The Big Day Is Here – Cup Final Preview With The Skipper
May 30th, 2015 by 'holic
“Confident. I don’t like that word to be related to a Final because you know how difficult it is to win a Final. We have been working very hard. We know where we want to get. We are really keen to play.”
Mikel Arteta, captain on the pitch last season but probably not starting today has got his business head on as as a second consecutive FA Cup Final looms for the Gunners. The word ‘we’ is one he clearly uses a lot when with his team-mates, and his influence on the spirit of this group is clear.
“We have had some criticism but they haven’t found a way to break that togetherness that we have, and they try hard. Some of them they try really hard and they haven’t done it and I think the response has been good.”
On the subject of his team-mates he fields questions about the progress of those who have taken his role as he has recovered from injury. His praise appears heartfelt and earnest.
“I think his (Aaron Ramsey’s) development over four years that I have been here has been incredible. I think he has shown a lot of character and personality. (And of Francis Coquelin) I think it was the nicest surprise of the season. He gave something to the team that we were missing. I always liked Francis and I like him a lot now.”
The subject of whether or not progress has been made in the last twelve months is everywhere at the moment, and for some it can be considered so only by winning at Wembley, but Mikel takes a step back and offers his view in a considered fashion. This is a subject discussed in more detail in this weeks Arseblog Cup Final Arsecast.
“I think the club is in a different position. You can sense a different atmosphere around the club. The ambitions I think are going to be different for the club for next season. I think the quality we have is better than we had last year. I think the club is in a really strong position as well to push because financially it’s in a very good position. I think it is the right moment. I think we have all the elements to move forwards and be challenging. I think we have the ability to go ahead and set bigger targets. We know that the challenge is there and I think we have all the elements to go and progress again.”
What of the pressure that we came under last season? The skipper is asked if this Saturday will be any different.
“The pressure is going to be the same. I think we are going to be the favourites to win. We have been preparing really hard. We know what we are facing. It is a special occasion and once you walk out at Wembley and look around you, you know wow, this is going to be really difficult, and it is going to take some effort to win it.”
Aware that part of his role is in preparing those who didn’t experience the joy of winning the Cup last season, Mikel assures his audience.
“We will tell all the boys that haven’t been here, who don’t know what the FA Cup means in this country, this is big. Such a long time at this club without winning any trophies, that was a big lorry to carry behind your back. I think we have to create some momentum now. We have to create some momentum now and to do that there is no better way than winning some trophies, and setting some high standards.”
There is genuine warmth in his voice when the subject of the supporters crops up.
“I was really surprised at the support we had from the Arsenal fans. The following day we had 250,000 people on the streets, It was crazy and it was amazing and the best example you can get of how big this club is.”
As in the case of Mathieu Flamini, featured on Thursday, there is a question mark hanging over Mikel’s future as a Gunner.
“I will discuss my future after the Final. My aim is to be on the pitch as much as I can. I would love to (stay at Arsenal). We are both very clear about what we want, and we will announce something after the Final.”
That can be translated in a number of ways. I would like to think that possibly a player-coach role is one of the options up for consideration. Mikel’s playing future may depend on who is brought to the club in the summer, but can we really afford to lose his experience and obvious leadership qualities quite yet?
The Final ‘holic pound
So the preview has really been done for me by the players over the last three days, and the Arsecast. There are three decisions for the boss to make I believe, and two of these were discussed on the Arsecast.
In goal I would pick Wojciech Szczesny, but I think the boss could plump for David Ospina. Up front I think we will start Olivier Giroud ahead of Theo Walcott, and save Theo to run at tiring defenders in hopefully more than the last twenty minutes if required.
There is also a difficult choice between Jack Wishere and Francis Coquelin alongside Aaron Ramsey. Like Theo, Jack was in impressive form against West Brom last weekend but we can anticipate a much more combative approach from Villa and Coquelin’s solid displays since his unlikely recall in January have stiffened our spine. I’m with the latter.
If the last year has proved anything, it is that we can dig out results at Wembley, albeit not without the odd scare or two. The ‘holic pound is punted on something a little more optimistic. I’m on 3-1 to the Gunners which is available at 11/1 with Paddy Power. If you don’t have an account with them click here for an amazing 5/1 offer on an Arsenal win.
I hope those who missed out on the tickets, and obviously we didn’t get anywhere near enough, have sorted out a great venue to watch the match with friends. If you are one of the lucky ones and see me stumbling around tomorrow, do say hello. Let’s hope we are all celebrating wildly on Saturday night.
Have a great one, ‘holics.
311 Responses to “The Big Day Is Here – Cup Final Preview With The Skipper”
COYG!!!!
Airports – boo!
Cup final, Yay!
UTA. 😎
y’all have started the day. for me, one more sleep (if I can, I am excited already and can’t stop thinking about 9 am tomorrow…).
what a beautiful yellow ribbon she is wearing. COYG!!
