Smells Like Team Spirit
Aug 3rd, 2013 by 'holic
Apologies to my Twitter followers who have just had to suffer that headline for the second time today.
Football returned to the Grove this afternoon and the fact that it was a pre-season friendly didn’t detract from the extremity of the views being expressed as the game unfolded.
For the first time I swerved the Emirates Cup, unimpressed as I was by the invitation to Galatasaray. As I watched on a stream I found myself missing the company in the pub on matchday, but not the match itself. It was pretty clear what the atmosphere was like in the opening half as a disjointed Gunners eleven shipped two poor goals, and missed a penalty to boot.
Sometimes it is hard to remind yourself that one of the objectives of pre-season matches is for players to get their form and fitness back. Jack Wilshere clearly needed some playing time today, and will hopefully get some more tomorrow. He will be pleased to rediscover what a series of injuries and niggles have taken from him, as he surely will. Alongside him Aaron Ramsey continues to improve and will set the boss a selection headache when the real action resumes.
The defence, much improved last season lest we forget, had one of those halves where the simplest of balls looked likely to unhinge them. Carl Jenkinson, not used to being the last man in the centre-half position, put the opener on a plate for the grateful Insigne. Serge Gnabry came close to a remarkable equaliser, chipping just over from distance after Reina misplaced a clearance.
We enjoyed a spot of fortune when Kieran Gibbs was adjudged to have been fouled in the box but Lukas Podolski placed his spot-kick too close to Reina and the chance was gone. We then compounded the error by allowing Pandev to waltz through for a second Napoli goal. Frustrations were being expressed around the stadium and the boos were repeated at the half-time whistle. With the benefit of hindsight those responsible may regret that response, but friendly or not people have paid good money to watch and are entitled to express their opinion.
As disappointing as the first-half was, so the second proved that the fighting spirit we showed coming back from a poor situation last season is still very much in evidence. A quartet of substitutions around the hour mark undoubtedly improved us. Bacary Sagna, Mikel Arteta, Theo Walcott, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain gave the side more balance and we were back in the match when Olivier Giroud’s spectacular overhead kick was deflected into the net by Sagna.
At the other end Napoli made rare raids into Arsenal territory and when they did some of the home support mystifyingly jeered Gonzalo Higuain, introduced at the break. Quite why some would boo a player denied to us only by the greed of his former employers is beyond me. It wasn’t Higuain’s afternoon. The Argentine found himself expertly shackled by Laurent Koscielny, and it was fitting that Kos should pop up with a headed equaliser as the final whistle approached.
Afterwards Arsene was not surprisingly guarded with his responses at the press conference. Of the match he said,
“I feel overall during the 90 minutes that we played very well going forward. It took us some time to adjust defensively. It was as well a mental test because we were 2-0 down against such a good team to come back to 2-2.”
Quizzed regarding transfers did we expect anything more than,
“I never said we have made a bid to Liverpool, now I can tell you we have made one, so at least that is some information. All the rest, I would like to keep to us.”
He did confirm we have a number of targets in mind but that giving further details would not make the negotiations any easier. I suspect he will be asked the same questions after the second game of the tournament, and will not be any more forthcoming with his replies.
At the moment we can only take him at his word. I would imagine he too would have liked to have supplemented what remains of the squad before now. As we saw in the second-half today we have a team that will fight to the end and who carry a goalscoring threat from back to front, but do we have a squad to challenge for the major honours this season. It really doesn’t look like it.
Yet…
The Gooner Terry Stone
I have had a few enquiries about how to contribute to the Gooner Terry stone on the North Bank Terrace from people not included on the original mail. Donations can be made through PayPal to gooner@goonerholic.com and I will acknowledge these, but it may take a few days as I am heading off to South Devon for a bit of a break in the morning. Thanks all.
TaBS Is Back
That impending break means I may or may not get to see the second match of the weekend, so a big thanks to the inimitable TaBS who will be stepping into the void with his take on the game. I must say I am looking forward to reading it, particularly if our old friend Eboue gets up to anything daft!
Cheers all.
146 Responses to “Smells Like Team Spirit”
Mega Bang
Now to get reading.
I read the blog first, hence missing first drink. Therefore it is rightfully mine.
I hope tabs writes the report on the game as seen by Wolfie π
What Lars said.
Cynic. That’s almost like saying that because Fabianski has a green shirt and gloves on that he is an Arsenal goalkeeper.
Was at the game…good beers afterwards
at the Cuban was the highlight bit we did indeed
not lose the game π
‘holic, I’m just not quite that sure about latitude afforded people who pay good money to express themselves. I rarely find myself booing after a bad meal at a restaurant. π
I get the concept, but …
A match report. Wow! It’s almost as though the season has already started. Ho hum, another fortnight.
Totally agree with Holic’s appraisal, on all fronts.
Cautious about reading too much into pre-season friendlies, thought there were positives and negatives. Intrigued by Gnabry getting a start. Glad to see Higuain shackled.
Didn’t like the booing. People are entitled to express an opinion, but it doesn’t make the opinion being expressed any smarter.
