Sol Must Play On Saturday, Please?
Mar 23rd, 2010 by 'holic
So the appeal against Thomas Vermaelen’s sending off against West Ham has failed. It is not a surprise that the Football Association have backed their officials on Saturday, but it will be interesting to see what fixtures Mr Halfwayline and his hallucinating assistant are rewarded with in the coming weeks.
The enforcement of the one match suspension is being touted as a good thing, meaning the Belgian gets a proper rest before facing Barcelona at the Grove next Wednesday. I’m not of that persuasion.
On Saturday we face game seven of the thirteen consecutive wins we believe we need to land the Premiership. We know full well that Birmingham City will provide a robust test of our credentials. In January Manchester United needed an own goal to salvage a point from a 1-1 draw at St Andrews. On Boxing Day Chelsea could not score there and also came away with just a point. The hosts haven’t lost at home since September.
I would very much have liked to see Vermaelen available for the trip. Let us separate this game from Barcelona. Let us separate the Premiership from the Champions League. Winning the domestic title is the greatest measure of the team’s consistency over the course of the season, and I am hugely against not going with our strongest available line-up on Saturday.
So I am a little concerned at the interpretation being placed on Arsene’s comments in the post West Ham press conference. Talking of Sol Campbell, he said
“I think I have to give him a week holiday next week, to help him to recover.”
That has been represented as him ruling Sol out of the Birmingham game to be fit for Barca. A pairing of Alex Song and Mikael Silvestre is being proposed, presumably on the basis that we are ‘only’ playing Birmingham. Apart from those two results above, ‘only’ Birmingham also drew away to Liverpool, and at home with Manchester City and Tottenham. Oh yes, it’s ‘only’ Birmingham.
Anybody care to remember where our last title challenge went belly end up? Oh yes, ‘only’ Birmingham. I want to us to beat them so badly to exorcise some of the demons of that day, but most of all I want us to beat them because I want us to land the Premiership title this season.
Now Thomas Vermaelen will be back for Barca. If Sol is worn out from his weekend exertions the boss can just make the one change for the Champions League. If that means leaving Alex Song at the back, then so be it. If the boss decides he needs Song in midfield then Mikael Silvestre can demonstrate at long last that he can cut the mustard for us at the highest level.
For goodness sake though, do not go to Brum with an untried pairing of a stand-in and our fifth choice centre-half. Campbell and Song looked fine for half a game last Saturday. For one more game we need to see them together. I know Birmingham don’t have a Messi, but they still have payers who could give the wrong partnership an absolute nightmare. It’s a risk not worth taking.
133 Responses to “Sol Must Play On Saturday, Please?”
im lovin the respect u givin to birmingham thanks
Completely valid point!
Who said we think only for the next game? I say go to Birmingham with the best 11.
I agree with you and sol style prefers brum over barca.I know that in the mid field is very important against barca but sol ‘s lack of pace is a bigger problem.I think we should go for song-sol against brum and song-vermaelen for barca.
Don’t agree. Yes, we should not underestimate Birmingham, they have been formidable at home this season, but we honestly need to preserve our best for the best and give ourselves a fighting chance of going through to the CL semis.
I reckon we can beat Birmingham with:
Almunia
Sagna – Silvestre – Song – Clichy
Denilson
Cesc – Diaby
Rosicky – Bendtner – Arshavin
With Walcott, Vela and Eduardo on the bench to give some pace and options if needed near the end…
I completely agree!!! I have always looked at this fixture as a very big game! would be stupid to not play our best 11… as far as needing a rest goes… stuff that shit up ur crack!!! if u cannot let sheer Will, desire and adrenalin push u through against barcelona in a CL 1/4 final, then maybe you in teh rong proffession!!!
this decision maybe all down to the fitness of gallas as wenger said before he is 80% out of the barcelona game. if somehow he is back then wenger may end up playing TV and gallas vs barca and song and campbell at birmingham. but i personally would rest campbell if need be as we have more than enought to beat birmingham because it’s not their strike which is what i fear it is birminghams defence and if we can score past it we can win!
Urgh… where is Gallas when we need him!
Totally agree, the best XI on Saturday and for every game, if at all possible. The league should be the priority for the next few days and after that game, the the CL becomes the priority until Wolves. That’s the way it used to be and that’s the way it should still be.
Sol and Alex Dimitri Song Billong on Saturday and then TV can come back and replace one of these two against Barca, unless the rumours about Gallas being available are true.
Thanks Jersey. I’ve got that song locked in my conscious now π
I agree with Mr. Flew but to be honest I want Eduardo to start up front, the demons of his time there have not been excercised for him and if he were to score the winner of the match and end their unbeaten home run at the same time, I think he could move on.
I want the old Dudu back, anyone remember that player we had that could flick a ball into the top corner on the volley with the backside of his foot? The player that one on one with a keeper equaled a goal? The player that could could score from the most awkward of passes with any part of his body?
We can’t ignore our defense but Birmingham are unbeaten at home because defensively their solid not because they score a lot of goals.
It’s time to give Eduardo a start, show him the confidence we still have in him and let him show us why he should be played against Barcelona too.
I want Vela to play in place of Arshavin too. Trust me there is no better motivation for these players than to be considered for a place in the starting line up of a team that will be facing the best team in the world a few days after. Plus Arshavin needs to be dropped for this game. We all saw how well he played against Porto, yep it was amazing and what we paid good money in a protracted transfer saga for, but we’ve become all to used to him performing like he did against West Ham, fluffing easy chances, greedy on the ball, lazy tracking back and throwing a strop when others shoot instead of passing to him.
Arshavin is a big game player, he wants glory and seems to have no interest in putting in 100% against lesser teams, so we’ll need a fresh Arshavin for Barcelona where he will no doubt want to make Messi look amateur.
I think your views on central defence for the Birmingham game and the difficulty of taking 3 points are spot on. I wonder whether the leaked news from the Gallas specialist in France will have a bearing. Wenger’s original thoughts of 80% ruled out for the Barcelona tie, sound a bit pessimistic now, but I do fear that improved odds on a Gallas recovery is the only way we will see Campbell start at St Andrews.
I agree 100% ‘holic.
The league HAS to be our priority.
I would also be happier with Song and TV against the more mobile Barca players anyway – I think that Sol could be easily embarrassed if Messi were to run at him.
I’m afraid you are being too harsh with Silvestre. Actually I believe that if Silvestre was given a consistent run at CB he would be better than Sol who’s just too slow. Imho it’s only luck that has prevented Sol from causing damage so far. But of course I agree on the axioms:
1) The premiership title is our best chance of silverware this season and we should prioritize it accordingly, even more so when selecting the team.
2) Birmingham is a tough nut to crack at home with a record as good as Villa for example, only 2 home losses (like us) in the entire season. But this is another final that we absolutely need to win.
Song/Sol or Song/Silvestre are both ok to me for Birmingham.
Song/Vermaelen for Barca if Gallas is not fit by then. Sol and Silvestre do not have the level required to handle the Barca forwards anymore.
@Anthony Flew: if we want silverware, the league is our best chance but luckily it does not mean that we have to compromise and it looks like we will play our best selection against Barca too.
Remember Pires?
That said with seven games to go it’s a gamble we might have to take, especially with Vermaelen out. Hopefully we’ll build up a good lead and the gaffer can take him off.
@Bongo: good point. Arshavin has problems with his foot again and that’s why he was not at his best against West Ham. I much rather would give Vela a chance than play an ineffective Arshavin who would be at risk of injuring himself even more.