Cheers H! Have a great day out mate.
Me and Patrick watching it at home like last year. Hoping for a similar result as well. At which stage the Cava gets popped in the back garden and the neighbours get a rousing chorus of;
We are The Arsenal
We are The Best
We are The Arsenal
So FUCK ALL THE REST!
C’mon you Arsenal, turn up and make us all proud today.
Come on, Arsenal – let’s do this!
Just as good on second read. Have a great day at Wembley, ‘Holic and all who will the there, too. Us far-flungs will be searching for one last stream for the season. 3-1 sounds about right.
Morning all. I’ve not had a chance to catch up on any of the previous posts but will do ASAP.
So, we are here. It’s Cup Final day and I’ve been fortunate enough not only to secure a ticket but also one for my 11 year old son. He is massively excited but still has no idea how lucky he is. I must say that it will be a proud moment walking down Wembley Way with him.
As for the team? Play your number 1 keeper. The rest pretty much picks itself for me. I don’t see Theo or Jack starting but I do think they could have an important part to play. Both have more experience than most of playing at Wembley.
Hopefully bump into a few holics along the way. I know that some of the old boys are off to enjoy some fine dining. We will be off to a pub for a spot of lunch and a few ales before heading off to take in the whole experience.
I don’t like making predictions for such games. We are favourites and rightly so. We know that we play to our ability that we will win the game. But it would be a gross error to underestimate our opposition. Not a mistake I would expect us to make. I can find nothing to suggest that this won’t be yet another night of Arsenal celebration.
Enjoy boys and girls, wherever you are watching.
She wore…………
Apologies Holic, where are my manners? Another great preview.
Great to read another great Cup Final preview, and thanks again for another season’s top top quality blogging. Looks like it’s another day of media lockdown and watching the game as live around 7pm for me as Oxonne’s mother is still unwell. On a happier note, here’s to the same result as last year; hopefully after a rather smoother journey.
COYG UTA AVMBD
Cheers all,
So pleased for you Steve, and the lad.
Looking forward to a bit of fillet steak, some fine wine, and a 3-1 mugging of the Villains.
Have a fantastic birthday, Stevie G.
Seriously, all of you, have a great weekend, and thanks for being you. I am one lucky blogger.
🙂
Steve Gerrard Gerrard,
He’s taken it very hard,
Sat at home with his birthday cards,
Steve Gerrard Gerrard.
Join in if you know the words.
Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant!!!
Though I predict a 3-0 to us! Our goalie to show his class today.. whomever it is!!
UP THE ARSE!
😀
Have a cracking day out lads.
Thanks for another years stellar service H.
Off to the beach with the kids until the real day begins a little later.
Completely with Steve & Holic on the team selection.
Safe travels Z.
Nice one from the Holic/Arteta combo. And some top chevronning from Potsticker in the last drinks.
It is Cup Final Day. I will be sporting ’79. And singing loudly. And drinking.
Best wishes to Holics and all Gooners everywhere. This is what it is all about. So just bloody win.
UTA
Cheers holic – trust you and all those attending have a great day out – not forgetting the world wide network of holics wherever you are watching. Let’s make sure Tiger Tim turns into Tiny Tim by the end of the match. Has to be another winning cup parade in N1 / N7 tomorrow
She wore……..
Morning Holics.
Let’s break a record.
Have a great day y’all.
And
Come
On
You
YELLOWS
Spirit of ’71.
howdy
nearly there now
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
We’re the famous Arsenal,
and we’re off to Wemberlee.
Come on you Yellows.
Rip roarin’
Give it our all.
Hopefully I won’t need to down four beers in the first fifteen minutes this time. You’ll be at O’Learys in the old town, Lars? Might see you there!
This is ridiculous. 3pm seems ages away and it isn’t even kickoff.
I am trying to hold off the commencement of the lemony refreshments as it would be nice to remember some of the match/day. But it is tough- I wanna make like cba and get garglin’.
Mighty breakfast on the way though, once that is out of the way I might slide myself onto that slippery slope that leads to inebriated Arsenal mayhem. And the FA Cup. Right?
Greetings from New Zealand!
Fine preview Holic.
Im as excited as an excited person who has a particular reason to be excited!
it all happens in about 5 hours at an incredibly convienient 4.30 am!
Just returned home from fabulous gig here in Auckland — Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea – in their seventies and still awesome!
Dont know why i mentioned that but as i said,I’m excited!!!!!
COME ON YOU YELLOWS!!!!!!
Double final for me. Falkirk at 3, Arsenal at whatever bloody stupid time that game kicks off.
Just hope I can stay awake at this advanced age 🙁
Have a great day, ‘holics, and as for Stevie G… don’t cheer up. Keep on crying.
Nice preview, Holic.
Player-Coach sounds good – his time as a first choice is probably up but we have lost too many too soon.
