Arsenal Grant Avram No Mercy
Jan 15th, 2011 by 'holic
I will count myself among those who thought that West Ham would put up one hell of a fight before we eventually overcame them. I was wrong, although to be fair a side already shorn of Scott Parker could have done without losing Mark Noble after just twenty minutes. Boa Morte may be a niggly little sod, but midfield hardman and leader he is not.
Having highlighted the bleeding obvious I also have to acknowledge that you can only beat what’s in front of you, and as bad as West Ham were it has to be said that Arsenal were almost breathtaking at times. From the off they got hold of the ball and declared Hammertime, you can’t touch this. (Did you see what I did there?)
Thirteen minutes in Robin van Persie scored from close range after Samir Nasri had dummied Theo Walcott’s pass across the box. Johan Djourou’s underhit back pass provided Carlton Cole with the chance to level, but Wojciech Szczesny was decisive and snuffed out the chance. Chances came and went as Arsenal attempted to turn the screw, but the inevitable second goal arrived when van Persie turned provider and Walcott caught Wayne Bridge flat-footed to lift the ball into the roof of the net.
Although I didn’t know it, the last chance of West Ham contributing to land the ‘holic pound came and went in the minutes that remained of the opening half. Cole didn’t get proper contact with his head and the hosts final clear opportunity was gone. The good thing about half-time was it spared us more of Jon Champion’s drivel about Avram Grant’s situation. The bad thing was it lasted only fifteen minutes and Champion and Waddle, or should I say dumb and dumber, were back.
If anything Arsenal dominated even more after the break although possibly without creating as many clear chances. The third goal did arrive when Walcott was once again too nimble for the fast-tiring Bridge, and was felled in the box. From twelve yards van Persie is mister reliable. His second would clinch the man of the match champagne. Harsh I thought on the five who had dominated behind and alongside him. Song and Wilshere retrieved just about everything when West Ham briefly borrowed the ball, Fabregas, Nasri, and Walcott were mesmeric with their movement and creativity.
Everything that was lacking against Leeds and Ipswich was back in this performance. The ceaseless hard work, even on the rare occasions that we didn’t have the ball. The interchanging and movement that makes us so hard to mark. The speed of passing along with the accuracy so lacking from our distribution in the last couple of matches. If one note of caution remains ahead of the replay at Leeds it is the fact that this was, once again, arguably our strongest side at the moment. By and large it was the same one that played so well against Chelsea and Birmingham. It’s possibly not the side that will start at Elland Road. There is much still for Monsieur Wenger to consider ahead of that trip on Wednesday.
127 Responses to “Arsenal Grant Avram No Mercy”
I’ll drink to that…
cheers!
RVP is back thank jah,,,,wilshere had his best game in while,,narsri cesc and xavier were top class,kos is looking better every game,chesney made 1 very good save at 0 -1 ,,its amazing what few changes in players and attitude can do,,1 very happy slightly drunk irishman 2nite, ,,,,come spurs 2morow
great post,great performance.thought jack was unlucky not to get a deserved goal…
4th
As much as I want Manure to loose, I don’t think I can stomach backing Spurs. A 5-5 draw with lots of players sent off will do fine by me.
its amazing how many of us will be rooting forspuds tommorow
I can’t bring myself to want Spurs to win (their heads are already big enough of late), a draw would do me very nicely
todays win was our best win all season in my opinion,we cut out the over elaborate stuff,got stuck in when it was required,we dominated the game in a way Arsenal should do against the bottom team in the league.we had a few hairy moments (JD in the first half!!) but we dealt with them and did’nt concede.we have played prettier stuff but we NEVER looked in danger tonight and it was a pleasure to sit in the local(in Dublin) surrounded by liverpool & man u fans and say ‘ up your’s you cunts!!!’. i know liverpool are no danger but dublin is full of scouse & man u fans.to me the team look more assured with Sczeney in goal and also with no arshavin to back heel and flick the ball away.(my opinion before i get jumped on!)if we continue to play this way we WILL the league,maybe arsene has realised that you can win 3 points by doing the basics . one very happy gooner tonight in dublin,cheers all.
Great post as always ‘Holic and hope our performance has helped to lift your spirits.
I’m with Charlie a draw would be fine but I also don’t want Manure to have an unbeaten season but I also don’t want Harry & The Twitchers to get even more full of themselves. F*ck it, 1-0 to The Stratford Olympians will be fine.
Barman? A round for all in the bar and one or two for yourself as well. Thanks!
Good post ‘Holic – I agree that there was a greater sense of urgency about the team that was missing in the last two games.
Whatever team is picked for Elland Road, they cannot for a minute think that they will get anything like as much time on the ball as they did tonight. They will come snapping at our heels and we in turn should be doing the same to them, to allow us to then do the creative stuff when we have the ball. We must be up for a scrap first and foremost.
For now, though, I’ll enjoy the rest of the weekend and be able to take something out of whatever happens in the marshlands tomorrow afternoon. 🙂
One more Guinness kind Bar Person and have one yourself.
* we will win the league.(poxy i phones!!)
Gaz
Great to see you hear when we win and more or less in good cheer.
Have a pint on me.
TS, I can deal with Man U having an undefeated season…just so long as we win the League.
