Napoli Next
Oct 1st, 2013 by 'holic
So, apparently in a few short hours we will find ourselves up against an object of our desires in the sultry summer months. Gonzalo Higuain and Napoli arrive for Champions League matchday two. Along with the one they call Rafa. Benitez that is. I’ll have tapas for two and a bottle of Faustino 1 please, fatguts.
I really don’t know how to approach any match in this much vaunted ‘group of death’. Considered opinion says win your home games and draw one away to get through in such circumstances. We already have an away win under our belts. Deliver the three home wins and we are home and hosed then? But it isn’t as simple as that, is it?
Napoli, I suspect, will not be our sternest test at the Grove, but winning comfortably won’t come easy. We have a disciplined defence, and a vibrant midfield. Will that be enough?
The early team news has Tomas Rosicky added to the squad that produced three valuable Premier League points at Swansea. The midfield may not be our problem area, however. We shall see. It would be great to see Aaron Ramsey et al put up yet another impressive show against a much-vaunted opponent.
The ‘holic pound, on a run of three straight successes in the Premier League, is aimed at a modest triumph. I’m on 2-1 to the Arsenal yet again, as at Swansea. An easy shout? Maybe so.
What I am sure of is that after this contest we will be closer to understanding the nature of the task that we face in the coming Champions League fixtures. We are at a nervous stage of a potentially amazing season.
Have a good one, ‘holics, wherever you are watching.
236 Responses to “Napoli Next”
First!!!!
Trev – I replied to your question in the previous post 😉
I agree with you Holic, 2-1 seems reasonable, but I really want us to get a clean sheet and think we can.
I am very confident.
Very well measured post, Guv.
I will go for a 3-1 to The Arsenal. Higuain will get their goal, obviously.
Napoli is going to be a very big test but if we can hold it together defensively, we can win for sure as we are good for a goal or two. At least this Napoli side is not a typical Italian one as they always want to attack, which allows us a few opportunities to get in behind. I think Arteta in at CAM and Özil to the right might be the go today. Let young Serge have a wee little rest after 3 games in a week.
Come on you Gunners
Cent – Higuain will be in Kos’s pocket.
I’m more worried by Hamsik.
Nervous ? You bet, Holic. Gladly take your 2-1. Two games will be going on, one on the pitch. The other, between two highly esteemed managers. 🙂 Please lord …
Watched Napoli on day1 and they were good. Very good. Some trepidation with this fixture. I hope others are right with their predictions of a win. A nervous draw for me.
2amkickoff. That puts you somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean then?
The forecast looks like showers turning to heavier rain as the evening progresses. How ’bout a 1-0 to the boring boring Arsenal. That would be boring boring except at the moment of Ozil’s outrageous free kick that makes the difference.
Yes. I saw the Napoli Dortmund match and Napoli looked very very confident and direct. A nervous game for sure. They are flying at the moment. We will have to be sharp and clinical.
Giroud needs to have a good game in the finishing department. I have a feeling both teams may play this one carefully, neither wanting to make the first mistake. Who scores first will determine how the rest of the game will go. Despite their good run of form Napoli will probably be content with a point, while we really need to win at home.
My gut says a draw, if only because Napoli is the sort of counterattacking team we have struggled against in the past at home. But this may be a different sort of Arsenal team and my heart wants the ‘Holic pound to continue its unbeaten run. Cut off the supply from Hamsik and Higuain may not be so much of a threat.
Nice preview Guvna. A big test indeed and a demonstration of whether we are as close to the finished product as I hope we are. I’ll be delighted if your 2-1 prediction comes to pass.
Hoping the hotel in Phnom Pen has the right satellite package. Otherwise I shall rely on the denizens of this August establishment.
COYRs
http://www.napolimagazine.com.cn/calcio/calcio-zazzaroni-higuain-out-albiol-in-dubbio-212941
Cheers ‘holic! Hope we give the fat Spanish waiter a massive hurry-up tonight. And don’t tip the cunt!
Hate not being able to watch the game, live updates are gunna have to do. I agree with a 2-1 win but I think we’ll come from behind. Rambo and Giroud in that order!
Just posted in the previous drinks:
————————————————
Either the clock in the bar hasn’t had its batteries replaced since it died at 1.09 this morning or every single Holic is in the land of Nod.
RISE AND SHINE HOLICS!!!!!!!!!
*beats pan with wooden spoon*
———————————————–
Holic, thanks a bunch for the >>>>>>>>>!!!!!
