Ox Scores First, Poldi Other One
Feb 16th, 2014 by 'holic
Just after three, and Twitter is alive with reaction to the teamsheets. Liverpool have Agger back and have a very strong eleven. Then Arsenal announce seven changes from the team that drew with Manchester United. The pre-match debate about whether or not to include Lukasz Fabianski, Carl Jenkinson, and Nacho Monreal is put into focus, but one name stands out. Yaya Sanogo gets his first start up front. Wow!
I don’t have to say what the mood was, and I don’t mind owning up to a little disappointment that so many changes had been made. Fast forward three hours and once more we have to take our hat off to the boss. To have won the match and kept some important legs fresh for Bayern on Wednesday was quite an achievement. It was made sweeter by the fact that those most responsible were Fabianski, outstanding in goal, and Oxlade-Chamberlain who terrified Cissokho with his pace throughout.
The opening stages suggested we were in for another uncomfortable afternoon as Liverpool once again started at a tempo we found difficult to deal with. Fabianski produced the first of a string of fine saves to deny Sturridge before the same player shot into the side-netting from an acute angle. Gradually though the Gunners got going with Sanogo proving to be an awkward handful for Agger and Skrtel, while the Ox started to enjoy going past Cissokho at will. The two combined for the opening goal as Sanogo’s fierce shot deflected off Gerard for the Ox to finish with some style.
It was a goal that enabled Arsenal to regroup and sort out the early defensive uncertainty. As a unit they started to defend better and launch counter-attacks with some confidence, an asset in short supply in recent days. Liverpool contributed much to the tension of the occasion, always threatening to get someone in behind the Gunners back four, but with less and less success as the half wore on. Suarez was denied by Fabianski as the half-time refreshments approached. The whistle was the signal for another confidence boosting ‘one-nil to the Arsenal’.
Once again Liverpool came out of the blocks quicker after the break and Fabianski was called on to deny Suarez with an outstretched foot. They were soon caught though by a classic Arsenal counter-attack. The Gunners second goal started and finished with Germanic influence. Mesut Ozil’s superb pass freed Oxlade-Chamberlain and when the rampaging winger cut the ball back it was Lukas Podolski who applied the hammer finish once more. Six goals for him this season and he has only started six matches. Should we not have seen more of him in the last week? As Toyah Wilcox once sang, it’s a mystery to me.
Liverpool turned up the pressure but chances were being traded. Fabianski denied Sturridge again at one end while at the other Jones had to be at his best to deny Ozil. Then Podolski, back in his own box, put in a strikers challenge on Suarez and from the resulting spot-kick Gerard grabbed what would prove to be just a consolation. That he didn’t get a second opportunity was something of a surprise, but when the Ox clattered into Suarez the Uruguayan’s extravagant tumble probably put enough doubt in Howard Webb’s mind about the degree of contact.
If we were fortuitous in that regard then we were less well treated when Gerard, already booked, took out the Ox as he threatened to set up another opportunity. No second yellow there, and no penalty for us when Skrtel made painful contact with Santi Cazorla and not the ball. It was not an easy game for the World Cup referee, and he achieved the ‘distinction’ of upsetting both sets of fans who took it in turns to let him know he didn’t know what he was doing.
The final big chance for the visitors went begging as Agger headed wide and Arsenal saw out the closing minutes to secure yet another ‘holic pound. I don’t mind admitting I didn’t expect to collect with the score at 2-1 and over half an hour remaining. I reckoned without Arsenal’s defensive qualities and that little bit of good fortune.
I wasn’t the big winner of the day though. That was definitely Arsene Wenger who gambled on a squad team for a vital contest against a big rival and won spectacularly ahead of another massive game in the week. His dignified response to questions about the tiresome Mourinho’s jibes added to his achievements on the day.
He will also be smiling tonight as he considers his starting line-up for Bayern. Surely the pace of the Ox and the goal of Podolski have given him the happiest of selection problems. And don’t say this within earshot of Nicklas Bendtner, but Yaya Sanogo showed he might have something to offer as an alternative to Giroud if the Frenchman is distracted in the coming days.
One of the good days, indeed.
171 Responses to “Ox Scores First, Poldi Other One”
Punts a hopeful on goalwards
…and goes to read the post
3rd. Happy days.
Go Four It
A fine report, Guv’nor. I hope you will have the opportunity to write many more after such results. Another on Wednesday would be a good start.
It’s on.
COYG
Too busy laughing at the mouthy Scousers giving it large all week to have a drink!
Excellent assesment Guvnor.
Personally, I thought we were a little fortunate – Liverpool look like a team reborn since we last took a home stroll in the park against them.
First look at Sanogo was engouraging indeed – he’ll be a hand full for most centre backs.
Rash challenge aside, I thought Podolski looked good, and, as usual scored.
I cannot for the life of me understand why we dont make better use of him (ie,play him).
Fab was fab. Jenks did enough, and we never looked like succumbing to another mauling.
But Liverpool were good.
How we miss Ramsey. And Walcott. And Bergkamp, Petit, and Viera for that matter!
No matter.
Still in the hat, which is more than can be said for the special twat.
A mention on Munchen – watch out gentleman, we have a sanogo and we’re not afraid to use it.
To be fair, ‘Pool were head and shoulders above Arsenal today in offense.. we got lucky Sturridge was poor today (and Fab fabulous).. another day, he might have got a hat trick or more..
Great things to expect from Rodgers and ‘Pool next season provided they retain current and few more quality..
Excellent write up Holic. I am pleased for Fabianski. I have been one of his fiercest critics but with one exception he was excellent today. Sanogo looks as if he can become a handful.
I thought the crowd were excellent today. There was a bit of head scratching at the team selection but that did not affect the positive nature of everyone. Very vocal and very supportive. The Grove rocked today.
The support was fantastic Steve, and really lifted the spirits in the closing stages.
Cheers, Guv.
As a wise man said on Twitter; “don’t over-analyse that game, just enjoy it.”
Great piece mate, really lovely appreciation of today’s events. I’ll sing Le Boss’s praises as long as I’ve got breath in my body, but you summed up his performance today perfectly in picking the team, coaching the team and delivering the result, so I’ll thank you once again. Thanks Holic!
And Fabianski is a quality keeper and has been for over 3 years now. Injury and clashing with Sir Chez means he has to leave. He should be starting games for a decent club. Pray to fuck we don’t sell to an English club.
Arsenal plays sublime football !
And what Holic said about the support. Really came over on the TV coverage how good it was.