Have a great day all,
Steve T, enjoy mate. These are the best days, as you know.
3-1 Come on Reds !!!
Oops !
Yellows. Always red to me though.
2-0
UTA
Gotta go with the flow GSD!
is 5 an a half o’bastardinclock gettin further away
bloody ridiculous bollocks
whoever responsible
up against a wall
shot with balls of their own dung
money grubbin’ arseholes
.
COME ON THE ARSENAL !
Cheers maestro and all the holics. Great preview and I see Mikel is doing a good job with building that fortress mentality. Let’s make Wembley a fortress. COYG.
Will be taking the bus to the train to the pub shortly and hope I haven’t chosen wrong on the big match watching venue. It happens to be the same one where I watched the debacle against Birmingham City in the League Cup Final so a special reverse hex must be said before the game begins. Ospina to start for me. Szcz will want a chance to reverse his personal cup final hex but he hasn’t earned that chance this season.
Shout out for Steve T who has coined a very hummable tune. 🙂
For one day , let’s enjoy Arsenal beautiful football and forget about all these nauseated Blatter
GSD@14 – thank you, I just wanted to leave a mark.
2-0 to the Arsenal. Alexis and Aaron to score.
Just heading out for pre final BBQ & Beers.
If you are going to the game ; make enough noise for us ticketless Wycombe Gooners 20 odd minutes down the Chiltern Line to hear you…
COYG !!!
Cheers ‘holic.
Wishing you and all attending a great day out, in fact no matter where in the world you are tuning in have a good un.
I’ve decided to stay home and watch this one alone, been up since early and have been watching the Beeb who have, like days of yore, dedicated the whole day to the build up of the final, all that’s missing is the helicopters following the team busses.
Was going to hold out on the beer drinking to a little later, but Alan Sherear interviewing Timmmmaaah soon cured me of that. Hic.
Not gonna bother speculating on our line up, Wenger will do what he does, there’s bound to be at least one surprise in the team.
TOTP’s2 is on in the background now, geeeez, I hope 2 crates of beer plus a few bottles of vodka will be enough. Listening to Waddle and Hoddle, I doubt it.
Oh Yeah.
COME ON YOU YELLLLLLOOOOOOOOWSSSS
Good luck to the guys today. Just win baby win. COYG!!!!!!
Hey H2H, and Esso !
At home for me too, just with Erin and the TV – and Rachel Riley is on the “Road To Wembley” so it’s not a bad option. 😉
Shame she’s a Yanited fan, Trev.
Hang in there, cba,
only another two hours. Two hours to dream and imagine anything you like – before reality becomes irreversible – whichever way it goes.
It will go 3-1 to us though !
I’d be prepared to overlook that should the occasion ever arise H2H. 😉
Uply – hope you enjoy it mate – and manage a small celebration.
Not sure if I could mate.
I’d give it a try though.
90mins countdown……..
Arsenal FC @Arsenal · 54s54 seconds ago
View translation
.@Arsenal team to play Villa: Szczesny, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis, Walcott
Team news:
Woj in goal
Walcott starts
Jack on bench
Arsenal FC @Arsenal · 36s37 seconds ago
.@Arsenal subs: Ospina, Gibbs, Gabriel, Flamini, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud #WeAreArsenal #FACupFinal
Booo! Esso beat me ! 🙂
Woj in goal, Feo starts.
On the train now from Saint Paul to Minneapolis to watch the big game and meet up with a few Goonahs.
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
And me.
No Rosicky on the bench – feel for him – such a good player.
Enjoy, bt8
Is that AW trying to fool us, H2H?
Come on Woj and Theo!!!!!!!
Hey Trev have a great one. 🙂
AW has just raised the ante.
Not sure about Woj, but Feo is the right choice.
Villa play a high line, very susceptable to pace.
all headed off
house to myself
cos i am like this wee superstar
okeydoke
well
I am fuckin alright with that
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=e_3wn6IjW_8
on ye go son
🙂
#wembelee
#wembelee
Agree H2H.
tv coverage on tv3 only starts at 5
aaaahhhhhh
Keown agreeing with me on the Beeb.
And Trev here.
I must be right, 🙂
Don’t think Vlaar sill fancy trying to track Theo, Alexis and Mesut
Should have played Ospina. Pick your best team in a cup final, and Ospina is clearly the number one keeper or he wouldn’t have been in the team all these weeks.
Theo is the right choice as Giroud hasn’t scored since forever.
That’s their weak link.
Luckily for them Arsene doesn’t do tactics. 😉
I do hope Woj doesn’t do what Falkirk’s keeper just did :’-(
Trivia moment…..
The last time Villa won the cup, Falkirk did too.
**Tries to figure out how to pronounce the SZCZ double reverse hex, which my computer printout says is his full name spelled backwards.**
If fully accomplished though I hear it is a sure thing. (?)
