Nine, Is The Magic Number
Feb 8th, 2011 by 'holic
At last, I get the opportunity to sit with a grandson at the Grove on Saturday. Regular readers will know I have long been attempting to guide him in the way of red righteousness!
Last season we shared an evening together at Wolves watching Arsenal destroy the hosts. You could tell he was torn as his local team was on the receiving end. Sitting as we were in the midst of the locals he didn’t get to see how occasionally I may get caught up in the excitement of the game. As those around me cussed and growled I sat on my hands, tried not to smirk, and prayed he wouldn’t out me as a Gooner.
For the return fixture I got Family Area tickets, but sadly they couldn’t make it. I did get him to the Celtic match for the Emirates Cup this August, but he and Dad were enjoying the view from the best seats in West Upper I had surrendered to be wined and dined in a box. When we met up afterwards you could tell he was excited. Hopefully this Saturday will provide the finishing touches to his education.
From the West Lower he will be closer to the action. He will get a close-up of the substitutes as they warm up, get to see Cesc and Theo (his favourites) at close quarters, and with a bit of encouragement he may get to mug Gunnersaurus for a tee-shirt at half-time! It’s an important day. He is nine, and close to the time when your team is cast in stone. Arsenal and I must act together to secure his future.
At nine the memories will stick. I have only glimpses somewhere deep in the memory of games when I was six or seven, although I was a regular. By nine I remember much more of the games, and still see my favourite players and the moments that made me idolise them. I remember being disgusted at Arsenal wearing an all red shirt with white cuffs and collars, like Manchester United and Liverpool.
I remember Joe Baker scoring against Spain in the run up to the World Cup, and hurting like hell when he was sold to Nottingham Forest. I remember a clutch of great young players getting their chance. Peter Storey, George Armstrong, Jon Sammels, and John Radford. Another, Tommy Baldwin, went to Chelsea in exchange for one George Graham, and a number of us were mortified. Shows how much supporters know, eh?
I remember George Eastham did make the World Cup squad, but didn’t get a game. North Korea and Eusebio lit up the competition. Argentina were just beaten in a savage quarter-final. Pele was kicked out of the tournament. The ‘tackle from behind’ was rarely considered worthy of even a free-kick so the world’s greatest ever player found himself brutalised. England saw off Eusebio in the semi-final, and the Germans in the Final. The following morning the old man took me up to Wembley ‘to savour the atmosphere’. For years I had an England and a Germany rosette I recovered from the car park that morning.
Most of all though, I remember Highbury, and Arsenal. A glory-hunter I most certainly was not. Consider this. Between my birthday in January, and the World Cup in July, Arsenal won the grand total of one home match! On the final day of the season we murdered Leicester City 1-0. Seriously. Included in that run was a game at West Brom, where we scored four …and could only draw. How times change. What? Oh!
My point is though, that as undeniably shite as we were, the Arsenal were in my heart. At nine they were my team, my first love, for ever.
I must not lose the opportunity to secure Goonerdom for one more on Saturday.
137 Responses to “Nine, Is The Magic Number”
Only 9 ‘holster? In that case, make mine a large one.
A toast to a future gunner π
Mr Holic,
Pele, the worlds greatest ever player? Surely, you cannot be serious man, you cannot be serious, it’s Nicklas Bendtner!
According to him, anyway.
That post was well worth waiting for Holic.
Bravo.
I took my daughter to the Grove around this time last season for her first Arsenal match, and she looks at me with daggers every time I head for the airport without her.
Hope its the beginning of a long affair for young Master Holic.
Great Post, I to hope your grandson will see the light my three boys are gooners born and bred and they could never support any other team, though I must admit the youngest 18 has really been spoilt with the football he has seen in his short life, emirates great but nothing could beat a walk to highbury from home on a dark foggy winters eve, arsenal fans pouring in from all directions, or sitting indoors on a sunny saturday afternoon (pre sky and bloody talksport) and hear the roar as the gooners scored.
I think this is my favourite story of your life! Best of luck ‘holic…
My one fortunately has The Arsenal in his heart since birth! At 4 he has classics like 1 nil to the Arsenal flowing off his tongue!!! He even calls the boss ‘Uncle Wenger’…
Crazy world we live in these days!!! Throw away a four goal lead and u can still end up closer to the top than u started… And with the manc derby looming I am sure Roberto will set out to ensure that the gap is brort down to just 2!!!
Ill have a double Jameson to wash down that thort!
another great read holic, god bless you mate
Holic
great Post.
I get all misty eyed at the roll call of names from our glorious and not so glorious past,that you have mentioned.
I can add to that from earlier years,Tommy Docherty,Vic Groves,Johnny Barnwell,Mad Billy McCullough,David Herd,Jimmy Bloomfield,Jack Kelsey,Little Joe Haverty flying down one wing,
Big Al Skirton thundering down the other.
Wonderful memories.
59-60 was probably the first year that i can recall in clear memory.
Not a good season to remember unfortunately.
Knocked out in the 3rd round of the FA Cup after 2 replays by lower division Rotherham United.
Dad dragged me along to all 3 games,bless his heart.
