This Will Be A Good Day
Apr 1st, 2011 by 'holic
A Friday night dinner party, and an early Saturday morning appointment with Great Western Trains, means that I have to preview the Blackburn game a day earlier than I would like. Forgive me anybody who has turned up hoping for a ‘holic April Fools gag. It isn’t happening. The poignant tributes to Rocky are fresh in the mind as I seek to put this piece together. I have a feeling that Saturday at the Grove may tug even harder at the old heart strings.
However, once the first whistle blows the tense pursuit of the Premiership title will once again come to the forefront of sixty thousand minds. Blackburn hold no special place in the memory for most, and still suffer in Gooner minds from their brief association with Sam Allardyce. Since they also sacked him they have risen a rung on the ladder of my estimation of them. Don’t get excited Rovers supporters, you are still not far off ground level!
The team news appears good. The skipper is set to return, although he tweets that “Colin Lewin has told me not to post anything“. Song, Walcott, and Diaby are also ‘available’ according to le Boss. There are Friday fitness tests for Ramsey, Bendtner, and van Persie. It is wonderful to see a host of attacking options available at this critical stage, but we all know our achilles heel is further back. Never has it been truer that we need to demonstrate that we are capable of defending with eleven, as well as attacking with almost as many.
The Blackburn line-up is similarly more likely to take shape nearer the time, but it is a reasonable bet their back four will incorporate the youth of Salgado, the brains of Nelsen, and the subtlety of Samba. A team with title aspirations should feast on the visitors, although as usual, we do need to match what is likely to be a combative opening twenty or thirty minutes. Some pace and guile down the flanks should pave the way for us to see them off over ninety minutes.
For the first time in a while I am feeling bullish about our prospects, and not least because we will be up against an old mate. There was some confusion about how many goals we had stuck past Paul Robinson in his career after our 2-1 win at Ewood Park earlier in the season. I’m reliably informed it is 59. Most goalkeepers choose to play out of their skins against us, but the poor Porkmeister has developed a stoop picking the ball out of the back of his net when facing Arsenal, and for that reason the ‘holic pound is on a 4-1 home win. I’ve got 14/1 but shop around for sixteens.
I’m looking forward to the day immensely. The kick-off may be at tea-time, but there is the annual Arseblog fives to enjoy at lunchtime, which means an afternoon of swallowing pints of delicious Guinness with good people, and hopefully meeting a new friend or two along the way. If all goes well we may even be celebrating the unlikely loss of points by Manchester United at Upton Park. Not something we should rely on, I grant you, but the international break seems to have come at a good time for us. This may just be the turning point.
Whatever happens in East London all we can do is take maximum points ourselves. The run-in starts in earnest here. Let’s draw from the memories of Rocky, Gunners, and show some determination and a desire to win. Please.
144 Responses to “This Will Be A Good Day”
No drinks? Well, here is one. 4-1 sounds like just what the doctor ordered, but not only what he ordered. Cesc, Theo and RVP on the scoresheet would complete the prescription. Come on you Gunners!
Hello sir!
Bring a bag on Saturday
Great post ‘holic. Wish I could be at the game imbibing in such great company. Enjoyed you all on Friday’s arsecast!
A pint of the delicious black stuff for me too bartender π
I’ll have a cider please.
Enjoy Saturday mate, I too have a feeling that B’burn will be on the wrong end (right end for us) of a hiding. The boys owe it to us.
Wet Spam are on the up too, so who knows, it could be a red letter day.
Cheers.
Good stuff Holic, and enjoy the 5s. Nice of the Arsenal to move the kickoff to 5.30pm |=y)
A pint o’ the black with a Bushmills chaser please.
The returning 1st 11ers gives the hope for these last 9 games. The hope is they can outscore the opposition, given our defence. We need to pray that all of Fab, RVP, Nasri, Wilshire and Song stay fit for the rest of the campaign. They are quite literally, all irreplacable.
On another point, no more 3pm kick offs this season. Every game after B’burn will be on a Sunday, all remaining 8. Sky rule.
jekyll, the scheduling doesn’t make it any easier but we have it in us to put the pressure on Man Utd no matter whether we play first or not. Let’s get some positivity going and it will grow and grow.
My point was more about the death of the 3pm Sat KO and the total lack of consideration given to the attending fan, but yes indeed, it’s in the team’s hands.
Cheers ‘holic. Enjoy the 5’s and the match!
Mertesacker and Cahill at Arsenal next year with Vermaelen coming back sounds like good sense. Any one disagree?
