The Ghost Tie That Needs To Be Won
Aug 20th, 2013 by 'holic
The preview of our trip to Istanbul takes on a very different hue to the one I anticipated when the draw was made. I was going to ramble on about my own journey there 34 years ago. The city was subject to martial law at the time, and a curfew was in place. The army and police had fallen out about something. We learned how to deal with nerves in an atmosphere quite different from anything we had experienced before.
They were different times. Fewer people travelled in those days. Arsenal were in a little bit better shape too, having reached two consecutive FA Cup Finals and qualifying for the European Cup Winners Cup by defeating Manchester United in the five minute final. We had O’Leary, Stapleton, and Brady. I borrowed the money and spent a couple of days either side of the match drinking yeni raki in the Eurotel. The lads on the trip came home with a genuine fez each.
Preparation for this match is very different. I don’t want to recap the last few days. The support has been united in desire for better than what this summer has given, but divided about the causes, depth and duration of the issues. Enough. Once again we need to forget what has got us to this place and get behind those who will wear the cannon on their shirt against Fenerbahce.
Astonishingly, for those of us who witnessed the catalogue of injuries on Saturday, it would appear as though Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna will be available, along with long term casualty Nacho Monreal. Indeed all who suffered against Villa bar the unfortunate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were fit to travel. We can still put out an eleven who could beat anybody on their day, contrary to fears earlier in the week.
Attitude and application will be everything. I know precious little about modern day Fener other than their squad list boasts a number of names familiar to Premier League watchers, and this is something of a ghost tie given the likelihood that their exclusion from European competition will be confirmed when their appeal against match-fixing charges is heard after the second leg is completed. Doubtless were they to beat us UEFA would find a very large cat to chuck in amongst the pigeons. Let us win fair and square and avoid the possibilities.
I am hoping, for the sake of the ‘holic pound, that a real siege spirit has developed in the camp in the wake of, let’s face it, just one appalling result with more than just our summer inactivity as a cause. Shop around and you can get 10/1 against Arsenal winning 2-1. That in itself is a little sad, but take advantage of the bookies generosity on your scoreline of choice. A good old 1-0 to the Arsenal can be had at the same tempting price, so I am splitting my stake on both.
The lateness of the preview, courtesy of our outstanding weather and my enjoyment of summer pints in the garden, has prepared me for reporting on the game tomorrow night. Of course by the time most of you read this it will be tonight. I hope it is a pleasant task. It strikes me there is not an Arsenal blogger who will not want to be reporting on another triumph in different circumstances tomorrow. I wish I could say the same for all the journalists out there.
420 Responses to “The Ghost Tie That Needs To Be Won”
Own back ! π
Time to be united….in a positive way.
I think the CL is a distraction we do not need with a squad paper thin. I don’t want us to lose obviously, but apart from adding a few games to the telly schedule the CL is irrelevant. We don’t need the money.
Good news on the injured, or not so injured ‘H.
Must have a new bucket of horse placenta in the medical centre. π
this is so dumb. we shouldn’t even have to be playing this. Fenerbahce are guilty of match fixing, so arsenal should be in the UCL by default. I have no doubts we’re going to win tomorrow.
CL becomes relevant with the right signings Cynic.
Unlikely I will grant you, but think of us fellow oldies who have seen every trophy but big ears won.
It is the golden fleece on every ‘waiting for godot’ Gooner’s bucket list π
cynic, you’re kidding, right? you don’t want our young players playing in the top european competition, some cutting their teeth and some expanding their portfolio of playing under pressure? or is it you don’t want our veterans playing for pride and pushing themselves to be the best they can be?
you’d rather give all that up for fear of…what?
let’s get behind the team and not diminish what they’re doing.
btw, ‘holic, be sure to wear that fez (assuming you still have it). and be listening to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCdKBHdPz30 ’cause you just don’t do it without your fez on.
D’Urso!
Fancy us to get a result tomorrow. More concerned about the home tie To be honest.
So Holic, you were the inspiration behind Midnight Express then?
well said.
Cynic,
There are only two English teams who don’t need an extra Β£30 million. We are not one of them.
Maybe, hopefully, very very hopefully, the CL is the hook upon which all our transfer activity is hung.
On a personal note, my season ticket begins to look even more ridiculously expensive without the Champions League games.
Win or lose Fener will be kicked out anyway and rightly so. Its a disgrace they are even allowed to play these 2 games.
I think there is something in that Trev.
I’m sure our activity will be different depending on whether or not we qualify. But that doesn’t mean we couldn’t have bought a few players to add to the depth of the squad.
BTW, if we don’t qualify you get a reduction on next seasons ticket.
I still can’t believe that with all the personal vitriol thrown around on here by some (who shall remain nameless) yesterday, that I was the only one to recieve a caution for a fairly innocuous comment. I think the Guvnor Anthony Taylor-ed me! Smiley thing. UTA.
Well in Trev ;-). Nice calming report ‘Holic. Assuming the traveling “wounded” are indeed fit for a game of intensity then a positive result is on the cards….a little perspective from saturday’s result is required here.
I happened by coincidence to be in Istanbul on a business trip for the previous 5-2 win. Diaby played in the false 9 position and he had a fantastic game. The scoreline was a surprise as we could only put out a weakened team if my memory serves me right. Travelling supporters take care / Turkish supporters are fanatical!
Cynic.
Cl a distraction? You can’t be serious?
Clubs would kill to be in a place where we are year after year. Why do you think Sp*rs bought all these players this summer? To finish higher than us? As flattering as it may seems to us, no, they strengthen to qualify for the CL next year, because they’ve been there once and know what it is like to be where the best are.
If you think that we don’t have a chance to win it, let me tell you that we have better chance to win CL than EPL, every year, for obvious reasons. Couple of easy opponents in the early stages, little bit of luck vs the tough ones, referee on our side in the semis, and we are in the final winning on penalties against Madrid. 13 games and you even don’t need to win half of them to became a Champion.
But, no, why bother, we are better playing Stoke, Hull and Norwich week in and week out.
Let’s also hope we don’t suffer any more injuries in a tie that we didn’t need to play, should Fener get kicked out.
The second richest team in world football behind Bayern, in cash terms. That’s us.
No, we don’t need the money.
If we’d actually signed a few players this summer I would have said bring it on. As it is, it is a nonsense game. I’d rather take the kids and save the first team for the game that matters on Saturday, frankly.
Holic – I hear you re big ears, but I’m afraid that may just be one for our very old age.
Ignore me, I’m just fed up with it all and can’t wait for the end of the season argh. Sorry folks.
Carry on
Cheers ‘Holic. Post a shade more sombre than I was expecting but, all things considered, probably the most appropriate note to strike right now.
Crossing fingers that the injury gods smile upon us, and to all those Gooners making the trip, I wish you a safe and a victorious one.
Holic, you could have gone on a bit more about your trip, I wouldn’t have complained. Feel what you’re saying. Hand over my heart, time.
Is it wrong to find yourself wishing for the good old days when we had Keith Edelman as MD?
Don’t answer that.
How bad must Gazidis be for anyone, even me, to think that even for a moment?
When the Chavs won the CL in Munich after winning through with 10 men in Barcelona ( in a season where they finished 5th in the League) I realised that the CL is actually much more winnable than the Premier League. In the not too distant past we have won at AC Milan,Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Faint heart etc.
COYG
Time to get our season started.
What I find sad, Cynic, is that when you thought “Arsenal” you used to think “Liam Brady, Charlie George, Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp”.