Great report and although I think the Skrtl tackle was accidental Gerrard’s was deliberate and calculated . Webb’s weakness in big games is such that he offends both sets of supporters as he gets most big decisions wrong. Clattemberg’s performance on Wednesday was head and shoulders above him.
Although heugely heartened by Flappy’s great performance the biggest plus for me was Sanogo. That was a big ask and he showed that with his greater pace he is more of a threat counter- attacking than Giroud. Also Monreal and Jenkinson did well against very good flank play from the Scousers.
Ttey are a big scalp nowadays and Suarez and Sturridge are quite brilliant together. We have more Scousers to put in their place but this was a great fillip for Wednesday.
hats off to the sunnysiders on here.
all power to you and to Arsene.
a humbled aussie, once again proved wrong and happily so.
hats off to the supporting crowd. sounded amazing.
I honestly did not think we could get back up so quickly after two very average showings.
Agree with TTG Webb is a poor ref. Not much competition to be a good one, is a major problem.
Was NEVER in doubt….
Home draws in 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th rounds. The return of “Lucky Arsenal”?
There was an occasion, many years back, when Arsenal won the Cup without leaving London, but that include at least one away draw to a London club.
It’s on
COYG
Never in doubt! Bring on the Munchkins! Up the Arse!
*emerges from The Snug. Waves*
Handsomely put Aussie. I don’t expect to be able to watch another even more frequent poster at this bar eating humble pie in such a fullsome fashion. The tragedy is, that I suspect he doesn’t even realise that he should be dishing some up.
@Pangloss strugglin’ to remember when that was, given cup finals used to be at neural venues, not fucking Wembley. Remember us beating Orient (of all teams) at Stamford Bridge in 1978, and then we lost the final.
So when was it?
Sanogo – like a new signing?
19W, 2D, 0L since the start of the season with goal difference 57 – 9.
Since winter break: 6W, 0D, 0L with goal difference 20 – 1!!!
Who might that be?
Let ’em come.
Much earlier than 78, Esso. I think the semi was at the Bus Stop or the Swamp, so presumably against the Spuds or Chelsea (yes, kids that’s what they used to be called in the Old Days before uncle Roman came to town).
1950 semi at the swamp against Chelsea.
It was 1950, we were drawn at home in rounds 3,4,5 and 6, and played the semi-final/semi-final replay against Chelsea at WHL.
Well played, ‘Holic. Just found the same myself on Wikipedia but I expect you didn’t need to look it up.
*bows humbly*
Honourable mention to Charlie.
Massive win for the good guys. A little lucky that they didn’t take one or two more of their chances, but the spirit of our side showed through today. Ox, Fabianski, Sanogo, Flamini especially were tremendous. Giroud, Gibbs, Santi, TR7, Jack, Chez, all rested for Munich.
Like others in this bar though I’d feel better with the Ox in midfield against the Germans than LJW. On current form, and with the likes of TR7, Santi, and Podolski all ready to play out wide, the Ox has got to be favorite. Remember his dynamic performance in midfield in the 3-0 second leg against Milan a couple years back? Unless the boss wants the Ox’s pace on the wing to stretch play a bit in Theo’s absence? Even so I’d feel better with him in the middle.
One last note. Frimpong tweeted after today’s game “Podolski plays Podolski scores Play him more often” – and it’s hard to disagree with that kind of swashbuckling logic. Especially given the HFB’s sometimes lack of killer instinct in front of goal, we need Podolski’s finishing, especially in the big games. Not to mention his work rate has been wonderful of late.
Thanks Holic. So it even pre-dated yourself! Amazing.
The barman delivers yet another report that says it all. And this:
I wasn’t the big winner of the day though. That was definitely Arsene Wenger who gambled on a squad team for a vital contest against a big rival and won spectacularly ahead of another massive game in the week. His dignified response to questions about the tiresome Mourinho’s jibes added to his achievements on the day.
We could also say Arsene Wenger 5 – 0 Jose Mourinho. Arsene has been running rings around the Special Wanker this weekend.
Indeed Lars. I didn’t know I was capable of such black smoldering hatred as I feel for Mourinho. And his club for that matter. Nice to see Wenger rise effortlessly above it all.
Reading Arsene’s words in reply to questions about Maureen is all good but you really need to watch the presser to get the full effect of it, Arsene played a blinder!
Having discovered the FA Cup results on Wikipedia, I’ve had a look at the 62-63 competition that I was wittering about a week or two back. You may remember there was a dispute about whether it started snowing on Boxing Day or New Year’s Eve.
The 3rd Round was due to be played on Jan 5; three matches were completed that day. Arsenal beat Oxford United 5-1 on Jan 30. In the 4th round, we beat Sheff Wed 2-0 on Mar 2. (Sheff Wed had drawn 1-1 away to Shrewsbury Town on 21 Feb (remember the games were supposed to be on Jan 5, and beat them 2-1 in a replay on Mar 7.) Arsenal then lost 2-1 to Liverpool (boo, hiss) on Mar 19.
They had proper winters back in the day… combined with less technology in the shape of undersoil heating. I remember an Arsenal yearbook of around 1964 or 65 with pictures of Billy Wright and the team watching the installation at Highbury of one of the first such systems to be installed at an English ground.
I love this shit :-).
COYG
We did of course win the cup in 1971 having been drawn away in every round although we had two replays at Highbury . This year if we win it we will need to beat Spurs, Liverpool, Everton and probably Citeh so it will still be hard- earned . Anyway isn’t it fun to see the carping comments.it proves we are upsetting people again rather than being good losers. And it provides karma after Liverpool’s serial handball escape in 2001.
Surely the entire Arsenal contingent need to be on the pitch versus the Barvarians.
Think how fired up they would be to overcome FC Bayern!
No Jack, for me. On current form the Ox has to be in the middle (with Flamini) and Poldi in place of Santi.
Beating them is not out of the question, but with Chelski and Liverpool now “concentrating on the League”, perhaps a dignified exit from the CL would benifit our trophy hunt.
Thats what my head tells me anyway. My heart on the other hand………
Sorry, that should read “entire German Arsenal contingent”
Doh!
Having said that, perhaps if we had 25 players on the pitch versus Bayern it would improve our chances!
Couldnt hurt, anyway………
Well played the ‘Holic pound.
That Liverpool really are a despicable lot. But for the scum (North London and that bus stop in Fulham), and yanited, i’d say the mugsmashers are the most vile outfit. Bullies, divers, cheats, whiners, and cynical assaultists, ‘pool have a comprehensive collection of naughty footballers.
I’m so happy the bite racist is not part of our venerable group. Sit on it, ‘pool.