Gaz – blaming the iPhone and NOT the Guinness 😉
Well written, Holic.
I’ll have something not that strong, had quite a few too many yesterday watching this outfit – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvefGn4HA-I . They are the resident band of their own club, Club Killers. They play once a month in Stockholm, and have had loads of prominent guests over the years, not least of all Kevin Rowland (picture proof – http://www.rockfoto.nu/artists/Club%20Killers%20&%20Kevin%20Rowland/gig/20060224/1186/photos/13049)
You should stop by, ‘Holic. Putting on your old ska boots would do you good.
Joshua
We owe Rooney for that blatant dive and for preventing us from going 50 unbeaten. We need to stff ’em where it hurts when they come to The Ems. I remain hopeful but skeptical of our ability to win The Championship this season.
Let’s stuff Ipswich at home and then B’Ham or WHUFC and win the CC first.
Please have a drink on me.
@ TS i’m her win or loose mate,i dont just pop up when we loose contrary to popular belief.i was just so proud of the way we played today,no bullshit,no fancy dan stuff and thats what is required,there is a time and place for the over elaborate stuff.i dont care if we play shit once we win 3 points,but tonight we did the basics and it got us 3 points.i want us to win the league so bad this season not because of the ‘they aint won fuck all in 5 years shite’ but because we are the best team in the league and we should win it,again so so happy gooner in dublin,just please keep it fuckin up ASRSENAL!!!!!!!
@ Zico believe it or not I dont drink Guinness,cant handle the stuff mate,your sober after 5/6 pints of the stuff then the fuckin 7th one just mugs ya and then it’s down hill from there!!! pint bottles of Bulmers (you lot call it Magners) is the way forward for the all day sessions!!!
Our best win all season? It was very good but I would rank the Birmingham (away) and Chelsea (home) games as better than this to be honest.
Glad to hear it Gaz. If it was down to talent alone, we’d be walking away with The Championship by now. There are other factors that we need to focus on and address but here’s hoping that we’re at the beginning of a l-o-n-g and consistent run all the way through unitl May. Cheers.
Charlie, the Chelsea win was the highlight so far for me and Braga 6-0 at home. I’m hoping both of those performances will be eclipsed by stylish wins at the LWCs and at home to Manure.
Another round please Mr. Barman and one for yourself of course.
@ TS im so happy that Pressure Drop by Toots & The Maytals is on a continuious loop on my i phone and im gonna wear my oxblood Doc Martens to bed!!! Skinhead Forever!!!!!
Behold and covet the pristine and virginal sheet.
@ charlie,you just wanna have a pop at me whenever!!! but no probs mate,Pressure Drop is doin the business!!! also it’s a bit of a cunt wearin Doc Martens in bed!!!!!
for thise or you that dont know the son Pressure Drop,just look up You Tube,best song ever!!!
I have no doubt that my absence from the front of the TV set contributed to our good performance today. When have they every played well when I watch? Why hardly ever of course. I reluctantly must conclude that for the good of the team I should never watch again. Sorry I won’t be able to keep to the promise … Hurray for the 3 points!
*those *song, fuck me i cant spell,maybe the Bulmers(magners to you english!!!) is gettin to me!
@Gaz
Heh, sounds like you would enjoy Club Killers as well then Gaz. Just drop by.
(see above)
@ Toby,where is Club Killers? is it in Dublin?
@ Toby I didn’t see you post @ 16!!
TS, I’m skeptical of our chances at the Title as well. Thankfully, I’m just as skeptical about everyone else’s chances. Despite losing five games so far, we are still within two points of the top. The match at the Emirates against Man U should be a good one. We owe them a good thrashing (although I’ll be just as happy with a win).
Thanks for the drink. Have another one yourself.
Nice one, ‘Holic. We saw it very similarly. Condolences on the Holic Pound. May I commend the BtM crystal ball?
Flying Dutchman Sinks Old IronSide
Robin Van Persie, rested, recuperated and raring to go hammered constantly on Old Mother Green’s east end front door, giving a virtuoso performance in bubble bursting that left the bubble blowers’ bubbles well and truly popped. This was a de-lathering in oil, painted brightly in yellow and maroon on a canvas of green by an artist in his prime, his left foot flashing brush strokes of brilliance to enliven a day of pastel gray. A gay gray day on which the BtM crystal ball again provided generous returns to all that had staked their family fortunes on the 3-0 away win it predicted.
This was the Dutch Master close to his masterful best and showing the strength that he boasted just before Chellini’s Italian Ice Cream Dump Truck drove over his ankle during that meaningless match for Holland in November 2009 dropping him into a horse placenta nightmare of multi- month proportions. He’s a world-class performer who’s been missed for 15 months. Robin’s fitness will be critical to Arsenal’s silverware aspirations this year. May the force be with him.
The Gunners started brightly, shining like polished steel against the leaden efforts of Old Pearly King Cole and the east end eel and pie eaters. Arsenal looked up for it, vibrant and pacey, passing crisply and confidently. In contrast, the Irons were dull, lacked polish, and were very malleable and easily hammered out of shape by Arsenal’s first pick starting eleven (more about Mr Eboue later).