Come on Arsenal!
For me, a world cup win in Cricket followed by the three points for Arsenal would make a wonderful Saturday.
Thanks,
Harsha
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Liverpool-Manchester-United-Arsenal-Chelsea-Real-Madrid-and-Barcelona-chase-FEMALE-Brazil-star-Marta-Vieira-da-Silva-EXCLUSIVE-article718709.html
Please tell me this is an April Fool’s day piece…
No chance in the world that this is true.
Morning Hoilcs –
Holic reading you talking about preparing for tomorrowβs game reminds me of my usual 3 o clock game pursuits. (Aah…everything is a lot bigger than on TV). Walking from Arsenal tube in to the chants of βgets your Gooner here”. Amongst hundreds of Gooners a few of which were on the same train as me since boarding at London Bridge. The walk over to the Grove always gets the hearts racing right up until taking my seat in the UK’s most attractive stadium.
I may have taken a step back from attending games for reasons I expressed earlier in the season but I can’t wait until my next game. Thereβs nothing like a racy heart every now and then. On the other hand it’s good to see that all of our remaining games barring the final game of the season will be televised.
As for the squad I believe that we are lucky to have most of our influential players returning tomorrow, bearing in mind for the last couple of years things have been the opposite. However I do not want to jinx us and believe we need to take each game as it comes. However, saying that, as far as tomorrowβs game is concerned I cannot see anything less than an AFC victory.
I’m going to back Holic on the 4-1 and also going to lay down on the 4-0 at 10/1. (Got a nice 4 out of 4 on the PDC last night so feeling in the zone right now).
Enjoy the game tomorrow lads. The GT family will be representing form the couch tomorrow!
Drinks all round for now and a toast to the return of four influential players for tomorrow!
π
Cheers ‘Holic, like the bullish attitude. 4-1 would be a great start to the run-in and a perfect way to remember Rocky who will no doubt be keeping half on eye on The Ems tomorrow from up high.
All being well, I’ll get a chance to buy you a real pint tomorrow even if you do choose to wear cargo shorts π
Snir I think the last paragraph proves it as an April fool!!! But if she can stay injury free…….. Who knows ha ha
Don’t tell anyone Goonertown, but I have done 4-0 too. Even with Manuel behind Kos and the Squill.
See you tomorrow, TS.
‘Holics
I’m guessing many of you have seen this by now but if you want to support Bob Wilson’s Soccer Cycle and donate a few of your hard-earned to a very worthy cause, here’s the link:
http://www.bobwilsonsoccercycle.com/
Hope you don’t mind the link ‘Holic. Apparently, he’ll be cycling round the pitch at half-time tomorrow?
Bob is a living Arsenal legend. One of the few whom I think is thought of with as much affection as Rocky.
Go Bob Go! The tough part starts after leaving Blackpool so energy conservation could be key but you’re doing it for a great cause. Vincit.
Hey ‘nasri,
Fancy doing that ride when you’re 71? Goalkeeping caps off to the fella!
First round of the day?
Nice one ‘holic. For one moment I thought the captain of the PDY was asking you to bring your boots tomorrow!
Wish I had the bellows mate. I would kill to play once more π
Holic- I feel it in me waters mate
Greetings, fellow Gooners
Has anyone noticed who tomorrow’s referee is? Our good friend, Phil Dowd.
Would not be suprised to see us held to a draw thanks to some “questionable” decisons.
Here’s hoping the team can overcome the inevitable sh1t he stirs up.
COME ON YOU GOONERS
Well, it has been a roller coaster week for me, I have probably shed a million tears. Rebecca is now safely back home and recovering well. God bless the NHS, and God bless all the holic’s who gave words of kindness, it was incredibly supportive and I thank you all.
Lets hope my roller coaster week ends on a high tomorrow evening for all of us. Blackburn are in free-fall, their last 6 games are D 2, L 4, but they have scored 8 goals in the process. I think we have to start out knowing we are gonna leak a goal and that we cant defend, so we have to attack. The news that Song, Fab and Walcott are fit does not mean much as it comes from pravda. Does it mean fit to start, or fit from the bench? And we still dont know about RVP.
So many variables, our starting line up could be anything, I dont even know what to put my pound on.
Come on you Irons!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers ‘holic.
See you and TS tomorrow. Maybe other ‘holics?
Larry M., Speaking of questionable decisions by referees I just rewatched our game against Sunderland. Arshavin was definitely onside for our potential game winning goal, and five minutes earlier he was definitely fouled (twice in one second) inside the box for a dead-on pelanty. How many times can the referee expect a team to have to win one game???????? Phil Dowd or no, the odds are due to favor us one of these games. Come on Arsenal!
