Keeping It Under Control – It’s Up To Arsenal
May 18th, 2013 by 'holic
Spending Friday on the golf course took my mind off things. Spending a big chunk of Saturday watching cricket provided a distraction. Most of all though I am sitting here trying to put the final day of the league season into perspective just a few hundred yards from where two young girls lost their lives in the early hours. Three lads remain in a critical condition following the accident. Their families will not be the only ones grieving this weekend. When you are tempted to get your hair off about the result of the match tomorrow, just give yourself a second or two to think on that.
Of course none of that detracts from the fact that supporters the world over will be massively lifted or disheartened or angered by whatever transpires at St James Park (oh yes it is!) and the tumbledown dump at the other end of Seven Sisters, not forgetting the bus stop in Fulham. The possibilities are too many to torture yourself with. Pure and simple we have to assume that the neighbours will win at home. Therefore only a win for us in Newcastle will do, and only then can we cast an eye in the direction of the result in West London.
Regardless of what some will say tomorrow evening the table is decided over 38 games. If at the end of nine months we find ourselves third for the second consecutive season it will mean we are still the third best team in the country, but that will apply equally if we end up fourth or indeed in the position we cannot speak of. That we are in control of our destiny after losing at White Hart Lane at the start of March is a testimony to the way the squad has collectively pulled together in the ten match undefeated run that has ensued.
Newcastle, like Queens Park Rangers before them, have had their future resolved before we play them. Those who feared relaxed opponents would prove difficult will find some comfort in our only goal triumph at Loftus Road. A similar victory would rob thousands of their fingernails, but would be more than welcome once the dust has settled on the season at around ten to six on Sunday evening. Typically our trips to Newcastle have tended to end up as draws of late, but never before have we gone there with something so tangible at stake.
The team news, such as we have, floats through the atmosphere on the wings of Chinese whispers. Mikel Arteta may or may not be fit, but I suspect that if necessary he will have pain-killing injections, be wrapped in horse placenta, and have monkey glands inserted where monkey glands should never be inserted to get him out there. The other big decision for Arsene Wenger will be whether or not to put Olivier Giroud back in the starting line-up ahead of Lukas Podolski. I haven’t the foggiest, and frankly both options carry positives and negatives. Arsene will opt for the line-up he feels will get the job done, and will be acutely aware that he will be judged on the outcome, harshly or otherwise.
I have been warned off punting the ‘holic pound on the 2-1 win that could set up a third place play-off at Villa Park. Just as well really, as that is the bookies favourite outcome and therefore poor value in my opinion at a point or so either side of sevens if you check the odds comparison sites. I’m almost wishing an afternoon of mental anguish on myself by taking the 110/1 against us winning 4-3. You didn’t expect anything else, did you?
As usual may I offer massive respect to the travelling Gooners, many of whom are already sampling the atmosphere in the land of the horse-beaters as I type on Saturday evening. Many more will follow tomorrow. I pray the long journey will be made thoroughly enjoyable by the outcome. It is a long way to travel back with a heavy heart.
All we can ask, as supporters, is that the team gets a result by hook or by crook, and that they give everything they have to ensure that. Even if not all of you will be back in Arsenal colours next season, the rest of us will. A tradition depends on you.
Get the job done.
370 Responses to “Keeping It Under Control – It’s Up To Arsenal”
Punfest duly killed
Oxon @ 361.
A criterion for me for the main stockholder of Arsenal is that it is one of the preoccupations of his life in the way that it is for the majority of us on here. Why I resent Kroenkeโs ownership is that I just donโt believe it messes up his weekend if we lose. He has a stable of interests and apparently is most interested in basketball. Arsenal has to be more than a set of figures on a balance sheet. And that goes for Usmanov too.
Arsenal prospered when the driving force on the Board was a passionate Arsenal fan ,David Dein.
My ideal owner would be a fanatical Gooner with deep pockets who respects the Arsenal culture and wants to restore us to the summit of English football and take us to a similar position in Europe. I really donโt see Kroenke doing that.
And it would be better if he didnโt wear a syrup.
I hope.
Good evening.
Splendid The Maestro and sponsored by Kleenex.
COYG!
good thoughts to all the families involved, holic.
and a qpr result, your holic pound, or even arsenal 7-5 horsebeaters would do the trick. a win is a win is a win.
Back on form Holic ๐
Just killed my multi-pun. ๐
I mean, what is this bar for ? ๐
Holic
You have a wonderful knack of setting games in just the right context and you’ve done it again! Great preview.
I have imagined fifty different scenarios at Newcastle and The Swamp and Bus Stop. I would settle for 4 th even though that means a nervy play- off in August and a possible brake on spending until qualification is achieved. We’ve won every play off match we have ever played in the CL so I think it will be a decent showing to come 4th. I just hope that’s not the summit of our ambitions for next season
You have to drown your sorrows now, Trev.
Yep, nice one Holic.
Would we survive a 4-3 win ? Don’t know if I’m just in denial of my nerves but I’m feeling quietly confident of a 3-1 victory.
COME ON YOU RIP ROARING !!!
Cheers, ‘holic!
Nice piece.
Ok. Now I’m nervous!
This preview sums up pretty much everything I have been thinking about as well. I am preparing for the worst but of course hoping for the best. Once more it is up to us, we are the better team if we do what we are supposed to do. It will be nervous and I am mentally preparing myself for the worst but of course hoping for the best.
Indeed Ollie, and make way for the main post.
Repeating yourself is a sure sign of nerves Lars. ๐
Repeating yourself is a sure sign of nerves Lars. ๐
It it sure sure is is, Trev Trev ๐ ๐
Nice one Holic.
Bring it on – the close-season-lull will seem extra long this year with no international side-show to distract us from the transfer speculation frenzy that is bound to arrive as soon as the season ends.
So, best enjoy the real thing whilst we can – an early goal and we will score three and win!
3-0. Newcastle is done they went on vacation as soon as Partdeux said he didn’t care if we beat them 4-0.
I’m afraid Everton will similarly mail it in. Our hope there is that Chelski runs outta gas again an Everton nicks it at the end.
Positive thoughts. They have come this far, now finish the deal.
I’ll still be as nervous as hell. ๐
You mean the transfer frenzy hasn’t already begun?
Today we have signed Jovetic, Higuain, Sonogo, Cesar , Abraham Lincoln and the four tops. ๐
Should it come to a play off, Chelsea are scheduled to be in the US next week and would have to play two friendlies and then fly home to face us on Sunday. Tee hee.
Oh yeah, what was that about not getting ahead of ourselves ……..
Thanks for the post ‘holic. Will be lining up at my local pub at 10 a.m. to make sure nerves are settled by start of match. If your pound is on the 3/2 outcome and you return home handsomely rewarded, I will need a cabbie to take me back to bed.
