Arsenal Are Back And I Love It.
Aug 14th, 2009 by 'holic
Hello all.
Apologies for not being around this week, but I am back in the land of the living for the most important day of the lot. THE ARSENAL ARE BACK!
OK, I know we’ve been playing friendlies for a month, but this is where the real business starts. Nine months of uncertainty, euphoria, gloom, astonishment, hope, and despair. Hopefully at some stage there will be some celebration, as well as a smidgen of anguish.
If you are looking for previews, predictions, and assessments of the season ahead there are a zillion other websites to visit. The transfer window is open for another fortnight or so, and I have no intention of making utterances that could be rendered irrelevant in just a few days.
Regulars will know that I do, however, deal in hope with the merest hint of realism. I was born with redder than red blood in the great drought of 53-70. Those with a bit of snow on the mountain will appreciate that. Like all of those from my generation I have seen the incredible highs and the crushing disappointments, and fully appreciate that even at our lowest we have not been made to endure the relegation I have seen happen to the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, and our drink-driving friends in N17!
That doesn’t make me any more of a supporter than the teenager treated to his first game at the Grove this year. It does, I think, give me a sense of perspective about the lack of silverware in the last four years. It enables me to appreciate what I still get to see most weeks from the club we all love.
And on the eve of another new season why should we not be filled with hope and anticipation. I look at the squad with which we started last season, and I see we have swapped Arshavin and Vermaelen for Adebayor and Toure. In fact until they move on we are a Senderos and a Traore better off. The rest of a young squad has another year of experience behind it. Bitter, losing experience that should eat away at the ambitious side of them and make them want to come back and prove that the lessons have been learned. WE ARE BETTER!
Are we good enough to contest the major prizes? Nobody can honestly say that yet, and like everybody else I feel another two or three bodies will help matters considerably. In our favour is that our three biggest rivals have not strengthened to any degree yet, and in the case of the reigning champions you would have to say that United look much weaker without Ronaldo and Tevez.
We get another clue in the opening fixture at Goodison. If our top four berth is to be threatened, then think of Everton’s situation. The challenge for a Europa League spot will be more fierce with Manchester City and others setting their sights on the Goodison mob before they can consider challenging the established powers.
I suspect this will make the opening fixture a tense affair. Goals will come because defences are rusty. We have to get our new Belgian settled in, while the blue half of Merseyside sweats over the commitment of one Joleon ‘please let me go and play with Kolo’ Lescott.
The first ‘holic pound of the season has to go on an away win. You wouldn’t expect anything else, would you? I’m plumping for 2-1 at 15/2 with miserable Paddy Power. Shop around and you will find 17/2. The golden rule on the opening day of the season is not to wager more than you can afford to lose. Sensible advice at any time, but particularly so as sides settle and look to establish a pattern early on. Who would have backed Newcastle to take a point off Manchester United on the opening day last season and then go down?
If you are lucky enough to be going, have a great day. If, like me, you are sitting in waiting for Dixons to deliver a new tumble dryer, and praying that ESPN don’t make a horlicks of the live broadcast, have a good weekend.
COME ON YOU RIP-ROARING…
50 Responses to “Arsenal Are Back And I Love It.”
Had to do it. Cheers ‘holic. Good to see you back here.
Hear Hear! Appleton’s estate and coke for me please!
‘holic, I think what you are saying is we are slightly stronger than last season while rivals have either stood still or weakened. That seems to be where we are right now but the next fortnight could make a big difference.
Have to admit my money for the title is on Chelsea, sadly. They were already strong last season, they get Essien back – and they say that a stable squad is the best recipe for consistency.
As long as Arsenal are strong and can compete for the title, I dont think any gooners will moan. But being out of the title race 14 games in, is not acceptable.
At least we can assume Arsenal will play the most beautiful football this season. Arshavin and Fabregas get the juices flowing.