Evening ‘holic, this is how it feels to be on the horns of a dilemma. Let’s crack open a bottle of the house red and mull it over. I think you’re right – let’s take Sol to Brum either with Silvestre at the back with Song and Diaby in midfield or Song at the back and Denilson and Diaby in midfield. If we win our next two in the league we may well find ourselves top of the pile – we can’t pass that chance up it could be the only one we get to hit the front and stay there. A couple of other questions:
1. How on earth did the appeal against Vermaelen’s red card gvet turned down? It was a blatant dive.
2. I’m hoping someone can clear this up for me – I was at the game on Saturday and haven’t seen the whole game since – the dodgy WHU penalty aside the other stand out useless referee decision for me was in the second half when we had a free kick outside the box, Cesc took it quickly while the ref’s back was turned playing Nasri (I think) in on goal. As the ball was in motion the ref blew his whistle, everyone stopped and Green picked up the ball. The ref then signalled Green to play on. What happened there? Surely if the whistle is blown play has to stop. I’m sure our players stopped because they thought the ref wanted an organised free kick. If the ref blew to restart play – well play had already started while he wasn’t watching hadn’t it?
Far too harsh on Silvestre imo. He has been as good as Sol – but never gets the credit coz he came from United.
Anyways, with either sol or Silvestre partnering Song we are going to concede.
Question is if we can outscore them.
Very very good point, ‘holic.
I’ll drink whatever you offer for a nightcap tonight.
Cheers!
@ Beardy – Cesc’s foot was swinging to play the ball at the exact moment the ref blew his whistle to signal play to be restarted. the ball was in play at the very beginning of the whistle shrill and was moving at the end of the whistle shrill so it seemed as if he had stopped play.
I agree about not liking to see Sol or Silvestre in the back against Barca as they may not be able to move their feet quick enough in the box against quick play from Messi. It’s too bad we haven’t given Sagna a run at CB earlier as I would be optmistic with him at CB because he seems to have all the tools to do well there, but it’s too late now in the season.
Also ,Even though Barca is far away, the thought of playing Theo on Messi’s side against Barca, and having him track back alot to stick with Messi and match him with quickness seems to be a good option. I know we want to play our football and attack alot, leaving Messi on his red hot form running at our defence scares me.
I think the changes will be far greater than you fear –
Almunia
Eboue – Sylvestre – Song – Clichy
Denilson – Fab – Diaby
Walcott – Eduardo – Rosicky
Bendtner’s got a knock, Nasri & Arshavin will be rested.
But justice will come full circle and Eduardo will score to bag us the win!
Beardy, I am going to share a rioja with you. Spot on about the free-kick. If we had scored he would have called it back.
Matt, you know I really want you to be proved right about Silvestre, and I have praised him a couple of times this season, but at best he is not up to speed and fully match fit. I accept that isn’t his fault, but we haven’t time to experiment and maybe get him up to full speed.
Sol may not be as sharp as he was a couple of years back, but he has been an imposing figure in games. He has an aura that Mikael sadly doesn’t. Having said all that we are a couple of injuries away from having no option, so I say again…
I really want you to be proved right about Silvestre π
birmingham got a few results in the first half of the season but are not playing well lately,we should win this one,even without our 2 starting centre backs!!.
It’s a no brainer – we must play the best team at Brum ( and win ) and worry about Barca afterwards. Last time we didn’t play our best we lost in the cup at Stoke.
Watching Wolves spank the ‘Ammers as I write , hopefully they’ll be safe before Easter Saturday and on their holidays !
I completely agree, Mr. ‘Holic- Song is our third or fourth choice DM, depending on the opposition. Against Barca, definitely third. I also agree with the preference for Sol from Silvestre. While both are clearly past their primes, Sol has recently demonstrated successful ‘imposition’ and effectiveness (with mistakes), whereas Silvestre has yet to show this at all. Has he been given a chance? I don’t think so, but a game or two now is not that time to warm up. In this, I have to respectfully disagree with Matt. With Nasri, Diaby, Cesc on form, and Denilson beginning the slow return back to form, we may be at as ideal of a situation that we’ll ever be in to have Song cover at the back and not lose too much of what he brings to the middle. I believe Song/ Vermalean with Cesc/Diaby/Tomas and Eboue and Arsha on the wings can handle barca. As per this weekend, I don’t know where the goal is gonna come from…. (can’t wait to see the holic pound!)
At this stage of the game we don`t need a master plan or a crystal ball we just have to treat each game as a grand final and field the best team that is available.
Who wants to gamble with anything but our best, both for Birmingham and Barcelona? So, unless Sol has an actual injury he should play at Birmingham having had a whole week to recover. He and Song did great in the 2nd half against West Ham so why are we going to change things around now? Agreeing with those who have talked about mobility being key against Barcelona, Vermaelen and Song look like our best pairing for that game unless Gallas is available, which would allow Song to move back to DM. Pitcher of Sangria to ward off the springtime heat, if you will ‘holic sir.
SOL AND SILVESTRE ARE RUBBISH
ENOUGH SAID!
NONE OF THEM SHOULD EVEN STEP FOOT ON THE PITCH FOR ARSENAL.
BUT I MUST ADMIT SOL DOES BRING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE AND EXPERIENCE THAT WE NEED IN THESE HIGH PRESSURE FIXTURES ESPECIALLY IF WE GO BEHIND.
BUT AS FOR SILVESTRE
GARBAGE!
its amazing how people miss Gallas.from my own point of view Sol is miles ahead better than him.l honestly believe hes the weakest link in our backline.T.V. has done exeptional well to cover for G poor marking and judgement.
Holic
I am convinced that Wenger will play Sol on saturday.
We saw the difference his physical presence made at Stoke and Hull,and he will be needed again against Mcleish’s thugs.
You can bet your life old rednose will be on the blower telling his Scottish thug mate to make sure his boys kick us from here to Christmas and back.!!!
We have to be ready for a very very physical confrontation on saturday and that’s where Sol’s size,experience and no nonsense approach will be much needed.
I think Sylvia will be on the bench for both games just in case.
I have a feeling Wenger will opt for TV and Song against Barca at the back purely because they are a lot quicker than Sol.
Barca don’t go the aerial route very often,and i think he would be seriously exposed by Barca’s quick passing and movement.
Sol can then back up against Wolves after a weeks rest for what will be another very physical confrontation.
We still don’t control our own destiny in the title race so we just have to keep winning till we do.!!
Well argued, Clive. I’ll drink to that!
I make you one hundred percent right, Clive, but I didn’t really want to fan the flames yet. At least three times I typed leg-breakers, then hammered the delete button.
We may be in for a venomous preview on Friday night π
CG, ‘holic thanks for putting me straight. Clive – good call. It’s all down to Arsene now, we certainly have the momentum.
I prefer this squard
Alumunia
Eboue Syvester Song Clichy
Neve Den
Theo Ros
Fab Diaby
Arsavin
There is an article on goal.com saying that if all goes according to plan Gallas should be available for the first leg VS. Barcelona.
Well guys, I understand your concern about Birmingham but to be honest, they got their results because they have a good defense and a solid goalkeeper in Joe Hart. I think 2 goals would be enough as I don’t see them scoring more than a goal against us especially as they’ll come tired from a match tomorrow VS. Blackburn at Ewood Park.
I think playing Sol or Silvestre with Song would do the job defensively and I just hope the guys have it in them to score more than a goal to put the game to bed early.
With United’s form, this should be a vital game as I only see United losing points to City and Chelsea and not with Tottenham.
The only reason Sol is being rested is because he needs a full week to recover from each game. Wenger has said this about three or four times. So if he plays against Birmingham there is no way he can play against Barca.