SR,
Great to hear that your Rebecca is well on the road to recovery and thanks for letting us all know. That must put you in a mood to get a round in? π
Ollie,
Looking forward to it too. I’ll keep my eye out for a weary traveller standing next to a man wearing cargo shorts.
nasri,
There’s a scary factoid about Dowd and his effect on Arsenal’s results on 7AMKO today. We must overcome this nasty ref regardless, there’s a title at stake for chrissakes.
COYRRRs!!!
Hey TS,
Cargo shorts aren’t the worst thing in the world. Now if ‘Holic was wearing acid-washed jean shorts – you’d have to skin him…
Up the Arse!
Raising a glass to Rebecca.
Cheers SR and family. π
Cargo’s essential. Need to pack iPod, phone, two flasks, keys, wallet, headphones, programme….
That’s a lot of pockets π
LG,
Actually, I have a pair myself…..
‘Holic,
Sounds very practical. I carry my lucky blue rucksack to all games for that very reason. Your shorts will look far less silly π
Evening all.
Looking forward to the game. I hope it is a fitting tribute to Rocky. Sky just have said that Blackburn are bottom of the current form table. So with players back I expect big fat Robbo to be more than busy.
Taking my 7 year old tomorrow. Can’t wait. Always better when you get to take the kids. Hot dog, a couple of beers and in we go. I hope he has something to celebrate on the journey home.
Keep the faith….
We haven’t really spanked a team in quite a long time have we? Nor would you say luck has shined down on us. I’ve a feeling it will change tomorrow and do our goal difference a lot of good (and we may need it). 7-2 Arsenal….Rocastle’s Shirt number
Phil Dowd’s Bad enough, but howsabout Holic in hot pants and a Honolulu surf print wrap?
If that ain’t love it’ll have to do ’till the real thing comes alooooooong.
Hey bar-keep a Sarsparilla and a fat one puleeez.
Raised on that faith Brougham bros!
Gunners 1-nil ( Samir Nasri NASeRee sammir nasreeE)!!!
leftcoastgooner, You nearly leave me speechless, but I love the image of ‘holic in Honolulu surf print wrap. Not so sure about the hot pants, but I do believe he will be involved in a major party on the morrow.
I’m getting very worried about some of you π
Needless to say it may be very late Sunday before there is a ‘holic record of today’s activities…
Oh no, Phil Dowd is worse than Mike Dean for us…
AVRAM!!! Do us a favor!
A very bleary eyed morning to you. Got to love the 3 kids awake at 3am chain reaction!
Holic, TS, Ollie et al ….. I raise a strong cup of coffee in your direction. Have a great day and do it for Rocky!
PS – cargo pants are one thing, but you’re mighty brave to be wearing shorts in April!
Morning all. It is a glorious morning here. Shorts will definitely be the order of the day.
score erralevant win essential com on Arsenal.hloic especially like the for Rockys memory what a star he was.
At the station in shorts. It’s raining. Everybody looking at me like I am an alien π
@ Holic
Not sure they’re looking at you that way just because of the shorts. π
12 minutes gone and Manchester United heading down …
Eff me, 2-0.
For those who think we are the only team to concede cheap goals – West Ham are now 2-0 up v ManU despite being completely outplayed for the entire game (30 mins so far). Evra and Vidic have given away one penalty each with very clumsy actions, and West Ham scored from both penalties.
I love you Avram.
Let’s not count our chickens yet. Remember Blackpool.
I’d sign for a 2-2 in a heartbeat.
I believe Sir Alex’s campaign against respect is begining to pay some dividends.
leftcoast, I hope you’re right and we see more dividends in the 2nd half … Avram seems very respectful, kind of like a frog sitting on a lilypad.
RvP: we shall absolutely not count any chickens yet. West Ham have to play a lot better if they want to hold on to this lead.
Trying to recover from a 0-2 deficit. What does that remind me of? Oh, yes: optimal opportunity for picking up injuries and red cards!!
I think Man-U may go down to 10 right after Sir A. makes his 2nd change. Takers?
What say he makes a double change and the injury comes right after?
If Vidic was Song or Koscielny he would get sent off in a heartbeat.
2-1 at Upton Park now, and massive pressure from ManU. I can not see West Ham holding on to this.