Why are my hands shaking?
And Falkirk lost.
#Omens
finally the telly show starts
here’s hopin’ the big lump o donegal
can’t stop fer fuck
.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Come on.
super super super nervous now
if shay puts in a shift
don’t feckin look my direction
Just saw a beauty of a piece on Alexis.
How he goes back to Tocopilla in Columbia – has built pitches for the kids with lighting that were just dirt before. Gives gifts away to the local kids.
The coaches who took him away from drugs. How he wants to make his mother more secure who used to sell seafood at the mines and on the streets.
Classic rags to riches but of a real street fighter.
Was really good.
A shift will stop him from jumping around at least, cba. 😉
Come on Gunners, don’t give these ankle biters any hope. Strong from the start.
Oh thought it said “puts ON”. 🙁
Come on Alexis. Make chile even prouder.
I knew that ! Don’t know why i said Columbia ! Nerves !
Come on !!!
COME ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!
COME ON!
Pub full of Arsenal fans but for 4 or 5 discrete Villa fans lurking about. Hope they don’t turn happy later.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!!!!!!
Looks like they got subettio players on the pitch.
arsenal hat, old logo, check. arsenal scarf, check. arsenal 2014 winners celebration tshirt, check. coffee drunk in arsenal mug, check. first Guinness open and halfway gone, check.
jets on, wheels up, let’s do this thing! COME ON ARSENAL!!!
today Laurent and chezz atone for another game against a Birmingham club…
Hey scruz !
hey trev, exciting isn’t it!? my heart is pounding…
Never wanes scruz
have fun watching with E, btw.
LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Playing towards our own fans in the first half.
Don’t see that often.
fuck. robson on fox.
nice claim, chez.
First catch by Woj. Phew.
hey, h2h!
Noted scruz; sound now off.
COYG!
Howdy.
Jean, I am suffering for now. I want to hear the crowd atm…
oooh, almost in!
our coq is hard…
That’s a yellow ffs
all day long…oh wait. it’s Jon moss.
So far so good, Santi looks sharp. Benteke should have been booked!
chezz on fire.
Well punched Woj
Mr. Moss,
you can do one,
to put it politely.
oooh,fucking given.
OOOOOOOoooooo
ooohhhh, so close… beautiful hector.
was that holic?
OOOOOOooooooooo
If we get one, we’ll murder them.
Ramsey almost in. we are definitely on our game.
We need to score while we are on top, we’ve been here before this and other seasons. Rambo just had 2 great chances, should have buried the second one
great pass ozil.
oooh, fuck, theo shoulda… great block.
Shut up Mills you jizzrag.
closer we get. third Guinness.
Certain final passes are so beautiful that they don’t deserve play to be stopped, even for offside.
buulllyyy
ex Spurs wank gets a yellow.
Hutton yellow.
Target him now.
Top Coq.
Dear me, Moss needs to get to grips with the constant fouling of our attackers, Sanchez targeted as usual. We need a GOAL!!
Lotsa yellows for Villa.
come on theo, where are you?
theoooooiooooooo
Theo!!!!!
Theoooooooooooooooo
FEOOOOOOO
Yipee, Feo!
Fantastic by Coquelin
FEOOOO!
FEO!!!!
Get innnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!
Yipee delia ?
Gad zooks at least ! 😉
*there* he is 😉
ONE NIL TO DA ARSSSANAAAL
I love le coq.
Theo! Theo! Theo!
beat the shit out of them, arsenal!
Delightful football from the Gunners, keep it up Reds.
ooooonneee nil the arsenal!
Great half, fully deserved lead, more of the same next 45 please.
So far so good c’mon Arsene keep them up for it at halftime.
Brilliant half.
Could be 4-0.
Villa players on cards. Good from Szczesny, clearly in to deal with the Benteke threat.
And Ozil ! Sheer undiluted class. Control, sees space where there isn’t any, timing is wonderful. Magic in a yellow shirt !
I hope holic, Steve and son, dr feelgood, and all the other holics at the game are going off their collective nut.
That team worked. A collective joy to watch. COyG in the second half.
agreed trev. £45 million in touches just today.
fuck
jeez
139 scruz
fuckin yes
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
fuck
one nil to the arsenal
one nil
🙂
COME ON
here at home, roaring inarticulately!!!! rrrooooawwwrrrrrr!
Will i be jinxing it if i professed to know What will she wear?? Good half,now we need to get in there and make it a great game,cricket score?? UTA!!!
Trev, put it down to my age On my own today, everyone has got tickets and gone to the game, lucky sods.
Delia, you’re not alone… we are here 😉
scruz
Coq watching scum. 😉
Never alone when you’re with the ‘holics.
bt8 🙂
come on you yellows!!
Oohh yesssssss
Alexis!!!
Alexis!!!!!
HOLY SHIT!!!!!
