One More Sleep – FA Cup Final Preview 2 With Kieran Gibbs
May 16th, 2014 by 'holic
A huge week is coming to fruition. It seems far too long since we went into Cup Final week worrying about having the yellow ribbon to adorn the matchday attire. That at least I have sorted.
Looking around the web so much talk is of Swindon, Ipswich, West Ham, Luton, and Birmingham. I was at the first four, and watched in horror on the small screen as the latter came about. I know what we have been capable of and how it feels. I’m going tomorrow. I’m not going to experience that again. I really believe that.
I have had the good fortune to experience what Arsene and some of the players feel about the game this week. All have been united in their understanding of just what this means to the supporters, and acknowledgement of the upset in the League Cup Final of three years ago. The word I see everywhere is ‘pressure’. Kieran Gibbs has addressed these feelings and more. He looked more relaxed than I would have imagined, under the circumstances.
“If you feel under pressure it gets the best out of you, and we have played under pressure the whole season… We want to turn the pressure into a positive.”
I hear that, and clearly the optimistic among the Arsenal faithful are feeling that vibe too. We have recovered a rich vein of form, and have important players back and available. It feels different to 2011 when we swaggered into the Birmingham match as clear favourites and managed to throw it away at the death. Kieran was on the bench that day.
“We’re aware of what happened then. We want to be focused for the whole game and not take anything for granted. We’re not going to go into the game with that (favourites) mentality.”
He is not the only one who shows the attitude you would have expected of a side looking to lift such an important trophy. A vindication, if you will, of the self-sustaining model we have followed while the new money has poured into the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.
The mischievous among the press pack have already plotted to probe him about his omission from the World Cup squad this summer. He navigated the loaded question carefully.
“No, I’m not really focused on that now. I have a big game on Saturday that I want to win, so thank you.”
I smiled, and to be fair his would be tormentors moved on. They have earlier tried to engage Thomas Vermaelen on his future and been given the expected response. This squad is totally immersed in Saturday’s game, and any attempt to distract them for the sake of a headline is dismissed by players trained in the arts of the modern media, particularly those who want to be invited back. So how important is the FA Cup to the players in these days where Champions League qualification seems of paramount importance?
“It’s massive, obviously. At the end of your career you want to look back at what you’ve won and this is the chance to look back and say ‘we won the FA Cup’.”
Interestingly, when asked if our previous wins against the Tigers would have any bearing on Saturday’s result Kieran was quick to point out that this is another day entirely.
“In the cup games there’s a different feel to it. We don’t want to take Hull for granted despite the results from the Premier League this season.”
The caution is noted, and welcome to one who has witnessed more than his fair share of upsets down the years. I am feeling more positive than I expected approaching this game. Perhaps because I have enjoyed the performances we have produced when our best midfielders have been available this season. It is no coincidence our title challenge fell apart when Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil were sidelined along with Theo Walcott. How does this team compare to others you have played in, Kieran was asked.
“This team is the best that I’ve played in. This team’s got a good balance. There is just a strong desire in the team to win every game.”
I suppose you wouldn’t expect him to say anything else, but seriously he convinced me he was being genuine. Politely he thanked his interrogators and went back into the safe confines of the Training Centre.
Now the players and staff are concentrating on what they have to do tomorrow. Few distractions, maximum focus, is the order of the coming hours. Everybody knows that the shock is possible, and that was demonstrated last season by Wigan’s defeat of Manchester City as well as our well documented reverses in the last 45 years. All the more reason to appreciate the right noises coming out of the club right now. We have the players, no question. We have the desire, without doubt. Attitude is everything, and I’m loving what I am seeing in that respect.
Let’s get it on, as Marvin Gaye once pleaded. Right now I’m feeling the same vibe.
What did she wear?
148 Responses to “One More Sleep – FA Cup Final Preview 2 With Kieran Gibbs”
Nice one, Holic.
But who can sleep? 😯
She wore, she wore!
Cheers H and for the email.
I’m quietly confident, like Gibbo and the rest of the squad.
If only Arsenal press conferences were covered as intelligently by the media. Young Gibbs is a fine young player and will have a winners medal around his neck on Saturday night..
As someone said once- Believe!Mind you that was a nasty list of upsets. I was at four of them and the oneI i missed the chap I am going with tomorrow went to.
