There’s 38 games to go, it’s dark, and I’m wearing sunglasses
Aug 12th, 2011 by 'holic
This is it. This is what it is all about. For ninety minutes on Saturday evening I will cast aside the means of catching hysterical minute by minute updates and misinformation and focus on what is important. Ladies and gentlemen, the Arsenal are back.
The headline is fitting, for those of a certain vintage who share the view that the Blues Brothers is one of the great films. It is the tale of a group of fellas attempting to achieve something against all the odds. The world seems to be against them. Can they sell out the big venue and entertain the crowd sufficiently whilst achieving their ultimate goal? Can they avoid the boos of the regulars at Bob’s Blackscarf Bunker?
It has to be said we are not starting from a position where we would want to be. Listeners to this weeks Arsecast must think I am schizophrenic, and I have to say I wonder myself. We travel to Newcastle minus key players for various reasons, and “we do not haveย the players in place to replace those who have not left yet“. You knew what I meant, didn’t you?
โWhat we want today is to focus on the players who play tomorrow and not the players who do not play.”
A line from Arsene’s much-maligned press conference on Friday morning sums up what I am feeling ahead of the trip to St James Park. Much of the side picks itself. Wojciech Szczesny will start behind a back four of Bacary Sagna, Laurent Koscielny, Thomas Vermaelen, and Kieran Gibbs. A midfield shorne of Wilshere, Diaby, Nasri and some Spanish lad are the greatest cause for concern. Alex Song and Aaron Ramsey will probably provide a platform from which Tomas Rosicky will be expected to provide the ammunition for the front line. Again listeners to the Arsecast will know I would give Andrey Arshavin a chance in that role, but I suspect his chances of starting will depend on the readiness of Theo Walcott. One of those two should accompany Gervinho and Robin van Persie up front.
So what of the game? I think we are so wrapped up in our own perceived problems that we have probably overlooked the fact that Newcastle are probably going through even more internal strife, and are subject to more supporter pressure, than us. Their passionate following are by and large unanimous in their disdain for their owner. They have lost Nolan and Enrique, and Barton is wondering whether or not to carve out a new Nietzsche for himself elsewhere. Cabaye from Lille looks an interesting signing, but when your second costliest capture is Obertan you would hope that better will arrive before the window closes.
I could probably make a convincing case for any result, but I honestly believe the points will be determined by what our midfield do, and nothing else. If we are able to establish a swift-passing, and enthusiastic pressing game early on, then I think we should be celebrating come the end of the evening. Let the Geordies get among us, and lift that home crowd, and we could be in for a difficult ninety minutes. That midfield has to provide cover ahead of the defence, but not be slow to release the pace merchants out wide.
The first proper ‘holic pound of the new season is already wagered. I don’t like the first goalscorer bet generally. There is a reason why the bookies promote it heavily. Having watched Gervinho in pre-season I do feel compelled to back him to score on his competitive debut, but a miserly 11/8 for him to score at any time is no value at all. Just this once I will grab some of the 6/1 available from Paddy Power against the new boy to strike first.
And Then What?
I have made no secret of the fact that I have seen enough this week to make me excited about our prospects for this season, but that is not to say I am turning a blind eye to the work remaining to be done. The future of players such as Almunia, Eboue, and Bendtner need to be resolved, but so much of our negotiating efforts are necessarily engaged elsewhere at present. If there is a deal in place for Cesc, and there appears to be a slight doubt as to whether the tapping-up Catalans have actually made a final acceptable offer, then I would expect the ingrate Nasri to be fired out of the door pretty early next week. (And yes I would move jobs for double my salary. It would be great to earn in a week what that lucky bastard currently earns in fifteen minutes).
Far more important in the immediate future of Arsenal Football Club is the Champions League qualifier, first leg, against Udinese on Tuesday. Our manager will have to do a ‘Mourinho’ and be smuggled into the changing room in a kit hamper because he is suspended. Thomas Vermaelen, should he come through the opening day unscathed, will probably have the captain’s armband because our top scorer is also suspended. Those who are missing the opening day will also be absent, along with anybody who suffers an injury at Newcastle. I think that we will produce a performance in the face of adversity, because that is what the Arsenal do. When the world appears to be against us, when the chips are down, invariably we come up with a display of defiance.
However we will need to follow whatever happens on Tuesday with swift activity in the transfer market, and that means concentrating on what we all know are the required new signings to strengthen the defence. I have long since accepted that we will not be signing a goalkeeper and holding player, and I understand the vote of confidence Le Boss is giving Szczesny and Frimpong in those areas. I would not be the only person, obviously, who would be bitterly disappointed if we did not sign a pair of defenders. Ideally for me a powerful and experienced central defender, and a quality left-back. If that activity delays the departures of those who will not bring in substantial funds then so be it. We have to look after our own interests first and foremost next week.
F-f-f-fantasy Football League
I have been dragged screaming and kicking into the here and now. The inaugural ‘Holic Fantasy Premier League is being hosted at http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ Enter the code to join the league, which is 1023272-242956. I’ll see if I can get someone who needs a bit of publicity to put up a modest prize for the winner. Any potential sponsors out there can drop me a line at gooner(at)goonerholic(dot)com.
Lots of you are already entered, just for the glory of being the first ‘holic champion. I hope you have had more luck than me. Most of my initial team are gone in the fetlock and I expect to be making further changes Saturday morning. Why do I bother. I forget to make those changes for the rest of the year and invariably finish mid-table as a result.
Anyway, have some fun, and good luck to you.
Fin
So that’s it. It started as a five pint piece. It ends as a seven pint and Famous Grouse chaser piece. Which means I am feeling sentimental enough to wish you all a happy season ahead. It also means I can offer this thought to you all. I won’t be crying about dropped points tomorrow, or against Liverpool, or against Manchester United, as long as we get through the Champions League qualifier, and strengthen the defence.
Our priorities as a club are clear. My priority as a supporter is to support. Let’s do just that.
Oh, and Arsene, if it ain’t working, don’t be afraid to change it!
UP THE ARSENAL!
255 Responses to “There’s 38 games to go, it’s dark, and I’m wearing sunglasses”
Fine thoughts good sir, A coke and Dr vPepper chaser please
Dr vPepper is oc course the well known veggie version ๐
Damn its too late and I’m too tired to spell properly, sorry all lol
A talisker if you please and one for yourself!
I changed my posting name in favor of the lineup we should employ this season.
Tampa2
The Tampa 2 is an American football defensive strategy popularized by (and thus named after) the Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Football League (NFL) team in the mid 1990s-early 2000s. The Tampa 2 is typically employed out of a 4-3 defensive alignment
cheers holic
Vodka shot please .
I`ll go fetch the lads from the last drinks .
From the movie quote on, pure gold – cheers Holic.
It’s been a pretty bleak couple of days round these parts, between the relentless media sneering (what’s new?) and the twittering Barca fucktards, but in the last few hours I’ve started to see a few rays of sunshine.
No Nasri? Pah.
No Cesc? That one’s a bit trickier but I can live with it as well. I love the guy and have no idea how we replace him, but I can’t wait to see what an Arsenal side looks like shorn of a skipper who doesn’t want to be there and has stood by while his little gang of mated disrespect the club. He’s a world class player, no doubt, bit as others have pointed out ad infinitum, the teams we’ve built around him have proved as lily-livered and wet as they come. I’m now looking forward to seeing what a team built around Scez, TV, Jack and (hopefully) RVP looks like.
So it’s so long Cesc. You could have been one of the greats, but it wasn’t to be and I hope you find whatever it is you’re looking for with Barca.
Looking onwards and upwards, we’re less than 24 hours from the big kick off. Expectations are rock bottom. We’ve been all but written off by the experts. And yet when I look at the squad, there’s still quality there. Maybe not enough for the title, but enough to rattle some cages all the same and enough for a top four finish and a good crack at a cup.
I want to see Gervinho in full flight. I want to see Robin carry on where he left off. I want to see if Theo can take that next step on. I want to see if Miyachi is worth the hype and if Frimpong is the midfield animal we’ve been crying out for. I want to see Ramsey making up for lost time. I want to see Tommy roaring them on. I want to see if Arshavin has it in him to step into the void left by those departing and work his magic (maybe even from the centre). Most of all, I can’t wait to see second seasons from the likes of Jack, Scez and Kos.
It’s go time ladies and gents, and I for one have the blood pumping and the scarf waving. Time for the blog whining to end. Time to put Fabregas and Nasri behind us. Time to shove the critics words right down their throats.
Come on lads, you rip roaring, goal scoring beauties. I may be despondent in four weeks time but right now I’m boarding the HT, suitcase in hand and four square behind the team.
To paraphrase GG – time to be the Arsenal. God I’ve missed the football.
Great piece Holic .
A drop of Laphroaig and one for yourself .
Come on ARSENAL !!! All to play for .
