Time To Turn Cupholders into Cuckholds
May 13th, 2013 by 'holic
“There is no room for shrinking violets, handbrakes, defensive brain-farts, tippy-tappy-afraid-to-shoot-sideways-surfing. Get the ball into their last third, quickly, directly and often.”
zicoinexileΒ 5.31pm
That, I would imagine, pretty much sums up the approach we as supporters would like to see the team adopt as Wigan return to London for a fixture arguably more important than their FA Cup Final triumph on Saturday. I think we can expect the visitors to arrive with something similar in mind. Both clubs need the three points, and that is need with a capital N. It is our job to end Dave Whelan’s club’s relationship with the Premier League.
You have only to look back thirteen months to see the threat that Wigan will bring. In the corresponding fixture last season they were two up after eight minutes, then soaked up almost everything we could chuck at them barring a Thomas Vermaelen consolation midway through the first half. Having said that if you go back just seven days to their home defeat by Swansea you will see why we really should throw the kitchen sink at them. They are in the relegation predicament they are in for a reason.
The webwatchers have come to the conclusion that the training snapshots on the official club site today mean Gervinho and Keiran Gibbs are preferred to Lukas Podolski and Nacho Monreal. Check out the bib colours. I have to say I have wondered this before and found it an unreliable conclusion to arrive at, but I have to confess I would consider those very changes.
As for Wigan, they celebrated their triumph at Wembley with Irn Bru and Horlicks and will have had three early nights before coming out for another huge test. The key for us will be to limit any set pieces in our half. Avoid the daft challenges that allow finely-balanced players to tumble in key areas and we will increase our chances. Better still to keep the ball ourselves and be positive with it for as long and often as possible.
Both sides know the consequences of anything but a victory, so considering the possibilities now serve no useful purpose. All that remains is for me to rule out one scoreline by picking it as the ‘holic pound. I’m throwing a hail Mary in a bid to make it a profitable season. Look around and you will find 150/1 against 5-3 to the Arsenal. That’s a possibility if early goals are traded.
Isn’t it?
Yours in desperation,
‘holic.
469 Responses to “Time To Turn Cupholders into Cuckholds”
First thirst?
5-3. A festive scoreline to go with my festive mood now that the temperature outside has finally risen slightly. So why not?
Second!!!!
Close to a first on my first drink. And I read the blog!
Oh well, almost!
Heh, welcome to the echo-chamber.
I am going to be like a coiled-spring tomorrow night.
Hope I manage to escape injury when the winning goal goes in, unlike the Norwich game where a leap from my seat in the Clock End resulted in ripped skin down both shins!!
Am glad you’ve chosen an unrealistic scoreline ‘hols!
Have nothing more to add – its got to be all out guns blazing close ’em down pressure football.
Come on the Arsenal!
First. Ish.
Bib colours on the training pictures mean absolutely nothing at all I can confirm indeed (checking them every week tells you as much)
I find that games when both teams need to win end up in draws generally π
Fair appraisal.
Take the game to them Arsenal. 5-1. Early and late.
5-3? Why not in a season that has seen us win 7-5 after extra time in the COCup, beat Newcastle 7-3 and Reading and Tottenham 5-2?
Zico on repeat?
Will no-one think of the children? π
@ 10
Are you in reverse-jinx mode? π
You’ll have to ask Trev, zico π
Heh @ 13
Clearly not.
Ollie, My fears exactly.
5-3 Holic?? I think I may support the ‘h pound, I like the sound of that.
Lars, cheers for tactics talk, I will trust in Arsene provided Vermaelen gets nowhere near the pitch tomorrow night.
The more I think about the game the less certain I am what to think. A while ago I was absolutely convinced that Wigan will use the fact that we may be a bit slow out of the blocks after ten days with no games and attack us like hell from the start to get a quick goal, but then I thought “no, hang on, they will probably start a bit cautiously and try not to give away an early goal and then become more adventurous as the game progresses” only to then revert to the first theory and then back again and so on… this can only mean one thing: I have contracted the rather common but very unpleasant diseas called “overanalysisitis”! π
3-1 to the Arsenal. That’s my prediction.
Then on to Newcastle and beyond to summer, some decent signings and the return of Cesc.
COYG
Heh snowy π
Reminder all that post numbers are likely to change so best use quotes.
We’ll try and do the maths, ‘holic π
lars, overanalysis paralysis is yours for the keeping.
i’ll take 1-0 to the arsenal, in the 5th minute of stoppage time, if it gets us the win.
working tomorrow after lunch is going to be impossible.
hell, working before lunch might be impossible, i am already jittery-footed now.
one game at a time, n7, one game at a time. π
In the 1990s video game Mortal Kombat, when you had your opponent beaten, the screen would say FINISH HIM and you had the chance to do some over the top finishing move on them. In this case Wigan are the opponent, teetering on the precipice. I don’t have a huge amount against them, but we need to move 50% closer to our goal, and they’re in the way. So let’s shove them off the ledge and progress to Sunday and the return of Giroud. We know we’re capable of winning games like this, just have to keep this good run going a little longer.
Scruz, that would be too much for the heart and the blood pressure.
Scruz, that your scenario sounds like it would be perfect if I was already in coma yet somehow I still think we can all do with experiencing that feeling of winning it at the death. If nothing else to remind us all the main reason we started watching football in the first place.
So it will be Palace vs Watford
I like Palace, but on the other hand, Zola > Holloway.
impec, gotta be in good shape to be watching the arsenal, no? π i just want the w, come hell or high water.
cent, that’s right. i want to be ringing like a bell the rest of the day, impossible to type, etc., in happiness. not tolling, like a bell in despair. ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for wigan.
So who gets to goof off in front of a computer screen tomorrow afternoon as we count down to the game?
Teaching right the way up to 6pm, somehow I think I can feel a reading test coming on after lunch – 1 hour of peace while I join the drinks early doors!
Can we? Yes, Wi-gan.
Why do they need bibs in training?
Are they practising dribling?
O.K enough of that.
Good stuff ‘holic and I echo Dr F’s sentiments that there can be no excuses tomorrow, let’s just get it done and dusted and ready ourselves for the long trip to Chateau Nouveux.
Heh @ βoveranalysisitisβ from Lars, and Barak O’Barman.
Cam’ from previous drinks.
That’s a good call regarding to Theo, I think this is a game, against a defence like Wigans, that is tailor made for his atributes, plus further confusion could be created if he were to interchange with Gerv’ (if selected). I hardly ever know where he’s heading to, so the Wigan defence should be baffled too. π
H2H, not even the Gervmeister knows where he’s going half the time. That’s part of his X factor.
Will he remember how to control it? Will he skin his markers or trip over the ball?? If he gets a chance to shoot, will he go for the corner flag again??? Tune in tomorrow night, folks, and find out!
Mankini gets the boot. No surprise there then.
I never thought I would ever say this the Gervmeister is my pick to play upfront through the middle tomorrow. He can interchange startlingly with Theo ( whether they mean it or not) . I think we may need Jack in for Arteta to give us greater penetration. Arteta is a noble chap but doesn’t cut teams open.Rambo to provide the shield for the back four and Santi to play a little more centrally when we get possession. I think Gibbs is Wenger’s preferred choice .
I think we all know this could get very sticky but I just have to believe we have enough to win. A big opening by us would help an awful lot.
Keep the faith!
COYG!
steve t, imagine the furore if city were actually a big club π
and, just musing here, could you imagine if we pulled out a 442 tomorrow? wigan wouldn’t know what the hell hit them!
http://arsenaltruth.squarespace.com/arsenal-truth/2013/5/13/arsenal-fans-need-to-destroy-wenger.html?
This garbage appeared online tonight. We have to have total concentration on winning tomorrow. Without the CL we will never attract the players we need to progress as a club especially in the League.
Brilliant, Oil City are living right up to their billing as a basket case club in the mould of Real Madrid.