COME ON U GUNNERS!!!! Cant wait
I’m ready. First Carlsberg of the season chilling nicely to celebrate Saturday’s win at Goodison.
The Badge. The Red and White. The Arsenal.
A Merry Christmas to all our readers.
DAFT!
You have been missed. Now where is that BtM?
Oh, and gazzap. I think I agree with you, for now. I see us and Chelsea 1 and 2, in all honesty…
Reporting for duty, Holic and RARING to go!
EXCELLENT!
I have a feeling in me bones ๐
Never mind being out of the title race after 14 games we are going to be out of it after the first 4 games.i predict a loss tomorrow
I have optimism running through me – my nipples are exploding with delight!
…it could be alcohol…
Heh!
Likely, I would say…
Yo ‘holic.
Great blog, great sentiments.
The starter tomorrow is Stoke v Burnley – then into #2 sons house to watch the main event, which I hope will be considerably better than what went before.
Mrs daft should arrive towards the end with fish and chips to cap a splendid afternoon and evening. Oh yes!
And now its time for bed said Zebedee – a few pages of a Stephen Leather novel and a decent kip until the Old Lady Dog decides its time I was up and about.
Pleasant dreams everyone.
Arsenal are definitely stronger this season but not sure if that would be enough. Chelsea with a fully fit Essien and a motivated Drogba are a different animal. Just hoping that Ancelotti will screw up by playing Essien on the wing or something like that. Interestingly, Barca scored in the last minute as did Manure in the community shield game, so they are getting into a habit of just slacking towards the end. Hopefully that will continue and get worse
Secondly we need to get the tactics better than last time. Its not just about the squad. Its about making the best use of the players we have.
And I wasn’t even around when you started supporting Arsenal but appreciate your sentiment of not judging on that basis. Love your perspective as well, it is very important in a world with short memories.
Also I don’t drink, does that mean I am not allowed here or what ๐
Don’t forget the African Nations Cup. Our decimation is twice-reduced, and Essien will be gone again (did Ghana qualify?). In other words, we’re better off than we were two years ago ๐
Arshavin … what this space.
All are welcome here desi…
Cheers to that ๐
Hope springs eternal! It’ll be noon here, but I’ll be chirpy for this one! Pouring a Piraat to start the season proper.
Surely drogba will go acn along with essien
Sorry I’m late, but the thing of the thong succumbed to the nibble of the plume.
Still, that’s all behind me now, so I’ll hae a large rum and coke, and get desi a lemonade, or something.
Cheers.
Ola
I’m a teenager who went to there first game last year since I have been passionate about the game and I apreciate your views pin many matters and More importantly short sighted memory wenger is the only manager I have known atvarsenal and couldn’t imagine what it would be like without him at head of the thrown. All the plastic fans that want him out are soooo iritating alas it is my bedtime 1 o’clock very late 4 us teens we need to grow u know
Chow amigos
I’m kind of enjoying the oh so low expectation this season. The BBC predict an Arsenal loss. I’d love a signing or 2 but it’s not the difference between pass or fail. The difference between the beginning of last season and this? Arshavin, no below par toure, the fox in the box Eduardo and Vermalaen. Come on you gunners!
DAF (not Daft) signing in. I’m adopting Goonerholic for the coming season.
Delighted to learn that I already get ESPN with my existing TV package. Called up today to subscribe but no need!!! Doh. Over the moon etc.
I think a draw tomorrow. Arshavin might be the new Cesc this time next year, looking forward to his season….and as for Eduardo…!
Did we have either of those two this time last year? No.
Were our ‘kids’ one year younger, lighter, less experienced? Yes.
Ergo, we will improve on last season regardless of the handicap Manure have by selling CR and Citeh have in buying Ade.
Suspect Chelski will win it, but you never know.
Still think we will sign Chamakh, and maybe Hangeland.
Come On You Glorious etc
Love the spirit ‘Holic (as always!). It’s going to be our fullest August month since I can’t remember. As long as we can keep up with the top until the final sprint, we’ll be in excellent position to grab some metal.