A great post holic and finally it starts. Can imagine Aretha sitting cesc and samir down in that diner like little schoolboys and teaching them about R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
I would love if Arshavin is given a free role in midfield. Still remember his performance against the Dutch in Euro, was spectacular that was. Think he has the nous to compensate for the “certain Spaniard” as our attacking fulcrum.With Gervinho, RVP and Walcott upfront we should be OK for tomorrow.
We really need 3 points I think, not just for the hysteria amongst the supporters to calm down but the players need it just as much, not to mention Arsene. Biggest season of his career, can’t wait for it to get started.
COYG
Great post N7
Good luck for the season.
Mines an Irn Bru….diet.
When did we ever NOT have our backs to the wall? It’s war, and let the best man, scratch that, The Arsenal win!
We are THE ARSENAL and we are the best!! Go Holic.
I’m fully on board the HT. As was so well put before, tomorrow 11 men will be wearing the Arsenal shirt and everyone who is an Arsenal supporter, regardless of your feelings on how the summer has gone, should get behind them fully. COYG!
Great rallying cry N7. With RVP as captain and TV on the field without the malcontents I have no doubt about the commitment tomorrow. Have the whole day planned around it. The longest ever pre season is over.
Slash, you’re on the money – I’ve got a feeling about Arshavin this season. Anybody else realise how much money he must have turned down from Makachkala’s offer? And not a word of doubt from him – 100% in for the cause.
Top top post holic, but one thing! You saw me arguing my heart out with people on putting AA in the middle and didn’t intervene ๐ !?
Your opinion could have eased it a lot more for me ๐ !
http://twitter.com/#!/Kike_Marin_/status/102087106612043776
Now Arsenal have sold q (finally) Cesc, it is normal to q fiche Mata. There is agreement with the player and committed to it with Valencia
Well, what do you know?
Gibbs played well in pre-season, I’d be happy to go with him as first choice if his injury record was better. Be that as it may, he’s starting tomorrow, so I hope the boy has a great game. Just hoping for a win with no injuries tomorrow…
Hit it.
Yee haw, great post.
Rope and throw and brand ’em boys.
And a clear contender for blog post of the season (even though it hasn’t even started yet) for use of the phrase “carve out a new Nietzsche for himself” alone. Joey7Bastard’s recent tweets have been a particularly unexpected high of the close season.
Genius ‘holic, pure genius.
COYGs
And another Laphroaig from me Holic. Triple wood..!
Superb post..!
2 points on the Arsecast:
1. I echo Tabs take on the imposition of a “deadline”, in that I really don’t think this has been all our fault. If you look at the Cahill situation, it could be argued that we are trying to do the same to Bolton (who imposed a deadline on the club in July) than Barca have been trying to do to us by dragging the affair our to get a cheaper price, although we have chosen not to act like complete c*nts in the process.. Of course, Cesc has/was tied to a 4 year contract, but the lad seems to be doing his level best to move on, and after 8 years, can we really begrudge him?
2. Gilberto Silvers comment, which was to my mind one of the most astute comments of the day, that irrespective of how much money we have at our disposal, the most adequate player we could possibly invest in as a long term replacement for Cesc is already at the club – Jack Wilshire.
Well in with the Arsecast ‘holic. I will read this blog on the way to the beach too.
Fair play last night tabs, you deserved 900th place ๐
Some Bass Pale Ale for everyone and something tropical for me, maybe a Corona?
UTA
Wow, color me impressed! After 7 pints and a chaser I wouldn’t be able to write the first word of your post… And top post to boot.
Here’s to the win without injuries.
UP THE ARSE!
Holic,
I see the beers worked their magic, a lovely piece. And yes, Tuesday will be massive. Delighted I’ll be there to cheer and encourage our young team on to victory. Cheers!
N7,
You deserve equal praise for that post @ #6. Stirring stuff, am in total agreement. You have set the level of expectation perfectly, I think. If we win a trophy, superb, we’ll all celebrate like we’ve not done in ages. If not, then there’s still so very much to look forward to this season and you described it perfectly.
Buck Farca & FOYS
UTA & COYRRRs!!! We have a big point to prove this year.
Goonerholic,
You are a true legend!
Good work! Off to see Toots and the Maytals soon so life is pretty good!
Let’s rip newc a new one ๐
Blimey Cannons, I have bought some tins of Draught Bass to follow the couple of Newcy Broons i have got for the game tomorrow.
It’s part of a new policy I have this season. I’m going to drink your beer, and my team are going to beat yours.
…maybe…
So, we finally got our experienced central defender, and one who has played many, many Premier League ga… sorry, what’s that? Oh, you said JOEL Campbell?
Anywichwayhowever, tomorrow sees the season start for real. It will be a long day, Arsenal Sweden will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a big party. We’ll start at 1pm, and Anders Limpar will be there. Won’t be any time to partake in the drinking in this bar tomorrow, but as you all know my tab is always there for you!
Up the Arse!
@25…seeing them in september..life is good..
Great post ,holic sir, loved the BB referwan’t wait until it all kicks off tomorrow, let the football do the talkng and once again make the so called experts who predict our downfall eat their dooming words.
Heroes come & go,but we shall prevail, because we are the Arsenal and we are the best, we are the Arsenal so fuck all the rest.
COYRRR.
Lars, make sure Anders knows he is still loved by all the old Gooners.
Ian Wright owes him big time for a lot of his goals.
‘Holics
I know it’s not even official yet but I’m starting to feel considerable resentment towards our former captain.
Yes, he’s a superb player, one of the best of his generation in fact. Yes, he’s maintained a dignified silence. Yes, he gave us some great service and wonderful footballing memories on the pitch. I thank him for all of that.
However, the more I think about it, his silence as captain of our great club as the world and his extra c*nty Farca mates ripped the p*ss out of us has soured my view.
I may be wrong, but I can’t help feeling that he has helped to co-ordinate the activity that saw him released early from the contract that he willingly signed and at a price well below his market value.
I’d be glad to be wrong on this but if I’m not then the karma police will be watching and following.
Apologies to any I offend but I had to get that off my chest.
Normal service will be resumed shortly…
Sorry new phone
โWe will have a new centre-back by the end of the transfer window – because Vermaelen only played five games last year,”
โWe will not do [a deal for] Juan Mata. I donโt have to give a reason, we will not do it.โ
He can’t be serious.
How many times can TV be a LANS?
I would like to see this team
Chezzer
Sagna Koscielny Vermaelen Traore
Song Frimpong
Walcott Arshavin Gervinho
RVP
Fabianski, Jenkinson, Djourou, Ramsey, Rosicky, Chamberlain, Chamakh or Vela
Like you i think Arshavin in the Cesc role behind the main striker would be awesome. The pace of that 3 behind the striker is frightening. Imagine Taylor and Coloncini with their pace? hahaha
But because of Arshavin’s lack of tracking back, i would use Song and Frimpong in a more Defensive Blocker than usual.
‘holic, Now that is a master class of a match preview, and just the thing to get me looking on the positive side of things.
Great clip of the Blues Brothers. One good one deserves another:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilwteQnEOmE&feature=related
I hope Wolfgang liked that one. ๐
Does anyone know if Campbell has a European passport?
If he doesn’t, I really don’t know how he’s earmarked to the first team.
TS@31
That is what has stuck with me through this whole process. Let me start by saying right off the top that I completely understand his desire to go back to his boyhood club and hometown and I will never doubt his commitment once he steps on the pitch. I also wouldn’t want to speculate on how much he was behind the move. But… the standard of dedication for a club captain has to be higher than everyone else. You are there to inspire and lead your teammates in their dedication to your club and it’s success. I know he never said anything to disrespect the club or publicly ask for a transfer, which is fine in most cases, but again I think the standard for the captain is much higher. I don’t want the captain of this team to come out and say he’s “happy” at Arsenal. I want him to say he is fully committed to Arsenal and there is NO place he would rather be to lead a team to trophies. Even after all the speculation last summer when it was confirmed he was staying his official statement left me wanting more. His admittance that his head was turned by the prospect of joining Barca ended it for me in terms of his qualifications as captain. Look at Chezzer and Jack, both young lads but already everything they say in public is an unquestionable dedication to Arsenal and wanting to win things with this club not any other club. Captain quality statements to me.
8ball – how did you know ? – Heroes one of my all time best .
8ball , you’re my new favourite now . ๐
Also sorry for the brief negative rant. Back on the HT. Widow seat if any are still left and Pint of Anchor Porter please.
Agree TS and Bearded. Am like a broken record harking back to the world cup but I have never seen such a lack of respect shown to any club before. Time to move on now and more than happy with new captain. As posting music is de riguer thought I would add one especially for the visitors like myself to this site over the summer and the season ahead… COYR..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG2NL72DhqA&feature=autoplay&list=FLIq12gGVaiCM&index=3&playnext=2
This is what we want in a centre back. A perfect combination of violence and fleet footednees
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMuaurmP5AU&feature=mr_meh&list=FLIq12gGVaiCM&index=8&playnext=0
Fine all round stuff ‘Holic.
