The Guessing Game – Who Starts v Saints?
Sep 22nd, 2014 by 'holic
The COCup approaches, and provides a fascinating challenge to those who like to predict the team that Arsene will put out for this third round tie. If the last round is any guide then Ronald Koeman will bring a strong side to the Grove. Why wouldn’t he, for in all honesty this competition provides the best opportunity now for those outside the top half dozen (yes, I know they are currently second in the table, but they won’t stay there) clubs to qualify for European football.
Arsene would probably like to change all eleven starters from Saturday’s impressive win at Villa Park, but with only three recognised senior defenders plus Saints young ‘old boy’, Calum Chambers he is really clutching at straws in this department. Popular opinion online today, fuelled by Arsene’s presser, has Hector Bellerin coming in at right back, and possibly Isaac Hayden in the centre. People are speculating that Chambers could be the second centre-back, but I have a feeling, and no more, that Per Mertesacker could get that berth and the captain’s armband. If David Ospina gets a likely debut in goal it would be good for him to work with the unofficial leader of the back four (or Laurent Koscielny, of course) and start to build an understanding with him.
Left-back is another big call. With Nacho Monreal do we go with Kieran Gibbs, and hope against hope he doesn’t get another injury, or perhaps ask Mathieu Flamini to reprise his part in the run to the Champions League Final of 2006. If the latter option is taken then the way is clear for a recall for Francis Coquelin in midfield. There cannot be many who thought they would see him in an Arsenal shirt this season, but maybe Arsene has seen some development in him during his loan spell at Freiburg last season. This is an opportunity for him to impress in a holding role where we look short on paper.
The attacking options are less of an issue. A look at those who started on the bench on Saturday reveals potential for immediate promotion, and little reduction in quality. Tomas Rosicky, Abou Diaby, Jack Wilshere, and Lukas Podolski could complete a quintet feeding Alexis Sanchez. Joel Campbell must also be in contention for a place, and Chuba Akpom could get a summons from the bench if we need to freshen things up in the second-half.
So there. All the bases covered, and I probably haven’t stumbled on the correct starting eleven. Invariably we get past this stage of the competition, but this looks a particularly difficult test. We have to hope we have just enough to get past the surprise package of the opening weeks of the Premier league season. When the manager and several of their top players departed for pastures new this summer who would have guessed that the Saints would recover from an unlucky opening day defeat at Anfield, by the odd goal in three, to secure three wins and a draw and trail Chelsea by just three points going into week six.
I have thought long and hard about the ‘holic pound, nervous of the potential outcome given the uncertainty about who will be in the back four. Astute regulars will know I look for value in the anytime goalscorer odds when such encounters occur. As I type Tomas Rosicky is 11/2 to score on the night with one High Street bookie and that is far and away the pick of what I am looking at. Just keep it to your minimum affordable stake. This could be a strange evening, depending on the team selected.
To those who are going, have a wonderful evening. There is a mixture of regulars and occasional match attendees at early rounds of this competition that makes, usually, for an unusual atmosphere at the Grove. Please don’t do that bloody Mexican wave, but do please get behind the eleven in red, whoever they may be. As for the rest of us, will there be a stream? Is any broadcaster showing this game live? Over to you, international ‘holics.
Have a good one.
240 Responses to “The Guessing Game – Who Starts v Saints?”
First
Oooo, well Lurked.
Cheers ‘holic.
Don’t really care who starts as long as we don’t CoCup. đ
Like another trophy
Technically the fourth…. LAT
Cheers H2H.
Rosicky is my bet for tomorrow ‘Holic. Looking forward to see the Czech maestro again in our starting line-up.
I like to go as further as we can in this Cup as it is maybe the only chance some players like Joel Campbell, Hayden or Coquelin are going to get to show their potential.
Good piece guv’nor. Good luck with the ‘Holic pound.
COME BACK CBA. There’s far too much sanity here these days.
COYG
It’s encouraging that we can list half a team of players that would be/are possible starters for the normal 1st team in the cocup. Shows that we finally have some depth in the team (ignoring the defensive shortcomings obviously). The emergence of isaac hayden may be the most important aspect for our general season in that regard.
‘Holic – indications are that there are 2 channels showing the match (encrypted) on satellite, and from wiziwig.tv there are at least 7 streams due to show the match – good watching COYR
Cheers, ‘H.