Alexisssssssssss!!
You beauty Sanchez!!!!!
Fucking superb.
Yipee is just fine, Delia 🙂
That was swervy
What a beauty Sanchez
trev…:D
Quite Sherwoody this trippy, kicky bunch
simply astonishing from Alexis
The Abonimal Whore on for Villa.
Jheez!!!
fuck offside
oh man, what fun this is…
perrrrrrr
PEEEEER%RRRRR
3-0 What did i say?
😀
3-0
We’ve got a Big ……….. German !
How pleased does he look ?
wooooooooo
Get in Per!!
Unbelievable, we’ve got a BFG.
World Cup Winner Mert!
3-1i said. Way underestimated !
Want the title next season. Nothing less!!!
much different than last year!!
By the way –
ONE ARSENE WENGER …….
Mustof been hard for Per to jump for that goal with Benteke in his pocket weighing him down.
🙂
heh, h2h
Ashley Gone – Westwood
11-0 against Villa ’til now this season.
come on, theo…
LJW OG for Theo and OZ
Ha Ha, no penalty.
Card for Gobby Agbonlahor
I’ll send him one with “Condolances” on it. 🙂
Oh my word the HFB has had “highlights” in his hair! Should there have been a Villa PEN?
Nah !
Two, debatable.
Nah ! Not today
twoton!
Thank you and goodnight 4-0
ooooggggggggg
12-0
Well done Ox and Ollie
Thank you Timmy. You are such a great gooner. Timmy knows he’s happy deep inside. COYG!!!!
There ya go!
6 FA Cups for Wenger
back to back trophies
Talking about mate?
Giroud!
Well done boys, better then sex.
Congratulations to all Holics.
Off to some serious drinking.
Ok i was wrong… 4-0!
😀
EAAAAASSSSSSSSSSYYYYYY
No CL qualifier next season
That ‘s the way to win a final.
Quite brilliant.
well that is worth drinking all day for…
Domination
I’m done 😆
oh and another Community shield…
..Thats it!
That is how you play a knockout final… You just knock them out!!
Love you Arsenal… Cup of Joy
More winners than MU too!
HAHAHHAHAHH!
champagne popped!
Got such a headache…
GUNNERSAURUS ON THE PITCH.
GOWAAAAAAN ‘SAURUS.
Most one sided Cup Final evah.
Well I never the Blond Bomb Shell has got one. Arsenal,the greatest team that ever lived. What a day to put on a show. Thank you all for you company today, another Pimms I think.
COYRs
Thank you arsenal for this great end to the season. Certainly an improvement on the last. Hopefully we win the championship next. Many thanks to H and the rest of you holics for this forum. Been a fantastic journey(bows).
fucking fox, can’t watch the trophy lift…
Never in doubt.
Booooooo Fox.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: “We have shown that we are a real team and can deal with pressure. I congratulate the players, the staff and the fans. We are so happy tonight.
“I had a difficult week to pick the team. But when confidence and sprit is so good it helps. Look, I am very proud. Our club is doing well and if I can personally do well then it’s even better.
“I have two more years of my contract and my hunger is great. I want to do well.”
————-
Hunger needs to be satiated next season..!
Up The Arse!
😀
H2H @ 224: Here in US they switched to Fox 2 which I watch as a paid internet subscription …
scruz — Move to foxsoccer.tv
not found, faustus
No TR7 in celebrations …
Is Arteta gonna lift it???
No.
Together with Per.
Nice.
I always had the feeling that Arteta was a bit pissed that the Verm did it on his own last year.
Guys what channel is the trophy presentation here in the states
scruz … try http://www.foxsoccer2go.com
Fox sports 2 … Comcast doesn’t carry it , watch online at http://www.foxsoccer2go.com, Paid service
Santi is again wearing his Asturian flag … 🙂
fuckit, I will watch on arsenalist later
Southampton….
You’re welcome. 😉
There is only one Arsene Wenger !!!
🙂
Royalty.
Thanks guys
scruz — It will also be in Arsenal player later tomorrow.
Congratulations to the whole Arsenal family!
That was bloody brilliant! Superb performances from every single player. Nerveless, intelligent and wonderful skill and movements.
Food for thought.
Last time we won back to back F.A cups we went on to win the league unbeaten.
I will eat that, h2h
Great performance from everyone, huge congratulations to Wenger. Now let’s take the next step beginning in about 10 weeks.
Ahh, TR7, Serge, Abou all were present in the stadium …
“Your Sanchez is not as good as our Sanchez”
..Ouch.. that was rubbing it in.
Feel for Tim.. looked utterly dejected. He’ll be back.
So we’re gearing up for another ‘Invincible’ year again.. looking forward to it!
And I want us to get the CL… Arsene deserves that at the very least.
