That Is What We Do – Another Great Day
Mar 25th, 2012 by 'holic
The day has arrived when even I could not type two letters together on arrival back home last night. For that I have to thank so many people this piece would just become a list of names. Yesterday was one of those days that adds to the virtual cement that bonds Arsenal supporters.
An early start was required to make the Arseblog fives, an event now unmissable. I can’t recall the pub being as packed before the game as prizes were handed out, and weary bodies were rehydrated with the most dehydrating liquids known to man.
So to the match, where Pete, the neighbour of the neighbour, and I disagreed about the likely formation to be employed by the Villa. Of course he was right. I hadn’t figured on Heskey getting a start and the big man soon made his presence felt with a challenge on Johan Djourou that I have not seen a replay of, but that looked ‘interesting’. That the Swiss defender was on at all was a surprise. News of Koscielny’s warm-up injury filtered through. “Not too bad” I was told when I enquired about him.
That turned out to be our most nervous moment of the match. Under a glorious sunny sky Arsenal set about the task of overcoming the visitors who were rather less solid than I had predicted pre-match. The crowd got fully behind the side, inspired once again by the industry on display. Tomas Rosicky continues to roll back the years, and around him Bacary Sagna, Kieran Gibbs, Alex Song, and Mikel Arteta opened Villa up almost at will.
We were ahead when Gibbs, of all people, fired one in with the help of a Shay Given mistake. The resistance we expected didn’t materialise and Song turned provider once more for Theo to finish with real composure. At this point I was convinced we would go on to rack up a big score.
We didn’t of course. If anybody wants to find anything to be critical about yesterday it is that we took our foot off the pedal in the second-half. If that is what we need to do to keep the bulk of this side fit and available for the remaining eight games then so be it. I’ll settle for controlled possession at two up. Especially when we did eventually get the third from a thunderous Arteta strike.
The only new things I learned about Villa is that they have a fat Harry Potter on the staff, and that Alex McLeish has absolutely no sense of humour. Who knew?
So, as is usual on fives day, we retired to the Tollie to greet friends old and new as Arsebloggers and ‘holics crammed into the garden. I thought my day was complete when Tim introduced me to one of my favourite journos (In fact I met both my favourite writers yesterday). I’m so sorry I turned down the offer of sharing at least part of the journey home, because thereafter I ran into the Irish Gooners. My favourite Scots had earlier plied me with Glenfiddich (and I think the next round should be mine). Ray and Darragh topped me up with Jameson. That I got home without detour is one of the wonders of the modern world.
Back indoors I took one look at the Mac, realised I couldn’t focus on the keyboard, and for once failed in the attempt to get my ramblings online on the same day. I had one last dram, and uttered a quiet toast to the fella the fives are played in memory of. I never met him, but Arsenal supporters being what they are I know I would have enjoyed his company immensely. Because that is what we do. Week in and week out.
Thank you.
378 Responses to “That Is What We Do – Another Great Day”
First?
Second, and I actually read the post:)
Great post btw Holic. It was a great day for everyone associated with the club it seems.
Damn! Just missed.
7 up for the gunners, brilliant.
Now to read the post.
You may well be laughing now but just remember, he who laughs last, laughs last. And most likely didn’t get the joke anyway. So there.
You talk as if you lot are improving, but how can you say that when you get the same points game after game after game. Not like our brave lads who’ve got more points in each of the last two games than in, well, lots beforehand. Now that’s improvement.
And don’t forget the F.A Cup neither. Our ‘Arry’s got form what with winning it and then the Championship! We look forward to that.
So just you remember,
One swallow doesn’t make a supper.
You’re just burning the light at both ends of the tunnel.
It ain’t over till the fat cows come home to roost.
So there.
In ‘Arry wiv truss.
Forever in our shudders.
Gr8 win. Really enjoyed that rocket from Arteta. Lets enjoy this.
Good stuff ‘holic, yesterday was a great day. Shame that you weren’t able to make it for the curry.
Such a heart warming post, Holic :). Or is it the tea with honey I’m having.
Lovely to see the new Arsenal play like the old Arsenal!
R.I.P. Furq
saw the flickr photo by Stuart of the Arteta goal. Looking at it you wont believe the keeper could be beaten.
why oh why could’nt this team have turned it on earlier.
saw the man city game last night and I cant believe that lot are 12 pts ahead of us. hope we can improve the squad and go for it next season.
Top report ‘holic.
Sounds like a legendary day.
Hi ‘Holic. Good to see you yesterday. Glad someone else saw that be-tracksuited Villa trainer – it was extraordinary that you would choose to wear something so ill-fittingly skin tight. The guy next to me commented that I clearly “wasn’t enjoying his pins” … have a nice day all.
5 ImaWossname
๐ ๐
A day at The Arsenal
Early spring, the birds are engaged in what sounds like an avian rave. ย The house though, is deathly silent as Dr Feelgood slips out the front door and takes the first step toward Ashburton Grove.
This time, the fixture list has been kind enough to serve upย a 3pm kick off, which means that the trip to the airport does not need to be undertaken amidst hardcore revellers trying to cling to what was left of their Friday night. ย He breezes through Security, and is suspicious – he, of them, and of course, them, of him. ย After a sit-around session at Departure Gate 5 longer than he would like, he is airborne and then, in what seems like the blink of an eye, landing at London City Airport. ย An infusion of coffee, and onward to the DLR.
ย
He looks up. ย A beautiful Eurasian woman stands on the platform at Canning Town, as he steps off his train to connect with the Jubilee line. ย Feelgood’s eyes bulge like Marty Feldman on speed, and he grins, ย knowing that this is the first of many great spectacles he is going to see in his visit to the big city. ย At Southwark it’s a wrench as her luxurious long black hair disappears from view as the carriage gets crowded, but a good (looking) woman is not going to keep Feelgood from his appointment.
Holloway Road – breakfast. ย If its true we are what we eat, then Feelgood is as far removed from your complex carbohydrates as a man can possibly be. ย Today, this day, for him, food is functional – don’t worry what it consists of – get it down, line the stomach, and afterwards……. the deluge. ย And as if on cue, a text arrives from Lars, in London, but bounced off the satellite via Sweden. ย The faithful are gathering.
Making a quick diversion toย The Armoury, to get young Miss Feelgood that “must have” Arsenal T shirt, (and fearful of the face of disappointment on return), he eventually arrives at the famed Tollington Arms. ย There they are. A picture of sobriety and rectitude. ย And at the table opposite stand the ‘Holics. The Guinness is poured, and the madness begins…….
Dr Feelgood, for once, is dispassionate as he watches the neighbours take to the field against Chelsea. ย In recent memory, he can’t remember such a win-win fixture. ย There is positive news, whichever way that particular cookie decides to crumble. ย So again, he just takes a step back and grins. ย Fuck ’em – ย a plague on both their houses.
If truth be told, he is more pre-occupied with debating the merits of the respective Arsenal left backs. ย Much has been said about young master Gibbs of late, but Feelgood, on the one hand not wanting to see Arsene disturb the back four unit, has a hankering to see Santos, if only to confirm with his own eyes that Wenger has pushed him on to the Atkins diet. ย It doesn’t really matter though, because with regular full backs, Arsenal are much more balanced – a million miles from the clusterfuck defending witnessed earlier in the campaign.
With that resolved, (and as it happened fate would disturb the back four anyway) Feelgood gets back to serious socialising. ย More good people arrive – Lars and two prospective barmaids, ‘Holic, Trev, True Storey, And Lester, Snowy and finally, the lovely Delia, that Norfolk Broad, fights her way through the throng and plants herself in Holic Central. ย Ollie and the Arses also appear. ย Some drinks disappear South.
Partially aneasthetised, Feelgood strides back down the Hornsey Road. ย He is at one with the world. ย Swathes of red and white as far as the eye can see and beaming, expectant faces. ย He himself has a smile for the Arsenal steward who insists on seeing inside his magic bag of tricks – something that even Roxette is wary of asking on a match day – and then he’s in. ย Clock end, upper tier. ย Luckily, being a Gooner, altitude sickness is not a condition we suffer from, although, Feelgood thinks, “those stairs are still a bastard.”
He finds his seat, breathes beerily on the two lovebirds beside him, and looks out on to the majestic scene. ย The guy that makes the stadium announcements gets on everyone’s tits as usual. ย But soon they’re off. ย Feelgood is emotional as he watches those red and white shirts hypnotically weave their magic across that velvet sea of green. ย And of course, the man he wasn’t sure about, opens the scoring…….well, you know the rest, courtesy of the ย fine report above.
Post match, you can imagine, some more drinks disappear South. ย Steve T and Ben pass by, giving the Tollie a wide berth. ย Wolfgang Smallballs, for some inexplicable reason (well not THAT inexplicable) wants to go fighting with the twats from Le Groan. ย The venerable Bergkamp the Man arrives, ย full of hunger and the best intentions, and tries to keep Feelgood on the right side of Roxette and family. ย A fools errand. ย Feelgood, is the fool though. ย Some more drinks head South.
All the while, the Feelgood niece is trying to make contact and texts are missed, rendezvous come and go, the night gets longer than it should, ย and Dr F as usual, has some explaining to do…….