Sacking the manager 2 games before the end of the season, what in God’s name is the point of that. Onwards into yet more farce and travesty.
Ttg @38. I have never wanted AW to re-sign more than I do now if it will mean the end of that drivel. I just feel sorry for the poor local non league club that he writes about next.
Are we witnessing a squalid media war ‘oop Naaaaarth?
First Yanited announce the departure of Chewy McP in Cup Final week in an apparent attempt to take the media spotlight away from the Oilers’ Wembley appearance.
Then the Oilers announce the departure of Mankini on the day Yanited go on their open-top bus victory parade.
Just win, baby.
Ttg,
I don’t know why I allowed myself to go and read that link but do we assume the ‘truth’ part of the name relates to the same individual who constantly astonishes us with his intellect in this very bar.
Totally negative, one dimensional, boring bollocks.
Never a positive, alternative suggestion in sight.
Is there a single person who takes this stuff seriously and still calls themself a supporter.
Evening bath,
Will you be there tomorrow ?
trev, i read that and i now feel sick. don’t DO that, ttg.
I saw the title of the link and am not even remotely interested in clicking on it.
Same here Ollie but morbid fascination won out.
Don’t waste your time.
Sounds like the same tripe trotted out by that inappropriately named troll who stinks this place up from time to time.
BTW, good work all for completely blanking the last oxygen who was in here at the end of the last drinks. Give them no airtime and they wither and shrivel up double quick!
Actually the content is not as unseemly as the title. He’s not suggesting we boo the players just Wenger, as it’s the last home game of the season and therefore the last chance for supporters to make their voices heard.
I happen to agree that finishing in 5th place is simply not good enough. Wenger is being paid more than Alex Ferguson to underachieve. Under Ivan Gazidis’ own sustainable model, that’s unsustainable.
I just read that link and wished I hadn’t. Dear o dear.
In case you hadn’t noticed Pete, we haven’t finished in 5th place. There are still two games to go and 3rd place is still a possibility.
Booing anyone tomorrow is really going to help, eh?
If we all boo ‘thetruth’ do you think he’ll go and do one too ?
Here’s hoping.
Pete, you have made your point without resorting to the usual invective. Thanks for that.
I would argue that anybody who is prepared to boo tomorrow before the season is over is not much of a ‘supporter’.
Let me add to that for people who, unlike you, are not capable of rational thought and respectful debate, and who have formed a view about what I think because they don’t read what is written.
Should we finish fifth on Sunday I will be asking the same questions as so many others. I will do so without resorting to the lowest common denominator. I will do so from your premise that fifth place is not good enough.
Tonight though we can finish third, and whatever happens tomorrow we can still finish fourth. What good does creating unrest before Sunday do.
Let me answer that.
Fuckall.
Heh @Camberwell 34, somehow that sounded like an advert for a Nigerian movie.
Word for word Holic.
What Trev said.
Holic knows @52
@53 and 56,
That’s your two Cent’s worth. π
on the nail, ‘holic. hand-forged, at that.
Well if you read the article Holic it explicitly states the players should not be booed. Only Arsene Wenger, after the final whistle, if Arsenal lose.
For the non-believers, money…
meet mouth…
Revolting link Thundertinygooner
Jeses do these people read what they write I would be ashamed and embarrassed .
“thanks to this blog. I hope Arsenal lose tomorrow”
I mean wtf? What a CUNTFEST! How dare they call themselves supporters? Makes me fucking laugh!
Frankly it’s minority and not many comments on there to start with, mind you there are some counter ones but purely none of those fuckwits could understand!
Anyway big game tomorrow we all knew that when tiny totts managed to score second.
Let’s stay positive here, two cup finals are coming up and the jitters will be all over me come 17:30
COME ON ARSENAL! Left’s fucking do em end off!
Holic
brave ‘holic pound that is for sure good money making one too! π
I hear the distinction, Pete. Now put yourself in that ground at the whistle if your Armageddon happens. Those that wish to, boo.
How do the players walking off know you are not booing them?
It is a nonsense suggestion.
Do you think nobody at the club is aware of the depth of passion, feeling, and concern for the situation that faces us?
Let’s pull together for six days, then let rip if needs be.
Trev @57β π
You’d really think folks would have worked out that little hitch for themselves Holic.
There again …….
How do you possibly boo only Arsene? Do you boo for 3 seconds then shout “it’s for Arsene only”?
Third is still possible with 2 games to go and “supporters” want to “boo” the manager?absolute idiocy.
SUPPORT your club. They are on a run of form better than any club in England right now. CL football hangs in the balance. Hoping that failure will cause upheaval in your club is asinine. Do you want to watch sp*ds play CL football next year? Do you want to watch them strengthen while we don’t because of the lost revenue from not qualifying? Really?
Wow, some of you really don’t get it do you?
I agree that changes need to be made, I am even up to entertaining a manager change but if you think it’s wise to tell the manager to “fuck off” with two games left in the season then the oily mancs are looking for some new supporters.
I’m tired of hearing such BS from “supporters”.
Ok I’m done.
well TTG.. i read that out of curiosity , what a load of shit. I can accept valid criticism but this was plain idiotic. Internets a funny place isn’t it? One one hand i would never have had a chance to read Holic’s ever sensible lovely insights and read the wonderful posters here , while at the same time it gives pple like them a place to just spout bile… and a lot of idiots to follow …..
Norcal, you’re not alone mate, frankly, if it wasn’t for Holic’s constant emphasis on decent debate and fear of been banned from this fine establishment I will probably have lost it and gone bat shit crazy on some ‘supporters’.
The tension is palpable amongst the holics. Whether couched in humour or in ernest, you can feel it. You can almost picture the lot of us, hunched forward on our stools here, elbows rubbing together, winks and nods, traded. Our Team, the one we love, we’d give just about anything for them to win. Holic, can’t express how much this bar means to me, esp. now. Without all these terrific, patrons I would be at a loss. Their courage gives me hope and a true feeling of what it must be like at the Tollie. Brothers and sisters in arms, facing whatever may come, together.
cent going batshit crazy, just prior to being banned: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_z4IuxAqpE
π
arsebeatbarca
That’s beautiful my man!
*applauds ABB then runs off to bed* goodnight friends!
Abb …you put into words how i feel right now… tomorrow is going to be painful .. i am only going to be breathing a sigh of relief after the final whistle. I know we will win π but the wait and those 90 minutes are going to be unbearable. At times like these, i wish i would just push a button and forward on to Wednesday and read holic’s review of a fine arsenal victory.. but alas.. anybody over here working on trans dimensional cross time spatial kinesis?
Nite Cent:) ATG, you’re welcome π giggles….cause I’m a lass!
Evening, ABB
Tribal………that’s the best word I have to describe supporting a club. It’s something in you. A part of your being.
Cheers. I am off tomorrow so will be enjoying (prayers to Dennis, I hope so) the game here in the bar tomorrow. I hope many of you are too. Cheers
abb, you type as if you are looking in from the outside. You are one of us.
You don’t need to be in the Tollie to connect with these nutters. You just need to share what they feel. You do π
Thanks GPN and Holic. π
Scruz, that’s the kinda shit I’m talking about but, of course, without the part where he dies, I’m that awesome. *goes back to bed and swears not to load the site again till at the earliest 7am*
NorCal, You were standing by the juke box, didn’t see you! Waves π
It could go pear-shaped Tuesday or Sunday. It hopefully won’t.
I expect to upset a few if it does, but I have to believe we can win the last two and avoid such conflict.
I am a football supporter facing anything on the scale of emotions from 1-11 over the next six days.
So are you…
That’s what following THE Arsenal is all about.
The internet is a giant soapbox with enough room for all to stand and opinionate. Some of it you may agree with, some of it you may not, that’s just the way it is. I don’t agree with that fellow and I don’t like the fact that he uses the word “Truth” in his name, but hey, that’s his perogative and that’s his little piece of the soapbox from which he can spew whatever he desires, that’s his right.