😀
and we’re arrrrssssseeeenalllllll, arrrsenalllll fc; we are by far the greatest team the world has ever seeennnn
It just gets better every time you see it : http://imgur.com/gallery/eo1Malx
Good as GIVEN is.. that shot put him on his arse : http://imgur.com/gallery/GIAxgGI
😀
In addition to all the certified genius — Koscielny, Rambo, Alexis, Ozil and our player of the season in Santi — some great improvements in Monreal, Coquelin and I think the best introduction in English football this season in Bellerin.
We won in all our last five appearances at Wembley, securing three trophies in the process …
and we’re arrrrrsenal….
Best Arsenal team since the invincibles disbanded?
Yes in my opinion … skill, steel, humility and intelligence …
Signing Arteta and Per in that mad summer of 2011 turned out to be crucial decisions. Ozil and Alexis are obvious signings, Giroud despite not being in their category yet filled in an obvious need, Santi is a typical Arsene player (and his blossoming into this CM role is one of the stories of the season)… but our captain and vice-captain should take a lot of credit for building a team ethics and camaraderie that was missing for just too long.
Feel for Tim.. looked utterly dejected.
Fuck the Spud.
/graceless winner 😉
Just skimming through the game again, some stuff you may have missed….
Coq got a knock on his nose again while celebrating Theo’s goal.
Alexis’ goal was fucking mustard (okay youwould have seen that)
When Per scored, Kos had his shirt over his head with what looked like a Ravenelli style celebration, but it wasn’t. Vlaar pulled Kos’s shirt so much that Kos didn’t even see the goal, it wasn’t a celebration, it was a gesture to the ref….. Hilarious.
Wonderful memories, one more to add next year …
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZOoeEsEba0
H2H @ Noticed the Coq and Kos incidents. I thought originally the same thing about Kos pulling up his shirt too… it was hilarious as he was complaining to the referee while Per was already on his jogging horse to smother Santi… 🙂
…… Santi finishes every sentence with “no?” 🙂
Well seen Doc, I needed the replay. 😉
H2H @ 258: In my defense, I had no drinks in me…was still early in the day for a father of 3 year old. 🙂
Our little storm is now taking a nap in his Arsenal shirt, so I think some drinks are in order… 🙂
KOS : http://i.imgur.com/LQKXMFg.jpg
😀
H2H @ 257: Yes. 🙂
What a neat little genius of a player. Love him. When him and Ozil get control of that midfield with Coq providing a sturdy base — some superb long-range passing from our “limited” Coquelin today — they are breathtaking to watch.
The most pleasing fact about the win today was the attitude of the team. From the first kick, they believed in themselves, played with confidence, played their natural game (which can be difficult in finals) and fought for everything even when they were up by 3 goals. That is the attitude of champions. They seemed like they have tasted blood and they will be lethal now. More than any purchases, it would be important to keep this unit of players together. Theo should be made to sign da ting and we must also retain the services of Arteta & Rosicky. Stories of Arteta’s speech after the Arsenal FA Cup history video during preparations for the final, just outline what a class act he is and the club should be looking at offering him a coaching role in the near future. Rosicky simply because you only get one Mozart in a generation…
Some individuals can be so appalling that you feel sorry for them. Stewart Robson brought up the Anderlecht game a couple of minutes after we scored the third. But again the way we played today even compelled Robson to sing our praises. That’s the way to do it…
I had mentioned it quite a few weeks ago that the community shield will be the ideal opportunity for Arsene to beat Maureen… Outplay them like we did to Villa today and boy that would set up some season… Can’t wait for it…
And yeah she wore… .
Cheers
Suck on this, Fergie!
Dortmund loses the German cup final, no glorious farewell to mad Klopp…
Bendy was on the bench for Wolfsburg! 🙂
Get the drinks in Doc’ 🙂
By the way……
Did anyone see Welbeck?
H2H @ 265: Yes, Danny, Abou, TR7, Serge … they were all in the stadium and posed afterwards in the dressing room.
Ten all around from me too 🙂
http://news.arseblog.com/2015/05/arsenal-4-0-aston-villa-player-ratings/
Just seen the dressing room pic.
Can’t wait for August to watch the Arsenal put another on up at Wembley — and against Maureen!
And from Spain, pre-match, Monkey Boy sends texts wishing good luck to Ramsey and Theo! Spuds’ supporters apoplectic!
I’ll confess now,
I was more confident we’ll win at 2:0 down last year than I was before kick-off today. But once started it was never in doubt 🙂
The closest they got to the cup was while getting handed their SILVER medal!
Now i’m drunk and out 🙂 enjoy the rest of the weekend all you holics wherever you are!
One Arsene Wenger! There’s only one Arsene Wenger…
12 and counting 😉 YEEEAAAHHH
Well played, Agent Tim !
Told them not to play a single ball through to Benteke for the whole first half, which we thought was going to be their only tactic.