Esso, I’ve got a tip for the waiter tonight:
You’re going to lose.
Snir@13 – let’s hope he’s right and not just spoofing.
Google translate version:
“The journalist Ivan Zazzaroni has posted a message on his Twitter profile. “Blown (bad) from London: Higuain is out. Doubtful Albiol.”
Gazetta Italiana says (according to Google Translate and a little tweaking):
Higuain is at risk: probable withdrawal at Arsenal… the Argentine has an injury to his right flexor… he wants to play but … Pandev in his place if not.
Ivan Zazzaroni either is or has been editor of Corriere del Sporto, so I guess he has his contacts.
Napoli are a decent enough side, but this is a game we should win. I’m hoping for a good game but if it gets us the three points I’ll of course be happy even if it’s a poor one.
MrBure & H2H
That must have been one of the best ones scored in history re the last post 🙂
Two or three of that brand tonight at the Ems and you would need to kick me in the … to stop me from smiling all day tomorrow.
COYG
Starting line-up in the Emirates Cup:
Fabianski, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Podolski, Gnabry, Giroud
So we’ll be stronger at right-back, plus hopefully either Arteta or Flamini as DM and block that hole in the middle. Podolski is out so Özil will replace one of Jack, Rosicky or Gnabry – depends on fitness of Jack and Rosicky but they have more experience than Serge, impressive though he has been.
Lars is right – Napoli are a “decent enough side” – i.e. they are not anything to be fearful about, even if they are the best side we’ve met this season. Even if Higuain does play, Hamsik is their top scorer this season.
Good to see TR7 in the squad. We may need his experience, energy and driving runs at some stage tonight. Can’t see him starting and hopefully we will not have to rely on him coming on to change the game but he might be a useful addition to midfield or wide right against tiring Napoli legs.
Football is clearly big in Phnom Penh. The porter taking our bags up said as we walked into the lift, “ECL tonight, who do you support?” despite him being a Mugsmasher fan, seemed a decent fella. All bags arrived intact and he pointed out the channels showing live football. Here’s hoping at least one local sports channel editor has taste and chooses the right game to broadcast live.
COYRs
Just watched the highlights of the game against Napoli at the Ems cup and my God, we had LOADS of chances. Should be fine tonight.
Snir @5, I expect Higuain to be in Kos pocket but my experience with players we are linked with or almost signed tells me the two seconds Kos let’s him out for a breather he will nick a goal for them.
PS @ 24 : the hubcaps were even still on the wheels of the roll on.
Promising omen. Marseille vs Arsenal now showing on channel 31.
Evening gents,
A quick word of advice for I-Bath, the Score (st 282) sometime shows late games. There aren’t as many games on TV this year, so if they can they will find a stream for you. Same with the Gym Bar (st 178) but I doubt he will be open that late.
Hope your enjoying the Penh! COYG!
Congrats on making into the dot com, again, Guvna.
Zazzaroni has the ring of a name a clever writer might invent for an Italian journalist. Or a paparazzi who has eaten too much pizza. So much the better though if Albiiol is in dubbio. 🙂
Enjoying all the inside info on the Penh. 🙂
Bad news, bath,
Looks like you will get highlights on Channel 31 in two weeks time then. 🙁
Good stuff ‘h.
I’m quietly confident about tonight, as I’ve mentioned before I’m not really that impressed by the Serie A, Napoli and Roma the best of an average bunch so far, but that doesn’t mean we should take anything for granted.
El camarero español grasa has obviously been doing a good job there and is erasing the memory of his nightmare at Inter and probably also trying to fumigate the stench of the Bus stop, easier said then done though.
I think the lads, at this moment, believe they can beat anyone, this attitude and new found confidence should keep us in good stead.
I found it quite funny Rafa calling Wenger the best manager in the PL. He is correct of course, but the sly dig at Mourinho was probably what he was intending just as much as complimenting le Boss.
For that and the job he did at the chavs last season, he has gone up in my estimations no end. To be fair to him, he was never going to get a fair crack from the media while Fergie was around and they fell over themselves to do SAF’s dirty work for him. If there is such a thing as karma, or natural justice then ManU will sink like a stone!
As for tonight, the Higuain sub plot adds some spice to the game and hopefully he doesnt have a blinder. He should have been a Gooner, but the story of how it only took Napoli 10 minutes to sign him isn’t a smear on Arsenal IMO, for £32m, I’m surprised it took them THAT long to sign him!
