It’s A Little Bit FArce
Jan 15th, 2013 by 'holic
After frustration comes perhaps rotation, albeit enforced. Arsenal attempt to beat Swansea for the first time in four attempts and earn us a decent day out in Brighton into the bargain. They will have to do it without the injured Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky (bit of a mystery knock that one), and the suspended Laurent Koscielny.
A number of those who laboured against the champions man advantage on Sunday may also come into the reckoning for a rest on the bench for starters. We can speculate about who that may be but this is an occasion where frankly Arsene will be adjudged to have got it wrong should we go out, and will receive scant recognition if we go through ‘because we should be beating Swansea at home‘.
It is also entirely likely that Michael Laudrup will shuffle his pack. His team are ninety hardworking minutes away from a Wembley final in the other domestic cup competition and may want his best side fresh for next Wednesday’s second-leg against Chelsea. Let’s not forget Michu didn’t start the first game ten days ago. It is a measure of where we are that they will change a few faces and still expect to have a real chance at the Grove.
Our second-half performance in Wales is the reason I am being positive with the ‘holic pound. We turned a difficult situation around, albeit undoing that good work at the death with some diabolical defending. Much that was good stemmed from Kieran Gibbs on the left flank as a supplementary attacker, and if either Theo or the Ox get going on the opposite side we may just stretch them sufficiently to create opportunities. BtM noticed I have a bit of a thing about 2-1 at the moment, and I am on that scoreline again. It is 15/2 with Gunners Gaming, and by the law of averages it must come in soon?
It will be interesting to see what sort of a crowd turns up. We have a lot of games in January, and some may consider cat B pricing a bit too steep given the proximity of two Cat A Premiership fixtures at home this month and the sixty quid to attend the bus stop in Fulham on Sunday. Pips are being squeezed, and I don’t mean Gladys Knight’s backing group.
I have spent time this evening listening to Arsene’s much quoted interview with Al Jazeera. Before you start reading too much into the two players we want to add you should consider this interview took place in December, just after Bradford. The party line has since changed.
Finally a word on the decision to overturn Vincent Kompany’s red card on Sunday. That word is farce. I understand that City fans will defend their man to the hilt, and I get that my impartiality in this matter could be seen as non-existent. Both sides choose the angle of the ‘challenge’ that shows their case in the best light. What is astonishing to so many is that the decision has been taken to overturn the red card when clearly there is no conclusive evidence that the referee got it wrong. Other than the fact it was Mike Dean, of course. That is the only good thing to come out of the mess. Even they now indirectly acknowledge his incompetence.
Have a good Wednesday, ‘holics.
423 Responses to “It’s A Little Bit FArce”
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COYG
Top 3?
3rd ?
CL.
Trophy ?
Meh !
7th from down under
farce is right ‘holic
Shameful decision to overturn. It’s just plain silly.
One would hope Laudrup does some heavy squad rotation. If we get deep enough into their reserve team, our boys should be able to nip a result. Hopefully none will die of exhaustion before the month’s end, we’re going to need every able body we’ve got for this run. By 31 January, I expect the party line to have shifted from “want one or two players” to “We have far too many top-top quality players as it is–FIRE SALE!”
As Arse2mouse wrote earlier about AFC approaching Aliadiere, “Ah, the mirthless laughter of the damned.”
It was always on the cards H.
Good stuff ‘holic.
I’ll be waiting to see which Arsenal turn up and that has nothing to do with who is on the teamsheet. Will we go for it, will we be cagey or will the game just pass us by? Problem is, this season we just never know. Swansea are no mugs and have already proved that they are not scared of any of the so called big boys, we need to show them respect….. but not too much.
Sigh, seems we’ve got the pot stirred anew from today’s presser. I really don’t know what to say anymore to people who want to lose it over what Arsene says. Do they really expect him to say, “This squad is shit, we need new players STAT” on the eve on an important match?
Anyway, don’t know why, but I feel that a 4-1 is in order tomorrow. Maybe even something a little nuttier. Just seems like we’re due another stormer.
Good summing up h….we are now in a run where every game is a season defining one and a negative result will bring out the knee jerk
negative reactions. Supporting the team 100 % is what’s important … that’s our task, that’s all we can do. In turn we look to the manager to get the players to equally give 100% and ensure the right approach and tactics are made for a successful result. Lets impose ourselves on the opposition….we are The Arsenal !!
Evening all. Lets at least rev the engine tomorrow early. Come out with scoring intent.
You will grow tired of it before me redneck, trust me.
Indeed H2H,
Will those Welsh miners be cagey – they’re no mugs those boys from the Brecon Beacers. On the face of it, we should win, but whichever eleven we field will have to find a rich seam of form to shaft this opposition.
Drink anyone ?
Don’t mine if I do.
Did I see young Brett there? Excellent. Hope there is a decent turn out in the Blind Pig for this one.
Two points:
1. We will beat Swansea comfortably tomorrow.
2. This is a cool site nicely written. But the saddos that queue up to say ’1st’ etc., and clog the early responses really need to get a girlfriend and a life. And some Oxy10 & a diet no doubt.
What about Dzecko>?How is he allowed to keep showing messages under his shirt when he scores and nothing said Henry and Nasri were fined/banned..
Don’t start down that road. Booking players for celebrating goals is just plain daft in my book. I go batshit mental in my seat. What must it feel like for them?
Bath from previous drinks # 184
Spot-on. Sky has a big, hairy hand squeezing the FA’s tiny bollox. Nothing new there.
Sorry holic.. it’s just the rules are different for others than they are for us.
What are the stats with Dean as ref one win in 19.
That’s what we need to protest against not the manager.
Whether we win or not does not hide the fact that Arsenal have a cheek to charge “A” prices for a
“C” team!
This overpaid mob of some 50 players is a waste of money.
