The Yellow Ribbons Are Wembley-Bound Again
Mar 12th, 2017 by 'holic
Stepping out onto Holloway Road three hours before kick-off it was evident just what this game meant to the good folk of Lincoln. Families bedecked in red and white stripes were everywhere. In the pub more familiar faces gathered to witness the first-half of the rugby before decamping to the stadium.
The small matter of an FA Cup quarter-final followed, and an unusual one at that. The hosts were literally on a hiding to nothing against their non-league opponents, and the first half almost turned into a nightmare. We created chances, as expected, but one by one they came and went. Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott had a couple each, from memory, but we were also on our feet to applaud Cech for an excellent save to deny Arnold.
Had that gone in the game might have taken a very different turn. Lincoln were disciplined, defended in numbers, and killed time in much the same way we see so many Premiership clubs do at our place. In Lincoln’s case it was seen as more heroic, and why not?
The loss of in-form Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with another hamstring problem saw a recall from the bench for Mesut Ozil. His impact wasn’t immediate, but he made the team purr after the break. Just as we were dreading a half-time stalemate, and all that would include, Walcott produced a shot that found it’s way into the net via a couple of deflections.
That strike proved to be the trigger for the opening of the floodgates. The second-half had barely warmed up before Hector Bellerin teed up Olivier Giroud for the second goal. Although that strike gave us breathing space it did nothing to quieten Lincoln’s nine thousand fans who were making the most of their big day out.
A third goal arrived when Gibbs broke free down the left and his cross was diverted past his own goalkeeper by the unfortunate Waterfall. Lincoln’s plan to break the match up into ten minute segments might have been seen to have worked in the first-half, but they were losing all of the second-half segments 1-0.
The fourth was worth waiting for. Alexis found space in the way he so often does to hit a beauty from the edge of the box. By this time I had become fascinated with who was celebrating with who when the goals went in. Maybe we read too much into things like this, but the team doesn’t look as united as it appeared not so long ago.
Alexis turned provider for the fifth, almost walked into the net by Ramsey. The only regret this scribe had was that Lincoln were unable to fashion a consolation that would have lined the pockets nicely. Instead a number of us stayed to give them a standing ovation as they soaked up the last moments on the big stage.
What this victory will do for the Arsenal’s form and confidence is anyones guess. All the boys could do was to win this match, and they did it well enough in the end. Sterner tests await, including a potentially huge FA Cup semi-final.
We’re going back to Wembley!
100 Responses to “The Yellow Ribbons Are Wembley-Bound Again”
Splendid day out!
Morning H
What BTM said.
Thank you for an excellent summary of the match Guvna.
What the fine fellas at 1 & 2 said.
Gents, remind me, what was the score in the rugby???
What’s rugby?
Steve, Steve, sad to see the memory failing so rapidly in one so young. Really enjoyed the banter last night. City game perhaps?
Thanks Holic for your another excellent report.
I don’t think there are any protesters against a day out at Wembley. We got there unscathed but it appeared that we were desperate not to concede first. A strong Lincoln defence and a cautious Arsenal first half effort had us on edge until Feo scored.
There was plenty of Wenger chat at half time and reports came back there were scuffles in the concourse, for heavens sake!
We wrapped it up in the second half and we went home happy. The Lincoln fans did their team proud and will make their presence felt around the grounds of League 2 next season.
The day ended with Gooner Malcolm handing me a ticket for next weeks game at WBA. I haven’t been to the Hawthorns since the early 60s, better start looking for trains to the West Midlands.
COYRs
Nice one, Guv’nor.
I hope that second half worked out some demons from mid-week. As you say, we shall see.
Good report Holic, a little abbreviated but it is weekend after all ;).
I though Danny Cowley’s post-match interview was very impressive, thoughtful and grounded. He’ll go far.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39246197
Or take Lincoln far, Eddie Howe-like.
Yesterday was one of the good days. Spring like weather (I spent the morning in the garden so was feeling virtuous as I headed for North London) and the pleasure of watching a bit of England sending the sweaties “homeward tae think again” before kick off. Finsbury Park was full of coaches and country folk in red and white striped jerseys. The Blackstock (an away pub for those not familiar) was heaving with plenty of banter between the away fans there on the pavement, and the Gooners as usual outside the Pins.
