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A Proverbial Six Pointer With Huge Potential Consequences

Feb 3rd, 2017 by 'holic

It’s turned into a week of difficult pieces to put together. Before Tuesday night we were a team gathering a head of steam ahead of a monster of a match at the bus stop in Fulham. Now we go into a match against unquestionably the form team of the moment with a midfield decimated by injury, suspension, and the African Cup of Nations.

A gap we hoped would be down to six points is up instead to nine, and should that grow to twelve tomorrow, well, it would leave us with no room for manoeuvre in the remaining fourteen fixtures. Can you see Chelsea losing four in that space of time?

Away with you, defeatism. Now is the time to consider just how we might repeat our 3-0 drubbing of the current leaders at the Grove in September. The same back five are available and it would be a surprise if Petr Cech didn’t start behind Hector Bellerin, Skhodran Mustafi, Laurent Koscielny, and Nacho Monreal. The central pairing in particular were outstanding that day causing lone Chelsea raider, the loathsome Costa, to lose his head.

Francis Coquelin started that day with the imperious Santi Cazorla. Tomorrow, should we retain the 4-2-3-1 formation, he will need someone of less experience alongside him. Despite their contribution to a wonderful win at Southampton last weekend I suspect Chelsea away may be a Bridge too far (sorry!) for Jeff Reine-Adelaide and Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain makes no secret of his wish to play in the middle of the pitch and this is surely his opportunity to show what he can become for us?

Mesut Ozil is a given in the number ten role, but what of the attacking trio for him to provide the ammunition? In the home match we went for pace and fluidity with Theo Walcott, Alex Iwobi, and Alexis up top. I suspect that Arsene may opt for that tomorrow too, but Danny Welbeck looked very sharp last weekend and wasn’t involved in the Watford debacle. I would prefer him to start on the left in a strong, quick, and interchangeable front three. Lucas and Olivier Giroud give us good options from the bench if circumstances require.

There is another option open to Arsene, and that is to try and match Chelsea man for man by playing three at the back. Rob Holding is also not tarred with the Watford brush and could slot into a three. In this instance Keiran Gibbs might be preferred to Monreal on the left and Danny Welbeck might drop to the bench. This could negate what otherwise looks likely to be the home side outnumbering us in midfield.

Of course it is highly unlikely that Arsene would do the latter and so we really do need another performance of pace and power if we are to replicate September’s wonderful triumph. The measure of the task is in the fact that the invincibles were the last Gunners side to complete a double over Chelsea. Thirteen years could be unlucky for someone in a fixture that has become a test of discipline in recent years.

The ‘holic pound

The bookmakers are nervous about the outcome, and were we not the opposition I would seriously consider a healthy punt on them at just about odds on, 10/11. There, I’ve said it. Instead the voice in my other ear is looking at the value being offered on an entirely different outcome.

We are finishing matches strongly these days, even if we don’t always turn up for the start. I have to believe we will be up for it from the off tomorrow, and I am drawn to scores being level at half-time with us producing a match winning moment or two in the second-half at a best of 9/1.

There is one other factor in our favour tomorrow. I usually make the effort to get to this one, and I have been something of a jinx of late, it would appear. I am giving it a miss this season in the hope that this swings things decisively in our favour.

To those who are going I wish you a much better day than most are predicting. Wherever you are watching the match I wish all of you a great one, ‘holics.

Posted in match preview | 163 Drinks

163 Responses to “A Proverbial Six Pointer With Huge Potential Consequences”

  1. on 03 Feb 2017 at 8:08 pm1WestStandTone

    I just hope we at least look like we want it as much as they do.

  2. on 03 Feb 2017 at 8:20 pm2Goonersince54

    13 is my lucky number H.
    Let’s at least try to keep 11 men on the pitch this time.
    I can cop a loss if it comes to that,as long as 120% effort is left on the pitch.
    Be very surprised f we can knock them off,only thing maybe in our favor is the gut busting game they had at Anfield on Tuesday.
    If we are in with a shout in the last 15,they may get leggy.
    Fingers crossed.
    I only know 2 Chelsea supporters,and they are truly great fella’s.
    There will be no gloating from their side if they turn us over.

  3. on 03 Feb 2017 at 8:27 pm3Goonerholic

    Exactly that Tone. From the off.

