First Day Nerves
Aug 9th, 2015 by 'holic
On this day in 1969 I witnessed something so very soul destroying, for the first time in living memory. Just about recovered from the League Cup Final defeat by Swindon earlier in the year, and buoyed by a serious attempt at a title eventually secured by Leeds United in May, I was treated by ‘holicdad to the opening match of the 1969-70 season. For some reason the details escape me, other than the fact we played Everton at Highbury, and lost 0-1. Inspired by Alan Ball, among others, they would go on to win the title, and we would end a seventeen year trophy drought by beating Anderlecht in the European Fairs Cup Final.
Fast forward to 1976, and the visit of Bristol City, newcomers to the top flight. We had tried to buy a couple of their players in the summer, which seemed odd. Not to worry, because we had snapped up Malcolm Macdonald for a record fee of £333,333.33 to replace Brian Kidd. On this day, however, Supermac didn’t deliver and the cow-lickers left North London with a 0-1 harvest in their favour, much to the chagrin of what felt like the only four Arsenal supporters in the Clock End.
Another five years and we were at home to Stoke City on day one. Lee Chapman (don’t cry older Gooners) produced the performance that would lead to us buying the lanky streak of piss, and we went down 0-1 again. Dark days lay ahead. I can’t remember if I would have eased the pain in the Gunners, Bank, or Hen & Chickens then, so out of it was I.
In 1987 we were ironically chosen to start our league season at home to Liverpool, whom we had conquered in the League Cup Final earlier that year with two goals by Bonny Prince Charlie. The Mickeys extracted full revenge 1-2, and would go on to lift the title, but our turn was coming, and how, the following season.
In 1992 Kevin Campbell and Steve Bould saw us two to the good at half-time at home to Norwich. We were destined to win both domestic cups, but on this day we collapsed spectacularly and the East Anglians departed 2-4 winners. That was a crap day to be sure, but nothing compared to the following year, when fat Micky Quinn grabbed the hat-trick that made his name in Coventry’s 0-3 defeat of the double cup holders, and European Cup Winners Cup holders elect. Are you getting the picture?
It is quite a fast forward to the 17th August, 2013, and what shall be ever known as ‘Anthony Taylor’ or ‘Spend, spend, spend’ day at the new home of football. I still don’t understand why I nervously had to text a friend, busy at a festival, that we had lost 1-3. Of course the season would end with our first major trophy in this decade and the celebration of coming from behind to defeat Hull will never be forgotten, but on day one it felt like the end was nigh.
Not much of a leap forward is required to today. Three pre-season trophies, and deservedly so. But the real deal lay in capitalising on the result experienced by Chelsea yesterday. It didn’t happen. So, what is the point of this piece? Well, I cannot be arsed to relate what a performance we put in today. It was lazy, it was as if we expected to win without putting in a shift. Complacency is the word that leaps to mind. West Ham wanted it more and were the better side.
However, understand that history tells us that day one means little in all honesty. To others delight we are at the foot of the table after week one of the season. History tells us we could be anywhere at the end, but goodness me we are making it difficult again. It’s the Arsenal way!
120 Responses to “First Day Nerves”
I guess this is how you play against a side over whom you’ve completed the double for the past four seasons.
Frustrating.
Öskar
Well in, Holic. Difficult one to write, I’d guess.
Obviously, we were shite today. Hopefully the players will bounce back quickly, because that’s what’s now required.
For those who like to beat the doomer drum: you have one week. I sincerely hope it’s the only joy you get all season.
COYG
Where were the wingers in the first half? Wait, that was them forever cutting inside when all the space was outside. No apparent plan of attack and minimal urgency, except occasional flashes from Ox. They were my first impressions anyway.
Time to read the previous drinks.
Öskar
Can’t resist adding that Özil did it really tough against that 16yo today. When he did anything at all that is.
Öskar
Fair report ‘holic.
I’m not as downbeat as most – we’ve been here before. Better to play like shit now than when it really matters. Reality Cech well and truly felt! If Arsene’s really serious about now being the time, and he hasn’t lost his genuine title-chasing acumen of his early years, he’ll sort this out very quickly. He more than anyone, with this talented squad, knows that he won’t have a better chance to compete for the very top honours. Anyone thinking less is thinking shite!
Up the Arse! COYBG!
Depressing start H.
For me,It’s all about the balance. !!
We didn’t have any.
We didn’t have it in the CS last week either,but got away with it.
All our best football in the 2nd half of last season,was with Santi alongside Coquelin in the deep lying midfield roles.
They complement each other really well.
Coq doesn’t look the same player without him.
Now to appease Rambo who wants to play centrally,and to fit the Ox in on the right wing,Santi is sacrificed and shoved out wide left.
He has never played well in that position.
Rambo doesn’t have the discipline to sit deep when required.
Also why give Theo a new deal and a mega wage packet each week,and not start him. ?
Ollie had a very average pre season and posed no threat to the Hammers defence .
Theo should have started up front to make their defence sit deeper,and create more room for the midfielders to run at them.