My guess on the possible line-up would be;
Ospina
Bellerin, Chambers, Per, Coquelin
Flamini
Diaby
Rosicky
Campbell, Poldi
Sanogo(if fit)
If Sanogo is not fit then I expect Chamberlain to take Campbell’s place while Campbell moves up top as the lone man upfront. Again, if Sanogo is not fit Arsene might go 442 with Poldi and Campbell upfront and a midfield of Flamini, Diaby, Rosicky and Chamberlain behind them.
Good preview, Guvna.
I agree this is going to be a stiff test for the players whom we can afford to play tomorrow.
Our back-up defence will have to play out of their skins for us to win this tie. Lets hope that they do.
COYGs.
Cent, from previous drinks: “No, Dr. F, Irony would be you, with all your knowledge, clearly not knowing what sarcasm is.”
Nice. đ That is a perfect example of sarcasm.
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you cannot differentiate between irony and sarcasm, which in its Wilde-an paradox of a characterization “is the lowest form of wit.” After all, more matured heads than you fail to do so as well, evidently. đ
But let us not distract ourselves with such discussions about semantics. You go ahead and indulge in your temptations to put people in their place, to express contempt at others holding contrary opinions, luxuriate in your momentary ejaculations of anger, and I hope that helps you unburden at the end of the day.
Vive la diffĂ©rence. đ
Cent, Arsene confirmed earlier that Sanogo is out until the end of international break, as is Theo. Apkom will probably get his chance to impress.
For US viewers, the match is on encore in beIN TV at 7PM Eastern. The live match would be ‘Pool vs. Middlesborough.
If your cable/satellite provider is anyone but Comcast — which is unfortunately the case with me — you may be able to see it live in beIN’s internet streaming service.
Lurky @ 13 — Or Alexis would start down the middle and Chuba on the bench.
It may be that Arsene is not going to give up on Alexis down the middle so early and will continue to practice that in some match situations even if not for full duration.
Nice preview, Holic. đ
I have interpreted your advice to place my “minimum affordable stake” as meaning my “least affordable stake” and have accordingly put my house on Rosicky to score at any time.
Cheers ! đ
Holic,
With reference to some rather confusing posts above, I should point out that @16 was intended to be ironic and not sarcastic. đ
đ
Cent,
In case you are left in any doubt as to the difference between irony and sarcasm, allow me to provide a footballistic context for you –
It would be very ironic if, in the year Sp*rs finally move into their new stadium, they were to be relegated.
The comments aimed at them by Gooners would most certainly be sarcastic.
See, simple ! đ
Nice preview Holic. Should be a good game to watch whoever Arsene puts on the pitch.
Trev @ 17….are you extracting the urine đ
Trev, I suggest you go back to the last set of drinks, read post 211 carefully and then come back and dish out your English lessons.
I totally missed that, Lurky, it would be Alexis or Campbell in the middle then.
Dr. F, quit with the long and patronising words, I don’t need them. I know it’s tempting to show you have a very good grasp of a foreign language, especially when addressing a group of people made up mostly of people who said foreign language is their mother tongue but, really, the essence of words, phrases and languages generally is to communicate and if you throw around a bunch of words most of the people you’re addressing fail to understand you will have failed to communicate yourself.
These would be my last words on this conversation as I have absolutely no time to engage in pseudo-intellectual dick-measuring, which you no doubt want to turn this into(as usual), enjoy the rest of your day.
Good preview write up Holic.
Quite amazing to be able to name those forward and midfield players in a cup game from those spared on the weekend.
Quite an excellent and new position to be in team wise.
As for television broadcast, down under we get wall to wall live coverage of all arsenal games from pre season to the end via 3 fox sports channels,ESPN 1 and 2 and setanta.
Setanta does all of the league cup until the latter stages.
For as many years as I can remember I am always able to watch arsenal in the league cup round matches and mostly live as one of the bigger games.
However, For some reason it seems Liverpool v middlesborough is the chosen match and I like many others will be left arsenal-less.
Can’t quite understand how the Liverpool match is bigger than two of the top 4 in the epl playing in a cup match
Cent @ 23: I am sorry you feel it that way. Didn’t mean to hurt or patronize you. If you felt it to be, I am sorry.
Given your rather sarcastic quip about my grasp of sarcasm — which I didn’t absolutely mind — I just wanted to have some fun with the flexibility of language. Which, admittedly, is not something that this forum is right for.
It would all seem much sillier when you are less angry.
Take care.
Aussie @ 24: Same deal here in US. See @14. Frustrating. Liverpool enjoys what I believe an undeserved ‘strength’ of reputation …
Cent, my @19 was supposed to be a joke.
How ironic.
DRF – yes saw your viewing details re the US @14 thanks.
maybe the last time this season poo get any undeserved elevation in reputation above the arse.
