All Four One and One…You Know The Rest
Mar 31st, 2013 by 'holic
A long day came to a blissful end. Fair play to everybody who managed to get to the Grove eventually. It turned out that I wasn’t the only one experiencing travel chaos.
A shorter than usual pre-match analysis sprung to life when the team news came through. “Gervinho’s in”. We didn’t get the full flavour of the changes after that. “What on earth has Poldi done to miss out?”
The supporters made the theme of the day the late and great David Rocastle. The attempt to sing his song for seven minutes, always a tough task, was cut short when Gervinho silenced the doubters, and everybody else,Β with the opening goal. It seemed fitting that the man playing, notionally at least, on the right wing should set up a comfortable victory.
Of course Gervinho is rarely tied down to a solitary role, and roamed at will causing havoc for a poor Reading defence. On the opposite flank, and equally mobile, Santi Cazorla added to the visitors discomfort with a masterclass. Yet as half-time arrived there was still a nagging thought that overwhelming supremacy required a second goal to be comfortable.
That second goal should have arrived when former Gunner Stuart Taylor upended Olivier Giroud. Everybody in the stadium except for the officials saw it as a penalty. Fourth official Mark Halsey, he who missed that disgraceful assault at Wigan a couple of weeks ago, went over to the tv monitor, shook his head and sneered at the fans in Block 32. Glad though I am that he is a fit and well man again, perhaps the job is proving too much for him these days.
Three second-half minutes had elapsed when the excellent Cazorla was set up by Gervinho and the second goal arrived. “How many more can we get for the goal difference?” Our League situation was still at the forefront of the mind of those around me. From a Reading corner we broke with pace and Gervinho ensured man of the match honours with a pass that Olivier Giroud converted for 3-0. “Too soon for the ‘holic pound” I muttered to the neighbour, and I was right. Unfortunately it was Reading who struck within a minute to sink my bet.
The arrival of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as a substitute did nothing for Reading defenders confidence. Barely had he replaced Gervinho than he was tripped in the box and Mr Foy had no option to award the second blatant penalty of the day. Mikel Arteta netted and the crowd departed happy with what they had seen.
The problem with games like this is that people will say it was only a poor Reading side, and that is true, but we made them look a lot poorer with the quality of our performance and should not underplay that. We will have tougher challenges between now and the final trip to Newcastle, and need to build on the confidence that must have been gained yesterday.
Chelsea are within reach after their defeat at Southampton, and the neighbours too given we are only four points behind them with a game in hand. Who is going to blink first?
438 Responses to “All Four One and One…You Know The Rest”
First….or is that thirst?
Nice review maestro.
Happy easter everyone
Morning.
Second??????
Sounds like a good day out, for all the travel woes.
Well in baff!
Morning ‘holic, nice review but I’d argue the trip on The Ox wa outside the box. Means Foy was incompetent rather than bent.
Am a little concerned that we didn’t score the number we deserves I the first half as the end of season tightness could make goal difference crucial.
Trying to work out the permutations of Chelski vs Spuds is hurting my head but either way a win for Chelski would mean finishing above spuds (and presumably a top four place) was in our own hands.
Well played Gervinho yesterday – I guess the infuriating things about him are caused by how well he gets into the positions to possibly hurt teams. Better finishing and final passes would make him undroppable. I hope a little more confidence will lead to greater things from him.
There are a fair few playing for their futures at the club but I worry that Wenger will use a top four finish as proof that we don’t need to invest again.
Oh well. Eight wins needed (I’ll take seven though!) – if spurs lose their three tough ones we could be five clear by the time we play Utd.
Come on Arsenal!
Morning all, new pants for Chelsea please. Spuds have earned themselves a stay of execution, and are one little cock-up away from getting seriously entangled with us.
Herbie, your point about AW using 4th as a reason to underinvest for the umpteenth time is precisely what worries me. Doesn’t mean I don’t want 4th though.
Morning all, missed the game shamefully yesterday, going to watch it on Arsenal player now.
Great win though, I checked drinks here from phone to get the score updates and it made me smile like an idiot to find out that TR7 started, apparently had good game and that Gervais once again shown that there actually is a proper footballer somewhere in him. Now..off to watch the match:)
Top ten??
Great day, great win. I love Arsenal and us the fans (all 3 that I know ;-)). Happy Easter ‘Holic and ‘Holics.
That pic reminds me that Wenger made Podolski get ready to come on, but then made him stand around for ten minutes with no coat in the bitter wind. Weird.
Eandy, look out for me then π
North bank, to the left of the goal when watching it, just at the edge of an Arsenal flag, to the right of a Lady wearing an Arsenal hat.
I’ve had a very enjoyable weekend so far I have to say.
I’ll count that as belated but well worthy Birthday celebrations.
Arteta helped himself to a birthday goal too π
A quick word on the atmosphere also. It’s not always the case in games like that, but I think there were times yesterday when it was just great.
I will thank Mr Rocastle in good part for that, just got the crowd going, and I am glad also that it was quite organic rather than a contrived 7 minutes. And nice to be chanting it any time during the game too.
Good gesture also from the club to put his picture up on the big screens in that 7th minute.
Now all we need to know is that tabs got home without attempting to mention Michael Jackson again.
heh Ody.
What I found amusing is that the Ox put his coat back on again, I thought ‘Oh, he’s not coming on after all’, but then realised he was just freeeezing while waiting to come on.
I need to hear the Michael Jackson story…
Morning all. Thatβs a fine write up holic.
I trip to The Grove was slightly delayed due to kiddie sports activities in the morning. It therefore rendered any hope of making the pre match Tollie gathering an impossibility.
I entered the ground to be confronted with the team news. Flappy still in goal. Gervinho to start. Poldi and AOC on the bench. It was only Reading but I guess we had the same debate as the one raging in establishments close to the ground. I will confess that I do not share the same optimism as others re Flappy. I find the whole situation very bizarre. I have no idea who our number one keeper. Others point to an improved confidence. I point to two shots on target in two games, one of which went in. Not that Flappy was in anyway culpable for the Reading goal.
The pre match Rocky tribute was moving. The applause and singing on seven minutes was fitting. How nice as well to see the Reading fans all join in in applauding a great man.
There is little point in me summarising the match that unfolded. All will have seen it by now no doubt. I was particularly pleased to see Rosicky have a fine game. It was fitting on such a day that the number 7 shirt would be worn by such a majestic performer. I do feel that our tempo is far quicker when Tommy is in the side.
Santi was imperious. There were some great posts on the previous drinks dealing with the Santi/Jack conundrum. As much as I love Jack, in his absence the little Spaniard blossoms.
Gervinho I guess will always divide opinion. Yesterday he worked hard. His goal came from a well timed run which earned him a tap in. However for me is still someone that needs to massively improve. His decision making at times is poor and his finishing can leave a lot to be desired. At times he is mesmerising but his feet do not seem to work at the same pace as his brain does.
The customary giving away of a silly goal took place but in truth we were never in any trouble against possibly the poorest side in the league. The casual atmosphere in the crowd seemed to continued. The hilarity continued as Bank of Stanley Β£50 notes filled the skies. I wonder how many of the real ones will be used in the summer? Quiet a few if you believe all you read in the papers today.
In the end it is a convincing victory and a good three points. However, as others point out, tougher tests lay ahead. We will not get away with being so wasteful in front of goal every week. We have 4 games before the Mancs pitch up at the Grove. I want a maximum haul from those games. 10 points for me is an absolute minimum if we are to finish in the top 4. We can only hope.
Have a good Easter holics.
Ollie, you are rapidly becoming more of a meedja tart than Tabs.
π
Michael Jackson – heh! Epic, that was….
Holic, in fairness, only TaBS can tell that story.
I bet it was a Thriller Bath????
Seeing Tabs I have often wondered if he was one of the extras in the Thriller video????????????????????
It’s Monster Bad!
Sounds a bit off the wall to me.
Hey bath, hope you had a good day.
Morning Holic,
I got in early last night, predicting you’d be in no state to post until this morning. Strangely, that seemed to be the case. π
Btw, the photo in the review, on my iPad, is upside down ??
Likewise on my zPad Trev.
I notice however that these upside-down photographs only appear after H has had a day on the lash. π
Okay, after seeing the game. I want performances like that every single week. Yes, we were wasteful in front of goal but some of the football played was just supreme.
Agreed that if that second half action when Santi found TR7 in the box with that lovely lob went in, it would be team goal of the year.
Gervs had good game, his decision making still needs to improve though. I liked his directness though and nice to see him being constantly in good positions to score a goal. Giroud was quiet but worked hard and his goal was well taken, low and hard..difficult for any keeper to save. Santi …well …he is just class act, bossed the game from start to finish.
So glad to see Tomas playing, he speeds up our play and is just joy to watch, still needs bit more match fitness but I think he can be very much the decisive player for us at the end of the season. Really impressed by Ramsey with Arteta aswell, did just what they had to, without any real fuss..and how cooly taken that penalty was.
Word for our back 5..they did not have much to do but when called upon action they did supremely, Mertescielny is definitely pairing to go with, Sagna had good game and delivered few really nice crosses. Nachos lapse in concentration did cost us a goal but all in all, really assured performance.
More of the same please:)
Can’t disagree with much of what Steve T has said these last 12 hours, especially re: the keeper conundrum.
Fabianski still not convincing for me.
Interesting to note that not one Reading player protested the pen we were given. Perhaps they still had a conscience over the Taylor challenge.
i agree with Steve T re the goalkeeping situation. Flappy is not the answer and I believe is out of contract at the end of the season, If we are after Pepe Reina our scouts haven’t seen him recently. I’d go for Mignolet,Begovic or Krul.
Played ‘h.
To thired with Everton going forth!
*goes to check iPad*
What the hell? How do I fix that?
Cropped. Saved. Bingo.
Still don’t understand what happened with the original. Was fine on the desktop…
Nice reports and contributions from all and sundry.
Steve @15, I read on Twitter that someone bought a pie at half-time with one of those Bank of Stanley Β£50 note.
One question? Will we get be allowed to spend the
cash in pre season if we only finish 4th? 4th doesn’t guarantee
champs lge. We need 3rd and should be good enough
to get it with our run in… Two seasons ago we had to make it
through the qualifiers before we spent the cash which was too late
and after the season started.
Are we now in a sound financial position that we
can take the punt and buy the players early to give them
time to bed in and make sue we qualify if we only make 4th?
Should say Will Wenger be allowed…
Prettige Pasen allemaal.
(Easter wishes)
I don’t know what you have done holic but my picture is now in black and white???
Another great report, cheers maestro.
Drinky (catch up) time.
N7. Thank you.
Cent. I so want that to be true. In fairness, with some of the buffoons the club employs at its catering outlets it would not surprise me in the least.
Re the closed season business. I would sincerely hope that a vast amount of ground work has already been done.
Prettige Pasen allemaal to you H2H. With knobs on.
π
π
I have seen tabs engage in a Michael Jackson debate at the Tollington and one particular person got VERY upset and threw a massive hissy fit in full prima donna-style. I suspect there might have been more of the same yesterday?
Steve: this is what Poldi himself said on Twitter yesterday:
Deserved win today, we played well and after recovery from my injury the 20 minutes I had is all I needed, 3 more points. #GoArsenal
…i.e. it was probably a case of not wanting to risk him getting a recurrence of that injury.
“I find the whole situation very bizarre. I have no idea who our number one keeper.”
Let me play the devil’s advocate for a bit here: why do you need to know who is the number one? Isn’t a situation where there is true competition for the spot just what many have asked for? Isn’t it a sign of strength that we now have another goalie to play when Szczesny is out of form?
Also, Fab definitely didn’t have nothing to do v Bayern. He faced quite a number of shots which he saved well and he made a really, really good save when Robben was through. I know some say “but the shot was straight at him”, but the reason it was straigt at him was to a large extent that he didn’t give Robben much of a choice.
