We Were Pants, But Arsenal Lifted The Cup
Nov 7th, 2008 by 'holic
There is a part of me that says the sheer volume of criticism coming Arsenal’s way at the moment bears little relation to the results they have suffered. Having said that it would be folly to ignore the fact that points have been surrendered to poor sides and this month’s fixtures offer the real possibility of leaving the Gunners outside of the top four.
Whilst there may have been a degree of over-reaction thus far such a loss of position in November would be the trigger for some justifiable soul-searching. Manchester United arrive to provide the first serious test of the season on Saturday, and with matches against improving Villa and moneybags City and Chavski to follow this month could have a real impact on our Premiership campaign.
Astonishingly, and surely for the first time since the move to the Grove, Arsenal are the outsiders going into a home match, as far as the bookies are concerned. Paddy Power offers 2/1 if you fancy an Arsenal win. Let me tell you here and now that Paddy, for all his cheery disposition, doesn’t give money away, and those odds tell a story.
It’s a tale of a side shorn of confidence, crippled by injuries and suspension facing their sternest rivals of the Wenger era. Make no mistake, Arsene will dearly want to put one over his old foe, Ferguson. United though must surely scent blood.
The hosts will, I imagine, employ five in midfield behind Bendtner, and for the first time since the 2005 FA Cup Final may be prepared to defend deep and invite their opponents on. That meant a pretty dour spectacle on the day, with Bergkamp cutting a lonely figure as the sole striker. We were pants, it’s true, but the trophy came back on the Arsenal team bus, and therein lies the hope for tomorrow.
Come 2.40 we won’t be concerned about the nature of the struggle if three points are hauled in by a tactical masterstroke. Is it likely? No, of course it isn’t, hence the odds, but it is a distinct possibility.
The ‘holic pound will be invested in a far worthier cause this week. The poppy will be on display at the Grove as I take my seat a dismissive glance away from our visitors from Kent, Surrey, Devon, and all points south.
It may, or may not, be the best of afternoons. Have a good one ‘holics.
29 Responses to “We Were Pants, But Arsenal Lifted The Cup”
Right come on chaps we’re all worried by recent events but we need to get behind the lads. How can we expect them to be confident and play the football we know they are capable of if we dont have confidence in them!
I think that wenger needs to play bendtner and vela together as they have been able to read each other from day one and given the chance can form a formidable partnership. I think we need song or even toure as a dm and then fab, walcott and nasri with a back four of sagna djourou, gallas and clichy. The team need to stand tall and be bold and as supporters we need to be the extra player!!
Come on the GOONERS, lets fuc*in ‘av it!
Sorry Chris, it is a bit of a glum read, isn’t it? I am honestly right slap-bang in the middle between optimism and pessimism on this one. Could be anything. Agree with the need for us to get right behind them at the game. I’ll be singing like a nightingale on acid!
Jebus. I hate the manure games at the best of times, let alone now.
A win would be such boost, possibly more than at any other time.
Here’s hoping, that’s the best I can say.
Hiya Woody. Is top buggered again?
No better time to face Utd. Honestly. No one gives us any chance and thats good. the team can play without any weight of expectations.
Just show the pride in wearing the red and white boys. I’m up for this one.
Let’s roll gooners.
Agree with ‘holic. I can see a 4-5-1 formation tomorrow. However, I have seen numerous attacking performances with that formation, so all is not lost from an offensive perspective. Can our defence hold up against Rooney, Berba and Ronaldo ? And that answer fills me with trepidation.
Reminds me of the game against chel$ki a few years ago when we were missing Vieira and Gilberto and a young Cesc and Flamini went in. A 2-2 draw was more than expected. I would settle for a draw right now but I am cautiously optimistic that we will play better against a team that doesn’t defend with all 10 players behind the ball.
They can do it prits, the players will rise to the game, clichy can handle ronaldo and has marked him out of the game on most encounters and the others have the necessary skills to do it they just need support and belief
To anyone who goes to the game, please just cheer your bloody heads off like maniacs for those of us who can’t be there. Regardless of what we may think about the team and manager, their recent mistakes and failings, the players and manager need our support tomorrow. It’s just too important, esp. after a week where the whole of British football–media, other managers, players, pundits, rival fans, everyone–have enjoyed indulging in bashing our manager.
The filthy mancs need to know NOT ON OUR TURF!!! NOT NOW, NOT EVER!!!
It would be nice to sing 3 nil to the Arsenal tomorrow, but with our defensive woes recently I doubt it. I cannot be there being that I live in the states but I will be watching the game live on Setanta at 7:30am, and I’ll be a rooting from my arm chair!! Go Arsenal stuff Man’ure and send them a packing, this yank bleeds Arsenal red/white baby!
Come on you gooners.
A glass of that New World Red with a Yellow Label please.