He will no doubt blame Arsene Wenger.
Nice one @5 AL !!! ๐
zico @14 –
superb stuff and great to see you, and everyone else on your list, yesterday. “Norfolk Broad” ๐
‘Holic has already summed up what these “real” meetings of once “virtual” friends mean, and I couldn’t agree more.
Love every minute of it. Cheers all!
@ 5
Has got to be the art of AL.
Whoever, I salute you. ๐
Hey, Trev
Great to see you again yesterday. Manning up with that big boy’s glass ๐
Great post ‘Holic ๐
IW @ 5, :lol.
Zico @ 14, excellent roving matchday summary mate ๐
hey ‘holic and Dr. Zee – mighty fine tales from a very fine day – told through the thick fug of “a bastard behind the eyes” if i’m anything to go by this victorious post-match morn – ta!
psed not me @ 5 – though i like the cut of said jib
By the way, we are witnessing the birth of an Arsenal legend. ย This kid Oxlade-Chamberlain is going to be massive.
Arsene is trying to ease him in gently, but sooner rather than later he is going to be a first pick. ย He’s got it all. ย
With the likes of Coquelin, Frimpong, Wilshere and the Ox, Arsene’s “project” may be closer to fruition than we all thought.
Next season could be huge.
Fabrice Muamba has just been spotted wearing a ‘Pray 4 Tottenham T-shirt’
@5 – great work – tho’ not AL !
Too true Dr. Zee @ 21, too true. I reckon you can add the real Ryo to that list too. He seems to have the lot and is getting MOTM marks and assists etc in a struggling premiership side.
And just maybes JC (for it is he) too – the Costa Rican Campbell
Seems AW may have remembered where he left his magic hat –
He builds great teams when he wants, he builds great teams when he wants, Arsene Wenger etc – Adintothenightum!
Psed – would like to echo what’s been said already re meeting virtual Goonahs for real – Pure joy
Up The Arse!
AL, How did you guess?
told through the thick fug of…..
Re 18, what is wrong with this photo?
Yep, forgot about the Nippon Nipper, AL.
(That’s probably politically incorrect. For anyone offended, what the hell, sue me!).
He’s smiling?
Holic, I now realise why my head hurt this morning. I was obviously upside down for a large part of yesterday….
Trev, you look much better with that glass.
Half glass is useless! ๐
Upside down?
A grand and l-o-n-g day out indeed!
Glad to hear you got back without detour Maestro. Sorry we didn’t get to say goodbye properly but as I recall it, things were getting a bit untidy at the end of the evening as an alcohol fuelled tabs started to rip up The Tollie. My Pulis disguise will never be the same again ๐
Good to see the regulars, as always and to meet Delia and Steve T + Ben for the first time.
Lars, Mr.Quigley, BtM, the prospective HT barmaids and I ended up for a bite at a tapas bar on the Holloway Road. Rather perplexingly, the Time Lord that is BtM vapourised before the chow was consumed. Hope you’re OK sir? See you for the game with the oil barons?
Have a good Sunday all. It’s all a little bit the *boilky* today.
Zico – awesome write up!
Makes me rue the fact I missed you on my trip even more!!!
Heh! @ #26
Is that a wide angle lense making a half-pint appear as a whole one? ๐
Props to Dr.F @ #14. He was in fine form to witness Edwin’s unbeaten record.
The HT MkII rolls forward!
The Professor knows.
Next season can’t come soon enough for both of us, Snir ๐
@ 26 is that Trev caught on camera stealing Zico’s pint?
Never turn your back on a medical man – unless you have to for, you know – that sort of thing. And even then i believe the BMA recommends you maintain eye-contact throughout any procedure/examination etc. i think – though i might be wrong
Excellent day, all. A delight to meet up. I can’t add a thing beyond Holic and Dr Feelgood’s posts other than, TABS, you are a dangerous influence on all impressionable young Fifers.
Ben, great to meet a fellow RvP fan and future Jack Wilshere. Very kind of you to bring your dad along too.
Snowy, I hope my memory lapse is forgiven. It’s an age thing.
Zico, I’m thinking the same thing about the project. You need to add Woj, Jenkinson, Miquel, Gibbs, Iceman, Afobe, Campbell and Miyaichi to your list (as a minimum)
Thanks, everyone. Until the City game.
TS, I suddenly developed a compulsive overwhelming desire for a deep fried haddock! I had developed this at least two hours earlier, but despite exercising every one of my powers of persuasion, TABS and Zico were resolute in their desire to remain rooted in Tollieland. Apologies for the rapid time warp departure through the space time continuum to the Chip Inn. I’m sure Tapas was a much better option.
@ 26, a full pint, as I live and breathe… ๐ฎ
Sterling reports from the front lads.
Multiple hehs @ Zico
Lads, I’d llke to divert your attention to this blog featured on the Mediawatch, thought it was pretty good ๐
http://blog.emiratesstadium.info/archives/19797/
Don’t like it.
Too many assumptions they take as facts.
Have a look at Walter’s referee analysis.
The guy is crazy.
He just jumps to conclusions, like the time he said that Dean has been told by Mile Riley to make us lose and that’s why we didn’t win in 11 matches (prior to the Spurs’ match).
Snir: but you are like that sometimes – yet we all love you for it (0;
Have to agree with GT Snir ๐
Wind, GT- I knew someone will say that.
But that’s not true.
Every time I write something I add that it is my opinion.
For instance when debating with Tabs, about Kos being the best CB in Europe on current form, I always stressed that it was my opinion.
Walter always expresses his opinions differently.
This usually happens when he reviews officials. His conclusions are so black and white.
Arsenal lose – ref is corrupt.
Arsenal win – despite the ref, who of course is corrupt.
To accuse refs of being corrupt and wanting to hurt teams on purpose (and not because they’re simply bad refs) is a pretty heavy claim and cannot be said based on assumptions.
I tend to agree with Snir – officials are inept and incompetent.
But corrupt? Nah.
That said, I do believe they are terrified of their gaffer (i.e. Fergie).
Yesterday sounds like it was an epic day. You all leave the far-flungs feeling very envious.
‘Holic, Zico@14: top posts.
Testing – is the block clock still on GMT?
Yes!
Oh Holic, As much as I enjoy teasing you sometimes, simply can”t with this one. Really enjoyable post lad. So delighted all the holics had such a roaring great time.
“Alcohol is like love. The first kiss is like magic, the second is intimate, the third is routine. After that you just take the girls clothes off.”
Raymond Chandler.
How come every time I go to the Grove its like that first kiss?
You guys and gals of course. And those red and white tops.
Barman, @ 26
did you post that photo upside down earlier?
I am starting to wonder about the sanity clause…..
Epic stuff all around, documented in writing and photo. But BtM, you must curb the longings for deep fried haddock. ๐
Snir: What Walter “The Ref” said..
Arsenal lose โ ref is corrupt.
Arsenal win โ despite the ref, who of course is corrupt.
And your point is? The way I see it Untold Arsenal is just the counter to Le Grove. ~You need balance in the Gooniverse. Walter is a Ref himself and sometimes his previews are so spot on it sends a chill down your spine…my opinion though is that the Gods are either with you or with some other team. We make our own luck in this life – through hard work, courage & application. Once you start winning on your own the Gods all jump on the Bandwagon and do whatever they can to help – like all fair-weather supporters do…that’s just life my friend..
Afternoon Holics and special greetings to Snowy, Trev, Zico and others
who looked after me so well at the Tollie.
There was indeed some really good attacking play in the first half .From my seat it looked impossible for Gibbs to score at the near post. What a great start and I had hoped Villa would thereafter try and make a game of it but they were blown away by Theo’s great strike, from a beautiful ball from Song and confirmed to me that they were relegation fodder!
At 2-0 the foot came off the peddle and we were content to just pass the ball around without creating a great deal. The second half became a bit of a snooze ,the weather and the Abbott might have had something to do with it . The introduction of Santos caused a ripple of anxiety when his first touch went straight to an opponent but other than that the game proceeded towards an uneventful close . The sting was in the tail, with a fantastic free kick from Arteta, which left Given helpless.
Gervinho put in his best performance in a while.Theo continued his recent good run and the whole mid-field put in a great shift. Tommy V was my MOTM yet again. The late introduction of Djourou didn’t affect the efficiency of the back 4 ,which bodes well for next Saturday if Kos has not recovered from his knee problem.
I thought RVP had a poor game by his own very high standards. He looked a trifle slow and fluffed a couple of really good chances. Just my view from Block 112.
There will be tougher tests ahead, so may we all hold our nerve and our form for just 8 more games!
As always COYRs
So what I really wanted to say is that Holic’s post and the roving reports from the assorted Holics above are perhaps the best set of drinks I can remember in a long, long time. What I have noticed about us Holics is that we are only really at our best on here when we are losing and in a crisis, but when we win its like ‘whatever’…nice to see the Pulitzer prize winners out in force today..
