The Cup Can Wait, Tea Time In Burnley Beckons
Apr 10th, 2015 by 'holic
Six weeks. That’s what is left of the Premier League season. Chuck in a potential, although not guaranteed, FA Cup Final a week later and you have the wonderfully named ‘squeaky bum time’. Did ever a fixture encapsulate this more than Burnley (bottom but one and desperate for the points) versus Arsenal (top but one and desperate for the points).
In the first half of the season I would have been writing confidently about the chances of an away win for the so called flat track bullies. But wait. In their last two home matches Burnley have beaten Manchester City, thus enabling us to get a grip on second spot, and drawn with Tottenham, thus hastening the arrival of yet another St Totteringham’s Day. They are fighting for their lives.
So what, I hear you say, after we have broken the hold of our closest rivals over us, beating both Manchester clubs in Mancunia, and thrashing the living daylights out of Liverpool since Christmas. The form team visit the battlers. It is, quite frankly, unmissable theatre, although unfortunately the traveling faithful have been done no favours by the switch to a 5.30pm kick-off in that corner of the north-west which is a far from attractive destination at this time of year.
Throw into the equation the fact that we have the strongest squad available for selection since the musketeers roamed free and there is much to anticipate, as well as be nervous about, this weekend. Those returning will want to feature, but where are the gaps for them to fill? On the bench, if they are lucky.
Matthieu Debuchy is back in full training and looking in good nick, if not fully match fit, but Hector Bellerin has earned the right-back berth for now, certainly. Laurent Koscielny was due for further testing today. He didn’t feature in the training session I was fortunate to witness on Wednesday, but Gabriel is ready to deputise if necessary.
There seems to be an interesting decision to be made between Aaron Ramsey and Danny Welbeck. Two players who perform different roles, and both in good shape, but one of whom must be sacrificed to enable both Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil to start. Away from home I suspect Rambo will get the nod leaving the England international hoping to make an impact from the bench. All of which leaves Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta, Theo Walcott, and (whisper it!) Abou Diaby with their noses pressed against the window, begging to be noticed. Only the Ox is definitely ruled out as I type.
As for the hosts midfielder Matt Taylor could make his first appearance since August on Saturday after recovering from injury, while Ross Wallace and Steven Reid may also return. In Danny Ings they have a striker who has earned admiring glances this season. The experienced George Boyd’s strike accounted for City and Francis Coquelin et al will need to keep an eye on his movements into dangerous areas from deep.
Having said all of that my pound has to be based on the rich vein of form we are currently in. Seven consecutive wins is a great habit to have developed, and although we have not won a league fixture at Turf Moor since 1970 (there have only been four, to be fair), I am attracted to the 1-3 to Arsenal. Paddy Power offer 11/1 against that so I am having a little slice of that particular action.
Now the match report may or may not have a twist, so I shall not confirm at this point whether it will appear on Saturday night, or Sunday morning. For now may I just wish you all a great weekend, and to those making that most awkward of journeys for a Saturday teatime kick-off, have an enjoyable evening.
Have a great one, ‘holics.
74 Responses to “The Cup Can Wait, Tea Time In Burnley Beckons”
Cheers H!
Trev from the previous drinks: I don’t know. But now that you mention it I do recall him being substituted quite a few times. So yes, as I said, I agree with you that he has had his fair share of injury. But he also made some progress in staying fit for stretches of times compared to last few times. Maybe there is hope. That is all I am saying.
What he said
Esso that is
I had written this in response to NBN’s post but posted after the cut, so reposting.
NBN @ 70: Sometimes in Fall of 2008 one fine evening I decided I will no longer watch or follow cricket in any serious manner and went cold turkey. Cricket was taking too much of my time and at the same time with the introduction of T20 etc. it was getting patently ridiculous, inheriting & aping the gaudy excesses of Bollywood. It remains difficult as I am always met with a “could you be anymore of a snob?” look whenever I go back to India to visit family or in conversations with wider expatriate Indian communities.
But at the same time I can honestly say that the experience of watching cricket on TV today — despite all the technological improvements and many-angled cameras etc. — is essentially so unappealing that I am glad I had made that decision. It is a game that is served well by some mystique, the exhilaration of theater, and the incessant (and often bewilderingly meaningless) pontificating about everything from the angle of the index finger over the seam to the distance between two blades of grass near the crease batters you into submission to a particular point of view about the game and drains away all the charm, the sense of individualistic expression.