On the positive, Sanogo “woke me up” with a very respectable performance. We should see him Wednesday on the sixty minute mark. Ox and Poldi were very good…more please.
Can Howard Webb lay off the steroidal supplements and invest in lasic eye surgery?
Come on you Gunners, let’s have at Bayern on Wednesday.
Win the next match.
BMBD
Good stuff, Holic. Very fair as ever.
I was in the crowd today having given up on Wednesday’s game – clambering from The Emirates to Finsbury Park on crutches in storm force winds and torrential rain is a few hundred steps too far !
The atmosphere was fantastic – positive right from the start despite some puzzled expressions on seeing Yaya selected to start up front.
“Same old Scousers – always stealing!” when the fans behind the reserve Pole’s goal refused to give the ball back.
This is obviously a new ploy by the travelling Koppites – wasting time at 0-2 down !
It took a little over 2 hours to make it from home, through roadworks, as there are no trains on my line on Sundays for three months, on the tube and then a taxi, to The Tollie at 2.30pm, only to find no sign of any Holics at all.
Another 2 1/2 hours to complete the return journey and the crutches are soon going to need re-soleing.
It was all actually great fun though. We rode our luck at times but everyone in a red shirt worked flat out. That makes fans happy, and we were. The prolonged “Red Army” chants were brilliant.
All credit to Lukasz Fabianski who has made a recovery that for a long time looked impossible. Apart from one mysterious sortie off his line at a free kick, he had a terrific game today.
Life’s ok on the sunny side. 😉
Nice one Trev!
Oh Trev, sorry nobody was there. Wonder how long since that happened?
At least you got to see a great win.
It seems the grand’holics are paying a surprise visit tomorrow so hopefully the Everton game will be arranged for the Saturday by then and I can get them to the match.
Lonestar,
Regarding Howard Webb: he strolls about with an attitude of total arrogance – surprising considering that BOTH sets of fans were hailing him as “not fit to referee”.
In an afternoon of incompetence, his highlight had to be the cowardly failure to dismiss Gerrard for what should have been his third or fourth yellow card. Anyone other than the Eng-er-land captain would have walked – Webb looked the other way.
On second viewing, Poldi’s performance looks even better. As always, very efficient.
Arteta is suspended for Bayern match, so Ox down the middle for me. I would love to see Poldi on the left but I think we will see Santi. I think all three of Santi, Ozil, TR7 will start. Then the choice is between Ox and Poldi, maybe TR7 to play box-to-box.
Giroud got a week’s rest, I think he will present a difficult enough physical challenge to the Bayern defense and if they play higher up as Pep’s teams do we should be able to use Giroud as the pivot to spring some fast counter attacks. And Poldi at the end of those would be ideal.
@Holic. Mate dreading semi-final weekend. Yorkshire not running a coach to West Ham game, so I’m nailed on for 4 tickets together; me, youngest, Big Yin and Wee Chappers, as he’s got the family down The Smoke as part of the Easter Holidays.
Just know it wont happen. Just know that God, who has managed to piss on my chips unflinchingly for the greater part of my life will ensure West Ham game not happening.
So lump it on gooners! Whatever price you can ge on The Arsenal beating Blus Scouse Cunts, take it. Take it now.
Just watched the highlights on ITV. To judge from the commentary, Liverpool were desperately unlucky to lose.
Makes it all the sweeter, somehow.
It’s on
COYG
I agree Trev, wholeheartedly. Glad to hear you are out-and-about. Great summary @43.
Query, when will a premier league official have the stones to punish simulation? Granted, Poldi made contact with the bitey-racist, but, for me said bitey-racist certainly made a meal of it. Why didn’t Webb book Raheem “the dream” for touching an official? How was Skrtel’s assault on Santi not punished?
By the way, am I wrong for confusing Skrtel with an anorexic vampire? He certainly is a homely little thief.
Win the next match.
BMBD
No question the boss played a blinder on just about every front this weekend.
Also nice to see a lot of people joining him in condemnation of Maureen’s puerile attack. David Pleat said on 5live today, “He starts to become quite tedious” – buzZING!!
Thanks Trev. I had forgotten about the scousers refusing to give the ball back. How genuinely thick are they? Two down in a cup game and they don’t give the ball back???????
Best song for me? “His teeth are offside. His teeth are offside. Luis Suarez, his teeth are offside.”
Good one H.
Top result with more changes than even i predicted.
Game could have gone either way,and the rub of the green favored us in the end.
Cannot underestimate the confidence booster this will be to the Club/Boss/team and the supporters.
Small steps mid week against Utd,big steps today against ‘Pool.
Going to be very interesting team selection for Wed night.
Giroud cannot be in the right frame of mind to play football after being caught in flagrante with some model/escort or other.
Having lied barefaced to the Boss and the Club that there was no story,he is then caught literally with his pants down in a photo presumably taken by said M/E.
His wife will be devastated as well,so how does he deal with all this stress and still be able to be mentally right for Wed. ??
Silly silly man.
Let the Boss,the Club,his team mates and the supporters down.
Right in the middle of our biggest month of the season.
With Artie suspended,it is going to be interesting to see what the Boss does selection/tactics wise.
No denying the side had better fluidity today,no Jack,Santi,or Rosicky in midfield,yet we looked dare i say it,more balanced in our progression from back to front.
Ozil seemed to have more room to move without the clutter of too many bodies in midfield.
I think there could be a few disappointed players sititng on the bench on Wed night.
Cheers
The Sweeper
WD me, I managed three posts in previous drinks before noticing ‘holic’s underline … sorry boss! Here they are in one…
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tabs (#62) … love that bit from the Fever Pitch movie when Colin Firth is convinced Arsenal are going to lose that final game against Pool … right up to the final whistle. That’s ME every effin game, even when I have confidently predicted victory based on facts, logic, history etc etc etc. And after the game it was never in doubt of course!
————————————————————————–
A victory for guts, determination and a little bit of luck. Well, two bits of luck with Webb denying Pool what looked like two pens in addition to the one they got. Plus Mikel got away with some disastrous attempts at clearances (he really is looking slow this season) and some poor attempts by Sturridge.
But, hey, it’s time we had some luck and just three games to go before we lift a trophy at long last?
Motm has to be Ox, perhaps we won’t miss Theo quite as much as we thought. And Sanogo showed a lot more than I was expecting, I am much encouraged about his possibilities – especially as this was his first game for about ever. He looks more than useful in comparison to that Danish pastry some thought would get the nod.