I know you don’t feel safe with Fabianski in goal but trust me, he is a lot better than you think π
Lars knows re Fabianski. I will also add that Fabianski of the last three games has been very calm and that calmness seems to have transcended unto the defence in front of him.
Our Next Gen team are drawing 1-1 with Sporting Lisbon at half-time. Eisfield scored for us.
Fine write up, ‘Holic. At half-time it looked as if it would be one of those nervous-making squeakers I had feared before the game, but the second goal opened it up. Can’t say too much by way of praise for the quality of Santi’s shot for his goal. The more you look at the replay the more sublime the strike becomes.
Looks like we are now in a tight four-horse race for third and fourth. As you say, ‘Holic, it will come down to who blinks first.
From previous.
Trev, Thanks for being the first to say what I didn’t have the bottle to say, (Steve T and TTG too) During the match I only dared to put in a cryptic dig (of sorts);
Gerv tries to run through their defence,β¦..
Literaly.
Statisticaly seen, Gerv had a more then decent game, a goal and two assists is a great return from any player, but my God he can be frustrating, I’m ashamed to say it, but I cringe everytime he gets the ball, he can be sublime some of the time, but other times……………Oh dear.
I hope that he can improve, and some of the signs yesterday were quite encouraging, but overall as far as I’m concerned, the jury’s still out.
Lurky, it seems a bit rich to me that you would have a go at Trev for stating his opinion about a player, when you yourself have been pretty harsh on Ramsey (ao). Him (Trev) being at the game gives him a much better view then we get on tv/streams, I’m not saying you have to agree with everything he says, but as he stated, it’s just how he saw it and we should respect that, just as I respect, yet disagee with your views on Ramsey Still, a drink of your choice on the bar from me.
Re the keeper situation.
Fab did well against BM, one cross wiggled under his body, but was solid for the rest.
Not much to do against Swansea, flapped helplessly at one cross.
Not much to do yesterday, but what he did, he did well.
Personaly I’d prefer Woj, but until Fab majorly fucks up he has to be first choice.
Speculation time;
Isn’t Fabs contract coming to an end?
Even though I know we’ll get nothing for him if he leaves, are we not putting him in the shop window, so to speak, as to increase the odds of him finding a new club? (as I said, pure speculation)
Lars,
look, it’s getting very hard to disagree with all this cool Swedish logic you keep producing ! Can we have a bit more raw emotion please ? π
Lots of good stuff from you though. Literally seeing things a bit more remotely π
Eandy,
completely share your enthusiasm for TR7, but re our “back 5”:
They were fairly solid yesterday against an attack that, for the most part, was non-existent.
I would not call them “supreme” by any means though. Kos and Per are certainly our best central pairing at the moment.
Personally, I think Sagna was far more culpable for their goal than Nacho.
There was little or no attempt by Sagna to stop the cross being made, and Nacho was outpowered at the far post. The cross was so tight to the post that he would have had a hard job doing much with it anyway.
Cheers H2H.
Holic – photo now the correct way up and in colour on the tPad. π
Heh Trev, maybe distance for once provided some perspective π
Agree with you about Sagna for their goal, I was actually screaming “get closer, get closer” at my screen just before whoever-it-was crossed the ball.
Lars. How many other teams in the premier league do not know who their first choice keeper is????
I remember the save against Bayern. He did very well. But I have seen nothing yet that makes me stop shaking every time the ball gets near him.
Happy Easter all. If anyone in here had given up drinking for lent ( yeah, right) there is a big one in the bar for you.
As for the game, well played from us. Could have scored a few more, but that is the way it goes sometimes. Redding …..oh wait I mean Reading through themselves at the ball in some fine last ditch defending, blocked a few sure goals, we also squandered a few on our own, it happens.
The Giroud penalty was a penalty. Full stop. Not only that but we have all seen Szczceny get red cards for a less aggressive challenge. Absolute bull shit, and I am in Texas so I know bull shit!
Gerv, played good for him, got in some good positions but he really could be so much better if he would find a good finish/ final ball. He almost always scuffs it. Theo wild have eaten them alive, at least a brace…..but wouldn’t have gotten either assist because he wouldn’t have laid of the ball like Gerv did.
Ah well, keep up the work lads….third is quite reachable f we apply ourselves each time out.
Through= threw
As for the other typos, there are too many to correct……
π
Cheers all.
Black and white Steve?
You have a LWC’Pad my friend π
Heh.
The 1961 Title winning edition, with free film in can season highlights. :).
Sorry holic. Possibly a day early???????
π
One issue which would not be far from the thoughts of a number of regulars on this site,is how much better we might have done over the past few years with a fully fit TR7. He really makes the team sing. He changes the tempo of the side’s passing and he passes really incisively. He has missed much football than he has played. If he stays fit for the rest of the season I really fancy us to go on to the Champion’s League.
Ttg – @ 55:
Amen brother. (And I’m not even religious!)
I(t’s a Wenger tactic.
Pretend TR7 is injured and then bring him in at the business end of the season…
Sound familiar?
Norcal @48, that’s exactly why I suggested we turn Theo and Gerv into a single player, the Gerv part of the said player will get into good positions while the Theo part does the finishing. Simple. We have our 40-goal-per-season striker.
TTG @ 55: Over the last half a decade of ‘nearly’ performances by Arsenal the loss of some very key players for the majority of a season or more through injury have made us all wondered what might have been. I still contend — and I know that such wishful re-imagining of past is pointless — that a team with TR7-Cesc-RVP-Eduardo all injury free and playing together would have had a few silverware or so.
Loss of TR7’s peak years through injury was particularly frustrating. And after his return it took him half a season to find back his rhythm but there were still certain aspects of his game that were lost. The long distance pile drivers we rarely get to see. Also the classic midfielder’s follow through goals which were his trademark (last year’s away match against the LWCs was an example, or the home match against Milan) — BTW, young Eisfield who looks up to TR7 as an inspiration has demonstrated this ability in reserves.
I hope that unlike other ‘senior’ members that Arsene had phased out rather ruthlessly sometimes for our liking TR7 would be given the space to contribute in this team for a few more years if he stays fit. This is an area of management where Fergie has trumped Arsene absolutely, the careful handling of ‘wise’ players in the squad and the role of Giggs and Scholes in the highly successful last half a decade of Man U cannot be praised highly enough.
TR7, when fit, forces the Arsenal midfield to shed two of our perennial problems in recent years: complacency (by virtue of his constant pressing) and the absolutely frustrating tentativeness (by virtue of speeding up the play and the direct forward movements and passes). And I hope there is a place for him in the next couple of years in this team to provide an example for the benefits of those qualities for others to emulate.
Cent.
Every sci-fi/horror film ever made will tell you that that plan can only end badly.
For every briliant Walvinihio that you make there will be an evil Gervcott that will come and reek havoc by running into blind alleys, crossing to no one and scuffing open goals. Decapatation would also be pointless as it runs around like a headless chicken anyway. π
@59: I meant last year’s home match against the LWCs. Darn.
Heh @60. I believe that if our team of Doctors in the Quackery brainstormed together they can come up with a system that will not only produce and retain all Walvinhos for The Arsenal but also send all Gervcotts to our good old friends at La masia.
Bwaaaahaahaahaa
Hmm…….
Am almost delighted by the game safe for the non clean slate.
I just hope the teams is allowed the way it is in a couple of games & maybe rest Santi after an hour. Until the Mancs. Another thing I’d love to see is Poldi really getting into the 9 position more often perhaps via sub.
Cheers aD
Anyone else think its a fluke that yanited only have 2 draws? The next closest is west Brom with 5 and they have 13 loses. This league is has a large amount of parity, but just 2 draws makes me scratch my head.
H2H @60 – :). π
Good evening folks. Holic, you saw the same game as I did. You touched on something which is so true. Yes Reading were poor, but that shouldn’t detract from the fact we played beautifully. Except for some final touches… π I’m starting to wonder if Gervinho’s problem lies with physical strength but like others, I realize he is a confidence player. And I might be in the minority, but I think players do read blogs. π
Memo fom The Quackery (Official)
In order to stem any further consideration of the Mengele type solutions to improving the Arsenal squad (see above: Walvinho -/ Gervcott), I feel compelled to break a long maintained silence on some work that was undertaken in The Quackery almost a decade ago.
It was decided, having witnessed the promising goal scoring abilities of an emerging Niklas Bendtner, that the youngster was a little lacking in pace, and an injection of same would considerably enhance both the ability and value of the eventual player.
At the time, the club was still able to call on the services of the flying winger Marc Overmars and, so, work began on an amalgam of the two to be known as Bendover.
Stem cells from Overmars were injected into Bendtner’s legs, and we in The Quackery waited for the transplant to take effect – which they certainly did.
Unfortunately, the results were not quite what had been hoped for.
Overmars was so fast, and Bendtner so one footed, that the resulting Bendover simply ran round and round in such rapid, ever decreasing circles, that he would have completely disappeared up his own arse were it not for a pair of oversized underpants specially commissioned for the purpose of advertising an Irish bookmaker.
Let this be a lesson to any would be cloners. As forewarned above:
You don’t always get what you want.
Better hope Bendy doesn’t read this one then abb. π
Hehs galore, Dr T π
Heh Dr T. π
Paddy Power is a bookmaker?
I thought they were a gang of Emerald Extreamists.
Oh Trev, picking up on the Michael Jackson theme, it’s only “Human Nature”. π
I posted a picture of a lost glove in the Paris metro, and someone completely alien to yesterday’s conversations replied mentioning Michael Jackson.
It’s been that sort of weekend. Magic!
A quick extra love-in for TR7 before I go to bed.
Such a pleasure to watch. Him and Santi just love playing football.
And I completely agree with Dr Faustus above. Shame his finishing is not what it could be, but the way he makes himself available all the time, buzzing all over the pitch…
Left, right, centre, he was everywhere.
Whenever he passes the ball, he always makes himself ready to get a return ball.
I’ve never made a secret of my TR7 crush, he’s playing a risk game at times, but he’s such a positive player….
Goodnight all, it’s been a pleasure!
Very good nite to you Ollie! Agree about TR and Santi, magical (big smile) Sigh, off to work. Sweet dreams, holics.
Bendover does like to make an ass of himself.
Thanks for the report ‘holic.
May I say this:
Come on Arsenal!!!!!!!
Keep piling on the pressure and buzzing like a squadron of belligerent bees.
Bendover my Arse, why doncha Dr. T? π
lore
Heh @68, point noted.
One question though: did Wolfie know about that “Bendover” bloke?
I think Wolfie slipped in some of his DNA, if you know what I mean. π
Tabs, glad you are alive. Or shall I say “Billy Jean, glad you are alive”?
Sounds like it was a thriller.
What’s that Arse coming up from behind???
I think Wolfie would have liked Gary Speed to have been crossbred with Gervinho — as long as he got a pair of them out of it.
Glad to see TR7 in there, he has always been my favorite. We simply are more dangerous offensively when he is in there, he gets it and goes forward. Hopefully he will be featured going forward as we need a direct and combative player in the squad. No looking forward beyond the next game in front of us.
My foot hurts.
If you haven’t seen this, you must :
http://arsenalist.com/m/iZvCEWuhRznR
Morning all.
Lars @38, that’s the one – hissy fit, the sequel.
TaBS, glad you survive.
I was anticipating a touch more TaBS. Are you not well my friend? π
Morning bath. Enjoyed Saturday immensely, and part of that is down to you master. Thank you.
baff was in good form, ‘holic! π
Morning Ollie. You too π
The BBC’s official position, as voiced by John Henson in website commentary leading up to today’s game:
“David Luiz is as cool as a beachside Caipirinha.”
And I ask you, Where is the objectivity?
Afternoon all,
Thanks for the post ‘H, great write up.
Sorry about last night’s one word nonsensical post. I was actually trying to google the film “Lore” and ended up posting it here. It was that kind of day, could barely read, let alone write anything worthwhile.
Good to see everyone on Saturday. Good performance, good result, you can only beat what’s in front of you, and we did that well. Santi was majestic, hardly a wasted ball all afternoon.
