Skimpy Shorts
Mar 27th, 2013 by 'holic
First things first. A massive congratulations to the Arsenal Ladies. Picking up the baton passed on by the NextGen team on Monday night Arsenal’s most successful side in recent seasons booked a place in the semi-final of their version of the Champions League this afternoon. Having beaten ASD Torres 3-1 at home a week ago the Ladies gave Arsenal the first, but hopefully not the last, win in Italy this week. The focus will be back on the U-19’s on Good Friday when they take on Chelsea for a place in Monday’s Final of the NextGen Series. The standard has been set. Good luck lads.
Internationalzzzz…
Last night I decided to watch England in Montenegro. Regulars will know my fervour for the international side has long since waned, and what I witnessed last night isn’t going to rekindle that particular flame. It was my fault. These days we have the pick of any game on the planet to watch, and I did think long and hard before ignoring the France versus Spain match, which would obviously feature more Arsenal players.
The deciding factor for me was the chance to take what I am sure is my first peek at Stevan Jovetic. I know if I typed his name into YouTube I could doubtless find several examples of why we are supposed to be courting him. Obviously one viewing is not sufficient to make any informed assessment of a player, and last night was a tough test for his team. A tactical change at half-time saw him more involved in the second half than the first, but if this was an audition then I remain to be convinced it was one he passed.
Rocky Remembered
It is good to see tributes to David Rocastle springing up as the anniversary of his passing approaches this weekend. There is a Rocky Remembered walkabout starting at the White Swan at 10am on Saturday. Rail travel problems from the West Country means I definitely won’t make that, but I hope to get the chance to raise a glass to participants before kick-off. There is also a plan to applaud and chant his song for seven minutes starting in the seventh minute of the match against Reading.
David the player gave so much for us with the cannon on his chest. It is great that his legend still attracts the respect he so earned as an Arsenal man. I have a feeling few eyes will remain dry on the day.
Cheers ‘holics.
198 Responses to “Skimpy Shorts”
Thirst
Evening Holic,
Can’t believe you closed the old bar on me again!
Agree with you on Jovetic, and no complaints on being ‘chopped off’ to make way for a Rocky tribute.
Here’s to him, and his family.
Nice triple pronged post that, ‘holic.
I’ll join you in congratulating the ladies and wishing them and the u19’s all the best in Italy. I believe that the latters game will be on Eurosport over here on Friday. Nice.
I had my say on Jovetic at the end of the last drinks. I watched NL last night (not much choice here in the bar) so nothing to add on that front. Still doesn’t seem like an Arsenal type signing.
Sounds like a fitting tribute to the dearly departed DR.
I’l be watching live from here joining in:
Oh Rocky, Rocky.
Rocky, Rocky, Rocky, Rocky
ROCASTLE!!
Good evening, and thanks both.
Trev,
For what it’s worth, I agreed with your cut off post.
Holic, A very nice post. I suppose it must be said that the Ladies team is not only the most successful Arsenal team currently it is the most successful Arsenal team ever! In fact they are probably the most successful English team ever.
The successes in Europe have lifted the spirits. I watched the second half yesterday and found it not dissimilar to watching Arsenal in that the midfield were unable to stop the other team attacking them but I thought we defended well. I find it very hard to get enthusiastic about Wayne and Stevie and co and if anyone can tell me what Cleverley brings to the team I would be grateful. Serious England support comes from people who support small or crappy teams as evidenced by the banners. The final straw is when they bring on the biggest diver in the Premier League Ashley Young. It’s really hard to feign enthusiasm when the players come from our biggest rivals and the one outstanding player is ours but we don’t want him to play for England as he is too precious to risk getting injured.
Hard to classify Jovetic on one game but he didn’t convince as the answer to our attacking problems.Interlulls are tedious times and it will be good to get back to normality this Saturday although we don’t want New Manager Syndrome to strike. Hopefully we will be able to get a good win against a side who couldn’t hold on to a four goal lead against our reserves on their own ground. Early indications are we will be without Theo and Jack but it is dangerous to pay too much attention to gossip.
Good luck to the Next Gen Lads! Is it on TV?
,
Congrats to the Ladies. Proud of them, even that I never watched them play. Ever.
Seems like Jack won’t make the Reading game, but will be ok for WBA.
Theo is 2-3 weeks out. Time for Alex to shine, he is slowly finding his form.
As for Jovetic, I agree that his position(s) is not the primary one we should strengthen, and agree that what we need is killer finisher, but it is worth remembering that Arshavin is leaving this summer and Jovetic would slot in his place, just perfectly.
As for strikers, I prefer Suarez/Aquero/Di Natale/Villa type over Benzema/Lewandowski/RVP or Lukaku/Llorente/Gomez/Bony type.
The word on the street is that we are aiming pretty high for a striker this summer. As high as doubling Arsenal transfer record they say.
But let us beat Reading on Saturday first.
TTG, the NextGen is live on Eurosport on friday.
Lucky Oliva- Many thanks!
Lurky- sorry wretched Ipads.!
Ah, Rocky.
Please raise a glass on my behalf, Guvnor.
Had hoped to have been there on Saturday – stupid moveable feast put paid to that so see you in a fortnight!
I will do that zico.
You will be missed but I may be a late arrival myself. Silly sods are rerouting trains and chucking in buses to avoid Reading at the weekend.