When you think “Arsenal” now, first thoughts always seem to be “Gazidis, Kroenke, money”.
Sad sign of the times.
What I find saddest really is that for so many fans, Arsenal is Arsene Wenger.
It existed before he came along, it will when he is gone (at least I hope so)
That and Emirates instead of Highbury.
Good night.
Great post Holic despite all the negatives around our beloved Arsenal!
You certainly put a lot of positives into it and I hope for the same!
Great post ‘Holic and right to the heart of what matters. The cannon wearing innocents of the whole thing.
As I said at the end of the last drinks, get out of there alive and with a result (and a draw, preferably 1-1 would do just fine) and we should be set for an interesting next 2 weeks at the very least.
Meanwhile, got this sent to me…Really funny and worth a read:
http://poznaninmypants.com/2013/08/20/arsene-wenger-hostage-negotiater/
Lastly, @ Trev from the end of the last drinks…
No and fuck off π
HAHAHA!
What a delight the last set of drinks were.
Once again, Thierry you have been missed.
‘Seeing off’ TakeaCurtsey has brightened up my day no end. Not the first time Napoleon has had to be put in his place either I might add. Always a joy to witness nonetheless.
I thought it was particularly telling that not all of his little fluffers lept to his defence when his ship was sinking.
Cries of ‘leave it out….’ and ‘yawns’ heard distantly on the wind made me chuckle. Classic.
Never been far away North Bank but certainly been taking
much more of a back seat role. Avoiding taking my last dose of Arsenal Formula, more than anything!
As for the “incursion” with Tabs, I am fairly certain that he would disagree with your summation of events, “fluffers” or no!!! HAHAHA! Tabs and the Fluffers – Sounds like a great name for a terrible band!
Personally, I just hope that he accepts the drinks offered and let’s things be as they were. No hard feelings is the greatest attraction to this fine bar. I am sure things will be fine.
27Cynic
Actually its sadder that some want to seperate the two. Shows a lack of football culture and respect.
10/1 against 1-0 Arsenal? What’s the world coming to??
Oskar
NB1,
The most important thing to do when the team is in trouble and the club is divided, is to start bitching like a couple of little cyber bullies.
Tabs is a mate, true enough, but he doesn’t need me or any other fluffers to speak for him.
I couldn’t give a monkey’s what clever names you come up with for me – assuming I am one of the said ‘fluffers’.
The pity for you is that, even when you start to make some reasonable points, you just can’t keep that self-promotion agenda under control.
Whichever battle you think you are trying to win is an irrelevance, but do have fun, eh.
That was some debate in the last drinks, congrats to all concerned. Even if I only skimmed the longer posts. Is it entirely impossible for some to be more succinct and less stream of conscience? It was like reading Finnegan’s Wake again at times.
Two old advertising maxims came to mind. When everything shouts, nothing is heard, and … An inch of headline beats a mile of body copy.
Or as they say today … KISS.
Nice work tabs.
Oskar
And I will still reserve final judgement on AW until I read his book.
Oskar
Trev,
I wouldn’t have actually even considered you in the group that North Bank alluded to although I cannot speak for him on that.
I have always found out little exchanges very interesting and actually consider you to be one of the most open-minded and insightful posters here.
Just my $0.02, anyway.
As for the “fluffers” line, still giggling at the horrible images it threw up in my mind! So many AFC home shirts involved in something so sordid!!!
HAHAAHA!
Thanks Thierry,
NB1 has had a go at me for agreeing with Tabs a few times – including calling me ‘Tabs bitch’.
Frankly, I couldn’t care less. That’s just the kind of fella he is if someone refuses to eventually agree with him.
Its a miracle that live CL games are still available here in NZ, but I will be skipping work to watch the boys! Dont have a clue how good/bad the Turkish mob are, so it will be an eye opener. I may believe tha AW’s time at Arsenal could soon be over, but at time of writing he is still our man, and I’ll back him, warts and all – no choice as nothing is gonna change this season anyway. If the right players are purchased we could still go a long way in this competition.Keep taking the medication gentlemen, it works for me.
Fab forty? Touchy turkey?
Make that estimate of AOC’s absence 3 months, not 6 weeks as they said a few hours ago.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20130820/oxlade-chamberlain-injury.ap/?
I’m hunkered down and waiting for tomorrow ‘holic. This is a terrible feeling. Everyone is discussing so much of our club but have only seen a couple touch on the point of our ‘training’ system. Is it me or do an abnormal amount of our boys pick up knocks that stay with us longer than normal, or do I just hate Van Arnold that much? Any thoughts on this are appreciated. I seem to remember United’s training staff mentioning our less than stellar methods but I am too tired to find the quote right now.
Regardless, COYG!
Arse’s arse. Thats pretty clever. Very well done.
An away goal lads. Get us an away goal!
I say poldi first. And OG continues to prove the doubters wrong.
There, ive said it. 2-0 to the good guys.
stateside goons, the game is being shown on fox sports one, their new channel. in hd!
The CL games are still on ESPN, Failage, LIVE as before … unlike the new Sky coverage of Arse and others which can now only be shown after 1.00pm NZ time the following day, ie around 15 hours after the game has been done, dusted and minutely dissected on Goonerholic.
Makes it impossible for us to contribute in any meaningful way sadly. But at least it’s not costing us any more than before, which looked inevitable when Sky lost the contract to Coliseum. But effin frustrating having to avoid any radio/TV programme or publication that might disclose the score before we can watch in ignorance hours and hours later.
I’m seriously considering moving back to Aussie where Sky still has the deal, or even to London where I have my eye on a Thames houseboat. The only problem being it’s berthed on Cheney Walk wharf in the heart of Chavland!
Oskar
As for the game I just hope we get back with everyone intact. With Fener certain to be disqualified we’ve already won the tie anyway. Even if we lose in Turkey, cos the decision will be made before the second leg and they couldn’t possibly turf us out if leg 2 doesn’t get played.
Oskar
Then again, this is UEFA we’re talking about… π
Oskar
Okay, the appeal will be heard before the second leg, but the decision is to be withheld until after leg 2. Surely they wouldn’t let the second leg go ahead if the decision is to out Fener?
But then again, this is UEFA we’re talking about…
Oskar
Talking to myself again, dammit.
Oskar
What a delight the last set of drinks were
Really?
I can only assume that, like Piers Morgan, you are absolutely in raptures that Arsenal are going through tough times.
Misery loves company, as they say.
As for the game, I’d bite your hand off for a draw and NO broken players.
Oskar,
Not alone, just really busy and didn’t have time to do any more than read!
Zico,
With you 100000000000% fella. 1-1 would be great, away goal and all that.
Regard North Bank 1, I kind of understand what he means. There is, at least, a raging debate now (with all involved wanting the best for the club, even better). A short time ago it was getting as though you couldn’t so much as question the status quo without being called out as a heretic by everybody, now that group is a select few. I think that is quite telling in a lot of ways, but most interestingly the general tide may be what is needed to kick the club into action. It would be nice to think so, anyway.
Of course, there is the fairly decent chance that neither Arsene nor anybody else from the club gives two shits what we think, even if they ever bothered to drop in and have a read of the drinks!
Fingers crossed for tomorrow night (or tonight for most of you as ‘Holic rightly pointed out!) Will be screaming for the boys as ever!
I’m sure AW has better things to do than venture into Arsenal blogland, TW, and better judgement than 99% of what he’d find there if he did.
