim
bixente lizarazu
phillip lahm
patrice evra
ashley cole
marcelo
dani alves
off top of my head
all 5’8″ or shorter
Montepellier just equalised!
Montpellier level again….blimey
Come on Arsenal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brilliant save by Woj!
Crap, just as montpellier got back to 1-1.
Bah ffs
bollocks….come on Arsenal
Bah. Clear the damn ball
Quite clearly, Arshavin is no Rosicky
the goal conceded really was shit luck….
Thoughts on Chamakh? Not awful in my humble….
Mead is fucking brill so far!
Jenkinson watch you man!
Chamakh’s done generally OK so far I’d say, Tim.
That was brilliant ball in ..deserved a goal to be fair.
Tim
I feel sorry for Chamakh tbh!
I share that feeling ATG…..
We struggle to have foothold in midfield ..so Chamakh is not getting any proper service, hes working hard though.
Ollie,
AA23 looks to be playing up top on left. Ramsey and OX in middle and not doing near the job.
Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck !@!?@?@!!!
Jenks is not playing well.
Fuck you Leonidas -_-
Bloody good goal by them…..
Come on lads…don’t give up
Fasirs, fair, that was a nice strike.
It’ll be a big shame to give this game up something to build on I thought!
Why is Jenkinson not hitting the wing with Gerv come on lad!
yeah, well struck, and deserved lead so far, its been all Olympiakos in second half.
that was a foul on Gervinho
Oh gervinho, what a joke he is
Triffic shot by that Greek fellah.. Where has the midfield gone…..no TR7 no midfield..no service to the front men.
Blatant push by my optics too Tim..but refree seems to let this kind of thing go this evening.
Maybe (hopefully) I’m counter-jinxing him, but surely this should mark the end of whatever Arshavin-bandwagon was left?
Totally agree Ollie
hate to say it- but of the fringe players Coquelin looks the furthest away from being at the level needed…based on one match
Might as well bring on one of our young players, what harm could it do?
then he proves me wrong with some good work
as I said I dont care about group standings but I really wanted us to win this one for the sake of good vibes going back ..shame.
I’ve gotta a soft spot for the little Russian ( it’s my entire belly actually) but I agree that he is corporate cup only.
Gervinho should just poke the ball past the defender….where’s his head?
There’s a bit of ‘home-refereeing’ tonight. Not that it makes the difference, but it can be slightly irritating.
make some runs toward the box…not the wing
You’re right Tim, no hoper
If Arshavin was a band he’s be The La’s….
one great album and then…..nothing
I think this shows the folly of having Chamack, gervinho, Coq, Arshavin, Ramsey on the wage bill. Not even good enough for the squad.
Sorry peeps but Gervinho apart from that one move is fucking awful!
With you there, Eandy at 368.
I know he did an assist, but Gervinho has been truly atrocious tonight.
Sadly, it seems to be becoming his ‘standard’….
Must be worth about a combined £2million and I bet they take up £250’000 a week of the wage bill.
Enough said
As soon an TR7 went off this match was lost. No quality link player with quickness of feet and thought to break the midfield and into the final third. TR7, and a player of his like is what this side needs on the field to have attacking potency. That’s all we’ve learnt from this match and the recent.
Gervinho is absolute shite
I wish I were doing ‘holicpound style stuff, because, as twitter can attest, I did predict us to lose and Schalke to draw (which I think they are still doing right now).
PSG are winning though, so I could still be in for that €4 trip….
They made a good go of it for 45….
Rather be in our European shoes than CFC or MCFC
Ah well, nevermind.
First half, we gave a good showing.
Second half, we were a no show.
Utter shit, but it was the easiest money I’ve ever won with a bet, I think. So predictable. Don’t care who they have in the next round and at least City failed to even get into the Europa.
Yes people, other teams failure is like a trophy…
If Arshavin has been banished to beyond the bench any suggestions for gervinho?
375 Geoff, generally agree, with the exception of Coquelin (not based on tonight’s performance though). Looked a very useful squad (precisely) player many times.
Still don’t know what to think of Ramsey.
AA23 should’ve been played in the middle where TR7 was in the first half.
Our substitute players showed why there are constantly on the bench. If they were trying to prove why they shouldn’t be picked, they nailed it!
2nd place and that is it lads ……
Brill while it lasted and Medo is way ahead and I hope he continues to improve reminds of that little fella from Liverhoof Sterling I believe!
Second half could have been way better…..
Unfortunately Arshavin aint getting games so is Chamakh…on the other hand Gervinho apart from the assist fucking useless!
Rosicky went and the game fell apart in a way!