Their defence was like the Keystone Cops for most of the game – hurling themselves (well it must be said) in front of our forwards, bicycle kick clearances, overheads, booting into touch, and it still took two or three wonder saves from the keeper to stop us from being four up at half time.
Shay was always going to play in goal for them today.
That was a Given.
* ah, my coat*
Arsenal are having a party
Bring yer vodka
Bring yer charlie
I just want to watch it again and again and again. I have never experienced a Cup Final in which we dominated so much. Whilst coming back from 2 nil downs are great, it was a pleasure to watch a masterclass in football. All players were at their best today and so we were invincible!
Evening all
Just back from the game.
Dominant. Most one-sided final I remember.
Nice to have the crowd sing, “Just one Arsene Wenger.”
We need to push on now and regain the Prem next season.
Only 2-3 key signings needed to turn us into real competitors.
I’m just back from a very happy Wembley. I’ve been running into Gooners everywhere tonight, at the game, at the Emirates or out on the streets in North London to party. All are ecstatic at the result and the nature of the performance.
I can’t think of a more dominant win or a bigger thrashing in any FA Cup Final.It may have been too predictable for the neutral but neutrals who appreciate great football will have appreciated the quality of what we saw today.
They didn’t appear to have a shot in the game , Szczesny wouldn’t have needed a shower so he can’t have a crafty fag but he could have had a cigar on during the game.
I thought everyone did well. The two young tyros, Francis and Hector were excellent, Theo justified Oskar’s faith and Ozil did some brilliant things in the first half. Ramsey and Cazorla. bossed midfield and Alexis was sublime with a wonderful goal to boot
Huge credit to Wenger. I have been critical of him in past seasons , I felt he needed a better squad at the start of this but we are now in fine shape and he prepared the team brilliantly today. They were bang on their game. I sense a deepening of respect for him among all reasonable fans . The gobshites will call us flat track bullies but those people were suggesting Villa would turn us over.
We can go on from here but this has been a progression and a very satisfactory season
The first photo has all the contributors including Danny, TR7 … and Rob the Chef
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150530/pictures-players-celebrate-on-the-pitch
Ttg – I thought I’d wait for you before I started an argument :-).
I wasn’t at Wemberlee, so I have to rely on what I saw on the electric telemavision, but I thought Monreal was also outstanding. Really, the only two players who didn’t catch the eye were Szczesny and Coquelin, and that was simply because they had relatively little to do. I’m probably being unfair to Coquelin saying that as I suspect that his hard, and probably plentiful, work was off the ball and hence didn’t make it onto the television screen.
Essentially, the whole team turned up. May it happen many time next season (38 times in the Prem would be nice).
Bloody brilliant performance right through the team. “Dominant” sums it up nicely.
She wore, she wore…
Coq was excellent.
Pangloss @ 277 — The first goal started with an excellent long-range pass from Coquelin to Theo whom he spotted to have switched on to the left. He double-teamed with Ozil — with Santi selling Villa midfield the smartest of tactical dummies time and again — deeper in our half to win almost all midfield contests. He had a superb game blotted by that unnecessary foul to Gaby.
Szczesny made few commanding clearances, catch and punches in long-balls which were pretty much the only avenue of attack Villa had.
So, like arseblog, 10 to all of them form me. 🙂
TTG @ 275: One can hope after this season only idiots would call us “flat-track bullies”.
2-2, 2-0 against City
a “how the fuck that happened” 0-1 loss to Manu, followed by 2-1 and 1-1 away performances
2-2 and 4-1 to “this would be our year” Liverpool
0-0 and 0-2 to Chelsea
Chelsea & Mourinho have it coming … we will be Kanu-frying them next season onwards, at Emirates this season Terry & co. played the defensive game of their lives to keep the scoreline 0-0 and it is not going to get easier for them.
Arsenal is roaring back to where we belong … they all can feel it. 🙂
just woke from a drunk nap, ready to drink some more! we won the fucking cup!
Well played snooze, eeeer scruz. 😉
bwaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Every player was on it today but mentions to Coq and Santi and our entire midfield for completely dominating Villa. And AW got his tactics spot on. So proud of them all.
Arsenal 12-0 Villa, as H2H posted while I was sleeping (easier for me to record and watch over breakfast), about sums up the difference in class. Never in doubt and I have not the slightest criticism of anyone today! 😀
Cracking goals from Theo and Alexis, a lovely nutter from Per and a typical OG flick … all of them memorable in a history-making 12th win for the club and 6th for AW. But the job is not completely done. We need to win next year to become the first team since the 1880s to win it three times in a row and for Arsene to become the winningest ever manager (currently tied on 6 with a former Villa manager coincidentally).
But that’s for next year, time now to celebrate!
FUCKING LOVELY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Öskar
She wore, she wore …. yellow again, but only just “In the merry month of May“. Is it my imagination or is the Cup final getting later each year? At this rate we’ll be playing the Communist Shield the following week before long!
