A Rainbow On The Horizon, Or Another Rainy Day?
Feb 9th, 2010 by 'holic
It’s time we stopped torturing ourselves about what has gone, and start looking forward to the next test. What a test it is too. Liverpool have spent much of this title race misfiring like a Trabant with a tank full of dandelion and burdock, but a massive one goal drubbing of their poorer relations has raised spirits.
Had you suggested that the Mickeys would be approaching this game with anything other than abject terror just a couple of weeks ago, then you would have had the men in white coats knocking at the door. Fourteen days, however, is a long time in modern football, or should I say the minds of modern football supporters.
Now the momentum appears to have switched. Successive defeats against the two teams who have again overtaken us at the top of the Premiership have made us vulnerable to attack from the team that now sits directly behind us in the table. (I write before the completion of the Manchester City game.)
I have seen some criticism of what Arsene has had to say today in his press conference, and I have to say I am disappointed that so many appear to want to be offended. I’m delighted to see him hit back at the Press for their selective quoting of his post-match utterances. Were he not defending his team in public, then something would be wrong.
“I believe it is important that I show support to my players and think collectively about how we cannot repeat the mistakes that happened to us in the last two games.”
Does anybody out there truly believe that he has not made those he feels have let us down in the last two weeks know exactly what he expects of them in the remainder of the season? At the same time however, the biggest art of man management is getting the employees attitude right after pointing out their failings.
“Our job is to fight… to win the league, …and if we do not have that belief it cannot happen.”
So who exactly has he had to let down, then build up again? Well, basically it would appear the squad will be pretty much that which faced Chelsea. Eduardo is ruled out, and Bendtner is still deemed to be ‘a little short’ to start. That phrase does make me chuckle still. On top of that no new injuries were reported, so it would appear the boys rather surprisingly managed to avoid an infestation of pubic lice from the FA cuckolders. (Thank you again, Dara.)
Football has a funny habit of delighting, as well as depressing you on occasion. I have considered the ‘holic pound long and hard. Liverpool will be organised, hard-working, and at their best are certainly capable of getting a result at the Grove. I am persuaded they are not, however, at their best, and fragile confidence can be a fairweather friend, as we ourselves have discovered in this last couple of weeks.
A badly-hurt Arsenal side could just be a more than dangerous proposition for the visitors. There was a suggestion when we won at Anfield that Rafa’s boys had imploded in the second half as much as we had improved. That will be in their minds.
I’m looking therefore at something most would consider unlikely, and will get potentially a much better return as a result. I’m splitting the pound equally between 3-0 and 4-0 to Arsenal. Paddy Power offer 18/1 and 45/1 on those outcomes.
Who will score for us? Good question, and the one nagging doubt that remains, but little Andrey loves sticking it in the back of the Mickeys net, and could grab a couple. He is 11/1 to score two or more, and he is certainly due a goal or two.
So that’s it. I may not be back with a report until Thursday, as much is happening this week. Those of you lucky enough to have tickets, wrap up warm and give the boys the benefit of a massive vocal support. They need us more than ever this week, and it would be great if even the most pessimistic could get right behind them. Thirteen wins needed, and this is number one.
87 Responses to “A Rainbow On The Horizon, Or Another Rainy Day?”
Here’s to the shine of many colours… Oh and the large glass of fruity Kumala that you are about to pour for me.
All the best for the non-footballing week too, ‘holic. Cheers.
Thank you, maestro. Now, Kumala. I know I have a case somewhere…
Caugh daydreaming today `Holic? 4-0 and the BBB getting behind the team? Fat chance.
2-0 again will be a lovely start to our 13 wins run-in 😉
Who’d fancy a tiny/teeny flute of Champagne with me? Let’s try and keep the remaining bottles for tomorrow though…
I’ll have a glass of fizz chaser, Matt.
Here’s a thought, maybe Wenger should engage in a post match media ban for a few weeks. They might leave his ‘quotes’ alone then and we could do our talking on the pitch instead…
Better start the party now as tomorrow could well put the finishing touch on the season, it’s an absolute must win.