We suffered a lot of heavy defeats in the league and ended up in the bottom half of the table,conceding about 70 odd goals in the process.!!
So if ever i was going to be put off,that was the time,but here i am 50 yrs later,still the Eternal Optimist,just like my Dad was,constantly believing that the ” Arsenal Way” is the only ” Way”.
Good luck with the Little One,don’t let him drink too much before the game,and make sure he does a Wee Wee just before the Kick- Off.
Because if he is anything like i was at 8-9-10,the nervous excitement before and during the game,had me virtually peeing my pants for the entire 90 minutes.!!
I am sure there will be a misty eyed moment for you Holic,as you walk in the footsteps of your beloved Dad,but you are safe in the
knowledge that he left you a wonderful legacy and proud tradition to uphold.
Long may it continue.
Cheers
Clive
May the Force be with you, ‘Holic.
My daughter, age two, was swaddled in a Gooner blanket. She has no other choice but support the Arsenal.
I’ve now recovered from this weekend’s assault on my vision…drinks all ’round.
Up the Arse.
Best of luck getting him on the right path, ‘Holic! Surely, the boy has enough sense to see the light >8)
My son (8), who is not just a Gooner, but convinced he will someday play for Arsenal, asked me a few weeks ago what would happen if he had to play for another team. He said, “But… what will you do if I have to go play for another team, like Chelsea?!” I bit my lip and said, “You’re my son, so as long your name is on the shirt, I will wear it and be at your every match.” He thought, smirked a bit, then said “What about Spuds?” I replied, “If you go to Spurs then you and I are done.”
Already had that conversation, Jack. Told him if he is ever approached by Tottenham I’ll pay for golf lessons for him…
Thank you all, especially Clive, who knows only too well what is going on here.
Splendid, ‘holic. He’ll have to wait for the ‘holicflask but I know you’ll work your magic on Saturday. Tense game, last minute winner then? Rollercoaster ahoy,he will remember! π
Nightcap please!
I’m rather hoping for some sort of reaction to Saturday, Ollie, with Arsenal taking the handbrake off and ripping McCarthy’s boys a new one. Instead of giving up the ghost at 4-0 I am hoping we push on to some sort of record, 37-0 at least. That should do it…
Holic @ 14
“well at 25 nil at Half Time, ze result is never certain….” as a certain frenchman might say….
I have a feeling that we will get a positive reaction on Saturday Holic as long as we start well. Go straight for their throat I say.
@ Goonerholic
Excellent read Sir, Unfortunately though, my 13 year brother is a United fan, and for some reason now we can never watch football together, a sad stage in our lives.
Very good read, the leicester game was my first at Highbury on the North Bank, for the final farewell against Wigan my son treated me to the game. Imagine my surprise as it was in the same place on the Northbank that i had stood for my first game.
Lovely post, ‘Holic!
Hey Holic..Long time reader first time poster here. Am reading this with my 4 month old son next to me hoping for the same thing, the same unswerving loyalty and inexplicable love you can have for a football club. Iwas lucky to be born in the heart of it and earliest memories are meeting Terry Neil and David O in Holloway School where they often visited. Unfortunatley moving across the sea ended the hands on memories at that age but I look forwrd to many trips to the Grove as he grows up fighting his mother ( a Leeds fan) for his football heart..Cheers for a great post
I’ll be at the game on saturday with my 2 sons who are into the teens for number of visits to the Grove, best of luck in doing the good work of putting your grandson onto the right path. A Purdey’s and peanuts barman.
DS, North Bank ’66. A place in transition from ‘you’ve never had it so good’ to ‘Wild Thing’ (number seven in May ’66). A terrace becoming an institution. We are very lucky, us old grizzlies.
You guys are so lucky, when i look at the pictures of Emirates, i wish i could one day be a part of the Arsenal and be present at the Emirates and watch RVP, Fabregas, Nasri put on a show!
Great post ‘Holic that strikes a few chords with myself actually. I remember being a wee nipper at school, when Liverpool were still the team that many kids my age idolised (as well as the sickening emergence of the mockney Man Utd brigade) and as loads of my mates idolised the likes of Rush, Barnes et al it looked as though I would have gone that way, as is the way I guess when you’re 6 years old. The popularity factor was everything at that age, you just wanted to fit in.
Thank the stars for my older brother, is all I can say! Just as I was really starting to get into footie in a big way, I remember him getting ready for his weekly pilgrimage from Bletchley to Highbury – The donning of the shirt and the scarf, the buzz from him and his mates knowing that they’d be standing in the clock end, the bringing home of the mystically wonderful match fanzine (‘1-0 down, 2-1 up’ I think it was called?) that I’d sneak away from his bedroom. The whole pre-match process totally caught my imagination, as did their stories of the atmosphere on the terraces, and how Limpar would tear the opposition apart on the wing, how Merson was a pure legend, how Wrighty was God incarnate infront og goal. I. Was. Hooked. For life.
