Dennis Witnesses Another Good Day For The Arsenal
Feb 23rd, 2014 by 'holic
The morning after the day before, and the early promise of spring has retreated, but left memories of another of the good days watching Arsenal. It started with the unveiling of the Dennis Bergkamp statue. Arrival on the concourse an hour beforehand meant I was still four people back from the front. If there were tickets they would have been sold as ‘restricted view’. The legend and his family arrived, were greeted by and responded to Ken Friar, and engaged in a series of photoshoots and interviews before the man walked around the assembled throng signing as he went.
As ways of keeping one from an early pint go that was about as good as it gets. With God fresh in the memory it was off for a couple of pints and a meet up with some good friends, a couple of whom had flown over from the States. There was something of a buzz in the ground as we took our seats. News of Mesut Ozil’s resting, and Olivier Giroud’s selection had filtered through. Only one question remained. Santi Cazorla or Tomas Rosicky to conduct the orchestra?
At kick-off Rosicky lined up in the centre with Cazorla right and Lukas Podolski left. We had pondered beforehand if Sunderland might have one eye on next weekend’s Wembley date, but concluded their league position was such that they would be tough nuts to crack. We were wrong. Only five minutes had elapsed before the unmarked Giroud applied a simple finish after Bardsley had denied Jack Wilshere a shooting opportunity. If ever a man needed the injection of confidence that provided it was him.
The striker was to benefit from another horrendous defensive lapse when latching onto an under-hit back pass from Vergini to notch his and Arsenal’s second. In the north London sunshine the air was full of ‘na na na na na na na’. If the first two goals owed much to the visitors nerves, the third owed everything to that which Arsenal do better than anybody else. Memories of Jack Wilshere’s goal against Norwich were stirred as Tomas Rosicky applied the sumptuous flick over Mannone to cap a passing move of pace and precision. Team and crowd responded to each other.
Gus Poyet clearly had some ‘motivational’ words for his team at half-time as Sunderland came out with a greater sense of purpose. We had to adjust to the unexpected loss of Nacho Monreal by moving Bacary Sagna to left-back and introducing Carl Jenkinson on the right. “So our only fit defenders right now are two right-backs and two centre-halves. I hope nothing happens to one of them.” Call me prophetic.
After a couple of early scares we were four to the good before the hour was up, and it was great to see Laurent Koscielny score with a powerful header. It was less than great to see him limping around for a few minutes after that before finally going to ground and having to be replaced. Bacary Sagna moved alongside big Per Mertesacker for his third assignment of the afternoon, and Mathieu Flamini slotted in at left-back. “So now we have only three fit defenders.” Master of the statement of the obvious, me.
There was time for a late Sunderland consolation, and a fine effort it was from Giacheerini, before departing for the pub, in daylight. That is such a good feeling. The post match conviviality made for a near perfect end to the day. A point off the top, eleven games to go. We’re still in this good thing.
Thank you Arsenal.
166 Responses to “Dennis Witnesses Another Good Day For The Arsenal”
First?
Cheers Holic. Lovely stuff.
That sounds like one really excellent day. Great report.
Excellent as always ‘Holic
The ice man came and left his mark. How many goals did he put on a plate for Henry.
Ozil needs a fast paced striker to help him out.
COYG
Thanks all.
A day of so many memories.
Well done, ‘Holic.
Great day. Win the next match.
BMBD
A fine day indeed. The obligatory visit to worship at the shrine of St Dennis before the game, photos duly taken. Many more young children in my row on the North Bank than usual – several making their debut at THOF. Wide eyes all round. A dazzling first half left the game won and the stage was set for Dennis to speak. Amazingly most stayed in their seats instead of charging up the stairs for overpriced beer and, not at all amazingly, The Iceman was heard with rapt attention. The young folk learned the words to Walking in a Bergkamp Wonderland as it rang out again and again. Now for the second half. I know that goals one and three were wonderful football, but the old school gooner in me loves it when we score from a corner and I have to say I really enjoyed the way Kos absolutely thumped that header in in front of us and celebrated with such abandon. It’s been a long hard week for the fans as well – three games in six days has meant over 500 miles of driving for me with my lad and I’m not sorry there’s no midweek game – but a week with a Cup win over Liverpool and three points in the league, along with the emotional roller coaster of Wednesday night is not a bad reward. I am loving this season.
Great performance, great win and Arsenal footballing royalty.
All in one day. THE ARSENAL !
Life is made up for days like that.
Nice one ‘holic.
Sounds like a great day out.
Good post ‘Holic, it was a great day yesterday, from beginning to end 🙂 Great to see you & all the regulars again, and of course the Iceman for the 1st time… 😀
God
thy name
is
Dennis
🙂
.
(couldn’t help meself)
.
😉
Broadband down so intermittent service here. Went yesterday. The first half was as easy as it was unexpected. It would have been a great day for Ozil to rehabilitate himself .
Lovely performances from Jack who makes this team play and TR7 and OG played very well too. Only downsides were the jammy scum from the bus stop plundering two points they did not deserve from my viewing if the game in the pub and the injuries we suffered, hopeful none too serious.
If you have earmarked next Sunday to watch the League cup Final I would think again on this evidence.
Good point about Dennis’ half-time speech, countryman. Nearly everybody in their seat and you could have heard a pin drop. Even the Mackems gave him warm applause.