Excellent, N7 Gooner @6.
Zico – in case you missed it in the last drinks, many thanks for the kind words. I’d love to join in during the day but time usually beats me. ๐
TS @31 – know how you feel. I don’t think the being pictured cuddling and cavorting with Barca chums has been any way for the captain of Arsenal to behave.
Neither did I like his piece in the final Arsenal program of last season.
Nothing much about his thoughts for Arsenal, more about his holiday plans with friends in Spain, and whether he may, or may not, be watching Barca vs ManUre on the telly.
I certainly DON’T want to start slagging off a guy who for the most part has played with fantastic skill and spirit for the Arsenal, but like yourself, I believe, and Steve T, I thought there were signs last season of a change in him.
It may have been injury related – who knows. But there was something different.
Overall, a very decent guy who gave us 8 years of wonderful skill.
He will be welcomed back by me, but not quite with the fervour reserved for Dennis, Thierry, Patrick, Le Bob and Chippy.
Bearded @ 39 – nice one.
TS – if your chest is still feeling a little heavy, may I suggest a final polish for the HT.
The sight of that gleaming red and white will soon have you back to normal. On second thoughts . . . ๐
Noel @42 – tuuuuune.
But I see your Taking Heads, and raise you a bit of Jessie J:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMxX-QOV9tI&ob=av2e
“It ain’t about the money, money, money, we don’t need your money, money, money…”
We are the Arsenal you Farca c*ntbuckets. So do one. Our time will come.
Wolfgang, ’twas just a hunch you would like it. ๐
Noel, the David Byrne song is a nice one too.
Snir –
I don’t think that KevSolJoel Campbell will be holding a European passport ‘cos he’s from Costa Rica.
But he has played for the senior national side 6 times apparantly, so probably qualifies via the percentage of recent international games played stuff. ๐
Trev, I agree about Cesc’s performance last season and it’s time we turned a corner because we had been going in a straight line to nowhere (or around in circles, if you like that metaphor) for too many years in a row.
Half a century!
Funnily enough snowy am not thinking about football when I watch that video ๐
Trev, Bearded & Noel
Thank you all for your ‘support’ in my rant.
I don’t often come out with crap like that but it just struck me that Wenger, despite being under enormous pressure is still defending the guy (& Na$ri) and describing them as professional. If professional = mercenary then I completely agree.
Bearded, I could not agree more. A captian or a leader has to stand head and shoulders above his colleagues, that’s why he’s chosen to lead. Cesc is a wonderful football player. As a leader he could learn from Jack or Szcz.
And if you look at our club for the very the embodiment of unquestionable dedication then there are two people that spring to my mind: Arsene & Pat.
UTA!
Re: TS @31: The other question in my mind is, knowing that it was likely that Cesc would soon be asking to leave, why did Arsene choose Cesc as our captain last year. Yes, he was our best player and a natural candidate but don’t we need a captain who is fully committed to the club for the long term?
Trev, Snir
Word is, we’ll need to apply for another exceptional talent visa for Soup-er Quality Campbell, otherwise he’ll have to go out on loan for a season.
Apparenlty, you can apply for more than one and we obviously know how to do the job properly ‘cos it worked for young Ryo.
And I know Cesc was appointed captain in the midst of turmoil surrounding Gallas’ performance at Birmingham but still …
I agree 8 ball @ #54 but it would have really hard, having convinced him to stay another season, to then strip him of the captaincy.
I’m not bitter about that bit ๐
Heh Trev @ #46 ๐
*wax on, wax off*
Noel @ 52 good point, well made and all. But I did actually post it because of the sentiment ๐
TS @ 53 I think a lot of us are with you on all of those good points. So here’s a tune for Mr $amir Ca$hri:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWmiN4ih_rQ
And Samir, if I had a taxi I’d drive you to Shiteh meself but I’m busy tomorrow. Stuff to do, Bartons to bait, pies and pints to consume. Hope you understand, you money grabbing f*cktard.
Agreed nasri – oops – 8ball
We need a change. We need a BIG player or two to create a big mentality in the team.
As someone already pointed out, in Jack Wilshere we have the best possible replacement for Cesc, already at the club. And he has a bit more physicality about him.
I’m really looking forward to seeing our new speed merchants rip into teams with a bit of aggression.
The speed of our transfer dealings is driving me mad, but the assurances keep coming that weaknesses will be addressed. I want to believe it, so for now I do.
Stoke (sorry) them fires up engineer, and get the HT rolling.
Sick bag, anyone ? ๐
TS – It’s all relative. We didn’t do a good job with Vela, Galindo, Botelho and Wellington ๐
The way AW was talking about him it sounded as if he’s earmarked for the first team as if he’s already sorted all the WP issues (maybe his neighbor’s cat is European and he’s eligible for a European passport ;)? ).
snowy, Jessie J be cool, or HOT, i mean. ๐
Trev, sick bag over here please. The pressure is too much. ๐
All about the egos 8ball. Did it for Henry too. Arsene is a legend who only sees the good in people like the talent he tries to bring out. A dreamer? Maybe a gambler too. There was a question on whether if you were playing for another club and Arsenal wanted you what would you do ? Very hard to find committed players now but as Bearded says we have Chezzer and Jack to look to. Cesc has never said a bad word about us and why should he. From 16 on Arsenal were his family and I dont think that will change. The fact is he had his head turned by a bunch of diving cheating media whores who put enough peer preesure on him over the last few years to change his attitudeand that is the fault in them not Arsenal. One day he like all the rest will realise his mistake. Not many get a chance to come back though.
And TS – You know what I think of Cesc and how much I love the guy, and I really do understand his will to play for the team he supports,
BUT like I said a couple of days ago, he played a dangerous game by trying to be nice to both parties. He didn’t want to offend Arsenal so he kept quiet and didn’t want to ruin his chances of joining Barca so he kept quiet.
Something’s gotta give. In his silence (although he did say this – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtc7ECdve4E) or rather in his lack of action, lack of trying to shut his buddies up he hurt The Arsenal.
Because of that, I’m quite bitter, but like you guys said, let’s just move on.
Noel, I am not angry at Cesc since he has let it be known, indirectly at least, for years that he would eventually want to return to Barcelona. Now that he is 24 and it is unknown when he could suffer a career ending injury, as is the case with all footballers, I see no reason to criticise him for pushing the issue at this point in time.
Cheers Snowy @ #59 ๐
Anyone who turns our back on us like that is, indeed a f*ucktard.
Just like Ca$hley Hole & Adebaywhore. None of them will ever be welcomed back to The Ems, well not by me anyway.
Of course, now that I’ve typed that we ‘ll find out on Monday that Na$ri is staying ๐ณ
8ball, have a look at the video I posted – I don’t know a lot of modern footballers who would show that much respect.
We shouldn’t be angry at Cesc, but bitter.
Snir –
a little something to keep you busy overnight.
I hear a whisper that we are to invade the Americas again for another little known player.
Arsene is evidently dangling the carrot of an Arsenal contract for an eventual partner for Campbell.
His anme is Cory Andor. Any info ?? ๐
Trev – Never heard of him. Not really a fan of American “soccer”.
Something to keep you busy overnight – Rumors that Malaga have an agreement for….
Almunia!
Oh dear the posting of Jessie J seems to have put the HT on an altogether alternative direction than I intended. Ho hum. As it were.
As for the new Campbell Souper signing, I’m a bit sad for the lad that it got buried on a news day when AW said in a prezzer that the squad’s ‘too big’ and in the middle of the na$regas banana fest. He looks like a talented young chap, typical development signing and seems to have a pretty decent left foot on him too. Wish him well. But no thanks to the Arsenal PR team who as usual seem to have been on the Valium today (or in the CMC). I really wish they didn’t bollox these things up so much, the past few days from a comms perspective have been tragic.
I know 8ball but cant help harking back to the time when players spent their career at the club and for Arsenal they are too numerous too mention. Why did he sign a contact until 2015 if he had any niggling doubts . Even a normal working person would say fuck that I will give them a couple of years and see what happens. He loved us but got swayed…The only time Tony Adams swayed…I wont go there ha.
Arsenal is not what it was. The club are taking the p*ss out of your loyalty, an understandable loyalty when it’s been a constant in life for so many decades.
People need to differentiate between the executive and the heart of the club. The heart is us. The executive have been and continue to see a profit making opportunity. Indefensible.
Re: Snir, having seen the interview you posted my opinion is the same. Cesc has been gracious and classy in all his public pronouncements about Arsenal. That said, any Arsenal supporter has every right to be bitter or angry about his leaving, if that is what they feel, but I don’t think it does us as individuals any good to harbor any of those negative feelings too long.
Noel@42. That is some serious HT music. Also is that Petit on the Violin?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG3sXtDHlDk&feature=autoplay&list=FLIq12gGVaiCM&index=21&playnext=8
Something to cheer ye up
Trev @69 I think I know who you’re referring to – was he a big but quite agile lad who paired up up front with that Italian/Aussie international Mel Aggertorni in Bolton reserves about three or four seasons ago?