Oh and all this talk about eating on the Holloway Road! Times seem to have changed, but perhaps H2H will confirm that when we were growing up if you were hungry and found yourself on the Holloway Road you’d die certainly – there were no food to be found anywhere (well none that you could actually eat anyway)…
Happy daze are ‘ere again…(0;
Read again Terry, Holloway Rd could STILL be like that ๐
Barman, @ 26
did you post that photo upside down earlier?
I am starting to wonder about the sanity clauseโฆ..
No, no I did not, hence my query at 31.
Best have an alcohol-free week mate ๐
Delia, so sorry I missed you. Glowing references were supplied later…
Terry, as well as the old botualism in a bun joints there are now some fine restaurants from many cultures down HR. The tapas joint is superb, and the Indian Ocean is a bit good too.
Dr Zee: but several holics have mentioned the fact that they stopped at Eateries on the Holloway Road and actually FOUND something to eat! Admittedly you were only packing in some stuffing in a vain attempt to prevent the laws of nature running its course but all the same…BtM seems to be the only one sensible enough to ‘vaporize’ the fuck otta there! (0;
Guv: Our posts crossed…oh my it seems that my old manor is going up and up! Good to hear that Curry is also on offer – time gone by one had to wander down to Euston – Drummond Street – for a decent Rudy Murrey if one had a hankering for ‘hot & spicy’ which, admittedly, for me was like almost everyday – I had a season ticket to my favorite drum down there! (0;
btw..which two journos pray tell?
Well what an epic boilk, but one that I wouldn’t have missed for the world.
Great report Guv’nor, and zico too ๐
BtM of course you are forgiven, just don’t do it again ๐
Great to see everyone again, and to meet you Delia – now you know who/where we all are, please don’t be a stranger.
AL and TaBS – well done for being the last ‘holics standing. Again. Top work chaps.
Now, I think I may need another little lie down as the boilk is catching up with me again…laters folks…
Too late @ 60 ๐
Must have been an Apple thing……is my excuse anyway…..
Still in transit…..the UK rail system doesn’t do Sundays. :-(.
(Or any other day, come to think of it…..).
Gov’nor: I thought Dr Zee was commenting on the fact that Trev appeared – to all intents & purpose – to be smiling in that photo (and knowing what a miserable Kuyt he can be…) Dr Zee obviously thought that the ‘smile’ was inverted (photo upside down…geddit?)…oh but don’t worry..its just the after effects of the admixture of the Guinni with the various samples of Celtic rocket fuel you seem to have imbibed yesterday (0;
Irrespective of rotation, I definitely WAS upside down for a large part of yesterday.
The seat of Kings is hoving into view……Roxette used to think getting home at 1am from a day at the football was late 8)
HEy, just walked back in after etting pisse dwith A cHelsa fan and barca fan from NZ and Austraila. THey accused me of being a blinkerd gooner because I said, “Giggs and Schooles are on drugs, so is the entire Barca team#” “Despite what the press says Tottnehman p@lay shit and don’t desreve their postion”
WEhat do you think??
*Belch*
CoR: I think you should go lie down – and erm…mind the gap between bed & floor!
* assuming of course you’re on a Futon..
Chelsea on course for sixth place. The betting is on how many managers they will fire before season’s end. ๐
GT – All I meant to say is that black and white approach by Walter is a bit over the top for me.
I know, I am in the black and white camp when it comes to emotions, but not when it comes to analysis.
I always try to consider all things concerned when I’m analyzing whatever needs (or not ๐ ) to be analyzed.
That’s why I’ve been called by some “the most over analytic person” they’ve met.
I’m not telling you not to read it, all I’m saying is that I, personally, don’t like that website, that’s all.
http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/sunday-exclusive/120325/parlour-wengers-training-methods-are-unbelievable-167961
And I thought AW’s training sessions are shit because Pat Rice is his Yes Man and they don’t deal with defensive issues.
Well, what do you know.
An invincible saying otherwise, it couldn’t be, could it?
I fear you are about to discover the error of quoting TalkShite radio as a resource, Snir.
It pays its way by getting people to spout bollocks so people get the ‘ump and phone in on premium rate numbers.
Ray knows how to play them like a fiddle.
Be gentle with him, ‘holics ๐
Wondering who ‘holic’s favourite journalist is: I didn’t see Martin Keown in there (do media people all qualify as ‘journalist’ ? ๐ ).
Great to see so many ‘holics, the pubs was just rammed.
Cheers all.
Delia @ 57, glad to hear you’ve finally found the lads ๐
Trev looks how I imagined him to look, even with the deceptive full pint;) but Zico, well… 8)
You were there, Wind?
Maybe its because I’ve always imagined Zico as borderline sane but Feelgood as out of control but in control at the same time… ๐
Did the clock go an hour forward in the UK last night?
I have a two hour time difference on my screen.
Yes they did, H2H
Obviously they didn’t on the Goonerholic server though ๐
GT, I have to agree I can’t recall any houses of fine dining on the Holloway Rd in my time. But then again I didn’t exactly come from a family where eating out was top of the menu, we weren’t exactly what you would call well off, we had to save up for ages just to be poor. ๐
I remember in the pre McD days there was a Wimpy at the archway end and across from the Holloway Rd tube station you could get a mean savaloy from the chippy, but that’s about it.
In my teens when I worked in the area I’d spend my lunchbreaks in the Kings Head, not a bad lunch as I recall or in the snooker centre (old ABC/Coronet) Chips and beer and a quick frame.
Cheers Ollie.
Ah, so that explains one of the hours lost last night……
Ha, a backdrink reveals a photo.
And tabs was standing at the end, snowy?
That’s an improvement on last time. ๐
Lol that’s hilarious.
The upside down version of the pictures is only on mobile Internet.
On my computer it’s ok but on my cell phone it’s upside down. Lol
When last I saw him, definitely yes Ollie. But not atop a Tollie table this time ๐
Ollie @ 75, if I was there I would of introduced myself to you fine gentlemen and ladies ๐
How was the journeey home?
Snir @ 84, the photo isn’t upside down for me, and I’m typing this drink on my mobile internet phone. Maybe its something to do with the service provider (I’m T-Mobile)
Snir @ 84, thank you for confirming there is a sanity clause.
The fecker is STILL upside down on my iPad. How weird is that? Well, about as weird as the usual stuff on here, but you know……
It’s fine on my iPhone, my iMac, and the netbook.
wtf?
Feelgood, “out of control”?
Whatever,could give any of you, that idea??????
After all, it’s not just him that’s upside down ๐
Turning the iPad on.
PSG v Les Girondins http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/115490/1/watch-paris-saint-germain-vs-girondins-bordeaux.html
Well I never did. It’s upside down on my iPad. That is mental. I will try and reload a bigger version. Hang fire.
Holic – Ipad is flash compatible?!?
It’s upside down on apple products, since it’s upside down on my Iphone and your Ipads ๐
Watch you don’t get a rush of blood to the head ‘Holic…..
Evening Snowy. My memory recalls you in a shirt-swapping session with tabs. Did I imagine it? ๐
Zico @ 21, a man who sat next to me in the North Bank for my first Arsenal game ever vs Shrewsbury in the 3rd Round of the Carling Cup (he was a season ticket holder who knew the people next to him and the 3 people in the front and the back of him
***
*P*
*** with ‘p’ being him, they were also his fellow season ticket holders but they weren’t at that game at the time) said exactly the same thing before he scored his 30 yarder ๐
When I left the Emirates that night, I said to myself ‘Ooh to be a Gooner’, and how I was right ๐
Try that. Pic upright for all? Time correct? Anybody else got any problems?
Right. Les Girondins it is then, followed by the second half of Thierry v Stan from NY.
Zico @ 90, heh! ๐
Shirt-swapping?
We could have sold tickets ๐
BtM
Thanks for the explanation confirming your mastery of time travel and your penchant for fish & chips matched only by a certain Brazillian wing-back. The tapas was very good, the company even better. ‘Catch’ you for The Vulgarians hopefully. Safe globe-trotting in the meantime ๐
You can get a Flash emulator as such. Skyfire browser, Snir.
Gunvor, what a strike! Seems like everyone was moving the ball around without being physically aware of it ๐
Heh H and well in. A finish that The-o would have been proud of.
All good now Holic ๐
Can I get that for Iphone, or is it just for the Ipad?
Yip, right side up now, and yet, incredibly, still as ugly.
That pint looks nice though…..
Emirates Stadium, North Bank, Block 11, Row 6, Seat 347. A thing of beauty ๐
Wind 86, yes, I would have thought so ๐
It’s only when I saw the photo above that I realised what you were talking about.
Good goal, barman!
Huh. The early drinks have been scrambled.
Just the iPad, Snir, I believe.
Sorry Wind, it’s because of these fussy sods who want pics the right way up and the time correct.
TS, you most certainly did not imagine it.
I’m sure it was Snowy’s biceps that frightened off the Groaners. (It certainly wasn’t Wolfie’s pectorals) ๐
Ooh, I scored ๐
I actually have a few pictures of my own from the trip ๐
For anyone on FB –
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150727807932464.458525.639322463&type=3
It’s a public album, and if you really want to send an add friend request, I’ll confirm I know you ๐
Well in ‘holic.