Looking forward to seeing more of the team tomorrow. Fingers crossed for some quality signings between now and opening day, I still think the omens are good.
Booing the team at a pre-season is pathetic. Let’s go the whole hog and sack managers because they lose a friendly while we are at it. I aint a fan of these ‘glamour’ meaningless pre-season tournaments. As long as the team are fit, match ready and raring to go, thats all these run outs are good for.
Time for Wenger n Arsenal to move on from Suarez. The state of Liverpool is on the verge of a breakdown for they love their RUDEboy. Our Management spent so much time playing games with the fans now they are seen wearing the last laugh.
The truth is Wenger’s war chest does not exist! There is only Β£40:00 and a penny left, therefore we have to rush through the sale of certain players otherwise we would break the EU Fair play ruling. Ivan was on the verge of borrowing a loan from Wonga.com. That is to meet quiet Stan’s bonus. Well if you believe this, you would also believe Arsenal is competing against all the other London clubs for Squallaci Mark 2.
Not another match report from thatmedia whore……please think of the children. π
In the first game, Eboue was given a warm reception. Never more so when he won the penalty in the 2nd half for Galatasaray – the only one scored out of 4 awarded during the afternoon. Also strange, Drogba was given a generous reception when substituted, probably his first (and last) at the Grove.
Cheers Holic,
Enjoy Devon. Plenty of rain in store. Surprise, surprise ! π
<off-topic>
‘H – Happy to report that your “GT stone” email arrived safely! Yowzer. My contribution will be along as soon as I work out how to contribute to a PayPal email address.
</off-topic>
COYG
Never have and never will boo my own team. I fail to see who, or how, this helps anybody. It’s not illegal, it’s just daft.
Does anyone know what was happening with the Galatasaray fans during the start of their match? I couldn’t work out why they were in the North Bank (west corner) from the start. Most of them were moved elsewhere or rejected?
Norris, Dr Faustus,
My comments in the previous drinks which you appeared to be responding to (couldn’t see similar from anyone else) –
On Jenks: ” he usually needs a couple of settlers to find his form”.
I had already said earlier in the drinks that I loved his attitude, work rate and thought he was great when called upon last season.
I also said one had to wonder how he would do against top Champions League players given that he was playing non-league football two or three years ago.
On Fabianski: “he would have been moved on last summer, had he not been injured”.
Generally accepted, I believe.
I also said he has never suggested that he is capable of the consistency needed to win honours.
Your verdicts: Unnecessary knee jerk reaction.
Really fellas, if you’re going to have a go, at least read the comments properly first.
Today was not the first time I have encountered these two players. The observations were made on the basis of both their entire spells at the club.
I happen to think Jenkinson will be a tremendous full back eventually. I do not consider it “knee jerk” to wonder if he is currently prepared to take on the best players in Europe and, therefore probably, the world.
If Sagna is required to deputise at centre back, that scenario could be a reality in around two months time.
Drogba has been a Gooner for years. I remember him saying that everyone in France who loves football loves Arsenal and he always looked out for our results when he was playing there. His son goes around in an Arsenal shirt and did even when his Dad played for Chelsea! The only reason he didn’t come to play for us was the transfer fee that only Chelsea could afford at the time.
Ironic though that he used to cane us mercilessly in his Chelsea days!
Here we are now. Entertain us…
BMBD
There are a number of reasons why strengthening the squad is imperative and a crucial one of these was demonstrated today. I will admit that I have not seen the match or even highlights. I was not in the least surprised however at the reports of booing at half time.
I for one would not have booed the team and struggle to think of any occasion where I have felt that booing one’s team is justified. It’s fair to say however that a good number of the fans don’t share that view and that is the reality of the game today. It would be daft for those running Arsenal FC to base their strategy solely on the the emotions expressed by fans on match days. It’s nonetheless equally unwise to ignore the validly held view of virtually every Arsenal fan that we have accepted the restrictions that were necessary in order to restructure the club over the past few years but those restrictions have now yeilded results which must be invested in the team. Is it possible that the booing today was not so much a commentary on the display of the team in the 1st half as condemnation of the club for having added only Yaya Sanogo to the playing staff during this window? What then to expect come the visit of Aston Villa on the 17th if there are no (significant) additions.
We all recognise, and Arsene is at pains to point out that there’s loads of fight and team spirit amongst the lads. Failure to build on that team spirit with some quality additions will however likely mean that anything short of an assured performance and comfortable victory in the opening fixtures will result in sustained boos which in turn will surely erode the very team spirit that is currently our biggest strength. Might the damage already be done by the 1st of September even if the additions arrive at midnight on the 31st?
I do not underestimate the complexity that’s probably involved in putting a deal together but at some point, you just need to get it done. That time is fast approaching.
We will bring in re-inforcements. We do need to. Arsene knows. Courage mes braves.
Trev @ 18: My apologies but I did not mean you at all. I was responding to the real knee-jerk reactions out in the wider world, beyond goonerholic, of Arsenal supporters.
For instance, go to arseblog and see the comments following the match report.