I searched high and low before I found an Arsenal site which I could personaly relate to and discuss all things Arsenal in a civilised way, where differing opinions can by argued with respect, intellegence and a healthy dose of humour, I’m sure many of you feel the same and it brings you back time and time again to this wonderful site. I suppose that’s the whole trick, like in life, we seek out like minded individuals to share our cyber experience.
So lot’s not get too bothered about what they have to say, as ridiculous as it may seem, let them have their soapbox and like minded gathering and hope that they stay there.
If we can’t beat Wigan at home when we absolutely have to do so, we do not deserve to be in the Champions League. I know they got a spawny few results against bigger teams than them, but.. well… EVERY team in the Premier League is bigger than them!
Crush em. Nothing else will do.
(OK so 1-0 will do but you know what I mean)
Amen H2h !
Holic.. here’s hoping that you don’t have to upset a few ! π
Stiffen the sinews
Summon up the blood
Disguise fair nature with hard favoured rage
Ah the classics
Cheers H2H,
To each their own and all that…… But it is stupid. π
Will you be here tomorrow?
Depending on the way things are going I may be chatty, or I may be silently sulking in the corner.
I am hoping for the prior.
Drinky my friend?
If Wigan play 3/4/3 as they did against Manshitty I’d rather seem Theo on one wing with Ox on the other. And a squirmy type like Gerv could actually be the answer up front. I thought I’d never say that, but I have this feeling, and, no, it’s not contagious.
We SHOULD win by at least 4, but one will do just fine. Although if the chavs lose to Everton a big score today or against Toon could get us third.
Oskar
seem = see
Oskar,
If cavs lose then goal difference won’t matter. We will have more points. 73 vs 72. It’s if they draw that goal dif will come into play. Lets hope they lose!
You’re right of course, NorCal. And a win or draw is not beyond the realms for Everton.
Just so long as we win both ours I don’t really care. It would just be a bonus.
Oskar
The boss sharing his thoughts on Martinez. Mind games or man-crush?
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/roberto-martinez-is-like-a-younger-me–i-hope-wigan-stay-up-says-arsne-wenger-8614711.html
Also I see Jack is scheduled for surgery after the season ends. I hope he gets fit in time for Arsenal’s trip to Japan…
http://www.london24.com/sport/arsenal/jack_wilshere_to_miss_wigan_and_newcastle_games_as_well_as_england_fixtures_1_2191972
Cor,
Sounds like just a hardware removal. It is very minor procedure. Easy for me to say since its not my ankle. Shouldn’t keep him out long. A preseason would be good for him.
Oskar,
Hope you get to watch tomorrows game live at a reasonable time.
Cheers mate. Two wins and then let the chips fall where they may.
Well, I won’t volunteer to hold their cup anyways.
Re: 60. So it’s the ‘holic tenner this time. Must be the effects of inflation at work. π
I always watch at a reasonable time, NorCal. I will record and watch while having my breakfast in bed a few hours later.
Oskar
Sweet! Let’s hope it works out well, besides the tour we’ll need him next season as we push for the quintuple π
I must say I’m both excited and anxious for the upcoming match. Football at 3:45am, get in. Must remember not to imbibe tonight though, otherwise I’ll miss all the action.
Belly-traps a ball and flicks it out to the flanks….
Dabs it with a dash of tabasco sauce and sends it down the far touchline.
Dribbles in anticipation of an order of Higuain salad with a cup of Javatic…
boom?
“Tabsed it” just for kicks? 8)
great assist, now we can celebrate…
Here ya go Scruz:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/03/Aybabtu.png
cheers, cor! Now, it is beginning of a fantastic 6 points…
Anyone hoping for a bad result tonight is nothing but a coward trying to set himself up to avoid disappointment, hiding under the guise of “wanting a wake-up call”. Fucking grow a pair, enduring losses and bad times is part of football and serves to make the victories sweeter. I’m sorry, but that is the way I see it.
Let me also tell you this: there was a club that about ten years ago had a club legend as manager. They finished fifth one season and said legend was sacked with the words “fifth is not good enough for this club”.
Now, remind me again, how many times have Newcastle finished higher than that since then? Let me give you a clue: it’s one less than the number of times they’ve been relegated.
Is fifth good enough for us? Certainly not. Do I want Wenger out if we finish fifth? No, I do not. Would I think it to be the wrong decision to replace him if it it were to happen? No, not that either. I don’t know enough about who has made what decisions as to how much money there really has been, but I still believe that Arsene has spent as much as he thinks he can without risking the future of the club. The fact is that without sales in the last few years we would have made substantial losses and that is the crux of the matter, not the purported money in the bank. But I would definitely think it to be the wrong decision to sack Arsene on the basis of finishing fifth alone.
Right, at least that took my mind off the game for a few minutes…
The game starts at 0245 for me and I’ve got work at 0900.
I’m trying to decide whether I’ll jinx the result more by not bothering to stay and up and follow it or by staying up and hoping that we go 3-0 up in the first 20 minutes and absolutely tonk them.
I’ve got an awful feeling its going to be extremely nervy and we’re not going to make it easy for ourselves.
That Arsenal Truth wallah has been around for a good few years and to be fair he’s been entirely consistent in spewing out his vitriolic anti-Wenger shite in all of that period. He aint nothing new. Or important.
Not betting tonight, don’t much these days. One bet I’d be tempted by right now is, that Le Boss will see out or even extend his current contract, whatever happens tonight or on Sunday, and whatever people say about him on the internet will have absolute zero effect in that area.
Come on You Arsenal!
Well said lars games like tonight are games we live for as fans,ball shrinking,heart racing,it’s time to support our club. the fans in the ground tonight are our 12th man.massive performance needed by each and every one of them there so important tonight.so to all going sing ur hearts out for all the rest of us.come on arsenal.
@38
Arsenal Truth? The Lord Haw Haw of Goonerdom? Utter muppetry.
On the upside, he/she/it “threatens” to go and support Barnet if Wenger gets another contract. Something to look forward to then.
The comments are classic too. Lots of “I’ve never been to the stadium, but if I were stupid enough to do so I would boo until my lungs collapsed and then smear my own faeces on the statue of Henry. It’s time those mindless, hypnotised fools who regularly attend the games learn what a real supporter looks like”.
Self-loathing, that’s what I call it.
Anyway, fuck all that. Just a few hours to go now – can’t wait. This is a fantastic opportunity to put one foot in next season’s champions league. No time for nervousness, our job tonight is to make some noise – the Emirates should be a cauldron, not group therapy.
Welcome to hell, Latics.
COYG
Spot on Lars @ 105.
Lars and N7
Great stuff let’s not dwell any more on those who never have been to a home game and think they have the right to slag their own club without any justification I have never read so much shyte in my whole entire life I swear to The Arsenal Gods!
Lads have got a job to and any Gooners out wishing for his team too loose is purely not a supporter of this great club end off! I don’t want to be reminded again of that website and their followers ever again! It could get really ugly!
We all have rants but logical thinking takes over even after a loosing a game which I don’t believe we will to start with!
COME ON ARSENAL!
COME ON ARSENAL!
COME ON ARSENAL!
Wigan, like Coventry, after a few years of late escape, will have to go down at some point. Hopefully tonight is the night when Roberto Martinez is just Gordon Strachan π
Steve T will be pleased that arseblog mentioned ‘lack of width’ today π
Alright Ladies and Gents
although i’m almost a nervous wreck this morning i’d like this comment to be more calm than my first one. (i think i got up wrong footed then)
i’m reading along for some time now and especially in this round of drinks are some that put into words exactly what i’m thinking.
thanks for that.
i would pay for a round of ice cold, crystal clear swiss lager if it wasn’t just too early in the morning π
for today, nothing else but to REALLY support the team and manager will help!
scream, shout and boo at whom and whenever you want. but don’t do it wearing our colours and calling yourself a supporter of the greatest club existing!
NOW COYG!