It was no surprise to anyone when Arsenal took the lead inside 15 minutes. Cesc ‘s leap over Walcott’s cross, bemused the bubblers and left Robin perfectly positioned to hammer a chocolate brown brush stroke into Hammer Green’s bottom left for One Nil to The Arsenal.
Nasri, Walcott, Robin and Song all had fair chances to extend the lead before Van Persie burst through on the left for a brush stroke of such perfection that Van Gogh himself would have been proud of it. That the shot thundered like a cannon ball of iron from the INSIDE of hammered Green’s left post defied the Laws of Physics, such is the Dutchman’s mastery!
It didn’t take long though before Van Persie, drifting wide left, flighted a pass more perfect than a wedge of carved Gouda into the path of Walcott the Hammerer of such opportunities. Theo made no mistake from six yards and Arsenal went in two-nil up at the turn.
For the most part it had been one-way traffic. A poorly weighted pass-back from JD20 gave Stuart Robson the opportunity for a dissertation on roast pig regarding the weakness at the centre of the Arsenal defense. No doubt, that momentary lapse will feature prominently in Fleet Street, the BBB and the MOtD Muppets’ commentaries on the game. That will be a pity.
Arsenal’s play was even more magical in the second half. Arsene Wenger’s strategy of rotating prior to this priority tournament game paid off in iron cannonballs of a golden hue and made the scurrilous comments of Danish Gooner and his likes look as worthy as Hawwy Wedknapp on University Challenge.
The only surprise was that only one more goal was scored thanks to an Edam sized slice of East End luck. The scorer of the third? – no surprise. The man in the number 10 strip worn by his hero and mine, who never misses from the spot, made it three with a bubble bursting belter of a left leg drive low below hammered Green’s dive to his right. Paint it in oil and hang it in the Louvre, Arsene!
A great three points that keeps Arsenal right on track for the Premiership. Rock solid performances all round from our first team. The only exception, in my opinion, being Mr Eboue, our one-time competent right back. AW’s efforts to encourage him to excellence as a right sided mid-fielder appear to have erased from his brain any knowledge of defending.
Wishere, Song and Fabregas promises to be one of the great mid-field trios. Walcott Van Persie and Nasri’s ability to inter-change position is outstanding. The defense is growing and improving. If the centre-backs can become as good going backwards as they are coming forward, they’ll achieve master-class.
For the doubters who yearn for days of old at the back, please watch Kolo the Holo at the heart of Shitty’s multi-gazillion pound team’s defence surrender the howler of the day against a Wolves team who deserved at draw at Eastlands today.
A Dom Perignon, Mr Barman if you please. The family fortune was staked on 3-0. A bottle for everyone in the bar, if you will. One for yourself too.
@ BtM
Thanks, really enjoyed the second instalment of soapy-metallic wordsmith wizardry.
Couldn’t agree more about either of RVP’s feet, they both produce masterpieces in attacking football and I’ll toe-st them (sorry!) for the rest of the night.
Robin’s new-found vein of form could well be one of the keys to the door of The Championship this year. here’s hoping he’s with us and continues playing like that for all of our remaining games.
@ naswi
yes, the pwistine virginal sheet is indeed beautiful to behold – our third in a wow in The Pwemiership?
Drinks for both please Mr. Barman and I’ll have one of BtM’s bottles to drown my sorrows for not heeding the crystal ball and playing family fortunes.
3 points:
1. Nasri makes a big difference. As results without him (Ipswich, Leeds, Wigan) show.
2. MOTD demonstrated their anti-Arsenal bias once again. Barely a word of praise for us (70% possession anyone?): only criticism of West Ham. How are Liverpool doing Mr Hansen?
3. Can we also raise a toast to Chesney. For a goalkeeper aged a mere 20, who looks like he’s still at school, he was immense tonight. Again.
A large glass of Argentinian Malbec barman…
By the way, BTM, you’re not related to Stuart Hall, are you?
Good win. Not good talking about the title after one win.
Things’d look better if we can get beyond Leeds and Ipswich.
Nasri, Cesc, Song, Wilshere is Arsenal’s best midfield. They click together and Wilshere and Nasri makes Cesc tick. Drop any of those four and we start to stutter again. To fend off Leeds and Ipswich, we will need this midfield quartet. If Wenger does otherwise, we may regret it.
Nice right up and a great performance, but am I alone in thinking that we still need to be more clinical? I thought we played some great football but against a poor West Ham side. I just feel that we should be taking sides like that to the cleaners. I also thought we looked shaky at the back at times.
That all said I really do not want to be negative considering how we knocked the ball about. Great to see RVP looking sharp. Nasri has just matured into a special player and Jack is not far behind, For me the way he has come on is quite remarkable.
Now for Leeds…………
Twue Stowey you are too funny. But we may be haunted by the specter of Woy in unexpected ways yet this season if O’Neill is only out of the game for a few months. Another round for all the lads please barman.
True Storey, an answer to your earlier question:
Q: Will Avram Grant get a fourth crack at being an EPL manager?
A: Sure enough, next week at Chelsea.
Top reports already in!
Magnificent win today which puts our GD just one behind United.
Now I want United to lose tomorrow:
– we’re 7 points behind in theory, that would close the gap further.