Who are we playing again? Oh…
Great planning.
Rocky is my inspiration…no past tense for me. Mention him, and I smile. Holic, you are a good egg. Sometimes folks need to be reminded how special they are π
I have been called special a few times abb. I don’t think it is in a complimentary manner though π
ABB,
Shouldn’t it say :” ‘holic you are a good egg, sometimes “yolks” need to be reminded…..?” π
Cheers ‘holic, I’ll try and keep the dissent in check.
I’ll buy H2H another drinky in the mean time.
Hope everyone enjoys Saturday. I’ll be in the country of Texas. I have a fear I won’t get to see the game due to family stuff. That sucks. 2 week interBull followed by a week with family means I may be out of live Arsenal for a month. Blasphemy.
Another drinky?
Oh no…. I couldn’t possibly….
Oh, Okay, go on then. π
Hehs to All holics. Being an activist of all good causes, well here’s one; I urge you to remember to vote for your favourite blogger @TheFBA’s (it’s on Twitter) Voting for 2013 hasn’t taken place yet but I went ahead and placed ‘my order’ today @ their website. Now NorCal, I was delighted to see you ‘cut loose’ a few nites ago. You always have to work when The Arsenal are playing and I feel bad that you’re often at work, when the rest of us are having fun here. Enjoy Texas! π H2H π
A true legend
Rockington Q Rocastle
skimpy, short and see-through for me please barman. π
I was expecting that from Wolfie, bt8bbgfg π
‘holic
I could be wrong but I think Wolfie’s taste runs more toward the sequined shorts. In addition to all of the above, of course.
As someone who’s family has been blighted by cancer, I feel incredibly sad whenever I think of Rocky. I am certain though that his family well with pride that Rocky’s life is remembered and celebrated by the Arsenal family all over the world.Great player, great man. So young…………Missed by total strangers planet wide.
RIP Rocky. Gave me one of the greatest nights of my life when you buried that one at the swamp. Still got my signed copy of Race for the Championship 91.
Great idea on the applause/chanting after 7 mintes. Show those wankers from the Gooner what people really get motivated about.
RIP Rocky!
I’m all in favour of doing something in the 7th minute for Rocky (although isn’t it aping Villa fans?) on Saturday.
However, excuse me if I add a dissenting voice.
For 7 minutes? You’re taking the piss. There are ways to remember Rocky without making it a side-show to the main action that will be happening on the pitch.
We’ve seen it before, it would mean 7 full minute of a lull in the game, not supporting the game. We’re just lucky he was ‘only’ wearing number 7, eh?
It’s a grand idea, but what next : 52 minutes to remember Bendtner if a tragic fate befalls him?
Seriously, I think it’s an idea that isn’t very clever during a competitive football match.
Unless we, as fans, are taking the attitude we often accuse the team of having : it’s ‘only’ Reading, easy game, so 7 minutes is nothing.
Well done Ladies, and good luck, young ‘uns!
The fact that there is a Press Conf today doesn’t help me think it’s NOT Friday π
Tricky one Ollie,
I’m coming down right on top of the fence on that one. Seven minutes continual chanting of the song is, in practice, a long time.
My sentiments regards Rocky are superbly expressed by Impressive Failage though.
Whatever happens regarding the song, a dad and a great player will be well remembered.
Abou Diaby is out with an unspecified problem… BBC
In another shock, Roxette buys new shoes…….
Indeed Trev.
zico, she’s got the look? π
I think this one didn’t appear on the drinks π
http://www.aclfarsenal.co.uk/
Jack’s injury is, according to the radio, no better and no worse.
I am trying to think how, after three weeks have elapsed, his condition has managed to remain completely unchanged.
Normal physiological reaction must have either improved it or caused some sort of degeneration.
Unless, of course, the injured part is no longer attached to his body ?
Now, I need to sit down to get over the Diaby news. To be honest, much as I think Diaby has huge talent, and his leg break was not his fault, I am too fed up with hearing this.
As for Roxette’s new shoes, I have huge respect for anyone who can keep getting that much money out of a Scotsman. π
Haha, yep guest spot over at ACLF today if anyone fancies a peek. Surprised and flattered to have got an email this week from Yogi asking me to contribute to his series “My Favourite Game”. Who am I to refuse?
One has to eventually broaden one’s horizons beyond the Daily Mail you know! π
A patient of mine this morning said that he was feeling very shaken after his earlier prostate examination.
“I was extremely shocked when he stuck his finger right up my bum”, he told me.
“Oh, that’s quite normal I told him. They always insert the index finger so they can feel and judge the size of the gland”, I explained.
“Oh”, he said, “so you don’t think I need to change my dentist then?”.
Thanks for the post ‘H.
Well done the Ladies.
Must admit I watched England, but wasn’t paying too much attention. As for Jovetic, no idea if there is someting in the constant speculation, but if we are interested, I’m glad he appears to have had a quiet game. Nothing like bumping the price up on the back of a few meaningless International goals.
RIP Rocky, lovely man, fantastic footballer.
Heh Trev @34 π
How to remember Billy Bendtner, Prince of Denmark and wearer of pants?
I’m quite prepared to celebrate his Arsenal career by waving my Speedoes in the air.