It would be many, many years later that I would experience my first taste of watching Arsenal live, finally grasping for myself what that kind of magic felt like. And since then I’ve had the privilage of accompanying my little cousin to his first Arsenal match experience, getting to watch the awe on his face as the noise of the crowd rose to greet our real-life heroes walk out onto the pitch, which is something that fills me with immense pride.
But I’ll always have my big brother to credit for those cherished moments. Were it not for him I may not have found the joy that comes with being a gooner, and could well have ended up an honourary scouser!! (Eeek). Thanks to him, I found the club that I knew deep down in my bones was 100% the right choice for me.
Here’s hoping that one day your Grandson will think back and reminisce about the day he first fell in love with The Arsenal, and how it was his Grandad that made it all possible.
A Sailor Jerry’s and Ginger please Barkeep and a round for the bar π
well my friend have two young son, the older is a MU fan (poor him π ) but the second wasnt sure who to support(his grand father is a gooner) .he told me so i bought for younger son a arsenal duvet and all the set for his bedroom.He have no choice (well yes he have but i help him to make a decision π ) to become a gunner .
And now he want to go watch the gunner live .My friend say i own him to find 4 ticket for his family o.O
kudos mate,its gud 2 av a nice kid. am very much supportive!
When I was 9, Arsenal won the FA Cup. Of course, I didn’t find that out until I was 38, being, you know, foreign… No drink for me, I suppose.
Take your pick Uncle Mike. I’m familiar with your work. You are more than welcome.
Wild Turkey?
‘holic, I am sure you are on the right road just so long as you don’t let the grandson know you are a master of indoctrination. Subliminal indoctrination is sure to work. On the other hand, if grandson is trapped in an alley by a group of thugs, Elokobi would be a good friend to have even if he does happen to play for Wolves. Thank heavens he is not our opponent in a group boxing match but that said, he did score against Manure I believe.
News item:
“Barcelona will drop the UNICEF logo that appears on the front of their shirts from July and replace it with the name of their new Qatari sponsor.”
Comments:
1) Everyone’s largesse has its limits
2) Let’s slap those corporate lackeys into submission
Really nice piece. You will be more than aware from many of my previous posts that I have 2 kids that are staunch little Gooners. I have a daughter aged 11 and a son who is now 7 so I can more than empathise with your situation and the emotions you will feel on Saturday.
It is funny how we become embroiled in all that is Arsenal. It is not something that there is much we can do about it. As a youngster I was raised in South London as an Arsenal supporter. Sadly, my father died at a young age and I never managed to get to a game with him. My grandfather was born of an era where he would watch Chelsea one week and Fulham the next. He would often take me to games at both and whilst my early memories are of very much enjoying the games, my head was never turned.
Now I have 2 of my own I have done what many thousands have countless done prior to me, and introduced them to the ways of The Arsenal. I love the various drinks above detailing how their respective young have been Arsenalised. Both my 2 had Arsenal baby grows on at less than 24 hours old. My daughter at less than 6 months old I would rock to sleep with her favourite lullaby of the day. This just happened to be countless renditions of the Vieira song. My son seemed to enjoy my continued rendition of Thierry Henry.
Both play the game for local clubs and both enjoy the banter with fans of opposing sides. I remember my boy when I first took him to proper football coaching. He was only 4 but all he wanted to do was play football. The session would always end in a short game. There was another young lad there who he got on quite well with. His father was one of the dads that I happened to get on well with. The only down side was that both were Spurs fans. One session involved them learning about passing and movement into space. My fella just refused to pass to his new friend. I questioned him about this on the way home. His reply? “he supports Tottenham Daddy, I am not passing to him.”
I have also had the subject broached about the club he is going to play for when he gets older. As per the drinks above he has also stated that one day he will be playing for the might Gunners. The question of Spurs was raised one Saturday as a bit of mischief making by Mrs T. The spuds just happened to be the early evening kick off in a cup game. His mum turned to him and asked, “would you play for Tottenham?” In utter shock he turned and replied quite categorically, “no.” “Not even for a million pounds?” He again looked his mum in the eye and again said, “no.” “But what about my Aston Martin?” his mother enquired. “Mummy, I will buy you an Aston Martin, but I am never playing for Tottenham.” With this he climbed off the sofa where he and mum were sat, he gave her a filthy look at the shock of even having been asked the question before walking to be and sitting on my lap. No words were exchanged between father and son. None were needed. His inquisitive look posed the question, “is she mental dad?” The look back from me told him that she probably was. We both sat down together, safe in the knowledge that the female sharing our lounge had just had a mad moment. United we would cheer whoever the Spuds opponents were that day and just pretend that the previous few minutes just had not happened.
My 2 have been fortunate to attend several games at the Grove. Regular visitors will remember me detailing with great pride their first away trip over the festive period. I have found that it is always a special moment when you take your kids (and grand kids) to games. I hope that Saturday is no different for you holic, and that you and the little man have a fantastic day. I am sure you will. I am also sure that he will look better in red rather than that dirty looking off mustardy yellow colour. Deep down I have no doubt that he alredy knows that.
Keep the faith.
Nice one Grandad, have a good day.
My daughter, 7, has been to the Grove nine or ten times now and soaks up every bit of every visit. Surprising for such a “girly” girl.