Ok Holics – have a raging hangover and have not had time to read or post all week – will catch up next week when I am back in Blighty – I am currently watching the Hammers v Scum and I am listening to a guy who is almost in tears due to the fact that Utd are listening – anyway here’s hoping the hammers can hold on and take all 3
– heading off for the F train and pints in the Blind Pig in Manhattan shortly π
Utd are losing not listening – soz
Crap. 2-2. Rooney with his second. ManU are going to win this now.
Ahem…
π
I told my dad at HT that I have a feeling it’s gonna be 4-2 UTD at the end.
I can see that happening now.
This is too much like West Brom, but the difference is that they made it 2-1 on 65 minutes when we made it 2-1 on 70 minutes.
Feck
Utterly predictable.
West Ham deserve to be relegated after that capitulation – pathetic
Utterly deflated.
Grant repeated Holloway’s mistake.
You don’t go on the back foot against MU, even when you’re 2 up.
Again, so predictable I’m not even that gutted about it.
Snir – pick my lottery numbers π
So What was Avram’s half-time talk?
“Okay boys so far, so good.
Now let’s go out there roll over and go down stern first.”
Will the Lancastrians take heart?
It’s quiet in here. Everyone must be in The Tollie!!
nez, either that or we’re all holding our breath.
@behind the 8
Correct Sir,
The latter.
Well,
Here we go gents,
How about a rub of the green for the Reds!
poor old nasri’s head…feck
Oh no Phil Dowd is on the line!
Almunia!!
Come on Theo.
I have a feeling he’ll be on the scoresheet π
Now appearing in goal for Arsenal….
no one!!!
We need to put maximum effort in not 75%
Not a good first half by any means we need to dig deeper in the second they are a bunch of cloggers!
Come on ARSENAL……
Come on you Reds…play like we did in those first ten minutes. Season on the line…do it for Rocky, and Bob Wilson, Radford, Brady, Jennings, Adams, Bergkamp, Compton, James and me !!!
COYR!
Very poor indeed.
Bloody horrible Arsenal….that’s the end of that then. Where was the creative football…shots…doing something with corners and FKs? That’s just poor.
This was definitely NOT a good day.
We need a driving force in the team urgently.
Well I suppose we could say another bad day at the office then, so so frustrating it boils my blood each time. No urgency in those individuals they oobvioulsy don’t know they are playing fpr the premier league title.
We looked avarage and fair play to Blackburn even thou they are cloggers they defended well or we didn’t create a great deal. Wilshere should of taken a shot himself we complicate things for each pther, pass to death is not the name of the game. Keep it simple for god sake.
I’m pissed off cos we lost 3 points today sod the clean sheet it means fuck all to me to be honest. We are 7 points behind Man U now with a game in hand they need to stumble and we cant beat Blackburn at our own back yard it’s simple NOT GOOD ENOUGH!
I have to say we’re finding new ways to disappoint each week. No bad refereeing, comical defending, mental goalie run outs today. Just a performance that looked straight out of the 1994 Arsenal, not likely to concede or score. Wenger did bring back those who were injured so it goes much much deeper. We just looked so horribly predictable and Arshavin for my money is the nearest we have to a game changer (especially now his form has improved) and should have stayed on the pitch.
Can’t decide if finishing 2nd this season is overachieving? Last August I would have said so but now it says more about the lack of a great team in this league at the moment.
I’m finally…officially…sick of this season.
Remind me how goals “Porkmeister” conceded today?
Liberace tappy tappy bullshit football…it’s excruciating to watch as you know there’s no end product. That was fucking awful. Something has to change
How are those words tasting?
Arsene did tell them to relax…..
job done!
“The Blackburn line-up is similarly more likely to take shape nearer the time, but it is a reasonable bet their back four will incorporate the youth of Salgado, the brains of Nelsen, and the subtlety of Samba. A team with title aspirations should feast on the visitors, ”
LOL.
Rovers fans on here being smug…when next year they’ll be playing a league lower? Odd….
If that turns out to be the case isn’t even more odd that Wenger’s shower of tippy tappy diddy boys couldn’t get all three points?
They’ve only gone and bottled it again.
Listening to the home support tonight, it crossed my mind that we got the performance we deserved.
Second place, still in the title race and it felt like we were waiting to sit an exam before kick off. If we’re going to look for places where bottle/”leadership” might be lacked, perhaps a quick sweep round the stands and blog might be the place to start.
Vert flat performance, but the team is full of players who are half fit or knackered. The result is damaging, but it’s the look of the team that makes you think our race might be run now.