Now to back-read, and advance apologies if I have repeated anyone. 😉
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Okay, have back-read and should add honorary mentions for Flappy and Nacho in particular, great to see Poldi actually starting a game (and scoring as usual) and yes, perhaps Gerrard should have been offed, although I thought he was a danger to us in both recent games. I don’t get how so many seemeto have written him off lately. I hope he plays as well in Brazil. Oh, and well done the defence for keeping the Suarez goal-sheet blank. Although he still had a great game, hardworking and a constant threat.
But whatever, WE WON and AW deserves credit for the team he put out and, more importantly, the energy and spirit they displayed. This Arsenal team has character.
Öskar
Hey Steve
Young ones back in’ Happy Gooner Land ‘ after todays result.
Are you all going Wed.??
Should be a cracker.
Clive, perhaps a few “allegedlies” or other qualifiers are in order? 😉
Still an interesting read nonetheless.
BMBD
Apparently Ollie has admitted ‘an affair’, but she has denied it, iLonestar. He sounds a bit naïve to me. 🙂
Öskar
Clive,
Re Giroud’s possible absence:
I’ve no idea whether he will (be able to) play or not but, yes, the side did look better balanced today.
When we played Tootenham in the Cup, Giroud was rested and Theo played up front. The pace and movement was terrific and we looked more threatening if anything.
I wonder, if Giroud is left out, whether The Ox couldn’t play in that role – or Podolski, who I have to say I really like, with The Ox continuing wide right. Giroud has not looked quite right in his last couple of games – for whatever reason – and although he always works really hard, the change might not weaken us.
Podolski does seem to need good fast service from wide positions when he plays in the middle – threading the ball through the eyes of needles is not his thing.
Nothing alleged about it Lonestar,he has fessed up, and is now desperately trying to save his marriage.
Clive, apologies for not replying to your mail in timely fashion. Much going on. With grand’holics arriving tomorrow it may be a day or two yet when I get a quiet moment at work.
Cheers Esso.
Hope that game comes good for you.
Three happy Kings Lynn Gooners finished up on a bus from Ely but nothing could spoil our great day out at the Ems.
Thought it was a very good cup tie, end to end stuff. Yes, we had our share of good luck but, as everyone agreed, we were poorly treated by Howard Webb, who chickened out of red carding the England captain and should we have had a pen?
The RPIG had a great game and Kos was absolutely superb, covering for Nacho, who struggled once again with the pace of the Liverpool attack.
I was really impressed with Yaya’s first appearance, he put in a real shift and has possibilities. The Ox had the best game of his short season,beating his markers for pace and was in the right place to coolly tuck away his chance. With several first teamers being given the day off, Arsene has given himself room to play his first choice 11 on Wednesday.
Another home tie gives us a real chance for silverware, though Everton are no push overs as we saw in the league match.
So on to Bayern and what we hope will be a night to remember. If the fans respond as they did tonight then we are in with a great chance, here’s hoping.
As always COYRs
Mickey ‘Scousers whinging about penalties, but why was Stevie G allowed to stay on the pitch?
A 1 game ban would have really hurt the bin-dippers.
no worries H
At your leisure my friend.
With 5 little rascals of my own,i know how distracting they can be.
Enjoy.!!
Not sure if anyone saw an earlier post,where i mentioned a great interview in the Tele the other day with Charlie George reminiscing about the ’71 Cup final and his time growing up as an Arsenal fan.
It was a great read,and highly recommended to all Gooners.
A great win for the fans, players and manager. This should know put us in a good frame of mind for the Bayern game on Wednesday. The demons of the past week or so have been exercised. Especially nice to put the scunts back to Merseyside with only a huge whinge rather than a huge win. The non-penalty decision was karma…Stephan Henchoz 2001 Final readily comes to mind. I think the Suarez dive with full pike after the tackle was enough for Webb not to give it.
Clive, your memory of yonder years is better than mine but I do remember Cliff Holton. He had the hardest shot around that time but unfortunately rarely found the target…it was not safe to stand behind either side of the goal…footballs in those days were heavy and if one hit you in the face you would know it, especially if you were a nipper.
Roll on Wednesday, the boss has the opportunity to pick an interesting and winning team after some top performances today.
BMMBD
I think the TV companies should start using sound effects on highlights programmes.
For example, the Suarez triple salco with half pike in the penalty area today should be accompanied by the old ‘twanged ruler in the school desk’ noise.
Any player hit in the face by the ball should get that Windows Clunk! that a computer makes on a Windows error.
Other possibilities are ………… 😉
Great stuff as usual Holic. Thank you. Set the alarm to find not a single channel of my 700+ showing the match. Ugh. I’ll have to turn the clock back and buy another computer as all my new and shiny iDevices won’t play a stream. In a bad run of missing the last two matches so thanks again to the bar for keeping the content flowing.
Arsegonian, where are you watching from?
Clive and OtD, thanks for the update. I guess Ollie G has made quite the bed for himself…unforced error, that.
Given the UK’s more rigid defamation laws, I was merely concerned with the safety of this hallowed bar. Cheers!
BMBD
Portland, OR
Olivier Giroud is hardly the first footballer to bang a model. I seriously doubt this will affect Arsene’s plans.
Arsegonian @ 71: Exactly! And I am rather hoping that Giroud would now play with a renewed focus and hunger to rise above the brouhaha surrounding whatever peccadillo he has been found out to have committed.
And Arsegonian @ 67: You could have seen the match in Fox Soccer 2 Go online streaming services. Unless your cable provider has Fox Sports 2 — mine doesn’t — you will need that for the Bayern @ home as well.
Some very illuminating stats by 7amkickoff @arseblog: http://news.arseblog.com/2014/02/arsenal-2-1-liverpool-by-the-numbers/ .
Nacho today: 7 interceptions, 4 tackles and 35 passes.
Sanogo won 5 headers.
Podolski: in 4 appearances for Arsenal in FA cup scored 4 goals in 7 shots. (This season in all competitions Poldi has 6 goals in I think 10-12 odd attempts).
Dr F – I think Giroud’s peccadillo was found in the company of an attractive blond. Just following the lead of his President.
Arsegonian – There is always a drink waiting for you at the George & Dragon in Seattle. Watched it live via Fox Sports 2 and breakfast beers.
All above have reviewed and are spot on. Other than the first 5 minutes I thought it was the best we’ve played in weeks.
