A Win Over Everton The Best Preparation
Mar 7th, 2014 by 'holic
The FA Cup. It provokes a treasure trove of memories. Yes, there are some stinkers in there, but they are more than compensated for by the good ones. Alan Sunderland, Charlie George, it’s only Ray Parlour, magical. Seemingly taking every other day off work to travel to yet another replay against Sheffield Wednesday or Liverpool. Donkey wins the derby. The competition may have lost a little of it’s sparkle due to television shifting fixtures at the expense of the traveling support, and managers rotating their teams, but for supporters the aura remains.
This week’s quarter-final tie with Everton has taken on added significance given recent results in both Premier League and Champions League. We are not out of the running for either yet, but given the circumstances the old lady surely provides our best chance of success this season? Two wins is all we need to book our place in the Final in May. A difficult trip to Munich may be only three days after the final whistle on Saturday, but surely our strongest available eleven will be sent out to secure a Wembley semi-final berth? Arsene sought to reassure in his press conference.
“We had a disappointing result at Stoke and for us it is very important to come back with a strong response. The FA Cup is our absolute priority just because it is our next game. It’s the quarter final and we want to do well, qualify and win. That’s the best way for us to prepare for the other games.”
In the three rounds to date a squad team has proven sufficient to take us past the challenges of the neighbours, Coventry, and Liverpool. Two of those had other irons in the fire when we played them and Coventry, with all due respect, were never going to make it all the way. There is something different about the challenge of Everton. This is their only chance of a trophy this season and with the Final so close it is also their best chance of securing a European place for next season. They will be motivated for sure, and Roberto Martinez has got the better of Arsene before when at Wigan.
The injury to Jack Wilshere means surely a pairing of Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini at the base of the midfield. Ahead of them the options remain varied, but hopefully we will see the introduction of some pace and trickery in the shape of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Serge Gnabry on the right. With Laurent Koscielny a doubt Thomas Vermaelen could start alongside the big flipping German. Although he would not be my preference it would not be a surprise to see Lukasz Fabianski start in goal. He has performed well in the FA Cup this season but is one mistake away from being another stick with which to beat the boss.
Their 3-1 fifth round win against Swansea was the start of a win, lose, win, lose, win, lose, win sequence for the visitors. Hopefully we can keep that pattern going. The defeats to Liverpool, Tottenham, and Chelsea have hurt their chances of a top five finish after an excellent first-half of the current campaign. They too are likely to start their second-choice goalkeeper, Joel Robles. Phil Jagielka, hamstrung like Koscielny, may also miss out so the highly rated teenager John Stones is set to continue in defence.
The ‘holic pound is based on the bluenoses last two trips to the capital ending in 1-0 defeats. I’m not sure my nerves could cope with such a tense ninety minutes, but the post match pints will taste all the sweeter for the win. Sevens is the best I have found for that most famous of Arsenal scorelines to become fact.
I’ll see some of you for an aperitif beforehand, and must admit I am looking forward to the atmosphere at the match with over five thousand scallys in the Clock End. I’ll spare a thought for those having to get up at an ungodly hour overseas to watch the lunchtime kick-off. Wherever you are taking the game in, have a good one ‘holics.
WHAT DID SHE WEAR?
Finally, a mention for the Gunners youth team who also host Everton in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final on Monday evening. Ticket details can be found here. Good luck lads. Let’s hope for a double over the coming days.
261 Responses to “A Win Over Everton The Best Preparation”
1st ?
Wow made it !
Just as I was typing the same….
Well in 1971.
And Holic, the mere mention of ‘only Ray Parlour’ had me reaching for Youtube straight away.
Watch it again. As he stops the ball and shifts it onto his other foot, 3 Chelsea defenders all run the wrong way, opening up a gulf to goal.
Then almost from 30 yards out it curls round a defender and dips just inside the angle. I haven’t seen many goals that good.
Cheers Holic!
Well seeing someone is on holiday today. 😀
Off to read.
What about those of us NOT overseas getting up at an ungodly hour?
Pampered, you lot. 😉
8th isn’t bad. Probably higher than the Mancs will finsih this season.
Boom boom! 😆
Hi All
We need a win tomorrow so badly, I think it could give the boys a jump start for a fantastic run and make the final part of the season one to remember.
Fingers crossed
Cheers
Top ten?
Afternoon all. Heh zico. I’ll be up at a work hour too, unlike today 😉
Cracking preview, ‘h, got me in the mood for the game, I’m proper excited/nervous for the game now.
Up The Arse!
We’re going to record the game and dodge the result and watch it when we get home in the afternoon tomorrow. Heh!
Up the Arse! 🙂
Give em ell tomorrow lads, give em ell! 😉
Ungodly kickoff time deserves a godly Arsenal win. COYG!!!
Nice one ‘holic.
I can say, with a great deal of certanity, that the answer to your query was “a yellow ribbon”.
However, if said article was her only attire is best left to the imagination. I’d like to think it was, afterall, it was the merry month of May….. Saucy mare. 😉
A top preview I’d call that, Holic.