    Everything crossed Clive. Teams don’t tend to feel tired when they are winning. Apart from us, obviously! 🙂

  4. on 03 Feb 2017 at 8:42 pm4Pangloss

    Good stuff, ‘H. Here’s hoping for the Right Result ™ tomorrow.

    COYG

  5. on 03 Feb 2017 at 8:47 pm5Delia Block 30

    Picked up a very unexpected ticket for the game this afternoon. The last time I went to the Bus Stop was in the days of the cinder track!

    I too hope Danny gets the nod with Alexis and Feo up front. Their mid-field is likely to control the game so we need to produce something extra special if we hope to get something from the game.

    This will be my third away trip this season. Hopefully it will be 3rd time lucky, having watched a boring draw at Leicester and a disgraceful second half at Citi. Miracles do happen though not often at a Saturday early kick-off.

    Costa will do his best to wind up our boys, they will need to keep their discipline when provoked. In recent times Red Cards have ruined our chances so a lot will depend on the competence of the Officials!

    Hoping for the best and a trouble free day. COYRs

  6. on 03 Feb 2017 at 8:53 pm6bt8

    Has anybody thought of winding up Costa?

    Wouldn’t mind seeing him unravel like a top.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGhKFc_mIiI

  7. on 03 Feb 2017 at 9:02 pm7countryman100

    Have a great day Delia. I was with you (collectively) at Leicester and City but will be stuck in front of the box in Cambridgeshire tomorrow.

    I have written this one off mentally so a win will be glorious and a loss not a shattering event.

    By Christ it seems a long time since the glories of St Mary’s six days ago.

  8. on 03 Feb 2017 at 9:07 pm8Cynic

    Has anybody thought of winding up Costa?

    I just rang them up and taunted them with “Starbucks are better than yooo-oooou!’

    They called me a cunt.

    We were both right.

  9. on 03 Feb 2017 at 9:08 pm9Cynic

    Ergo tomorrow will be a 1-1 or 2-2 draw 🙂

  10. on 03 Feb 2017 at 9:23 pm10Goonerholic

    Have a good trip, Delia.

  11. on 03 Feb 2017 at 9:47 pm11SanAntonioGUnner

    I’m just not optimistic about this game. I wish the boys the best…

  12. on 03 Feb 2017 at 9:48 pm12zicoinexile

    6 points for a win would certainly help.

    But I expect we’d only then go and feck it up in our next easy game. 🙄

    Will be watching more in hope than expectation. Despite what they say, it hasn’t killed me.

    Yet.

  13. on 03 Feb 2017 at 10:26 pm13bt8

    Re: 8. Now waking up to smell the coffee. 😉

  14. on 03 Feb 2017 at 10:48 pm14ATG

    Delia

    Have a safe trip and I’m hoping you’ll be leaving Bus Stop with a huge smile on your face!

    As long as we turn up from the start it will be game on other than that we are in serious trouble. The other mental positive we have on our side is that we beat them few months ago that should give them enough belief to carry us though this one, unless there is nothing left of that in the squad.

    Thanks for lifting the spirits Holic! Dry Jan is over thank you very much!

  15. on 03 Feb 2017 at 10:51 pm15Chris

    A noble gesture indeed, ‘holic, foregoing the match in order to bring us better luck. I hope you’re right, although if wrong at least you will have been spared the pain of watching defeat unfold!

  16. on 03 Feb 2017 at 10:55 pm16Chris

    “Your placement of quotation marks @66 is incorrect and gives a significantly misleading impression of what I wrote. Please be more careful in future. Thank you.” (last drinks)

    The quotes were correct, Pangloss, as I was quoting exatly what you wrote. What I didn’t do was apply italics as you had them.

    If you were seriously offended I apologise, but it was a joke ffs.

  17. on 03 Feb 2017 at 10:57 pm17TTG

    I want to be proud of the team tomorrow whatever the result. I’d be astonished if we won but Arsene does get us to bounce back well in adversity .
    Holic has called the team options well. I think Danny , Perez and Giroud will be on the bench I see Egypt reached the AFCON final ( inevitably) so even if Elneny was fit he couldn’t get back in time.
    Chelsea have NO injuries in February which tells its own story. Let’s look for a very positive performance tomorrow and what will be will be.

  18. on 03 Feb 2017 at 11:01 pm18Goonersince54

    Chelsea team news.
    Doubtful, none
    Injured, none
    Suspended, none.
    The Arse team news
    Doubtful, Two
    Injured, Two
    Not match fit, at least 4
    Suspended, 1
    ANC, 1
    Nothing new under the Sun there then.