As for the non-calls (second Suarez dive and Gerrard’s hack), after watching videos, I actually think Webb was relatively consistent. Suarez had a heavy touch with the ball moving away from the goal before Ox made contact – maybe could be viewed as non-goal scoring opportunity. Throw in the double McTwist in pike position and I can see it being a non-call. With Gerrard, could also argue that Ox didn’t have control of the ball and it was almost a 50-50 ball? Not that I want to defend Webb at all.
And none of this matters since the best team won!
Excellent read, ‘Holic.
It is said that AW doesn’t know keepers. Yet the two highest rated keepers in the Prem this season are Sir Chez and Manone, late of this parish. And after today’s performance Fabianski is up there, too. As mentioned in the drinks previous, my MoTM against Liverpool.
Poldi off after 70 mins and his lack of starts in general suggests that there is something about his fitness that we don’t know.
BBC:
Arsenal hold on to beat Liverpool
“Gunners were able to survive a Liverpool onslaught…”
“[Liverpool] laid siege to the Arsenal goal…
WTF. Were they watching the same game?
Trev: You are a martyr to the cause.
Clive: Less worried about Ollie G’s state of mind than you are. I don’t think he would have played today whether he was tired out from too many games or too many models.
As for the Sanogo start, see the previous drinks @21 on Saturday. Ned’s monks know.
On the alleged Ox penalty shout against Suarez, this pix seems to suggest Webb got his call right.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/73025000/jpg/_73025821_021140093-1.jpg
No studs up. No tackle from behind. No ball near the toothy one.
Great win and great interview by the boss.
Those “pundits” are livid, and I’m enjoying their attempts to downplay this victory.
Bring on the Bayern!
Win, lose or draw, this team will fight for us and that’s all we can ask for.
UTA
Pictures can be deceptive, Ned, and yours just shows the dramatics. Ox was nowhere near the ball when knocking Suarez enough for him to lose his feet. A touch Hollywood perhaps, but it was a clear pen. There was another one later, can’t remember who now, but I was left thinking we were lucky to get away with not having two more pens against us.
But then we deserved a bit of luck considering their first in the last game was clearly offside, we were denied a pen when Santi was knocked over and Gerrard must have something on Webb to have stayed on after two definite yellow assaults.
Very high tempo game though, which may have repercussions on Wednesday. Although I assume Ollie, Gibbo, Jack and Santi were saved for that, which is a pity cos I much prefer today’s team and tactics to what those last two have been serving up lately.
But we shall see. They surprised me today and I’ve always said I expected a surprise against Bayern.
Öskar
Can’t wait to hear the pundits on ESPNFC explaining away their 100% predictions of a Pool win. Is Tommy Smyth with a ‘Y’ still alive, or is that a zombie sitting in his place? Poor sod belongs in a home for the bewildered…
Öskar
We should’ve had a pen for this kick on Cazorla https://vine.co/v/M79Y9etj5nr
And as you said, Gerrard’s foul on Oxlade-Chamberlain in the box is another penalty shout and he would’ve been sent off, so but sides suffered at the hands of Webb.
Thankfully, we are the ones still rejoicing despite the officiating, and not the other way around…
Thing about Webb is he LOOKS like you’d expect a top official to look. I always want to trust him because he reminds me of Jack Taylor (but without hair) who also reffed a world cup final. The only diff being Taylor really was a decent ref.
Unfortunately whoever appoints refs seems to be suffering under the same delusion.
Öskar
Very good call Dr. F … Got the subscription and able to send the match to the tube via Apple TV. Happy times in the Arsegonian household. 🙂
@ECG … I’m hoping to take you up on that before the season. The management has been pestering me to take her up there. April looks the time.
The home crowd was great and 3 points to the sunnysiders today.
Anyway, I fancy Jack against the Giants on Wednesday. He needs a game were he can put all of his energy levels to good use. Something tells me the boss will start with Rosicky, Flamini and Ozil with Poldi on the left and the right side up for grabs. The right side has Gnabry written all over it though, but selection will be interesting yet again. To be fair though, it would be good to give Ozil a break at some point though.
Wanted revenge and redemption and got it. Wanted minimal changes and didn’t get it.
Arsene knows and clearly zico, does not.
How I love the sound of freshly-whipped Scousers in the morning.
Bleat, bleat.
Have a great day Holics.
Fine report H and excellent comments above, too numerous to mention.
A fine fighting performance with great performances all round with special mentions for Fabianski, Monreal, Flamini, Ox and Sanogo.
The atmosphere in the North Bank Upper was the best ever as we saw out the win – ‘Red Army’ is still echoing around mt skull.
Good link on the pen WE should have had CoR @81. WHY is no-one mentioning that in their discussions of the pens that might have been?
How Steeeeeeeeeeveeeeeee Geeeeee stayed on the pitch I just don’t know.
Anyway, bye, bye Scunts.
Now to focus on Bayern. COYG
Not getting carried away but this video shows the really good shift by Sanogo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR2ehrrXIvk
Media, pundits, highlights shows – all as bad as each other.
How, indeed, did Shteeevie Geeee stay on the pitch yesterday – when all my troubles seemed so far away.
The Ox’s ‘curtailing’ of Suarez’s run in our box was shown and reshown from every possible angle to prove just what a stonewall penalty it was. I don’t think they even showed at all, the incident when The Ox was brought down in Liverpool’s area – just as, in fact, MotD failed to include any analysis of their offside first goal against us last week.
Anyway, we won – they lost – The End.
It should be some atmosphere on Wednesday evening, although a lot of regulars around my seat are not going because of the extra cost. Will be interesting to see just what the attendance is.
Nice link Tim. I hope his injury worries are behind him. Looks a good prospect if he can stay fit and avoid the ‘TGSTEL’ delusional trap.
Morning campers. Just had a quick back-drink.
Only got to see first 40 minutes and was very impressed by Sanogo – strength in the tussles with two experienced CBs and work-rate especially. Big thank you to Tim@88 for youtube link. Let’s hope he can stay injury free. Don’t quite understand why NB wasn’t on bench but can understand why Yaya was preferred on the pitch. Huge statement of confidence he got there from AW.
Maybe we rode our luck a bit, but we didn’t get much rolling our way at Anfield (first goal etc) – just a reminder that the first 20 mins up there may have been pretty horrendous but the next 70 we played 1-1.
Big victory for the squad yesterday – will have given their confidence a huge boost for the games to come. Amazing how Per and Kos keep going.
Mourinho – I’m not a great fan of Barney Ronay (too many adjectives – tries too hard to be funny), but this description of the man hits the nail firmly on the head:
…a man who blurts out toxic barbs in much the same way some people feel compelled to make chit-chat about the weather…
The boss’s response spot on as usual.
Can hardly wait for Wednesday.