I dont rate Silvestre one little bit, but Song looked great at Centre back.
it seems simple enough to me
Almunia
Eboue Sagna Silvestre Clichy
Song
Diaby Fab
Nasri Bendtner Rosicky
I would feel much better having Sagna at CB .. silvestre just doesn’t cut it for me and we cannot afford to drop points at this stage.
Arshavin looked a bit tired last game . so i think he should get a rest
I’m going to have to disagree. If we were having this problem with strikers then I’d say you were thinking in the right way, but the reason all those teams drew with Birmingham was because they struggled to score, not keep brum out. I’d also agree with you if we weren’t facing Barca on wednesday.
It’s all very well saying we should separate the league and champs league and just concentrate on winning the next game, but sadly it’s not that simple. It comes down to chosing between being more solid against brum or more solid against Barca, we can’t have both, and frankly that’s a no brainer. No disrespect to brum because it is going to be a very tough game, but it’ll be easier to outscore them than Barca.
I say play Song and Silverstre at brum and do what we always do, defend by attacking. Bearing in mind if we play Song at the back against Barca we have no real DM (I’m a Denilson fan but he’s not as defensive or solid as Song) and we can’t afford that.
Gallas being back for the Barca game would be huge, my only concern is that since he has been out for months now that he may possibly be very rusty mentally and physically for a 90 minute battle, one lapse of focus or if he strains a muscle during a sprint ,for example, could make the difference in the tie.
Understand your argument Hugo, but have you considered what might have happened to ‘all those teams’ if they had played the Brummies without their best four central defenders?
I love the debate, but I seriously doubt I will be persuaded otherwise on this one. The next game is the most important. That’s Birmingham. Let’s pay the bastards back for two years ago and get key players substituted in the unlikely event we have ripped them a new arsehole in the first hour.
“17Sajit
Far too harsh on Silvestre imo. He has been as good as Sol β but never gets the credit coz he came from United.”
Surely you remember where Sol came from?
Do you really think Fergie would sell a player to Arsenal, on the cheap, if he was still in his prime? Unfortunately for Silvestre, age has caught up with him a lot sooner than most and it’s time for him to go back to france or to a smaller club. That being said I think he’s made a good contribution as a squad player and back-up – just time to move on.
Guys, on a different note.
With Chamakh most likely coming in in the summer, what are your thoughts about AW having to abondon the 4-3-3 system?
I think he will since he’ll play Chamakh and RVP up front. I’m not too sure I’d actually like that cause Arsenal’s system this year has been great as far as goalscoring is concered (it’s the defending side that makes it harder for the right and left backs).
I still haven’t got an oppinion whether I’d prefer he’d go back to the 4-2-2 as with Adebayor and RVP or 4-3-3 like this season.
What are your thoughts?
How on earth did we ever end up relying on Silvestre? And for TWO seasons. This with a manager, albeit a brilliant one, who loves pace.
With Birmingham on the horizon, I would like, please barman, a kipper tie. Naturally, with milk and two sugars.
The ony way justice can be done is when Eduardo scores the winner against Brum. It will make my day (and Eduardo’s).
For the PL title, we can afford to be a lot more optimistic as RvP might be fit for the last 4 games of the season against Spuds, Northern pie eating chavs, Shiteh and our poor cousins near Thames.
i think we should play campbell and song at CB for the birmingham game and when we play barca, play sagna and vermaelen at CB and move song back into midfield. in my opinion sagna would be a great choice for CB against barca as campbell would not be quick enough. i would also bring campbell on in the barca game at bout 70 mins if we are defending a good lead (2-0/3-1) and just tell him to sit deep. thoughts????
3 matches in 8 days with TV only available for the last two means either sol or sylvestre has to play two on the trot 3/4 days apart unless we sacrifice Song from MF/sweeper to CB and ‘spoil’ the fantastic sweeper system that’s currently in place. (we’ve been playing 4-1-4-1 lately if you haven’t spotted)(arguably 4-1-3-2)
Don’t give me ‘song was good against the spammers’, WH were as bad as any team we’ve ever faced at AG.
I say we need to adopt the ‘we’re gonna score one more than you’ attitude against Brum and wolves with our best available CB pairing ‘saved’ for the barca match, undoubtedly the more difficult of the 3.
Another option is eboue RB, Sagna CB Sol CB TV CB Clichy LB against Barca, thats right, a back 5! with 5 of the other usual suspects in a 3-2 or 4-1 front permutation.
Just my tuppence worth π a great few days coming up can’t wait :))
5 in defence? is that really the attitude we should be going into a home match with?
Birmingham have a rock solid defence and an abysmal attack… Averaging 1 goal a game at home only Wigan and Wolves have scored fewer at home this season. I think we can afford to rest Sol for this one, but I don’t think Sylvestre and Sagna would keep a clean sheet.
I predict 3-2 to us with a late Denilson rocket saving our skins.
http://goal.com/en-gb/news/2557/news/2010/03/24/1846651/andrey-arshavin-thinks-arsenal-are-not-strong-enough-to-win
Am I the only one that’s starting to get fed up with AA?
He should shup up and start running his socks off every single match, not only on CL nights, VS. West Ham for example he was so lazy.
How can he complain about the character of this team after we’ve come from the dead so many times? And why does he think that we’ll achieve success with “real stars”? Is he a Real Madrid fan or something!?
That guy doesn’t stop to piss me off.
No doubt about it! You are absolutely right! I don’t buy the argument that it was good for Vermaelen to sit out Birmingham’s game. Another tough game. Unfortunately he has to becos of the appeal being rejected by the FA.
However Song has proven to be a very capable substitute. Go Arsenal and break their home record!
Sol simply shouldn’t play against the quickest most skilled attack in the world at the moment. Therefore he should be playing this weekend. Then we have Song Vermaelen or Gallas Vermaelen for Barca. I love the idea that Denilson and Diaby both sit back more as Denilson is probably our best player at reclaiming possession. These would be my two lineups IF Gallas wasn’t 100% recovered for Barca.
Almunia
Eboue Campbell Song Clichy
Denilson Diaby
Fabregas
Rosicky Bendtner Eduardo
Almunia
Sagna Song Vermaelen Clichy
Denilson Diaby
Fabregas
Walcott Bendtner Arshavin
Super Eboue coming on after 55 mins. Nasri coming on in both games.
Silvestre shouldn’t even be in the squad as he’s not fit to wear the shirt. It’s not because of his United past, it’s because he’s useless. As much as I love Wenger, signing Silvestre was a massive insult.
How come there all this talk of Barca and who should start where and who should not where as we all know Birmingham is up next, and we have to concentrate on that.
Let’s just hold tigh and hope Sol is fit enough to start. I think a few boys will be a boundle of nerves (because of what happened 2 years ago) and we will need someone like Sol to calm and focus our players.
Agreed that Eddy’s winner will more than excorcise some ghosts of the past.
C’mon you gunners. Here’s to 3 points and Pompey to hold Chelsea!!
@Tom Martin: we’ve never ever seen you here before and while we’re competing in both league and CL the only thing you have to tell us as an introduction is that one of our squad players is “useless, not fit to wear the shirt”?
You know what’s an insult to the club? It’s people like you pretending to be an Arsenal supporter.