First of all the crowd. I have to say that I didn’t see lots of empty seats. A few in the Clock End upper tier and a few in the North Bank upper tier for sure. Certainly the North Bank lower was rammed, with a few folk in my area I hadn’t seen since Christmas. Certainly far busier than Tuesday night against Bayern. The Lincoln fans were a fantastic sight, 9000 of them in the lower and upper Clock End. Why can’t we do this in the league? They sang before, during and after the game and had a whale of a time.
The first half was a bit frustrating. Theo and Hector looked bright down the right and Ramsey missed a chance. For me the turning point of the whole game was when Arnold danced past Kos and hit a shot that was going in the corner (I was right behind the line) when Cech pulled out a worldie to claw it away. It was all building up for the team to be booed off when Theo, with the help of a big deflection put us one up. A really good time to score and a confidence builder.
So to the second half when we completely battered them. I have been critical of Sanchez since Christmas, not least in this bar, but after the break he reminded us of what a great player he really is, including a sumptuous goal. Ozil as well, really pulled the strings and the team grew in confidence as they danced in the penalty area. Gibbo missed a sitter but the goals soon came. After the second goal went in from the HFB, after a lovely interchange between Sanchez and Hector, we had the cigars on and I, for one rather enjoyed it. I haven’t watched it back but I can’t remember Cech having a save to make second half.
Nice scenes at the end with Theo and Le Coq going to clap the Lincoln fans and then a good proportion of the home crowd staying to applaud Lincoln off the pitch. It was while this was happening that I turned to my right and saw three WOB banners in blocks 5 and 6. Although I’m of the same opinion as the landlord and Arseblog, that an era is coming to an end, these self aggrandising tossers do my head in and I’m afraid I voiced my opinion of them.
A day at Wembley in late April to look forward to and I’m lucky enough (unless they change the rules that have applied in the last few seasons) to be guaranteed a ticket. Spurs would be great – Millwall even better!
What did she wear?????????
@countryman100
What a wonderful read. Thank you for that account!
๐
Holic and Countryman.
I wasn’t there but your accounts make it feel like I was. The trophy that apparently no one wanted to field good sides in will be contested by four of the best in the country. Arguably THE four best.
This season has a long way to run and the only way it can end well for us is a win in the final and third place above Tottenham . That looks a long way off to me but there is no doubt that the team started to fire more impressively in the second half. Arsene has been a master of timing our run to the line. Let’s hope he is again.
Thanks all. It was a lovely day yesterday spent with good people. I enjoyed it a little too much in the end, I think. ๐
(Hence the abbreviated report, sid, you are quite right.)
Cheers H!
I cant remember fuck all about yesterday, but it was great to see you.
This is on the Guardian report of the Spurs game
“Son was subjected to chants of โDVDโ and โHeโs selling three for a fiverโ from the visiting enclosure. The reference to selling DVDs is considered to be a racist slur when directed at an Asian person.”
WTF? Anyone heard of this before? Do I live a sheltered life in Cambridgeshire?
link
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/12/harry-kane-tottenham-hotspur-miss-season-ankle-injury-crutches?CMP=twt_gu
Good man Esso ๐
โHarry was in the boot afterwards”
Christ and we think our medical department is bad.
At least we’d phone for an ambulance.
Reversed charges of course.
c100@12: fine read. Us far-flungs can never get the flavour of match day without reports like that. Thank you.
I wouldn’t want to wish Kane a career-ending injury but a season-ending one would only be fair, aye. See how they go without him in the crunch end of the season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dLu62fPVo0 ๐
It’s appearing to be one of the most competitive FA cup semis and finals. All four teams are EPL teams & roaring to go in my opinion. The onus is on the boys to go out and deliver this shiny thing.
COYGs.
Unfortunate waterfall.
There must be a haiku in that.
Unfortunately
The waterfall is dry now
No water falling
Will that do, bt8?