There was no analysis of the studs up challenge on Santi when he was about to shoot. The Pool scumbag connected 100pc with Santi and 0pc with the ball.
Anyway I am delighted they feel aggrieved. Makes up for Henchoz’s 2 handballs in the pen area (one a great save) when we lost that FA Cup Final in Cardiff that we should have won.
Yaya Sanogo: forgot to say about him applauding the fans back when he went off – their support clearly got to him.
Love the Sanogo vid – looks strong and mobile and a pain the bum for defenders.
dk @91.
TGSTEL appears to have stomped off in high dudgeon tweeting “two-faced” to anyone who will listen.
Effectively gorn.
A pain IN the bum I meant of course.
“high dudgeon” – nice turn of phrase.
Might as well start the build-up play then…
Ping.
BMBD
Premature ping. I see. Oh well.
Win the next match.
BMBD
Zico,
i wouldn’t be so hard on yourself. Wenger said it could’ve gone either way in the post game interview – which I thought was fair. While the penalty was soft and Gerard should have seen red, Pool missed chances that they took last week. Always a risk making 7 changes but great to restore some confidence and beat a team like that while give some players a rest before the CL.
Clive,
The Giroud stories are very unfortunate and as you say, his wife must be devastated. And while Wenger will be furious about the timing of the tryst and the subsequent lies, I think the club will stand by him. From a footballing perspective, I don’t think we’ve any other option but to start him against Bayern. Bayern are physically huge so his presence up front and in set pieces will be essential. As Bath has already mentioned, looks like Bendtner is finished.
baff@95. Hmm – he has since tweeted “Great victory”.
Oh, and ‘holic, great headline – “Poldi other one” HEH!
Thank you dk, it was worth the wait for someone to get it. 😉
I also got it but forgot to comment on it 🙂
Haha! Yellow card for that Lonestar.
I’ll fess up, I didnt twig on to it, nice word play guv’, and well spotted DK.
Hi
I will be the first to admit that when I saw Sanogo in the starting 11 I had my concerns. Agger and the extra from the hills have eyes knew at the end of the game that they wouldnt want to face him every week. Fantastic effort by the kid, he ran himself into the ground and put himself about and was a constant thorn.
I dont recall a better performance from Fabianski in between the sticks, sadly you struggle to find a better 2nd keeper and in that lie`s the problem, 2nd ! I think even Arsene is resigned to loosing him at the end of the season.
Nacho had a great 2nd half but was a little swamped in the 1st half. However he grew and got much better.
He`s got a massive mole and plays for the Arsenal was outstanding as per usual. Signing of the season in any league you care to mention. I love him ! he never stops telling everyone what to do and were to be, somthing we have dearly missed over the last 5-6 years.
Great result and a strong performance from the lads and some very wery legs got a rest as well, what more can you say.
As for the peno Jeff, yes it was a penalty. Do you always get every penalty due ? No, no you dont. Swings and roundabouts as thier captain should not have finished the game. The bitey man only has himself to blame as his reportation and teeth proceeded him. On top of going down like he stepped on a land mine didnt help him either.
Great result !
Up The Arse! 😀
Bring on the Munchkins!
Well, I will admit it – before the game, as soon as I saw the line-up, (Holic amongst others will testify), I was livid.
7 changes in a game that offered us our best chance of silverware was, I felt, arrogant at one extreme, and taking the piss at the other.
The record books will show that Arsene gambled and won, and my delight at getting revenge was not nullified by the realisation that it could have all gone horribly wrong had Liverpool been as clinical in their finishing this week as they had been last.
Fabianski has garnered most of the plaudits, rightly so, as this was clearly his best performance in an Arsenal shirt. Agger’s header going wide after his one solitary mistake was due reward for the number of other times he got us out of jail.
What encouraged me more than the result was the energy shown in the team, perhaps born in part from the enthusiasm and atmosphere generated by the up-for-it crowd. I’d like to think however that the players themselves found the drive to want to put the record straight, and after a nervy first 10 minutes, it was clear that this was a more representative Arsenal display than was served up at Anfield.
I am not going to go as far as suggesting that young Monsieur Sanogo becomes an immediate fixture in the first team, (he looks very, very raw), but he definitely offered us something different to the now predictable Giroud, who may just be tired and jaded, but for now definitely needs to spend less time exercising off the field and concentrating on getting his mojo back on it. I guess Wednesday will provide some answers.
With Giroud nowhere in sight, we scored the best Arsenal goal in months with that second. The combination of Ox, Ozil, Ox and Podolski was as good as anything we have served up all season. For those who say that Podolski cannot play centre forward or that he lacks work-rate, the answer was there to see – watch him burst a blood vessel to get into the penalty box and then think Giroud from the same starting position – we just need to adapt our own game to play to his strengths.
Podolski blotted his copybook with the hack which brought the penalty – I am hoping that his withdrawal by Wenger thereafter was not related to this but I have a gnawing suspicion, (and it is only a suspicion), that Arsene plays favourites as I cannot think of any other reason why Podolski has been so under-utilised since returning from injury. Time will tell.
This result now means that we can approach Bayern in a state of guarded optimism. Had we been rogered again yesterday, I hate to think what the atmosphere would have been like at the Grove given Arsene’s gamble. As it is, if we are still in the tie after 90 minutes then it will have been a great few days. But the Champions League is in my nice to have list.
I want the double. We got a step closer on Sunday.
COYRs
Heh Zico! Steady on with ‘arrogant’ comments mate, you definitely sound a bit Daily Mail there. Le Boss is Le Boss. You either back him or you don’t. No middle ground from where I’m sitting (used to stand).
Come on You Arsenal!
Dr Z – Please don’t mention the D-word. Not for another couple of months.
Move along everyone, nothing to see here.
Fuck me I thought I was a miserable bastard then I read the online gooner forum – How anyone can stick up for that total cunt Mourinho is beyond me let alone our own, Should re name it the Mourinho. Think I’m going to have to become a full on member of the Sunnyside at this rate !
Fuck the Scousers and the non given penalty,they’ve had plenty of decisions go for them against us,so won’t be feeling to sorry for them. I’m sure after the minutes silence for the non given penalty on Saturday they will be onto the next injustice 😉
Well Esso,
We’ll have to agree to disagree mate – there should always be middle ground.
The polarisation of the support is a part of what holds us back in my opinion.
All I was really meaning was that the team selection seemed to me, from the view before kick off, to be a “I’m not really too bothered about the FA cup or what the fans think” sort of statement. Maybe I underestimated the mood of the team – but how confident were you when you saw 7 changes facing a team that had just raped us?