I am going to go for 2-0 to Arsenal. A shut out and a brace from Özil. Although I think Giroud is due one too!
I’d play Gnabry, unless he is feeling the after effects of playing 3 games in quick succession. His confidence and performances are on such an upward trajectory he could do some serious damage to the Utalians.
Despite the horrendous bad luck with injuries, in a way we are a bit lucky in terms of the fact that by the time we play Dortmund and Napoli away, we should have most of our injured players back.
Cheers ‘H for the preview. A nervy 1-0 to the Arse for me tonight. Fancy the FishGod to pop up with the winner.
Last drinks …
Trev/Dr Z – Cheers.
Joe – I haven’t seen as much of Draxler as you have, but as you say, I’m sure he would be another that fits the bill. Think he would be significantly more expensive than Reus though.
Snir – Like I said before, each to their own (apart from the drums – expect me to be at the forefront of the resistance movement if that cuntery ever comes to town) 🙂
Agree with you on Dortmund though. Germany seems to be able to combine the best of both worlds.
Still looks like Pandev, not Higuain:
http://www.tuttonapoli.net/le-interviste/sky-ugolini-il-napoli-vorrebbe-non-rischiare-higuain-questa-sera-166551?
Sky, Ugolini: “Napoli would not risk Higuain tonight”
The Sky colleague Massimo Ugolini has intervened Live at Radio Goal, broadcast on Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli: “For tonight Higuain is still in doubt, for the time being no more that its use in the field. The will of Naples seems to be to not risk it, we’ll see. Albiol instead should make it. “
And another:http://www.napolisoccer.net/102962/maglie-benitez-non-rischiera-higuain/?
Maglie: “Benitez will not risk Higuain”
Flash News 15:31, October 1, 2013
Antonio Maglie, journalist for Il Corriere Della Sera, who spoke to Radio Crc in the show “Si gonfia la rete” with Raffaele Auriemma, has issued the following statement syndicated by NapoliSoccer.NET: “The assessment of Benitez tonight will be whether to risk or Higuain less, in the end I think that the player will not play. Hamsik is an attacking midfielder, knows how to score, but is better in defense. Arsenal are a very strong training and has a good coach, Napoli must be alert and focused.”
So either he’s not playing or the Italian media is doing a lot to spread the rumour for some reason.
“faguts”. Now that was funny!
Honestly a tough one to call. Watched Napoli dispatch a lackluster Milan side the other weekend. Milan blew a few chances (Matri) and Balo fluffed a penalty, so the scoreline flattered Napoli. But Napoli had a fair few chances of their own.
I’d expect to see the same side from the weekend including Gnabry. And he’s on a run – and a bit of an unknown and will present the Italians with uncertainty (to the extent Napoli starts all that many, actual Italians). And i think Flamini (with his Serie A knolwedge) is not critical given fatguts is at the helm and totally revamped the side.
Higuian will score. It’d just be sweet for them & irritating as hell for us if he does, which in my mind assures that he will.
Nevertheless, I’m going out on a limb here: 3-1 to the good guys. MO, OG x 2.
And I don’t buy that Higuian is out stuff.
fatguts is a wiley character.
Interesting to note the apparent transnational coordination of decision making as to whether games are televised on the main channels or not. Today’s game is on a special premium channel in the U.S. so I’ll also be one of those following the game here and/or looking for a stream. COYG and the Gooner comments!!
dkgooner. Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli? You can’t make this stuff up!
You gotta love the FA…. They just make their rules up as they go along, or to Sky’s wishes…
Torres ‘scratch’ against the spud player was seen by a match official, but not in its entirety,. so therefore they can’t take any further action…
That’s just a load of made up rubbish. They can do what they want and have done so in the past.
Great post to get you in the mood for the game http://poznaninmypants.com/2013/10/01/for-whom-nothing-is-written/
Thanks for the info Paulie French.
Heh Trev…..you are probably correct there.
Nörris @44 knows.
COYRs
Time to head for the pub. No 11-hour drinking session today, but hopefully a night to enjoy anyway 🙂
Up the Arse!
Exciting match coming up in a few hours. Can’t wait to have at those striker-stealing skyblue thundercunts. SHould be a cracking match, and one that we hopefully get 3 points from 😀
All goes according to plan, I also can see us getting a 2-1. Possibly even a 3-0…
Well here we are, the first top team test of the season. This match will be epic as nothing can beat facing top quality Euro opponents. But first I can’t leave this unchallenged, what a line this is from the above: “Napoli, I suspect, will not be our sternest test at the Grove, but winning comfortably won’t come easy”.