Oskar
“What a delight the last set of drinks were”
Yeah, a delightful pain in my arse to backdrink through… π
Why all the herculean drinks when I’d decided mentally to stop doing those sort of drinks myself eh? π
Regardless, Good Stuff with the new post Holic π
Oskar,
Oh for a raging sarcasm button on the keyboard! Was just being silly sir, sorry for the dry humour!
Wind,
I have to say, I did think of you many a time over the past few days! Mainly when I got cramp in my fingertips!!!
And for Dennis’ sake don’t do anything mentally…Tabs will get all stroppy π
Heh, I’m touched Thierry π
We’re talking about UEFA here.How can anyone be sure the Fener are going to be kicked out? they’ll probably get a heavy fine and play behind closed doors or something resembling a slap in the wrists.If they do get kicked out of the league as they should be then well and good but we just can’t play this game under this assumption which will surely lead to false complacency and might bite us in the ass later.
Hi ‘Holic and ‘Holics. I’d be delighted with a draw and no injuries to our players or fans today, and I’d quite like it to be less stressful than your average Arsenal game … just because :-).
Enjoy (oh, and come on England at the Oval …).
Why talk about UEFA? They have already kicked Fener out, it is now up to the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sports) to decide on the appeal. It is out of UEFA’s hands, what they have to do if the ban is upheld is decide what team goes through if Fener knock us out.
Cynic: not getting into to CL could actually give us MORE games to play as we would be in the Europa League where more teams go through to the knock-out stages than in the CL. It would also mean lots of Sunday games which would be a really bad thing in my eyes.
NB1: surely you can do better than ranting on about fluffers? That reflected far worse on you than on tabs if you ask me.
“βSeeing offβ TakeaCurtsey has brightened up my day no end. Not the first time Napoleon has had to be put in his place either I might add. Always a joy to witness nonetheless.”
NB1, you’ve had your spat with Tabs in the past and as someone who has never met Tabs, or any of the Tollie crew for that matter, I can tell quite objectively (lest you accuse me of being part of “the clique” also) that you have quite clearly come out second-best in those encounters. So in this context, its rather appropriate and telling that you refer to him as Napoleon.
Its a pity, because your contributions are at times intelligent, well argued and would suggest that you should be above all the shit-stirring especially at a time when nerves are frayed. But your obviously not!
Dont do it Oskar! London aint the way you remember it!
If you do go, be sure and pack the essentials — Urdu, Hindi and Polish phrase books,as well as the obligitory brolly and Mackintosh!
Homo Neanderthalis also quite prevelent in the Tottenham area.
Keep to the main roads and dont go out at night.
Unless its Islington — you should be safe enough there.
I’m hunkered down under the storm hatch, phone in hand, constantly hitting refresh on the comments section while the odd drop seeps through from above and drips on my tam-o-shanter. We’re sailing into the maelstrom, lads, and the only thing to do is lash yourself to the nearest fitting and trust the good ship Arsenal to ride this one out. The telegram receiver has been left off the hook for the good of the passengers’ sanity: no news about transfers, please, we’re sailing shorthanded and the reefs and hidden shoals are threatening on all sides. Land is in sight but visibility is poor, the barometer just dropped another 20mb and another roller just broke over the gunwhale, soaking the bosun. It’s pretty grim up on deck but I think I spotted a break in the cloud through my super-powered field glasses.
Just had a quick look at the drinks and I completely agree Trev re. the focus on money and money men now (I know we’ve agreed on this before). Whoever is on the pitch has my full support and I hope that it won’t be long before I don’t have ever again to think about the owner or CEO of our wonderful club.
As an aside on the other topic, and to those it concerns only, please reconsider whether you need to be rude (via snide anonymous comments) in the future about those people you don’t agree with (particularly those as nice as TaBS).
Have a lovely day all.
What Poppet said. Please don’t ruin this place as well, it is about the last haven left. Also like Poppet says, Tabs is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.
Kindly warning for now. This is a place where you can talk about all things Arsenal and it is perfectly ok to respectfully disagree.
If that strays into personal abuse I will go all Napoleon on your arse in order to preserve that.
Thank you.
Fan club was in again I see last night.
Thank you fluffers π
… and what Poppet and Esso said π
The fluffers comment hasn’t gone down too well I see. Stop taking yourselves all so seriously. This is the internet. Its not the House of Lords.
I am glad to see that Thierry took away the feeling that you can get rounded on in this bar sometimes by the regulars. A phenomenon first noticed by NY Gooner if memory serves. Amazing though that none of those quick to have a negative opinion of me have sought to address the issue that Thierry raises @ 51 and in his previous drinks.
It does make me laugh that someone can be told to “fuck right off” and no one calls that out for what it is, but my fluffers line has stirred some into condemnation, judgements on my character, and recollections of my own past battles. Some things never change.
@ Joe,
just in case you wasn’t aware, Napoleon didn’t win all his battles.
I may also add that any insults I’ve dished out on here in the past have generally been deserved.
I thought the House of Lords was where old people went to sleep?
NB1
The “fuck right off” clearly wasn’t aimed at anyone specific in the bar.
I think one of the reasons we all come here is that it isn’t like many other portions of the Internet: all views are welcome (if politely expressed) people can stand their ground and fight their corner, name calling and personal insults get squashed quickly. I would hate to see that change.
It’s kind of bullshit if we’re now not allowed to agree with tabs (or anyone else for that matter) without being called “fluffers”. It’s also bullshit to jump into an argument that was winding down so that you can get a few digs in and settle old scores. I’ve read your stuff, you’re better than that.
Can we get back to talking about the Arsenal and tonight’s game? This playground shit does nothing for me.
COYG
Yeah but you also though the dock was a place for doing favours for sailors.
@ Pip obviously.
We signed Yaya Banana yet?
I saw that, Esso!
Not sure about Yaya Banana but I think we’re in for Jens Lemon.
If you’re going to talk about the docks, I’d better leaf
Morning all.
Nice piece ‘holic.
I always knew I’d heard of your name, but I didn’t recognise the fez.
*Forget the coat, the sun is shining.
Morning All
Good stuff again ‘H, like you I believe the squad we have in Turkey is certainly capable of a win tonight and on their day beating anybody. Let’s see.
Like zico and Poppet, a (score) draw with no injuries would be enough for me although I believe, mentalist that I am, that the mood will be galvanised by AW & SB into a mean, clinical Arsenal performance and that the boys will win. Let’s see.
Trev, as always, found myself nodding at your words. Really feel for you and others right now who have invested their extremely hard-earned in an ST and are concerned that the highest prices in club football in the world may turn out to be even less vfm. No point fretting? Let’s see.
…And the point you made about what names come to mind when thinking of Arsenal made me realise how times have changed but also how they will inevitably change again…. for the better. Let’s see.
Finally, per Mr.Esso, let’s not ruin this place with spleen venting turned inwards. As he says, there are very few places on the internet that you can still describe as sane. Can we keep it that way in here? Let’s see.
Drinks on the bar on Sweden’s largest tab for any who care to imbibe.
@ Pip – I heard is was Edguavo but we wouldn’t want to kill Milychee
@ H2H – Heh!
Arseblog reporting that we’ve had yet another bid waved away from a club.
“Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong”
Murphy’s Law.
“Anything that can go wrong, willβat the worst possible moment”
Finagle’s Law.
“Bad fortune will be tailored to the individual” and “good fortune will occur in spite of the individual’s actions”
Sod’s Law.