Wind has become provider ๐
Evening True Storey, or ‘True Pulis’ as I believe you now prefer to be known ??? ๐
Yes indeed there was shirt swapping. Until TaBS got cold and asked for his shirt back. Would never have lasted in Rugby League that lad…
Well in @100 ‘holic – but no-one would buy tickets to that ๐
๐
H2H: …you had to save up to be poor?! Lucky sod! You had what to save mate. In my house the rats used to bring uz their left-overs because they felt sorry for uz (0;
Heh, we must of been neighbours.
Terry, in the words of one Seasick Steve, I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it left ๐
Snowy.
I can’t believe anyone would prefer to be refered to as Pulis, unless ofcourse he was hoping for a nomination for the annual cunt of the year awards.
122 ๐
H2H @ 123 – I was amazed too. TaBS did try to bring TS/TP to his senses in some sort of mad scramble for TS/TP’s baseball cap. But by that point of the evening my memory is definitely a bit on the hazy side, truth be told… ๐
Well in, ‘Holic for the ton. A shot out of nowhere.
And at GT said @58, this is just a great set of drinks, reflecting the great group this bar has become. Humbled and honored to sup with one and all.
Re: The last question in Arsene’s presser (http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/-it-was-a-very-dynamic-fluent-performance-)
Arteta has short feet. Who knew??
At least after yesterday’s screamer of a goal I don’t think he’ll soon be feeling deficient. ๐
I think we need to start a new campain;
S.O.S. (Save Our Storey)
All donations of alcohol will be extreamly appreaciated.
I’ll set up a website, but don’t try to follow me on twitter, ’cause I’ll call the police. ๐
Brilliant, insightful description of the match, all of you. So good to read about our players’ performances and manager’s tactics.
What an absolute waste of a blog. Exactly what Arsenal World was 10 years ago.
*clicks on 7am Kickoff*
Send me your details and I will arrange your refund pal. Hate having unhappy customers.
Read the definition of a blog.
Then go read the newspapers.
‘Holic @ 114, haha, bless your Guinness heart Maestro ๐
Snir @ 117, ๐
ewwww – A cyber flounce @ 129…
And er – right back atchyer – Topman Snowy @ 63
Well said ‘holic.
*clicks on NYG fuckoff*
1-0 to Les Girondins!
‘Holic –
there are many things wrong with that picture but, for me, being upside down is not, and was not, one of them !
Flash simulator ?
I do not flash, or pretend to, for anyone, upside down or any other way.
Try Smallballs – sounds like a job for him, to me ๐
Nice to see you again yesterday Guvnor, looking relaxed. Hope all was well when you got home.
1-1 Bollocks
I told you there was nothing good in NY (except for TH).
NYGooner –
believe you dropped in around New Year to slag the whole place off, after which everyone tried to make welcoming amends.
Good to see you’re still here ! ๐
New York Gooner. What a cunt
And I see even poor old Pete is getting name checks now?
Seems my match day observations are not to the required standard ๐
Relaxed as a newt, Trev ๐
Ollie was pointing out some of you yesterday
“He’s the one with the grey hair”
Because that narrowed it down
heh, Neighbour.
Happy kids? ๐
Yes indeed. My cache of cookies has been cleared
Evening All ,
Been sitting all day in varying states of agony trying not to move my head , but thought I’d better pop in to offer my thanks to all the usual suspects for another great day out .
Arsenal won , and there was a bit of cross-dressing involved , so what was not to like ? ๐
I think apologies are due to TS for any disrespect shown to his cap , and to Mr Bergkamp for being a bad influence , and keeping a Fife man from his Fish and Chips . Gentlemen , a heartfelt sorry .
AL , Snowy , tremendous performances , I think we saw those Arseurs off . ๐
Now , has anyone got a number for a decent Detox programme ?
and heh, to the neighbour’s neighbour’s neighbour ๐
1-1 final score.
One has the impression that Chamakh could have scored that last chance; Ben Kailfailure couldn’t.
He posts when he wants, he posts when he wants –
Aye tabs if they’d been dishing out medals for drinking yesterdee instead of 7 aside – i think it’s safe to say the holic’s would have erm…cleaned up
Shay Given (arguably Arsenal’s first goal scorer yesterday) on MOTD2 couch with Dicko – surely an Arse eulogy awaits
Although to be fair it should have been a penalty.
Who was who in the picture above?
zico&Trev, NB1
Why didn’t we sign him permanently?
Still has it. What a finish for his 2nd.
Fuck them Gooners – we’re still the best in North London:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/548010_10150767142468336_150400308335_11731602_1261182530_n.jpg
NYG,
7amkickoff not too bad by the way. Couldn’t find NYGfuckoff tho.
The neighbour,
Really? I didn’t think we were allowed to call our own cunts.
Goonerholic,
Thought what neighbour said usually got a slap on the wrist and taken down as not being fitting of this site. What’s changed?
The fact that he is right? ๐
New York Gooner, What a party pooper you are! Tis ashame. If you read Holic’s post, you should have understood that there was a SPECIAL significance to their gathering yesterday…Anyway, great drinks since I last took a peek this morning. Watched the Rangers v Celtic game, OMG! 4 reds produced, a manager ejected and Celtic down to 9 men and manage to score 2 goals in the last 5 min. or so. Final score 3-2. But it was their fans who stole the show, unbelievable!!! Was very proud of them. Off to work soon, so all you great goonahs out there, sweet dreams.
A real Arsenal day starts with and all to familiar scenario unfolding in the Essex under 8โs League. 2 nil down after only 10 minutes and playing well below par against perceived weaker opposition. The parents on the sidelines try to remain positive although they struggle to contain their anger at more sloppy defending and another misplaced pass. Their displeasure does not quite make the BBB but the locals were getting restless. That all changes when 3 well constructed efforts seal a well deserved victory. The promise of Jaffa Cakes are restored and everyone leaves happy.
A quick shower and lunch on the Central Line mean that me and the lad are just about on course to make our pre arranged meet with BtM. What a considerable pleasure that turned out to be. Entrance to the ground is secured and we get to share a beer and toast the mighty Gunners in an all too brief a meeting.
The smiles are somewhat tempered by the news of the injury to Kos in the warm up. Not good news. I have never been a big JD fan. I had little reason to fear as the Arsenal took control of the game from the start. I was very pleased to see Gibbs get on the score sheet. Granted Given may well question his attempted save but frankly none of that bothers me in the slightest. The second was a work of art. A fantastic through ball again from Song, a wonderful first touch from Theo ensured that he had the time to look up and pick his spot. Now, again we mention a wonderful ball from Song, but I can not be the only one to notice that he never plays an average pass? His passing just mystifies me. One moment he puts the ball on a sixpence in an act of pure beauty. The next he hitโs a 5 yard pass 10 yards wide? I really do not know how he does it.
The second half hardly saw us get out of second gear. Being greedy and wanting to capitalise on the drivel served up at the bus stop I want a goalfest in the 2nd half. It was not to come. However we were all treated to an Arteta thunderbolt in injury time. What a wonderful strike and well deserved for his recent efforts. The crowd rise as one at the final whistle and I have an 8 year old smiling from ear to ear.
Other moments worthy of mention again has to involve the crowd. Great support and great banter. The sounds of โhe scores when he wantsโ echoed around the ground until the number 18 is illuminated on the 4th officialโs board indicating the sad departure of Heskey. The 12โ remix version then kicks in with amended lyrics. โHe scores only onceโ serenades Emile as he traipses off to beat the queues for the showers.
The only real negatives for me were the fact that a few too many times for my liking we seemed to leave ourselves very susceptible to the counter attack. Apart from that there was little else.
Many positives. Theoโs confidence continues to grow. Flipper did not have his best day but his work rate was commendable, including his defensive efforts. The two Tommys are just born troopers. Their commitment levels inspire those around them.
So there you have it. Another great 3 points. 8 points ahead of the Chavs in 5th with 8 to go is a position that if I am perfectly honest I did not foresee. A quick divert to the Tollie to wave at those caged in put a smile on my face until I realised that I was the only one not with a beer. Nice to see so many friendly faces again even if it was all too brief. Man City will be different. Time for a proper drink.
Train home, followed by a trip to Tesco. Ferret on offer again Holic. I made good use of that offer. There then followed a stop for a naughty kebab and then home to dine.
Meals finished and Ben is now huddled up with me on the sofa as we watch the end of the sports news. He turns and says โthanks dad, itโs been a good day.โ Damn right little fella. And itโs moments like that that put the seal on a great day.
Ima @5. Very good.
Zico @14. An excellent read.
Holic. Great write up.
Onwards and upwards dear holics.
NewYorkGooner @129 –
“Brilliant, insightful description of the match, all of you. So good to read about our playersโ performances and managerโs tactics. *clicks on 7am Kickoff*”
Funny thing is, I read that blog often enough, and I rarely have found the “insightful descrption of the match, [p]layers’ performances and manager’s tactics” for which you so melodramaticly pine.
ABB, NewYorkGooner is the perfect reason why a person as nice as yourself should get the hell out of New York.
Glad to hear that a good time was had by all. Rough week coming up, so I might miss a lot of the shenanigans. I’ll try to pop by as time permits.
Keep calm. Carry on.
BMBD.
Sounds like a great day was had by all.