Growing up watching Cricket on TV in the 80s and 90s before the subcontinental popularity explosion happened — I am glad it happened, it helped India particularly but also the neighbors in many ways, not only in Cricket but also in many other facets of life — Richie Benaud’s commentary is inseparable from the memory of those days.
Looking forward to the match report whenever it appears mate. Quietly confident here.
Lets fucking have it!
Holic – Have you considered waving a Holicpound or two at Arsenal to do the double, or would that be too jinxy?
A mere 40/1 with Skybet.
Last weekend at the Moore scum bored everyone to death.
Now’s the time for 1 – 9 for the good fellas.
Triple hat – trick: Al Sancheeez, Oh Gee and The Wizard of Oz.
Yes!
Cheers H.
We have to stay focused and put in a shift. Our team is much stronger than theirs though…
Come on Arsenal.
Good one, Guv’nor. I am agog for the post-match report, almost as much as for the result.
COYG
Dr Faustus – You are a man after my own heart. I have caught about 3 overs of T20, which appeared to have preserved everything I dislike about cricket – such as the inordinate time taken to move mid off three inches to the right – while ditching most of what I like about cricket – such as an excuse to sit out in the sun all day, and having plenty of time to consider what is going an and to get excited about what might happen next. RIP Ritchie Benaud.
COYG (again)
Thanks all.
Cynic, take fifty lines! 😉
Holic, did you trespass as you were present at the compound that is London Colney (or is it Radlet) ?
On a serious note, as a huge critic of Mr Wenger over the years, I am being made to eat my words; humble pie does taste good at times! No matter how this season ends, then past 3 months have been a virtual revelation for which the manager deserves undue to credit. The online article by Adrian Durham this week is best described as meek and pathetic: 15 wins out of 17 is proof enough that new tactical strategies are being implemented which makes the team a more competent, functioning unit. Now finishing in second place is extremely feasible, and for those, such as me, who thought Wenger should have stepped aside, due acknowledgement should be given! The refusal to grant Theo Wallbanger a place in the first team has been inspired, I just hope he has the courage to keep both Franny and Hector in the side now that more experienced players are seemingly back in contention. I believe he will remain faithful to both, and I hope he can behind the scenes instigate a more consistent, more mature aptitude to in the Polish One as deep down, he is still Arsenal’s best keeper.
Interesting comments by Jack Wilshere on the other midfielders at Arsenal, and in particular high praise for Santi Cazorla.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150410/-competition-has-never-been-so-fierce-
Nice preview Guvna. I hope the Holic pound yields rewards.
Humility, confidence, hard work, focus and determination, with the odd touch of brilliance should see us through.
COYGs
Cheers ‘H!
Notice how Ozil is not even mentioned in that article, BT8? Man plays a different ball game, in a class of his own.
Great preview. Benny T and I are already T’up North. An evening of egg chasing at the KC will be followed by a pleasant night of slumber at the Hull West Premier Inn. Is there anywhere else??????
Tomorrow we will make the trek West to join fellow Gooners from near and far. As you highlight, take Burnley lightly at your peril. We will need to be up for it and we know that. With more players for than we have ever had I do wonder if we are ready to cope with such a situation? Is Arsene prepared from having to select a team from such a rich array of talent? I’m sure he will be fine.
Very much looking forward to the game tomorrow. I can see no reason why I should not be heading back South, safe in the knowledge that there are three points in the bag
Cheers, Holic.
Good luck with the 3-1. We have the quality. If we show the recent desire and determination to press, you may well be a few quid in.
Don’t think this will be a place to sit back and let them have the ball. These tight little grounds with passionate atmospheres can swing games – and referees
Anyone know who the man in black/green/yellow is this week ?
Aye, Steve T,
I guess the question is who wants to rule the turf more ? 😉
Trev, it’s (alas) Mike Dean. But, having easily overcome Anthony Taylor last week, wouldn’t fret too much.
Maestro, 1-3 sounds possible, if as AW says, we match them in the physical battle and let our technical superiority be felt. I would bite your (well, maybe not your) hand off for that result right now. 🙂
If Mike Dean is smirking from the off we might have to revise that 1-3 to a squeaky bum time of a 1-2.