But I’ve also been present at six winning FA Cup finals, A League Cup Final and a rather memorable League Cup Final. Looking forward to my seventh FA Cup triumph tomorrow
Believe!
Why is Wenger saying the FA cup aint important?I believe this is a lie in case he is beaten by Bruce.Most analysts,not all,are agreed the gunners are favourites. It seems the gunners only need to turn up and the cup will be theirs.Nothing can be further from the truth.
Wigan,relegation bound,beat MC .If Wenger continues to focus on attack and a passing orgy, the gunners could be ripe for the counter attack.
Of course I still believe the gunners will win but
they must be prepared to fight.
Btw,Bruce will ask his men to breathe down each gunner’and tackles will be flying around.If the ref takes firm decisive action for over robust tackles,then te gunners have achance.
We had a much younger and more inexperienced squad three years ago. This time our fortitude will pull us through any rough patches that may arise. That and Mertescielny. And One Aaron Ramsey. Come on you Gunners!!
Morning all.
Who can sleep indeed, z.
Good one, guv’nor.
I believe it was a Yellow Ribbon.
But why?
COYG
I remember you smiling warmly as we had some whiskey or what-not after the WBA home match at the Tollington telling me I’d get to experience us winning a trophy sooner than later. This is the end of my 7th year on the roller coaster that is supporting Arsenal. My first ever Arsenal match was Paris.
Let’s hope this is the one that turns it around, and it is the first trophy of many! Come on you Gunners!
Morning Guv’nor, a fine preview that somewhat calmed my nerves. Still trembling like Shaky McShakeson from Shakesville-upon-Shake, though. No idea how I am going to be able to sleep tonight.
Having said that, it would be one hell of an upset if we were to lose tomorrow. We have a much, much more mature team than we had against Birmingham, so with no disrespect to Hull it will all be our own undoing if we don’t get the job done tomorrow.
Right, now for a futile attempt to focus on this “work” thing. Good thing I am not near any deadlines at the moment so I can make up for this week after the coming weekend…
Played ‘H. Will be wearing silver come Saturdee. UTA!
One more sleep indeed 😉
Fkucing Aye!!
Giroooooooooooooooooooooooo
is going to score again.
Great preview, Guvnor – your last of the trophy drought years, I would hope.
No fear, just the buzz – I believe in these players, I believe they will go and get it done.
SHE WORE!
SHE WORE!
COYG!!!
Good stuff ‘H.
No doubts.
Nice preview, Guvna.
Still nervous here but very hopeful.
Belated acknowedgements to ttg for a fine post at 143 in the previous bar which may not have receive the exposure it deserved.
COYG
17th – just avoided relegation!
For Pangloss@7:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_ribbon
Can anyone enlighten me as to how many years it’s been since our last trophy? Just that it’s never mentioned in the media.
Well another fine piece there landlord. I reserve the right to continue stressing – the scars of Birmingham have started weeping this week and they won’t cover back up until I see a couple of goals go in, and our XI nullifying Hull’s attack.
Come.
On.
You.
REDS!
I see
Lee
Probert is referee.
Porco – Hull’s attack is cup-tied.
I think we can take it for granted that Hull will go out to frustrate us – Bruce has already said so and to keep it open would be suicide. Part of that will no doubt be the tactic known as ADLIUE (Arsenal don’t like it up ’em). So let’s hope that Mr Probert gets to grips with that early on, before someone is carried off.
To all you lucky Gooners with tickets, sing a song for me. She will indeed be wearing that yellow ribbon but in front of the tele.
COYRs
I hate Probert.
Well, Lurky – we’ve had him 4 times in the League this season (won3, drawn 1). Interestingly, he hasn’t refereed Hull once.
Correction: Probert refereed Hull’s FA Cup fifth round match at Brighton.
dk@8 Thanks. I just wondered whether anyone had asked her why she wore whatever it was. It seems from your link that someone has asked.
COYG
Pangloss.
I’m no expert and far be it from me to contridict Wikipedia, but as far as I understand when the young maiden in question was quized upon why she wore that yellow ribbon, she said it was for The Arsenal because they’re going to Wembley.
She was obviously rather excited about this because she then preceeded to repeat the destination, breaking it into three syllabals with a long accent on the third, so it became …… Wem-ber-leeeeeee, Wem-ber-leeeeeeeeeeee.