– United still have to play all their away games against the top 6, a defeat at WHL would give more hope to all their opponents
– It would keep Chelski out of the top 4, I’d love it if they did a Liverpool this season.
One last thing, we never give Arsene the praises he deserves. Congratulations Arsene for having the balls to promote our polish duo. Fabianski has had an excellent season so far and yes, Woj looks every game like the real deal you were raving about. Well done master Arsene!
Almost forgot: go Everton! Please help put an end to the myth of the “best fans in the world TM”.
Great win…But West ham were so poor that we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves here..
Focus on the cups for now…
@Matt
Manure have already played city away.. I would prefer a draw in tonight’s c*ntfest
Cheers
Is our team schizophrenic? Probably not but it goes to show, in part at least, how important it is to have all the ingredients in place giving the right balance and blend of players in order that they can perform at their best as a whole. Wenger must get soooo frustrated watching the players he believes in let him down so often. Who’d be a manager!
Couldn’t watch the game but Stan Collymore was enthusiastic about us apart some some shaky defending – I think that’s the first time JD has looked a bit wobbly, let’s hope that it is a one-off and only part of the learning/maturing process. He is still very young and relatively inexperienced for a centre back, most players in that position aren’t at their best before their mid twenties.
Saw the MOTD highlights, but highlights don’t tell you much about the game. RVP is sheer class and so are Nasri and Cesc. Given another injury free season or two Song, Wilshere, Theo and Chesney will be as well.
West Ham were very poor by all accounts so we mustn’t get too carried away by this particular good result and performance and Steve T you’re not alone in thinking we should be more clinical – clinical and ruthless I would say. We also need a good leader/motivator on the pitch. Cesc is captain and probably a good one for all I know but I do feel that we need someone at the back to organize, lead and motivate – someone a bit mouthy who is also a tip, top player.
Don’t know what to think about today, I can’t root for the Spuds, but Man-ure disgusts me, I suppose it’ll have to be a draw
Lets keep the momentum and win our next game convincingly.
Heh, I’m warming to Gaz! A pint of Bulmers for him, if he can face it this morning. And good tune…
Cheers BtM (well Nasri leapt over Theo’s cross, but I guess you don’t have the editing facilities (is that called changing the glass?) the owner has 😉
Good to have you back, ‘holic. Now follow the crystal ball 😉
Some energy drink for me as I have to play football.
+please
Another great post as always Mr Holic, my only regret being I didn’t support the Holic pound and missed out on the attendant financial boost.
Is this XI really that much better than the teams that played Leeds and Ipswich? I’m convinced that the boys simply played a much more urgent, high-pressing game than those unfortunate showings of the past week. You could see it all over the pitch how they harrassed the Hammers everywhere on the park (and OK, Wayne Bridge was quite the gentleman to young Theo, at times allowing him the space from the touchline all the way to the edge of the box).
This graft and movement was the X factor that was absent in the cup games, so I’m going to conclude by saying the cup XIs were just lazy and complacent, while yesterday’s wizards actually remembered to put the work in.
Much better effort today from the lads. This season we look far better with Arshy and Denilson on the bench. How good is young Jack? He simply bossed it yesterday! We must keep up the effort and consistency is what we need at this point for the rest of season!
Camberwell, as usual the ‘holic pound bombed. I really thought West Ham would force one. The followers of BtM will be the ones with a spring in their step this morning. Scotland’s finest had it bang on!
Very nice win last night, I watched the game again this morning and I have to say that apart from the underhit back-pass and one or two other situations, Djourou had a very good game overall. The problem for him was that Eboue was constantly out of position so Djourou effectively had to play in two positions at once on a few occasions when Song was too far away to cover for Eboue.
Szczesny did very well in a kind of game that is rather difficult for a keeper. Unless I am mistaken, after he made that great save in the first half he actually did not touch the ball at all for the last 20-odd minutes of the first half. Not at all! I would still like to see him be a bit more assertive on crosses, he still seems to lose his head a little at times but in all other aspects I’d say he is without the shadow of a doubt already of high Premier League standards. His save on the one-on-one was no fluke, it was just very, very good work just as the save he did at Old Toilet v Anderson was.
Since we have not yet heard from Snir, I am assuming he made it to Heathrow and through the security in time for the flight. He sure picked at good game to attend, it seems he’s much better than me at picking his games!
Large glass of orange juice, please, I’m nursing a slight hangover here…
@holic Looking back at your post I was mistaken, but I knew I’d read somewhere that 3-0 was backed to great effect by someone.
@ Nasri, #41
Thanks for the correction, I was rather getting ahead of myself there. 😉
Fancy a cheeky pint?
Why has Holic dropped off Goonernews?
Just finished watching yesterday’s game for the first time, and RVP shone like nobody has for us recently so very good news there. Our midfield was excellent and Clichy I thought excellent too. Let’s have more of the same consistently and we’ll be in very good shape. That begins with some FA Cup away magic please.
scums are singing the Nasri song for van der vaart.
classless pricks.
@56- Classless indeed.
Thanks Holic. I had to miss the game and watch highlights- cheers to the great start of an amazing run (hopeful). Come on Gunners!