A spare pair I hope, Tabs. π
Err … no actually Trev.
We could have a campaign slogan … “Show your willie for Billy” π
Afternoon all.
Great piece over there Tabs, I was trying to work out if it was you or not and after the second paragraph I was convinced it was, came back here to find out you’d already cop’d to it. Nice one.
Ollie, I get where you’re coming from, I still think for this one time that it is a fitting tribute. Seven minutes is indeed a long time, but he’s worth it.
Trev, I read that about Diaby and I’m afraid I could muster nothing more then a shrug and a slightly muted “meh”. I hate sounding like a broken record but surely it’s time to pull the plug.
He can’t cut it at this level and I think it’s very unlikely that his condition will improve with age, it’s a shame, but it’s true. I mean, how many players go into an interlul without playing and still manage to come back injured?
Cheers H2H.
Grim news re Diaby. Anyone know the prognosis? Is it the usual 3 weeks?
Diaby injured? Now that was a shock…
Heh@34!
Good stuff over on ACLF, tabs!
I am a bit worried about Saturday to be honest, this is exactly the kind of game where we have fucked up earlier in the season. It is a game we should win comfortably, new Reading manager or not, but of course we won’t win comfortably unless we work for it. Having said that, I’d take any kind of win even if it’s from a flukey shot in the final seconds of added time, after all it really is all about the points at this stage.
Lars.
Manure made very hard work of beating Reading 1-0 at Old Toilet just before the interlul. This is by no means a gimme.
Lars, relax.
My daughter is with me on Saturday – guaranteed goalfest.
7-6 to us, no worries. π
Tabs,
On further consideration I’ve decided I don’t really want to remember Bendtner anyway.
Thanks, all the same. π
H2H,
Yeah, but they’re not as good as us. π
Cheers Lars.
No worries Saturday. 4-0 minimum π
Spoilsport Trev!
That’s the spirit Tabs! π
Plenty of spirit helps. π
Agree with you there Trev, and I intend to have plenty come Saturday!
Gotta keep the cold out eh π
If I have a choice between tabs’ offer of 4-0 and Trev’s offer of 7-6 I think, for the sake of my health and sanity, I’ll go for the safe and comfortable 4-0!
Why wait until Saturday. π
==
I’ll take whatever win, still thin k a clean sheet win is the best for all round confidence.
==
This should get the pants wetters moist;
http://metro.co.uk/2013/03/28/stevan-jovetic-has-already-agreed-to-join-arsenal-says-fifa-agent-3563763/
Wet pants!
Without trivializing Diaby’s persistent battle with niggles and injuries, does anyone think that much of those at this stage may be psychological in origin? Maybe his mind is so cautious to the extreme of paranoia that his body reacts to otherwise minor aches and strains that are part of any athlete’s regular experience in a more excessive manner? Hope he recovers quickly enough this time.
So for the weekend we have Jack out — I think the caution shown with him is well-merited, he did play a lot of game at a stretch after coming back — and Theo out, Gibbo most likely to miss out due to sickness. But Poldi and Sagna are back in.
I think the starting line-up would l be:
Back five from the match against Swans; Arteta, TR7/Ramsey, Cazorla; Poldi, Giroud, Ox .
TR7 played full ninety minutes on Tuesday, so may be Ramsey would start. But at this stage TR7 if fit would be a better choice as with him it is likelier we would score early.
Some insightful Statistics in the Arsenal web-site today: we didn’t lose a match from winning position this season, we conceded only two goals after the 75th minute (lowest in the league), and our average possession of 57.something % is highest in the league. Based on second half performances we would top the league. That means we can still play with the best contrary to what our very subjective eyes and the scoreboards tell us.
It is the slumbering, mistake-prone first half performances that really killed our season. We would be 12th if only first half performances were taken into consideration. That is as alarming as the top-by-second-half is assuring.
This is quite the mirror image of our highly promising but ultimately frustrating seasons in 08-09 and 10-11 where we used to often start superbly and then surrender good positions in the dying moments.
But this time it is not a minor niggle or tear. π
So sad to hear that. Wishing Diaby all the best. Nine months, that is serious injury.
Fucking hell π
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/diaby-ruled-out-for-eight-to-nine-months
Interesting stats Faustus – cheers.
Agree with your team for Saturday, think Ramsey will, in all likelihood, get the nod.
8 or 9 months for Diaby! Poor fella. Can’t help thinking that’s the end of the road for him.
Fucking hell indeed Ollie.
Cheerio, Diaby.
Oh fuck nooo…poor lad, this has to be so crippling for his mentality, fuck you Dan Smith.
Sad for Abou. Time for him to retire and for arsenal to buy out his contract. We have stood behind him through it all, but now it is time to part ways. I wish him the best in the future.
Hey all.
I have to say this is truly sad news, though of course not expected. For all the joking about his injury problems, I have to feel for him. To work so hard to make it to the top of the game, and then never quite get to fulfill his aim- sad story. I agree however that, respectfully, we must part ways now with Diaby and not count him as a ‘future’ prospect at our club at least. Best wishes Abou!
Sad news indeed Re: Diaby. His career was always going to be fucked
Hope he gets better. But his Arsenal career is over I feel
I was resigned to seeing him have just the 3-4 games at a time (well since he was still staying with us, because sadly, since last season’s first breakdown I had totally given up on any sustained fitness for him), but this is just too much.