Below is a snippet of the high level of respect as quoted by AW to Abou Diaby plus sweet music to the ears of all Arsenal fans as AW discusses the depth of our squad.
——–
“He’s a giant, mentally. To do what he has done, with the severe injuries he has had⊠he comes back every time, is dedicated and he deserves a lot of respect,â the manager said. âI’m a huge believer in his quality and I’m sad as well that he couldn’t show it more. If there is some justice, the future will be much better for him.
âYes [I will rotate],â Wenger continued. âI have a big squad and we will still have a team of experienced players, and we want to do well in this competition. I believe this is an opportunity to give a game to players who need it and we go into a period where we play, and play, and play, and we want to continue to win our games.â
——–
haleluhah and praise to the blessed injury gods to be kind to us from here forward as we have surely had our fair share of bad luck ?
COTR
My 2-cents is that Sanchez will start on the bench. Give him a decent rest while we have the chance.
If Coquelin starts, it will be more likely as DM than LB.
24 & 26
It may because Liverpool are good for a laugh
They are currently the Press darlings, only to keep letting them down.
sunny day here is sydney, 23C not bad for spring, summer on the way,
arsenal on the up, what more could you want?
Son’s 6 a side starts tonight, i keep telling him he is a viera, which i think he thinks is a tv!
indeed they are good for a laugh Sydney red.
UTD v Leicester right up there also in the laughing stakes.
I particularly enjoedy watching Van Gaal jump from his seat and pump his fists with his ego on full display when UTD score their 3 and then watch his demeanour slowly change from minute 57 to a man demoralised and humiliated.
classic viewing all weekend.
and agree, finally nice to see the return of the Sydney weather.
Cricket season beginning for my young fella.
i hope Arsene goes with Ospina,Bellerin, Metersacker, Chambers,Gibbs, Diaby, Coquelin, Rosicky, OX, Podolsky and Campell as the starting X1. in 4-2-3-1 formation. subs. hayden, ramsey,martinez, Akpom . Zelalem. etc
Cheers Holic! Cent, take it easy mate.
Gregoire, from previous… I neither eulogised nor overstated the result against Villa. By congratulating Ăzil and Danny on a goal and assist apiece I was recognising their significant contributions to the first dominant win we’ve achieved so far this season, that is all. In fact I made a point of saying that one swallow doesn’t make a summer – especially when the opposition were pants, capitulating like a brigade of Esercito.
You say you don’t “snap-judge Ăzil and Welbeck on isolated matches” – implying that I do? Ask anyone here how long I have been critical of the former and isolation doesn’t come into it! If I adjudged Ăzil to be a major contributor to the Villa win the only thing isolated about it was its rarity. I was simply giving credit where credit was due. As for Danny it was you who snap-judged that he would achieve 15-20 goals for us this season, with 25-30 also possible. My opinion was that, while I would welcome such a result, even the lower figure would be optimistic since it assumed a significant improvement over previous years when his best total was 12 in 39 games back in 2011-12. Are you saying I was wrong? If so, where is your authority? I admire your optimism and hope you’re right, but I’ve been watching football far too long to expect dramatic improvement as a matter of certainty.
You reckon Iâm judging Ăzil “through an Anglo-centric, all-action, Gerrard-esque view of what attacking midfielders bring to a team”? Say what? I judge him on what Iâve seen him capable of when heâs really switched on to business, and that appears to be predominantly when playing internationals. The weekly grind doesnât seem to appeal to him quite as much and he rarely puts in the kind of shift I expect of an Arsenal player. Itâs not his quality I doubt (whether Gerrard-esque or just Jerry-esque), itâs his Garbo-esque desire to âvant to be aloneâ I find so grot-esque.
Yes, Welbeck has âplayed a significant number of games for England no lessâ. No less? Not sure what that says about England or Danny. Anyway, when was England last a force in international football? Long before Danny was born mate.
As for your more condescending derogations of my opinions I choose not to descend to that level of sophomoric debate. If it can’t be fun at least let it be civil. We’re all on the same side here.
Ăskar
I can’t see anyone starting who will be needed for the 3 massive games in 8 days that follow. Maybe a central defender as Holic suggests, but that’s it. Can’t see Gibbs being risked with monreal injured as well.
No need to say that the derby is not our usual game against a struggling mid-table side who lack quality and can’t grasp what the new manager is saying, who just lost to what had been the most off form team the division, but it isn’t. Midweek is huge give our loss before and the likelihood that Dortmund will absolutely service the Belgians. Title 6 pointer after that and more importantly, for me at least, a chance to pay one back on those cunts. All too big to be wearing out legs that have been running almost non-stop for 12 months in most cases.