I said before Sunday that I think the value of a trophy to this team will go a lot further in providing us with the necessary impetus to achieve in the longer term, than just scrambling for 3rd or 4th as we have done in recent seasons.
And with the teams that are out we have a great chance to get it.
Chippy,
You’re a miserable bastard. 😉
Zico,
That’s so True 😉 I’m officially turning my frown upside down – well till we get beat again 🙂
I’m pretty certain Arsene doesn’t give a shit about the polarized support. He’s going to do what he’s going to do. All the stuff on blogs, twitter etc. is merely a sideshow to keep us occupied between matches.
Zico, Esso,
To my mind the polarisation problem is that it seems to be unacceptable to hold opinions like “By and large I back Wenger but he does make the odd mistake” and “I don’t think Wenger’s up to much, but he gets things right from time to time”.
While this sad state of affairs is in place, I avoid introducing any nuances when giving my opinion of Wenger, and I don’t really blame anyone who does likewise.
My 2p worth.
COYG
Heh Zico! Bollox to ‘the polorisation’. I knew Terry Neil was doomed, but I backed him vocally till the day he got sacked (by mutual consent!) That aspect of that support will never change.
-that
+my
Impecc1 @106, that was a bit Mike Dean-ish, no? Not a word of caution…just straight in the book… 😉
I usually either get ‘Holic’s choice for wordplay (or suss it out after a few reads), but dkgÖÖner, please ‘splain it to me. I can’t quite make out the nugget.
HFB to restore normal service on the HT Mk II against the Germans. He does seem to have a real eye for “talent.” 😛
Win the next match.
BMBD
@lonestar: “Pull the other one”
Great report and some superb builds from the regulars. A great privilege to be in the ground (even although I was surrounded by a rash of Russian Mickeys). I expected all of the rotations except Sanogo. That one made my heart skip a beat (I’m on the league and cup double at 60-1, and that particular selection by the boss imposed an unnecessary level of stress).
I need not have worried one jot or one tittle. Steve T’s man, Lukas the cool non-flapper, held Shit And Spittle at bay with minimal effort. The Corporal played a storm and Ozil continued to justify entirely and single-handedly the price of my season ticket. I love watching that guy play.
Dr Z, it must be an East Fife affliction, but Im having difficulty rising to your level of enthusiasm for Poldi. He has a hammer of a shot but lacks the ball control and passing skills to make him a fixture. I really wish it was not this, but I fear he’ll never be more than a bit player. Come on, Poldi, please prove me wrong.
I’ll be at the usual watering hole pre and post the game on Wednesday night. Arsenal 1 Bayern 0. See you there I hope, Holics.
WTF?! I totally missed the wordplay in the title!
Talk about sneaking it in under the radar…
111 caps for Germany.
Lacks ball control and passing skills
Really?
So he got all those caps on account of having a hard shot?
His biggest problem at Arsenal, as far as I can see, has been fitness. That and whatever else it is that we don’t know about that makes Wenger distrust him.
Enjoy Wednesday – Crail GC bunnett weather I suspect. 😉
Was Liverpool’s finishing at Anfield that clinical or did everything that could go right for them did go right, whereas at the Ems it didn’t?
Clinical enough to go in five times, Ned.
PR@124: “There are none so blind as those who will not see.” 🙂
zico@125. Have no idea what sort of weather that may be, but this is what the Met Office is saying:
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/city-of-london-greater-london#?tab=fiveDay&fcTime=1392764400
Great defensive display for most of the match. Early on and after the penalty we looked a little all at sea at the back but only fleetingly. I was worried Flamini would see red judging by some of his first half efforts. The Ox grows in influence from game to game at the moment, Ozil perked up at last which should be noted.
Just a thought, does the side have more functionality and even steadiness when Wilshere is not in the side? No doubting his talent and commitment but as one fan blog report of the match at Anfield noted which caught my eye (no not le grove), he spends just as much time on the floor and arguing as he does on the ball.
Aside from AOC, Poldolski showed again what a clinical finisher he is, such a shame his back-tracking ability is not as good (that is a general reference, the pen he conceded was a complete joke of a decision). Praise to Wenger for altering the game-plan and setting up a better defensive strategy: the full-backs were not as high up the pitch thus the centre-backs were not forced to be split apart on the whole and the cen.mids. sat deeper.
But the real shining light of the day was our number 22. Well played that young man! What a presence he is and how he physically imposed himself on their centre-halves. His link-up play and touch at times was very good and what I noticed the most was that he never stopped running and closing opponents down – more of our celebrated attacking players would do well to take note! I can’t believe some fans moaned about some aspects of Sanogo’s display; hell, I know I can moan about Arsenal but the young man demonstrated what a capable player he could turn into – give me someone who puts in a good shift over a one-paced show-pony any day. I hope he is utilised again by Wenger very soon as yesterday was so encouraging.
Forgot to say Fabianski was a rock also, a shame that he will be departing come season’s end.
Oh on here on Friday afternoon I wrongly mocked Wenger for what I thought was a barb aimed directly at Mourinho having read his quotes on a well-known website. What I did not know until I saw clips of his media briefing later in the evening was that he in fact was replying to a direct question and was answering in a general, rather than specific aimed-manner . I was wrong to criticise having not known the context in which he had been speaking. Still, the ‘heads gone’ tirade from the touchy one was priceless – if looks could kill and all that. Wenger’s reply yesterday was delightful, but the verbal jousting should end there. As Wenger surmised post-match, what happens on the pitch should be the priority.
Zed @ 127
No coincidence that the 2 teams that had tough away games midweek,then had to travel away again for the Cup ties,both lost.
Chelsea looked decidedly jaded in their defeat at City,and although i was most impressed again with Liverpool on Sunday,particularly in our half of the pitch where they created several chances,i just think they were a fraction down mentally after the exertions of midweek,that of course was coming off the back of their scintillating display against us last w/end.
I’ve said it many times before,that the average fan underestimates the enormous toll on body and mind the top flight footballers experience on match day.
Someone once said that it was the equivalent of running a marathon.!
So imagine doing that 3 times a week at the top level.
That i think as the diff yesterday,when chances that were created by Liverpool were just not converted,unlike last Saturday when they were fresh.
From memory,apart from our goals,their keeper really only had to make 2 other real saves in the match and both were from Ozil.
‘Pool had at least 7 or 8 chances,and whilst Fab made a couple of excellent saves,a lot of their shots were straight at him.
Last saturday they were flying in,and in truth they could have scored 6 or 7.
