We Need To Overcome The Blues
Dec 21st, 2013 by 'holic
Nine blank days. The players have had a chance to let their hair down and party ahead of Monday night’s visit by the club from the bus stop in Fulham. Let us hope that they are as positive as the boss suggested following the recent reverses.
“They have been disappointing for us, but I don’t think they have affected the morale…I think even more that the players are focused to respond on Monday night. It can happen in a season when sometimes you have a bit of a weaker period. How you respond to this kind of problem is what matters.”
Unfortunately Laurent Koscielny looks unlikely to feature and of course Jack Wilshere is suspended, but there is a return to the squad for Lukas Podolski. It would be good to see him back up to full match-fitness as the pointed end of the season looms large. Theo Walcott will look to continue his impressive record against Chelsea.
As for the visitors it would appear that the petulant Mourinho has ruled out a start for Ashley “I nearly swerved off the road” Cole after the left-back attended the Arsenal players Christmas party. (Insert something here about not sure how I feel about that, but who am I and what does that matter?) Aside from that his biggest selection posers involve who to play alongside John Terry (ugh) at the back, and which of his inconsistent strikers to go with.
Although they could go above us and are clearly involved in the challenge for the title there is a fragility about them this season that is causing seasoned Chelsea followers some concern. On paper they have the midfield options closest to our own in terms of class and quality, but their treatment of Mata in particular has been strange. That he played and scored when they beat us in the CoCup should not be overlooked. They have lost at Everton, Newcastle, and Stoke on the road, as well as at Sunderland in the CoCup this past week.
“We don’t beat our big rivals any more.” Don’t you wish you had a pound for every time you have heard that, but two defeats in Manchester have done nothing to deter that sweeping generalisation. Can we overturn that CoCup defeat? Of course we can. For a start you can be certain we will not be starting this match with the likes of Fabianski, Myaichi, and Bendtner as on that night. Even without Wilshere we have options in midfield that could prove decisive.
The ‘holic pound is pointed at the result I feel we will need to return to the top of the table. I type before Liverpool host Cardiff at lunchtime, but with the Welsh club in danger of imploding I don’t expect any help from that direction. So it is 3-1 to the Gunners for me at a mouthwatering 22/1.
So there we are. Time to start, or rather continue, the onslaught of overindulgence for the ‘festive’ period. Yo ho ho.
Have a good one ‘holics.
389 Responses to “We Need To Overcome The Blues”
Drink! Morning mate.
Oooh what an early drink 🙂
Excellent and balanced article as usual. Chelsea certainly can be got at this year. This is the best opportunity Arsene will have to finally get one over The Special One!
http://www.notanotherarsenalblog.wordpress.com
I fancy Walcott for a couple in this game. Need the Flamster sweeping up in front of Vermaelen who makes me very nervous now im used to the calm of BFG and Kos together.
Hope you don’t mind me mentioning the below…. as “it all for charity mate”……..
Jacks doing me no favours trying to sell these two signed Wilshere shirts to raise funds for Great Ormond Street with the 2 game ban, although I would be telling a little porky if I claim that I wouldn’t have been tempted to flip the city fans the bird myself…..
Anyway, have a look. Offers Anyone ??
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200995369000
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200995373146
Chavski cockup but freshness and spark on the Arsenal side to grant some Christmas cheer. 3-1 would be the ticket. Come on you Gunners let’s see what you can do with 9 days of rest.
Make mine a lemsip.
Morning all. Nice report holic. I must say that I am really looking for an early Christmas present. I want to be 3 nil up and from block 4 start a round of “sacked in the morning, you’re getting sacked in the morning.” That’s all that is on my list Santa.
Hopefully going to make a pre Christmas gathering in the Tollie. That’s assuming anyone can be bothered to turn up this time???
Heh, morning Steve.
I won’t be there now until the LWC’s pay a visit. I’m sure a few will be though.
And good morning Esso and Pip,
YAG!
Morning all….
Great title Guv certainly need to overcome those blues. My little one watched of all the goals by TH14 last night anx it was great to see we stuffed them every time!
Morning all!
Nice preview, H.
I’m already pumped up for the game even though I know it’s still two days away. Our boys should be well rested and ready to give their all in this game. I can’t bear the thought of us losing to that mob in our backyard again this season.
1-0 to The Arsenal will do just nicely for me but just for the sake of the ‘holic pound I hope we win 3-1 😉 .
Top o’ the morning holic.
The bus driver will play his most physical team against us, because Dein will let them have at us and punish the slightest attempts at self defence.
Mikel, Essien, Raimeries and Sideshow Bob will start.
2-0 to the good guys.
Morning all,
Nice one, Holic – 3-1 would be just lovely!
Steve T,
Doubtful that I will make it to The Tollie. The old eight times operated knee has twisted and keeps giving way on me, with resulting extreme pain. If I can find a way of shoring it up enough to get to the game, I will have to go in via Drayton Park station and walk as little as possible.
If you fancy giving me a piggy back to Finsbury Park after the game when Drayton Park is closed ………….. 😉
Looks like we might have Cashley and van Pursey begging to come back then …. ?
Here’s a clue chaps – Two word answer – second one’s “off”. 😉
Right, I’ve got more wrapping to do than Dizzy Rascal so “laters, Holics” 😉
Sorry to hear about your injury Trev, and I hope you get better soon. Never have liked to be kneedy, myself. 😉
jeez louise
trev
feelin your pain
broke my kneecap
few months ago
sore
isn’t the word
fuckin sore
is
get well soon fella
Hiya! Hölix,
Blow off the blues with the every strong cannons at the grove. I look forward to a clean sheet.
As per Steve, please nurse it well and get better soon. Hopefully, the win on Monday is the curative balm.
COYRs
Trev
Sorry to hear this. My neighbour and Gooner fanatic who will be accompanying me has a similar problem so I won’t be able to run to two piggy backs. Especially as my back is dodgier than Kyle Naughton.
I’m very pessimistic about Chelsea but quite positive about the rest of the programme and the LWCs in the Cup. I’d take a draw if we could win the other three. But it’s Christmas and I’ve been a good boy all year so maybe Santa will deliver three gift wrapped points . Theo does have a great record against The Chavs . We will need a dynamic Rambo and Ozil and a refreshed Giroud .It would be great to see the loathsome Mourinho brought low.
Nice preview, maestro.
It’s high time we sorted out that shower and re-established the natural order of things.
Sorry to hear about your knee, Trev…..physician heal thyself probably doesn’t help! Orrabest pal.
Feeling your pain, Trev.
time for
tony blackburn
yeeee haaaa
pop pickers
Poptastic, cba 🙂
Afternoon young bath.
Sorry to hear about your knee, Trev. Best wishes with the healing and recovery.
Cue the Suarez lovefest in 5,4, 3,…
Cent, can I be the first to do it?
He is unplayable and absolutely best footballer in the world at the moment.
Hop on Trev. I will give you a lift. I’m taking it that you expect to be out for 3 weeks??????
Thanks fellas –
had just been telling my daughter I might be able to start a few tennis hits with her again and – kapow! – it did a “Poldi’s Hammy” on me. Struggling to walk at the moment 🙁
bit of a limp excuse Trev
Put your best foot forward and get well soon
The term “balls” was first associated with Coleman in 1957 when he was at BBC Midlands, Sutton Coldfield, presenting a Saturday night 15-minute roundup of the day’s football in the Midlands. A technical hitch occurred and there was a black-out, but Coleman could be heard calling out to the technician in the studio, “Trust you to make a balls of that.”
Commiserations to all David Coleman’s family and friends
The voice of football and most other sports to my generation.
David Coleman’s gone. Cant believe it. But its true.
‘Osborne – one nil’. Gutted. In all ways.
pull yerself
together
trev
goonerdom
flollops
on a misery guts
hop ye
to
the liquor emporium
i’ll have
a stout and a half
john j
i’m feelin all jamesony
I think we should have bid £40,000,002.
We’d have clinched the league by now
trev
only jokin
pains
sore
and
sore it is
though
i can’t recommend
heavy drinking
enough
mind you
heavy
consumption
of same
can
result
in random
internet based
bullshite
to be
regretted
after
re-reading
the day after
not that
that’s
something with which
i suffer
i am
abstemious to the max
so
hey ho
hot chocolate for me
annie bloody lennox
on the radio
was there
ever
a more
overly earnest
shitehawk
i think
no
ho ho ho
she’s got a face
i wouldn’t tire
of
throwin tins of beans
at
oy vey
am doing
a lump
of a big
fry
at the minute
i am bereft of
black and white
pudding though
nowt says
i festively love you
like
pigs blood
and
eyebrows
i really
shoulda planned
better
Assorted ColemanBalls
“He is one of the great unknown champions because very little is known about him.”
“If that had gone in, it would have been a goal.”
“We estimate, and this isn’t an estimation, that Greta Waltz is 80 seconds behind.”