Last home game of the season for me and Master Fin seems next.
I think I’ll shoot for the last home game of the season as well.
Is it only me or do NY Gooner & NB1 travel together?! I thought that after his last strop he had gone forever…so this is for him:
NYG: If clicking on Goonerholic’s tab make you so unhappy why don’t you do yourself a favor and delete it from your Bookmarks? And before you start with the “we all attack newcomers who don’t share our narrow views” bullcrap..let me also share this from Desiderata – by Max Ehrmann (C):
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence…..
Seems I’m banged to rights ‘holic. Ban me now.
Is that north bank from the arses who states his opinion as fact?
The one who stated the fact that if Chelsea did not beat Napoli then England would lose a CL spot?
That fact
What part of Essex would that be Steve?
At home with GoonerTerry:
Daughter number 2 (Asha) is looking at the .com, Daughter number 1 (Ria) is looking over her shoulders:
D#2: Daddy, can you order one of these shirts with my name on it?
D#1: Me too! I want one..
D#2: But you are not even interested in the Arsenal Ria!
D#1: DADDY?!?!
(not wanting to get involved I pretend not to hear the brewing quarrel)
D#1 again: Listen little girl I was supporting Arsenal long before you were born! (she’s 3-years older)
D#2: So?? I am the bigger fan!
D#1: DADDIEEE?!?!
D#2: OK then you can have a shirt! You can put “Gunner Ria” on it!
At this point I step in to calm a distraught Daughter # 1…You Holics better pray you don’t encounter Daughter #2 on FFF (0;
Steve T @ 157, GoonerTerry @ 164, you too seems like excellent dads, best of the best ๐
Steve T, another excellent matchday report to add to Zico’s and Delia (have I forgotten anyone else’s? Cba to back-drink)
GT, do both Ria and Asha get one, or only Ria? How did you placate both daughters with your venerable wisdom? ๐
They will both get shirts – with name of their choice on them (0;
Very interesting read, will leave it to you guys to carve out opinions on this:
http://www.sportingintelligence.com/2011/09/18/park-and-thrive-how-ji-sung-helps-manchester-united-reign-supreme-in-asia180901/
Nice one GT ๐
Any preference for blue away or yellow 3rd kit over the home kit?
[Inspired by Kahil Gebran and this photo http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00918/wenger_350x300_918255a.jpg
I present:
BODY AND SOUL – An Adaptation
Two men stood on the sidelines looking upon a bright Spring day. They stood close one unto the other. And the first man said, โI love my team. They are handsome, and rich in talent, and always look so well-attired in their Lilly-white kit.โ
And the second man said, โI love my team too. They are a beautiful thought, a beauty too apart to hold in the hand, they are like a song in my dreaming.โ
But the first man turned from him in anger, and he said, โSir, please leave me now. How can a team be a thought, and a thing that passes in your dreams. Like my team they should be desirable . Like your desire for your wife, and the mother of unborn glories.โ
And after the game they parted.
And the first man was saying in his heart, โBehold another dream is even now turned into mist.โ
And the second man was saying, โWell, what of a team who turns his aspirations into a mist and a dream?โ
Wow, GT…
That is deeeep. Not sure how you manage with TWO daughters. One is more than I can handle; perhaps because she is so much like her mother…
BMBD.
Hurricane: The Chinese web-chat with Martin Keown the other day attracted 3-million live viewers! We are going to kill united in China!
Thanks Lonestar: They are certainly a handful at times but I wouldn’t swap them for the world. But two is a lot easier than one funnily enough! They sometimes fight like tigers and scream like banshees but at other times they sing together like angels – both have great voices. Both are part of a Dance Theater Company. Ria had her first solo performance singing at a show put on by her school the other night. I was stunned – she was that good…(0;
Beautiful stuff above, GT :’)
Sorry to miss the rendezvous per and post match on Saturday. Sounds a great day and the goals looked good on Arsenal Media (Dennis bless’em). Other results seem to have gone our way too. Hopefully this run is going to hold.
O 2 b etc…..
What zico said @21. I second that emotion.
SG, ABB, as someone who spends a bit of time in New York, I can assure you that most Gooners in the city would meld into in the Tollie to the manner born. There will always be exceptions.
Watched this game in the am of Sunday morning and got that sinking feeling at the announcement of Kos out JD in. First thoughts were of us having the back four destabilized that has been playing so well together.
JD then gets his beak smashed in by Emile and the concern is he might need to come off…. Shows he is made of stern stuff stays on and produces his best game of the season, proving he also has the mental toughness our boss always talks about.
Early Gibbs goal, brilliant Songinho pass for Theo to slot one and I am jumping around like a monkey in the living room bringing “her nibs” out of bed to castigate me. The game crawls on and I think do I really need to be up at nearly 4am to watch us play with Villa like a cat does to a mouse. Indeed it is worth it as Arteta bangs in a screamer of a free kick that is worth staying awake for a week to see.
Awesome to hear about the ‘Holic get together It sounds like it was a grand time and I am hoping maybe next season I can get to a game all the way from Oz and meet the fans who contribute to this site with positive thoughts through thick and thin.
Best thing about this week is I have converted a workmate to the pleasure of supporting the Arse and he has gone out and bought an RVP top and watched us destroy the Villa and came in excited about the result. When you get someone on board especially as we appear to be a Liverpool and LWC’s supporting workplace, it gives u a special glow.
Go you Gunners
Idk if this has been posted already, but sure is a great way to start your day.
http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/individual-highlights-ryo-miyaichi-v-blackburn/#disqus_thread
Look out for the amazing stepover and cross @ 3:00. Trouser wetting stuff.
Cant wait to see him in an Arsenal shirt.
Thanks SlaSh that was fun to watch. The lad looks a real talent.
@178: Slash, Ryo is certainly improving and seems to be impressing many fans regardless of their allegiances. Hope he helps Bolton stay up. I personally can’t wait to see him back at Arsenal next season. The problem will be whether he can continue to get regular game time next year as there will be huge competition for places next season.
Another plus is when he comes back, I can say goodbye to poor quality streams as Arsenal matches will most probably be televised all the time here in Japan. Right now, you can’t walk into a sports bar without seeing Bolton playing on the screen…
I agree regarding the need for Ryo to play.
But still i would like him to stay with us next season and not go on loan. I would rather have problems of plenty with Gerv, RYO OX and Theo fighting out for two spots.
I cant wait for the next game, seems so far away.
Wow, nearly human again.
Seem to have lost a few hours on Saturday evening – British Summer Time? Pfft….
Pity my “coming to” had to co-incide with a Monday. Work. ๐
Thanks to all for yet another fun-filled matchday and thanks to all for kind words regarding my evil twin @ 14.
Thanks Holic! That was some serious Time Cop business though. Felt like I was hallucinating…
Morning All,
H2H @ 128: Heh! Most kind but unnecessary matey. It’s unfortunate that a baseball cap is so strongly associated with that horrible creature at SCRFC. I prefer to think of the halcyon days in the early 70s when Bob Wilson donned similar headgear in the bright May sunshine when we clinched our first double ๐
tabs @ 145: Per ‘Holic, no need to apologise to your friends. Your favourite bouncer at The Tollie might appreciate a bunch of flowers and a box of chocs the next time you visit though ๐
Steve T @ #157 – Good stuff. ‘Traipse’, heh! Great to see you and junior albeit from behind bars.
@ TS
I suspect none of us looked out of place behind bars ๐
Heh! Dr.z – the minute I posted that I thought EXACTLY the same thing.
Loved the erudite poster @ #129. It’s called a ‘don’t bother clicking’ button. I wonder if it was Gareth LC’s revenge? See tabs for details, heh!
heh Dr Z
Morning all.
Morning all.
I have a migraine. And I wasn’t even at the Tollie!
Making me late… ๐
Morning Ollie
Train trauma over? ๐
heh, yeah, cheers, Dr Z. It was very mild anyway.
With thanks to Steve T, who I think first introduced this song to me.
But…. dedicated to Mr H Redknapp….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rb13ksYO0s&feature=fvwrel
This should please NYG….
Courtesy of DesiGunner (TM):
“City, Arsenal, and United (game in hand) have all picked up 51 points since Oct 3rd i.e. after first 7 games”
https://twitter.com/#!/goonerdesi/status/184053355130269696/photo/1
Arsenal. Championship form. FACT!!!!
Great stats there TS. We also have Arteta, the top passer in the Prem, 1892 passes, 90% accuracy according to Opta…
CoR – I think it bodes really well for next season assuming we keep the same squad of players (minus the ones we’d all like to see move on) and the same attitude on and off the pitch.
And it is Arteta’s birthday today, CoR.
Good morning good Goooonahs!
Ta for that posting @ 178 Slash. Ordinarily – like most of us, i think – i’m a wee bit wary of Youtube analysis and that. But with the real Ryo we’re not looking at some fellow haring about some foreign field against oppo we know nowt about. And these are big. big games for Bolton and he shows great quality, great variety and great maturity in his play and he’s brave too – even when the oppo double up on ‘im.