Maybe surfing through this website will calm your nerves π
(Not my artwork btw)
http://arsenalcartoons.com/
Lars @105,
Great post.
Top post indeed.
Datsyuk with studs@114: Well posted, sir!
Two things to bear in mind:
o It’s NEVER too early for ice cold crystal clear swiss lager; and
o You have to have a Swedish passport to pay for anything in this bar.
COYG
We should make a deal secretly with New castle. We win tonight to make them safe, they will let us a easy win this weekend.
They’re safe already I think, HK…
Ollie yes indedd they are safe already
Newcastle are safe, even if it isn’t immediately clear from looking at the table.
They’re 6 points clear of Wigan, who have 2 games left to play and about the same goal diff.
But they’re also a point clear of Villa, who are Wigan’s final day opponents.
There is no scenario where Villa gain a point and Wigan gain 6 between now and the end of the season.
Wonderful post @105, Lars.
Drinks on me.
Cheers for the kind words, all.
As for the relegation battle, only Wigan, Sunderland and Aston Villa can realistically still be relegated. Theoretically, Southampton and Fulham can also be but only if Wigan take all six and then either of those teams lose by a shitload of goals in the final game. Southampton would have to lose by at least 12 goals and Fulham by at least 11.
Morning All,
What to do on days like this, when the tension bites and the emotions are laid bare?
Easy.
I shall arrive at the Tollie and I will have a pint. Then I will have another pint, and then I will have another pint. All the while, I will reflect with like-minded compadres on how useless Villa are, how utterly cuntish Stoke remain and how Wigan gave me a huge giggle on Saturday by giving City a bloody nose. I will then tell anybody who wants to listen that Arsenal will have no problems beating Wigan tonight and that Wigan’s time masquerading as a Premiership Club is nearly up.
I will then have another pint.
I will then do what all supporters do, and play my own very small part by cheering on my team as they demolish Wigan.
I will then return to the Tollie and have another pint. I will state that ‘Holic’s bet always looked a long shot and that although Arsenal kept their side of the bargain by scoring five, Wigan never looked like getting one let alone three.
I will then have another pint, and shake my head when someone asks me if I had been bothered to read a really twattish article on ArsenalTruth.
I will then have another pint, and then another pint, and I will laugh when Dr Z attempts to leave the Tollie via a cupboard door.
At chucking out time I will reluctantly leave the Tollie, and I will forget to eat anything.
I shall make my way home and consider that we will only have to win one more game.
I will banish all doubts and remember that we are The Arsenal, that they are classless Tottenham cunts, and that we will get the job done.
Easy.
Thanks Oxon
I’ll keep that in mind π
o Maybe it’s just too early for myself as I should be working
o No Swedish passport, but I go there quite often. Maybe this qualifies for a round of shots? π
Btw
Inspirational start the Swiss hockey-team just had against Belarus!
I got the feeling I will enjoy a fantastic day.
Now could somebody please press fast forward to tonight’s game!
What Lars and Esso said.
Tabs,
Just wondering – are you posting live from the tollie as the moment?
π
Haha, if only Lars π
Oops sorry Joe!
tabs, that was pure poetry – but you forgot “I will then be reminded by Lin that I have to behave myself” at various points throughout the evening π
Sadly true Lars! π
Matchgoers, wrap up warm.
I am shivering in my office in three layers because in the 21st century MNC’s don’t have the heating on in May.
It is not summer out there π
TaBS @125 awesome stuff.
Tabs, that fills me with hope of a demolition job on Wigan tonight, not the nervy scrapfest everyone else is predicting.
COME ON YOU REDS
One afternoon class, one private evening student then I’ll be free to concentrate fully on tonight’s proceedings. Counting down from now…
Stay warm matchgoers and others. Holic I hope your cold has run its course. I have picked one up in the mean time. π
Afternoon all, nervous yet?
Nice one NorCal, cheers for the drinkypoos. I will indeed be here or hereabout during matchtime, will be working, will have the game on in the bar, will be keeping an eye on the drinks, multitasking to the max.
Nice one Lars, N7, Esso. and big heh @ Tabs, only 8 pints, you taking it easy tonight then sir? π
Once again thanks to ATG for the app.
And ‘holic, that is quite a handsome wager.
Tabs
Makes me want to be there and share the moments! π
Enjoy the game and come on fellow Gooners in times like these our support counts the most!
No worries H2H I’ll definitely be here later on albeit completely sober so nerves will be racking up a bit!
This is a big one. Come on you gunners! Pull this result out
I am sure Spurs will drop points on final day
Good man Arthur.
After a few crazy weeks, incuding a few national holidays (ie Quuensday/Coronation day) an Ajax title winning party, a cup final plus victory party for AZ and last weekend a club reunion party, from which I got another six extra ciricula bookings added to the everyday rigours of running a restaurant/bar, I’ve decided, for the good of my own health (ahem) to seriously cut back on my intake.
I’ve promised myself only to partake in sipping on the amber nechtar on the next two Thursdays which are the last two rounds of the dart season (we’re top of the league at the moment) and to celebrate or drown my sorrows after Arsenals final game of the season. Other then that it will be six weeks on the wagon, plus a little bit more exercise to get rid of some of this excess weight I seem to be gaining by the second. π
I will however remain cyber drinking as often as possible.
Tabs @125,
Aw, some stuff.
Sorry, that should, of course, have read – Awesome stuff !! π
Indeed, what to do on days like this.
The morning has been taken up with work – a fairly typical selection of a neck, a back and a shoulder – all Arsenal chat deliberately suppressed for fear of driving the patients mad. One Arsenal fan to treat this afternoon (and a lucky cancellation) before an early getaway should see me at The Tollie by 6.00.
There I will expect, or demand!, my usual friendly greeting from our favourite lady bouncer – “Alright Darlin’ ?”
“Yes thanks”, I will reply in my usual orderly manner, before turning sideways to squeeze through the door, hoping Steve T is not already standing there having discovered the extra width for which he has so long been searching.
Once inside I will begin looking under the tables for Tabs and Zico, and hope that they have left my usual solitary pint of Guinness in the pumps.
Having found them, as our very own barkeep will not be attending, I will take my seat at Holic’s special table – the one with the comfort semi-circle cut out of the side.
There I will wait for Zico to bring me that pint of Guinness he has been promising since August 2011.
Then I will eventually realise that while all things are possible during the game tonight, some things, in The Tollie, are not.
It will then be off to the stadium where, after last season’s concession of two goals in the first eight minutes, I would expect a cagey start to run out Wigan’s legs a little before a fairly careful 2-0 win is achieved.
What I hope for is a high tempo, pressing game, an early goal and, I’ll go with Tabs, a 5-0 thumping of our exhausted opponents.
Which will it be ?
Who knows? But I would be walking back to Finsbury Park station ecstatic with a scrambled 1-0 if that’s what it takes.
At this stage of the game even I have ceased caring how we do it.
Just do it.
Nice one Trev.
H2H
After my rather heavy weekend I need a break from all of it….I will however have a drink on the final day of the season either way I suppose. I’m off to Poland next week as well so I wonder how that will pan out and usually seeing my old mates and family you can’t get away from not sharing a bottle of the finest Zobrowka.
As for tonight it’s cyber ones on Lars’s card behind the bar as usual π
I am quite easy on our final fixtures.
Of course I want our team to win. However, good medicine is sometimes bitter. Missing the CL qualification this season might be a blessings in disguise. Our team will have the urgency to play well starting August (not February), without fixture pile up, we could win the league next season (with both Manchester clubs and chelsea in hand of new managers. So like Doris day sing : que sera, sera. !!!
abc. Missing out on millions in revenue, plus the prestige of being in the premier competition for European clubs is never going to be a blessings in disguise.
Still, que sera, sera indeed.
Cheers Cent, Camberwell, Arthur.
H2H – 8 pints? School night innit π
Cheers Trev, see ya later.