Along with that and other pieces I have glanced at today, I wish top quality foreign teams would be affored the respect they deserve. It seems unless teams happen to be Barca or Real they rest don’t come up to scratch. We are not facing Stoke, Fulham, or Southampton this evening (maybe a bit extreme there with those), we are facing, besides Juventus, the best side in Italy! At the moment, they may even be the best. Napoli are indeed a stern test, and if we win tonight, I may start to believe that this team can achieve good things. Also, Rafa knows how to get a result in Europe.
Despite how well we are playing, the defence is not ultra-watertight, so I expect Napoli to at least score once. I personally think it will be a draw, though any result will not surprising (sounds obvious I know). Napoli ae excellent on the counter-attack and at dictating the pace of the game, though like us, they can let themselves down on the defensive side of things. The boys will achieve a lot if they win as most neutrals would probably concur with me that on paper Napoli are stronger than us.
Nothing at all wrong with that statement, as I too rate Dortmond higher then Napoli. That said, I don’t think there will be any easy games in this group, but that’s the whole point of being in the CL, to pit us against Europe’s top teams.
I agree H2H, Dortmund are a notch up from Napoli, who are a notch above us. That is why should Arsenal qualify to the next phase it will be some achieve that Wenger should be praised for. Marseille are a good, decent side but not at the level of the other three sides in the group. For me, from this group, 2 wins and 4 draws would be a very acceptable return from the fixtures we have.
Italians are just a bunch of surrender-monkeys.
Let’s get in about them. 😛
David, no offence intended, but I have to ask; are you really this pessimistic about every other thing in life?
david, i think you sell us short. having won one game already, i can’t see us losing or drawing two at home.
we’re certainly in with a shout relative to dortmund, and i just don’t think napoli, for all their quality, are as good as us. between the FSW and reina in goal, there should be cause for rejoicing. yes, they have threats (hamsik and higuain), but considering we’ve not given up more than a goal in a game from open play this year, the defense isn’t lacking in watertightness, as far as i can see.
even with a makeshift team we drew napoli in the emirates cup, and we’re playing significantly better football than we were at the start of the season. i think 2-0 or 2-1 is a good bet; i’d be happy, though surprised, if we get more than 2. and disappointed if we let in more than one.
The unnecessary gap between success and failure would have been avoidable if only Wenger had invested in the team rather than take the save for a rainy day approach.
No one is better then us because……….
We are the Arsenal and we are the best!
@UEFAcomPaoloM: #ChampionsLeague @G_Higuain not in the starting XI for @sscnapoli vs @Arsenal #UCL
Cent, I am realist, not a dreamer, my glass is half-empty. Napoli are an outstanding side and will be a real challenge for the boys this evening. As I said, winning would a real statement of the sides credentials, and a bonus.
scruzgöoner, I am dismissing the strides we have made but of the games we have played hitherto this term in the league, we should have the points total we have, if not all 18 it can be argued. How we are playing (better defensive shape, allowing opponents to have more of the ball, more efficient in attacking play) is what is the most pleasing.
Im really pumped for tonight as a huge opponent is coming to down and these titanic matches do not come around that often in a season, and for me, this is what the struggle to get ECL entry last season was all about!
Sorry, meant to say ‘I am NOT dismissing…’
This is from an interesting series.The inbedded video was new to me and compulsive listening while watching Arsènes facial expressions. http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2013/oct/01/from-vault-arsene-wenger-joins-arsenal-mars-bars
David, your glass been ‘half-empty’ makes you a pessimist but fair play to you for responding.
Re: washed up @60. Thank you, it was well worth the listen, as listening to AW normally is 🙂
Sorry David, I can’t agree with you there. Napoli are certainly not a notch above us and they have every reason to be apprehensive going into an away game against a team that always gets out of the group stages, and have been playing the best football in a much tougher league for most of this calendar year.
I fear that the romantic big names bandied about this summer (e.g. Higs himself) have got many people in a tizz of admiration that is likely undeserved.
Do they have a monster like Rambo to terrorise our defence?
Is there anyone like the Fishgod in their side?
And can they counter with the same venom as us?
Nay, nay and thrice nay!
Rosicky and Arteta in the starting team, replacing Gnabry and Wilshere. Nice exchange, if you ask me.
Clash of two counterattacking oriented teams. Staying calm and patient will be the key tonight.
This is winnable.