“Making sure all our transfer business goes wrong”
Dick’s Law.
Hey guys, just back from my trip to Trinidad and Tobago and boy is it hot in Japan. Having spent the past week or so talking Arsenal in a country where whoever’s the shoutiest “wins” the discussion, I have developed a newfound appreciation for this bar!
Seriously though, being back was great. Got to focus on drinking and liming on the beach than our shambolic transfer window activities.
I am still (just barely) in Zen mode though now that I’m back in Kobe.
I back read every drink and the many, many, many interesting opinions were enjoyable to read.
I won’t backtrack old discussions but I will say I’m glad that some of our boys are back from injury, I hope they do well in Turkey and come back safely, and anyone traveling to Turkey to watch please be careful.
We can still claw a hole through the rubble inside this collapsed tunnel we already find ourselves in to see the light, so don your red and white shirts and get ready to shout “Arsenal!” to the heavens!
UTA
P.S. Shaft says ‘Hi.’
@ H2H
“Carrots and cabbages taste rather good together”
Cole’s Law
π
I know he’s retired but can we get Fern John as goalkeeper on a loan deal? π
“H2H is a committed drinker”
Fallondef Law
Heh TS.
Fallondef, sound’s almost like a Dutch name, maybe related to Arjan Robben. π
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TW, great link to that Poznan site, very funny.
===
CoR, wasn’t his favourite singer Robert Plant?
Nice preview Holic – you should wear that Fez to the next home game mate -if you still have it and if it’s red.
A great relief that our walking wounded from Saturday have recovered in time though I am astonished that Bac is being risked after his fall on his neck. Seriously hard, that lad.
COYRs.
Esso @63 knows.
Massive game tonight.
Fenerbahce are tending to play attacking football, pressing high, their defenders are usually high on the pitch when opponent has the ball. Wonder if their coach will change his approach against Arsenal. At home, I don’t think so. They will attack from the first minute.
We must abandon our possession based game, be tight defensively and wait for a counter. Scoring at least one goal is a must, and if we manage to score early will cause panic in their side and we could finish them on counters.
Any news on Yaya Banana?
I’ve heard or seen nothing on Banana, but I shall keep my eyes peeled.
Arsenal’s bid on for Guaita was between Β£3.5m & Β£4.3m. Valencia want 17m. Looks like a good keeper, but can’t see Arsenal breaking their record on a Valencia’s second choice keeper.
However, I would like if Fabianski get his chance tonight, Woj was a complete mess against Villa. I could imagine Fabianski been hanged already making those mistakes.
H2H – quality! We should also be really wary about relaxing when we play against Fener tonight. I’ve heard they’re a potential…
bath
People used to think Tommy V was the cyborg ‘Verminator’ in our camp.
No, it was Sagna all along.
How he didn’t suffer life-threatening injury from that horrific looking landing escapes me. The only thing more dangerous that could have happened to him would have been if an opposing player had kicked a football onto the back of his head π
He is beyond hard. He is an alien sportsmen put here on earth to run Arsenal’s right flank and soon to be converted to a demi-god CB.
Less than a year left on his contract too. Now that’s what I call commitment.
If he believes in our team in such circumstances, why can’t we?
Cheers.
Cheers TS,
And Heh! @ Cole’s Law. π
Heh! @ #88
I’m grapeful for your humour.
Welcome Trev.
Knowing your personal abilities as physio first-hand (sic), I was wondering if you were responsible for Sagna-man’s remarkable recovery?
TS – great penultimate line @91, sir.
COYRs
I hope we’ve done our home work on Yaya Banana, I wouldn’t want Arsene making any split second decisions.
105
oops..95, so now 96
oops 98 , maybe a cross
Screws it wide
I grabbed my own head instinctively as he landed, TS.
I don’t know how he got away with it. Seeing the force with which he landed, you would have imagined some muscle or ligament damage even if the joints were intact.
Could do with some of his genes spread around the rest of the squad.
TS @93,
Is that the first of a bunch of grape gags ?
Szczesny ? How does a keeper that green guage his real potential ?
Heh @ the fruit gags.
Orange you glad I started them? *Groans even at myself*
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Well in Cynic.
It was indeed bad Trev, I didn’t realise the potential severity of the fall at the time as I was angry and shocked like many that Benteke was allowed to lean into Bacary like that without due punishment from the useless Anthony Taylor, another booking which would’ve had him off the pitch.
What I can recall is that for a brief moment after that challenge, there was an unerring silence in the Emirates as we all looked on π
I notice above that Oskar wants to escape the New Zealand quakes and get back on some good firm Pommy granite. π
Trev @ 101, there was an unerring silence after he landed around the Emirates… π
Cheers bath – He really is an unsung hero in every sense of the word(s).
H2H/Trev – Do the fruity gags only apple-y to we three? I’m quite a fan of fruit-puns, especially when they’re toasted. π
Heh! @ Cynic being a cynic @ #100. Or is that ironic?
Wind @ #105.
I thought he landed on the back of his neck?
Teach you, I will π
Heh! @ Pommy granite.
Come on TS @ 107, give us a break! π
So there’s to be no abuse in the bar ….
Stop arguing boysenberry the hatchet. π
Napoleon?
Who’s Snowball?
A massive chill pill for the ones that really need it! π
TS we finally have an Arsene Jedi Master! π
Indeed we do Arthur.
Faith in you we have
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/pitchside-europe/oxlade-chamberlain-oversight-costs-arsenal-200-000-133938812.html
@ Cynic 115 –
That was superbly picked apart by arseblog news:
http://tinyurl.com/kolw3nd
Real football is on again after another couple days of madness. Thank Dennis. COYG!
Nothing at all new in those kinds of clauses in a contract.
Remember when Spurs had to pay us millions when they signed Bentley…… Still makes me laugh when I think about that.
Indeed Bearded, we’ll let our players do the talking tonight on the peach, eeeer pitch.
Alright, i’ve been reading a lot lately. That much that my eyes hurt.
It helped me to see that I know a birds shit what really is going on at the carpet cabinet. Anyone with more than just a guess and his own opinion is welcome to enlighten me. All others i ask to keep it. I’ve heard it all now!
Worse than my eyes is my heart that is bleeding. To this day I don’t understand why people so urgently need to blame someone as soon something goes wrong. All that know as much as I do will probably agree that we don’t know who’s to blame so why even start before we get a clearer view. Besides, history shows that in a lot of cases the most obvious one isn’t always the one to shout at. The only shouting i want to hear right now is to cheer on our boys or at the referee if he’s, god forbid, as shit as the last one! In that case my TV is up for a pretty loud evening π
So all together as a unity: COYG
Yep H2H last I checked the only game that matters is the one that’s played between the limes.
After the last raspberry joke, laughter rippled through the bar.
I hope these awful fruit puns are a fig ment of my imagination
Ooooh that felt good π
Back to the real footy-talk!
Is it only me thinking that if one could shout into the hole that is so obvious in our midfield it would echo Fallaini all day long? I still don’t get why he’s not dressed in red tonight!
Don’t even think about telling me he is not top, top, top drawer material as I think that’s not the criteria to fit in perfectly and add something.
Any other guesses or even reasonable names?
@H2H: Heh! π
Regarding the Benteke/Sagna incident, in the same game, a similar incident occurred between Giroud and a Villa defender. In both instances the defender misjudged the ball so the striker decided not to jump. Thank God it didn’t lead to serious injury each time but that’s something that should be looked at by refs in future I think…
It’s berry dangerous you see.