@Phillip: If it was a democratic choice I would vote for your team selections. But then if it was a democratic choice we would likely be competing for League 1’s title…
@Snir Geuli: Yes AA23 can be annoying at times but I am more annoyed by his performance on the pitch really. In between the foot injuries and the not-my-position whines, 10 goals in 29 starts (and 4 subs) is well below what we can expect from someone whose contribution is almost exclusively offensive. Compare that with:
Cesc: 33 starts (+ 1 sub) -> 18 goals
Bendtner: 14 starts (+ 8 subs) -> 9 goals
Diaby: 26 starts (+ 4 subs) -> 7 goals
Denilson: 19 starts (+ 2 subs) -> 6 goals
From the beginning I have been believing that he is a pefect merc who complained about his 80K/week salary as soon as he arrived in London. I would not be surprised at all if he pulls a Hleb on us as soon as this summer. As long as that motivates him to try to score more towarrant better wages, I’m fine with it.
That said if Vela had been fit to try and compete with AA23 for his position we would have seen as many goals from Arshavin but with half the starts. It’s a shame really…
Apologizing profusely for the double post π
It’s ok Matt. You made a good point.
@ Matt –
I read it twice ….it’s been a long day.
Let win the Birmingham game with some bit of lack
We all hav to remember that if sol is to play for birmingham, he’ll need to be on trainin on thursday n friday…but as he’s resting for the whole week, he wont be able to make it…but he can surely train on monday n tuesday to play against barca…d only option we hav against birmingham is song n sylvester
Sol seems to be very much what you see is what you get.
H’s slow and bulky but he’s strong xperienced, committed and was better at his peak than Sylvestre imo – probably less prone to errors.
Iwould have said good positioning – but he did get draw out towards the wings a bit on Saturday were lack of pace leaves you really exposed ion term of recovering
Leadership and organisatinal capability also seem to be strengths I think he may have helped the other defenders and Almunia quite a bit andoviously not scared of shouting at prople.
I’m not slating Sylvestre as a squad player Weger said some nice things about him helping the younger players but he does’t have so many strong points and he’s a bit error prone.
All the same Sol could havea week off and play at Birmingham – the question is would you go with the A midfield Song Cesc Diaby and hope to blow them away and then be left with Sol-Sylvestre at the back (I actuuslly think Sol might make Sylvestre play better).
I thhink so because winning is more important than not losing –
but Denilson did play well – i’m not saying anything here, am I?
Sorry but to sign off with a bit more waffle i don’t think the Sagna at CB is much of a runner – if it was surely this would have been ideal on saturday?
On another point nice to see some more attack minded, interesting and successful substitutions on Saturday, too
Sajit – players don’t get grief because of where they come from. It’s all about mustard. Whether they can cut it or not. That’s how I judge a player. Sometimes the jury is simply out.
For me, Sylvestre will do for Birmingham (if Sol isn’t up to it). But for Barca I think both would be exposed and we should play Song and TV.
interesting though that Le Boss has promoted Sol ahead of Sylvestre in recent games don’t you think?
what happened to the whole ‘lets take one game at a time’ attitude…thats what we all need to adopt, and like we all agree, the premiership has our best chance of winning a silverware this season..we need to beat the brums offensively and defensively as well so we need our best XI at st andrews..anything less and run the risk of conceding or offensively handicapped! that said..one game at a time gooners!.
in wenger we trust, in cesc we believe and jst like steve t puts it….keep the faith!
oh btw, i have to agree with # 38 snir geuli and #54 matt on AA23…he is really annoying at times..and i dont like the way he never celebrate someone else’s goal..only when he scores…i jst think he has to improve his attitude! thanks mr. ‘holic for the post.
mine will be a pitcher of longisland iced tea please barman!
Much as though I value my own uninformed opinion and detest the “Wenger knows” brigade’s almost theological reverence … I’m going to go with AW on this one.
If he decides to play Silvestre on Saturday and Campbell Wednesday, then that’s what I’ll support … Hell, I’ll even support him playing Sagna and Song at CB if it gets us the win.
Isn’t Johan Djourou back in training by now?
Anything or Anyone bar Silverstre will do even a training cone π
All joking aside we have got to play our strongest team, and by the snippets im hearing theres a good chance that Gallas will return against Barca anyway making Sol a must for sat at Brum,
It really shouldnt have come to this tho we have been crying out for reinforcements in certain areas and i just hope it dosent come back to bite us on the Arse, Sorry for the pun π
Matt… I totally agree with you, he’s been intolerable at all this season, so much that I thought he has a personal issue with the guys on the team but it occured to me that he’s just that kind of guy, cause every once in a while, he’ll smile with Cesc or Bendy but he’s just a self centered person which is very harmful for a football team in my oppinion.
Even if he is like that on the pitch he shouldn’t be saying it in the papers!!! What’s up with that?
To be honest, I don’t really care if he leaves next year, I’d rather have Nasri as the 4th midfielder along with Cesc, Song and Diaby and have RVP and Chamakh up front. Our bench will still be deep enough with Rosicky and Co. without having a player that demoralizes the squad.
Or maybe he just states whats on his mind Jesus in this day and age of modern footballers that are protected and gift wrapped by agents its quite refreshing to hear and read ones thoughts on all things,
Ive read the so called article and it makes a damn lot of sense and what he has said many fans feel the same way, The headlines have been twisted slightly as per normal to make it more exciting and troublesome,
He also has a pop at himeself saying he hasnt been playing as well as he should so i wouldnt say thats self centered
Chippy, even if he’s 100% right, there are some things you should keep to yourself, even if you think that all of your teammates are useless you shouldn’t be saying it, especially not if you’re running for a title.
I for one, don’t think that in order to win the league we need “3 or 4 real stars” but we can do with the current squad, it’s gonna be tougher but that’s life.
Instead of saying what he thinks and not thinking of the consequences on his fellow teammates he should start running and tracking back so that Clichy won’t get exposed so much.
Well we will have to agree to disagree on that then, Our captain came out with similar thoughts recently regarding a new forward Quoting he was dissapointed one didnt arrive players are not stupid they know where the team needs improving,
Regarding the tracking back Maybe the manager should play him in his true position not on the wing if thats the case hes always been a bit of a lazy git which gets showed up out wide but he does and can do things out of the ordinary hence his value to the side,
Chippy, our captain was quoted to be dissapointed that we didn’t sign a forward but never said that it would ruin our challenges in the Premier league.
I agree with him that we need someone up front, but as I said, there are some things you don’t say in the papers, and if you do, you say it differently.
About his position, I assume you don’t want him on the wing but in the middle in a “Cesc role” (even though I remember him quite a few times on the wing when playing for Russia)? Well, that would mean putting Cesc a bit back and with all due respect to AA23 I’d rather have Cesc there than Andrey.
The fact that it’s already agreed upon that he’s lazy and he’s always been like that drives me crazy, he would be so much better had he been less lazy!
And of course, he does extraordinary stuff and his value to the side is immense but I just don’t want him to demoralize the squad in such an important time.
I think Birmingham’s success at home is more down to their own solidity rather than attacking prowess. So whilst I agree on most parts with your post ‘holic, I also think that the game will hinge more on the ability of our attacking players to break them down on a few occasions than the choice of our centre back pairing. Of course, keeping them out is vital, but I would have thought Wenger would be more concerned about how our attackers overcome their defenders than how our defenders, whoever they may be, handle their attackers. But then, that’s always the way with Wenger I guess!
This is a conundrum, but one I have the PERFECT solution to.
Play Sagna at Centre Half. Heβs Tall, Fast and can head where necessary.
Play Eboue (The Revelation) at right back. We know he will bomb forward at every opportunity without the aimless crosses that Sagna ALWAYS puts into the box.
Sagna has the WORST cross to completion ratio of any player in the premier league. Is that a surprise when Arsenal has the smallest frontline in the league.