My guess: Ospina — Bellerin, Chambers, Hayden, Flamini — Diaby, Coq — Panther, Rosicky, Poldi — Akpom
Kids all over the bench and the big boys given a well deserved night in suit and ties in the stands gobbling club level canapĂ©s. Just because these games usually go a bit nuts, I’ll have me some 11/1 on over 5.5 goals in the game.
Very interesting post, Holic. I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to discuss it further with you over a sherbet tonight. Good luck with finding a stream and with the pound on Rosicky.
I find these Capital Cup games, home or away, really enjoyable events. It’s always interesting to see how far Arsene is prepared to go to encourage opportunity for youth while, at the same time, balancing his strong desire to win and continue through the competition. I find myself feeling less tense when things go against us (0-4 at Reading a couple of seasons ago for example), but equally enthused when we win.
For me, nine changes from last Saturday (is enough):
Ospina
Bellerin, Per, Hayden, Gibbs,
Flamini
Diaby, Wilshere, Rosicky, Campbell,
Sanchez
Woj, Coquelin, Arteta, Akpom, Podolski, Ox
I had the Diaby wink from Abou at Villa, so he’s a definite to start and for me it will well worth the price of admission to see him play for the second time this season. There is no single player in the squad that I would rather see start every game than Diaby.
I wonder if Bath, TaBS, Snowy, Trev, TS and co may be at the usual oasis before or after kick-off? TaBS’ round as I recall it.
I would be amazed/disappointed if Gibbs plays at all tonight. With 3 big games in a week versus Spurs/Galatasaray/Chelsea and Monreal injured, he needs to be rested to give his somewhat fragile body and limbs the best chance of staying fit for the week to come. I’d play one of Coq or Flam at left-back with the other anchoring the midfield alongside Diaby.
I think El P’s team looks nigh-on spot on, with maybe a raft of more senior players (Mertesacker, Wilshere, Ox, Alexis) to come on from the bench in case of extra time, or in the unlikely event we’re getting outclassed.
I do hope that most of our reserves get a chance and that we rest our first choice including Alexis, Ozil, and Wilshere.
Do hope Ramsey does get a good workout though, he seems to be in a patch at the moment and would do well to get more playing time which will no doubt improve his form.
đ
Depends how AW views this pointless cup these days. I’d be delighted to see him revert to playing young guns and older pros not expected to do more than bench in Prem or CL games.
With that in mind I’d play:
Ospina
Bellerin Chambers Hayden Coquelin
Flamini
Campbell Diaby Rosicky Podolski
Akpom
But knowing AW he will probably pick 11 others. đ
Frankly, if we lose this in style I wouldn’t lose any sleep.
Ăskar
No coverage of our game here sadly, just the Liverpool/Middlesborough and Swansea/Everton games. I may watch the former and hope the Smoggies can beat the crap out of Cesspool.
Ăskar
BtM – sadly I will not be at tonight’s match. Enjoy both the pre-match carousing and the game itself, BtM and all others going.
On another note, there appears to have been an unusual and inordinate amount of intemperate drinking going on in this establishment recently.
Perhaps we need a visit from Dr Feelgood and a liberal distribution of his most relevant ‘chill-pill’ to settle down our more antsy denizens. đ
Even i like COC, it is fun, it is players expressing themselves and having a real go with no undue pressure. Pity we havent won it in sometime for this would be a good addition and an enhancement of our fringe players talent( with due respect).
I sincerely hope we have a team tonight which will give it a real go and play with no hand brakes on. That be the case, we should see us win irrespective of the team the saints bring on.
Time to see Diaby and Rozza together, it was a combination i believed will do wonders but the both have been besieged with injuries. Hopefully if they can jell together and have a sustained run, we should be able to see two excellent players.
Campbell and Poldi need to realize this are their best opportunities to impress for the chances will be limited. So they need to play like men possessed.
No telecast in India means online streaming but then whatever be the case a good performance and a few moments of class should see us through.
43 – Yeah, quite excited here to see what some of the more experienced players with a point to prove can produce. Hoping that Poldi, Rosicky and especially The Panther really put on a show and make a claim for more starts.
UTA
Not there tonight, BtM, but regretting the decision now of course.
Will be there for Saturday although I believe Holic has to be elsewhere.