GO ARSENAL!
PS: I felt bad for your likely setback with your grandson, I just hope that the HDMI cable was lost so you didn’t have to watch the Valencia game with him.
The shackles are off and reporting to you sir from upsate NY! Arsenal will win 2-0 blasting echoes of promise and fear in the hearts of all premiership fans who doubt Arsenal prowess! Arsenal #1!
September 1945 my first season, home ground s##t Hole Lane. We never got that low again. Back to Highbury in 46. Now 2009 , I d’ont know how many more but I can tell you this the buzz of the new season never goes away.I think we will do well, but if we d’ont then roll on 2010. No matter what WE ARE THE ARSENAL, you may not like us some of you may hate us. But we do not give a STUFF.
So excited. Let’s hope we get off to a good start tomorrow. We are the Arsenal!
Latest fan of ur blog… Would like to join the opponents spitting pack.. coz ARSENAL is all about leading the pack… with s*prs changing their season objective every month..
Fantastic ‘holic! My first visit to your site and what a refreshing change to hear cogent reasoning and uplifting comments as opposed to the whinging and moaning from a lot of purported AFC sites! i too am from the generation of snow tops (1st game SToke City 1968) and am also able to see past the panic stricken media induced fear and vitriol placing our ‘Top Four’ place at risk! considering the lack of expenditure and the developement of the young guns i am happier than ever to take my place at the Grove again this year. as for today i am hunting around for a bar in a little spanish village in southern spain (may have to venture further afield in the car and forego the beers!) that may have the game on TV. To all you true AFC supporters have a great season and watch us go! COME ON YOU REDS!
Holic!
Can’t get enough of this blog. I’ve praised you before for your looks in the rear-view mirror and stories of the past. Even if we didn’t get treated to one of those today, reading things like “And on the eve of another new season why should we not be filled with hope and anticipation” and “That doesnโt make me any more of a supporter than the teenager treated to his first game at the Grove this year” is what makes everybody feel welcome, hopeful and like we all are a small part of The Arsenal (which we most certainly are!).
Good luck fellow Gooners.
Here we go again!
Splendid post! Good to see the doomers are relatively quiet at the moment. No doubt they’ll be back as soon as we drop a point and we’ll be “in crisis” yet again but the brief respite has been nice.
Too excited about today’s kick-off. Anyone know what the gooners’ pub of choice will be in Liverpool today? Never been to Goodison before.
I’d go for 3-0 win to the Arsenal. And Merida scoring a 20 yards schreeeeeemmeeer!
The Team:
Almunia
Sagna Vermaelen Gallas Clichy
Denilson Fabregas Merida
Bendtner Van Persie Arshavin
I just hope we score the first goal to settle the nerves of everyone!!!!!
“Canโt get enough of this blog. Iโve praised you before for your looks…..”
How much did you pay this cunt!
Good morning, Esso.
Working again, are we ๐
Come on The Boys. A great Write up ‘holic. It’s Good to be Back!!
Heh Esso, you should know by now that nobody knows the destiny of the ‘holic pound.
squad————alumina——
sagna—-gallas—-vermelen——-clichy
—-merida——song——–fabulos fab
—–van.p—–eddy—-ars
you should know by now that nobody knows the destiny of the โholic pound.
Not so, Snail. Paddy Power was an anorexic before I opened my account with him ๐
yash yash yash
arsenal youre the best club of the world
very gvery good club
hipipip houra arsenal
the best player of arsenal is zachary k………
clap clap clap
bravo
beautiful
http://www.oleole.com/media/main/blog_templates/6107/1548/images/newarsecast.jpg
vive arsenal
who dont like arsenal?????
its impossibles
geunnneursseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
lol
mdr
Has anyone seen arsenalman lately?
Snail:
Nah, I haven’t. Think he’s on vacation with the Everton defence.