Hope that this has answered your querie, ooo-eeer. 😉 🙂
Nice One Holic. If anyone has trouble sleeping, like I did this am, I can recommend watching the highlights of our FA cup matches this season on Arsenal Player. I conveniently forgot about Wigan and am therefore feeling positive. Ozil was in involved in 75% of the goals that led is us to Wembley.
Looking forward to being at the Emirates tomorrow.
Plan for tomorrow:
1. Switch off alarm so I sleep till around 10.
2. Trim beard, take a shower, have breakfast and read paper – 1½ hours.
3. Mow lawn – 1½ hours.
4. Lunch – 1 hour.
5. Count number of ants running around on terrace – 1 hour.
6. Read paper again and do Sudoku puzzles – 1 hour.
7. Bike ride – 1 hour
8. Drink beer while biting finger nails down to the elbows – 1 hour.
9. Watch match (18.00 CEST) – 2 hours.
10. Bounce noisily around the garden waving bottle of malt to confirm neighbours’ opinion of me and keep them at arm’s length – 4 hours.
Masterminded gameplan dkgÖÖner!
I will copy a lot of it plus I’ll try to focus and change the tyres on my car from winter- to summer-fitted ones. That should keep me from biting my nails for about two hours 🙂
Paul Cooke, one of the more “committed” Hull fans, quoted by the Guardian: “I’m a Hull lad and obviously I want Hull City to do well at Wembley, but to be honest I’ll not be too bothered about it once the rugby kicks off.”
That’s the proper attitude old boy. 😉
Just finished listening to the Arsecat! Can’t bloody wait, hell I wont be able to sleep tonight!
Nice one ‘holic, cheers for part two.
I don’t really pay much attention to the prezzers anymore, usually just sift through the abridged version for the team news/injury updates. Like you said, all the players are now well versed in the arts of the fourth estate, media training just as important as basic ball skills these days, it would seem.
You’re never really going to get anything but the tried and tested soundbytes about it being a team game and giving 110%, which always iratates the shit out of me because it’s not possible to give more then 100%, but I digress. You can’t really blame them though, the slightest slip of the tongue would give the vultures ammo to spin a yarn, they are masters in twisting words to suit their agenda, all a bit tedious really. I suppose that’s why they all fawn over Maureeny-ho, as loathsome as he is, he certainly does give more then the usual go to phrases.
Yuck, now I feel dirty.
dkgÖÖner
Sounds like my day tomorrow as well! 🙂
Ah, but 8ball, it’s not the “old chap” sort of rugby oop in ‘ull.
It’s the “oop ‘n’ oonder” sort.
H2H,
Thanks for your clarification. I’m still a little confused, regarding this Arsenal, for whom the young lady in question was wearing a yellow ribbin and who were going to Wem-ber-leeeee, were they “The famous Arsenal”?
I’d like to endorse dkgöö’s excellent plan for tomorrow.
COYG
Heh Arthur, was the Arsecat! a purrfect broadcast? 😉
The very same, Pangloss. 🙂
Well, I’m glad I got that sorted out many thanks to H2H and dkgooner.
Can anyone help out poor Porco who posed a similarly difficult question @19 above. I’m not sure myself, it must be 3 or 4 years now.
Sorry about the above, I came over all excited about the umlauts and completely forgot the ‘ner’ – heaven knows what I’ll be like come kick-off time tomorrow.
Pull yourself together Pangloss.
We won the fourth place trophy last year and have already retained it this year.
WE’RE GONNA DO THE DOUBLE!!
Sorry, that should of course have been:
WE’RE GÖÖNA DO THE DOUBLE!!
Excellent plan DKG.
As for myself I can’t drink and can’t ride because of my illness so it leaves me biting finger nails down the elbows for 8-10 hours.
Afternoon all, for the first time in years I will be watching tomorrows Cup Final with an interest in the result. Of course I would like to see Hull win but I’m hoping for a great game, a rarity at this stage of this competition. To those of you lucky enough to be at what was, when those of you my age were growing up, THE game of the season, enjoy the occasion.
Anyone know if the goal line technology in use this season in the PL is also in use at Wemberlee?
dkg,
You need to change your plan or you’ll have missed the first half ! 😉
As I said Trev, kick-off here in DK is 18:00.