“He is accelerating all the time. The last lap was run in 64 seconds and the one before in 62.”
“And the line-up for the final of the women’s 400 metres hurdles includes three Russians, two East Germans, a Pole, a Swede and a Frenchman.”
“The front wheel crosses the finish line, closely followed by the back wheel.”
“The Republic of China: back in the Olympic Games for the first time.”
“That’s the fastest time ever run, but it’s not as fast as the world record.”
“Forest have now lost six matches without winning.”
“There is a fine line between serendipity and stalking.”
“If that had gone in, it would have been a goal.”
“This evening is a very different evening from the morning we had this morning.”
“He’s seven seconds ahead and that’s a good question.”
“I think there is no doubt, she’ll probably qualify for the final.”
Some of his imitators
“Without being too harsh on David, he cost us the match.” – Ian Wright
“They didn’t change positions, they just moved the players around.” – Terry Venables
“Michael Owen to Newcastle is the biggest transfer of the season so far – and it will be until there’s a bigger one.” – Jim White
“I can learn as much from Darius Vassell as he can from me – but he can learn more” – Andrew Cole
“I’d like to have seen Tony Morley left on as a down-and-out winger.” – Jimmy Armfield
“I spent four indifferent years at Goodison, but they were great years.” – Martin Hodge
honestly ‘hol
ye can’t
please some people
washed up
thank you
big fat chuckles
happy
christmas to you
Heh, cba.
Pigs blood and eyebrows 😉
Sold out in Sainsbury too. Just tried to buy some 🙁
Haha Kompany
seems to be
the case
everywhere
‘hol
twill be
cow toenails
and
deep fried attitude
this year
again
oh
how the arsed family
suffer
Trev, hope the knee gets better as quickly as possible!
Been watching a bit of Brum v Forest, and that fucking thundercunt Paul Robinson just reacted to a bad challenge by screaming and shouting. Somehow the words “pot”, “kettle” and “black” come to mind… It ended with a red card for a Forest player whose name I’ve already forgotten.
cba, good to see you back at the bar.
Hope everyone are having a good weekend. Drinks are on the bar for you all if you want them.
howdy lars
hope alls well
with you and yours
i’m back in the bar
in finger typey only
as they say
en france
je suis blootered
though i really
do not recall
a time
when i’ve ‘holiced
and
not been shite faced
to a greater
or
lesser extent
anyhoo
happy christmas everyone
or as devo said
merry something to you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUKku3MhCPs
deedle eedle dee dee
Cheers cba, all’s well except for a few toes on my left foot that still haven’t recovered fully from being broken and dislocated over a month ago. And I guess when that is your biggest complaint there really isn’t too much to moan about.
lars
tis the season to be moany
vent that there spleen
fa la la la
cba @35 – 😆
Lars,
you should be well set for lots of Christmas kisses with all that there miselrytoe 😉
howdy trev
‘hols buggered off
for the afternoon
and
didn’t the palooka
leave me behind
the bar
whatcha havin hopalong ?
where’s mrs bow son’s youngest
wee take a
snot the bar without him
The pressure always mounts at Christmas. 12 points in quick succession and if you happen to be in bad form……… Apparently the most successful side at this time of year over the last ten years has been…The good old LWCs. Which proves that any setbacks you have now aren’t necessarily terminal.
But one issue that is clear is that we need a much better goal difference. That’s why games like the Hull one look like missed opportunities now
Seasons Greetings from a splendidly warm Auckland, ‘holic!
Now that Citeh and Suarez FC have overtaken us at the top of the league, the pressure is truly on our boys to beat a title rival. True, Liverpool have already been dispatched ,but, despite thier relative league positions, I feel Chelsea will be a harder game. Kick off here in NZ is a very friendly 9.00am!
Merry Christmas Holics – lets drink to our continued success!
COYR’s!
Nice post ‘Holic, I’m just happy to be up to date with the drinks (& also Arseblog’s posts), backdrinking is a chore that would bore most people’s eyes sore 😛
I quite fancy a 3-1 win, wasn’t the last time we beat Chelsea at home also a 3-1 win back in 2010?
Sorry to hear about the knee Trev, but are you absolutely sure you didn’t want to get out of getting aced by your daughter on the tennis courts? 😉 All the best mate.
I would love to go to the Chelsea game on Monday, would be my first 3 home games in a row ever (Chelsea, Cardiff & T*ttenham) but tbh its pretty dire straits for my accounts until January, I’m going to be responsible for once & settle for the two games I’m already lucky enough to be going to this holiday period 🙂
Goal difference is beginning to stack up against us right now…we need to sort that out soon…and Monday has got to be a win…psychologically will be difficult to overcome if it is a loss…especially with ManU strengthening…Suarez has got the belief strong at Liverpool…I’m not sure ManCity will win their game with Pool?
ST,
A bad dose of West Fife lurgi has descended upon me which may make the drive down tomorrow a bit of a challenge. Her Nellieness doing a medical check at 6.30 am tomorrow. I’m optimistic. You would not expect otherwise. Your round as I recall? And yes, Bath and I both know that we have to find you first, seek you out, unearth you from your layer, remove your invisible cloak. We’re up for all of that 🙂
Heh@46 🙂 (and 47 too, by the way)
ttg and Peter: goal difference may come in handy at some stage, but it is very rare that the title or the CL spots are decided on goal difference. Apart from ManCity the other year, I can’t even remember the last time either the title or the CL spots were decided on goal difference.
Who else thinks Liverpool might just win this league?. I’m telling you the thought is just creeping up on me Scary stuff I tell ya. Still not feeling good about monday. A win would lift the spirits massively. Well cheerio. Early to bed, early to church. You know? The place where I worship?. Loooooo…after 15mins…ooooool
El Magnifico, Liverpool can definitely win the league but they are heavily dependent on Suarez. They have one massive advantage over all other teams up there, however, and that is the lack of european competition which has meant and will mean less wear and tear on their squad. But an injury to or a loss of form for Suarez and their chances of winning the title will be pretty close to non-existing.
Liverpool for the league- absolutely no chance. Citeh will thrash them next week. They are the ultimate one man team and although he is a wonderful player they will struggle to make Champions Zleague. They have beaten poor sides recently . A friend of mine is a Liverpool season ticket holder. She is astonished at how well they are doing but feels defensively they are very suspect.
Citeh have a very strong squad and are phenomenal at home. They also have a decent Christmas programme. Liverpool will lose to Cheksea and Citeh.
ttg: good point about their defensive fragility. I may also add that while I think that Liverpool *can* win the league if Suarez keeps playing like he has been so far, all the signs now point to City being the team to beat.
I must also say I hope you are right that Liverpool will finish outside the top four, if nothing else because it would be quite interesting to see just how much Suarez’ new contract would be worth in that case. My guess is that there is a release clause at a comparatively low sum (i.e. something like 40-45 million) if they finish fifth or lower.
have felt
my present
from herself
despite hints dropped aplenty
it appears
not to be
michelle pfeiffer
i despair
i really do
Those who couldn’t understand why AW would go after Suarez must be choking now. What a buy that would have been. (Since making him captain of my fantasy league team Wellington Booters a month ago I’ve risen from 20th to 5th in the Happy Train You Ropey League) He’s made Poo the Spuds of 2013, a one-man team. Shame if he broke a leg, aye.
As for the chavs, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t beat them … except for our unfortunate habit of finding a way to lose to them. But if we can get back to the top we have it relatively easy until well into February…
West Ham A (bottom 4)
Newcastle A
Cardiff H
Aston Villa A (big grudge match)
Fulham H (bottom 4)
Southampton A
Crystal Palace H (bottom 4)
On form only Newcastle and Southampton should be a problem. Okay, football doesn’t always follow form but we haven’t been as strong as we are now for years.
Öskar
I wonder if either Real or Barca could go for Suarez given the tax debt investigations they are facing. That doesn’t leave a lot of options for a Bale-size transfer deal … just PSG really, and they already have Ibrahimovic and Cavani. I’d be over the moon if we could help them out by taking the latter.
Öskar
Oskar, Barca could if they sell Messi to PSG or possibly Monaco.
Now now, stop laughing there at the back. I maintain that Messi will burn bright but not for very long and I think the powers that be at Barca know this as well, and they also know that such a dominant figure can quickly become detrimental to the team when he’s no longer at his best. Despite him not being very old I think we’ve already seen the best of him, injuries are starting to be a real problem for him and for all his dribbling and goal-scoring skills his game requires tremendous acceleration in the first few steps, and much like Ronaldinho who was quite a similar player in many ways he will be far less effective once he starts to lose that burst of pace. My predicition is that in a year or two he won’t be anywhere near the best in the world anymore and Barca will want to sell him while they can still get a lot of money for him.
I agree with both Oskar and Lars.
A man desperate to play in the Champions League will be well aware that the almost total reason they are on course is ..him. If he were to suffer a serious injury and given the problems that Sturridge and Gerrard have they would be in real trouble. He is beating teams on his own. His new contract won’t have been as naively drawn as the last one but I think the buy- out clause will be set at Bale levels as Real are the team he covets.