Poor Diaby. He could have been a contender. Clearly talented player.
Worked very hard to try and come back every time, and now this.
Must be totally depressing.
He’s no Winston Bogarde or Cudicini or any of that sort of player happy to take the money and not play, even without fitness issues.
Despite what some idiots on twitter would have you believe.
This does look like the end of his career though, sadly.
Well, like others I didn’t know how bad it was for Diaby and like tabs I can’t help but feel that this is probably the end of the road. 8/9 months takes us well into next season and iirc his contract is up next summer.
And PiK speaks my mind@61.
It may sound strange, but the latest Diaby news came as a shock to me.
I had high hopes that he can overcome injury problems and became the player he was meant to be. I never stopped believing. Until today.
Because, I am sure that today is the day that Diaby himself stopped believing. I hope that I am wrong though, but just cannot see it anymore. Shame.
Football Gods, you are so kind, you’ve allowed J.Terry to miss that CL final penalty, help poor Diaby, he did nothing wrong.
His contract runs to 2014. Wow, that was optimistic. WTF?
Shame though. Totally crap luck for the man. Lots of ability – its just heart breaking to see the injury plague he’s suffered. The club must move on, though, musn’t it? Its a football club, not a rest home.
Not to bring up a sore point but it irks me that Eduardo was let go so soon – and he had BAGS more ability than Diaby IMO – yet hung onto Diaby for so long. Horrible, horrible planning that. Both 1) letting Eduardo go in his prime and 2) keeping Diaby when its been clear for years he’s not going to play an entire season or reach his potential. Mind boggling really.
And this interlull has lasted a fooking eternity! If I have to keep having productive/sober Saturdays, it’s gonna kill me!
Shame for Diaby.
Gives me hope that the shoe-shop could have brought down it’s shutters though. π
Oh, and you media-tart @ 33 – you unlike Abou, have no shame. π
Heh Ollie @ 30
Tasty as a raindrop π
Evening gents
So, they brought me out of my self-imposed interlull stasis this afternoon and no sooner had I finished defrosting my underpants than news reaches me that Diaby is gone for the year.
I tend to agree with those above: this surely must be the end for him. It’s extremely unfortunate, and he has my deepest sympathies, but it is surely clear by now that he is never going to enjoy the run of fitness he so badly needs to find his top level.
So long Abou – I will always remember you sparking out John Terry and scoring that terrific header against Liverpool. You could have been so much more, if only you’d got the breaks (or rather, avoided the breaks).
Beyond that, a couple of other thoughts: Jovetic – seems like there’s too much smoke now for there to be no fire at all. I agree with tabs that it was a good thing he was relatively quiet against England the other night, but I also hope we’re picking him up for the right price (if the stories are true). I’ve seen figures as high as Β£30m bandied around, and that doesn’t sit right with me. He looks a Β£20m player (and a good addition to the squad) to me. Whoever suggested above that he’s an Arshavin replacement is probably on the money, although that would leave us light a centre forward in my view.
Finally, the game this weekend. Please lads, please do not underestimate this lot. Dropped points here would be a disaster, and there’s no excuse for anything less than a win. Focus, get at them from the off and let’s look to put this away early. As far as I’m concerned, any result that sees us take three points would be a good one.
COYG
Haha Dr Z π π
Can only reiterate what everybody else has said about Abou. Very sad. Like Lurky, I hadn’t given up on him in the slightest. Still felt he had much to offer, if only on a part-time or pay as you play basis. Long, long way back now though. Gutted for him.
Good stuff N7.
Shame for Diaby, I really do feel for the guy. But it doesn’t surprise me at all I’m afraid.
Evening all. Have to feel for Abou he must be gutted and it’s such a shame that we will probably never see that great ability in full. My mind casts back to Liverpool away this season when he ran the show, such a shame and I hope he recovers as quick as possible
Gents enjoy your evening, a drinky of choice is on the bar for ya….
Darts night, bYeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
Ahhh maaaan! Won’t pretend I hadn’t lost faith re him and us – but that’s terrible hard luck on Abou
I am sick of injuries. Two weeks ago when we played the Swans, I said to myself get a scrappy win Arsenal just this time, make it happen, because after the internationals our injured players are back, Jack, Poldi, Sagna, Gibbs recovered and in full strength, full fitness Diaby, and we will be stronger than ever in this season.
And what happened? Wilshere status quo, Walcott injured (in training), Diaby injured (in training too, other leg than before), Gibbs sick, they do not tell us yet but I guess Rosicky is out too.
Four midfielders out. That is a fucking big blow for every team in this planet. Without Diaby we do not have tall midfielder, anyone realizes that? We are a different side with him on the pitch and I feel more secure defending corners and free kicks. He brings balance to the squad.
I do not feel comfortable with Arteta, Cazorla and Ramsey in midfield. I just don’t. Coquelin with two of the Spaniards- maybe, but Arteta and Ramsey are both too slow for a midfield partnership.
Anyway, I think it is time someone from the medical stuff to take some responsibility. It is not all about the injuries, it is the way we treat them in the club. This is not a coincidence anymore.
So sad to hear about Diaby’s injury, I want to give up but a part of me is still holding on in hope that he can still have a decent career with us.