I might now just have to lie to myself at this evening’s fitness test. 😉
Image of Everton player waking up at an ungodly hour before tomorrow’s game. Key to victory?
http://cdn.dogomedia.com/system/ckeditor_assets/pictures/510451851860e075e20008af/content_Waking-up-Your-Child.jpg
Lunchtime kickoff??
Anyone got any stats on our win percentage at that ridiculous time of day or do I not want to know?
:]
Cheers for the preview ‘H.
I hope Arsene resists the temptation to go with an Arteta/Flamini combo and goes for something a bit more dynamic. Ozil Ox and Flamini in the middle for me and any two of Cazorla Poldi and Gnabry on the flanks.
2-0 to the Arsenal.
Been afflicted by a stomach bug since yesterday afternoon (it’s Swedish name would translate to “winter vomiting disease”, that really tells you all you need to know), and am only just recovering. This means that tomorrow, for the first time since, I think, August 2009 I will be in Stockholm and not watch the Arsenal game down the pub. Feels a bit wierd, to be honest.
I’m with tabs – we need to put them on the back foot from the off – a combination of Flamini and Arteta, at home, in a game that we must win (to hell with replays), tends to play into Everton’s hands.
And Lars, summer vomiting disease is well known over here. It’s also known as “far too much cider”. 🙂
Heh! I’ve experienced that as well…
Liking that midfield combo, Ox and Flam to anchor, Gnabry right maybe?
Ox much more affective out right, Flamini and TR7 middle, Poldi left and Santi just behind Giroud.
Huge game , tense lunchtime ahead but we are their bogey team with a very good record against them. I think the holic pound is wisely invested at 1-0 in our favour . Agree with tabs about the midfield. Think Ozil may get our goal as he did in December.
COYG
Good to see the regulars here and discussing a midfield that despite missing a few top notch players still has great skill and experience.
I too don’t want the Arteta/ Flamini pivot. Loads of experience btw the 2 but not enough energy and directness to be a cutting attack.
My only concern is I hope Vermaelen does not give away and cheap fouls around the box. We don’t need a bunch of free crosses coming into our box for Lukaku to find.
Also Tim Howard owes us at least one cock up for his own goal gaff against Chelski!
Enjoy everyone. A not so bright and early kickoff here. Ooofff
Tim Howard may give way to Robles. We will have Fabianski.
TTG,
You are probably right. Maybe Robles can add the cock up then. 😉
Anyone think Sonogo gets the start over Giroud?
Lars,
“(it’s Swedish name would translate to “winter vomiting disease”, that really tells you all you need to know)”
That actually tells us far more than we want to know. 😉
Warming up with Guinness in a real glass.
A two fingered salute to the mental working week that was – Adam Smith has a lot to answer for!
See you tomorrow Holics. 😎
Have a great day out Zico, ‘holic and all others attending.
Come on you Arsenal!
Trev @ 16 – now you be honest with yourself at that fitness test. Be an example for Jackie-boy by listening to yer body. 😉
TaBS knows @ 19, we need some steel and dynamism in the middle of the park tomorrow, and I’m not sure an Arteta-Flamini axis gives us that dynamism. I think it incumbent on the gaffa to find a way to get the Ox, Tomas, Santi, and Poldi on the pitch together…and be prepared to make substitutions on the 60 min mark if required.
I’d have Szcezsny to Fabianski. I know it’s unfair to Fabs, but this is no time for sentimentality.
COYGs!
BMBD
Just like 1971 set it out @ 24. 😛
BMBD
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenals-per-mertesacker-called-big-3217328
Evening all. The above is very funny if you have not seen it before.
A lot of tactical talk. I like it.
I must say. A high tempo at home is a must win. They try to stop us playing (transparent tactics across Europe against one of thee top passing sides in the world), they cannot keep up, lose shape and make silly fouls. A combination of yellow cards and quick runs into the danger area means pens, tap ins and shots on goal. This will free up the enforcers to keep the centre backs feel safe. The full backs join in the action and woj is fresh to make a couple of dynamic saves. The manager gives the famous grin and a cheeky post presser and we await a side to thump in the semi’s
I think! 🙂
Good one H
Let’s hope whatever side we put out shows a lot more verve/energy/fight than we got last week at Stoke.
Everton are a good side,they don’t concede many,then again,they don’t score many either.
Typically their main man up front will return fully from injury,after a subs appearance last week,just in time for the Cup tie.
Should be a cracker,but cannot see a lot of goals,could possibly go to a replay,lets hope not.
Would be nice to the double over them,as we also play them at home in the Quarter final of the FA Youth Cup on Monday night.
Cheers
The Sweeper
Nice preview H. I must say I’m very much looking forward to tomorrow. A replay suits neither side so I think it will be a game that is quite open. The Flamster has to start for me. I just think we need his passion and energy. As for the rest? Who knows who will play?
I’m hoping to make the pre match gathering in the Tollie although the early kick off does not make that easy. Fingers crossed.
Bring it on.
Width is crucial, particularly on the right. Both because Martinez’s Everton tends to play narrow in the midfield and to keep Baines pegged back from using the space that narrowness opens up. This is no longer Moyes’s team so it is going to be a battle of the short passes and high pressing in midfield. Whichever side does better at both should win. And that should be us.