Pity. đ
Good luck and enjoy tonight though. đ
Looks like there might be a stream available, hopefully
http://www.en.beinsports.net/tv-guide
HD1 Channel
Frank Lampard is NOT fat! He has chubby cheeks, that’s is all đ
Oh yes, I read EVERYTHING here … so YOU best be careful with what you say or I’ll get my knitting needles out đ
Now Holic,
You talk about an ‘unusual’ atmosphere, which caught my fancy. What on earth could you possibly mean. Shouldn’t leave us hanging like that. Some of us have very active imaginations!
Holics, really excited reading your team selections, all mouth watering! This should be fun đ
Just save the first XI and the essential subs for the weekend.
I Guess:
Ospina
X,X,X,X (All from reserve)
Diaby, zalalem, Rosicky
Campbell, akpom, poldoski
We cannor risk any more our regular back four (will have to rest CC and bellerin), so the reserves fill in the gap.
I really hope that the headline story tomorrow:
“Arsenal finally found their missing link in DM – Diaby_”
Arsenal and abou derserve this.
abb,
you can knit Frank a blanket then.
Better be a big one though……… đ
Ha ha Trev! You are too witty đ
Seriously though, you can always count on Mr Lampard when it comes to free kicks! Shame Chelsea dumped him đ
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140923/ozil-criticism-hasn-t-affected-me
[ “You canât really see what a person is really like when they are on the pitch. Sometimes a player will come across as arrogant and another as being a nice guy when in reality it could be the other way round.
“At the club you always have to be respectful towards one another. It doesnât matter if one player is a world star and the other is a newcomer. Everyone should be treated in the same way and thatâs why Iâm so happy at Arsenal, because thatâs really the case here.” ]
Un-Galacticos? Non-Galacticos? đ
abb @ 51: Frank would be playing at NY City Football club next season for the new league — not MLS. Would you come to see him play? đ
Holics, I must warn you in advance, I’m on a DIET! You see, I’m going to my nephew’s wedding in NY in 5 weeks. Ordered my dress online. The only problem is, the size I chose is smaller then what I’m currently am! So I might be a little feisty đ
Speaking of feisty …
Lurky, you have the distinction of discovering Gervinho (along with me) and Sanogo, too! Always enjoy your astute observations.
Dr Faustus, many drinks ago, you alluded to Giroud’s contribution, to our defence. You were right!
Centy, son you are so knowledgeable about football. Could there be a career, in broadcasting for you??
Everyone one here is valuable, can’t list you all. Just remember, you all play an important part, in making this place special xx
Oh Dr Faustus, just refreshed the drinks! I would love to see him play, truly. Must save my pennies đ
I’m with abc on the approach and line up for this one.
TR7 AND Zalelem … interesting.
Time for TR7 to get his mojo going and ready for the NLD. He shows up BIG for those.
abb.
I’m on a whisky diet.
I’ve lost three days already this week.
faustus, you’re lucky that your local bein is playing the game, even later today. mine is playing la liga crap. real madrid, something, heard of them? you pay all this money for cable, then they decide to work regionally. damn.
btm, i really, really, really hope diaby starts, shines, and comes through unscathed with renewed physical confidence. i won’t ever get that damn smith tackle out of my mind, and if he can recover from the cavalcade of injuries to become a productive member of the team this year, we’ll be very lucky. he can be incredibly good. i mean, just look at what he can do to defenders…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nufvnoJMez0 and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5hd-RJUHIg
waves to abb. as we say in the oldtools world, no pictures, didn’t happen đ
How Man U defense (and fans) must have felt when Leicester counter attacked : http://i.imgur.com/gxdpLgi.gif
đ
Wenger certainly taking this seriously. Good. Another trophy at midseason would be lovely.
Poonwards
59 – PMSL đ
lineup
Ospina
bellerin, Chambers , Hayden, Coquelin
Abou (yeah!) TR, Jack, Poldi
Alexis
Bench
Martinez, Gibbs, Per
Ox, Santi
Akpom, Ajayi
COYredddss
Ha ha @ 59 wtf?
Where is Joel?
Joel’s starting. Where is Gedion?
Team in full: Ospina, Bellerin, Chambers, Hayden, Coquelin, Rosicky, Diaby, Wilshere, Alexis, Campbell, Podolski
Substitutes: Martinez, Ajayi, Gibbs, Mertesacker, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Akpom
Sorry congnac đ
Some confusion here – the team I copied above is from arsenal.com but blogs has Campbell playing!
68 – 10 men???
Arsenalist â@arsenalist · 2m
Streams – http://arsenalist.com/2014/09/23/arsenal-vs-southampton-highlights-capital-one-cup/ âŠ
Ooops retraction you are right ATG – Campbell is playing I missed him out
We’ll win with this team.. looks really strong, many with points to prove!