On a side note, perusing the Arsenal wiki and noticed that a couple of our chants are to the tune of “Go West” by the Village People.
Anything you can do about this?
Excuse me, I have to stop the bleeding of my ears now…
NorCal, having just checked him, that Abraham Lincoln fella looks amazing on youtube.
Nice one ‘holic.
To get to this place the boys have done what they had to, one more giant effort is needed and we will be home.
Come on you Gunners!
Well written sir. Pint o’plain barman.
Lurky,
If nothing else, he gives a mean pre game speech. Better than any hair dryer or rocket. ๐
Special evening at the bar. Hello everyone. Ever wish your mere words could convey your feelings… I wish mine could. Picture a lone candle lit, flickering brightly in memory of all those taken too soon. ๐ Thanks Holic, for putting ‘this’ into proper perspective. And you know what? The very real harsh realities we all face do elevate the importance of our favourite pastime. We have only to look at our own here, to validate this. Lars, your jitters I find so endearing. Trev your good humour so uplifting. All of you offer so much, with your humanity, each in your own way ๐ No matter what, I’m indebited to my club for giving me so many happy memories.
Cheers Abb, very humbled.
Bet there are a few who disagree with you. ๐
Great write up gaffer.
Gents
I just wanted to say that it has, as ever, been an honour to share the bar with you these last 9 months.
This place has been a source of consolation in defeat, and a place of celebration in victory. Some wise words have been traded and some truly pathetic trolling has been roundly ignored.
By 6pm tomorrow we will know our destiny. Hopefully, we’ll have won handsomely and locked down third place following a last minute stumble by Chelsea. There are, of course, other scenarios too, but let’s not dwell on those.
Regardless of the outcome, I hope that a sense of perspective can be maintained. Come August the stadium will still be standing and football will begin again. With or without champions league football I’ll be there, as will all of you. Life will go on.
This is a huge summer for Arsenal. We’ve had nearly a decade of parsimony, and the growing whisper is that a corner has been turned, and the most successful manager in the club’s history will once again be provided with funds/elect to spend (delete as appropriate) in pursuit of some actual, honest to god silverware. It’s a prospect that sends a shiver down the spine, and I suspect that the lion’s share of our collective happiness and peace of mind come kick off next season will depend on the accuracy of that whisper.
Anyway, that’s all for another day. Before that we have to face what is sure to be a nerve wracking afternoon in the North East. For what it’s worth, I think we’ll win, and win well.
Stout hearts gents, stout hearts.
Drinks on Lars’ tab.
COYG
Well said N7.
Stout behinds gents, stout behinds.
Cheers, abb!
N7, great post.
Cheers Lars! Trev ๐ N7 Delightful stuff there, yes!!! xx
Top review ‘holic! Here’s to a top result ensuing…cheers! COYBG!!!
At the beginning of March we pitched up at the Lane to be greeted by Dick Turpin as well as the Spuds. After that defeat my phone was white hot with deluded dullards proclaiming world domination. I said to them all after the delirium had some what settled, letโs get to mid May and we will have a count up then. For me there is no change. Here we are, mid May and it still in our own hands. We go to play a side who are is the middle of a poor run of form and a side who we scored 7 against earlier on in the season. There is absolutely no reason why we should not win on Sunday, as long as we are up for it. Our task will not be helped by Mike Ashley offering to pay staff a 1 million pound bonus if they beat us. What a total MNB he is. Let us just make sure that we ram it so far up his arse that it starts to come out of his nostrils.
I donโt care what happens at the Lane. I donโt care what happens at the bus stop. Nor should I have to. This is entirely down to us. The league does not lie. If by 6 we have finished 5th then that is down to us. I m not expecting that in the slightest though. One more game, stand up and be counted boys. Show it means as much to you as it does to us. As holic says, letโs just get the job done. No dramas, just do it.
In Arsene we trust.
What SteveT said. What N7 said. Indeed what everybody (other than MNB) said.
UTA COYG
Holc. Your perspective is immaculate.
It IS only a game.
Why then, am I sweating like a peadophile in a kindergarten?
I feel like Colin Firth about to watch the ’89 Pool game in Fever Pitch. We have absolutely no chance, we will cock it up big-time, Pool will score a late goal to make it 1-2, etc etc etc. But when Micky Thomas scores our late goal then of course it was never in doubt, we were always going to win, etc etc etc.
We’ve been a tad lucky in recent weeks, imo. Fingers (toes and innards) crossed our luck holds or, better still, we simply blow them away with superior skill.
1-4 looks about right. It would also mean we’ve scored more goals without RvP than with him last season.
But 0-1 would be just as welcome!
Oskar
I think paedophile is the spelling you’re looking for guys.
Oskar
Assuming Arteta is fully fit…
Szcz
Bac Merts Kos Nacho
Mikel
Theo Santi Jack Poldi
Ollie
…otherwise Rambo for Mikel.
Oskar
Money doesn’t grow on trees…
Oskar
Fabulous forty?
St. Totteringham’s Day website quite frankly could use reorganization to provide the facts a bit more clearly. Other’n that it’s time to win one for the traveling Gooners, who as ever have had a great performance all season.
Having looked it over and figured out the arrangement of the St. Totts Day website I shouldn’t have criticised it the way I did earlier. Besides, just give me the facts and I’ll take the arrangement you give me. ๐
Thank you for the spelling correction Oskar.
Its nice to know somebody is taking care of the details.
Just got out of bed. The tension is starting to build. Have a bad feeling, but that is probably just me trying to set myself up for a softer fall should things go pear-shaped. We are the better team and it is up to us to get the job done, plain and simple.
Right, a shower and a steady breakfast awaits. Beer o’clock is estimated to be about 12 so better get going.
Well said n7 Steve and holic.get the job done no problems.i read there could be up to 5 million to play for for the barcodes no wonder mr soft is offering such a bounty.if we grab 3rd(being greedy) it would be great to give the players a good rest,sort out our business early doors,especially with the revolving doors at 3 of our main competitors for the league changing managers.this time next year Rodney..
This is it boys. Win or bust.
By a cruel, cruel, twist of fate I have a family affair to attend (note to my brother: stop having children and then making us come to endless christenings and first communions!).
Thanks to the gift of smart phones I’ll be well up to date, in fact I may even take my mini radio and pop it in my pocket as I do the rounds during the garden party.
Where’s my manners?
COME THE.FUCK ON ARSENAL!!!!!!!!!!!
Nice preview and perspective Holic.
Focus.
Hard work.
Go win, Arsenal.
Time to head off out.
COME ON, ARSENAL!
Morning all.
Should have gone.
This is going to be a long day.