From memory, though he wasn’t a patch on that ex- Shaktar bloke they had at the time, forget his name, something like Krema Musczrum. Proper crowd pleaser on a cold mid winter mid week misery of a fixture he was.
Aah, fond memories…
‘holic @ 26-
I share your sentiments of drinking the enemy’s product, always been my style. Something very tribal about it, and it doesn’t hurt when the liquid is as delicious as the Brown.
Love the blog, and a Great job on the ‘Cast this week.
I like Gervinho @ 6/1, but I like the Verminator to score the last @ 16/1 even more.
Keep the faith. AND COME ON YOU RRR’s!
8ball – My feelings exactly.
I am bitter cause he didn’t tell his friends to stop disrespecting but considering his profession and his colleagues in the modern game I think that publicly he acted admirably and better than expected from a modern footballer these days.
Noel73 – thanks for the link. Laugh or cry ? ๐ ๐
Snowy – that’s the one. Can’t believe Snir hasn’t heard of him with his normally encyclopaedic knowledge.
I’m sure they were all produced in the same academy by, I believe a German coach called Heinz Baxter.
howdy ‘holic
long time no etc
was out this evening
a roy orbison based row ensued
it was all i could do not to rip the fuckers kidneys out
fortunately i composed meself and am home kidney free ceptin for
me own
the troopers – still pluggin away – if only they knew
anyhoo
cesc ?
as the big O said
“All the rainbows in the sky
Start to weep, then say goodbye
You won’t be seeing rainbows any more
Setting suns before they fall, Echo to you that’s all that’s all
But you’ll see lonely sunsets after all
It’s over It’s over It’s over It’s over”
or the b-side
eff off barca shortarse
Trev – it’s a great academy that one. They have something like 57 varieties of training drills I believe. Not much of a surprise the national team is almost always a contender in every international tournament. Respect.
Holics,
Many of you have seen it plenty of times but something to cheer you up…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTebxpuryvI
Snir @ 83 – bless you, all seen before but they never get old.
Night folks. Long journey on the morrow.
Up the Arse.
snir geuli
big smiles
howzabout some 70s compilations
*reminds self not to wet self when Alan Sunderland defeats the northern foe*
Re: Snir @83, Maybe u can post that every friday? ๐
Re: Snir @83, Maybe u can post that every friday? ๐
Can’t be Arsed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uL-iJEiyIg&feature=related
oops, sorry for any overkill, none intended …
It has been a strange few weeks. Great post as always holic, but the fact that you say you will not shed tears if we drop points in out first 3 league games as long as we qualify for the Champions League speaks volumes as to where we actually are as a club. It is really not that far back that the thought of dropping points like that would have been as unthinkable as not making the Champions League.The fact that both thoughts have us all nervous for me confirms that we are still in a mess. You are of course spot on in the fact that we play one of the very few teams left that appear to be in an even greater mess.
I still can not get my head around the AW presser. Some of the comments were quite simply bizarre. I have also read the quotes that Snir eludes to above. Is is any surprise that those outside of the club seem to think that Le Boss is losing it? Those outside of the club rejoice in beating us with a big stick. All we seem to be doing is feeding the stick steroids and making it even meatier.
This may well be my last post for a few weeks. I am off on hols tomorrow. Not sure how much access I will either have, or be allowed to have to the WWW. I have always said that I will reserve full judgement when the window shuts and I will stick to that, although I am more than a little concerned with what has or has not happened so far this summer.
I will conclude with the departure of Cesc. I agree with the many above who feel mightily pissed off at the way things have happened. I do not think that anyone comes out of this with any credit. Barca have been total wankers. They have been wankers for years. But we have allowed them to be wankers. Bar the odd moan we have done fuck all to suppress their tasteless witterings. Some of their antics have been shocking, but we have sat back and done sod all. For me it makes us look weak and almost invites the bully. The fact that they have players stating how glad they are that he has already signed just shows how lacking they are.
So what of Cesc? I will shed no tears at his departure. That does not stop me being mightily pissed off and feeling massively bitter. I am of the opinion that his silence has been anything but dignified. His intentions have been quite clear for months now. Despite the fact that he was more than happy to sign a very long and lucrative contract. I am old fashioned enough to believe that that should still mean something. I spoke on the last blog about his lack of effort at times. You have to ask as a player that if you see that attitude from your captain then how does that make you feel? Does that inspire you to go the extra mile, put yourself on the line for your club? I think not. I will thank Cesc for the service he has given my club. But that is it for me. Arsenal have been very good for Cesc. I hope he never forgets that. I do not give a fuck what he does at Barca. I do not wish him all the best and I care not a jot if he does a Hleb and spend most of the season on the bench. If he comes back to the Grove to play against us he will get very polite applause and that will be it from me. Again, as someone above stated, he is no Henry, Dennis, Bobby P, Paddy, Tony, Keown etc etc. You all know who I am talking about. Cesc had the potential to make that elite group but chose not to. Thanks Cesc, shut the door on the way out.
Sami is a bit different. He is another motivated only by money. What is interesting is that a report in the Saturday press will say that we will give him to Citeh, but in exchange for Tevez. It also states that Tevez would jump at the deal. I struggle to believe that any of that is true but that is just the kind of signing that would lift the whole club.
Lets do the Geordies, let’s pick up no new injuries and then let’s stuff the Italians……… Please? Just for me?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQEXjVWe6lA
Just for you Can’t be Arsed.
I think I’m in Barney.
Went to put my team in order for the kick off and this is what I found;
Service Temporarily Unavailable
The server is temporarily unable to service your request due to maintenance downtime or capacity problems. Please try again later.
DOOOOOMMMMMED!!!!!!!
Only 38 more games to go? The season has gone by so quickly!
OH.
As said in the marathon previously Fine work by one and all! A performance by our Gooners tomorrow/today/every game and there can be no doubt we’ll be in the shake up come shiny trinkets time. Final word from me on the fabregas situation, an underwelming end to a (arsenal) career of immense potential which was perhaps elongated by the showing of unwavering support of a manager who deserves it more than ever now himself. Cesc, you literally could have it had it all here like the past greats but like so many of your contemporaries these days you just didnt want it enough unfortunately. its off to pastures new where nothing is certain and all is to be lost, but this Gooner will thank you for the service and more importantly the funds to achieve what you could have spearheaded. The head will be sore in the morning but the heart will be beating red and white! Remember its great to be a Gooner and at least your not a spud!
cbwycbas, have you ever considered the unwieldliness of your acronym? I know, I know. I’m not one to talk about such things. ๐
Bt8b i have thought about it before alright, been meaning to change it. Cbw could be an option?
cbwycbas, isn’t that a place in Wales?
you better be blind trough this whole season so you dont need to watch any football cos you only interested in gambling actually.
H2H Heh ๐
‘Holic,
“[D]ragged kicking and screaming” Don’t make me laugh, old bean! ๐
You KNOW that you were dying to start that league ๐
And I also figured you’d have the juice to go one further and find some nifty sponsorship. I only hope you finagle a way to make a few “bob” on the deal.
I’m glad to FINALLY read some some like-minded thoughts on the Cesc/Na$ri (I love that). “Some Spanish lad” – Ha!!
In the words of Caesar… “iacta alia est”
Come ON, you rip roaring, never boring, always soaring REDS!
@98 i dont understand?
Jekyll, spot on.
Hey Lonestar, You have a highly profitable llama business, judging by the interest spawned here, so who’s a better candidate to sponsor the league. I’m sure ‘holic would be amenable to calling it the “Lonestar Enterprises Goonerholic League” if the payoff is high enough. ๐
I somehow missed your post at 90, Steve T.
It’s always a plesure reading your drinks, I hope you enjoy your hols and by the time you return we’ll be in the hat for the CL proper and top of the league with all our re-inforcements in place.
8ball,
LOL. Surely you jest. I am, and have always been, a poor llama farmer…a simple kind of man (if you will)
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xep2pv_lynyrd-skynyrd-simple-man_music
UTA!!!
How much for the women” My fav film of all time pure brilliance, Visiting Sweet Home Chicago in a few weeks and have got my Sis to book me Blues Tickets should be a blast,
Up The Arsenal,
Illinois Nazis”I Hate Illinois Nazis ๐
Fix the cigarette lighter…..
Great stuff ‘holic. Off down the coast (Worthing) in a bit, taking youngest binlid to visit the grandparents. Going by train, cos there’s fuck all chance of me driving back today!
Have a good holiday, Steve.
Have a good day, Esso.
H2H, same problem with the Fantasy League here. Everybody must have left it to the last minute to register their teams and are blowing the servers.
Oh well ๐
Goonerholic,
You’re such a tease.
There I was aiming for mid-table mediocrity and picking a team worthy of it, then you let loose with the “modest prize” routine.
And now the server is down…..