Why pay Walcott more than he is worth, should have sold him before it was too late. Another wonderful bit of economics from a Manager who is too arrogant to learn from his last 7 years of mistakes.
I see Trev has recently returned from The Gervinho Finishing School. With apologies for being mean to Mr. Gervais.
@ # 17
Two words:
Respect
Tradition
Holic
I had the pleasure of sharing a pint with our favourite Sweet and a very agreeable mate of his earlier and the suggestion was that TR’s mystery injury was a complicated twist of the ego muscle with a certain senior Frenchman.
I have no clue regarding the veracity but it certainly helped to digest the Guinness
*Swede* not *Sweet*
Feckin Apple
FAcup – played ‘h. To a sweet V over the Swansea.
Up The Arse!
I’m surprised the red card was overturned, but then I was surprised it was awarded in the first place since Kompany clearly got the ball long before Jack fell over him. It was the kind of tackle Jack himself is almost famous for.
By the way, Holic … “by the law of averages it must come in soon?” Er, no. Sorry to disappoint you but that’s not how the law of averages works. I hope you win of course, since that means we all do, but I would suggest a comfortable 4-0 is more likely.
Oskar
Okay, having posted before reading what’s gone before I find cdoyle shares my view that we’re overdue for a stormer. Nice to agree of something that man! Did you give up on me in the previous drinks?
Oskar
Hey Holic, great post. Have a feeling a 2-1 is on the cards myself.
Oskar, I’d never give up on you or any other proper Gooner. If I left any challenge un-riposted, it is simply a function of my inattentiveness.
I’m sad that you don’t agree with me more, but I have a list of family members and exes who would say that my being wrong is simply my natural state of being. But I know one thing I definitely always get right …
UP THE ARSE.
Also: Shameful Arsene isn’t in on Adam Johnson. He’s on a free. GET OUT YOUR CHECKBOOK, FRENCHY.
Is that a glimpse of Cannons @ 30?
Heh @ the duelling banjos – they have inbreds in Kanada?
cdoyle, in the previous set of drinks I just read that you were worried about live coverage of the FA cup match. If you are in US (or even Canada) — which is what I happen to remember from your original post — you can see that match live on the Internet in very high quality streaming in Fox Soccer TV online channel, which is a paid service costing around $20 a month.
Hey Zico! A glimpse indeed. I hope the New Year is treating you right!
I’ve been so busy and tired lately that it’s hard to post, but I’ve been keeping up with the latest happenings, for better or for worse.
Running off to a meeting again so see you lovely holics later!
UTA
Nobody should read anything into what Wenger says in a transfer window. He twists with the wind and I increasingly get the feeling the whole business of managing Arsenal especially given he is a control freak,is too much for him. It’s a huge night but Swansea are tough and we will need an excellent performance to get through. I’m not sure this squad do excellent performances so Zi travel with hope but trepidation!
Dr.z
Unleash the duelling bagpipes. Now that would be something to see/hear
Hamburgers is an anagram of Shergar bum. Just saying like…
Holic, I think Tesco may have somewhat misunderstood the expression “horses for courses”.
“My cat’s breath smells like cat food” Little Ralphy.
“Myself, I am the castrated bollocks” William Tunstall-Pedoe, anagram genius.
Heh! at Lars, is that why you chose the fish yeterday?
BTW, meant to ask, what’s your watching form this season? Win one, lose one , draw one?
You must be due for a win tonight?
TS, my stats this seasons are WWDL (Southampton 6-1, Montpellier 2-0, Villa 0-0 and ManC 0-2) so still more wins than losses. And like I said yesterday I am, for some reason, quite optimistic for tonight.
Thanks Lars. I’m also feeling optimistic that you’ll leave tomorrow with WWDLW.
That’s probably Top 4 form.
UTA!
Hey TS, Lars + Wind,
I too am feeling optimistic about tonight, whereas only one dwarf in seven says he is happy, and five of the others are feeling grumpy.
I won’t make the Tollie tonight – have to go straight to the stadium,but will be hanging around Block 91 Lars if you’re in 92 again.
I’m hoping for a Career WWWWWWW at the end of the night…
Anyone know what’s happened to tabs? Haven’t heard or seen him on here or anywhere since Sunday…
Ahh I see Trev, no worries, enjoy the game (hopefully!) Just glad to know you’re going at the bare minimum
Trev, I’ll be in East Lower tonight so no proximity to block 91 this time.
And heh@the seven dwarves!
@ 37 Duelling bagpipes?
I think having bestowed the Old Firm on the rest of society, Scotland has enough war crimes to atone for…..
HaHa – duelling bagpipes. (Surely one’s too many already.)
And from a nation with plenty of fine folk that like a decent drop, and are therefore on more than (gentle) nodding terms with uncle and auntie hangover – too. Mysterious stuff.
And Cannons is back. BOOM! It’s a sign i tells yer! Another 7-5ish cup thriller may be on the cards…
Terrible what’s happened at Vauxhall
Good to see Mediawatch laying into John Cross. I should really have punched the cunt on Sunday.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21011778
One for Trev;)
Various hehs above.
Welcome back to our man in Japan.
Have we signed anyone yet?
Various hehs above.
Welcome back to our man in Japan.
Have we signed anyone yet?
Twice?
There really is something wrong with my laptop
With finegar … darn Ollie you’ve let the cat outta the bag of chips on shoulders there. Always enjoyed quoting that bit o’ background when unknowing, slow-witted pseudo-sophisticates cocked a snook at the humble, jolly old pun – they luvved it. Nevermind!
Up The Arse!
Good post Holic and yes questions are popping up again etc
Which Arsenal is going to turn up tonight? I was actually thinking of attending the game but thought otherwise the cost is just too much for me this time of the year.
Let’s hope the good Arsenal turn up tonight and 2:1 looks like a good punt!