Also badly missed Hector down the right side,overlapping with the Ox,would have stretched them out wide,and opened up some space between the lines inside.
Don’t think it would have made any difference if Cech had stayed on his line for the first goal.
The run was so well timed,he could have put the header either side and it goes in anyway.
Damned if you do and damned if you don’t.
Don’t blame him for the 2nd goal either,he expected the Ox to close down the near post option for a shot,so he was moving across to cover the far post.
But all in all,very very frustrating.
Beggars belief that if we don’t get a result at Palace next week,when Pool rock up to the Ems in2 weeks time,it could be Top v bottom. !!
It’s a funny old World. !!
For some reason i was not suprised to see the result in the early hours here in Sydney.
we seem to start like this most seasons, hopefully we perform better at the Palace as they appear to have a good team this year. then onto the scousers.
Yes it appeared to be ‘just turn up and we will win”,
hopefully this knocks such complancency from them.
On a brighter note
for my birthday today, i received form my missus the Arsenal Shirt book
What a great book, recommend to all old farts like myself (late 50’s vintage)
Yawn – stretch. I’ve just woke from a long hibernation. Can anyone fill me in on these things I’ve missed?
1) When did Ramsey begin to think he was Messi?
2) When did Coq begin to think he was Pirlo?
3) Why is Santi shoved out on the left?
4) Why isn’t Ozil playing?
5) Why has Ospina been replaced by a comedy keeper in a hat?
Thanks in advance – answers on a postcard please.
Özil has proven to be even more frustrating than Theo. When he’s on, he’s sublime. But he really can throw in stinkers, and the thing is, in his stinkers, he seems to play worse as a game goes on — gets frustrated at himself, at his teammates, at the referee, at the opposition. Like the guy stuck in a hole whose solution to getting out is to keep digging; and you can see this happening early on. AW just needs to be ruthless and get him off the pitch, because to these eyes it seems to throw off the whole side and there’s no way out.
Thank you ‘holic for providing some excellent perspective. I must agree with Clive about the Santi / Coquelin midfield combination needing no tinkering, even though Coquelin seemed to be spraying passes everywhere but to their intended targets yesterday. That is one game I won’t be watching a second time. Nowhere to go but up, to state the obvious. Theo certainly deserves a start against Palace, and hopefully Hector will be back.
Very wise deflection ‘holic.
Equally wise summation Clive.
No point going off on one after just 90 minutes of the season, but the terrific pace of the Chavs/Swans game made ours look like an OAP’s rural ramble. Not for the first time the ‘holding firm’ cart was well and truly put before the ‘winning it first’ horse.
Öskar
As you say, ‘Holic, being slow out of the blocks isn’t fatal to title hopes, but we do have to get into our stride quickly. That said, when we won the title in 1934-35, we won only two of the first seven games.
Clive@6: good points all.
Very sensible reaction from the usual suspects. Clive has put his finger on it re the balance and we should have started Walcott. Sadly Cech was at fault for both goals in my opinion. He was miles from the Zarate shot but even Michelle Pfeiffer has bad hair days and she is still beautiful. He will show the resolve to come back. Class is permanent , form is temporary. Next week needs to be spent reminding Coquelin to pass simply and maybe drilling Gabriel to play with Kos because that has to happen soon as the BFG looks a bit vulnerable to me. This squad and Wenger are great at bounce backs and will prove it.
Masterful maestro. Wish the boss and his team could think as laterally.
In 1992 I remember reading the Telegraph on the morning of the opening game and all their writers tipped us for the title. At 2-0 up at the interval all was serene but then Norwich struck back. And a year later I sat in the new North Bank Stand as Lardarse Micky Quinn notched a hat trick for Coventry. But two days later we beat The Scum at the Swamp and all was well
Morning,
I’m hearing a whole load of bull from Scousers, Chavs and Mancs this morning.
Let’s assess shall we?
Okay, so the Scousers score in the 84 min, with a freak (okay good) goal.
The Mancs celebrated a win after Kyle Walker helped them out.
Courtois tried to kick Gomis in the nuts and got sent packing. They messed up a perfectly good lead and conceded as many goals as Cech!
I saw nothing inspiring from any of them above, whilst the Citzens play tonight!
Good luck to em all!
All I know is that, the hard work starts now for us!
UTA!
1) When did Ramsey begin to think he was Messi?
He’s always been like that. He should be made to wear a “Keep It Simple Stupid” t-shirt in training all week.
If any good is to come from this, the manager has to be the one doing the learning with regard to his team selections.
Coq + Cazorla in midfield works, so use it.
I also question the wisdom of starting Giroud and I don’t just say this as a Theo fan. Everything around Giroud for the last few months just feels a bit negative. He was in rotten form at the arse end of last season, was left out of the cup final, hasn’t looked particularly dangerous in pre-season, didn’t start last week and it’s an open secret that we’d like to replace him with a better striker. The vibes are all wrong with Giroud at the moment.