I reckon Arsene will use him at The Grove next season – even if it’s just for the occasional last arf hour – when anyone of The Theo, Gerv The Swerve and The Ox have already run the oppo ragged. Can’t wait already
And TS @193 why i do like the look of your breakfast table. Maybes the whole cluurb is about to do an RVP. That is have a cracking half a season before carrying it on for the whole of the season after that…
Up The Arse!
Happy 30th Birthday Mikel Arteta!
Ball into the box, the Emirates rises in song…
Happy birthday Arteta, you cool and groovy cat!
Toby thumps it in with his bum, Gallas-style
And, like Gallas, being a bum, misses the ball…
Well in Shaft! Damn right!
I agree TS, I really like the squad we have.
All I’ve ever wanted was a team that possessed the graft and the skill to play in the Prem….and the destruction of the LWCs ๐
Thanks for the heads up Ollie! Birthday boy Mikel eh? So does this mean we have to wait til next year before he lets loose a cannonball free kick???
The ball flies in off the appendage, faster than the assist came in if that’s possible :O
Well in Shaft! ๐
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLLIE !!!
Can your alcohol system take another topping up?
Er…. or did I get that wrong in a post hangover, hangover?
Thanks to whoever sends text messages as ‘10164’.
You know who you are. Well, I hope, because I don’t ๐
I know who 36173 is though.
Good century, Shaft.
Today, TS, I shall mostly be doing nothing and stay sober.
I know who 10164 is actually, there was a clue referring to a post here. ๐
Happy Birthday Ollie, I never knew, no indication ๐
We’ll have to set you up for the assist @ 300 ๐
Ollie, the HLR(s) don’t always carry international caller/sender IDs via Skype ๐ณ
Do you take an ollieday on your birthday, Ollie?
Top quality Andy ๐
Two Andy Gorams, There’s only two Andy Gorams, Two Andy Gorams….
An ollieweek even.
Partly because I have 15 days to take before the end of May and work switch is supposed to stupidly happen start of May, and May will have 3 3days-week.
I completely missed the pun element. D’Oh!
Got my email published in F365’s mailbox page, good way to start the week.
It’s signed “Gobsmacked, London”.
Happy Birthday Ollie.
Morning Gooner fans.
Ollie’s birthday or MA’s?
I am confused.
Whatever – Happy Birthday, boy (or boys) ๐
Both, Dr Z! ๐
Thanks all well-wishers.
Thierry’s 2 goals for the NY Red Bulls:
http://football-talk.co.uk/61329/video-thierry-henry-scores-superb-brace-in-4-1-win-over-rapids/
Still oozing quality ๐
Happy birthday Ollie!!!
Have to say Spur’s run in is easier, a lot easier, but we’ll still finish above them ๐
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/
Too lazy to do a screen-grab, but I hope you can see
‘Liverpool payers were tired’ on the right hand side headlines column.
Cheers, Snir.
@224
Happy Train remark. Love it. ๐
A jollie happy b’day Ollie from The Tollie – and Artetetetaaaaa’s too. Why – is every day from now till the end of the season gonna be a good goooonah one?!??!
Happy birthday Ollie. Many happy returns.
TS , you’re a Gentleman .
Happy Birthday Ollie .
I think I could be spending all day thanking people.
So if anyone says happy birthday to me later, please refer them to here:
————> ‘Thanks for the birthday wishes!’ <——————————-
Happy birthday, Ollie.
Interesting stat from BBC that reminds us that full backs aren’t only about going forward:
Arsenal have conceded less than half as many goals per game when Gibbs has played in the league this season (0.7) as when he hasn’t (1.6).
Wind@222: first one was a bit of a gift but the second one was out of the TH14 text book; opened the chest and curled the ball across the keeper and inside the far post.
Good morning Holics…Happy Birthday Ollie…Its a good thing your birthday isn’t on FFF because with a statement like @ 231 I may have stripped you limb from limb you ungracious bastard…but today is your birthday so have a WONDERFUL day – go easy on your poor liver & kidneys *(he says with a resigned sigh)..
Happy Birthday Arteta lets have more of these please: http://youtu.be/oQ16X8etImE
Top man Ollie @ #231.
tabs @ #230, I try… ๐
AL @ #228 – I’ll drink to that but nothing alcoholic for me today thank you.
whispers very softly happy birthday ollie…and is thankful for all the smiles he has put on my face.
Having already wished Ollie on the arses, I shall raise a glass of finest holicbar malt in the name of Ollster
Cheers
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKEL!!!
After a partial back-drink, I find myself envying you holics (and arsebloggers) who made it to the mega congregation on Saturday.
Hope I too can make it, one day
NBN @ 233, its like he’ll never forget how to score the 2nd, natural muscle memory ๐
Harsha @241 I’m with you looking on with envy at these people far away suffering (at the Tollie) to keep us entertained, though I do wonder about what actually happens – a single drink photo clearly does not describe it all – can we have more please!
Happy b’day Ollie and Mikel Arteta
No more photos, please!
Think of the children….. ๐
Heh…. this struck me as appropriate!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMLPw6KvSJs ๐
You’re not the first to say so, Dr C ๐
Don’t you listen to Roxette! ๐
I never do ๐
*refers a few more people to 231* ;D
And heh DR C&zico
Back home after a weekend full of sunshine, beer and fun. As always a privilege and an honour to meet all the holics. I really wish Stockholm was a lot closer to London so I could be there more often!
“He took a wrong turn, he took a wrong tuuuurn, he is Dr Feelgood, he took a wrong turn!” – me, Lester, Top Man Snowy and tabs when zico, in an attempt to leave the Tollie, aimed for the door and missed and instead ended up in the garden area with a very confused look on his face
“It feels a bit wierd talking to you when you are holding your cock in your hand” – quote of the year from And Lester when addressing me in the bogs at the Tollie
There were a number of wrong turns on Saturday night, Lars.
Good to see you again, and your Happy Train barmaids. ๐
heh, good stuff Lars! ๐
Heh, I see Fulham got denied a penalty at Old Cuntford.
Quelle surprise.
Good evening gents (and any lasses out there) Now you all must know by now what I think of the lot of you, but just in case you need reminding…Psychologists have come to the conclusion that literary skills peak in young adulthood. Obviously, they have never visited Holic’s bar. We have the greatest storytellers, debaters and satirists gathered right here. Of course our youngsters are pretty darn amazing…our barkeep isn’t shabby either (imho).
Wow Lars…
Those are some quotes ๐
abb, I’m very inclined to agree with you Ms ๐
Great to meet you Lars and put a face and that to your always mighty fine postings.
And sorry about the comment you mentioned above – but we were at the bar at the time
weren’t we?
Evening all.
Catching up with an email backlog I didn’t know existed. Massive thanks to Tim for sending this ‘wordleholic’, based on the blog.
Cheers mate. Love that.
Why isn’t Ollie mentioned there!?!?
He deserves a mention, what with his birthday and all that, you know ๐
Damn, won’t be able to keep my eyes open long enough to score the last birthday wish of the year.
Happy Birdthay Ollie.
Checks Fulham result… Bugger.
I’ve found that Music and Sports bring me a happiness that I really can’t explain.
I mean, I’m sitting right now next to my computer, and I have to read Philosophy for an exam I have! I gotta read Kant and Mill, but I just don’t want to press pause on the playlist.
Wow, it just makes me happy.
Only Arsenal (and other teams I support) bring me that kind of happiness that is inexplicable, everything else, is pretty much straightforward, you’re happy ’cause you got a good grade, pay rise etc…
But Sports is something truly inexplicable to someone on the outside….
Arsenal ๐ณ
He’s there Snir – ‘T’ollie’ – bottom leftish
it’s a handsome looking thing ‘holic – and the language looks surprisingly clean at a glance – who’d have thought
How on earth does it not include the word Beer or Guinness is beyond me.
Lars@250: as long as it was his he was holding.
AL@262: you are right. Language is far too clean.
Wind@242: it must be like riding a bicycle for him. Some things you just never forget.
Happy birthday to Ollie and all other persons celebrating. I would mention Arteta by name but I’m not sure he reads Goonerholic. Say it ain’t so Mikel. ๐
Ollie,
thanks for already thanking me for wishing you a Happy Birthday!
Which I have. Now. ๐
‘Holic @ 258 – now you’ve gone all art nouveau on us? What, with mysterious strangers sending you missives contructed all Andy Warhol-style? Not to mention commenting on popular podcasts and hosting social gatherings and the like.
I don’t know how long we uncultured types will be welcome…
Oh for the good ol’ days.
– happy belateds Ollie and Mikel.
BMBD.
Oh, and u too, Trev.
BMBD
โIt feels a bit weird talking to you when you are holding your cock in your handโ โ quote of the year from And Lester when addressing me in the bogs at the Tollie..PRICELESS
Give him the award now (0;
zico, there were indeed a couple of wrong turns (by all involved, I hasten to add!) but it all ended well ๐
Lester, no need to feel sorry for that quote – I does feel a bit wierd talking to any man holding his cock!
Holic, that’s quite a lovely little picture@258.
Lars, AL,
Isn’t the generally accepted rule that you NEVER talk to someone when they are pissing, unless you too are pissing… in which case you chat away?