Lurky @76. You raise a very good point about the medical staff. I have been to a couple of the AST/ Gazidis lovefests and Ivan the Terrible has assured us that they have conducted an exhaustive investigation into our medical facilities at the club. Notwithstanding this and a consultant friend of mine who knows O’Driscoll, the club doctor and says he is very good there must be a problem at the club. I think without actually doing the sums that over the past five years we have the worst injury record in the Premier League and this is a huge issue.
We also seem to attract/ develop very injury prone players like Rosicky,Fabianski,Gibbs and of course Diaby. Poor old Diaby has been incapable physically of coping in the Premier League for some time now. It may be all due to that awful Dan Smith tackle, he may just be unlucky or he may not be physically fit to play English Premier League football. Sadly I think it is the latter . I felt it was irresponsible of Wenger to rely so much on him this season. His superb performance against Liverpool at the start of the season showed just what he was capable of but it must be said that sort of performance was the exception rather than the rule. I don’t see any way back for him now. A very sad story but we as a club must move on and try to find a way to get into the CL. Let us hope we can get enough of our top players on the pitch to give us a fighting chance to do it.
Just realised I still have Odemwingie in my fantasy football team…
My attention wasn’t drawn to him as he is not marked injured or suspended, but I just noticed him on the bench, having made some transfers…. Tant pis.
It’s not just Dan Smith. Paul Robinson and Michael Essien have both also made criminal tackles on Diaby.
I hate them all equally.
Blimey, it’s quiet again. Is this still the interlull?
Seems to be all bad news Ollie –
I suppose folks get tired of trying to find something positive to say about it all.
I know when AW signed Diaby he was delighted to have captured what he believed to be the best player of his group coming through. Sadly, a “not that kind of player”, desperate to make a name for himself, put paid to that.
I don’t know if the ACL is in the same leg as the double fracture, but it will probably not make too much difference in the end.
Such long absences, and such serious injuries, are psychologically damaging and the affected parts of the body lose proprioceptive ability.
That is to say that automatic neural programming is lost over long periods of injury/inactivity, and movement and balance functions are affected.
That can be retrained, but poor old Diaby has had so many extended layoffs, you have to wonder whether another nine months is recoverable, and especially to the levels of top Premiership football.
At least his financial future will be secure (to say the least), but it is a sad day when you have to finally admit defeat. I know, because I had to quit, at a much lower level obviously, at age 21, after a much lower level ‘Dan Smith’ decided to stamp right through the side of my knee.
Btw, Make that a MUCH lower level π
Trev,
It was his opposite leg, but I agree. It does not matter. If he can salvage a meaningful career after all this I will be shocked. If he had bounced back in a sustained manner after his first injury, I may have thought he had a chance. But his continual injury record followed by this I fear is a step too far.
I do wish him the best but as a business, Arsenal would be best to offer him a buyout of his current contract at a fair rate to both parties and move on. So sorry to say that but that is the way it goes.
Diaby was born 11 May 1986, according to Wiklpedia, so even if he recovers quickly he will be almost 28 by the time he is ready to play again. In the last two years we have seen the unlikely vision of RVP playing two consecutive seasons uninjured at a similar age but who would have predicted that?
just read it – big diaby – what a complete bollocks
god love him – that’s him fucked really isn’t
f**kin sad
.
oh and evening ‘holic and ‘holics various
plus
get you Mr T A Bowson – oooohhhh !
cross pollinating with your cultured feet
nice job
and not unlike ‘holic himself
t’would make a body who hadn’t arsenaled – arsenal their arse off
.
COME ON YOU REDS !!!!!
.
nice job indeed
and as to the tribute to Rocky
my thinking is you don’t have to stage manage it
it will happen naturally and i think that’s more fitting
cos he deserves it
.
god rest – Rocky
So sorry for Diaby. It seems the cruel gods of football just won’t take no for an answer.
Norcal @ 15 –
If you are in Dallas, give me a shout (‘Holic if you would be so kind as to send him my contact info please…). I have a bit of work to do this weekend, but I’ll make the time to by you a drink or two…or five.
Also, and I apologize for the late announcement, but the Gooner nation has increased its membership by one…Joshua Flournoy was born on Sunday. I made sure the first clothing to touch his skin was emblazoned with a cannon.
So, drinks are on my tab (Lars, you get a break tonight).
BMBD
Lonestar, Have a drink on me and congratulations to the baby Lonestar Gooner Joshua for having been born. π
Thanks 8ball.
Didn’t find out about Diaby until after I posted…now I feel like a mug.
BMBD
lonestar
some people call it indoctrination – some brainwashing
i call it good parenting
.
many congratulations
Congrats Lonestar. It would be me buying the drinkys. I am not sure how much time I will be in Dallas. Ivana runs a tight ship and the family are all in Athens and Longview. But I’ll let you know.
Congrats again. Enjoy every minute you can. That’s my sole advice. The rest always works itself out.
Holic- can you pass on my email to lonestar as well.
Yes to sunshine, but fuck off to sub-zero temperatures…
There’s snow in Western France apparently :s
*completely ignores the end of Trev’s post*
To think we could have been cheering on Trev wearing the Red and White shirt.
It was more likely to be the opposite leg I’d say, because of compensation anyway, innit?