Wowsers, what game we have on our hands tonight! I’m delighted at this stage we still have a chance to make this right somewhat. I wrote off these chaps from the get go. I reckon a potpourri/plethora of ‘mind boggling’ lateral passing across the final third has become a signature of some sorts. I didn’t read the “truth’s” perspective on Arsene; I don’t need to churn more acid across my innards. I realise the intricate balance between us being financially prudent and the board as well as Wenger getting rather “not-so-prudent” amounts in their bank accounts. Arsene can learn from “War machine” Fergie, last 2/3 seasons, player for player Arsenal should have matched Man utd achievements. The proper mentality and acquisition of certain mould of players(not super stars) we need to build a proper philosophy centred around our passing ability with a more robust, die hard mentality. Wilshere, Rosicky and Koscieny are about the only chaps I’ve seen displaying that…we need more of these characters to gain a place on the podium of challengers for the title. Can Wenger bring us back to the zenith of our achievement set by himself? Absolutely…is that what we should focus on now? Absolutely no…We need to get behind the team for these 2 gut wrenching games. I’m a based in Africa, yet to watch the team live in stadium but that doesn’t make me less of a fan. Respect other views/tantrums/rants, if they didn’t exist;our world would be a tad less colourful. COYG
Nice one Trev, I seem to have missed the part where you take your daughter to the game with you π
Well, I’ll be mostly searching out cupboard space in a vain attempt to avoid Trev. π
Racing toward Liverpool Street as we speak, the planets are in alignment.
Usual, tabs.
Morning all……
Time to dig deep and push to the finish. (You too, Zico. )
I wish I could be at the game, but I will be yelling at the TV all the same.
I will see some of you here in the bar later.
cheers all. Positive thoughts. Fuck the nervy bit.
Hardest part of the evening will be listening to the massed ranks, well maybe twenty or so, visiting supporters giving it “Eight years”. Bollocks π
Blaque good stuff.
Heh @ Goram.
Enjoy all y’all who are making the pilgrimidge.
Ah, the old pilgri midge H2H – carries a fearful bite. π
π
Ok, off to the station.
Enjoy, all.
COME ON YOU RIP ROARING !!!
@60
Come on now ‘Holic, no need to show off your Photoshop skills quite so smugly π
And since when did the ‘holic pound become the ‘holic tenner?
4-2 to the Gooners for me. Go on, ‘ave a bang on that.
Cheers, all. It’s time to mass the forces and come out ahead in the end.
Right – the hour is almost nigh.
Doubt I’ll get another chance to post until shortly after the final whistle, so good luck and I’ll see you all on the other side.
Remember: right behind the team, no fear, no nervousness. We are the Arsenal and we’ve got this covered.
I love nights like this – it’s what football’s all about.
COYG
Uncle Charlie. The rise of the ‘holic tenner has already been noted at 94. Not to say that it shouldn’t be noted repeatedly. π
Time to be off to the pub.
Come on, Arsenal.
Absolutely spot on N7! Come on you gunnnnnersss!!
A drink for everyone in the bar, please
Heh @ the “holic tenner”
First visit to the, bar in a week on the way back from Spain to Cognac and in Biarritz in the rain
Me missus don’t want to know about the match tonight so will have to ‘fight this one on the beach’ and ease my way onto a bar showing C+ later on.
Good luck to all those going tonight, and a special thought for the barman’s bet
COYReds
Desperation?
Bah humbug. We’re gonna MURDERIZE them.
I hope.
BMBD
Time to go for it….no holding back.
Time to repay long suffering supporters.
Time to put a marker down for a brighter future next season.
Time to show the visitors why there s a big difference in our league positions.
Time we doubled our win ratio to 2 out of 18 when refereed by that twunt Mike Dean (who no doubt will be ably assisted by 4th official Phil
Dowd tonite).
Time for the Red & Whites to continue on the upward march to victory and destroy anything that gets in its way.
And now, time to open that first can of Guinness to set things on their way.
Thereβs gotta be a way! He who dares wins. Thereβs a multi-million quids worth 4th place β Our 4th place. We canβt just say bonjour to it.
And if you needed something to calm the nerves, among other options there’s …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9cd0ortxu0
It’s kicking in…
Hour to go.
I picked the wrong week to stop drinking. π
1 hour to go…
Or sniffing glue, or…..
Time to go have a dump, shower and wash out all the pressure(who I’m I kidding) then dress up and go watch the game. COYG
H2H 171, great/tensed minds and all that.
Heh @Norcal
Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Rosicky, Arteta, Ramsey, Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski
Subs: Fabianski, Vermaelen, Jenkinson, Monreal, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho
I love tabs. Proper Arsenal.
and this montage of the season so far is not helping.
Fuck, I need a drink π
Hey all! Please drink a pre-game pint or two for me at the pub, Grove-goers! Today we stand. Today we sing. Today we win. Today Sp*rs get f*****.
π
What a difference a cold shower makes, I feel less-tensed now.
So if we lose today UCL qualification will no longer be in our hands, right? Wow!
Excuse me, I have to shower again.
tabs, a pint on me. All your pints on me (I have loads of virtual money, see)! π
Top class, my man!
Cent, it’s far worse than that.
If we fail to win, it’s out of our hands. Even a draw is not good enough.
I’m shitting kittens
And they’re coming out sideways
Off for beer.
with that lineup we’re going to tire them out, then unleash gerv and the ox.
squeaky bum time, i’ll tell ya.
btw, cent, sorry to have killed you off earlier (yesterday?). i mean to qualify that link.
come on you gunners, come ON.
183, I know, I was just trying to make a joke to calm the pressure, I guess it was a shit joke.
185, No worries mate.
Evening everyone, lets score some goals and win the game eh?:P
Throwing the sink is an act of Messi, we need to throw the Kitchen at them – an act of Rosciky.
No hiding place, all corners must be thoroughly combed tonight. Am up for it.
cent, π i couldn’t even squeeze out a shit *joke* right now…my hands are starting to shake hard enough to mix bond a martini.
Heh, effortless
Uncle, I really wish I had any photoshop skills. That is the real deal, and it is less than the usual ‘holic pound…
Off to the viewing centre. Will hop in when I can. Poldi is due a goal or five. Come You Rip Roaring Reds!!!
Maybe time to change the name to the ‘holic hedge funds. π
===
This no drinking is not gonna last, I’s gonna break, I tells yo. π
to get more deeply into the spirit of things:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjUtLBazK94
Rosicky to score the winner, aka the first of many!
Yes, scruz. Thanks for sharing. Strong voice, boys!
Tunnel… UP THE ARSENAL!
Ollie style…
BANG
let’s go, let’s go!
anyone with a good flash stream?
try one of these scruz http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=200612&part=sports
Fuck it, beer’s been poured and sipped, yeah, I’m weak, sue me.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!!
Here we go again! Good luck holics!
come on ARSENAL!!!
just got there, eandy, thanks. chrome works better than firefox.
Your ok, H2H. Just quit between pours! π
faster pace, boys, let’s tire them out. come ON.
talk about parking the bus.
Great atmosphere it sounds!
break is on, brake is off!
oooh, santi nearly heads it in off a great cross from theo.
Oooooo Santi.
Oh Santi, great try! Great run and pass from Theo.
ooo Santi
Good effort with the head from the giant Cazorla π
‘holic i read that as “the giant head of cazorla” π
From the giant head of Cazorla…
Epic pressing by TR!
nice stuff from theo on the right. well played.
POOOOLLLLLDDDDIIIIIIIIIII
YESSSSSSSSS poldi
Podolski!!
Another great Theo cross…
Atta boy, Poldi!
Oh Poldi scores from a corner!!!!
lu lu lu, lu kas podolsi…
Poldiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!
Told you he is due a goal or five
Good boy Poldi.
Come on Arsenal, four more π
How bad was their defending? π
pik@217, heh.
long may it reign today, h2h.
Oh, beautiful passing play!