Not sure why you have started to think it is you at the end of generic observations regarding excessing moaning. I never thought you are that type, and this persecution complex doesn’t really do you justice. Get over it, please.
Aj @ 19: Right Drogba had always expressed his soft spot for Arsenal (especially while playing against us, ha ha), but I think earlier than he signed for Chelsea Arsenal could have signed him but he didn’t look that good at that time, he was on Arsene’s radar. Even after he joined Chelsea not many was sure about him following the first season.
My personal opinion is that he was Chelsea’s most important signing in these Russian oligarch years, and their most crucial player by a margin.
Drogba not considered good enough by AW, Dr F? Wasn’t that also his opinion of Bale when he preferred Theo? How different recent history might have been!
Same old problems in the spotlight against Napoli … the big hole in front of the CDs and the usual inability to convert more of the chances created. Gnabry had two relatively easy chances early on which a real striker would have put away at least one of, and the least said about Poldi’s pen the better.
Still, it wasn’t all bad. In fact, from my viewpoint I thought were on top for most of the game, except for the occasional Napoli counter attacks, two of which led to goals courtesy of no DMF and a Keystone Cops moment reminiscent of Kos and Sir Ches against Birmingham.
Jack looked fitter than last year, but didn’t contribute a lot. In fact he seemed to be getting in TR7’s way most of the time and we were much improved after he left. Although the addition of Ox, Theo and Arteta also helped considerably.
Hopefully we’ll see Santi and Zel tomorrow, and perhaps get off to a faster start against Gala.
Oskar
Not much wrong today that Suarez and Fellaini couldn’t put right, imo.
Oskar
Good to have football back. Hope everyone going to the gala game have a safe trip.
On a lighter note , a very funny NBC advert for the new season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KeG_i8CWE8
A night spent backdrinking, had to be done before today’s trip to the Ems.
Also watched the rest of the Arseblog Podcast (30 mins onwards), first time I attempted it I was so tired I was falling asleep, sadly I feel asleep one time with my only and favourite Arsenal mug in hand!
Clean break of the handle into 2 large pieces and 1 very small splinter, effectively superglued it back together but as I gaze upon it now, its just not the same as it was π
But still, looking forward to the match tomorrow, going with two of my best mates, both Gooners, they’re going to experience that walk up the Holloway Road towards the Emirates with all the other Gooners for the 1st time, should be quite something special for them π
We will sign players but….will they be the quality of C
Chamakh Gervinho Santos Park.Does anyone really
trust Wenger to sign any quality
No, none of us trusts Wenger to sign quality. After all, he was the one who signed Cazorla, Arteta, Koscielny, Fabregas, Van Persie, Pires, Ljunberg and Henry. Such horrible players.
Utterly ridiculous…………..
Oskar: there are many stories about players supposedly not considered good enough by Arsene, but the only one where we know for sure that was the case (well, at least that I know of anyway) is Bale because Arsene has said so himself. But then again he wasn’t alone, Alex Ferguson made the same call and let us also not forget that he wasn’t actually very good back then and whatever a few revisionists say today, Walcott was the one that was generally considered the biggest talent of the two at the time. That Bale found his place as a midfield/attacking player was more or less down to luck, he had to fill in there at a point where Tottenham had many injuries. He was almost sold to Birmingham just weeks before that, so fact of the matter is that even Tottenham thought he wasn’t good enough just before he hit his current form.
Another one that is often mentioned is Yaya Toure, but that was a work permit issue according to Arsene. He also wanted to buy Drogba but when Chelsea threw all their money at him there was no chance in hell of us getting him.
Just a (half joking) thought, but if Arsene had signed Bale instead of Theo we might have needed to find some extra goals last season – if we combine goals and assists, Theo was some way ahead of the chimp.
Oh, and a couple more things to remember, following on from Lars above: when you see Redknapp being credited in the press with having “played a key part” in Bale’s development, don’t forget that he repeatedly announced that the player would “eventually settle as a left back”, and that six months before the Inter hat trick he’d tried to sell him to Notts Forrest for Β£3m. Presumably because his dog told him to do so. Clown.
Galatasaray fielded almost their strongest team yesterday. I wonder if they will do the same today, knowing that a win would probably secure them the trophy..
Morning all,
Did anyone at the game notice Gazidis walking purposely toward the club level exit at half time?
After all, America is known for its entertainment! π
Gnarby caused a lot of problems for the Napoli fall-back, that it was refreshing.
It was interesting watching Gibbs during the game. He’s come a long way. Interesting!
All I can say about Ramsey was that I thought he scored. I won’t give too much away, just in case we are being watched by Galatassary supporters (Eboue could be reading this as we speak), but the break-up of play between Ramsey, Wilshere and Rosicky, was second to none.
Thanks for the email holic re the stone for GT ill be contributing today once I can do it from Eire if I can’t it’ll be a brown envelope Irish politician style in the tolly.
Morning all,
Just got to load up the ‘hmobile and we will be setting off for the rain π
Thanks again stone givers, and one especially. You know who you are.