We have a great run coming up and need to make it count.Looking at Oskar’s list I think we can definitely get 17 points irrespective of the Chelsea game and that would put serious pressure on our rivals. Points in the.bank are a huge advantage and we are very strong away which will be very important.
I think the transfer tittle tattle that is surfacing is rubbish,for instance the signing of Schlar which had been reported as virtually agreed by several websites conveniently forgot the fact that he is injured and out for eight weeks and the idea of Wenger signing Casillas just after awarding Szczesny a new contract is fanciful in the extreme. I’m starting to feel we may not see anyone.it won’t be Costa or Benzema but a loan signing of a top striker makes a lot of sense.
If ever there was an opportunity for arsenal to show others of our trophy winning intentions, this match is it.
Play strong and win well and the message is sent loud and clear, arsenal simply had a blip against city and will be tough for the rest of the season.
Falter at chelsea and the message that the the media want to hear will be sent just as strong – “arsenal failing again in December”.
Wether this is right or wrong is not the point, the message will be heard in one of these two simple ways.
The players now need to stand up and be counted when it matters most, no excuses about Wilshire FA action, no excuses about koscielny injury or fatigue in the squad.
Fatigued and under strength squads simply don’t win titles.
Either the squad has real depth and quality when it counts or we don’t.
This will be a big game for vermaelen and the jury is still out on his defensive and leadership qualities. Arsene would have rushed our captain back in if it were any other way.
This of course does not mean we don’t have a great first 11, but a great first 11 does not win the premiership at the end.
A great first 11 gets you to December in the top spot.
All other weekend matches will be done and dusted and the premiership table will be there for all to see over the Christmas break.
Aussie: don’t you think we have a little more than just a first 11? We may not have two elevens of equal strength but not even Man City have that. Theo is back, and Poldi will be on the bench on Monday. Chamberlain is on his way back. Those are three quite good players right there who will add depth to the squad.
Just seen the goals from Liverpool-Cardiff. Criminally poor defending on Suarez’ first, the defender actually turns away from the play and waves for offside and is, lo and behold, totally out of position to stop the shot from Suarez. Take nothing away from the finish, but how the fuck can you leave a player like him in such space in the area???
ttg: those Cassillas rumours are starting to feel a bit like the Obafemi Martins rumours of a few years back. There would be no logic whatsoever in us signing him.
“Those who couldn’t understand why AW would go after Suarez must be choking now”
If that’s really the case Oskar you have to ask why we did not slap another 10 million down rather than get embroiled in the what turned out to be a rather embarrassing fiasco?
BTM. I have just Googled ‘west fife lurgi.’ The results state it an aversion for placing ones hands into ones pockets to obtain ones wallet, release a few moths and to present themselves at the bar!!!!! Why does none of that surprise me????
And yes, I am round.
😀
Vydra scored a good goal today Eandy 😉
Wasn’t Sterling’s goal offside?
Never mind, the Mickey mousers will return to mediocrity once Stevie G is back in the team.
Fulham gift wrapped a win for City – shocking defending.
City and Liverpool have to play each other twice yet.
Whatever the result on Monday, Arsenal are still going to be still in this title race.
Lars, our second string backs is the area we still have some work to do at the top level.
Jenks and vermaelen have had some poor games between them and do not fill me with a high sense of comfort.
Our returning midfield is of course good news, but Players coming back is very different from players who have been back for 3or 4 matches who have gained 90 min match fitness at match pace.
Walcott to score a hattrick against Chelsea!
At least, that’s what I requested in my letter to Santi Claus 🙂
Everyone enjoying the Christmas season so far?
Have an eggnog or ponche-a-creme on me!
Hello holics,
Big match this. I agree with Aussie that this game is a must win because I feel it is good bye title [psychologically] if we lose at home
Come on arsenal, time to show some dominance at home.
Also, RE: Messi, I don’t quite agree with you Lars. He is still the best naturally gifted footballer in the world. He epitomizes skill over power, touch over athleticism and humility over cockiness. May be it is just my opinion, but I don’t see him leaving Barca just yet
He hasn’t been at his best due to injury, but to write him off like people did Nadal would be jumping the gun a bit
Cheers
Steve … when 40,000,001 didn’t trigger the move I believe AW accepted that Poo weren’t going to sell to anyone for anything less than a Bale figure. There was also the small matter of Özilla still to be negotiated, the final cost of which was probably not known at that time. Since Özilla was most likely AW’s priority, no way could he up the ante for Suarez and risk ending up with a bill close to 100mil for the pair of them. I don’t believe we had that much to spend, certainly not for just two players whoever they were.
I looked on Suarez as perfect for us, especially at a bargain price, but never expected it to happen. I was simply pointing out what might have been to those vehemently opposed to the idea … we’d probably be at least 7 points clear by now and hot favourites for the title.
Öskar
Oskar. My opinion is that we were exceptionally juvenile with our negotiations for both Suarez and Higuain. We firmly believed that there was a release clause in his contract, as I guess did Suarez and his people. If we had been really serious about signing him then we should have gone back with an offer of 50 million. All we did by adding the £1 onto our 40 million offer was to infuriate Liverpool and therefore make a deal virtually impossible. They had a player that was due to serve a lengthy ban and had publicly stated that he wanted out. I personally think that if we had acted differently that he would have been an Arsenal player for that price. I don’t think they would have turned it down. I also think we had enough money to do both the Suarez and Özil deal if we wanted to.
Suarez is a wonderful player but a human being that I would not want near my club. Personally I wish we had not switched targets and had concentrated on getting the Higuain deal done. I think signing Özil and Higuain would have left us in an exceptionally healthy position.
As I said, just my opinion.
Had a dream last night I was largeing it going down the road to collect at the bookies. I’d done a £5 treble, which had come in; Arsenal to win 5-0, Giroud to score first goal and Theo to get a hat trick. I was waving my betting slip to all and sundry, cant remember much else.
Wonder what the odds on that would actually be? Not backing it, because I never bet on Arsenal matches.
Harsha: he’s not going to become Jonathan walters overnight, but the acceleration in his first few steps is key to his game. And when you’ve been the best of the best, not being as good anymore may also make playing football a lot less fun and an unhappy player rarely performs particularly well.
Steve/Oskar: there is one aspect in the whole “why didn’t we go all in for Suarez?” story that I feel is always overlooked. I am still not convinced he actually wanted to move to us. If I had to bet on anything I would bet on him and his agent conning us into making a bid in the hope that it would get Real/Barca off their bums and when that failed they made it known to us that he wasn’t interested anymore. If we are to be brutally honest, at that point in time when we made that bid there was really not that much incentive for Suarez to make the move from Liverpool to us. We did have the CL qualification round ensured but not much more, Flamini hadn’t signed and Özil hadn’t signed and the general mood around the club was a bit shaky. (Özil was a slightly different story, he felt he wasn’t appreciated at Real and at that point we had secured a place in the CL group stage, he knew Arsene since way back and wanted to play with him as manager and we had the German players to convince him as well.)
Also, let us not forget that at that point Suarez had yet to produce the stats that he has done so far this season. It should be remembered that up until fairly recently his conversion rate was rather atrocious, he was nowhere near what players like RvP, Aguero or even Theo were. There was also the disciplinary issues so was he, at that point, worth as much as Özil? I don’t think he was.
Esso, I dreamt I was tidying up the house. Not quite as exciting as dreaming about a 5-0 win for the Arsenal, to be honest.
I dreamt i was at a festival with my mates amongst whom was one Serge Gnabry. Go figure
I dreamt that Suarez ate John Terry in one sitting.
I passed him the salt.
Regarding the whole 40 Million plus 1 bid story…I think it is just not in Arsene’s DNA to pay heavily for a player, maybe as an Economics prof he can’t quite make the leap…Ozil was someone he coveted for a long time so coughed up the money…Suarez at that time was embroiled in controversy so it would have stuck in the boss’s throat to pay more…still, the plus 1 thing is kinda weird, as if it were considered a joke or something, not surprising it was received the way it was…anyways, that ship has definitely sailed…let’s see if the boss steps up to pay a big price again….in the meantime let’s see if the boys step up to some serious business…enough Swan Lake for now…let’s get some Incredible Hulk thumping happening for the next period 🙂
Zico
And Suarez passed the biggest turd ever seen.
😀
Heh@81/83!
Dreams all round yh?. Well here goes: Dreamt we won the UCL beating Real Madrid. Bendtner scored the winner in extra time… Sounds more realistic than winning 5nil on monday. Hehe
Liverpool aren’t that a one-man team. They were really good during Suarez’ match ban. He just seasoned them up really good. The media must favour them for the title before us I guess.
Return of the LuPo.
This time he’s back…for good.
If Jose doesn’t wake up screaming, he won’t wake up at all.