Ok, it’s multi ice pack time having, er, passed the fitness test (actually, I didn’t turn up). The metal hinged support is oiled and ready to go and there’s a glorious sunny day in prospect.
It will be a drive to Crouch End to park at the neighbour’s house, a bus to the corner of Hornsey / Tollington Road, and the much briefer walk to the stadium.
Looks highly unlikely that there will be any time to drop in to The Tollie but have a good time all who will be there.
Any win will do but I sense a fine 2-1 to the rip roaring.
Great stuff Trev, even if we are missing you.
Verve.
Fight.
Energy.
Width.
Clean Sheet.
Tollie (for the fans, not the players)
These are all to the good; but on the other hand:
Replay.
Stoke-Like Performance.
Conceding a late goal like we did last time to that young guy with the long unusual name and the Barcelona DNA.
These are bad and must be avoided.
Preview sets the stage nicely guv. Should be a good day out, especially those gathering for the Guinness tasting event at the Tollie. Should be a tight affair – no I don’t mean Scotsmen at the bar 😉 but I go with Trev
with a 2-1 victory. Be careful with the leaping up celebrating the goals Trev!
Trev: you are a man of steel.
Trev@39: taking the 91 bus from Crouch End?
“In the John Ford/ Herbert Chapman tradition of Greatness”, give ’em ‘ell, Arsenal!
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v8DM9XvboPU/T8fEw_qx9RI/AAAAAAAAFj4/PTkdU3AGuJY/s1600/She+Wore+a+Yellow+Ribbon.jpg
2-0 to the Arsenal.
Peter – no idea ’til tomorrow. Being led by the neighbour.
I guess it depends which Arsenal turns up. Anything less than the A team and I can see this being decided at Goodison Park sometime tba.
If only we had a Ray Parlour…
Öskar
I just hope AW starts with purpose, ie Ox or Gnu at pace on the wings and Flam imposing in the middle. We simply have to score more than they do. Any more of that slow starting lack of ambition and I know which way it will go.
Öskar
If you take the 91 bus from Crouch End, Trev, please be sure to return it in the same condition you found it.
Öskar
Good luck with that tomorrow, Trev.
Safe journey to all traveling ‘holics, cheer us to victory!!!!
I hope we spank Everton good and proper after our loss to Stoke last week.
Looking for Ozil to shine, he can make us look dangerous. Let’s hope Giroud & the OX are on fire.
Then avoid Cit-eh in the Semi’s.
COYR’s.
looks like the quackery has been putting out feelers.
i have 4 hours of driving and 10 hours of iron forging on my slate for tomorrow, so I will be forced to miss the match. i will hopefully wake to a victory in red, tied up in that singular yellow ribbon.
i am a santi Giroud/yaya gnabry fan up front, with happy/ox/flams from front to back. i almost think jenks for Sagna, and then gibbo. but that might be tough against their crossers, i am undecided. it *would* give us arguably our quickest team. Chezza in goal, sorry fabs.
enjoy it all who go, or are watching it on tv…COME ON YOU REDS!!!
Morning all, safe journey to all today.
Morning boys and girls. Morning H. Safe journey. See you all in a few hours hopefully.
Trev, have you left yet????? Chop chop.
😀
Enjoy the match those who are going and those who are watching, I shall be surreptitiously checking my phone on a regular basis.
COYG.
Happy digging, bath 😉
Big one, this.
COYG
A sunny day here in Stockholm and I am finally feeling almost entirely recovered from the stomach bug attack, let us hope the day continues to be a bright and good one. Come on, Arsenal!
Lars. Glad to hear the vomiting has stopped. Actually you didn’t really say that, but ….
🙂
Trev. Take it easy on the way to the game. No re-injury needed. That goes for many a player too.
bt8 @ 60
+1
.
COME ON YOU REDS! !!!!!!
Sanogo
Tv warming up, beer cooling. computer on.
I’d say I’m, ready…….
BRING IT ON.
Mesut Ozil, Lukasz Fabianski, Thomas Vermaelen and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all start for the Gunners
Good, strong side. Come on Arsenal LET’S GET THIS DONE
Both teams with very similar almost identical formations, with two holding midfielders, attacking fullbacks, speedy right wingers, left wingers who tends to drift inside and powerful strikers.
Only difference is ATM position where they’ve opted for more direct more powerful and stronger player in Barkley who is going to press Arteta and try to dribble his way to the goal or shoot from distance;
and we have more creative and technical player in Ozil, who will try to split defenses with through balls.
Arsenal: Fabianski; Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Arteta, Flamini; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Cazorla; Sanogo
Subs: Viviano, Podolski, Gnabry, Giroud, Rosicky, Ryo, Jenkinson
Everton: Joel, Baines (c), Mirallas, Distin, McCarthy, Lukaku, Barry, Barkley, Pienaar, Coleman, Stones
Subs: Hibbert, McGeady, Deulofeu, Naismith, Osman, Howard, Browning
Can’t remember the last time I’ve felt this nervous.
Lurky.
Last week’s game, the one before that and the one before that, etc, etc. 😉
H2H, this is maybe the first time this year I am feeling THIS nervous.