Of course, holding someone else’s cock is generally very frowned upon! Calm down Wolfie
That is the rule Catalan, also no eye contact is allowed when eating penile shaped objects, the uncomfortable pause could well be.. fatal ๐
Catalan, we were holding our own cocks so no need to worry there!
I thought conversation of any kind in the loo is frowned upon according to the Man Code?
Unless you’re asking for toilet paper in which a grunt is sufficient ๐
Heh! Good addendum to the rule, WInd!
Lars… I am reassured! ๐
Morning all.
And I forgot to thanks all ‘holics for welcoming me to the pub with a chant on saturday, that was quite impressive! :$
Morning all.
Let’s not forget that this is the internet, you could be chatting to an inordinate amount of guys with their cocks in their hand.
Sunderland striker Nicklas Bendtner has scored three goals in his last five matches – despite not being able to see thanks to his mask.
Full story: Daily Mail
===
Aaaaah, so that was his problem…. vision.
What’s even more weird is my spelling, I see. “Wierd”? Oh well.
H2H@278, that is of course true…
H2H
I’m now officially feeling a little ill. ๐
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/special-report-carl-jenkinson-s-haircut
This is absolutely brilliant!
I know it’s directed and all with cameras and shit, but the fact that it’s even been thought about as an item means the lads are having fun and team spirit is excellent.
This is all starting to remind me the team spirit between Parlour and the English lads who would always have a laugh (or at least that’s what they say now, that they’re part of the medis and all)!
That was hilarious Snir! I’m loving the camaraderie between the lads…I think Jenks should grow dreadlocks to be honest. Suits him ๐
Great pic Tim, really liked that. Thanks for sharing ‘Holic.
I see a real dose of toilet humour has swept in thru’ the bar today. Props to Lars & AL for that. Gla to see that you’re maintaining the high standards that we set ourselves in here ๐
Snir
Brilliant!!
Looking from the outside in, this squad does seem to have the best atmosphoere within it since the French Hampstead mafia boys. Long may it continue to develop.
Another reason for RVP to think long and hard about staying this summer. I think he will. 8 more good games…
Heh CoR
Problem is, young Carl doesn’t exactly sound like a trustafarian! ๐
He has the heart of a lion though Catalan ๐
Jenks is gonna be iron,
Like a lion,
With a cannon,
Iron, Lion, Cannon!!!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/helenwatson/7012081431/in/set-72157629295098232/
Now that’s what I call a crowd…
CG – RvP’s contract is a non-issue.
He’ll sign.
It’s in my crystal balls.
Is that Ollie wearing number 8 on the blue team?
Not really sure about all these penis choking references. It must be preparation for our treatment of the Stoke manager? But that’s several weeks away, and we must not get a head of ourselves, surely. ๐
Sorry about that Dr C, the truth can be scary sometimes. ๐
Nice link Snir, good stuff.
Snir, Jenks’ new haircut looks quite a bit like Song’s if you ask me. All he needs now is a streak of color down the middle, and he’ll be set to go. ๐
Hopeful stories on Arseblog news about Kos’ injury comeback and Song’s possible signing of a new Arsenal contract. Not sure about how factually based they are, but one can always hope. Also about RVP’s new contract signing, as well as Podolski. BTW, is the thinking that Arsene wants Podolski, RVP and a 4-4-2 next season?
I think next season could see us do a 4-4-2 in England and a 4-3-3 in Europe…
I would think so bt8b, maybe a 4-3-3(1) with Podolski dropping into Left Midfield and Theo and Robin up front to form the 4-4-2(1), Interchangeable like?
… and just 5-2 at WHL !! ๐
I don’t think Wenger will shift to 442. I think he said some months back that he believed 433 is the way the game is evolving and that would be the way ahead for Arsenal.
Although with Podolski their is gonna be mad competition for places alongside RVP. Gerv, Theo, Ox and Miyachi. Good problem to have.
I think we should wait ’til he signs before we worry about where he’ll play.
I know that we should wait, but i for one am really excited.
Fucker’s got his own theme song !!!!
Triple Century!!!
Boy that’s something even Tendulkar hasn’t achieved. ๐
Well in Slash, you cleaved that century into submission ๐
Nicely in Slash.
To celebrate – a film of you playing with yourself
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8J6Iurzp98
Assist when I….
I get that Slash, but what if he doesn’t sign? What’s the point of getting all worked up for nothing?
Footballers can be quite fickle believe it or not and sometimes, just sometimes stuff in the papers is not 100% kosher (yeah, shocking, I know)
@303 CG Thanks for the link. Great vid, hadn’t seen.
@304 H2H:Great Assist mate.
I know and am trying to calm myself down. Can’t Help. Eternal optimist.
Well in again, Slash!
And indeed CoR 290. (clue may have been on the shirt, heh)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/helenwatson/7012085689/in/set-72157629295098232/
A barely recognisable face
Afternoon All ,
Reported in the Mirror yesterday …
“Tottenham fans heading south for Saturdayโs game at Stamford Bridge can hardly have been cheered when one train driver delivered this cheeky message: โFor any Spurs supporters, please mind the gap when we reach Finsbury Park. Mind the gap.โ ”
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/3pm/Steve-Anglesey-s-funny-football-column-Neville-Southall-launched-chatline-with-no-callers-Roberto-Mancini-s-big-helmet-and-Colemanballs-from-Paul-Merson-Gary-Neville-Joe-Royle-and-more-article883032.html
Nice !
Lars @250 – Great stuff . A big heh at AL’s toilet talk ๐
Snir @282 – Great link .
TS @288 – Nice photo . Went through the lot . Was that a member of the yellow team doing a passable impression of a Boxer at one point ? ๐
Ah , I see you got there first Ollie ๐
great photos – but I think this one has to be up for some kind of award!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/helenwatson/6865978484/in/set-72157629295098232/
Now this is even better ! ! !
https://twitter.com/#!/ArsnaI/status/184646358626611201
Obviously it’s not the real Arsenal, but still, I found it hilarious ๐
And I missed it on yesterday’s Arseblog. a side by side picture of the league table as it stands and as it was a few weeks ago. Priceless stuff!! Now to make sure the gap stays that way or, dare we say it, gets ever wider???????
Gotze extends his contract till 2016. Gets a nice pay rise, gives BvB power in negotiating, but most importantly, delaying his departure to at least 2013.
Good, I’m glad that’s out of the way.
JW as AM ๐ณ
CoR, I thought FFL HT League rules prohibited including Rooney in our teams?? Oops, I forgot. Different rules for the league leaders, just as in real life, the same reason Fulham didn’t get the obvious penalty call at Old Trafford yesterday. ๐
Rooney deselection is expected, right quick, young man. ๐
He stole into my team like he was after my hubcabs!
He’ll be out soon guvnor ๐
As for Goetze, I never thought we were seriously going for him. Was all a smokescreen for Eisfeld who was cheaper and allegedly as good if not better than Goetze before his injury (if the internet is to be believed that is)…
Oh and if Jackie-boy is fit enough to kick in the mix, he’s fit enough to start!!!!
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4222075/Lionel-Messi-and-Co-take-it-to-the-Max.html
Ollie & tabs – Hahaha! Well in boys, wondered when you’d spot that one ๐ณ
Here’s another for patrons of this establishment.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/helenwatson/7012003679/in/set-72157629295098232/
Allez les bleues!
FYI, re: the Finsbury Park train announcer, we tracked (heh!) him down courtesy of John Cross & Glenn W yesterday. For any of you with twotter accounts, this very fine man can be found @trippyarsenal. Legend.
While we’re on the subject of photos, I just put some up on FaceBook of the weekend in London:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150698084888139.426014.541758138&type=1&l=a3905aecb3
(it’s a public album so everyone can see it)
Two working days under the proverbial belt. Three more sleeps and I can get up when I want.
wise words @278 H2H
Lars, Triffic photos!!
All these photos, and with Hayley’s video diary of the weekend – it’s got to be the biggest coming out of Holics since Wolfie opened the closet door….
๐
TS – which team were you on?
Thank god for identical twins….. ๐
So Arsenal have been “dealt a blow” as a player we were not interested in (nor needed) extended his contract with his existing team?
What’s next? “Arsenal hopes of contesting this season’s Champions League final have been dashed” by err, losing in the last 16…..
“Arsenal’s hopes of colonising Mars have been ripped asunder due to a distinct lack of oxygen on the Red planet…..”
Can’t wait till the transfer window opens…..
H2H @278 – ๐
H2H @279 – Bendtner hasn’t scored three goals in five games ‘despite’ not being able to see – he’s scored three goals in five games ‘because’ he can’t see ๐
Either that or it’s’cos he’s TGSTEL ๐
H2H @ #278 – *shudders*
Lars @ #319 – GREAT photos, thanks for sharing!
Dr.C @ #323 – Heh! & PDYs (P*ss Drinking Yellows), mate.
Dr.z @ #325 – Well said. There seems to be so much bollix being talked right now about who we should or shouldn’t buy. I’m choosing to ignore the lot with the possible exception of Poldi. Picked up on this site earlier – thought it was a good antidote to all the usual cr*p with a good and relevant article about our midfield today and in the near future:
http://1nildown2oneup.tumblr.com/
Evenin’ Trev.