Come on you gooners!
Hello everyone 🙂
streams for those who seek http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=222422&part=sports
really looking forward to this game, will be a tough test but thats what CL is about.
Come on you Reds!
Dave needs to eat a few sandwich crusts – give him a bit of backbone.
Come on Arsenal – let’s be ‘aving you.
Come On You RedSSSSSS !!!!!
Listening on player. Hi holics! C’mon Arsenal!!!
Get in!
Ramsey assist? Ozil’s first goal!!! 🙂
MESUUUUUT
Come on Arsnenal what a beauty!
You fekkinn booty !!!
what a goal by german wizard :O
Germany are going to win the WC it seems ….. OZIL! OZIL! OZIL!
BB Oi Oi Oi
i.am.girouuuuuuuuddd!
Get the fuck in!
Ozil to OG = Goal !
WOW! WE’RE in the MOOD now!
Girrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrooooooooooud!
What a game come on Arsenal!
GIROOOOUD!
Wengerball Wunderba
Really amazing just how much one player can impact a team. Mesut.
Holy COW I wish I could be seeing this!
c’mon OG, one more.
now lets not get all complacent and stuff, go for the killing blow now!
Seen parts of both goals on a dodgy stream. Great stuff.
I think we are on Nitro now
Free Header…. living dangerously!
Blitzkrieg Bop.
terrible defending of that corner, come on lads, pick it up!
one defender too much for Aaron now, pity.
unlucky….
i cannot wait until santi and theo are back. what is now nearly irresistable will become insanely so.
yeah scruz, TR7 suddenly brings much more urgency to our play and moves are really really smooth..mouthwatering prospect indeed.
We need a third.. you know, just to be certain. 😉
Come on REFFFFFFFFFFFF
flamini!!
punts it upfield, ramseyesque.
never a FOUL
ends up in the back of the ned scruz! well in!:D
and it goes in!!
Heheh! YES finally a decent Ref!
cheers, eandy! i have always felt like a lucky punter 🙂
*net of course, not the back of the ned 😀
Oh dear what a class act!
Take turn guys… no need to rush!
what a beast Giroud is today..winning pretty much everything.
Ozil just oozes class!
Have our players grown a third lung for this game? Come on Arsene give us a clue?
Giroud is making excellent runs.
Ramsey time!
atg, giroud to ramsey would be perfect trilateral symmetry.
Argh!!! Close…
Too right scruz!
Argh!!! Close… AGAIN!
wow..never realized that Ramsey also bloody quick O.o
Ramsey struggling… needs to take it easy till HT.
darn Aaron carrying a knock it seems.
love it, 2-0 at the half.
ramsey looks like he hurt his groin when he went down by the sideline there about two-three minutes before the half.
What a first half that was.
Two classy goals, few other chances/half-chances but most importantly, apart from one poorly defended corner, we did not give Napoli a sniff, while playing some mesmerizing stuff ourselves.
Keep it up lads!
eändy knows.
The best 45 minute champions league performance for a long time. I just hope we can keep it going.
Dave@51: “Dortmund are a notch up from Napoli, who are a notch above us. ”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Yeah and that Aaron picked up just a knock and it is nothing serious.
Brilliannnt! Jusst Brilliant start! NAPS hardly got out of their half and when they did, they never seriously threatened!
Great WORK!
ends up in the back of the ned scruz! well in!:D
Watch it, Eandy, lad
Great HT score, wish this damn hotel had more than just sky sport 1 and 2. Live text just isn’t cutting it
Excellent job by th boys, let’s finish it off, and top the group on our way to winning the UCL in style, God willing.
lol, @ned. don’t worry, i’m not wolfie. 😉
*the boys
Hey all!
My stream is about 6 minutes behind as usual so having to stay out of the bar!
What a performance so far. 15 incredible minutes but that is not even the half of it, is it!?
Ozil is simply incredible. A goal that even Dennis would have been proud of – What a quality finish – and an assist right out of Freddie’s own textbook!
Ramsey playing brilliantly again, Rosicky looks so busy he is rivalling Flamini for sheer energy. The defence doesn’t look like it even needs to be there!
Get through the next 45 minutes without any disasters and we can probably think that a couple of away draws and a decent result against Marseille at home and we are pretty much home and dry.
Group of death?! Only for the losers!!!!!!!!!