Pip – They don’t pick it apart at all they simply chuckle at it. Which is fair enough.
Datsyuk, I read about a potential transfer this morning but I’ve plum forgotten who it was now.
Fellaini would be perfect because he’s quality and actually wants to play as a defensive midfielder. Sadly I think he’ll only be wearing the red of manure and Belgium this season.
Bath @ #124 – No, they ap-pear to be real enough but I’ll admit they do dragon a bit.
Pip – I always though Fellaini’s best game was attacking MF and in and around the box. Like Giroud, he’s also excellent at heading stuff away when defending set-pieces. Either way, I’d welcome him to our club.
I’d like Fellani, I also wouldnt mind a punt on that geezer from Dortmond either, Lemondowski
Stop it H2H, this is getting ugli.
Plus, you might give Pip the…er…pip with the lemon jokes (see #73)
Just finished reading the debates in the previous drinks. Some well argued and thought out debates. Some great debates and I had thought I had read it all until up pops Tabs with his pots and kettles moment. His glass houses and stones moment. Tabs, of all the people moaning about the length of other people’s posts. I really have read it all now.
π
I want to dominate tonight. Our bargaining position in the transfer market is already considerably weaker than it should be. A poor result tonight will not do anything to address that. A convincing victory though might. If we could somehow muster a 3 goal victory then those who would be targets may be more likely to consider making the move. If nothing else, a victory of any kind will do.
Onwards and upwards.
Still lovely in sunny France I must say.
My stupid cousin Chelski fan has put a bet against us tonight what a complete an utter twit and a twat!
Now this brings on more of a reason to win the game tonight!
Come on Arsenal!
Enjoy the sun Steve T π
Right then…
4 hours sleep after putting in a 12 hour shift (two people off so needed to do a lot of work to cover them) and I am off to do a quick three hours so that I can get that time off for the game!
Feel like a bag o’ shite tied up with piss-stained string but still cannot wait for the whistle!
COME ON YOU GOOOONNNNNEEERRRRSSSS!!
PS – Insert clever fruit joke that I don’t have time to think about here…! Something about the ref on Saturday being a right son of a peach…Oh, I dunno…..!
Heh @ 131 H2H
Lemondowski?
SteveT – π
Good luck to us in Turkey here tonight. I hope the travelling gooners will get to enjoy what is a wonderful city even if the Turkish fans are more than a little OTT. The Fener fans like to think of themselves as being more civilised than the Gala’saray fans – not sure about that? – but I’ll be watching with my Fener supporting neighbours who have more than a soft spot for Arsenal and the shirt to prove it!
Fener appear to do a good impression of Arsenal at the best of times so it’ll be interesting to see us play against a facsimile of ourselves. Their goalkeeper, Volkan, is one of their players I’d love to see in an Arsenal shirt. Let’s hope he has a stinker tonight! COYRs.
We are the Arsenal so fuck all the rest.
My thought on this ref:
I hope the FA doesn’t let this mango the easy path. π
Fluffers? It’s odd that so many of you are discussing the name of my cat. π
The apocalypse must be nigh …
Proper Gooners in the away end tonight .At home they get diluted by the hordes of middle managers writing appraisals.
“I know you were down to 10 men and getting kicked with no protection from the ref, nonetheless I’ve paid for my ticket and will therefore behave like a spoilt bellend”
Fancy Theo to get a hat-trick tonight. They don’t like it up em these Johnny foreigners.
Here’s one for Wolfie: Not often that you can get lederhosen, lager and Pep Guardiola into the same headline.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2398394/Bayern-Munich-Pep-Guardiola-dress-lederhosen-Oktoberfest-photo-call.html
And this is worth a read for the less glamorous side of the transfer business:
http://www.fifpro.org/news/news_details/2335
Lurky@89: Β£17 million for Guaita is nuts. He is worth Β£6 million and change. Our opening bid, if indeed we have made a bid, isn’t so out of line. My question is, does Dick Law realize that an opening bid is just that, and the negotiating process involves making some subsequent higher bids, not just getting on a plane and flying home after the opening bid has been rejected. Could this be where we have been going wrong all along?
Haven’t read a single blog nor comment, not even here which is the only place on the Internet I would approach after the defea… last game. Won’t be starting tonight. Not that I can’t see that that game was just one of those games in many ways, but I just can’t bear it.
So, just reporting in. Probably won’t be here for the game. I need some personal space at this very moment.
They most certainly do like it up em in Turkey, larry.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
ned, wolfie would have been more excited were bratwurst mentioned as well, i’m pretty sure.
Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Cazorla, Walcott, Giroud
Subs: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Monreal, Frimpong, Gnabry, Podolski, Sanogo
to me, that’s a very good first eleven, with some more-than decent cover on tthe bench. except perhaps at gk, arguably at dm/pivot.
Fancy us to win by a couple of goals tonight looking at the lineups. Not bad at all after the injury scares of the Villa game.
COYG!
Very cheeky heh! @ Cynic @ #148
Twice in one day old bean?
Haven’t seen anything of last weekends PL, so the season starts here for me.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS.
Real football minutes away!
Come on Arsenal!
Come fucking on!
Big hello to all you lovely holics! π Listening on player π C’mon you Gunners!!!!
What has poldi done to get benched every game? He’s the best finisher that we av and should be starting then and there.It’s a guarantee that this 11 will play again in the next league match.Considering our injury voodoo i’m praying that we leave istanbul unscathed
Hate to be pedantic, (well I don’t really) But Kos will definetly not be playing in the next league match. π
Here it is lads! Come on the mighty red and white!
New game, new hope, new faith.
Um, anyone got a stream? That would make me apply. I mean, happy.
COME ON YOU GUNNER!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!! π
Why the new shorts?
Agree on Poldi.
Why on earth is he sitting?
Surely a H2 sub for cazorla.
Don’t recall Arsene looking quite so pensive before kick off
http://firstrownow.eu/watch/202372/1/watch-fenerbahce-vs-arsenal.html
stream death again and again. ugh.
Oohhh, Virgin Media are on the case – site blocked. Bunch of Billy Bunts.
Text it is then…perhaps catch the action on 5live…UTA!
http://www.soccer4you.info/rts1.html working for now, red.
Commentary on player better suited if you are able to watch the game. They need to do radio style, play by play!
Carzola looking up for it?
whelp, strike me down. not working now.
Delete the question mark. He IS looking up for it.
My bad.Forgot that Kos was suspended by that sorry excuse of a ref ..the same 10 without Kos π
Got back from work…Juice in time!
Had to dive out earlier as the conversation had turned a bit pithy…
Seed it coming a mile off!
Getting coat π
Oh yeah Villa just go ahead and gift chelski the points.
Well played Arsenal!
Some nice touches going on.
Come on Jack!
nice, jck down with a bum right heel. stepped on someone’s foot, damn it. gnarby in if he’s got to go off. or poldi, and move santi back.
Nice one Scruz mate! Cheers.
Block that, Virgin Media.
*flips Richard Branson the bird with both hands*
that feed is back up srcruz!
YESSS
Oh and, of course, if we get an early goal and Kos & BFG are on their game, Fenerbache, well, mand dar in trouble!
Oh do stop it…
COME ON YOU GOOOOOONNNNERRRRSSSSSSS!!!
great stuff around the box. very nearly led to the first goal.
cheers, homer. i’m running with the bulls, now.
oooooh, g, almost with the header. great work, gunners.