Oh, I thought tabs was supposed to do yesterday’s report. Well once more he said his goodbyes and then I still left the pub before him. Mind you, I left the pub an hour earlier than I thought as it looks like I hadn’t put my phone back on UK time. Oh well, I think I’d had enough to drink anyway π
Just a quick heads up, Arsenal v Notts Forest from 1979 on Big Match Revisited on ITV4, just starting
Faustus @23,
No persecution complex here, so nothing to ” get over”.
If you don’t mention the outside sources of your annoyance, it is reasonable to assume that your comments – made in this bar – are in response to other comments made in this bar.
‘Holic, is there still a need for support towards the stone? I’d gladly help out, I’ve just been a bit all over the place the last few days, and I kind of missed out on the email-bit.
Oh, and it was good to see we have retained our new kit hoarding next to our legends hoarding. Jr Goonertown’s eyes lit up when he saw it. Reminds me of the first time I saw the hoarding of wrighty outside the Finsbury Park store. I felt connected.
Holic,
I’m in mid Devon and it’s been raining hard here for the last hour – again. π
Haven’t been at home to check emails yet, but I will definitely be contributing to Terry’s stone.
Hey holics, one and all π
Can’t read too much into yesterday’s game I feel. I noticed a rusty team but not the ineptness that might have visible a few years back. I really enjoy seeing the spirit of this current squad, bloody love the grit they display.
I can’t wait to see what antics Eboue will get up to later, should be brilliant!
Regarding the Drogba transfer, the story I heard on the Tuesday Club was that when Drogba was at Le Mans, Arsene looked at him and felt 100,000 pounds was too much! But then again, in the early 2000s we had Henry and others, and Drogba was a late bloomer, so fair enough.
Rain? What’s rain? Still haven’t seen any for the best part of 2 months.
Forecast looks OK for next few days and temperatures back to 30 degrees tomorrow…
Enjoy your break, ‘holic!
I thought we played well apart from the two errors that led to the goals. Just need to sign the ‘fox in the box’, a muscular holding MFer and a back-up CB. Simples.
John Cross has today tweeted that the sun has reported that we have agreed to sign Matthias Ginter.
He sounds like a prospect for a growing team.
Goonertown @49: he looks a bit pastie. π
@ 50 π
Not sure that I’ve heard of Ginter before this summer. There aren’t even any decent videos of him on the tube to check him. It reminds me of the Kos situation a lot, so we can only hope he has the similar qualities. From what I’ve read and seen so far he is German, young, not particularly expensive, energetic, fast, 188 cm tall, can play as a CB, can play as a DM.
Good CB cover, but I hope that he is not the DM we are all expecting to arrive, we need some experience in that position.
Can I just attest to the sheer quality on offer in the drinks today. A sight for sore eyes (and in my case, heads, today).
No idea about the game, I was too busy getting killed by delicious Pacifico lager and the most expensive tequila I’ve ever tasted
Loved Wenger’s comment comparing signing players to buying your neighbour’s house, rather funny but he’s still not off the hook.
Tick. Tock.
Spot on Lurky.
Thanks Trev, I really feel like the most of us I guess, that we need a quality DM, Fellaini, Bender or Gonalons, or whoever who is strong in duels, disciplined and good distributor of the ball.
That hole of space in the middle in yesterday’s game was the only thing visible from space, apart of the Great Wall of China.
In other news, I know I am in minority here, but I am really sad that Gervais left us. I saw great potential in him, he caused panic in opponent defenses, he covered lot of space running, his shooting was dreadful but that is workable. He just needed a little more of fans support and patience to became great at Arsenal. I guess he came at Arsenal at bad time. If there was more patience, less glory hunters, if he had time to settle, his teammates to learn to play for him and vice versa, this could’v been another story.
I think that he will be a success at Roma, in fact I am sure of it. I can hope that I am not right but I cannot escape the feeling that we might regret this one.
John Cross has tweeted that the sun has reported…. Heh
Indeed Ollie, and when I googled ‘Mattias Ginter’ it led to an article that appeared where (?), …… The Daily Mirror.
Doesn’t Cross work for them ?!
So, he’s tweeting that another paper is reporting a story, most probably sourced from his own paper.
No wonder we don’t know what’s happening.
Same old same old yesterday – but with no new players yet why should it be any different? Definition of madness etc etc. Maybe Rooney will prefer red.
Also, does anybody remember the exact date that it was determined that no Arsenal player should ever shoot from more than 15 yards? Given that Jon Sammels and Charlie George were my teenage idols I’m still finding this a bit hard to accept.
UTA.
Finding Liverpool’s behaviour quite bizarre.
If you really aim to keep a player, you don’t keep slapping valuations on his head. Liverpool have now publicly given three such valuations for Suarez.
You also don’t keep talking about the potential transfer, especially if the prospective purchaser is not doing so. How does keeping the story in the press help you to keep the player?
Even Spurs have managed to stay relatively quiet on Bale.
Also amused that Rodgers seems to think that the Bale deal adds Β£10m to Suarez’ valuation.
