Valiant Gunners Beaten Away Again
May 9th, 2018 by 'holic
For his penultimate game in charge Arsene Wenger went with a strongish looking squad team. Petr Cech got the nod in goal behind a back four of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Rob Holding, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Sead Kolasinac. Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey were selected to support Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Alex Iwobi and Danny Welbeck. Pierre-Emerick Aubamayangwas charged with leading the Gunners attack.
That attack was evident in the opening phases. From a first minute corner Mkhitaryan drew a save from the Foxes goalkeeper, Jakupovic. Five minutes later another fabulous move ended with Jakupovic tipping Iwobi’s effort round his left hand post for a barren corner.
It took the hosts until the thirteenth minute to have an attempt but Vardy’s shot from an acute angle was tipped around for a corner by Cech. When that set piece wasn’t cleared by a hesitant defence the ball eventually fell to Iheanacho who lashed it home through Xhaka’s legs and past the unsighted Cech’s left hand.
Leicester City 1-0 The Arsenal
Shortly afterwards we were down to ten men when Mavropanos lost the ball to the goalscorer and dragged him down, the covering Rob Holding was quick to the ball but the referee, one Graham Scott, showed the young Greek prospect a straight red card. It was a harsh judgement that he was the last defender in my admittedly biased view.
All of a sudden we were under the cosh. Mahrez picked out Maguire and his instinctive volley drew a reaction save from Cech. With the Gunners rocking the boss was forced to send on Shkodran Mustafi for Welbeck. The momentum had well and truly changed. Once more the away hoodoo in 2018 looked as if it had returned with a vengeance.
Cech was forced into another save from Iheanacho as Leicester enforced their man advantage. Vardy and Silva were thwarted by the thin red line. Silva missed the target as the Gunners were forced into errors by the high press of the hosts. A rare retaliation was threatened but both Mkhitaryan and Aubamayang saw their efforts deflected for corners which we couldn’t capitalise on.
Maitland-Niles adventure gave us some hope of better to come, but back broke Leicester with Vardy putting Iheanacho in to draw another fine diving parry from Cech. Holding magnificently denied the same attacker deep inside the six yard box in front of an otherwise open goal.
As we fashioned another half decent opportunity Silva went down in his own box with a knee injury and Iwobi was ‘persuaded’ by the home crowd and team to put the ball out for a throw in. It looked as though at least one of his colleagues berated the lad for being too nice. I may have used an expletive or two as well. Half-time arrived with us grateful to be only one behind.
When battle recommenced the valiant and flexible 4-4-1 conjured up an opportunity for Kolasinac to employ his shooting boots only to see them made redundant by the near post. Leicester reacted but after Vardy had been called for a pair of offside runs were to be frustrated. Mahrez stung Cech’s palms with a free-kick but the ten men were about to be rewarded for their persistence.
Another wonderful run by Maitland-Niles saw him picket Aubamayang in front of goal. Jakupovic parried his first attempt but was powerless to prevent the striker from lashing the rebound high into the net. It wash no more than the visitors deserved.
Leicester City 1-1 The Arsenal
Encouraged by a boisterous travelling support the Gunners went looking for the first away win of the year. Iwobi tried his luck but missed the target by some distance. Midway through the half the hard-working Mkhitaryan also failed to trouble either the goalkeeper or the goalnet with his wayward effort. Credit the aforementioned travelling Gooners for a noisy rendition of “how shit must you be, we’re drawing away!” Self deprecation was the name of the game on a night in which the result meant little to anybody but the two sets of supporters.
Then they weren’t as the hosts made their numerical supremacy pay again. Mkhitaryan was adjudged to have fouled Gray in the box and Vardy, ever confident from twelve yards with just the goalkeeper to beat, smashed his spot-kick home.
Leicester City 2-1 The Arsenal
Back came the valiant Gunners again and Kolasinac’s powerful header from Ramsey’s corner was well saved by Jakupovic. We weren’t lying down which in itself was good to see. The introduction of Nketiah for the tiring Iwobi gave us an additional attacking threat but it wasn’t to be a last inspirational substitution by the boss. Mahrez was sent scampering free, he sent Holding into the stand behind the goal when he cut inside and fired the clincher under Cech.
Leicester City 3-1 The Arsenal
The final seconds were played out as they should have been to yet more choruses from both sets of supporters go “There’s only one Arsene Wenger”. his farewell tour ends at Huddersfield on Sunday and if the Gunners battle as hard as the ten men did tonight we will surely rid the no away win in 2018 at that one. For the first time in 23 games in all competitions, Leicester finally got one over on him tonight.
