A Test For The Second String, And The Home Support
Mar 1st, 2011 by 'holic
It’s been hard work functioning for a couple of days. I had the good fortune to be off yesterday. Taking delivery of a new car (French, of course!) provided moments of raised spirits, but it was back to work today to face the procession of people keen to enquire how Arsenal had fared on Sunday. I would have been the same had it been one of their teams. You have to take it as well when you dish it out like I do at times.
Let’s face it though, getting over that result, and the bad news that has followed about Robin van Persie, will take more than just a victory against Orient in the FA Cup fifth round replay. The likely side to take on the League One club will also create some concern. Almunia will play in goal, because our twenty year old goalkeeper has already racked up fifteen appearances this season, so must be absolutely shattered. Ok, I jest, but wouldn’t playing the lad tell him that the gaffer has complete faith in him despite his contribution to Birmingham’s late winner on Sunday?
Eboue, Squillaci, and Gibbs are set to come into the back four, and the temptation to give Miquel a second start must be strong. We already know Diaby will start in midfield. Denilson too no doubt, and Rosicky again I suspect. We will need more from Tomas than we were treated to at Wembley, and he will know that only too well. We could be at our most potent up top, with Bendtner, Chamakh, and Arshavin potential starters.
I know I would like to see a stronger side out, but I also know I am starting to sound like a broken record on that score. At the end of the day those players know only too well that the visitors will be motivated for what will be the biggest day that most of them have experienced in their careers to date. The prospect of a trip to Old Trafford will ensure they attempt to make up for any technical deficiencies with sheer lung-bursting effort. They will also get huge vocal backing from their swollen nine thousand strong support (who will be back behind the Hammers at the weekend!). We have to be prepared to match that effort, on and off the pitch, if we are to make our superior technique count.
The support for the home side will have to stand up and be counted. The hard core of travelling Gooners have again been outstanding this season, but it took the visit of Barca to bring out the best of the home crowd this season. Something similar may be required to lift our second string over the line and restore confidence. I know some will argue players of that reputation, earning huge money, shouldn’t need lifting, but they are human. They do. Lecture over.
For all that I am downbeat at present, I also have complete faith in that team, possibly reinforced from the bench in the later stages, to earn us that trip to Old Trafford. The ‘holic pound suggests I am taking the visitors lightly. Not so. I do, however, think they could implode in the closing stages after stretching us for an hour or so. I’m having a piece of 25/1 against a 5-1 win to the Arsenal, but I think 2 or 3 of those could come in the closing stages.
It would be a nice bonus if we could also go a whole game without losing anybody else for the trip to Barca, please.
185 Responses to “A Test For The Second String, And The Home Support”
Tad optimistic there ‘holic. I’ll take 2 or 3-1.
Why cant Chelsea, just for once in their totally classless lives, why cant they just do one thing right?
I’ve got 12-1 for 1-1 after 90 minutes, on the grounds that if Almunia is in goal panic will ensue.
‘It would be a nice bonus if we could also go a whole game without losing anybody else for the trip to Barca, please’.
Unless its Almunia that is! ๐ i might have a little 4-1 and 5-1 for good measure
PS: loving the shoot shouts every-time Cashley gets the ball. Chavs v Manure
Nice post … now I’d better go and read it! ๐
Is Ramsey eligible to play in the FA cup?
Sajit: no, he isn’t. A player must have been eligible for the first game to be eligible in the replay so Ramsey can not play. The only exception is if the player was suspended for the first game.
Chavs equalised
Nice post ‘Holic,
I’m sure there’s plenty of us still feeling a little downbeat but this is no time for navel contemplation. That can wait for the end of May, surely? In the meantime, we should all try to focus on doing our bit to support the team towards a trophy or two. That’s my lecture over.
Sajit,
Ramsey is cup-tied for the Orient game although I think he could be eligible play vs Manure.
How about a fresh, new Welsh returnee (Ramsey) to complement the new Gallic car and the soon to be new-born Catalan Gunner? All good things come in threes you know….
Drinks please Mr. Barman for all in the bar. The medicine cabinet is locked for a while and it’s empty anyway. ๐
Triffic Jonners, just triffic. I hope they go on to win. The creaking bones from Manure must be due an injury or two soon?
Just feels wrong hoping for a Chav victory!
