Let's Go Boys, I'll Be Right Behind You
Nov 29th, 2010 by 'holic
“The only thing I promise is that we will take the tie seriously, but I have to consider how many games my players play. For six weeks we have played every three days with Champions League and internationals. I will consider who needs to play and who needs to rest.”
It says everything. It says nothing. Classic Arsene. Of course we have a pretty good idea of most of the likely starters against Wigan in the Carling Cup quarter-final. Most significant, one suspects, will be the choice of Szczesny or Almunia to start in goal. I suspect most would plump for the younger of the two, and if that is the case I think you have a clear indication of Manuel’s future.
Ahead of whoever wins that selection we are now down to the bare bones at centre-back. Injury to Squillaci means Djourou and Koscielny (complete with battered bugle courtesy of John Carew’s elbows) are the only fit regular pairing. I suppose Song is an option, and an outside possibility is young Nordtveit. Gibbs can give Clichy a breather on the left, and I suspect few are surprised at the remarkable recovery of Emmanuel Eboue, bless him. He should start on the right side.
I really don’t know about the midfield three. Presumably Denilson will start and is likeliest to be partnered by Eastmond and Rosicky as in the last round at Newcastle. Tomas seems to relish the responsibility of the captains armband and that could be enough to see him retain his place from the Villa win. Up front we can perm three from Walcott, Bendtner, Vela, van Persie, and possibly Emmanuel-Thomas.
A strong bench is likely to include Arshavin, Nasri, and Chamakh, just in case the unthinkable becomes reality. The positive will point out what the Young Guns did to Wigan the last time the sides met in this competition. However that 3-0 win does not mask the painful semi-final defeat we suffered against them thanks to the last gasp away goal in 2006. As we showed at their place last season we are by no means guaranteed a win just by turning up. The less said about that performance, the better.
The slightly different make-up of the home crowd for Carling Cup ties usually means good vocal support for the boys, and hopefully they will respond with a professional performance. I mean no disrespect to Wigan when I say if Arsenal turn up with their A game then the job should be a good one. Anything less though and we know the Latics, with pace to burn up front, will make life very uncomfortable indeed.
The ‘holic pound reckons we will overcome a slow start and exploit gaps in the last half-hour to secure a semi-final berth by a 3-1 margin. I’m sad to see the best offer on that is tens, but the degree to which the bookies view this a foregone conclusion has an effect on the correct score pricing.
The club are asking ticket-holders to check the official website before setting off for the game. Good advice given the uncertainty surrounding the weather. The game is likely to go ahead however, so take your full voice with you and give it everything. It’s what you expect of the team, I know, but support is a two-way street. The gaffer seems to be taking the competition more seriously this season. Let’s reward that approach and do our bit to clinch a semi-final place (says the hypocrite who will be wrapped up warm in front of a stream).
Come on you riproaring!
152 Responses to “Let's Go Boys, I'll Be Right Behind You”
1st?
Nice post ‘Holic, like yourself I reckon that midfield trio is what we’ll see and I especially hope that Rosicky starts this one; He was really impressive at the weekend and that kind of dynamism will be needed in that midfield. Really hope that Eastmond, if selected, manages to rise to the occassion as he’s yet to show his capability at this level though he’s obviously still very much learning his trade.
I also dearly hope we see JET get a good run out too, not seen nearly as much of him as I’d like.
A mug of some nice mulled wine please barkeep, need that winter warmer badly!!
3rd (Technically-2nd)
Tucked up warm, perhaps, but not in front of a stream I’m afraid. Not one channel anywhere in the world seems to be airing the game which means that there will be no streams unless someone by some miracle manages to tap into the ATVO cameras.
Sorry ‘holics. Forgot to say, if there are any jazz, soul, funk fans out there then a top Gooner is playing every Monday 8-10 (so now!) on http://www.jfsr.co.uk/
Worth a listen. Come and say hello in the chat room. Cheers.
GT: Technically second eh? Have you been taking media briefing lessons from Le Boss?
Nice post as always ‘Holic. I’m hoping for Wojciech between the sticks. Would love to see JECT up front with RVP. I wouldn’t trust Eastmond in Midfiled until the game’s won so another run-out for Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Nasri in the central midfield role would be good to see and should give The Latics the runs.