Can’t explain why.
It is a good sign though, because we usually play well when my hands are shaking, my mouth is dry and I cough 30 times per minute.
Hey all,
streams
http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=249286&part=sports
http://livetv.sx/en/eventinfo/219138_arsenal_everton/
lets do them Toffies!
Hi All
Sanogo a bit of a suprise, but understandable. Would have liked to see TR7 in starting line up.
Good attacking options on the bench thou !
COYG !!!!!
Cheers
Eandy, any reliable stream, because it keeps saying “bad gateway”
not using sopcast now since I am not at home …so have to go for flash…went for one on wiziwig Lurky
OK, bad quality it is, but thanks anyway.
http://dazsports.org/daz3.html this one to be exact..in dutch tho
COME ON YOU REDSSSSSSSSSSS
Coyg
Murky try wiziwig.TV – gives large choice of streams
I’ll translate for ya. 😛
Sorry Lurky
First squecky bum moment
Ooooozzzzillllll!!!!!!
Ozzzzzzxzillllllll
GET IN!
Toper!!!
Get in
YEahh!!!! OZillllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!
MESUT!
Fucking get in the back of the net!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That’s Ozil’s second against everton this seson. (first first goal since then too)
Run Riottttttttttttttttttttttttt! Come On!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OOooooo Oxo
Nice tracking back by Ozil.
We’re giving possession away too cheaply.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Great football the Ox is every where !
Very open game at the moment….
Unlucky Gibbsy
Come onnnnnnnnnnnnnn!
Their keeper looks a bit shaky when balls come into the box.
He nearly pushed that one into his own net.
You’re right H2H!!!
Both sides marshaling their defence very well!
Nice to see the lads having a shoot on goal, giving it some proper welly !
FUCK
gah
Sagna late and slow.
You could see Flamini didn’t dare to make a tackle because he was already on a yellow.
Unlucky… we’ll get back at em! More goals to come !
We start again…..
Ooooo Oxo
Am loving the energy of this game….!
Both goals pretty much against the run of play at the time of scoring.
OOooooo Santi. COYG’s
Top work from the Ox
Shame about the goal, but a good half overall.
High energy and tempo, both goals against run of play, will be very very close..but that was always going to be the case against this Everton side.
Missed our goal – stream went down. Just seen it on 101 – what an exquisite pass from Santi!
High tempo first half, honours even, although I think we shaded it.
Only gripe is that we lose possession far too easily, Everton are guilty of that too though.
Sanogo needs to get a bit more involved, he looks like he’s trying, but his decision making with movement off the ball could be better.
Ox, Santi and ozil working hard, the latter combining well with Gibbsy. we need to put in a few more crosses as their keeper looks shakier then Shakin’ Stevens drinking a milkshake on a vibrating stage.
I felt that we played well, much better than the previous first half when these teams meat.
However I think that we miss the little bit of luck that was on our side and our ally till the end of January.
Good half – I think we’re going to need HFB if we are to win this – Sanogo not making a lot of headway and we need more muscle in the middle.
COME ON ARSENAAAL
We really need to make more of our set pieces.
Lucky there. Tommy V brain fart.
Lucky there jesus
Verminator no longer in my eyes
Agree H2H, giving the ball away to cheaply. Great game.
COYG
Ooooooooo santi.
Clattenburg the cunt
Giroud for sanogo
Big fan, but average game from Sanogo today.
sanogo needs to learn from Girouds movement in the box, he’s only been on for a minute and has already created more.
Arteta’s up for it! COme ONNNNNNNN!
End to end stuff, a real cop tie this.
PENALTY!!!!
ARTEEETA
Told ya! 🙂
Get in!
That’s how you take penalty
Hold up……
Retake and yellow for OG
Like I said. GET THE FUCK IN
SUPER COOL MIKEL!!!!!
I was bricking it. 😉
Artetaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! that’s 2 goals to us…. ref is a….!!!!
Two penalties thought my heart was going to stop
Ox has been and is brilliant today!
Come on Arsenal, don’t sit back!!
Tomassss! COme ON!
Rosicky for the Ox.
Ox has played a blinder.
Ox was brilliant today raise a glass for you fella!
Focks sake ref.. thats a yellow at least! Grrrr! Go vermy!
GIROOOOUD
Top work sana
Marvelous
Game ..Set.. Match! 😀
WEM-BER-LEEEE, WE’RE THE FAMOUS ARSENAL AND WE’RE GOING TO……
OG get in there!
WHAT A GOAAAAAAAL
Ha ha ha ha co e on on the knees!
I couldn’t emphasize it more! Now bring on Bayern!!!
Ozil just needed rest.. He’s backkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk! 😀
The triple is on still! 😀
Bloody phone typing
That was close as well
Oooh almost a 4 minute hatrick for the HFB
Jenks for Gibbsy who was also on top form.
Credit to Everton, they do not deserve the scoreline! Wonderful to watch!
Indeed BB.
we were in a game here.
Wembley here we come!!!!
My 120 – dk knows 🙂
Brilliant game and excellent result! Am confident about bayern now! 😀
Up the Arse!
not entirely happy
but
completely happy
just now
.