She has been able to pronounce all the names since we used to sit in front of the TV at the age of 1 3/4!
It is a real pleasure to have her there with me, as it will be for you and your grandson.
For you, I’m sure, a day to be tinged with sadness but filled with pride.
never have to many gooners,i have been a gooner since 1978 when i was 8,and have seen every televised arsenal game here in newzealand best memory liverpool 0-arsenal 2 to do the double,it was also the first live league match televised in nz certainly worth a double drink that is
I’m too drunk to read everything. I’ll read it tomorrow. In the meantime
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/227999/Arsenal-ace-Cesc-Fabregas-dream-move-to-Barca-is-dead-
Snir, Yes I’m leery by nature but this sounds like a nefarious new strategy by the Catalans of acting disinterested to try to keep Cesc on a string and his price lower even though they have just come into a shiteload of Qatari cash. By the laws of physics they can certainly be up to no good.
Just saw the last ten recorded minutes of Wolves beating Man Utd. How pleasant to see the manure well and truly beaten, as well as Sir Alex Farcican crestfallen.
bt8bbnn – They can kiss the low price goodbye in this Andy Carrol world, if Chelsea will bid 50, Barca will need to bid 100 to just get considered.
Snir, it’s all speculation for next summer but at least those deals will be a bit better considered given the longer window. As for now the wisdom of the January deals gets murkier. Who knows when Carroll will play for Liverpool, or when Torres may start to look like a player at Chelsea? The settled players are the ones who stayed where they were.
Great stuff once again, ‘Holic. You always seem to know just how to pluck the emotional heartstrings. My youngest is nine and I am fighting the same battle with him. Though I have had great success with his 13-year-old brother, now a devout Gooner like me, my youngest is determined to cut his own path. His obsession is the dreaded Chavs, and as much as I try to explain what a dispicable club they are I just can’t seem to get through. Oh he likes Arsenal just fine. But he idolize Drogba and I fear that he has fallen for Chelsea. He does not care a wit how they’ve done it, all he know is that in recent years they’ve won loads of silverware. It’s intoxicating, especially for a youngster and that is one of the main reasons Arsenal must win something and soon. I fear that an entire generation of youngsters may be slipping to the darkside, much like my lad. So I again wish you luck. I have a feeling you will fare much better than I will. Brandy for me. Writing this from bed. Cheers, ‘Holic.
Hello holics,
Posting from the sick bed. Excellent blog Holic. Cheered me up.
Just let myself out of the rubber room ‘holic & ‘holics. I don’t know what day or time of day this is. I’m still smarting from that second half @ the Toon. I’m still rather numb really and not quite feeling myself yet. Hopefully, I’ll be back to normal by Saturday.
Barkeep, a triple JD and put it on Lars’ tab please. Then I’m back off to the rubber room.
Holic you never disappoint that’s for sure!
You memories of being a very young Gooner make me slightly jealous I have to say. Never had an opportunity like you but I did support my local team and they did play well at the time, sadly no more.
A toast to another future Gooner conversionsd starts now!
I have forgotten to mention I have a son who is 5 now, I have already started to introduce him to The Arsenal, he loves singing songs, adores wearing kits but being at his age is still somewhat hard to get him to watch the games with me. He tends to loose interest after 10 minutes or so… I know he’s still too young but definitely Gooner he will be I hope π
Having trouble falling asleep. Still have waking nightmares of that nuclear meltdown of biblical proportions … I’m seeing spots …
Barkeep, a triple Glenmorangie. And put it on Lars’ tab again please.
great memories holic.
for my 1st ever first division game i got taken to WHL to see the spuds demolish a soon to be relegated sheff utd in 75/76, tony currie et all.
next, the old man (RIP) took me to upton park to see a forgettable 2-2 draw, and then finally to arsenal and a testimonial against red star belgrade (john radfords?) which we won 5-0. i’ve tried and failed to find the programme for this game or any details but it was definately my first game, and the one which made me realise this was the club i loved.
the next one was supermacs debut, 0-1 to bristol city!
I took my 8 yr old to b’ham at home this season, i could tell it’s not in his blood like his old man (i blame his mother who is totally indifferent to football) but i’m sure he enjoyed it and, as you rightly say, those memories will stay with them forever at that age.
have a great day
A fine and poignant blog Holic – my own baptism in the Jordan of football was 8th September 64 – a draw against Blackburn – 1-1 Baker for us – no idea who for them – top of the NorthBank in the sunshine
Will be there with with youngest son in Family block on Sat – not sure he really ‘gets’ it – keeps mentioning some player called ‘Messi’
My Dad never took me to any Arsenal games, he wasn’t really into it. So, I was 14 before I was ‘allowed’ to go on my own. It was 1972 and, if memory serves me correct, we were at home to Liverpool two days after we lost to Leeds in the FA Cup final. I went with a friend who supported Liverpool and we stood in the clock end.
I don’t remember much of the game because we didn’t see much of the game. Some bozo standing near us had a whistle and kept blowing it when the ball came to our end. The police came into the crowd, decided me and my friend had the whistle, and we got thrown out!