Thanks for the write up ‘holic — set’s the scene perfectly.
Whatever will be will be. Like a lot of people — mostly outside the bar here — there were days this season when I thought we’d be lucky scrapping sixth. The fact we are where we are says a lot about Arsene and this team.
I’m very hopeful about getting fourth, but I won’t be as upset this season as I would have been last season if we miss out.
The great thing about football is that there is always next season and for some reason, next season feels as though it will be a lot more enjoyable than it has for many years — whatever the outcome today.
Thanks all for providing a great place to dip in and out of whilst the rest of the Arsenal web has at times this season gone into meltdown!
Coommmmmmmeeeeeeeeee Onnnnn you GUNNERS!!!
It’s going to be a walk in the park.
Really, it is.
In about 15 minutes – and a coffee by the local lakes, and anything else I can think of to try to calm these nerves which are exacting a fearful revenge for my denying them yesterday.
We will do this. It won’t be easy. Nothing Arsenal ever does is easy.
But we’ll do it.
Now, a lie down before that walk. ๐
A request of a highly spiritual nature has come upon me via the always mysterious ways in which Dennis doth move through the ether (or maybe ’twas twitter – it’s early, and I’ve a bastard behind the eyes), from this very bar’s much loved resident nurse – a fellow healer of tricky souls – in regard to what we may, or may not, be about to receive on this most nerve-jangling of holy days, as our fearless warriors in red and white (presumably) tussle manfully and magisterially twixt the highs of a mighty triumph and the lows of a gut-mangling disaster – so ‘ere goes:
Ahem – play up The Arse , play up (’tis written that, that will happen at some point on this day of days), and let not an oft difficult season disappear down the sodding pan.
Put Pardew and his messy bunch of horse-punchers away, away from home – so that we may once again visit Rome or Paris (and lots of other delightful, major European cities, and even some much less delightful and much less major ones like say, ermm Krakow or Manchester) – in the champs league once again next season – and beyond. Amen (are better than theirs). HaleluYeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
Disclaimer re the above: Trev, H2H and other bruvvas and sistas what might be tempted to fall into temptation – please be aware that I, and my guvnor, will forthwith regard any readings of an uncouth and unholy nature re the wee team prayer above, as merely the manifestly unhealthy workings of corrupted minds.
Now I’m orf to get me sacramental offerings in order for this after’.
GwanUGunners!
Morning fellow dicky tummy sufferers,
Nice preview ‘H.
Lovely stuff N7.
The time for talking is done, the hour is nearly upon us. Just do it boys.
COME ON YOU LOVELY GUNNERS!
Rev ๐
Praise be the Rev!
Praise be, the Rev is back!!!!
Afternoon all, bit of catching up to do, a quick back drink and a big gulp of a real drink to calm the old nerves needed.
Have you seen the light,
I said have you seen the light?
Yeah, I lit my ciggie on it.
Nice one N7 and Steve T.
Lars seems nervous. ๐ Heh @ Trev.
Dicky tummy indeed tabs.
Champions League evenings are integral to Arsenal’s sense of self
Sunday Times 19.5.13
Nervous anticipation or frenzied rythym?
BRING. IT. ON. 8)
Frenzied rhythm Dr Z, every time.
All day, every day ๐
I’m beginning to get SERIOUSLY nervous here.
COYG
One of the benefits of being a doomy sort who expects us to be shite all the time is that there’s no pressure on days like this, and that if the expected doesn’t happen after all, the day can only be a good one.
I hope he plays Podolski. Nothing against Giroud and normally I’d pick him but he’s had three matches off and Podolski scored twice, so should be up for it and buzzing.
Having said that about nerves, my eyeballs feel like they’re trying to escape and I need a beer, plus I’ve got the munchies.
Football. I hate/love it.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmiD6c3Iygc/UZfkgV1X6LI/AAAAAAAAbc4/90XSbV6Elws/s1600/Page21.jpg
So, back from the walk and, what do you know, The Rev AL has been in – it being Sunday morning an’ all. We were only speculating as to your health on Tuesday in The Tollie.
And then, for some unknown reason, he singles me out – and H2H, so that’s doubles us out? – as being likely to be tempted to be uncouth or unholy.
Well, I must say, and I don’t very often, f*ck off for chrissakes. ๐
Quit the handwringing.
Stop the nailbiting.
We are THE ARSENAL.
Focus…
Hard work…
Eliminate errors…
GO WIN, GUNNERS.
Re:
The ‘holic pound being placed on a 4-3 Arsenal win at Newcastle. Was there no additional side wager on Chelsea drawing with Everton 2-2?
This roundup of 3rd place playoff possibilities is from the BBC:
“Any of following score combinations would ensure Chelsea and Arsenal finish the Premier League season with identical records:
Chelsea draw 0-0; Arsenal win 2-1
Chelsea draw 1-1; Arsenal win 3-2
Chelsea draw 2-2; Arsenal win 4-3
Chelsea draw 3-3; Arsenal win 5-4”
Of course, I’m pulling for the Chelsea 4-4 draw and Arsenal winning 6-5. ๐
Amen, RevAL! Holic, homes! this is the type of game a player like on Henry would be chomping at the bit to win. I think our boys are up to it, it’s going to be a great fight.
Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey, Rosicky, Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski
Subs: Fabianski, Vermaelen, Monreal, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho, Giroud
Newcastle: Harper; Debuchy, S.Taylor, Coloccini (c), Yanga-Mbiwa; Tiote, Cabaye, Gutierrez; Ben Arfa, Cisse, Gouffran.
Subs: Alnwick, Simpson, Anita, Perch, Marveaux, Obertan, Campbell
Hi all I’m feeling suitably nervous with all to play for
Just turned on boolgar TV to check that the patched channel the game is showing on is avail and it is. Who do I see but Woj visiting his mother with girlfriend, followed by a flashback to I think 2006 when he seemed to be a ballroom dance competitor – no wonder he is so light on his feet!
Mind you it nothing for my confidence to see him putting the short drinks away in the local bar
black to business in hand
Coyou redddddds
Arteta starting, thats some great news! Like having option of OG on bench for different approach should we need it, come on you Gunners!
Definition of the importance of CL football: I have never been so nervous about winning nothing in my entire life..!
I fear should we not qualify I will need the entire contents of bath’s whiskey cabinet to numb the pain. Either that, or a bar tab sponsored by Lars wallet somewhere where nobody knows me and where there is no phone reception. And while I have yet to foray in the realm of hard core intravenous drugs………my nerves feel a little like Renton in that opening scene in Trainspotting……..