And please pour a little out for TV, barman. That poor guy…
Nil-nil is fine. Two ordinary teams. Vidic and Gallas caught my eye.
0-0 fair enough . WHL will be a tough place to go.
The deeply indebted (800M) are two points ahead of Arsenal with one game in hand. They have to come to the Emirates and go to chelsea. We have to go to Spudland. I’ll take all of that.
Quite satisfying results all round, I’d say.
3 wins in our next 3 games sets things up nicely for the rest of the season – bring it on. 🙂
Sajit, BtM, Zico
Agreed. All-in-all a good weekend for us in The Championship. Top 3 starting to breakaway. Things are nice and tight and well set up for a grand finale in May.
Barman? If there’s any DP left I’ll have a swig or two and would also like to offer a drink to all in the bar this evening.
Cheers ‘Holics!. Now let’s go and really upset Leeds 😉
I’ll drink with you, TS.
TS, feel free to dispense the Dom Perignon widely to all of a Goonerish persuasion. Her Nellieness is somewhat bent out of shape that much of the family fortune wager has been spent on copious quantities of (after Arsene) one of France’s finest exports. “Nowhere to put the bloody stuff” apparently. Strong language from a lady who is normally very refined. (Unless, of-course, Auld Slapper’s paramour is anywhere in evidence).
Ollie, delighted to drink with you.
BtM, please try and appease Her Nelliness with thoughts of kind and generous acts to decent Gooners who enjoy a drop of the fine stuff. Really appreciate the diversion of winnings from your sky rockets to down my fat neck. If that doesn’t work, I promise to buy both of you a drink or three should we ever get the opportunity to meet at The Tolli pre- or post-match.
What does the flickering, crystal ball predict for Wednesday’s score and will it be as reliable as an octopus going by the name of Paul?
A brilliant performance against admittedly poor opposition.
The best part of it though was that this Arsenal team was never going to give that opposition a chance.
The pressing and urgency first seen at Everton in the first game last season was back. The urgency displayed against Chelsea and Man Citeh just recently was there too.
A fantastic performance like this, is exactly what makes those against Leeds and Ipswich so unacceptable.
Matt, I take your points about playing regularly and the fact that any player who impresses the boss enough to get himself signed up must have ability.
It is the sometime lack of effort – in your own words “lack of willingness to give 110%” – (my dictionary calls that laziness) – that frustrates us “fans”, as you call us.
I can assure you there is nothing deserving inverted commas about my fanniness!
Hopefully to prove the point, I would like to say a huge ‘well done’ to Johan Djourou, who probably had his shakiest display of the season yesterday.
The lad has been absolutely great every time he has played this season, and it was only fair that his only mistake did not cost us a goal yesterday.
So. whoever the personnel, more of the same vs Leeds please Gunners.
TS, I’ve written some words to preview the Leeds game. I’ll drop them into the drinks when we have the next epistle from Mr Holic. Hold tight till then.
I must say, the crystal ball is sitting there looking pretty smug today. When I enquired about an octopus called Paul the only response that flickered back through the magical, mystical, mists of enthralment was – WHO?
Maybe it needs to get out more?
Evening Holics,
Apologies for not writing something sooner, a bit of a binge weekend for me. Started off with this awsome team in yellow shirts and burgundy shorts ans socks beating West Ham 3:0 yesterday late afternoon, the rest is a bit hazy! Smile on my face is definitely PRICELESS!
Oh boy was it amazing to watch again Arsenal in full stride the passing those cheeky little runs. Johan needs to hit the ball harder next time please that nearly gave me a heart attack on the spot. Szczesny handled it well thou it has to be said!
Holicpound was with me all the way, but I’m greatfull we didn’t allow them to put anything past us.
Tough game coming up against Leeds but if we to show character from last night and from the Chelsea game I believe we will come out victorious.
We clicked from the first whistle you could see that, and apart from Johan little misshap they didn’t look like scoring at anytime. Well done to the boys, they did us proud!
The best result we could hope for LWC’s against United, I wouldn’t want those bugs crawling around shouting we beat United in my ear all week long, I just could not handle that.
Can’t wait for Leeds now Holics let’s rip them apart!
BtM
It’s not the only one 😉 I’ll try to contain my anticipation and wish you & HN a pleasant remainder to your Sunday.
Arthur,
‘Have a good feeling about Wednesday. If “Good Arsenal” turns up we’ll be in good shape for a decent win. Here’s to the right performance and result to keep us on the road to Wembley.
Hi holics,
Arsene has to rotate carefully for wednesday. I reckon he will play Chamakh,Rosicky,Gibbs and Denilson for Robin,Nasri,Clichy and Song respectively. He might also play Arshavin for Walcott.
I would suggest bringing Sagna back for Eboue.
My only worry is Denilson. If he plays in Song’s position, he is nowhere near good enough.
Arshavin will frustrate but he might just score.
Whatever the team, we should be good enough to beat leeds.
Cheers
Lars – good point about Eboue leaving JD exposed, nobody said anything about that on the radio commentary.
Harsha – Denilson is a decent player but not in the defensive midfield/Song role. With Song he is good, without him not so good, but if he plays on Wednesday without Song I hope he has a good game and proves me wrong. He needs a good one, as does AA.