Come on Diaby!
Up The Arse!
đ
come on Arsenal!!!!!
Finger and toes crossed for Diaby! Come on lad you deserve it!
woo hoo! come on, diaby, strut your stuff.
nervy little beginning, there. welcome to the speed, david.
great ball, abou. unlucky, there.
looks like mané is going to give francis a torrid time on the right side of our defense.
No. 42 caught ball watching.
Ospina!
Well played Arsenal !
great ball from jack, nice header by rozza. almost.
they broke with great pace from that, we should be somewhat careful.
FANTASTIC!
ALEXISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
đ
poldi hammerstrike!
Alexisss
Ha ha what a strike!
What. A. Strike!
nope, alexis!
man, that was purdy. he’s just going to kill it all season long. i love me some alexis.
Hey @ H2H âș
Big Mexican Wave to Scruz đ
My word Alexis, woo who, big goal!
Alexis!!!
A free kick from a word class player!
le coq not a natural left back, clearly. he definitely has to watch his line with the center backs, so far he has been a yard deeper than the rest on most balls.
backatcha, abb. and, since you’re not drinking, a margarita raised in your direction from here in california…
oh, that was ugly passing it around the back, then out by ospina. what the hell?
Come on Rosicky!
that sucks.
Come on Ospina!
fucking hell, rozza.
oh scruz, but I am drinking! Thanks đ
Penalty, đ Drink up holics!
Arsenal dominating before that.
Step it up a notch boys!!
That sadly was a foul Rozza! Come on man!
lol, abb. we all need one after that.
has anyone else’s stream just gone to all choppy?
http://www.vipleague.is/football/252100/1/arsenal-vs-southampton-fc-live-stream-online.html
Btw – Afobe scored again for MK Dons, his 8th of the season!
COme On!
Up at ’em!
Come on lads pick it up!
Bellerin looks a player. Said it last week. Still true.
Bellerin’s fast!
đ
don’t want to watch a stream, cause then I’ll have to leave the bar!
our fans sound so fanatical, love it!
COme on .. Impose yourselves in the midfield!!!!
cheers, arthur. perfect.
way to go benik!
pass it, jack.
Jesus wtf was that?
Push up guys push up too deep!
we’ve lost the plot since the pelanty, it seems.
C’mon The Arsenal! Just like saying that (giggles) Don’t worry this game is young, unlike some of us,haha!
They are young but they learn, will
and if you’re drinking, abb, here’s a margie for ya.
Jackie boy! Keep it up lads, so much drama!
scruz, I’m lit, laughs and winks đ
umm, there is a small matter of our contract here. more details to come! hint, once ‘A holic, always a holic! you can lurk, but you can’t hide forever! đ
Campbell .. move around a bit.. don’t be a post!
Come on!
like this, abb?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFZEStjTSoY
bellerin having a stellar game. manĂ© switched from left to right, and still can’t get a look-in.
oh, jesus. that was a bullet. no good, boys.
Oh dear Ospina
ospina should have done MUCH better.
Noooooooooooooo,scruz, ospina can’t hide! omg …
Alright.
Not to get all negativy … but wtf Arsenal?
why do they always score unstoppable goals agin us?
So they want a game.. well come on!!!!!!
no doubt, cg. like danny rose.
good response, though. great pass, jack.
Feeling ever so optimistic, the red in my glass having a zen affect on me! Keep it up Poldi n company, ya hear!
Not much Ospina could really do. Where the hell was Arsenal getting back and tracking the corner?
Lazy defending.
Looks like Diaby has totally vanished.
9 out of 10 Poldi would have buried that!
Thems lucky!
Oh, so Podolski was indeed on the pitch as reported, that is a pleasant surprise.
I know it had a good swerve but he should of saved it
BB – true!
Looks like we’re getting the better chances.
SHoulda booked Mane’ – what a diver.
how I adore a dry sense of humour @135
Wanyama will be sent off…
BB, his name is fun to hear. Sounds like a country song đ
Abb, what do you think of our old boy Poldi? Will he get an early shower and a deserved brake at halftime, as he seems exhausted after such a powerful display and TWO passes he had?
Lurky, I’m listening on player and to you fellas…I want him to score so bad, you have no idea! And Diaby to shine, God know he deserves it!
brake= break, I could do with an early shower myself.
This line up has so much potential, I still feel confident.
anyways, googled, ‘satin wraps’ to match my dress. only problem is I misspelt satin, and typed in ‘satan’. you won’t believe what came up on my screen. didn’t realize my typo!!! such is my life đ
come on, score two and let in zero, ya gunners. step it up a notch.