COYR
Any kind of win would do me tonight but I would prefer a vintage performance involving style, strength, resolve, desire and domination.
Ah yes, domination. Wolfie?
Trev, AL, Dr.z – Hehs! 7 goals eh? Providing a majority of them go in favour of the good guys that’ll be sure to make us all feel Happy. Lucky Happy, eh?
Ollie – Didn’t know you were within striking distance of JC on Sunday?
Toninght Lars, you will mostly be our very own ‘Man From East Lower’.
If we win or win big, there is nothing to shout about. Swansea already had one eye on the league cup with Chelsea. Which Gunners show up, we dont know yet. This uncertainty has become too predictable, isn’t it?
Right, work done for today – time for a shower and then off for something to eat before heading for the Tollie.
Up the Arse!
If we win or win big, there is nothing to shout about
Sorry my friend, but I beg to differ.
If you can’t enjoy a win, especially a big one then football might not be the best game to follow……….. isn’t it?
3 – 1. Seagulls here we come!
Have a great one, Lars.
Hope we would not get another high just like the Newcastle game after that another low. Whats the point?? No consistency and we are not geting it any time soon, i suspect.
I’m with H2H @ #63 plus Swansea are a very decent team with a manager to match.
On their day, they can beat anybody in the Premiere League.
So if we win, it’s a great result and of course, I’d like it done Bath stylee.
Well Halim, that’s what being a football fan is all about.
We’ve feasted out under Wenger for many years, many many highs and not so many real lows, but like everything in life, glory days come in cycles.
You have to accept the bad, believe me, it makes the good times better.
So if we win, enjoy it, if you can’t, well, surely there must be other ways to fill your time.
TS, I spotted him at Holloway Rd Tube station.
.
@70.
Well, if you believe the Daily Fail.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2263416/Pep-Guardiola-agrees-Bayern-Munich-deal.html
and the BBC, H2H
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/
Does that mean that the Chavs are stuck with Rafa?
Sorry but Pep joining Bayern is a good result for the Arsenal I think.
Unless of course, Roberto @70 wanted him to go to Utd or Chavski.
Be interesting to see how Guardiola does there – I think an excellent appointment for Bayern (assuming tabs newspaper has got it right…..)
Walking into the Tollie it hit me that I got here about an hour earlier than planned. When I finished work I had a look at the clock on the computer screen, not remembering that it was not adjusted for UK time… So here I am slowly nursing a pint in an almost empty pub
Pep to Munich? Meh. Better there than Chavski, I still have severe reservations about him as a manager bit at least he serms to have a modicum of decency and class. And then again that may very well be why he didn’t want to go there.
Heh Lars, there are worse things in life, plus I don’t believe it’s actually possible to be too early to the pub when they are open.
You do have a point there, H2H!
I agree with zico @75. I would not have wanted to appoint him in the next 2 years unproven outside the comfortable environment of the Camp Nou to the foetid environment surrounding our club at the moment. He is better there than at Chav$ki, Manure or $hitteh. He can prove himself in a Teutonic environment there (or not) and if the pieces fall into place join the Arsenal as Arsene’s successor once the ‘Project Barca Light’ is back on track and bearing fruit.
I am also with Lars @77…..you can never be too early in the pub as long as it’s open and has beer/whisky/dancing girls.
Pep to Barca? I did not see that one coming. I like him as a manager and whatever you might say he had a big part to play in Barca’s current status as ‘the club to beat in Europe’
Yes, good points above. Pep to Bayern means Rafa stays at Chel$ea for a wee while and that he doesn’t go to any of our other rival either.
That’s good news for Arsenal.
I never, ever thought he would replace Arsene and attempt life in a football club that operates under a self-sustaining model.
I’d say it shows that Pep is sound too, not going to City or Chelsea (while the Arsenal job isn’t yet vacant
)
Germany is a great football environment.
Dancing girls?
Oh, go on then. As long as it isn’t Smallballs.
Harsha, I didn’t see Pep to Barca coming either…
@82
Are Bayern not self-sustainable?
(genuine question)
Blimey, just off to get the train. It’s 5.35pm here – in Hertfordshire ! – and -5C. !!!
Wrap up warm Gooners. COOYYYRRRRS !!!
Wolfie, if you’re going to the pub, take an extra feather boa !
TS.
I think you’ll find that all German clubs are self sustaining. The Bundesliga makes members adhere to some pretty strict rules of operation.
Bayern is still a pretty safe bet for Pep, a massive club with a good budget, with almost the same principles as Barca concerning youth policy. Beware of Ruminigge and co though who has a hell of a big say in how the club is run, if you fall foul of them then you’re done, just ask Louis van Gaal.
Pep is a smart guy and he’s made the smart move. Best of luck to him, except when they’re playing us.
Cheers for that mate. Come on you Arsenal tonight! Lets have a nice warm feeling on a freezing night.
Worried about tired legs and fatigued minds
Let’s go eat some Swans for dinner! Come on you Gunners!
Starts the move for the hundred…
Lets pop that clutch and move through the gears early. Rev the engine lads and keep it warm. And fu$k the hand break.
I cannot be the only person who is absolutely dying to see how this lineup works together. It’s certainly not lacking in steel …
Thankfully the Mike Dean refs us on Sunday was someone’s idea of a joke somewhere. Apparently it’s Martin Atkinson.
He’s similarly shit though isn’t he? :p
There are degrees of shitness. Dean is cholera, Atkinson is a touch of the runs.
Dinks ball down the right wing and runs for the box….
I’m with you cdoyle, I find it a good and interesting line-up. And much more sensible than on Sunday
Kicks ball randomly.
Full length dive to head the ball in
Ollie, its quicker to list those refs who aren’t shit
Drives the ball downfield to the BFG waiting patiently in the middle…..
Great random assist Ollie.