Dave@44. Thanks for the visit. If I was to be very cheeky, I would say that the game of the season for me was doing the first leg of the double at White Hart Lane in 1971, 6 days before winning the FA Cup.
But I’ll refrain.
Holic,
top piece of reporting, that. Seldom matched in the press for style.
Sorry, dkg, me and maths !
Think I got my BSTs, CESTs and GMTs mixed up somewhere !
H2H ha ha just noticed my atrocious spelling as usual! 🙂
dkg @48. Thanks for not mentioning that, game of the decade surely?
1. Drinking – 33 hours.
Moras da pijes, Lurky. 9 godina cekamo na ovo i da prodje bez piva!? Nema sanse.
Up an at ’em!
Steve Bruce’s face will feature on tiger-striped toilet seats created to celebrate Hull City’s FA Cup final appearance.
Full story: Hull Daily Mail
How apt, seeing that we’re going to take a crap on his team. 😉
Heh, SSY. Doktor Mi je izricito zabranio alkohol, al ne mogu da se setim, valjda od lekova, jel se pivo racuna u alkohol?
Did someone say alkohol?
Mene su, Lurky, od malena ucili da je pivo tecni hleb, pa ti vidi.
WE DID IT BEFORE AND WE CAN DO IT AGAIN AND WE WILL DO IT AGAIN!
Hull’s formation for tomorrow:
11-0-0
Let’s hope we score early and force them to play.
Bold move, lining up without a goalie!
Just discovered via Google Translate that we once had a player called Bread.
Alexander Bread.
Not too bad from Lawro;
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27429519
But why o why every time they need an Arsenal “celebrity” fan opinion do they have to churn up that utter cocksock Piers Morgan?
To ease frayed nerves, some distractions :
Shop girl suspended after calling John Terry a ‘pig’ and a ‘disgrace’ in conversation overhead by Chelsea star
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2630288/Shop-girl-suspended-calling-John-Terry-pig-disgrace-conversation-overhead-Chelsea-star.html
Pigs are intelligent, have an excellent sense of smell, have cognitive abilitiy that surpasses dogs and 3-year olds, have a good sense of direction, can run up to 11miles an hour and are capable of abstract representation.
All of which are suspect in JT.
Clearly, it’s an insult to pigs everywhere!!
For those of you on twitter, I recommend #AskJose hashtag for some unreal laughter.
Silly Second Yella
Ja dopiero zaczne pic glowa do gory! 🙂
Just looking at dkgooners timeline.
May I suggest that you invest in a tractor at step 3 and then you can bring forward step 8 to step 4. Or alternatively get her indoors, outdoors to doo it for you.
What would Dr Feelgood do?
Miss out step 4 for a start. 😎
dkg, sounds like a plan. i’m having a bunch of various friends that love not arsenal teams, breakfast burritos, irish coffee, and guinness, for an 8 am start. i won’t have time to get any more nervous than that hour before the game, and by then i’ll have enough in me the nervousness will be, hopefully, kept inebriated.
let’s sing a song again, shall we?
“What did she wear ??
She wore, she wore,
She wore a yellow ribbon…”
and zico, i’d be missing step 3, combining it with step 4, and adding liquid.
Homage to cba:
wot
did
she
wear?
A yell
ow rib
bon.
Or something like that.
So rumour has it that sagna has already decided!
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/bacary-sagna-leave-arsenal-after-3549617
They should really sanction City!
Off to pack for the city. Laters, playmates.
Not nervous here. Anxious maybe.
But that nice little vid on the club website about the cup run got me some sweaty palms!
I hear you scruz – a pint or two of plain will banish my pregame nerves.
This is going to be epic. Can’t wait.
“She wore a yellow ribbon,
In the merry month of May!