  19. on 03 Feb 2017 at 11:11 pm19Chris

    Naturally I prefer to have OG upfront, if only for his defensive qualities against the odious Costa. Otherwise Alexis with Danny LW, Theo RW.

    AW will never play a back 3, imo, so back 4 as you suggest ‘holic. I’ve been impressed with Maitland-Niles’s temperament and think he might be worth a shot partnering Coq who really doesn’t want someone shaky beside him lest his own impulsive nature gets the better of him. Ox played well enough in his recent midfield outings, but the opposition wasn’t Chelski and he’s rarely shown the required quality previously.

  20. on 03 Feb 2017 at 11:12 pm20bathgooner

    Nice preview Guvna. You’ve captured the trepidatious mood very well.

    I shall be watching from behind the sofa with a bottle of South African Shiraz.

    Delia, I hope you enjoy the game and prove to be a lucky charm.

    COYG, fulfil our hopes.

    CMBD

  21. on 03 Feb 2017 at 11:19 pm21Chris

    #18 says it all, Clive. When are we ever going to see a level playing field?

  22. on 03 Feb 2017 at 11:24 pm22Pangloss

    Thank you for your apology Chris.

  23. on 03 Feb 2017 at 11:37 pm23Goonersince54

    Chelsea home record not that impressive.
    Haven’t dropped a point since loss to Liverpool back in early Sept.
    10 wins,1 loss, no draws.
    Pretty poor really. !!
    Again,it all comes down to winning the early battles,keeping things tight,no stupid mistakes,if we let them roll over us in midfield we are stuffed.
    Concentrate 120% from the first minute till the last.
    Not fucking rocket science.
    Give the supporters a performance to be proud of,win,lose or draw.

  24. on 03 Feb 2017 at 11:49 pm24North Bank Ned

    Clive, we haven’t won at the bus stop since October 2011 when we put five past Petr Cech and we haven’t even scored there since January 2013 when Theo netted. And that, except for the five in 2011, was our only goal since November 2008. So it is time for the tide to turn.

  25. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:08 am25Noosa Gooner

    No draws at the bus stop this season?

    A draw it is then: 1-1.

    UTA.

  26. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:15 am26Goonersince54

    Yes it is time Ned.
    But have we the intestinal fortitude to make it happen. ??
    Played all of the other 5 sides in the top 6 once,for a paltry return of 5 points out of a possible 15.
    Without the collective belief,you cannot control the schrivelling of the players confidence when they step out in the big games.
    Can it be overcome tomorrow. ??

  27. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:57 am27can't be arsed

    apologies
    if i said something bad about you
    i only meant it if you think i did

    .

    security still lax
    terribly lax

    .

    YER ALL CUNTS

  28. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:58 am28can't be arsed

    NOWT BUT A FUCKIN SHOWER !

  29. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:00 am29can't be arsed

    makin me dip inty th morras game swally

  30. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:03 am30can't be arsed

    “daisies to the left of me ”
    “daisies etc”

  31. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:08 am31can't be arsed

    this batch harsh
    twould ignite
    least provocation

  32. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:10 am32can't be arsed

    third filter

    needed

    yup

  33. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:15 am33can't be arsed

    apparently

    AM NOT AS GOOD LOOKING AS I ONCE WAS

    .

    i dispute

  34. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:18 am34can't be arsed

    who is ?

  35. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:20 am35can't be arsed

    ME !

  36. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:21 am36can't be arsed

    that’s who !

  37. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:22 am37can't be arsed

    eff off

  38. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:25 am38can't be arsed

    *luxuriates in knowing knowledge*

  39. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:27 am39can't be arsed

    bla

    blaaaaahhhhhh

    aaaahhhhhh

  40. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:31 am40can't be arsed

    😞

  41. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:32 am41bt8

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL0IDh1jfP4

  42. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:33 am42can't be arsed

    UGLY FUCKERS !!!!!!

  43. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:38 am43can't be arsed

    8ball
    fakery is an art

    shot a few

  44. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:43 am44bt8

    Hey hey cba. You here too?

  45. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:45 am45can't be arsed

    no

    .

    you ?

  46. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:54 am46bt8

    Not really. Howz the cow patties?