I don’t really understand the confusion re the goalkeeping situation. It all seems very simple to me. Sches was having a hard time and has been rested/dropped. Fab has come in, done nothing wrong, and has therefore kept his place. All pretty basic stuff.
Michael Jackson? I hardly said a word. I’m blaming Bath! π
A hard fought, ground out, injury inducing Chavvy win for me today, after extra time, of course.
Want to see them and the Spuds in as many matches as possible, before getting thrashed in whichever finals they might reach.
Trev – if Chelski reach the FA Cup final they’ll almost certainly win it (since they’d be playing Wigan or BNP FC), so hope they win today on penalties, and then lose on penalties to Man City. They can reach the Europa League final and lose that though.
Charlie,
take your point but I hadn’t researched it. The more embarrassing the eventual defeat the better though.
On a serious note, it’s interesting that Benitez seems to want to win the cups for his own purposes, and is tinkering with the team for the league games, which he doesn’t care about ‘cos he knows he won’t be there next season anyway.
Abramovich must be doing his nut ! π
About the GK Situation..
In the last ten years, EPL champions teams had keepers like Lehman, Cech, Van der Sar, Joe hart. They were/are very very good GK at their times. I honestly think neither Wojo nor Fabi is good enough to win us champions next season. So I like to see a more matured GK bought in .
Speaking of goalies, some great saves in this 2nd half, really good stuff.
A pre-assist then.
Takes her eyes off RVP long enough to back heel the ball to…
Afternoon all.
Cheers for the link Ollie, always a great way to start the day, watching that mongtard chewing the cud.
Chavs v mancs? One of those meteoriet strikes would suffice, other then that, Chavs winning in extra time after which a major brawl brakes out leaving twenty six players suspended, two missing limbs and the rest shell shocked after seeing Rafa and Fergie go at it cagefight stylie.
hmm, you didn’t even warm up H2H and you score π
Well in H2H, nice backheel, abb
Thank you Ollie. I think Cleverly did a JT manuever like the one you posted, sort of, not as funny though π
:totalysurprisedbutstillacceptstheplauditssmileyface:
Oh H2H π
United not giving Robin any service. Bet he wishes Theo was out there π
We’re 24 points behind Man Utd with 24 points left to play for. Every game is a cup final now. COYR.
RvP can go service himself.
ohhh, funny. tis monday! esp for robin!
So more fixture congestion for Chelski and the Spuds, hooray! Says a lot though for how predictable the FA Cup has become since the early 90s that Chelsea are now one game away from a probable fifth FA Cup in seven years.
New Sloop John B song;
He can’t score no more,
He can’t score no mo-o-ore
Cunty van Skunksy
He can’t score no more.
Chorus
Cunty van Skunksy
He canβt score no more.
All together now…………..
Cunty Van Skunky he can’t score no more…
Why would anybody wish Van p*ssy injured, I mean, do you not enjoy the look on his face this past 12 games he has fired blank?
http://metro.co.uk/2013/03/31/jack-wilshere-swamped-by-arsenal-fans-at-traffic-lights-3566352/
It was outside the Tollie, they probably thought it was Tabs. π
heh H2H
Noticed that, H2H @116. LJW was dropping Tabs off at his juicer π
I wanna see Ferguson getting criticized for rotating, or prioritizing.
Why play the Dutchman against hapless Sunderland when you have a 15 game lead with 27 points to play for (before the Sunderland game) and then bench him for a competition you haven’t win since 2004 against Chelsea??!?!
I guess he should be criticized, but he won’t be.
He will certainly get criticism for exactly that….nonsense decision.
Who cares? They’re out, fuck ’em.
I hope Rafa keeps rotating for the PL and goes for the cups. As Trev alluded to earlier, Benitez’ resemee will look a lot better if he can manage to win one or both of those cups, the league is beyond them and why would he give a toss if they are in the CL next season, he won’t be there.
He could even say finishing fifth is an improvement on their last years PL standing. π
Snir : http://www.football365.com/f365-says/8611770/F365-Says
Although since I hear he’s not scoring at the moment and missed some sitters today, so you can’t really argue about Funguscunt dropping Van Cunt π
Dr T
We will have to be careful with these declassified Quackery files, otherwise we may face awkward questions over the simultaneous disappearance of KD Lang and emergence of Nasri…. π
Heh
π
Constant craving from the Quackery.
I’ll deal the drugs, thanks….
You should see what I have to do with the rubbish when things don’t go quite right. If I had 50p for amount of horse placenta I have had to discard. Im Glad that 1 trick pony hit the road… π
Interesting quotes from Nasri on BeinSport at the moment:
“AW is the best coach i worked with, the one who understood me the most. He made me the player I am. I’m very thankful”
“During 3 years with him, I was very happy. When I left the coach and I were fine. I wish we talked more”
“Cesc or me were supposed to leave. AW told me that if Cesc would leave, I would stay. But Kroenke wanted the money”
“I never regret leaving. I won the league. And when I see how Arsenal are in difficulties to finish 4th”
There is more:
“The coach told me we’ll only take Gervinho, Cesc was already gone, I had only 1 year left so I decided to leave”
“When you compare Arsenal and City, it’s not the same, with City I’m playing in a better team”
For someone who has no regrets, Nasri seems somewhat fixated with Arsenal.
Minge-muncher can do one.
“But Kroenke wanted the money” ….to buy players who would play well for longer than 6 months in a 3 year period.
” with City I am playing in a better team” …….that is when I actually get to play.
” I am very thankful” …… But I will talk shit about the team every chance I get.
Piss off KD Nasri.
@ Charlie
I know loads of Millwall supporters. None of them to my explicit knowledge have anything to do with the BNP.
H2H – I agree re Chelsea and Benitez but inconsistent journalism does my head in. I wanna see him criticized just like AW was. I never saw anyone berating Ferguson when they lost vs Leeds in the 3rd round in 09-10 or Crystal Palace in the CC in 11-12.
Both were played at Old Trafford by the way.
What zico said at 130.
And ‘Kroenke wanted the money’ ? Hmmm, I can’t decide whether Kroenke is the code name for himself or for his agent….
It’s quite simple Snir – McSurley has got other trophies to show for those times when he has prioritised one competition over the other -just like he will have the league to show for it this season.
Until Wenger is able to do the same, you cannot really compare the two.
Red nose intimidates the British sports press. Few will risk a ban for their paper from OT – that’s why criticism of him never reaches the feeding frenzy Arsene has to put up with from the vermin.
Heh zico @ 130.
Ollie, I think he refers that Kroenke wanted the money from Cesc’s sale. I might be wrong though.
Stan insisting both are sold fits with AW’s observation that you cannot sell both of them and claim to be a top team. He has said that he will tell the story of that summer one day.
Mancini says he could punch Nasri.
Nasri says Wenger is the best coach he worked for.
Context.
Nothing more to see here, move along please π
Wise words, maestro.
Glad to see that Aston Villa with their 2 shots on goal won the NextGen series against Chelski 2-0.
‘holic knows
bath @139,
exactly what I have said ever since it happened (on here more than once too).
Dr C,
precisley.
The result of the failed Ray Parlour experiment is now guarding the door at The Tollie – and a female too.
More Wolfie interference than we were ever aware of π
Dr T
I’d appreciate it if you didn’t hark back to my slip with the knife
To be fair to me, the problem was a lack of alcohol, which led to the DTs and then….
Well perhaps one more thought on Sammy… I do understand your point Holic, he obviously was ‘striking’ (pun intended) out at Mancini. However, I believe he meant what he said about Arsene π , and I can only imagine how Roberto must have felt hearing his comments. Who needs Mario when you have Samir to stir the pot.
There is no doubt in my mind (and many other minds I suspect) that Wenger is a better coach than Mancini.
I’m not sure that was the essence of ‘holic’s point though.
Well, I am drinking blush π I will have to give this matter more thought! π
And speaking of thoughts, Gervinho! No one is getting on Mata’s case for missing so many shots today…but boy oh boy, Gervais gets no slack. From his hair to his forehead, to his feet…he is under constant scrutiny. Not fair! π
Anyone remembers when some fans wanted Arsene to buy Samba as a solution to our defensive problems π
I see your Chris Samba and raise Nuri Sahin
Cracking game at Craven Cottage, I have to say. Fulham were 3-0 up, but it’s now 3-2 and QPR have missed a penalty. 51 minutes played.
Colin Wanker has been sacked by Leeds.
Real man on man love.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/66689000/jpg/_66689955_jol.jpg
Front. I wouldn’t exaggerate like that with the emotions of two ex-Spuds. They are extremely fragile as is. π
Abb,
noone criticises Mata on here because, between the lot of us, we couldn’t give a tommy what he does. π
Abb. Regrettably, Mata is streets ahead of Gervinho as a player. His record alone for a midfield player I would suggest means that he has earned the right to a bit of leniency. He was the one that got away. He would have been a wonderful signing for us.
Took my lad to Brisbane Road today to see Orient v Bury. Trust me, we have no idea how lucky we are. We were sat near the top row and my neck still hurts. A crowd of just over 3700 and still people left before the end to beat the rush. It was an interesting day and a good outing with the little fella. Especially as his ticket was free.
Nasri has one good game in 6months and he’s already mouthing of, who ever sanctioned his sale did us more good than harm.
Now Trev… ! π Steve, I like Mata, but who would you sacrifice in midfield? I don’t think he is better than what we’ve got. When I watch Gervinho, I’m mesmerized by him. I guess you could say I’m under his spell … π
There’s a reason why Nurse Abb is under Gervinho’s spell. Evidence:
http://cache2.asset-cache.net/gc/3139099-20th-february-1935-a-west-african-witch-doctor-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=OCUJ5gVf7YdJQI2Xhkc2QLIAGAz1htw9%2b0oEsWj0chjJ%2bQ2JRCB8dlL6k0iv1PGWka%2bq45Bx83pRakkadVADbA%3d%3d
Abb. If Chleski wanted to swap Mata for Gervinho then I would rip their arm off.
Sorry, I know that is not what you wanted to hear.
π
Unfortunately there are two Gervinhos playing for us … one who skilfully creates chances and one who (way too often) fails miserably to take them. Yes, I know he scored on Saturday, but I could have put that one away.
Mata certainly was the one that got away, Trev. AW refused to pay more than 20m, Chelski snapped him up for 22. I think Mata has the edge on Santi, abb, much as I love the latter.
But the player I’d really have preferred to either in midfield is Silva, and the CD I wanted was Kompany before Mansewer got both.
Sometimes Arsene just doesn’t listen to me… π
Oskar
What Steve said in 162.
Oskar
Ooops, I’m getting my Steves and Trevs mixed up. Hopefully you know who you are…
Oskar
” I think Mata has the edge on Santi, abb….”
Oskar, I think that by trying to achieve impartiality and reduce the level bias from your views, somewhere in the way you lost touch with reality itself π
Both (and Silva) are great players, sunspot, but I would still have Silva 1, Mata 2, Santi 3. With all three behind Jack of course.
Oskar
Ah my friend…. I`ll spare you my immense, but subjective, appreciation for the player and offer you some good old stats. Here`s how the three of ’em compare in assists and goals produced in their first season:
Silva: Appearances 53; Goals 6; Assists 14
Mata: Appearances 54; Goals 12; Assists 20
Cazorla: Apperances 41 (as of yet); Goals 12; Assists 12
Cin-cin
(Sources Wikipedia)
Abb – Mesmerized by Gervinho? Are you for real??? There is nothing in him that doesn’t frustrate.
His actions are so frustrating it’s ridiculous. He’ll go past five people only to lose the ball or drag his shot wide. That’s not mesmerizing, that’s just infuriating because more often than not the pass/shot should be simple.
He is a decent player, but not starting eleven in a top four team.
Mata on the other hand is magic. Everything about him.