We’re going to need more methinks. Get in, get it!
theo playing a good game, very active, very accurate. again, again, again from the corner.
Scruz, great (big) minds and all!;)
It really looks like our lads got Zico’s memo, very straight forward play by us thus far! π
i’ve got a huge tub of mazola here, pik…:)
Totally agree, abb.
agreed nurse. good afternoon!
let’s get another and another and another and another and…kill off that chelski goal difference in one.
Hey Scruz n company! π
ooooh, so close between our backs…
Lovely long shot from Bac!
I know the name is a bit taboo these days, but Gibbs really shows the pace and skill of a younger Ashley Co….
love to see the shooting going on from outside the box. on that wet a pitch, it should be *better* than mazola and slip right in (down wolfie).
Really liking what I’m seeing. We are going for it big time!
Yes scruz, that’s just what I mean! Keep it up lads!
again, nearly from cazorla to ramsey…though the keeper probably had it covered.
aruna kone, eh? i don’t think so, you hauled arteta down.
Handbreak seems to be off this far. Without one more goal, it might well be put back in place during the last 20 minutes or so. Makes me afraid. But we’ll tackle that problem when we get there. Let us enjoy the football so far.
So, look at Feo go, defending and everything!!!
Walcott big and strong. Heh.
ooooh, gibbo, that was slick.
Loving everything I see but none more than Rambo. After all the stick he’s taken, his form is as clear a statement of character as you’re likely to see.
our first moments of frailty.
Gibbs big and strong. Heh.
what…a ..dive
again gibbs on the cover. so far advantage gibbs over mcmanamanamanan.
Get a bit nervous when that bloke McManaman gets the ball, don’t I?
But as you say Scruz, well done Gibbs so far.
Gibsy is my good luck charm π
just saw the replay of that kozzer clearance, what a stud.
Wow, magic Kos.
Yeah, did not see that the first time around. Fucking wonderful.
And well, even if this is a very nervous game for us, it’s not exactly been an easy game for Wigan so far. We’re doing well.
I’ll be happier when we double our lead, until then more beer.
another goal please, 2-0 i’d like it soon.
Yes another goal chappies, on the double!
i do like how we’re playing it out if there’s any doubt.
Another corner, cmon lads!
another corner…same side. same defending please, wigan.
and kozzer nearly steals a trick.
Oooooh Kos!
Offside, MEH
Oh offsides for Theo. But I’m here to say, we are looking very dangerous!
We’re going to do this. Might let one in but we’ll score another. Go on boys.
man, mike dean is a cunt.
Mike Dean you are a penis with ears.
or that, h2h.
FUCK
fucking hell.
Oh Mike Dean…cunterry getting again better of him
to be fair, it was a brilliant freekick.
Really was. Too bad we did not get a free kick moments earlier for about the same kind of tackle. But hey, it’s the way it is. A bit miffed with Ramsey for not jumping? Or was it Podi? My stream is a bit dodgy.
Let’s score another one now.
COME ON, gunners.
gotta get a bite to eat. back for half two. we need more GOALS.
Mike Dean
Well, if anyone was still unsure what fucking piece of shit M. Dean is, there you have it.
How the fuck is it possible for MNB to change his IP so often? Where’s that permaban?
Mike Dean up to his old tricks
Playing against 12 men.
Crowd great.
Team need to up it. It’s there for us if we want it.
Stout hearts lads, stout hearts.
COYG
Oh, I would like to add one thing to that. Of course calling our defending or the freekick pathetic in itself is no problem. Had that been the first thing said it would be one thing. It’s just it’s part of winding people up and we all know it, and yes, it is working on me now. Congrats!
My arse is in tatters.
There was a time this team only seemed capable of playing one half, now they look like a side who can only play one half of a half.
Don’t want it enough.
Good opening, so slack after about 20-25 mins.
If they don’t go for it in the second half….
Here I am working on a brief and a conf. call this afternoon – damint!
Sees Arsenal up 1-0 in 10 mins. WoHOO!
Sees evened up at half and Mike Dean is a shitbag. No surprises there.
And this was never gonna be an easy stroll.
More goals coming. Everyone order another drink – if yer able.
Ramsey good. Back four a bit sloppy as the half went on, particularly when trying to bring it out (hello Gibbs). Need to up the pace a bit and show a lot more.
So frustrating.
If Mike Dean was my neighbour, frankly, it would take the last drop of my love for God’s creatures for me not to physically assault him the next time I see him.
How someone can possibly accuse that team of not wanting this match enough after that first half display is beyond me.
Spent half time in the toilet.
Come the fuck on!
Cork in place!
Bring on the Ox!
There’s cunts, there’s fucking cunts, and there’s Mike fucking cunt Dean
It just looks like Wigan want it a bit more. We need to show some more class in midfield.
Rosicky to score. Come on Rozza. Come on you Reds. What’s that stat about us being the best second half team again?
Stick theo up top, chambo on the right.podolski off looks like he went over on his ankle gone quiet.massive 45 come on arsenal.
Some of us believe that the very existance of dog shit is absolute proof that there is no God.
But should a stray bolt of lightning connect sharply with Mike Deans forehead, I would be willing to reconsider my position.
Theo wasn’t offside there. π
Lino joining Dean’s cause.
Woj monster save!
Wigan monster dive!
C’mon Arsenal!!!!!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2262230/Arsenal-win-seven-cent-games-Mike-Dean-referees.html
how is that not 2-1 to us?:O
How the FUCK does the ball just doesn’t go in there. God. Great double save there!
MIKE DEAN YOU ARE A FUCKING FUCKTHEWORSTEVERWORDICANTHINK.
That would have been a goal if you hadn’t blown for A YELLOW! WAIT ONE MORE FRACTION OF A SECOND AND LOOK.
Jesus, Mike Dean is gunning for us.
Mike Dean fucking us over again, eh?
That useless #unt.
you got to be kidding me ffs Dean
Only makes the bar higher. Dean is a biased sonofabitch.
Cmon Arsenal – don’t get rattled! And score a goddamn goal!
Feel a bit sorry for McManaman, he hasn’t done anything bad today, but I’m quite glad he’s off.
How can Dean’s record with us go unscrutinized? Seriously. There is strong evidence that he is influential in results, not the role of a ref.
Now we still need to score a goal either way! Come on Arsenal!
Sagna if ever you are going to up the accuracy of your crosses, please, today would be very nice! And thanks for good defending so far! Not trying to be mean here…
Theooooooooooooooooooooo Goal!!!!!
FEEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOO
theooooooooooooo
Feo!
GET THE FUCK IN!!!!!!! FFEEEEEOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
come on boys, just a few more, and put this to bed
What a ball by Santi!!!!
FEEEEOOOOO
…or Cazorla can do the crossing
Great tracking back!
Great defending by Theo n Gibbs there!
gotta be time for theox and theswerve.
Gibsy, great game so far.
poldi, yes!!!
Oh Goldi poldi goal!!!!!!
great, great, opportunistic, WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
YEEEESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIi
POLDI POLDI!
Goal difference!!! Let’s rock them hard!!!!!
another please, lukas, for the hattrick.
Poldi! Three more, three more.
Get in there Theo! Poldi that’s how you get into the box to score
Podi.
There’s only one Arsene Wenger?
Vaporize them!!!! We need the goal difference!
Oh, I guess goal difference doesn’t matter anymore. Still, bring the heat!
Get in!
RAAAAAAAAMMMMSSSEEEEEY
Ramsey scores!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
aaron for the fourth….great shot!
Goal difference matters greatly if Chelsea draw their last game.
Ramsey! Happy for the lad, great turn around in form for him!
Aaron! yes! glad for him!
pik, it sure does…we want third!!!
GTFO!!!!
Right, Toby! That’s what I was missing!
Cool as you like. Ramsey so bloody classy.
Have fun tonight MNB
Such a different team when we mean it.
Cheerio Wigan. I’d like to say it’s been a pleasure having you, but it hasn’t. Bus parking cunts.