  47. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:56 am47can't be arsed

    am in the place whence i came

    no cows today

    no moooooooooooooooooooooo

  48. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:59 am48can't be arsed

    how is it in the land of the comb over ?

  49. on 04 Feb 2017 at 3:04 am49can't be arsed

    -bip-

  50. on 04 Feb 2017 at 3:05 am50can't be arsed

    -BOP-

  51. on 04 Feb 2017 at 3:06 am51can't be arsed

    half ton
    oh yes

  52. on 04 Feb 2017 at 3:07 am52bt8

    Baldies round here now going for toupees but not me. Beanie every time to keep off the cold breeze. Everybody still flyin over of course.

  53. on 04 Feb 2017 at 3:07 am53can't be arsed

    congratulations
    Mr politely go Lightly

  54. on 04 Feb 2017 at 3:08 am54bt8

    Full deck not to be sneezed at either. Or either.

  55. on 04 Feb 2017 at 3:09 am55can't be arsed

    53
    for
    51
    not
    52

  56. on 04 Feb 2017 at 3:10 am56can't be arsed

    am watching stuff

    see ya

  57. on 04 Feb 2017 at 3:11 am57bt8

    Would say aw feck off but not familiar enough

  58. on 04 Feb 2017 at 3:18 am58bt8

    Early game (lunchtime for you but morning coffee over here) means an early night would not go amiss. Fire was cracklingbut now burning down

  59. on 04 Feb 2017 at 3:18 am59can't be arsed

    8ball
    you are a cornerstone of here

    i’m guessing yer not as HANDSOME as me

    .

    .

    .
    though

  60. on 04 Feb 2017 at 3:22 am60can't be arsed

    THROW WOOD ON THAT FIRE YOU WONDERFUL MAN

  61. on 04 Feb 2017 at 3:24 am61can't be arsed

    🐮😎

  62. on 04 Feb 2017 at 3:35 am62can't be arsed

    wish i was there tomorrow
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsaCDMHLDqs

  63. on 04 Feb 2017 at 3:49 am63can't be arsed

    any elderly chariots available ?

    😎

  64. on 04 Feb 2017 at 3:55 am64can't be arsed

    i’ll pay

  65. on 04 Feb 2017 at 3:56 am65can't be arsed

    i fuckin love Black Sabbath

  66. on 04 Feb 2017 at 3:59 am66can't be arsed

    Geezer Butler
    fuckin genius
    Tony Iommi
    ahhhhhhhhhhh

  67. on 04 Feb 2017 at 4:06 am67can't be arsed

    herself
    calls me a nazi

    as
    she listens to very expensive Stax box sets
    what i dun bought
    .
    cos
    i love the Ramones
    i dunno

    .

    fuck
    ye can’t fuckin legislate

  68. on 04 Feb 2017 at 4:14 am68can't be arsed

    she calls everyone nazi though

    .

    OKEY MC DOKEY !

  69. on 04 Feb 2017 at 4:15 am69can't be arsed

    nope

  70. on 04 Feb 2017 at 4:19 am70can't be arsed

    i’m not

    though i am at this minute
    wearing a hugo boss jacket
    eight euro outta cancer shop

  71. on 04 Feb 2017 at 4:25 am71can't be arsed

    sorry hol please scatter this shite skyward

    .
    I really have to admit

    s.illy old drunk punk

  72. on 04 Feb 2017 at 4:26 am72can't be arsed

    me jacket is great though

  73. on 04 Feb 2017 at 4:28 am73can't be arsed

    WHAT ARE YOU LOOKIN AT !!!

  74. on 04 Feb 2017 at 4:28 am74can't be arsed

    fuckin fairies

  75. on 04 Feb 2017 at 4:30 am75can't be arsed

    still watching Sabbath

  76. on 04 Feb 2017 at 4:31 am76can't be arsed

    i love Black Sabbath

  77. on 04 Feb 2017 at 4:43 am77can't be arsed

    racist sectarian cunts
    way ahead of us
    way behind us

    in the interest’s of the world

    LET’S BATTER THE TWATS

  78. on 04 Feb 2017 at 4:44 am78can't be arsed

    Fuckin chelsea that is

  79. on 04 Feb 2017 at 4:49 am79can't be arsed

    not Sabbath

  80. on 04 Feb 2017 at 4:53 am80can't be arsed

    and

    if you do not like Black Sabbath
    “You Sir , are a

    .

    .