Warming drinks all round please barman to help bring us some winter cheer.
Nice post Holic. Frank and to the point.
As I said earlier, I expect Wigan to field a weakened side as they look to rescue their drop zone position in the league on the weekend, as they face Stoke, a potential Banana skin!
I want to see a couple of goals at least tomorrow, as a 0-0 draw going in to extra time would mess me up (100 times). The way our weakened side performed against Braga has me concerned. Not to mention we are at home.
However, that said, I expect nothing but an Arsenal victory, with at least 2 goals and Theo on the score sheet!
Cu’mon you Gooneeers!
Plus I’ll have a lager and lime and whatever you and Woody are having Bar Tender
You dancin’ Holic?
Great build up Holic,
I have the pleasure of attending this fixture and I sincerely hope the weather will hold and permit for this game to go ahead as planned. It’s the public transport I’m really worried about, they can’t let me down tomorrow!
I’m really looking forward to this one despite it’s going to be freezing temperatures coming towards the evening. I’m sure the lads will not disappoint it won’t be a walk over by any means we have to turn up on the night and do our job well, it’ll be bloody good to finally get a win at The Emirates at the same time.
A round of Dr C’s Medicine for everyone please Barman and one for yourself kind Sir
Come on you REDS!
Lars I could always give it a go but you are going to pay my phone bill he he….
They’re my kind of tunes Holic. Nice one! The music’s bloody good in ‘ere tonight.
TS- Well well there was one poster in spot 1 & 2, but to be honest I didn’t see it happen!
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Arsenal News, Arsenal FC. Arsenal FC said: Letβs Go Boys, Iβll Be Right Behind You: βThe only thing I promise is that we will take the tie seriously, but I… http://bit.ly/eMMY6j […]
Arthur @ 9 – hope the transport system doesn’t mess things up for you tomorrow mate. I am already concerned about my trip to the Grove on Saturday as Edinburgh Airport has been closed most of today and more snow is forecast for the rest of the week π
I hope we really put on a show tomorrow and deliver in 90 minutes – can’t have you freezing late into the night Arthur!! Any one know how to hack into the ATVO stream??
Speaking of putting on a show, as much as I hate their stalking of Cesc, Barcelona were out of this world tonight against Mourinho’s mob. What a hard working and exceptionally talented team – assuming we get through to the knock out stage of the CL I really would not want to go anywhere near them in that form.
zicoinexile, I haven’t seen such a performance since Barcelona dismantled us last season. Whoever plays for us tomorrow night must be up for it because the tough part of the cups starts now.
That El Classico was El Classic!
well that was fairly comprehensive!
With nothing on show, hopefully Arseblogger is doing one of his interactive swearathons.
ATG (from last post) it certainly is familiar – I had a clinic in Windsor for 15 years and lived in Putney for 20 years!
BT8BBNN – agree completely
2 hours to travel 10 miles today, 120 miles from London wouldn’t mind a postponement to be honest. It’s not so much the getting there but the return trip. Still tonight I will settle for a Nelsons Blood to warm my cockles.
Zico
I agreed on the weather front I’m hoping it will hold, as for you well can you not get a coach down south?
Catalan
Windsor just down the road from here, lovely little town, few nice bars there as well. I have to admit I do miss Putney from time to time, some fond memories of my life have been spent there.
Potter
2 hours for 1O miles? That is a long time… I remember last year it took 5 hours to travel 7 miles when the snow hit us here.
Love the spurs thingy on the side!!
Cheers Jack.
Have a great night tomorrow Arthur. Give ’em a cheer from me.
We need Jose. Jose is special. Hail the special one. It takes a special man to lose managing Real Madrid.
To lose playing anti-football to pure football, Wenger is not worthy.
Jose needs to explain to Madrid fans how Madrid lost 5-0 to Barcelona.
In with the redaction boys…after a few celebratory beverages for being off work for Dec
Looking forward to taking my 11 year old daughter tomorrow. She has made several trips with me to The Grove but this will be her first night game. She has spent this evening getting her thermals out and ready. Could be a chilly one. Hot dogs and a flask of soup may well be the way forward.