Counting down to Saturday mate. Gonna be massive.
Certainly will be maestro. I’m surprised you’re already over this Saturday just gone 😉
Afternoon ‘Holic & ‘Holics.
Lots of info sloshing around the blogs today re: TV and his problematic achilles.
I guess many of you have picked up on this link via Arseblog and Another Arsenal Blog:
http://www.ejbjs.org/cgi/content/extract/84/11/2062
Dr. C, would it be too cheeky of me to see if you had the time to read this extract and perhaps bring to bear your considerable medical expertise on Tommy V’s condition? Apologies in advance if this is not your area of expertise.
Either way, from a layman’s perspective I am struggling now to imagine TV getting any serious game time for us this season which is a great shame for all Gooners.
Maybe Uncle Arsene will be forced to do a swift bit of business in the January sales??? I won’t be holding my breath on this one.
Cheers all!
TS – just popping out for a spot of lunch! Will be back.
If Trev is between patients he may have some thoughts…
Afternoon Holic and Holics!
Yes to be fair West Ham were slightly undermanned but whenever teams beat an undermanned Arsenal it never matters!
Even before Noble was taken off we were bossing the game! The rest of two weeks for Clichy, Van and Na na na showed well! It may even be worth using this XI v Leeds and Ipswich to secure the progression and use the “B” team against Wigan on Sat!
Wadya reckon?
Dumb and Dumber stop at nothing comparing notes about how the Hammers could get back in to the game at the same time failing to conceal their disappointment that we had the game under control!
Dr.C, I will be a patient patient, so to speak….
Trev, sorry should have thought before posting and addressed the question of TV’s achilles directly to you as well.
TS
The worry (as blogger alluded to) is that up until now no one has really known the cause of his pain – tendonitis? nerve entrapment? etc. He merely has pain in the achilles region.
Even if the present guy has now located the source of the pain, the question remains WHY? In other words – why has this tendon suddenly inflammed and caused a problem. Things don’t happen without a reason.
The most common reasons tend to be biomechanical – ie the balance and movement of the joints, muscles and tissues of the body. There may a causative factor directly in the area (eg flat feet!) or something less direct – spinal / pelvic torsion. This is the same reason you hear about Cesc and RVP seeking orthodontic advice re their injuries – dental problems can affect the jaw joint, which in turn causes compensations further down the skeletal chain.
Basic law of physics – for every action there has to be an equal and opposite reaction.
These strains build up over time, causing damage but no pain. Eventually there is enough damage to make the body notice it, and VOILA – pain!
Of course there are other possibilities, but the mechanical reasons are normally the ones.
Interestingly (especially when the body just doesn’t heal) I am increasingly sending stubborn cases for some ozone therapy from local consultants – this helps the body tissues regenerate and can be administered generally, so you have a kind of blanket bombing effect! I’m seeing good results with patients – wonder if Trev has any views on this?
Re Vermaelen – does anyone else find it odd that Arse.com still haven’t put anything up on this?
Surely the club should be announcing this type of news – if indeed it knows?!
all very odd.
Dr C
Fantastic insight for the layman and very easy to digest (sic). The bit about orthodentistry and the knock-on effects further down the skeletal chain were an eye-opener for me but logical when I stopped to think about it.
I think what you’re saying means TV’s injury is both hard to diagnose and treat successfully. Maybe you could send a letter to Arsene’s medical team recommending ozone therapy?
Barman? Several of whatever Dr. C is drinking please for taking the time out to share his knowledge with us.
Thanks again Dr. C! 🙂
‘holic
I’ve lost access to this wonderful site via mobile lately.
what’s the remedy for this dark ill??
Wasp,
I strongly suspect that until they have consulted with the operating surgeon sometime tomorrow. Until then they can’t be sure what to release so would rather wait, perhaps with some more definitive news?
The rest of the media seems to have done enough in terms of spreading the news – Pravda.com will be well aware and sensitive to this. There seems little doubt that TV is having his procedure tomorrow but I suppose you never really know unless you know…
Join us for a mid-afternoon snifter? 😉
TS
I’ll have a pint please – sure the patients won’t notice!
The Wasp –
Send email with IP address to gooner@goonerholic.com
Barman? Please fill Dr.C’s pint glass but don’t tell his patients 😉
Pravda.com have now posted the TV situation and Arsene talks about the pending procedure in the posting.
I have to say, this is Arsene at his obfuscating best/worst but he seems to be very bold in his assertion that Tommy V will be back around the end of February.
Are there any more medical professionals in the bar this evening who would care to comment on this?
Dr. C deserves a rest…. 😉
@ Wasp, There.. You have the official announcement.. Out for 4-6 weeks.. Hoping to make it to barca match it seems. http://bit.ly/fj3lzw
More good news.
Wojciech continues in goal for the Leeds, Wigan and Ipswich matches.
Do we have a new #1 by stealth? Answers on a postcard please….
TS and Catalan- Nice reading the discussion on TV’s injury. Surely Arsenal’s medical team has a better idea on the injury! 🙂
I like Wojciech.. He has authority I feel..
