Odds Against Arsenal On Matchday One
Sep 12th, 2011 by 'holic
“So who have you lot got on Tuesday then?”
“Borussia Dortmund, away.”
“Tough game. That’s you in trouble from the start”
A Chelsea lad has marked my card already, and I’m grateful for his carefully constructed insight. No, really. I watch French football, Spanish football, a bit of Dutch and Argentinian football. How many German matches did I watch last season? Nil. Zilch. Zero. I know more about Bo Peep than Borussia.
I was at this stage going to quote what some other blogs have written about the German champions, but then it dawned on me. I don’t need to. Those two words, German champions, tell me all I need to know about our opponents on Matchday One. It’s all the Chelsea lad needed to know, that’s for sure. We are in a tough group and opening it with the toughest away game. All I need to worry about is who we will put out against them.
Arsene Wenger clearly agrees about the strength of the group.
βEspecially because Pot Four gave us Dortmund. Thatβs why it is very difficult – Marseille, Dortmund and Olympiacos. Sometimes you discover the real difficulty when you are in it and when we play the games. Itβs a good opportunity for us to get positive vibes. For us to get a positive result tomorrow night would be a big lift.β
The loss of Aaron Ramsey and Tomas Rosicky, on top of longer term absentees Thomas Vermaelen, Abou Diaby, and Jack Wilshere, have left us pretty exposed, particularly in midfield. Rosicky will miss the opportunity to repeat his two goals in the same fixture in 2002. Unfortunately that night he was in a Dortmund shirt and those goals sent us to defeat after Thierry Henry had given us the lead with a free-kick. It was no surprise that Arsene moved to sign ‘Little Mozart’ when the player expressed a desire to move on three and a half years later.
Most comments I have seen assume that we will pick our most experienced trio of Alex Song, Yossi Benayoun, and Mikel Arteta for a tough Champions League opener. I understand the reasoning completely, but I have a feeling Le Boss will consider picking Emmanuel Frimpong ahead of Benayoun. This will free Song to play where the course of the game takes him. If we are under the cosh for long spells then the two defensive players in front of the back four would be a sensible barrier. We have all seen Song show a willingness to get forward as often as circumstances dictate though, and that could be encouraged tomorrow if Frimpong proves up to the shielding role.
Much more of a poser for Arsene will be the selection of the wide players in his front three. Gervinho is available to return, and it is a pretty safe bet he will be included from the start. Likeliest to drop to the bench under these circumstances is Andrey Arshavin I would imagine. If that is the case I hope Theo Walcott will justify the faith being put in him to produce on the big stage.
Substitutions will be interesting. Arsene of course can have no part in them and must under no circumstances stay in his hotel room texting Colin Lewin with his instructions. Oh no. UEFA will of course be checking shots of the Arsenal bench for any extravagant ear-concealing headgear.
The ‘holic pound has had a disastrous start to the campaign. I’m looking at something topical, and will have a punt on Per Mertesacker to score anytime on his return to Germany. Paddy Power offer a decent 14/1 against that happening, so come on Theo, get that jetpack on and win us a string of corners to land on the ‘Sacks nut.
It’s going to be a tough night for sure, but a great opportunity for a developing squad to show it can put on a show in a difficult venue. Give the thousands of travelling Gooners a reason to be proud please boys.
216 Responses to “Odds Against Arsenal On Matchday One”
Walcott is crap. He has not improved since he first got to Arsenal. Still the same idiotic player.
He showed how he truly is with that awful performance against a terrible Swansea team
Hello Holic.
Frimpong may be a risk, unless AW can calm him down.
TS – see my last drink in the previous post.
tabs – your last drink – Feelgood feels no such compulsion to resign, but was recently seen scribbling feverishly so beware π
Dr Z , heh π
Nice preview ‘Holic , agree with your side , although wonder whether AA might get the nod in front of Theo .
Tough , tough game .
Pint of Pride for me , and drinks for all in the Bar .
Crammer – if I was in the mood for feeding trolls I would say I presume you kept that particular thought to yourself when he scored the goal that clinched the tie against Udinese a few weeks ago?
But I’m not in the mood.
Well timed holic. Would keep andre in myself . A tough game with emphasis on defence me thinks.
True zico, but he is young, needs to learn and gain experience, and won’t do if he doesn’t get games.
I’m not arguing I think he should start, just pointing out my reading of what may happen based on the fact that having two out of three of your engine room recruited from outside the club a little more than a week ago may not seem the best option to someone as pragmatic as Arsene, particularly when both are inclined to get forward at every opportunity.
In fact personally I would go with a 4-4-1-1 but there is no point in detailing that. It isn’t in Arsene’s playbook these days, and regardless of what the haters say, he certainly knows more than I or any of his fiercest critics.
My predicted starting line-up:
SCZ
Sagna Mertesacker Koscielny Gibbs
Song Frimpong
Arteta
Gervinho V. Persie Arshavin
Arshavin looked very lively during the last game so I think he’ll keep his place with Theo coming off the bench. Hoping for a glorious European night away. Up the Gooners!
Surely it’s these types of games that Walcott must start, however hot or cold his form.
Steve T, tabs & zico – Big hehs from the previous post and cheers!
crammer, see zico @ #5. Tsk….
A round for most in the bar please Mr. Barman.
‘Holic
….get that jetpack on and win us a string of corners to land on the βSacks nut….
Chucklebutty indeed π
Mmmm…. still struggling to master WordPress fonts π
Exactly, Wasp, exactly.
I agree with your line up ‘Holic. I think Song and the Frimpster will be chosen together to stiffen the midfield and provide better cover than our defence is used to. I think he will keep AA on the bench along with Benny as impact subs if we need to turn the game around.
Big game for our season if we can get anything out of this. I presume Arsene will be able to text the dressing room from the loo at half time but UEFA have behaved like such prats over this that he might be frisked before he enters the cubicle!
Here’s to an Arteta masterclass! A pint of Warburtons please barman.