Oh and Ozil.. completely outclassed in every department by a 16 year old.
Excellent stuff, Holic. Sitting looking at the team sheets before the game I must say that I thought we would murder the Irons right to the point of complacency. Arsenal were even more complacent than me though.
Long way home to Auchterchoochty on an EasySqueazyJet containg more than its fair share of Hammers singing ‘we only won 2-0’ Funny old game.
What N7 said at 2. (I admire your continuing ability to ‘nail it’).
Fine sense of perspective, ‘Holic. Here’s hoping you don’t need to display it again for some time.
COYG
Well played ‘holic, managing to steer away from that “debacle”.
What the hell happened?
We were worse then useless.
The defence was badly set up for their set piece for the goal, Cech didn’t cover himself in glory, but their guy had an unimpeaded run and a free header, not a block or a challenge in sight. Their second was just Keystone, what a shambles.
As others have alluded to, the balance was all wrong. Please return Santi to the centre, as the ol’ saying goes; “if it aint broke then why try to fix it?”
Ozil was a passenger, frustrated the whole game, you could see it on him, and this culminated in him getting a booking for kicking one of the Spammers. Ramsey not great either. Giroud tried to keep the ball and build from the front, but nothing seemed to come off for him. It got so bad that he was heading out to the wings to try to make something happen, gotta wonder who the fuck he was trying to cross the ball to though.
At one moment I thought I saw Theo coming on, but I must of been mistaken. Bringing on Alexis semed like an idea borne out of pure desperation, he shouldn’t of been on the bench to begin with.
We were way too congested and our passing was at some times just plain abysmal. Shakey at the back, getting in each others way through the centre and as pointless and blunt as a broken pencil up top. We were the masters of our own downfall and if we’re honest we never really trobuled Wet Spam at all. BOLLLLLLOX!!!
Well, now I got that out my system, from here the only way is up.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS.
I broadly agree with Clive about Coquelin and Cazorla – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We spent the first two months of last season dicking about with a formation designed to incorporate two number 10s, and it cost us – please no more, just stick with what works.
All of that said, I’m wary of post-hoc rationalisations in the wake of a defeat. Even without the regular pairing at the base of the midfield, we should have been beating West Ham, so it has to be more than that. Likewise, it wasn’t a daft move to start Giroud – he has 5 goals in his last 4 appearances against the Hammers, as I recall, and is generally the favoured option against a back line likely to sit deep.
I do think there’s something to be said for the argument that games like yesterday’s are where you need a top striker to produce something and bale you out, but I’m really not sure that Theo would have made all that much difference in the final reckoning, had he started.
My own suspicion, and something I was concerned about before the game, is that West Ham’s season started three weeks ago. They were playing competitive football while we were still searching for lost shinpads, and Europe league sides generally get a fast start to the season. Yesterday, they looked more switched on than us and far more up to speed. It’s a danger we should have been able to better anticipate and deal with.
Shit start to the season, but we’re well capable of responding with a run of good results. Heads out of backsides, please.
COYG
Ozil criticism this early? i thought atleast here it will take some time but then never mind. His game( not defending him) borders on the if only if, he set up 3 chances in the end which if scored would have made him a hero, obviously they were not and hence he is the villain. He makes the game languid and it is often misunderstood as being laid back, it is not. Agreed he was not vintage but i did not see one bad pass from him the whole game, he lost possession once during the game that did threaten to be scored but was not, so i am not saying he set the house on fire but was also not as poor as he has been made out to be.
Aaron is superb but i completely agree he is going back to what he used to do before, try to do it all. The season he was brilliant was when he kept it simple and tidy. Someone needs to drill that to him.
I also think theo should have started, our pace was so slow except for the ox and having a runner in theo would have helped. Talking of Ox he showed the sublime and the stupidity of his game yesterday. He went past the defense as is they were non existent and then later his passing astray. He loses possession or gives a wrong pass at such crucial junctures that it will hurt. He needs to work on this for he is so talented.
Finally after a game itself the jury is out that we are flat track bullies, cech is beyond his best and giroud cannot score for anything worth, well if only leagues are decided that way then Leicester city are the champions. It will be tough, for the pressure to win at palace will be huge but then if we plan to win the league, we need to win a lot and what better than beating an inform team.
The perennial criticism of Ozil is very harsh and I think that those who keep doing it have never actually seen how world-class he is in the flesh. Ozil is on par with David Silva I have absolutely no doubt about that! You give him a mobile front three, centre forward and flank men, and you’ll see just why he’s worth the best part of 42 million squid! Arsene dropped several clangers in his team selection. It was just another shoe-horning exercise on his part. Gotta blame him for the lack of chances created.
For the record I’m a big Ozil fan, I’m a big Arsenal fan.
Both were sht yesterday.
100% with H2H @24.
However I cannot agree that Zfeo should have started instead of HFB. Against that massed central defence Feo would have achieved exactly what he achieved when he did come on. The square root of fuck all.
I do think he might have added a bit more if he had started wide left instead of Santi.