Cheers all
Storey: I think Fabianski will be first choice for the remainder of the seaaon, but Woj may well have taken over come August. In any case I don’t feel we have too much of a goal-keeping problem right now. Sure, they both make the odd mistake here and there but what keeper doesn’t? The important thing is that the defenders seem to trust them both far more than they trusted Almunia for the last two seasons or so. And we have now only conceded three more goals than ManC, ManU and Chelsea. They are all on 19 and we are on 22.
Pints all round!
Lars & Harsha,
I’m all for WS continuing in goal period, with LF as his able deputy.
However, I think Lars is right in that it will be August before any “official” confirmation that WS is our true #1 #1.
I think we look more solid at the back with the young’un in goal. Fabianski has done a great job this season considering where he was and what most of us thought of him during the summer. However, I think he will always be one or two mistakes away from a crash in confidence and performance.
Pint of Carlsberg for me please Lars, I could do with some Scandinavian refreshment right now 😉
TS – “I think he will always be one or two mistakes away from a crash in confidence and performance”. Absolutely spot on.
2 things about Pole the Younger – (i) He has a confidence and poise, maybe even arrogance about him, which I like and more importantly (ii) he will be cut some slack due to his youth/inexperience by our notorious home “support” when he does actually make some mistakes.
I’m like you – I am more than happy for him to do his learning in the first team because he has shown enough in the short time that he has been in the team to suggest to me that he is equally as good as Fabianski if not better. His test will be to see how he responds to making a big mistake that costs us.
BTW I must be due a pint, TS – so fill yer boots 😉
Evening all.
Leeds preview tomorrow. I need you to convince me a weakened side will do the business up there.
Can cross our fingers?
Can we….
Storey, hope the Carlsberg was to your satisfaction!
zico, your point about Szczesny given some more slack from the crowd is a very good one.
And anyway, his record for the first team so far this season is pretty good:
Newcastle – 0
Wigan – 0
ManU away – 1
Leeds – 1 (penalty)
Ipswich – 1
West Ham away – 0
Three goals conceded, one of which was a penalty that he was really close to saving and there was nothing he could do about the other two goals.
Pint of John Smiths for me, another Carlsberg for TS and whatever zico likes for himself!
Holic, I wish I could but I’m afraid I can’t…
Why did I specify “away” for two of the games and not for the others? 🙂
Cheers Lars – Budvar is my poison tonight.
TS – I meant due YOU a pint! Carlsberg for True Storey, please barman.
Goonerholic – weakened team? Time to stop all that if you ask me. Play our strongest team and to hell with egos of those left out/on the bench. Serial changing of the starting 11 is what has got us into this mess in the first place, in my humble opinion. And this is a big prize.
Lars, Zico: Cheers for the drinks, they’ve suitably refreshed the unreachable parts.
So far, Wojciech is proving to be the real deal. Everything about him points to “future great” in a way that his elder countryman has never been able to convince even though Lukasz has really raised his game since the summer. I love the way WS shouts at and bosses the back four. He’s every bit as good as Joe Hart.
Hey ‘Holic: Have you heard something about Wednesday’s line-up? I’m fairly certain that Le Boss will make no more than 3 changes from Saturday. TR will come in, BS will return from the naughty step (fresh as a daisy) and possibly one other. I can’t see a weakened side being rolled-out. If we should find ourselves dumped out of The FA Cup so soon, it could have a serious knock-on effect on our other campaigns. OK, if I had to choose right now I’d sacrifice the FA Cup if I knew we were going to lift the CC but we don’t need to make that sacrifice and we’re definitely capable of winning both. Personally, I’d be very disappointed if Theo Van Nasregas (*acknowledges Ladyarse*) wasn’t playing. Maybe Rosicky will replace JW. Maybe Deni for Song. Can’t see Arsene fiddling around more than that but then again, when does he ever do as we expect? 😉
PS from TS: I think our opportunity to field a weakened side was forfeited when we chose to play the way we did vs Leeds at The Ems and at Portman Road. Actions and re-actions and all that…
Let’s make it a party Mr. Barman. Bring on a few more pints for Catalan Gunner and his patients if you will. Cheers all!
Very interesting re the injury to TV and subsequent treatment, but am I the only one wondering why it has taken so long to diagnose? I am aware that this kind of injury is problematic as Mrs T suffered the same a few years back. But surely with the money and medical team we have this should have been sorted months ago?????
Holic, re Leeds. The positive is the same as with Ipswich the following week. Which ever 11 is selected they actually need to turn up. We know exactly what we will face. We need to be up for a battle, not just tippy tappy. If we are not motivated enough then we will really struggle. So time for those selected to roll their sleeves up and show that it means as much to them as it does to us.
Steve, is it time to unleash the JET man?
8 ball. My honest opinion is that it is time to bring back a few more old faces and have them remind some of the current squad what it is like and what it means to pull on an Arsenal shirt. As well as Henry I would love to see the likes of Keown, Winterburn, Parlour, Wright attending the odd training session. The lethargy and apathy in both the Leeds and Ipswich games were scary for me.
JET is an interesting one. He has scored loads for the reserves but I am still not sure that anyone actually knows his best position. He is another until the end of the season loan candidate for me. I think regular games would do him the world of good.