How on earth has nobody written about the whole Kroenke forcing AW to sell Nasri. We are getting more and more confirmation as to the board’s strangle hold on AW. First, AW admitting we couldn’t compete with the financial restrictions but couldn’t say it because you can’t say it at a club like Arsenal (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsene-wenger-press-conference-transcript-1725111), now the board forcing AW to cash in. No wonder we ain’t winning trophies. We’ve got no continuity. Last time we did, was 10-11 and we were strong title contenders.
The whole chris samba thing cracks me up.
Someone said above – how lucky we dodged that bullet.
What they paid for him was madness.
sunspot – those stats are wrong. Mata scored 18 this season.
Snir, look again. Nasri is saying Kroenke ordered Cesc gone, not him.
He clearly says he himself decided to leave once that happened, and is glad he did so. The contract was there for the cunt to sign.
The whole thing has been taken out of context and is Nasri’s response to criticism by Mancini. “Wenger is the best I’ve played for”. Of course he is you little shit.
Fuck him. He wouldn’t have had an earthly of what was going on above Arsene’s level anyway, honestly.
8Ball, That link doesn’t work ! But it gives me a chance to say hi to you π Oskar, really! Santi is another one who draws me in… sunspot, good work w those stats, cheers. Steve, I guess it’s just down to aesthetics for me π
Oh dear talk about being a tad late. Must put on a pot of coffee π Hi fellas. Nothing like Sammy and Gervinho to get the bar all fired up! Love it π
H2H – “Cesc or me were supposed to leave. AW told me that if Cesc would leave, I would stay. But Kroenke wanted the money”
It’s either or.
That’s translated by a french speaking Gooner who saw the beINsport interview.
Well I can’t say the coffee is doing much for synapses. But Oskar, you opened the door. Kompany for who? TV? Per? Kos?! C’mon lads, when we play our ‘A” game, no one, and I mean no one is better then us!!!
That’s the spirit, abb π
Merci, sunspot π
I’m wired! Just watched Mikel elbow Nani (again) Sooo funny!
Kompany for any of them, abb, he’s the most reliable CD in the Premier League. Unlike some here I try and face facts, not just blindly rate our players the best. There’s a reason Manure are 24 points ahead of us and Mansewer have conceded 7 goals less than we have.
Frankly, apart from Jack and possibly Bac I couldn’t see any of our current squad getting into a Premier League best XI. I’ll support our team till I die, but I can still admire quality players who ply their trade elsewhere.
If only WE had signed them first, I say. Although not at the prices often paid … THAT is insanity, imo, I prefer the way our club is run.
Oskar
The whole Cesc Nasri debate is an interesting one. We had no reason to sell Cesc apart from cashing in. I believe that the way his transfer was handled was, and will remain a total shambles. Nasri was just pure greed. He was offered loads more dosh and had a year left on his contract. We should not have even considered selling Cesc until Nasri had agreed a new contract in my opinion.
Re Kompany. I am with Oskar. He is head and shoulders above any of our centre backs. He also has one quality that we desperately lack in that he is a natural leader. In fact, as much as it hurts, I would take the Citeh spine and add it to our squad every day of the week. Let’s see Stab bring in Hart, Kompany, Yaya and Augero. Then I might believe he really does want the best for The Arsenal.
Stan bring in Aguero even…….
The bit everybody is ignoring from the same interview.
“I had only one year left so I decided to leave.”
Context. Understand why he was being asked about coaches yesterday.
We sold Cesc because we had to. He wanted to go. He and his father had been engineering an exit for more than 12 months. Their actions in doing so, meant we got very poor value from Barca for him, as well.
Why anyone takes any notice of Nasri is beyond me. Furthermore all those papers claiming the ‘money was for Silent Stan’, are at best disingenuous, at worst downright shit stirring cunts. He has yet to take a dividend from the club. However that wont stop the rising volume of antagonism towards him. None of which helps our current cause.
Holic, it’s not really contradicting.
He’s saying that he made the decision to leave. He’s also saying that AW told him he won’t be sold if Cesc is sold. He’s also saying that in the end, he was sold, because Kroenke wanted the money for him.
I understand that he was asked about managers yesterday but the point still stands.
Samir who?
Esso, I’m pretty sure most fans understand that when the papers write wanted the money for Nasri, they mean, want the transfer fee to be received for the club.
In this case, I don’t have any complaints towards the media (just this one time π ) !
This is less about taking any notice in what Nasri says because of who he is, it is merely an additional proof that AW is not ruling a dictatorship at the club like others would have you believe (Stewart Robson anyone?).
I find it interesting, that AW’s request (to sell just one) was overridden.
This is particularly interesting after AW’s admission that the financial restraints have prevented us from a legitimate challenge. This is the first time he admitted that, and now this.
I just think that not all’s rosy between AW and the board.
Oh, and Mata is currently a better player than any in our midfield. I’m sure Jack may yet go past him, but right now Mata is one of the best in the country.
I also have him ahead of Bale, although I know I’m in a minority on that one.
As for Kompany – pffft, head and shoulders above our centre backs, and I say this as someone who rates both Per and Kos very highly. Kompany is the best CB in the country, there’s no getting around it.
I’m fairly certain that in a universe without oil money both of the above would be Arsenal players. More’s the pity.
Esso. Must say that I don’t agree at all re Cesc. He was our player and had 3 or 4 years left on his contract. Quite frankly, we should have called the shots and not allowed ourselves to be dictated to. If we wanted one of Cesc or Nasri to stay then we should have tied the latter down to a new contract before even considering the sale of Cesc.
I am totally with you re listening to Nasri though. He thinks of no one bar himself. He is not worth wasting oxygen on.
So why had Cesc asked for a transfer at least 12 months before he went?
Its simply not realistic in this day and age to take the ‘you can go and rot in the stiffs’ attitude. Players and their ‘people’ call the shots now. He wanted to go, he went. ‘Fraid no evidence to the contrary from where I’m sitting.
Is this still an Arsenal Hangout! Jeez, we got half of chelsea on our team now. π And if one of you suggests David Luiz, I don’t know what I’ll do ! π
A Citeh hangout, more like it π
You know who’d be great for us?
David Luiz.
He could sweep the stadium concourse after games. Maybe take the players their half time oranges.
[i]He could sweep the stadium concourse after games.[i] With his ‘mop’.
Since you guys are fixated on who the quotes are from, allow me to propose a different topic.
What do you guys think about Stewart Robson’s assertion that AW controls everything at the club and runs a dictatorship?
Do you think the board restrict AW in spending and have a say in selling?
Do you think the relations between manager and board are healthy?
Is that OK? Disregard any quotes right now.
If you wanna argue for a certain point then you can incorporate quotes, regardless of who said what.
Is that fair enough :)?
Have fun π
Woah, it’s early!
Assist……..
Dink
Well in N7.
Well in N7. If only I had opened the ‘holic page a touch earlier…. π
I would refer anyone to this morning’s arseblog for an excellent description as to why Na$ri was not secured on a longer contract at the time, as well.
Snir; I think Stewrat Robson is an utter failed, useless, bitter, clueless knobhead. So take no heed of anything he ever says. On that basis, sorry can help the debate.
+t
Get in!
*pulls shirt over head to reveal undershirt bearing the legend: “One more than you in the last dozen games Skunky Van Turncoat”*
*enjoys boost in Ivorian confidence*
*falls over own legs on way back to halfway line*
Cheers for the assist H2H.
To restore balance:
I hate Mata he is a Cuntski cunt.
I love Santi, because he’s a Gunner.
Esso knows, as usual.
Snir – Robson is a tool, and i’m with you on Arsene: hands tied.
Elsewhere, interesting situation at Chelsea. Manager is on his way to Madrid in May. Manager doesn’t much care for club’s fans, and downright loathes his in-bound replacement. Manager knows that his own profile will be better served by winning a cup or two than by finishing 4th, and that the lack of champs league footie will not be his problem anyway. Manager picks a b team for a league match so he can send out his first choice XI in the FA cup.
One to keep an eye on, I’d say. Chelsea have played so much football this term that they will need to prioritise on the run in. I suspect Benitez’ priorities will not be the same as those of the fans.
I’m forecasting an implosion.
In other news, tonight, once more, I shall be supporting Barça.
That’s highly irritating.
Rough translation of Nasri’s interview:
βYou donβt understand.
I couldβve had class.
I coulda been a contentender.
I couldβve been somebody instead of a bumβ
haha, nice one Joe
Re Nasri. Blogs is right. He did leave for money. It was the money that lined his own pocket. The deal we got for him was a very good one.
Esso, we will agree to disagree re Cesc. I believe we were weak when it came to negotiations involving his departure.
Robson is a bitter Oxygen thief. He deserves even less air space than Nasri.
Hi Snir, not sure why you alluded to me in comment 175 as I had posted nothing regarding that whole affair, however, now that I’ve been dragged into this debate, kickin’ and screamin’, may I add π , I will chuck in my twenty cents worth (inflation’s a bitch).
I haven’t read anything that dispicable box munching Indigo Girl has had to say lately (except for on here), why? Simple, because nothing that comes out of his carpet lickin’ mouth is of any interest to me. He left for the money plain and simple, he was offered a contract, he refused to sign, got offered more dosh somewhere else and took it. I don’t blame him for that, it’s just the way it goes, it’s the passing digs that get up my nose.
If he’d just left and shut the fuck up, then he would just be remembered for what he was, a player who showed a little something for a few months and departed, a footnote of a player in the history of our club. Instead he tries to justify himself to those of us that couldn’t really give a rats arse, while making underhand digs at the same time.
Maybe he has a medal now, good for him *cough cunt*, but to say he’s in a “better team” is a bit rich, Man Citeh is not a “team” at all, they are an expensively assembled collection of players, some of the shit that happens there would never be tolerated at a proper club, well, maybe at the Chavs, but they are the same kind of “team”. If he had stated that Citeh had better players then that argument may have held a little water. It would also explain why he is no more then a bit player there, surplus to requirements even and that’s probably why he’s making noise, it’s the only way he can get noticed. He’ll be playing for some french club before too long.
As for the Cesc situation, you can find me somewhere in between Esso and Steve T. Cesc wanted to go home and we couldn’t stop him, I still think we got screwed over though as there was only ever going to be one destination for him meaning that they dictated the terms and not, as it should of been, us. That one, although we all knew it was coming and I don’t begrudge him his return home, still leaves a nasty taste in the mouth.
*scurries off to check Arseblog*
H2H – my fault. I meant to write just H and reply to Holic.
As for the whole Nasri thing, I’ve gone on to ask more important questions @198 π
I just used Nasri’s quotes to raise a different issue that truly does interest me, whether people think AW is a “dictator” and runs everything at the club.
That’s all I’m asking, is for people to reply to that matter. Fuck Nasri.
@Steve T
Agree we looked weak, but I really don’t feel he left us with any choice. Whilst never questioning his on pitch commitment, he left a nasty taste in my mouth behind. Why sign a long term deal and then agitate for a move (which he most certainly did) within a couple of years of signing it?
Snir – I don’t see the point of that debate. Looks a little too much like ‘AKB’s vs WOB’s’ for my liking or interest.
OK Snir.
Firstly, I have very little exposure to Stewart Robson, I listen to Arsenal games in Dutch, plus I don’t read his musings because they would probably just annoy me.
I think to use the term dictatorship is just sensationalising the matter and is a bit thick (fron SR), although I’m not underestimating the power that AW yields within our club, which I believe to be considerably more then his counterparts are afforded at their particular clubs, even more then SAF. Wenger has almost total control over all footballing matters, he buys and sells the players, ofcourse he’s going to say he wants to keep them, what else is he going to do. Maybe the board did intervine with Nasri, but selling him (as Arseblog said today) was the right thing to do.
In the end the board will always be involved with the buying and selling, because it falls to them to sanction the transactions, but to claim to know the level of their involvement woukd be pure speculation on my part.
From the information I have gathered I extrapulate that AW and the board have a very good relationship, as far as in they let him do what he does and they operate in a hands off manner when it comes to the football side of the business.
Snir. I have thought for a long time that the board hamper AW. I have very little confidence in Stan and his cronies.