COME ON YOU RIP ROARING!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:):):):)
Now that’s what am talking about ha ha ha ha!!!!!!! COYG now let’s go win the premier league. We can still win it right? Or too much to ask for. Got my weekend on the right track lovely performance
Well truly awesome performance it has to be said
Fucking get in!
A bloody good game of football that was.
Worried that Jenks was brought on for Gibbs, that must mean Gibbs felt something.
Clattenburg really, really didn’t want us to score from that pelanty, did he? And would he have called it back again if Joel had saved the second attemp for leaving the line too soon? He was a yard off the line as Arteta struck the ball which was the only reason he got anywhere near it.
Now for some food…
That was some game eh?:)
Mesut – goal and an assist
OG – two goals in 4 minutes
TR7 – master of pre-assist strikes again, two of them today at the crucial time of the match.
Ox – brilliant throughout the game and won a penalty.
Also I have no idea how is Mikel Arteta able to run since size of his cojones must be freaking unbelievable, those were some cooly taken penalties.
Just watched the fourth goal again, wow!!
From Santi winning the ball deep in our half, a little dribble, pass to TR7. one touch pass to Ozil, one touch pass to OG, bam. (12 seconds) Briliant!!!
Arteta was very good as the box-to-box, but Ox my MOTM. The intelligence to move in and out of the flanks, in addition to the skills and pace, made him very hard to play against.
It is an interesting, and somewhat counter-intuitive stat, that we won significantly higher percentage of matches this season with Flamini-Arteta in the middle. Arteta no longer has the legs to play the box-to-box every three days or every week, but he can be very influential playing in that role.
Ozil – Santi axis worked splendidly, and Gibbo was terrific as well. Hopefully his sub was not because of any knock. TR7 on his cameo was key to the two late goals.
TV5 except for the one slip did well in his return.
That is 18 goals for Giroud in the season. Not bad at all.
Hoping to avoid City in the semis, maybe Wigan can repeat their last year’s heroics.
H2H @ 173: The great thing about the fourth goal was Ozil even before receiving the ball looking over his shoulder to just check Giroud’s run and Giroud instantly cutting the angle closer expecting the precise location of the pass. That was a majestic counter-attacking goal!
Indeed Doc, indeed.
Faustus: that fourth goal was so, so beautiful. Right up there with the Bergkamp-Pires-Henry goals of years gone past.
And with our luck in the draws this season, do you really think we’ll get anyone other than City in the semis?
Lars @ 177: Yes, a really mouth-watering goal and should put the confidence back in this team about efficiency in counter-attacking play.
If we get City in the semis we should play as the “away” team, all defensive discipline and ruthless counter-attack. City has more of a fixture congestion in PL compared to us and their barnstorming style maybe leading to a bit of fatigue in the camp. Anyway, hoping for Wigan to cause an upset. Not impossible. 🙂
Forgot one thing: credit to Vermaelen for yet another very good performance. He did do one mistake which almost led to a goal but it isn’t easy to play so little and yet do so well once you do get to play.
My #51 looks a decent prediction now 🙂 Let’s avoid Cit-eh. You could see the relief in the players from that result today.
COYR’s
Lars @ 179: Yes, he was pretty good. At one point in second half he came out on one of his rambunctious runs from the defense but someone shouted at him when he was near the halfway line and he released the pass and dropped back. That is the kind of collective awareness and communication that has been missing for so long. He handled Lukaku very well, and one can see why Lukaku is still not the finished material, lacks awareness of movements of team members.
Amazing that OG overbalancing into the box for the penalty (take 1) is deemed a bookable offence while Pienaar can run around kicking players’ ankles the whole time and not even get a warning. I rarely wish an injury on anyone, but his was poetic justice. Let’s hope it keeps him out for a while.
Everton don’t have a very strong bench – Leon Osman and Aiden McGeady don’t strike fear into anyone. Would be nice to repeat this result up at their place in April.
@181 : I guess someone shouted, but could have been TV5 finding a new level of self-discipline himself. This was his main weakness …
Best wishes to all fellow gooners from the South-East Asia: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26496673 .
Hopefully it is not the worst that can be imagined. Hopefully …
So sad…
just watched the highlights, superb. what a delight to wake up to! OG’s movement for his first was perfect, backpedal long to create the space for sagna’s pass, then moving to meet it and score. and the fourth…delicious.
with hammer and iron I’ll be banging out “she wore a yellow ribbon”!!
backpedalling…
Great fucking game !!!!!!
The Ox was electric, fantastice team performance.
Props all round
Cheers
Vermaelen did really well as he was as rusty as a rusty thing
Knowing the psycholigical profile of out team and their respond to big games I prefer City at semi final.
Of course, Semi final, City, Wembley, IS a big game, but final is much bigger.
So Fulham sacked one manager, and the team dropped to rock bottom. They then sacked the new manager and even though they can’t fall further down the table the team is playing even worse. They are currently being comprehensively outplayed by Cardiff, who have been utter shit since Solskjaer took over.
Bayern just trashed wolfsburg 6-1, it’s going to be an interesting match!