It’s still a treasured memory in a funny sort of way.
The Boy will be wearing his Arsenal shirt next week – all Barca kit has been relegated to the bottom drawer for now. Mum can lump it….!
Have a great day Holic. Like Trev said; maybe a bit poignant but very enjoyable.
PS- great post Steve T. A drink?
What a fantastic post, holic.
Have a great time on Saturday. I will have everything crossed that the boys come up with the goods.
Great stuff ‘holic.
Taking my 10 year old to the Grove on Saturday for the third time this season and hoping for third time lucky. The previous two visits were the Baggies and the Barcodes !
That can only warrant one reply, Fin, but since this is not the right place for it, I’ll just say : great stuff π
Delightful read, ‘Holic. Not poignant at all. Rather uplifting in fact.
Nice write up Holic.
I’m a little late to the drinks.
I would like to put out a strong side v Barca as well as a manageable one v Wolves.
I know we a strong in the league, but I wouldn’t mind us going to the Nou Camp with a strong squad and a strong score line.
Isnβt that what Inter did last season?
An Evian please Holic?
Ha! That’s got to be the most random spamming ever!
‘Holic, Steve T, Clive,
Thanks for sharing those lovely stories.
Storey son (2.5 yrs old) already getting indoctrinated with kit and songs. Storey daughter (9 in a couple of months) now well overdue a visit to The Ems but her step dad is a Mugsmasher so I need to act quickly!!!
Drinks please Mr.Barman, it’s well past noon.
PS from TS: Woody & matt p, sorry forgot to include you in above thanks and drinks too. Good reads one and all.
easy to support Arsenal now, harder then if I may.
Good luck fella! I fell in love with the team from afar at first My dad was a gooner and I used to be allowed up late on a Saturday while my mum was at bingo to watch MoTD. I think it was the colours that got me first – the vivid red and stark white – rather than the old mans reaction to the team.
Christ knows when it was all I know is it was before I was at primary school and 4 years old! So much for responsible parenting! Hopefully your grandson will have a ‘Fever Pitch’ moment…
Howdy ‘holic(s)
Have a great day with the next generation and good luck with what may be the first real step into Goonerdom for the lad. I’m sure he’ll be grateful in a few years time when his local team will be languising in the lower divisions while the red army march on.
Lager please squire.
Cheers.
I would like to take some time to congratulate you, ‘Holic, on another well written piece but something has happened that needs to get out to the general public as quickly as possible –
ROSICKY HAS SCORED A GOAL!
To make it all even more improbable, it was within an hour of Hleb scoring as well.
Surely this has never happened before.
delightful post.My 2 boys have been indoctrinated into the Arsenal way.What lucky kids.Growing up in Lagos in the 70s, we could only follow the English Division 1 by reading shoot magazine which usually came about 3/4 months late and TV, which was in grainy black and white was probably about 6/9 months later!
Toby: Rosicky AND Hleb scoring on the same day? That’s just amazing stuff!
Kidding aside, scoring a goal might be just what Rosicky needs.
Good to know that Arshavin and Rosicky have ended their games safely! Lets hope nothing happens to Kozzer, Sagna and Clichy :)!
I would be delighted if Clichy and Koscielny don’t start!
To one of my Gods,
Dear John Squire,
Thank you for protecting Arshavin and Rosicky. Please please look after Chezzer, Sagna, Kozzer, Clichy, Jack, Theo, Chammak and any other of our players risking the rest of the season on a game no-one gives a shit about.
And thank you for DJ’s bruise, phantom flu and invisible belly ache.
And a pint of lager for me please.
Walcotts assist!
Eduardo scored in same game as rosicky scored
Lars, Toby
Great news re Rosicky’s goal. Another Gunner with so much potential in need of a little confidence booster. Maybe that was it?
Drinks chaps?
Missed the England match, did Bendy play? If so, was he good?
Sagna playing 90 (well there’s about 10 left). No game time for Koscielny and Clichy. Diaby came on in the 60th minute or thenabout.
If you insist, I’ll have a brandy, TS. Thanks
Does anyone know why the Portugal v Argentina friendly was moved away from The Emirates?
TS
Theo played 68mins,Jack 45.
Bendy played the full 90 presumably because AW told the Danes he had no chance of playing on Saturday.!!
Cannot find any stats on Iran- Russia game so don’t know yet how long the little Ballerina played for.
Cheers
Hmm, Hulk tried to cunt Sagna, think he’ll be OK though.
Cheers for the offer TS! I’ll have a bottle of Traquair Jacobite Ale, please!
I’m a bit dazed after watching Iran – Russia, Ukraine – Sweden, Denmark – England and now watching the last few minutes of France – Brazil so I’m not sure if I remember everything correctly.
But yes,
Bendts did play, and it was really one of his off-matches. He played one nice one-two and lobbed a sweet little ball over the English defense, but other than that he was really Mr. Wooden Leg today. But oh well, he hasn’t played that much the last six months and this was his first game with his country since the World Cup. Doesn’t really excuse his touch though, even if it does explain his combination play. All in all – very anonymous today.
