Pigs In Space And Ox Is A Star
Sep 21st, 2011 by 'holic
Well I have to say that is no way to follow a game. The searches for live video streams in all the usual places drew a blank. There is a strange irony that you can watch just about any match you want to in any country most weekends. You can take your pick of Champions League matches online. The broadcasters hunt them down as best they can, but at best they know they are grabbing a balloon. They can tighten up some places, but others just pop out in their place. And yet a game the TV companies don’t give two hoots about, nobody has the grey matter to offer a cheap pay per view that a decent-sized audience would have lapped up.
Could I avoid the game entirely? Well no, I couldn’t, and news that Shrewsbury hit the post through Wright was quickly followed with the goalflash that spurned a million expletives across the webosphere. Collins header unleashed another wave of invective directed at Arsene, the defence, the board, and anybody related to the tea-lady at the Grove. I slipped back into the comfort of the drinks, and relayed odds to the poor soul who had tipped a 14-1 win!
Yet just as I was once again ruing not being able to snap up the 12/1 against Shrewsbury pre-match, we were level. I was looking out of the window for an airborne division of Gloucester Old Spots when it became evident that Kieran Gibbs had headed us level. I really must stop drinking. The hallucinations are becoming dangerous. I decided at half-time I should withdraw and watch the ‘as-live’ transmission on Arsenal Player.
How close to ten would the stream begin? I prepared for a long night, delaying my switch from Guinness to Tullamore Dew until just before ten. Well I didn’t want to fall asleep watching the second-half I had so carefully avoided.
When we took the lead I had completely become engrossed in the fact I really was watching live. “What a goal the Ox” I screamed. The management responded from the cellar. “Do you know what bloody time it is?” I settled for a minute or two. It was still a nervous-making margin though, and I was soon making every tackle, attempting every pass, and trying desperately to kick every ball as my arse slid across the carefully polished pine chair.
The tension lasted until eleven minutes from time, when one of the three outstanding players on the pitch, Yossi Benayoun, put the tie beyond doubt. The oldest Arsenal outfield player ran his socks off from start to finish, and gave us virtually an extra player, popping up as he did on the left and in the middle. He would be the first to acknowledge, I’m sure, the part that Francis Coquelin played behind him.
However there was no doubt that star-billing went to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. I have seen questions in other places about the fee paid for the eighteen year old from Southampton. I understood tonight why we went to such lengths to beat Manchester United to his signature, and I suspect many others did too. I’ll not go overboard on the basis of one performance against a League Two club, but I don’t think it will be long before he will be exciting us against teams from a higher level. Well played son.
It will be interesting to see if any of those three start against Bolton on Saturday. Arsene must have had thoughts about freshening his Premiership line-up, but probably further back than those who performed best against Shrewsbury. Johan Djourou’s search for form continued tonight, and alongside him Ignasi Miquel didn’t do a lot wrong, but neither suggested they are the answers to our current problem area. There will be more to say about that as the week progresses, no doubt.
So that just leaves me to offer a deserved acknowledgement of the part played by Graham Turner and his team tonight. They didn’t stop working from the first minute to the last. For long spells in the first-half they controlled the ball as well as we did, and frankly we could not have called it an injustice if they had gone in ahead at the break. The final result was the right one, but they did League Two proud.
Now where is that frying pan? I’m going to catch me one of those pigs.
350 Responses to “Pigs In Space And Ox Is A Star”
Tullamore Dew you say?
Goes for 2nd !!
Benayoun is such a breath of fresh air. Well deserved goal after his application so far this season. What might have been protecting our left side over the past few seasons
A win — I could get used to this!
Nice report ‘holic — glad to hear of at least 3 good performances tonight. And what a strike from the Ox!
Roll on Bolton…
Yes, so much trickier than 1st.
Also gave up on the streams and due to work / family have seen very little – well, the goals on SSN. Was dreading a defeat at half-time, so thanks for the match report and great to see the Ox on form.
Tullamore Dew indeed neighbour. Shall I bring you a flask on Saturday?
π
Arsene took the idea of a defensive coach as a huge insult. Understandably imo. I can’t imagine for one second he and pat rice are capable of coaching a solid defense. I just think the players we have lack the experienced players to guide them on the pitch. Ashley, Campbell, Toure, Lauren was Wenger, and so was the makeshift back four of the UCL 2006 run.
I meant incapable ^^
Nice to see us finally score a goal from distance, well done Ox……Benny has a great motor which we desperately need, any goals are gravy. I really worry about Djourou, he never seems beat the opponent to the ball. Calling all Cusop’s, calling all Cusop’s…….
Nightcap of Tullamore Dew for the barman, if he’s still going strong. π
‘holic Your report conveys the sense of renovation in progress, and it is exciting to see things develop. Good comeback even if League 2 Shrewsbury, who deserve great credit as you say.
Snowy great match report in the last drinks, and excellent commentary to go along with it. π
coquelin was amazing .not a surprise we colapse once he wasnt on the pitch on the MU game
he (so by me ) has always rated higher than frimpong (i still love the frimster) ,and you can see why MOTM go to him as he run the game
lordgunner, Coquelin is a smooth operator in the few times I’ve seen him (not including tonight) and I would love to see him take bigger steps the remainder of the season. Allez Le Coq!
I like the look of the ox. He seems miles ahead of Theo when he was that age.
Nice to have a win but I’ll keep the lid on the good stuff until we stop hovering about the drop zone.(lost my temper twice this week)
Right, tea time see you all at Bolton I believe it is, yes.
Not bad, we played shrewdly and came away with a result. No complaints about that…let’s see where we go from here.
Holic, “…the goalflash that spurned a million expletives across the webosphere.” made me laugh like a maniac. Must the drugs….