Cracking performance, great result. Just what the doctor ordered.
Don’t want City in the semi. Would rather have a better chance of playing in the final, and also one more chance for City to slip up (assuming they beat Wigan). Up the Latics!
What a magical performance by the magician called Mesut, i mean honestly the ones who criticized him needs to get lost and never come back. He just needs time and he will only get better, we have a jewel in our hands please lets not lose him thanks to some stupid people and writers.
Ox for me was amazing, the kid has talent but what makes him better is his attitude, never gives up, brilliant lad, just needs to watch for that one moment of casualness at times.
Mikel take a bow,that takes some nerve to retake and score the penalty again.
Wembley here we come, lets get a kind draw tom, Wrighty doing the draw, get us a draw which doesnt have city’s name on it mate please.
Any doubting cunts …
fuck the fuck off.
This post has been sponsored by Dr Z and Snowy.
Good Evening.
Now we need that Adebayor wanker to score a couple.
Push it to the limit, ya worthless tarts!
Hi all
Bayern are in the future, today is all about the FA cup. End to end stuff and Everton helped make it a cracking game and fair play to them for that. The Arsenal go into the very small hat now and a FA Cup final is in touching distance.
The team were fantastic and the Ox was out of this world. I dont care who we get as I know it will proberly be Shitty and if you want to win this compition you have to beat these teams.
I hope this helps the team get there mojo back which has been awol for a while. I`m just over the moon and delighted with the performance of the whole team.
COYG !!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers
Ian Wright and Shaun Wright-Philips to preside at FA Cup semifinal draw.
The “that shouldn’t be right” fact of the week: SW-P has more England caps than Wrighty. Just underscores the proliferation of worthless international friendlies by FIFA…
SSY@195
Adebayor can score a couple as long as he gets struck by lightening 15 times as he leaves the pitch at full time and then the groundsmen get the lawn mowers out a tad earlry and go over pitch just were he is lying.
Evening tabs, hope you are enjoying the evening along with a bouncing Tollington!
SSY: I actually want Chelsea to beat Tottenham or at least get a draw. I want Tottenham as far behind us as possible. I do not want them just three points (albeit with a game in hand but points on the board are always worth more than games in hand) behind us going into the derby next Sunday. And I must say even though everyone expects Chelsea to win I have a wierd feeling that Tottenham will sneak it. There’s been all sorts of talk about how they haven’t won there since forever and how Mourinho hasn’t overseen a Chelsea loss in the league at the bus stop and yada yada yada and that usually makes to upsets.
Just back and very content. We should have been more comfortably ahead before they scored. The tale of corners shows the level of pressure and we won well.
Very few gripes. I thought Vermaelen was superb, Ox was excellent but Ozil was superb and with more players in the team on his wavelength and with pace we will be a very dangerous team. This was really not a game to start Sanogo in and we can only be thankful they played Robles and not Howard with Jagielka out. But the Emirates was rocking at the end and this has done morale a power of good.
Churlish to complain about a 4-1 FA Cup quarter-final win, but that game should have been wrapped up in the first half-hour. Yet props to those mentioned in dispatches above — the Ox, Özil, Santi, Gibbo, Arteta, TommyV. Some outstanding performances. The BFG and Bac were their reliable selves. Three Wengerball goals should lift the spirits for the Bayern game. Giroud’s first goal was a real striker’s strike. Good to see. Anyone know if Gibbs got a knock, or was the Corporal just given a runout at left back once the game was secure to see how he would do there with Nacho still out injured?
..and well in, tttg
NBN- Kieran walked straight down the tunnel which I took as a bad sign. I didn’t notice any sign of a contact injury so I presume we are talking about a strain. He has a very bad record for picking up injuries like this.
Watching Chelsea it saddens me that they are above us. They really are a disappointing and rather inflexible team. But I bet they win cos they are playing the chokers of all time.
ttg, from what I’ve seen of the game at the bus stop, Spurs have been dominating Chelsea completely. But then again Chelsea often play like that. Mourinho is, as we have often said here, tactically speaking little more than a Tony Pulis with a more expensive team. He wants opponents to overcommit players while trying to move the bus and then hit them on the breaks and/or set pieces.
Well, it hurt but it was worth it !!!
FOUR goals. The sweeping move for the fourth was just fantastic.
Seriously though, FOUR bloody times they had me up and down out of my seat – just typical – inconsiderate lot.
Great performance – Everton made to look extremely ordinary – knee is on fire, but it was great fun.
Thanks to the neighbour for his help.
Liking that, Lars – Mourinho = Pulis + Cash. 😉
Arsene haven’t mentioned Gibbs in the post match interview, so I’ll take that as a good sign.
In parallell to watching the cuntfest at the bus stop I am also watching our game again, and I am even more impressed on second viewing. Apart from short spells here and there we were totally dominant. Everton didn’t really create any proper chances apart from the goal and the Vermaelen goof. This is not to say that Everton were bad in any way, they played their passing game but our defending was, on the whole, absolutely brilliant.