Wilshere played well, but was a bit more defensive than when he plays for us. Didn’t stop him from threading a few really nice passes. Theo did well too.
Arshavin had a few really good moments but also a few of those stray ones. Especially the forward angled “without even looking” passes he is so adept at hitting straight to an opponent nowadays. But the signs are there he is improving and he was let down quite a few times by his team mates. All in all quite a good game.
I’ll have another beer now. Throa… fingers all dry.
Money (laundering) and politics, no doubt, Theo. Especially as it’s been moved to Switzerland.
Toby, for the 45 minutes I saw I thought Big Nicky B did rather well. On some occasions I actually felt that he was too clever for his surroundings, there were a few times when he played good balls that no-one had the brains to run onto.
Storey, mine’s a cup of tea!
Well, thanks to all for your reports and feedback. What a nice bunch you all are π
Sounds like Rosicky and Jack were the star performers. Don’t like the idea of Bac playing a full 90, we need him on top form for Saturday. Come home safely boys!
Right, I’ll go and get all those drinks. Cheers ‘Holics!
As I said Lars, I have watched too much football today to be sure about any of it! It’s all a bit fuzzy.
The “too clever for his surroundings” I agree on and that was what I was trying to say with the part about him not having played with his countrymen since the WC, even if it perhaps came out a bit wrong.
Still, his touch is just so heavy at times, and it is just really noticeable when others around him really has the balls glued to their feet. Having that said, it’s just not his strength, he has others! As you said, one of them is his understanding of the game which I rate quite highly. You can tell he has been playing for Arsenal for a while, so to speak.
Lastly, I’m quite happy that Diaby got a few minutes. Good for him to get out on a field after that red card and get a few minutes as a buffer in his mind between the last game and the next one. It wasn’t really the kind of card that endeared him to the Arsenal faithful and playing in front of a different audience, if only for 30 minutes, must have been good.
‘holics,
A few quick questions for anyone.
1) How long is Diaby’s suspension? 1 g or 3 g?
2) What’s the latest injury news on Song and JD? Are both available for Sat & Wed?
3) I watched Arg v Port game and the commentators gave no explanation regarding the reason why the match moved away from The Emirates. Anyone? Ollie’s response was a bit vague.
Guinness’ for those who enlighten me and thanks ahead.
TVA, I think ollie was saying Switzerland is home of mr blatter and FIFA
so that’s the financial and politcal reasons for the switch or as most would say, corrupt reasons!
The pitch was very hard and bumpy at Argentina v. Portugal. Nani was about to make a chest trap when the ball bounced way over his head and he threw up his arm in surprise and was penalized for hand ball. That’s about that for the mini interlull thank heavens.
Hi Holic,
Great story and one I can relate to very well. For five / six years I had successfully told my son to support the gunners. After one term at his new school he broke my heart by telling me he now support Liverpool !!
I let it pass, but told him he had to leave and return to England and live with his uncle who is also a supporter of a weaker team !!
Last summer we came back to England for a holiday and I to managed to get tickets for the Celtic game. I personally couldn’t wait as this was my first visit to the Emirates.
As we got off the Tube and made our way to the stadium I could feel my son holding my hand a little tighter and once we eventually saw the Emirates for the first time I was really impressed. My son thankfully was also suitably impressed as he turned to me and asked if it was ok to support Arsenal again !!
My reply with the biggest smile was, of course son, now lets go to the shop and make sure you are properly dressed.
Holic, my son is 8, so I totally agree with you thoughts, go make another gooner
re: Arg v Port match.
I did hear something about a scheduling problem as the reason for moving the match from the Emirates to Geneva. But what is he scheduling problem at the Emirates? Was there a ladies match there today? Or a rodeo or something?
Beautiful piece
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/darren-lewis/Darren-Lewis-column-Why-Arsenal-players-and-fans-have-a-right-to-react-to-awful-challenges-like-Newcastle-Joey-Barton-on-Abou-Diaby-article694139.html
Snir,
Top of the evening to you. You’re an in tune Gooner. Do you have any insights to my Qs in # 79 above?
Barkeep, a couple of pints of Guinness please … on Lars’ tab as per usual.
Excellent move by Wenger not to let Fab play for Spain. Not only would he have come back knackered. He would have spent time with the Barcnuts too.
Well, if nothing else these two videos should make you feel good.
Two players who have had it tough recently.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMND5qtqesI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVr48Etggmk
Come on Ramsey! Come on Vela! Thanks Sajit for giving us a look at their faces, but they looked strange out of the red and white. Ramsey looking particularly impressive I thought.
Glennw at 80 reads me well π
Thanks for the drinks gents…
..good to see all the Arsenal boys do well last night…
…hopefully no injuries…
Thanks Holic and Holic’s, your stories have pushed me into action and I am going to try and arrange to take my 8 yr old boy to the Emirates.
As a long term red member I thought this shouldn’t be too difficult,especially as I am aiming for one of the less attractive matches Stoke on the 23rd february .But there are no tickets on the exchange scheme for the family enclosure(my management’s preferred option) and adult tickets for the clock end require me to assign a different member to get the second ticket for my boy.