Looking for a comprehensive victory with no injuries and hopefully one that finishes in 90 mins. Do not fancy extra time.
Onwards and upwards…….
Great write up but the projected lineup seems a bit young if we are truly going for it. Please no eastmond. He’s been completely unimpressive for me in the 2 matches I’ve seen him. I’d like RVP to get a run out …… As for Barca …. Wow?!? But unlike a couple earlier posters, I hope we draw them. I feel we didn’t get a proper shake last season with so many injured and we actually led the tie in the Camp Nou for like 30 seconds. Bring em on!!!!
Did anyone watch the Forest game? Ramsey played for like half an hour.. but not able to get any proper details on how he fared.
Any info on that would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
Lars, There is not going to be a stream tonight?? Are you serious?
Any hacker holics here ? π
TS-@ 8 π
Re-El Clasico: Did you observe how high a line they played? Both the teams.. Mourinho should have stuck to his put-11-behind-the-ball-and-maybe-hit-them-on-the-counter strategy..But I wouldn’t want Barca in CL next round
I have a really bad cold, is there any brandy,please?
Have a nice trip Arthur, my dream it is, to visit the emirates.
Cheers all
I’ve woken up to white-out in the west. In itself not enough to see the game in trouble, but the predicted sub-zero temperatures all day may be an issue. The steps and ramp by the Armoury are the key. If they can clear and keep those from continually freezing it should be ok.
Really hope it works out for those going and doesn’t turn into another late call-off a la Bolton last season.
Arthur @ 19
Coach? If Ieave today I might make the 2nd half on Saturday π
@Harsha, I’m afraid I am. No tv channels, no streams π Listening to ATVO commentary will, I assume, be the only way to follow the game if you want more than just score updates.
However, if the game is postponed, maybe there’s a chance that it will be broadcast when it is eventually played?
Just checked the stadium and pitch web cams on ATVO and snow shouldn’t be an issue Holic as you say. Freezing temperatures is more of an issue those steps when frozen are certainly a bit more tricky than usual they may find it a health hazard.
Ground staff get your grit and salt out please!
Harsha & Lars
Arsenal have promised to show the game on ATVO straight after the final whistle so if you fancy waiting then it’s up to you.
Zico
I feel your pain my man, they should really invent teleporting these days. Seriously thou what’s the weather like today? Any better?
Morning Holics
Frozen here too in S.Herts but hoping that the match goes ahead as planned. Per ‘Holic, we don’t want a repeat of Bolton last season.
Fingers crossed for Arthur and have a good day one and all.
Good morning holic/holics.
Yes, please no Eastmond (great prospect, not quite ready imo) in midfield. Hopefully RVP might be fit and ready for a run out. He surely needs the games to get himself fit and back in major contention. Szczesny in goal, I personally would have no problem moving Almunia on in the transfer window (or in the summer) and focusing on getting a replacement. He has no future at Arsenal imo.
BTW….am still part way reading through the previous thread. Gotta say, some posts seem a bit harsh on Clichy. AFAICS, he often gets caught with his decision making simply because he has little in the way of cover. Of course, it’s all opinions.
@Arthur: the problem with waiting and watching it on ATVO is that I don’t know of any way of getting to the “as live” stream without finding out the result since they always splash that all over the arsenal.com site – and watching the game afterwards will also mean that it will be around 2AM here before it is finished (I have to wait until any possible extra time/penalties have been done and dusted, if I try to watch it at 10 UK time and it is not on, then I’ll know we’re in extra time and that would kind of spoil things…), and way past 2.30 if it goes to extra time/penalties.
Hmmm..It’s 130 AM Kick-off for us here. I can only imagine how cold it is there…as I have never experienced such temperatures I must say π
Lars,
Open the ATvO window before the game starts and avoid the .com site thereafter. There are no updates to the ATvO menu screen so just click in to match highlights tab afterwards and wait.
Maybe π
‘Holic: ah, didn’t think of that – I guess sometimes the solution is so simple you can’t see it π
But I think I’ll go with the ATVO audio commentary. Waiting until around midnight, knowing that the game is being played, does not feel like something I’ll be able to do!
Anyone else going?
I’ll be in Block 4 tonight for a change.