Going to be a toughy. We need men to be men. There will be no hiding places. It is a shame Rambo is not fit. I think this could have been just his type of game. With regards to Theo I would not start with him. I just think he could have more impact on the game coming off the bench with 20 to go.
Keep the faith.
**making his way to the bar…
…okay SG so who was the unmasked Cokey?
I reckon AA will get stuck in tomorrow and I see RVP scoring.
I want to see Park out there causing problems and I also see him scoring.
If BR score it will just upset the Arselage and we’ll score another, probably AA or Theo!
So that leaves me with midfield. Frimps? hmmmm? He would do well to concentrate as his popularity may have gotten the better of him of recent. So if he can break up attack high up the field and try not to give away free kicks deep in our half as well as an early booking, his job will be done!
Song for me is our most improved midfielder over the last two seasons and he has definitely learnt and benefited from playing alongside our ex-Capo!
As long as Kos can continue to deputise for TV we should be sound at the back and not have to worry about the big man. It would be good to see a fit Santos, but a hard working Gibbo who can last the 90 will do!
And Woj? There’s only one!
π Thanks don’t mind if I do! On the rocks pls!
3-1 to the Ars-en-al , RVP to score at anytime @ 35/1 with B365
Is this is not the greatest Arsenal related caption contest photo of all time I don’t know what is.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/sep/12/arsenal-arsene-wenger-uefa-ban?intcmp=239
Good luck with that G.
And they think I’m an optimist π
Bearded – ” Now remember , little one , when you cross the road , look left , look right … look left again “
This one, you mean, Bearded?
Are they practising the tony Adams dance from the full monty
“If Lewin mentions downsizing, Per, tell him to fuck off a bit sharpish, trust me.”
Come on Mertesacker, we know you can do it in Allemania. Come on Pat Rice, not to put the pressure but we know you can put us over the top. On Donner, On Blitzen and the rest. π
“Should I still hold his hand if the mascot is bigger than Andrey, boss?”
Caption comp: ‘don’t vorry Andre, ve have vays of making you tall’
Sorryξ
AA – ” I’m not sure about these new leap frog routines Boss “
That’s the one holics.
Per – where did arshavin go I saw him a moment ago?
AA – What’s the temperature like down there?
Always and forever Holic!
I would have left a link to Heatwave’s hit of the same title but it could have been so misconstrued out here!
I’ve got faith in the boys because:
1) There’s too much available talent at the mo for the boss not to be successful
2) The badge they want to wear comes with alot of responsibility
π Yes I wouldn’t mind a refill thank you!
Tabs, that’s hilarious!!
I’m off Holics…tomorrow it is!
O.K I’m not sure if it’s true or not because UEFA are stupid and haven’t listed Theo as suspended but I’m absolutely positive he should be suspended.
I checked UEFA’s laws of the game from the UCL PDF file and it says that 2 yellow cards in the playoffs result in a suspension even if the next game is in the group stage.
I then saw a file from UEFA stating that the only one suspended is AW.
Weird.
http://www.uefa.com/newsfiles/19071.pdf
Here, have a look at page 30.
Now have a look at this.
http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Download/DisciplinaryChart/uefaorg/General/01/67/41/49/1674149_DOWNLOAD.pdf
Snir, Why are you trying to get Theo suspended? Why not post a few pictures of naked women for UEFA to get distracted by? π
I wonder, might it make sense if Frimpong played in front of Song instead of the other way round? He just seems more mobile and ‘all-action’, like an Essien instead of a Makelele, which is how Song looks sometimes.
PM “You’ll be fine in the junior gunners enclosure son, I’ll meet you outside the tube station after the final whistle”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhNDjhgIBdw&feature=player_embedded
This is one today’s Arseblog.
Notice what he (Sylvinho) says.
“I learned to defend at Arsenal.”
“Pat rice is in charge of the defensive duties.”
We called for Keown/Bould to be inserted as a defensive coach.
I can’t say (no matter the results in recent years!) I have a problem with that coach being Pat Rice. I’m perfectly fine with that.
Perhaps it was more a lack of adequate cover than bad defensive coaching because the first 11 (in recent years) looked good in both attack and defense, it was when the replacements played that the troubles began (oh and when Almunia was in goal, which was everytime π ).
I find this video very interesting. He actually says the opposite from what everybody’s thinking.
Re the caption comp……
” its 106 miles to Chicago, we have a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, its dark and we are wearing sunglasses.”
“hit it.”
Not strictly accurate but you know where I am coming from.
Morning chaps.
Just had my morning grin, many thanks to TS for starting the ball rolling at 194 in last nights bar π
mark also attempts to show off π
Caption: Goonersaurus will be round with the freebies in a minute son π
A pound on our number vier is a good shout Holic.
Bacon sarnie time I think π
COYRRR’s
RE: The caption competition
AA- “You know what? I could be a good centre-half“
Caption compo:
AA: “So did they say when the phase out of the shorties would be complete (gutted)
PM: “Sorry little guy they didn’t tell me” (Guilt ridden)
First Fabregas, then Nasri, who will be next on the SHORTlist of Arsenal redundancies?
Arshavin: “bloody hell, I bet the next time we go to the cinema this guy is going to be in the seat right in front of me!”
AA – maybe if I climb on your shoulders and we use my brain and your brawn …
sorry couldnt find apunch line
Caption pm to arsene in my suitcase boss?are we flying ryanair?
Morning Holicses
Looking forward to an excellent game of football tonight and hopefully seeing some further progression in our new look squad.
A quick note below for Trev:
Apprently, Arsenal had a good reason for taking leagl action against that Spanish hat seller. She was trying to take out a trademark for the Arsenal logo that encompassed the whole of Spain.
Hate to admit it but I picked that up from LG π³
Talking of Gervais, come on The Dolphin Headed One tonight. Make us proud!
Cheers all, a round is on the bar for any who care to partake.