Why not try it out at Birmingham β Eboue β Sagna β Campbell β Clichy
If Sol is too slow for Barcelona, then Eboue β Sagna β Vermaelen β Clichy should be far more appropriate.
Sagna is after all a French international. His adaptation to Centre Back should be perfect.
Tony C,
Its a good point and one i thought over as Sagna played centre back on a number of occasions for Auxeere and if i remember rightly when signing Wenger alluded to his versatility throughout the back 4 as a reason for him joining,
Eboue as you say has been a revelation this season at right back and id have no probs him playing there against Brum but against Barca i could see him being targeted and would prefer the stability of Sagna at right back against them,
Morning Boys & Girls
Holic, I agree with you. Sol dose bring somthing else to the table that Silv dosent. Sol is a good old fasion English CB who will take the rough and tumble and fight back.
Birmingham are a good team and very well disiplined in defense, they are incredibly hard to break down. They work very hard in midfield, but they are not a team we should fear for there attacking qualities. The who should play in the CB role de-bate on the posts all hold water for the whys and whos. The Sol V Silv all points for and against all make sense. I would pick Sol because this is a PL fixture where it will be more physical than the Barca game and Sols physical presance connot be denied.
We loose alot when Song gose into the CB role but has he ever let us down when he has had to play this role. So for me Sol & Song in the centre. Song & Vermaelen for the Barca game.
I dont think we will loose as much as we normally do when Song gose into the CB role as Denilson has found some form and had a great game against WH.
When it comes to which competion I would rather see us win, easy answer the league every time. I would love us to be champions of England than champions of Europe. Our home title should always be first choice and the team put out should reflect that.
Would I take a 3-0 victory over Birmingham to a 3-0 defeat to Barca ? Yes I would.
Please dont get me wrong I whole heartly believe we can win both, but if comes down to playing a weaker team against the Brums so a stronger XI can walk out against Barca I will not be a happy bunny.
“I know Birmingham donβt have a Messi, but they still have payers who could give the wrong partnership an absolute nightmare. Itβs a risk not worth taking.”
Am in complete agreement with your entire piece, holic. And it’s a measure of my concern about an away game v. Bham that I actually have more optimism about beating Barca in 2 legs than beating Bham away. No, of course it’s not impossible, we’re a far better team than they are but as you’ve summarized, better teams have a very difficult time there.
There’s been some noises about Gallas coming back sooner than expected?
I see there’s been a lot of criticism about Arshavin.
Regarding his performances on the pitch: too many people (gooners and nongooners alike) don’t realize that Arshavin has fitness problems. He’s mentioned this on his website repeatedly — he’s said after some games that he could barely breathe. He said that after the WHam game. It’s why he flits in and out of games. I really do think that Arshavin has trouble keeping up with the pace of the PL. Remember that he came to England late in his career, unlike all our other foreign players, who come here in their teens or early 20s. At Anfield last season he said how invisible he was in the first half because he was unable to keep up with the pace.
In the summer of 08 during the Euros, there was talk of Arshavin coming to the PL, incl. Arsenal. I remember one or two quotes from AW expressing admiration for him but also expressing doubts about his fitness for the PL. That’s why I was surprised when I first heard about AW trying to get Arshavin for Arsenal last year. I thought maybe AW’s doubts had been laid to rest or he was willing to take the risk. I don’t think Arshavin can improve his physical effort very much, I really do think he struggles physically with the PL’s pace and tries hard to pace himself for a full game but gets frustrated with his physical limitations. I think we’ll just have to live with that because he can still come up with great goals and chances.
As for his attitude, well he’s always been known to be a prickly character, he’s always been that way in every team he’s played for. He was regularly criticized in the Russian press for it, Zenit fans often complained about it. So it doesn’t surprise me.
ALSO, very important to remember: the English media’s reports on foreign language interviews of our players and manager (and other foreign players/managers in the league) have frequently been found to be selective, taken out of context and even flat out inaccurate. Often the translations are really poor. I’ve seen this myself as I read French and read the French football press, and have seen the misreporting and mistranslations of Gallas, AW and Nasri interviews. So we don’t know everything that Arshavin said or how he said it in that Russian language interview.
That said, I agree with arseblogger that this is not the appropriate time to come out and say Arsenal won’t win any trophies without buying more players. Not when we’re fighting in 2 competitions. Leave that for after the season ends.
Today at Potsmouth Avram Grant tries to put a nail into Chelsea’s coffin even as Lampard and company are inside pretending to still be kicking.
Well said ‘holic! If our quest for the title goes wrong, I fear it would start at Birmingham. Our lads should not take Birmingham lightly.
@Marcus
I agree, Arshavin isnt copping well with the pace of the PL and is maybe a little too old to adapt his game or gain the fitness required to play flat out and give 100% in every game.
If you see him after twenty mins on the pitch he looks like he just got out the shower. That said he has been playing with a foot injury since Xmas and has pain killing injections to get through the pain.
His quailty and ability can not be called into question. As a player who has played out of position most of the season and has had his confidence dented in a big way, it must be hard for him lacking confidence and fighting injury for months.
Add these things together and you get a player struggling for form.
Maybe Arshavin would do better as a impact player for a couple of games just to give him a rest and focus on getting his form back. Im sure Arshavin would say himself this hasnt been his best season but without doubt we need him. As for his comments in the media taken out of content or twisted ? Im sure they cant be that far off what was said and I believe as most, that those coments would best be left until after the season has finished.
I thought this would be Nasri`s season but because of injuries his progression has been held up. Lucky for us he has hit form at the right moment. But this shows how adapting to the PL is hard even for the younger players.
We have the a great foundation laid for a all conquering team and maybe a few of AW dealings in the transfer market in the summer will put the final touches to a team that can rule the PL for the next 10 years. And Im sure Arshavin will be told that in the summer we will bring a few more players in to up the competion for places maybe even his place.
Finally this isnt the time for bashing any of our players as this can be felt at matches within the supporters and the negativity can be felt by the players. So if we want to win, we all need to get behind the team 100% and leave the players to do what is required.
A71, agreed, Arshavin’s fitness issues combined with his season-long foot pain problems PLUS being played out of position have all combined to make a difficult season for him. But as I said, we’ll just have to live with his limitations and personality issues because I still think he’s worth it. I also agree that AW should not start him for the next couple of games, put him on as an impact sub, give him a rest.
Just like you, I was gutted about Nasri’s early leg break because I expected him to really show his quality this season and further develop so much of his talent. Thankfully, that seems to be happening now. Same thing with Ramsey — he looked to really be coming into his own as a first team player, but a talentless thug put a stop to that.
As for fan support….well, the home crowd support this season (esp. recently) has been so much better than last season. Our away support has always been great, it’s the miserable home crowd that’s among the worst in the league (tho not uniquely awful, if you’ve ever been to OT or Stamford Bridge, you’ll know what I’m talking about). Last season you never would’ve seen Bendtner given the support he got in the Burnley game. Unfortunately, there are still too many idiots — but so much of the atmosphere at the Grove is due to the draconian rules the club has implemented against vocal fan support. Not to mention the way the stadium has been built and organized to cater primarily to the corporate and family crowd, and not the diehard fans.
E.g., there have been so many cases of stewards threatening loud gooners cheering on their team with expulsion, even giving fans of opposing teams better treatment.
guys guys ,whats the arguing all about just leave everything for ”mr wenger” i xpect 3 points on saturday and nothing less….
but so much of the atmosphere at the Grove is due to the draconian rules the club has implemented against vocal fan support. Not to mention the way the stadium has been built and organized to cater primarily to the corporate and family crowd,
E.g., there have been so many cases of stewards threatening loud gooners cheering on their team with expulsion, even giving fans of opposing teams better treatment.