If anyone can help me in any way please get in touch with me on my email which I have left in the space for website,.
My boy seems to be more interrested in bloodey wrestling than football at the moment but I think the Emirates experience will tip the balance, as for me after having spent my youth at Highbury I moved abroad and have yet to visit the Emirates.
Thanks in advance for any help
whoops ,passport out of date,I’m making enquiries now for quick renewal but probably awkward as consul far away
Wolves have beaten Chelsea, Liverpool and both Manchesters this season. Surely this is an opportunity for a 5th trophy, being the only “big” club not to have lost to them this season. If, God forbid, we don’t win any others we would still have this to point to in our trophy case; but if we do win the others we could say ’11 was the year of the quintuple. There you go boys, is that incentive enough to come out rip roaring this weekend? What I mean to say is don’t overlook this match at any cost ….
Nice write up holic.
My only regret was not being able to get my girls to Highbury whilst you could still stand. Still, the North bank ‘new stand’ seemed to capture their imagination well enough for The Arsenal to be their one and only choice π
I think I’ve been standing for the whole duration of the game during my last 3 visits to the Lower Tier at the Grove.
Though it’s not quite the same, far more room π
TvA – Diaby’s suspension is 3 games for violent behavior.
JD is OK for the weekend but I’m assuming will be rested till Barca.
Song started training Tuesday, once again, I assume he’ll be rested till Barca.
Have no clue regarding the ARG- POR match.
Agreed…every game is important from now on! A mixed balanced squad should be able to hold Wolves at bay. We didn’t score until the 90+ minute in last seasons corresponding fixture. But we still need to think about Wednesday.
Our starting XI away v Wolves this season:
Bacary JD Kos Gael
1Song FAB4 Jackie
Thomas MC Arsh
A similar mix should hold down this home fixture on Saturday, provided we show up and our ref is good. After all they owe us 1,2,3, 444
A Vanilla Smoothie please Barman
I’d put a ‘keeper between the sticks still, GT.
Just in case π
Smoothie? Why not, one for me too please.
GT – Kos was suspended from that match along with the Everton away match after being red carded against Newcastle. It was Squillaci and JD, we had rough moments in that game defensively but not something that was the CB’s fault as there were 3 dangerous opportunities Fabianski took care of and all of them were from outside the box.
Squillaci should be fine on Saturday to let JD heal completely for Barca.
Goonertown: we did indeed not score until Bendtner broke the deadlock with something like seven seconds left to play, but that was also one of the most ineffective displays all season. We absolutely hammered them but just couldn’t convert our chances.
Ollie – Lol! (wimpering) How about Shez? π Yes a Smoothie coming your way!
Snir – Yes you’re right it was sqiddly de! A smoothie for you too! π
Lars – That’s sort of what I was sayig earlier. We hammered them once, we hammered them twice…we ain’t the faint blues, we ain’t the Chavy Blues…we’re the Arsenal…the Arsenal! π π …and another Smoothie
He he!
Drinks all around I’d say!
It has been a trick sort of Thurs down hear today, trust me! π
Just touching upon the whole kiddie thing while we’re on it. My 2 and a half year old is on the verge of becoming a Junior Gunner. I just need to remember to get round to it, but he had the new strip on pre-order (I know, I tried to be efficient)…
…so my god son (also 2 and a little bit), when he joined as a JG was short listed to take part in the members day earlier this season and got his picture taken with Van P. He also features in a video clip on the web site about the whole event…
Anyway, I’ve def got to get my son in for the next members day and when he’s old enough get him down to the grove to watch a game. Although he does do an impression of me when we come close to scoring (ooooooh!). Yes very cute! π
A Quadruple Armagnac to the glorious past and a scintillating future!
re my post 91,I have now got Emergency Travel Documents arranged and booked flights so if anyone can help me please get in touch
Good afternoon ‘holics,
Thanks for the update at #96 Snir. Have another smoothie on the tab I usually use.
It’s good news to hear that we don’t have injuries to our central spine. I thought that the main reason things went downhill at the Toon was JD going off injured first and then Diaby getting sent off second. Had both JD @ CB and Song (or Diaby) @ DM been in there then that meltdown would not have happened.
Drinks all around please.
Ollie, I doubt that I would go anymore if I had to sit down. The few that i’ve been and had to sit down I just find the whole thing a complete turn off, such a sterile atmosphere.
TvA
Yes, sort of, I think the JD off and Diaby off incidents happened so close together that all of a sudden the central bit had changed. No excuses really though, I still think it was a disgrace to let in four, no matter the circumstances of dodgy pens… i’ll remind the bar that they also had a good goal ruled out for false offside π
Still not out of my system… any recommendations for what medicine to take anyone?
Ibuprofen and Guinness MtS.
I bet ‘holic put up another new post. Everyone’s left the bar …
Great post Holic, just what i needed to read after a long day, thanks mate.
Now off to read arseblog, don’t tell blogs i was here first!
He was here before you, Das π
Is this the calm before the storm? Why so quiet in ‘holic Nation today? Was there a convention?
Barman! Hello, Barman!