Top news that Arteta is starting, we are so much better with him in there. Also good call on Poldi, would of been extreamly harsh to drop/move him. OG gives us options from the bench (if needs be)
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
I will need the entire contents of bathโs whiskey cabinet …. Either that, or a bar tab sponsored by Lars wallet ………. hard core intravenous drugsโฆโฆโฆ
Sounds like any given weekend. ๐
True indeed H2H. That’s a solid selection and bench. Poldi and Theo need to be sharp today, early chances will have a huge impact.
Ho Lee Sheet
Lets go lads. Make it so.
Let’s get ready to ruuuuuuumble!
hi fellow gooner!! anyone with a good link to the game?? anything will do
http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=200617&part=sports
Shoud be one there. Success
thanks H2H, should be a nail biting affair this one! just one last push gunners! do us proud!!
cheers
Late back up punt on 0-1.
Will take any win, anyhow.
Cheers for your company all.
Do or Die time come on you Rip Roaring Reds !!!!
Well said bath.
Fellas, as it stands right now, after 37 games we are 2 points and one goal behind the mega millions of Chel$ki, and above Tottenham who, according to most, have had a great season.
We will do this,
COME ON YOU RIP ROARING GUNNERS.
Luckily I’m spared the stream hunting, got the game on the box in the bar. The punters will just have to put up with my screaming. ๐
Oh, and ladies, sorry !
Cheers Holic, likewise.
Time for one more smoke to settle the nerves where’s H2H with his northern lights when you most need them ๐
Come on you Reds…keep the faith
Arsenal till I die.
I’m here Chippy sir.
*virtual pass of the gas*
Ohhhhhhh, So excited! Big hello holics ๐ Lovely crowd in the bar ๐ Me, I’m grinning like an idiot and giggling, too! Has everyone got their streams ? Hope so !!! C’mon on you rip roaring REDS!!!!
ARRRRRSENAL, ARRRRSENAL FC, WE’RE BY FAR THE GREATEST CLUB THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN!!!
off we go, good morning all.
COME ON YOU REDZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Top Man first dibs ๐
Big balls time. Come on arsenal.
oooh, nice
Tiote living up to his rep. already! Bad foul on Tomas ๐
lucky, that miss.
Wake up boys
*runs out to change underwear*
whew
Quite right scruz. Must shut down Cisse!!!
We look a bit nervous. We need to get on the ball and hold it better.
nice work aaron!
Corner to Arsenal!
good save Kos
whew kozzer, wtf is our defense playing at?
Good defending by Kos! C’mon Arsenal! Settle down, please!
Need to get a grip at the back boys. Looking very lethargic at times.
If we can just bang one in, the lads will start clicking!
hoe was that a foul by Bacary
Barcodes up for this one
No physio rushing to treat Gutierriz’s nuts then. ๐
Bale booked for diving
theo no putting in much running today.
Webb robs of us a corner!
bad call Webb, corner not gk
Kos impervious!!!
arteta limping off for ox, crap.
Crap, Arteta gone alredy. ๐
A bit of a risk swapping him for Ox.
BFG gets the armband
Arteta off. That I’m afraid is a major major fuck up in my books. I really do not consider that a risk worth taking.
The ox on. Why no jack? Santi back to the middle???
Good work by Gibbs.
don’t lean back santi!
oh ffs Santiii .:S
Oh, our first really good set up, but Santi shoots high.
Sagna was the boss just there!
heart pounding, come ON you reds!
SSHHHOOOOTTTTTT NOW !!!
poldi nooooo
Can’t see us scoring.
pod not offside
Wake up boys. We need to get a grip here. Have we made Harper make a save yet???
Wilshere is unfit. If Arteta was replaced by him it would be a double gamble.
Theo needs to start getting stuck in and being a hell of a lot stronger on the ball.
Haroer’s bizarre.
Black Cats keeping Totts at bay 0-0. C’mon Arsenal, get it together, plz!!!
Shit, HarPer’s
Better
nicely played for a corner. get one now lads!
Start getting 2nd half Arsenal warmed up.
Time for Giroud, maybe Girvinho too!
Is Jack on the bench?????
๐ abb
hey scruz ๐ Really more than willing to sacrifice my big toe if needed!
tense handbrakey first 45. ox did well for arteta, we just didn’t gel, and the defense was shakier than I would like. set up nicely for a rip roaring red second half.
We are the best second half team in the league. Come on Arsenal!
Very very poor half. Not one shot on target. Arsene needs to earn his money at half time.
We seem very slow. No movement and our touch is poor. We look shaky at the back. Surely we have to get Santi in the middle, move the ox out wide and drop tommy back a bit.
Not good enough boys. Not good enough at all.
We should have shuffled the team selection after playing a midweek game.
Not sure if Gibbs is being told to play left wing, but it’s seriously risky. Ben Arfa getting too much joy.
Got to hope that in the closing stages our having something to play for will start to tell.
COYG
Pretty poor overall.
Defence decent. Midfield pressing well – not creating much. No threat up front.
Theo needs to stop running inside when others are on the ball – making us far too narrow.
Nobody on the left apart from Gibbs, so he has to come inside as well.
Steve T, need I say it ? “More width !!!”
We are not dominating and our attempts to hold possession are not protected by Webb’s poor reffing. Tiote should have a card by now.
Theo is not a RW and they are triple marking every time he does get the ball.
Must do better and defend deeper in the middle since these Magpies are fast on the break
Let’s go you reds we can dobit
That was no fun at all, bad for my heart, liver and if I have any other still functioning organs, I’m sure they are not better off from that 45 mins.
Sunderland holding the Tiny Totts, but for how long? Just seen that Bale “dive”, I think he was hard done by. (Mwahaha)
A number of players need to step it up in the second half, plus I think we need OG on to link up the front play, but wouldn’t know who he should replace. The Ox for Arteta was a wierd switch for me, especialy as we look vulnarable at the back.
Nothing else to add, except;
Come on you REDSSS
Heh Joe @72 and H2H @74
A ‘tot’ of Glenfarclas all round to stiffen the sinews then …
OUT AND AT ‘EM.
COME
ON
YOU
REDS.
Macca needs to keep his pie hole shut! He’s jinxing us! Anyway, got the saw ready, peroxide and bandages, just in case! ๐ Where’s me whiskey … god, I’m losing it! Plz Arsene, be our 12th man ๐
ooo feo close!
Plodoski. Sigh.
Unlucky Feoo.
But where was the follow up from the CF???????????
Stomach in knots cmon boys
Thank you Woj!
KOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Kozzxxxy
Kos!!!
YYYYEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSASSA
Kossssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!! Now we are On It!!!!
yyyyyteeeeezotsaolspdkdluddluxlyslusljdljhhyghhx
bhzkhjdlhy
Amy
zmyakxl lslbsbys
lsmgalyslspslhx
jdoysouwpsltsl
Kos is boss at both ends
BOSSSCIELNYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSS
my toe is safe (for now ๐ )!