Thanks for all the kind wishes, folks.
Hehs @zico and Steve T. 🙂
Quote from BBC Radio 5 Live 1 minute ago:
“Remember Arsenal ? They were top of the league a week ago. They could be fourth by the end of it.”
What is the problem with these turds ?
Tottenham one down. The gift that keeps on giving!
Trev
Just because we are paranoid about Arsenal doesn’t mean that there isnt a huge bias towards the clubs in the North- West at the Beeb. It’s been there for years. United only need to beat West Ham, Stoke and Villa – wow! And good old Moyesy has steadied the ship. Loathsome
Let’s just keep on trucking and we’ll make the biased pundits eat their words at the end of the season!
Southampton are beginning to find their true level, it seems. I’ve only seen about 15 minutes of the game but their defending is embarrassingly awful.
Southampton you utter bellends.
Tomorrow now looks a bit of a must win, if it didn’t before.
I think we had good excuses for the defeats to the Manchester clubs and even Villa. No excuse this time – we are about to find out where we’re really at.
Not concerned about the LWCs. They’ll be 6th or lower come May, their level has already well and truly been found.
I hope all those attending the Chelsea game recall the lesson of last weekend – be loud, stay right behind the team and get on at the officials from the first whistle.
Three points and we are bang in this. Liverpool will fall away over Xmas. Utd are too far behind. Chelsea look neurotic. Us and City, all the way.
COYG
Ugh, the Saints are devils in disguise :/
Lars: The entertainment for me in that game was laughing at how shit Soldado is. Spectacularly awful !
chrisgooner: that miss from about two yards out was a bit of a peach. It must have been more difficult to miss than to score from there.
I’m so pissed off that the spuds won this one. But, I guess every fan needs some Christmas cheer so can’t deny them that 😉
Assist?
Gooooal
Well in, N7!
Finaly found a spot in the hotel with decentish wifi conection; so a quick hello to all you holics out there.
I think I’m sorted for tomorrow’s game too as I have al jazera sports, or something to that effect, in my room. Commentry will be in a language I can’t make heads or tails of, so it will be sound out, beer in one hand and dodgy cocktail in the other.
Come on Arsenal.
Will have to backdrink another time.
Greetings to you all and I hope you are all keeping safe and well.
H2H.
Cheers H2H.
Nice one H2H!
I can’t believe H2H has gone to a place called El Gouna for his holidays. Wife must be shaking her head in disbelief.
Re. the Totts, it just shows what a dunderhead AVB was. Team has a problem scoring goals and he leaves Ade*** training in the reserves as punishment for ??? He’s now scored 3 goals in 2 games. That’s what happens when you get a gooner as manager.
quality preview as usual holic.
I ageee with N7 that the LWC aren’t a threat. I guess it’s time to take Pool seriously though. Somebody said I was on drugs when I said Rodgers is a quality manager. Might want to rethink that comment mate
Rodgers is a cunt. I reserve judgement on whether he’s a quality manager or not, until he’s actually done something. Like win a competition.
Esso.
Couldnt agree more on Rodgers.
Cant stand that fucker.
Cheers – a nip of my Jameson 12 year reserve?
(Its actually quite good.).
R
Rodgers mob have just had two games against clubs in disarray. Before that, they lost to Hull. Next two games will provide an insight as to the measure of them. Suarez is quality but the rest look suspect to me. Suspect they’ll scrap out fourth with Utd.
Stupid iPhone stutter.
Tomorrow night I want to see us go at the Chavs from the first whistle, Napoli style.
We’ve had rest and we know that the first goal is likely to be vital. If we can grab first then we can rip that fragile back line apart on the counter attack.
Bring it on.
I agree with you re Suarez at #78, Lars. The fact he really wants Real not us is why I never expected it to happen … unless AW offered him a Rooney salary and Poo a Bale transfer fee, neither of which was ever going to happen. The 40mil+1 was most likely to get Real to bid for him and make them keener to do a deal for Özilla.
Öskar
Just heard about some bad weather flying in over the British Isles and checked the Met Office site. Not too sure what they mean with their “be aware/prepared” warnings, but is there any risk of the match not going ahead due to public safety reasons or somesuch? Reading the description of the amber warning level makes it sound like the world would be about to end, but knowing the Met Office’s propensity to hedge their bets after that “it won’t be too windy” incident many years ago I suspect they bang the big drum quite often?
Lars. Mourinho always has needed a watery grave. 😉
41 mph wind gusts predicted. SZCZ may be able to score one or two. 🙂
41 mph? Use the bloody metric system so the rest of the world can understand too 🙂
OK, I googled a converter and it’s roughly 18 m/s – that is quite a lot, to be honest. If that forecast comes true it may be very, very tricky conditions to play in. If that is also combined with the predicted heavy rain then there may very well be issues with visibility too, not to mention disruptions to the transport system.
Well, we’ll just have to wait and see. By the way, I don’t want the game postponed of course, just to be clear about that. Let’s hope the forecast is wrong and we can play the game in good conditions. I would hate for it to become a lottery which it will be if those forecasts come true. Well, unless we win the lottery of course…
Hmm, just updated the metoffice site. It now says 52 mph gusts, which is 23 m/s which (at least here in Sweden) is above the legal limit for even big ferrys to go out on the open sea. Seriously starting to think the game might be postponed.
BTW, if anyone wonders why I am so caught up by the forecasts it’s because I have a case of insomnia after drinking a massive bowl (it was too large to be called a cup…) of tea at the wrong time of night so I am frightfully bored right now and I have fuck-all else to do right now 🙂
Insomnia here too mate. The game will go ahead. It will be shit weather, but not bad enough to call a game off.
Sounds reassuring (the weather, I mean, not the insomnia!). Cheers for that. Let’s hope the only fluid-related incident will be the special cunt trying to avoid drowning in his own bile after we’ve stuffed them.
Think I shall try to fall asleep now. Wish me luck 🙂
Good luck mate.
I have given up.
Thanks all for your contributions. Take care anybody lucky enough to be going to the game. Just because the weather won’t be pleasant doesn’t mean we won’t get a result.
3-1 please God 😉
There are 27 lengthwise rows of wooden planks either side of the widthwise mid-point of the ceiling in this room. And one extra plank exactly in the middle, so it’s an entirely symmetrical ceiling. Some would also perhaps say there is a plank sitting on the sofa typing this up as well.
Nope, still not asleep. Where are all the doctors? I need some sleeping pills!
Holic, I hope you have had better luck negotiating with your brain than I have had with mine and are now fast asleep.
Just watched the most remarkable film, Searching for Sugar Man http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Searching_for_Sugar_Man and I recommend it highly to all.
Lars, if you are in the same boat as I then I am so sorry.
Here if you need to vent by mail.
Morning all.
Sorry about your insomnia Lars and ‘holic. I’m an insomaniac myself, I always go to bed around 10-11pm but always end up staying awake till like 2am everyday. I’ve learnt to live with it though.
Funny how tea denies Lars sleep but makes me feel sleepy anytime I take it in the morning, different strokes for different folks I guess.
You’re not meant to smoke it though, Cent. 😉
Goonerinsomniacs- a new breed. I slept like a baby ( without the nappy) . That may have had something to do with the three bottles of wine I shared with my Gooner neighbour who will be accompanying me to the game tonight .
Poor weekend for results so far indicating how quickly things can change especially with games coming so close together. Frankly I’d take a point tonight because our forthcoming fixtures look very friendly compared to our rivals. Never like Mourinho against Wenger. He eats Wenger for breakfast tactically and psychologically – and when he doesn’t like the League Cup Final the officials intervene to help them. I expect Kos to return but not to play through all the Christmas games and our key man tonight will be atheist who has a great record against them.
Theo’s an atheist? 🙂
What y’all have is a case of Delayed sleep-phase disorder (DSPD) which is okay to brag about a little bit like I tend to do. Insomnia is not something to wish for I tell ya…nd its nice to not feel alone in the world smetimes. Hehe. Early morning Alomo bitters for me (google that) and I’d like to share with whoever is interested. 2-nil to the gunners and give Mooreen his own case of insomnia. Cheers ‘holics.
N.B: Anybody else here has a keloid somewhere?… Nobody?. Okay. *awkward* 😐
I’m saying 3-1 to the good guys.
The Chavs have looked on the verge of a nervous breakdown for weeks now. Time to give them that final nudge…
Needing to overcome the Blues is an understatement Holic.
I had a Blue supporter in the barbers yesterday willing to bet me a tenner they were going to beat us at the Grove AGAIN this season. He was only willing to bet the scouser in the barber a quid they were going to beat them on boxing day. He cheekily said that we were a bigger obstacle to overcome than the scousers, as beating us meant that they would go top. Meanwhile the scousers have found their voices again.
I myself, just think it’s good to be back in the title race again and intend for us to stay there. I just hope the squad hope for the same thing. I mean it’s not like we’re out in Naples. #Boink# (I think).