Quick response to IF at end of last drinks:
Joey Barton once famously said that most footballers are knobs (and shows the truth of it through his own example). Sorry to disagree but Jamie Rednapp I would say is a knob with knobs on.
There’s some game going on at Anfield…
Woah, 2-2
It’s looking more like a highlight reel then a live game.
Indeed H2H – I read that Skrtel has just fluked one into his own net – one to savour, I hope.
Not much he could do about it dk, don’t think he knew much about it either.
Sturridge just put another one in. 3-2
It couldn’t have been a better day. Great weather, an early start rewarded by a decent view of the great man, thanks to a lovely young man who hauled me up onto a concrete plinth to get a better view. Photos duly taken followed by a stroll in the sunshine to meet the late arriving Kings Lynn Gooners at the pub.
I was half expecting Sunderland to park the bus and rough us up but as has been said they had their minds on next weekend, which gave us the opportunity to play Wengerball and had me smiling all the way to half time.
Another appearance from the Ice Man set us up for the second half, which sadly couldn’t measure up to the first. We sat back and Sunderland played much, much better.
I left the ground singing the Bergkamp song, convinced his presence had lifted the team. The Rosicky goal will live long in the memory and apart from the injury worries to Nacho and Kos we can move on with confidence to Stoke and beyond.
I was therefore mystified at the reaction of my Gooner friends on the train home, who were full of moans and groans, giving the Corporal in particular a hard time. Some people are never satisfied!
As always COYRs
Another quality write up, Holic.
Dennis Bergkamp.
The Best.
High tempo game at the bindipping arena.
Ref just missed Mingolet clearly handling the ball outside of his area…
Sounds a fine day in the sun for you, ‘Holic, and an unexpected walk in the park for the team.
For the younger ones among us, you will be truly blessed if you ever see a better goal than this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAOozCkIPQU
DB10**@5: Here is a passing masterclass:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70X8goHkONk
Fine game, excellent summary.
Good to see you and the regulars at the usual place yesterday.
Now for the orcs.
beautiful, holic…a veritable feast of the light of god.
well played, boys.
Thanks for the great report, ‘holic, and roll on the positive Bergkamp-inspired energy. Three points at Stoke will do the trick.
Ned @24 – I refer you to my @21. Brilliant link.
dkgooner @ 15 — What?
If you read my post again you may find that we are in total agreement. Of course Jamie Rednapp is a Knob.
Perhaps the attempted humour and irony was too subtle.
I’d be surprized if that was the case tho.
The Tiny Totts supply the laughs again this weekend, keeping an ex-player in a job for at least another week. 😉
At the start ( I missed the first minute) I felt immediately happy seeing Tomas on the pitch. It took me a while to even notice the absence of Özil. I just love the intelligent way TR7 leads the pressing. For the second goal he went towards Vergini, looking round to see if Poldi was coming to press Bardsley, and that pressure caused the fatal error, with Giroud gambling correctly on the pass back to Mannone, and sliding in a first time finish.
And then of course there was the third extra-special goal.
Le’s hope he signs a new contract soon.
Speaking of which, wasn’t Sagna great! I loved the nonchalant way he put a few crosses in from the left, as if he was a left-footed left back. One of them led to Vergini almost scoring an own goal, and I think it was the resulting corner that Kos scored from. What a satisfying afternoon!
Bergkamp. Like no other.
And i have to say that corp Jenks acquitted himself well yesterday.
After being harsh on the man, thought it only right.
And props to Rosicky. He looked really solid. And OG looked like a new man. (Fill in joke here ______).
IF. I heard you the first time about Redknapp the younger. 😉
Tottenham Failsport drop three big points leaving their Europa League hopes in grave jeopardy. Good time for a beer if you please barman. 🙂
Can we play against Vergini every week? Sagna left footed cross sliced past the post by said vegetable was hilarious. 😀
St. Tott’s Day is fast approaching…..
After yesterday’s match I do have one complaint. Why haven’t we signed Sagna to a new contract?!?! Starting at right back? Sounds good. Move over to left back? No problem. Shift to center back? Whatever you say, boss. How many other defenders are out there that can so readily make those changes within a single match and look like they belong in the position? Plus he is loyal, hard working, never complains, other than a couple of broken legs is rarely injured, has hardly lost anything physically, a great teammate, and I am pretty sure bleeds Arsenal red. Just give him what he wants. He has earned it and deserves it.
IF@29. Multitudinous apologies on my part. I took you literally – must be jet lagged (London-Copenhagen) :).
@20 Delia- Block112
Great reportage. Cheers for that. Hope you managed to look suitably disdainful at the clueless knobheads on your train home.
Apology accepted DK!
Yes, that one hour flight to Copenhagen is hellish, so completly understand.
Carlsberg for you on the bar.
The Danes are some of my favourite people.
ecg @36.
Couldnt agree more.
IF@39. Good to hear – the Danes are also very popular with me, especially my wife. But as for me, I’m English. I hope we’re popular too.
*notes the lack of affirmation to @41*
So many memories of DB10, but this is the one I treasure most … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IicmCu47pMo … not a thunderbolt from 30 yards, just sublime skills.
Öskar
Am with you @ecg, am beginning to feel that this might be his season with us. Don’t why they can’t give him a 3 yrs contract. If anyone think the jenkinson is ready for that position, well am sorry to disappoint you he is definitely not ready. At least give home 2 yrs with a further 1 if all things works out well. He is 30 and so what this guy is strong and reliable apart from the leg break, he is pretty durable.