Or…
Poor old Waterfall
Unfortunate own-goaler
Feeling Lincoln green
Lovely to read how Lincoln cleaned up at The Ems … https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/3073001/arsenal-dressing-room-cleaned-up-lincoln-city-fa-cup-quarter-final/
Classy.
AD@23: Indeed. Whoever wins the cup will have to beat two of top teams in the land from here on in, and Chelsea or ManU have to beat three.
btb8@24:
Arsenal goal flood
Unfortunate waterfall
Trickles over line
three for a fiver.. that’s not too bad!
๐
Oh dear.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-manager-arsene-wenger-believes-10012271
Cynic @30
Have it in context:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20170312/-why-i-watch-games-three-times-or-more-
rather than falling for and recycling selected segments slanted to fit an agenda.
There’s nothing in that Arsenal.com fluff piece that is absent from the first.
Let us not forget that the manager is still saying we were fantastic against Bayern and we were only beaten by the referee.
I’m very glad I didn’t have to watch
the Bayern match three times.
Haiku masters both
I bow to you Chris and Ned
Who met the challenge
(Couldn’t think of one myself.) ๐
bath, does You cannot live in a world where you cannot be influenced by everything.actually mean anything?
A few Arsenal fans getting into the spirit.
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/arsenal-football-supporters-cheer-on-the-platform-at-kings-news-photo/3364824?#21st-march-1936-arsenal-football-supporters-cheer-on-the-platform-at-picture-id3364824
http://www.twincities.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/minnesota-united010.jpg?w=810
Picture of the snowy stadium where the first major league soccer game was played in Minnesota yesterday. Great turnout and great atmosphere. Abysmal performance by the Minnesota team, but you can’t have everything.
Now to add a dash of optimism.
Chelsea v. Manchester United today could be an injury fest. ๐
I see Nicola Sturgeon is asking for independence again.
For Christ’s sake it was only a game of rugby!!!
ManU should have many players sent off and Chelski should have many injured!
๐
It’s all happening at bus stop in Fulham
Great fun at the Fulham bus stop. Herrera sent off yellow red in the first half; Conte and Mourinho barking at each other; 0-0 at interval.
Ref should have sent off Valencia too.. Bollocks to the standard of refereeing! Xhaka would have gotten a four match ban for that double footed challenge…!
Not to mention Pogba not even getting a yellow for dragging his man down…!
Pogba. ยฃ89m. ยฃ300K p/w. Nicking a living.
The other 3 sides in the semi’s will be praying they draw us,as we are clearly the weakest side mentally against the top sides and also defensively.
Any Arse fan should be praying we only draw 1 side and that is City.
Only on the basis that whilst like us they have no problem scoring goals, their defence is as bad as ours. !!
Get to the Final and anything can happen.
So its Man City.
Chelsea v Spurs
Arsenal v Man City
We can do City.
We’re gonna win the Cup!
Best draw we could get.
Can the monks let us know if we have ever played City in an FA Cup semi before Ned. ??
One semi a defensive,tactical,pragmatic bore fest,the other an end to end attacking fest of football the way it should be played.
Yes. 1932. Won 1-0 at Villa Park.
We went on to lose the Final 2-1 to Newcastle United. It was the infamous “Over The Line” final in which the equaliser was scored from a cross made after the ball had run out of play.
Nothing new in incompetent refs.
https://youtu.be/vxF6pgEunEo
Football starts at around 2.45 mins. The disputed cross is at 4.10 mins.
We need our lads to believe they can beat the big sides and as we did it to Chelski at the beginning of the season we can do it again!
In fairness the refs need help you cant see everything from pitch side I agree that Xhaka would get a red for what Valencia did but hey what do we know.
As if to prove my point,
the Arse and City under 23’s have just played a cracker of a 3 – 3 draw,with Jenko getting the leveller in the 90th minute.
I see Cohen Bramall got a start in a team with a lot of first-team-squad experience. An appearance by Sanogo, too.
Finally saw the highlights of Barcelona-Paris St. Germain and have two comments. Barcelona would have been completely out of it if not for a series of great saves by ter Stegen. And yes, that was an abomination of a call on that last penalty. Suarez dived.