Congrats, Lonestars.
Snow here aswell Ollie, gets on my nerves, its supposed to be spring ffs. Deep down I still somehow believe Diaby will salvage decent football career, but I am afraid it wont be with us.
That said, I would really love to be proven wrong and see him shine in red and white, the lad deserves it.
Presumably it’s less rare in your country than in Brest, even at the time of the year, Eandy π
While I’m here…..
*boots ball forward for Eandisicky to score*
Ask yourself one question.
Do I feel lurky?
heh, lurky. On the ball as always. Well nipped in.
Thanks Ollie, a pleasure as always.
Well its rare-ish here too Ollie, last year it was 24 degrees Celisus at the end of march, right now we are still flirting with zero and under zero temps, which is making it winter way too long for my comfort.
I have been to Praha once. It was under the snow. It was the loveliest place on earth.
Praha is awesome for visiting during winter indeed, since it looks just stunning. Not so practical when you actually have to live and work in it while under the snowy veil though hehe.
Yes, I guess so, Eandy π
Thank god for bank holidays eh, it’s a rare day when I have time to read everything (blog and back drinks) at my leisure and savour every drop. Massively helped by being alone on a train to the wilds of Brum.
Management had to work and being 4.5 months down the line was not interested in watching me get sloshed while she nursed a virgin Mary all evening.
Top drinks as always, would love to believe that we’re going to buy in some serious firepower in the summer but not holding my breath.
Sorry to come over all unnecessary but a disorganised and desperate last-minute scramble for unwanted bargain basement buys is what I’ve grown used to, so as I see it, my collection of hats is perfectly safe.
Astounding news about our 2nd half performances and very encouraging indeed.
Happy Easter to all, easy on the eggs and of course COYR
Sad news.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21973505
And probably an excuse to watch Withnail And I again.
3 am. Don’t people know nothing good happens at this hour, especially not good surgery.
Morning all. Hope things are well, other than being as cold as Chris Foy’s tittie in Europe. Enjoy the weekend.
Thanks Holic for the hook up. You run quite a dating service. π
I’ve decided that I am pissed off about the 7 minutes. For the reasons I mentioned yesterday.
People don’t learn. It’s a gimmick. There are better ways.
Lonestar, congrats!
Cold here as well, but at least the sun is shining which means that you can fool yourself into believing that it is a little bit warmer than it actually is. But if this winter doesn’t do one rather sharpishly I think will become seriously depressed. I am so sick and tired of cold weather.
The tribute to Rocky is well- merited but a 7 minute chant is OTT . It’s very hard to chant continuously for 7 minutes and as others have said it can derail the atmosphere in the game. A respectful minute before the game led by the PA announcer would be fine.
Congratulations Lonestar!
What NorCal said about advice – and try to think that while everyone is whole and healthy you have by far the most important thing. π
Ttg,
I seem to have fallen off the fence overnight and landed on your side.
Ollie,
I can’t say I’m ‘pissed off’ about it, but I agree with you that 7 minutes feels a bit gimmicky and it would be better to have a proper appreciation before the game begins.
Afternoon all,
Howdy Cba – Haha and thanks for your kind words Squire. I think you’re right re the Rocky tribute, it would have happened naturally anyway. Seven minutes does seem a bit long. Pretty much agree with what Ollie has had to say on the matter.
Lonestar – Hearty congrats on the arrival of young Joshua. We shall wet his head in the Tollie. If you manage to meet up with NorCal, have a good one fellas.
Ollie @108 – Uncle Monty has passed away? Very sad news indeed. RIP Richard Griffiths.
“Oh my boys, my boys! We live in a land of weather forecasts and breakfasts that set in, shat on by Tories, shovelled up by Labour, and here we are, we three; perhaps the last island of beauty… in the world”.
“I think the carrot infinitely more fascinating than the geranium. The carrot has mystery. Flowers are essentially tarts. Prostitutes for the bees. There is a certain je ne sais quoi – oh, so very special – about a firm, young carrot.”
RIP Monty Darling.
Indeed ttg and Trev, I totally agree.
I think the ‘pissed off’ came in just because of witnessing retweets.
You know how the interweb works π
Lonestar, Congrats on Young Gooner Joshua’s entry into Goonerdom.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/46203/live-text-commentary-from-nextgen-game
Anybody else thinks Chuba looks a bit like Wind in this picture?
Actually, Wind told us he’s gone to Switzerland, but could he be in Italy instead? ;D
Afternoon all.
Congratulations Lonestar Gooner on your new edition.
—
The sun has been shining here most of the morning, but it’s just started to snow, meh. Snow at the end of March is like Joey Barton, unnecassary, a bit cunty and you just want it to go away. I think I shall, from now on, refer to this weather as Snowy Barton.
—
Had a quick butchers at Eurosport and it has the Next Gen game on at 18:30, I don’t think that’s live, is it?
Anybody got a link that isn’t cunty Chelsea TV?
Heh Ollie. Certainly a striking resemblance. π
Lurky @76
When speaking of Diaby you said;
He brings balance to the squad.
I can’t say I particularly agree with that, I did like the way he sometimes drove forward, but more often then not he would break down play making us pretty ineffective.
I do not feel comfortable with Arteta, Cazorla and Ramsey in midfield.