Well in Uply
……erhmmm to celebrates Baths goal…..well in…lets have a few more tonight.
Much more sensible line up than Sunday.
Hope Diaby builds on his last 60′ and lasts for as long as he’s needed. Fingers crossed.
Team for tonight (apparently): Chesney, Bac, Mert, TV5, Gibbs, Le Coq, Diaby, Wilshere, Santi, Giroud, Walcott.
I like the look of that line up a lot. Coquelin gets his chance, Cazorla out wide on the left, one of Diaby and Jack pushed forward.
Question mark over whether AD can get through two games in such quick succession, but if he’s going to get crocked he may as well do it before the transfer window closes.
Come on you Gunners – let’s get stuck straight into them. Can’t wait.
Ooops, well in Bath.
So is it going to look more like a 4-4-2? Theo to play off of Beefcakes knockdowns or is Santi going to be wide left?
Probably Santi left but a 4-4-2 with Le Coq and Diaby more central and deep and jack and Santi wider and advanced may work better. Just my musings.
Cheers.
Well done Ollie, Bath , Uply!
Big one tonight. OG starting. A brace for him i say.
BTW – soo much slagging off of AW in the “other” media sources lately. Still, AW is a man amoung lesser men. His – supposed – inability to delegate suggests a man focused on details, with clear goals and a philosophy about the way the club should be run. Sticking to his guns, seeing the hard days thru by going the hard way if need be. Even when the critics howl for his blood, he’s got the nerve to stay the course. Courage — plain and simple. As aptly put in one spot:
“His appetite for detail is beyond limit.
Moreover, he believes that those above him — the ones who run the club — must have a clear, defined and realizable philosophy that, once applied, will be maintained even through stormy weather because, irrespective of a momentary rough patch, a road well chosen is worth the long journey.”
Hold it. The quote above was from espn, of all places, about Pep Guardiola. Just ponder that one.
Funny, how journos (and do NOT mean present company) take the qualities of one man and use it as a dagger in his back. Then take those same qualities and use them to serve another man – flavor of the month I call Pep – Kobe beef.
The world’s a messed up place.
Come on boys give us some cheer on a proper cold night !
!!
Walcotts played a very fine hand, he knows the backlash would be extreme if another player just walked – so has pretty much got the club in a corner, He’s got far more money than he’s worth or would get elsewhere with guaranteed playing time but at least we will get a transfer fee if we deem him surplus to requirements at some stage, Which if we do spend serious cash maybe sooner than he thinks
Journos have agendas.
The Guardian ran a story today under the headline “Wenger refuses to rest Wilshere”.
On closer inspection it became clear that what they meant is that Wenger will pick Jack tonight but has said he’ll give him a rest in the near future.
On this basis, any manager picking any player is “refusing” to rest them.
Is that a 4-4-2 we’re looking at?
OG and the schoolboy?
Santi, Le Coq, Diaby, and JW?
Interesting.
Splendid diving header, baff!
I knew I’d be pulled up on that.
Yes, Bundesliga clubs all?/mostly? try to operate in a self-sustaining model so it would be ideal training for Pep should there be a red and white coloured future for him in London.
I think the point I was trying to make (poorly) was that Pep might be well out of sorts trying to operate in a s-s model when most around were not adhering to that policy i.e. The Premiere League of today.
Right, I’m going to stop digging whilst in a hole.
COYRRRs
Enjoy the game ‘Holics!
Good posts N7. And ‘refusing’? Who asked to rest him?
PS: Bath – After that goal I vote you as mentor for Theo in the art of scoring with one’s head.
AA on the bench. I still love that krazy/lazy/hazy little Russian.
Boy, that bench sure looks attack focused.
TS, btw my post wasn’t directed at any of yours. I hadn’t back drank, or drunk … er drinked … today. Just saw that espn blabber and it sounded oddly familiar.
Anyway, l say a 4-1 dickstomping of the swans. OG leading the charge!!
Cor, welcome back ! But where is Nonny
Good blogging and interesting contributions by the holics. Listening on player 
Agree about this lineup, can’t wait 
and happy for my Pep 
What the fuck? The game is not on telly here.
We’re going to win this lads. Just you wait and see.
I still believe in the Arsenal.
COYG
UTA
I have nothing against Pep.
He’s acheivements are just off the charts. My only thing is – he had arguably the best players in the world at every position and who’d largely known each other their entire adult lives. No titles for them would’ve been incredibly unlikely. Its the “thing” right now to worship his barca work. What he does at BM will be really interesting to watch. My first real coach was a German from Munich (god rest his soul) – one of the coolest cats I’ve ever known, and that was what, 1977 or so.
And I’ll never get adjusted to the flopping and cheating. And we was robbed by that idiotic RVP red card at the camp nou. Only if Bendtner could freaking finish … er. Sorry, rant over.
Now I really need to get back to work!
Fucking idiots at BeInSport? Didn’t they get a contract for the replays?!!
I’m really pissed off.
Come on you Gunners!
C’mon Arsenal, we love you!
here Ollie – http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=186277&part=sports
Fucking fucking fucking fucking cunts.
My word, my fingertips are moist, nervous but happy! Promise not to cuss
If you dont mind russian commentary that Russian sopcast stream is crystal clear and running flawlessly
Looks a bit empty.
Heh TS @ 116 – SIMPLY IMPOSSIBLE
COYRs
Cheers, Eandy, I’ll try and see if I can make that work.
Pissed off nonetheless.
Last year the FA Cup was on free television, and they showed replays.
This year, it’s on a pay channel, and no replays?
Zip surgeon needed QUICK!
Arsene fighting his coat again:D
Sorry, I got angry for nothing, it seems to be on the not always transmitting BeInSport3, even if it wasn’t advertised there 5 minutes before kick-off.