Q. What was Suarez eating at the post-match press conference when he was asked if he had dived?
A. A Vietnamese go ahead and ban me sandwich. Link to the actual sandwich: http://www.foodpeoplewant.com/banh-mi-sandwich/
Another Suarez bite.
Everybody’s died.
Seville’s manager can fuck off, we already have one who can’t get out of the last 16 in Europe ๐
(speaking too soon)
Nasri is one of the most odious toads in Europe.
That German Schadenfreude has reared his ugly head again?
Not yet Cynic ?
Leicester’s lucky charm kicks in again. There must be something to be said for a fresh approach.
Still breathing here, too, Cynic.
Fair play to Leicester they played with heart, desire and huge determination. Some of our players should take note of that!
Well done Leicester and Playwright Head-Coach / Man-Manager Shakespeare! And in your first outing in the big time too! ? ?
“You have to spend big money to compete!” ? ? ? ? ? ?
Many congratulations to Leicester. Thoroughly deserved.
You don’t have to spend big to compete. You just have to spend wisely to compete.
Nasri and Vardy? Frankly, my dear….
Going back to Saturday, what a top day. Good beer before the game. Thoroughly enjoyed the rugby. Very much enjoyed the game and really enjoyed a few scoops with some top quality Gooners during the entire day.
All in all, what a hoot. My thanks to all of those I had the privilege to share Ale with.
Much ado about nothing if you ask me. Leicester will actually meet proper CL teams from now and the likelihood of their midsummer night’s dream being all’s well that ends well will be on a par with that of Romeo and Juliet.
Maybe so Chris but Leicester have already reached Shakesperian heights on several occasions these last months. A bit more than a tempest in a teapot, I should say.
Chris
I on the other hand think its a positive outcome, everyone keeps saying how great La Liga is bla bla bla……
How on a earth a team hanging above the relegation zone managed to show who the boss is to a side like Seville? I just wish our lads played with this sort of desire game in game out….looks like change is not so bad after all!
I know we are a different set up but if we had an owner who would want results Arsene would be gone in a flash that’s what happens if you don’t get results these days, especially if you run a big club the pressure is even bigger.
True Chris – I fancy a winter’s tale of reality when Leicester & their Bard get drawn against a Barca or Bayern. Measure for measure they’re not really in a position to compete with that next level up (Messi/Suarez/Neymar v Morgan/Huth/Simpson = comedy of errors?), and the Champions Lge last 4 will probably mirror the FA Cup semis in being a case of as you like it.
I wish Leicester gets Bayern, I can assure anyone the game would be a tight affair. The key to Leicester’s successes so far besides determination is playing to one’s strength. Last night’s game wasn’t different.
Leicesterโs successes so far, aD? As in getting a lucky draw in the CL, or the weekly struggle to avoid relegation in the Prem?
I agree they are playing with a degree more enthusiasm than some of ours have shown of late, but the relative Prem positions are a better measure of quality.
Leicester’s success of getting a lucky draw in the Champions League reminds me of the year we drew Monaco. All but the success part.
๐
Leicester players playing with heart! Yeah, tell that to Ranieri and their supporters who have had to put up with absolute dross almost all season. Still, it gives some of our ” supporters ” a chance to continue having a dig at our club, manager and players. I’m sick of the whingers. Time to get and stay behind the team, come what may- rather like Leicester’s supporters have got behind their team.
Devon Stu knows.
DevonStu
The last time I have seen our players play football with the same desire was when we beat Chelsea at home this season. Not whinging just stating the obvious. Despite they have been shit all season at least they are trying to make up for it. Fair play to them, seems like if you have an opinion you a whinger and moaner.
Call me what you like, holding a slightly different opinion about the club I love doesn’t make me a less supporter of the club. When I say “Leicester’s successes”, I mean it. Considering where they’re coming from, the resources and players at their disposal, they have enjoyed success between last year and now.
Think about these:
1. Why are we not able to take our chances when we get them?
2. Why do we buy players worth millions of pounds and the next thing, they’re average players?
3. Why does our manager stick to a team selection/tactics that have consistently failed us even when we have options?
4. Why are our players consistently getting injured when it is time to help the team?
This is 2017 for goodness sake and we MAY kiss that UCL spot good bye.