128 Responses to “Valiant Gunners Beaten Away Again”
A nice pint of bitter to drown my sorrows
That was lightning quick, ‘H. Still no away win for us but like I said previously, we played well tonight, their third goal was inevitable but we did great untul the end with full determination.
And is it just me ot Iwobi really played quite well tonight? Made lots of positive penetration with the ball and combine well with Mikhi who also had a good game.
Mustafi is one of the worst defenders ever to wear an Arsenal shirt. Twice tonight he played the ball back into a dangerous area instead of clearing it.
The penalty was his fault. He had space infront of him to run the ball into but instead passed the ball right back across the box to Gray.
I’ll have a Doombar please landlord!
Huddersfield are a fucking awful side, so I pity any Arsenal fan going there on Sunday.
Very nice write up Holic and a speedy one too…
Red card changed the game I didn’t see the foul but certainly sounds harsh on the young Greek…
Onto the last away game I hope the boys can do it for Arsene this last time around…
UTA
Thanks Guvnor.
ksn,
as you say, let’s win at huddersfield.
cos losing would be mortifying
Thanks for the report H. I saw nothing but am heartened we didn’t give up, Auba continues to score and AMN showed up well. I’m very disappointed to lose to about the most out of form side in the league but to lose a man after a quarter of an hour when already one down is a tough ask.
I do hope we can send Arsene off with a win on Sunday .
I heard the dolt Cascarino ( who is a fucking cretin) tell listeners today that it will take three managers before Arsenal are back challenging because the squad is so weak. While I have huge reservations about what Arsene has left us with I think that is rubbish.
Think it might take two myself. A steady hand to sort out the mess and get rid of the weak, of which there are many, then an ambitious younger man to come in and build on the new foundations.
Reckon we might end up with Ancelotti for a couple of years and then Vieira.
W7 D5 L18 – our last 30 aways in the Premier League.
“Now we am become Spurs, the bringers of shite”.
It would really help with these away trips if we could win once in a while.
It looks like we let in too many goals again.
Just seen the red card and he only has himself to blame, although it was probably harsh. He was certainly the last man although there was probably enough time for a covering defender to get back, but we’d want it at our end.
“…And is it just me or Iwobi really played quite well tonight?”
it’s just u
Iwobi frustrates me he starts his run really well and the flaw he has it’s when he stops and looks for a pass then he tires a silly flick or an impossible pass and it’s game over.
He’s good on the ball perhaps he should run at the defenders more often and continue his run at the same time….
Did I say he frustrates me? 😀
Thanks for the report Holic. I didn’t see the game live so values your real time reportage for the flavour of how well we did actually play despite the slights from Lady Luck and Referee Scott.
A very disappointing defeat nonetheless against a team that was desperately out of form recently.
I really hope the players can get their shit together to give the great man a victory in his final game.
Although the Chavs’ failure to claw back points on the Marshdwellers is a disappointment and while they retain the potential to pip the Bindippers to the fourth ECL spot, it would probably be in our interests for Chavski to join us in the Europe League as, if Allegri decides to leave Juventus, his choice of destination probably lies between us and them and he has previously expressed preference for a ECL team. His track record at Milan and Juventus does suggest that he has something to offer.
I see the Spuds squad seem to think top 4 is better than a trophy.I wonder if all the media will rip into those fucking idiots the way they did with us???
I was there last night and despite the result I really enjoyed a fast, open game with plenty of incident not all of which went in our favour.
The red card was iffy but our young Greek lost control of the ball and inexperience and the red mist took over. A pity as he had impressed me in his two previous games and I hope his confidence has not been knocked back too much. I look forward to seeing him in the squad next season.
The penalty decision was at the far end so was difficult to make a judgement but our players don’t usually mob the Ref as they did last night if they think it’s a correct call.
Rambo just didn’t make any sort of mark on the game, nothing worked for him and I would have subbed him but for the changes made after the sending off. Otherwise I felt that we put in a shift and never gave up. Their 3rd goal was from a break away as we were chasing a late equaliser .
Off to Huddersfield on Sunday in the hope we can send Arsene off with a win. Their point last night should put them in party mood, let’s hope we are too.
COYR
happy birthday God
cba knows, thank Dennis. ?
Does God eat cake? Blow out candles?
Happy Birthday!
Have a good one, maestro.
???????
This is a very interesting piece from Allegri that I have read recently.
It shows a very clear mind and strategic intent and underlines why he has been very successful. It was written at the start of the season and rather suggests he has set his heart on winning the CL with them- but they fell again to Real Madrid albeit gloriously.