When, in fact, all it really does is removes one of the only other prospective bidders from the race.
@Lurky, like you I’m sad to see Gerve the swerve leave.
I’m sad to see any player leave us without achieving success. Many of the drinkers in this bar are too young to remember the days when appearing in Grandstand’s “Top of the table” caption was a rare event, and one to be celebrated and they can be forgiven for becoming impatient.
Others, who are very quick to remind everyone how long they’ve supported the Arsenal if any criticism comes their way, aren’t and shouldn’t expect to be forgiven.
For all the angst about transfers and the precise number of days since someone said something silly, for all the concern at the prospect of the LWCs having obscene amounts of money to throw away after their leek-eating former left back heads off to Spain, I for one still believe that we are much more likely to win a trophy this time around than our neighbours are to prevent a nineteenth consecutive St Totteringham’s day, and as for their ending their 52 years of pain, well, you’re having a laugh.
COYG
The Scunts are desperate not to allow Suarez to come to us. Wenger knows that if we bid Β£50m, they will say that too is less than they value him. It will take some positive action from Suarez or his agent to break him out of there. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Scunts haven’t been on the dog and bone to Real, Barca, Bayern, PSG, Monaco, Inter and Milan in the hope of getting him a home where he cannot hurt them.
Suarez leaving them for Arsenal would be another major milestone on their journey back to the second tier where they belong.
Bloody Beatlemania arrivistes.
Doctor Faustus@24, Arsenal DID bid for Drogba for a club record amount and Drogba said that he thought he was going to Arsenal until Chelsea came in and trumped our bid by several million pounds at the very last moment. I might have been wrong, but I thought that the scouting system of several clubs for many years consisted solely of looking at players Arsenal were seriously interested in…I also firmly believe that without Drogba, Chelsea would not have won a single trophy during the Russian money laundering era, until this year that is, when they were rewarded for abject failure in the Champions League GROUP stage with an Eurodisney vase. And yes, Drogba bought his gooner daughter an Arsenal kit…
Afternoon Holics
Napoli’s attacking style made for a very entertaining afternoon. We had no effective cover for the CBs in the first half. LJW looked lost playing with Rambo and we suffered the usual individual errors which lead to the Napoli goals, they have been reported on earlier.
The inexperienced pairing of Jenks and Gnaby, on the right, in the first half, was a gamble which didn’t pay off and OG and Podolski were pretty much ineffective.
As far as the boos at half time were concerned, most came from a very young element in my block, shame on them.
The changes in the second half tightened up the mid- field ,Arteta took control and Rambo looked the player of the run-in last campaign. Kos and Mert were no longer under the same pressure, Kos making some terrific interceptions and off course scored our second goal.
Sadly I didn’t get to see Zelalem but I did catch the last 20mins of the first game when Eboue made a great run into the Porto box before being upended for a pen. He was cheered to the rafters.
Looking forward to today’s match from the sofa, trust it will pass off without any crowd problems.
Arsene, we still need that classy DMF, without Arteta we look very vulnerable.I fully expect us to get Suarez at the eleventh hour but still not sure about this one!
As always COYRs.
One more thought: yesterday’s “Β£60m” valuation shows why all those giving it “fcuk’s sake Arsene, offer the Β£50m now” are wrong. No guarantee the goal posts wouldn’t move again and we’d have surrendered a couple of yards of a strong negotiating position.
Liverpool are chucking a paddy. We need to wait until they calm down and accept the reality of their position: Madrid aren’t going to come sane them, the player wants to go and the highest bid this summer is Β£40m. That’s the point at which we can get round the table and do the deal.
We just need to hope circumstances don’t change between now and that point.
Hopefully they’ll tie up Douglas Costa in the next week or so. I think that would start to focus minds.
Why do these so-called football fans boo Higuain. Can they not read the account of the Arsenal loss of interest after the asking price was raised? Why do these people exist?
Just seen the highlights of the Napoli game on the dot con. Ya gotta love the font of the numbers on the Arsenal away shirts. Fashion breakthrough of the season, no question. Jenkinson header not so good.
Lurky @ 55, Thanks for saying that about Gervinho. Now that he is back with his former mentor, I fully expect him to flourish. Just hope their fans will embrace him warmly. Fingers crossed for him.
I think what worked against Gervinho was the Cup of Nations tournament twice in two years. He seemed like he had talent but inconsistency ultimately did for him…
Btw, it looks like Sanogo and Santi will be starting tonight?
no LJW in starting XI or subs…worrying
Sanogo seems to be quite silky with the ball at his feet. Far, far too early to say anything else, but he seems to have good technique.
Brilliant touch by Ramsey now ..
Oh Theo … thought 4 sure that went in.
oooh Feooo
Ha Ha, Theo, did good son .
hahaha! I’m loving these friendlies. What did Theo did there? 8)
Get in there son
Sanogo showing lots of promise I think!
Hahahah Theo..very lucky
I know fellas, had to watch his goal twice!
Anyone watching a cheeky stream?