Ooops, sorry Ned I posted #43 before back-reading. My bad.
Öskar
Sagna has been a great player for us, but he’s not immortal and seems to have lost a little pace. I love the guy, but AW will be looking longer-term and could well sell him while he still commands a price. No room for sentiment in football I’m afraid, especially when you’re one of the few clubs still operating as a business.
If Jenks was the answer perhaps we could keep them both, but he’s not. We need an international class RB for the long-term and Bacs is unlikely to want to play second fiddle to whoever that might be.
Öskar
OTD: Unfortunately if we don’t sign him, he is going to be leaving for free as his contract is done at the end of the season. I agree he has lost half a step, but he makes up for it in experience. I think he is still one of the best right backs in the PL and should be for at least another year or two. And even if we find another right back, he can still play all the positions across the back. With the probable loss of Verm this summer, we need experienced players as backups.
I agree that Jenks is not the answer at this point – hopefully he will continue to improve. And with the other positions that need to filled on the squad this summer, it would to be better to stick with the international class RB we already have, imo.
One hour flight to Copenhagen hellish, IF? Pfft, you don’t know what hellish is until you take one of the Hawaiian inter-island flights.
These are the routes where old planes go to die, helped on their way by vicious thermals and wind shearing between the island masses. I once flew from Oahu to Maui in something called a Mitsubishi YS-11. No, not a sewing machine, a real prop plane, and only about 30 years old at the time. The turbulence was epic, so much so that the hostess wouldn’t leave her seat and her messages were delivered in a quavering voice guaranteed to inspire terror.
It couldn’t have been more exciting if a Zero had been on our tail.
Öskar
You make a good point, ecg, if Bacs contract is up we won’t get a cent for him obviously. But I still expect AW to buy a classy young RB anyway and cannot see Bacs playing second fiddle when there is, apparently, a lot of interest in him elsewhere.
A shame we didn’t tie him down 18 months ago. But I guess Jenks was looking the part then. Who’d be a manager!
Öskar
On my back to Plymouth after an weekend that started out well (100% in a lab report), got worse (missed my coach to London & had to pay for a one way train single) & then went from strength to strength. I mean, I saw Dennis Bergkamp in the flesh. I touched him. He posed for a photo with one of my closest friends. He signed my Arsenal scarf. What a man, because as people drifted away after the impromptu signing session, all I could see was sheer happiness on the faces of people, some in a state of content, confused bliss from having their memorabilia signed or having taken a picture with him or touching him or simply being as close as they were to a living legend. I never got to go to a match at Highbury, but meeting Arsenal Invincibles soothes that pain 🙂
After that, photos were taken with all the statues, the regulars were met once again at the Tollie, drinks were drank and a good time was had, there was surely something special in the air & that was shown by the sheer quality of some of Arsenal’s goals in a performance that I’d describe as comfortable from beginning to end. Even the solitary Sunderland goal was met with half hearted groans, because the result just didn’t seem in doubt after HT.
Post game, old friends via Twitter were met, new ones were made. Many thanks to the regulars for their generosity at the Tollie, it was much appreciated. Another Arsenal win that keeps us in the leading pack, and I am glad I was present to witness it. Up the Arsenal!
re Sagna@various. Interesting that Bellerin has been brought back from his loan spell. Wondering if AW wants to take a hard look at him before deciding what to do about Sagna. Word is that inside the club he is regarded as a better long-term prospect than the Corporal.
URL says it all:
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/arsenal-full-back-hector-bellerin-pulls-off-brilliant-lung-bursting-assist-for-watford-v-leeds/
Wind: Jealous, jealous jealous! 🙂
Just read that Arsene says they have a verbal agreement on a new contract with Rosicky! One down, two to go (Sagna and Per).
NBN: I’ve read the same. If that’s the case, even more important to keep an experienced player like Sagna around to help educate the young ones, imo.
Wind. Either that should be drinks were drunk, or that would be me. 🙂
Nice weekend frolics it sounds like in any case.
ecg. If so that is fantabulous news about Rosicky and I wouldn’t put it past Arsene to come up with two more rabbits out of a hat in Bacs and the BFG.
NBN. Lung bursting indeed. Just wondering how to say that in Spanish at the moment as I’m hoping the lad’s Spanish DNA doesn’t come too far into the equation. Rompecontratos?
Re: Oskar @48. Maybe Bergkamp spent too much time on those Hawaiian inter-island jaunts before he became convinced to give up flying altogether? The image you conjure gives my stomach a few things to complain about in any case.
Let me rush into print on this. Piers Morgan has given up the ghost and is leaving CNN accepting the fact the US have no time for him as a critic of the USA. Thank Goodness! Took him three long LONG years to see the light. As a Brit myself, living in the USA now for 35 years, I found his condescending manner and superiority complex infuriating. Imagine therefore how the “natives” viewed him. I believe any critical words US citizens might write about this piker would fill the Albert Hall to its rafters with the finest display of (colonial influenced, naturally) Anglo-Saxon language.
Having tendered his resignation I ask him for only one more act of contrition. Resign his Arsenal season ticket and move north a couple of miles and inflict himself on the Spurs. Please do this. PLEASE. They deserve him. We don’t.
I once had a lung-bursting run. Had to fetch a beer while an injured player was being tended to. Nearly killed me. Now I make sure I have plenty of drinks within arms reach.
Oscar @ 48.