I feel like the comparisons between Ox and Theo are unfair at this point. Theo is a finisher, Ox is a winger. Both good players but need to be in their right position…
Another round of London Pride for you loyal gooners
So Wenger has turned down the idea of a defence coach.He is entitled to his opinion but things can change. I f the gunner continue to leak goals and lose games,that’s it. Even the vote of confidence counts for nothing.Managers have been axed after this following a string of lossing games. Wenger wont be immune from this.
It’s reults that count. If the gunners start winning games the defence coach will not be an issue. We will hav e to wait and see.
It’s good to see Chamberlain score from long distance. This should be the way instead of passing all over the place. The worst is trying to thread a through a congested defence and when the attack breaks down,the gunners area goal down.
Hopefully this strike by Chamberlain heralds the dawn of a new age in shooting long range by Arsenal.
Just finished catching up on the PR /commms drinks of a couple of days ago and have to say, albeit a bit late, that there were a lot of superb posts on there –
snowy, Fungunner, Muppett, North Bank, Tabs, and aplogies to any not mentioned π
And, the inimitable Zico for the usual, deliciously barbed ripostes aimed precisely at the sadly deluded Cusop.
Tonight at Stoke, Cusop ?
Grin, chuckle, ” “. π
Um…no mention of the super-glue applied to Fabianski’s boots, leaving him rooted to the line at all times? Honestly ‘holic, I know you’re trying to be positive, but surely you’ll agree that he catagorically should never wear the shirt again, and also that he is as good now as he was three years ago: irrideemable!
It is revealing of our ‘keeping situation that our nominal no. 1 could not be got rid of to any team in entire world.
Finally, if I see one more Arsenal player ignore the ‘and move’ part of ‘pass and move’, I will blow a gasket. The space has to be run into, and created by players pulling defenders away with decoy runs. This is not tactical genius: it is basic Sunday League stuff. And for that matter, could someone, just once in a while, actually get into the box, or aim his crosses/floated passes to a man in red? Please?
Oh, and it was done considerably more today than it normally ever is, but why are our players so afraid of the byeline? I mean, just watch them whenever they get the ball towards the end of the pitch: 19/20 times the player will pass backwards – thus doing the defender’s job for him….
Chamberlain, by the way, definitely looked shit hot. Thoroughly impressed.
I like the fact that Chamberlain score from long distance. We really need someone who can do like him.
Only saw the goals, so not much to comment on.
Try to catch some more highlights tomorrow.
But as has been said before, a win is a win and I’ll take it, thank you very much.
Working the front desk of a sleepy hotel deep south across the pond is not a great place to watch our Gunners play but I take it when I have to. Not being able to find it anywhere and so watching the tweets was gut wrenching. Thanks for the post ‘Holic, looking forward to a win versus Bolton!
that was scary for a while. our confidence is clearly shot – we could have been 2 or 3 down easily.
djourou captain ? dear of dear. what a walking disaster. and fabianski. not arrivederci, because that implies we might meet again. plain goodbye. shut the door on your way out.
plus points : ox looked useful but lets not build him up like we did (notso)fab, djourou and others. give him time.
was park playing ?
have anyone noticed that Arsene has changed from his usual fabergasted self to one that exudes cool and calmness, even in the face of defeat and poor play. This is a good development,a s in previous seasons, his mannerism especially when teams score against us, he lets his frustrations show and can affect the team. Also, the pundits then loves to take a dig at him.
Hopes he continue to keep cool, calm and collect.
Great drama. Unexpected outcomes. Gripping personal and collective stories of adapting to changing circumstances. That’s just the first month of Arsenal’s season, with many twists and turns yet to come. The Happy Train has had a few incidents along the way but, may I ask you, is there any better place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride? Barman, glass of rioja please. π
You’d have to search a long time to find a novel with better drama, pathos and unpredictability than what we witness as Arsenal supporters. I do find the past few years have been quite Kafkaesque….how can we escape the clutches of faceless journalists who spout shit at every turn, and the corrupt UEFA/FIFA/FA beurocrats who invent laws that strangle the life out of football clubs? How can I stop mixing metaphors?
I thought Ox-Chamberlain looked pretty neat even the other day when he came on at Man U. Looks a good prospect!
Good win, great to see someone kiss the badge even if it’s a bit premature but the “OX in the box” shows great promise. Do we let the leave next season or try and get something out of him in January when we snag Hazard? Playing out of position can’t be something he enjoys but, w OX playing on the wing do we push theo forward to play off RVP? until January I guess, as someone said before me still in 4 competitions and as I’ve said still 99 points to play for in the league, yes I know it’s a dangerous arguement Lars but, a bit valid if we look for top 4 at best.
Raise a glass to our youngins for a job done.
Sir, you must receive many compliments on your fine posts, but I want to add my thanks and admiration. Having followed your delightful blog for more than three years without acknowledging both your skill as a writer and the consistency (and timeliness) of your postings, I have been remiss in not relaying my complete appreciation for your talent and dedication.
Thank you.
Victoria Concordia Crescit
Didn’t see the game. Wondering how the Korean fared?
I have nothing much to say coz i couldn’t watch the march,kudos to the players ,thank God i didn’t loss my bet this time,i think AW should try walcott upfront and see wat he can provide,i waz expecting ryo to get some time on the pitch n wished henri waz around,we still have to work on our defence
Yes Charlie@25, I have noticed too how AW seems to be trying to recapture the coolness of yesteryear. Much nicer than the Basil Fawlty impersonations of recent seasons. He used to be called ‘The Professor’ and I would like to see a bit more of that in the coming weeks and months.
Was out with friends last night so couldn’t see or hear anything about the game – just got the result from the car radio on the way home.
Sounds as if our defensive woes continue but plenty of positives too.