Hej Lars,
As always you beat me to it ๐
I was wondering if the bad luck on Sunday was partly down to you not polishing the horns on your lucky fighting hat?
jonners,
Any port in a storm
Storey: yes, if we get past Orient he can play v ManU.
And as you say, all we should focus on now is supporting the team as best we can. A winning team needs no support, this is when us supporters can really make a difference.
Lars,
Well said mate but IF we get past Orient…..? ๐
*Steps off soap box not wanting to tempt fate*
Storey, I don’t have a lucky fighting hat – maybe that is our problem?
Guess so TS.
RVP out for the Barca 2nd leg, Chamakh or Bendtner instead?
Storey, I have learned not to count my chickens too soon this season…
Lars, just this season? I think too many chickens have been counted too soon for a number of seasons
And from the bus stop there is no change in the scoreline. Torres is still crap, but Drogba has come on and just as I was writing this Ivanovic missed a sitter from six yards. 18 minutes to play, can’t really say that any team looks closer than the other to score but it does feel like one of them will. They both look a bit shaky at the back.
Lars,
I’m a slower learner than you…. ๐
jonners,
Both I hope. With Nasri to compete the front 3. Cesc, Song and Jack behind them. Back 5 picks itself.
We should be playing Kos and Chezzer tomorrow. They need to jump back on the horse and feel the love from the crowd. It happens sometimes, I completely disagree with Le Boss.
Agree about Kos and Chezzer. Miquel and Connor Henderson both left out of reserves game tonight though
Rooney diving again
Chav pen
jonners: you do have a point there.
Chelsea have a penalty kick…
2-1 to the Bus stop.
2-1!!! Fat Frank
Never been so happy to see Chavs score. F*ck u Fergie & Shrek!
Unbelievable! Chelsea actually scored from their penalty.
TS, So you’d go with Song again after the first leg? Not sure who else there is that could be relied upon there though. Could ake a complete gamble with Cesc, Jack and Diaby?
Never ever thought I’d be bricking it over a Chelsea win.
Stone Roses@32: I second that.
I have to say I wonder where ManU would have been this season without Vidic. He is a fucking monster, he carries the entire ManU defence on his shoulders.
One minute plus added time to go. Chelsea are just hoofing it away now.
Apparently Neville is in with the ManUre fans. Wonder who’s shirt he wears?
Bad news about VP but it’s not a new thing the bloke always crocked such a shame as he’s different class and one of the few World class players we now have hence the performances dropping if 2 or 3 of them don’t start, Amazed he’s dropping the kid for a rest he needs game time bizarre decision, Does this mean he’s seriously considering bringing Almunia back for the Run in , Heaven help us if that’s the case,
More positivaly the scores gone for us tonight and I’ve a sneaky feeling the Rat Eaters will turn em over sat as well so our league campaign could be in full swing but it will need the return of Cesc and co that’s for sure,
The next few games are critical in my view for some of the back up players they’ve really got to show they’ve a future at the club as come the summer we certainly need a cull with new blood brought in.
VIDIC SENT OFF!
Vidic sent off!!!
Vidic red card. Misses scouser game. Life just gets better and better
Even if Wenger will look around for reasons to tell fans for our losses, he had chances to strengthen the team and he did not. If it was me i would strive to have a strong team B. Meaning you get 3 RvPs and Three Cescs and Three Djoroueโs if we have to win the trophies. I would get rid of Rosicky, Denilson, Bendtner, Scillachi and Almunia. I would bring in Edin Hazard, Vertgotten,Gervinho, Pappis Cisse, and Filipe Melo, and Lloris. This mean i will have four reliable strikers in RvP, Pappis Cisse,and Gerhinho and a good rotational policy will make everyone happy and no one will be missed so much (like we do when RvP is Injured) if they get injured
ManU lost!
Thats it, the EPL is now totally in our hands.
It’s up for grabs now!!!! Now where have I heard that before?
Nikko @39, That’s one hell of a wish list there. Possibly one or two of them may come in but I wouldn’t like to bet on it
Manures Lose their second. Chavs win!!!! However we have to win to make it 1 point difference…
Our destiny could be to win the league fam!
The cloud begins to lift…. Up the Gunners!
Not such a bad week, after all ๐
I have taken off my Chelsea scarf and replaced it with my Liverpool scarf (metaphorically).
@Jonners, 43 i just keep dreaming but if we had that our team B will be as good as team A. of course it’s a wish list…AW would have nightmares at how much he will have to spend to get such a team in place, lol!
Drinks all around. Thats better.
So 3 points off the Mackems this weekend then……
Not counting any chickens obviously
Definitely drinks for everyone.
I could almost face listening to ‘Liquidator’ just now
Cheers Sajit! Come on Arsenal! Let’s shake this monkey till he’s good and dead (the fuckers been riding on our backs for waaaay too long)!
RVP, Cesc, Nasri, et al. deserve to be honored as champions in this game! Bring the championship home, boys!
Just have to win every game from now on. Simples.
Well well well… We’re in business!
Joining the drinks, bottom up guys!
@39: Does it even occur to you that if we put RvP or Cesc on the bench for 4 out of every 5 games they wouldn’t be competitive anymore (that is if even they accepted to join us which they wouldn’t anyway)?
And half those of your lists are duds worse than what we have.
ManCunts got screwed by the Chavs haha!
As for the Orient game… I wouldnt count my chickens just yet.
It’s Denilshit & Diabyolic in midfield, with the great-once-upon-a-time- Tomas alongside.. Add to that a backline of Squidchy & Eboue.. This game has got Banana skin written all over.
I’d expect Wenger to use these key phrases after the match again:
1) We were unlucky.
2) The boys were tired.
3) We lacked a bit of sharpness.
Please prove me wrong B team.
If tonight’s result doesn’t get the players motivated for tomorrow and Saturday, nothing will. We’ve been given a chance, let’s do our best to take it. Incidentally, Man Utd have now let in as many goals as we have in the league this season (albeit we’ve played one game less).
Wenger said Szczesny is playing tomorrow in the post match on Sunday. Did that change?
Agoonar, don’t lose faith just yet. Keep your support strong and true and the good guys will prevail.
I think you’re being somewhat fatalistic Agoonar about tomorrow. I’m confident we have enough in the tank to win it.
Great result for us tonight, Vidic misses the next game as well it couldn’t have been better, well apart from having a Cup in the cabinet I suppose, I will definitely shut up now.
It’s in our hands and we need to have a really strong run now, players like Denilson, Rosicky, and Diaby need to step up. I’m glad we have Arshavin he can always win you games and to have him near on form is a blessing.
Great post Holic always looking for positives! I agree regarding Wojtek, he should remain in goal no questions asked.
These next few weeks are vital for us starting with Orient tomorrow evening.
WIN THE NEXT GAME
My sentiments exactly Charlie.
@57, RvP is now missing Barca. If we had dependable replacements in Bendtner and Chamakh, he would have sat out that match and we would still have been competitive. Walcott picked up his injury in the same match which a more better team B would have ensured he was saved for bigger matches. I doubt what i have listed as would sell is better than the would buy for. Rosicky Vs Hazard, Bndtner Vs Pappis and Giovinho, Vertegoten vs Scillachi, Almunia vs Lloris, Denilson Vs Melo? Give me the rating we see…
Up in Newcastle, around 5pm a little over three weeks ago: “bloody hell, that’s the league gone then”.
Two and a half hours later: “fuck me, ManU lost to Wolves!”
Today: we actually have the title in our own hands.
I did not see that coming, I have to admit.
Wenger is no dimwit. Szczesny needs to get right back on the horse and he knows it. Can’t see Almunia playing under any circumstances.
@65 Melo is utter garbage
I am back at the Grove on Saturday.
Any chance Fabregas will be fit, and if fit, selected?
BTW we have an FA matchup with Mancs, am optimistic…3-1 or 4-1 for me….
Nikko
I’m convinced Denilson won’t be with us next year. Frimpong will be back, Ramsey will be back and Jack will be a year older with a full season’s experience behind him. Almunia will be long gone before the start of next season too. Hopefully Chezzer will be number one with Fabianski at 2 or maybe Mannone who’s doing pretty well at Hull on loan. Squillaci could only have been a short term option at centre back, TV5, LK6, JD20 and Miquel/Bartley next season’s options. If Cesc, Nasri, Theo and RVP have good seasons we’ll be difficult to see past for the title. Don’t forget this summer will be the first for a while when there’s no international tournaments, just the trip to Austria/Japan or wherever pre-season takes us.
@68, i think he is better garbage than Denilson…If i have Vermaleen back i would play Vertgotten in DM role and Melo will be his bencher…
Do you know what drives me really nuts? If we had not dropped such ridiculous points we would be 10 clear by now. Drives me mad.
Just want a thorough and professional performance tomorrow. No Fucking about. Nice and convincing. Then think about turning up the heat with a win at the weekend.
Up the Gunners.
Cheers Steve T. All we can do now is look forward, but I agree- success begins with the next game.
It’s like the line from Fever Pitch: “What, do you want them to score the second goal before the first?”
Steve T – to be fair I imagine Man Utd, ourselves, Chelsea and Man City must be beating themselves up over dropped points this season. OK none of the others did a Newcastle granted but still it’s been a season of banana skins all round.
@Jonners, Thats the a side, our B side is the problem this season…My argument is we are just a few players from getting and a good B side….
SteveT: on the other hand, ManU were 3-1 up in the 93rd minute away at Everton and only drew, they were 2-1 up and missed a penalty in the 87th minute away to Fulham and drew, they were 2-0 up at home to WBA and drew after a MASSIVE clanger by VDS allowed WBA to equalize. They also conceded a last-minute equalizer at Birmingham, so they also have their share of what-if’s.
And, as has been said time and again: if my auntie had bollocks she’d be my uncle.
Steve T,
That’s the kind of season it’s been for all the top sides tho each and everyone can point to silly points thrown away, If you really want to depress yourself have a look at the team and the bench for the champions league final then look at this current squad – Arsenes either mentally deranged or he’s a better spin doctor than Alastair Campbell if He thinks this is his best squad ever ๐
Sunderland has taken on large proportions now as we can really put the mancs under pressure it might not be such a bad thing if Barca do knock us out (Although I want us to hammer the Cu@@@) we can at least patch up the walking wounded and nurse them through the remainder of our league challenge.
@Nikko/65:
Chamakh is the only reason why we’re on United’s heels.
Bendtner was scoring one goal per game before he got injured last season and has not yet be given any spell at leading the attack this season.
Eden Hazard may join in the summer and he only will if he gets insurance he will play regularly (replacing Arshavin).
Melo is garbage. One good season and that’s it.
Lloris would be first choice in any team.
The other ones are just hot names of the moment as usual.
@Steve T: Bumpy season for everyone my friend… and it will continue, brace yourself!
Charlie: I would actually say that losing a two-goal lead with less than two minutes to play is worse than losing a four-goal lead over 25 minutes while a man down and having two very dubious penalties given against you on top of that.
Nikko
Fair enough. All I’m saying is that there will be enough quality players in the squad eligible to play in either the a or b sides next season without resorting to re-mortgaging the stadium. Or without resorting to the Denilsons of this world.
Lars
Does your toast always fall buttered side up?
Matt
Agree on Melo, Juve have been trying to offload him for some time if the rumours are correct. Lloris is a great shot-stopper but not necessarily a great ‘keeper.
Matt@79: Lloris is a crap keeper. He makes insane reflex saves but can’t catch a cross to save his life and is almost constantly out of position (which is why he has to make a lot of those reflex saves, by the way). He is a far, far worse keeper than Fabianski in my opinion.
(disclaimer: it just struck me that I haven’t seen him play this season so maybe he has improved, but he has been utter crap every time I have seen him play)
Chippy 35
RVP to me has always been a luxury player. It is a bonus when he is fit but he has always missed a big chunk of every season. I wish Chamakh has been playing more often even as a sub. We need him now as we did early in the season.
Charlie: I would actually say that losing a two-goal lead with less than two minutes to play is worse than losing a four-goal lead over 25 minutes while a man down and having two very dubious penalties given against you on top of that.
Well I don’t think we should start playing ‘what’s worse’ now, either way it’s all pretty horrendous!
jonners: I don’t put butter on it, that way it can’t fall with the butter down ๐
Kidding aside, I am (almost always) an optimist and I also refuse to give up until everything is lost.
Melo has “won” consecutive worst player in Serie A awards. That’s exactly who we should bring in
Lars, me either, can’t stand the greasy yellow stuff! Only almost always an optimist? Sounds like there’s room for a bit of realism in there too.
@Matt 79, I don’t think i said sell Chamakh, I just want to get insurance in cases where he is tired and RvP is injured. He will get his form back and may even do well in the EPL. Edin Hazard is young and can play in many places before settling in. Melo, well he can be back to great things playing along side the likes of Cesc and Nasri. I think Bendtner will do well in EPL but he needs a side that he plays regular to do that…I suspect that he is not gonna get to the RvP level and i want 2 more players who promise to reach that level playing when RvP and Chamakh are not in the pitch. Lloris would be a tough one to convince to move…
Ok, i give up on Melo, seams he just lost his football boots after a season….
Lars, ‘like your style….
2 rules in life:
Rule #1 – Never give up
Rule #2 – See rule #1
BTW, if anybody thinks The Os are super-motivated to try and beat us to get to Manure (which of course they are) just imagine how our boys will feel tomorrow. I have a feeling the The Ems will be electric come Saturday. And I had to pass up a chance to go this morning ๐
Come on Arsenal. Anything more need be said? Didn’t think so.
Couldn’t agree more Matt, chamakh kept us in the race for the first half if the season. I can’t understand any criticism he gets. As for the nou camp, I hear francis jeffers is available on emergency loan.
Boys. This really is not meant to sound rude so please do not take it as such. I do not give a flying Fuck what any other side does. I really don’t. We do our job and let the others take note of us. We have had so many gifts handed to us this season but for some stupid reason we go on to blow it. I just find it amazingly frustrating. It is why I find results like tonight even more frustrating. I guess I am still not over Sunday.
I am sorry guys but I find several of our performances this season to be totally unacceptable. Tomorrow night should not even be happenings. We are The Arsenal. Let’s not forget that.
Beers all round bartender. I feel a night of mutual moral boosting coming on.
Steve T.
S’OK, really. You make your points very, very well. If I’d have been there Sunday and seen as many games as you this season I’m certain I’d feel the same way. Respect. We’ll have better days.
Fine, Steve T. I do care though, analysing all the what ifs in football would drive anyone mad, and I just think it helps to look at the bigger picture.
Is anybody as excited at the prospect of Ryo, Lansbury, and Ramsey coming into the side?
Its funny after all is said and done this season. I really want to see a few wholesale changes to the B squad.
At the very least Ramsey seems to be the very first to really step it up.
Can’t wait to seem him, I think he should get the nod at Sunderland come the weekend.
Can’t wait….
@39 oh yeah no Vidic @ Anfield…the plot thickens (mwarhaha!… ๐ (my dirty count Drac laugh)
PS: the bars alive tonight ๐
Waaine Rooneh weren’t arf peed at da refaree tonight! innit? ๐
@Lars: You may not have been lucky in your choice of games with Lloris but it’s also true I have the impression he’s less confident this season.
That being said I totally concur we have no one to be jealous of with Fab and Woj.
Steve T: Sorry but that’s simply not true, you have made many references about Chelski’s steel in the past and compared us to them more than once. You can’t just say you don’t care anymore now that they’re struggling.
Some performances have been maddening (West Brom!) but the era of total dominance by a couple of teams is over, every team in the premiership can get a result anywhere now. We’ll have a slump now and then, whatever they’re paid players aren’t machines…
Matt. My point is that I do not care about their results. By that I mean we should not have to rely on them or others dropping points when we have thrown points away with basic errors. I am trying to say that I do not care how many points our rivals have thrown away, my concern is us. What we do. If we had not thrown away leads and dropped amazingly silly points that we would be10 clear by now. That is my point and that is why I find results like tonight so incredibly frustrating.
You are absolutely correct with my comments about the chavs. Until this season we have been bullied on several occasions by them. This year has been different. They are in decline as you say. And we are definitely on the up. We were unlucky at the bridge and the result ay the grove flattered them massively.
jonners, welcome.
We’re generally butter side up people here, but it’s not exclusive.
As long as they are not personally abusive dissenters are welcome. You’ll notice not all sing from the same hymnsheet.
Thank you ‘holics ๐
And sorry that post was a tad downbeat. Even for an old grizzly it is sinking in what a bad one to lose Sunday was, especially now RvP misses Barca ๐
‘Holic, to prove your point about singing, I use Benecol spread, not butter. ๐
We’ve dropped silly points that’s for sure but still much less than the previous seasons.
Now the title is in our hands it’s us vs United with a game against them at home. At this stage what happened earlier doesn’t matter that much, it’s what happens next that really counts.
…. didn’t think it was downbeat at all….
What colour’s the new motor?
Steve T. I may be a bit less critical, and yes even an on and off member of the AKB brigade, but I do want the same basic thing as you, our club playing to its utmost at all times. If we can achieve that with the likes of the players in our squad I don’t see anything that can stop us. The performance against Birmingham was way short of our utmost, for whatever reasons, and for it to have been in a cup final is so disappointing. But starting now this is our chance to make up for past implosions, so bring it on and please boys live up to our high expectations.
‘nasri.
More gentle disagreement….. whilst we certainly weren’t at our best on Sunday i don’t think we played badly at all. In fact, were it not for that fateful mistake in the 88th minute, not only would my aunty have b*llocks I’m sure we ‘d have beaten them.
Flora or butter?
Iron grey, TS.
Gun metal, if you’re Ashley…
Nice and Heh!
I used to live in Stoke D’Ab, literally an air rifle’s shot form their training ground. So glad that I moved back ‘up north’ now although they have done us a massive favour tonight.
Vodkas all round please for those who drink and borscht for those who don’t in indeference to them making it a wide-open title race now.
TS, for whatever reasons our performance was not there, and in a cup final it is necessary to be clearly better than your opponent to be sure of a win. In the ten or fifteen minutes before their second goal I was praying the game didn’t end in a draw because of my fear of their winning on penalties, which due to the energy I was feeling, I think would have been as likely to happen as not. We didn’t have individually dominating performances but you are right that we did not play badly overall.
we have thrown away wins against sunderland, west brom, tottenham, Wigan and newcastle this season…
our goals per game ratio with
-rvp 2.23
-chamakh 2.16
-bendtner 1.63
Lloris is overrated. All I ever see of him is getting nutmegged by Real Madrid players
Big up the second string and support (even the second string support… ๐ )
I’m on fire tonight keep the drinks flowing guys Mwwwaahha!!
I think the chelski result will stop us feeling too sorry for ourselves. We’ve got to see if team B can do this job. I hope he plays Sz… How do you spell it. As said earlier it’s a get back in the saddle job. I hope Sagna plays – but it, will probably be Eboue. I think the center halves will be the same as away to LO. In midfield I wonder whether he kept Diaby back to play in this game. For the rest of the team, it seems that someone from the league Cup final wil have to play again. Can Jack put in another shift? I would like to see him tried in the advanced midfield role. We’ve got to put in enough quality to beat this team(LO). up front I would like to see Chamakh get the whole game. I think he hasn’t sorted out how to play when Bendtner’s out there too. They both or neither try to run I to the same space.
Keep hoping
Nice glass of wine helps the brain, if not the writing.
OK – The Sunderland game is scaring the shit out of me.
I really really hope Diaby can put in a good game there and that Nasri creates enough in the hole for Arshavin Chamakh Bendtner because we HAVE to win that game.
I don’t want another chance lost. If we cut it to a point then it’s on.
Snir, knock on wood but I think we should do alright against Sunderland. Looking at our remaining fixtures the two potential banana skins that strike me are the away games at Blackpool and Stoke. Then again, the definition of banana skin is the one you don’t expect to be problematic so there’s really no predicting is there?
The game tomorrow is on Fox Soccer Channel here in the States. Looking forward to redemption against Orient, Sunderland, and Barcelona. Yes, let’s make it a run of three albeit in admitted increasing difficulty.
@Jeremy/115: Thanks for the stat. Chamakh has been really great for us this season, it’s grating to see so many people dismiss him now. There aren’t too many strikers who have done as well in their first season in the premiership, especially second-string ones.
As in all past seasons injuries will determine our fate but at last we’re in very good shape with Chamakh as the stand-in replacement for RvP. Now if only Arsene was more subtle in his rotations…
good day holics the race is back on and we are close very close,cant see the tin man Alumimium in goal Szcez will get the nod of redemption.Think you are right with a big scoreline and late goals holic.Arsenal we love you!
Nasri 120
I wish I had your confidence about the Sunderland game. They did well at Chelsea. And the last time we played them we conceded a last minute goal. It will depend on which Arsenal team shows up for the day.
‘And the last time we played them we conceded a last minute goal.’
Not sure that means anything (the last time Man Utd played Wolves they lost but I wouldn’t use that as a barometer the next time they play them) – the fact is there are no easy league games remaining, Sunderland will also be low on confidence after a recent run of defeats but of course they’re no mugs. We’re at home and will be favourites, just have to work hard to try and get the win.