Loving the optimism there Steve
A coffee please barman.
Good comments about Wengers interview. Altough I can feel so tired, and when the blood is pumping, even angry hearing the same old words, when I cool down I know it’s the wisest words possible due to circumstances and they are said by one of our best managers evert. Bring on Liverpool!
Ps. Just watched the Arsenal past and future play. Viera, Adebayor, Toure, Sylvinho and Wilshere all in one game. Wilshere didnt get lost at all today, great game by him.
Pps. BtM, that Ade-goal was magnificent. What we are missing. RvP can score them as well but I sure wouldn’t mind an Ade-ish player at the moment. Minus the wierd-talk and somewhat less than desireble attitude at times, of course.
I CAN DO WITHOUT ANOTHER ARSENAL GAME.
And possibly another drink there, boozy…
Holic, I have got to love an optimist so will one-up you by predicting 4-0 to the Arsenal with Arshavin repeating his Anfield feat. Also, a Bordeaux red toast to Arsene Wenger the man who has brought so much to our club, including possibly Marouane Chamakh in the summer. May Wenger’s reign last many more years and his detractors exposed as the foolish short-term thinkers they most definitely are.
3 or 4 goals without a striker on the pitch………can,t see it myself.If we don,t get an early goal Liverpool will not come out and open up,merely run at 100 miles an hour to stop our play and ensure it is a typical poor quality game ……..the only way they know.
Excellent as usual ‘holic. I must say I’ve a funny feeling about tomorrow night. The boys will be hurting after the last two outings and somebody, somewhere is going to get a hiding. Why not the Mickeys? Here’s to a clean sheet and a Clichy hat-trick. Mine’s a London Pride!
Whatever the result is tomorrow, we will not change the squad (in any way) this season. We are therefore morally bound to give 100% support to the manager AND the team for the rest of the term. Forget whether or not we like the way the team has performed SO FAR, we start our run-in to the first 4 places in the EPL tomorrow. YIPEEEE!
2-0 to Arsenal. Arshavin and Diaby on the scoresheet. We are hurt. We are probably angry. Probably feeling we have a point or two to prove to those only too keen to knock.
Proud of Wenger today….giving a bit of ‘what for’ back to the meeja! Well done Le Prof!!
Keep on believing 🙂
Having just returned in the DeLorien, I can tell you that we go top by a point on 24th April when we beat Man City 2-0. I didn’t hang around to see the full-strength squad rip into the Fulham game – wanted to save up the real excitement of another title for as long as possible.
I’ll have another Absinthe, ‘Holic.
Wonder if it’s worth trying Diaby up front? Replace him in midfield with Ramsey; otherwise play the same line-up as on Sunday.
Sure you aren’t on the buckie, mitch?
😉
Not a bad shout there, FEM. He has decent height and can trick his way past a couple of players… Can he make the ball stick though…
I’ve been very critical of Le Boss this week but I am in complete solidarity with him in his comments to the media in his latest press conference. I watched his press conference after Chelsea and after Villa and the media deliberately twisted his comments to make sensationalist headlines. His comments have been blown all out of proportion. The media do this to him CONSTANTLY so they can publish screaming headlines like “WENGER FURY!” and “WENGER BLASTS so and so!” And yet he keeps talking to them, I wish he wouldn’t. He shows them too much respect and tolerance.
Sorry Charlie, just don’t have a lot of positivity at the moment, not that it matters, just a touch uneasy that’s all.
I do not want to piss on peoples strawberries but this has just appeared on the BBC web site…..
2213 GMT: Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas reaches verbal agreement with Barcelona to join the Catalan club from next season. (Cadena Ser radio)
Now I know a lot of Spanish Media reports are garbage, but a quick denial at this time of vulnerability would not go a miss…..
You serve it up I’ll drink it down, ‘Holic. Meanwhile, I think the pound might be safer, if not more productive, on a 1-0 win. After all, it is the first game of our unbeaten 20 game run. Bendtner, 85?