I always liked Benayoun and he will bring experience, tactical awareness and work rate to our team.
Agree with Max@19 – too often our players are static when not in possession of the ball and must learn to move to create space and opportunity to receive a pass. Similarly why do they nearly always drop off as soon as the opposition has the ball which only surrenders space and opportunity. I would like to see our team play a more pressing game – hunting in packs and closing down the opposition, this would also take some of the pressure off our beleaguered defence.
Nice to see the youngsters are coming through and although it is very early days Alex Ox seems to be the real deal – but we must give him time.
The management responded from the cellar
Heh π
You knew I was a Fritzl, didn’t you zico? π
I’m still laughing Holic – be careful, if your management is anything like mine you’ll end up downstairs yourself!
Only saw 12 minutes of highlights on Arsenal Player this morning but pleased to see that we have players in the squad who are prepared to shoot, Ox, Coquelin, Frimpong and Benayoun all chose to shoot rather than pass sideways into oblivion. Definitely things to be positive about.
Roll on Saturday and let the games begin π
Just seen the highlights. A difficult way to judge a game, but as you say Shrewsbury did themselves proud. I thought there were a lot of quietly efficient performances. The central defence was too easily beaten for their goal, and Fabianski should have moved, but when was the last time he played a game? Jenkinson gets better, Gibbs also. Coquelin was incredible and the Ox is a legend in the making. Yossi and Frimpong got on with their work. Chamakh can’t buy a goal, but I think when he does get back into the habit we will all be relieved. Don’t forget this was the guy who made it for us in the first four months of last season.
There were some moments when it was a joy to watch the ball being moved around. Oh, and by the way, we did win. With a virtual reserve side.
I think there are reasons to be cautiously optimistic. Cautiously note!
Great goal from the OX!
I would really like to see Benayoun used effectively for atleast half an hour against Bolton
His work rate, goal scoring and ability to take on defenders are immense pluses
I left the stadium last night thinking I had seen two future stars in the making.
Ox, after an unspectacular start was incredible. Technically very good, with a box of tricks and end-product; not one to sprint into a cul-de-sac. I think we would see a lot of him this season.
Coquelin, also had an excellent game. He’s quick, sprayed long passes with both feet, put in some important tackles and took a few kicks, but lasted the full 90 minutes. I also expect a lot of him this season, and he is probably a safer bet as back-up right back than Jenkinson.
Park was anonymous in the first half, but had a great second half. Also technically good, found space and his passing was excellent.
I really like Miquel as well; technically amazing but probably needs to finish going through puberty and gain some upper body strength before he gets more first team action.
Two major minuses. What has happened to Djourou since he dislocated his shoulder. He had a great season last year but has turned into a big cuddly teddy bear again. Fabianski: enough said.
Looking forward to our first ‘six-pointer’ on Saturday π
A banana skin avoided.
Couldn’t really care how we win at the moment.
Aldershot next?
Thanks to the LWC’s for mid week light entertainment π
I have hallucinations at the memory of my one time flirtation with Tully (Black 43) so I shall avoid you fine gentlemen π
A better midweek. I was nervously waiting for every score update. 1-0 filled me with doom, then hope took over.
When AOC scored, I thought about tabs’s bet π
In the only game I could watch, Bordeaux were far from ridiculous and could have won, so here’s to continuous improvement.
That Hazard is still a bit good though. Didn’t have a great game, but scored a cracking goal, ably assisted by Cole.
Hey Gooner, great blog as usual π
I was at the match yesterday, not too bad a game for your 1st at the Emirates, behind Fabianski for the 1st half, and unfortunately, the 1st goal of the game. None of our lads had the ball, even though they weren’t helped by the Shrews 6 foot 3’ish striker, but Fabianski was still rooted in the face of danger, not a great goal to concede. He went one better when he tried to let a Shrewsbury ball go out of play, and it hit the post and came back into the box! And even then he has rooted to the spot almost. Playing with fire much?
We came back well though through our ‘zonal’ defending and their thankfully woeful finishing, did not realise Kieran Gibbs had scored at all down the Clock End, let alone with his head! He had a great game down the wings combined with MotM ‘The Ox’ and Young Carl, the former scoring the goal of the game and maybe the 3rd round facing the North Bank, the Emirates was alight after that one π
We had a v.good 2nd half compared to the 1st anyway, Benayoun even able to take a touch then shoot to get our 3rd, him and AOC could of had another each but I’ll take the result.
One more thing, Ryo Miyaichi looked a very lively player when he came on, obviously intelligent with his attacking player down the left wing or through the middle. Shame Benayoun or Chamakh, (who looks like he is recovering some sort of form compared to last year) never picked up on one of his many runs down the left, we might of had a 4th or 5th towards the end…
COYG, Bolton at home, West Stand on Saturday, I’m well up for it.
I managed to avoid the result and watched the game “as live” and I was fairly pleased with what I saw. We have to remember that this was a team where most players have hardly even been training together, let alone played competitive matches.
AOC was really, really good after a tentative start. I hope this was not just a flash in the pan, and I would be tempted to start him v Bolton. He brings something we lack a bit, and he seems to be a proper winger too.
Johan Djourou was, as usual, nowhere near his man for the goal but I also think Fabianski should have taken a step out. I don’t think he could have got to the ball but at least he could have put some pressure on the attacker. At the same time, remember that this was his first proper game for about eight months. And what little he had to do after the goal I thought he mainly did rather well.
My MOTM by a country mile was Coquelin. I have never been too impressed with him before but bloody hell, that kid has got something about him! Works tirelessly, can play inch-perfect passes with both feet, wins the ball back etc. And that interception he did in our box after having ran the better part of 80 yards at full pelt… Denilson, while watching the highlights, went “oh, right, so THAT is how you stop an attack!”. This is a kid with massive potential. And by that of course I mean Coquelin, not Denilson.