Never in doubt. π
Let’s go Gunners! Murder them. Yesssssssss!
still want poldi to get the hattrick.
Safe from Kos. Lovely play.
One Aaron Ramsey!
Is it true more goals won’t help our cause? So many permutations, so little time π
in honor of wigan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOEQTJV_3-w
nowhere to go, but down.
Ramsey you suck!!!! π
jack and ox coming on. for tr7 and…
poldi. standing ovation due poldi, absolutely.
Tomas off for Jack. Poldi off for AOC. Let’s rumble!!!!
Nah, goals will help us if Chelsea draw? If they do, and we win, we will end up on the same point tally. So please, more goals.
Pity that it had to be Wigan standing between us and CL qualification. Many other teams I would love to see go down over them. But right now, its all about us. C’mon you Gunners!
More goals never hurt anybody
Need one more to the goal difference, then we win/ they tie = Arsenal 3rd!
Ok lads, Toby has given the A ok for more goals! π
That’s more like it.
chezza, that kick sucked. your only real weakness as far as i’m concerned.
corner kick, corner kick, we love a corner kick.
the ox is silky.
Thank fuck ! Went out for lunch with the score at 1-0 .. checked during lunch n my heart droped 1-1 .. came back from lunch and its 4-1 on arseblog live.. wow… in and out burger tastes even delicious now.. hurray!!
props to maloney for that freekick.
calm in the center of defense.
Sure did abb!
And oh, Scruz, I thought so as well, but MNB has already deemed it Nothing Of Note saying “Pathetic just a side foot over the wall”. So, there.
One more please
well, toby, mnb should know all about pathetic.
damn, nice break, almost got it to the ox.
mikel off for tv5. good work, mikel.
Enjoy the Tollie, all! I am there with you in spirit! UTG!
i hope he’s not hurt. straight down the tunnel.
pik, ya gotta head to triple rock…:)
and that’s wigan done. sorry, wigan, but not really sorry.
Hope Arteta ok
good on the wiganites, singing their team off.
Ever so proud of our lads. Can’t put into words how I feel…
Wigan fans have more class than most… come back soon.
Never in doubt.
Stout hearts lads, stout hearts.
well, back to work, folks. enjoy your day, and to the tolliites, the evening and the celebrations!
Well in MNB! At least you called it brilliant.
Great support, great performance. Arsenal stands proud. See you all soon! And an applause to Wigan, for the effort, style, and great support.
against a botton side that just 1) defeated the former leage champs and 2) won a trophy.
FFS, some people can even look a gift horse in the mouth.
Still walking on the suuny side the,thetruth?
Cork removed from the IF arse.
Order restored.
Right. Not double checked these numbers since I don’t know how old the statistics are, but I believe that we now have scored two goals more than Chelsea this season (not sure if it includes own goals or not, so big pinch of salt needed, but I don’t think so). We are just one goal behind Chelsea on goal difference, so a 1-0 win to us and a low scoring draw for Chelsea would be enough, think we could get away with them drawing 2-2 now.
Or we could just win by more than one goal and Chelsea draw and we’ve got third.
Unless, of course we don’t win the game and end up fifth.
Exciting, huh?
And good on them, thetruth! Good on them! Well done to Southampton and West Ham that did that. You can’t both be saying that the team and the manager is bad for not winning a trophy and then saying that winning a trophy any team, no matter how bad, can do?
Now. ‘Holic. I consider myself quite polite overall. I haven’t had many yellows here, in fact, I believe I have yet to get my first (except for some assist/goal combo for a century sometime…) so I’ll take my chances.
MNB. Fuck off.
hey mnb, your reality check came back marked “insufficient funds”.
Cheers darling. I’m back to my positive side now. I mean, we’ve got a team starting to gel, quite a few good news on the financial front, loan down to manageable levels, a much improved Ramsey, a Gibbs that is starting to show his promise consistently, a new centre forward just a few goals shy of the 20, Walcott on a long term contract, we’ve got Cazorla the little magician, we’ve got good cover when it comes to left backs, a centre back pairing that doesn’t let many in and one of the best managers in the world. Really looking forward to the next season.
Can’t promise we’ll win anything, but then again, if I could, what use would it be watching?
Take care now MNB! One more game and then I bet you won’t hang around for the summer! We’ve not got many nights left together. A bit sad, almost.
Also, didn’t communicate with you at all, nor anyone else here, before the game, so might it be so that you are lying, mate?
easy for you to say, you’re not actually an arsenal supporter. naturally you’d think someone’s angst about arsenal winning is “rather pathetic”. not, of course, as pathetic as someone inventing name after name and posting worthless “truths” on a website dedicated to something which that someone clearly cares not a whit about.
Toby @ 410: Chelsea has scored 73 while we have scored 71. Chelsea have conceded 38 while we have conceded 37. So if Chelsea draws we need to beat Newcastle by more than two goals unless of course we beat them by one goal but score enough to outscore Chelsea’s total tally.
COME ON ARSENAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don’t feed the troll !! ..
wow.. really chuffed! have to head back home and watch the game again.. liking what im hearing of ramsey’s performance. He deserved a goal for many matches now. Santi and Kos are always gold. Happy days !!
well, yes, i support wenger. but once wenger leaves i’ll still be supporting arsenal. will you?
Never in doubt! COYBG! Mind the Gap you LWCs! π
sorry, you’re right gpn. i just get sick of the fuck. he’ll be gone by morning, and certainly once summer comes.
Any decent Gooners here?
Jesus it’s like plague!
Not sure about that Faustus. I looked it up the other day and I seem to remember those numbers. Think it might be so that it doesn’t include today. So, points, then GD, then GF. With one point for them and one goal for us, we should be on level pegging when it comes to points and GD with 4 more goals scored today and then at least one from us winning.
But again, might have to look this up tomorrow when 1) sober and 2) when the tables have updated themselves.
A stuffing if ever there was one! Adebuywhore; feck you you cunt! π
BTW we have won………
If boil before chane you fucking temp mates!
Come the fuck down! We have WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
come on Arsenal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope Arteta is okay. Both him and Ramsey, Ramsey maybe more, looked a bit unconvincing today with some of the passes. Rambo is probably tiring now a bit after putting in some shifts over the last month.
Per-Kos were excellent as usual, Cazorla my MOTM. Theo had a very good game, tracking back, defending, taking on defenders, some good runs down the middle as well.
TR7 was a little off the passing radar as well by his high standards, but played a very good tactical game in terms of creating space for Santi to operate.
Question is: do we start with the same team against Newcastle or bring Giroud and Monreal back in? Even though Poldi scored twice I will be tempted to start with a fresh Giroud and bring Poldi in later if goals are needed.
FUCK ME WE HAVE WON AND THIS PLACE IS SICK!
LIVE YOUR MOMENT! mAN!!!!!!!!!!!!
iT WASNT ALL GOOD HALF TIME FUCK IT!
Heh, welcome ATG! Glad to see you in full flow. Fucking lovely win that, wasn’t it?
Toby @ 425: I just got those numbers from BBC’c current updated table after finishing watching the game as I had exactly the same thought as yours. BBC numbers could be wrong though, I will check later again.
thats alright scruz .. he’ll be soon off to some other blog spouting shit… its been a bad day for him π
Toby
Win was wonderful I’m just trying to find out what is going on here??
thetruth is the furthest thing from it.
I guess there is no Joy in Mudville.
Elsewhere… it’s Always nice to see a proper Cannonade!
I think Doctor Faustus is correct, to get third we’d need:
Chelsea lose and we win
Chelsea draw and we win by two goals (or by one goal, whilst scoring at least three times)
But as Al Davis would say, ‘just win, baby.’
Holic Thanks you!
Mike frigging Dean! How is it possible that a club with Arsenal’s win percentage have won only 2 games out of 1x reffed by Dean? Co-incidence? You must be a Sp*d!