Phew, do I really need to explain that my comment was a joke!
I (like you) live in NZ, so going to and from the UK is a minimum 24 hour flight.Thats hellish — not sure you can travel further on this planet, before you start heading back.
For may years I lived in NYC, and flew all over the states for work (I’m a guitar player). Some smaller airlines in the US are genuinely scary.
(like you) I have lived all over the world and travelled on hundreds of flights that can be reasonably described as hellish.
Just so we all understand each other, I am fully aware that a one hour flight from point a to point b in Europe is easy, not hellish.
I shall refrain from further attempts at humour.
I promise.
DK — even if you aren’t Danish, but English, the drink still sits on the bar.
Irony,apperently, rests in peace.
Good stuff, Wind.
Affirms 41 😉
Morning all.
I see Wind has cleaned up the weather channel a little and is now delivering reports with more precision 😉
Great stuff ‘holic. Good to hear you still made it for a pre-match pint. Any less would disappoint this bloke from the far east.
Lol. Sorry IF, I forgot you are another suffering from the tyranny of distance. An hour’s flight between Euro capital cities cannot compare to 24 hours around the world. The last time I travelled steerage I vowed never to go anything less than business class again, bugga the cost!
Maybe next year…
Öskar
Morning all.
Nice summary h. A comfortable 3 points. Just what the doctor ordered.
Just returning to the land of the living.
Have a good day people.
Just a question:
What do you fine gents and ladies think about a Yaya Sonogo chant that follows the popcorn song’s tune?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBYjZTdrJlA
Yaya yaya Sonogo, Yaya yaya Sonogo
Yaya yayayayaya-yayayayaya yaya Sonogo
I close my eyes and all i see is God, his smile, his emotions, just him just him, i know we won won, i know we scored a thing of beauty in the 3rd goal but sorry for me myi God was there and i saw him again.
In terms of Bacs i still think he is done as a full back, we should retain him and buy a right back and play bacman as a center back when needed. The full backs of today have to have pace and sadly the great man has lost it, this with due respect to a gem we have had.
11 games to go and we still are in the reckoning, how many expected that? Where are the critics who said we will be out in feb as always, well we are the end of feb, we still dont have 2 of our best players playing and yet we are 1 point away from the leader and we will play them as well. fasten your seat belts and pant belts to for we are in for a ride, roller coaster or otherwise.
P.S- Ramires you are a disgrace and thats 2 now where you have dived and won points, karma is a bitch mate, it will bite back.
Hi to IF. Oskar’s response @48 – good to know I’m not the only dumb one around (joke, Oscar – joke).
Hi to everyone – good blog at arseblog today if you haven’t seen it – respect.
Vinay @67. Ramires – it all depends on the eyes that see. Personally, I thought it was dumb foul by Jagielka who either did it automatically or felt he didn’t have the energy to run and chase. Or both. The “took one for the team” cliché. Dreadful defending of the free kick too – if there’s one person you don’t lose in those situations, it’s JT. Everton played well and fucked up at the death. Shit happens and that was a big dump.
Trev@42. Heh!
It did come though – NZ-UK time delay, I guess.
One of the great imponderables is how much more successful we would have been if we had had a fully fit TR7 to call on. He is becoming a true cult figure at THOF and Saturday showcased his talents well. When TR7 plays well we tend to play well too
Ttg – I know exactly how you mean it, being Czech and watching since 2004-2006 when our best national side in generations was dismantled due to age, disputes, players losing form and ending careers, etc, TR7 is pretty much the guy it all stands upon now.
When he plays well, we have chance even against much stronger teams, when he does not or do not play at all..we have no replacement for him.
The period when he was out with the injury is one of the biggest robberies in history of sport for me, he was on his way to become one of the best midfielders in the world (no rose-tinted glasses here, just watch his game pre-injury). Thats why it is so good to see him doing this well as of late and his contract extension is one of the best news I have heard in long time.
Very true ttg@71, an imponderable to rank beside what might have happened if van Stapleton’s broken period had come toward the end of his career rather than the beginning. It’s not hard to imagine a scenario where we built a new stadium, ran a sustainable financial model and did more than “just” qualify for the Champions’ League year in year out.
Speaking of RvC, I really must revert to my previous policy of avoiding the 5Live phone-in on a Saturday evening. Due to circumstances beyond my control that I won’t go into here, I caught the first half hour this week and it did my blood pressure no good at all. To my amazement, the first caller was a Sunderland fan with nothing but good things to say about the home team’s performance on Saturday. He also said that his Arsenal mates, which he and the presenters naturally generalarised to all Arsenal fans, are “simply waiting for the Dutch skunk (I paraphrase) to return to Ashburton Grove in the summer”. This apparently is the reason why ManIOU have further bolstered the weekly pay of the granny shagger.
Well, I may be in the minority amongst fans, for I would welcome him back; on a one-year contract, for 90% of the money he left on, following a full and frank explanation of the exact timing of his house purchase in Manchester and the “You Guys” posting on his website. If he wants to grovel as well, that would be nice but it’s not a pre-requisite.
We’re better off with a harmonious squad, such as the one we have.
It’s on.
COYG
Pangloss – I for one second do not believe in the rumours about RvCs return to Arsenal and I hope I am not going to be proved wrong.
Why on earth would we be in for him, the age is not an issue, he is still quality striker, but he now has so much baggage that it is just unimaginable for me to ever see him in Arsenal shirt again.