Anyway, my crystal ball tells me Theo, Giroud and Ozil will turn up tonight. Get the tactics wrong and we may not even see a draw. Get em right and we’re back at the top (See Barker v Getafe).
If you are going down to the game tonight guys (I myself will be tucked back up in doors. However, I and the family are getting down to the West Ham game. Let’s get em), please can you make as much noise as the lads deserve? If I were getting down there, people in the rows behind me would be whispering conservatively and the rows in front would be turning round annoyed or annoyingly, whichever the case may be. But if it means we remain on top for the Christmas, then at least I would have contributed to the festive season. Ho, ho bloody ho!…
Anyway, you’ll be pleased to know that me and the false blue shook on it. I’m expecting a win tonight. Anything else would be a bloody cheek and an insult on to ourselves.
No pressure lads! 😉
# Correction#
…beating us meant that they would go top. (What happens when I’m interrupted in between a post)
And how, in the name of all that is holy, have I managed to damage ankle ligaments? The drive tomorrow will be hell.
Fukc
# Correction#
…beating us meant that they would go second. (What happens when I’m interrupted in between a post)
fukc it!
ankle ligaments? I have had faulty knee one’s for as far as I can remember. #boink# (I think).
The future lies in the hands of younger GT! 😉
Zico- not sure where that came from I think Theo is more agnostic or maybe a lapsed Anglican but I will blame the iPad for that one! I hope he believes tonight!
Sorry to hear about the ankle Holic. My mate who will be accompanying me tonight is seeing a specialist about his knee and Trev is hors de combat because of his knee. We are showing the effects of a long and intense season. Imagine what our livers look like!
I would expect you to be out until the Spurs match. Hope Christmas is a painless as possible. Tonight will help a lot!
Morning Holics from a very wet west country. It’s time we stomped on these reptiles. I am looking forward to our restoration of the natural order of things.
Not sure I’m going to get a chance to visit the usual watering hole pre- or post-match so I’ll wish the regulars a very merry festive season and a full haul of points (and pints) from these Christmas and New Year games.
COYRRRs
*Hits road with snorkel*
Sorry to hear about your ankle Holic. You must have been tensing your ankles or not been ‘relaxed enough’ when you fell over last night. 🙂
Get better soon – meantime ice, strapping and analgesia of choice.
BTM down with some “I might have to get my wallet out” illness and now Holic out with a training ground injury?? Don’t tell me, 3 weeks?????
Get well soon one and all.
Cent, why not just stay up until 2????
Absolutely fed up, trains to London cancelled later this afternoon and no chance of the 23.14 running to get us home. A very expensive seat is going west!
Good luck to all who can make the game, I imagine the Ems will look half full.
Happy Christmas Holics
King’s Lynn Gooners
Dosen’t this link, just make you wish you were rich?
http://arsenaldirect.arsenal.com/gifts/signature-collection/icat/signeditems?utm_source=arsenal&utm_medium=splash&utm_campaign=memorabiliaphase2#signeditems?utm_source=arsenal&utm_medium=splash&utm_campaign=memorabiliaphase2&sort=sequence_signeditems&sort=name&parentCategoryRef=signeditems&order=asc&order=asc&q=*&setpagenum=1&isviewall=1&perpage=25&bklist=icat,4,shop,souvenirs,signeditems&_suid=1387800222507049357484719445055
The train operating companies in this country are an absolute disgrace.
DL Ltd excepted, of course. 😎
im with you holic on a BIG win for us..morale boosting XMAS CIDER TO FOLLOW AFTERWARDS…http://gidigooner.blogspot.com/2013/12/match-preview-arsenal-vs-chelsea-all-i.html
Thanks all,
Need the miracle of a clear M5 and M6 tomorrow as it is the clutch ankle.
I wish it were a fall, bath. Think at one point of my three hours of kip I must have gone for a 50/50 ball with Ramirez, dirty little bastard 😉
Get Management to drive, H.
You can navigate, behind a can of guinness. 🙂
The weather is indeed a worry for this is the time when the snow descends and the rains and winds batter. Worry because the likes of Mesut are used to winter breaks and now have to play atleast 3 of the 4 games in the upcoming 10 days, what will be a niggle may very well turn to be a lot worse in these conditions.
Liverpool are average with an exceptional player in their ranks, without StevieG they seem liberated and i maintain he needs to be phased out for them to have any real chance of success( not that i care but i meant generally).
Chelshit play the same way against us, give us lot of possession yet ensure we are not threatening enough in the final 3rd, they will play on the counter and in Oscar and Hazard( hopefully no mata), they have players who can hurt us. Its up to us the ensure we dont go down the same path and have a frustrating night again.
A must win in more ways than one, we cant afford to lose and for once i hope the team steps up and shows that they indeed can and will do so.
What are you on Vinay?
“what will be a niggle may very well turn to be a lot worse in these conditions“.
“for once i hope the team steps up“.
Are you sure you’ve come to the right site? This one is for Arsenal supporters.
Hope the ankle is feeling less sore, ‘Holic. Does this mean you will never play pedal steel guitar again?
If only, z.
She is to driving whatI am to crocheting 🙁
Heh @129.
Ttg, I also think Theo will be key to any result we will get today.
El Magnifico, I know the difference between insomnia and DSPD. Thanks.
GoonerTown, I hope you win your bet.
‘holic, sorry to hear about your ankle. Here is to a quick recovery.
Steve T @143, that would mean not sleeping till like 6am. The reason I try to go to bed as early as possible is to give my brain and body enough time to relax, I think science says the more relaxed you are the more your chances of sleeping off.
Sorry to hear about your ankle, Holic.
That sounds like at least 3 weeks. 😉
I am now on crutches as the knee keeps twisting and the pain literally brings you to your kne……. well, you know.
Definitely won’t get anywhere near the Emirates tonight – and maybe for some time given the current state of affairs. 🙁
Enjoy, if you are going. Shout something abusive at Mourinho for me !
No chance to get on again until the new year, merry christmas and happy new year to all who make this place so welcoming and friendly.
And a nice early present from the professor and his team of wonder boys tonight against the dirty russian money machine.
Have a good one, Depressed.
It’s not the time of year to go injuring ankles, knees and the like – it’s difficult to stay upright as it is. 😉
Just remember not to jump (too high) when the 3rd goal goes in tonight fellas – need you all fighting fit and thirsty for Fulham. 😎
Heh! Nice one Ned 😉
Trev, sorry about tonight, but I am starting to think they may have to call it off given the weather and travel disruption.
Depressed, have a cracker. Thanks for your holiday greetings which are, of course, reciprocated.
I hope your ankle recovers pronto, ‘holic. But in the meantime I’m sure Bath can recommend some good Scottish pain medicine. 🙂
When Saturday Comes writers listing their best and worst footballing moments of 2013 – one of them says under Worst Moments:
‘The return of José Mourinho to the Premier League; his self-regarding grandstanding, egged on by a popular media which regularly confuses narcissism with charisma, is grindingly predictable and almost impossible to avoid.’
Top marks to that man!
Thanks 8 ball. I do, apparently, have a couple of pleasing drops of the cratur waiting for me in the Black Country 😉
Holic, just been back drinking and re the ankle:
It’s fairly difficult to damage ankle ligaments without knowing how you did it. If it happened in your sleep it’s more likely to be a cramp in a muscle around the ankle, caused by sleeping with it in an awkward position for a long time.
If you haven’t already, try some hot ( 1 minute ) followed by cold ( 4 minutes ) x 3, immersions over the next two days and maintain lots of gentle movement.
That will be good for damaged ligaments anyway – and if it is a protective cramp that should resolve it.
After 2 days you switch to 2 minutes cold, followed by 2 minutes warm, x 3, and maintain the movement.
Have they ruled out infection and, ahem, gout ?
Good luck anyway. I’ll send the bill by email. 😉
Charlie – Bang. On.
PS Holic,
I presume you are already using ice but if not – 28 minutes x 2/3 per day is good over the next four days.
Abb,
There seems to be a marked lack of you in the bar. Hope you’re ok. 😉
And Tabs – see above. 😉
Thanks Trev. Did the ligaments a couple of times in my footballing days so pretty sure that is what it is. Feels identical. Definitely not the same as a cramp pain.
I remember the first time it happened being told to keep running because the moment I stopped I wouldn’t be able to walk for days.
Loved the old trainers. He was a milkman by trade 🙂
So am I. 😉
Hahahahaha 😀
Thanks Cent, I usually do. 😉
In reference to the cancelation of tonight’s game, I have just walked through the Gooner borough and there’s umbrellas flying around everywhere frantically. To be honest, I hope it does not, as I would not like the ‘so-called’ momentum to also become disrupted. A game in hand a crammed schedule can have its effects. 😉
Here in Cambridgeshire the weather is awful. It would be madness for the match to go ahead as the weather is scheduled to get much worse. Not sure of the percentage of Emirates regulars who are based outside of the capital as travelling to the match willl be a challenge in itself for those of us that have to take trains to London and back.
you soft Southerners.