And when, I asked,
Oh why she wore that ribbon”
just *what* was that she said?
fuck city. if bacary goes there and has planned it before the end of the season, i hope (for all his great service and after tomorrow’s match) he gets to do nothing but sit on the bench while we win the league next year.
homer, a couple pints of guinness, plus an irish coffee or two…i’ll be caught in that delicious tension between alcohol’s buzz and caffiene’s zing, perfect to match the fear/ecstasy pairing of the match…
Nice consecutive posts Holic, glad you had a great time 🙂
I was at the launch of Blogs’ & Andrew Allen’s new book but I didn’t say that you sent me aha, only read Part 1 on the bus home from the book launch X_X
After Blogs had finished signing my book, I thought I heard him say ‘Thanks for coming Wind’ but I’d introduced myself as Alex, maybe he recognised me from my Twitter handle 😛 (Before I hear any dissenting naysayers, I hadn’t even had my 1st pint yet! ;))
Managed to catch Ollie & West Stand Tone also, both in good spirits for the final I presume. Also, after a beer garden chat with some top Gooners, I’ve been fully convinced of the absolute importance of Woj starting tomorrow. There’s no place for sentiment in football these days, and Szczesny starting will be for the good of Arsenal for many years to come, especially if he ends up playing for us for the next 10-15 years. Imagine him surpassing David O’Leary’s appearances record… That would be something else, and it could all start properly tomorrow for him. Here’s hoping 🙂
Wow… this just gets better!
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2014/france-coach-didier-deschamps-sues-3551940
France coach Didier Deschamps has filed a civil law suit against Anara Atanes after her foul-mouth Twitter rant against him earlier this week.
🙂 😀
Just heard an interview on TalkSpite (I know, sorry) with Lauren.
Not once did he refer to “Arsenal”. Just “we”.
Every single time. 😉
Have a good, nay, a great day tomorrow all you lucky buggers going to Wemberlee.
I’ll be on the weights at 2.00pm, in the pool at 2.45pm, and back home in front of the TV by 4.00pm for an hour’s preview before kick-off.
4-0 to the Arsenal !! 😉
You will be missed Trev, look forward to meeting up again at Brollington Central next season.
Best of wishes with the rehab too.
Cheers, zico.
Have a good one. 😉
cannot sleep, it is 12.30 in the night here in India and i have read every article, every blog every thing possible about us but still cannot control the nervous energy. By tomorrow this time, god and the boys willing i will be rejoicing with hundreds of fellow gooners in Bangalore, We have a massive arrangements done and an after party monster cake, just hope its not going to be a dampener, no it wont, we are The Arsenal and we shall win, come on Mesut.
Zico & Tev
I believe Vinay is in need of the medicine cabinet! 😀
Unless he want a pint of Wisniowka that is? Not really a clever thing to do the stuff is lethal!
Also the is the famous Lars credit card! Now this should give an idea of what to do when you can’t sleep 🙂
Trev so sorry Tev=Trev bloody phone prediction! 🙂
68
🙂
69
🙂
.
made me
happy
did that
Isn’t it the way? I was offered good tickets for the final and I passed.
Blast damn and blast!
GT if I was offered I would have taken them! 🙂
I had about as much chance of getting a ticket to the final as I did of playing in it. 😉
I was seriously considering flying in to London to watch it there, but I’m just too busy with a new project at this moment with a few rather important meetings taking place this week and over the next few days. So tomorrow it will be getting those out of the way early and then myself wet and ready for the game.
All the games I’ve watched on the box this season have been here in my bar or in the back room, but this is the FA Cup Final so I want to watch it somewhere else and preferably in English. I was with a mate and a bunch of Scottish gents from the official AZ supporters club last night and they invited me to come watch the game in a bar in Alkmaar, I’ve also got an open invitation from a few Gooners I know from my days in the club scene to join them in Amsterdam, both great options but Ill leave it ’til tomorrow to decide where to land. Bribed the other half with a dinner with her daughter in whichever destination I choose in exchange for her being the designated driver, so at least I know in whatever state I end up I’ll be able to get home. 🙂
I’d like to wish all of you going a great day at Wemberleeeeeee, cheer the lads on to the trophey, yes, we can do it. As for the rest, wherever you may be, enjoy that special day.
COME ON YOU RIP ROARING REDSSSSSSSS.
Before I forget.
Good to see the return of The Rev.
Don’t be a stranger AL.
In other news I see former PL keeper David James has managed to blow through 20 million quid and has filed for bankrupcy.
Maybe he should of saved more.
I’ll let myself out.
Good to see I’m not alone in the can’t sleep stakes.
I have returned from a Berlin crowded with Dortmund and Bayern fans. One of my Gooner mates is staying there to try to find a bar to watch the match.