Just watch his celebration against us earlier this year after scoring and ask yourself if you would want to see that prick playing for Arsenal.
I would not.
Eändy – if he clears the air, and takes a pay cut, I’d be happy to have him back. Neither of those things is going to happen, so he won’t come back. If they did, and he did, I’d be happy.
Similarly, if my aunt had balls, she’d be my uncle.
COYG
Agree with all that has been said about Rosicky (how is it pronounced, Eändy? Rozisky? Rozitzsky?) and what his long injury has cost us (and his country).
I know life is full of Ifs and Buts, but where would we be now if Aaron and Theo had stayed fit this season? We would only need another 2 points to be top.
dk – As much as I think AWs pronounciation of his name (Rosiki) is adorable, the correct pronounciation is “Tomaash Rosickyyy” when A is long, C and K being spelled out as single letters and not together as “k” and Y on the end is long. *end of a language window*
Re: Steve-o @66. Yaya Sanogo chant is musical genius. 🙂
I do love TR7. I remember thinking we’d signed a good ‘un when he scored in the World Cup/Euro Finals for Czech Rep after we had signed him. Love the pace he adds to our team when we have the ball – just cranks up the accelerator and his closing down work rate when we don’t. Those lost 2 years were a real bummer.
Deserves another contract no question. He has unfinished business in north London.
We should buy Kroos if he’s available, heard he’s having negotiation issues with Bayern.
Yeah Bath, I’d go along with that – I’m glad to see TR7 being signed again. Not so sure what the length of the contract is, but I presume at 33 it can only be a 1 year deal?
As for Sagna, well he’s been magnificent for us and I don’t begrudge him a bosman in the least, but I don’t think its realistic that we’ll give him a 3 year deal. He’s 31 and while I could see maybe a 2 year deal being offered at the very most, there’s something more hopeful than realistic about seeing a 34 year old right back, with prior injuries, being consistent at this level with the pace needed now a days. I think the fact that Bellerin has been recalled would suggest that Wenger wants to look at him closely.
BTW Steve T, nice win at the weekend at Twickers. A tight test with only a score separating the two teams. Thoroughly enjoyable, even if the result didn’t go our way.
TR7 is a TRIUMPH!
Jagielka left a trailing leg i agree but the ball had passed away from ramires and he had no control on it, ref needs to be strong on such situations but then when are they ever except if it us.
Rozza for me is a dilemma, we all love him but at 32/33 i dont think he can play an entire season, he will continue having moments and then he will pick up a knock, we cant afford to lose out on a player hoping we will have a fit rozza through the season. I dont mind him staying but i dont think so he is first teamer, his talent is never in question his injury and sustainability is.
Sagna same thing, for me he stays but he is our 4th center back option and second right back option, we need a to buy a CB and a quality RB, jenko on loan, he cant be the answer to our right back problem.
Heh! @Esso – probably heard that one at a Stag night !
This may just herald a whole spate of Triumph jokes. 😉
It’s a team in Arnhem isn’t it, Trev?
I see the Evening Standard is running an article saying that Aaron can expect a hostile reception at Stoke.
Do these journos actually get paid?
heh dk, you just reminded me of one of the most despisable fan displays I have ever witnessed and that is Aaron being booed by Stoke fans last season.
Are they for real? How did he dare snap his leg in two parts on that cunts boot…the horror.
I did not like Stoke before that, but since that incident they are very much on my “hate” list along with Chelski, Sp*rs and Yanited.
Was just looking at the fixture listing and I really don’t think we’re in a bad a position as some would think when it comes to timing and rotation.
We play Everton in the cup on the 8th March and then:
Bayern 11th
Spurs 16th
Chelsea 22nd
City 29th.
All of the league fixtures give us adequate days to recover between each where we have 5 days to Spurs and a week between the Chelsea and City fixtures. The Everton tie will probably be the one where we rotate a little and maybe one where we need to be be more careful considering how well Everton played at the Ems in the League. So I expect changes but maybe not the 7 we saw for Liverpool. Also, Rambo could well be back soon which would be a great boost. If we can re-create the form and momentum we had earlier this season we’ve would be in with a great shout of winning something this year.
Vinay @ 84: I don’t think TR7 needs to play every match to deserve a few more years at Arsenal. He will play key matches and on the training field and in the dressing room can be a decisive influence. He is a type of player that we don’t otherwise have, and as a few others mentioned earlier some of the youngsters do very well to emulate his examples.
He is no longer the all attacking, creative, long distance screamer scoring player that we brought in from Dortmund. The injuries and experience and the need of team has made him into more of a pace-setter and organizer, and less of the number 10 candidate for which we now have a rather healthy competition between Ozil, Santi and Jack.
The intelligent pressing across the front line he orchestrates and the ability to raise the tempo when needed with ball on his feet alone are qualities that should guarantee his stay for at least a couple of more years. His passing is still incisive if not as adventurous as it used to be. And even though he is 33 his energy level, attitude and commitment are second to none in this team. As Giggs has shown with right attitude and discipline a player of class and intelligence like TR7 can continue to be supremely effective way into the mid-thirties.
I thought the last time around Arsene probably let go some of the key players a little too early (for whatever reasons, and I am sure there were good reasons), and I think we are slowly on the verge of building a great team once again and Arsene would need players like TR7 to form the tactical basis of it.