2 games, 3 matchwinners out injured. No more, please.
With possibly 3 of our first 11 missing, we will need to be at our best for the entire 90 minutes to take full advantage of United’s slip up. That’s all.
I think the issue with Chanmakh is twofold:
1) He lost his place to RVP who is a better finisher on the ground
2) He himself has claimed to be burnt out
Understand this; Chamakh-attack is our Marquee free signing striker from the Ligue 1 which AW managed to rustle up, the league which MC helped his team Bordeaux to win the league season before last (I believe they won a treble). He chose to ply his trade here at the grove after doing so.
He helped us to be the last team to remain in all four competitions this season until Sunday, through his contributions during the first half of the season. A run in the side in place of RVP could be what he needs. He himself gave himself a return to fitness target date of March…
..Well Marouane away you go! We salute you! ๐
Goonertown & Matt
It’s quite bizzare how some of us have already forgotten what Chamakh did for us for the first part of the season. Just off loaded from French league he came in and got stuck in. He scored goals for us and won us games without a doubt. It’s a shame that Wenger did not rotate and make appropriate subs during some games.
I still have a great deal of faith in him, sadly for Bedntner I have less due to his recent comments of how much of a great striker he is.
Arsene’s says “Cup Game every game, until the end of teh season”, so be it and let’s show some real cojones and mental strength from now on including our B team.
That’s a nice colour Holic watch out though, Ashley spotted shooting French cars ๐
Hi all and commiserations for that debacle on Sunday. I was rooting for y’all as we say here in Carolina.
So round 2 tonight and we get to test your “mental fragility”. We too are nursing some injuries with our inspirational captain Steve Dawson out. Tehoue was a doubt but makes the bench,phew.
So I am a realist and know we are on a hiding to nothing but with all respect I hope to see and hear a few nervous faces in the crowd as it is 0-0 in the 75th minute.
Come on you O’s the best team in Leyton, I hope we can make a game of it.
I absolutely love Chamakh, and if I’m not mistaken, I think I started a debate as to why NB52 is preferred ahead of him.
His link up play is much better than NB52 who has a horrible first touch.
With all due respect to the FA Cup and all that, I just can’t stop thinking about the league and I have a really bad feeling about Saturday. We’re facing an excellent team without 4 of our best players (RvP, Cesc, Song, Theo) and although we should cope with the loss of RvP, Cesc and Theo, I’m not sure who would be able to do a job in Song’s absence.
At times we never look like scoring without the first three I mentioned in the side and it’s absolutely IMPERATIVE that we win this, otherwise, this will go down as another one of those missed opportunities.
Steve T,
I recognise that very same vein of frustration when you speak about chances being missed. What haunts me even more, is that last year, we were given ample opportunities to take advantage of slip ups and we couldn’t take those chances when it really mattered. Manuel throwing the ball into his own net at Birmingham sticks out for some reason.
I agree with Holic when he says that Chamahk was dismissed a little too easily when RVP came back. There can be no denying VP is just world class but he’s been injured 6 out of 7 seasons now – and part of me feels that we should cultivate a forward line that does not rely on his talent and treat his presence as a bonus.
Good luck to you Carolina, may the best team win ๐
Come on Arsenal! A win tonight please ๐
Why does everybody hate us, even radio 5? They were promoting tonight’s game but instead of saying that it’s ‘Arsenal against Orient’, they qualify it by saying ‘Beaten League Cup Finalists Arsenal against Orient’. Bastards. If it was Manchester United they would probably be having multiple orgasms that would render them speechless.
Almunia, Eboue, Squillaci, Miquel, Gibbs, Diaby, Denilson, Rosicky, Henderson, Bendtner, Chamakh
I think the ‘holic pound is looking more than a little optimistic now ๐
Absolutely agreed Arthur
AW’s eyes are definitely on the Manures loss last night and the potential gain for Arsenal on Sat, judging by his line up tonight.
A game by game basis is always good when you’re challenging for all trophies but I am reducing my optimism tonight although I can see nothing but an Arsenal win tonight, but how? I’m going to sit tight and find out! ๐
Chamakh!!!!!
A brace from Nikki B? This must be a parallel universe!!!!
Bendtner finishing off again
Watching the City Villa game, Paddy still looks quality even though he’s not at all mobile. Lescott looks like he’s carrying a few pounds too!
Yeah Paddy’s still got a goal in his locker
Not too bad so far; 3 – nil to The Arsenal.
Bendtner is a total paradox.
Sounds as if Diaby is having a good game, but he’s just shot wide after a good build-up.
Flattering to deceive again then
I might have guessed – it’s another injury, this time to Rosicky.
So what about this Connor Henderson then?
Seems strong on the ball
Bendtner hadn’t better miss this penalty ————– he’s scored!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bendtner Hat-trick – Again!
Leyton are in no mans land!
Not Leyton is in no mans land…nart ah mean?
Don’t know much about Henderson but he seems to have done Ok tonight.
Jonners – Diaby will be a great player one day, he just needs to be able to play more than 3 or 4 games on the trot without getting injured.
Bendtner just now nearly gifted a Goal to the O’s! Paradox or enigma?
Leyton should bring on that Tehoue…oh they heard me! ๐
So what’s Nikki’s fucking chant then? Everyone sounds like they’re mumbling su’um! ๐
yeah nice@ 151
Search me!
I hear ya bout Bendtner! A bit of both and a little of de uva! ๐
๐ ๐
Bendtner’s been one of our best players tonight. He just needs to work hard all of the time.
Jack’s magic!
Jack and Nasri – a different level!
Clichy’s scored! 5 nil to The Arsenal.
Hoo fucking ray!
Clichy ya little fu@#! Get in ๐ ๐
G
Norfolk @151 couldn’t agree more about Diaby. Just a bit frustrated when most of our back-up players will ONE DAY be great. I fear they may manage it after they’ve left us.
Anyone spotted any rocking horse shit? Rarer than Clichy goals!
Good fu@# shot son! Love it!
Clichy playing behind the striker now? Lol!
Holy fucking fuck!
Clichy !
๐
‘holic I bow down before your powers of prediction. Think the early goal made the difference.
I’ve got a big grin on my face.
Yes, I know it’s ‘only’ Orient, but 5 – nil; GREAT.
Phil Dowd is the fourth official tonight.
The Cnut should be banned from entering the Emirates.
Wouldn’t mind seeing Jack on the score sheet tonight! He used to knock em in for fun in the Academy
Yeah! Let’s have 6.
So I guess it’s Utd a week on Sat then?
Dowd you muppet! ๐
Thought everyone diverted to a new Holic post just then
Steve T will be very happy ๐
On to Indebted!
Job done, on to Saturday! Wish it wasn’t a trip to Old Trafford in the quarter-finals but there we are.
5-0 is good enough for me, and I think we should do exactly the same in our next two games.
Clean sheet…?!? my oh my…
Lads did us proud tonight, plenty of goals too. Good to see Chamakh get on the score sheet and for Bendy to go on a hat-trick.
Come on guys but even better for CLICHY come on get in there son!
Some nervy moments too hope we can rectify this for Sunderland but we all know we are going to see a completely different line up against Sunderland.
Henderson looks good and MIquel did very well at the back too, Gibbsy showed why Clichy should watch his space too.
Come on you REDS!
I have to say Holic pound was milimeters close….ouch!
Camp Nou then Old Trafford back to back. I like it
Right I’m off!
Saw snippets of the game on a stream – one of these was Almunia running out of his goal to about the 18 yard line toward one of their forwards for reasons best known to only him (although I suspect he fancied ‘Holic’s 25-1 shot).
Glad to see that we managed to get away without any major additions to the treatment room.
3 more sleeps then I’m back at the Arsenal – no fecking 12 inch snow drifts to be seen either ๐
Guinness Guvnor – will save my real celebrations for Saturday.
Just dropping by the bar as I’ve been missing lately. Pint of your finest plain please sir.
Sunderland is a serious worry. Winning that would be great. we may even be top table if we win our game in hand if Manures loose in Anfield. But i wonder if Wenger is seeing a DM role for Clichy. It may even be a test plan for Barca, especially now that Song is looking to be dipping in form. Clitchy is obviously more responsible ahead of Defenders than say Diaby and Song who easily get lost in attack and Clichy has a better attack delivery (Rarely on that role have i seen him loose the ball and create panic defending for the team.) He delivers passes and can score too. And it will give Gibbs the chance for first team….By the way Clichy too has aerial and muscle advantages to add. Diaby rarely uses his aerial potential.