COME ON YOU GOOOOONNNNEEERRRRSSSSSS!
i just saw a replay of the first goal, and özil shot that with his right foot, opened his body right up and volleyed it in. what a talent.
hahah yeah Ned, I expected your attention being raised by that typo, have no idea how that happened.
just so long as it was only his attention that was raised, eändy…
Enjoying it, are we? 😉
What a half.
Ozil’s goal was sheer class, always swerving away from Reina, never gave him a chance! Signing of the year!
hate to say it, guv, but i’d rather we just leave the scoreline without them scoring….sorry about the holic pound, then.
TW
Try this site
http://www.footballstreaming.info/streams/todays-links/
This is why we watch football http://arsenalist.com/f/arsenal-vs-napoli/gif-ozil-goal-1-0.html
A fantastic first 45 all across the pitch – let’s be smart in the second half (and nab a third please).
You just have to feel good for many of these lads who’ve faced such doubts from many. COYR
Absolutely Holic what a game!
oooh almost TR!
what a run by OG
Sagna who?
Trying it now…Thanks Arthur!
Always good links on there for me
ouch. arteta munched. and i don’t mean by toothy mcpherson.
Tough lad that Arteta!
What a fucking beauty Arsenal is 🙂
TR7 can just keep it cool & get those touches right then we can just continue napping the nipples…..O.o I actually meant napoli
I cannot express how much I love Rosickys pressing.
Eandy
Rosicky may be old but he has a heart of a lion always missed if injured!
Would be good if we could kill this game off
rozza out for jack. good switch.
This season our opponents are just limited to (mostly) pot shots from 25-30 yards…says everything about the improved organisation at the back and cover from midfield. They get frustrated, impatient and whack one from 30 yards and we just take the ball once more.
Good shift put in by TR after being month away..come on Jack!
What a strike from Ozil, beautiful stuff. Thanks for the link Tim @142
Come on NITRO on
Home support is shit isn’t it!
Hahahahahahaha.
Are we tiring a little?
This is a road show in a way! However we need to make the most of it!
Come on Arsenal! Don’t slow down!
Understandably though Arthur, boys were putting really everything in the game so far.
The first half was everything what an Arsenal fan wants to see it was Vintage!
soooooooooooooooooooo close.
Kos almost!
god, our hfb can hold the ball up well.
have to note, ref had yet to reach for yellow card so far.
Thanks for the streams. I found one of ATG’s is working for me with 15 minutes left. COYG!
shoot that, gibbo!
Hats off to Ramsey Time
nacho on for aaron. beauty of a game, aaron.
kozzer is a fucking BEAST.
Giroud looking more and more like a bargain…works his arse off
that move, from back to front, deserved a headed goal by giroud. too bad.
game over! six from six!
YEah! Bring on WBA!
Was Schez playing?
Perfect football from the most balanced Arsenal side in years.
Napoli scmapoli.
Easy peasy, like I told ya, Serie A is nothing compared to the PL. Here in the bar Ajax was on the box v AC Milan. Ajax went 1/0 up with 2 mins to go, AC equalised with extreamly dubious penalty.
Balance indeed, Lurky. No overreliance on Cesc or RVP or anyone else. 🙂
Awesome.
Heroes, every last one.
COYRs.
They are celebrating in the streets of Phnom Penh tonight. Well, I am.
one of the best displays this season..job very very well done.
yes, balance. and everyone all over the pitch, side to side, front to back. sometimes i couldn’t tell who had the ball, such was the e-quality. wow, what a pleasure. if i still smoked, i’d have a cigarette now.
david, from earlier, clearly we’re a notch above napoli. it’s us v. dortmund for the cream of the group, and no i have no fear about getting through. so long as complacency doesn’t seep into the squad; they’re working so damn hard for each other, though, i can’t see that happening. bring on dortmund!
Scrub knows.
Nytol.
What a performance. Flair, teamwork, maturity, graft… A pretty comfortable clean sheet for Szcz too.
That’s what am talking about!!!!!!!!! Yea yea yea I luv these boys oh to be a gunnerrrrrrrrr
That was some matured and controlled performance.
Arteta, on his return, 74 passes with 99% accuracy! TR7 looked a little leggy and rusty, but good to have some minutes for him with Ozil on the pitch.
If we had pushed a little harder a couple of goals more could have been scored, but wiser decision to have a more controlled game in the second half.
Some of the Giroud-Ozil-Ramsey triangles were best I have seen us play in many seasons! Ozil MOTM for his impact and class, but Ramsey as well as Giroud had great games.