    I dunno
    I’m fillin up here

  81. on 04 Feb 2017 at 5:07 am81OsakaMatt

    Nice article as always.
    I hope the team is more
    optimistic than the supporters
    (including me) !
    Agree with the side, though i
    might start with Perez and have
    Danny from the bench. Perez
    should be fitter and maybe more
    likely to nick a goal.

  82. on 04 Feb 2017 at 5:13 am82can't be arsed

    mind you
    better slap meself
    .
    the mighty steve T
    and
    the mighty Esso

    early risers

    .
    Sorry Geezers

  83. on 04 Feb 2017 at 5:23 am83can't be arsed

    sorry

  84. on 04 Feb 2017 at 5:28 am84can't be arsed

    but
    one word against Black Sabbath
    and
    we’ll not be

  85. on 04 Feb 2017 at 6:17 am85Esso

    Cheers H.

  86. on 04 Feb 2017 at 8:24 am86North Bank Ned

    Clive @somewhere far above: You are absolutely right.

  87. on 04 Feb 2017 at 8:29 am87North Bank Ned

    Worth noting though that while we have taken only five points from five games against top-six sides this season, Manu U have only taken six from six, Man City seven from six and the neighbours nine from seven. Even Chelsea have taken only 10 from seven. Liverpool are most successful with 13 points from seven games.

  88. on 04 Feb 2017 at 8:43 am88Steve T

    Morning all

    Nice preview H. I must say that if offered I would take a point now.

    I agree that the performance today is as important as the result. I can imagine that anyone would be sympathetic if there is another lacklustre performance.

    Hector has to start. The Gabriel experience must surely have come to an end. Up front? Who knows? Personally I would start with Ollie G up front with Theo out wide. Both Theo and AOC deserve a start after their efforts at Watford.

    Fingers crossed that the game mirrors the home match.

    CBA. Love you to death you old bugger but Black Sabbath are shite.

    For those going, enjoy. For those watching elsewhere, there is always the sofa to hide behind.

  89. on 04 Feb 2017 at 10:22 am89Ttg

    A dozen years ago I was heading off to Bermuda with Mrs TTG at about this time of year at lunchtime. We were playing at the bus stop and just as we sipped our coffee the news came through that we’d gone one down in the first minute. Faith didn’t waver and about 15 mins later Vieira equalised.
    I then adeptly sent Mrs T shopping and went to the Gatwick bar to see the rest of the first half. As I arrived Edu scored . Our flight was. Allen and phones turned off but just as the engines were about to rev up I switched on the phone to find we had prevailed 2-1. That was a team without mental frailty and one that won at the Bridge for fun. If only we could recapture that spirit today

  90. on 04 Feb 2017 at 10:22 am90Cynic

    Depends what Sabbath you are referring to, cba.

    But the again, I even like some of the stuff they did with Tony Martin

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0138tjgCkIA

    The Dio wannabe.

  91. on 04 Feb 2017 at 10:47 am91Solid Gooner

    This is a game we can win. All that is needed is belief and unity. Intestinal fortitude? We have that in spades, just don’t show enough of it when it matters. If the lads make a fist of it, we Gooners will be pleasantly surprised.

    UTA

  92. on 04 Feb 2017 at 10:50 am92North Bank Ned

    Intestinal fortune means they have to spill their guts?

  93. on 04 Feb 2017 at 10:58 am93North Bank Ned

    Some proper Gooners among this lot and best of luck to them at Villa Park today:

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4188230/Broxbourne-Borough-stars-FA-Youth-Cup-run.html

  94. on 04 Feb 2017 at 11:05 am94Noosa Gooner

    I’ve only just seen that Atkinson is the referee. That is not good – we will have the shit kicked out of us and still we’ll get the first yellow.

    Still hoping for a performance and a draw.

    UTA.

  95. on 04 Feb 2017 at 11:28 am95Cynic

    I do hope Giroud isn’t playing. We need pace, not statues.

  96. on 04 Feb 2017 at 11:33 am96countryman100

    Giroud is on the bench. Sanchez, Theo and Iwobi up front. Danny on the bench

  97. on 04 Feb 2017 at 11:36 am97countryman100

    Cech
    Hector
    Mustafi
    Kos
    Nacho
    Coq
    Ox
    Ozil
    Iwobi
    Theo
    Sanchez

    Gibbs
    Gabriel
    Giroud
    Ospina
    Danny
    Jeff
    AMN

  98. on 04 Feb 2017 at 11:39 am98Ambydex

    Lucas is not on the bench, don’t tell me he is injured or something

    If he was not injured, rhe only explanation is Wenger really does not rate him at all

  99. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:16 pm99Solid Gooner

    In my case it probably means keeping my beer gut intact

  100. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:16 pm100Cynic

    BANG!