A wee breeze and yeez get yer knickers in a twist(er).
I am on my first pre-match bevvy so the game better go ahead or I’ll be forced to spend time with Rox….. 😛
Banjaxed knees, ankle ligaments, broken toes… bloody hell, we’re so dedicated to following our team that not only do we wear scarves and replica shirts, we even copy their injuries!
Still commuting through islington. A tree has fallen in Kentish town and now trains are delayed.
Just saying 😉
Heh!
Lars knows.
Will be on it in twenty minutes z.
😀
I’m just about to leave from rural Kent and we drive to Ebbsfleet and catch the Hi- Speed. Mrs TTG who many years ago decided I was an idiot, especially as far as football is concerned thinks I am extraordinarily daft to attempt to go but my mate is driving and I am doing his drinking for him.
If they cancel it the decision needs to be taken fairly soon- and I think Sky might have something to say about it. It will certainly be impossible to play decent football in this so Chelsea have a big advantage!
Half o’ Tetleys for me …… Tea, of course 😉
Are the bookies offering bets on the game being cancelled ? Sounds like the worst of the weather is heading east into London by the hour.
Re: TTG @176: If Sky has as much as expected to say about the game going forward it looks like all signs are go:
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/9086605/arsenal-v-chelsea-game-set-to-beat-the-bad-weather
Looks like it is going ahead. TV rules. I hear people saying we played in worse on the past but things are different today. That significantly synthetic carpet will be like a skating rink. Hope we avoid serious injuries. I also hope those travelling distances both get to the game and then get home again.
Now, time for my second Guinness.
Goonerholic, in the local, for any bugger that wants to read it 😉
8ball: one would hope though that Sky has absolutely no say at all in deciding if the game goes ahead or not.
What Holic said – except still on my first tea here. 😉
Holic, the risk of injuries is certainly a concern tonight. We’ll see what happens but games have been called off at short notice before (wasn’t that Stoke game a couple of years ago called off about 90 minutes before kick-off?) so…
Trev, I take it you are drinking half a cup of tea? 🙂
To all you ‘holics travelling tonight a safe journey. To those on the ever growing list of injured and maimed ( particularly Holic himself) please avoid the medical team at Colney if you want a speedier recovery.
Zico……just don’t tell Rox if the game gets cancelled 😉
Still wild here on the jurassic coast – not conducive at all to a game of football – no concern to Sky of course.
Whatever COYRRR!
Just seen on Sky what looks like a river running outside the Emirates.
Fans told to arrive “in plenty of time!” And how do you do that ?
Half o’ Tetleys, Lars – as @177 😉
Trev, forgot that you already did that joke… 😳
Nutty Nigel on saying that it’s remarkably good on the pitch despite the conditions outside.
To be fair that Stoke game was exceptional Lars. When I got to the Tollie not a flake of snow had fallen and ninety minutes later there was inches of the shit and the steps around the stadium were death traps as they were turned into compacted ice.
It was very forgettable, Lars. 😉
True that, Holic. I guess public safety isn’t much of an issue today. Snow is of course a totally different story.
Marouane Fellaiti has wrist operation ! Matron ! 😉
I think these days games get called off:
a) on police / local authority advice if the conditions are unsafe for the public, including travelling to / from the ground.
b) by the ref if the conditions are dangerous for the players.
I would think there has been enough information for a) to have come to a decision by now. For b) this would be done nearer kick off time. No idea what Mike Dean is like on such matters.
There was a foot of snow ( sorry, 29.5 cms ) on the roof, Lars.
But that was, indeed, a different storey. 😉
I don’t believe it. Sky are running a special programme on Christmas Day – repeated three times, called “My special day”, starring John Bleeding Terry.
Pfffttttttt ! 🙁
Right. Too many sick and lame on here. Man up boys. This is the Arsenal.
On the central line heading towards the grove. Weather is dreadful. Far worse than anything the swedes or the sweaties have to put up with. This is dear old Blighty. When it rains it jolly well rains. The wind is playing havoc with my hair. But no excuses. You are do your auditions for casualty. You sit in the dry and the warm, supping ale whilst the game is on. Don’t you worry about us brave diehards as we venture out it what can only be described as arctic conditions. We will be fine???? It could be time for some Tommy soup and Kendal mint cake.
Bollocks to the chavs. Bollocks to the chav fans and a fucking bollocks to the Hampton of all Hamptons that is Maureen.
Come on The Arsenal.
😀
trev, after today’s game lets hope he’s bleeding in fact.
one diaby, coming up.
Heh Steve……good on yer and let’s hope the effort is well rewarded. Spoil the hair style 🙂 🙂
I’ve got to venture down to the local where I might encounter a chav or 2…. even though I’m a fair lick from London, gooners are in the majority here. I think calling Maureen a Hampton is too kind, he is the Joe Blunt of all Joe Blunts and with warty knobs on. You can gather he’s not my cup of tea. Talking of which, on the second cup yet Trev?
Bang…. Have that Maureen.
Good man Steve.T. Up the Arse.
COYG
The hair is a real problem Uply. In this wind I just can’t do a thing with it????
Well in Steve, hope that’s a good omen for tonight. As for your hair style, suggest you give Toni & Guy a miss next time;-)
Heh, Steve T !
Did you have an original Sun Syrup ?
Would have been just the job. 😉
No syrup. All natural Trev. Good luck with that knee of yours.
Just left Stratford and it is hacking it down. It could be an interesting evening.
Ankles, knees, toes and now hair!!!!
All our best going down in a busy period, sounds way too familiar. 😉
Here on the sunny side of the world, I’ve been up since 6 (a good 13 plus hours ago) and have been drinking like a particularly thirsty fish who has a lust for beer, damn you All Inclusive concept, hic.
Gonna stagger off to my room in a bit, out of wifi range, and see if I can catch some of the game before I pass out.
But before I depart, I’d just like to say;
F#ck the chavs, f#ck em in their non exsistant before 2003 bung holes, f#ck their plastic fossil fueled fans, f#ck their horrible self important scum sucking twat of a manager and just for good meadure, a plague of bibical preportions on all their houses.
Enjoy the game my fellow ‘holics.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS.
Well said H2H! 75 minutes away, Bar Matchday Holics you can come in now 😉
Chelsea are in for a tonking tonight and that’s not even the best part, the best part is they don’t even know it. they will be dazed!
Arsenal team to play Chelsea: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Rosicky, Ramsey, Ozil, Walcott, Giroud
Arsenal subs: Fabianski, Monreal, Jenkinson, Flamini, Cazorla, Bendtner Podolski
Chelsea – 11 cunts
And seven cunts on the bench…
Can’t remember the last time I was this nervous.
We need a win today, for so many reasons. Don’t disappoint me
Arsenal.
COYG!
They’re not just any old cunts – they’re uber cunts!
Hey everyone, I quite like the starting line up, lot of pace in TR and Feo.
Nervous as hell too Lurky, we need to win this one!
Hi Holic and holics. Holic, enjoyed your preview (the good humour re OUR Ashley, esp.) Remember folks, once they wear the Red n White, they will always remain one of us 😉
Now, very sorry to hear that Trev’s knee and Holic’s ankle are acting up! Have it on good authority that Depressed Gooner has an ankle ailment as well. Hope you three, heal quickly!
Delia, sorry you can’t make the game in person, but look forward to hearing your comments, as always.
Sorry I’ve been MIA lately, but I have a very good excuse (Oh yes I do!) 😉 H2H, sounds like you are on a holiday? If so, enjoy! Yes, got a lot to catch up on and missed you all terribly. 🙂
Now lets beat Chelsea, and hopefully JT will trip again and chew some cud. Lovely vision 😉
Eandy / Lurky…I also like the line up – TR should be a big influence.
Right off to the local juicer…enjoy the game everyone. Laters.
Hey abb, nice to see you, to see you nice 😉
Hey Eandy 🙂
What did you think of Vydra’s goal a few days ago?
Bloody hell I’m nervous right now. Sitting here all by myself in the country house, and for some reason watching Arsenal play when I am on my own always seems to make me a hell of a lot more nervous than usual. It doesn’t matter who we play, I just get very, very nervous. Bit weird, that.
But at least I am warm and dry. Soldier on, Steve and everyone else going, and cheer the boys on to three points!
Hey Wind,
well taken, kept his cool in front of goal. I am quite intrigued how he is going to do with Baggies. He has loads of talent, and was scoring goals for fun last year for Watford.
He just needs to play now to show what he is about:)
Come on you REDS!
Thanks Brucie 🙂 xx
COYG. Back from Xmas shopping just in time for me to see you rip the Chavs from limb to limb. 🙂
Chavski with mata and oscar starting on the bench.
interesting.
Hows the weather looking? and does anyone have a feed they can reccommend? I’m stuck at the office with some BS deal thats stalled out.