I’m not optimistic he will leave Juve for us but he is tge sort of man able to step into big shoes
https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/massimiliano-allegri-juventus-the-principal
and he can bring back Wojciech
Ttg@23: Illuminating read. Thanks for posting the link. Allegri sounds a goof fit for what he would inherit.
…good fit…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiYEYl36J00
What shit games Sky have chosen for Sunday. I can understand Liverpool and Chelsea being shown, because they are bitch slapping over fourth, but Man City? Again?
There’s no way Southampton with lose their ten goal advantage, although it would be lovely if they did..
Silly Second@27: 🙂
Some interesting stats, well, interesting here at Castle Ned anyway, on the average transfer values of the squads of the clubs in the top five European leagues, calculated by the CIES Football Observatory in Switzerland, who are pretty good at theose sorts of sums.
http://www.football-observatory.com/IMG/sites/b5wp/2017/226/en/
For the top six Premiership clubs there is a close correlation (better than 80%) between average player value and points won this season.
Just been trawling through another favourite Arsenal blog and found this image which those with an eye in the past may enjoy.
https://arsenalonetwofive.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/078-1962-63-teamgroup-01.jpg
Home page here
https://arsenalonetwofive.wordpress.com
If the owner of the blog drinks here, I’ll raise a glass. Superb blog.
Interesting stuff. Thanks for linking that Cynic. Good site.
Ned@30. Thanks for that. I’m surprised both that we are so low but mores that the Marshdwellers are so high. It has felt for a while that we have been slipping from our perch but that analysis does suggest we have fallen further than I had thought.
what bath said at 32 ??
great writing
great photos
got me big sherlock holmes eye-seeing-glass out
What’s going on with Steve Gatting and Carl Laraman? Also hear that Peyton, Banfield and Sal Bibbo are gone. Is it true?
Solid Goonef you are right.Peyton, Banfield and Bibb were expected to go but Gatting and Laraman have been suspended for bullying and are on leave of absence which might become indefinite.
Kwame Amoadu took the U23 team on Tuesday in the final against Porto.
It is also thought that Marcus McGuane who left the club to join Barca did so because of bullying. This is a sensitive issue with the current problems revealed at Chelsea.
This is the report I read
http://dailycannon.com/2018/05/arsenal-suspend-coaches-after-bullying-allegations/
bath – there’s an amazing photo of Geordie Armstrong on that site, playing in a benefit game for Ray Kennedy.
And here’s the page…
https://arsenalonetwofive.wordpress.com/2012/06/12/113-random-90s-press-photos/
So much gold on there. Stumbled across it a couple of years ago.
Ned,
I saw that table and was somewhat shocked by it. On reflection I think the Totts are way too high. They haven’t won anything and two of their most valuable players will be sold this summer because they want to earn what players at their rivals do.
Nevertheless there is a message here and going into the close season it will be interesting to see how we fare and they adjust to moving to a new stadium. They will certainly start to get real criticism if they don’t bring any silverware home next season and will find it hard to retain their star players. I think they were better positioned than we were for the future at Christmas but since then I think the change in structure, good purchases and Wenger leaving leave us much better placed than we were. Everything now rests on the coach we bring in. If it’s Allegri we will, IMO , be better placed than Tottenham where Levy retains very tight financial control.
Thanks for the confirmation, TTG.
Cynic @37, fantastic picture. But for the silver hair the profile could be 1970!
fuck off
the pair o yees
you , fuckin bath
swanned around d’world
bein’ all Scottish
.
.
you disappoint me
ye fuckin come up in ma face !
.
.
.
life saving cunt !!!!!
a fuckin life wasted
etc an such
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eKpVQm41f8Y
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LYuGlD3XSOw
feeling a bit Shite
.
cheerio
how can I be
more handsome
?
.
.
.
children. !!!
this is all written down
.
don t engage
.
.
.
.
Ooooooohaaaaaaahhhhh
Ooooooohaaaaaaahhhhh
I think holic has stopped me drinking
but of course you won’t see that
thanks Dave
Major Eejit
Wrangling thoughts when ye’ve been a Levi’s wearer
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MDo7OZ-1GcE
McGuane has disassociated himself
from that article about bullying.
Says it nowt to do with him.
.
.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KY4j8Ow-CTs
.
a song for a nice fella
god rest
bla
stuff
i just deconstructed the clash
and
HONESTLY
I pressed the wrong button
so
that is lost
suffice to say
they were a fake shower
who
had they a genuine bone
in their bodies
would not have jumped out of a car
posed “o so toughly”
[remaining petrified]
and
FUCKED OFF
(good riddance )
into fake punk rock heaven
.