Get. In.
What price the tinies collapsing now?
What Scruz said….
OR
What Scruz said??
Just listen to our away fans! Best in the world ๐
37 minutes to go.
Deep breath …..
heh h2h.
Yesssssssssssssssssssss
Get in kozza….
Toe, abb?
come on GUNNERS!!!
I just heard 36,000 LWCs slump all at once. ๐
Oxon, I’m willing to cut off my toe, for us to go through!!!
Keep your fetishes to yourself Oxon.
Keep going forward no handbrake
Whatever floats your boat abb. I really wouldn’t recommend it, mind you.
so long as a certain 11 scum wilt with them, I am fine.
Kos blocks again! Vital defending!
๐ @ Trev
We’re 3rd if we get another and Chelsea results stands, no?
Heys @ Oxon and Trev ๐ Poor Santi!
Indeed Oxon.
all hands to the pump, right now…
COME
ON
YOU
REDS
Think OG would be well suited for this type of game ….
Giroud time…
spudd hit bar oh desr
The fucking handbrake, that’s what.
WAKE UP
Spurs denied twice point blank range
a bit of newkie play acting there…
COYRs
Lovely stuff from Poldi there!
Listening on 5live. Anyone want to start a sweep on when they notice that Arsenal are a goal away from third? I reckon another 20 minutes.
just imagine if toffees score
Still want a sub, try something flashy!!! Gervinho ๐
come on arrrrsenal!!!
Red card to Sunderland
And Chelsea scored
Bloody Chavs.
OG ready to come on for Poldi!
Vaughn sent off for Sunderland, and I.AM.GIROUD on for poldi…
This is horrible.
KOS MOTM!!!
KOSlossal
10
Still would love to see Gervais out there. I can picture him threading one in!!!
thbsup bath
What Steve T said.
Tiote off lets go Feo
Not a foul no way
8
7
ooooh, santi….
6
should be Jonas second yellow.
It’s like time is standing still…………..
4
Theo really really really starting to test my patience.
3
dying here
2
Man up you lot.
COYG
jax for santi
Jacky boy! ๐ Nice touch, there.
West Brom equalise!! 5-5!!
Boo. Bale scores
fuck bale
Hold that line, lads. Just keep it tight!
$ fucking minures WTF
Amen to that Scruz
fuck four minutes.
How many times is Tyler going to try and talk us out of this ffs
Keep the fucking ball
THEO NOOOO
What is my pulse rate ?
yesssssssssse
come onnnnnn
Less than 30 seconds left; Arsenal corner. Totts win 1-0
That’s it !
YYYEEEESSSSSSSS
YEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Arsenal win 1-0.
Never in doubt.
๐
God loves Arsenal!!!! ๐
mbxgxudifkyrkhrkhrihrtidiyrgkenhdkgrkckyxitsmydmydiydjgd
Never in doubt. ๐
Happy St Totteringham’s
10 toes abb?
HAPPY ST TOTTERINGS DAY ๐ ๐ ๐
No bother.
Love you Arsenal – well done lads.
fuckyeaaaaa
COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEE ON!
In Poland first communion for my nephew…..couldn’t really watch the whole game unbelieveable!
Fantastic Kos
I’m. spent.
Well done. Kos with the important goal second season in a row
Happy St Totterongham’s Day, Holics.
Hey, Today is a Holiday!!! St Tottenham! ๐ ๐ ๐
Oh
When
The
Wheels
Kos has to be MOTM
I shit a piglet when Theo hit the post and had to go out of the room. Didn’t watch the last bit of the game… more shaking going on than Muhammed Ali doing the twist with Michael J Fox in the middle of an earthquake.
Oh and FUCK OFF TOTTENHAM. To Dare Is To Do? Epic fail.
Shush up Macca!!! We’re the Arsenal and don’t you forget it ๐
Now I’m ogoing to get hammered!
COOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEE OOOOOONNNNN!
Zobrowka all around! :):):)
Well fuck my old boots.
Whilst I can understand it I am not sure that celebrating 4th is what it is all about.
My heart rate is through the roof.
Happy St Totteringham day everyone.
just like qpr, nails bit up to the knuckes.
fuck tottenham. happy st. totts, all. big club my arse…
I love me some arsenal.
HAPPY ST TOTTERINGHAMS DAY EVERYBODY!
Drrrrrrrriiiiiiink.
Straight from Poland …..
WE LOVE YOU ARSENAL WE DO…..
WE LOVE YOU ARSENAL WE DO…..
WE LOVE YOU ARSENAL WE DO…..
OOOhhhhhhhh ARSENALLLLL WE LOOOOVVVEEEEE YYYOOOOOUUU!!!
celebrating st totts, they were. not 4th. stoopid macca.
And now the headache begins. Jesus…
Happy St. Totteringham’s Day everyone. Came a little late this year but what the hey….
Arsenal,
If you ever, ever, ever dare to do that again ……….
Fuck tottenham!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FOREVER IN OUR SHADOW….!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy St. Tott’s day, one and all. Never in doubt.
One zero to The Arsenal…
Steve T, celebrating 4th is not what it’s all about.
Celebrating putting together a run of six consecutive away wins is part of it. Celebrating your team gelling with three new players after your captain knifes you in the back big time is part of it. Celebrating Tottenham choking yet again is part of it. Celebrating getting into the Champions League (only the last qualifying round admittedly, so far) is part of it.
Happy St Totteringham’s day everyone.
Nothing beats watching the swamp dwellers crying on prime time TV happy end of season all!! Message to the board spend some fucking money and give Wenger a chance to actually win proper silverware again
Up The Arse !!!
Ps I went and hid in the bog after Bales goal only to realise the last time I done that was against the mousers after Walcotts goal in the champions league so quickly bolted out again ๐
Interesting point to note, last time we conceded a goal from open play was the end of March. More of that defending next season please!
But for now, phew!
No need to alter Thursday night plans Totts. ๐
Trev@269, if Arsenal dare ever to do that again, we’ll still be arguing amongst ourselves and enjoying the ride.
COYG
ARRRRRSENAL, ARRRRSENAL FC, WEโRE BY FAR THE GREATEST CLUB THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN!!! ARRRRRSENAL, ARRRRSENAL FC, WEโRE BY FAR THE GREATEST CLUB THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN!!! ARRRRRSENAL, ARRRRSENAL FC, WEโRE BY FAR THE GREATEST CLUB THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN!!!
Oxon, Don’t forget Mr Nacho! It’s 4 newbies ๐ But well said, mate ๐
I am totally totally done..completely exhausted (on top of fighting really nasty case of tonsilitis), Kos was imperious again today and I have to say I was bricking it when Theo hit the post. Thought it would be bad omen and heartbreak for us ..luckily we held on!
Thank you everyone, who visit this bar on regular basis or just stumble by from time to time, for yet another incredible rollercoaster of a season spent with you lot.
Now Arsene, buy well and spare me some stress and grey hair (although I know they make me sexier:P) by winning the title comfortably…and FA cup …and Champions League:D
Happy St. Totteringhams day!
Happy st totts day fellow gooners
Four of the top six with new managers, go out and compete for top players and have a go at it next year.
Well said. Shockingly.
26 points out of the last 30, since Spuds away. Amazing.
Alone in the dark. 3am kick off. 5am finish.
Too old for this.
Elated.
Must sleep.
Arsenal.bloody Arsenal.
Great result.
Happy St Totts,boys and girls.
Szczesny knows!
oh dear….oh dear…Oh when the wheel….
Gary Neville,
Well said, sir.
Blimey.
Happy st Totteringham’s day.
proud to be a gunner!
Looky here, found Lars wallet! ‘ave at it lads! Eandy, very nice, btw ๐ Still grinning like an idiot, can’t help myself! Love the lot of you ๐
Dawson being interview -The same cunt that said the tides turned Mwhahahahahahahahaha ๐
Gulp, gulp, gulp…..
His lips are moving but all I can hear is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y6gmt97J4g
Neville – first time on Sky anyone has ever acknowledged what Arsene has done these last few years.
I have really hard time saying this but Gary Neville is most likable of all the pundits on British TV, I like the fact that he goes against the stream and actually is not afraid to praise Arsene for what he has done in last years for Arsenal as a club during very difficult period after moving to Ems.
My stomach is still in knots! Congratulations everyone, Happy St Totteringham’s day!
Suck on that negative spiral AVB and Bale FC!!! Happy St Totteringham’s Day to all!!
Hey there all!
Having been away (intentionally so as I realised I was actually becoming the “fan” I love to hate) for quite some time, I thought I would drop by and thank all of you, ‘Holic first of course, for being the best group of the best fans in the world.
I apologise for being such a gobshite at times and I hope that you will forgive me.
I still think that there are some serious issues to be addressed but, with the new sponsorship, much lower debt and the extraordinarily obvious manner in which we got out of jail this season, we may actually see the necessary changes.
Never stopped loving our club but the doubting Vermaelen in me was taking over. After the time away I feel much more positive, not just for the CL qualification, but for the possibilities that now exist for the future.
JW10, LK6, PM4, CJ25, SC19, MA8, LP9, TW14 & AOC15 is a pretty good basis for a great side…We are just missing the great goalkeeper (which still may be WS1), two “game-changers” and a little more depth in certain areas of the squad.
Like I said last this time last year and again in December, only Arsene knows what he is planning and only Arsene can make those decisions.
For now, well done all. No silverware again but surely we don’t have to lose any of these players this summer and that tiny amount of stability may prove to be the difference in our ability to enjoy a transfer window for once!
Oh yes, and before I forget, FOREVER IN OUR SHADOW!!!!!
BEST.
FEELING.
EVER!
Mind the GAP, you cunts. Mind the fucking gap.
Still Ho Lee Sheet.
Happy St Tots day all.
I was 4 numbers away from winning the $600 million powerball last night but I am still elated today.
ABB, the winning ticket was sold in Florida. Has Lars’ wallet received some American funding?
Lurks
Koscielny my MOTM. Immense at both ends. Per, TR7, Sagna and Ox were decent.
There were nerves showing up among the players if anything else. Ramsey and Theo particularly made a series of awful decisions, though Theo’s attempt at the post was good enough play to deserve a goal. Even Santi had the odd stray pass.
Should have started with Giroud and that would have allowed us to build attacks more robustly.
Now two early season tense matches to get through.
Oh, Happy St Totteringham’s Day to everyone!
Gary Neville talking about the brilliance of AW navigating Arsenal through the last several seasons keeping us in the ECL and observing that the Scum have still to go through the stadium building experience and hold onto their quality player.
Props to AW.
allez allez allez
Sagna magnifique
ARRRRRSENAL, ARRRRSENAL FC, WEโRE BY FAR THE GREATEST CLUB THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN!!! ARRRRRSENAL, ARRRRSENAL FC, WEโRE BY FAR THE GREATEST CLUB THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN!!! ARRRRRSENAL, ARRRRSENAL FC, WEโRE BY FAR THE GREATEST CLUB THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN!!!
TW @ 297: I would add OG12 to that list. And TV5. He may have had a very bad season but he will recover.
BTW, I am sure there would be the odd circling vulture for Kos after the run of terrific performances. Bayern and the ever circling Barca have already apparently expressed ‘interest’. Hopefully we should really tell them to go fuck themselves.
I hope we keep the core of this team intact and then add. And that means keeping TR7 as well as Sagna. Jenk would need guidance and the defense can do with his experience and presence at the inevitable periods of crisis.
ยฃ9 million net spend over the last 10 years.
I seriously don’t think there is another manager anywhere that could have done that.
AW has his faults but that is an incredible achievement. The last ten years of CL qualification on ยฃ1.1 million a year.
Trev knows, @ 306
Hells yeah.
Doctor Faustus:
Not sure about OG yet…Gotta see what he is like with a little more support. TV5 just doesn’t convince me at all any more. I think it is more a case of the injuries than the loss of confidence or the captaincy. I guess time will tell with both of them.
As for Kos…Is the club let him go then I might actually fly over to London and perform Hari-Kari in front of the Henry statue!!!!!
Frazzled nerves, but we got there in the end. Arsene really must impress on the players thay MUST keep possesion in the final minutes, and work the ball into the corners where possible. Anyway, heartiest congrats. to the team, not that we can call it a successful season. Time to get your cheque book out Stan, although I`m not convinced signing another (supposedly) very talented but injury prone player in Yaya Sanogo is the way to go.
Yet another candidate for goal of the season from Bale. I can`t think of a better way to put yourself in the shop window!
“Arsenalโs win by the same scoreline against Newcastle
United at St Jamesโ Park means we finish this season in fifth place in the division, but we do so with a club record Premier League haul of 72 points, and that alone gives us plenty of optimism for next season and beyond.”
And beyond……..
NoCal, I wish… someday, God willing. Lots of good causes to support!!! Anyhoo, what a terrific crowd here at the bar today. Just seeing you ALL here on our final day makes me so proud of you all… bit teary eyed now.
Man up abb! ๐
Trev @ 306
Spot on.
People can criticise Arsene for not spending, but anyone who tries to say he’s a bad manager is a muppet.