We will know soon enough Steve T. Cesc usually doesn’t hang around in scotching these rumours. Although time will very quickly tel, I’m more inclined to believe that is exactly what it is.
My guess/hope is that it is just more bollocks put out by their presidential canidiates to try and win votes. If that is the case then something needs to be done about this. We have been victim to this too many times.
Indeed. Following the less than promising results over the last two weekdends, the Barca media machine was bound to go into overdrive. Otherwise (for them) it would be a missed opportunity. Far too tempting! Nothing surprises me from those vermin….and no level is ever low enough for them to stoop.
I agree completely Don, but quiet frankly over the last few years I have become very bored with us being their feeder club.
Hmm. Just seen that Steve T. Any Spanish Gooners out there? Throw some light on this potential garbage? The Spanish press are definately upping the ante. What ever happened to honouring your contract?
Bollocks to all this Barca/Spanish garbage. I am going tomorrow and jolly well looking forward to it. This for me is a game for us to really get back on track. The Scousers will come to sit back and hope to catch us on the break. Oh dear, do I really mean that??? Surely we will not fall for that again?
I like the suggestion of Diaby up top I must say. Certainly with the current situation. And please do not be too scared to use the whole pitch? Who will play in goal? My guess is Almunia will remain.
A solid performance and a resounding 3 points please. Not really bothered who scores just as long as it is us.
Right, what’s the difference between Batman and a Scouser????
Batman can go places without Robin………
Keep an eye on thsoe wheel trims lads. Go on the Arsenal…..
Keep the faith.
I don’t know what buckie is, but can I have some?
Wouldn’t worry to much about the reports coming out of Spain Steve mate. I’ve lived over there and it’s usually just rehtoric and spin by the presidential candidates to drum up support for their campaigns. It’s a terrible process and tantamount to tapping up, I think that our club will probably be looking for a (legal) way to stop it because it seems to be getting worse every year.
As for tommorows game I’m feeling real confident we can get a result, the scouse have nowhere near the quality that the mancs, chavs or we pocess. They’re on a little unbeaten run but that should come to an end at the Grove.
Half of cider please barman, nah, make it a pint.
Cheers.
“….and Bendtner is still deemed to be ‘a little short’ to start.”
That had me in stitches.
Great blog mate.
Keep up the good work.
Stay Goonerish.
I wont be surprised if Cesc has verbally agreed with Barca. He cannot waste his best years of his life fighting for 3rd and 4th place
I like that. 13 on the trot.
While I would like to see Ramsey back in the side and Diaby up front why not stick Vermaelan and his lethal left foot up there haha just kidding of course ; )
(Hypothetically) Cesc can verbally agree all he likes, he has a contract with Arsenal with next season and beyond, if Barca want him they have to discuss it with the club, not the player.
That being said, it’s just the same old rubbish – very unlikely to be true.
I too like the idea of Diaby as a target man, wonder if it’s robbing peter to pay paul. How’s this for a target.. the big ship SOL up front (can’t be worse than Heskey?).
Whoever plays, in whatever positions, lets see a bit of spirit and hopefully a win, otherwise all those scousers I wound up earlier in the season will be unbearable.
Hello Everyone,
Once again a great blog!
Here’s one for you play Campbell at the back,push Verminator into Song’s role,Song into Diaby’s and Diaby up front…..confused I am time for a pint of anything cold wet and alcoholic.
Per Mitch @16.
If there is a match that RvP will return for, I would bet the ‘Holic Pound it would be to stick it to City.
jt….You think you`ve got problems I`m married to one.
Sajit, Please keep such opinions to Le Grove, Most of the people here inclluding the ‘Holic and me are Pro-Wenger (I think)
Funny, the MAD transfer activity going on in ALL fantasy football teams this weekend,
Transfer Out X.
Transfer In Arshvain.
Select as Captain 😀
http://bigfourza.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/factfile-2-liverpool-fc/
Thats what I think of the Pool
Steve T – not only a denial but a front article on arsenal.com.