I also started thinking about this “big game” issue again. It has become common “knowledge” that we don’t show up in big games, but once again I want to question that “knowledge”. It does seem like games only count as big if we lose (even Stoke away was labelled a “big game” ffs, if that is big then every game is big but you can bet your arse it would have been “only stoke” if we’d have won it), and while we have failed to perform in a few of the big games we have also won quite a few of them. NLD:s are always big games, and we’ve played two and won two this season. Liverpool at home in the cup was massive in the context of where we were at when it was played and we won that, we were every bit as good as Bayern for as long as we were 11 v 11, we beat Dortmund away when under immense pressure so we have performed in SOME big games, not just all.
By the way, just a short while after our third goal Gibbs can be seen holding his calf so he definitely came off because he felt something. We’ll have to wait and see how bad it is.
Trev,
Lars – Mourinho = Stoke + Cash
That would mean that
Lars = Stoke + Cash + Mourinho
Not really sure I like what you are saying there… 😉
What a bunch of LWC’s 🙂
1-0 Chelsea, btw.
Hahhaah… Eto’s celebration..classic old man!
Still think spuds will win or draw this one.
A massive howler by Verthongen gifted Eto’o that goal.
BB
Cancel that now
Pelanty Chelsea and red card for Sandro!
Oh noes… a pelanty…. and a red card… all bets are off then.
Kaboul now out of the NLD!
Sorry, Kaboul got the card.
Well, game over at Stamford Bridge then.
They’ve sold their soul to the devil. I don’t have any other possible explanation for that sort of luck through the last couple of years.
So, that’s it.
The Python Utd are now 8 games away from the trophy.
Disgusting.
I rarely praise Spurs because they rarely deserve it but they were the better team in the first half and then the Faustian pact ( sorry Dr. F !) paid off again. We now await the reptilian and meaningless blather of Satan’s henchman which will no doubt be slavered over by Sky Sports. How I would love us to beat them in a fortnight
They’re both still shite, we’ll beat ’em both at their place! 😀
Joke of a team.
Champions league contenders ( ?) with a negative goal difference! Don’t think so.
Spurs GD for the premiership season is now 0.
Fuck ’em all anyway.
I’m celebrating.
Hello, 6th beer, how ya doin’…
Just watch everyone talking of the masterclass sub from Maureen at half time and how that changed the game. The truth is that the Cuntiest One, didn’t have a clue of how to score a goal until Spuds pressed the self destruction button.
Chelsea just do not deserve the title this year and I am confident we are going to be the first team that won against Maureen at Stamford Bridge. Thank you Spuds for allowing us to have that honour.
If we can produce a performance anywhere near what we had today on Sunday we will fucking murder Tottenham. I don’t agree at all that they were better than Chelsea for the first half, they had a lot of the ball but Chelsea invited them to play in front of the area like they almost always do. In the end Verthongen provided them with the opener (what the bloody hell was he trying to do???) and from then on in it was only ever going one way.
Pulled up outside my home today, to go inside and watch the recorded game, only for my neighbour to come out shouting ‘we’re going to Wembley’. Great I thought. In more ways than one.
Good on Ozil getting man of the match. Chamberlain and Cazorla I thought had also put in a good performance. We even saw glimpses of the old Vermaelen at times too.
Well done lads. Two games away from Fookin final! 😉
Lurky, let them wank away. I will never take Chelsea seriously anyway, like City they have just bought their way to the top. Their titles are worth nothing in my eyes.
Goonertown: it is noticeable how much easier it is for Cazorla when we have players like the Ox on the pitch as that means the other teams can’t focus on him as much. Also, Cazorla works best when he can roam around the pitch and swap positions with others and that worked great with the Ox and Özil today, all three of them played on the left, centrally and on the right at various points of the game and that of course makes it so much harder for the opposition to keep them quiet.
I don’t think it’s just pure luck that Chelsea(and Maureen’s team generally) get’s those gifts from opposition teams, I think Maureen’s tactics is hinged heavily on utilising players who stay focused, stick to instructions and as a result least likely to make a mistake. Maureen’s teams just defend deep, counter when they have the ball and wait for the opponents to make a mistake. They don’t make risky attacking moves that might result in mistakes of their own that leaves them vulnerable in defence, they don’t take the initiative except the opponents hands it to them via a mistake. The best way to play them is to beat them at their own game, let them have the ball, be patient and don’t commit too many men forward, problem is that’s their own style of play and their experience in it will count for them most times, other times it will end in a draw and very, very few other times they will lose.
Spot on Chambo, Lars. My thoughts exactly. His performance today makes me feel even sadder that he wasn’t a starter at Stoke.
Hate repeating myself, but today Arteta showed what we are missing when Wilshere is playing in that box to box role. It was such a motivated, committed, dazzling, superb presentation of the corect way a player in that position should play.
Well observed Lars. I did notice the interchange between the three. I also feel Chamberlain has the ‘head level’ to deal with such responsibility. I hope he can keep this focus consistently, as he will benefit from it. He has a bright future.
Drooling at the prospect of MOTD after missing the game through having to go bib shopping.
No, that pun was not intended and before you ask, I also bought a couple of things for my baby daughter as well!
You’ll be pleased to know I’m here all week.