Right, back to work…
Morning all
A good night for The Mighty Arse last night. A fine win for the B squad, the emergence of two hot young talents (The Ox and The Coq) and a good supporting cast in Yossi, Gibbsy and Ignasi. A nice cameo from Ryo too. DJ20 and Fab, still both lacking confidence, again put in less than memorable perfomances.
The LWCs being trounced by The Munsters made our victory even sweeter. Cusop? Your bowl is ready.
Lovely post again ‘Holic, ‘the continuing story of…..’ π
Lars – Great post. Yes that run back by The Coq and superb tackle in the box (?) was a lesson for every Arsenal player in the squad. I would also be very tempted to give The Ox some match time this weekend – let’s see if Kevin Davies is quick enough to use his elbows then. The Coq must also be close to some regular appearances. A team with TV, Jack and The Ox is going to be a mouth-watering prospect later this season.
Trev/Dr.T- good to see you back in the drinks.
A morning round for all ‘Holics in the bar on you know who’s tab.
“…..I was looking out of the window for an airborne division of Gloucester Old Spots when it became evident that Kieran Gibbs had headed us level…..”
Heh! Pure gold Maestro π
Just wanted to skip the drinks to say…
…Well that result settled a few nerves didn’t it? π
…back to the drinks!
Living in Oz,I don’t get to see the young guys play until they’re in the first team.
I was lucky enough to see Ox against Israel,U/21’s,and it was obvious he was a superstar of the future. Coquelin I saw against Utd,and honestly thought he was good. Szczesny I loved after his debut against Utd. Koscielny I have always liked,and thought he would just get better and better with time.
On these players,and others,I have read so many negative comments that I started to wonder if I knew anything at all about the game.
I now realise that plenty of Arsenal fans are just too bloody negative to give a genuine opinion.
There is a great basis for a fantastic team,we just need Vermaelen and Wilshere back,and a bit more time for these players to gel.
The future looks very bright to me.
scott
have you seen kos lately ? did you like djourou at first too. something seems to happen to our defenders which means that after 10 games or so they forget what they are there for
Yes, Kos was MOTM v Dortmund. But they are only the Bundesliga Champions, so that doesn’t count.
Morning all. Just as a footnote to my unanticipated mini rant last night, FYI the attendance figures for last nightβs games according to the BBC:
Aldershot v Rochdale: 3,334
Arsenal v Shrews: 46,539
Villa v Bolton: 22,261
Blackburn v Orient: 7,104
Burnley v MK Dons: 4,134
Palace v Boro: 5,448
Leeds V ManUre: 31,031
Forest v Newcastle: 10,208
Stoke v Spuds: 15,023
Wolves v Millwall: 7,749
Yeah βmeejaβ, since we could only manage to get forty odd thousand into our stadium on a rainy weekday evening for the beer cup in the middle of a fucking recession, our support has clearly vanished into thin air.
Club in crisis. Panic. Sack Everyone. Panic some more. Run around frantically nailing bits of wood at crooked angles over all windows and doors. Panic, panic, panicβ¦
Or maybe letβs just not eh? Let’s just let the squad get on with sorting themselves out, and continue attending and cheering them on.
Just a thought … π
Lars @43 – nice work, thanks, have seen almost nothing as yet.
Cheers TS, and I’ll add my heh’s to the “Gloucester Old Spots” π
Back to work unfortunately, but am trying to get back amongst the ‘drinks’. It’s been a big miss so far this week. ;(
snowy – only 46,000 against League 2 opposition? Pathetic!
A bristling BtM slams one in, unexpectedly at this stage of the game π
Seriously, back to work.
btm
of course it counts but, ideally the pluses would outweigh the minuses. what about against united or blackburn ? the english champions i will grant you, but blackburn ? what was that all about ?
he has had far too many horrors to be considered reliable. indeed the consensus on this forum was that meerkat would play with TV5 and that was before we even saw him play ! (although now its hard to say which one is preferable, which is not, unfortunately, an endorsement of either)
Yes, 56 get in !!
Good afternoon assorted drinkers and madmen.
Just had a tasty pig and pickle pie, but not of the flying spot variety…
Congrats, Geoff (I think)!
Keep your feet on the ground, ‘holic π
Afternoon All ,
“Poor soul” here π
Ok so we didn’t manage 14 , but 3-1 will do very nicely .
Have only seen the 12 mins of highlights so I will leave any analysis of the game to others .
Great post Holic , and a word of thanks to the regulars who were in here last night , who took the edge off what was an initially very nervy first half with their humour , and Band of Brothers esprit de corps .
I can’t remember the last time I was not either at the ground or at least able to watch the game live on TV/stream , and listening to the audio stream last night transported me back to the Bryon Butler/Peter Jones days of old . The semi-final marathon with Liverpool in 1980 anyone ? … when Dalglish equalised in the last minute . The 5 game marathon with Sheff Wed in 1979 which included a 2-2 and a 3-3 ? It’s a wonder we didn’t all implode with collective heart failure .
And finally , if you need more to cheer yourself up , I learn this morning that in a debate between Arsenal fans on FiveLive last night , in which that well-known self-publicist Gareth Le C*nt took part , another Arsenal fan spelled out the word c-u-n-t when referring to him . It is the stuff of dreams .
Had that chap been reading BTA ? Probably not , but I’d still like to buy him a very large drink . π
Good numbers there snowy…the media consists of mutated spawn of LWC and ManUre children. And they can’t read or count. We’ll keep on supporting and they’ll keep on hating. If people don’t hate you, it means you’re not doing something right with your life I say….
A light Carib beer for anyone today?
has anyone on here ever even had Carib?