So, what do we make of it? Well, it can’t go unnoticed that utd started today with a Β£30m striker and a Β£20m ladyboy winger on the bench. Even the most wild eyed gooner knows we can’t match that kind of resourcing, so we’re left with an uphill struggle, at least until the purse strings are loosened a bit.
I have to say, I don’t like them, but hats off to utd this season. They look a side short on quality in a few areas but for mental toughness they’re hard to beat, and in a season where there have been fewer soft games than ever, mental toughness has been what ultimately makes the difference. On the other hand, their fans have to pretend to love Rooney, a player who may as well have taken a dump in the centre circle at old Trafford, so it’s not all jelly and rollercoasters up there.
Anyway, where do we go from here?
Well, first up we take a look at the league table and recognise that it’s embarassing for fans of a team in second place to be even talking about chopping their manager. We’ve all laughed at other fans for similar, let’s not be mugs. Given what we’ve spent, second is magic. You can argue we should spend more, fair play, but we’ve hardly underachieved.
Next up, I think we can recognise that we’re carrying a few players in the squad who probably won’t be here next term. I don’t want to name names, and few of them were on the pitch today anyway, so it would be shabby to do so.
I also think it may be time for the skipper to go. I love him, I really do, but if he wants to be elsewhere then fair play. He’s given us top service and we need a squad full of players with hearts and minds totally on the job. More importantly, he’s had a season blighted by injury and I think it may get worse as time goes by. All of this assumes that barca have the necessary cash, which I’d guess they may not.
In terms of players to bring in, well I don’t want to get all champ manager in April, but I’d love to see Scott Parker in the squad. In not sure he’d make our first xi but I’d like to see us rotate a bit more next term and I think he’d bring something we miss at times. He’s an obvious solution in that he’s been hyped (and overhyped) by the press this week, but I think he’s the kind of player we’d all have been happy to have on the pitch today. Beyond that? Another forward to take the goal burden off rvp and give chamakh a breather when robin is inevitaby crocked on intl duty. A creative midfielder maybe, to replace those likely to leave this summer, and I’d also not say no to an out and out left winger, just to have the option.
Finally, we should look to ourselves as fans. As the New Radicals memorably told us, you only get what you give and I suspect we could give more.
Days like this hurt like hell, but they pass, and you don’t win jack by making mountains of molehills, so I guess you can consider this an appeal for some perspective.
Right, off out for a drink and to avoid motd. Here’s hoping a meteor hits Stamford bridge on weds night.
Oh, and you have to laugh at the gloating blackburn fans on here.
I’m sure the memories of “Olsson’s block” will keep you warm in the championship next year.
Still, at least you you get a discount on chickens.
Still on the train home. Same old same old same old. Perhaps those who have not agreed with a lot I have said previously will now start to get it.
Another poor, lack lustre display. I dread to think what the excuses are this week? Grass too green? Ball too round?
Apologies – should have been “stands and blogs” above.
This place offers a balanced view, which is appreciated amidst the hysteria.
Can someone explain why on several occasions we would put a ball in the box aimed at the only red shirt in there when it was surrounded by 6 in blue? Not acceptable.
@N7 Very nice. Great second paragraph. Howling misses by Jack and Chamakh should have been enough for an easy 2-0.
can i just say
weather or not the players were up for it, 55000 gooners didnt seem up for the challenge to will this team on to title
oops wheater
im gloomy
2 tries and i still cant spell right
Dublin.55,000 gooners were more than up for it. Many still had tears in their eyes after the rocky tribute. But all too often we have been served up with more of the same. Yet another game we should have won at a canter becomes just another bad day at the office. I have just this minute got in from the game. There are many that sit near me whose patience is getting a tad thin. So please, do not even think to blame those who turn up week in and week out for that performance.
What N7 said.
Disappointing, frustrating, and some changes to come, but perspective needed as to the big picture too.
Not happy, but 2nd best team in the land ….. Chelsea, Pool, Shiity and SP%rs to name but a few can only aspire to that.
Even Barca fans around me aren’t happy right now! Football, heh?
Well said Steve T same old shit if you ask me!
Can’t beat West Brom or Blackburn at home in the middle of a title race. Pathetic is about the best word for it, I’m sorry to say. Where is their motivation because I don’t think many people would argue that they have the talent required. What is the prescription, Steve T.?
Since February we’ve only beaten Leyton Orient…Arsene knows.
Nasri,
i’d prescribe a sweep of the bar for the lot of them; shots from every bottle and see who’s standing at the end. They can continue, the ladies can ship out!
i’ll think you’ll agree that this is straight from the Arsene textbook of management! π
N7. Didn’t the new radicals also talk about kicking arses? Re your perspective. I hate to say it but we have been here as recent as last year. Perspective is being promised last season that all would be better this season. The fact is that the same short comings that cost us last season have cost us this season. I hope that helps put everything into perspective.
8 ball. I have prescribed myself 2 gallons of pedigree. You are more than welcome to join me if you like?
8 ball. Don’t forget the sunderland game. And Newcastle. Need I go on?
Its really frustrating.
Its the same old story.
I wouldn’t mind if we even forced Manu to go and win the fucking thing – but to capitulate, yet again, this season – ffs Blackburn are shot – its just a joke at this stage……..
@ Steve T
I feel your pain mate, and I dare say that there are a good many arsenal issues on which we agree, having read some of your other posts.
The meaning of the word “perspective”, however, appears not to be one of them, particulalry if you think it’s something we were promised last season.
Not looking to excuse what was a poor performance from the team, but did you really think the atmosphere was right today? I’m not saying everyone there was too quiet, just that we didn’t sound like 50,000 people getting behind the lads. And not for the first time this season.
Results like these dilute a mans legacy.
Y’know it struck me as funny that Manu in Berby, Rooney and Chikarito probably had 80m plus in striking power – and compared to what we had by comparison??? The only conclusion you can take is Wenger has worked miracles……….absolute miracles……
But he will forever be stuck on that second level – and has a time now come to realistically say – can he do better? Is this it? Can we realistically expect more from the great man??? Is top 4 the best he can do? Is it what we should realistically expect – and more importantly, considering where other clubs have gone, should we be happy with out lot….??????
Just got back home let’s for once not beat round the bush that lot are not good enough by a million miles, If I wanted to watch people go round in circles I’d go to spaghetti junction.
If I had one wish – it would be this: I really love our technique. Its wonderful to watch. Its absolute entertainment.
But what I want most – is to combine our technique and vision with 11 players who will wear the jersey and bleed for it.
We need players with cochonnes. We need steel. Bite, Bollox and leadership. Its not there – and until we get that – we’ll win fuck all.
Macallan 18 for all on my tab. Life’s too short.
CG,
Fella I normally agree with you but if we are the second best team in the land I’m king fucking kong I’m fuming but my ire is probably best saved for another day,
N7. So that I do not miss understand, what is putting things into perspective? My point was that if we had made the slightest attempt to deal with the weaknesses highlighted by many this time last season then we would be 10 points clear. But we didn’t, and look where we are. Now I know we are still second with games to play but I would argue that it could, and more to the point should be so much better.
Everything today was lack lustre. Where do you sit because where I sit there were enough trying to create some noise.
I have moaned for a few years now about the lack of leaders. The fuck up in the carling cup it would appear has really hit us bad. A game where we felt that all we had to do was to turn up has had an adverse affect. We still do not seem to have picked ourselves up since then. Not good enough I am afraid.
Wenger cannot, never has and probably never will be able to motivate this team for a sustained period of time (unlike he has with other Arsenal teams).
We’re not going to win anything this year. I’m as gutted as the rest of you. But what’s to happen — does Wenger preside over a whole-scale clear out at the end of the season or is he to be indulged for another season.
We all know the answer to that. He’ll be permitted his indulgences again and we’ll all be here 12-months from now having the same bleedin argument.
I feel dirty for just saying all that. I love what he’s done for this club and for English football, but I just can’t see us winning anything under him any more.
Is that acceptable? Well no. Not when the league was there to be won. And the team had the opportunity to shove that shite the media perpetuate about our lack of mettle, our lack of bottle, our fancy-get-us-nowhere-football, right down their necks.
Gutted. Again
It’s quite simple in my humble opinion – there is not sufficient desire in this current Arsenal squad. They never looked like a team today that believed it could win the league. Whether they were demoralised from watching Utd come back from being 2 down or what I don’t know, but that lot did not have the hunger that you need from a team that wants to win the league.
Pity because the NYC Gooners deserve better – as Holic and Snir advised in advance the New Yorkers know how to create a good Arsenal atmoshpere.
Now I am off to Manhattan to see a good London lad – Graham Parker – and forget the footy for a bit…… π
I Dispise what’s happening at the club but being in a ground that’s openly mocking the Keeper was just plain wrong mock the board and Wenger by all means but fuck me I felt sorry for Al it took me back to thd Caton years.