Seems to have decent technique that Sanogo. Having that said, he really wasn’t in the game. Didn’t really know where to be on the pitch. Yet again, I don’t even count this as a first chance for him to show what he can do. This is a pre-chance, and I will, of course, allow him a bucketload of proper chances to impress before I say anything really judging about him. It’s not strange at all that he has failed to impose himself on that defence, in his first game for Arsenal, being 20, and having just moved from Auxerre.
Keep going son! I don’t expect anything from you for a season or two, so everything else is a bonus, not the other way around.
@80
http://www.webfirstrow.eu/watch/199096/4/watch-arsenal-vs-galatasaray.html
Ta very much π
Good job @ 82! Team spirit π Drogba on π (love him).
Aaron looking very comfortable out there.
Good skills by Drogba!
Really interesting subs. Zelalem might well struggle a bit against this opposition that is quite muscular. Will be fun to see how this works out.
Hey, great passing there by us!
What was with all the squabbling between Chezzer and Gibbs over the corner?
Looked like Gibbs felt a opposing player wasn’t being marked well enough (or perhaps rather, a zone wasn’t covered properly) and went out to take it on, at the same time as Chezzer was quite focused on having him standing on the goal line. Great that things like that happens in friendlies. Now they can talk it through after the game so that it doesn’t happen again.
Ramsey is a player, isn’t he? Cynical, hard working, great passing range and even a trick or two. A team full of Ramseys might not win anything, but a team half full of Ramseys might well get close enough so that a few additions will drag you over the line. Great type of player to have in the team.
What a dive by Dogboy. Some things never change.
I’m just very happy that happened in a friendly so I can enjoy the humour of it.
heh was about to write that, that part of his game always got on my nerves
I’d put up my hands as well if Drogba was backing into me. Minimal nudge? Sure. Push? Nah. But I must give it to him, and not for the first time, Drogba really knows what he is doing.
Toby @ 93 – exactly!
Oh yes, he does. Would have looked good in the red and white, too, back in his day.
Drogba must be the best player in the world to just use whatever situation he is given and act accordingly. Some players are wonderful when they get into a situation in which they are strong. Drogba makes every single situation to favour him. Sometimes perhaps not in a sporting way, but what a player.
OMG! Really like old times … Drogba!
Well, can’t really argue with that.
heh ..well ..Drogba still has it in him
I guess this was the last Miquel game for the first team. Never going to make it here.
Heh, as usual I only have two things to say to Drogba. Well played. And well played. Equally adept at football and acting. Again, what a player.
So, when are we getting that game changing forward then? Not that there is anything wrong with Giroud, he gets his fair share of goals, but we don’t have that many game changers in the squad at the moment, and I wouldn’t mind one.
He sure does Eandy, Toby. Not happy he dived, but boy oh boy, he still has that something special. Plays to the crowd. Loves pressure.
And I can really see how he has some kind of dark humour in it all as well. Some players look guilty when they do it, some people look smug, he just looks a bit naughty. Not saying I’ll forgive him for all the goals he scored against us, or all the dives we got against us, but as you say abb, he really plays to the crowd, he knows his role on the field and in the greater scheme of the intrigue and narrative that surrounds football, and he does not fluff his lines. There is humour there, even if I, at times, can’t stand it.
Well said Toby. You really love the game, and it shows.
Once Sneijder and Drogba had arrived, we didn’t have the tactical know how or probably didn’t care too much being a friendly.
Ramsey Arsenal’s MOTM, Sagna did well, Arteta was surprisingly poor, some flashes of brilliance from Theo and Ox, but generally the team was too disorganized and messy in the build-up. And of course, not enough genuine difference making quality.
I guess the team haven’t yet formulated the different tactics they will use in this season or didn’t plan on practicing them in the pre-season.
Sanogo’s technique looked okay, hopefully he wouldn’t have to be called up for anything outside League Cup in the first season.
Toby @ 103: I have great admiration for Drogba — after TH14 left, the best striker in PL by some distance — but I think his diving is not something to be given any credibility just because he executes them so well (and yes, with a sense of playfulness which is missing from say the El Classico style rolling on the floor annoyance). Those create bad examples. His tree-fell-by-axe act today from the slightest touch by Iggy could have deserved an yellow. There has to be a degree of fairness in sports, right?
I love the footballer — something I can never say about any other Chelsea player — and outside football he is well known to be very generous, but these play-actings (even when not executed against poor us) are not something I will ever approve.
I have not seen any of the game so will try and catch some highlights later.
So far we have shipped out 8/9 players. All players that needed to go, several that should not have been here in the first place. Last season we scraped into the top 4 and hardly covered ourselves in glory in the cup competitions. If AW really thinks that this squad is capable of winning the league then I’m sorry but he has never been more wrong.
Less than 2 weeks to the start of the season. Something drastic needs to happen very soon or it will be same old same old.
The Dr @ 108
I’m not applauding it or giving it any credibility. I am saying what I see, and I have enough shady sides to myself to enjoy the reality of it for what it is. I believe he shouldn’t do it. But I can’t do anything else than enjoying parts of it. It’s just hard to look away from, like a car crash. In that, I’m just being human (great excuse eh?).