Caption ‘compo’
PM to AA: Hev zose men from Hollywood arrived, my kleine Russian freunde, to screentest us for ze remake of Tvins?
So Arsene does rate him after all:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/lansbury-signs-contract-extension-with-club
Sounds good to me
AA to PM. “what happened to you son? Fall asleep in a greenhouse?”
Lansbury just signed a contract extension. I really hope he makes it. I love his attitude.
Morning Steve T, we crossed over re: the good news on Lansbury π
I’d like to see similar announcements for RVP & Theo soon too…
Enjoy the game tonight.
WANTED:
Has anybody seen a pint sized Mexicano by the name of Carlos Vela?
Usually loaned out and last seen headed towards Spain on loan from Parent Club, The Arsenalge!
Description: 5’4, dark hair and always smiling, a likable chappy, a fans favourite and a skilful finisher in front of goal, starved of first team opportunities, but terrorises teams in cup contests, in particular the beer cup!
Last seen with Cesc Fabregas smiling on memberβs day about all of the fun times ahead in sunny Spain!
If located, please tell him his club would desperately like to see him improve and come back as a regular starter for us!
Yours faithfully
Arsenalge!
Dolphin headed? looooool π
Hate to admit it but I picked that up from LG
Shame on you TS….
Although that is one of the of the few pieces of info dispersed at the AST meeting last night that has grounds in fact.
Someone in the club is making sure information is disseminated that deflects attention. Looks like all is not sweetness and light between Highbury House and Shenley, if you read between the lines and ask yourself two questions about some of the stuff that was revealed last night.
Who?
Why?
‘Holic @ #53,
Yes, shameful I know. I’ll say 10 Hail Dennis’ for my pennance. I normally take everything that I read on that site with an enormous pinch of salt. However, Trev and I had discussed that rather trivial point earlier this morning so, a little selfishly perhaps, I posted it up.
Very good points/questions above. Previously unaware, I am now concerend to hear that there is a rift developing between HH & LC – that can’t be good for our club.
BTW, you have mail.
Cheers.
Does anybody have a link to somewhere where I can read about what was said at the AST meeting? I checked the AST web page but the latest news were from July 10th.
Isn’t this great?
Tonight, a mere 76 and a half hours, give or take, since the last Arsenal match kicked off and here we go, another one to look forward to.
Loving this.
Unlike some, I look forward to the football rather than the football transfer market. I don’t care who’s gone, who’s stayed, who we could or should sign, who’s injured, none of that. I just want to watch the Arsenal.
And whilst the Gunners could be in better shape, its the Champions League, there’s beer in the fridge, and every ball is there to be kicked. What else would we rather be doing?
COYRRRs….
TS @ 46
Going public with your “guilty pleasures” – is this wise?
A transport executive has been scribbling feverishly π
‘Tis mighty fine indeed to see Arse matches coming along like one J.Defoe – thick and fast…
holic@53 – disseminating information that ‘deflects attention’ from what?
UReds!
Heh Zico, very good π
Ah… not just an Arsenal match to look forward to but the feverish dreams and diary notes of a Delirious CEO.
Can life get any better?
PS: If there’s anyone kind enough to post, advise on a good video stream for tonight (too mean to make Rupert M any richer) then that would be appreciated.
More drinks please Barman, I’ll polish the pipes π
A transport executive has been scribbling feverishly
Should I brief the solicitors again? π
Excellent preview, ‘holic. More ‘shrooms please barman, and keep that Dortmunder beer out of my sight please. π
Lansbury gets a contract extension.
I say bring ‘im back sharpish, can’t we just recall him as and when?
Looking forward to the match tonight with utmost excitement π
As Arsene says, both teams like to attack. I watched Dortmund last season and they quickly became a team I quite started to like
Gervinho to score? Anyone?
Come on Arsenal!
Holic @ 61
The innocent have nothing to fear π
Afternoon All ,
Cognac @43 ” …. , We could win The National . ”
TS and Steve T , heh π
Ok TS , you aroused my curiosity ( shame on you ) , and I went and had a peek ( shame on me ) .
As far as I’m concerned it was the usual mish-mash of half truths , and sound-bites to suit their clear agenda and I would make a number of points in response to Gareth Le C .
1. – ” Only Gazides and Wenger work on transfers ” . Really ? Then what on earth was Dick whatsisface (Law ?) doing out in Costa Rica trying to sign Campbell then ?
2. Pedro , the poor lamb , doesn’t seem to realise that in order to get young players in the first team , you have to take a punt on many . Very few shine at sixteen ( Fab ) , and for every Song , Wilshire , Ramsey etc , there will be tens of others who don’t make it , hence the necessary wastage on players who don’t make it .
3. He states quite matter of factly that AW decides the wages , but conveniently ignores the fact that this would be within perameters set by the Board . AW clearly wanted to keep Nasri , the Board’s wage structure put the kaibosh on that . I would agree with him that the wage structure needs to be altered , but the top end , as in any company , is set by the Board and not by another employee .
4. ” a real trophy is probably less important to the manager than churning out the next Cesc or Nasri. ” Agendarist bollocks .
5. He makes a comparison with Manure and forgets to mention the building of a Β£400m stadium , and the undervalue of commercial contracts that that enterprise necessitated , and which will still be felt for another 3 years.
6. He states the recent signings were all a result of the recent mauling . AW has expressly stated that this wasn’t the case . I know who I believe .
Must learn never ever to go there again , they make my blood boil .
As to the questions posed by ‘Holic @53 , my twopennyworth is that as to the “who” it could be anyone working within the club , from the tea lady right up to Gazides .
Motive ? The tea lady ( Pam ? ) or any other employee , may simply have a similar view to Gareth the C , or holds a grudge against Arsene , for any number of reasons …. french , lack of promotion , etc
If the leak goes to the top , ( as i suspect ) , then it is indicative of the very human failing , that if somebody else is taking the flak , then you aren’t . Whilst Arsene cops it , the Board are to an extent , shielded .
Given the bemusement with which even the most loyal of Arsenal fans viewed this summer’s carry on , the Board suddenly found themselves to be the target ( news of the leaked row between AW and the Board , Dein’s support of AW and by implication his criticism of the Board .)
Finally , for those that think the Board is hamstrung by a manager unwilling to spend , I would ask several questions . Why on earth would AW risk his standing and legacy in this way ? Why would he subject himself to the clear torment he undergoes on the touchline , when the failings of his team are exposed ? In short , what is his motive ?
Conversely , the motives of the Board are easy to understand . Champs League football and all the income that entails , year after year , delivered by a manager who has shown he can deliver this without a net spend in the transfer market . Result – increased value of the Club and therefore greater share price .
Reading between the lines , the schism between the Manager and the Board has been there all summer . I know which side I’m on .
TS and Steve T: good news indeed about young Henri – thanks for bringing to my attention.
Suddenly a year long loan to play frequently in the premiership would seem to mean that he is very much in Arsene’s plans for the coming years. Got to be a good thing.
Lars @ #55
Sorry, no link mate only the info that I picked up you know where…
How’s your breathing apparatus recovering BTW?
Harsha @ #64
I believe Gervais will score, or at least make an assist. BTW, Edwin was asking me if you have you submitted your bid yet to tender for a DLL supply contract for the CMC? π
*Shuffles back to the corner that is naughty*
Good stuff tabs,
saved me from typing a much less coherent rant
somebody, somewhere is a c**t
http://www.firstrowsports.eu/
TS , I have found the above pretty good in the past , care of Snir , I think .
Alternatively , you could always get yourself down the local juicer – works for me π
*re-emerges from the naughty corner*
Briliant tabs @ #66 and I could not agree more with you even though it really saddens me to hear of a possible growing divide between Le Boss and Le Board.
Per my previous confession, I only picked up on the ‘Spanish hat case’ (heh!) because it was the last thing that Trev and I discussed this morning before I departed from his Hertfordshire Torture Chamber (only kidding Trev) π
Childish giggle-inducing fact of the day must go the official site, from which the following is posted:
Team news:
Dortmund: Barrios (thigh), Bakalorz (Achilles), Owomoyela (hip), Kock (knee).
Snigger.
Damn this WordPress font malarkey
Too complicated for my brain π
Dr.C @ #67
Agreed x 2
Will we be witnessing a new MF emerging of Wilshere, Rambo and Henri? With support from Arteta and Song as the three of them form their partnerships?
Just a thought and quite possibly a random one at that.
Cheers tabs @ #70 for the link
A good juicer would be much preferred, of course, but Management is out and the StoreySon needs looking after.
Ok but still would be v.interested to hear ‘holic’s considered opinion on what he thinks is going on at the Grove
UReds!
Extract : 10th September 2011
Dear Diary
Woke up in a sweat again this morning. Itβs becoming a habit. The only dream that I could remember was something like this….
Per German Bloke (big Sacks) had both legs surgically removed by a composite team of Dr C and Trev (Trevalan) because Andrei Arshavin complained about the big German βlooking down on himβ. Trev claimed he was only following the blueprint for the Midget Master Plan (copyright And Lester).
First thing this morning, Smallballs minced into the office in what can only be described as psychedelic Lederhosen. I tried to explain to him/her that such attire was more suited to the Bavarian Alps, but he/she just blew me a kiss, picked up the parasol and flounced out of the office singing Edel Weiss. Iβm sure thereβs money to be made out of this creature.
Expected manic activity downstairs as our service for Westphalia was anticipated to be over-subscribed, only to find that the ticket office staff were all having a βDuvet dayβ. My suspicions about Edwin continue to mount. Why would he give these people (the lifeblood of the company) the day off? Maybe he is talking to another transport company? Maybe he furtively looks on their website when he thinks nobody else is watching him. My brother continues to vouch for him, but I’m not convinced…..
Still waiting to hear on the offer made to Hill Wood to take a seat on the Board. Seems he has asked DL Ltd to prove our Llama have musky accreditation. Whatever the feck that means. Expect Wolfgang Knows…..
Ok off to send our boys to Germany *
* exits humming Vera Lynn tunes……*
Dr Feelgood – massive heh π π Great stuff .
Tremedous zico and not a slanderous mention in sight. ‘Holic can put the laywers back on code green.
BTW, Edwin assures me that he is not on the market. Even his underpants bear a DL Ltd logo. As far other websites….
π
Edwin’s underpants – a princely sum to the technician that can remove this conjured image from my brain this instant…..
Psychedelic lederhosen ? Its all about blending in with the natives . You’ve got to have an element of surprise when you lead the Gooner Ladyboy Massive on a sortie . At kick off , I will of course , strip down to my speedos and lead the charge , with the battle cry –
” Come and ‘ave a go , if your swimwear’s tight enough ”
In the meantime ….
*Edelweiss, Edelweiss
Every morning you greet me
Small and white, clean and bright
You look happy to meet me
Blossom of snow may you bloom and grow
Bloom and grow forever
Edelweiss, Edelweiss
Bless my homeland forever*
zico @ #80
….. as opposed to one of a psychedelic lederhosen attired Wolfgang blowing you a kiss???
Wasn’t a kiss TS , it was a raspberry π
Wolfgang @ #81
Superb. You are to budgie smugglers what ONJ was to big hair and black, shiny leggings.
Dr.F’s got chills…..
Yeah you’re right TS – some dangerous things going on amongst the subconscious at the moment (and not just mine judging by Frau Smallballs @ 81).
Alcohol will take the edge of – I’m buying but Lars is paying 8)
better than a ‘gypsy’s kiss’ Wolfie π
Capital zico @ #85
Please add a large pint of Dunkel for me onto that enormous, Scandinavian tab and one for Frau Smallballs too. Cinzano B?
Olivia Neutron Bomb was my first childhood crush TS , displaced only in teenage years by the altogether more “adult” Debbie Harry .