That Diaby idea, seems like a genius idea.
I’ll take a pint.
Feel sorry for you Aussie Jack. Hey, if the scousers win, you might not need to buy a Valentines day pressie.
But seriously, good to see a lot more optimism. Diaby as CF is a good experiment me thinks too.
I hope Eboue gets a start just in front of Sagna.
Must start with Bendtner. We need muscle. Eboue should start too…he’s no worse than Theo lately. Our midget strike-force can’t cut it against the better teams. Clichy must be dropped and Traore brought in or move Gallas to FB and bring Sol in. Or how about moving Vermaelen up to DM and bringing Sol in next to Gallas.
I thnk Arshavin has had enuff of the shite! It’s time for him to score maybe 3 past that shaven head Dodo!
We HAVE TO beat Liverpool and start the massive ride to the season end where we virtually need to beat anybody who meets us and also we need to keep two eyes constant on the happenings at Trafford and Bridge!
@Womble: Exactly!
“Our midget strike-force can’t cut it against the better teams. ”
My point for a long long time! We need to take the midgets away from the striking role and get Bendtner in and digging for fouls/goals/headers!
First drink! Or 46th.
I am disappointed that so many appear to want to be offended.
Too right. Cheers ‘holic. I’ll just have some whisky of your choice in a hipflask. For tonight 😉
COME ON ARSENAL!
Love this blog, ‘Holic.
On the above – Arsene needs to take a leaf out of Ferguson’s book and stop talking to the twats – as a poster above said he treats them with far too much respect.
Diaby up front? Anything is worth a try I suppose but failing that…..
I will settle for: Time Bandits 1, Robbin Scousers 0 tonight.
Great post as per your usual self ‘Holic
Our defence needs to get very tight tonight, I don’t think Le Boss will experiment with Sol in the middle with WG, I would definitely play Eboue instead of Walcott and use him as a super sub, Bendtner definitely gets my shout up front with Arshavin on the left.
I don’t believe any of those Cesc sotries he has still unfishied business here in the Priemier League I can only speculate but I believe he will only leave when he wins it or the CL.
I have half a day at work today nice, will get home and get ready for the Scousers!!!
We love you Arsenal, We Do…!!!
A pint of Staropramen barmn please…
just thought you might like to know
re Chammy transfer rumours from Bordeaux (down the road from us)
L’Equipe says its definite in the summer but Arsene is denying direct contact
Local rag says its possible but Arsene is denying direct contact
Re Barca mad rumours, both say La Barca are saying nothing , but its highly likely that Cesc is going
So thats all clear then
Re tonight I say its time we delivered the results to go with the work rate
Lets GO!!!
Have it on good authority that the final chelsea player thet has been a bit naughty is our favorite left back
‘holic… you the man,
7yr Havana and ginger please, ta…
Have discovered the Holic only recently as an avid reader of Arseblog. Love the sense of proportion of most comments – anyone who watched the dross of GGs latter years should be ashamed of slagging Le Boss – we have no right to win a trophy every year but given our resources should be in with a shout – all the anti Wenger post 98 brigade – be careful what you wish for. Cesc will no doubt at some stage end up at Barca but is mo doubt mindful of what happened to Hleb and Flamini – the grass isn’t always greener.
Finally something official from Barcelona regarding Cesc;
http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada09-10/02/10/n100210109226.html
As i speculated above, Arsenal have probably threatened legal action if this whole saga continues and Barca are covering their arses with this statement.
I hope that the board do decide to take action just to stick to teach them to stay away from our players with their dirty and unsettling tactics.
Pint of Heineken please barman.
Up the Gunners.