Couple of thoughts from last night: (1) The defenders still have to grasp that zonal marking means marking the man in their zone, not the zone itself. That didn’t happen for the Shrewsbury goal. (2) AW seems to have started with a 4-4-2, with Frimpong and Coquelin taking Petit and Vieira roles in midfield. Reconsidering it for the 1st XI?
tabs @ 60: Peter Jones was arguably the finest football broadcaster ever.
Never heard of Carib….
Snowy @ 50
I ran and got the bits of wood, but am not quite sure what angle I should be nailing at?
Panic, panic, panic…..
Ned@63 ,
I think you’re probably right , but his unerring ability to convey the dramas of a football match did nothing for my ticker .
He was also quite brilliant when football wasn’t the main story . I remember being in the North Bank for the Newcastle game in 1989 with my tranny , and his on-the spot description of what was happening amidst the tragedy of Hillsborough that day was outstanding , both in content and tone .
Ollie@58- thanks, I’m still smarting from tabs hitting the 300 last night π
Tabs: I went to all 5 games with The Wednesday back in ’79, also the Liverpool marathon in ’80. In those days I didn’t consider myself a true supporter unless I was at the ground for every game.
On another note I remember going to Highbury for a midweek AFTERNOON match against Derby County during the power cuts of the mid-70’s, if memory serves me correctly there was a full house of 63’000.
Hello Geoff ,
Good on ya ! I went to the Highbury game against Sheff Wed , , when I think Chippy scored in the last min , and the initial 0-0 up at Hillsboro with Liverpool . For the rest , I was consigned to the traumas of the Radio .
I remember that in those days , the radio broadcast wouldn’t start until Eight even though the game had already kicked off at 7.45 or even 7 30 .
The words ” Lets go straight to Villa Park , where there’s already been drama…” still holds the terrors for me .
Even though I started going in 1970 , I have to say I have no personal memories of that Derby game , although have obviously read about it since . Don’t think my mum would have let me out of Primary school for the afternoon , tragically
I wonder how many sick-notes there were that day ? π
Great memories Tabs,
I don’t have a clear memory of the day but I do recall my mum wasn’t mad about me going. Dad was a mad gooner and took me in my 1st season to 39 league games (1971/72) so I had no problems in taking the afternoon off school.
I’m still traumatised from listening to the radio commentary from the early-mid 1970’s to such an extent I can’t listen to a game today, I found it agonising.
On another note I do recall fondly waiting at 6.30pm in my local newsagents for the Saturday classified edition of The Evening standard. Apologies to younger readers but in those days (pre internet, pre teletext) it was the only way we could see a league table that day (late results were in the stop press printed in the margin, hilarious!).
Remember that Derby game. A crash barrier gave way under the strain. A few crushed ribs and things, as I recall.
You and I have been in close proximity then Geoff. I was at all the Wednesday and Liverpool ties too. Luckily had an understanding boss at the time.
Did you do any of the European trips at the time? I was in Leipzig, Istanbul, and Brussels.
It is good to see plaudits accorded The Ox; only that now he is already sold to Man City or Barcelona just like van Persie, Wilshere, Walcott and Verm (as those prophets in Le ***t will have us believe).
Hi ‘holic, seems we have.
I remember as a boy of around 10 being so excited about a midweek afternoon kick off, such a novelty.
Leipzig and Istanbul? Wow I commend your support *doffs hat*.
I’m afraid I wasn’t at either of those but Heysel in 1980 I remember all too well. I did travel, it was my first big European away match. I was so proud of the way O’Leary had Kempes in his pocket and the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach when Brady missed his penalty remains to this day.
Wasn’t it his last game for the club? Ugh, what a way to go.
Great memories gents.
I did the radio bit for the Liverpool semi saga ( I was in Ireland for a few of the games if memory serves) Remamber when we finally won having to queue up outside the stadium the next day with my coupon full of program vouchers.
The radio game that really sticks in the mind was the second leg semi final against Juventus in Turin, when Paul Vassean scored the light winner. You could here the talian crowd singing the entire game up till that moment, it was then an eerie silence, powerful stuff.
===
“I remember being in the North Bank for the Newcastle game in 1989 with my tranny …..”
Wolfie was with you even back then, eh tabs? π
Breakfast BM shots all round please.
I just found a link to yesterday’s league cup game.
You need the veetle player but is is High Def and just began.
LINK:http://veetle.com/index.php/channel/view#4e76cc87520dc
Ollie’s gonna rip me to shreds for all the typos in that last post.
Quick barman, another shot to wake me up.
I see Inter have sacked their coach after just five games, ridiculous.
Even though things may not be going as well as most of us had hoped or expected, we should still be greatful that we are not a knee jerk reaction club, who fire our managers at the first sign of a blip.
Consistancy breeds success, we don’t want to go chopping and changing willy nilly, we’re not the chavs ffs.
H2H, That’s the game that made it impossible for me to ever listen to radio commentary again! Agonising.
Heh H2H , yep , he attached himself to me and I haven’t been able to shake him off since . π
Great stuff above . I didn’t know that crash barrier stuff about the Derby game ‘Holic . Was it Clock End ?
H2H , I remember that queue for the Cup Final tickets being enormous , and looking at wonder at the ticket , when I finally got mine . I also remember doing some kind of manic can-can with my father in the living room when that Vaessen goal in Turin went in . Happy days !
Geoff – O’Leary was at the peak of his powers in that Valencia game wasn’t he . Given his subsequent penalty taking in the 1990 World Cup , shame he didn’t take one that night !!
It was indeed massive tabs, I was there pretty early and was still half way up the hill on the Avenell Rd, by the time I’d got my “prize” the queue was well around the corner.
Geoff, I’m not suprised, that game was enough to anyone a radio trauma for life.