Öskar
Oskar @ 286 — It is getting later every year. This was actually the latest Cup final was ever played in history. There was another 30th May final a few years back but that was at 3PM … at least that is what the commentators said.
Oskar @ 285: I will gladly give up next year’s FA Cup for a PL-CL double.
But, yes, a treble would be nice. 🙂
Pangloss
I thought you were right to mention Monrral but I thought Coquelin played extremely well. He does all the unspectacular stuff but he readthe play really well, passed intelligently and makes it much harder to get at our back four. .
As for Ches it was impossible to grade him today. It was just so easy.
I loved the Koscielny incident as BFG scored.it was a clear penalty as Vlaar pulled his shirt over his head.
Let’s enjoy the lovely feeling of an easy win on a great day for the club.
We were berated by Villa fans as we queued for the tube .’ How many European Cups have you won?’. I suppose it’s difficult to find anything to say at a time like that. A classy thing would have been’ Well played lads you deserved it! ‘
Still very annoying that we haven’t won the CL yet, or Euro Cup before it, Ttg. Especially when the likes of Notts Forest and Villa have.. But they can have their classless moment, it won’t comfort them much on the long journey home, aye.
Öskar
easy wins make me nervous.
Worst player on the pitch was Oskar who didn’t get a fuckin’ kick despite naming himself in the team to lead the line.
Poor show Oskar.
The others did alright though.
I was there in spirit, Failage. A Highland Park 18 of course.
Öskar
Holy crap what a game.
Flew cross country to watch with my boys and the philly gooners.
Goddamit thats a good feeling.
In the cups my friends. Either in em or gettin’ in em.
Cheers all.
Arsenal – Villa: 12 – 0.
This season.
… My old man said…
Just saw the highlights, will catch the replay, man what fantastic goals! So happy for Arsene, hope we win league as well next season. Great for newcomers like the unstoppable Alexis and the rest of the team. Yay!!! Champagne for everyone please.
If you were drinking that particular delight Oskar it explains the poor performance. Next time celebrate AFTER the game.
Whats all this breaking news re Monreal leaving?
Be a tough guy to replace I think.
Bummer if true.
Monreal leaving? What the fuck. I don’t think so …
Just because some agent wants to get some more money doesn’t mean we will sell one of our performers of the season. Those days are over.
Anyway, silly season has started. My humblest request to all the ‘Holics, please let us not do it here. Let there be one sanctuary. Please. 🙁
http://news.arseblog.com/2015/05/arsenal-4-0-villa-by-the-numbers/
Cazirlo … like that. Surprising stat about Coquelin’s dribbling numbers, 21 successful of 25 attempted in the season.
Cheers. Well done, lads.
BMBD
ooh, well in lonestar! sorry you weren’t around earlier…
Correct me if I’m wrong, Ned, but I believe Theo is averaging a goal a game in every Arsenal start this year … 7 goals in 7 starts.
Just thought I’d mention that. 😉
Öskar
Stll buzzzzzzing.
Still buzzing as well H2H. Wow……best 90 mins team performance of the season from all 11 starters, the subs and especially from Arsene and the coaching team. What a way to finish the season.
Trev, cannot but enjoy a celebratory drink or two after this….hope all remains well with you.
Well, I’ve had worse days. What an outstanding performance from start to finish. Just a fantastic team performance for the whole 90 minutes. I felt very lucky to be able to enjoy the game with my 11 year old and just felt privileged to be there and to be part of it. That was as dominant and as one sided a cup final as I can ever remember. At 3-0 it was almost as if Villa had decided to just accept that in the hope that they don’t concede any more. In the end they can thank their motm, Shay Given for it not becoming a cricket score.
Great to hook up with Bath, Miss Bath and BtM after the game to share the moment.
Enjoy the moment people. It has been very special.
Style and substance yesterday. Just what an Arsenal team should be.
It is almost invidious to pick out individuals for praise when everyone on the pitch brought their A-game, including all our big guns, but I have to agree with those who said Le Coq had an outstanding game. You don’t see on TV much of all the critical work he does off the ball. One of the best moment for me, though, was the expression on the BFG’s face after he had scored. Almost enraptured.
With the possible exception of goalkeeper, that was our 1st XI that started yesterday. Such an appetizing glimpse of what it might be able to achieve.
Fantastic cup win. This year it was more relaxing and more enjoyable for obvious reasons
Now it is time we really take the next step. I want us to really take the league by the storm next year. Make some signings, start well and make the league a priority
Great to see some silverware after a solid season – great to see Arsene smiling again too
And more at The Grove to watch the game on TV than the comedy Spuds get for a home game????
It just gets better and better.
just woke up
on the sofa
a big cut on me chin
and a throbbing kneecap
WE LOVE YOU ARSENAL WE DO
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Run of the mill Sunday morning then, cba. 😉
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