OOoooooooo Giroud.
What a ball by Santi to Feo.
COYR’s
That was close by OG
COME ON ARSENAL!
agreed on santi’s ball, h2h. great stuff, and well played by the vulcan to stop it.
another huge DM sized hole in our defense.
By the way, AceStream (or Torrent Stream I think it is now called) is fucking excellent quality and is free. I am currently watching the nasty Spuds fucks’ stream (Bloodzeed) and it is great.
Jus’ sayin’ like.
those aren’t flash streams, right?
http://sportz-world-live.blogspot.co.uk/
boy, the ref is calling it tight on us, not so much on them. terrible freekick given. nice claim, chezza.
Sorry, but how the actual fuck was that a foul in Fener’s favour?
Were the hell was the counter off the Fener freekick?
c’mon boys !!
No scruz, works like a torrent only you just share the signal around so you get a better quality bit-rate not relying on one person to share to all.
og and rozza playing great 1-2s.
come ON!
Cheers
kozzer kicked in the face by webo, damn it. OUCH.
Oucch!!!
Shocking challenge, ridiculous sticking your boot up that high.
jenks for sagna, sagna to cb?
Ouch…That had to hurt.
Come on Kos….Get up…Please.
well, its official: the gods of bad luck are taking a gigantic DUMP on Arsenal.
koz is done for the game. twice in a week we lose a defender to a bloodied head.
Oh well, that’s what they get paid the GDP of a small country for eh?
Someone up there really hates Arsenal.
Looks like another injury riddled season.
It has to be said, we don’t make things any easier for ourselves, but the footballing Dennises must really hate us too.
π
Come on Jenks…Heart on the sleeve time fella.
Feo .. really? OG covered by 3 defenders and ya try that cross?
What happened to Kos?
Got a nasty kick in the head.
COME ON ARSENAL.
god, we are playing some beautiful stuff in their box. down wolfie.
AW – let’s sign Fener’s keeper.
Looks fairly studdly in their nets.
fuck off kuyt.
Sadly Giroud for all his admirable qualities is just not good enough at this level but it was a very comfortable first half or us. Well played Aaron R!
well played, arsenal. great first half, they barely got a sniff. did chezza have to make a save? i’d love to know what the heat map looks like, seems like we were always going right to left. more incision around the box, and no more wayward passes from og to no one…smash the ball at the net, damn it!
Decent half – good response to Saturday but toothless in front of goal.
Get Suarez. π
Not the best of games this, although to be honest honest I’m only catching it in bits between working.
But, from what I’ve seen, Fene are bricking it, they look scared to play. We are controling the game and although we’re stringing together quite a few nice passes we still look a wee bit nonchalant.
Losing Kos is a blow, but I still feel if we release the handbrake we should have too much for them.
Santi’s looking really good.
COME ON YOU REDSSSSS
trev, that’d leave a huge cavity in the scouse front line…their fans would be going dental!
Anybody else get the feeling that the Fener player have been told to not really bother too much as they won’t be in the next round anyway? Such a lack of effort until we get close to their goal, where instinct kicks in and they actually show a bit of intensity.
Apart from Kuyt of course. Headless chicken as ever!
And Meireles…Are they not paying him or something? Looks like a fucking homeless bum!
Dont’ wanna start another debate-ageddon, Ttg, but I think you’re being a little … ah … harsh/myopic on OG.
I was just going to write:
With a few exceptions, looks like we lack directness in Fener’s end.
Jack, apparently, has forgotten how to go forward. experience, nerves, confidence. OG has had how much service? one maybe two balls?
And our movement off the ball is glacial.
Was TR7 even on the pitch? Doesn’t look like it but I cannot tell from the feed.
h2h, right there with you, re work. and santi. rozza looking crisp, too.
Thinking 45 minutes for iPod might not be such a bad idea. TR7 looking a little bit tired or maybe even “old”, dare I say it?!
No pace in the middle up front.
Does anyone know what the issue with Podolski is ?
He only seems to get on the pitch when absolutely necessary.
With you completely Homer (whoda thunk it, eh?!)
OG had almost no service whatsoever and almost made a goal out of a fairly poor cross. TR7 looking pedestrian at best.
Heh scruz !
Theo needs to be stronger on the ball.
Did iPod shag the gaffers’ missus or what?!??!
Seeing the replay, WebΓ³ knew EXACTLY where Kos was.
Should have been red, but understand the ref’s decision.
Disgusting stuff there by the Fener scumbag.
π trev. he does, that. he should spit out his gum, use the energy for his legs.
Good strikers make dangerous runs. OG doesn’t. We cut him way too much slack on this board.
Trev- we probably have to pay Cologne 10k every time Poldi gets on.
And TW- no I don’t think they’ve been told not to try. We’ve just done very well.
Now I hope I look a complete prat in the second half!Come on HFB!
ttg, yeah, now’s the time to slate him. :eyeroll:
YESSSSS.
great stuff, boys. 1-0.
GIBBBBSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Lovely stuff from Ramsey.
Gibbs!!!
oh, gibbo. beauty, and theo, great cross, and aaron, great ball to play in theo. wonderful stuff.
I was about to say how useless Feo has been.
Glad i did NOT say that.
Away goal!!
Get in!!!!
GET IN THEREEEEEE!!!!!!
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS!
Great work from Ramsey. Theo’s first good pass. And see what a run into the box can do.
OOOooooooooooooo
Should of been two.
almost another, theo and jack get tangled a bit, great save by vulcan.
Woj takes a nasty knock.
Keep the shape, keep the focus and we might just get out of here with a win!
π
And yes, FABULOUS play by Aaron. Timed the pass PERFECTLY.
jesus, what is it with us and head injuries this week? chezza is a hard head, though, so…he should be ok.
That Sow made a real pigs ear of that.
Another man down.
Hope Lewin’s on a bloody good bonus. π
Come on Arsenal!
Heh H2H. π
Woj got big arse stud marks in his neck, looks like he got attacted by a vampire.
@250,
No use swining about it now. π
we’re absolutely killing them right now, need the second goal now…
Thank Dennis their striker went down so dramatically searching for a penalty because a stud-scrape couple have been a punctured jugular there.
Brave stuff from Woj. Well done son.
Ramsey really is “like a new signing”. π
Podolski on we need some fresh blood!
Trev calm don fella!
Ramsey come on boy!
Heh Trev.
Thierry, How do you kill a circus performer ?
Go for the juggler. π
Those Turks don’t sound too delighted.
quit clowning around trev.
R A M B O !!!!!
Ramsey You fucking beauty. Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
AAAAAAAAAAAROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON
Aaron deserves it, MOTM bar none today π
whooooooooooooo aaaaaroonnnnnnnnnn!
Get in!
Thank you Aaron! π And Kieran too!
great run, great slamming shot. keeper just got a bite, but not enough. well in, dragon boy.
Sow miss saves our bacon !
Brilliant from Ramsey, deserved that! now to see the game out..
Wind AR MOTM by far indeed!
YYYYYYYYEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
Keeper helped him out there but NOBODY on the pitch deserved that goal more.
COME ON YOU GOONERRRRSSSS!
He’s not on a lucky streak, Trev
And it’s Arsenaaaaaaaaaaaal , Arsenaaaaaaaal FC……
Sow losing his cool – getting rasher by the minute. π
Trev @ 258:
Don’t start!