About Sagna: yes he has lost a bit of pace, and I am sure there are more marauding RBs in the world who would do a better job on the overlap, but as far as defensive nous, technique, discipline and commitment are concerned you will be hard pressed to find a more versatile, experienced player in PL. Just like TR7 he doesn’t have to play all matches but can still be a key influence to the team’s success by his contributions on and off the field.
Joe @ 90: My only concern would be a potential rearrangement of the Swans home game in between Spurs and Chelsea or Chelsea and City or City and Everton away after that. But from another perspective if we get a good result at Chelsea playing a relatively easier home game against Swans before we line up at home against City may give us a good continuity. Sometimes the 3 days gap actually work more in favor (in terms of quality of football) than the seven days gap, especially if the team has built and maintained a winning momentum.
Joe, and agree about Everton cup tie at home. We should go in to this game with as close to a first choice eleven as possible (except for Fabianski who will take his rightful place). We win this match we go into Bayern away with much less pressure to pull of a surprise and with a much better frame of mind. We mess that one up — even a replay would be a let-down — we go to Bayern with more pressure and less confidence.
@ Dr F
I expect that we’ll play a slightly weakened side vs Everton.
It’s easy to talk about sending a second string, or a bunch of tired players, to Munich, but we’d be made to do so. We’re not totally out of the tie yet, it’s the big cup and the press would slaughter us for lack of ambition.
I also think the manager will look at the performance the squad players put in against Liverpool at home and decide to chance his arm again. And perhaps that’s not such a mad idea given how it worked out last time.
I think we’ll see very similar selections to the Liverpool/Bayern combo.
Sorry – “mad” to do so, that should be…
Faustus,
“We should go in to this game with as close to a first choice eleven as possible…”
While I understanding the logic of fielding a strong team Vs Everton, I can never see it happening with Bayern 3 days later. I think Wenger will rotate and play a team that will be probably stronger that what we fielded against ‘Pool, but certainly not a first 11. Given that we’re at such a disadvantage now in the 2nd tie against ‘Bayern, there is of course a valid argument to the contrary. But considering that we’ve never won it before and that we work so hard each year to qualify – that will ultimately mean we have a real crack at it again. Its what we did last year too, so I don’t see Wenger changing his approach.
N7 @ 94: Agreed that there should be no lack of ambition or any outward sign of it, but at the same time we may want to be a bit more assured about ensuring that we proceed in FA Cup first. Maybe a line-up similar to Pool but a bit more experience and efficiency in the attacking third. Everton is defensively more resilient and organized than Pool.
ecg @ 53, hehe 😛 , I was exceedingly happy 🙂
bt8b @ 54, haha 😉 I was quite shattered when I typed that up, wasn’t up to my usual grammar/spelling check :p
Cent @ 61, thanks mate 🙂
Steve-o @ 63, heh! 😆
Beats the left back & delivers an inch perfect cross…
Why not ?! 😉
First, I hereby renounce all claim to the Tabs position following another goal of indescribable quality.
Second, Vinay,
Sorry but your @84 is full of supposition and erm, well …….
Leaving aside all that ‘ Sagna.only as a fourth centre back ‘ stuff, when assessing Rosicky it is better to look at his performances than his birth certificate. I agree that he is not going to play 90 minutes three times a week but – at the moment he is our most effective midfielder.
We have been complaining about having to sell our best players for years. Rosicky is a special and very unusual talent. Why would you not want to utilise him whenever possible while you can.
I’ll let the manager decide how to use him and hope he doesn’t automatically pick up injuries.
I don’t know which first team you have been watching lately, but the one I have seen is much better for having Rosicky in it.
Trev – Are you being arch about acknowledging my Vitesse pun@87, or is it just not that funny?
@ Dr F
Understood. I can see the appeal of prioritising the more winnable cup, especially given who’s left in…. it’s just that we all know Arsene won’t do that.
I’m sure he’ll switch a few around – on the evidence of Liverpool he’s capable of rotating a bit but still putting out two fairly strong sides. I wonder if Ozil might play in both again.
Well in Trev! 🙂
I’m staggered by the mileage you guys can get out of triumph puns.
To me the Everton game is infinitely more winnable than the Bayern game. I’d go all out to beat Everton and get good vibes for the match in Germany but frankly it’s highly unlikely we can get through now in the CL, by all means have a go in Germany but don’t weaken the team for Everton please. They won’t weaken their team and we had enough problems with them in the League.
Apart from rotating the goalies I’d put our best team out on the 8th
i don’t understand this issue with rotation meaning we “weaken” our team. we beat liverpool in the FA cup having rotated, with young yaya up front terrorizing their central defense. we had our best team out there (though those will argue about young yaya) and lost to bayern, the current “strongest team in the world”, but only after chezza’s red card stripped us of any reasonable chance to stay in the game.
we *have* to be able to rely on players like fabianski, ox, gnabry, tv5, jenks, etc., to step in and win, or play like hell towards a painful loss, regardless of their second-string status. mr. wenger knows better than any of us who’s near the fabled “red line”, and who is not. not to say he’s perfect and doesn’t blow it at times (remember the “no-fullbacks january” of 2012?).
play the best team we have against everton, then play the best team we have against bayern. if it’s not enough, it’s up to the players and the staff to figure out why, and improve the situation this summer and beyond.
so says this sunnysider. 🙂
Sorry, Pangloss – I didn’t get the Vitesse joke. A bit, er, slow I suppose. 😉
Good work Triumph punners, thank you. Much needed tonight.