I have lunch at Marylebone, a chug into the Stadium and then plan to see us lifting the trophy nine years after Paddy lifted the same one at Cardiff. Keep the faith Gooners it will be ours!
Evening all.
Must say that I am well up for this now. Had the day off today. Got many little jobs done that needed doing. Went for a top quality bike ride. Got home, relaxed and then fired up the bar b. Half a chicken, two pound of cow and God knows how many Spitfires later and life is good. If there is a better way to prepare for a cup final then I’ve yet to find it.
Plans all sorted for tomorrow. Should be in the pub in kingsbury by 2 at the very latest. Time for a sociable gallon and some lunch. Then?????? Game time.
Bring it on.
Just getting into the groove here. So, all together now:
what
did
she
wear?
Which pub do you favour in Kingsbury, Steve?
Is it a trick question?
The one at 92, not 93.
No, a call to arms.
Nudges it forward…
She wore, she wore…
BAMM
Assists…
Slips into the penalty area.
Round her neck she wore a yellow ribbon.
Goal!
Missed again
We’ll have to swap places there Cent. 🙂
Well in Cent
And when I asked her why she wore that ribbon…
She said it’s for The Arsenal and we’re going to…..
WEMBERLEEEEEEEEE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qagsobthiu0
“Hahaha, he scores!!! I’m pretty sure he attempted a true ball but somehow the ball has ended in the back of the net just like it did when Ozil scored the goal that won the FA cup for The Arsenal in the 2013/2014 season, the season Arsenal and Arsene Wenger got back into the business of winning trophies every season” – John Champion, 2017.
Thanks, gents. We are the famous Arsenal and we’re going to Wemberlee…
And now for the original:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OcxLzcXTTw
Bath.
I’m heading to JJ Moons. Turn left out of the tube. Worked well for the Semi.
Thanks Steve. I will recommend it to Bath Jr. We went to the Green Man pre- the semi. It was rammed and quite unpleasant.
4am kick off over here sunday morning! Can’t wait, early morning beers and bacon butties.
COYG this has to be a win!
And here I thought she’d be wearing nothing but a smile…
I’ll take a cup instead, thank you very much.
BMBD
Hello Bath,
Opened the HP18 tonite, watching Jools, staying calm and wishing all of you going to the game my very best wishes. Hope you have a smashing day. I will be locked into a room on my own, so the kids don’t hear Daddy shouting expletives at the TV.
heh, Lonestar.
“The hell you did!”
Hi Joe,
Oh that will be delightful. Have an extra wee nip for me.
Nervous anticipation here. Just Cornish Doom Bar beer tonight – highly recommend it.
COYG.
Have a good night and a better tomorrow!
Watkins Folly 3 mins left of Wembley Park station is owned by Tom, a Gooner. He welcomes all Gooners before and after the game
Can’t say I’m a fan of John Wayne, though I appreciate the origin of the song/chant. This was more to my liking :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B5lFuTUhso
Only 20 odd minutes on the train from here (Wycombe) to Wembley but could not score a ticket for love nor money. Going to avoid the local pub where every ‘neutral’ will be supporting Hull, and will be watching at a friends house with some good local Arsenal mates who are in the same boat ; If you are lucky enough to be going then make enough noise for us ticketless fellas to hear you 20 miles northwards up the Chiltern Line. COYG.
Bangalore, London, Auckland, Amsterdam, Kuala Lumpur and beyond…it never fails to give me the feels the true global reach of our club and how it brings all of us from such different backgrounds together…
Let it be a great night/day/morning for all us Gooners from all around the world.
I’ll be watching the cup final at Maggie McGarry’s bar in San Francisco, the home of the Bay Area Gooners. If any of you are there I’ll be the one in the scruffy beard, untanned bald head (the result of a brutal Minnesota winter), orange shorts, and uncontained disbelief on my face when we lift the cup. 🙂
COYG
COYG
COYG
Disgusting : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2630779/Manchester-City-set-escape-16m-fine-reaching-agreement-UEFA-breaching-financial-fair-play-rules.html
Evening all (or night, morning, afternoon, as the case may be). Not as nervous as I expected, although I am well into the drink. I’ll be at the George and Dragon pub in Seattle bright and early for IPAs, bacon and egg baps, and a 9:00 a.m. start. Followed by Arsenal lifting the trophy after some Rambo and Ozil magic, plus a wonder-strike from Arteta.