I think I’ll just help myself to some of this black liquid gold. I’ll just leave my money on the bar …
Wolves preview tomorrow, Theo. Tonight, it’s BBC News…
Fair enough ‘holic. Cheers to you. But where is everyone else? They can’t all be watching the BBC?
I’ll just reach over and help myself to another …
I can hear the crickets in here. And I’m drinking by myself …
* reaches over and pours himself another Guinness *
News items from today’s Guardian:
“Furious Tottenham Hotspur executives are considering the prospect of legal action over their attempt to move to the site of the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, which looks likely to end in failure.”
Comment: It’s probably just a carryover from the multitudinous stuff their executives have to be furious about. The Sp*ds lawyers will be spouting venom for years about this one, all in vain.
What’s all this Diaby talk about wanting to play for BarΓ§a?? Is this bad timing Abou or what? And can we get an exclusive interview with Diaby’s Turtleneck to get an explanation please?
I’ve seen bt8bbnn has made an appearance but everyone else must be sleeping or still at that convention. What’s your take cricket?
* reaches over to pour another *
TvA, I think they’re all watching the news on the BBC by order of the guvnor.
BBC??? That leftist brainwashing cauldron. First Lars, now the BBC. I sense a left wing socialist conspiracy hot bed here. These lads need FOX News on that little island across the pond.
I’m gonna need the hard stuff now …
* reaches for the top shelf and caresses the Glenmorangie *
“Hi beautiful. I’ve missed ya. Keep me company for a while”.
* pours himself a big drink *
I’d say a draw in the Man derby would do me just fine.
good call theo van arshavregas both man scum to drop points would be great for the cause, so go the draw. have a wee jim beam to that
Hi Theo,
I gather you are from canada? No one is here because it is still very early in the UK I guess
Anyway, how many do you reckon RVP will hammer tomorrow? π
Finally! The bar may be open again. I thought it was shut down by the Health Dept. Another socialist construct.
I’d say give one goal to the Dutchie (if he plays) and one to the little Ruskie. We take care of our business and both Man clubs drop two points each.
Morning tea please. Earl Grey.
TvN: “BBC??? That leftist brainwashing cauldron. First Lars, now the BBC. I sense a left wing socialist conspiracy hot bed here.”
Excuse me, but what the hell are you talking about?
Good morning Lars. Just a little socialist humour π Kanada, Sweden, BBC …
This is excellent news.
AW βSamir is continuing his progress. It is difficult to assess. He should be fit to be competitive in one week. He is training already.”
I knew he always come back ahead of schedule when injured.
Afternoon Holics,
TV5 – Thatβs’ great news. Let’s hope he isn’t being rushed back unnecessarily. π
I see the Yids are staying down the road then!
‘holic, if AW is correct in today’s prediction that Nasri will be ready to play in one week, what about your inside source that the injury was a six weeker, contrary to AW’s original prediction of three weeks which (knock on wood) seems to be bearing out correctly?
Nasri isn’t a true Arsenal player, he recovers quickly from injuries. A true Arsenal player takes his time and “there is no time frame” on his recovery.
Snir, You must have hit on something there. Maybe he could be the catalyst for a new type of Arsenal player then? Now arsenal.com quotes AW as saying Vermaelen will be fit in about three weeks. Will be more like a Nasri 3 weeks or a Diaby 3 weeks?
BT8BBNN – Vermaelen was originally going to be out for about 2 weeks so here’s hoping its a Nasri 3 weeks π
zicoinexile, It’s amazing how those multiples of 2 or 3 weeks out add up while the games keep coming, but getting a fit Vermaelen in 3 weeks could be a season maker.
Could not agree more Nas my friend
Good evening ‘holics,
It’s the eve before the werewolves invade. I suggest we adopt a van Helsing methodology and dispose of these foul smelling adversaries with skill and diligence. No slip ups come Saturday.
A round of your finest ale barkeep for all in attendance.
Go you Gunners!
Great news re:Nasri
Don’t rush him back please Arsene. Although, if he’s back and Puyol out for Barca…I would gladly invite the Catalans for a feast this mid-week.
Come on Arsenal!
Oh and a pint for me please!
Harsha,
If Puyol is out then Abidal will slide to CB and Maxwell will play LB. That won’t be a picnic and may even be a stronger CB pairing for BarΓ§a circa 2011 as Puyol is ‘getting on’ a bit and has lost a step. However, with Maxwell as LB they would be a bit more vulnerable down that flank as the Brasilian likes to attack as a wingback (if Pep sets it up this way, with Puyol out, then he is going with a very attack minded option). With that being said, and Puyol possibly being out, Pep may opt to play Milito in his place (somewhat unlikely) or put Busquets in Puyol’s place and play Mascherano as the DM (akin to Song replacing JD; and Pep has done this before; this would be seen as a more defensive set up if Puyol is out). Either way, Pep has options and may set it up to steady things at he back. BarΓ§a will be dificult to break down and have shown to be resolute all season at the back even through occasional injuries. With this being the first leg away from home, Pep is more likely to go with a more defensive set up (therefore, Maxwell is likely not to start if Puyol is out).