Diaby had a great game so far, I like what I saw. Bellerin excellent too. Alexis mixed one, and Wilshere decent, but need more to help in defense .
jesus, come ON.
no offsides now, lads.
i don’t like what this is shaping into.
southampton certainly have shown their worth for second place in the prem.
Lurky, good feed back on our lads, TY!
scruz, never thought Southhampton, would be pushovers. sounds an engaging affair!
they played some nice stuff across the box from the left and back to the spot, ospin saved at good stretch. their movement is very good. compared to ours, which is non-existent.
Come on Arsenal!
ox, cazorla, and akpom for jack, tr7, and poldi. sooner rather than later, please.
WTF come on lads pick it up!
better, on the break, but way too heavy from jack, to alexis.
Saint are disputing everything that could have been a penalty for us too
we cry ‘Arsenal, Arsenal!
Rosicky looking very rusty
Rosicky having a stinker.
Pull him off and put on Cazorla.
Time for Ox and Santi
now the saints are just disrupting everything. trying to kill our flow, we have to impose *our* will. or make batter passes…looking at you, joel.
fuck of, pelle. you even spelled your name wrong, idiot.
this is what happens, when our players don’t get enough game time ie TR! a dilemma every manager faces đ
GS Ospina!
well-saved, david. hell of a freekick, right through the wall.
cazorla ready to come on.
well played, abou. well played.
jack to back, then.
Unlucky lads!
Mr Foster, stop this right now!
off the post…damn, almost a second for alexis.
sorry, it was off the goalkeeper.
very underwhelmed by Campbell.
Give Akpom a go!
ox on for joel.
The OX! Better still.
The hell with defence! Let’s batter them unrelentlessly. Go out BIG!
you mean either relentlessly, or unrelentingly, i hope. otherwise we’re fooked.
Just Attack!!!! Push Up!!!!
Come on Arsene one more let’s give a proper go!
haha@177
can we buy a penalty đ
a bit more than thirteen minutes left, plus stoppage. let’s just get the 1, to start.
alexis proving to be godlike.
Let Poldi hammer it!
chuuuuubaaaaa.
time wasting.
what a bunch of utter twats.
c’mon arsenal.
oh, oh, my leg. oh, sub’s ready, nothing wrong here.
Time wasting is unbelievable
five minutes.
Then he runs across the pitch what a cock
Attttttttttttaacccckkk!
chuba for bellerin. who plays left back, chambers? three at the back?
talk about rolling our dice. wow, i can’t remember the last time we went three at the back.
Rosicky you silly man!
perfect break and rozza…what the hell?
go chuba go!
into stoppage. four minutes.
4 min OT, please lads, dig deep!
Afobe scores again…!
crap. gonna be out here. still, of the four, i’d rather this. though i’d’ve liked to be through just to blood the younguns.
Didn’t make them work enough in the second shame but this is gone already!
jack – shocking.
TR7 – aliens may’ve stolen his brain.
typically wouldn’t care about going out of the COC.
but not with another limp display like this. and at home.
except for Alexis and Bellerin and arguably Coquelin – this was dire.
And the pseudo Diaby love-in, can we please stop this?
damn, damn, damn.
For me the young’uns can hold their heads high it was TR who let everyone down
Well played southampton!
Very well organized, consistent and lasted 90mins.
Our defence worries me… please no more injuries to our first team players!
Bellerin is good enough to move up!
Alexis never stopped running… what a player and what a free kick too!
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Can’t wait till we play the saints in the league…. we shall obliterate them with our first team!
What BB said. All of it.
cognac, not to point a particular finger, but i think he definitely did. and jack. both were poor today. rozza should never have given up the penalty, and jack should never have stopped charging down the shooter. and poldi was fairly nonexistent.
alexis, bellerin, and chambers, though, well done. alexis is one hell of a player, never gives up, never gives in.
hayden shows what’s up with our fourth central defender.
sucks!! now to walk 5kms in the dark feeling this low…*lights a cigarette* fuck!!
Good game that 2 footballing sides – Hope Southampton go on to win it, losing is never great but cannot say I’m overly fussed less matches for our lot to pick up injuries now, Onwards and Upwards to that lot at the weekend đ
This was such a nice day so far and it didn’t supposed to end like this.
I would only like someone in the press later to ask Arsene for any valid reason(s) why Podolski was on the pitch for the full 90 minutes?
scruz
I thought Coquelin had a decent game too also Hayden.
Jack had an ok game come guys, Rosicky was running like headless chicken. Diaby faded and Poldi was not there to be honest.