Well its not only down to Gervs though, midfield as a whole was non-existant in second half. I am not defending him, apart from assist for TRs goal his descision making and general play was really terrible. But you have to question Ramsey, Arshavin, AoC and Coq for being unable to keep possession long enough to have something to build on.
Positives – TR7 of course, TV5 had good game aswell, Woj – another bunch of good saves, Meade – impressive performance, Chamakh worked his socks off, no service though.
Negatives ..well ..major one is that we are going on negative wave into the match with very well working WBA side….
I’m ok with the results if this was the rest that the “jaded” needed. First or second in the group doesn’t matter if we don’t improve our overall play. Fair game to the Greeks. They won the game.
I think we are questioning Arsene’s tactical decisions yet again and I agree …Arshavin should have been in the middle….
Sorry Ramsey as well as Gervinho are not good enough and I’m sad because Ramsey was a different player before his injury now we see glimpses of what he’s capable of. It’s like watching fox in the box again!
As for Gervinho I have given up!
Glad the young lads showed some spirit this is exactly what we need!
Feeling more jaded now. Time for some jaded relaxation.
Most the time, the Arsenal of 2012-13 are static, but you can be absolutely certain that when someone does make a run, Gervinho will play it sideways or backwards.
Never have I been so frustrated by an Arsenal forward. The sooner the African Cup of African Cup of whatever arrives, the better. He was dire tonight and slows our game down as much as TR7 speeds it up.
Other than that, sweet-as — we’re through as we were at 7.45pm!
I have one, Geoff: bring forward the ACN by a month and make it last longer
post match Gareth Southgate talking about Vermelen’s positional awareness on 1st goal…valid and sad….
DanC…agree…he should have gone in the place of TR7…. Wasted out wide in that sort game. Tactical mis-judgement in my humble opinion.
A workmanlike display which confirmed that the cupboard is pretty bare as far as squad quality is concerned. The Pole, TV and Jenks did pretty well.
The main positive was Rosicky – let’s pray he stays fit for the rest of the season.
Christ, the negativity on here is unreal.
We were okay tonight in the circumstances. Some not quite there’s, some up and comers, some has beens, some never gonna bes.
Onwards to the weekend – three points essential.
Valid, sad and par for the course.
My 397. That’s aa23 of course.
Well their equaliser was also down to really bad luck for us, took a deflection right to the foot of their striker from Squillis chest..the second one was great strike.
My 400 is a reply to Tim @396
WBA have lost their last two – in crisis and there for the taking
@402 – it was off Ramsey’s chest (not that he was at fault)….TV and Woody had wandered off holding hands
Didn’t realise the count had gone up so much: sorry for not being involved in assist or goal.
N7-Nonny with the good combination.
Hopefully we should have had ‘N’ people on the bench rather than ‘A’ people.
Heh @ Ollie. I’m on the blower to Fifa as we speak.
Who’s Woody? :s
Woody (Toy Story) = Squillaci http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Revoltech-Woody.jpg
The result was expected so there was no disapointed there. We were kings of late goals and late comebacks now it seem the opposite, we simply cannot hold on onto a a result. Meade was a positive, at least he showed he can defend better than few senior players. I like his approach did the basics really well and kept things simple, cannot say the same about few senior players.
haha, well spotted Tim!
Will have to wait until December 20th to see the true extent of this result, Meade was great, Chamakh better, same for Squillaci to a degree, now to take the game to WBA at home
*Blogs at the end of Last week’s Arsecast* Fuck off, Chiles.
I don’t see AOC as a central midfielder. Hope he ups his game but right now he is not there. Rambo is not there either.
AA23 should have played central. He offers more even now.
The best league in the world? A German team just topped the group with the English and Spanish champions and there is a good chance if things go the right way for Bayern Munich tomorrow that all three German teams in the competition will top their respective groups.
we will face either Dortumond, Barcelona, Malaga or PSG and I have to say, it will not make any difference they are all top teams a just reward for finishing 2nd I guess.
Not quite the opposite though: in the League at least, until last Saturday, we had never conceded a goal after the 71st minute this season….
Not in the League Cup either (WE came back against Reading).
But I get your general point we have lost many points from leading positions (but just not late in games!)
414 Bearded.
I’ve been saying for donkeys that the Bundesliga is the most under rated league in Europe.
Great stadiums, affordable match days and top teams.
My 416 was to Mr Coat at 410.
PSG aren’t really a ‘top team’ at the moment, judging from their domestic form.
As for ‘just reward’, there are some tasty teams who finished 2nd
Let’s not forget that Lyon, last season, finished 2nd in their group and go their just reward as….’Apoel Nicosie’.