Trev @ 263:
Don’t start!!
Trev @ 274:
Don’t start!!!!!
Let’s destroy them!
Come you Gooners!
Trev @ 280:
You just don’t get it, do you?!??!
HAHAHA! Great stuff mate…Keep ’em coming!
Oi, Trev…
If you cannot see Sow from where you’re sitting…
Lean back!
Fuck him, he’s not imporkant.
Aaron Ramsey- what a man!
A miss like that left him scratching his head.
When it comes to pig puns Thierry, it’s Gamm On !
Hehs H2H. π
Heard before the game that Sow has a touch like silk, pursenally, I don’t see it.
Gamm on……..Trev, take the trophy now! No competition for that mate!!!
I feel all ham-fisted now.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! COME ON YOU GOONERS!!!!
He’s now missed three on the trot.
Sow on his back. π
The crowd has been quiet for a while now!
Wojciech wake the fuck up!
@290. π
H2H – Don’t make this any worse than it already is.
Not after Woj needed oinkment and Kos almost left in a hambulance!
great take, theo, penno!
PEnalty?!?
did someone get a red card?
GIROOOOOOOOOOOOUUUD
What a pen by Giroud! I always believed in that boy
Fuck…My stream has just leapt to the 17th minute….Fucking spud supporting tosspot.
come on, olivier! YES!!! We’re in the group stages no matter what, just about…very nearly there, anyway. great performance, gunners.
LOVE IT.
3 – 0 up in the CL, away from home.
Suck it up, Spuds. π
Have not seen the pen, but we deserve some good luck!
Looked like teh ref had no choice but to give it.
with all these pink pig puns flying around, i’d imagine you would, porco.
Didn’t see it but that is surely job fucking done.
What a time for the oys to turn out that performance. Seems like there is a little of the old strengff floating abart after all!
we’re definitely playing some lovely football at the moment.
But let’s not get carried away…Feners’ play has been a bit streaky π
Never in doubt! COYBG!
Now get some feckin’ signings made! π
There was no red card!
Hey we have been sweating perhaps Arsene know something else!
Poldi for OG.
I’m surprised Sow hasn’t got the chop.
Keep a clean feckin’ sheet lads!
annnnnd poldi for og, in for ten plus stoppage. wonder if we have to pay koln for his appearances, too…yeah, that’s the ticket…
HAHAHAHA!
Great stuff H2H!!!
nice save, chezza. just saw that replay.
The funny thing is
Chelsea and Man U have NOT won on this ground only us so it has not been so kind for most of the English clubs!
All the better!
Come on Villa!
Worst of all, it’s catching…
When I saw the reports here of a third goal I squealed with delight!
Yes, I know…It’s coat time!
nacho, nacho man….
Well played Feo lad!
Scruz,
What cheese isn’t yours?
Nacho cheese!
Stellar performance tonight.
– Walnut + Waldorf
Well saved Wojtus!
great save, woj. well done to keep the sheets clean.
Come on!
Great result, get in! π
Well done lads! Professional performance!
oooo, jenks. and th-the-th-the-th-the that’s all, folks!
Practically home and dry cured.
Game done, top result.
Very important we kept the clean sheet as not to let them think they still had a sniff of a chance.
Three goal winning margin to take back to the Grove, can’t ask for more then that.
Ramsey MOTM even before he scored.
Dick Law may take a new approach this week:
“Β£12m is our final offer, Turk it or leave it”
h2h, even better would be no niggles, no knocks, and kozzer no lasting effects.
ramsey definitely motm, by every measure.
Very good effort with some fine performances but we are losing players to injury very early and LJW for one looks very rusty. Ramsey was MOTM and Theo scared them to death. Also liked Per’s composure and Ches did very well too.
UEFA may not have much of a decision to make!
How about a Blue Shorts Movement?
(Slightly ripped off from Guardian MBM coverage)
Just what the doctor ordered.
Great effort as a team, good result!
Well,
That feels a bit better, doesn’t it?!
Amazing what a decent shift from the boys can do for the soul.
Still some worries, but now is not the time. Great performance from AR, man of the match by a distance.
Truth is, AW is right when he says that team should have been enough to beat Villa. Thank Dennis it was as good as it should be today. What we really need is to carry that performance into the Fulham match, get in a few reinforcements and stick on up the feckers down the road.
Now THAT would warm the cockles some!
Great stuff Gooners. Should be a little it calmer around here for a few days. I know I feel much more zen-like!
COME ON YOU GOONERRRRSSSSS!!!
TW – everything you said and then some.
scruz, Kos will be rested this weekend anyway. Every cloud and all that…
Crackling – I mean, cracking – performance!
And Arsenal leave the pitch to a chorus of boos. Just like at home *sighs*
Gotta go back to work now!
See you all for a drink later but I will leave an open wallet on the bar for all to enjoy.
Hope that Tabs wants the two drinks I left for him yesterday.
Have a great day (night for most!) gooners.
‘Holic – Enjoy writing about that one! π
Controlled, disciplined performance. Keeping them quiet for the first fifteen odd minutes were important.
Rambo was just wonderful. Jack had some bright moments, coming back slowly to his best. TR7’s passing for some reason was off, though he pressed all over the pitch as usual excellently. Santi was neat as usual.
Defense and the Szczesny on their games too. Nice to see Nacho off the bench and setting up Poldi with a lovely cut-back, Poldi generally buries those.
Theo just scared the hell out of that young Czech full back.
Giroud was sub-par. Took his penalty well though.
So we remain the only English team to have won there, now twice!
Great performance, that’s one hurdle cleared! π
Ttg@336: I thought Jack showed some glimpses with great runs, neat one-twos and intelligent defensive screening. He ran out of energy towards the end but surely getting better. More such ninety minutes games he plays more confident he would get about his fitness and abilities.
Elsewhere, Chelsea beat villa through an offside goal by a player who could’ve been sent off before scoring..
As this tie is so strongly in our favor now, we might see some of those players waiting to see our CL qualification joining in early enough the be available for the NLD.
Glad Charlie Nicholas has kept his earring. Age is just a number.
Good stuff tonight.Nice to see the goals being shared out across the team. We’re gonna win the league.
Hope so Dr Faustus! Can’t wait to watch this game ‘properly’. Poor Kos having a rough start to the season. Fingers crossed, he’s OK.
Benteke, 25 million pound bid??!!
Now that’d be a deadline-day signing to ripple the waters!
Dr F- I agree about LJW ,I love him as a player but he clearly needs games without being overplayed and unfortunately we couldn’t sub him unless we used Frimpong tonight, although when it was 3-0 I thought we might bring Gnabry on to scare the shit out of the other full- back and move Santi inside.
I think we might see a burst of Zelalem ( as a sub) next Tuesday
Fine performance by our boys tonight, particularly the midfield quartet. Rambo, after a few early errant passes was collossal and LJW is definitely on the way back. Bac is such a hero – must be made of titanium. Hope Kos is OK and fit for Sp*rs.
Perhaps a few waverers will now sign on for the ECL ride.
Can we play out home leg away please? Just sayin’ like… π
Crisis? What crisis?
Good point, Snowy. Perhaps we should just stop playing at the Ems altogether.
abb @ 351: Kos is typically a slow starter to the season. This time he has also been unlucky.
I think he will be fine for NLD, he walked off with a cut over the eyes.