Per-Kos just impenetrable! Best defensive pair since we moved to Emirates? And they look at the better now for Flamini’s protection.
lol, ibath. have a whiskey on me: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotobot/71277402/ 😉
Eandy, that was very good refereeing as you have noted. Letting the game flow with decisions without getting anything out of hand.
Well i got that well & truly wrong! Hats off the boys were awesome. That was Arsenal of old, high intensity in attack & controlling the ball once the lead was 2-0. I didnt think the side was capable of such a showing against a class side. Full credit to Wenger & the boys.
That was sheer class all the way through – players and fans. Fantastic how they kept their chants up for so long from 60mins to 70 mins.
As Chezzer said some games ago, we fear nobody.
But maybe it also shows a difference in quality and tempo between Serie A and PL.
Just want to say, there was no player that Napoli had out there tonight that I would have in our squad. And I don’t really believe that Higuain would have made a difference because the service wasn’t there.
Dortmund will be the biggest test, despite them having lost to Napoli.
So relieved that Aaron came out for the second half. Arteta was also superb again tonight – the partnership with Flamini looks very interesting.
So – on to the Midlands then a two week break when we will have more injured players back.
There is not much to say this was pure class and in fact the best performance this season so far!
I was amazed in the first half it was beyond pure football even Barca wouldn’t be able to stop us!
UP the Arse and please lets pick out from here!
Just a delightful performance to watch. And, as mentioned in earlier drinks, a well-balanced team performance, too. Napoli aren’t half as bad a side as we made them look tonight. Drove a stake through some pre-match TV punditry that we hadn’t played a decent team yet so it was too early to say that this was a good Arsenal team. Morons.
well said, david. good for you to own it. and i think we’re in for a special ride this season.
Ramsey, Giroud, Ozil were outstanding. Might Wenger go with Flamini & Arteta in midfield from here on as they totally controlled the tempo. Topic for another day maybe, time for the highlights again
Group of death?
Pah.
Which prune said Napoli were a notch above us? They might be a notch above Sunderland.
Great stuff tonight. Only thing missing was the obligatory goal from Ramsay.
Drinks, bar, lars etc…..
This is Arsenal! That is all.
There’s finally a competition for places in the team and we finally have some depth! Looking forward to santi this weekend!
David….
Hats for admitting the wrong! Good on ya son!
an amazing set of stats, courtesy of roger bennett at espn.com:
Arsenal’s control via astonishing pass completion: Mertsack 77/80 (96.3%) Flamini 75/78 (96.2%) Arteta 70/74 (94.6%) Koscielny 58/62 (93.5%)
beautiful, mesmerizing, complete domination in those numbers. with more to come. how can you beat a team whose central defenders only misplace 7 passes of 142? that’s 95% completion rate!
Top top performance from Arsenal! But given our form and results it wasnt that too fae fetched to think we would do well. Well, unless your name is Dave! 🙂
I would love to continue the convo and eat more humble pie but needs must & bed is calling as up early for work. Again, what an immense showing from the boys!
One Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal, bloody Arsenal!
Seriously impressed , what a mature performance , they improve with every game at the moment and I don’t think many teams could have survived that first half onslaught. Bon Aniversaire le boss 🙂
Good man David.
OK, just got home from the pub.
And I don’t know what to say.
That first half in particular… I’m just lost for words.
Group of death? Yeah, for the other three teams, maybe 🙂
Perfect night’s work. And we still have a few players to come back too! By the time we play Dortmund we should have Cazorla, Theo, Podolski back!
Best performance this season. More tomorrow.
What H2H said @207.
Am lost, don’t even know what to say about the performance. Am all smiles -ear to ear.
My pals who are Chelski fans are doing the analysis while I sit & nod.
Cannot believe those utter cnuts smashed up Piebury Corner.
I now it’s been discussed before but Arsene has an interesting problem – how does he accommodate everybody in midfield when they’re all fit?
Özil and Ramsey are fixed items, unless he feels one of them needs rest.
Cazorla instead of Rosicky maybe.
In most matches, only one of Arteta and Flamini will be needed so that will make room for Theo.
But the balance this evening was so amazing that it looks ideal for the Dortmund games.
And assuming Diaby gets fit again at some point – is he going to get any games?
Cunts indeed N7.
That’s what I believe they call a luxury problem dk. 😉
dkgooner
Thats the kind of problems Wenger can handle!