Apology accepted, Trev. I feared the alternative explanation, which I have come to believe, is more than appropriate.
Happy to have lifted your spirits ‘H.
A drink for each of you on bar.
Night all
COYG
Triumph is a lingerie brand over here so………
something about boobies.
Anyone who may missed it, fantastic read from Hassan on Arseblog Tactic Column. Agree with pretty much everything he said re Rosicky.
Want to see more of him starting for the rest of the season. If that means resting Ozil more then we are used to, then I am OK with it.
Anyway, that would bring Cazorla back to the middle where he is most effective, as I can’t escape the feeling that he is wasted on the wings.
Am I saying that we should bench Ozil? Of course not. But let’s give him some deserved break from time to time. We have so many options in the attacking midfield apartment, it is such a shame we don’t explore them more appropriately.
That should makes us less predictable to the opponents and that is something we might benefit from in this later stages of the season.
So the LWCs wonder why they keep falling short? Maybe we might look at the Chairman who appears to be schmoozing with van Gaal while Gooner Sherwood is doing his best with what was frankly a complete waste of £100 million. If they do bring in van Gaal after giving Sherwood six months they would deserve huge criticism and great derision . But I wouldn’t bet against it given Levy’s track record
Talk in here tonight seems to be mostly about Triumphs and Ozil.
No doubt Oskar will, therefore, be in to spit fire soon enough.
That may be the last of a bumper crop ‘cos it’s been a long day and I’m exhausted.
That took a while Trev.
Why did you stall?
Spit fire, Trev? I’m all sweetness and light after normal service was resumed on Saturday, and had no intention of mentioning Özilla’s absence. But since you expect it, it’s hard not to point out that it was the number of chances converted that was the difference against Sunderland, not the number created.
When Özil’s bruised ego is all healed I hope the boss will urge him to get forward more and use his considerable ball skills to convert even more. I mean he hasn’t scored since … when? Without a second striker we rely on our midfielders to contribute goals as well as chances.
But I’m a happy chap right now and even getting cautiously optimistic about our title challenge again.
Öskar
First of all, as much as I love our TR7, a TR7 is not a Triumph. It is a mistake. I have ’71 TR6. It has electrical problems. And that wasn’t meant as a pun. 🙁
Btw, if anyone at the bar has a TR7, I apologize in advance for my snobbishness. 🙂
TR7 – that must be why Tomas had such a good engine ….
G’night ! 😉
My first honeymoon (1968) was spent mostly in a Triumph, driving from Sydney (I lived in Aussie then) to North Queensland and inland as far as St George where my wife’s friend had a station (sheep not trains). Surprisingly our little Herald convertible survived the whole trip with few problems, the worst of which was a snapped fan belt on a dirt road more akin to a dried up river bed and 50 miles in either direction to civilisation. Have you ever actually had to rely on the old trick of tying pantihose tightly enough around all the cogs required to keep the water pump active? And then limping 50 miles in one mile hops while repeating the process? Not nearly as easy as is suggested. But better than pushing I guess. Not that I think the wife was capable of pushing me 50 miles…
Even more memorable than our car travails was the innocent question I was asked after we arrived at said friend’s … Would you like liver and bacon for breakfast? Fine, said I. So out I was taken to help kill and gut a sheep. Bloody farmers!
Öskar
TR7 -t’is a good runner with below average usage, goes better with the hand break released. Has previously suffered from regular breakdowns but after intensive re-engineering, now runs much more reliably. 😉
Oskar,
Tying pantihose round it never kept my water pump active, but it did make me limp for 50 miles. 😉
Never had a Triumph Herald, no …
I was courting Nina in the back of my Cortina … 😉
Did you ever have Rhonda in a Honda, Trev? Better than Maud in a Ford, trust me. Or Ginnie in a Mini. Or even Hugo in a Yugo, if you’re that way inclined.
But I draw the line at fartin’ in an Aston Martin, or what could happen in a Nissan…
Öskar
What an incredible privilege it is to watch this man play for Arsenal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DegLqljOCvc
And long may Tomas Rosicky continue to grace the shirt.
Well said bt8b.
Trev@121: No wonder your knee is shot. Should have stuck to the nice bit of posh from Burnham-on-Couch.
Wind is up late on a school night? The horror 😀
bt8b @78 the tune is stuck in one of my gooner mate’s head. I did not realise the name of the track at all, until recently.
It would immensely funny if it caught on in the stands, pretty sure Yaya would be inspired to score with that ringing around the stadium.
Then again, doubt he’ll even recognise the tune!
bt8b: Did I see him score with his left foot in that video?!?!
What about a Saudi in an Audi or a screamer in a Beamer, Otd.
He might, Steve-o. Popcorn is the 131st best-selling single of all time in France, according to InfoDisc.
http://www.infodisc.fr/S_ToutTemps.php?debut=100
ya ya ya ya sa no go
ya ya ya ya sa no go . . .
Haha NBN @129, thank you good sir, I certainly did not know that.
Congratulations, Trev, on an all conquering, if late, entry to the Triumph competion.