I believe that Drogba adds something to the world of football. That doesn’t mean I believe what he adds is to be applauded. I’m just honest and know myself well enough to say that some parts of me, and I’m not sure I’m proud about it, enjoys watching him work. That might say more about me than about him, sure, and it might not be flattering, but even if you don’t see it in that way, at least, please do not believe that I am in any way trying to defend those actions just because I enjoy them.
Football, nor life, isn’t that black and white.
I must add, once again, that there are few players, if any, I’ve directed more curses at than Drogba. But some of those moments are amongst my strongest memories of being a football fan, and as long as you don’t injure people, there is some merit in that. I just can’t deny what an impact he has had on me as an Arsenal-, or for that matter, football fan. And after all, strong memories are what we supporters are after, right?
Nah, not having the Drogba love in.
He’s still a cunt. π―
I can wholeheartedly subscribe to that side of the argument as well, Zico π Which is kind of my point. Can’t hate a player that makes me feel that. The only ones I really hate are the ones that kick peoples legs off. He really is a huge, talented, hardworking cunt.
Toby, I don’t want to embarrass you, but umm, you’ve earned a drink at @ 110. Cheers !
zico knows.
as ever
Good run out.
Predicting very positive things for Ramsey this season. On current form I suspect LJW will do well to get by him and into that role as the link up man in midfield. Gives his all every damn time, does whatever he’s asked. The kind of player we needed badly 3-4 years back when we still had all the silks.
Not going to talk about Drogba. Never liked him, even if he used to be decent (and still can be, on today’s evidence).
If we don’t spend in the next four weeks then it will be a fcuking travesty. But that won’t be an issue, because we ARE going to spend, it’s as simple as that. I can see us letting some of the kids go to free up space without being close to inbounds, but Gervinho? He played in about half our games last season, he’s an experienced pro and he’ll want replacing.
I wouldn’t remotely take it seriously when Arsene says we can challenge with this squad. He says that every season, doesn’t he? And I’m fairly sure that this time round he all but added “what else do you expect me to say”, or words to that effect. He might be stubborn, but he’s not blind. And he has a long history of misdirection with the press.
I do wonder if there isn’t a little bit of him at this stage that might be thinking “fcuk this sh!t – bids in for Fellaini, Benteke and a centre back on Monday”, but if he can hang on and get Suarez and a couple of others then that will be an almighty coup and worth the wait.
Also interesting to hear him repeat “one more season” in Spain re: Cesc. He still doesn’t sound 100% sure – give him a call Arsene, iron it out and let’s move on one way or another.
Anyway, not long to go now until the real stuff begins again. Hopefully we’ll have added a player or two by opening day.
Until then, courage and Victoria Concordia Crescit (not fucking booing).
COYG.
Toby @ 110: I think we all enjoy performances that defy laws and expectations, and defiance can take the form of subversion. The manipulation of every situation to one’s benefit — as you have succinctly articulated earlier — has a profound appeal to our psyche as it resonates with the will to mastery over everything and everyone that we all aspire to, knowingly or not.
The theater of football is evidently enriched with such experiences as you pointed out, and creates strong memories; however I feel Sports and Sports persons have a singular responsibility to present a standard of ethical behavior on field that stands a little above the murkiness and ambiguity of life. I understand that it is bit of a platonic ideal, but the question is whether it is an ideal worth aspiring to …
Shady Toby,
some sympathy with your 110, but Zico has the last word.
I absolutely hated Drogba when he was at Chelsea for his diving, snidey hand-balls, play acting like he’d been shot after any tackle that beat him. And most of all for the hatful of goals that he seemed guaranteed to score against us.
Sounds like bid material to me. Let’s get him in for a season or two.
Any advance on Β£40,000,001 ? π
Well put, Dr. Well put. My answer is – it sure is. But, me being only human and living in that ordinary life, don’t be too hard on me if I at times get seduced by subversion when pulled off without bodily harm. I just can’t help it at times.
I see what you did there, Trev. Well done.
My point, again, being that Zicos argument does not in any way contradict my feelings. He is an utter cunt. I just can’t help being a bit intrigued by that. Again, me saying that is not about me trying to talk him up, or excuse him, it is rather a frank and honest admittance on my part that I sometimes like things I shouldn’t like. It’s much more about me than him.
N7,
One of the online papers this morning – Guardian, I think, so probably yesterdays edition – was quoting Barca’s new manager as saying that he hopes Cesc will stay, but that he must make the decision.
Doesn’t exactly sound like the ringing endorsement I would be seeking, were I looking to be guaranteed more time on the pitch.
Benteke – I’ve been championing him, albeit only occasionally, since the window opened.