Fantastic game, result and performance.
Vinay: Keep your hair on mate — I questioned Ozil after his performance at Anfield because I thought he was poor that day. Today he was excellent and is deserving of our plaudits.
I don’t think I’ve seen anyone on here ever really lay into Ozil, so not sure about this sensitivity.
We’re on our way to Wembley, we’re on the Wembley Way!!!
Porco- I’d switch to ziTV if I were you. It’s not on MOTD!
Sorry ITV! Not a new channel!
Sherwood has had a meltdown on a Sky- and they must struggle for centre backs next week!
Just in. Great result and great people to share it with post match.
Now, help me out people. If, after a great 4-1 victory and a few scoops, is it wrong to order a take away chicken tikka balti and to have a little cheeky pork pie as a starter???? The fridge is a wonderful place.
She wore, she wore, she wore a yellow ribbon…….
Way to go boys, you had me worried at times but you pulled through. Kudos to Arteta for the PKs. The Ox was the boss today. Ozil haters can pound sand, he was great today. I can hear it now “for 42mil he has to be great everyday”, whatever.
Last goal was every bit the beauty as the one we scored against Barca.
We’ve got to beat a big team to build our confidence and shut the pie holes of the haters, let’s get it done. COYR!!!!!
Gotta hand it to the spuds … still hanging on to 5th with a 0 goal difference! Big fat zero all round, imo… 😉
Öskar
Pleased to see AW starting with the right combo today (see, he does read my posts!). I think Poldi might have been given a go in place of Yaya since I doubt he’ll be seen in Munich, but good to see Yaya given another opportunity in a big game. He can only get better.
Just as well Mikel had the pen cos he was close to losing it at the time. And well taken too, both of them. Nice brace for OG to boost his confidence as well. But motm, as everyone seems to agree, was Ox.
I couldn’t help thinking how pairing Ox with Barkley in the England set-up could provide a dynamism that’s been missing since Nobby Styles and Bobby Charlton. A way to go before they reach that level but these two kids have something.
Öskar
And really great to see Özilla playing further forward in the hole. He’s wasted spending so much time on the wings when he’s so dangerous closer in and closer up.
He could make a real Arsenal player yet.
Öskar
Hey everyone, still buzzing after that win. Just popping in to share this great gif of Ozil telling Giroud where to run and then setting him up for the 4th goal. The movement is superb. The defender (Stones I believe) goes with Ozil as Rosicky’s pass comes in, and Ozil slows up and slots it over to Giroud in acres of space. Absolutely beautiful.
Still can’t believe #ozilisagunner
http://i.minus.com/ibcSDjqRLnfKy.gif
It will be great to see Aaron back – especially now JW’s out for a while. He’s such a good squad player and is equally effective playing in the hole as in a more attacking role. And he makes those runs into the box that Mesut can exploit.
Alex is having a real purple patch at present – his energy and strength has given us an extra dimension. Has to pay a bit more attention though to the sloppy give-away.
The big question now in my mind is what team AW will put out in Munich. I can’t believe he’s given the tie up yet.
Great gif göönsterham – I hadn’t noticed that little point before. Also shows the speed of the counter.
Still think Santi’s pass between the two defenders for the first goal was the finest touch today.
I say job well done and feelgood factor increased considerably as a happy byproduct. Feeling good at the mo. 🙂
Also, game recorded for posterity for later second viewing. Season saved, temporarily at least. Come on you gunners!! Future is looking brighter and red and whiter. (One for CBA not to appreciate, or at least to criticize for needless rhyming?)
Re: Goonertown @230. I wish I had a neighbor like that. 🙂
well
what a f ckin day
sore jaws from smilin
an roarin
and
like steve t
today is a day
of
many dinners
in fact
thats my apache name
he who walks with many dinners
anyhoo
.
THE ARSENAL!
the lads done did it
(so did trev’s knee)
.
COME ON YOU RIP F CKIN ROARIN!!!!!!!!
b-side
good old Arsenal
got a fair touch
here
this evening
# doodle oo doo doo
# doodle oodle oo doo
🙂
# doodle oodle oo doo
always thought
pil ripped off
the end bit
for
public image
.
hello hallo hello allo
.
i plough a lonely furrow
with that one
most times.
.
*ploughs lonely furrow*
.
(stand at ease wolfie)
johnnys a gooner though
so
i’ll expect fellow oul punk gooner ploughers
to agree
.
!
again
easy wolfie!!!!
think its time
for
blue eyes crying
willie nelson
yup
long day
Great result! Hope all those who attended had a fine time indeed.
Special kudos to those hobbling on crutches and the pork pie eaters!
Have to recommend this for a read, even if written by a scouser, great stuff;
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/mar/08/how-football-lost-touch-young-fans
Great feckin’ result against a quality side in form!
Özil & Arteta immense!
Bring on the Munchkins!
Maureen’s a boring cunt and the Spuds are total Shite!
Up the Arse!
The treble’s still on so keep that knee protected Trev. Take it easy fella!
howdy ‘hol an all
.
four
🙂
wallopin
🙂
big
🙂
smiles
😉
.
yeeee haaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Last!!!!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>