Esso. I think we had lots of choice. If he was to leave it was to.be on our terms. No one else’s. We tell Barca and Cesc the price. We give a completion date. If it was not sorted by then then he remains an arsenal player. I think we were bullied into accepting something we did not want to accept.
Steve.
The length of the remainder of Cesc’ contract should of meant that we could of told everyone who came sniffing around him to fuck off. The problem was that this was his home club, he wanted to return, was willing to buy out his contract and took a paycut to go there.
We were always on a hiding to nothing, Barca knew this and we got took.
@SteveT
Yes indeed, and he and his father were orchestrating the bullying. If it had been any other club (and I’m sure they were others interested) we could either have told him to shut the fuck up and get on with it, or instigated a bidding war. The fact that it was Barca and contact was long established between him, his father, his ‘people’ and them, meant our hands were pretty well tied. Get the best of a bad price and swallow it up. That’s how he left us.
Anyway all a long time in the past, totally irrelevant to today and like you say, I’ll agree to disagree. Having said that, I for one, would never welcome him back without some act of contrition.
He could kick Gerard Prique in the nuts and set fire to Carlos Poohole’s hair.
That would be a semi decent start.
As much as I liked Cesc, I would not welcome him back, not like this. Grow to be a top player with us, then leave just before he peaks at his prime and then return to play out his career here?
Fuck that. He is a likable chap and even though he keeps cheering for us, since he joined Catalans he should be never allowed to pull red and white shirt on him again.
I seem to have run out of chill pills for everyone… π
Of course, some might argue we could have got more money for Cesc, and as Esso / H2H have pointed out, if circumstances were different we might well have done better. But 30m+ for a player we absolutely stole for 500k in the first place after 8 years of stellar service is hardly a bad return?
He can barely make the Barca team these days and certainly doesn’t have the same impact with them as he did with us. If Barca sold him in the morning I’m not so sure they’d get much more than what they paid for him.
Unlike Esso though, I would have him back in the morning with a heart and a half with or without any act of contrition. I know he left a bad taste in the last year or so with some, but for me he will always be the most talented young player I have ever seen at the club. At 16/17 years of age he was a full talent capable of playing at the very highest level and while he was here the team played some of the best football I have ever witnessed even if they’ve little to show for it. Wenger set the team up to harness Cesc’s ability. The entire team was built around Cesc. I don’t think that will ever happen at Barca.
Good morning all
Talking of a lack of chill pills Dr.C, I would have Cesc back in a heartbeat.
I say that even though like others here I hate the the way he played his part in stitching us up to (a) cancel his contract well before time and (b) thereby helping Farca to avoid paying a true market price for his services.
I realise most will diagree with my view but I say it because our squad lacks sufficient numbers of truly world-class talent and Cesc is certainly that. As a person he did things that were really quite detrimental to the club although I also believe that he didn’t do what he did to specifically hurt the club.
Anyway, it matters not what I think cos he ain’t coming back and we’ve all moved on, right? π
Have a great week ‘Holics. It’s another short one.
Joe, it appears we were both typing in unison whilst sharing similar views on the situation.
One thing about your post: I understand and agree with the point you make about our RoI in terms of turning a Β£500K outlay into a circa Β£30M return, however, there’s also all the time and money we put in to Cesc nutruring him from a young and prodigious talent into the finely polished finished article.
A dink of your choice is on the bar for you.
Na$ri: Utter shit: utters shit – again. The End.
Amen The Rever-End.
I’d also have him/her back in a heartbeat….. as a boot cleaning ball-boy…. especially when we’re playing Chel$ea and/or when Frimpong’s back from his loan period.
Is it ever any good the second time around?
Can we trust each other again?
Is the love still there?
How’s about the mutual respect?
Can we put past transgressions behind us and move forward?
What were we talking about again? π
Heh! Wisdom from the low countries (again) π
I won’t be reading Nasri’s interview so have nothing to add on that score. All just bollocks as far as I’m concerned. Who gives a flying?
As for Cesc, I couldn’t agree more with what Esso had to say @193 and elsewhere. The players call all the shots. They want a move? They get a move. Name me a player, just one, at the top end of the game, who has been told to suck it up beyond a year. There ain’t one. Ronaldo wanted to move, he moved. Modric got itchy feet, he goes. Fab wanted a move, he got one. In each case they all left after giving their respective Clubs “one more season”. More importantly Fab only wanted to go to Barca. The Club (Arsenal) were stitched. It had nothing to do with being weak. Where Arsenal can be faulted is in not securing his replacement eg Mata. In letting Fab go? Not at all.
Why do the players have all the power? Because they know that the Law is on their side. You break a fixed term contract? You pay the other side compensation. How much is the compensation? The value (ie the salary) for the existing term of the contract. According to reports Cesc was on approximately Β£4m a year. 4 years left = Β£16m, considerably less than what Arsenal ultimately got for him.
And why does the current anachronistic system of transfer fees persist, when it is so out of step with the rest of Employment Law? Because it is in everybody’s interests for it to continue.
The player gets his move after “one more season” without having to spend any time out of the game whilst fighting a legal battle, or any financial consequence for breaking a fixed term contract.
The Clubs get “one more year” and a massively enhanced “transfer fee” over and above what they could legitimately expect from “normal” Employment Law.
I would be very surprised if transfer fees (beyond contractual compensation) to still be around in 10 years. All it takes is one guy, like Bosman, to challenge the status quo, and bingo, game over.
Noone can challenge Status Quo. π
Didn’t know they played bingo though. π
Sorry Tabs.
I would take Cesc back in a heartbeat.
He was always honest about his intention to return to Barca “one day”, he played through injury and never hid on the pitch.
The way he left was awful, but I honestly believe he has some real love for the club.
Most of all, I’d take him back because he’s a top quality player who has not yet hit his peak, he makes others around him play better and he’d increase our chances of winning something. Works for me.
Trev, for goodness sake! π
Yep I’d have him back and wouldn’t really need the “mea culpa”. Great player.
Have we entered a time warp and travelled back to September 2011??
I shall avoid said time warp (a jump to the left) and focus on those of the present and those of the future *cough, Capoue, cough*…
…surely thatΒ΄s more fun?
PS. Brilliant summation by Rev AL π
Mea Culpa.
Is he available? Got any You tube links?
He’s an Itailian innit?
π
H2H – haha :0
Dr C – Yep spot on. Deliberately haven’t got involved in the whole Arsene/Board thingummy. It’s all been done to death a million times before.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/date-confirmed-for-wcl-semi-final
Especially for Lars, wouldn’t it make it tempting to add a fixture to your stay? π
Article on the Guardian website about Bayern v Juventus. Some clown in the comments describes our second leg performance against Bayern as ‘totally inept’. That’ll be the one where we won 2-0 at a side that are a gazillion points clear in their league and who hadn’t lost at home for over a year. I’d like to thank them for their comment, I needed a good laugh today.
As for Cesc, I’ve just never forgiven him that fucking backheel.
That’s all I will say on the matter (but I agree with Esso ;-), i.e. I’d only have him back with a serious act of contrition).
I would have Cesc back in a heartbeat. Class from the moment he arrived, 100% commitment and a genuine love of the club. His desire to return to Farca was understandable and his head was turned by those around him making the rupture from Arsenal much messier than either he or we would have liked. No question he would add something to our squad. No contrition required here.
As to the mingemuncher – no class at all. Shouldn’t be mentioned in the same breath.
I’d have Cesc back in a heartbeat. I would be all “you had me at ‘hello'” the second he signed the contract…
Having said that, it would be a risky move to have him back. Having old heroes return doesn’t always end well.
tabs: there is the Webster ruling which is a sort of Bosman for contracted players, but it hasn’t really been used yet in any high-profile cases. But as usual I agree with you, I find it difficult to see the current transfer fee system survive in the long run. I also think there will eventually be stricter rules on squad sizes to reduce the hoarding of players we see some clubs engage in today.
H2H@240: he’s a brilliant team player, he always takes the blame for things that go wrong!
Ollie: not such a bad idea, actually – though I suspect Sunday lunch at a warm and cosy pub will be a bit too tempting π
And TaBS. Checked out the contribution to ACLF.
Excellent. Enjoyed it immensely especially as I had forgotten that game completely.
You paint really great images – take a bow, son.
TaBS!
An extra curricular article??
*ahem*… 10%, *cough*…
Just spoken to Wolfie who is designing possible acts of contrition ………
…and the new summer collection Speedo Avant Garde.
Last weekend was just too good, I’m really annoyed at being at work today.
It was, Ollie @ 251….but I was very wrecked on Sunday.
The debate in the bar has been great lately. A drink on my tab for all in the bar at this hour.
As for Cesc, well, I’ve made my man crush … er … “admiration” for him known before. Totally unlikely we’d see him back (but it’d be a terrific fuck-you to the Catalans if he came storming back for us and became the world-beater he was (and at a third what they paid for him!)).
But, hypothetically if the prodigal son returned, then what? Santi doesn’t play; or Jack doesn’t play; and Arteta continues to work hard at a position for whcih he’s not really suited – same with Ramsay. Its a good hypothetical problem, but somebody ends up grumpy and/or being sold.
Indeed Homer,
But in the end the best will rise to the top.
If you really want to win things you have to set the bar very high, and only the very best will make it.
Hard as nails, me. π
I had a few pint of Guinness on arrival in Paris to re-adapt, baff.
Was good you could stay around longer than usual on Saturday!
I think I might just daytrip Norwich for my own safety….
+s
Whewww – glad you’re not my boss Trev!
BTW arseblog was quite good this morning. Love that pic of Frimpong and whats-his-name.
You must have a tapeworm Ollie. The amount of Guinness you get through, you ought to be 30 stone. π
Bartonwatch:
http://www.football365.com/news/21554/8613371/Barton-v-Thiago-Silva
Heh Ollie,
Typically measured response from Barton.
What a mongtard.
I read all those posts of people talking about “Cesc’s desire to go back home” and all that, I have only one question; if Barcelona was a midtable Spanish team or even in Malaga’s position would Cesc had “gone home” as early in his career as he did?
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2013/04/02/185302_chauvin-limoge.html
Sacking is not just a Premier League pastime…
Big win for Tunbridge Wells in the FA Vase on Saturday. 2-0 up from the first leg they went 3-0 down before going through on aggregate 3-2 in extra time. Sadly I can’t be at Wembley and Loftus Road at the same time on May 4th.
Just had a meeting with a Chelsea fan well- connected with the club who tells me that Lampard and Terry are definitely not being retained next season. He is not optimistic of anything this season even fearing 4th place may be snatched from them.
Tough question to answer Cent.
Friends, home, and family are strong forces. I tend to think the 2010 WC had something to do with it as well. After winning the WC, indeed, providing the cup winning assist … perhaps that somewhat lessens the import of a “league” title, pretty much anywhere.
Though I’ve always thought, and continue to believe, that footballers – while heroes to many and massivley impressive in many was, possessing both the skill, desire and dedication to acheieve the dream of playing football professionally for a fine living – they are, by and large, not a terribly bright lot. But that is not to say they aren’t complicated, like all humans beings. Short answer: who the heck knows.
Thing is, and I think Cesc gets some credit for this: the move when it happened was surely maximally beneficial to all parties. His desire to go was strong. His value was probably as high as it would ever be. Making the move then was arguably a win for all parties to the deal.
Course, I still keep an eye out for Fab. And genuinely hope he gets playing time and re-emerges as the star he could be.
In comparison, I keep an eye on the Dutch Skunk, and genuinely hope his neck tie gets stuck in a plummeting elevator condeming him both a very painful experience and, hopefully, a long and humiliating career on YouTube!
Lars @246 – Yeh, as I understand Webster (not much!), it was a transfer that took place after Uefa brought in new regulations following pressure and a stark warning from The European Commission to either change the existing system or face sanction from on high.
As such it was a bit of a halfway house allowing players under the age of 28 to buy out their contracts three years after signing. For those over 28, the period was limited to two.
Even with this ruling, the present system is still out of whack with every other industry.