Can’t fault David too much. For so long, things haven’t gone our way. But last year, we saw their potential, for greatness… Don’t want to jinx us, but blimey, this will be our year. Just know it! Have a great nite, holics. 🙂
The togetherness of the team really oozes out from this pic http://instagram.com/p/e8GNW5OJxV/
And also Santi looks like Pers kid :D, anyways night night holics, amazing evening 🙂
Piebury Corner report here:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/piebury-corner-restaurant-near-arsenals-2328697
But scroll down to the picture at the bottom – does that man in the middle look unhappy to be at Arsenal?
H2H – maybe it is a luxury – it certainly looks like the spirit and atmosphere in the squad at present can cope with anything.
Those two goals will forever stay in my heart …………
Stunning absolutely STUNNING!
dkgööner
Sorry to say but if fans behave like this then it’s the clubs responsibility to make this right and so called FIFA should take action on the club.
Sounds a bit blant but they would do exactly the same to us!!!!
Anyways Holics
Happy moments brilliant win and I swear to GOD there is more to come from these lads!
Up the ARSENAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The problem now is ……………
THERE IS FUCK ALL TO COMPLAIN ABOUT! 🙂
Love ya all………..Night Holics!
Well done to the lads for a magnificently professional performance. We totally blew them away in the first half, then controlled the second. They never got to put us under any kind of pressure, and were forced to take potshots from way out. I believe they only got one on target and Szczesny easily held it.
Özil’s finish looks better each time I see it. To get that kind of pace and placement on a first-time volley hit on the run is supremely difficult. He made it look so ridiculously easy and Reina had zero chance of stopping it. He is also deceptively quick. The sudden burst into the box to set up Giroud took the defenders completely by surprise. And Giroud’s movement was top class as usual.
Well, it’s time for me to catch some sleep.
Irish coffee for me Guvnor. And hold the coffee 😉
Well done Arsenal!
Finally home. As I said after the match, my first impression was that this is the most balanced squad in years.
Rosicky pressing adds new dimension to our game. Flamini and Arteta partnership solid and compact. Defenders resolute, no nonsense and intelligent. Attackers direct, creative, mobile.
Almost perfect.
I guess I’ll be in minority once again, but I think that Theo as wonderful and useful player as he is, clearly disturbs this kind of balance in the team. Tonight all the players attacked and all defended, as a team, stretching from left to right, forwards to backwards. Theo’s weakness is his defensive contribution, not that he don’t want do help, but he has yet to learn how to do that. First, he must work on his positioning, then he must learn to use his speed not only when attacking but when chasing the opposite player, as he usually jogs somewhere behind him.
He has his strengths of course. Especially in this king of matches when we have the lead and the opponent is vulnerable at the back, him coming as a sub, could be the key to score more goals.
So even when he is back, I would keep this starting line up, with only one sweet problem to solve. Where to play Cazorla?
Wow and wow again. That’s the way to do it. Great team performance – everyone was tip-top. Sweet dreams for us all tonight.
Well – time for bed.
Wenger out!
Lurky: I agree with you. I think he can’t be involved in the game like other players. We rocked that right side of Napoli because we had Ramsey/Özil playing keep away with the opposition. And as you can see we have Rosicky that can do the run deep like he did at the first goal, two defenders follow and Özil can work his magic without any pressure.
I knew having Rosicky would give us another dimension, Ramsey, him and Özil runs all over the pitch, from left to right and back. Wilshere is so much better when he’s not on the wing I have to add. Rather have Rosicky there as it is now. Ramsey started right and played it like he’s never done anything else, the position that made many of us frustrated with him and he crushed it.
Might be my mancrush for the mozart, but he really is class.
Lurky I couldn’t keep away now that is a very hard gamble, both Rosicky and Cazorla are class both are good enough. Cazorla works i defence as well. Rosicky is more direct and attacking minded.
Cazorla likes to drift in the middle more, but he’s a good finisher too!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Dunno who will play where.
What I do know is that whoever pulls on an Arsenal shirt for the next game I trust them to get the job done. Great effort across the squad and a real togetherness about them that we’ve not seen since at least 2006, if not before.
Just think – any other team would be buzzing over Gnabry right now. Instead… well, it’s hard to know where to look.
Oh, and Ozil – proper world class player. I think many of us felt on the summer that we’d take him over Bale and he’s showing why – a player like Ozil makes everyone around him better.
Did I mention that I fucking love this team?
COYG
Can’t be more than happy that we sold Nasrift, Clishit & we didn’t buy RHart.
Shity practically gave BM the head job last night.
We’re Arsenal, we are the best.