With all the goings on this summer thought it could not get any worse then you read the most disturbing headline of all:
“Carlsberg signs stadium beer deal with Arsenal”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/8698912/Carlsberg-signs-stadium-beer-deal-with-Arsenal.html?
Do we now only have a choice of this SHIT on a match day?
Morning All!
HT MkII has arrived in Newcastle resplendent in it’s glorious livery full of proud if nervous supporters plus the odd pet who doesn’t get to watch his team today as they’re are still locked away at home under armed guard. Ah bless.
8ball @ #74 – Spot on, couldn’t have put it better my self.
Steve T @ #90 – Ditto (BTW, Tevez or similar would be lovely but it’s pure press fantasy IMO)
H2H @ #97 – Excellent ๐
A round for these fine gents please Mr. Barman & one for yourself. On my tab please.
Welcome (nearly) Joel Campbell.
COYRRRs!!!
Err TS actually……
The Scene: Platform 49:
A seething mass of bodies, clothed in Red and White to a man, rush toward a futuristic bullet train, where a middle aged man with a beatific smile, looks toward the crowd with unadulterated pleasure. He is accompanied by another man who is meticulously scribbling on a clip board:
Dr Feelgood: โOK folks, stop the squabbling there at the front, thereโs plenty of room on board. Just make sure that you have your Happy Train MKii tickets, (valid for 9 months) ready for the ticket inspectorsโ.
Professor Edwin T Storey: โTake your time people, there is a seat for each and every one of you. We have a checklist to ensure that you have the correct ticket and credentials before venturing aboard.
In particular please ensure that you have:
1. Bio Hazard Suit โ made to measure
2. Pack of Rizlas
3. Red tinted spectacles
4. Pipe (design optional)
5. One small (330m) bottle of DLL โwaterโ
6. One small emergency pack of Prozac
7. Parasol (Wolfgang Smallballs)
8. Stethoscope (Trev and Catalan)
9. Bubble Wrap Suit (compulsory)
10. ยฃ2 coins for the jukebox โ (all proceeds to Dr Feelgoodโs favourite ,er ,Charity)
11. Crystal Balls (BtM and Snir only)
12. Glossary โ if you lose your copy you will find an extra one in the Library carriage.
You will find on the back of your seat, a personal DVD player which will be showing, continuously on a loop, something about a football team called โThe Invincibles 49โ. Other football footage will be shown on the large plasma screens in the bar. Be kind and respectful to the bar staff โ they will understand you although they will speak between themselves in Swedish (Lars will be on hand to both pay for drinks and sort out any translation issues). HT Security are on board (but not for your comfort and arguably not for your safety either so keep your hands by your sides, lads).
Please donโt feed the animals in the Noah Carriage. (You can occasionally poke Cusop with a sharp stick). For those of you who elect to venture into the โSportโ carriage, please keep the noise down and respect your fellow passengers (especially at night).
One final thing โ our Research Department have provided each and every one of you with our latest device โSnug Lugsโ. These are a perfectly formed set of ear plugs which you should utilise immediately in the event that any of the Boo Boys Brigade (BBB) try and venture aboard over the course of the journey.
The first stop is Newcastle โ on behalf of DL Ltd, Dr Feelgood and myself, enjoy the ride.โ
Epic *boilk* come on you reds! Will 5.30 ever arrive?
Supplementary ‘holic pound punted on 3-1 to the Arse at 16/1.
So you should avoid that like the plague ๐
zico @#115
Bravo, wonderful summary!
The hard ‘work’ was worth it. We’ve got a train full of delighted supporters (customers) and one slightly bruised pet begging for more ‘water’ in his bowl.
No major incidents to report. No Class One Events possible.
Yours, Edwin
zico @ #115
No harm done? ๐ ๐ณ
‘Holic @ #117
Good call. The Storey Sov is on 3-2 to The Arse, if only to suggest that we might actually (whisper it) keep a clean sheet?
Given the…er…. current circumstances a win would be tremendous. A draw, perfectly acceptable, I think. Tuesday is a must win game, however. Again, my opinion only.
Cheers!
Dr Z @115 – heh , top top stuff ๐ ๐
Boys , ignore the ‘Holic pound and the Storey sov . 3-0 to the Arse . I believe in this Defence . What could possibly go wrong ? ๐
๐
…. and thank you for the Parasol … very fetching … I think you would agree .
Heh Wolfgang ๐
Looking forward to seeing that parasol in the..er…flesh next weekend ๐
๐
COYRRR UTA
Heh TS ๐ , off to the away juicer of choice in about three hours – to say I’m excited is like saying Joseph Barton is a bit of a c*nt !!
must remember to change the moniker ๐
Boarding the HT MkII with the glitterati. The thrill of a lifetime. ๐
Hey 8ball – you watching it down the juicer today ?
Wolfgang @ 123 ๐
Wolfgang @ 126 ๐ ๐
Trev @ 69 – Cory Ander ๐ Think it went over Snir’s head though ๐
TS @ 119 – of course not mate.
8 ball @ 128 – the first drink on board is on me.
No more sleeps!
COYRRRs
Good to see talk of juicers, ‘holics. I will be watching today’s game with a few smoothies.
…John Smiths smoothies, as it happens.
tabs/WS @ #126
You can substitute a lot of names for Farton’s in there but I’ll keep it topical and suggest Pardew as a direct substitute ๐
I have ESPN this year so I’ll be screaming myself silly in front of the telly this evening.
Then B2B games at the Ems for HandsKnees&Udinese and The Smashers. What a start to the season!
To say I’m full of anticipation is a bit like saying Farca have a few financial problems.
Give it a couple of years and Iniesta, Xavi, Puyol, Alves and all those other catalan c*nts will be available on a free with their begging bowls in front of them. That’s when we’ll welcome Messi to the home of football for a mere signing on fee and turn our backs on the rest of them. They had their chance. You heard it here first ๐
๐
TS – the only thing they’ll get in their begging bowls is a bit of Cusop’s lemony water ๐
tabs @ #134
If they’re lucky. Haven’t they taken the p*ss enough already? ๐
feel sure new players will be coming in just such a shame its all left so late, still 3-1 arsenal today hopefully
3-0 with Gervinho to score any time.
Anyone who has problems with streams can email me, holic has the address.
Kyle Bartley lasts 32 minutes before going off injured – the jinx follows him north ๐
For now, this should work.
Atdhe.ws
zico @ #138
Kyle needs to come back to LC ASAP to recover in the warm and ample bossom of The VC (yes, I have it on ‘good authority’ that she’s joined the Colney Creche for the new season!).
Then Arsene needs to revoke the deal with the Gers and put him in the first team after he undergoes an initiation ceremony of squaring up to Squillaci, pulling one of his limbs off and whacking him out the door with it.
What? All right nurse, I’ll come quietly…..
The CMC beckons
UTA!
PS: Good/funny read on 7AMKO by ‘Grimbo’. I think many of us are harbouring similar feelings at the mo’
Wahooo, it’s finally here!!
Time to put the gloom and doom, the what ifs and the maybes, the whose comming or going to one side and get behind the lads Time to turn over the Toon as we march on to the most glorious season ever!!!!
It’s time to end my pre-season whiskey + vodka only diet and add some beer into the mix, because as every sane footy fan knows, match day without beer is like Ryan Giggs without one of his siblings partners.
Re the FFL.
Fortune favours the stuborn.
As I posted last night, the site was unavailable, a hard choice had to be made, Would I keep endlessly trying to log on in vain or would I tread the path of sensibility and go to bed get some sleep and try again in the morning, I of course chose the former.
For hours I continued to log on to no avail, until by the grace of Dennis, at approx 5:30 a minor miracle of technology let me in to make a few tweeks to H2HFC.
No need to be worried though lads, because in the state I was in by the time I was grated access, I probably made things worse then they already were. ;P
Zico.
I’ve went down your magic check list and all boxes are ticked, except for number 10. Does the duke box also accept euro coins?
FROM THIS
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Train_wreck
TO THIS
http://www.fotosearch.com/CSP476/k4766567/
COME ON ARSENAL !!
All Aboard!!!
http://www.larkhallparkfriends.org.uk/train2.jpg
Bloody Mary tabs?
H2H – no but Dr Feelgood does ๐
tabs ๐
Boom, boom, Cannons here! Just back to beach…lovely day out! I didn’t realize I was such a fattie till looking at the day’s pics though. So just a mineral water for me right now…
I can’t wait to see Arsenal tear Newcastle and those fat Geordie cunts a new orifice today. I expect nothing but nasty tackles and goals from our soldiers. I want to humiliate those thick northern cunts. A cheeky reducer on Barton in the first minute with him needing to be stretchered off while tweeting random quotes from famous authors that he found on wikipedia….pretentious twat
COME ON ARSENAL!!!
Ah just the ticket H2H , a nice bloody Mary will take the edge off the PMT ( pre match tension ) .
As regards the Speedo Massive , I am resigned to my ( Wolfgang’s ) fate . Not so lucky getting on to the site so I think we’re taking to the field with about 6 fit players . Ho hum .