– No such time limit is placed elsewhere. You and I could theoretically buy ourselves out of a contract after one minute if we so desired.
-Players need to show “just cause” as to why they cannot continue with their present employers.
– Fifa’s arbitration panel initially assessed his “worth” at more than the sum due under the remainder of his contract, and whilst this worth was subsequently reduced by CAS, doubts still remain as to what can be taken into account above and beyond wages when assessing a players worth.
– The ruling of CAS was not appealed and taken to a higher Court.
Bath @247 – Many thanks for your kind words, and glad to hear that I wasn’t the only one that suffered on Sunday! π
Dr C @248 Cheque’s in the post. π
Hehs at H2H and Trev π
Heh at that Barton article Ollie. Why doesn’t the twat just keep his mouth shut?
Esso – I don’t think it’s a WOB vs AKB debate.
I think there should be a debate about AW admitting that he can’t compete for honors for the first time since the move to the Ems.
This is truly worrying for me.
If we have restraints on our spending then we aren’t maximizing our potential to strengthen and like you know, I think that continuity is vital for success.
That, plus the financial results which price that the football operations are at a loss and we’re only making money because if player sales. This fits with AW’s claim that he MUST start the season with a profit of Β£20m in player sales.
The last time we had continuity was 10-11, and we challenged on four fronts.
Cent – I can say as a foreigner living in the US. There is nothing I would like more than to return to Israel and there are many days throughout the year where I think of giving up my dream to study sports management and just go back home to my family, friends, and comfort zone.
tabs: that’s about how I understand it too. My personal guess is also that clubs do not want it properly tried in a court of law, because that would increase player power even further.
Força Barça!
I hope it’s the last round I have to support them.
Yes Snir,
but if Israel were top of their World Cup group, would you just actually go ?
π
Hey Ollie, what are you trying to forca Barca to do ? π
Tunbridge Wells, Chelsea, Israel, Barca ………… ?
Come on Arsenal !!! π
Ollie, you are not supporting Barca – you are rooting against PSG! A small but very significant difference π
Indeed Lars absolutely.
And there will be very few players who’ll want to take it “all the way” as it would probably mean anything up to 2 years out of the game whilst waiting on a verdict.
At the moment, the present system suits all. The player gets his move, the Buying Club gets the player immediately, and the selling Club gets a price over and above the contractual value.
Tabs,
for someone who “doesn’t understand it much”, that is a pretty fair run down of the Webster situation.
@276, seems to have been a very worthwhile ruling then ……
Well where I stand w Cesc (for the last time!) I’m w Ollie re that back heel, but he didn’t mean any harm! But boy, it sure was a big mistake by him. No surprise who I’m rooting for today, Juve (see that rhymed) π Rumour is Bayern afraid of Italians π
Snir @268,
I don’t think it’s “news” that AW has been hampered in his spending since the move. It’s been obvious. Balance sheets don’t lie.
Why the Club weren’t more transparent from 2006 instead of repeatedly assuring the World that the money “was there if Arsene wants it” is anybody’s guess, but it’s a debate we’ve been having for years.
But why would they want a Kidney managing a rugby football club in the first place?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22007454
Oh, I see, fifth place in the Six Nations tournament. That’s almost as near bottom as Southampton, Sunderland and Reading in the Premier League. I hear QPR might need a new manager soon. Maybe the Kidney is just the thing???
Lars 275, very true, good point.
Trev – I’m just feigning more knowledge that I’ve actually got π
tabs: in that respect it is worth remembering that Hleb threatened to use the Webster ruling to force his move to Barca, but that was quickly shot down by Arsene Wenger using these words:
βYou canβt come in the next day and buy it out. You have to go to FIFA, to tribunal and it can take a lot of months where the player can be banned for the whole period.”
Funnily enough, Hleb never said a word about Webster after that… though he has of course later said that leaving Arsenal was the biggest mistake he’s ever made.
i’m going to stop going back over old ground and watch some Robert Pires goals ….. oh π
Well, Holic said ‘never apologise’ – so I won’t …….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-_H9Et8aDU
PSG, Juve, Bayern, … Can’t touch this.
C’mon Juve!. Dammit, Robben just came on! π
My God, what a save by Gigi!!!!
Lars @284 – Arsene knows π
Trev @286 – Great compilation. What a player he was.
Barca’s away kit is making me yearn for the days of black and white telly. And people moan about the purple. They don’t know they’re born! π
Arsene Wenger; Please deliver ‘Halftime Talk’ to Juve, paleezeee !
Trev – I can tell you that I was very close this summer to give up on my dream and go back to Israel.
To have it as the best club in the world (in Cesc’s case) is an added bonus as far as I am concerned.
Homesickness is horrible, and I for one, understand his decision completely.
Especially since we are football fans and to have the opportunity to live at home and play for my boyhood club? There is nothing better than that. Just ask Carl Jenkinson.
Trev, if only Gervinho could look at that compilation and go “oh, THAT is what you’re supposed to do!”…
Snir, but you didn’t go to the US aged 16, you’re NOT paid to study and you’ve not lived there for 8years. You’re just experiencing the usual home-sickness everyone experiences before adapting to a new enviroment.
Messi does it again.
Messi scores again. It might not be Stoke, but apparently he can at least do it on a cold Tuesday night in Paris.
The weather’s lovely today though, Lars.
Cent – I’ve actually lived here for 6 years total. In 96-98 and from 2010.
The US is not a new environment for me.
I’m not paid to study, true. But money did not come into play in Cesc’s case.
Lars – I know that phrase has been overused but defenses are much tougher in the PL than in La Liga.
Just look at Ronaldo’s record. And nobody can say he wasn’t the finished article in 07-08.
Usual.
Oh go on then …
Heh, that was my attempt at an assist, but thank you anyway Ollie. Usual brilliance from midfield there. π
Am I late or what?
Well in tabs!!
Looks like Messi is injured and one of the topics of the day will replace him at half-time.
Ooh, tabs scores AND gets the tabs spot! Now that is a double worth celebrating!
Snir@298: I was only joking π
Snir, I’m not saying Cesc moved for the money, I’m saying Cesc was as comfortable as any work anywhere could ever be but he choose to move to a place where he would do his job and win more accolades without busting a gut. He didn’t move for the money, he moved for the Trophies.
Well in TaBS x2.
Very disappointing not having a stream available to watch the mighty Stirling’s relentless march to promotion alongside Rangers.
π
Don’t want too many Albions in one week, H π
Saying he moved for the trophies is a bit simplistic because he didn’t move to Real, Bayern, Milan, Chelsea, or any other team that people consider as “guaranteed trophy places.” He moved to Barca cos it’s his house. It’s his family, it’s his friends. The trophy are without a doubt a very nice bonus.
And I do not resent him for moving back home, that’s what I’m saying.
Cheers Cent π
Heh Holic π
Okay, reassessing my previous comment regarding Cesc, I meant it if he came back late like in his 30ies, to just play out his career with us, that would be a no-no for me. If he came back right now, well I am not going to be hypocritical and say that I would not like player of his caliber in our midfield.
It would be joy to see midfield of him, tr7, santi and jack *dreams and drools*
Snir, I don’t resent him either. Saying he moved home is “simplistic” for me, if Barca had as much chance as Valencia have of winning a trophy Cesc won’t have gone back and if he had gone to any of the Clubs you listed you and I know we would say he moved for money, he knows that too.
Barca players are disgusting!
I never would want Cesc back in Arsenal colours I’m sorry!
What a dive! Ha ha π
Pretty entertaining game. I thought it was a penalty to be honest.
Valdes you clumsy fool.
Tonight I’ve realised how much I absolutely hate Qatar SG now.
I hope Barça murder them in the second club.
Dreadful club, zero history, pack of oil-money cunts.
I have said exactly that for a friend of mine who was rooting for PSG Ollie. I hate Barca with a passion but nothing can please me more than to see project “sheikh” fail miserably. He did not understand that if there were no stupidly high money paid at PSG, not one single of those players would be playing for them right now…
Charlie
He went side ways on purpose and then just dived there was contact no doubt but he made the most of it!
I hate Barca and I always will cheer the oppo!
I didn’t even realise SG equalised as I switched off the stream! π
Ollie, I know what you mean, but isn’t Barca (heavily) sponsered by the Qatar foundation?
Our performance at Bayern looks even better now – curse our inability to play across two legs!
Yes indeed, H2H.
But they’re not (yet) owned by the emir.
And they have zero history.
And they’re cunts.
And they’ve spent the most money in Europe over the last 3 years.
Still didn’t manage to win it last year. The French League.
Should win it comfortably this year at last, but mostly because everyone else is rubbish and Zlatan has dragged them through.
I watched Bayern.i fidnt want to watch a lot of crap spouted over Beckham.Blimey we did well to beat those boys 2-0 on their own ground. I think they will win the whole competition. It wasn’t as dynamic as PSG but I hate them and wanted Barca to lose as well so I was bound to be disgruntled watching that.
Bayern are a much stronger all round side. Better in defence and unlike Barca they have a goalkeeper. ( are we really interested in that clown?) If Messi doesn’t play they might struggle to get through in the second leg.
Come on Basel!
I don’t know where the ‘Valdes to Arsenal’ rumours come from.
I’m only seeing them today, and then only after he fucked up.
Which is how twitter works, I guess.
I should have watched Bayern vs Juve indeed, probably was a better game too.
No Ollie, sadly it wasn’t. Bayern played well, but nothing special. Their 2nd goal was offsides. Juve just wasn’t in it.
I’m still sceptical about Bayern, they bottled it last year, they almost bottled it against us. That might have been the wake-up call they needed, but I still think they might trip up again at some point.
I’ve said this on Facebook.
I’m certain the winner of the CL will be one Bayern or Dortmund. And if they don’t meet in the semis then that will be the final.
Evening all.
Some interesting stuff re Cesc. I must say that I am firmly in the camp that would not want him back under any circumstances. I am clearly in the minority again (not even H2H agrees with me anymore) but I think he has had us over a treat.
I do not buy this homesick smokescreen bollocks. Snir, I have the utmost sympathy with you being so far away from your family in the states. However I do not think that is a situation that is even in the same ball park as Cesc. Cesc was earning over 100k a week all in. Barcelona is a 2 hour flight away. It takes me longer to drive from my home to see my family in Bristol.
Cesc joined us as a 16 year old. He was happy to join us. It was exactly the right decision for his career as well as for Arsenal. Cesc canβt get into this current Barcelona side now. What chance would he have had trying to get a game as a 16/17 year old if he had stayed? The chances are that he would have got more and more disgruntled and ended up stagnating in the reserves before being sent out on loan. At Arsenal he was allowed to develop and his talent was allowed to flourish.
As a result he was made captain and a whole team was to be built around him. He signed an 8 year contract and the likes of Vieira were allowed to depart to allow Cesc and the new breed to come through. I am in no doubt the massive contract was agreed by AW as his whole plan was that his next team was built around his new captain.
Then it all changed. The rumblings from Barca started. More trips with the national side. Resulted in the Barca DNA bollocks, followed by the held hostage bollocks, followed by radio appeals from his desperate daddy. Cesc had had his head turned and I must say that I believe that he took the easy way out with the βI want to go homeβ bollocks.
So then the farce started. I will always believed that we were very weak when it came to the transfer. I fully accept that in most cases, players hold all of the aces when it comes to negotiations. However not here. First things first, his replacement should have been lined up prior to any sale. Once that had been agreed then if we decide to sell Cesc then it is on our terms. We sit Cesc down with daddy and tell them the price. Nothing ridiculous. A sensible price to reflect his ability, age, our input in the playerβs development and his market value. We then tell Barcelona the price. We then give all parties six weeks to conclude the deal. We set a deadline. We then let all parties know that if the deal is not concluded by this date that Cesc will remain at Arsenal for at least the next season. We can then let the media know the situation although not disclosing the price. The ball is then firmly in their court. Instead I would suggest that we allowed ourselves to be bullied by Barca, their constant media outbursts and to a lesser extent Cesc himself.