*give anyone. Jeez what’s wrong with me today. (rhetorical btw)
H2H, I think you need a Bloody Mary!
‘Well it wouldn’t do any harm Lars, cheers.
Off to the bar to get some beer in me, I should be okay again when I return in the wee hours, or the wee wee hours as I refer to them after a heavy session.
I’ll leave you with these stats just in from Opta;
Spurs have now lost their last six penalty shoot-outs in all competitions.
—
This can only mean one thing….
Twitchy is now fully qualified to take over as England manager.
H2H – great stat , and an even better conclusion π
Ok , 100 in sight , 15 to go Chaps π
Now , where’s Geoff ? π
Nice one, H2H@83.
The cuntdown has already started, tabs?
(there may or may not be a typo above)
:-D. Ollie
Can’t argue with that Ollie π
Heh, cuntdown
Count me in for the race to 100
Just call me Joe (90)
8)
Harsha ,
Given you and Ollie are regularly on the arses , your fingers are clearly too quick for us Holics . Simply not fair for you to enter .
Plus , I’m sure you wouldn’t want anything to get in the way of Wolfie’s support of Secret Supplies’ proposal at the Board Meeting this coming Saturday π
A splendid programme if I may say so Dr Z π
Some great stories tabs,Geoff,Holic
Cheers
Cheers Harsha , plenty more where they come from , but other things on my mind right now π
Oh I forgot about the board meeting tabs π
Great to know all the regulars are meeting up and having pre-match pints on Lars’ tab
One day, hopefully I’ll be able to join y’all
On the race to 100, I’ll settle for 101 then π
Have to use all tools at my disposal Harsha . π
I forgot to order my drink, rum and coke please π
Just us 2 Harsha, and a 100 lurkers
make that 101 lurkers π
!
*Receives the pass on left touchline, runs into free space, skins the recovering right back, floats in a beautiful cross with his left foot*
And an assist for me!
Heh, well in tabs
Although I don’t think that counts, does it? π
Geoff , you turned up at just the right time for a beautiful assist . In days gone by that late entry would have definitely made the stop press printed in the margin π
Cheers Harsha , not the greatest finish , I’ll grant you , but they all count eh
Nice one tabs π
I’m going to have to refine my tactics to get these 100’s…
tabs, you surpassed your ‘one smiley’ post of last time I remembered.
‘!’. Yer having a laff.
That shouldn’t qualify, F5ing or not.
In true arses style (well I can’t access them from work anymore) : congrats, Harsha. π
Cheers boys .
Right off to do something less constructive π
Minimal backlift Ollie , is the phrase you’re searching for I think π
Good post holic, cant imagine why nowhere in the world this was on tv given the clamour for english football and thought the attendance was very respectable given the opposition and fans also forking out for a CL qualifier a couple of weeks back. Had many a great night by the radio listening to matches ( except 1988 final where said radio ended up in garden in many pieces..jammy bastard stein). A win is a win although why JD agrees before hand to talk about focus and the completely forgets to is beyond me. Only way is up now.( blesses himself 3 times and sacrifices fly on the window to the gods).
Goods Evening Holics
Gave up on the “Iplayer” after our third goal . Thought we looked nervous until Gibbs scored but came alive in the 2nd half. Loved Le Coq and Ox confirmed his undoubted abilities shown in the under 21s. Hope they both get their chance with the big boys in a home game soon.
Szczesny must stay fit! Fabi , obviously rusty, brought back unhappy memories of seasons past, static on his line and indecisive.
I was at that Derby Cup game ,2pm kick off during the 3 day week. It was the most dire 0-0 I have ever witnessed!
Let’s hope while the “kids” were strutting their stuff, “the defensive coach” was drilling Saturday’s back 4. Will be there Arsene and don’t expect to see another shambles a la Blackburn.
As always COYRs
Good post, this site always has great suff
Ah, b*llox …I leave the comfort of the interweb and its completely unbiased meeja for a few short hours only to find on my return this:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15011557.stm
b*llocky, fekcin, so*dding, st*ffing heck…*
*I think this might be known as “Treatment Table Tourette’s”…
Caught up on the drinks now, some fine trips down memory lane there…
*sighs wistfully being far too young to remember any of them π (ahem…)*
zico @ 65 I believe that this season, the correct crooked angle for bits of wood to be nailed fashionably across the windows and doors of football clubs ‘in crisis’ is best described as “jaunty”.
I’d need some guidance from Mr Smallballs and any feedback he can provide from the various ‘Fashion Weeks’ to know exactly what that might mean though π
H2H@83
I know I’m a bit late to the party but HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Well done.
Dear Mr Snowy@114 ,
You have indeed come to the right .. err .. man .
As you are no doubt aware , I am an expert in the field of getting wood . When it comes to crooked angles , have no fear , I have been referred to as the “bent woodsman” on many occasions .
Now i think you’re right . To obtain maximum “bentness” , a certain jauntiness is required . To express what i mean by “jaunty” , I can do no better than quote the following from the latest Cosmopolitan .
” Wolfgang Smallballs sashayed down the catwalk with a jaunty insouciance which belied the fact that he clearly had wood ”
So there you have it . Wood and a jaunty bentness are clearly bedfellows .
Please give me a ring when you need someone to help you fill your openings with some bent wood .
Trusting the above has been of some help .
Yours jauntily ,
Wolfgang Smallballs .
Mr Smallballs @ 116 your counsel is, as always, outstanding. Many thanks to you for your kind clarification.
Now, if I may be permitted, I have a further question.
Apparently The Arse is in for some other German bloke called something like Herr Bad Tubeholder. The story is provided here:
http://www.footylatest.com/arsenal-chasing-a-second-german-international-defender/23794?