Marcus Amen to that Brother !!
Marcus couldnt agree more about the stewards !
I understand why the stadium was built in such away to bring in as much revenue as possible. I think all fans get that, but the way the stewards carry on they drain the life out of the place. Im sure all contributers to this blog have most proberly got the “can you sit down and keep the shouting at a reasonible level” WTF !
Your point about OT and SB are also correct, I believe Stamford Bridge is worse than Old Trafford thou. Wasnt it Roy Keane who gave them the title of ( The Pawn sandwich brigade ) or somthing alone them lines. We have too many corporate boxes, filled with bankers who dont even know who they are watching. I love the new stadium it says somthing about were we are heading, but dont loose the stadiums soul ! Any stadiums soul is its FANS
A71, again, agree completely. Our new stadium is a wonder to behold, and something to be proud of. Like most gooners, I too was and still am willing to compromise and cater to the casual fans for the sake of revenue — but not to the detriment of creating a real fan atmosphere, not to the detriment of cheering our players on, esp. when they’re struggling.
Oh – and yes, the Bodge is worse than OT — but you really can’t expect different from that lot. π
All I know is that I’d hate to be Wenger for selecting the squad for St. Andrews. I’ll bet he’s not slept right since that douche pulled the red card out and showed it to The Verminator.
I have a thought in the back of my head though… one that tells me everyone’s streak must come to an end sometime. I’m hoping that’s just what happens to the Birmingham City home form this weekend.
Almost everyone in the squad has stepped up this season, when asked to.
Time for Eduardo to exorcise the demons of St. Andrews and score the winner.
@marcus: That’s agreat point but that’s not all of it. Liverpool is not affected despite having the same “safety” (whose?) rules to follow, Anfield is still a boiling pot even with them playing badly in horrible defensive style this season.
Just look at it right here: we’re in for the title and suddenly `Holic’s comment system is under heavy duress. You don’t have to go far back in time when `Holic was posting the same top-notch articles albeit at a slower pace and see that an heated discussion yielded perhaps 20 comments for an article that was up 3-5 days. With success, clubs attract a new crowd other than the hardcore supporters. I’m of the opinion it’s a good thing.
The other aspect I’d like to mention is the price selection. Football used to be a people’s entertainment now at current ticket prices it’s on its way to dislodge polo and hunting… With an Ascott crowd one gets an Ascott support!
Believe me `Holic faithfuls know that I’ve been bitching about it for qiute a while. I’ve come to accept it as the ransom of success. In modern football a family club’s dream is the Carling cup. To go beyond that the club has to become corporate. I think the bigwigs at the club are acknowledging the phenomenon and are willing to compensate with their effort to arsenalize the Grove and they’re trying the right way with things like the clock etc. More can be done for sure and once they’ll ppper the place with pictures of trophies earned at the Grove it will definitively feel more homey π
Can I just check this “Sagna is tall” rumour. Everything seems to indicate he’s 1.75m or 5’9″
@Snir Geuli and marcus: You know what, it looks like this AA23 interview where he says he wants us to buy players is an old one that has been recycled and made more sensational by the gutter press: http://blog.emiratesstadium.info/2010/03/arshavin-hoax-sinks-whole-of-fleet-street-and-beyond/
I agree that it does not match everything else that he has been saying recently on the team and his teammates. But then he is a merc so you can nevr know for sure…
I’m sure Arsene will do what’s best to have him on to of his form against Barca. I can’t think of a game that would motivate him more.
Sajit, my friend, I couldn’t agree with you more. I would love to see Eduardo come out of his fog and regain the form he was showing before St. Andrew’s. No better place and time then to do that this weekend. As for ‘crowd control’ at the Emirates, I’m saddened and disturbed to hear it. Even at the f’ing A’s baseball game no matter how boring I can sing and yell and stand as much as I like. Absolute shame on any steward or the Emirates management as a whole for trying to curb or stifle the life that gave birth to such a stadium in the first place. Maybe we should bring in some Italian/ Spanish style 30 foot flags and wave them in their faces… flare or two….
@Matt- also, just to speak personally, I’ve been following ‘Holic’s post for years but simply never up and sat down at the bar ’til recently. Great points in general, however. I simply don’t understand a contradiction between building up some nice, fancy, expensive club level seating and some happy families sitting around midfield with the ends of the stadium going absolutely berserk with emotion.
This is probably 11% irrelavent, but in Chile watching Colo Colo families would line up for a lovely Sunday afternoon game at the park while the hardcores fought it out with the oppostion goalie and the military police on the ends- everyone has a good time!
make that 100%, not 11%, and I swear I’ll stop posting now! sorry.
Well I’m glad that Tiny Totts made it through to the next round of the FA cup.. Now they play Arsenal on my birthday! Looking forward to watching spuds get smashed on my birthday.
I don’t know what to make of today’s results, it’s a mixed bag.
Pompey-Chelski 0-5: bad. Chelski’s GD is now 7 goals ahead of us.
Villa-Sunderland 1-1: bad, we need Villa to at least draw with CSKA London this Saturday, they won’t feel confident with this draw.
Merc Citeh – Everton 0-2: doesn’t matter. It would be better if Citeh was qualified for 4th before they visit us but let’s be realistic.
Blackburn – Birmingham 2-1: excellent! Birmingham can forget their european dreams now and are beyond relegation. Why fight too hard against us? Let it roll…
Well the Totts did us a huge favor today!
Matt, re your comparison with Anfield: fact is, not even Highbury could compare with the vaunted Anfield. The truth is, our home ground has NEVER been known for that kind of home crowd support, unfortunately. There’s a reason Highbury was called the Library. So I don’t think it’s anything new, it’s part of our history, long before AW arrived, long before Arsenal became famous and glamorous, attracting fans all around the world. I remember some of our best, most committed players like Rocky getting abuse at Highbury.
Also, I’ve always thought the vaunted 12th man at Anfield is sometimes exaggerated. There’s truth to it (esp. on European nights, I know from experience — but our home ground is pretty rocking for European nights), but I’ve been at Anfield for league domestic cup games where the crowd was just as quiet and miserable as our home crowd.
As to holic’s blog….well for my part, I’ve been reading holic’s blog for years now but I’ve rarely posted until recently. I used to just read his blessedly sane articles and rarely read the comments section. Late in 2008 when our season was derailing and our top 4 spot was in serious trouble, I swore off certain blogs that to me were incredibly rigid with extremes: the Le Grove doomer type and the so-called “AKB” type (a term I don’t like to use because it was invented by the Le Grove crowd and I can’t stand them). But it’s a shorthand term for a type of fan that–just like the cretins on Le Grove–do not allow for open debate and who think all Arsenal blogs should do only one thing: cheerlead. Well for me cheerleading is for the stadium, blogs are for free and open discussion.
Holic and goodplaya and arseblog and Vital Arsenal and a few others are blogs are, for me, a blessed relief from both these totalitarian extremes.
@pires: I’m sure the club can do more than what it’s doing now, no doubt things could be better.
Don’t know for Chile too much but I’ve seen people coming out of the Maracana and yes there are families in the crowd but let’s just say the cariocas’ appreciation of risk is totally different to that of the euros… Not that the latter is always better but that’s quite a mentality gap!
Couple of results going our way. Tottenham win means our game gets cancelled.
Just what we needed after a tough trip to Nou Camp. Birmingham loss means as Matt said, is very good.