So there you have it. I have no sympathy now because he can not get a game. I also have no desires to see him back in an Arsenal shirt because it does not quite suit him at the moment.
Cesc gave great service to our club. H e was a wonderful talent. However I firmly believe that he has let the club, the manager and the supporters down. Cesc engineered his move away. His head was turned and he chose what he thought was the greener grass. As I have already said, I have absolutely no reason to want to see him in an Arsenal shirt ever again.
Steve – this isn’t about Cesc in particular. It’s the whole concept of homesickness.
I think that no matter how close it is for players to visit or what not, homesickness is still an issue in life, whether you make 150k or not.
Saying that footballers shouldn’t be homesick because they earn a lot and can take advantage of preferential treatment – i.e more frequent flights than the average man, is wrong IMO.
You can make filthy money and still be homesick.
They are humans, even if they make a lot of money.
Rich people can be homesick too (in fact, didn’t they find that rich people feel lonelier?).
Snir. I have no doubt at all that homesickness exists. I just do not buy it in his case. As I said, he would make it to his folks quicker than I would to mine. I just feel that it was an easy excuse for him to hind behind.
Hide behind even………………………
Snir
What have rich people to do with Arsenal and Cesc and being home sick?
I’m home sick too I live two hours away flight time from my real home. I have made a decision when I was younger to stay and live here.
Arsene and Arsenal took him aboard and made him the player he is today (less so now I believe he’s not the player he was with us) he’s certainly a very talented player but he has let everyone down.
I agree with Steve as per my post above never ever he should be allowed wearing an Arsenal shirt again! It would be like well Arsenal is second best and if things don’t work out at Farcelona perhaps then he will consider it. His country fellow players had no respect for our club always having a dig at this DNA bollocks. I was sick when I was reading those stories and Cesc kept his head deep in the sand.
It was all farce just the way Farcelona is!
Good stuff Steve T, I’m still a fan. π
Actualy our opinions are not miles apart, as I said above, we got took.
Steve T
I think you have the Cesc scenario spot on. He tried to leave once and we refused to let him go but the second close season I understand he told Wenger he was cracking up with the pressure of wanting to return home and Wenger allowed him to leave.
Wenger has said on occasions that one day he will write the story of what happened that summer. Certainly we were completely unprepared to begin the season hence the 8-2 drubbing and the need to play catch- up all season. From his public statements I suspect he wanted us to keep Nasri and Fabregas but was told by Kroenke that we had to sell Nasri( virtually what Nasri has implied today). The fault is in not having a contingency plan when you are set to lose top players. We seemed to be so decisive for the first few years of Wenger’s reign and then after Henry left we suddenly stopped being in control of events. Since then players have left on their terms not ours. This summer should be different because nobody is close to the end of their contract so let us hope we can build rather than rebuild for the first time in years
Thanks gents. I was beginning to feel out on my own.
π
I’d have Cesc back tomorrow. Not because he’s the best midfielder available (assuming he is), but because he’s the best we could afford. And I base that on the belief that if he were to leave Barca then Arsenal would be his first choice, perhaps his only choice, which will limit what Barca could get for him in the same way we had to accept half his market value.
We won’t be in the market for the best players for the foreseeable future, so a Cesc of the second level, at a keen price, has to be a bargain (think Poldi, Santi, Merts, Nacho). Remember, it’s not what a player costs that decides his value to us but how he integrates into the team … a champion team will beat a team of champions as they say. Moulding the team is what the manager does. And you’ll never see that more clearly demonstrated than in Manchester where Fergie has built a team while Mancini has been compiling a wages bill.
Oskar
Snir,
I told my wife I was homesick.
She said, “what are you talking about, this is your home”.
I said, “I know. I’m sick of it”. π
Dr C,
I think we should turn The Quackery into a cosmetic surgery clinic.
That should raise a few eyebrows. π
As for who holds all the aces in the transfer business, Steve, I say it is the agents. Smart-arse spivs who can spruik the hind legs off a horse have little trouble selling ‘the grass is greener’ hook to semi-literate, inarticulate, kids who have zero life skills outside football stadia. An agent’s best interests are served by their prize livestock moving regularly, not staying locked in one paddock.
Oskar
You are right about agents, OtD. Their interest is churn.
Steve T @329.
Thats darn persuasive. Nice post sir.
Snir @ 330: If I may, I don’t think all human beings have similar form of attachments to home or nostalgia towards childhood. As you have used your own personal anecdotal example, I feel bold enough to offer mine. I grew up in a large bustling culturally busy family that typical to modern India finds enough humor in their battle between conflicting heritages. People looking in from outside find a charming family, and objectively speaking I see no reason to disagree. And I had a happy and normal childhood. Yet I felt singularly liberated when I left at the tender age of fourteen to join a residential school. And in more than two decades of living at different places in the world I never really felt the urge to go back and live in the bosom of the family, or even in the same city.
One’s identity is a complex web of various different allegiances. I find the idea that the loyalties set forward by the fact of birth and in the process of upbringing are the ones to always be dominating as chauvinistic and limiting from personal as well as global perspective, the way I find nationalism, excessive display of religiosity, ideological zealotry all to be chauvinistic and limiting.
There was a wonderful interview of Cesc a couple of years before he left. Don’t recall where I saw that, maybe in Arsenal web-site … he was asked questions about his life in London and he had said one of the things he enjoys most is his self-determination. Well not exactly in those words but the fact that he has a place and life of his own, and then he said impishly that when his family comes over he likes it for a while but then afterwards he thinks it is time for them to go. And I empathized with that.
As Cent pointed out, Cesc’s decision to leave definitely had too many complex factors behind it, and if Barcelona were not this sensational football playing team that he so openly adored then the power of homesickness would have a less compelling pull in his psyche. Or for that matter if we were still the team he had joined and he was not burdened with carrying the weight of expectations of a somewhat desperate nearly side (in his mind, at least) he would have definitely found his solitude in London much more enjoyable.
Faustus – I agree that different people experience different attachments to their families.
However, we cannot say for sure like you said and Cent alluded that he wouldn’t have joined them had they not been the team they are.
Possibly… But we don’t know. He coulda joined them even if they woulda been a shite team. Who knows? Perhaps his realization that it was his only chance to play under his idol before he takes a sabbatical in his boyhood club is what determined it (I know we only found out about Pep taking a sabbatical towards the end of last season, but it was becoming clearer by the minute as soon as 2011-2012 started that he’d leave them after the season).
I really don’t think Cesc’s motivations are difficult to follow. He was born in Barcelona, the team he supported from birth was Barcelona, and for whatever reason he found himself in North London (the result of a decision made when he was just a kid) it’s hardly surprising that he should want to be a part of Barcelona while they were still the greatest club side in the world.
Reverse the situation and imagine a kid born in Islington, who supported the Gunners all his childhood, finding himself playing for Glasgow Celtic thanks to some decision his agent thought would be good for him when he was 15. Then imagine (as we all do) that Arsenal were world club champions. Wouldn’t that kid sell his soul to get to the Emirates?
Military mercenaries get well paid to ply their trade internationally, but would kill for nothing if their homeland called. Football mercenaries are lucky that they get well paid either way, but the call of home is just as irresistible.
Oskar
Cesc had a limited window in which to be a part of his boyhood dreams. Already it appears that window is closing. I think he did the right thing (for himself) and good luck to him.
Oskar
If what you say about playing under Pep is right, SG, perhaps Csec will suddenly find his inner Bavarian DNA. At his best, he could do some damage in that Bayern midfield.
..er.. Cesc
Oskar – that was what I’ve been saying for four years now. I even made the same analogy. Agree wholeheartedly with what you said.
NBN – it’s about playing under him for Barca. Not in general.
Charlie 327: I agree. They’ll bottle it against Real in the final.
They have a habit of bottling it against the clubs I most want to lose in Europe.
But are we still talking about Cesc?
Jaysus….
Right, so here comes the most unnecessary comment ever:
I agree whole-heartedly with you all regarding Cesc. Each and every one of you. That’s just how it is when I (a complex human being) decides to have an opinion about Cesc (a complex human being) through the filters of being a supporter.
I’d describe it like this at the moment: When I see his name on a team sheet, I feel sad. When I see him warming up to come on as a sub, I feel a bit of glee at him not starting and then I do some rude noises. When he has been playing for a few minutes, I start warming to him, saying “ah, it was only the first season after he left I gave him crap, actually, I wish him all the best now, Barca really is his childhood team, if it was me and Arsenal, I would have gone as well”. When he simulates after no contact from the opposition and falls to the ground, I kind of try to place the blame on the club he is playing for and let him off. Ah. It’s a complicated relationship.
In the end of the day though, I only have hate enough for an exalted circle of players, and he just doesn’t fit there. I’ll go through this little rollercoaster of emotions every time I see him, but I never touch on anything remotely connected to hate.
Heh, to think he and his likes don’t even know we exist. He has no idea about me. We supporters are quite silly, aren’t we?
Sorry Ollie. Late to the party. Needed something to do with breakfast.
Still, I’d say that if Cesc, being a clever boy, actually did read some Arsenal blog once a week trying to keep an eye out for what is happening to us (except for him watching MOTD on his huge LED-TV) I bet he would chose this one.
He might well have read a comment from me at some point during the last few years…
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2013/04/03/093159_barton-s-excuse-a-sa-facon.html
The think cunt has apologised. Sort of.
Good grief. Mr Barton has really been hitting a purple patch as of late. He really is delivering some entertainment on twitter, which incidentally, is more than he oftentimes is doing on the pitch.
Not a big fan of the pre-op/post-op talk I must say. You should be able to joke about pretty much anything, sure, but coming from him in that way it’s not meant as a joke, rather an insult, and is much in the same vein as racism or homophobia. I have nothing against him having a beef with Silva, but I don’t want people to have to see another joke of a footballer telling people that there is only one type of man, muscular, masculine and straight, and then in the same twitter feed telling women (by quoting The Lumineers) that “classy girls don’t kiss in bars”.
Joe, please continue having a bit of a fight with pretty much anyone, it brings me great joy, but for fucks sake, if you are so keen on going your own way, stop telling everyone how to live their lives. Most people won’t care about what you say, but I’d rather the world of football was a bit more including, and people like you are not helping.
For being a self-proclaimed forward-thinking liberal, Joe really has some 19th century ideas.
So apparently there’s a game between Real and Galatasaray tonight.
But all I fucking hear is about Mourinho. The egotistic cunt must be very happy.
Last word on Cesc;
Yes he left us, yes we got screwed, yes there were extenuating circumstances, yes we can sympathise with his urge to go home and no he’s not as bad as the other dispicable traitors………….
Solution – We’ll hang him seperatly. π
Must write something topical for you good people tonight, so what is it to be.
The threat posed by a nuclear North Korea or…
The disappearance of Andrey Arshavin?
Keep suggestions clean π
Bloody hell. We are not still talking about games that have no relevance to us whatsoever are we?????????????
π
Do you think that the two are related holic??????
Stranger things have happened.
π
heh Steve T π
Something about the Binos, ‘holic? π
The threat posed by a nuclear North Korea
Well, now that Sunderland have employed a self confessed Facist (although not a racist), there are rumours that Kim Jung
cuntmay have a new career;http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/sport/kim-jong-un-to-manage-carlisle-united-2013040264375
If he waits a while the Chelsea post will open up soon.
Let’s see Abromovich try to fire him. π
http://www.football365.com/news/21554/8614980/Warnock-Hopes-Hughes-Destroys-His-Leeds-Team
I hope he does too. π
hehs
Trolly Berkin
We suspect the sub-editors on The Daily Mail website are deliberately trying to wind-up (or, as the kids call it these days ‘troll’) Jeff Powell.
For we can only imagine Powell’s reaction to their headlines about the PSG v Barcelona game, which didn’t so much concentrate on the tussle between two of Europe’s biggest clubs, or two of the continent’s best and brightest stars in Messi and Ibrahimovic, but rather on Mr David Beckham.