Homer – choose from these 🙂 http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=232232&part=sports
Eandy – you are the KING of them streaming internets.
many thanks.
Great tackle by Bac!
Cuntzpiliqueta!
The rain and wind creating some mischief out there on the pitch, slipping and sliding. Water sports. Nice gesture by the Special One.
Good to see Jasper Carrott getting work as a referee these days. 😉
Beginning to get a little nervous here.Nearly 20 minutes in and I haven’t noticed Savage say anything bone-headed on 5Live. Am I going down with something?
COYG
Typical Mourinho tactics so far.
Great ball in by Bac!
I must say it was nice of Wenger to lend Mourinho his coat.
Holy Batman, nervy moments!
Did someone forget to give that cocky little shit Mourinho a whistle as he seems to be refereeing ?
WHEEW!
Good saves by Woj!
nervy ..and oh..I love you Per!
Trev @ 237 🙂
Mike Dean playing scrooge, no pk!
Mikel you filthy little…
Absolutely blatant penalty denied by Dean – what a surprise. Tosser.
ouch that looks bad
looked like a clear hook on walcot.
you know mike dean gives that P to chelski if that was in the Arsenal box.
come on ..we are making it difficult for ourselves!
Savage comes through – wait for something to develop; speculate upon it being part of a Mourinho masterplan, then spend the next few minutes commenting on the basis that it was a Mourinho masterplan.
And then he spoils it by saying there should be a red card against Chav$ki and a penalty to Arsenal.
COYG
also how Mikel did not receive yellow for that “tackle” is beyond me
Not hard enough, Tomas.
Good man Tomas
we look tentative in the chavski box.
Jesus wept. Ramsey nearly set them up for a perfect counter!
*puts on fresh boxers, again*
Aaargh…please no more of these breaks from our corners
Got to sort our performance out second half but mike dean, Jesus wept. Can we get a decision in a big game?!
Morning all,
As with Lars, very nervous pre match
Good even defensive stoush first half
Get the feeling this game could explode open
As expected vermalan pushing forward often and leaves 4 v 3 for our defense
Arteta working hard in the trenches. Like to see Flamster and Poldi put on their bathing suits and join in on the pool party 😉
Wouldn’t be surprised to see a Turco-German winner this half.
Eandy, Mikel is mischievous and nerver should be trusted! No manners, that chap 🙁
Hear hear, N7.
Loathe to criticise Rambo but he has given the ball away so many times.
Dean never fails to live up to the lowest possible expectations. Shockingly biased See You Next Tuesday.
Aussie, I was wondering why we looked a bit thin at the back and very vulerable on the chavski break. I suspect you are right on TV5.
Get it together boys!
And that rain …! Whew… props to all those braving the deluge.
in short hes a cunt abb right?:D but thanks for more graceful description of disgraceful player;)
Seeing that studs-up challenge from Mikel again is sickening. Dean is doing his usual second rate job and letting everything go without giving a single card.
Not sure about the pen, was it definitely one? My appreciation of the finer points of the rules doesn’t qualify me to say for sure – maybe someone can shed some light.
Should probably have been a penalty for Theo, but then again we’ll have to thank our lucky star that Fat Frank hit the bar when it was probably easier to score.
The conditions aren’t helping us. It looks very, very slippery and that always favours the team that just sits back and counters. Having said that, we do look a bit nervous and are bit too passive at times. Yes, it is the dreaded handbrake. Too many are waiting to see what the guy with the ball is going to do.
45 to go. Come on, Arsenal!
Nervousss
Fear of losing the pundits are saying at halftime, from both teams, and I think that’s been true. I think that will change as the second half goes along. Both teams want to win this one. Arsenal particularly very much need to. As it opens up we’ve got be clinical. I miss Koscielny tonight. I hope Vermaelen is being told to stay home right now because his forward runs could cost us dearly.
First goal will be huge. God let it be ours.
7 attempts, 2 on goal for Chelsea, 1 attempt 0 on goal for Arsenal. That’s got to change.
COYG
Apparently even at our own ground we have to play against both the opposition AND the referee. Mikel should be off and Walcott should’ve had a penalty, even the pundits are admitting it as we speak.
FUCK YOU MIKEY D
Nice summation Goonsterham.
Dean calling the game rather idiosyncratically I would say …
Mike Dean is a gigantic cunt.
Two very nervous teams. We have the wind & rain at our backs next half (assuming Mike Dean doesn’t ask for it to blow the other way) so maybe we can get some more pressure in their half. We need to more concentrated and quicker.
COME ON YOU REDS!
Please, please, please don’t let Maureen have his day…again.
Entertaining comments, holics! C’mon Arsenal!!!
I think the subs may play a huge part in this match.
Some real quality on both benches to come.
COME ON!
Impec1 is very observant ! 😉
I wish Giroud wouldn’t try reaching those balls, risks over extending his leg, and get a hamstring injury. Not worth it!
Never mind damaging the orchestras, abb. 😉
Ha ha Trev 😉
Chelsea happy to invite us on and then try and hit us on the break. This means
(1) We need to make them regret that decision by hitting them HARD
(2) Vermaelen needs to defend and not get caught out
Wonder how soon we’ll see Cazorla/Podolski?
Too slow – too many backward passes.
Something has to change here. The attacking play is too slow and indirect and the Chavs consistently have time to get back with loads of men behind the ball. While that keeps happening we’ll be lucky to get even a sniff of goal.
Every 50/50 decision going against us -_-
Has to be a fucking red
Poor Arteta! Do Chelsea mistake him for LJW?!
Does Dean have the balls for a red card? No. Stupid question.
Good to see Abramovich has given the officials a nice Christmas box.
That is another red card.
Dean is a cheat. FACT !!!
ANOTHER STRAIGHT RED OFFENSE Mike Dean FFS!
Obi Mikels tackle went during 50/50 challenge ..this was uncontrolled lunge….fuck you Dean..just fuck you
He cannot be serious
Woj cheats Lampard! 🙂
Walcott yello for being on the pitch
krikey – 3 shots on goal?
We’re doing nothing in their half.
Its a game now here we go
A honest to goodness fight!!!
Ozil winding up ivanovic god on him
The foot up rule is also abandoned for the night then.
Mike Dean is taking the fkcuing piss tonight!
What a fucking dive by ivanoviv
Should be a yello for diving
Dean is now reaping what he sew…totally lost control of the match …oh and also he must be joking.
Dean. An absolute disgrace!
Erm, subs?
proud of you Aaaron. Was the proper thing to do there, putting the ball out of play.
Did I mention how much I hate that bunch of scum bags.
Top to bottom.
could someone casually stomp on Ramirezs leg while he is doing his theatrics? I usually am pretty forgiving but he is a player I absolutely loathe…so the more we kick him up..the better.
I reckon Ramires is faking, but at least we get a look at the tasty physio that Chelsea have.
Now, where are OUR subs?. Cutie Oskar takes the field.
Arsene taking massive bet by delaying our subs..
Oh no giroud miss
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh, OG!
we have been pretty toothless so far …I reckon Poldi should come in and score a winner…just sayin..
OG oh my oh my
Dam, sweet Jesus!
Oooh big miss
Good play
Lovely play in the box
how come thats not iiiin?:O
Bricking it
What no subs at all? Seriously dude?
What are we doing?
We miss AOC in situations like this. Very forward thinking/playing.
i dunno.
i think we look pretty dreadful.
the rain is a major hassle, but still … we look clueless out there.
Back four, generally excellent. I’ll give them that.
Where are the subs?!
COYG
Good momentt to score lads
We once again look confused as to whether a draw is enough.
ramirez is a diving cheat.
Fucking clear it!
Well, the weather was bad, but AFC looked toothless and tired.
Not a good sign.
Sky praising mike dean for “controlling the game”.
Balls to Picasso!
And how mike dean is still allowed to referee matches is just baffling.
Both teams defended well. Fair result, but am personally gutted. Company here at the bar, outstanding. 🙂
You have to credit Mourinho – he clearly knows how to threaten Mike Dean.
if you offered me a point before the game I would take it ,..apart from fat franks crossbar, chelsea did not show anything apart from kicking us up, diving and be disgraceful in general.
Needless to say, OG should have converted one of those chances..a shame..but not end of the world.
We’ve just watched why Wenger never wins against Mourinho. Tactically outplayed.
No subs on – I ask you – what’s the point in that?
Bereft of ideas on the pitch and on the bench.
Sorry but Giroud needs to start delivering in the big games.
He misses too many good chances in the games that matter.
love giroud, but need someone who can take those chances up front when the chances are few…
Need a more clinical finisher if want to win the league this year or am afraid will just miss out again. 🙁
Oh and also both Mikel and Ramirez deserved a straight red, Ade was sent off last year for very similar tackle Ramirez did..which leads us to conclusion that Mike Dean, indeed is, a major bellend.
Sorry for harsh words but I am really fucking furious with him.