I would have absolutly no problem with those three starting. MA and AR are more defensive minded and offer more protection to the back four and with the absence of Jack, Cazorla gets to play in the free forward roaming position for which he is most suited and productive, I luv LJW but I believe we are better with Santi playing that role.
Here Tabs;
http://www.kakibara.com/watch/live/stream/online/free/tv/video/channel/feed/link/broadcast/vivo/gratis/p2p/diretta/m11/10/march-29-2013/the-next-gen-series-chelsea-vs-arsenal.html
Warning, it’s full of pop ups.
Result.
I’ve found it on tv.
Eurosport 2.
Afternoon all.
Lonestar.Many congrats. In the words of the world famous cricket commentator Ritchie Benaud, βwhat a fine delivery.β
Re Rocky. First what a wonderful player, a great man and a tremendous loss at such a young age. I am all for singing his name on 7 minutes but for nothing more than a minute. That is in my opinion a more than fitting and timely tribute.
Re Abou Diaby. Like all I was saddened to read the news of his latest setback. It is not a normal 3 week Arsenal injury. It is clearly one of the most serious you can get. I wish him well for his recovery. I know I am in the minority here but I am firmly in the camp that whilst I have every sympathy with the man, I do not feel it should be an Arsenal problem. How Diaby is still an Arsenal player is a mystery to me. When I read that AW had believed that he had a fit Diaby and was banking on him being fit for the vast majority of the season I nearly fell off my bar stool. Whilst I have every sympathy for his constant injury problems I do believe that the time came some while ago when we should have declared that enough was enough. I have no idea what he may have achieved had he stayed injury free. I seriously doubt the βnew Vieiraβ tag that was bestowed on him early in his career. In my opinion he is not even half the player Paddy was for us. Over the years we have only seen glimpses of what might have been and certainly not enough in my opinion to justify starting this season with him still on the wage book. We are now left for the umpteenth time paying his wages whilst he keeps the treatment table warm.
It that all sounds harsh then Iβm sorry. Itβs not meant to. It is just reality. The fact is that in my opinion we have far too many at the club on the wage bill that really shouldnβt be there, I will not suggest ofr one second that Abou is just picking up his cash. I have no doubt that given half a chance he would have made himself available for every game. I also do not know how much of this is down to Dan Smith or whether poor Abou is just extremely unfortunate. But the harsh reality that is modern day football is that he we should not have started the season with him as an Arsenal player. We certainly should not have started the season expecting him to play a pivotal roll. That was just plain stupid. All in my most humblest of opinions of course.
All of that said, I wish About a full and speedy recovery. I hope he is able to still play when he recovers and manages to play injury free. If anyone deserves it then it is him. I just do not expect it to be at Arsenal.
Abou even…… Poxy automatic spell check.
Steve, if you are in the minority, then it’s a minority of two. I couldn’t agree more.
1-0 to the Arsenal!!
Chuba Pops it in. π
Rebels the pair of us H2H. Stand firm my friend. Don’t let them grind you down.
π
I won’t mate.
*He says broadcasting from his secret hideaway in the dykes of N. Holland.* π
Good goal by Wind then? π
The Arsenal lads pretty much bossed the first half. Another goal would be nice though.
Akpom Baby!
Good half of football. Better side for 30, great goal, some worrying signs in the last 15.
Heart-breaking to see this game being played before 3 men and a dog on a pig of a pitch. On a Bank Holiday, and with the right pricing, this game would have drawn upwards of 30,000 in London.
Pitch is indeed pooh, tabs.
I thought it would have been a bit wetter, what with it being in a Lake. π
morning, all. last posting period for the weekend, going to help the family resolve granny’s household for the estate. at least i get to see my folks for easter!
looked like a nice goal. took a while to find a stream at that, ready to enjoy the second half.
congratulations to the lonestar gooners. may joshua find joy in every thing every day…and share it with you.
tabs, I’m guessing these things have to be planned some time ahead.
Last finals were in London.
There’s no way they could have predicted that two London teams would meet in the semi-final.
And do fuck-off with your Bank Holiday talk or I’ll retaliate in May – you only have 2 days, we have 3, turning into 5 because of a couple of enforced extra days off π
and is that stuart robson on the color commentary?
Heh.
Many thanks for the link H2H. Didn’t fancy watching Chelsea TV. Mind you, it’s Stewart Robson on EuroSport, so it’s only fractionally better!
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/29756492.jpg
Pitch looks lovely from a distance.
Fair enough Ollie.
I think it could be foreseen that the pitch was going to be dreadful however. Just arrange the competition so that there is sufficient time between the QF and SF to benefit the participating teams, just like any other first team competition. Simples.
oh, gnarby.
Saaaved.
Oh fuck.
great save iliev, damn about the second.
oooh, great cutback from angha, olsson skies it…damn.
O O O Olson.
that was ugly.
come ON arsenal.
FUCK.
That’s what happens on shitty pitches.
Shoulda done better though.
Come on you reds!!!
so, after a bad bounce on a crap pitch suddenly “chelsea has a couple of players to make the first team”, whereas arsenal, not so much. well done, mr. robson.
3-1 now. crap.
Boooo. 3-1 Chavs.
They look a totaly different team in the second half.
Time to see if our lads have got the spirit to come back.