Cent, I noticed and wondered about it. To be more politic Jack should have mentioned the Fish God who is in excellent form at the moment and cannot be left out of any conversation about our midfield.
Steve T. The Hull West Premier Inn. I heard that’s where Beyonce stays when she’s in Hull. 😉
Greetings sir and to all who sail upon this ship.
Jenkinson is better than Chambers.
In my opinion.
*slight boilk*
Not expecting a stroll in the park by any means, but this is a game we have to expect us to win. It’ll be all about the attitude, if we are focused and don’t hold back we’ll win it.
David@12: good on you for eating some humble pie. Watching us play these last few months has indeed been one hell of a ride.
Right, I need bacon…
“In that corner of the north-west which is a far from attractive destination at this time of year.”
You’re blowing my cover, Holic. I sold this trip to Her Nellieness on the back of breathtaking Pennine views and Bronte culture. A whole month’s good work undone in seconds by (yet another) ill-chosen piece from the Holic book of ill-chosen phrases.
The sun is shining through the wind and rain – our Spanish lads will enjoy the rays I’m sure. A good omen and 1-3 sounds about right to me. 11-1 it is.
Bronte is for snobs who like to read in the garden.
Yes people, it’s ….
Haughty culture.
*boom boom*
*throws Cynic a coat*
* applauds Cynic *
🙂
I’m here all week.
Well until about noon anyway. 😉
BtM, Her Nellieness knows.
But why did she buy the story so easily …… ?
😉
Dr F.@5: Thanks for reposting. Not a word to disagree with.
It feels like the first day of Spring up north. The birds were chirping away just the way they were doing down south yesterday at the Masters.
Come on you Gunners!!
St. Tott’s Day is fast approaching!
I will start getting unpleasant to Swampies of my acquaintance if we have a twelve point lead with six games to go this evening( sorry more unpleasant).
Like the line- up just surprised Gabriel is not on the bench. Perhaps he wanted to watch the Boat Race in his first year here!
I like the look of the Holic pound but think it might be 2-0
Come on! Getting matchday nervous again …btw..streams for those in need.
http://www.livefootballol.com/streaming/english-premier-league/11-04-2015-burnley-arsenal.html
http://livetv.sx/en/eventinfo/296037_burnley_arsenal/
COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
C’mon boys three points
Their forwards look dangerous on the break…. keep it together!
COme On!
Yes yes yes
TEAMMMMM WORK!
RAMSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY!
😀
Liking Ospina thus far.
How are we all? 🙂
Standing over that free kick for Arsenal were santi cazorla, alexis sanchez and mesut ozil.
Damn!
Fantastic work by the team in the right back/midfield area. Exactly what they were doing in training on Wednesday. 🙂
There’s a burnley player who just wants to be banned..!
Think we’ll see a sending off soon..
Feels like a cup tie.. !
COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Burnley very scrappy.
Arsenal must clean up the passing and score again.
What Homer said
Dont want to jinx it, but how good does le coq look today?
THEO, THEo , THeo, Theo, theo, the, th , t , ……………………………..
Well Mike Dean is playing a blinder todate, match full of nasty, niggling fouls by the home side. We need to keep our cool and not let Burnley’s tactics get to us. So far ,so good but the BFG has me worried, got caught out of position up field a couple of times.
Burnley are not out of this game yet, let’s hope they run out of steam in the latter stages and we can get another couple of goals. 1-0 is never good for my nerves!
COYRs
No let down this half
Pierre. I think that’s Oskar’s line. 🙂
This is a scrap we need a second goal
Fell asleep.. are we shit?
BRING ME THE WALCOTT
Futile, he’ll put Welbeck on.
Bring on the subs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
COME ON!!!!!!
PAT RICE!!!!!!!!!
😀
How utterly predictable. Only surprise is that he didn’t do it earlier.
Thtis is fooking nerve wracking!
😀
Exhaling …..
I’ve seen us look better and lose, no flash today just solid winning football.
A game lacking in tremendous entertainment value but we seemed pretty much in control from start to finish.
1-0 to The Arsenal.
16 wins out of last 18 matches.
Great exhibition of possession football today I thought. At times it seemed that our player’s feet and the ball were like magnets. Reminded me of Barcelona 2009′, without the devilishness.
Wagner aht!