.
shit band
bruce springsteen wi two maybe 3 jamaican 7inches
.
.
yer CAREER is set up on OPPORTUNITIES
.
.
“i dunno squire
i believed it ”
.
MUG
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=r8DAme8kRak
.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=r8DAme8kRak
.
.
.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=r8DAme8kRak
.
.
.
.
.
.
punk ?
whatever the flying fuck that means
is not english
it’s from QUEENS
.
.
.
1-2-3-4 !
.
.
.
THE ARSENAL
whatever that means
.
only time
feel old is here
much further from fifty than
” oooh , yer a quare age ”
“ye , don’t look it , ya bollix”
am not though
downward slope
halfway bastard there
an Etc
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SuGYCVxTeEg
.
.
people can be cruel
.
‘ooooh Arsenal 1977’
fuck off
busy!
joe strummer woulda loved how busy i was
awww jaysus the oppression
even the milk was condensed
YA ENGLISH BASTARDS !
.
.
.
.
?
ooooooooooooh 69
.
.
not enough Welsh people drink here
and
i know Welsh people
so
they are as feckless as the Scots
so
maybe e good thing
maybe
homemade stout is talking
YEAH !
I ‘m …………. what ?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MDo7OZ-1GcE
remember people
jeans own people too
ah now nigel
that’s not nice
now is it
i’m not a violent man
(am not , i’m a woman)
but
which side o yer head would ye like me to stand on
c’mon it’s one o three
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mlCiDEXuxxA
.
.
d’they run outta blue wkd down the spar
.
.
‘hol
ye may have to bar me
cos herself bought a battenburg and
i bit the end off it
.
.
*wonders who the nom de nigel is*
.
has suspicious
notions
well now there now
.
.
.
seamless
.
BOOOOOM
i want to be cba if i grow up
Cynic@31: Wonderfull picture. Striking today how white the squad was then, though that was true of all clubs. And not one born farther away than Aberdeen.
Much enjoying Arsenal125. Thanks for the link.
The bullying accusations are concerning. Similar charges have been made at Newcastle and Aston Villa recently. Football yet again trailing changing social mores.
bullys are cunts
or
they are deeply flawed individuals
in need of our understanding
or
they’re cunts
.
.
my career as a leader
at
Camp Bootstraps
was shortlived
.
oooh , hello sailor
(other camp jokes need not apply)
I’m looking at you , cynic !
.
who isn’t ?
the big ol’ slice o’ man
95
jesus
I’m still
fuckin
miles
away
Bam!
Sorry CBA I’m a goalhanger. You get the assist! The Ozil and Auba contracts are getting pelters in that poisonous rag, the Daily Fail. Interesting they were negotiated by contract guru Huss Fahmy
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bX8USu78E7E
?
Hush up, hush up, cba !
Four hundred years ?
I got 15 years for stealing a bar of soap.
When I complained it was a bit harsh, the judge said “You’re lucky it wasn’t Lifebouy !”
Boom! Boom! Trev in top form.
When Charles Dickens’s Tale of Two Cities was first published, it was reviewed in only two English provincial newspapers, the Bicester Times and the Worcester Times.
Heh !
i love trev
i love ned too
(but purely as a back up)
.
yeah
dirty brutes the lotto ye
that was supposed to say
LOTTA
although
winning neds fair hand in marriage
would be like winning the lotto
although
statistically “holic on ‘holic marriages
are shakey
at best
I don’t have the figures with me
I’ll hand you over to Neddypies
#forever
ALL THE ONES !!!!!!!!!!!!
get fuckin in ya shower o blerts
cba been married off twice since the last look-in?
It’s like London buses around here. 😉
League Two biggie coming up. Come on you Red Imps.
@48 and 49
Cut your head off?
*notices 89 – retreats in shame*
hmmmmmm
deeply flawed or a cunt isn’t really
a cracking choice @89
still to be positive it’s better than
our poor old brenda at Celtic
– doesn’t break a sweat while
under achieving
keep up ya Japanese twat
i’ll put my foot
through
yer tired intellectualism
sonny
Cba, that is one hell of a bender. Your ‘Frank’ appears to have been a Citeh fan from Pasadena who has posted here before and been sent to the sin bin.
an
you can eff off an all !
Faria has quit United. Oh God… no…
Pruning destroys joke at 116 🙁
needy needy needy !
oooh
ton and a 1/4
.
nice if ye can get it
and no mistake
A week’s output from one of the cows ….. ? ????????
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ?