The Law Is An Ass, But The Force Prevails
Feb 1st, 2011 by 'holic
You will find the carefully judged words of the professionals elsewhere. Here it is just the outpouring of emotions that we all went through tonight. I thank my God, and yours, that I didn’t get a ticket. I was nearly cardiac here, and would surely have had a seizure if I was close to Lee ‘Magoo’ Mason tonight. however, I do have to play the devil’s advocate for just a second.
Let’s face it. The first-half hinged on just one incident. A ball chipped through to a blatantly offside Saha was touched by Koscielny. It was a desperate attempt to reach a ball that would land behind the back four and he didn’t have a clue if anyone was behind him. It wasn’t even a controlled touch. Word reaches me that under current rules the assistant doesn’t make his mind up until the ball reaches a player in an offside position as to what the decision should be. The fact that Koscielny tried to deliberately play the ball, and got that uncontrolled touch, is apparently enough to render Saha onside. It doesn’t matter that he was a mile off when the ball was played.
Now it’s too late to go hunting for examples, but I’m sure we can find a zillion where a goal was ruled out for offside where a defender got a touch before the scorer. I know it has happened this season to us and others, but I have to work tomorrow and I won’t go looking for them. I know you will! The fact remains the law is an ass if that was acceptable tonight to anybody other than the referee, his assistant, and the assessor.
My grudge with Mason was not just related to the goal. How many times did he stop play and award us a free-kick when we were going forward and had retained possession? How many fouls much worse than Jack Wilshere’s challenge in the opening five minutes avoided the almost gleeful display of a yellow card? Jack was subdued for the rest of his game as a result and that made the second-half show of character even more impressive. How many times did the hapless and incompetent official miss Fellaini flattening Arsenal players after the ball had long gone. The referee’s performance was beyond incompetence in my opinion, and I trust that people will consider I am making such statements after we have won, and not in a fit of pique after a defeat.
Enough of the negative. How spirited was the response? The arrival of Arshavin would have raised eyebrows among those who have been down on him, perhaps a little understandably, of late. There is no doubt though that he is slowly recovering his mojo. The equaliser was almost all about the impudent little Russian getting in the right place at the right time and finishing superbly (Great ball, Cesc!). Did I see the signs of a smile on that little face? Are we getting an influential player back to his best at the right time? I hope so.
At 1-1 I get the feeling some supreme being was looking down through the night sky and took more than a passing interest in what was going on in the floodlit Grove. Having seen Koscielny being put forward as the excuse for what felt a travesty of justice in the opening half, this deity decided to have a chuckle and allowed our central defender his just desserts, namely the winning goal. Cue a huge cheer and a glass of Bushmills flying over Eduardo the iMac, whoops.
With twenty minutes, including added time, still to play I fancied my wild punt on 4-1. Something strange happened. Arsenal decided to shut the game down. We don’t have a good record in that respect, but we did it with some style, and nobody was happier than me. Or maybe they were. Twitter and the various fora filled with people celebrating what is clearly an important three points. Strange on a night when possibly we didn’t produce a classic high-tempo Wengerball performance, but probably understandable because the result was always going to be more important than the performance tonight.
But please keep Mason away from us for the rest of the season. This may just be an over-reaction, but something didn’t feel quite right about his performance tonight, and not for the first time.
219 Responses to “The Law Is An Ass, But The Force Prevails”
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Oh you literary genius you. Black stuff all round. Relief!
2nd
screw u bathgooner.
unbelievably bad refereeing, but i must say the fight shown by our gunners was class. arsha is slowly rounding back into form. robin and jack both showed their spirit, and correctly directed at that tit arteta.
well played, ‘holic. i’ll have one of bath’s (stout fellow), and offer a round of old speckled hen to follow.
I have an answer to yesterdays question Holic it’s not going to go down well in the bar but a reasonably priced player that would have been experienced and could play DM or help out at the back I Give you I carnt believe I’m going to say this but Phil Neville wouldn’t have been the worst signing in the world.
I’m of to get pissed after that blasphamy !!!
Top 3 points
Up The Arse
First from val d’isere in France. Have no idea about the game tonight as away on holiday but trying to read an iPhone under the table whilst appearing to be sociable is an underestimated skill !
Good win especially as everyone else did. Keep the faith – good always triumphs over evil.
Another glass of red please.
Apologies – no drinks when instated writing
You aint alone in smelling something fishy about that performance by the ref tonight. Why is it we get the refs who are happy for the opposition to foul at will?
Moyes has absolutely slated cesc after the game. Why he felt the need t say those things is petty and petulant. No need
Brilliant brilliant result though and as you say Arshavin may well be getting into form just at the right time.
Whatever ‘disgusting’ comments Moyes claims Cesc shouted at Mason, would have been justified as Moyes the clown would have reacted in the same way had all those scandalous decisions gone the other way.
No ref deserved respect for that performance. Thank fuck Cesc cares enough to let him know what a cunt he’d been.
It maybe worked as he had a more levelled 2nd half,
Massive 3 points
Watch the sky lead media jump on the Cesc bashin bandwagon after tonight an all. Looking forward to the trip to Carroll less geordie land on Saturday and hopefully some revenge.
Large Brandy for me, Im off to bed!
Phil Neville? Someone’s been drinking a little too much.
A glass of cranberry juice please, Holic. After today’s VITAL three points, someone’s going to have to be designated driver around here.
Fully agree with you about Mason. I have seen some terrible refereeing performances in my time but that takes the biscuit. If it was any other league you would wonder abut corruption but I think a poor referee had a bad day at the office on top of his basic ineptness. He’s just crap!
A fine fighting performance from the club that’s supposed to not like it up ’em!
Come on you redzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Are we to close to manu for the fa liking
should be fa’s liking
Guarantee Ferguson will come out with comments about Cesc to back up his mate Moyes..
Also, we’re now becoming a threat so its time he started picking on us again.
Seriously bath, that was more than incompetent. Something stunk the place out tonight, and we could’nt have said that had we won.
When that pox Rooney swears like a docker at refs in full view of millions on tv there’s not a word said,Cesc apparently had a rant off camera and it’s all over Sky Sports and no doubt the papers in the morning.Moyes you are a Ginger Weegie CUNT now fuck off back to scouse land with your fuckin retard team. Oh and Rooney your a cunt of all cunts. Ooh to be a GOONER!!!
Mason was cack but he always is, great comeback and in a way the bias of the officials had a hand in whipping up a fervent home support in the second half.
A much needed win for the Arse with the mancs and chavs winning to tonight, am happy with the fight from the boys in R&W, they’re fucking dyne-mite!
Water please bartender as the flask is empty! And the prices too high at the bar!
Have to say I enjoyed this brilliant brilliant football match tonight, probably best match this season so far IMO.
Despite a complete wanker in charge of the game, we were strong, stronger than before, never giving up, Clichy running his arse off like the old days, AA comes on and makes a difference, the crowd were immensly vocal, a justified lead was taken, and we then perform a shut down very efficiently!
Love it, Love Arsenal 🙂
Jammathon,
Normaly I’d agree but for peanuts money wise we’d get two positions covered and for all his faults by all accounts he’s a model pro so would have done a job till the end of the season and besides we could have a Phil Neville burning ceromony at the last home game. And to be honest a traffic cone appeals more than Denilson 😉
I can’t stand it when people act like you shouldn’t talk to the referee in a certain way. They want respect but they have to earn it!
My mate who is doing quite well as a referee at the moment keeps pushing me to take the course as he believe I’m quite knowledgeable about the rules of the game (silly fool!) but I don’t have the heart to tell him I think they’re all a bunch of cunts.
And I’m not just saying that because of the decision tonight, I’ve been privy to a few referee social gatherings and they all love to be center of attention.
Masochistic ball bags.
A pint of the black stuff, bar keep. Those w*@!ers in black on the pitch tonight were making the rules up as they went along. Never heard so much bollocks about first phase and second phase in my life. Lets cut out this crap and get back to if there is only one opponent closer to the goal than you then you are OFFSIDE. I would prefer Sain Massey than that crappy lino anyday.
Well that tasted nice!
I particularly enjoyed Asharvin SKIPPING his usual post-goal antics and running straight back to position. He’s surely giving it all he can to get back on top, much appreciated! Let’s hope he does the business against self-pleasuring wonder boys.
And if that ref ain’t getting paid for his work, he’s a fool to be fixing matches for free…
Oops, Guinness please. Can you put it in a mug so my boss can’t tell?
Cheers Mr. Holic!
What about Songs injury?!?
Phil Neville’s dad is called Neville…….
Old news, but still worth remembering
The referee is a wanker….we’ve all sung it
but 3 well fought points.
DON’T FORGET THAT, PEOPLE
‘Holic, I’m giving Mason the benefit of the doubt on the corruption question, principally because he has proved consistently inept. I don’t think he’s smart enough to fix a match but then again we did win in the end despite the ludicrous decision on the offside Saha and the litany of one-sided calls on fouls, play-ons and cards. Amazing yellows for Jack and Robin when you consider what Rodwell, Felliani and others in blue got away with.
If the FA follow up Moyes’ comments after the inevitable chorus from Sky Sports News and Mason and the lino don’t get ‘rested’ your case will have been made for me.
After all these years, you must like I do, realise that the powers that be simply do not like the Arsenal!
Moyes has conveniently stepped up to back the ref, selective amnesia perhaps, but can anyone remind him that he nearly beat up the ref when United visited Goodison earlier this season? I bet that one was justified.
Bathgooner, since dd the Orangeman left anyway
Right off to catch some zzzzzzz’s
matt, in fairness Moyes doesn’t. After having a pop at Cesc listen to him say “the decision wasn’t right”. 48 seconds in.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/e/everton/9384490.stm
Even he knows the cunts fucked up.
Holic Top Post my man I raise my full glass in your direction!
I don’t want to dwell too much on what happened in the first half I mean their goal but….
I have to get this off my chest…
It’s a rule when the ball is played and if an attacking player is in a offside position then even though the defender touches the ball in any ay it’s still classed as offside.
At the time of the pass he was offside so I will stop here
What made me cringe more was the fact that Cesc was held by Rodwell a foul given no card, Walcott held by Arteta not even a foul given. Rosicky fouls straight yellow wtf? Hetinga holdimg onto RVP no card….
It goes without saying this Ref can not be a EPL Ref in anyway, he brings shame to this beautyful game.
We held it together and I thank the lads for showing the spirit and attitude we were lacking so much in previous months.
Anyway what’s important is that we got all three point in the bag, with Chavs and Man IOU winning at the same time.
A drink for everyone in the bar is on me…..
Come on you REDS!!!
PS. Moyes comments are just a distraction that they fucked it up! He’s a nice enough chap so I will leave it just there.
Really pleased with the fighting spirit shown by the boys tonight.Showed they do have the ability to dig deep to find & apply the needed extra grit when the going gets rough, tough & biased.
Whats the news about Song? And was it just me alone that had his Heart in his mouth when JD seemed to have suffered an injury to this Shoulder.
Anything that will calm my excited nerves and help me power down, Sir ‘Holic.
Fellaini’s foul on Theo after the ball had gone near the end and Rodwell’s persistent hacking at anyone in a red shirt escaped the eagle-eye of Moyes. He seems to spend so much of his time being “disappointed” these days. I thought that Everton looked like a team intent on bringing their physicality to bear at the expense of their football and in Lee Mason they found a willing accomplice as his performance was one of the worst I can remember. One could almost think it was corrupt and I don’t neccerssarily mean financially. To borrow from the bitter Moyes, it was “disappointing”.
Clichy had a decent game.
There, I said it.
Helped myself to some Martini Bianco after Arshavin’s goal. Shame I couldn’t grab something stronger as I have to wake up in 5 hours. So no more drinks for me Barman 🙂
For what it’s worth there was a similar incident in the Chelsea/Sunderland match where Kalou was in a similar position to Saha when the ball was played over the top. Anton Ferdinand got his head to the ball but it still bobbled to Kalou. However, the flag was up when the ball was played in the direction and with the intention of finding Kalou. Whether Ferdinand headed the ball was irrelevant. Interestingly the commentators saw nothing wrong with the linesman’s call.
Good win from our boys though. Initial reports on Song are not good but Diaby looks more capable than Denilson in that position anyway.
Oh and nice to see the Owlish one strike after a long wait.
Mr Holic,
A fine performance that last year, we may have lost in the final minutes.
Mason was doing his level best to make it onto my upgrade list for people tagged “CUNTv2.0”
As for the lino call, a joke sir. Utterly fooll hardy adherance to a rule by situ when common sense would have blown for offside. Oh for a Sian Massey running the line..
Good night
Daryl, do me a favour, love 😉
I was lucky enough to be there this evening and the Emirates was rocking. Every time the Everton fans started a chant, we sung it louder and longer. The ref was given all the abuse he deserved for a series of shocking decisions and when the subs were made we cheered them to the rafters – both the ones going off and the ones coming on…
And it made the difference; AA23 was awesome, a proper little Russian magician again, time after time irritating their defence with his skill until finally clipping a delicate shot past the (incessantly and ridiculously) time-wasting Howard. And when Kos scored yet another crucial header from a corner, we went mental, as did the players in a massive scrum by the corner flag. Nights like that are why we support this team and want them to fulfil their potential. I genuinely hope this season proves us right.
Arsenal forever.
Solid display tonight. I think Szczesny in goal is making that little bit of difference to the defence. Every game theyre looking more confident and its spreading. The last time we shut down a game like that was when Lehman was playing for us. A good commanding keeper makes the world of difference.
3 of Uniteds next 5 games are against Man City (h), Chelsea (a) & Liverpool (a). All 3 teams will be raring to go against them especially with their new signings and with obvious rivalries to boot.
If Arsenal can keep plugging away and securing the victories that, in all fairness, would be expected in our next 5 games (Newcastle (a), Wolves (h), Stoke (h), Sunderland (h), West Brom (a)) …then we could be sitting pretty by mid March!!
I know, I was ranting on about AA last week, but I can truly say – We got him back.
Not because of the goal, not because of him skipping his post goal antics.
Because he joined in on the scrum after Koscielny’s goal, because he showed he cared when all his team mates cared, because he showed he’s attached to his team mates’ efforts.
He’s with us, and truthfully I’d rather have him than Rosicky in that left flank if he defends like he did for the last two games (Huddersfield and today!).
On to other things – I’m a big believer of this squad, but I feel like crying tonight since Song will be out for a long while I suspect.
He is the ONLY one without a replacement in this squad and it’ll be really hard maybe even too hard without him, starting from Saturday at Newcastle.
This is what AW said about him :
On Alex Song’s injury…
“He cannot walk. I don’t know what he has got. He was kicked, I think it was by Koscielny, he knocks out everybody in our team. So we have to see how he responds to that in the next days, but he cannot walk at the moment.”
That is scary.
Bang on goonerholic! Have to put in a shout for the steadily improving home fans. Best atmosphere so far this season. Love the roasting the ref got …. ****ing twat blocking all the advantages. We’d have only managed a draw not long ago. This is great – I’m still behind all four cups.
We played against 14 people .. and won.
Holic,
top post but all those words and you didn’t call the ref a wanker so I will do it for you, he is an utter total wanker, however his total wankiness provided all gooners at the grove tonight with one of the best atmospheres for a long long time, Christ knows what it would be like if we won a game to win the league at the new home of football, the noise 2nd half was fantastic, keep it up gooners
Great blog, great result! Wish you had been there mate, was ‘triffic!
nonsense – it was offside and there is no rule or situation where it can possible be onside. – you’re wrong I’m afraid
Tonight, Chelsea, quite rightly, were denied a goal in exactly the same circumstances against Sunderland (except the defender headed it).
If Kos had made an attempt to “play” the ball rather than attempting to block the ball then maybe the officials would have been vindicated but that was a decision that for sure would have ben disallowed at OT for sure.
On the money re Mason tonight. We discussed his decisions at the game and thought he was bad, if not making an effort to change the course of the game.
It’s very fishy. I got the feeling that Mark Wiggenburg was doing the same against H’field.
We sorted it in the end. Well done Arshavin. Patience being rewarded.
Another C’berg. Ta.
‘Holic – how do you manage to seem so calm and balanced in the aftermath of a game?
I thought the referee was biased, plain and simple.
Holic. We are using the same song sheet again? Great post. I agree completely.
I arrived home from the Grove about 90 mins ago. I deliberately did not post anything because I was still in shock at what I had witnessed. I thought Battenburg at the weekend had taken officiating to a new low. But he was completely outclassed by that Knob head Mason. I have watched the Saha goal again, several times now. I have listened to pundits on the radio and on Sky. I have also listened to Moyes and AW. Everyone is in agreement. What fucking planet are Mason and his buddies on????? I also agree with the comments re his general handling of the game. It was just a total mess.
Stereotypical game of 2 halves for me. First half I thought we struggled for any real cohesion. 2nd half was much better. Great fight, great spirit and a good battling performance.
I was pleased to see Arshavin on the bench. Even more pleased with hit attitude and aptitude when he came on. I thought his goal was sublime. He anticipates the defender getting a touch and tucks it away smartly. His work rate after was also very good.
Kos scores from a corner and all of a sudden we have a presence at set pieces.
It has been a tough few weeks. This is a game a few years ago we would have lost. Newcastle at the weekend and then we have our first week with no game since I do not know when. 3 points at planet geordieland followed by a well earned few days off.
Onwards and upwards.
Keep the faith.
http://twitpic.com/3vknmv
That’s what I mean when I say we got AA back.
When have you seen him so happy (I’m quite sure it’s him, correct me if I’m wrong).
Why would any Arsenal fan doubt Lee Mason is corrupt and biased? We have been so inoculated by the pap force fed to us by Sky and the British media telling us how fair and incorruptible is the League and the refs who officiate. The pre-game analysis of mason by Untold arsenal was spot on. http://blog.emiratesstadium.info/archives/10626
What an absolute arse of a ref and as for his non flag waving mates, well all I can say is that they still couldn’t stop the Arsenal train.
The tossers in black and some of the challenges from the scousers got everyone going tonight, as we all felt hard done-by. Rousing comeback from the boys and really pleased for the little fella, who made a difference when he came on.
Rosicky and Walcott were desperately poor though and should have been replaced at half time.
Well done boys, that was a great win tonight, bollox to Mo Schizlak (Moyes) and now onto the next twat – Pardew.
A rum and coke please bar keep.
CoYRRR’s
Hello ‘Holic & ‘Holics
Quick one from me before retiring to my scratcher.
A great night out. Atmosphere/crowd were terrific despite the tension in the first half.
The Highlights:
* 3 points.
* Arshavin’s return to goal-scoring form – he looked sharp, sharp, sharp.
* Meeting Lars and his fellow vikings – top, top Gooners.
* The fight and composure of the our team.
* The crowd and the atmos.
The Lowlights:
* The worst display of refereeing I have ever had the misforturne to see – that clown had to be on a bung to behave in that manner – out-f*cking-rageous!
* Everton’s cyncial and rotational fouling of JW, TR and CF in the first half -> Moyes, I respected you until this evening, now I think you’re a c*nt.
* Alex Song (& The-o?) getting injured.
Best song to the tune of the Beach Boys “I wanna go home”:
Five foot four
He’s five foot four
We’ve got Arshavin
F*ck Adebayour
We’re still in the race ‘Holics, let’s enjoy it 🙂
Arshavin got a break with the back header helping the ball fall into his path for his goal, but props to the Russian for the finish. And he deserved the goal. He has been working hard to end a miserable run of form. He turned and started his run into the box the moment Cesc got the ball in midfield. Head’s up play. Perhaps that little bit of luck will prove the turning point.
Great fight back by the team tonight. Showed real determination. Once we were 2-1 up, the game lost its fizz and everyone seemed to know that was it. Hope Song will be fit for Barca. With Nasri and Sagna already out, we can’t afford to lose anymore of the dependables.
A glass of your finest claret, if you would ‘Holic, to savor three hard but well won points.
Sagna out? WTF?
Yes. he’s suspended for the first game after seeing red against Partizan.
Laws of the game, page 107, example 12…
How the Ref can allow the goal is a mystery to anyone who has bothered reading the book.
Snir,
Aahhh for the CL / Farca match, got it, thanks! 🙂
NB – that linesman tonight was the same one (Stephen Child) who flagged Clichy for offside when he was through against the scum at 1-0 in the Carling Cup game, and then gave Keane onside for his equaliser. That’s too much of a coincidence: clearly a LWC.
At least the good news about this Moyesgate is that it happened at the same time Shrek decided to score a couple of goals, so he gets all the coverage.
Evening all,
Mr Holic, first time comment here but regular reader and follower of Tweets; really good stuff.
Without going over the same ground as discussed earlier, I think this result could be defining for the season. I know we say that every season but I’m really feeling something special brewing with the team and momentum; is that 6 wins on the bounce in all competitions?
Not only pleased with the recent resurgence of The Russian, but also the very visible desire to win from Cesc. It’s his ambition that is driving us on when required and seems as though it is, through his leadership, spreading through the team. Something that we’re seeing now, that has been missing from previous seasons, is the sight of the players sticking up for each other; working as a team with AND without the ball.
I think we’ll see some big performances coming up as momentum grows and the scent of silverware grows stonger …
Great blogging!
As Martin from the goonblog.com wrote.
Our next ten league games are winnable.
It’s down to us to capitalize on United’s tough schedule.
We have Newcastle which is hard without Samir and Alex but not impossible if the lads recover quickly from today (hopefully).
Then we go back home for Wolves, Stoke and Sunderland all at home while United will play City at home and Chelsea and Liverpool away.
I just hope this month will be kind to us injury wise, cause the first of February didn’t look good.
Come on the Arse! 3 big points and getting more consistent as we go. We need our medical staff to get on the job too.
Someone famous once said that winning ugly is better than not winning. Happy for the three points and that the little Ruskie potted one. Hopefully, he’s off the schnide and can produce in Sami’s absence.
A night cap for me please barman and for anyone else wandering around the pub.
Does anyone have the latest injury updates on Nasri and Song? I’ve heard three weeks out for Nasri. That 1st leg with Barça is looking less palatable. Sagna out (suspended), Nasri out (injury), Song too??
Barman, could I have a Jager to settle my stomach and one for nasri too?
‘holic so sorry to hear about the wasted Bushmills but Mason was the culprit in many ways. Theo it looks like you’re the barman here so please pour me a London Pride while we offer up an incantation to bring Song back from the training room.
By the way holic, Koscielny’s touch can not be deemed as 2nd phase.
It is the exact same thing as when a defender tries to clear and makes a mess of it but once the keeper catches it, it’s o.k cause it wasn’t a back pass to the keeper.
This wasn’t a back pass to Saha, this was a messed up clearance.
Incompetence does not really describe it.A ref with two linesmen to help still can’t adjudge what is fair or not.The more i keep looking at Arsenal’s games, queries prevail;are these refs blind,stupid orignorant?What do they have against Arsenal?Is there corruption within the English game?And importantly What are the F.A doing about it?.Aoyway can’t take away anything from the Arsenal,fantastic win.
if he was only the goal from outside i could have forgive him but it was the match this clown of ref was bad.
Everton pushing our player and fooling without warning,
ours getting yellow for nothing,
advantage to arsenal was totally forgoten,
when our player were down he was ignoring them or rush them outside while it was ok for everton to fall and loose time
and Van Persie is a healer…Arteta was crying murder on the floor but once Van Persie was near him to make him stand up the injury disappear and was on his too feet running at the referee to complain
ho i forgot COYG
First time I write a comment on your blog, Gooner (great, by the way!), but now I have to, just to say: thank you. Now I finally know I wasn’t the only one who thought the refereeing (not just Mason, his assistants aswell) was completely awful. The (clear) offside was just the top of the iceberg. Thank Dennis the Arsenal found the spirit to go at it despite those obvious and awful “mistakes”.
Oh, and I’m with Snir Geuli: Koscielny’s touch wasn’t a back pass. Ergo, it was an illegal goal. Plain and simple, by the book.
First- If Cesc really said those things, there is no excuse. Players need to respect even the ass-head refs and learn to channel their anger and frustration into performances. We cannot afford any 3-game suspensions now. Period.
Second- Don’t know Moyes personally, but hats off to him for admitting that the ball was offside. Both managers disagreeing with the decision should be ample embarrassment.
Third- Just quibbling, ‘holic, but it’s actually spelled “Just deserts.” Pronounced like “desserts,” just not spelled like it sounds.
Oh yeah, and Arteta is a total cock.
One more thing– any news on Djourou? He fell badly on that arm, makes me more than a little nervous. I broke my arm just like that when I was kid.
Cheers ‘Holic,
Thanks for yet another evocative recap. The feelings you have for our club always at the heart of your writing and I love it! On to my topic… The ref in tonight’s game may not have been on the take. But there’s little doubt he arrived at the Grove with full intention of sticking it to us. The sight of him running ‘bout the pitch, smiling and waving at us to get up after being clattered over by yet another questionable challenge had me screaming at the top of my lungs and shaking my head. When was the last time the Emirates chanted in unison “cheat”? It came in loud and clear over my television and must have been booming at the grove. It takes a lot to illicit that kind of response from our supporters, yet Mr. Mason managed to do it. The most egregious offense of the night for me was Mikel Arteta’s elbow to Theo’s throat as he attempted to break out of our defensive third with the ball following an Everton corner late in the first half. It was a cynical attempt to impede Theo’s progress and should have earned no less than a yellow card. Yet Mr. Mason waived play on, no harm done. It was sickening and that sealed it for me. Something was not quite right and it was going to take a special effort to pull off all three points. Yet the lads did it, and did it with style. I don’t want to bleat on about the ref and I don’t want that to be the main talking point of tonight’s game. Because this was an incredible fight back by the lads and one that when we may well look back could be the turning point of our season. And that’s where the main focus should lie.
Opps, forgot to put in my order, barkeep. Stoli neat and a Kronenbourg chaser to celebrate tonight’s heros. Cheers!
Terrible refereeing tonight!
Even Moyes and Curbishley said the goal was offside. The problem is this stupid business of waiting to see if a player is interfering with play or not before raising the flag. A striker, in the centre of the pitch and moving and looking towards the goal? Of course he is offside! The flag should have been raised immediately. The defenders were arms raised, calling for offside, I think Koscielny only made a last moment attempt to clear the ball because he saw that the flag hadn’t gone up. If a player, fit and on his feet isn’t interfering with play what is he doing on the pitch?
It’s all been said really but, for instance, why is Jack booked for his first foul – careless rather than reckless or using excessive force – when Rodwell, Fellaini and others were kicking people on a regular basis for much of the game without being carded?
A magnificent, fighting and solid performance from all our players. I am so pleased for Arshavin that he scored – reward for his hard work of late. I just hope that the injuries aren’t serious.
Magnificent home support to by the way, clearly heard on the telly.
Hi ‘holic and holics,
I think the according to the law, it was offside holic. It’s just the linesman/ref who fucked it up.
1.Lee Mason is an utter c*nt.
2.Arteta is a f*ckface
3.Arshavin is back!
4.Great atmosphere at the grove, I could feel every single gooner’s wrath and fury from the stream
5. Song, please don’t be injured for long. Please.
6. Loved the celebration after the comeback
Oh and RVP’s right foot, I see Clichy has gained your approval these days
Drinks all round, barman.
The EPL is as corrupt and dishonest as the day is long.
Just a bunch of cheating scum.
Like cockroaches they scatter and turn on each other when light is shone on them (sky, keyes, gray et al).
We can expect more blatant dishonesty and cheating from the manusa machine and it’s acolytes from here on in, but now the Lads KNOW we can overcome it, 11 against 14+ or not, it’s now our destiny.
F#ck the fa, epl, sky, pundits, refs, manusa, rooney, gerrard, terry and all the epl cheats, we’re on your case, you cannot escape, this team is coming for you!
and f#ck all the doomers and bed wetters who don’t have the balls for the ride, it’s time to get behind this team and ALL the players!
Quite frankly, if a shower of sh!te like pulis starts getting on the doomer bandwagon against AW then they really need to look in the mirror and either “pull yourself towards yourself” or just p!ss off.
Hmm wonderful stuff really, very important win with utd and chelsea win at the other end, the gap of 8 points wld have been quite difficult to catch up but its still 5 points, and the ref is a disgrace to football itself, i am happy fabregas said what he had to, everyone is looking for a captain we got one, and what a celebration by the boys after kosc scored, arshavin in there on the ground can you believe that, and i even think Eboue joined in the celebration and he wasnt even playing, if this isnt heart and team spirit and wanting to win what else is..
I’ll order a Pint of Guinness please to that, extremely happy.
Btw Song i think should be fine, by the sound of AW interview he says Kosc knocks everyone out in the team wtf like.. I think he should be fine worst he will miss the newcastle game, dont know about Djourou and Walcott though, walcott suddenly seemed to be OK and haring with the ball, while DJ seemed to have recovered, although on note Rosicky was very bad, i think arshavin shld be starting the next two games or even diaby, still the crowd was awesome still cheered rosicky even though he was his awful best.
the moment that struck me the most was, that pile up of the players by the corner flag after Koscielny’s winner!!!! Now that’s a team that badly wants to win something for the fans…the subs too joined in if am not mistaken….Sweet victory!!! Enjoy it Holics/Gooners
Arsenal for Life!!!
What’s it got to do with Moyes anyway? No one was suggesting the crap refereeing was Everton’s fault.
Gilberto Silver (I think) pointed out on twitter last night; if the goalie intentionally saves a shot then an offside player scores…. would that count? Of course not, so…..?
To be a little fair to the linesman etc – they don’t make up the rules, that’s FIFA’s idiots. Doesn’t mean they weren’t cu%ts last night.
I am sure the ‘holic memory will fill in the detail, but 40 years ago we played at Leeds and the very same thing happened. A ball played through the middle was then deflected off one of our defenders and Leeds scored. Much uproar and the same excuse given.
Mason was shit. Not just for the goal, but for a number of decisions.
Great performance by the lads.
I’m pretty sure that no interpretation of the law allows this goal. sheer incompetence.
One also says ‘play to the whistle’, so there’s no excuse for saying anything about ‘intentionally’ touching the ball. It’s not under control. You were far too polite and measured ‘holic.
I’m a bit miffed when I see some reports with ‘Koscielny made amends with a goal’ or something. Amends for the inept refereeing?
2-1 to the Arsenal, great effort, proud of the lads.
Just a coffee for me this morning please.
Morning Ollie,
My advice came from one of us, if you get my drift.
DC, Jack Charlton. Will never forget. Everybody still talks about the goal they conceded at home to West Brom that year, and conveniently forgets that one.
I had to stop reading after your judgement on the offside was correct, and the commentators. Although I am only 18 and still play the game at a high level, I have taken many referee classes. One point they drill into your heads is that a touch or a deflection is not considered good enough to render a player onside from the initial ball, only a DELIBERATE PASS is acceptable. If it was a deliberate pass from then he was onside, it clearly was not a pass, therefore he was clearly offside, and there is absolutely no gray area as the commentators had stated. I will continue to read the rest of your article in peace, sir . Good bit of writing so far. Cheers! It’s been awhile since I’ve shared a drink
And We can honestly say that Sagna is our player of the year so far.. Tremendous. Now to only think of a song that flows well with his name……
Thanks ‘holic. Meant to say how pleased I was for Arshavin. Hopefully this is the moment when his season comes to life.
Ah, I do get your drift 😉
Good point, Chicago.
I love Sagna, he’s a fucking tough, unflappable customer.
Morning ‘Holic & ‘Holics
A little worse for wear today after the exertions of last night, the match was great too 😉
So, so good to see the little Russian step-up to the plate just when we needed him too esp. given Nasri’s absence.
The Storey pound was squandered on 3-1 but looking at my prediction from yesterday i.e. Everton to score first and Arshavin to open the scoring for Arsenal, I didn’t do too bad. Should have put that side bet on Andrey. Never mind, we won and my mate was shrewd enough to put his money on a 2-1 home win.
Best wishes and fingers crossed for One-Song & The-o. Diaby looked much better playing in the nearly first XI but he needs more match time to raise his game.
And to the 16 travelling vikings who helped make last night even more fun, take your luck with you to The Toon and make it 3 wins out of 3. Skol, skol, skol, skol…..
Hair of the dog please barman and similar for anyone else who needs it.
Good stuff, TS.
And can we keep Lars in London until the end of the season then (or is he gone already)?
The only circumstance in which Saha was not offside was if the lino judged that Kos had backpassed the ball to the goalie.
If that was the interpretation then that’s pathetic.
But what’s worse is the ref, having consulted the lino, completely bottled it and gave the goal.
And as I said @ # 19, a wanker.
Despite that, 3 points.
Win the next game.
Ollie,
I believe he’s polishing the horns on his viking’s helmet and preparing mentally and physically for the trip up to Tyneside on Saturday with his travelling faithful.
Perhaps he’ll even wander in here later for a drink or two…?
Quick stop at the bar before going to the Emirates to take the Legends Tour with Charlie George.
To summarize yesterday:
Many pints of beer was had. Met up with True Storey at the Tolli and had a couple of very nice pre- and post-match pints with him. Shit ref. Great win. Arshavin played well and deserved his goal.
Ollie: going home on Sunday. Going to Newcastle on Saturday as well.
Stay well everyone, see you again later!
MtS,
Having had the benefit of screaming at the ref and linesman for most of the first half and jeering at them in the second, I am able to be chilled about the whole thing today. We got the three points, that’s what really counts.
But, I am going to make Lee Mason my Hansen of the Month for his disgraceful performance yesterday and under grave suspicion that SAF and co. are regular contributors to his bank balance. Like you said, he’s yet another officiating w*nker.
Barman, whatever Mark is drinking perleeze.
Shut up Moyes you grass. Why bring that out to the media? I used to like Moyes but all the respect has gone. Dirty grass.
Speal of the (horned) devil! Cheers Lars. Enjoy the tour, did it with Charlie George too: legend indeed!
Good luck in Newcastle and safe journey home.
Right on cue Lars!
Enjoy the tour and remember not to attempt conversation with the locals on Saturday 😉
Bolo, even then, it has yet to be proven that Moyes is speaking the truth. We all remember Briaaaaaan and Tango.
-l
+k
in my 97, of course
God… the English media!
The headlines are not that the ref was utter shit and the goal they scored shouldn’t have stood…but it’s Fabregas in the spotlight.
They just hate Arsenal, don’t they?!
*Sigh*
Harsha @ #101
It’s a good sign when the press feels the need to treat us like that.
Nobody like pioneers and change-makers that shake-up conventional wisdom.
We’ve been forging our own path for 6+ years now and there’s a real chance that it’ll bear some fruit this season.
The press don’t like the fact that we’re not doing it the way that the other big clubs choose to do it and they still think of us as a bunch of foreigners which is ridiculous and disgraceful but true if you’re family name is ‘Saurus 😉
well after a shit journey thanks to TFL deciding to shut half the escalators at victoria & only stop every other tube there, it was great to see Arsenal display the resolve and fighting spirit which have been missing in years gone past.
Can you imagine Gallas or Adebayor joining in the joyeous scrum which followed our winning goal?
the linesman & saha’s goal has been widely discussed already, suffice to say we were all chuckling a few years ago when RVP got away with a blatant offside goal at stamford bridge, swings & roundabouts etc etc…. the best thing to come out of it was the spirit and desire from the red shirts which ensued as a result.
Cescs half time actions have also been brought into question, as we have no way of knowing what happened i’ll not pass comment, however he was more than lucky to escape punishment for a nasty stamp on the back of arteta in the 1st half right down the back of his achilles.
everton played out of their skin and everything that was played up to saha stuck to him, NB plse take note. artetea and heitinga seemed intent on winding cesc & RVP up & there were some robust challenges, but i’ve seen a lot worse from the north west alliance (fergies guaranteed 6pt bend over bro’s) & on the whole they tried to play football.
For the 1st half hr we were pretty much outplayed in midfield although we did manage to create a few half chances, rvp backheel to cesc the pick of the bunch.
Mason managed to infuriate the whole crowd by pulling the play back for free kicks when clear advantages had developed, although the decision to replay the saha offside on the big screen meant he and the hapless lino were onto a hiding to nothing whatever they did.
WS then pulled off a great block to keep us in the game after sagna and walcott got themselves in a tangle, & the introduction of the much maligned AA changed the game.
Minutes before we scored i was lamenting the lack of a bergkamp or freddie who would change the game under such circumstances, and lo and behold up steps the meerkat to suggest maybe, just maybe he can score some vital goals in the run in a la freddie 2002 to take us over the line.
the celebrations that followed the winning goal were poignant aswell, a genuine outpouring of relief & emotion from a group of players who seem to be finally gaining that togetherness that again has been lacking in the past.
No more phoney Gallasesque huddles, thank you very much.
special mention to sagna and clichy who were brilliant last night, GC even managed a few forward forrays which we’ve not seen enough of; maybe sagnas recent success in front of goal has spurred him on, but they have been noticably further forward in recent games.
everton will play far worse than that and win this season, well done lads on a spirited comeback in the face of adversity & an invaluable 3 pts.
Made my shit journey home all the more enjoyabe!
Wow, drinkers are so angry that for a minute I thought I was reading Le Grove! No need to talk about the ref, enough has been said.
I thought we were a little under par tonight, it was I believe 16 minutes before we got close to their goal. Everton came to kick but at least they didn’t come to defend, and I thought the first half was pretty even. Wilshire’s booking seemed harsh, but Fabregas got away with an Achilles snapping tackle.
Arshavin is back, just at the right time to cover for Nasri!! Lets hope the goal restores his confidence. His muted celebration said a lot, an equaliser was not job done, but Kozzers goal, and the celebrations that followed certainly were job done.
I think it showed respect to how Everton were playing that we closed up shop for the last 15 mins rather than push for a third.
All in all, a very satisfying evening at Ashburton Grove, the crowd played their part too! I think the best thing about the win was that this was the sort of game we would have lost in the last few years, we didn’t play our best but we showed steel and resolve and a determination to win.
As an aside, I was watching at home and we had a plumbing problem and I had to spend 5 minutes in the loft fiddling with the ball-cock, and missed both goals, but I don’t care!!!!
Holic ’til the end.
Important 3 points….the worst performance of a referee in recent memory! I have been Arshy’s biggest critic for months now, but I feel he is coming back finally! At least the effort is there the last 2 games. Perhaps his pride was hurt after being reduced to the bench, but we need him big time now, especially with Nasri down for 4 weeks. We all know he has the talent, and I thought he gave us a big lift last night when he came on!
Across the ocean …I almost died yesterday
Sorry if this has been said above…
I thought Referees exist to ensure fair play?…..well how fair is it to expect a defender not to react to a ball headed to an offside player (who is behind him anyway)?….the Referee who is supposed to be the MERCHANT of FAIRNESS should flag offside the guy who is a couple of yards ‘in’ when the ball is BEING PLAYED.
Done with that rant…….am a woman anyway.
‘Holic a glass of that Irish drink you love.
Holic,
This is your forum.
Who am I to judge you or anyone else for that matter? The game is about real people and emotions.
Another well phrased, however emaotional you felt post.
The best part about Arshavin’s goal for me was that over head assist that we persist to persevere with and last night it came off and who better to receive it, but the shortest player in the team!
He then requested everybody sing his song louder (I swear a tear is almost about to leave my eye as I well up here)
Beautiful Arsenal. The victory just makes today’s bar session even better for me!
Evian please
ette, You are making all the sense in the world. Giving that much power to senseless referees is like making a giant roll of the dice.
Someone tell me why Gael Clichy didn’t score
Please?
Because
a) his shot on target was deflected off
b) he didn’t shot when on a very narrow angle not much suited to left-foot shooting and elected to pass instead
A bit late to the drinks, and it is assumed that everything that needs to be said about the officials has already been said but……
I don’t buy into the corruption bit. I think what you saw last night was incompetence at the highest level, nothing more. There have been raging conspiracy theories up here for years about Scottish refs but I take the view that they are merely not very good at their job and last night just shows its not restricted to Scotland.
Admittedly I was hopping from stream to stream last night and so didn’t really see the game in full, and I intend to watch the whole game on ATVO later, to see if there is any mileage in the cheating allegation, but I don’t think it will change my mind.
Now on to more positive stuff – my top 3 points about last night:
1. The team showed further signs that they are developing mentally – there is no doubt that last season we would have dropped 2, possibly all 3 points in the same circumstances.
2. The meerkat is one step closer to what we have come to expect from him.
3. Our corners! Notwithstanding that we scored from one – our corners were looking pretty tasty all night with players attacking the ball in the first phase. Hopefully we are working on this regularly and will become a major threat for the rest of the season.
Finally, David Moyes complaining about something that one human being said to another. This from a Glaswegian. Take your sour grapes and choke on them you freckle faced weegie twonk.
That is all – pints are on me ‘Holics!
Just read a couple of articles that say that Saha is not offside until he actually receives the ball, so because it touched one of our players before reaching him, he is not offside. Now I’m really confused.
Did anybody see this ? I don’t mean the fact that Nasri is gonna sign an extension but what his agent says that Samir told him about the club atmosphere.
Nasri’s agent, Jean-Pierre Bernes, revealed: “He’s happy at the club, the coach believes in him, the directors believe in him as well.
“He said to me, ‘You won’t believe the great atmosphere in the changing room, I’ve rarely experienced anything like this’.”
That’s what gets trophies.
LAW 11
An attacking player, bringing the ball up the field, attempts to pass the ball to his teammate, B. Player B is in an offside position. However, before the pass reaches player B, the ball deflects off a defender. The deflection ends up going directly to player B, who was in an offside position at the time of the intended pass. Is the play stopped and offside penalty assessed?
Offside. The deflection by the opponent does not change the fact that the player in the offside position gained an advantage from his position and was therefore actively involved in play.
Don’t you love when everyone is against us?! You can begin to feel we’re going to win something.
As Rioja as always pls ‘holic
Arsenalise,
Thanks for posting that rule, cleared it up for me.
btw both Mason and the ASS ref should be bumped to 2nd div or 3rd for not knowing basic laws of game. I can understand it when there is a close call but in what universe was last night’s offside close? And it is very rare to hear the crowd (justifiably) abuse the ref after 10 mins. Appalling performance.
Ollie –
I understand what you are saying
I would have liked him to have dinked it through Howards legs!
Not a problem StoneRoses, you’d never guess but I’m a girl. Can I make you a cuppa now 😉
Koscielny certainly justified his transfer fee tonight.
And Arshavin is back for good.
Zico – Weegie Twonk?
Lol!
Hadn’t seen that, thanks Snir.
Ah, Goonertown, that’d have been nice, but mostly unexpected coming from Clichy 😉
Afternoon all,
@ ette – given recent events I would say you are more than qualified in your opinion on the offside rule. We missed someone as competent as Ms. Massey last night.
@ Gt/Ollie – c) Because somebody told Gael that I had put my money on 3-1, the b’stard. Maybe it was Cesc in the tunnel? 😉
@ Zico – Well argued re: corruption. You and I can agree to differ again in perfect harmony. I hope you’re right and that my paranoia is unjustified.
@ Snir – See what? Did you mean to post a link? Very good point about what wins trophies.
Drinks for these fine ‘Holics please barman.
Two factors (his name and his performance) convince me Mason is part of a secret evil brotherhood. Good news: I doubt he’s reffing our match against Newcastle. Starting to feel positive waves of energy re a big day coming up for RVP. Stay tuned at this very same bat channel …
Arsenalise,
It is impossible for you to be a girl because you explained the offside rule, and Gray and Keys, two of the nations renowned intellects, have both stated that it is biologically impossible for female homo sapiens to understand it; cor, do me a favour Karen Brady.
TS -Lol!
Ollie – Clichy needs another goal. Even Sagna’s got two this season
Lee Mason was the ref who allowed Birmingham’s equaliser against Man United in December, so he’s not all bad. Just a bit bad.
http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Lee-Mason.jpg
Stone me StoneRoses you must be right, that is a clear and logical argument. (Does that mean I have to stop lusting after young Samir? :…(
Haven’t had time to read all the drinks so apologies for any repetition.
However, everybody I got within earshot of after the match said the same thing – that it was the worst refereeing performance anyone had ever seen by a million miles.
My own particular comment – “if you saw a refereeing performance like that in an Italian game, you would know it was another fixed match”.
It was unbelievable from start to finish.
I said to the chap next to me, when Mason booked Jack Wilshere, that he was out to make a name for himself as someone who doesn’t favour big teams, and that he would make a game-changing decision.
Sadly I was spot on, both with their goal, and the fact that he completely neutralised Jack W for the whole game, and most of the rest of the team for the first half, as they hesitated to challenge and tackle for fear of being carded.
You simply had no idea whet the oaf would blow up for next.
If Mason is not suspended after that performance, there is something very wrong with the referee’s governing body.
On a positive note, what a brilliant comeback, especially when so hamstrung by the ref.
Arshavin looked enthusiastic, calm and classy again, and Nicklas Bendtner worked very hard and made a real difference up front.
Well done to every one of them – and the awesome crowd, by the way – especially Jack, who, in the face of some real provocation from
Fellatio, kept his cool brilliantly for one so young. He was clearly unnerved all night by a fool who really ‘did not know what he was doing’.
Very hoarse and very proud today – these Gunners are fast learning how to fight.
he wa
@ Trev
Fellatio 🙂 🙂 🙂
David Moyes ? There’s a saying about eyebrows that join in the middle.
Well here’s another one – “never trust anyone who has one, three inch wide, brown front tooth”.
Just have a look next time he speaks – horrible bastard.
Afternoon all.
Last night I pulled a stool up to the table closist to the tv and the bar with a few punters (honarary gooners on matchdays) to enjoy a game between two teams who usually guarentee a good level of entertainment. As usual from the kick off the two teams jostled to try to win an early advantage, but within five minutes someone else decided he wanted to be the dominant factor in this game. A mistimed, yet not spiteful challenge was punished straight away by a yellow card…
Spotlight on… Enter centre stage one Mr Mason.
I remember commenting that a better ref would have had a word with Jack, but no, he choose to stamp his authority on the game and the young midfielder’s name was taken. This was to be the catalist to one of the worst refereeing performances I have ever had the misfortune of witnessing. It got so bad that even the usually cool headed commentator on Sport1 (dutch tv) were berating his decisions. There was even an eleven players vs twelve remark. At half time one of the pundits, Wim Keeft (former NL international) could barely hide his disguist and the chat was about how such ineptitude could be tolarated in a league as big as the PL.
Fourty five minutes, more awful decisions and a masterclass comeback later, all the pundits (esp Wim Keeft) seemed elated that our brave lads had prevailed, in their eyes justice had been done. When I read all the seemingly anti-Arsenal bile eminating from the UK based media it just makes me glad that there are places in the world that recognise and respect the way a real football team conduct themselves and are run.
The spirit that AW often refers to was there for the world to see last night, the post goal scrum brought me as much joy as the goal itself. 3 delicous points were earned and we didnt lie down in the face of adversity. I Loved it!!!!
Oranje juice for me please sir, I’m on the dry for a month (except on matchdays 🙂 )
Cheers.
Good on Dutch TV then!
The guys at Sport1 are worth every cent of the €15p/m subscription Ollie mate.
‘Holics,
It appears we have a contest in the choice for Hansen of the week/month:
Lee “Blind” Mason vs David “Brown Tooth” Moyes
If suitably armed, which one would you rather meet in The Emirates’ Tunnel of Love?
…and now a word from our Captain:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/fabregas-i-have-respect-for-all-officials-
Fantastic to see us get the three points and here’s hoping the little Ruskie is back. We need him now more than ever due to Sami’s hammy.
A round for all those in the pub please.
Have to say Cesc is doing an outstanding job as captain. Every minute he’s on the pitch our backbone and determination are that much stronger. Rioja please barman.
Put one in for TS @ 95 please barman… wish i’d gone in the tollie last night now 🙂
Cheers Mark,
Apologies didn’t realise you were also at the match last night. I’ve still a dodgy throat from all that hollerin’.
@ nasri #138
Yup, despite the bullsh*t quotes from the Denilson interview translation the other week Cesc is starting to look every inch the leader of the team and it’s clear that his team mates respond to him in a very positive way.
Personally I’m happy to see a bit more fight and “nastiness” coming in – if that results in winning.
As Arseblogger said today – Roy Keane may not have been the most popular bloke in the world, but he can say “Fuck off and look at my trophy cabinet”.
Just to be clear, I’m not suggesting Cesc takes up leg breaking or dog walking…
@ Catalan – spot on Dr C.
We were castigated when we were mean, and we are castigated for being too nice. On one of the streams I was attached to last night, the commentator (Bill Leslie I think) went on about Arsenal reverting to the “bad old ways” but “in those days they had trophies to show for it….”
They just can’t disguise their hatred for Arsenal whatever we do, so here’s to being unpopular, I say.
Up the Arse!
Zico, Dr. C,
Yup, it’s not about being popular it’s about winning things. You need that mean streak. The Invincibles had and I can see signs of it running through our team now.
Nasty is the new good 😉
Are either of you fellows ready for a drink yet?
The key words in regard to off-sides are “when the ball was played”. I thought every student of the Laws learnt that at the first lesson. Lack of knowledge leads to poor decisions, leads to ignored fouling, leads to retaliation….all of which we saw last night. We musn’t allow possible suspensions to add to our injury list
I agree with most of whats been said already. It goes to show how much the ref can change a game. We can agree it was a shite call, but we get our fair share of shite calls as well. My favorite part about the game was, even at 1 nil down and feeling pissed at the ref, i knew we had the ability to get the equalizer, sooner rather than later.
this has been an awesome month with our squad. Keep enjoying the ride as we move onto newcastle!!
Mancini and his group of bus parkers just dropped two points @ BCity. Ya gotta love it!
Pints all around Barman please.
TS @ 144 – sorry mate, wasn’t ignoring you. Was called to order by zico Management.
(I’ll just have a mineral water – up at the crack of dawn tomorrow).
Watched a bit of Newcastle tonight – how in god’s name did they beat us btw?
Barman? Mineral water for Zico please.
Zico, the Management must always take preference 😉
We have a great chance to wreak havoc and revenge on Saturday. Lars and the vikings will help us pillage. They’ve cleaned the toffee stains from the horns on their helmets and are no looking for some barcode gore to decorate their fighting hats.
Nurse, my tranquilisers please…
True Storey it looks like you have things under control so onward with the pillaging and tranquilising. Barcode gore should be easy enough to find, I would think.
nasri,
Sadly I will not be travelling to see us beat The Toon on Saturday but the fearless Scandinavians will be there to support our heroes in red (or yellow?).
Glad that my illusion of control is so convincing from behind a keyboard 🙂
What’ll it be fella? Morning coffee for you?
I was upset the way Jack started it all and got a deserved but totally unnecessary yellow. But then Cesc, and I think Alex, then got away with stoopid tackles, all in the first few minutes.
We then went behind, or was it Saha went behind, and the stress levels went up. This was not helped by loss of stream several times . (I ended up with a stream in stereo – two different streams with same Portuguese? commentary – one window behind the other – I was that desperate to find one I tried 5 different sites).
Then all went off until sometime in 52nd minute when I got ES*N working.
The best part of the evening was the 30second GOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL that the south american commentator gave for each goal – this was longer than the teams celebration and that felt good
Someone earlier said we went off a bit after the second goal – well over a 5 minutes stretch we had 100% of the ball , so must have been some other match they were watching.
There were some trying bits at the end but that was when the team talked to the ref after the final whistle.
For me the worst thing was seeing the stat 19-4 in shots and only 2-1 in goals. Somehow we must improve the shots to goals ratio
COYRRRRRREEEEDDDSS
TS, over here in Minnesota it’s almost dinnertime so I’ll stay with the rioja for now but can’t pass up this opportunity to make the offer of transquilisers from the bar for Joey Barton. We need to get him on a steady diet now to get him ready for the weekend.
Can Joey B be any worse than the way Fellate-me and co. were treating us last night? They kicked us from pillar to post.
Enjoy the lunchtime rioja. O&O.
Well said cognac. Barman, a Henessey snifter for the two of us and one for nasri too please.
And another for TS too please. My oversight. Apologies.
Newcastle lost 1-0 @ Fulham today on a goal by the Irishman Duff. Three yellows today for Newcastle for Nolan, Guthrie, and Simpson. It’ll be nice to play those fellas without Carroll (Mr. Ponytail). Nothing less than the full three points are acceptable. It would be nice to stick it to such a ‘good guy’ as Pardew.
With those two Chel$ki purchases at the deadline those two games with ManU look even more appetizing. Fingers crossed.
What the media is doing to Cesc is double standards of the highest order.
First of all, because they don’t mention when Rooney, Neville, Gerrard, Lampard or any Englishman does it. Second, because of the fact they’ve been saying for years that we’re too nice to win a trophy bla bla bla.
I don’t get it, I’m happy he said what he said, doesn’t matter what he said. I want a captain that will stand up for his team. I want to look at tunnel videos 5 years from now and be proud of my captain (like the Vieira – Keane video)!
Leave the guy alone, he’ll leave to Spain just because of filthy media people such as yourselves.
This article is a disgrace – http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1353059/Is-Cesc-Fabregas-turning-ugly-face-Arsenal.html
How can someone criticize Cesc after what happened this week, it looks as if he’s the only player in the planet who didn’t hand in a transfer request and he’s still getting bombed by the media.
I just hope he doesn’t take it to the heart and that it won’t affect him cause it’s gone over the line. He is after all only a 23 year old kid.
Well said Snir. Do you ever go to sleep?
What are you having? A coffee or something strong like Cesc?
Theo we have to beat Newcastle and West Brom to get a modicum of revenge for what they did to us at the Emirates. By the way, does anybody know if Sagna is alright? If I recall he had a head injury a couple of games back and in the last ten minutes last night he was looking groggy I thought.
This nonsense with Cesc is Bolton/Phil Brown all over again.
On Sky, Moyes said “Fabregas’ remarks to the referee etc. . .”
On MoTD tonight, Moyes said “Fabregas’ remarks to the fourth official etc. . .”
At least it took TWO people to cods up the Bolton story. Tossers.
In the meantime, Cesc has been castigated all day long for his “disgraceful remarks to the referee” as though it were all fact.
What effect will that have when we play Newcastle on Saturday ?
Trev – no effect other than to strengthen our resolve.
nasri – how’s the shovelling in MN?
Catalan – don’t know if you have any thoughts from even greater distance than myself, but I was encouraged to see Nasri at least allowing the knee to bend as walked off with his damaged hamstring.
A bad tear would surely have meant a stiff legged gait.
With 3 weeks to go ’til the CL 2nd leg in Barcelona, he might just make it.
@Theo – actually I meant, will it affect the way the ref deals with him.
Trev – Nasri will be fine by the 2nd leg as the Camp Nou match is March 8. I heard three weeks. Let’s hope he is a quick healer.
The Groundhog calls for an early spring this year …
Theo the snow went to the south of us and here it’s just clear and cold.
nasri – It’s cold here in southern ON. We didn’t get much snow either. How long will your namesake be out?
No this is too much.
Turns out Cesc didn’t even talk to the ref, he talked to Everton players! Notice he said “how much have you paid the REF”, a simple understanding for everyone except the media meaning he was talking to Everton players and staff and not the ref, for he would have said “how much have YOU been paid?”.
Morons.
“An Everton player, who asked not to be named, said: “As we were walking down the tunnel, Fabregas was shouting and screaming, ‘How much have you paid the ref?’ and ‘Everton are a bunch of cheats’.”
The treatment he’s getting from the media is a disgrace. I don’t see them berating Keane for being a foul mouthed assasin his whole career or Rooney for telling the ref to fuck off every opportunity he has.
Theo my namesake doesn’t tell me a lot but when he speaks to me I will fill you in for sure. Enjoy the Canadian winter while you can (well, it’s not going away all that soon but you know what I mean).
nasri – I’ve heard 3 weeks for the hammy of Sami. What have you heard?
Barman, a cam tea for Snir please as he’s in a huff. And some special remedy for Sami’s hammy.
There’s a cracker of a race going on in the Championship with great old clubs currently occupying the first six positions in the table. I would like to see any of those clubs promoted but I hope it finishes the way it is now: QPR, Norwich and any of Swansea, Nottingham Forest, Cardiff and Leeds.
Theo, Arsene is my source and a pretty good one if you ask me. The only other information was from ‘holic who said someone “inside the Grove” said it was more likely to be six weeks but since then Wenger has repeated 3 weeks at least once and probably more.
Mixed news guys.
Gary Neville. Grade A cunt and proper tool retires from football. Well htats that good part.
The bad part is that you could be hearing his drivel every matchday on Sky.
Almunia’s definitely back in the equation guys:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/feb/02/lukasz-fabianski-arsenal-shoulder-operation
Typical Tottenham:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/feb/03/tottenham-hotspur-ledley-king
@176 Heh!
I know that the Arsenal players don’t give a damn about the media hypocrisy coz they really shouldn’t. It should strengthen their resolve.
Any news on Song?
Sajit, are you a by any chance a gooner from Bangalore?
Let’s keep the run going. Newcastle next.
Yes, I’ve heard that Flappy is out for the season. Ergo, Almunia becomes our number two.
Hello there 172 ‘Not Nasri’
I too would like to see my “home” team get automatic promotion to the PL, even if it only lasted for one season. Apparently Delia says that the money from the PL would clear all of Norwich’s debts. Lansbury continues to shine for Norwich, he scored a late goal the other day, and the experience he is getting will stand him in good stead when he returns to Arsenal.
The media make me sick, they are nothing but a bunch of hypocrites. One day we are too soft, lack passion and commitment the next we are a bunch of thugs who behave disgracefully towards the officials and the other players. Maybe this is the turning point – just like ‘pizza-gate’ at Man-ure those few years ago.
Many of the best players, past and present have had a nasty streak; Graeme Souness, Roy Keane, Kenny Burns, Martin Keown, Graham Rix, Rooney et al and this isn’t remembered any more – only that they were great players for their club. Cesc will have to make sure that his emotions don’t get out of hand but I for one am pleased to see the commitment and emotion – he cares and he wants to win more than be remembered as a nice guy.
Norfolk @ #179,
Well said totally agree. I posted last night that nasty was the new good. It’s a sign of passion and commitment but as you said, needs to be curbed.
Great to hear that Lansbury is getting on so well at Carrow Road – it sounds like he has a really decent chance of breaking into the first team. Another “new signing”? 😉
As for the media…..
@ 158 Snir Geuli
Typical English media, Mr Barlow obviously has nothing else better to write about, what a knob end! Just goes to show how these so called experts can only make a story out of foregin players!
Another cunt added to the list v3.0.0.0.3 🙂
Morning All!
Breaking news on pravda.com from Le Boss’ press conference, LOTS going on
** Surgery rules Fabianski out for season
** Samir Nasri expected back in three weeks
** Thomas Vermaelen ‘three to four’ weeks from return
** Song likely to miss Newcastle; Walcott should be available
** Wenger: ‘If Cesc was guilty he would be charged’
** Manager agrees there is ‘witch-hunt’ against Fabregas
** Boss ‘not surprised’ Arshavin is finding his form
** Wenger would not spend £35million on a striker
** Chelsea still a threat on all fronts, says Wenger
** Wenger: ‘I have great respect for Gary Neville’
** Nasri contract will be sorted ‘in the summer’
when will arsenal get any good players, whats going on next year they will not be in the first 10 if they dont buy, i can see spurs making the top 3 , and they do play a bit better then arsenal, maybe arsenal needs a change up top
Welcome to our bar Simon!
You’ll find the medication cabinet at the end on the left.
Heh, I am assuming #183 is a slightly lame attempt a humour.
Is it too early to have a drink with you, TS?
Round on me, barman.
+t
You are posting comments too quickly. Slow down.
Heh
Hahahahaa @ TS 184
Simon he’s correct plenty of that where it came from 😉
Ollie,
Delighted to have a drink with you and Arthur as always 🙂
Strong coffee please with a side order of reality.
TS, also, as someone (yes, I didn’t pay attention, ‘holic take note!) pointed out to me when I copied the info from the side, it is prefaced by
‘Thursday, February 2: Wenger pre-Newcastle:’
Expect arsenal.com to get the wrong date: today is the 3rd.
TS – thanks for the drink offer yesterday, didn’t have time, so will take a cheeky half now, if I may?
Trev – didn’t see that. What always surprises me is when injured players are allowed to walk off, so risking further aggravating whatever damage has taken place! Get him some ozone therapy!
The media – now watch them turn Arsene’s very generous comments about Nevi#le into “Wenger says Neville not talented”….. I’m willing to bet on that one.
Drink away cheekily Dr.C and please add it to my tab 😉
There will be lots of shiny new glass for you to lick in Stratford, Simon…
*wonders how far the barman lets tabs run*
My cashflow is not that good, Ollie 😉
Hi Simon. Did you know that spud forwards, aka keane, defoe, crouch and Pava have scored the combined total of 7 league goals this season? Yes, they are fantastic to watch and have a wonderful future.
Happy days.
Hah! Just read on Twitter my prediction coming true re Arsene’s comments…. That wins me another beer (with the bet I made against myself!)
F365 seems to see Arsène’s comment in a very positive way though.
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_6720059,00.html
Despite ‘holic’s best efforts, I’m staying well away from twitter 😉
***Breaking News***
Fabianski out for the season
Schez = No.1
Almunia =No.2
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/surgery-rules-fabianski-out-for-the-season
Dr. C @ #196
Careful my friend. Having a competitive internal dialogue could put you in the same dubious mental plane that my brain tends to occupy these days.
Worse still, Simon The Spud emptied the medication cabinet earlier today.
Worse still, which idiot directed him there…?
Would you like a potty pint to complement that earlier cheeky half?
🙂
Hi holics,
I am a bit worried though that Almunia is our number two. Hopefully he steps up and performs like against Huddersfield when his turn comes.
I’ll have a pint, please
Cheers
@Harsha
Kerala –> Bangalore –> NYC.
was a gooner all the while , mate 🙂
At the start of the Season everyone’s second choice to a new signing was Schez 1st Al 2nd
Vouala!
So THAT’s where the medicine cabinet is – no surprises that TS knew of its’ location 😉
…Don’t tell me that TS has been on the medicated slammers again…
…. never been off ’em mate.
If almunia is officially confirmed as our number 2 does that mean he will now be our cup keeper? I sincerely hope not.
How did that Spud Simon get into the pub? We need to install Spud detectors at the entrance …
TS @199. Why the hell would I want to drink out of a potty? Pull yourself together man. Get another slammer in!
That’s a shame for Fabianski as barring an injury to the younger pole he will have to get used to being a bench warmer shows how luck turns In football,
I’m loving the Cesc witch hunt in all honesty it means A, We are seen as a threat to the manc mafia ie the English press and B, It always feels right when everyones against us it’s always seemed to bring out the best in The Arsenal so Fuck em all I say 😉
Nothing but good comes out of a siege mentality on a football pitch.
Beers all round please guvnor !!
lol
TS – Sounds like you’re under Dr’s orders
Steve – The likelihood is that Schez will at least play the beer final
Szczesny should stay as number one for now, if only if he fucks up or gets injured then Almunia will take over and to be honest with you I’m kind of scared at the though of it.
Fabby proved he’s miles better than Almunia.
TS I hope you dont have one of those medication cards like in California everyone is medicating day in day out 😉
Chippy – Luckily for us our keepers came on good this season. I too hope Fab gets well soon!
I know exactly what you mean; fighting against adversity seems to thicken our skin!
ATG – Fab would make a good no.2
You named your iMac – Eduardo?
The iMac was paid for by a punt on a 5-1 scoreline against Shakhtar at 80/1, Bawston. Eduardo scored their goal in the last ten minutes, hence the iMac is now called Eduardo 🙂
Lol!