In truth we weren’t at the races in any department and our best man for effort and impact, AOC, let himself and the team down badly for their second.
Hoping for better next weekend when our season had better start.
‘The square root of fuck all’ eh Bath? Profound observation with which I agree wholeheartedly (something along the lines of ‘all fuck squared’) 🙂
Palace away will be a very tough test if there are are any frayed confidence nerves after yesterday; but a win there will set up the Mickeys game very nicely when shall look forward to a pre-match sharpener with your good self.
On more positive Arsenal news , Chuba starts his loan season with a goal as Hayden too completes 90 minutes. Toral scores as well.
Bath @25,
Theo should have started on the left not Santi. OG upfront was fine, until we get Benzema! 😎
One of Ramsey or Ozil should have been dropped to accommodate Santi centrally. Bring on Palace with a Cech dressed-down defensive focus.
Up the Arse!
We should play the opening game of the season away. We haven’t lost an opening day game away since the 2000-01 season (Sunderland, 1-0) — two draws and three wins since, whereas we have won only one of our last four home openers.
As a historical note, Woolwich Arsenal didn’t win an opening game until their third season in the league, a 3-1 home win over Grimsby with goals by Scottish forwards Patrick O’Brien and Robert Gordon and Welsh centre-half Caesar Augustus Llewelyn Jenkyns, who was the first current Arsenal player to play in an international. Jenkyns, a notoriously hard and vociferous player who became both a publican and a policeman after he retired (not simultaneously), played only one season for us, as captain. In this picture, he is the one with the big mustache in the back row.
https://arsenalonetwofive.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/009-1895-96.jpg
Woolwich Arsenal played in all red shirts and blue shorts in those days.
Clive and doyens of the Golders Green Ramblers might appreciate this anecdote about Jenkyns. He was sent off several times for rough play in an era when few were so banished. On once occasion, he reputedly also assaulted a couple of spectators after being dismissed from the field of play.
nice one ‘holic
it took a long solitary walk home
to curb my language
.
but
have checked
and like all here
am still a gooner
.
.
here’s to a palace poundin’
.
.
UP THE ARSENAL !
Nice piece H. I have often wondered what that 76 side would have looked like had we signed Geoff Merrick and Tom Ritchie.
It looks like I was lucky in the end not being able to make yesterday’s shambles. The trouble with being an Arsenal fan is that no matter how good we have looked or have been, we all know there is a performance like that in us.
Cech at fault for both goals but not 100%. Why we had such a high line for the first I will never know. That invites that kind of delivery. The second was straight off the playground.
Very few positives from yesterday although I thought that AOC played well. That shows promise for the coming weeks.
I don’t fully get this Theo up front stuff. Is this now his permanent position? I like Theo as a player but I have serious reservations if he has the ability to make it as a top goal scorer. At 26 surely we would have known that by now?
As others have stated, the midfield had no balance or shape. Sadly that is not something new either. We have had the same problems on many occasions in recent years. No width has been a constant feature and the vast array of attacking central players has always been excessive in my opinion. That’s why santi, and many more before him have found themselves thrust into a wide position. The sad fact is that the best midfield player on show won’t be nervous about his next game. He will be more nervous about collecting his GCSE results.
The next 21 days along with the trip to Palace now take on even more of an importance. Added pressure that we have brought on ourselves and really don’t need.
Steve T @31,
I don’t think that many have stated that Theo should have played upfront in the centre instead of OG. He should definitely have been on the wing, with AOC on the other, though.
Interesting view from Ray Parlour, who reckons we need to buy a striker because nobody knows who our top man is. I agree with that I have to say. How many people were surprised OG started yesterday I wonder?
That’s not a knock on Giroud at all but as Parlour says, we don’t have a player who we know will start and we know will score.
cynic
wenger said as much but as a positive
did he not
after henry recently
gave it the big benzema
(i could be wrong)
along the lines of
goals are spread out
squad wise
not like henry’s day
when he was that soldier
.
is ray havin’ a wee dig ?
badly worded that
if ye can’t get me gist
apologies
😉
I get your gist perfectly. I think all Parlour was saying was that you know with City and Chelsea, and even United at least in theory, that they have a guaranteed starter up front who will score plenty (although with Rooney he’s on the wane)
If we had an Aguero or a Costa I think we’d all be happier?
I don’t rate Benzema personally but what do I know.
Happier with Diego the Donkey?? I’d be devastated. Having that shit shifter stinking the Emirates out more than once a season would be terminal (for my season tickets).
I wasn’t surprised in the least that OG started. Hope he will vs Palace too.
absolutely cynic
who wouldn’t love points in the bag merchants
but
i’m sure ye know what I was getting at re arsene
and what he was getting at re henry
.
.
though?
down the backs o the sofa cushions boys
how much does an aguero costa ?
.
.
*coats already on*
Steve T@31: Cech at fault for both goals but not 100%.
About right.