Holic good post as usual, I do so enjoy reading it. I hate to say this is a must win match for us when we aren’t even hitting the second week of Feb., but thats the truth of it all!! I was hoping Nikki B. would be fit enough to start, but it looks like it’s the bench again for him. It pains me to see us slip like we have over the past 2 weeks or so, it’s SO HARD being positive during this time…… Well a good result tonight will put somethings back into perspective, not all things, but somethings….. I’m not happy with 3rd place, not one single bit, I want the title flying high over the Arsenal, nothing else but the title is what I want and I know all of us want the samething….. I’m not a Wenger hater, nor do I want him sacked, but I do think he has slipped up a little bit this season by not planning ahead for injuries. We all know that the Arsenal seem to have more injuries than any other Prem. club especially with the likes of RVP, Rosicky, Dudu, etc… I guess thats the only beef I have with Le’Boss, but whom am I to run my trap about the man whose brought so much glory to this wonderful club!!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
Well in again ‘holic!
I think this is a must-not-lose game rather than a must win, unless you think that we still have a shot at the title, which I think is rather fanciful given our recent performances since the Stoke cup game. If we lose and Liverpool are only two behind that really would be a kick in the teeth and shatter some already fragile confidence in the camp. I would love us to win but I have a strong feeling this will be a tepid 0-0.
And by the way, playing a mostly reserve or youth team outfit against Stoke hasn’t worked at all has it? We haven’t won since then. Much like our 07/08 campaign fell apart when we started playing silly buggers in the Cups (ie picking Justin Hoyte and Traore at full back) and got whacked 4-0 at Old Trafford and 5-1 at Spuds. We never recovered from that. Also look at Villa last season – going great guns, then O’Neill rests most of the first team, they get knocked out of the UEFA Cup by CSKA Moscow and their form nosedived, much to our relief. Winning matches in these tournaments can give you a boost, I know football has changed a bit over the years but how come many players in the great teams of the 80s and 90s were playing 60+ games a season and players these days are rested all the time?
Yeah, but Man Utd’s league form has hardly suffered since they were turfed out at home to Leeds has it. And it wasn’t a mainly reserve team against Stoke! Especially by the end.
Also our defeat to Spurs in the League Cup came a whole month before our league form began to slip, so that game was a red herring. Not to mention that the league form slipped because of what happened at Birmingham, if we’d won 2-1 things could have been very different and the Man Utd FA Cup game had nothing to do with events that day.
That second paragraph is crying over long spilt milk, I’d disregard it to be honest!
Our captain is simply phenomenal! Here’s his latest interview which he gave just to reassure Steve T:
Hi Cesc! Do you honestly believe Arsenal can still win the Premier League title?
We have to believe, to be positive. The most important thing is that we stick together and play like we know we can.
Critics say that Arsenal are too lightweight to compete with the top sides.
That’s up to them! I’m on the inside and know the quality we have. Look at the squad – so young but an amazing generation of players. Yes, we’re eager to win things but the manager is building something important and that often takes time.
What’s more important – attractive football or winning trophies?
I honestly believe we can do both. The philosophy at Arsenal is about passing, moving forward all the time and creating chances, and that spirit runs through the club.
Who wouldn’t enjoy playing in this environment?
I’m confident we’ll bring trophies to the Emirates soon. To win the Premier League would be one of the best days of my life.
Every season, we hear you’re going to Barcelona. Any truth in the rumours?
I’ve said many times, probably too many times, that Arsenal have a special place in my heart. I owe them a lot and to be captain of the club means everything. It’s an honour. My commitment to Arsenal has never changed, despite what other people may say.
Read more: http://soccerlens.com/cesc-fabregas-well-bring-trophies-to-arsenal/40346/#ixzz0fA6XbQrZ
Matt, thank you.
I love Cesc – its bordering on unhealthy 🙂
YeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes – great team effort!
Diaby, Gallas and Clichy were outstanding tonight.
Great day so far, we won our toughest game left and recovered 2 points on ManU and looks like 3 on Chelski.
6 points off the top with 12 games left.
Let’s finish those bubble bottles right now!
Don’t forget the Spuds lost as well Matt 🙂
Losing twice to Wolves, good old Spurs, whatever else happens this season, at least they can provide us with a laugh.
2 pts gained on the Mancs (thanks u Villa) and 3 on Chelski (thanks u Everton)!!!!