COYG
Heh, Ned – that one on the couch ! 😉
Messy buckets, Pangloss. 😉
scruz@107: do we even have a “first 11” these days? Even Giroud may not be as irreplacable as we thought, with Sanogo having showed real promise in his two starts. We can rotate quite a bit without really losing too much. Look at these two hypothetical lineups, for example:
Fab
Jenks-BFG-Vermaelen-Nacho
Arteta
Cazorla-Wilshere
Ox-Sanogo-Poldi
and
Woj
Sagna-BFG-Kos-Gibbs
Flamini
Özil-Rosicky
Gnabry-Giroud-Cazorla
Only two players are in both teams and both of these teams would be well capable of beating most teams and this is rotation taken to the extreme to illustrate my point. We will, out of neccessity, see some rotation between Everton and Bayern but far less than in my example here and both teams can and will be put together with a view to winning their games. We’ll have to see what players we have available at the time, but Arsene will want to win both games.
Excellent point Lars.
Ecellent point indeed, Lars.
Cue lots of “Wenger doesn’t even know who his first team is” remarks that are not intended as compliments. It’s not hard to imagine a world where assembling a squad of such quality that it’s hard/impossible to work out what is the best team would be seen as a good thing. Not this world, however.
COYG
Guys i love Rozza he is terrific but what i am saying is simple and i think Arsenal have understood the same by offering him just an year contract. I mean that he is excellent when he plays but how often does he play? How many games has he completed this season as well? It has never been about talent when it comes to him, its about fitness.
Bacs also is the same, his attitude is brilliant, yet the full back role nowadays demands a marauding runner yet a brilliant recoverer as well. Bacs doesnt have the pace thats all and hence for me he can be played more central and have him as the cover for the full back. I still think we need to retain bacs but then as a right back for 3 years, no ways.
Steve-o @ 126, I’m always up around this time on a weekday 😮 😛
Good stuff Lars, no need to go to the extremes of no rotation or full rotation, just keep it partial whilst retaining the strength of the squad 🙂
And on another note, I think Blogs’ last few paragraphs today about how ‘football’ has spiralled off into something that’s not the main story as it should be are spot on.
Just noticed a bit of added interest in tonight’s ManUre v Olympiacos game. Joel Campbell is playing for Olympiacos – will be interesting to see how he does against a mid-table Premier League defence.
Good point @135, Lars. The trick to squad building is to have players who are interchangeable within the system so they can be swapped in and out when injury and rest demands yet can be recombined into a Plan B when needed. The first coming of Mourinho at Chelsea is a prime example of this. AW has always been a player or three short of that, but now our squad depth is pretty good.
Trev@133: Much softer.
Interesting, Lars.
And still TGSTEL can’t find a place in either team.
And a lunchtime tipple for Ned, Guvnor – may I suggest a Rum and Ribena ? 😉
Cripes !!
Just had a look in at physioroom dot com and found us top of the injury league – still.
Quite surprised to discover this little lot – LJW being the one I wasn’t aware of at all –
J Wilshere Hamstring Injury no return date
M Ozil Hip/Thigh Injury 1st Mar 14
N Monreal Ankle/Foot Injury 1st Mar 14
L Koscielny Back Injury 1st Mar 14
K Gibbs Hamstring Injury no return date
T Vermaelen Calf/Shin Injury 1st Mar 14
K Kallstrom Back Injury no return date
T Walcott ACL Knee Injury no return date
A Ramsey Thigh Muscle Strain 16th Mar 14
V Diaby ACL Knee Injury no return date
Very generous of you, Trev. It will help wash down the candy-floss.
Hello all,
Work is such a drag
I’ll have a beer please
Thanks
🙂 severàl
though
bugger off
a few
failed to locate
my new boots and pantes
easy wolfie
its there
can’t wait to delight
the beasts
with
first line
plaistow patricia
indeed
a line meant for many
Well chuffed with the 3 puns in quick succession by me, then H2H, then Trev.
A Speed Triple, if you will.
porco
dolomite join in
at one point
changed me mind
Just had too many things mountain up eh, cba ? 😉
an
you
can eff off
for a start
trev
house torn apart
for mr dury
your fault!
i won’t rest
til
the cattle are
soundly chastised
in his roar
they are after all
“on my manor”
.
*gets laandaann geeza coat (probably camel hair) *
Hey, cba
with all that tearing about
don’t do yourself an ianjury
😉
You Blockheads. 😉
There aint half been some clever bastards……
Not many around here mind….. 😉
the great man
appears
to be
catnip
for the ‘holic
big hitters
Heh, well in cba.
Someone dial 999 – this bar’s on fire!
fear ye not
porco
t’will take but
an orphan’s tear
to quench
heh cba, mentioning orphan tears you just reminded me about this –
terrible music but depressingly catchy tune and lyrics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=929sn1qMCcM
i’ll see my orphan
and
raise me a widow
.
let’s have
a good ‘ol fashioned
widda raisin
.
bring yer own
dried fruit
sultanas also acceptable
.
wonders
You looking for a new one?
I’m afraid the transfer widow is closed.
not
gettin oxter deep
in
a
pun-off
.
widow-maker trev wins
all
.
man’s a pun machine
gun
Gooooaaaaal!!!!
Toral.
Trev,
Your post on injuries was very depressing.
Ten injuries just after we appeared to be on the cusp of getting key players back.
TR7 and Sanogo are due to be crocked soon based on past history .Lets hope LJW has a minor injury which he shrugs off by the weekend. 6 midfielders injured is ridiculous.
On another note I detect the work of the loathsome Mourinho in attempts to further unsettle Ozil. Fortunately Wenger handles these situations extremely well. His man- management is excellent
SSY any streams available?
A guest special, thank you Dr z 🙂 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>