Here on the Surrey/Hampshire border there’s a light dust of snow, but feck all really, there shouldn’t be any travel problems.
Morning Holic/Holics,
I use the website myp2p for streams and just checked and it is listed for having a stream for the game at the moment, worth a check later
I will post here if I find a working one.
Thanks Austrian.
My pleasure Holic however as with all streams it goes down from time to time and you have to refresh but sometimes you get a decent one
Morning Holics,
Austrian Gooner –
I use my P2P usually and they’re pretty good!
Otherwise Justin is okay sometimes
Goonertown,
I have used Justin sometimes, one of the best ones I used to use was Iraqi Goals believe it or not but I think this may now be incorporated with Justin not sure on that one but hopefully we can see something of tonights game
Austrian Gooner –
Yeah I’m with you on that one
Snowing again in Berks Bracknell (work) hopefully it will not hold!
Interesting rumours today that we’re open to offers for NB52, and that Vela could go to Spain on loan.
Could see one of them happening, but not both, as that would leave us short of cover. Mind you, maybe that explains why JET didn’t go on loan…? Speculation is fun!
Catalan Gunner –
They both offer different things. B52 is more of an aerial attacking threat, whereas Vela is better on link up and finishing. Vela reminds me a bit of Bojan from Barca. He has the potential to be great but cannot hold down a first team place.
I like them both! We need as many options as we can, especially if we are taking all four cups seriously this season
Does this mean that the Verminator’s return could be imminent?
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-i-will-not-buy-in-transfer-window
The Weather doesn’t look like improving. BBC Weather says it will carry on falling until the early hours of tomorrow morning.
I reckon we are going to get let home early today at work. The Trams are okay but there appears to be delays on the buses and Trains. Mrs Goonertown had to turn back home this morning due to fearing she may get stranded in the City later!
Is there really going to be no streams for tonights game?? Not good…
Anyway seen as some have suggested sources to look for them, it’s worth having a look nearer the time at: http://www.atdhe.net/
If I find one working will post it on here.
It appears the game WILL be on a few channels after all. According to liveonsat.com it will be on Al Jazeera Sport 7 and some French channel called Orange Sport (the same site did not list any channels at around 10 this morning, so this must have been decided very recently). This means that streams will most likely be available!
@51 Goonertown. I have just read that. If he means it then it is not good news in my opinion.
Still snowing here. Going to set off for the game early. Dread to think what time I will get home.
Steve T where abouts are you? It should be very interesting getting back I agree, looking forward to the game right now I’ll worry about getting back home after π
@51 GT and Steve T…. but notice the nice little caveat at the end there…
…and after some googling I found a link to the website for the Orange channel and there was some live news reel a la Sky Sports News where Arsenal-Wigan was listed as “20.45 sur Orange Sport” which I take it means that it is on live.
Arthur @ 34 – whilst it is still trying to snow, the airport is open just now, so I am trying to look on the positive and Friday is a long way away!!
Hope your travel plans all work out and you have a great night.
Coffee for me and whatever AtG is having barman.
COYRRRs.
Afternoon holic and holics, on my way to Liverpool st at mo and though it’s snowing like a bastard in places trains running on time, just hope game goes ahead. Should be comfortable win tonight but most important thing is to get to semis, mancs got a dodgy game tonight and could come a cropper if they put out a weakened side and if that happens it would look very good for us. To others that are going have a good night, and hope the ole boys keep quiet, I remember the crowd doing oles as Wigan got the winner in 06.
Holic could you crack open a nice bottle of glayva for all going tonight, that should warm the cockles!
@Lars very good news indeed π
Zico
I hope it calms down for you so you can get to the game without any delays and hassles.
I’ll have an Irish coffee please Barman for now π
Leaving work in 45 min not looking forward to my journey though car ride to Reading then the trian to London Paddington.
Anyone in N5? How’s the snow up there?
According to tweets it is chucking it down at Euston, but all clear at Highbury, Arthur.
Be lucky.
Afternoon All
Just checked the stadium-cam. It looks mostly wet with the odd patch of white. Traffic seemed to be moving OK (for London in early rush hour). My guess is you’ll all be fine getting there and back.