What a night.
Priceless win that.
Pop the bubbly please barman, it looks like we´re back.
Cheers.
I’ve just started work. I feel like packing it in and heading off to the bar. ‘holic’s on in is he?
Indeed Spurs losing adds another layer of sweetness to the night.
The Opta twitter account has quite a few interesting tidbits there http://twitter.com/optajoe
All seven of Abou Diaby’s goals for Arsenal this season have come at the Emirates. Homeboy.
And before the game:
Andrei Arshavin has scored five goals from six shots on target in his two appearances against Liverpool. Threat.
On Saha:
100 – Louis Saha has now scored 100 goals in English league football. Centurion.
One game at a time
Oh that’s sweet too from the league’s top diver before the game:
Geed-up Stevie Gerrard scents blood: We’ll catch wounded Arsenal, says Liverpool skipper
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1249784/Geed-Stevie-Gerrard-scents-blood-Well-catch-wounded-Arsenal-says-Liverpool-skipper.html#ixzz0fApY16lO
You know what Stevie, you’ll should focus on beating Chelski and Manure and *maybe* then you could finish 4th. Please reserve your best dives for them!
Matt, the best from the opta page for me is:
“10 – Manchester United have now profited from their 10th own goal in the PL this season. Lucky.”
I tried to read the article Matt, really did, but never got further than
“Crushing defeats by Manchester United and Chelsea have shattered any lingering Arsenal title illusions and left manager Arsene Wenger hitting out in all directions, with the media coming under fire for supposedly misrepresenting his views.”
Looks like the Daily Mail didn’t take too kindly to the fact that Wenger (quite rightly) said that the “newspapers” bend quotes at will. Twats.
Oh, and great win by the way. Nice of Chelsea, Man Utd and Spurs to lose as well.
Champagne please! (Yes, I am taking it game by game, but bleeding hell, I’m worth some bubbley bubbles)
Great performance and result by the mighty Arsenal tonight. I thought the team played with real spirit and ‘togederness’ tonight. Nice little touch at the end by Cesc to even up the injustice of Liverpool being awarded the foul at the very last moment of the game.
Eboue was fantastic, as was Diaby, Song, Gallas (monumental), Vermaelen, Almunia (great save), Clichy (worked terrifically hard).
Despite what the press might have everyone believe, we are still very much in with a chance to take the title. The pressure is ALL on Chelsea.
Keep on believing 🙂
Goo on then barman….I’ll have another sneaky San Miguel….it’d be rude not to, plus one for yourself!!!
Thought we worked the ball much better tonight and closed them down well. We were much more focused on our defensive game and as a result our forward game looked less dynamic. Nick B starting gave us a bit more of an option to go direct and I thought he did well… Still ring rusty though and we were still looking for that next pass (BANK!!! if anyone listens to the Up For Grabs podcast) at times, instead of shooting. Two disappointing moments early on when we looked like we would get caught on the counter and1 again but Liverpool are clearly missing a quality forward… Oh well, we know how that feels, right? Second half was much more controlled in my opinion and we started to probe with more promise. Thought Arshavin came off at about the right time as he looks tired, but not sure Walcott did much for us on the whole, he had a couple of runs, which he could have done better with and opened up a chance for Cesc which went wide – the most disappointing action for him was the pathetic cross to Reina when he should have tried to hold the ball in the corner to run the clock down. From Reina’s kick out they dived to win a free kick which Cesc looked to have handled, but we got away with that in the end.
Babbel nearly did for us too when we backed off and gave him too much space, but a great finger tip save from Almunia pushed the ball on to the cross bar, for which Gallas rightly acknowledged the contribution (they seemed fine tonight – sometimes we look for a bit of gossip more than a knitting circle….). Let’s hope that save and the clea sheet give him and the bvack for much more confidence.
The chase is on now, all we can do is hope that we do the best we can in all the remaining fixtures.
COME ON YOU GOONERS!
Made my day lads, top effort. Just wanted to make a few quick points:
-We look a different team with Bendtner up top. We were actually winning the ball in the air a bit for a change.