The paper reckons Beckham was ‘in cruise control’ and suggests a recall to the England team, but also claims he was ‘the talk of Paris’ after ‘inspiring fight back against Spanish giants’.
Beckham was substituted on 70 minutes when PSG were 1-0 down. PSG’s goals were scored after 79 and 90 minutes.
An inspiration indeed.
Star-Struck
Speaking of D-Beck, we note that Adrian Chiles asked Roy Keane if the Barcelona midfielders might have been ‘star-struck’ playing against England’s most handsomest man.
Aye, World Cup, European Championship, Champions League and multiple Liga-winners Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergi Busquets were probably giggling like schoolgirls.
Ollie, not sure if destroying something that’s already pretty much broken is any mean feat, but if anyone could do it well then I’m sure Sparky could.
As for the Becks Bromance, well, that’s just sad.
Mediawatch summed that Leeds bit up nicely too π
JENGA!
Booky Wook
Neil Warnock is not a football manager these days, more a full-time book promoter. So it’s hardly a surprise to learn that he has started saying a few silly things.
Add SHOUTsport to that mix, and you get this: “I personally hope Mark Hughes follows me again and destroys another team of mine.”
A couple of observations. Firstly, ‘destroying’ Leeds at present would be a little like removing a load-bearing brick from a Jenga tower – not exactly difficult, but very funny for everyone around you.
Secondly, the only other team Hughes has followed Warnock at is QPR. When Warnock left Loftus Road they were fourth-bottom, three points from the foot of the table. Sure, Sparky didn’t exactly improve them after he came in, but if you’ll allow us a spot of laziness, we refer you once again to the Jenga analogy.
Holic,
Re suggestions for a post:
I spend a fair proportion of my time in this bar trying to lighten the mood with various bits of silliness.
At the moment we have eight games to go this season. Eight games that could, one way or the other, have far reaching consequences for the club.
I would really like to know what you would like to happen this summer. Not so much what you think will happen, but what you would like to happen.
I appreciate you may not want to divulge all that in this medium, or at this particular time as, if there are blogs that might be read by the club/players, it is probably this one, Arseblog or Aclf -although there are other very good ones out there.
If it has to wait for The Tollie, then all well and good – but I have daughter in tow for Norwich and I presume you won’t make Everton ?
You did ask for suggestions – and I would love to know your thoughts.
Isn’t the whole point though, that this sort of things should be done AFTER the last game of the season, Trev?
I guess so Ollie, but we always get lots of confused messages from the club.
I appreciate Holic is unlikely, in reality, to get involved with it now (as I said) bit I am just interested in his thoughts.
Ok, Ollie’s probably right. Might as well withdraw my request. π
Btw, did I already tell you my ‘deja vu’ joke ?
π
Afternoon all.
As a sage man H2H, can you please describe the differences between a fascist and a racist to a simpleton like me?
Holic – Right backs are a fairly topical Arsenal theme. Sagna-out? Yennaris/Beller-in? The Corporal promoted to #1? Contrasted with the paths of great right backs in Arsenal’s past? Does that provide a little food for thought?
TS.
Maybe facists throw better Xmas partys!?
Seriously though, f you really would like to know the difference then I’m afraid you’ll have to ask Mr Di Canio, as that was a direct quote from him a few years ago;
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1506262/Im-a-fascist-not-a-racist-says-Paolo-di-Canio.html
…. or how about a returning wanderers theme?
This summer, The Emirates will be ‘rocked’ by the return of everybodies favourites:
Mr. Den Nielson, The Grate Dane, S.Korea’s finest No.9 and Chamakh-attack.
Does that mean the end to our need for a holding midfielder and some striking options? π
Heh TS.
Just noticed that your post went from asking about the Right Wing to wishing to discuss right backs. π
Heh @ H2H and thank you sir, I suspected as much.
PDC’s straight arm salute was, apparently, just a way of him showing his bond and affection for his fans when he played for Lazio….. the mahoosive cunny.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/apr/01/paolo-di-canio-sunderland-racism-claims
With thanks to Esso for the link.
More hehs! @ H2H
Well the request was for topical subjects π
Right backs, right wing, they all look the same to me. Some of my best friends are left wingers, etc., etc….
Heh π
Facism in football?
You could start and finish at The Bus Stop.
Hey everyone. Good stuff re Cesc. Toby and Snir kinda sum it up for me (personally). Holic, as far as suggestions, TS’s idea is the way I’m leaning. But expound on our role of promoting our youth in general. Who do you think has what it takes, to get the nod. π
It’s a difficult one that whole Paolo Di Canio situation and I’m rather confused about it.
I can’t remember anyone coming out and complaining when he was Swindon manager. What does this say? That’s it’s ok to be an alledged racist/facist in the Football League, but not in the PL? How’s that work then?
I can’t remember too many calling for action when he had a column on a national website, the BBC no less;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19431338
What’s the fall out so far?
David “Saddam Hussein was offside” Milliband has resigned, big meh, ofcourse his decision had absolutly nothing at all in the slightest to do with the fact that he’s off to New York for a job with the International Rescue Committee charity which will net him a cool 3ton ayear… perish the thought.
I’m in no way shape or form condoning what Di Canio may or may not believe, but isn’t the U.K. a place where an individual has the right to choose whatever horrible political aliegences he/she wants? I thought that was the whole point of democracy, there’s always going to be something in there that others don’t like, it’s the price of freedom.
As far as I can tell he hasn’t tried to force his opinions on anyone and if he choses to keep them to himself then that’s his perogative, the time to worry is when he starts organising torch lit rallies at the Stadium of Shite, would probably improve their attendance figures though. (tongue firmly in cheek). Although if there was an action spefically designed for the removal of Titus Bramble would anyone really be that miffed? (The tongue’s still planted).
However you look at it, or whatever your opion may be, it looks like Sunderland have opened a real (Di) Canio worms….
*takes tongue out of cheek and calls for his COAT.*
Hey TS,
You seem to be getting into the areas that I wanted Holic to write about.
Ollie sent me packing though …. π
Fascism at football clubs ?
Surely, most clubs have at least two hard line right wingers.
It’s just that ours always tend to drift towards the centre. π
TS @376 – er, no, NO, and NNNOOOOO !!!
Hehs! at Trev. This summer is just a little terrifying in terms of our returning loanees, no?
H2H – Your 2nd paragraph in #383 was exactly what I was thinking i.e. now that ‘Ol Duxy’ is a Premiere League dictator his political leanings are a big issue but when he was Il Duce at a lower league club no b*gger gave a toss.
Nurse – ‘Da Arse Yoot’ is a fresh idea, innit?
On second thoughts Trev….
Perhaps the Fuehrer from the People’s Republic of Wearside could be persuaded into sending some of his storm-troopers to N5 in the summer to give our returning loanees a special welcome home.
He might baulk at doing this to a blue-eyed, blonde person but should have no qualms about the rest.
My final word on PDC courtesy of the great @arsenalgent
Di Canio says his decision to re-nickname Sunderland ‘The White Cats’ is “purely for fun” and “not racist in any way.”
Hi TS π We do our fair share of whining to see these youngsters get their chance, but are we prepared to go beyond lipservice.
You all perfectly know that the players mentioned by TS will never play for the Arsenal again, save from a couple of pre-season friendlies at worst.
I really don’t see the need for that sort of dooming.
TS, you need to be back in the Tollie! π
Right, supposed to go for drinks with work people tonight.
Not motivated much….as I have just about recovered from the weekend :$
Laters folks.
H2H, TS and Trev. I need to read up on Mr Di Canio first (which I will do now) and then I shall read your comments π
I shall consider myself well and truly Ollienated π
PS: Was in the Tollie last week after da yoot quarters, innit.
Right. The Cesc Fabregas situation………..
π
H2H at 383 gets it bang on. Why raise all of this now??????
Abb,
di Canio’s views are quite well documented – all in er, black and white π
TR7 playing his guitar with one of the most popular bands here in Czech Republic…never gets old:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFbOVTBcSgU
Goose-steps the ball from midfield to the far right wing….
Jenkinsonesque thunderbolt pass in to box…
Maltese cross come shot?
IT WAS AGES SINCE I SCORED!
Lurks in
Well done Toby.
This middle aged man with a young family knows exactly how you feel.
Aaaaaah, failed like a F.A disciplinery commition. π
Well im Toby.
H2H, you are?! Then who am I?
And TS, I really really really should have seen that coming, shouldn’t I?
20:20 hindsight is a fine thing Toby π
Well in Toby !
Want Wolfie’s number ? π
Heh, actually, I’ve had an absolutely horrible day, so given a few tumblers of old fashioned, Wolfie might well be the ticket. Not really what I would usually go for but hey, there’s a time and place for everything.
Heh @ the usual suspects and Toby, too π Well, from what I’ve read about Di Canio… I’m all for giving people a 2nd chance. But, this isn’t some youth spouting off. He’s a middle aged man who made himself a lightning rod for controversy. He seems to be a very motivating coach, so this isn’t about his abilities. What is in his heart, I don’t know. Would I want him at Arsenal, no.
Abb, after a few years here, and with at least a four hundred posts surely I must be considered at least on the fringes of being one of the usual suspects?! I’m HURT! See, this just reinforces the kind of day I’ve had.
Now where did I put Wolfie’s number… π
Oh Toby, my dear lad, it’s just that you don’t usually cut a rug like Trev and the others. You are one of my poets.
I’ll cut Wolfie’s rug…
Abb, knows re Di Canio.
If you’re watching Eboue tonight please look out for his teammate, Burak Yilmaz, I’d like to hear opinions of the patrons of this bar on him.
ha ha Toby, cheers! π
But thank you abb. That was actually the nicest thing anyone said to me all day, and it really is a moniker I’ll wear with pride. And I do hope you don’t take my begging for confirmation too seriously. I just love to revel in my own misery. And there’s bit quite a bit of it today.
If only ‘Holic could get his head out and write his topical post. That’s what my whole evening hinges on at the moment.
Hehs @410 and 412.
Toby, sorry about your day. Like you, coming here is often the highlight of my day as well π Now Cent, I had to read up on your fella and will take notes (if he plays !).
Ok Cent, he’s in the lineup! π
Thanks Abb.
Cent, Drogba and Schneider are two of my favs.
I like Sneidjer too, Drogba? I will pass ma’am. I love Eboue BTW.
ah Eboue… he and I share a checkered past π
It really does warm my heart to see Eboue playing Champions League football against Real Madrid. I can’t say I’d rather have him playing on the right side of our team, be it in Chambo’s position or Jenk’s, but still, I find it sobering to see him putting in a shift in the competition after we’ve gone out. Some players are fantastic, some or really bad, most are just caught in-between, as is Eboue, and I’m glad he is enjoying a nice career. He deserves that, even if I’ve been known to be quite annoyed with him from time to time.
EE was, and still is, pants.
He is showing all of his traits tonight – inability to defend and falling over pretending to be hurt when he isn’t……
Good company at the bar tonite π Now Eboue, what did I tell you a couple of years ago…
Partly agreed Zico. He does have a quite a few bad sides to him. But he does have a few good ones as well. He’ll always be part of the 05/06-campaign and I’m way past caring about his mistakes now. I’m really happy he isn’t playing for us anymore, but I’m also really happy he is still playing. I’ll not budge at all regarding my feeling that he deserves it. There is a player in there, just not never the one we needed.
Abb,
excuse my ignorance, but what does ‘cut a rug’ mean ? π
Toby a poet ?
“just not never the one we needed” ?!?!?! π
Trev, To jitterbug or dance ! Also means just cutting loose, having a good time, etc. π
Thank you ! π
Artistic freedom, Trev. The Shakespearianesque spirit of breaking new ground when it comes to language.
That; and me being a bit lazy when it comes to proofreading.
I’ll be careful next time the carpet fitter’s here π
See what I mean! You guys rock!
Toby spoke for me re Eboue.
Ah Toby ! Now I sees what you mean – well sick, innit?! π
Blame Trev >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Very willing to do that, ‘Holic. Very willing.
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