Cinzano B just the ticket TS , thanks . Tabs will have a lager – no sophistication that boy .
Gypsy kiss ? me no understandy
“Come and ‘ave a go if you’re swimwear’s tight enough…”
Heh π
Wolfie @ #89
Rhyming slang for p*ss.
Ah , i see you’re ready for the charge , Camberwell . No harm in limbering up , but remember to keep your powder dry π
TS – ah got yer . π
And there into the nineties . No double posting .
This time Tabs ….
tabs @ #88
Debbie Harry in the early 80s was also my teenage fantasy. As my mate used to say:
…she had the word dirty printed on her forehead
there = they’re
Just in case the grammar police ( Ollie) is in later
And here in the ‘Holic bar tabs is poised over his keyboard, like a preying mantis who’s been on a no fly diet for the past 30 days, as that elusive century hoves into view.
The tension is palpable.
*looks around for AL and others famed for sneaking one in*
so so true π
*cues jaws muisc*
music (assist?)
He can’t miss !!!!
Indeed!!!
Gerv to RVP and….
…back of the net
Great teamwork, about time you clocked a century tabs
The shirt’s off , the crowd are on the pitch , he points to TS and gives thanks for the great assist , is there any stopping this boy now , he needs a lie down …. π
Great stuff Dr F π
TABS – great stuff @66
I for one agree with all of your positions and conclusions but I also readily admit that this is my opinion and gut feeling and not based in fact. No one except those parties involved will ever know the real truth about the divide between AW and board. What drives me crazy about LeMoan (I am beginning to think I pop over there on occasion just to get pissed off which can’t be healthy) is that they spout on about their opinion on the issues as if it were fact.
Camberwell @ #72, belated heh!
TABS & TS — I’m with you on the original crushes. Must be the generation thing.
Moving on to….. Wendy James.
Dr.C
TVV eh? Didn’t she do that single sleeve with a black, insulating-tape cross over each…???
Bearded , I agree . My post is nothing more than an opinion , but one which , again in my view , makes rather more sense of the summer than the stuff spouted you know where .
As you say , it is their propensity to present opinion as fact which most irritates , though the divisive nature of the language ( AKB’s etc) , and the self styled ” voice of true Arsenal fans” also runs it a very close second and third .
In the good spirits of aliases, I thought I’d join the list of greats and bring forth another goodie to the forefront.
Most of you will probably not care, but I thought I could add even more prestige to our fan-base (not like those bunch of twats up the road)!
There’ll be no need to guess who this is, as my post will come complete with the usual typos, poor grammar and annoying rants through rose tinted lenses!
Everyone I bring you…
…Lord Bentley GT the great!
(ee’s f@8ing wick-id!)
Did anyone else notice this Tweet from journalist Jamie Dalton today and snigger??
JamieDalton82 Jamie Dalton
Have to give #FIFA12 props. They’ve perfected the Theo Walcott cross-cum shot and the Djourou “I don’t know where the ball is” pose.
Maybe it’s just my mind. Wolfie?
Dr.C @ #107
What about Anabelle from Bow wow wow? It was a topless thing….
TS, Are they sure they got that right? It could have been Knee who injured his Kock…
Bentley, Goonertown?
Why would you name yourself after a rejected reject, from rejectsville?
Wendy James , Dr C – now you really are talking .
I remember a really boring midweek game in the early eighties against Brighton ( 0-0 ) , where myself and chums spent the whole ninety minutes going through just about every female who had appeared on the Box , and deciding whether we would let them have the benefit of our sixteen year old experience .
Sally James an obvious no-brainer , but a rather more surprising hit was a lady called Rita Carter who presented Thames News . Caused much hilarity at the time , but she just had something about her ….
Too much information … ? Fair enough , … I’ll get my pipe
TS
I did a google image search for Wendy James to see if I could find that record sleeve,,,, and well, crikey!
The internet – who’d have thought you could see things like that on it?!
π
Ha! Headline on WeAreABunchOfTwats365.com:
Henri hoovers up new deal
Are they sure that’s the right choice of words, considering the revelations on dispatches last night?? :S
…and speaking of which, their website annoyed me again yesterday (why oh why do I bother?) so I wrote them an angry email and they published it in their Mailbox (subject line written by them)!:
—————————————————————–
Laughing Whilst Sounding Very Angry
You lot really make me laugh.
Faced with an Arsenal win (ugly, flukey, I’ll admit) you just didn’t know how to spin it, did you? Your ‘must say something negative and generally take the mick’ hardwiring must have been exploding.
Put them in the winners section? Never. Losers? But they won! Drawers? Erm, does not compute??
Result? Total cop out. Plus a bit of ManUre + City sycophancy (there, I’ll definitely get a bite now. Football365? ManU365 more like.)
Dom, London
P. S. Don’t worry about not publishing this. You’re not very good at taking stick.
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TS – you’re quite right; Annabelle LWLLLWLLWYN fitted in between Debbie Harry and Wendy James.
Now there’s an image…
What’s not to like Dr C ?
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ladiesofrock.com/Wendy_James_Transvision_Vamp_Picture_2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.ladiesofrock.com/Wendy_James_Transvision_Vamp_Pictures.html&h=746&w=351&sz=114&tbnid=PtS3BHYxZhKY8M:&tbnh=90&tbnw=42&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dwendy%2Bjames%2Btransvision%2Bvamp%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=wendy+james+transvision+vamp&docid=_ZQsgqZROKpO7M&hl=en&sa=X&ei=I2ZvTrvPD4en8QPAxumUCg&sqi=2&ved=0CB8Q9QEwAQ&dur=10553
Z –
Not me, sounds like a beaten up old sports car to me π
tabs @ #115, great idea, I’ll fetch mine (again)
Dr.C @ #119, I need a very cold shower now π
TABS @66 thx 4 saving my punchline
Re the finance – there was an interesting snippet on BBC1 this a.m comparing Prem finances, but saying that the teams have til 2019 to get their houses in similar order , limiting spend in relation to gate receipts, limiting wage bills etc – far too long a wait, when it is clear that the gap between the spends of the 4 rich clubs and the rest is already too large
TS@68: I’m breathing better by the day, hopefully the medication is doing it’s work.
My contribution to the “teenage crush” category would be Sam Fox. I was 12 or 13 and she had released the “Touch Me” single which was quite a big hit in Sweden. Probably didn’t have anything at all to do with the topless pictures of her that were published over here at the same time, no no no… and not that I knew it at the time, but apparently she’s an Arsenal fan.
… and part of the Nasri gang Lars . π
tabs
You mean she/he/it now supports Citeh? π
tabs: that is a bit funny actually – the target of so many male fantasies turned out to bat for the other team π
Lars glad to hear your condition is improving
You’ll needing a healthy pair of lungs (just like your teenage fantasy icon) for the Notlob & Munster games π
Chaps ,
Wangled an invite through work to the Page 3 girl of the Year at Stringfellows in the late eighties ( classy .. I know , had to take a very demanding client , it was a hard life ! ) .
It was in the days of Sam Fox , Linda Lusardi , Maria Whittaker ( who won ) . Didn’t think much of Fox or Whittaker in the flesh ( both about 3ft high ) , but Lusardi was very attractive . Susanne Mizzi also left a bit of an impression .
tabs
Uncanny. Was just about to suggest to Lars that Sam Fox was (IMO) a bit of a dog when compared to the very cute and quite bright Linda Lusardi who even sported a genuine boyfirend of the male persuasion. Mizzi was quite hot too in a stereotypical, Page 3 kinda way (if you get my points) π
Well lads, letβs hope the boys donβt perform like a load of Kochs or produce a Kringe-worthy performance tonight. And the ref had better not be another one of UEFAβs Benders or he will go down in history as a right Focher.
Walcott should glide down their wings like greased Leitner and Gervinho will be like quick Silva over on the other side. We just need to pepper their goal with a Barrios of shots and Hummels them into submission.
We really Gotze produce the goods tonight! If we donβt get a result Iβll be feeling pretty Lowe. I might Ivan cry.
Gents
On a more serious note, check out the video gauntlet thrown down to us by Borussia on 7AMKO. Glad to see that they’re taking us so seriously….
Nice one Camberwell @ #131. I’ve been wondering what you’ve been doing for the past couple of hours π
TS – Thank god you’re not my boss!
Nice one Camberwell π
TS , Suzanne Mizzi was not too stereotypical , slim and quite graceful , rather than the usual assets of the profession . Just did a google search of her , and found she died earlier this year at a tragically young age . That makes me feel pretty old , all of a sudden .
Now we know most of the names of the 1st squad…
Off to lecture.
After that, pub.
tabs @ #135.
Jeez, that’s terrible. I had no idea. I retract my previous comments unreservedly.
And yes…. being in your mid-late 40s is positively ancient compared to some. Hey ho….
Maria Whittaker..now there’s a name that takes me back, preferred Diane Wiiloughby though.
Have to admit an admiration for Dortmund, from the invitation to gooners travelling to the match to the standing section ( removed tonight ) they seem to be a fan run club. Hope we rip their faces off tonight though. TS i though life begins at 40?..it fucking better..
tabs @ 129 – sounds like item 1 on the agenda for the 24th π
Camberwell @ #134
I thank god I’m not your boss too π
Happy lecturing and pub time – a chance to watch the game in a Gooner friendly environment???
Oh sorry missed 135
Question for tonight – which part of Barcelona does the ref come from?
Noel73 @ #138
I find age is all in the mind… that is until a part of your body breaks down trying to play footie and you end up in the hands of good people like Trev π
Dortmund do seem to be a very well run club. In fact, I think the Bundesliga (spelling?) has much it can teach the EPL esp. in terms of financial management.
Should be a cracking game tonight.
Right chaps, off to the pub – see you later!
Quick visit, busy, busy, busy.
Caption comp;
“Boss, ze plane, ze plane, has landed”.
BM please and a round for the bar.
COYRRR
Pre-match nerves starting to creep in
TS@68 We have submitted our offer in an open letter to DLL ltd before.
Free CMC supplies until Christmas but the catch is that users must have grown a solid pair of balls – otherwise could lead to serious side effects
Also, DLL should endorse that ‘Secret Supplies’ will be its official CMC partner and not our fiercest competitor ‘PIK supplies’ π
Quality accreditation of our ‘stuff’ has been done by one Mr Wolfgang
Heh Harsha @ #145! π
Dr.F & Wolfie: Edwin suggests that this is tabled as item #2 at the DLL Notlob Board Meeting but only if Secret Supplies is willing to provide samples in advance for a general baord approval. He also advises that plurality of supply is the best way forward. Sounds sensible to me.
To add to my 145, it could be the reason to Mr Wolfgang’s “Smallballs” π
Tis true Harsha π
TS , will put it in as item 2 as you suggest , but as detailed by Dr Z above , item 1 may take some time .
Suggest that in return for produce , I supply Harsha with some balls to feel .
Harsh @ 145 – I expect you’ll get a formal response eventually – Dr Feelgood will be contemplating the terms of the contract quite carefully.
Be prepared π
Heh Mr WolfGang and Zico π
*Awaits DLL Ltd’s response*
Meanwhile, let’s some smoke some
*gets pipe*
PS: Even we admit, we can’t match the quality of PIK’s Californian Green
Right off to the juicer .
Good luck everyone .
COYRRR’s !!!!
SZCZ – Sagna – Mertesacker – Koscielny – Gibbs – Song – Benayoun – Arteta – Gervinho – van Persie – Walcot
Couresy: Arseblogger
Oh and I’m off to the juicer too . π
Come on the Arsenal !
Thanks Harsha for the team .
Surprised with the inclusion of Benny – interesting .
Well well TS you were right about starting with yossi! Sounded logical at the time as I said! π
Cu’mon you gooners, you can do it, I have faith! π
The German champions in Germany – big, big nite…
Comon The Arsenal!
A nice easy victory in Chermany – its not much to ask and a pleasure to see
COYRRRR
A bloke in the local chip shop has it on very good authority that AW has snuck in to the ground disguised as a ball boy – will be looking out for an unusually tall one.
CoMonUReeeeeeeeeeedddddddddddddddddddddddddds!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My goodness. Our defense is an absolute shambles.
Do our players not know that you can pass to your teammates in the final third?!
Everybody is trying to go on their own!
Thatman Robin – Kapow!
Come on VAN PERSIE Come on!
Theo did well!
He and RVP link up well!
π
I have no idea how we’re one up but I love it.
I’m tired of being the team that rues the chances.
Dig in boys….great goal Van Persie
This could be a famous night!
We’re 1 up Snir cos we took our chance brilliantly and we’ve defended doggedly.
Not pretty but this team has a spine!
Sometimes we look as if we have no idea what to do with the ball.
We need more confidence surely there is enough of that in the tank! No need to go crazy for sure but we need to strat playing our football!
Farcelona not doing too well at the home turf 1 a piece against Milan!
Sagna what a stop!
I wouldn’t mind that Goetze bloke in January either!
TS – I know, but how strange does that sound :)?
Until 43rd minute, Chez was under more pressure from back passes than attacks. In fact their goalie was almost not needed
Then Robin back tackled a defender , it fell to Theo (who I felt had not been on the pitch until then)and he then threaded it back to RvP.
Robin then had the temerity, using his spare leg, to prove that their goalie was only needed to get the ball out of the net – loverly jubberly
Our defence is getting away with murder here- could have been 3 down – lets hope our defensive coach knows what to say to them
The CEO & The Manager look guilty! π
Dortmund’s play in the final third is so naive so far…
It looks as if they’re so excited they’re in the box they’re shooting on sight from everywhere…
Come on Arteta!
Song needs to get a pay rise.
What a player he is.
Earteta!?
Why is it always a fucking wondergoal
I dont like this defending stance of ours why not push it forward more!
Too bad.
I wanted to write that finally we’ve become a team that grinds results…
A good point!
Well done lads! Same again on Saturday!
Gutted for the boys not to steal the win, but as for me, I’m happy. Fourth in the PL against the German champions. Away. And they could smell blood before the game.
I can’t go around expecting to steamroll the opposition. We have no god-given right to win any game.
A hard-fought draw against an excellent team away from home. I’ll take that.
Noel73
Because we dropped back and defended we should have attacked them a bit more for my liking bad tactic, what was the point of buying another forward, bloody use him!
NOT a bad result considering we defended for most of the second half!
Am delighted with that point. Song and Kos were immense. RVP did it when it mattered. Still bedding in so will take that all day long. Come on Arsenal..
Decent performance, decent result – UReds!
I wanted a win but I will settle with a point, time to put the little Gooner to bed.
Snir, I’d say that we did grind a result. A point is a point! This is what proper football should be. Challenging games that makes sure that we can really savor the wins when they come. I wouldn’t mind these kind of games all season as long as we win more than we lose and draw a few of the toughest.
179 Noel
Because that’s the only way to beat Super Woj.
Still, a good away point.
Hard fought and a much better 2nd half performance. Yossi et al put in quite a shift against a team who would give anyone a test. Great start on the group and a marked improvement on last years away form. I think we will win the group this year so long as we sort out our forward play when in possession. Come on you reds!!
Toby, don’t get me wrong, it’s a great away point and most probably guaranteed our qualification but IMO grinding the result today would have been to hold on.
Yossi had an excellent game IMO, as did Song and Kos.
Gervinho was very frustrating but I hope it’ll pass…
Oh, and Barcelona drew at home with a starting line up of Xavi, Iniesta and Messi (Cesc on the bench…)
Sure it was against Milan (without Ibra) and not Dortmund, but based on this nights performance I wouldn’t bet against Dortmund were they to meet the Italians.
Yossi was just the type of player we needed in there tonight and Arteta will grow after that baptism. Would have brought on Arsh instead of Chamack though. Pity Gerv had no luck with the bounce tonight or could have had a brace.
Can’t fault the effort at all.. great shift from everyone
Theo and Gervinho should learn to take their chances when they present themselves
Now a win on saturday please
I know you well enough to don’t get you wrong about that Snir! Just trying to sooth my own pain of watching the goal go in. :p And for me, having seen them getting of 24 attempts or something like that, it really felt like grinding out a result, even if it wasn’t the one I was hoping for. A beer for you Mr!
Without question Song was MOTM. Can’t even count the number of times he took the ball back when BVD were in dangerous positions given the team was on the back foot pretty much the entire second half. Will definitely take the point considering they scored on what could easily become the goal of the CL this year.
BG@195 he was immense, tough yet clean tackles all round and a mention for Kos and Scz too, makings of a great spine of a team there!! great to be a gooner
SG –
Maybe not to hold on, as we could not have done anything about that goal, but we certainly could have killed the tie earlier!
Could someone please assist with shoving my heart back down my throat? I like the new Gunners that capitalize on other peoples mistakes and defend like madmen, even when their ears come off (did anyone notice Mike Tyson sneaking onto the pitch?). The goals will start to flow again soon as I well I’m confident once the new boys have trained and settled in a bit more.
Proud Gooners can sleep well tonight!
Who wouldn’t have taken a 1-1 draw before K.O?
Yes, always disappointing to draw when you’ve been in the lead for so long but it was another ‘flukey’ wonderstrike a la Dany Rose that saved them a point and as H2H said, that’s the only way to get past WonderWoj these days.
Song IMO was immense.
Well done the lads. Big improvement on where we were just a couple of weeks ago.
Comedy moment for me was seeing Ivan, Arsene and PHW sitting in a row in the stands. Oh, to be able to hear their dialogue.
Bring on Blackburn and UTA!!!
Definitely agree with that too CBWYCBAS. Szcz and Kos were both immense. It is amazing what a difference a year makes. I now expect them to easily deal with set pieces and corner kicks whereas last year it was always heart in mouth time.
Right on TS! I also think the boy Gervinho is amazing! π
A team who were mauled 8-2 by the English champions go to the Champions of Germany in their next away match – and the media sense another tanking – so overall happy with the performance and result and it means they (the meeja) will have to think of other ways to stick it to us.
Yes we looked shakey at the back first half, but I thought there were some real heroic defensive performances in the second. Won’t name any individual players for criticism although there were one or two who need to ask themselves whether they contributed as much as they could have.
3 pts on Saturday and it will have been a very constructive 7 days.
Good result, battling performance, steady progress.
Brick by brick rebuilding confidence, well done lads the form will come.
thought the experience of the german giant and the spanish lad shone through too – they helped keep things moderately calm whenever the flak was flying
Agree it’s massive, considering the ferocious atmosphere in that ground and the way ze Germans pressed from the start that is the most courageous Gunners performance I’ve seen in ages. All that just weeks after what you have rightly dubbed a mauling of note. Our boys have big steel ones – let the talking heads natter about that for a bit!
Won’t complain about that result. We’re moving upwards. A tip of the hat and some for Woj, Sanga, Kos, Song, and RvP.
Some great comments by Pat Rice in the post match interview: “People are now looking forward to playing and the players who have come in, contrary to what other people think, are really good players.”
Holic’s last sentence in the post….. mission accomplished, I’d say.
Great stuff (although obviously there is always room for improvement) all round.
Slowly slowly…… solid foundations need to be built.
We love you, Arsenal. We do.
We love you, Arsenal. We do.
We love you, Arsenal. We do.
Oooh, Arsenal we love you…
What a gutsy performance by the boys in red. I point is a just result, and fair play to Dortmund. Thier league game against Herta belied their true grit.
We were pressurized from the start, and for most of the game, it seemed the boys were playing against 14 men in yellow. I think just about everyone acquitted themselves well on today’s performance.
Sagna’s yellow card was senseless – he’s experienced enough to know that a cheap yeallow for time-wasting is something we can do without. Our back four were effective, if not yet convincing…they did work the high line to great effect.
Chezzer was consistently dominant. He’s the real deal – and I’m happy for him and us. Here’s a thought, it took a wunderstrike to get them a point. I’ll take that.
I would like Thoe to get more going on the wing. If you want to play through the center, then make some penetrating runs and generate some chances. I dunno, I think this season will be a defining one for him. Either he takes the next step, or, I fear, he will be taking steps elsewhere.
The new boys did well and Robin’s performance fit that of a Captain.
We need more goals (I hope that is enough to make it so). Finally the referee deserves some praise – Platini, I hope this means you won’t can him. The ref was hard, but he was fair. He was consistent, and he kept a good flow. Well done, sir.
All in all, it was a good point, but it should be clear to all that we simply must murderize Olympiakos home and away, get the points from Marseille, and hope to get a win at home against Dortmund. It’s gonna be a tough slog.
Up the Arse!
BMBD!
Lonestar – good point about the ref. Can’t remember one decision (either way) that he got wrong. Credit wehere it’s due.
wehere??
I`ll take that against a team that almost never (excepting the weekend) loses at home. Our record in Krautland is a poor one, and while we may have paid the price for our lack of adventure in the second half, we would all have taken this result if offered. Plaudits once again to Szcz. This gets our CL campain off to a good start, now let`s do the biz at Blackburn.
Right this has to be quick before ‘Holic puts a new post up.
Haven’t had chance to go through most of the drinks on here yet but –
Feelgood Diaries – continued excellence π
Tabs – from previous drinks (the long post) good stuff π
TS, Ollie, H2H – assorted ‘hehs’ π
apologies to others i can’t quite remember but lots of good stuff.
Right, now a proper look through.
Back after ‘holics review.
BtW Zico – Feelgood Diaries – did you notice I failed in my attempt to take PHW’s legs off – he was seen repeatedly on the telly tonight holding his crutch – Matron. Luckily they did not show his lacerated but still intact groins !!!
Report now published ‘holics >>>>>>>>
Fair result tonight overall – more good fight on show if not exceptionally beautiful.
Why do so many players score their ‘once in a lifetimers’ against us.
Merse said on Sky that not even the famous back five would have stopped that.
Away game at the home of the German champions, a team that are chomping at the bits at the prospect of playing in the Champions League against one of the traditional greats of the tournament, and a home crowd that was really, really fired up and behind their team.
And we go there with a partially new team and perhaps also rather low on confidence and are within minutes of winning the game. There is nothing you can do about such a goal – yes, you can claim that we should have closed him down better but show me a team anywhere that would have had a marker on that player in that situation. It was a one-in-a-million shot, simply.
I thought that for most parts of the game we played really, really well. No, we didn’t attack too much but that wasn’t the idea either. And apart from the one on one after about ten minutes, how much did they really create between then and their somewhat flukey goal? There was one corner where the ball took a wicked bounce but Szczesny came up massively big on that one. We set out to defend and snatch a goal on the counter-attack and it very nearly worked.
I was massively impressed by Dortmund. They worked incredibly hard all over the pitch and hardly misplaced a pass all night (but when they did we stole the ball and scored!). Not sure if they can keep this up for every game, but if they can then most teams will struggle at their ground.
Oh, and as others have pointed out – the ref was brilliant. He made one mistake that I can remember and that was the yellow card that was never issued when RvP was brought down but that is just petty details. Surely, UEFA can’t allow this sort of thing to happen so he’ll be demoted to lower-league football from next week on. We can’t have impartial and fair refs, this is the fucking Champions League!
So, one point in the bag. Now let’s make sure we beat Olympiakos home and away and Marseille at home and then win one of Dortmund at home or Marseille away and Robert’s your father’s brother.