It used to be handbrake and gears, now I wonder what it is. We need to call a spade what it is. The board, Manager & his team, the players are all contributors but some serious shaking up needs to take place now before it gets too late.
I bet you, if Leicester meets Bayern in the next round, they’ll perform better than our darling team did.
I’ll continue backing my team but we can’t continue settling for less. That Arsenal have one of the most understanding set of fans doesn’t mean they’re allergic to UCL glory and EPL title.
Let’s see how they respond with less than 15 games in the season. Now is their chance and we need to tell them that.
1. Why are we not able to take our chances when we get them?
Cos we’re shit
2. Why do we buy players worth millions of pounds and the next thing, theyโre average players?
Cos our coaching is shit
3. Why does our manager stick to a team selection/tactics that have consistently failed us even when we have options?
Cos he’s shit
4. Why are our players consistently getting injured when it is time to help the team?
Cos the medical staff are shit
Oh shit…
Just kidding (apart from the shit bits) ๐
By the way, Leicester’s fans are nothing to applaud IMO. Three wins is all it has taken for Ranieri to almost become “Claudio who?” And their players have gone from non-triers to England’s Champions in less time than it took for Ranieri to clear his desk, so although they had a nice fairytale last year, I can’t admire them in any way now.
Prescriptions available for what ails ye:
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/10801513/what-do-arsenal-need-to-win-the-premier-league-title
if Bayern are as interested as I read, try to recoup the money spent on Granit Xhaka.
Totally agree with Chas on that
I have no objection to people having an opinion but do have a problem with constant negativity. By the way, Cynic, just saying everything is shit is not a basis for an argument. How do you know our coaching is “shit”, for example. Do you have a free pass to go and observe? It is just the usual wild rant, based only on narrow-minded opinion and zero information. What I do know is if the negativity and whingeing from those above is transmitted to players during matches, then they will have no chance. They would be better off playing behind closed doors. Supporters get behind the club, manager and players despite setbacks. They shouldn’t be trying to undermine confidence at every opportunity; leave that to our wonderful, lying media. I see the same games as you do, and can identify weaknesses, problems and inconsistencies but have never felt players and manager haven’t tried. Sometimes they have bad days, sometimes the tactics don’t work, sometimes the opposition plays better. Usually, however, we win and that is why we have won more league titles than any other club,except Man U and Liverpool, and have the best FA Cup record in the country. And, we are not dependent on an Abramovitch or oil sheikhs to buy it all for us! Be proud of your club!
Look up the dictionary under J
Search for the word JOKE
Clearly, your sense of humour is much too subtle for me, Cynic. Anyhow, please be the first recipient of a drink from me. A pint of Dartmoor IPA on the bar for you. Great beer, as are the Best, Legend and Jail Ale.
No problem, and thanks for the Dartmoor. I think!
Well said at 89, Devon Stu.
Returning to the mundane, FC Rostov’s pitch looks like it has been hosting a large number of chickens.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39278583
Pep pops out of Europe.
Monaco’s left back, Mendy, looks a prospect. Only 22. Could do a lot worse than bring him to the Ems if that is a position we need to upgrade.
What odds would you have got on Leicester City going farther in the CL this season than any other English club?
NBN
Has to be said they have few good looking players there if you ask me, Monaco played really well especially in the first half this shows you how really important the first 45 minutes are in a game of football.
For Devon Stu et al; enjoy! ?
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11712/10800449/how-craig-shakespeare-was-at-heart-of-leicesters-premier-league-win
NBN
Hey they won the league last year this year it could be CL you never know! With a bit of luck from those refs especially ?
Respect, ‘holics. Respect. Where are you cba? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Worst nightmare scenario:
Top four finish as Chelsea, City, Them, Scousers;
Leicester wins CL; United wins Europa, qualifies for CL.
Six premiership sides qualify for 2017-18 CL.
Arsenal to Spursday nights.
Can’t happen, right? Leicester could never top premiership, right?