If you are playing a high line, you have to make the offside work. Le Coq and Mert played the West Ham players ballside of them onside. Suicidal.
Second goal was just one of those where everything it a little bit wrong and it ends up a big disaster. Half-Coq tackle, heavy touch from the Ox and Kos getting his angles wrong.
Costa can fuck off.
That’s all I have to say about that.
I said A Costa not THE Costa.
Dan. I have read more than one comment saying that Ollie G was not in great form and suggesting Theo should have started up front. Personally I agree with those that were happy that he started up front. I also think that he should start at Palace.
The fact is that we have never adequately replaced RvP and have been crying out for a top striker since then. It’s can not be right to expect Ollie G to shoulder the responsibility all season. Of course we have goals from many other areas but for me, a top striker is essential.
Ned. For the first goal we were so high that there was a huge gap between the last man and Cech. Any decent ball played in that area is now made much harder to defend against and gives the keeper far too much ground to make up.
NBN & Steve T,
I agree, the first goal was more the mistake of the Central Defenders playing too high. They underestimated Payet’s delivery and never expected him to play such a tempting ball in the “corridor of uncertainty!” Better homework needed on our opponents!
I said
how much does An aguera costa
.
buncha pre-maradonnas
.
.
Steve T@43: Fair point. But whatever the theory the practice was diabolical. Whoever was marshaling the line did a bad job so Le Coq played everyone on. I assume they zonally rather than man mark in those situations as they do with corners. Monreal should have been covering the space ballside of the goalscorer and didn’t. If they were man marking then Monreal let him get away. Cech was on his 6-yard line in the centre of the goal when the kick was taken. The header was made just inside the penalty spot, so Cech only had to cover 15 feet, but was slow out, or perhaps expecting the free kick to go long as West Ham lined up with most of their attackers on the far post side. Collectively poor defending.
*happily dons non-sheepskin coat*
*happily fecks off to a place where nits run free and remain unpicked*
The very definition of “Frivolous Appeal”:
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33855839
Chelsea and Arsenal looking desperate at the moment.
Manchester United and Liverpool looking desperate for the last two years.
Tottenham Hotspur looking desperate for the last two decades.
Rooney on the Wayne, Cynic? Trev couldn’t have said it better. 😉
As for Theo I’ve always preferred him as a winger using his speed to zip by on the outside and provide assists as much as scoring himself. In his last more or less in jury free period (2012-13) he had 10 assists as well as 14 goals. It’s never been a case of Theo or OG, I’d always play them both.
Öskar
Thank you Reynard. I was ‘feigning support’ for Arsenal 45 years before AW arrived. What a patient Delphic visionary I must have been to foresee such a revelation so long before the fact.
By what stretch of your imagination is it not possible to be both an Arsenal supporter and a ‘die-hard Wenger fanatic’ anyway? I’ll hazard most of the drinkers at this bar are both, to some degree. As indeed I am, though ‘fanatic’ somewhat exaggerates my perspective.
I’d stick to chasing chickens if I were you.
Öskar
Martinez going to Wolves on loan.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33855427
He wasn’t THAT bad on Monday Night Football 😉
Oskar, please do not engage with the brain donor.
Thank you.
Ned,
Good stuff above. If you’re able, who was the last team to win the league having lost their first game?
Please let it be a good omen.
UTA.
NG@54. It was Man Utd in 2012-13. Lost their opener away to Everton, 1-0.
Cynic@52: That would be Martinez thrown to wolves…
According to press reports, Mourinho has responded to his little sulk about the medical staff at the weekend by effectively sacking the team doctor.
Let’s not have a little fact like the player asked the ref for medical help get in the way of deflecting attention away from failing to beat Swansea…
I can’t believe I once wanted this cock to be our manager.
Interesting debate re; who screwed up the first goal.
I must say, as the team were organising their position, Cech appeared to gesture to Kos, to say, go and sort out the line and I’ll worry about the delivery.
I’m not sure if communication had worked out or if preparation before the game was poor, but the end result spoke for itself.
I also agree that the pairing of Coq & Rambo had me concerned when it was announced. The end result spoke for itself.
More rest and hard work in training is now require from the boys. More focus during games is also vital.
Sanchez was also sorely missed. It showed when he came on, even though he was not 100%.
A hard fought 3 pointer at Selhurst Park is what these boys need to get kick started!
Not long now!!
Embargo killing the connects at the minute. 😉
Rest and training …… Wonder if anyone has thought of that ?
Embargo ……. ? Interesting.
‘Embargo’ backwards is ‘O grab me’ some attention maybe ?
Embargo on what, where and regarding whom ?
Oh, please don’t keep us on tenterhooks like this ….. If only we could all share these exciting secrets …….
Cynic,
That Mourinho is a cock is not news to any of us – just how big, or small, a one might be.
When ‘our’ new goalkeeper first had his head kicked in at Reading, the club (Reading) put every one of their resources at Chelsea’s disposal to try to minimise the impact of the injury.