3-0??? I’ve always admired the spirit of optimism!! Great to hear from like minded supporters across the park by the way 🙂
At our best, and I mean at our best, we are plenty capable of beating Manure. Bendtner will be leading the line and I think he has shown flashes of brilliance already this season. He is definitely an improving player. And we all know what Vela can do so that’s decent back up.
Yes, I agree ‘holic and also think Wenger will be tactically cautious by adopting a 5 man midfield – Cesc, Denilson, Nasri, Song, Walcott?? – with Djourou in the centre of defence (I can’t see Gallas being match fit) with Silvestre and Toure on the right!?
In all honesty it is difficult to see an Arsenal win but I most definitely wouldn’t bet against us. If we can manage to play to our potential and believe in the individual talent, I personally feel there might be a suprise.
Nevertheless if I were forced to make a prediction (a weekly ritual me and a mate have stuck to for more years than I care to mention) I’d call 1-1.
C’mon you Gunners!!!!!!!!!!!
I just listened to the Wenger interview on the Beeb website. Interesting that he has already pretty well scotched any rumours that he will make any more squad purchases in the Christmas transfer window. He restated that he believes in the existing squad 100% and the league position come the seasons end will testify to that.
I guess most of us will not be suprised in the slightest but thought you might be interested to know.
He has to say that Don, so as not to offend any sensibilities in the dressing room, and to try and lift the spirits. It is inconceivable that a new face or two will not arrive in January. Whether they have a positive effect or not is another matter entirely. Be careful what you wish for 😉
Once more unto the breach, dear friends.
But when the Whistle of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger;
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favour’d rage;
Then lend the eye a terrible aspect;
Now set the teeth and stretch the nostril wide,
Hold hard the breath and bend up every spirit
To his full height. On, on, you noblest Gooners.
And teach us how to win the war. And you, good Gooners,
Whose limbs were made in Highbury, show us here
The mettle of your pasture; let us swear
That you are worth your breeding; which I doubt not;
For there is none of you so mean and base,
That hath not noble lustre in your eyes.
I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,
Straining upon the start. The game’s afoot:
Follow your spirit, and upon this charge
Cry ‘God for Arsenal, England, and Saint George!’
Up the Gunners. Bring it on. That’s what I say.
(Apologies to Willy S).
to the 57 000 gooners who are gonna be at the grove…….sing yer hearts out… COME ON YOU GUNNERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
2-1 one to the arsenal… i dont know but this is the score line i am getting hope tht score stand in our favor
Yes, I was wondering the same ‘holic. On the other hand one could reason its high time one or two members of the squad actually had the metaphorical bomb chucked down their underpants. Maybe the knowledge of potential new signings might buck their ideas up!? A new tactic maybe? That said, Wenger has proven time and time again he is simply not that kind of managerial personality.
Yet as a small example, he few weeks back after the Hull (??) defeat, he came out and publicly stated his disappointment at the result and that there would likely be wholesale squad changes going forward. Yet in the very next game played everyone barr one player. I often wonder…..does anyone challenge Wenger at the Grove?? To what degree are his ideas challenged by say Pat Rice?
Wenger is a gentleman. He is a man of honour. On the other hand I often wonder if he should go on a reverse anger management course and transform himself (for 90 minutes at least) into a 1st class gold plated git of the very highest order, so the players fear him that much they play everytime within an inch of their very souls. I also sincerely hope that come the end of todays game I will be forced to publicly apologise to Le Prof for being a tad harsh on the fella…….after a stunning result against Manure.
🙂
A perfect afternoon awaits!
Hope you enjoyed the game, the result, the post match tapas/curry and a trouble free journey home. ‘holic.
Cheers!
Arsene Wenger….I publicly apologise for [ever so slightly] doubting your specialness.
Superb display and great result for the Gooners today. Excellent team effort (although Bendtner was poor). Special shouts for Gallas, Cesc, Silvestre, Clichy and Nasri who was particularly special today.
Wo-hoo 🙂
There you go, ‘Holic! Feeling better now? I always feel quietly confident against Man U, especially at home, because they play football against us, and we have the edge in a football contest.
Also Clichy does a great impression of Kanga, with Ronaldo as Roo!
samir nasri, samir nasri
clichy my MOM.. was terrifuckinfic!!! Nasri too…
YES WE CAN :P!!!! \m/
even the men in black couldn’t salvage a point for the manure c*nts.
KG
India.
yes we can indeed
Let me tell you here and now that Paddy, for all his cheery disposition, doesn’t give money away, and those odds tell a story.
Oh really? He gave me some today. For a change.
No better time to face united.
Didnt i tell that..Haha..
Proud of you boys.
Pip – what are you going to spend your winnings on? Beers or Queers?
Fair play Sajit……good call!!! 🙂
Small glass of Pinot Grigio….on account of drinking a little too much earlier today after the game *sore head*