Great managers – don’t fall short. I know they’re in short supply – but Wenger is good, but he’s not great. His tactics, team selection, naivete and complete and utter stubborness is just breathtaking at times….uttterly breathtaking…!!
If were honest with each other – Wenger should have won at least one Champions league by now. And he hasn’t. Its not a coincidence IMO.
You can buy a player with technique, speed, good attitude, and if your smart, you can buy him at the right price if you get him young and try to influence him.
But you can’t buy commitment. You can’t buy devotion to the cause……you can’t can’t buy blood. That’s got to be there down the spine. And its not….
N7,
just read your post at 94 sorry but what a crock of shit are you Arsene ?fucking tired plaease tell me that’s a wind up ?? 10 games to go Blackburn at home the league up for grabs and they are tired ?? Excuse me whilst I go and choke, Have we become them Herbie cunts from up the road- Excuse after Excuse?
Steve
By perspective, I mean that we need to remember that we’ve got one of the two or three best sides in the land.
I’m not saying that’s enough and we shouldn’t hunger for more. I’m not saying that immunises wenger from all criticism, I’m just saying that sometimes you’d think we were fighting relegation the way people bang on.
Win our game in hand and we’re 4 points off utd, so we’re probaby talking about the need for tweaks, rather than rip it up and start again.
Don’t get me wrong, this team frustrate the life put of me too, they’re horrific to watch when they’re not winning and there are numerous things the manager has done that I don’t understand at all. But perspective means that I base my frustration and my criticism in the knowledge that (a) arsene wenger has forgotten more about football than most of us know (and I’m sure some wags would add that he seems to be forgetting more by the month); and (b) we’re second in the league on a much lower budget than many of the teams below us.
My heart says we’re arsenal and we should be winning the lot, my head says look at what we have to spend and be glad you’re not a liverpool fan, because they’d kill to be in our shoes (as would 99% of other clubs).
I agree with you 100% about the cup final btw. Not prioritising that game was the daftest thing we’ve done all season – it was obvious for weeks beforehand that it would define our season. But, you know what?it’s done now. He made a mistake, as managers do. Time to move on.
Anyway, I’ll leave it at that – not looking for a row as I suspect we’re all tired and emotional and it’s been a bad enough day already. Plus, I do get where you’re coming from – I hope the feeling’s mutual.
Cheers
‘Holic, Ollie
Great to meet you both today! Hope you both travel well back to your respective homes.
The gathering at The Tolli would have been even sweeter today had our boys achieved what they set out to do at 5:30. Unfortunately, it was not to be.
I am as disappointed in our performance today as anyone here. Most have expressed that very well so enough said. It’s obvious that we lack a certain something that will make us champions as opposed to contenders.
Also glad to see that there was no melt-down in The Barman’s absence. Sanity prevails, Blackburn interlopers excepted.
Joe, I’ll join you for a malty nightcap, thanks.
Cheers and g’night all….
Chippy at 121. Agree totally. I forgot to mention that earlier. The mocking of almunia where I was sat was a select few. But each one is a twat of the highest order.
N7. Certainly no row. I enjoy reading your thoughts. It just comes over to me that you feel quite happy with second or third? We differ only in the fact that I am not. I just feel we could so so much more.
Oh and just to put things into an Arsene perspective Blackburn had 14 fit players training on Friday but Arsenes first 11 were tired don’t make me laugh,
Must admit, I do not get that tired thing.
i didnt mean it in that way steve
the performance by the team was rubbish irrespective of the support but i felt towards the end instead of all the ooh’s and aah’s there might have been abit more encouragement instead
Can we start discourse of off-season matters now …
Keep the faith? I’m having a hard time doing so.
I’m tired of being the fucking optimistic idiot all the time.
It’s so obvious they’ll now close the gap only to blow it against Stoke or something like that.
I don’t know if to be angry, frustrated or disappointed, all I know is I couldn’t stop crying today cause in my opinion we lost the league today.
I find it a bit rich that people have audacity to poke a finger at the fans and blame them for being unenthusiastic. How many of these people make it out to the Emirates?
The support has been stellar all season long and even the defeats to Brum, Barca and United did nothing to blunt it. Considering everything, it’s a miracle that the fanbase hasn’t erupted into a full-scale outrage at how this season has unravelled. It’s a testament to how wonderful and committed Arsenal fans are.
So, after all that, when we get disappointed today, it’s a bit ridiculous to start pointing fingers at the crowd. And the disappointment stems from the fact that every single Arsenal fan believes in this team only to watch the season disintegrate in the same manner for the 3rd season in a row.