-Almunia kept pumping the ball long after Bendtner went off, and I don’t think we won the ball once at that stage (when we really should have been keeping posession)
-I had my heart in my mouth when the Verminator made that lung busting run into the box at around 88 minutes, when we are 1-0 up. I know we had plenty back but still… lets not concede!
-A supporting argument for Wenger when it comes to just buying to have another squad member: Maxi Rodriguez
I’m not sure we deserve to win the league this year after the previous games – but it ain’t over yet and I certainly hope we give it a decent shake.
I’m a happy Gooner tonight I got my line up spot on as well but not as well as my bet he he….
Who gives a shit we won thats all that matters…
Come on you almighty Gooners!!!
Barman please something stronger then the lager please…
@Toby and jt: The linked to the DM article was more meat as a revenge, there’s a much better article in the Times today, some excepts:
If you go on high transfers you go on high wages,” Wenger said. “It is linked, but we cannot afford both. We cannot make a statement to [Carlo] Ancelotti [the Chelsea manager] because Chelsea can lose £150 million and we cannot live like that. Football lives in an artificial world at the moment. We have to live in a realistic world at Arsenal and we are very proud of that.
“Look at what happened [in the January transfer window]. Give me one big move. Zero. People ask me, ‘Why do you not buy a great striker?’ Tell me one who has moved from one club to another. Not one.
“We are one of the ten best clubs in Europe and players who strengthen our team at that period of the season are not available, or at a price we cannot afford.”
And that one for Steve T:
Wenger claimed that Fàbregas will stay at the club despite renewed interest from Barcelona. The Spain midfield player has four years remaining on his contract and Arsenal are adamant that they will not sell.
“There is no concern at all,” Wenger said. “What is more of a concern is that we try everything to win something.” He believes that Arsenal can still challenge for the Barclays Premier League title, a bold claim considering that they trail Chelsea by nine points, but one that will look more credible if they can beat Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium tonight.
The articles has plenty of goodies about our financial situation too. Here: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article7021141.ece
Bendtner & Eboue give us a slightly different look and balance which is very good to see. But more importantly this win gives us confidence going into the break. Who knows what can be achieved with that extra shot of confidence? Gallas’ 2nd half saving tackle was huge because the ball was on its way to the back of the net for sure. But then it was Bendtner-Rosicky-Diaby-Goal and a true moment of magic! The barman seems to be away so I’ll help myself to a pint.
Also, spare a respectful thought for Le Prof. Fair play to him….after a few days of getting mauled (as per usual) by the press….he comes right back out and gives a great post match interview (whether we win or lose). Unlike a certain purpled nose sulker who still to this day has it in for the Beeb.
I have just watched MOTD online on the BBC website and I’m very disappinted with Le Dixons comment:
“The are playing catch up, lets move on” now is he either scared of Hansen or what? Seriously what a numpty and to think he was Gooner.
Hanson had nothing to sat which explains the whole melachy!
Come on lads lets prove those “chavs” wrong!
I aint gonna laugh at Spuds we have them soon and we need to take especially this game seriously!
Lads even though he came down with a bit of a stick from everyone…..
Here it comes:
What a save = Almunia!!!
Back again.
Lately I´ve has some harsh things to say about Almunia, so I think it´s only fair that I praise him for tonights performance which I thought was solid.
It´s not the fact that he made a few decent saves that pleased me, (although that was great) because we all know he´s always been a decent shotstopper. It was his attitude and presence that impressed me. He didn´t dilly dally on crosses as he has done lately and seemed to be confident. This confidence looked like it spread through the defence who performed as a unit. I saw many high fives and back pats going on between them and a fist on fist moment between Almunia and Gallas which was nice to see.
Long may it continue.
Haha, I know Matt, just so fed up with the DM. Cheers for continuing to find good articles!
Holloway2Holland – I agree – I have also given Manuel some stick of late. 2 great moments for me tonight were the save from Babel and the “batsmans fist” you refer to.