Barman? Thermos’ of piping hot soup, hip flasks full of favourite tipples and blankets all round for those going… just as long as they sing thier hearts out π
Arthur. I am sitting in block 4 but will be travelling back to epping on the central line.
Flask ready. My 11 year old has doubled in size with the layers she now has on.
Atg, update from ems, walked all round ground doesn’t appear to have been gritted anywhere but they say game going ahead, very light snow at mo. I’ve now retreated to supporters club bar for pint of the black stuff and then Turkish in blackstock rd for some grub and no doubt a few bottles of effes
Just left Reading trains seem to be on time, not much snow here either.
I’m in block 17 lower east stand perhaps next time Steve T, I will definitely rush home after as well.
Glennw
Nice one mate, thanks for the update.
Evening people haven’t been around as much due to changing jobs hope all the Holics are well popped in Mr Hills for a little flutter on the Mexican 3-0 and a cheeky token on Walcott 5-0 we can but dream π
meanwhile…the mugs @ sp*ds have decided to move on from dvds to mugs.
http://shop.tottenhamhotspur.com/spurs08/detail.php?productid=ST46093&proddesc=Arsenal+2+Spurs+3+Mug&supercategory&branch&wcategory&catdesc
[insert joke here]
Looks like a few choices to try around kick-off time people…
http://livefooty.doctor-serv.com/
http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=97492&part=sports
http://www.atdhe.net/
I’ll be trying one of the sopcast links on the netbook, and one of the others on the Mac. Will come back if successful.
Just having a quick pint inside!
Come you REDS!!!
Szczesny, Eboue, Koscielny, Djourou, Gibbs, Denilson, Wilshere, Walcott, Bendtner, Robin van Persie, Vela
Looks like we are going all out.
Just grabbed back up pounds on 5-2 (100-1 Stan James)
and 6-3 (350-1 Bet365)
Be lucky π
Carefull ATG you’ll miss the warm up π
Was just about to give Virgin an earful when I realised that arseblog is CITB. Oh dear!
In other news ‘Come on the genuine Reds’
Looks like I am getting something on sopcast 90661
I’ve got that one, thanks, ‘holic.
http://veetle.com/index.php/channel/view#4cf27091ed3aa
http://veetle.com/index.php/channel/view#4cf27091ed3aa
This is an excellent stream.
COME ON YOU YELLO– Err REDS!
@Hilc:
How about that?!
Great minds etc..
WHUFC 1-0 up!
http://show-sports.com/channel2/
Thanks #Holic!
Finally a stream that works, cheers!
I hope Vela gets better, somewhere else
thanks holic!
Has Eboue got an ear infection? He keeps falling over untouched.
Heh! He doesn’t look match fit….
Can you say ” casual”?
WHUFC 2-0!
And we’ve been robbed of a penalty yet again…
Oh well. There we go. That’s our goal anyways!
No idea who scored it but what the fuck.
COME ON ARSENAL!
Allelujah! own goal
Still so much composure and authority when defending set-pieces…
Ah..COME ON YOU REDS.
A little more urgency please. Show you give a single one.
is the referee on meth? fucking idiot cant even spot a clear handball and than given another chance still didnt see it. somebody check is he wearing black under blue and let me know please!
I hate struggling with streams. I missed almost half an hour of action because of it.
Vela has to improve! Come one Carlos!
and now i have to downstairs and laugh at my little devil brother!
sopcast one is throwing a wobbly now π
5-2 and 6-3 looking fanciful, even with all the strikers on show. I’m holding out hope for 3-1.
van persie has looked better dont you think holic? and what about vela…
Try switching to sopcast 94451.
Taking a while to load but seems ok picture, if silent.
how abt this holic??
http://www.tvoo.eu/ch2.html
I dunno if it’s the Arsenal stream. Some Half time stuff is going on…Is it the same channel?
It’s a joke, right? He can’t be injured again!
I’m looking forward to hearing Arsene whinge like a little girl after Wigan thump ya…”oh my little pansy’s were kicked off the pitch, blah blah blah”
Walcott started the second half really brightly!
But still, a bit nervous now, we’ve had what is it, five-six half-chances in five minutes? Neither going into the net.
That starting XI spot is drifting away from Bendtner by the minute.
Oh dear Manure π
GOAL! West Ham 3-0 Manchester United (Cole 55)
Man Utd 3-0 down at West Ham.