According to this particular meeja report:
βBadstuber has come through the ranks at Bayern but grew very disillusioned at being left out of the starting eleven under van Gaal.β
I canβt even begin to work out the level of innuendo that might be involved in being left βoutβ of this starting 11, or how they all ended up βunderβ van Gaal. I hope you can enlighten us.
With grateful thanks in advanceβ¦.
π
Geoff @67, Holic@70 –
I was at the Derby midweek afternoon game, in the North Bank.
I’ve no idea how many were there – countless small children were being passed overhead down to the front of the terrace.
I was only a child myself, but not quite that small.
You’re right ‘Holic, a crash barrier did give way, and I was in the first row of people that did not finish up crashing down the terrace behind it. It just gave way under the sheer weight of people.
I wouldn’t swear to it, but I seem to remember a crowd figure of around 70,000. I don’t know if there was even a legal maximum set in those days.
Tabs, I also did the Sheff W marathon and all the Liverpool games.
Got to Coventry in a bit of a panic for the last one, trying to find our Block – M if I recall – and finished up running round the ground the wrong way!
Straight into the oncoming Liverpool fans, loads of ’em, completely filling the road, climbing over the walls – as usual – but they were as good as gold. Probably wasn’t worth beating four of us up!
Happy days ? π
BBC highlights of last night just started. I’m off.
Hi Trev, magical days for sure, I don’t remember the barrier collapsing, it sounds like you had a lucky escape. I was in the upper west that afternoon and I do remember looking at the packed terraces and seeing just a sea of heads, packed tighter than pool balls in a triangle.
Mr Snowy@117 ,
Yes , I can see why this story might have you baffled . But all becomes clear when you become acquainted with German . I will help you out .( I like to pick up a little German on my hols) .
A literal translation of “stuber” is sucker , and being a bad one , he found himself out in the cold , notwithstanding he came into the first team with some momentum .
The first XI found themselves under Van Gaal , as his management techniques are practised with a missionary zeal .
Trusting the above is of some help ,
Yours Germanically ,
Wolfgang Smallballs .
Hey Trev ,
Great story . Old boy Ray Kennedy did us a favour that day didn’t he , when he trod on the ball , which led to our goal .
My other memory of the radio commentary of that game was the miss in the last minute by Dalglish .
” and Dalglish is through , he’s through , he must score , he will score … … … and Jennings has saved it ”
I used to dread the emotional effort required for those commentaries . Felt like I’d played myself by the end of it .
Encouraging performance, though after the first goal I had visions of the `crisis at Arsenal` headlines appearing again, and gingerprick asking for more calls as to whether we can avoid relegation.
I picked up the Benayoun story from teletext, and it does appear that his Arsenal injury travails have started early. Chuks Aneke is just one of our youngsters I would like to see on the bench occasionally.
Wolfgang @ 122 – Alles klar – natΓΌrlich!
Herr Kleinballs, vielen danke, Ich weiΓ nichte, was ich denke…
And I sincerely hope ‘Holic’s lawyers are on call tonight (for all of our sakes…)
*sneaks off to naughty step, acknowledging the mastery of the Smallballs and vowing to never try playing the innuendo card EVER again*
Heh Snowy π
Hey Tabs – I still hate listening to radio commentary of our games now.
Every touch of the ball by the opposition seems to threaten a goal on the radio – come to think, though . . . . .
Unbelievable! Just looking forward to seeing Yossi perform vs Bolton, and he’s out.
Hopefully it’s only a small, small, small, small injury this time, so we can be sure he’ll be back for the Christmas program.
π π
Re: Snowy @125: Why does everything sound so dirty in German? This impression comes from somebody who speaks not a word of it, mind you. π
@trev yossi says he’ll only be a week just a strain… According to his tweet this morning. But, his work rate has been fantastic to see maybe this opens a place in the squad for OX to be picked Saturday.
Damn shame if Bennygoon is injured, I really like his attitude.
Here’s to a speedy recovery.
I jinxed Benny@38 π
Having just consumed most of the drinks I am left feeling rather happy. Ok it was ‘only’ Shrewsbury but it seems to me that there has been some very good new talent and experience bought recently and there are also some very good youngsters emerging from the academy. When/if we can get everyone fit again we actually have a very good squad of players. This isn’t to say we don’t need further additions but these will arrive in January and probably also next summer.
I’m no different to most of you in that I have been saddened, frustrated and angered at some of the results over the last 5 or 6 months but the future does look bright just now and the management and team need our support not our criticism – why is it that nowadays we aren’t just fans and supporters but critics and wannabe pundits? Must be watching to much MOTD and SSN I suppose.
Up the arse and keep the faith – just a little bit longer.
It’s oh so quiet….
Good observation, Bjollie π
Hey Ollie,
Arses blocked at work for you too?
I found a couple of proxies to access them but, can’t post
Blogs out? π
Hey Harsha, yes, the whole arseblog experience has been blocked for nearly two weeks now. I believe it’s some generic IT Naziengine that’s being spread through the big companies.
This http://arsenalblog.tagadab.com/ allows you to read the blog daily, albeit in a very non-friendly format.
Hello TS.
So, are you going to the bolton game Ollie?
Seems like the HT board members are meeting up
If you were following the drinks with as much attention as some do, you’d know the answer, Harsha : exceptionally (for a weekend home game), no.
Heh, bam, after the weird tabloid comments about the ‘low’ attendance at the CC game, take that:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/club-pays-tribute-to-loyal-supporters
And some bad news from TfL.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/important-travel-information-for-stoke-h-
Just saw that Ollie.
Someone at dotcom is on the ball. Good to see a little bit of a fightback at ludicrous press.