Gilberto Silva just won the Copa Libertadores, by the way, if we are all assuming he is past it too. Get him back !!! π
Far too much information @118 !!! π
Takes a brave man to admit such things in a bar with Wolfie. π
Toby @ 118 — Thanks, and I am not at all criticizing you. We all have our vices, and your not-so-closeted admiration for dark artists in football pitch is just the shadow of the tombstone of a peccadillo. π
On another note, Arsene in his interview clarified that Ryo had cracked his rib but he hid the injury from Arsenal medical team to be able to play in Japan, which he did. But playing with a cracked rib without any medical attention, that is rather impressive, if naive and potentially career-threatening! Quite surprised Arsene had let it known so publicly.
They say a sign of madness is doing the same things over and over again and expecting a different result. On that basis OGL might be classified as ready for the funny farm. We are all desperately hoping he has a grand plan. But do we really believe it deep
down ? I won’t give up on him yet but boy is he testing our patience
Faustus, Toby, Wolfie – it’s like Peccadillo Circus in here π
Oh, I absolutely get that, Doc, no worries. You all know how much I champion clean investors in football, despise oil money and not just for the unfair playing field but rather because real people suffer under the regimes and corporations that are in charge of that business, making it possible to pump money into football clubs to launder their names. So you should all see it as a positive thing that I do have a few football related vices, I would probably be a horribly boring person otherwise. Perhaps my personal slogan should be “I’d rather have Drogba than Usmanov”
I guess that might be true for Wolfie as well, though.
Zico – massive Heh! All this reasoned argumentation about what Drogba adds to football and you come in with “He’s just a cunt”, brilliant!
Amazing how easily revisionism can creep into fans’ heads sometimes. Every time he took the field against us I was muttering under my breath, “Not this time, you hideous cunt…” followed shortly by “Ah he’s only gone and done it again, the cunt.”
Holic you have mail.
I do hope it’s up to your usual literary standard, tabs.
Your readers are waiting (not to mention the DM). π
Holic it’s the daily mail. π
As good as …….
Hehs.
Not really chaps. Found it bloody difficult if I’m honest. Difficult to get too worked up about a pre-season friendly.
Tollie hangover from yesterday didn’t help either π
Trev…the Daily Mail and “As good As” – couldn’t get more opposites π
Meanwhile I guess you are still in Devon as its been raining cats & dogs since you got here. It was a super summer until you arrived. You should consider taking your rain making skills to the Middle East, you could make a fortune π Seriously hope the weather bucks up before you return home.
Heading home in the morning Uply.
Looks like being very heavy rain all the way home. π
Thanks for the heads up Trev, I’ll get the suntan lotion out again on Tuesday π Have a safe trip back.
Tabs….filing your report immediately after a full Tollie session could be nothing but an interesting read π
It’s going to be a looooooooooooooong season … unless we sign some real quality, cos there was precious little on display today in a red shirt.
The result looked inevitable from early in the second half when Arsenal appeared to surrender to Drogba.
Some nice touches from Zelalem is all I can enthuse about.
Oskar
I must say, I really enjoyed that game yesterday. We started out passing and moving like hummingbirds and showed some promise (at least in the first half) and with some clinical finishing we couldβve seen off Galatarasay. But it had to be Drogba in the end, didnβt it? What a cheeky bugger!
I hated the way he always gave Chelsea the upperhand in our encounters but I could never bring myself to hate him completely, that being said. I always felt the same way that fans of other teams felt towards Henry, annoyance but appreciative of a talented striker. Maybe Iβm biased because my own game is based on the way he plays being a bulky striker!
@111: zico, heh π
Anyway, like Lurky Oliva said @102, I think Miquel may find it hard to make it with us. He dwells on the ball due to indecisiveness, and his lack of speed seems to be a liability. If he improves his mental preparedness then he has a chance but at this point in time Iβm not sure if he will.
@122: Doctor Faustus, Ryo is a real trooper! He needs to bulk up a little more though as he seems a little light still.
Anybody know why we decided to play a βfriendlyβ against ManCity just before the season starts? Is this one of those TV studio or Nike contract obligations?
After abject performances from Jack yesterday and Santo today I’m beginning to think maybe Cesc wouldn’t be such a bad buy after all. That’s still after the DMF and striker problems are sorted of course.
Oskar
Pony up for the stone truth boy.
Everything N7 said
N7 great post @115 as usual.buck Rodgers of the handbag snatchers really is starting to get on my tits what a tool saying we have no class.i wouldn’t mind but they ain’t competing with us for fourth more like top 8,watched them sat and they were shocking no wonder Suarez wants out.
Don’t worry about Rodgers/David Brent garsguns, everyone knows empty vessels make the most noise π
Heh cor at David Brent sums him up perfect.
Can’t take sole credit for that though π
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/02/12/who-said-it-rodgers-brent_n_2667551.html
CoR: actually, I think the first one to make the Rogers/Brent comparison in this bar was me π
In any case David Brentan Rogers will never have articles like this one written about him:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/10221677/Arsenal-manager-Arsene-Wenger-is-increasing-isolated-in-the-Premier-Leagues-theatre-of-the-absurd.html
Redtruth – He would indeed be a magician to have achieved 8 top four finishes in the Premier League with a team that has played Championship football for seven of those.
Wolfgang Smallballs has spoken, and I owe him >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>