Gunners Have Courage For The Trip To Reading
Nov 9th, 2007 by 'holic
It seems very strange to think that Arsenal could be in third place before they next kick a ball in the Premiership. Victories for the two Manchester clubs on Sunday would put the Gunners down a couple of pegs, albeit they would have two games in hand.
Monday will provide the opportunity to restore the status quo when Arsene Wenger takes his side to Reading. It will be a strange night for ‘holic, born in north London but raised in the Thames Valley.
Obviously the two clubs have not met too often down the years and I was unable to get a ticket for last seasons clash at the tidy little Madejski stadium. Thierry Henry struck twice, and those efforts were supplemented by Alexander Hleb and Robin van Persie in a very impressive 4-0 success.
I was present at the last two visits to the Royals previous home at Elm Park. In 1972 Pat Rice sent us out of the ground in raptures at what was to become known as his ‘tasty goal’ in a 2-1 triumph on the way to the centenary Cup Final. A falling-out between travelling Arsenal fans and a large number of Hells Angels made for a difficult homeward journey that day!
Fifteen years later we were inspired to another FA Cup triumph in Berkshire, Charlie Nicholas the star of a 3-1 success. By this time I had moved to a village just west of Reading and enjoyed a free night on bets with the locals!
Now I have moved further west and am indebted to Tim for providing the ticket for Monday. The major problem is that he, like me, is partial to a pint or two of Guinness before the game. I am given to understand that the options in the ground are limited to Courage Best and Fosters. Ah well, beggars can’t be choosers.
Le Boss has hinted at a little more rotation for the trip, although the options remain as last Sunday with only van Persie and Senderos ruled out. Regardless of the starting line-up the ‘holic pound is on a 3-0 win for the visitors. That isn’t intended to be dismissive of the Royals, but historically we have a one hundred percent record against them. Sometimes you just have to accept that ‘bogey teams’ really do exist, and we are theirs.
Whatever you have planned this weekend I hope you enjoy it, and if you know of a new, visitor-friendly Guinness-serving pub within a five minute walk of the Mad Stad, please get in touch. Cheers.
3 Responses to “Gunners Have Courage For The Trip To Reading”
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I enjoy the odd pint of Guiness myself – I’m sure you’ll be able to get your hands on one.
What is it with football stadia nowadays, they only cater for the alcoholic whims of pampered nancy boys!!! Oh well, Courage Best it’ll have to be! 🙂