If you feel that the team hasn’t been fully appreciated by the fans, please give yourself a great big slap and hopefully you’re not deluded enough to realize what you’re saying.
On the team itself, they should be ashamed. People can mock the die-hard Arsenal fans like Holic for their posts and belief but it’s embarrassing that the team couldn’t rise up to the belief that these people have in them. They should be ashamed for letting these people down. No excuses. That goes for Arsene as well.
Snir,
Yes, the league is lost today. But have faith. At least we ain’t Liverfool π
SV – I am an AKB, but to be honest, AW has infuriated me this season. He didn’t sign a CB in January because Vermaelen was weeks away from recovering, but then he says that his season is over and he NEVER expected him to return this season. That’s disrespecting the fan’s intelligence. I had 300000% faith in this team, and I still think they’re better players than UTD. But, today I’ve come to admit, it is a mental issue, they are mentally stronger than us, they do want it more, they are more motivated by their boss.
I’m sick and tired of being the fool every single season, telling everyone how this year is different.
I don’t take any comfort from not being Liverpool, I bloody want to reward this team with a championship! They deserve a championship for the football they play, they don’t deserve a UCL spot for their mental strength and desire (and no, coming back from 2-0 vs. West Brom or 1-0 vs. Everton is just not enough!).
Still can’t give up hope.If we win the remaining matches and if manu draw at newcastle and/or against che we’ll win the title.It sounds like a fantasy but it is possible.
If wenger can’t motivate the team for the last 8 matches when the league is the only thing we have left,then he needs to go.guardiola might be free for next season.more fantasy.
@ zicoinexile, lovely to meet you today mate, shame the football and result were so poor. I think we could all do with what seems to be the word of the day: perspective. A few days to process all that went down this afternoon in the cold light of day will do me a world of good, I can say that.
Much respect to Snir and ‘Holic of course for bigging up the NYC gooners, we do appreciate it and if either of you are ever in New York, come to the pub and the first pint’s on me.
Don’t wanna take credit which I don’t deserve. I never did big up the NYC gooners, I have no idea where they’re at (apart from knowing they’re from NYC lol) and who they are and I’m pretty sure it was Ollie who was bigging up the NYC gooners.
But – rockofgilberto – I’d love to get that pint π
You’re welcome to it if you’re curious enough to see for yourself pal… If it was indeed Ollie who provided the kind words, apologies and the offer of course extends to you as well.
Comforting to know that even when Arsenal divides us, alcohol unites us all.
Dublin. The problem with that is this. The fans have dined out on so many false promises and lack lustre performances that frustration more than kicks in. When you see players just walking back when a move breaks down it us more likely to invoke a reaction of anger. It is hard for fans not to ignore that.
midas
does anyone see us winning the last 8 games ? really. we have won one in 7 i think. so now we are going to beast liverpool and the spuds (away) as well as united ? i think the pharmacy is still open if you want to update the meds….
idka: the funny thing is, though, that playing tougher opposition might actually be good for us right now because it takes the pressure off the team. That is, of course, a problem in itself.
Yesterday was a crap game, nothing more, nothing less.
SteveT@127: I don’t think anyone is happy just because we are still in second, because clearly we could have been so much better off this season. But what I think can be very dangerous is forgetting that there is, right now, actually only one team that is better off than us as far as the league goes, because if we forget the bits that actually are quite good then we run the risk of tearing down too much in an unneccesarily desperate attempt to take that final step. Newcastle is a very good example in this respect, they said “fifth place isn’t good enough for this club” and sacked Bobby Robson which started a downward spiral of a desperate search for a quick-fix that didn’t stop until they were relegated. I guess what I am trying to say is that in order to know which way to turn you have to know where you are, and we ARE in a rather good position – we only need a few steps in the right direction.
Cup of tea, please.
The problem is, everybody is right in one way or another, including Lars @142, but I personally need to hear a believable plan to get from where we are to get to where we want to be, and right now it’s very hard to see us getting to where we want to be with this current group. How many more chances do they get when they appear to have peaked and be heading backwards for at least the second straight season at this point.
lars
thats an interesting theory but it didn’t work out too well for us at barca or at old trafford. anyway there is no “tougher opposition” at this stage of the season; all that counts is getting a win. some tougher opposition may care less (nothing to play for) and ‘easier” opposition care more – west brom/ blackpool/blackburn. as you say it is a problem in itself and shows that the team is weak mentally thinking they are above the lesser teams.