Btw – not sure anyone noticed, but arsenal have comfortably the second best def record in the league and were (I believe) one goal off being joint best. Categorically THE stand out defence of the second half of the season – we need to build off this next year.
So proud of this team – they worked their nuts off and deserve a lot of praise.
I am afraid you are right Dr. Faustus. Kos is the player we cannot afford to lose, and there are already vultures circling. That is not a coincidence that out defense grew up the moment he entered. That does not mean that Vermaelen is a poor player, but Kos is just immense. He became the defender I always wanted at our club. Positive sign for me is that he seems loyal, loves Arsenal and I have an impression that he is not a glory hunter.
What N7 said @314
Add some quality in key positions, keep the hard work ethos and we challenge again.
Once we`ve hd a proper summer spend and got players of the right quality in we should be able to kick on and leave The spuds behind. Spurs income is roughly half ours and that won`t change intil their new stadium is up and running. You know it might get built one of these days – if Levy can ever bring himself to spend the money.
Happy st. Totteringham’s.
5 pts off second and Nice comeback from terrible start this season.
We are going to need some more class next season though.
Zobrowka all around please barman…..
Party going really well here I’m just over the moon we got fourth by all means it’s not a trophy but certainly something to build on come next season!
Forever in our shadow! St Totterigham Day is just starting up!
Trev @ 306: Absolutely. And it is not like in the last ten (or even five) years we have always been scrapping for the fourth. Let us not forget we had some great seasons — up until that little lack of experience and quality failed us — in between, seriously competing on many fronts.
Excellent spirit and desire shown by the team in this run, and no little behind the doors team building genius and tactical (yes, tactical) nous.
Oliva @ 315: I think Kos remembers the time when he was written of by all and sundry that not only he is not an Arsenal quality player he is not even a PL quality defender. His growth and maturity has been immense and as you said he appears to have a sense of perspective and loyalty.
But most importantly, he had signed a new contract last year so there should not be any immediate pressure.
I’ve just remembered Adebayor has a contract at Spurs. Hahahaha!
http://imageshack.us/a/img211/2176/1600x.jpg
Barman Zobrwoka all please once again… ๐
While on the subject of Kos, I must add that he will not leave his friend and compatriot OG as well. OG was celebrating wildly with Kos at the end of the game. I’m expecting big things from the pair next season.
Both Kos and OG had their ups and downs this season too, but managed to come away with great mental resolve. Props to them, and especially Kos for a match winning performance. When AW bought him nobody knew who he was.
Arsene knows.
Happy St Totties Day to all you Gooners.
The Arsenal – Proud to say that name.
NorCal, that would have been four out of six, though ๐
Trev, well said @306.
Kos, top-notch today. He and Per are the undisputed first-choice centre back pairing. Be interesting to see if the captaincy changes next season.
Tip of the hat to the travelling support. From the BBC,
“Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and his team saluted their joyous supporters, who sung ‘are you watching, Tottenham?’ with added fervour.”
Asked about Spurs – “I’d like to say it’s a shame but it’s not”
TW,
Glad to see you back at the bar. Hope all is well in your life.
@ 323 Thanks for that pic! ๐
Derrick @ 325: I am expecting excellent performance and more goals from OG next season. This year he was actually good for a new striker in PL — 17 goals overall and 11 assists and he has contributed significantly in the defensive resilience as well — but with a bit more clinical finishing and some better understanding I think he will take the next leap forward, jut as Kos did after the first year.
I also really hope both Sagna and TR7 stay, they both have a lot to contribute still. Arsene have previously been guilty of letting go players a little too early, but I have always found those two to be great contributors who almost always improve the quality of our game, and the experience and maturity in the dressing room always come handy.
Kos had also scored our winner against Wet Brom last season. An interesting and I would guess a bit of rare record for a central defender.
Also, five consecutive away victories, when did we last do that? Invincible season maybe? Or 07-08?
We won Holic! We won!
Just read comments by a Spurs blogger in my paper on Adebayor: “he reminds me of an hour hand: you know it must be moving but you can`t quite make it out.” Take a bow son!
Doctor Faustus – The last time we won five games on the bounce away from home was 2004 apparently.
I’d like to give a shout for Chambo, played in CM like he’s been doing that all season. Deserves tremendous credit for that performance really.
Arsene with a mischievious smile when the jorno puts it to him that Arsenal have a bit of cash and they can use it in the summer.
Of course Arsene doesn’t bite and says lets keep our quality and structure and we will look to strengthening the squad.
but all the clubs are after the same group of players.
hmmm. long summer. coming.
Charlie @ 335: Thanks, I looked it up, 2004-2005 season.
That Bayern away victory did wonders to the spirit of this team. Made them believe.
Arsene thinks after the good start we suffered not only because of learning to play together but the losses in the big games which took away lot of the self-confidence. I agree. We had played excellently including that away match at City where we should have really won. The tepid loss to Chelsea at home and away at United planted many of the the self-doubts.
the players have really rallied around each other to put this run together. they need to be doing this every game because most if not every game is a fight.
standouts for me have been kos and santi. kos is aggressive in the defending. the kind we missed a lot in recent seasons.
also feel ramsey is improving greatly and his running and tackling has made the difference this time. can you imaging song doing all that tracking back etc.
and for at least for one season we dont have to worry about losing key players in the summer. i think Arsene might just be enthused to get us challenging for trophies again.
Derrick,
Was going to make that same point I think today we saw the Ox in his true position, That boys going to be some player, In a brief performance he lifted the Tempo no end, And with a shot like he’s got don’t be surprised if he adds 10 goals a season to the pot.
Over the last 8 years we haven’t won a salami, truth is net spend in the last ten years has been zero, that’s why we’re trophyless.
Derrick @ 336: Spot on. Ox had looked good whenever he came on this season. He plays well in CM, Arsene thinks that would eventually be his right position.
The Ox is toilet and same goes for Ramsey Walcott
https://twitter.com/Paolo_Bandini
Thumbs up to this journalist, who’s been defending us on Twitter this evening.
And like Faustus I do think the game in Munich helped turn things round, everyone expected us to get thrashed and instead we put in a great performance, even if it wasn’t enough. But it did help in getting confidence back.
Reasons to be cheerful: 1. This is the first season for Dennis knows how long that we’ve had a team not built around one player. No van Persie, no Fabregas, no Henry – great players all but not good enough on their won. The current squad includes a number of excellent players but, I suggest, no world beaters. I think that’s a strength; if one of them has an off day, there are three or four of very similar quality to cover for him. If one of them is really on song, then the others are all good enough to take advantage and build on it.
I don’t want no marquee signings. In order to bring anyone in, we’d have to move someone on – not only to make the books balance, but because of space in the squad – and I’m not sure that I want to move anyone on. If anyone goes, then we must replace him. If not, then sorry trolls, In Arsene I Trust.