COYG!!!!!!!!!
If I remember correctly, what did Delaware boys? She wore a New Jersey … nothing to do with ribbons. The yellow ribbon song dates from the time of the Vietnam War, which those singing the song had LOST, so let’s not get associated with losers please!
But I digress…
I’ve heard it all before I’m afraid, all the confidence being exuded in the players’ determination to concentrate right to the end, taking the opposition VERY VERY seriously etc etc. I wouldn’t trust footballers to remember their own names under stress, let alone a game plan, let alone what they promised they’d do before the game started.
What usually happens? Leading by a single goal with 30 minutes to play they get all nervy, forget that the best form of defence is attack and pull everyone back into two rows of five. Then, reduced to short passing in their own area, two or more of the ten defenders get in each others way and ooooops, it’s 1-1.
However, since I do not anticipate being only one goal ahead with 30 minutes to play I am not overly concerned. I fully expect to be at least 3-0 ahead by half-time and then even Gibbs and Co are unlikely to throw it away.
4-0 final score to the good guys.
Öskar
By the way, I forwarded this to Arsene:
http://www.stretton.tv/e_type_handbrake_lever_overhaul.htm
Who can sleep, zico? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNQeKvVPPlc
No-one, with this racket going on… 🙂
Öskar
Tell me about it, ecg! I had an early e-type Jag bought in 1963/4 when it was about two years old (around £800 from memory) and the hand-brake-never worked, nor could you get at it without practically dismantling and rebuilding the car. Fortunately there was no MOT testing in those days, not for cars under 10 years of age anyway, so it never mattered and I just parked the thing in gear. Parking on a hill presented a challenge getting going again (toe and heel brake and accelerator simultaneously), and I eventually switched to a Lotus Elan convertible which was much more fun to drive anyway. I set a number of speed records between pubs in the Elan, with my navigator standing up in the passenger seat advising when it was okay to short-cut around blind corners on the wrong side of Surrey country roads.
I’ve no idea how I’m still here sometimes… 🙁
Öskar
Apropos Nessun Dorma, this is by far the best version… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk0Iqklyp2k
Öskar
Deschamp moving in on Nasri’s girlfriend.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/may/16/didier-deschamps-samir-nasri-girlfriend-france
This one sounds like it’s only going to get hotter.
Fascinating piece by Amy Lawrence on the Mertesacker/Ozil dynamic:
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/may/16/per-mertesacker-arsenal-fa-cup-final
Oskar, you are still here because you chose to live life instead of letting pass you by.
Always liked the look of the E-types. What year Elan did you have? Reminds me I need to spend some time on my TR6 and get in running for the summer.
Yeah, re; tickets. I know for the next time now 😉
I was just a little pissed about the seating allocation at the Ems this season. A sort of little protest and also a bit of naivety. Never mind.
The weathers going to be good apparently. Ozil and Ramsey are fit. Even fcuking Diabys fit. Ain’t that just the way?
Red Aaarmy!!!!!!
I bought the little one FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 yesterday. It’s well good. If he stays on the green until half term the missus said she’ll get him the champions edition 😆
bt8ball,
Thanks for the article on Per/Ozil!
Good read!
morning all,
happy cup final day to you all
it’s here – let’s do it!
COYGs
WOT did she wear?
Anyone know how many years contract did OZIL sign? 🙂
It’s here. It’s finally here.
Bring it on. I really really really can’t wait.
Get the drinks in……………….
Morning H2H…..not quite yet for me. Nice lunch planned with the Guvna. Need to keep the palate pristine for a very nice red.
Nice one Bath.
I was up at 6, had to be a meting at 7, stupid fucking time, but it was either that or at 4, and by 4 I plan to be three sheets to the wind. 😉
Waiting for a call now, then I should be heading off to Alkmaar, lovely weather here, real cup final day stuff.
Bon appetite with the guv’.
Have a great day gents.
I envy all of you having a great weather, rain and occassional floods here in Czech republic for few days already, but I am not going to let my spirit down and will down some spirits instead!
COYG!
Thats the….. eeeer…… spirit, Eandy. 🙂
Off to NW London now. Attired in red. Have a GREAT day all.
COYRs
LETS WIN THIS ONE!
COME ON!
😀
New post
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
What did she wear ???
A smile?