COYYG’s.
no matter how old, they’re still cunts.
Luckily I don’t have to suffer through SR, I got a dutch comentater who keeps getting all the players mames wrong.
Still not anywhere near as anoying as Tosspot Robson.
too many flicks and tricks, and not enough straight ahead footy.
does zac have the ansah? iceman off, angha off, great ormond street on.
he’s talking about the players’ mames? isn’t that a bit, um, unsporting?
Heh. *NAMES
π
olson keeps trying to force the ball into really tight areas. keep it simple!
One back.
Come on you reds.
of the arsenal players on display, gnarby is by far the most accomplished. and yennaris not impressing in midfield.
goal akpom! lovely break started by bellerin, ansah turns and pings across goal to akpom…nicely done.
three minutes left, plus probably three stoppage. can we get a second back? come on boys!
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSS
GNARBY
what a goal! 3-3
what a pass by bellerin, and what a gnarby shot!
come ON you boys, one more before the end…
H2H – you will get nowhere with the dykes of N Holland. π
Please tell me we’re not training our youth teams to go 1-3 down to start a fight back too. π
oooooh, akpom just over.
I won’t stop me from trying though Trev. π
heh, trev.
*I = It
extra time. nice fightback, lads. let’s see it come good in extra time.
Chelsea decided to close the game up and gave us a chance to get back in it. Very impressed with Gnabry.
3-3 Fuck off Stewart Robson!!
What a finish!
Come on Arsenal! Hate those Chelsea melts.
That was some comeback, we looked dead and buried at 3-1.
Fair play to the lads, but we’re not done yet………….
tabs, robson is *such* a twat. he shouldn’t be commentating at all, he should be muttering to himself shaking a quarter in a tin cup on some corner. not that i wish him ill, just amazingly grating on the nerves to listen to him suck off chelsea while slagging arsenal. as usual.
ooooh, lucky break arsenal. that should have been a goal for chelsea.
ainsley niles. in for ebicilio.
COYYG’s
Cuntz
fuck.
our crossing is nowhere near as dangerous.
sigh. i hate chelsea.
fuuuuuuuck. damn chelsea. we should have had that.
Damn shame.
Nice try lads.
well, i’m off to the dump, to get a car, and to drive for six hours…have a great weekend, and a happy easter drink is on the bar for all ‘holics.
Bollocks!
Congrats Lonestar. Raising an Innis & Gunn to Lonestar junior π
Scruz,
Completely agree with you re Robson. He stuck to his pre-game narrative (Chelsea have the better players), whatever the Game might have suggested otherwise.
First half we were the better side for 30 mins and might have added to our lead had more care been taken with the final ball. Granted, in the last 15 Chelsea began to find ways to get at our Defence, but all they created was a free kick which flashed past the post (and which the goalie probably had covered), and a sliced corner which was grabbed from under the bar. This however was enough for Robson to assert that they had the better and more players.
Second half and Chelsea started strongest and were a shade stronger for 20/25 minutes.This was enough, however, for Robson to assert that Chelsea were “dominating”. Complete tosh. Chelsea’s pen should have been cleared, and their second was a howler (fucking pitch!) from the otherwise very impressive Iliev. In that passage of play, Ollsen missed a sitter and other half chances presented themselves. It might have easily gone the other way.
The last 20 mins we were completely on top, scored twice and were denied a blatant penalty in the last minute.
Extra time was disappointing, given that we had hauled ourselves back into it. There were a few tired legs out there and Chelsea were the better side in that period. The game however was won on very fine margins, and not, as Robson would have us believe, by the clearly superior side who nearly boobed by making poor substitutions.
Can’t bear Robson. Can’t bear Chelsea. Really wanted to win that. Both our third goal and the penalty incident at the end had me out of my chair.
Oh well.
Funny that, tabs.
The Dutch commentater thought Arsenal were the side who were “robbed” and the “better team”, except for a spell in the second half.
By all accounts Robson has become very anti Arsenal, I know he probably wants to come over un-biased, but he’s making himself look like a cunt.
Various circumstances meant I could not watch the game but I did manage to sneek a peek at the reports on Twitter and I was quite gutted to read that Chelsea hade made it 4-3 with just a minute or so to go. It does, however, appear that that save me from having a coronary due to exposure to Stuart Robson. That bitter little man really, really hates Arsenal.
Less than 24 hours to go of this seemingly interminable interlull. Come on Arsenal, let’s get the three points tomorrow!
Robson is a cunt indeed.
Glad I didn’t have to endure his drivel.
Gutted about the result though.
Right, I’ll be off towards the station shortly, see some of you tomorrow.
Bon Voyage, Ollie.
Funny how you (and I) can dislike a bunch of 18 year olds so much, just because they have that poxy blue, Samsung emblazoned shirt on.
I really cannot stand the sight of anything to do with Chelsea – they even had an 18 year old wannabe Terry shouting at the ref.
Arrogance and lack of class exudes from every pore of the club from top to bottom. (If, indeed, a lack of something can exude!)
It’s not as if ANY youth player at that club is ever going to get the chance to play for them, and they don’t need to sell them for the money, so why exactly do they bother.
Stuart Robson makes himself sound more ridiculous every time he appears anywhere.
Done it again Trev π >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Good evening all.
I’m proud of our next Gen Team.
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