    Bit of trimming, H?

  101. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:27 pm101bathgooner

    COME ON ARSENAL

  102. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:30 pm102Gunnersaurus Stunt Double

    COME ON ARSENAL

  103. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:31 pm103SlaSh

    COYG

  104. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:31 pm104gedo

    C’mon boys three points.

  105. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:44 pm105Cynic

    Weak on that header. So weak. What the fuck is happening when Bellerin is on Costa and then has to deal with the second ball? Why i a right back pulled so far across?

    FFS

  106. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:44 pm106ksn

    Behind already, the lousy week continues.

  107. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:45 pm107Solid Gooner

    I hope Bulletin is ok. Clear foul on the goal

  108. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:46 pm108Solid Gooner

    Bellerin that is

  109. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:47 pm109BB

    Nice elbow to the face of Bellerin.. we should do that more often, seeing that’s the way it goes these days..!

  110. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:48 pm110ksn

    Alonso cleans out Bellerin and is replaced by Gabriel.

  111. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:48 pm111Cynic

    That is a foul in the middle of the pitch.

  112. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:48 pm112Barack O'Barman

    Let the fun begin

  113. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:52 pm113Solid Gooner

    Attempted decapitation. How’s that not a foul?

  114. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:55 pm114BB

    Good on Mustafi.. take Hazard out…!

  115. on 04 Feb 2017 at 12:59 pm115Cynic

    Dear Mesut Ozil

    Where are you?

    Thanks
    x

  116. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:03 pm116Cynic

    They are murdering us down this flank

  117. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:08 pm117Cynic

    He’s GOT to score that! FFS

  118. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:18 pm118Solid Gooner

    The good thing is we are creating chances. This game isn’t over by half.

  119. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:20 pm119Cynic

    I don’t know what Ozil was doing when he had light years of space but fucked it.

    That was bollocks that half. Too much headless chicken stuff.

  120. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:20 pm120gedo

    If Bellerin doesn’t have a concussion I’d be surprised.

  121. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:20 pm121BB

    We should be 2-1 up… will be an interesting 2nd half.

  122. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:22 pm122BB

    If all Bellerin has is a concussion, i will be surprised.
    Hit the ground hard too… hope he’s all right.

  123. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:23 pm123Cynic

    We’ve been shambolic but are still in it. Get a bit of shape in the second half, ffs.

    Next goal wins.

    Two down and we’d be finished.

  124. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:24 pm124Noosa Gooner

    At least Ozil is involved.

    We should bring on Walcott for the second half. Oh.

    UTA.

  125. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:24 pm125Barack O'Barman

    A decent end to the half. Shame we couldn’t nick one, but time for Arsene to work some magic at HT.

  126. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:31 pm126Cynic

    “Ozil involved” meaning taking the occasional corner and standing 30 yards away from the play with his hand up, like he’s asking for permission to go to the toilet?

    We need far more from our supposed second best player, but we’ve been poor across the attack anyway.

  127. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:32 pm127ATG

    NG

    I take it you mean Wellbeck?

  128. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:33 pm128ATG

    Cynic

    Clear foul on Bellerin hard to call because we have made a mess of it at the same time. Different angles different story, go figure!

  129. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:34 pm129Noosa Gooner

    ATG

    No, I think we should let Theo have a chance to join in.

    UTA.

  130. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:35 pm130Solid Gooner

    Bellerin is still a bit dazed but seems to be ok. Thank God.

  131. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:35 pm131Cynic

    It looked like weak defending until the replays.

    One thing is certain though.

    Hector needs to lose the moustache.

  132. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:36 pm132ksn

    We were outplayed all over the park during the first thirty minutes. Their players are generally bigger, more physical, cynical but also good footballers. I don’t know how it was not a foul on Bellerin.

    We have a chance so long we don’t go two nil down.

    COYG.

  133. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:39 pm133Cynic

    I didn’t watch the half time cobblers, was the foul called as one by the “experts”?

  134. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:43 pm134Cynic

    Game over.

    That was fucking pathetic, defensively Abject.