Chelsea going up – not bad in my opinion. This way they will still feel that they are in the race – and hopefully they beat ManYoo…
Thats the game Im really hoping works for Arsenal. Only Chelsea look like they can beat United. And thats a favor we need from them.
Interesting points about the atmosphere, and the reference to Highbury as a library. One of the few benefits of knocking on just a tad is that I can tell you exactly when all home crowds, pretty much, became much quieter and less atmospheric than they once were. All seater stadia were essential, probably, but they definitely tended to either attract a different kind of supporter, or maybe just inhibit the ones who would quite happily let it all go in the anonymity of a swaying crowd. The current situation is one that has existed for less than twenty years but is now the norm. Two or three thousand away fans are determined to have a good day out and are given much more leeway by stewards told not to provoke travelling armies. Home fans can be controlled by the threat of losing their memberships etc, so the sanitisation of the host ‘audience’ is more easy to achieve. Doesn’t always work that way though. Even the Grove has rocked a couple of times, most notably the 2007 Beer Cup semi against our friends and neighbours, and Thierry’s last home win against the Mancs. I do think Gazidis is tuning into this and trying, as far as he can, to put a little bit of soul back into the place, and evoke a noisy, but civilised response. I wish him luck. I suspect the stewards will need some retraining if the club is really keen to get the volume back.
I should have made this a post!
Please do! We still have 3 days to kill before the next game and it’s a very interesting topic for many. And as usual you got an insightful answer.
That said I agree with Steve T and others that recently the support is much better. I think it also has to do with the team showing they have the guts to come back in perilous situations over and over again and the fact that we are neck and neck with the Mancs and the mercs.
Trust Arsene, He aint done that bad so far……
Keep the faith.
Holic and Gents,
I just about cracked a kidney at “CSKA London”… priceless.
On the whole, todays results aren’t too bad, and they set up the most likely scenario for our lifting the cup at the end of the season. Unfortunately, I have to disagree with Sajit, we must, of course, win our remaining seven games, but we have to pull for (and make sacrifices and burnt offerings for) a ManUre and Chel$ki draw. Either team’s goal differential is too much to overcome and if either team wins out – we will be on the outside looking in. Just looking at the permutations.
One day I hope to get to the Emirates to take in a game. Even a watered-down dose of our Valhalla will seem like straight dope to me!
The most recent match I can think if when the Grove was absolutely rocking was CL semi finals with Manure. Intense atmosphere, flags waving, until Kierans unfortunate slip took the air out of the stadium. But I with Holics reasons for away support being louder… gives me shivers of pride when out of no where I hear our away gunners piercng through the home supporters feeble chants , and if that gets me going at home, can only imagine what impact it makes on our lads. keep it up!
I don’t know where they got it from but this is quite concerning.
http://goal.com/en-gb/news/2557/news/2010/03/25/1848273/striker-nicklas-bendtner-could-miss-arsenals-trip-to
With Bendtner out, there is really time for concern as the toughness in this fixture will be to score the goals, and without Bendtner up front we’re gonna be very one dimensional in attack, hope it’ll be enough though…
I just realized from reading Pires and Marcus comments that it’s possible I have been insensitive to later newcomers to this and other blogs. I really did not mean that older posters are somehow better than recent ones (take that `Holic, Clive and `71 !!!) nor that younger/newer supporters are less worthy of older ones. Actually it’s the exact opposite I’m very happy to see more people enjoying the ride. Fresh ideas and perspectives can only be good!
Agreed with you Marcus about `Holic and Goodplaya being the best blogs around with a many others really good as well ( I remember having posted some data showing that over half of the football blogs for english clubs are Arsenal blogs, we’re the intellectual types).
I hate Le Groan with passion, it’s undeniably become an anti-Arsenal cult. Speaking of lowlifes the Le Groan teens are outdone by the Gunnerblog commenters. I feel sorry for GilbertoSilver because he left the comment section totally free (which I admire) and it has been invaded by the asylum escapees who shout down anyone who doesn’t want Arsene and the young players to be tortured with medieval instruments. It’s rare to meet crazies in real life at best a few weirdos at work or religious crazies who knock on your door from time to time (more here in the US than in Europe I shall admit) but there you find the real basketcases, 100 post a day (and elaborated ones at that) over years to spew hate and venom on anything Arsenal. I’ve noticed a car on my block with an Arsenal sticker. The most frightening part is that perhaps the owner is one of them. Perhaps I should buy a gun just in case he snaps when we win the title…
@Snir Geuli: I’d rather have Bendtner recover in time but this season all the players have been stepping up when needed which makes it easier to keep the faith.
Nothing is confirmed yet but if it is Arsene could look at it as an opportunity to start Walcott and Vela? I would love it if he did but I think he will likely start Eduardo if NB52 can’t.
Matt I can sympathize with you as an extremely passionate arsenal supporter in America also; our fellow uk and native gunners don’t know what a rarity it is to be able have an semi intelligent football conversation with someone out here, nevermind about the arsenal. All I hear at school is talk about bloody baseball which drives one mad. thank god when I was 15 (only 3 years ago) I googled arsenal discussions one day and stumbled upon holic and arseblog. Reading and interacting with fellow passionate gunners ( even only via Internet) almost seems a luxury. Being that I meant to ask about other blogs you all reccomend since it’s basically the only communication. I read holic and Arsenlog religiously, and have tried a few others ( which I will not name) that were alright. I’ll have to try goodplaya tho for sure.
Actually it’s not that bad here in the Bay Area, lots of football fans but granted mostly foreigners or foreign-born. I went to the pub for a change last Saturday and I was lucky I met a travelling gooner from London. We didn’t talk much but it’s nice to share the passion, we were both of us watching the game while the rest of the pub was glued to the Ireland Scotland rugby game. Perhaps you could try your luck at an Irish pub in Chicago? I found the list of pubs in the Bay Area through the Setanta website but now that they’re dead I wouldn’t know where to start.
I guess on our side of the pond you have to read 7am kickoff, if only for the name. Seriously it’s a good blog.
I personally like Untold Arsenal because there’s a lot of focus on less commonly discussed aspects of our club (finances). Then I religiously read Young Guns which I discovered a few days after it started. If you want to know everything about the future of the club, it’s there (I should mention Arsenal Youth in the same vein).
GoodPlaya is posting less these days, he has the knack for saying things that are different from the mob, he can be negative when everyone is hopeful and vice-versa.
Honestly I think your best bet is to look at the list of Arsenal links every blog displays generally on their home page and start from there. There are quite a lot of popular blogs that I don’t have the time to read but that I find good when I stumble on them. And mostly because I found shelter here and I’m content to sip my bourbon and hope for `Holic to allow me to ramble one more time.
Given your age, I forgot a really important one: Goonerettes Online. If ever you make it to London to watch a game I’m sure you’d rather meet goonerettes rather than inebriated grandpas. Just sayin’
Matt – To be honest, I’ve been getting my arsenal news from Arsenal.com up until November of this season when I discovered goonernews and through there, this blog, it’s been quite tough finding arsenal sources here in Israel cause there aren’t any.
About Eduardo and not NB – that’s exactly what I was saying, that I have no problem with him playing but it would make us very one dimensional in our attacking game (sort of like the Bolton away game), relying on Cesc’s genius doings. No aerial attack at all (a la Bendtner goal at Stoke which was one of our best all season), so it’ll be quite predicted and that’s my worry cause like I said, it’s scoring the goals that’ll be hard.
Chicago?