So a massive ‘Meh’/
Besides the next round is in February, by which time we may be in a better shape….or be completely fucked.
@415
I’d take PSG from those 4…..their league form is a bit spotty and have the heaviest expectations upon them
Neither here nor there game-unless we get an easy draw in the next round we were fucked whether we finished first or second
Too true Ollie@418: The world will certainly be different by February and at the moment I can’t envisage it being worse (although there seem to be plenty who can).
To be fair, NorCal, on his general showing, I suspect AA would have done equally fuck all in the middle….
….or less.
Team 419: you are part of the conspiracy that reads my mind. OK in this case, it’s also a logical answer, but I’m getting worried
Good show about Patrice Muama over on ITV4 for UK holics
Watching Fabrice Muamba: Sports Life Stories
Easing TR7 back in to side and we have a player to rotate Santi with, rather than with Jack, hes much better in that advanced role Santi plays than in Jacks I think. I am sure we are going to see midfield of Mikel, Jack and Tomas at some point like I predicted before the seasons start
Malaga all day long for me, PSG will improve as the season goes on and no doubt will get busy next month – Malaga on the other hand may have to sell, It will be Barca and another night hid behind a sofa
Wind!
We crossed…
He’s a cool dude Fabrice.
Oh well, never mind. It’s not like we are not used to throwing away a lead so psychologically that won’t affect us.
Players rested because they are fatigued? Players not performing because they have not played enough????? I don’t know. It’s all a bit of a pickle really.
Unfortunately, despite the meaningless of the result the inevitable media bashing will follow. I just hope this does not have a negative affect on the weekend.
What Chippy @428 said.
Please let it be Malaga, please, pretty please.
Team? Tim, I’m seriously struggling with words today.
The Wasp, indeed we did and indeed he is
I never knew that he had played for Arsenal before his near-death experience, harrowing and humbling stuff.
Good evening,all.
I don’t care about the result i only care about the performance and so my performance ratings goes thus:
woj- Can’t fault his game today.
Verm-nice game generally,supported Meade in the air as at when due.
Squid-was decent.
Jenks-was decent,still can’t beat a man though.
Meade-great positioning,put in a shift and has bags of potential.
Coquelin- worked hard all through the game,needs to stop giving away unneccesary fouls,almost ready for the top.
Ramsey-worked hard as ever,got into good scoring position,finishing is still very poor.
Rosicky- Awesome.
Chambo-did he play today?
Gervinho-poor decision making,slowed the game down.
Arshavin-the midfield (the game generally) game was lost when he was introduced.
P.S. Arshavin played through the middle.
I don’t know if they’ll improve, Chippy. They were better at the start of the season.
And lest we forget, Ancelotti took a team that were leading their League mid-season and brought them second, despite extra signings last January.
I prefer Malaga for the destination itself though
And their supporters would be much friendlier than PSG fans.
Ollie@435
plus you would have a lot of lodgers if it’s PSG Ollie
I seem to have omitted Chamakh,he did quite well today,worked hard and linked well with his teammates,got no service when Arshavin came on.
I would, if I could accomodate anyone, baff. Don’t think I’ll have moved by then though!
Didn’t dare mention your forgetfulness, Cent, but agree with your 437
Well Wind, shed a tear yet?
Moving stuff.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I think tonight demonstrates a need for an expert on penetration (is there one in this bar – good ole Wolfie) to give some lessons to certain midfielders, who do not look up to find forwards running into space
Whenever I watch Gervinho I am reminded (and maybe Clive is the only other who may remember) of Mick and Montmerency (slapstick comedians in the 50s) where whenever the little one(Charlie Drake) tried to attack, he was brushed aside or else stopped by a firm hand to the head, when all he could then do was windmill his hands to no effect.
I think that every defence now counters Gervy by allowing him to run into the defender or pushing him off the ball
Rambo continues to be unimpressive – ball control is very poor and he suffers from excessive adrenaline causing him to make poor choices in tight situations – so many shots off target in scoring situations every time he plays
Le Coq played well but was asked to to do too much to cover the others
The Ox is not comfortable with the role that AW is asking him to play – he needs more freedom to roam (as Rosicky was allowed to do)
Chammy played well, fought for the ball, but did not get the service in 2nd half that he got in the first (no TR)
Both FBs defended well – Meade is a good little ‘un
TV went walkabout for one of their goals (for a change I agreed with Southgate)
I would like to think that we can recover as we did last year, but , for me, one person looks really jaded – AW himself – and that could have really serious consequences for our season