    One man against half a dozen boys.

  135. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:43 pm135ksn

    Hazard brilliant but our defence is equally shitty. Game over I think.

  136. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:44 pm136BB

    Very nice goal by Hazard…
    Horrible defending though.

  137. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:44 pm137ATG

    Now that is shit of a response

  138. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:53 pm138TTG

    The defending on the Hazard goal was similar to Watford’s second. Half- hearted challenges combined with positional naivety.

  139. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:56 pm139bt8

    Not at the races.

  140. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:57 pm140Cynic

    Arsenal breaking, Ozil bottles the challenge, Chelsea break on them.

  141. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:58 pm141ksn

    Why didn’t Coq take out Hazard is difficult to understand. We are such a soft team.

  142. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:59 pm142ksn

    Sanchez is having a nightmare of a game, miss passing so often. Welbeck on for Theo.

  143. on 04 Feb 2017 at 1:59 pm143Cynic

    Theo poor today and the obvious change, but I would have taken Ozil off, who has cruised through it in his usual ineffective manner.

  144. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:01 pm144Cynicsaplenty

    Was Walcott even on? Didn’t see him until he went off. Does he deserve to occupy space on the team bus?

  145. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:03 pm145SanAntonioGunner

    Ozil can leave if he wants to. Just take Wenger with you on your way out. Same old shit..

  146. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:03 pm146Solid Gooner

    ksn @141 – you know

  147. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:04 pm147ATG

    Sad thing is we were only in form last September!

  148. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:06 pm148Cynic

    Thank fuck for the offside flag because we were wide open there

  149. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:07 pm149Cynic

    Another free header missed.

    We have been absolute rubbish but still had the chances to have made a game of it.

  150. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:08 pm150Cynicsaplenty

    Danny’s done more in five minutes than Walcott has this season.

  151. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:10 pm151Cynic

    What you mean apart from the goals and assists… cheerio.

  152. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:14 pm152Cynicsaplenty

    Wellbeck’s defensive work and workrate are a lesson to the gutless lad who wears No 14. Pity Danny’s been out for more than a year.

  153. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:15 pm153Cynic

    That third goal just about sums it all up.

  154. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:17 pm154ATG

    No pride no balls complete emptiness

  155. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:20 pm155TTG

    Cech’ mistake was a metaphor for this game. I think I’m with Holic. This regime can’t take us any further . Sad , very sad but I think true. We haven’t had the personnel we wanted through injury but tactically they have been streets ahead of us. I hope Arsene doesn’t try to cling on now
    I’m afraid we can’t go any further like this

  156. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:21 pm156ATG

    Let’s be honest here because frankly this team could have beaten Chelsea however not with Wenger in charge sadly!

  157. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:21 pm157Cynic

    Yeah but we are fighter with great spirit.

    Mind you the cunt on telly who has turned up to a game like this with his little banner to say Wenger has to go is…well … a cunt.

    Neviller spot on with his comments about him. What a twat

  158. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:22 pm158ksn

    Beaten soundly today and to think Chelsea were outplayed by Spurs is a sobering thought about how poor we have become. Fourth place is not certain this season.

  159. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:25 pm159Cynic

    Ozil looks shattered and all he’s done is take corners.

    I think only OX had any kind of a game for us today and that’s only based on him getting a couple of tackles in.

  160. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:27 pm160Goonerholic

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

  161. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:28 pm161North Bank Ned

    That third goal sums up the team. Infallible ability to snuff out even the faintest glimmer of hope by shooting itself in the foot.

  162. on 04 Feb 2017 at 2:35 pm162ksn

    Very disappointing day. Sanchez was missing today as was Ozil who slows things down. Chelsea wanted it more and were so combative and deserved the win.On today’s showing Fabregas is way better than Ozil. Welbeck showed the mentality our players must have to win at this level and Ox had a good game too. He has played well the last few games and I think he and Xhaka will be an effective pairing in the middle.

    Most of our threats came from our left where Monreal had a good game.

    We are poor because we don’t believe we can win the league and that is down to Wenger. I think Wenger himself doesn’t believe we can win the league and the players probably sense it.

    Still all to fight for the fourth place.

  163. on 04 Feb 2017 at 5:24 pm163North Bank Ned

    At least we can still slip in through the back door for a reflective drink in peace and quiet. And that is what we all most need right now. A very large one for the Guv’nor on the bar.

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