He’s not coming back, is he?
PS: Nearly forgot. Come on Bolton and come on Ryo. Carry a banana in your pocket youngman, just in case you need Bale-ing out ๐
*waits for Wolfie retort*
Sincerely hope not TS, although he apparantly has 2 years to go on his contract.
In his own words as reported in September though, “I will never play for Arsenal again”.
One is tempted to say, let’s hope he’s right. On the other hand, if there are no buyers and it came to a choice between Bendy, Chamakh and Park, what would you do ?
I, uncharitably, would give them all away and save the wages.
Trev, unfortunately none of that trio seems to be of sufficient Arsenal super-quality. If pressed to keep one my choice would be TGSTEL only because he can still find the back of the net in The Prem.
Then again, we’ve only seen about six minutes of Park in The Prem. Let’s not go there…
TS @327 –
I think the most likely addition to our midfield would be Yann M’Vila.
With Alex The Ox, Ryo, Gervinho, Walcott out wide, I don’t see us spending ยฃ30million on Hazard, although AW likes him as a player.
With JW, Super Tom Rosicky, Arteta, Song, Ramsey, Coquelin and probably Diaby, I could never really see us getting involved with Goetze at ยฃ35million either.
Really, how much better than The Ox, at a similar age, can they be.
M’Vila, on the other hand, could be better priced, is by all accounts a bit of a beast, and would give us a strong back-up to Song if Coquelin continues to be easily injured.
They, for what it is worth, are the thoughts that I am refusing to entertain, on summer transfer activity.
@331 –
“Prems in the Park” – no let’s not go there either . . .
Hello all ! Holic @ 258 That would make a way cool poster! Lars @ 319, soooo enjoyed these pics. Please tell the two blond lasses they are really quite lovely…even though my green eyes got a wee bit greener with envy. Oh well, such is life! Now I turn my attention to Chelsea v Benefica….sorry Mr. Di Matteo, I hope your team loses. You seem like a nice chap, but your lads cheat and whine, something the Arsenal never do!!!
Zico – you can say a lot of things about media hacks because they are hacks, but you can’t deny that we were/are interested in Gotze.
Once again, as far as Mvila goes, I think that’s a waste of money as well.
Spend the money on a striker that can play out wide.
Our midfield is more than equipped (with 9 players challenging for 3 positions) to rotate successfully in the Prem.
We keep on hearing about United and City’s squads and how deep they are.
Well, look at their options for the middle of the park and you’ll see that we don’t fall from any of them.
Outrageous Breaking News –
“Beach Volleyball players in the Olympics are going to be allowed to wear LESS SKIMPY outfits.”
Yet another event to cross off the list then ๐
Trev
Heh! @ #333.
Good stuff @ #332 too. FYI, Gotze has just signed a new contract. Hazzard seems to be parading himself as the perfect sort of tart for the LWCs. Pfft and meh to both of them. A fit LJW, Diaby and Coquelin would all be ‘super-quality’ LANS to next year’s squad, IMO. A new front man of some description (e.g. Poldi) and a replacement for Squilly would, I think, be enough for us unless we’re going to lose a bunch of first-teamers.
Snir and Yet Sfar – M’Vila a waste of money ?
Don’t forget “We’ve only got one Song”.
TS, pretty much agree, but I think we have to sort out the back-up keeper situation too. My pal Al, Flappy and Mannone are not the answer for me. One decent back-up plus our next one coming through would fit my bill.
*contemplates a ‘giant pelican’ gag, but fetches coat instead*
Tabs @308 – heh.
Didn’t spot you up there – doubted you’d be sober again yet !
Thanks all for the kind words about the pictures!
TS: agree about Hazard, he seems like someone we really don’t need.
Trev@340: well, for all you and I know he might very well still be drunk ๐
Martin Tyler and Gary Neville, Yes!
Just sitting at the back quietly Chaps , supping on a lemonade ๐
TS 327, thanks, very interesting reading.
One thing to factor in though: African Nations Cup again next season, and Cameroon not missing out this time.
January really is a stupid time to have that competition.
A few weeks ago I mentioned ordering a canvas print of the celebrations after the 5-3-goal v Chelsea and promised to post a link with a photo of it when it was up and now it is:
https://twitter.com/#!/LarraLundstedt/status/184712521490513920/photo/1/large
Tabs, do you even know what a lemonade is? ๐
Ollie, are they going annual on us or are they just shifting to odd-numbered years?
Lars , not really if I’m honest ๐
Nice link TS. Good article and will be checking that blog again.
For my money poldi and someone who can cover centre back and left back. Promote ryo, Afobe, and Joel Campbell.
Add a dash of LANS jack and Diaby (heh!).
Sit back and enjoy.
Btw … Decent point the guy made likening Somg to Petit. Hadn’t considered that before.
tabs, to be fair, then that makes two of us!
Ooh, forgot about Ryo Dr.C. Don’t know if Afobe and/or Campbell will be ready for next season but hope so.
BTW, what is it with Campbells? Kevin, Sol and now (maybe) Joel. Did I miss any?
Heh! at tabs supping a lemonade. It doesn’t have a double vodka in it by any chance?
Lars 345, just shifting.
Snir, if you say we were definitely interested in Goetze, then who am I to argue with the power of prophecy and crystal?
But assuming the Daily Mail et al, don’t come to you as their major source, I’m tempted to assume that it is a crock of shit.
Nice link TS – hadn’t read that guys stuff before.
Lemonade please, and one for my friend ๐
I think Campbell will need another loan next year. And hopefully at a club where he will play, he’s hardly playing these days, so very much doubt he’ll play any part for us next season.
I’d quite fancy a lemonade now you mention it.
Ollie, that’s at least a bit reassuring. Would have been madness to have it every year.
Nice print Lars.
I have to put up with Long John Silver….. ๐
zico is “putting up with Long John Silver” code for some sort of particularly unsavoury behaviour??? I think we should be told … ๐
TS – You know me too well ๐
Cheers for the “lemonade” Dr Z , another couple of those please Guv’nor . ๐
Nice print Lars . Have you considered a career in Interior Design ?
Snowy, my house is full of pirates – thought everyone knew that ๐
Did someone mention gay pirates ?
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=long%20john%20silver
tabs, that career would be a very short one! It wasn’t even my idea to begin with, it was the missus who came up with it.
Cracking idea from the Missus Lars .
Heh @ 360
Rox is in for one big disappointment – (ok another) ๐
zico and wolfgang – double heh ๐ ๐
and Lars it’s an epic pic, nice work from missus Lars
Top shots Lars – though thankfully – for all of us, i should think – you didn’t manage to catch everything on camera at the weekend…
And as for the canvas – why your missus must be a helluva gal
Long John Silver. Who knew?
The urban dictionary – essential for the urbane man of the 21st century
Top work Mrs Lars
๐
Lars,
you sure about the blinking ? ๐
Nice pics.
zico, well at least for Top Man Snowy, haha!
Lester, not getting it all on camera is indeed a good thing. I mean, if it felt weird talking to a man holding his cock then how weird would it not have felt if I had been holding a camera in the other hand?
And TS – there was Bobby too, but don’t think Naomi ever got a game
Lars, Behind every Arsenal hubby is their leading lady, well done by her.
oh no – just checked me facts – he coached us but never played. Think my failing memory was getting him mixed up with Bobby Gould who was just a bit before my time
Nice photos everyone, putting names to faces without entering the Tollie 8)
Same goes for you ‘Holic + the Arseblogger thanks to misshayleywright, you guys sound so much younger than you actually are, guess you speak from your young hearts… ๐
Snir @ 282, thanks for posting the Special Report link, I was watching it in the morning but I got interrupted, great reminder and it was really good ๐
CoR @ 317, great link mate, I like Pepsi more than Coca-Cola anyway ๐
My opinion on Gotze? If ยฃ35 million won’t get him, then lets stick to who we’ve got in that position, the better player imo, Jack Wilshire ๐
Oh, and the missus says thanks for all the kind words about the canvas!
Great photo, Lars.
Wind, talking of sounding younger than you are, Inter’s new coach is four-years younger than the club captain.
If JW is our future at the top of the midfield, and why wouldn’t he be, then ยฃ35m could be better spent elsewhere than buying Gotze.
Lars and zico – no, probably not blinking….
Dr Spin told me it’s likely to be “a form of zen-like meditative trance brought on by an Arsenal victory”
Either that or we were feckin’ snotted… ๐
AL – That’s interesting. Only Sol and Kevin listed in Arsenal’s player database on Pravda. Naomi dahling aside, am I missing a trick here?
Ollie – Thanks for the Joel update. It seems then that next season may be too soon for our newest Campbell.
Lars – Nice shot. Classic Scandinavian interior decor + The Arse. We like!
Dr.C – Yes! Pwomote Wyo!
Wolfgang – Gay pirates? It’s tummy sticks at dawn then…
I would like to propose a toast to Lars’ new print with a round of special ‘zico lemonades’. My tab for a change.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
There’s also a James Campbell in the reserves – a tough tackling defender from Trev’s town – Well-in Garden Citeh
I’ll get me cap!