I read subsequently that an ambulance was waiting to take Cech to hospital seven minutes after he was kicked. Mourinho, however, tried to imply that the damage to Cech could have been reduced had they been playing at a bigger, better, more professional club.
Spiteful, vindictive, self-seeking cock would go a bit further towards describing a turd who makes Alex Ferguson look like your kindly old uncle.
Group responsibility for both goals imho. Too simplistic to blame Cech for both goals. I am sure the unfamiliarity between the defence and the keeper’s expectation of his defence contributed to both goals. Whilst Cech contributed to both goals conceded the primary responsibility for neither goal rests with him. Furthermore, had we delivered and finished adequately at the otter end of the field, the outcome would have been more acceptable.
Now we have to dust ourselves off and sort ourselves out for the trip to Palace. Time to rectify matters.
Spot on about the translator there Trev @60.
As SteveT said @31, Cech at fault for both goals but not 100%.
Fascinating to compare the number of drinks in the bar re the defeat against the Bubble blowers,and the number posted after the opening round defeat against Villa 2 seasons ago.
To date there is a miserly 63 posts after Sunday’s disaster.
Compare that with 555 posts after the Villa defeat.!!
Have the Holic’s become so used to the same old same old,from Arsene and his merry men,that they cannot even be bothered to exercise their fingers and brains and post some thoughts on the game.?
It beggars belief that there can be such a discrepancy in the number of posts in just 2 years.
Where have they all gone. ?
I know we have lost a few along the way,but the diff in numbers is quite disturbing .
Anyone throw any light/thoughts on this. ??
Lost against Villa and came back. Lost against WHU and will do the same. Been there, done that. Best I can come up with, Clive.
Just had a back drink of that post in August 2013, http://goonerholic.com/2013/08/a-huge-fortnight-ahead/. I do have to say I think we are in a better place than we were then, if for no other reason that we have greater squad depth.
My 2-cents on that day were: I am going to take the half-glass full approach and take yesterday’s game as just a very bad day. We’ll play worse and win on other days….The first XI is good enough to win trophies, –though the addition of some fabled super-quality never goes amiss –but the squad is too thin to get them through all the games they will have to play to do so.
But the Guv’nor nailed it: At the end of the day it was one defeat, and that in itself is something we can recover from.
Clive @64,
Considerably less drinks because:
1. We’ll now sign Benzema (or another worldy).
2. We’ll doat least the treble this season.
Up the Arse!
NBN
That old post, and its comments, make for a very instructive read, and a reminder that – really – we have no idea what’s actually going on behind the scenes, no matter how much we may pretend otherwise.
My suggestion from that dark day:
“on 18 Aug 2013 at 11:37 pm142N7 Gooner
Btw, re: the 5 players I suggested we needed earlier: Begovic, Sakho, Fellaini, Benteke, Flamini would do me fine.”
Thank god I don’t spend the club’s money.
For what it’s worth, my instincts are telling me our summer business for 2015 is definitely not over,
COYG
clive, i’m just depressed about sunday. i don’t post so much when i feel like this. i was angry about villa, though i don’t even know i posted much *then*.
i also think the wenger out bunch was stronger two years ago. two silver cups in two years has taken the sting out of their whip, and while flogging a dead horse is certainly their bailiwick, the snap is gone from the wrist…and so the post count is lower.
my $0.02, worth exactly what you paid for ’em.
come on sunday!
@Clive
I think it’s hard to compare this week with that dark moment in August 2013.
The latter really was a seminal period for the club: no trophies in 8 years, no summer signings at all despite numerous promises of cash being spent, and a general sense that if we didn’t sign in that window then we might simply be skint, or tight, or both. It felt like a crossroads then and it still looks line one now, two years later.
The defeat to Villa probably marked the height of anti-Wenger sentiment. Well worth 500 plus comments.
This week… it’s a very disappointing start to the season, and a terrible performance, but seen in context we’re in far, far better shape in nearly all areas.
Put simply, there’s less to dissect, argue about and console over. 60 odd comments still feels a bit slim, but it’s probably understandable. Hopefully we can all pile in on Sunday night for a knees up to celebrate thumping Palace.
COYG
Gobsmacked.
Aston Villa.
West Ham.
Opener at home.
Analysis?
We have an aversion to the claret and blue even if they are not wearing it on the day. Also I forgot we gobsmacked (transitive form) Aston Villa three times last season. There is an explanation for you oldtimer. 😉
If we all here spent the club’s money, N7G, it would probably be in the Championship or broke or both…
Doesn’t Mourinho’s banishment of Chav’s doctor Eva Caneiro from matches and training seem petty and spiteful? I assume, given Chelsea’s enviable lack of injuries last season, she is too good at her job and too popular with the 1st team players to sack outright.
Clive and others. I think one of the major problems is that a performance like the one on Sunday is no real surprise anymore. People are almost resigned to it rather than have an immense outburst of anger. This per season feeling is almost the same as all of the others. Pre season matches that are a money making exercise, someone at the club goes to print with how much money we have before we get to mid August wondering who we may actually bring in that could make a difference.
The performance on Sunday was not unusual. I have no doubt we will witness a few more before the season is out. That in itself may lead to both apathy and lethargy. I think many just become resigned to it all now.
Emotions are a funny thing
😆
Clive @ 64 I can think of a few!
😆
Ned. Maureen is a pathetic excuse for a man. The fact that he does an interview at the end of the game and slaughters his medical team tells you all you need to know. What followed was bully boy tactics from an insignificant little man. More evidence is provided above by Trev re his comments at Reading. It’s possibly why Maureen and CSKA Fulham are just made for each other.
Moaninho having a meltdown?! .. HAhahHAhAHAhahaha!
Up The Arse!
😀
I’d have Dr Eva Caneiro at Arsenal in a flash – obviously the signing King GT has alluded – fucking ace!!. See the Independent article to see who and what she does.
Steve T. – this performance was unusual after the pre-season and after the tail end of last season. The great thing about being human is that we are, and will always be inconsistent and unpredictable.
Re the comparison between the Villa reaction and Sunday in one sense I felt we were refereed out of the Villa game by Taylor but the reaction was so extreme because only Flamini had been signed at that stage and there was general despair over the situation. Ozil and a win against the Spuds made things a lot better.
On Sunday there was real optimism and it is just not like this bar to do knee- jerk reactions. Speaking honestly I was very concerned at the amateurish defending for the first goal . Setting the right depth of line for free kicks is something you would expect Cech and the defence to have sorted. If the line is not deep enough Cech has to pull them back. But we do react well to adversity over the last few years and even though I’m still very fed up by Sunday my pain was alleviated by catching a 2lb Rudd last night.
I will be at the Palace, that will be a test but one we should be good enough to pass
Clive,
Interesting comparison @64.
There are some great contributors to this bar, yourself included, several of whom have already responded to your post.
N7 has already made some good points about the perceived state of the club at the time of that Villa defeat. I believe that led to an outpouring of grief and anger by those who wanted Arsene Wenger out and, in response, the counter arguments put by his supporters.
That game also saw an absolutely scandalous performance by the referee and many comments were posted regarding that.
The club is now clearly in a better place than it was at the time of that defeat and because of that realisation, as Steve T said, people are less inclined to react to the still too familiar performance we saw against West Ham. Reaction has been diluted by at least winning two FA Cups.
And then to your point about the numbers we have “lost along the way”.
The contributors we have lost are, sadly, largely the ones who posted most. In some cases there were long serious debates, in others there was a lot of black humour to get us through tough times. Then there was actual fun ! The odd pun-fest or comic article, a comedy piss-take from Rev AL, some heated personal exchanges like those between Tabs and North Bank 1.
I know a lot of those people personally and I can assure you those debates and exchanges still take place but away from the lecturing, tub-thumping and empty speculative nonsense that fills too much of the bar these days.
As, I said, there are still many excellent posters here and, like you, I keep turning up in the hope that some of the others might return on a more regular basis. I get flack and support for calling out some of the nonsense but it is only in the hope that the bar might eventually return to what it once was – serious, proper, accepting discussion and fun in equal measure.
Football is supposed to be fun, right ?
I maybe wrong but there seems to be a sense of acceptance everywhere about losing. I mean i would lose my head after one loss a few years back but nowadays i seem to be ok with it, obviously the defeat hurts but maybe there is no pain. Is it acceptance or me into my 30’s has mellowed me, well whatever it is, it is not nice. I rather lose my head than be sane.
The reaction is definitely over the top after just a game, yet there seems to be a dismay that we are again short. With the acknowledgement from the boss as well that a good start is necessary, the fear is we may again be on the back foot and the season will be a resurrection than progress. I hope not, for a win against palace and pool will definitely put it on track. On the contrary a loss or even a draw will be termed calamitous for it definitely will have us on the back foot. Suddenly there are more questions than answers.
Panic buys or planned ones, we do need a couple of players. A Dm is still a priority but the majority seem to believe that it is a striker. Well how about both please.
Sadly I found myself nodding at that Trev.
I like this bar, the proprietor and the way he runs it with a light hand.
I like many of the contributors and read every word they say.
Others I just don’t read at all – I didn’t realise there was an obligation to do so.
Why get angry, irritated or nasty if something is not to your liking? Just press the ignore button.
Look on the bright side – we’re off the bottom, thanks WBA.
Onward. UTA and UTGoonerholic. Long may he prosper.
Well said, Trev.
Wait…. there’s an “ignore” button?
N7
It’s on the left – next to “snooze”, before “escape” and above “delete.”
UTA.
Oh – THAT button.
I saw it before, but I followed the instruction and just ignored it.
They do say that ignorance is bliss so you must now be ecstatic. My work here is done.
UTA.
Top marks Trev *applause*
I too rather miss the days when the off-topic ‘meanderings’ were a little more frequent. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that those who took the time to work out we were financially strapped (pretty much most of us here I reckon) knew that a) It probably wouldn’t last, and b) There’s fuck all we can do about it except learn to enjoy the roller-coaster and have a bit of a laugh along the way.