Official Supporters Club points you here I believe…
The Globe Pub
1934 W. Irving Park Rd.
Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: (773) 871-3757
Inebriated grandpas indeed. Tsk tsk π
I hate Le Groan with passion, itβs undeniably become an anti-Arsenal cult. Speaking of lowlifes the Le Groan teens
Matt, youve really got to let it go its becoming an obbsession π I can assure you they are not all lowlife and many are not teens in Fact you should give it a try sometime you night get some sort of perverse kick out of it π
Many go on there including myself to get away from the Arsenal utopia some inhabit and this is not a dig but many who shout me and others down do not and didnt ever attend Highbury or the Emirates regulary or if at all ,
Its also why i come on here as Holic is pretty even handed with the good and bad in Fact hes without doubt the best writter on all things Arsenal in blog land and i suspect could tell one or two stories that would make people wince lol Its just the comments section dosent have as much traffic so you cannot really debate and wasts the day at work π
Anyway Brum seem to have hit a flat spot in there season so hopefully we can take advantage on sat, I know The Heebs won and the result was a good one for us but could i bring myself to want them to win could i bollocks π
Just watched the pre-match interview with Wenger and he said, and the first part of the quote at least is to the letter, “[Sol] will be picked for the next game. Barcelona is not regarded in the back of my mind”.
Not sure he really meant that Sol is picked already for the Brum-game or if he meant something like ‘I’ll pick players without thinking about Barcelona’.
But by the looks of it, yes, ‘Holic, Sol is playing against the Brummies
By now the news are starting to come out in written form as well on Arsenal.com but I might as well summarize the rest of what he said as well for you early adapters, you:
Persie in full training. Gallas in full training this weekend. No contract talks with anyone the next couple of weeks due to frequent games (goes for Gallas as well). No more injuries since the last game. Only one out is Vermaelen. Bendts will be available for Birmingham. Sol “will be picked for the next game”.
Quick question for all you US Gooners – (sorry for hijacking the drinks section ‘Holic) – where can I watch the first leg of the CL against Barca in Manhattan (preferably mid-town) –
I know there is an ESPN on Times Square but I was hoping to find somewhere a bit less sanitised?
Toby,
You are the Beareer of good news !!
I look at that as sol will play v Brum and Gallas will be back for Barca it kinda ties in with what i hear regarding Gallas being back, And there is no way Wenger will keep Vp out for a month if hes in Full Training id expect him to play some part against barca away π
Cheers Matt and Holic. Appreciate the information. I’ll definitely check out the blogs and have a gander in the pubs. hopefully the supporters club can lead me astray of the inebriated granpas : )
@Matt
I have only been a recent poster on this blog. I read it but never posted, this is only the last 6 months or so. A friend told me about the blog and said its one of the best. I have read quite a few of the Arsenal blogs around and found Holics and Arseblog to be the best and now just read these.
The interaction of this blog thou far outweighs that of the posts on Arseblog as they are more in-depth.
As for who was here first I don’t think really matters, I’m not jumping on the Arsenal band wagon because they are in a good position I just started to post because I think the posts on here are fantastic including yours, I don’t agree with everything written but who always agrees.
This blog is without doubt the most positive Arsenal blog around and over the months of reading it my views have changed on a great many things because of the points put across by many of its contributors.
So lets get behind the Arsenal and leave the petty bickering behind.
zicoinexile,
You can always go to Nevada Smiths , its on 11th . Or O’Reilly’s on 33rd should also be showing the match.
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Talking about blogs… GilbertoSilver is simply fantastic!
And while you guys are at it, check out eastlower and arsenal wtf.
Both of them dont post much these days – but was definitely worth a read while they were at it.
Sajit, thanks.
π
“He is back today from his rehabilitation and will be back in full training over the next couple of days,” Wenger said, “but he is too short to be available for the weekend of course and certainly as well for Barcelona game on Wednesday.
“We have to assess him, it is too early to say [whether he is available for Wolves].”
That’s the quote from Arsene at soccernet.com. I hope he’s simply speaking cautiously and we see him back in action against Barca. If Song can play in front of Gallas and Vermalean, with Clichy nipping at Messi’s heels, Sagna taking out Ibra, we might just contain ’em at the back…
Good news Pires
It would be ideal to have our strongest back line intact for the return leg at Barca.
Every body touch wood ( not that i am superstitious or anything ) that we don’t get one of those training ground injuries that constantly crop up when players are comming back from injury.
Wood knocked, Mr. ’71. I have to admit I’m excited to think of RVP at Camp Nou as well, scoring the away goal that takes us through…
zicoinexile,
let me know if you want to meet up for the game π always better to watch with a fellow goon than alone!
Sajit and Zico, if you get it together in Nevada Smiths promise me you’ll seek out the big Gooner called Danks and buy him a beer from the ‘holic. I’ll give you both a free years subscription to Goonerholic π
My jealousy is manifold. Being 6000 miles away from St. Andrews and 3000 miles away from Nevada Smith’s, I would love to be either place for the Birmingham game. What’s more I want some of that exclusive free year’s subscription to Goonerholic. Bay Area Gooners, see you at Maggie McGarry’s.
@chippy: now is the time for truce and rallying behind the team so I will refrain from telling you what I really think about Le Groan. Let’s keep it at that. For now π
@Arsenal 1971: Now I am really sorry I wrote this comment, I am in no way the guardian of the faith and no one is asking anyone to pass a loyalty test. All I can say is that I enjoy reading your posts and I wish you could have join us sooner.
Now I feel I have to justify my snappy ways…. Until not so long ago and for quite a while there has been a wave of people barging in here to vent their anger (or even rage in some cases) at whatever they deemed was wrong at Arsenal. Most of the time poor `Holic had to mop their vomit and I volunteered to help him separate the wheat from the chaff which is why from time to time I allow myself a bark at whichever newcomer whose contribution is similar to Tom Martin above. My only motivation is to protect this haven of civilized and reasoned discussions which was a rarity in the previous seasons. Tom Martin feels that Silvestre should not have been contracted? It could be, let’s weight the cons and pros and discuss what alternatives could have been better. Arsene should be swapped for Gus Hiddink? Let’s discuss it. Replace Song with Matuidi? We can discuss it too, I’ll try very hard not to laugh at you, I swear. Write a some aggressive one-liner to snipe at the manager or a player? I’ll snipe you back π
@behind the 8 ball but not nasri: the Chieftain’s closer to my place but I think I will elect to watch a stream considering it’s an 8am kickoff (since they haven’t switched to summer time yet in the UK). Perhaps we can meet for another game at a less ungodly hour, for a pint I’ll tell you how you can hack `Holic’s site to gain free access!
‘Holic and Sajit, I will be staying somewhere near 52nd street and getting into town about 2pm (which means 45 mins before kick off) I may struggle to on two counts to get to Nevada Smiths – one time, and two “management”.
If do I make it to Nevada Smiths I will buy both Sajit and Danks a beer!
Matt, getting anywhere by 8am is tough and I’m an hour away from Maggie’s anyway so it may be the stream for me too. Never been to the Chieftain, but will try to make it for Barcelona on Wednesday. Near Howard & 5th?
Yes it’s just at the corner but unfortunately for a CL QF it’s going to be packed beyond hope as it is the only sport left to watch the game in SOMA…
Just a quickie about the noise/atmoshere recently at games, after the pen went in against spammers, the song sung (I forget which one it was) where we all held scarfs above heads a bit like ‘walk on’ ‘pool style, it was as loud as ANY game i’ve ever been to… yes even louder than “Tango Tango What’s the score” lol
And i’ve also been to Highbury when there was 60,000 there, not sure that that was ever ‘louder’, but it did have a different type of buzz to it.
I’d put that down to all seating, as other posters have mentioned.
I’m in Block 5 lower.