COYRRR
Oh OG shame he didnt spot Jack..
hello, all. nice start to this one, good stream on yycast. like the swarming defense and the pressure, and if we can get on track i see a nice early goal. ollieg in the middle with theo and santi feeding, a wish come true.
Sounds like we’ve had several good buildups…keep it up!
Feo FFS
theo still can’t dribble, excepting into a nappie.
drinks for abb, bath, eandy, ollie, and a row of glasses for anyone else…
Thank you scruz, we accept
if they keep showing arsene and his zip, i’ll throw something.
almost, great break, just behind theo (?).
Cheers Scruz.
Thanks scruz *downs the drink* Gibbsy made three good runs down the flank ..but shamefully noone noticed him:(
you mean *you* accept…bath, eandy, ollie, you have to pour into one of the empties…abb has four pints in front of her
cheers, eandy, norcal!
good defense down the left in the box…but theo, you have to put in a tackle, not just let them waltz by.
Heh! I need those pints
Now win it back Arsenal!
Whew..nervy!
not a 100k pw corner there
LJW..magic!
*that* is how you win the ball, theo. use that pace.
and agreed, bath. gotta beat the first man for 100kpw.
thanks scruz, appreciated
Come on Arsenal!
just realized it’s crapenburg tonight. ugh.
COYRS
penno!
oh, no, no penno. just a fk. damn, but correct.
Good shot Coq
Why no Santi? O.o
Keep the pressure up lads, sounds very promising…
aigh. he still can’t dribble.
Stooooopid Feo
Good pressing Santi
Whew….
thank god for the bar. and this one.
That was too close! Defenders sleeping again!
Phewww!
loving the ollieg/bartley battle.
Bartley looks a genial big fella. Plays with a smile on his face. Very tall. Pity he didn’t make the cut.
this has been a fast half hour of footie.
who delivered on that handball freekick? it was horrible.
Feo…
seriously, i’ve liked how he’s played against us, bath. i hear he has some malice in him when he wants, though.
thanks, atg. for every bad freekick/corner theo gets 10kpw deducted from his pay packet. he’s down to 80kpw, now. if we added bad dribbles, it’d be 60kpw.
Seriously, on days like these , I cannot believe, we are begging for Theo to stay.
What an atrocious game he is having.
damn, nice 1-2 with og and ljw…too bad offsides.
Come on lads keep it tight!
scruz @174 – any more of this and he’ll be paying to play.
Come on Gibbs !
lol, bath, yep…
Good defending from Verminator!
Whatever happened to the concept of a quick break?
Sloppy play come on!
great drive on that wiltshire kid.
Feo why in the middle?
Jack is immense!
LJW worrafella.
swans defenders are going to need their halftime oranges.
Team looks much more balanced. Jack further forward is working well. Santi finding more space.
Theo needs to go and play on the right, stop drifting in.
ooooh
put ox on for theo, he’s going to stay well out there, i’d think.
Feo the new gary lineker innhe?
sublime by Giroud..
agreed, btw, n7, about the balance.
let’s get one before the half, lads!
damn, so very near.
ohhh! So close….
Waits
Happy with that. I like this line up, I like the work rate.
Bit more composure second half and we’ll do these without extra time.
I’m hoping this selection is the signal that Arsene thinks Jack is now ready for the Cesc role.
Damn, why on earth it seems like almost every goalie playing against us has to make few wondersaves like this. Good first half, keep it up lads.
theo!
We’ve had most of the ball and created a lot of chances. Now time for AW’s halftime pep talk. 2nd half we’ll do the job
Grab your boots Sajit. We’re sending you on if it’s still level with ten to go.
@N7
Ive given theo my blessings with a perfect strike.
May the cannon be with him
Sajit, Feo’s been pulled – you’re ON.
**Puts on my Invincibles jersey**
My computer is cunted and only the Chav game on tv.
Kill me now.
sajit, well in.
better stay out wide, otherwise it’ll only be 40kpw…
We need to brake em in the second half. Come on lads hand brake off !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
blogs says Feo signing for highest current wages. Fucking mad IMHO.
don’t like hearing he’s on higher than santi or jack.
second half, come on lads, have some plucked swan for supper.
COYGs
Feo. Isn’t that nearly Spanish for “ugly?”
exactly nearly, homer. beer?
Plenty of empty seats
10kpw, now. aigh!
missed pk chance?
Feo – you’re taking the piss….
oooh Feo
oooh, very nearly santi.
Hey, we’re stepping lively!
Girouds first touch is perfect today ..nice technique.
Once Theo signs we need to get behind him.
Until then… 100k A WEEK STRIKERS FUCKING SCORE THOSE
…but should have passed to Jack now:P
love seeing diaby busting a gut to get back and defend.
and, yeah they do, n7.
hell, gibbs is a better dribbler than theo.
eandy, in the hfb’s defense, it looked like he was between two minds.
what N7 said
yeah scruz..he is superb today all around so far though..showing Theo what he will never be able to provide us as a striker..hold up play with the back against the goal.
yep, eandy.
finally, some decent defense on a short corner. and theo can’t carry it up the field. sigh.
Oh deear Theo!
ha. wish I were into the beers.
sadly am at the office.
one eye on this brief. one eye on the internet feed from the match.
one on my assistant.
no wonder i can’t get bupkis done. no more looking at the brief it is then!
better corner from theo, though nothing comes of it except sustained pressure.
brilliant defending from sagna down the left.
another corner. come on!
We are cooking..come ON!
Swans are aiming for pens me thinks!
jack, jack, jack. so close.
LJW awesome run
keep it up!
soooooo close. great double save off the line, and another. we are getting so, so close to scoring.
IM FUCKING POSSIBLE!
Fuck sake what is it going to take to score tonight!
ah, great work by gibbs in the corner.
was that a handball? one view it looks like it, another not.
OG fail
how good is Gibbs today!
loving what diaby is bringing to this lineup. oh, what we have missed.
Eandy Gibbsy is awsome !
How have we not scored. Unlucky!!!!
Feo having a shocker today …bring Ox on!
theo having a shocker, worm having a good game.
We deserve to win this one, please God!
fucking hell, theo. you’re NOT a striker. you should have a hattrick.
graham off, macchu picchu on.
Big 20 mins for our season coming up.
Got to win this.
FOR FUCKS SAKE THEO!
Just what I feared, Michu on
were the fuck was feo aiming please
17 shots. 15 inside the box. 9 on goal.
still 0-0. WTF??
arsabeatbarca
Dont jinx it please!
jack a tasty 45 successful of 47 total passes, including 4 key. not bad, no. 10.
another save by the worm. feck.
Homer, we have done everything to win this game but football is a cruel bitch sometimes
LJW colossal. Deserves to be surrounded by quality. Just saying.
Darn, Vorm in good form
We need to have AOC now in case this goes to pens…
daaaamn. this would go two extra periods, then pennos, right?
Hang on, i’m sacraficing a chicken right… Now.
Was actually a pidgeon. That still counts.
agree, bath. i think that’s why he likes the “five brits” thing. he thinks they’re quality. now if we just had a decent right winger.
Yes scruz, this is the real deal tonite!
NO MORE BACKHEELS, please.
loving the game, abb. just pray we win it!
come onnnnnnn
Hey scruz, can’t wait to SEE it, lol!
man, i hope ollie g gets a goal tonight. he has worked really hard.
This is a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!
COME OOOON!
Just what more do we have to do to score! Lets pluck their ruffled feathers! Good save Woj! Defend this corner!
ah, radio only? or text/updates here? bummer, abb. should be on in an hour on fox, though.
OMG, so unlucky!
theo, so close without getting a touch? or did he?
off the post, oh, man.
how on earth! …fuuuck
Nothinbg is going in
he didn’t get a touch.
bravo, diaby. well played. come on, aaron, have a stormer.
Fucking curse
don’t fall apart, defense.
Oh scruz, just lost player
Totally counting on you fellas now!
This performance has had everything but the finish.
This is surreal.
100k per week?
Terrible.. how many chances are we going to take to score
come one!!
Also, it’s quite Arsenal.
In for a heartbreak.. I can feel it
power down the invisible force field.
again and again and again.
Vorm you cunt! stop being that good today!
Twice of the line again. How many times is it off the line now? 4? Add the woodwork to that.
come on, jack…
jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!
Jack you beaut.
HOOOOOW?
JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
JAckkkkk
YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GREAT
JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK
Come on Jack who else !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
greta touch by giroud to the center after a through ball from santi, then a bullet from jack vorm couldn’t touch.
YEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
100k per week?now he IS worth 250k per week
We scored? Jack, Yippee
COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMEEEEEEE FUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCKLINGGGGGGGG OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
OG with another assist
great touch…not garbo.
Now see it out.
Supaaaa fuuuture Cap’n Jack! Yeeeeehhhaaaaaaaaa!!!!
get another, lads. also, defend as if your lives depend upon it. they very well might.
ELLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
JAAAAAAAAAAAYY
DUBBELYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Walking in a Wilshere wonderland
Hey theo, your not even the best striker at Arsenal. Giroud has been a warrior tonight.
iBtM
Lets win the game first!
jack motm by far and away. diaby would be my no. 2.
What the heck is wrong with you people getting at Walcott all the time!
OG fantastic, Jack a star.
We’ve got much more out of Santi tonight. Keep him out left and let Jack take the Cesc role. Far better balance.
wow, a won ton ton ton…didn’t even notice!
Jack is class. He does deserve more around him. I think he and Gibbs have worked awesome together on the left.
now chelscum drawing with southampton.
three minutes and we’re on.
Jack loves the club that is the fucking difference!
break for another? nah, out for a corner…
Defend, defend, defend!
I LOVE LJW.
see it out, theo. see it out. corner, well done.
Huge display from Jack.
Get in there lads! Great performance. No complaints at all, bar the finishing and maybe a bit of luck.
short corner and control, please.
Theo tried to score no doubt so your comments are uncalled for!
Come on Saints.
another corner. again, and its over. OVER!!!!!!!
Some of you are deluded!
Gotta love that
YES,
I FUCKING LOVE JACL WILSHERE – better than Cesc that boy.
Chelsea 2- 2 Southampton.
ATG, I’d give theo more love if he would just realize he is not a finished and polished and important than he has acted.
Arthur – until Theo actually signs da ting he’ll be held in a bit of suspicion. Quite rightly.
Jack was fucking awsome!
I just want to point out for the record that Wenger was OBVIOUSLY wrong and he is over playing Jack WIlshire.
Wenga out!
Jack …huge today ..OG – fucking fantastic display…Gibbs …owned the left flank..Diaby and Coq good shift aswell …should have scored 3-4 ..except of finishing ..this performance had it all:)
So we won, oh how marvelous
Cheers everyone!
PAYRISE for LJW NOW – must be our top earner.
NO QUESTION
HE’s young give time he will come around and now I think he will!
In other news the Chavs have thrown away a 2 goal lead.
My favourite Arsenal scoreline.
However dark things may seem, there is hope with Wilshere in the team, back to his best.
A master class.
One other thing to say – Swansea deserve credit for not trying to boot Jack Wilshere despite the way he was playing, unlike a cynical lot who were at the Grove on Sunday.
Totally deserved victory – well done Arsenal.
Feo would get more love it he would SCORE MORE GOALS.
ANd the wenga out thing was a joke.
Poor, but still an attempt!
Brighton.. here we come
man, i can’t wait to watch that again tonight, even though we only scored one we battered them. not a poor player on the pitch, even theo, though his limitations were exposed today as much as his skills were shown against newcastle. jack should be on highest wages, no question. what heart.
I’ll come back to this conversation and IO believe Theo did well he is still a fucking baby#!
Back from self-imposed exile to watch the match on ‘holicVision.
YES!
Disappears back whence he came.
Now everyone to rest and be up for Chavs at the Swamp
everyone except chavs, that is, sajit. let’s see them go the full 120, plus pennos, then go to extended pennos. just enough to get them ready for this weekend.
oh, my bad. not an facup game. so they lose two points, wonderful (to quote abb).
Can we please keep this balance to the team?
Let Poldi take turns with OG, stick creative players on the flanks and let Jack run at defences. He had Swansea shitting bricks tonight. Two proper holding midfielders as well, playing in tandem – I thought Coquelin looked good and should be used more from here.
Well played lads, well played.
Scruz – so true. One nil battering if ever there was one.
n7, agreed, and rotate ox/theo and tr7/santi. santi looked great on the left, and really brought uncertainty to their defense. diaby is excellent in the box-to-box role with this lineup, and coq a great shield. perfect way to rest arteta, and give santi a rest, too (bringing in tomas).
We were lucky to win this.
and, if jack needs a rest, santi or tr7 in his place, please.
ha, ollie, droll as always.
I had to do it, really
I can imagine Rosicky playing in Coqs role aswell, more attacking setup but could work too. I really liked the balance of the team aswell, much more physical presence…I love Mikel to bits but he is more of an orchestrator than DM. Fingers crossed Diaby stays fit for long spell of games now, he really brings what has been sorely missed last months.
ATG – you have to recognise that Feo does not put the goals away as a CF should , clinically and cleanly and more than 60% of the opportunities offered
We had at least 24 shots at goal , without Vorm, who is a class act., being threatened more than 3 times – so we have a general problem of finishing!
Jack worked hard, but for me, he has to vary his play, by trying a few balls over the top for OG and TW to feed off. This will spread defences, which in turn will allow more effective runs for Jack himself, Santi and Abu (who had a good 1st half)
Anyway, w have finally beaten the Swans – now to shoot down the seagulls of Brighton
COYRRRRRRREDS
For long periods I feared the old Spartak (was it?) game. Except there had to be an outcome on the night.
trollie…;)
Wolfie’s off to Brighton.
Wolfie’s off to Brighton
La-la-la
La-la-la….
Yeeeeee-ha
Good point zico @345
Someone get Wind a season ticket please
WHAT A GOAL that was.
I said after the game in Swansea that we’d thump this team of over-achieves at the HOF and so it transpired. Rarely have I seen such a one-sided contest as that I witnessed in the second half of this game. I still can’t quite understand why this one didn’t finish 5-0 for the home team though. Ah, yes, Theo.
I also said Brighton in Februaryis a breeze. It will be Holics. It will be.
Top 3. One trophy. Ollie G 20 peaches.
Bearded at 367
I did my part!
I’ll take him again next time I pop the pond too!
ALL of the above dispatched from the sunny side with lots of
Bergkamp’s The Man – but we’re playing Brighton in January!
Baffled by Chelski’s form of late, six points from two tricky away games, one point from what looked like two home bankers. Hopefully they have another shit performance at home coming this weekend.
And we’re very close to seeing our full first team play for the first time this season. Did I say top two?
Saw absolutly nothing of the first half. I managed to get the computer into velig modus (safe mode I presume) which enabled me to watch from about the 50th minute, albeit without sound (more a luxury then a problem).
That was the kind of performance that we’ve been crying out for all season, you could see the effort been put in all over the field and finally with a proper DM the team didn’t look lopsided.
Great win, onwards and upwards.
Coquelin showed the importance of a defensive minded deep lying midfielder especially in a team where the full backs thrive on attacking. And Santi was excellent in the floating left winger position, cutting in when needed and open up space of Gibbo and staying out to deliver balls in the box. An excellently mobile left sided set-up.
Diaby played very intelligently, not trying too hard with those driving runs but always making himself available for organization and distribution.
One experienced DM to rotate with Coquelin , and then Arteta – Diaby -Ramsey to rotate in the box-to-box role and Jack-Santi-TR7 in the attacking mid. It is no coincidence that both of Jack’s goal this season are Giroud’s assists. Jack is MotM by a distance, we need to set up in a way to benefit from Giroud’s knock-downs, nifty one-twos and hold-up play. Excellent performance by OG.
Chelsea drew at home. So if we beat them and win our match in hand we would be only two points off them. Third is still very much achievable.
Charlie, Don’t confuse my rhetoric with mere FACT! Please.
Brighton in January is even more of a breeze. With the sun shining ( on those who walk on the sunny side)
btm, if we can keep that balance…which was on view for the first time all season…it’ll be a fun second half season.
up the arse! just for wolfie.
Holics
I know Feo failed to score today but I think he was an important pack of the team it wasn’t only him who failed to turn things around collectively the whole squad tried and tried and tried!
He did try and he still needs a lot of Henry time if he ever going to become the the Arsenal man!
The fact is with Feo that he keeps his cards to himself unless you want some one like Van Persie to come along and say this club is worthless!
What a game fukcing beauty to see Jack score and thats is what matters!
BtM @371 lots of…….wacky baccy?
Alex Song having a poor game for Barcarole. Iniesta reminiscent of Wilshere just older, balder, tireder, not as good a ball winner and overall not as good
I have to apologise with the Manc blue loss I was livid and I think they earn enough to make an effort and effort was clearly seen tonight!
Tempo was high we were all over them and the one thing that was missing was a bit of luck!
Several outstanding performances tonight, notably LJW, Gibbsy and le Coq followed by Santi, Diaby, Bac and OG.
Much better balance than we have had for ages.
Bath @ 379 – Hic.
Ah, the cratur of your forefaithers.
Cesc not even on for Barcarole. Come home, son. F*ck that DNA shit. Nothing compares with a haddock supper from The Chip Inn Fish Bar. You know it makes sense.
What ATG said @381
But we were persistent for once and it paid off…
Swans are no mugs they played well but Arsenal was just impossible to stop tonight!
You have seen I have seen it and I’m fucking proud of the response we gave tonight!
Ardbeg is the elixir of life. Wish I could afford it more often. Off to write a very chilled report. Come back at midnight
In that case NorCal make sure you pop over for the the week of the Manure game and CL semi-final
A big fat winsoiwka on the bar if anyone fancies some cherries
and what ATG said @ 387
atg, thanks, but i’m looking to drink a bit of la fee verte, after that one.
AAAAAAAhhhhhhhrdbeg.
ATG,
Fair appraisal of Theo. We all want him to succeed at Arsenal and I personally like what his game adds to the team ( most of the time). But what I have gotten tired of is the holding all the cards and the team over a barrel. Be done with it. Quit the smug little grins when you do well. Sign a contract and work on your game.
I also agree that he is still young, but if that’s the case then don’t expect us to pay you 100k a week for you to not finish one of those chances today. He is not the only one to miss today, but he had probably our 2 best scoring chances of the game.
Midnight your time, I’ll hopefully be asleep, ‘holic
Holic I have a pint for of the stuff you really liked back in the day
Good performance especially the 2nd half, yet again. Well done lads! 4-0 wouldn’t have been a flattering scoreline with clinical finishing. 20+ scoring chances! Our Jack MoTM yet again! Immense in his “natural” advanced playmaker role in the middle of the park. Cracking finish for the goal! Diaby gradually getting back to his imposing best! Onto the seaside and upwards!
Sweet as a feckin nut! Further misery to be heaped on after Pep shunned a small King’s Rd ransom for top quality German sausages! A subsequent future at AFC awaits perhaps?! I wonders….Victoria Concordia Crescit.
Chavs in crisis at the bus stop after dropping more points!
Arthur.396
You’d better hope it’s not a pint of that nasty tinned pee that used to be available from the Green Shed at the back of the North Bank.
Here’s why Wilshere should play the Cesc role: he runs beyond the centre forward. Just like Fabregas used to.
Santi is great, but he doesn’t make that run. He therefore can’t profit from OG’s terrific flicks and knock downs.
Play Jack where he was tonight. Tell him to gamble. And the goals will come.
Now let’s stuff those fucking Chavs at their shithole stadium. Quite clearly they’re scared of their own support, so let’s give them something to boo about.
LJW
I thought it was one of these fucking omen nights and arsebeatbarca said that Michu was coming on I thought don’t fuckign jinx it please!
It was worth all the waiting when Jack scored his outbursts were pure class no one could stop him he is the King of Arsenal and I hope there is plenty more to come from this lad he’s is just Mr Arsenal!
NorCal knows re: Theo.
Until he signs that deal he’s only half an Arsenal player, as far as I’m concerned. And it doesn’t matter how “close” the deal is.
398 Holloway2Holland
This stuff will make you want more infact cherries are suppose to be good for you
Fine ton up H2H, couldn’t be better.
Good for me?
I’ll have none of that.
Cheers Bath.
Cherries my friend nothing wrong with them
Proud of the lads tonight Gibbsy was fucking awsome
THIS IS THE ARSENAL I WANNA SEE EVERY GAME!
Two paragraphs in, and I need more Ardbeg. Difficult sometimes to capture the right mood…
Elation, relief, peat, vanilla, tobacco?
Holic Wisniowka right next to you ENJOY!
Well in H2H.
Hardly your classic 1-0 to the Arsenal tonight, we hardly had to defend!
Goodnight folks, sweet dreams!
Welterusten Ollie
Not sure which one your drinking but perhaps this review of Ardbeg could give you some inspiration ‘holic.
http://www.forpeatsake.com/Ardbeg/Ardbeg+Uigeadail
“This spirit made violent love with my tongue, like the Scottish Bean nighe of legend, when appearing in her voluptuous form.”
*you’re
Heh, if only Roxette knew her tongue was meant for violent love instead of threats of violence…..
You know you lurv a tongue lashing z!
umm, entry 415 has gotten me a bit distracted
Oh, yeah, I remember now. Pedro’s reaction to our win: ‘Cold, but good’. 
C’mon, can’t he just be happy for US! It’s his team, too. Never smart to back yourself into a corner…but he’ll learn.
Heh.
Do I detect an improvement in your spirits, Baff?
You do indeed.
Nothing like a bit of domination to lift the…..spirits.
Splendid win. A proper 1-0 battering of The Swans. Fully deserved. Fabulous 2nd-half performance. But for some wayward finishing and few obvious nerves, we would have had a hatful of goals.
Bath @ #130 – Theo certainly proved you right tonight mate
Brighton here we come!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> DRIIIINK!
Heh TS @420
Excellent second half bar the finishing/luck in front of goal.
Evening All
Didn’t make the Ems tonight, Norfolk is an ice field and it was safer to stay at home.
It was great watching the team pour forward on mass, lead by a superb LJW. A pity about all the missed chances. There were a hat full of goals to be had but a combination of good keeping and poor finishing by the strikers saw extra time looming until Jack’s terrific late strike.
We can up the tempo when we want and tonight’s line-up seemed to work much better. Diaby looked sharper, especially in the first half and Le Coq needs the game time deputising for Arteta. I was wondering whether we would ever see Cathorla on the wing but I thought the move worked well and left the middle for Jack to motor through. Will Arsene try it again? Let’s hope so.
Guess what, I won tonight’s competition on the Arsenal Match Day Show! I await the match programme signed by Nigel Winterburn.
Let’s hope everyone recovers for Sunday.
As always COYRs