So you cannot underestimate the home advantage that probably won us the game.
I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to go back to Anfield after the Utd midweek game if the Cup draw had gone the other way.
Again we have got lucky with the 6th round draw,a home game with a clear week beforehand,and depending on our first leg result against Bayern on wed,we may well see several changes again.
cheers
The Sweeper
Well played, David. Your favorite elixir awaits you.
BMBD
As I thought, the pundits on ESPNFC spent their entire review of the match (which they all predicted Pool would win) analysing the Suarez pen denial … no mention of Cazorla having his ankle assaulted in their box, or Gerrard getting away with gbh. No mention of their predictions either!
For the record they are also unanimous in believing Bayern are unbeatable by us. According to them we might as well not show up. We shall see…
Öskar
@135 – if “ifs” were fifths, we’d all be drunk.
Win the next match.
BMBD
Sorry, Holic,
I did get the pun in the title – just forgot to mention it, so can see how it would Lukas though I didn’t. 😉
Lukas? That Sanogo Trev 😉
Wasn’t Sanogo – it was The Ox slayed Liverpool. 😉
Nah, Ox laid a chambermaid.
Öskar
Meanwhile Ollie G rued his own hotel dalliance.
Öskar
I was so nervous to watch the game .
My beloved Arsenal !
Pitfighter was a great game!
When I used to go to arcades it was the only game I could play because everyone else kept hogging the Streetfighter II Turbo machines….
Tales of a misspent youth
Re. NB’s absence from the bench, baff said earlier that he had tweeted something about “two-faced”. In fact, he tweeted “2face”, which is not the same at all. We must remember that the man is Danish so it could well have been an abbreviated allusion to some more philosophical musings: “2 face or not 2face, that is …”
Just a thought.
There is a very popular Nigerian musician who goes by the name “2face”, he has numerous hit songs to his credits and recently featured on a track with Akon and Tpain so for all we know TGSTEL could be talking about him.
Once again this Bar gets the prize. How many Arsenal blogs teach you about the popular music scene in Nigeria?
Pangloss, 😀
Sorry to have had to miss this particular victory of the Arsenal and the ‘holic pound while stranded up in the north country in near blizzard conditions. Next time I will pick the time and place of my vacation a little differently if I can convince the management. Come on you deelightful red and whites!!!
Indeed Cent:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tTAUMJ2yIc
And with that line about “…blood on the dance floor…” NB could be referring to his own visits to Copenhagen clubs.
I don’t think I’ve been here since the Palace game, if not beyond. The tempest that is life has whipped itself up in recent weeks, throwing all sorts my way in the shape of lab reports, tests & interesting nights out 😛
Was really happy with Sanogo upfront on Sunday, I’d only see him play in the flesh once at last year’s Emirates Cup vs Galatasaray but he’s come in leaps and bounds since then 🙂 The Ox & Poldi had great games to win us the match, the former well deserving of the MotM acolade bestowed onto him, but questions have to be raised of Webb’s refereeing towards both teams. Liverpool fans can moan & whine all they want but the fact remains that he is England’s best representative in terms of refereeing and he will be going to Brazil this year, little bit system broken?
Zico@127: Or lucky enough.
Clive@132: You are right about how draining top level games are on players, but a lot also depends on how the results are going. A win is a lot less tiring than a loss. And perhaps having the home support behind you provides an extra lift.
In truth, there is not a lot between the top teams in the Premiership overall, though they have their particular strengths and weaknesses. A game between any two of them will typically be decided by a slim margin. In that respect, I would argue, our 5-1 defeat at Anfield was an anomaly.
dk @143
I stand corrected.
I was told about his post by a young lady in the Tollie. Don’t do FB/Tw myself.
Who knows what 2face means. In this case the Hamlet analogy was:
not “2face” Liverpoo.
Heh @dk, you should also check out “African queen”, arguably his best work so far.
The Prince of Denmark in a Hamlet analogy, how very apt considering how much we moan about something rotten from that State. 😉
Trev – ‘uh feel yer ought to be able to do some Hamlet puns. Felt you’ve been a bit off form recently, else in awe of your abilities in that direction.
(Two for the price of one!)
Zico, the Everton FA Cup game is gonna be on the Saturday 🙂
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/fa-cup-sixth-round-date-confirmed
Pangloss,
I actually once came second in a Hamlet puns competition. It was close, but no cigar.
And yes, I have been off form lately – not been havannah very good time. Wouldn’t mind rolling one off the thigh of a virgin though. 😉
Oops, pressed ‘return’ by mistake. 🙁
Meant to add – as long as she doesn’t have too much ‘air on ‘er g-string. 😉
TalkSpite radio has just surpassed itsself.
Comment from Mr Andy Jacobs – one eyed, blue-bespectacled Chelsea fan, answering Rodney Marsh’s claim that the media are anti Man City:
“Of course, there will always be resentment when a club spends that much money……. ”
there is simply nothing left to say !!
Not too happy that that’s an early kick off. Haven’t had the best results with those lately, but at least this one’s at home.
Trev – I was about to launch into suggestions that you were Baching up the wrong tree moving onto classical music puns and that I couldn’t Handel it, when I worked out the musical reference @157. Seemed a shame to waste them, so I didn’t.
I trust your knee(s) will soon be on the mend, pressaging a return to form.
COYG
Agree H2H @159. It seems to exacerbate our tendency to still be asleep at kick-off. We seem to have been in some kind of Pacific time zone since Southampton.
Put them to the sword!!!
Der other guys, I mean.
Thanks Wind (and Lars, in an alternate universe).
Now what to do with those hours after the game that Roxette expected me to be seated in the stadium…..and therefore out of reach. 😉
Well, the CL games are played at night…..
It’s in the bag!! 😉
Pangloss you’re Haydn a real talent . I’m really concerned about Thomas Mahler in their line- up tomorrow but Schubert they’ve got talent coming out of their ears. You can Liszt a lot of world class stars all over the team. All will be ravelled tomorrow . I just hope our lack of Chopin in the window won’t catch up with us.
I still believe we are the best team in Britten . 🙂
I expected the early Saturday kickoff, since we knew it had to be Saturday and Chelsea are playing the Spuds that evening.
Could be worse though, Brighton have to play their replay against Hull two days after a league game!
I really suffered after the last lot of composer puns –
Post Traumatic Strauss Disorder. 😉
Ttg@166, Trev@168 – aaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh
(No offence intended; I was brought up to groan rather than laugh at puns.)
With the Man City and Barca benches, you could put together a fairly decent team…
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>