Next round is on me .
Why is the FFL site down? Everyone trying to make last minute changes or summat?
off we go. couldn’t have said any of this better. let’s get behind the team and cheer us on to victory today
How many of Arsene’ s signing will actually start today?
Still building for the future then! 8-(
Time to hit the bar, the tv’s fired up, unkie in the UK we also get the 3 o clock kick offs live.
I’ll check in via my phone…… if I can suss the bloody thing out. ๐
Yeh think so Cannons . Esp the Holic league , with all having an over-reliance on crocked gooners .
Enjoyed your Barton rant . Would love to see young Aaron break him in 2 , and then start quoting a bit of Shakespeare as Barton’s various body parts are carried from the field .
” Though it appear a little out of fashion ,
There is much care and valour in this Welshman
Now f*ck off Barton ”
Henry V
Time for a Carib ?
It is always a sad occasion when good players leave a club – whatever the reason, but we should all remember that no-one on this earth is either indispensable or irreplaceable. The truth of the matter is that Cesc hasn’t really wanted to be here for some time now and his form last season was patchy to say the least even allowing for the effects of injuries. Nasri has been swayed by the lure of great riches and presumably the promise of prizes and trophies, and he wants away. In my opinion we should take the money and let them both go.
Nature abhors a vacuum, and when a void is created something or someone always steps up to fill it. In the case of a departing footballer often by someone who was hardly noticed before or from somewhere least expected and after a while the departee/s are almost forgotten. Life goes on. We must now all get behind our team and give them all the support we can.
I am delighted with the signings made thus far. True, only Gervinho is likely to walk straight into a first team berth but the young talent that is Ryo and Alex Ox is exceptional and after a period of gaining experience will prove to be brilliant signings. We do still need to strengthen our defence and I don’t need to go over that again but at least one (I hope it is two) EPL experienced defenders will be signed. I would also like to see a defensive/holding midfielder but I think AW may pin his hopes on Frimpong.
Whatever transpires in the next couple of weeks the Club is bigger than any one or two individuals and the Club is what we support and follow – not those one or two individuals.
Well said Norfolk .
Mugsmashers miss a pen ๐
@152: Any time is Carib time tabs, it’ll cool the head down a bit ๐
Too not too much lest we forget how much suffering we owe Pardew and his pack of magpie mouth-breathers….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0geNO-xmz-0
Too= though
Come on Arsenal…Barton lets see if you can tweet when Song rips your arms off and uses them for shin pads you muppet..
Get in!
Gary Cahill scored me a goal for my FFL ๐
A defender’s goal is like 23490824 points.
CANT.
BLOODY.
WAIT.
COYG
What a goal by Seb Larsson, beautiful.
Larsson and Cahill – The Speedo Massive say we are , say we are , say we are top of the league !!
Lagging behind a bit on the drinks..
Very nice writing ‘holic
*Pint of Carlsberg in hand* To the new season holics
Cheers ๐
boom, Boom, BOOM goes the dynamite!
Come on you Reds!
Good to see The Llamas are wearing their colours Lonestar .
Picture taken at the Angel of the North this afternoon ๐
http://www.allposters.co.uk/-sp/Decorated-Llama-Cuzco-Peru-Posters_i2496872_.htm
Arsenal team to play Newcastle: Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs, Song, Rosicky, Ramsey, Arshavin, Gervinho, Van Persie
Time to rest the critical voice and time to raise the cheering voice.
Up the Arse!!!
Thanks ‘Holic – more than good enough ! Off to the Juicer …
Afternoon lads,
Here we go then.
Zico – great stuff @ 115. BtW, one or two went over Snir’s head last night, but the poor lad’s very stressed. ๐
TS @140 – heh ๐
45 mins to go – must check the team news as i’ve been out. Then settle back for the delights of ESPN.
Who cares what any of them say, COYRRRRRRRs.
Mugsmashers are about to drop two points at home to Mrs. Doubtfire. LFC spent a shit load while SAFC brought in a bunch of guys on frees ๐
Cheers ‘Holic – your team came up while I was writing.
Looks decent for a decimated club.
F*ck the doomsters, Come on REDS !!
Enjoy Tabs ๐
Nice one ‘holic, that should be more then enough to see off the Toon.
Starting to get nervous now. Drinks for the lads.
COYRRR.
Ha ha Liverpool
Big spending Mugsmashers draw on their way to the title. Tee Hee ๐
Trev – You’re spot on. I’ve been under too much stress to notice anything around me ๐
COYG!!!!!!!!!!!!
Afternoon All
I’ve had the helium-voiced, C*nthead, F*ckbucket that is Lady Savage on my telly now for 5 minutes and I already want him to suffer a very minimum of Hardinso Endit and then his remains sprinkled on the pitch at the Camp Spew.
Where are TGLM when you really need them?
Mr/Ms Nutcrackerjee, if you’re out there, please fix it for me?
I think I’ll listen to the match on Arsenal Player with the TV volume set to mute.
Trev @ #168, see my comments above ๐
Team in full: Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs, Ramsey, Song, Rosicky, Arshavin, Gervinho, Van Persie
Subs: Fabianski, Chamakh, Djourou, Frimpong, Jenkinson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott
Come on you Almighty REDS!!!
Here we go!!
The dutch commentator saw the banner “only one joey barton ” and said; thank god .
Classic
COYRRR
All set pieces defended well and Woj looks confident.
Need to cut out the sloppy pases and we should have enough to beat them in the second half.
Song’s gotta be careful too.
COYRRR
A first half made up of choices. Wrong choices on most occasions but to score we need to create chances and i certainly think they will come! At least one or two clear cut chances at least. Woj has been rock solid and verm has been showing exactly what we missed last season. Overall pleased and maybe the ox on when gervinho finally tires out could be key. Defo think arshavin could do a job in the middle. Come on you reds!
Use your chocolate leg Robin. Sub Theo in for Rosicky and move AA into the AMF spot. More speed wide and better pinpoint passing where needed.
Let’s tune the Toon boys!
A pint of Brown Ale barman please.
Up the Arse!
That fucking Joey Barton is a massive cunt. He almost broke Song’s leg and should have gotten a red for that.
Song just Bartoned Joey.
He’sgotta be careful.
Hey! We’re not the only ones chanting SSFM …
Barton is a cunt
barton again with cuntduggery! Cannot stand that little fucknut
How is Barton still on the pitch?
It took exactly 72 mins before we heard SSFM.
Defensively, so far very good. How we missed TV last year.
Farton is an ENORMOUS c*nt
We just got Joey Bartoned. Fivehead should not have thrown a punch, er slap, but Joey should have got a second red. He was the bloody instigator. How we were the only ones to get a red for that incident I’ll never know???
Even the commentators are saying he should have gone.
Unbelievable! No Gervinho for the next 3 matches.
Defending well, TV, Koz & Gibbs outstanding. Why did Gervinho get himself sent off? He’ll now miss 3 games. Midfield a bit light. We all know Barton’s a twatt.
The only redeeming factor is that the media is finally seeing what we’ve known about Barton all along.
That Frimpong lad is built like a brickhouse ain’t he. Go fix that Barton Pingpong ๐
A point away from home is OK. We kept a clean sheet and as far as I know no injuries.
0-0 fair result and no disgrace
To be honest we didn’t deserve to get the full three points and almost got screwed into getting none because of Barton and the officials. Gotta create chances to win and we didn’t. Simple as that.
Good news: Defense.
Bad news: Offense and lack of chances.
Of course – Referees.
Just what I was afraid of – Tons of possession and no chances created.
Good defending at least.
Barton you cunt. I’m glad Gibbs and Song stuck it on him though, they deserve a couple of pints from us…
0-0 away at St. James Park, let’s march on from here soldiers…
Pints of Goliath for everyone…
A point away from home is decent..but no Gervinho for the big games?!
Barton, what a cunt! And why are they hugging him in the end?
Arsene must make at least one attacking and one defensive signing
Come on Arsene!
Massive game on Tuesday!
I can’t believe I’m saying that about a Champions league qualifier
Verminator was a rock (made me realise just how much he was missed). Gervinho looked good especially in the first 45, just a matter of getting acclimatised for him; looks solid. Szczesny really impressed especially with his anticipation and and coming out for crosses.
Not the worst result and no less than we deserve. But lots and lots of work still needed upfront. And please Arsene get Wilshere back asap.
Whiskey for me.
PS: For all the tough guy look Barton fell down like a lady, the coc*sucking Bit$$.
That cunt got his wish.
He is supposed to be an English “hardman” but falls to ground so easy.
He fell like he’d been shot!
No Gervinho for Liverpool or United, what a shame.
But memo to Arsenal players: SHOOT THE BALL!
Taylor and Barton both should be fecking banned, very sportsmanlike dragging a player to his feet (Yes I know he dived….twice today) and then making it clear to the ref that he was elbowed when of course he has the biggest forehead not the biggest hand shaped elbow ๐
Who was it that ran from our own box past the half way line and messed up the pass to Theo?
A better pass and he would have been through..Oh well
Song might face TV trail.
That’s another 3 matches. Fucking bollocks.
And I don’t think he dived, he fell to ground before the contact, but there was contact and it should have been a penalty.
@207: I think Djourou maybe…
Harsha – Djourou.
Agree with Harsha, Song and Kos should have given Barton the finger and walked off.
Was the Ref blind to the fact that Barton instigated the whole episode. Not to mention the penalty that could have been given for the foul on Gervinho?
Good to see Gervinho stand up against the cunt. Shame he wont be available for the next three..
Harsha @ 207 it was Djourou.
Massive games coming up but let’s wait til 1st September to see whether or not we’ve made the signings we need. I know there’s many on here that think we should wait til 1st Sept but please explain to me why especially given the difficult start to the season we have and the damage that could be done by 31st August?
Playing Russian roulette with the clubs prospects is a crap way to run your business.
That said a new defender wouldn’t have defended better than the boys did this arvo.
Oh well at least we had Cesc and Samir cheering the lads on from the hotel room.
Question: if we are still paying these guys wages why the fuck are they not playing?
As for Barton, are any of us REALLY surprised? To be balanced though, not very smart from Song (who I thought was immense today). The FA are gonna love the 3 match example they’re about to make of him.
The farce continues….
Come on Snir that was a dive.
208 – Irrespectible of it being a dive or not, if one comes full of aggressiveness to take a player by the clothes… a reaction is entirely justified within the context of the situation. He won`t be getting a 3 match ban, i don`t think so. Or if he does i stop watching football ๐
That was Abso-fucking-lutely not a dive. Taylor did make contact with Gervinho’s left. I actually think it was a Penalty.
The free kick in the first half though was bordering on simulation.
Newcastle were there for the taking and we only got a draw out of it. I’m afraid this could turn out to be an extremely loooooong season.
Stingy – Would you stop?
Considering the circumstances, we played a hard fought, spirited game with our backs to the wall against the entire country that writes us off.
Not many teams even know how to break through a parking bus and especially not the bus that comes in front of Arsenal (I assure you, teams park the bus a lot deeper when they come up against Arsenal).
United who everybody seems to praise drew there last season and they were a better side last season than they are this season.
I know we didn’t create chances but don’t forget that this is the first (!!!) match of the season and players aren’t at their sharpest.
I am disappointed by the lack of chances as well but considering the circumstances I stand up and salute the boys for a hard fought performance.
A penalty? Come on people. That was classic simulation on Fivehead’s part. He should have got a yellow for it if it wasn’t for all the Joey Bartonish afterward. Barton should have received a red for man handling (WS would love that) and Fivehead should have got a red (as he did) for hitting someone in the head (even though it was a mild slap). Fivehead’s got to learn the hard way not to get sucked into such a situation. It was Barton’s intention all along. Remember how he sucked Diaby into it last year? We simply don’t learn. Barton’s a cunt but that’s his tactic. To get one of our guys sent off. We’ve got to be more mentally strong than that. Dรฉjร vu.
NUFC are much weaker right now than they were last season and are in bigger disarray than our club at the moment. You seem to conveniently overlook that Snir. This is one match, before it started and looking at the upcoming schedule, that we needed the full three points from. At least in my opinion.
Right then. I’m not in the mood for bitching. A pint of Brown Ale please barman.
Stingy, you are pressing buttons again. Upset people with your attitude again and it’s a second yellow fella.
GH – What are you talking about? I’m making reasoned arguments and I’m not going off on anybody. You’re not being fair. Is this just a yes man zone and an old boys club?
Joey Barton is massive pardew.
Ask Steve T about that. He disagrees with us all the time, but without being bombastic, and frankly, provocative.
Bombastic. Not as in Mr Boombastic? Good word nonetheless!
SV – I’ll quote the great AW and say it is much easier to create defensive understanding than offensive understanding.
Gervinho is still not familiar with Rvp’s or Arshavin’s runs and vice versa.
NUFC might be a weakened team but they still know how to park a bus.
In case you haven’t noticed, we lacked a certain player who made the most scoring chances and assists in the last 5 seasons, most of these chances and goals were against teams that parked the bus.
It is not easy breaking a parked bus and in fact few players in the world can actually create passes which do.
In case you forgot, St. James’s park is one of the toughest places to go, regardless of the squad you’re up against and the boys played with determination and spirit.
And yes, it was a penalty. He looked for it, and even fell to the ground before contact was made, but contact WAS made.
And if you wanna be really petty, Barton pulled Gervinho up while the ball was still in play so that’s a penalty as well.
@ 226
Good point!
So you can get banned for being bombastic and provocative while never being rude or abusive? Don’t agree that I am. There’s a very low threshold hold here for dissent. They’re allowed to be more frank, bombastic, and provocative in the House of Commons than in this bar. Joey Barton is provocative ‘holic. Agree to disagree.
I’m off for some much needed real drinks. Goodnight ‘holic. Looking forward to your review though.
Up the Arse!
SG @226,
I agree with your second paragraph. Technically, in theory, a ref can award a penalty for that reason but in practice you’ll almost never see one awarded.
Disagree with your first paragraph entirely. Falling to the ground before contact was made is the best definition of a dive. Therefore, simulation and a yellow ๐
Hello all….
Took the summer off from posting but still read every post and most of the thousands of comments.
Barton is clever for such a nutcase, got the result he expected (again).
We looked rusty as you’d expect but I think we defended well. More aggressive at attacking the ball, TV and Kos very solid, Szzccc very alert and if you didn’t notice we did a lot more pressing than at any time in the last dozen matches last season.
Not an awful start and in the middle of the season (with that starting eleven especially) we’d say it was a good point.
That said can def see NUFC going down.
Can I just add – I think we should hang onto Bendtner until January for the sake of some variety in attack.
Cheers all
SV – Was the Chamakh penalty vs. Birmingham at home a dive? Because it is based on your interpretation.
A simulation is when a player falls down when NO contact is made, not when contact IS made (like it was today!).
Regardless of whether it was a dive or not, we should have done more going forward (and Barton should have been sent off plus an extra game on his suspension). Good to see we didn’t give up a goal at least.
Sczny reminds me more and more of Mad Jens, running halfway up the pitch to tell the ref to send of Barton. ๐
Joshua – Agree completely.
We currently have a problem breaking parked buses down. Hope Arsene fixes it. We might even need to change a formation cause we really struggle to create without Cesc.
Anyone else really thrilled by our nine-pin defensive formation when dealing with set pieces? I thought we were really good defensively on all accounts. Kos is fascinating to watch he looks like a ball-magnet at the back (and he’s the king of interceptions) and TV was solid as always. Sagna is really reaching the peak of his career, his tackles are imperial and got the better of 2 on 1s in all but one occasion. And Gibbsy is leggy, one sure thing he won’t fuck up our offside trap like Clichy sometimes did. Woj looks like he progressed well during the summer, solid display of anticipations in particular and his distribution looked better too. In front of them Song is becoming the top destroyer of the league, strong and powerful with the necessary nasty streak, I particularly liked his handling of Barton. The rest of the team did well to press and participate in the defensive effort. All in all they really looked like the best defense we’ve had in a long time.
On the other hand we looked a bit rusty, not enough fluency with too much time spent on the ball. Gervinho had a good introductory game though (if a bit too hot-tempered, he should have been briefed about Barton). Arshavin was discovering the right wing and RvP was a bit slow but they have to learn to play together so not too shabby for a first outing. In the middle I thought both Rosicki and Rambo were playing in Jack’s position and it took too long for Rambo to start foraging forward. By then Newcastle were dug in their half, although it’s telling when the most attacking club of the non-top 6 tries to salvage a draw. Still we looked much more lively when Walcott was introduced, hopefully it will give Wenger the idea to start Arshavin in the hole.
A pretty decent performance considering the circumstances, better than the jittery start from last season for sure. A CB to replace Squillaci would certainly help but obviously we have to add some firepower upfront. When do we get Barca’s cash?
Yes, Matt. Defense excellent today – although they were up against a super-ordinary attack. Kos and TV look like a really solid duo.
Am I the only one who noticed Kos has drastically improved his aerial ability?
BtM – I agree Newcastle’s attack is ordinary but it is offenses like those that usually give us a problem with the long ball.
We tend to do quite well with ball playing opponents.
I was pleased with the way we dealt with the aerial threats today, it reminded me of the Blackburn away game of last season (note: TV and Kos played together there as well).
Kos seems to grow in confidence, noticed him shouting instructions to his teammates.
Oh Deary me!! Not good lads, Barton had you lot over a barrel, I hope gets his for pretending! Was it a penalty, first look yes second no! he did and Eduardo!
The Barcodes are a chippy bunch of Spam copy cats and they got you today. I remember them driving Kaboul to see red last season!
PIP!! Your still ahead of us on the first day ! JUST!
@BtM: of course it’s very early to tell which is why I’m very impatient to see how they hold it against Pool and United. As for Newcastle time will also tell if Pardew’s ambition is to make them play like an Allardyce team or if it’s us who put them on the back foot which is very unusual for them.
@Cusop: nice try winding us but your lot would kill their granny to be given the assurance of a draw away at St James park…
Matt – I’m quite sure it’s actually easier for us defense against Liverpool and United (that is if Liverpool don’t decide to play solely on Andy Carrol). It’s games like the one today that I’m most afraid of.
*us = our
Snir, Matt, BtM
I agree. Almost ironically, I thought our defense looked really strong and super organised. Maybe the NUFC attack was somewhat average but the way Szcz and TV marhsalled people around and the game reading from Koz, Bac & Gibbs was really pleasing. We looked like we had really learned some very important lessons over the summer. Szcz wasn’t telling porkies when he announced on Pravda that he was satidfied with the way the defense had improved. From what I saw, he was spot on.
The irony is that moving forward we lacked sharpness and an end product today. Gervinho ran superbly and got himself in the best positions all of the time but unfortunatley failed at the final hurdle each time. RvP looked tired to me (can’t think why). The-o faield to make an impact when he came on. Rosicky, Aaron and Arsh had great moments and not so great moments but to me, we looked unlikely.
I know we’re only one game in and without Jack but the chants of SSFM made me thibnk we need to invest in a creative mid-fielder and some competition for RvP.
All-on-all, plenty of positives, plenty to contemplate but overall, considering what the club is going thru’ right now, a reasonable result.
Oh, and thank god we ain’t LWCs ๐
Thoughts?
Well Suarez and Hernandez may prove a bit tricky to many defenses this season. If we can handle them we could be in for a good season at the back (bar injuries and with Squillaci replaced).
looked unlikley to score ๐ณ
Friends, Gooners, ‘Holics, lend me thine ears.
Yon season dost begin most tepidly, but I am satisfied with effort and result.
Playing the barcodes away is never an easy fixture, even in the best circumstances. The English top-flight referees have been dodgy (and anti-Gunner) since I have been watching. Joey Barton is a massive cunt, sissie-boy; with his sissy-boy hair, his sissy-boy skulduggery, and his sissy-boy insincerity…but EVERYONE knows this.
I took some extremely positive points (Stingy listen up):
1. Back 4 had a MASSIVE game – Sagna was his usual effective self. Gibbs had a very good game with good pace and distribution. TV was huge, and (dare I quote Gilberto Silva) was like a new signing. Kos was up for it and had a good game.
2. Chezzer was out of his mind good. If we keep him (and he keeps getting better), this is 10+ years of solidity in goal.
3. CLEAN SHEET people. Extremely good defense on set pieces. Guys actually anticipated the ball and attacked it. GREAT work over the summer AW and coaching staff.
4. Song was MASSIVE. Regardless of whether the FA does its ex post facto television railroad job and suspend him, Song et al, have sent word that this Arsenal team this year ain’t taking this intimidation shite. Joey Barton doesn’t like it up ’em… Pubis you and Stoke had better take note. We just have to be a little more sensible when dealing with the wind-up merchants.
5. Theo contributed , but I want him to start up front. Gervinho played very well.
For all the folks at home or at a pub (my pub especially) who sit there and moan at every missed pass or scream “shoot the ball,” kindly fuck off and “support” some other team. Sometimes I think the supporters are the weakest part of this team.
6. Midfield was decent. Tomas played ok. He’s definitely lost some pace, but i think he’s getting sharper – and no complaints with his effort. Arshavin seemed in better shape and had a better game. AW, please play him in the hole. Ramsey disappeared a bit, but he did make up for it on defense.
All in all, it was a good shift. Now let’s do some damage to Udi on Tuesday.
Stay positive folks. This squad is only gonna get better.
TaBS @ 164, Heh! That dam llama looked resplendent.
My fantasy team is already fucked. Stella, please ‘Hols.
Matt, well we handled them quite well last season with JD and Kos, can only imagine it getting better with TV.
Some early ( slightly pissed ) thoughts :-
1. Wolfie mentioned to me fairly on , that he wanted penetration . He didn’t get it .
2. Joey Barton is an utter , utter cunt .
3. Alex Song’s new orange hair do is slightly more aesthetically pleasing than the Father Christmas look of last season .
4. Joey Barton is an utter , utter cunt .
5. Rosicky and Ramsey both had good games , but their penetration was never gonna please Wolfie .
6. Joey Barton should be flayed alive with his various body parts distributed and displayed on all 92 grounds of the country .
7. Alex Song showed good awareness to stamp on his ankle , but loses points because Cunt Barton’s leg was not broken in two .
8. Gervinho was our most penetrative attacker and clearly should have had a penalty . If you don’t see he was clipped SV , then you are blinder than Mr Blind from Blindington .
9. Joey Barton ruined any chance of getting a move away to a ” big ” club . This makes me happy .
10 . The Defence were solid , but Newcastle were shit , so a little early to judge .
11. Pardew winds me up , for no real reason other than he is your typical uneducated British cuntstick of a manager .
12. Considering the negativity that surrounds the Club , an away draw aint too bad , especially when one considers how marvellously well the Mugsmashers’ money has been spent – not !!
13 . Wolfie ( sans parasol ) would do Barton in a fight , easy . The cheating cunt goes down at the merest hint of a bitch slap .
Pint of Wind Down please Barkeeps ๐
Lonestar
Great post mate, we saw the same game. You’ve expressed it much better. Love the positive thinking.
The point I was trying to make was that AW, I think, has shown us that we do have a decent defence after all and that it’s replacements for F & N that we need to sort out first. That was the irony for me.
Whatever you and your llamas are drinking ๐
If Arshavin does get to play in the hole, I demand that it’d be noted in the HT board’s notes that I came up with that in this bar (maybe that would get me the job ๐ ).
Where was everybody when I was debating with Joe?! Could have been much easier for me ๐
Holics, new and old, have yourself a drink on my tab, this is gonna be one hell of a season ๐
Early days yet, but the back line looked really solid today. Set pieces were dealt with efficiently and without the customary panic. Song had a very good game. However, the forwards seemed off the pace today, particularly our skipper. I think that if he was a bit sharper he could have latched on to and capitalized on a few of the half chances that were created. I think that if Gibbs can stay fit, he offers much more than our dearly departed left back who clearly stagnated over the past couple seasons. Gibbs provides an attacking threat and far better crosses. He didn’t look out of place today at all. We were hard done by the red card decision as if Gervinho had to go, so did that cunt face Barton. Nevertheless, putting the circumstances in perspective, this wasn’t a bad away point. Bring on Udinese and let’s spend some money to bolster our thinning squad. Gunners4life!!
Ice Cold Heineken please Mr Barman.
I like the slightly p*ssed tabs, heh!
Did you mention that Joey Deacon Farton was a massive, massive scheming little c*nt? Why do refs fall for his b*llocks all the time?
Gerv definitely deserved a penalty, manure got many like that last year. Hey ho.
With you on Pardew. It’s why he couldn’t let Farton go. They’re an excellent fit.
Talking of which, despite an excellent performance today, Song and yellow cards go together like Farton and behaving like an utter c*nt.
Whatever you’re drinking tabs.
Time for the pipe as we settle on our journey back from the first battle? ๐
Hey TS – come to grab you fellas – new post !! ๐
TS, thanks, mate, for the kind words.
Snir, I think the DL Ltd board will reward you “appropriately” for your innovative observations, but if Wolfgang tells you he has something for you in his office, I would respectfully decline. ๐ฎ
I just think you ought to be objective and evenhanded. Lots of people (LG posters, mainly) are quick to complain… slow to praise. Well, if you can shout your criticisms, you should shout some compliments too.
Take my pub for example – I’m never watching another match there again. Aside from the fact, that all the hot waitresses were “let go,” 90% of the Arsenal “support” (folks that got all gussied up in their new 125th anniversary kits) proceeded to piss and moan every time a through ball was a bit too heavy. It is the first game of the season, folks.
All these fat fuckers (in my former-pub) complaining about wasted touches, who couldn’t (even if they lost 50 lbs and were 10 years younger) even sniff this level of athleticism…argh, it was pissing me off. I’m fat, but I respect the effort these boys display, when they display it. And they did just that today.
I also think AW deserves some credit. They’ve been working on the defense. No goals on set pieces over the pre-season. Nothing conceded today. So what if the Geordies offense is pedestrian? Our defense last year made pedstrian offenses look Farcelona-like. Although he has fallen short to date on the personnel side, AW has made some improvements to this squad’s defensive understanding. Fair play to him!
Quick hello fellas! I tried to enter the bar earlier in the evening, but I think my entrance might have been erased or lost. Beers all around- glad the season has finally begun. I’d much rather be stressed about on the field antics than off!
Guinness, please Mr. Holic. Summer’s crop almost ready for harvest, good gentlemen!