No matter the result against Newcastle some credit is due at this point to Arsene Wenger for pulling us back from 10th spot in December, which is where we were as I recall, and for bringing in three players (Giroud, Podolski and Cazorla) who have more than replaced the Dutchman’s league leading goal scoring tally of last season. Brilliant response on both counts, I must say.
Arthur, that is what the troll is hoping to provoke. Who do you think would be stirring the pot after a critical 4-1 win.
EVERYBODY HIT THE IGNORE BUTTON BECAUSE IT IS EASY TO WIPE THE TOSSER OUT WITH THE PRESS OF A BUTTON.
Ta.
Charlie @ 432: After tomorrow’s exertions in the Europa final Chelsea may be a bit physically disadvantaged against what I would presume a motivated Everton team saying farewell to their manager. A draw is more than probable, quite possible.
What I would like to see us do against Newcastle is to score early and then keep the pressure on and they will crack as the fans would get on their back after what has been a very frustrating season for them.
Holic
Apologies I was fresh from the field π
the cows are mooing
π
Come on you beautiful Gooners!
Haha, cba knows who the moomoo is π
No worries Arthur.
8 ball @ 430: This was a great turnaround indeed and credit is very much due to Arsene. And as we have glimpsed now and then, Poldi-Giroud has much more to contribute next season — even though their returns in the first season in English football is impressive if unspectacular — and Cazorla to find a better balance with Jack and TR7. I would consider all the three signings a very good success.
moo moo moo moo to the Arsenal
.
i concur
Now that was really satisfying π
Well…… at the end.
I was close to a stroke around the break. But heh, a few more grey hair won’t hurt me.
One down (literally) one to go.
SO COYG
mooooooooooooooooo
thetruth is simple question do you like your team loosing under Wenger?
and that’s about it for today
GOOD FIGHT! GOOD NIGHT! π
http://imageshack.us/a/img22/2582/x1600.jpg
“I know it was exciting but you didn’t have to piss down my neck!”
Do img tags work on here?
ATG
i’m a bit of an old school gooner
i roar and shout for the arse
did so for a long time
and
i’ll do so for the foreseeable
so
anyhoo
nuff from me
sorry
moo
@441, you see Sp*rs choking, son?
Credit to Arsene for the HUGE response to the NLD.
Credit to Bouldy for a big improvement in the defensive side of things.
Credit to Ramsey for playing through a tough spell and coming out a bit of a hero.
Credit to Theo for waking up at the end of the season and dragging us across the line.
Credit to all the other players for (hopefully) another top four finish.
Love the Arsenal. Tough game ahead on Sunday – always hard to go away after a midweek game – but hopefully we can do the business.
COYfuckingG
Koscielny and Rosicky were important today as they have been throughout this second half of the season. I hate to think where we would be without them.
http://imageshack.us/a/img818/2176/1600x.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img28/5669/1600xe.jpg
And my player of the season
http://imageshack.us/a/img94/4803/1600xs.jpg
Goodnight
Three points, fourth still ours to lose, third unlikely but not impossible; not much to complain about, moaners.
Has a player ever deserved a goal more than Ramsey deserved the one he got today?
Just got home from the pub. Slightly drunk and a bit emotionally drained.
One game left. It’s still all in hour hands.
It wasn’t plain sailing all the way but what a MASSIVE save by Szczesny at 1-1, that pretty much turned the game for us.
And bloody hell, what drugs were Mike Dean on??? How can he give that free kick for Maloney when he did not give two almost identical ones for Cazorla just before?
The noise in the pub when our second goal went in was deafening. I suppose we all subconsciously knew at that point that Wigan were a spent force. The third and fourth (what a beauty by Ramsey!) goals were just the icing on the cake even if I personally did not really start to relax until about 80 minutes.
Right, those were some quick thoughts from me. Now for a quick back-drink and then off to bed. Pints on my tab as usual!
in other news
on my travels today
i met a canadian couple
big hockey fans
i don’t know a thing about ice hockey as they quickly found out
.
both were whitesnake fans
.
very good fun they were too
really good company
and
i resisted the almost overpowering urge to inform them that david coverdale is a big girly poodle haired half baked robert – planty-likey – mind you – i bloody hate – planty – really likey too – bloody eejit
get a haircut – ya big girls blouse – and stop wearing bigs girl’s blouses too – ya big girl’s blouse
.
i did well
i thought
.
baaaaaa
Evening all. I was here in the corner quietly watching while screaming at the TV. Love it when we get in those scoring fits. 3 in 8 minutes. We can shrewd teams on occasion. 3 points done. 3 more and it will have been a good season. Do I always hope for more? Absolutely. Do I really hope we have turned the corner that the Grove put us in? Fuck yes. Lets strengthen this team this summer and look forward to better days to come next year.
Now lets play those toons.
I am a window licker.
I licks ’em all of the day…
Re: 446. Great pics. Mertesacker has been immense all season. He constantly sorts out dangerous and semi-dangerous situations at the back.
So was your dads rim-shot. Too bad for us.
evening norcal
and the downhill cyclist
Arteta doubtful for Newcastle according to John Cross. Maybe the only player we really cannot afford to lose for the Sunday game.
On the train on the way home. 40 minute wait to get on at Finsbury Park because of delays. As a result I am absolutely soaked.
Do I care????? Do I fuck…..
Phase 1 complete. Bring on the Geordies.
If in the unlikely but not impossible event that Arsenal and Chelsea end up joint third (same points, same goal difference and same goals scored; possible if Chelsea draw their final game and we win by the odd goal while scoring two more goals then them), who gets the automatic CL place and who goes into the qualification round?
howdy again norcal
.
just poured a new bevvy
cellared for a year – homebrewed stout
most delicious
i left it alone
let it mature
a bit of conditioning
.
yup
.
bt8b, agree about Mertesacker. The defense seems calmer and more organized when he plays. Heard that the BfG has started in all 13 games in which we kept a clean sheet. He and Kos have established themselves as first-choice CB pairing without a doubt. Intruiging that Vermaelen came on to replace Arteta. Wonder if AW sees TV5’s future as a DM.
Ned, it will a play-off at a neutral ground.
NBN @ 460: As per PL rulebook: “Subject to Rule C.14, if any 2 or more Clubs have scored the same number of
points, have the same goal difference and have scored the same number of goals
in League Matches in that Season they shall be deemed to occupy the same
position in the table.”
and then, “If at the end of the Season either the League Champions or the Clubs to be relegated
or the question of qualification for other competitions cannot be determined
because 2 or more Clubs are equal on points, goal difference and goals scored, the
Clubs concerned shall play off one or more deciding League Matches on neutral
grounds, the format, timing and venue of which shall be determined by the Board.”
So, yes, in your scenario we will have a play-off against Chelsea. π
*It will be
in other news
on the way back from the drinkery
i unintentionally startled a wee calf hiding in the hedge by the road
the wee fecker bolted
all the wee rest did too
one of the oul cows though
still munchin
moved not a jot
flinched not an inch
but had projectile shits like there was no tomorrow
.
Apologies, but trashed some responses to the troll. Please don’t respond to them, thanks. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hey cba. Enjoy those drinks mate. Try not to scuff them, they just wouldn’t taste the same. π
no worries norcal
have a goodun
Actually the game was played live here starting 6.45am, so watched while having breakfast in bed. Very comfy, but a drink would have helped! No, not that early. Thank Dennis we have a second half team that can fix our first half team’s shortcomings is all I can say.
Not taking anything for granted at this stage. Yes, we put 7 past them at home, but we have struggled against clubs lower than the Toons this year – and there’s no second chance.
That said we SHOULD score enough to give us third if Chelsea drop points and, as Dr F said earlier, Chelski have a big one today and will be facing a good side in Everton who will likely be wanting to give Moyes a fond farewell.
One more good one you gunners!!!!
Oskar
We won with “Penis Head” in charge!!! who would have thunk it???
Go Gunners!!!
Cheers,
mec