Come on you riproaring!
Time to put this bed to game now. Nasri on and just get that second one.
Not that I’m THAT dissatisfied with the performance so far, I didn’t expect more from that many players that hasn’t played too much this season, but with WHUFC being 3-0 up we really do need to take this chance.
that cunt should have been off
I have a bad feeling about this. WAKE UP FOR GOD’S SAKE!
How are we playing folks? Jsut following live text on bbc at work.
We’re playing good enough π 2-0!
Quick pint for me holic, I’ve gotta run back to the bar.
Following a match via live text on an iphone sucks, but better then nothing.
COYRRR!!!
YES!
And my my my isn’t it Vela and Bendts combining!
In all seriousness, we’re not playing that well, but neither are Wigan. We should be fine now.
Should.
Yesss, beautiful.
Get in Bendy!
That was a brilliant strikers finish…. just want vela to get a couple im a big fan!
What a cross from Vela, superb!
A friend of mine just texted me :
“Remember Wigan away last year (sic)”
They think thev’e won it right now. SCREAMMMM!!
4-0 West Ham
My oh My…
4-0 for the Hammers.
Excllente – bubbles
Na na na na na na na…
Arthur, if any prick in front of you is oleing, you have my permission to punch him/them in the back of the head. Twats.
vela is looking pretty good today….so unlucky though. we should destroy wigan now
Al Habsi is surely seeing much of the ball isn’t he? Lots of back-passing going on here…
Arthur seems to have done his job, the ole’s have stopped for a moment.
Haha,
“Arthur, Arthur, Do your job. Arthur, Do your job” π
i hate it why the fuck do people have to ole? dont they want to see more goals. losers.
the officiating is so shit tonight that was such a reckless challenge and 3 crystal clear handballs not given.
go gunners!
Third penalty we’re not getting. Two of them, the first and the third have been really good as well. Middle one was kind of ball to hand, as they call it.
i agree toby i would love to know martin’s dealer.
Walcott… Eastmond, Emanuel Thomas, for Gibbs…
We’ve got english players alright.
that deserved a goal brilliant
Pitch invasion..Was that our very own Arthur?
Arthur, if any prick in front of you is invading the pitch, you have my permission to punch him/them in the back of the head. Twats.
even the commentator saying the referee is shit…..im not sure what is up. but good performance from the arsenal we missed a lot of chances and the 2 pen not given, we could have been out of sight.
There we go.
We should be in the final now, surely? Not that I like foregone conclusions, we’ve got the habit of screwing up individual games, but over two games, we should be able to beat all the remaining teams? 180 minutes does remove some of the chance out of the game.
I propose a toast – a good win for us and Manure got Hammered.
Good stuff and goodnight π
Through to the semis!! Good stuff π
Pitch invasions were a bit stupid…
goodnight all
the 1st person shook arsene’s hand did anyone see?
Not a great performance by any strecth of the imagination. But we’re in the SF, and Man U got thumped. So, COME ONE ARSENAL!
One more Erdinger for me barman please. And some Hot chocolate/Whiskey combo for Arthur when he gets back.
π
Haven’t seen any of our game but I will take the 2 results as being a very nice night’s work. Ferguson’s face on SS1 was a picture.
Guinness extra cold barman, even if it is -7 outside. π
Just saw the last 10 minutes but I like the result and loved the pretty snowflakes dancing into the Emirates. Thanks Harsha for the stream and btw I thought the Lamp in the ad was a Lady.
Guys just waiting for the traffic to die down in a local I can’t speak anymore shame about the others none vocal!
How many hand balls was that?
a draw against west ham will be nice. it’ll be a double header on the 12th & 15th of jan.
villa/b’gham will not a bad opponent either as they have a derby to focus on the 15th of jan.
i personally prefer if we get ipswich town π
Good result. Always in control from what I saw in the 2nd half (via a grainy stream).
Job well done Arsenal. One step at a time….through to the next round :~)
Cold staropramen for me please barman!
It wasn’t vintage Arsenal by any means, but we have the full squad playing which is a bonus! Van Persie reminded me of Cesc more than anything else.
Stop moaning peeps we are through to Semis!