Hoping Suarez eats his second course on Sunday at the Ivanovich Arms. 😉
Well, it was nice being top for almost the first half of the season, I enjoyed that.
Positives first:
– Clean sheet
– Sagna worked harder than I’ve seen anyone do for a while
– Didn’t lose
Negatives:
– Ineffective in attack for large parts
– Too slow in the build-up
– Poor pass completion
– Hardly ever looked in danger of unlocking the massed defense
– Haven’t we seen those tactics from Maureen before?
I hope we don’t regret that….but we’re clearly not quite on song and picked up a point. Need six from the next two Gunners.
Oh yeah, reading Eandy’s comment just reminded me.
Other negatives:
– Mike Dean
– Mike Dean
although watching on telly, it could be that the weather won out?
The first chance which fell to OG was difficult to hit first time, but in the end required different technique..should have go for placement and not power.
The second one I think he did everything he should, Cech was off his line quick and closed the space, love him to bits but we really need him to convert at least one of these chances in big matches, it will come..but I hope that soon.
I can understand AWs decision to not use any subs, games will come think and fast now, we just had 9 days rest and noone had really poor game. Still…unusual.
What zico said.
And jet and GB. Giroud works his socks off but HAS to start taking those big chances.
Not that we have any chance of getting him but Lewandowski would have put that one away.
FACT !!!
Arsenal …. nil
Chelsea … cunts
Dreadful game. One team not interested in winning, one team incapable of doing so. Oh well…
Well, at least we didn’t lose. Chelsea came to draw the game at worst and hoped for a breakaway goal. I know people are wanking off about Cuntinhou’s tactical prowess, but come on – setting up a bank of six behind a bank of three with a lone chap up front isn’t exactly rocket science, is it? Any manager can do that, but few teams have the material to pull it off like Chelsea can. They play exactly like this in every away game against top competition.
We weren’t good enough, I had hoped for more but one point is still more than no points. Onwards and upwards.
9 days off?
Arsenal looked like the keystone cops out there. Not encouraged at all by what I saw though my free stream was pretty fuzzy.
At home we need to be taking 3pts. off a chavski side with a defense as shaky as theirs is. Mike dean or not.
We were poor, but there should be an inquest into mike dean. Fucked by officials two weeks running.
Still, second at Xmas and some winnable looking games coming up.
Ozil needs the rest of the week off, I think.
Last 10mins wished Bendtner would have come on for Giroud.. could have tried those long balls, which he seems to be so proficient in putting away with his headers.
Shoulda Coulda Woulda…SIGH!
Argh, this feels like a lost. 2points thrown away instead of 1gained! 🙁
The problem is the zip has gone out of our game. Not enough forward movement.
They look uncertain. Too many passes going astray.
Got to hand it to Mourinho – he certainly fixed the Walcott danger with Hazard playing almost as a second full back. Willian dropping back to cover well on the other flank. He came for a point and hopefully sneak a win. Who can blame him? He had a ship to steady.
So that means 2 points out of our last 9. Certainly taken the wind out of our sails. Let’s hope we can get it back at Upton Park and St. Bigbelly’s.
So let me get this straight?
Chelsea win and they go joint first? We win and we are second?
Answers on a post card please?
🙁
“We came here with an aim not to lose the game” – John Terry.
Says it all, really.
Before the doomers show up – second at Xmas.
Which non oil club would you want to trade places with? Liverpool will be five points back by new year.
Actually N7, I suppose both Mikel and Ramirez tackles are exactly the kind of tackles the FA panel should review ..both dangerous play, late in the tackle, no chance of playing the ball, clattering player heavily ..anyways..I am off. Point is a point but feels like two points lost.
Chelski are cunts..
No, Goonertown. If we’d won we would have been top
G. Neville starting to sound bias since Manures downward spiral! Take some time off son!
Good old Arsenal, proving the pundits forever right.
Thank you Cynic. So we draw and we are second though. Not joint first?
Suppose a draw to the Chavs is like a win to us nowadays!
Good old Uncle Charlie, popping up the most predictable instances. Not exactly sure who we’ve proven right anyway.
Seen the replays of the Mikel and Ramires tackles, they should both have walked.
Also, what the hell does Fatty Lampard have to do to get a yellow??? Theo gets a yellow for his first offense of the game, while Fatty bumbles around kicking lumps out of everyone with impunity.
5 team within 2pts of each other at the top and that does not include ManU(a.k.a Wankers!)
Going to be an interesting season.
On current form City and Pool good bets but their defence is decidedly leaky at best. Problem is they seem to be following the brazillian teams of the 70’s mentality(our opponents score 4, we’ll score 5!)
We NEED another striker PERIOD! (not to replace Giroud but to complement him!)
Joint top, as an LWC would put it. If people want to moan about that then go for it.
F*ing Mike Dean. Type of game where we needed some luck or some great finishing. Didn’t get either. I am not too optimistic of getting the striker we need in January either. Do not know if the quality required will be available.
Other observations have been mentioned before. We were too slow in our build up and I never once believed that we were going to score off Sagna’s crosses. The one time we got in behind the defence, the racist made a block. We need to do that more.
Anyway, we’ve used up the points cushion that we had. Time to build one up before that nightmare run of games in February.
Onwards and Upwards!
Agree Lars.
I actually thought the pen decision was the worst of the lot. He’s five yards away and Theo’s leg is hooked, clear as day. Totally inexplicable.
Shit game Shit conditions Next 🙂 One bright spot it finally looks like we’ve learnt our lesson against them cunts we hardly got hit on the break – Counted maybe 4 occasions which is probably a record 😉 I know I’ve said it endlessly but if we add a Top Top Striker to this side we will be flying, Onto the Chim Chimmeny Charoo slags !
Up The Arse,
Thank you N7 – very well said.
Guess we do need a more clinical striker up front instead of, or even to play with Giroud.
2pts from 9pts, I don’t know how I feel.
N7. Inexplicable except to say that Mike Dean hates Arsenal. Other theories are of course welcome.
Next two games will be like this one – against teams whose object is to stifle and not lose.
It’s about time we found a solution to the problem.
N7: the more I see the penalty incident the more incredible it is that he doesn’t give it. That is a free kick every single time if it’s outside the box.
dk: with the exception that none of those teams are as good at playing that kind of game as Chelsea.
Tough match in tough conditions against a tough opponent. Coulda been worse.
Cheers to all those who braved the weather.
Feel sorry for the lads.
These big games turn on fine margins and just look at the decisions that have gone against us in the last two.
Absolutely nailed on pens not given. Leg breakers not even booked. Perfectly good goals disallowed. It’s like playing into a headwind.
What gives me hope is that, one game aside, we are still not shipping goals. We’ve got a better def record than any of the other contenders and we’ve been to City, which none of them have. Defences win titles, and if we can get back on track ours may yet see us over the line.
Oh, and Jose Mourinho is a massive, massive Cnut. It’s a huge consolation to imagine the moment he learned he wasn’t going to get the Utd job.
COYG
Lots of positives and negatives this game.
Arteta and Gibbs were unsurprisingly good, Vermaelen was surprisingly good. Ozil was surprisingly bad and Walcott was unsurprisingly bad.
We don’t have a quality finisher considering Giroud is out of form and Sagna as good as he is in defense as bad he is in offense. If we have someone like Coleman in his place we would be a force.
Woj, Gibbs, Rosicky and Mert – decent performances.
Anyway, we have important game in just couple of days.
Fuck Chelsea, lets move on.
And another thing – why wasn’t Tomas Rosicky voted Man of the Match.
Tried to drive the game all night long, worked like a dog and who gets it – the racist thug. And Cahill, who isn’t a racist thug.
Dean should be suspended for his performance. At least he wasn’t already doing his victory dance when fat Frank hit the bar though.
Chelsea supporters I know on Facebook are thrilled with the result, which probably tells you everything you need to know about them eh?
Post match thoughts: Chav$ki, Maureen & Dean are still uber cunts.
Both teams gave 100 % effort in difficult conditions but we could not do enough in the final third to break the deadlock – a clinical striker is a must if we are to finish número uno. Our defence generally played well – Sagna yet another immense performance – please get that contract extension sorted Arsene.
Let’s hope we can be more incisive in the following games.
Can’t argue with any of that, Uply.
If this is true, it’s just outrageous.
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/referee-mike-dean-really-doesnt-like-arsenal-very-much-graphical-proof/?
Hopefully we can regroup from this sticky patch, we’re still very much in the mix. I think we have to set ourselves a target of dropping two points maximum between now and when we go to Anfield. As well as stuffing the Spuds in the cup of course.
Tim,
I can’t understand how anyone can be a fan of that house of shit. Financially doped by a fugitive billionaire, directed with utter arrogance, managed by an objectionable ego maniac, and played for by ……. well.
I’d honestly rather bloody Tottenham won anything than them.
dkg
It’s true, and he should be fucking investigated.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
fkcu all that shite, PL club 100: Henry on SP1 now!