These games are never easy, Burnley fighting for their lives, was much more nervous about this one than the one against Liverpool.
I usually try to avoid Theo debate since its been done thousand times over but Cynic, when your team is defending one goal lead against team who is lumping balls forward, who do you put on? Tall striker who is also minding his defensive duties properly or tiny superquick striker who will pretty much hover around their centre back waiting for through ball?
Dont get me wrong, I love Theo to bits but as this match was unfolding, I would never ever consider putting Theo on when we need to defend narrow victory.
We have really been making winning a habit lately. Today we grabbed a goal and then held the opposition at arms length until it was all over. We looked comfortable, even though Burnley made us work until the end.
Three more points. One game at a time. Well played lads. Drinks on the bar. Nuff said.
This one reminiscent of the stretch run from a couple of seasons ago — score early and play professionally the rest of the way.
The old saying “0ne nil to the Arsenal” should be supplanted by “Three points to the Arsenal”; nothing else matters.
The Springs of 2013 and 2015 (up to now) saw us gaining back ground with great stretch runs. Fall 2013 saw us start fast only for us to fall back with a rash of injuries in the Spring that continued in our frustrating start to this season. When will we be able to put a good Fall and Spring together? 2015-16?
Eandy @ 66: Spot on. Another possible sub at that stage could have been to get TR7 in for Alexis and move Ozil to left and let TR7 join in pressing with Giroud. I think Arsene would have chanced that he if felt we must score one goal. But I thought the entire team was confident that they can see this through without conceding.
Burnley at home is no pushover. In their last two home matches they have defeated City and drew against Spurs, without conceding any goal. They are fighting for their survival and we controlled the whole game smoothly without having any trouble defensively.
Some very good performance. Heartening to see Ozil also physically imposing him on many occasions, Coquelin excellent as well and except for a few stray passes Per very good. Was interesting to see Rambo continued on right, though there was a lot of fluidity in our front five. Ballerin and Monreal were definitely under direction to stay back more than usual.
Had to pick a MOTM. Maybe because of the goal and the general quality and workrate Rambo.
8 ball@ 69: 13-14 we had suffered in Spring because of injuries, especially to Ozil and Rambo who was overworked. Even then we did manage to win the FA Cup and hang on for a top 4 through a mini-recovery towards the very end. If I dare say so, I think we are becoming a little but more resilient against personal injuries as the squad is considerably deeper.
A good pre-season is pivotal for Arsene’s team to start well, and this season we had no pre-season and lot of personnel changes, new recruits as well as injuries. Next season we will start probably without Alexis for the first few weeks or so — I assume even he needs some rest after the Copa America — but he already has enough understanding to be able to come straight back in at a later stage.
The rest of the team will have a genuine pre-season under their belt, players like Ox and Jack and Arteta will be there to provide competition and I am sure we will have a new player or two (especially a suitable candidate to rotate with Coquelin). No reason we cannot start this season well and maintain the form.
We must also end this season as well as possible to not have any doubts creep back in.
Very important win today and a clear win, even if we might have made it much more comfortable for ourselves. Burnley never hurt us but Boyd had that one chance that could have given us a major problem. If Chelsea had produced that the media would have praised them as being able to control and dictate the game and squeeze the life out of the opposition. But we and the world of football seem to expect more from Arsenal. If we’d gone for it after we went one up and conceded we would have been naive.’ Arsenal never learn’ would have been the headlines. Instead we played conservatively and stood up to a limited but very physical side on a windy day in front of a hostile crowd. Dean after being ultra- lenient at the start never bowed to a lot of pressure from the home fans and we stayed solid. Coquelin stood out but everyone put in a shift and Ospina sums up this current run. He just does enough. He’s not flashy but he is reliable and pragmatic.
I also thought BFG, Ozil , Sanchez and Monreal were very decent and hardworking and everyone stood up to be counted
With our squad and this attitude we could have been closer to Chelsea but this has been a season of real progress. Onto Reading and hopefully to the Cup Final . And St. Totteringham’s Day is getting very close. For all those who care about us beating Tottenham over a season just think what Wenger has done to them since he took over. EVERY season we muller them in the League and here we have done it again. .
It isn’t as easy as We get makes it look
Sorry I of course mean Wenger in the last line!
Did I say a match report with a twist? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>