Now we’re more settled as a squad and less constrained financially, the expectation is much higher (and more realistic). As a consequence it’s probably only to be expected that things have become generally a bit more serious.
Anyhoo, this place remains ace, and an outstanding beacon in an Interweb sea of near total rubbishness. Thanks Guv’ for keeping it going.
Off topic meanderings tend to get zero response and it’s kind of difficult to meander alone unless you’ve been on the Tramp Juice. Or unless you’re the glorious cba.
Well said Trev. We could do with a lighter touch sometimes although by and large the debate on here is way more sensible than other Arsenal blogs. Frankly as I wrote a few weeks ago the sense of entitlement we have is largely down to Arsene’s work so he can’t win….unless he wins of course.
The posters I hate are the ones who only come on to moan when we lose or the glory seekers only here when the side wins a trophy. I prefer the mugs like me who are on here rain or shine. And the sun is out most of the time!
Snowy, very good important addition,
Thanks, Holic, for keeping it all going.
Trev@82: Well said. Even had the Guv’nor nodding off…
Released youth keeper Josh Vickers joining Flappy at Swansea.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33890257
What comes round, goes round.
Chuba scores in League cup as well. Hope he stays fit for the entire season and returns back to the club next year brimming with confidence. If at least one of him and Sanogo (hopefully both) can become the mobile finishers with strong hold-up play we would have found exciting internal solution for a problem (top quality strikers) that Arsene and others think will become a bigger issue for all clubs going forward.
Thanks ‘holic for keeping it going through the ups and downs. You’re tops. 🙂
plaudits for ‘holic
well deserved
yup indeed
.
i always treat here
as a real bar
regulars all shapes and sizes
someone at the lectern one end
someone throwing up their knees the other
a howdy when ye need it
and a laugh when ye least expect it
and nowt wrong wi losin’ the rag the odd time too
dunno bout the ignore function
i read everybody’s posts
know yer enemies
i say
(not out loud of course)
.
.
.
*ups periscope*
.
.
shifty shites
😉
.
.
in other news
heard someone say normalcy today
.
.
yup
a sea with three stars
and no mistake
.
BOOOOOOOMMMMMMM
the hem of my
ton self assisting garments
will be available for not kissing
at the following times
.
well in cba
.
*stallionlike strike*
cheers
cba
There were no kissing times listed just so you know. 🙂
And we may all be very grateful for that, bt8b.
Trev, well said.
Well said Trev and Snowy
Despite the low/no profile of some previous regulars and consequent reduction in frequency of florid debates and outlandish humour (Dr F and Wolfie, I’m thinking particularly of you here), this remains the very best site on the web to gauge the mood of sensible Gooners (IMHO – accepting that we all define our own norms) and to discuss with thoughtful individuals the issues around the club without the hysteria and aggression seen on certain other sites that are not worth visiting.
Long may the Guvna keep the doors open, the shelves stocked and the bar clean.
A glass of your favourite tipple for all Holics and a case of Ardbeg 10yo for the Guvna.
and…… WELL IN cba. 😀
Long time since I’ve seen a Messi-esque ton from one penalty area to the other.
Bad news for the ‘No Yaya No Party Brigade’.
It looks like Ronald de Boer is not planning to join the club any time soon and he can see no qualities in the player whatsoever!
http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/arsenal/news/ronald-de-boer-sanogo-has-no-quality_238931.html
Just for you, Bath:
?And it’s Goonerholic,
Goonerholic the bar,
We’re by far the most sensible team,
The world has ever seen….
Tramp juice?
😆
This is all a master-scheme by AW.
Diversion, set expectations low, propogate the “same old Arsenal bromides” – to then turn around and pull a surprise break out, and release an unrelenting steam roller that wins the league. Surely, that is the plan….
just heard on the radio
regarding slow news day clumsy fillers
.
“you don’t have to provide that information”
warriors at duty free woolworths
.
.
oy fuckin very
vey
though
indeed
i adhered to that
all my life
.
name ?
age ?
where are you coming from ?
where are you going to ?
(over 21 an “acceptable” answer)
depending on darkness and onlookers
.
.
nice to see
tarquins various
are still fighting for the (gap year)cause
.
.
feckin turnips
111 GT
Arse juice ?
aww cheers bath
top man
🙂
.
A MAJESTIC TON !
.
countdown conundrum like that
😉
Thank you all. Whilst I was agreeing with Trev’s excellent points I was not thinking of packing in. Nobody knows better than I the fluid movement of people between the various online forums open to them. I’m guilty of the same thing myself.
Physician, heal thyself, as they say. I will spend less time getting wound up on Twitter and a little more in here, where yes, we still have a fine, if less prolific, community.
And you’re still barking, the lot of you! 🙂
117
ya big girl !
*raspberry*
And for that, you can have a load of old bollocks! 🙂 >>>>>>>>>