Happy St Tott’s one and all.
I have never exuded more energy while sitting at a place in my lifetime!
B****cks, I meant to say above that those three weren’t good enough on their own. Bloody inability to type.
Happy St Totts day everybody.
In my opinion what has made the difference to this end of season has been that AW has started to take on board Steve Bould’s input.
Very difficult for Arsene because he is a bit of a control freak,but he has managed to curb his instinct and listen and adapt.For the first time today there seemed really to be a real connivance between the two of them on the bench.
Right ,I am now hoping that our qualifying round match won’t be too far away(turkey ,Greece,Russia or Norway)so that I can follow the mighty Arsenal over land and sea(and lester of course).
BTW, I just meant to add….
O2BAG!
North London is an example of Darwinian selection.
Hello
Just popping in to say that
1. It was a fantastic effort from all the players during the run in
2. Fuck off spurs
3. Massive summer coming up. If we make the right purchases, we have a great chance in the league next year IMO
Now, to celebrate
Also, to all the Arsenal fans who stayed with the team even during the lows of the season – Cheers
A drink on my tab to everyone in the bar!
In the final 10 league games we conceded just five goals. In 900 or so minutes of play, Kos and the BfG were on the pitch for 780 mins, during which the opposition scored just three times. The other two goals came in the 120 mins the BfG wasn’t on the field (after being sent off against West Brom and suspended for the Norwich game).
Heard the Talksport interviewer suggest to Arsene that he was only a few players short of having a team to really challenge, and of course Arsene agreed with him. I don`t mind so much a the lack of quanity, but the quality must be top drawer.
Must keep Sagna. Be played really well.
TV5 must be kept. Hes quality.
happy st totteringhamโs day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Spuds biting massively. Very funny although I think they were resigned to it today.
As many have have, a truly massive summer ahead.
Right, now to try and get my heart rate down.
Barman,
Please just hang my coat on Trev’s nail – because everything he has said has been spot on (as usual..!).
Been saying all year that we’ve turned a corner defensively – 1-0 to the Arsenal – who’d have thought…!
I remember a discussion earlier this year between Tabs, Zico and I about the choice of either Kos or Vermy as the preferred partner to Per. Only Tabs opted for Kos – and can I just add how happy I am to have been wrong on that front…!
Been a roller coaster. I off to cork something vintage…!!
A few deep breaths needed, Steve. Make a phone call! ๐
HSTD to you!
Off to celebrate another trophyless season, sad sod that I am.
Two things.
My maths is very poor, making AW’s achievements even greater.
ยฃ9million over 10 years is, of course, less than ยฃ1 million net per year. Incredible. (Gary Neville’s figure)
Second, N7,
I haven’t checked today, but I believe our ‘away’ defensive record is the best in the division.
Party still going strong happy here weather was lush ice cold vodka flowing strong!
And to you Bath. Enjoy today and the summer months.
I just said to one spud that we should put a bid in for Bale. His reply was not very complimentary.
And when you think that mankini has spent the best part of 300 million???!??
Indeed so, Trev. Just 14 goals conceded away. Next best is Man City with 19. The home defending was where the problem lay. Ten teams conceded fewer at home than we did.
http://imageshack.us/a/img24/9730/1600xb.jpg
Relief.com
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
Almost 2 am, need to sleep. Work tomorrow, but Arsenal, bloody Arsenal made my night already. I’ll try to summarize the season for some of our players and what we’ve learned about them:
Woj: young, needs to work on distribution and footwork, responds well to competition, capable of producing match-winning saves.
TV: club captain, struggled for form this season (perhaps being left by RvP impacted him somewhat?), sometimes commit to challenges too early and in dangerous positions. Left in the bench for second part of campaign, hopefully he rediscovers the fire in his belly and come back Verminating like the gladiator he truly is next season. If anyone can put up a fight for form and starting spot, he can. Remember Newcastle at home last year?
Sagna: sometimes showed a lack of pace, but never a lack of effort. Crossing needs work, capable of playing in CB like a hero, contract almost up. Is this goodbye? Surely he is the most consistent player for Arsenal in the past 5 seasons.
Per: Merte-backer was the highlight of his season. And of course the two goals against Spu*s. His intelligence and reading of the game complements both TV and Kos. One our best players this season without a doubt.
Kos: Had the final say like he did last season. The difference being, this time he helped Arsenal marshal a strong defensive unit in the second part of the campaign. Scored vital goals, most notably against Mancity and Newcastle!
Gibbs: Improved defensively throughout the season, and showed attacking threat and end product upfront. Will do well to avoid injuries next season. Scored a cracking goal against Swansea.
Arteta: Held the armband in TV’s absence, and consistently played like a true skipper. Adapted well to his role as a midfield pivot, and defended briliantly whenever we needed him to.
Rosicky: just like last season he came to life near the end of the campaign. Only aged 1 year footballistically in the past 2 years since he only played half a season in both campaigns.
Santi: our most exciting signing for years. His hardwork, graft and technical briliance encapsulates the Arsenal team this year. POTY for me since he carried us over the line when we need someone to step up offensively.
Jack: great player, true gooner, has time on his side. Looks very special whenever he’s fully fit. Welcome back Jack.
Ramsey: hardworking, endless engine, always improving, fills all the gaps in midfield and does all the dirty work for our team. Needs to work on his decision making and final ball, but he surely has time on his side.
Poldi: a decent first season, popping up with crucial goals. His Thor hammer against the Hammers springs to mind, and what an important equalizer that was when you consider the circumstances. A very efficient finisher, you don’t remember him missing too many chances at all.
OG: the plan B we always craved for in the last 4-5 years. Always works his socks off for the team, won countless headers in both ends of the pitch. Looks like he enjoys scoring goals, and with 17 to his name this season, next season might be a big one for him. Scored more than a certain Drogba in his first season in England.
Theo: improved his decent tally from last season with more goals and more assists. He can go from magical to frustrating, but his finishing has been superb this season. Even on his off days, with him in the side you always feel like he can score when given the chance. He also signed da ting earlier in the season.
I would do reviews for OX, Nacho, Gervinho et al but it’s almost 2.30 now. Have a great night Gooners. We all deserve to celebrate a little given the amount of ups and downs we’ve had to deal with.
List of names who said Arsenal wouldn’t get top 4:
Alan Hansen
Arry Redknapp
Alan Shearer
Lily savage
Piss Morgan
Galen Bale
Glenda Hoddle
Ray Wankins
Niall Quinn
Raheem Sterling
Geoff Thompson
Graeme Souness
Emmanuel Adebuydirtyhoar
and last but most definetly least MNB (the cunt)
Thank you very much and go fuck yourselves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fuck off, caveman.