Hello fellow Holics,
I arrived in London at 9:35 and went to Tottenham’s new house – Stratford to collect my ticket from the hotel I usually stay at whenever I’m in London.
I could notice this day would not go as planned as I went to the flight connections and realized I can’t leave the airport there so I had to go back and leave through the security which took me another hour.
I quickly bought myself an oyster and left for Stratford.
I collected the ticket and stayed at the hotel till 15:00. I then went on to Stratford station and took a railway replacement service bus to Upton Park since almost every line was closed.
I got to Upton Park and was quite amazed. Even though I’ve visited the Emirates before, Upton Park had something about it that made me chill with excitement.
I went to the director’s and complimentary ticket office and collected the other ticket I had, from Avram Grant.
The time passed and I just couldn’t sell the ticket, I’m a fan, I ain’t no journalist! I decided to keep both tickets and use the away support ticket, and boy, did I make a good decision.
This was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, being so vocal to and about the love of my life made me feel so good.
The match started and I couldn’t help but notice that this game had the pattern of last season’s trip to Upton Park, I just hoped we wouldn’t rue those chances come the final whistle.
But as a fellow Israeli, Avram did me a huge favor by not selecting Parker and therefore killing any chance of West Ham doing anything in this match.
One other thing I noticed is that it was like when I was a little kid and asked my dad to put me on his shoulders cause I wouldn’t see. I sat in row 4 and couldn’t even see the ball at times (for instance I couldn’t see where the penalty was shot to, only saw the net move), and I loved it!
I guess I should have left at the 80th minute to catch the flight but I just couldn’t, I wanted to stay there forever.
I left Upton Park at 19:30 and raced to the stations. Instead of taking the railway replacement service I innocently tried to catch 104 or 238 to Stratford station, both were obviously packed.
I got to Stratford at 20:40 and to Green Park at 21:10. I arrived at Heathrow at 22:10.
Unfortunately, I missed my flight (El Al’s security process is a lot longer anyway).
I stayed the night at the airport and it was actually quite OK since I talked to a chap from Bristol for about 6 hours and time flew by.
The problem was that the luggage was checked from Raleigh, NC straight to Tel-Aviv, but no worries, everything was found, I caught a a flight at 14:30 the next day (although they did charge me 243$ but it was definitely money well spent!) and arrived to Israel at 20:00 UK time.
An adventure that will stay with me for the rest of my life, no doubt about it, can’t wait for next month!
UP THE ARSE!
And one more thing – “North London is ours, north London is ours, fuck off to Stratford, north London is ours!”.
One last thing, does anyone notice how good Clichy is when Arshavin isn’t playing? We have 3 consecutive clean sheets and 1 conceded in the 4 games he hasn’t started!
Snir, I noticed that Clichy has been playing better but didn’t connect it with Arshavin’s absence until now but I think you may have something there. I do think that Clichy adds quite a bit more to our attack than Gibbs, and it’s great to see Clichy not making defensive errors whether precipitated by Arshavin or not. Thanks for a great writeup of your expedition and it indeed does sound like extra money well spent. Cheers!
Anyone else feels Ramsey should get some minutes out on Wednesday? He’s the kind of player who thrives in games where the opposition will always be in your face.
Nothing to lose, is there?
Also , loved it when the kiddo called his FA cup runners up medal as loser’s medal. That is the kind of attitude we badly need at Arsenal.
Snir, good to hear you had a great day!
Snir, sorry you missed your flight back but glad to see you had a memorable day.
Good man Snir! Your choice from the bar…
Holic@95 –
A weakened side is supposed to do the job!
Gt
Can’t see a weakened side doing the job at Elland Road. I’d give us less than a 50% chance of staying in the cup if we go for a 1st & 2nd string mash-up.
Like others here, I’d rather see a weaker squad fielded againt Wigan at home this weekend than tomorrow night.
No doubt other will see it differently.
Coffee?
Coffee TS??? Tssh and nonsense
Dr C
Sorry to disappoint. I don’t normally imbibe before midday but I’m willing to make an exeception and a new new year’s resolution if you are offering? 😉
Good man, my NY resolutions are thinning by the day… besides it’s 12:05 here!
TS- Yes I think I’ll join you
Barman? That’ll be three “Danish coffees” then I guess i.e. Tuborg or Carlsberg and for for your very good self of course 😉
I’ll have a Guinness please, thanks TS.
Mr Wasp at 83, please send me the ip addy of the device you cannot load the blog on. There was a problem with the server on 2nd January and some people were caught up in a block.
(Or alternatively change your ip address, instructions can be Googled.)
Send to gooneratgoonerholicdotcom.
Could this be a statement of intent?
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/172069/first-team/arsenal-v-huddersfield-town
FYI
http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/fa-cup-third-round-replay-leeds-arsenal-live/howleedscanbeatarsenal/?
Snir @ 108 – REALLY enjoyed that.
Afternoon All
Good news re JET, he’s going out on loan to Cardiff. I suspect this will be the making or breaking of him interms of his Arsenal career.
It does beg the question though why didn’t we do this at the start of season.
Any sage ‘Holics out there with some thoughts on that?
Barman? A cheeky afternoon round for all in the bar please and whatever you fancy.