This is exactly what happens to you when you don’t play all the time you become rusty and you don’t have that instinct any more.
I was really disappointed with Joel but give it to the they were very organised in defence.
Well done Southampton.
Kenyan gooner, safe travels, mate xx
no one player, ever loses a game, ever, unless they rack up some own goals (like JT! đ ) we need more rotation in our reg games. will cut down on injuries, as well as rustiness!!!
Oh well I’m not too fussed about this Cup to be honest
H2H still on Whiskey diet?
Any ways bigger fish to fry this season!
UTA!
I can’t even be bothered to boo. đ
@ABB,thanks bro.
Switched to beer, Arthur. đ
So good to see you back abb đ
Let’s take it easy tonight please all. The sniping doesn’t add to the enjoyment of the many.
Debate with respect, thank you. I am seeing people I have all the time in the world for falling out with prople they have not had the real benefit of meeting face to face.
You’re welcome Kenyan, here we’re all brothers!
Hi Goonerholic đ Good to have you here, Sir as well. Make yourself comfortable đ
I was never bothered with this game, would have loved to win it though. Guys, don’t get worked up on the cocup. Next up the dirtbags from down the street, up and onwards. Wish Alexi didn’t play that many minutes though. Hopefully he is ready to go come weekend.
Hilarious! Liverpool concede to last kick of the game ! đ
Pool…hahahhah!
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Oh dear, Kolo committed the foul.
I actually enjoyed the game,given that I didnt believe it would be a stroll in the first place.
Podolski coming in for some stick,but the guy’s hardly played and truth be told a striker is only as good as the service he recieves,and tonight Poldi didnt get too much.
The disjointed nature of Arsenals play only to be expected given the wholesale changes of personell.
Slightly disappointed to be out, but expect normal sevice to be resumed against the ruffians up the road at the weekend.
Brentan Rodgers has been saying that the new signings are finding it hard to bear the responsibility of wearing the Liverpool shirt……
“It’s a very heavy jersey to wear …….”
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Liverpool – LOL.
Mario … LOLZ!
Liverpool struggling … wonderful.
Want L’pool to stay in this as they are enjoying all their extra games this season. đ
..and Pool missed with last shot of normal penalties too!
Hahahahah!
arthur, le coq was getting beaten by manĂ© at the start, then clamped him down. manĂ© switched to the other side and couldn’t get any love from bellerin, either. overall he’s an excellent player to have in the squad.
poldi, rozza, and jack all the same to me this game. couldn’t keep the ball, no thrust, and no end-product.
hayden looks a keeper. chambers in the per role was good.
campbell wasn’t as direct as i’d thought he could be, had some good passes, but not enough on the ball to make a difference.
and agree with h2h. congratulations southampton.
Scousers thru 14-13 !
Pool just used up a quarter of their allocated quota of goals this season!
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Wat! Dis Arsnal team is pure trash. Wenga aht! đ
Love you lot, big time. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Without having watched the game, some positive thoughts based on reports here and in other places:
— As winning the League Cup or not makes no real difference to the season, lesser number of games to play especially in Nov and Dec with CL and PL fight going on is not a bad thing. Particularly given our habit of picking up key injuries in meaningless games.
— The immediate aftermath. The consequences that Spuds will need to be at the receiving end of.
— Ospina getting a feel of the English football. We will need him.
— Diaby gaining some game time. Never a bad thing.
— Hayden’s qualities and the match confidence he will gain, we will definitely need him, especially once FA Cup comes (assuming no new defensive signings in Jan) , but probably even before that (hopefully no injuries).
— Now we need to do the Saints twice in the league. Naturally. Teams just don’t come and beat at home without suffering consequences.
— Alexis becoming fully comfortable and enjoying being the key man in the match. Watch a few more of those free-kicks going in.
— TR7’s professional pride would be hurt. Next time we see him play he will press and pass and be generally dangerous the way he is always supposed to be. Just with twice the intensity, to make up for today.
…
Most off the So’ton players were good, but what an marvelous player Schneiderlin is. Ronald Koeman is doing a very good job with this side. Hope they win this competition.
As for Diaby, I really liked what he had to offer to our game. He faded away in the second half but played some wonderful football in the first half. In contrary to Arteta, he seems to have multiple solutions under pressure. We lack that in midfield. Arteta is to predictable, especially if pressed high when we play well organized teams, he always passes safe, lacks speed and rarely opts for a long ball.
Diaby needs to improve his positioning and to work on his fitness, but if he could stay fit, he has a big chance this season.
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