TTG @ 353: I think Gnabry to run at defenders towards the end of the game would not be a bad idea against Fulham as well as many of those who played today would be a bit tired. Poldi should surely start on the left as Santi tucks in for I cannot think Jack would be risked again on Saturday.
Or behind closed doors ….
Shut those doors, Larry
‘Holic — can I buy our first eleven a drink ? Just in case they pop in on thier way home.
David Villa with a cracking volley against his old side. 2 million Euros??? Why o why o why Arsene?! He could’ve been ours! Feck!
Yeah, true Dr Faustus. It’s just he got such a bum rap from the Ref, Saturday. After watching the replay of him getting kicked in the face, should have been a strait red from the ref. Only way to discourage dangerous play.
Still need those signings to bolster our thin squad!
Fuckign great performance WTF?
Bacquarry Sagna – Arsenal rock.
Excellent result. Fener probably the worst team we’ll play this season but you have to beat them no matter how shit they are, and we did that very well.
Kids in the second leg please.
I hear that the physio said the cut on Kos’s head was so deep, you could actually read the word Arsenal that runs right through the middle of him π
Cynic
Good insight now move along please!
Dr.F
Yes Jack should start on the bench and I think Poldi may start. This season at times I think we may see Monreal and Gibbs on the left away from home but I think Gnabry will play an increasing role this season as he is very sharp.
I also like Jenkinson going forward. He makes some very intelligent runs and is a great crosser. But please Arsene get some more quality in,we really do have a threadbare squad for this stage of the season.
We do still appear to be making very low bids for everyone we go for.
Heh Trev @ 365
Pray that LJW doesn’t have to play CB. π
Our transfer kitty is being spent on putting a second floor on the medical centre. π
ke most of the respected folks of this bar this win was so fuckign vital it didnt even cross my mind to lose the fucker!
I apologise for the tone of my voice because I have had too many polish wisniowkas!
We went out there bear thin and we still managed to dominate them and finish them off in style!
Yes we still have issues but I believe Arsene was right the Villa game was not about new signings but it was a blip and God forbid I hope he was right!
Still our inability to sign player go too much deep down than I can think off!
For tonight I love it and nothing is going to change it!
We LOVE YOU Arsenal we do!
We LOVE YOU Arsenal we do!
We LOVE YOU Arsenal we do!
We LOVE YOU Arsenal we do!
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Arsenal we love you!
Now tell me what can I do?
Haven’t given up on us recruiting one or two more players, before the window closes. Wenger sees the need, I’m sure of that. Night everyone. So very proud of our lads.
Arthur,
So glad you found some good metaphors to mix with that wisniowka ! π
Trev
Always here with my own little agenda! π
I want some of what Arthur’s having π
But I might have to make do with some cooking sherry, or whatever other shite I have lurking at the back of the cupboards….
Marmite and some out of date Pot Noodles…
FFS…
i have to say not so many haters here now?
Arthur is having some fine Polish shit and believe me even Wojtek doesn’t know it exists…
I was scared to death, nervous as hell before the game. I used my lucky chair at my lucky place, drinking from my lucky glass- the things I do when only we need a win badly. I use them only then, because their powers are not infinite of course and needs to be used only in special circumstances.
Thank you Arsenal.
In other news, there are reports that we are after Benzema. Thankfully it is only DailyMail, because we simply cannot bid for the most overrated attacker in the world at the moment. Suarez, please.
Lurky
I was biting my nails and the rest nothing wrong with that!
Sagna who…………….???????????????
It looks like Arthur has come out from under his rock again. π
This was was very significant! Where are the party goers?
Well fucking done boys!
That’s what we are capable of producing when the Ref doesn’t allow the physicality get out of hand.
bt8bbfg
Yes I have! You need some like me?!?
Great result. I asked for 3 nil pre match. Wish I had asked for 5 now.
Can’t really say anything about the game as I have not seen any of it. However I hope the result will be used as a way of pushing on massively by the board. 3 up gives them enough of a lever to use to help bring the players in required. Their wake up call was Saturday. Tonight was their lifeline. Use it.
Really glad to hear so many positives about AR. I don’t ever see him being the type of player that will set the works alight but he can play a massive role in our future. He has a big part to play which sadly for him, will mostly go unsung.
More red wine and a snifter of what Arthur has brewing.
Cracking performance. Please supplement with a few new additions though.
bt8bbfg
One like me apologies not always here but always with Arsenal!
Steve T one thing at the time π
Not many peeps celebrating or perhaps being shy? π
Steve.
If Aaron puts in a few more performances like that, then his name will definetly be sung.
I’m still trying to find something better than Marmite and Pot Noodle to celebrate with mate – very poorly planned really…. π
I am a big fan of AR. He has come through hell and continued to improve. He will hopefully continue to develop into one of these players that you don’t realise how good he actually is until he is not playing. Then you realise what you are missing. As I have said before, for every Bergkamp you need a Parlour. You get what I mean.
Tonight’s was the sort of disciplined hard working performance the team put in at the tail end of last season, though Fenerbache looked like a team that knew that even if they won they’d probably get kicked out of the competition anyway.
A porcine of chips would be more appropriate….
Arsene says that Suarez transfer is dead. Bad news which can be even worse if we are really after Benzema. I would prefer Yaya Banana to him.
Makes a lung bursting run up-field a la Ramsey…
Get in!
Chops it
Steve T@395: Spot on. Rhymni Ray.
Either way we have won that is all that matters tonight!
Transfers is another saga to appoint to…….
Back on form, just in time for the start of the season.
Thanks, Cent, great anticipation there…
OK ATG. Now I have a beer. Better than Marmite, surely?? Not as good as Wisniowska but it’s good for a start. Drink to our man “Clean Sheet” Chesney? π
Well in, Lurky. Ghosted in from 398 there.
Well in, Lurky!
Well TaBSed, TS!
Funny maybe thing to spot but reminds me Fabregas!
bt8bbfg
Any time come raise that glass of yours please!
Well done to the players and the manager . Well done T E A M. Now lets seek for alternative areas in europe asia or africa or america to move our ground there and away from poisonous london.
Thanks NBN, I was surprised of the lack of motivation in Fener team tonight. They were scared of us and they indeed looked like they already knew they are out of the competition.
Or we were that good?
Lurky, please, how exactly did you measure the level of motivation in Fener’s team?
Lurky, please, how exactly did you measure/know the level of motivation in Fener’s team?
Arsenal are giving “serious consideration” to re-signing Mathieu Flamini, who has been training at the club for the past fortnight.
Didn’t see that one coming π
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Spot on Steve.
It always used to piss me off the amount of stick he took, yes sometimes he’s made mistakes, but he never hides and he’s never given less then his all.
Snowy.
Check behind the Bovril, there’s always something lurking in the cupboard behind that. It may not be from this century, but at this moment in time what do you have to lose. π
Well, Cent, I scouted them at the weekend in their game vs Galatasaray. They were with 10 men, playing 120 minutes like mad. Running for every ball, making challenges, covering all over the pitch. Fanatic.
That is why I was scared tonight. They surprised me a lot this evening as they were clueless for 90 minutes. But as I stated maybe we were that good.
Well written, ‘holic. Every word. Theo didn’t buy the penalty as much as the defender barged into him, from behind. As you, rightly, observed, that’s the way of the modern game.
The more I think about the Villa game the more I believe that when the ref is basically determined to stop you playing by being really pedantic, and letting the others hack you all over the field, and waiting for an excuse to give you a pen – when you combine all those factors, you literally cannot win.
aye!