…the first link, obviously π
Great spots Ollie, especially the attendance figures which, incidentally, were 10K more vs Shrewsbury than The Sh*thole can manage for a sold-out EPL game vs The Smashers. As we keep saying here, it could be worse, you could be an LWC π
Loving the .com fightback, Holic. About time too, I think π
In 48 hours we will be on the sauce π
Indeed, ‘holic! You’ve got to love the fact that they didn’t just say it was the highest of Carling Cup but actually second highest including weekend League games!
Now I want a bit of that fightback on the pitch too ;D
‘holic @145. I dread to think what state you lot will be in.
Not that you in particular need a bad influence most of the time anyway π
Somebody should warn Owen Coyle I will have a full tank before kick-off π
Ollie, I thought you were the so-called ‘bad influence’?
I wonder who will accept that mantle on Saturday.
One thing’s for sure, it can’t be me…. this time…. π
I suspect one zico may be the baddest influence, aided and abetted with some gusto by TaBS π
I think Wolfie will be a prime candidate, TS π
Or maybe Lars and his oversized wallet? :p
‘Holic
I’m sure you will announce your presence when you take-up your seat π
Please ask him politely to don long-trousers from me, ta.
Heh, @ 145
now that is what I call a cuntdown.
(There may or may not be a typo above)
Decision, decisions ‘Holic π
I’m bad to the bone, me π
I hope there will be plenty of pictures taken in the Tollie.
I suspect most of them would turn out fuzzy though.
Lars’ wallet will be made most welcome…
I suspect the data protection act will be cited as a reason for non-disclosure of pics, Ollie π
Righto, nose to be re-attached to grindstone.
Laters, clunge avoiders.
I shall be following the Wolfie line on saturday – all mouth and no trousers π
oh , and to make sure I have a breakfast this time
tabs,
Will you be having a three course breakfast of a fag, a cup of coffee and a cough? π
‘Holic@45: hadn’t thought about that, but you are absolutely right!
My wallet is prepared and so is, considering the amount you lot seem to be aiming to consume, my application for personal bankruptcy to be filed on Monday when I get home π
It’s all right Lars, I am going straight to Heathrow after the game – you should still have some coins left by then π
… which I will of course snaffle π
TS@162 , You got it ! Might throw a BM into the mix … π
Off to do something boring . Laters , Chaps .
Extract 21st September
Dear Diary
The troubled nights seem to have abated somewhat. Last night my dreams (or at least those that are clear enough to be recollected) involved purely Yours Truly and Green Eyes in what can best be described as a “tangled clinch”.
It was getting quite interesting up to the point where I woke up to find Roxette hitting me over the head with a hardback Harold Robbins. Says I was screaming “man on, man on, Wolfie, man on”…….
Anyway, come into the office this morning to find ticket sales were “surprisingly good” (Edwin)
“disastrously bad and indicative of the crisis at D L Ltd as the Chief Executive struggles to deliver against the background of customers high expectations” (all UK media)
Inwardly very happy with 46000 tickets sold – outwardly told Edwin to crack the whip with those slouches down in Sales….
Mail arrived this morning and still no word from Stan (Krankie). Edwin says that’s unusual. (Finger on the pulse as ever, Edwin, I think, taking a mental note to find out if he is still drinking…..) Thinking about sending the same fax to our erstwhile orange colleague Dixie Dein. Sure he can be convinced to part with some of his wedge in exchange for DL Ltd stock. (Stock, heh).
Putting final touches to plans for Saturday’s journey. Check list:
1. Interpol most wanted list – sub division – Sweden.
2. Idiots guide to Fungi – Shrooms from the other side of the world.
3. List of excuses for Roxette
4. Doc Martens
5. Book – Linda Lusardi’s “One round the back in Emmerdale”
6. Appetite for destruction.
Off to the pub now to rehearse my speech for Saturday…..
(Note to self: remember to refill Oyster Card BEFORE going to the Tollie so I can at least get to Heathrow on Monday morning.)
Lars
You will also need to pack your DLL issued wallet made from elephant’s scrotum leather (extra capacious) π
Heh Dr.F @ #166. Edwin is stil drinking but a bit tied-up at the mo’ π
Quite an exciting weekend coming up in ‘holicland, I see. Have fun! π
Oh no! I forgot to cut my hair for a few days and I’m starting to look like Koscielny! Little girls running the other way screaming and such. π
I wonder how many will survive, bt8b…
TS @ 168, quite a memory you have there – very impressed.
@ 8 ball – when their mothers start screaming and running away is the time to be afraid – assuming you’re not all related π
zico, an Edwin never forgets π
…. apart from all the times that he does π³
Now then….. IΒ΄m almost looking forward to the reports of the pre/post match fun and games as much as the game itself!
I assume that you are all familiar with my patented Auntie Beechams remedy by now, and have all of the required ingredients ready for the end of the session?
Important – take BEFORE sleeping. In HolicΒ΄s case that is BEFORE getting on the train. Prevention is always better than the cure….
I can anticipate the report.
*dribbles, dribbles, dribbles*
Also for ‘holic : remember to put the alarm on at maximum volume, 1 minute before expected Swindon arrival.
This is interesting (if noone has linked previously!)
http://tomkinstimes.com/2011/09/4th-october-premier-league-broadcasting-d-day/
Interesting indeed, Catalan
Interesting Catalan – but nothing that is going to make Chelsea or Man City cry into their beer.
If the Sky money reduces dramatically watch some teams go bust – I would imagine that there are a number of teams very nervous about where this will all end. It won’t exactly be great news for us either but we would survive the worst of it, I guess.
interesting indeed:
This will have significant implications for every PL club, including Liverpool.
I’m guessing this is a Liverpool site. How did you end up there, Dr C? π
And by that, I mean : ‘good, if unlikely, find’ ! π
erm, err…… Twitter has a lot to answer for!
The good thing is I’m feeling a bit better every day so should be OK for the weekend hopefully.
The bad thing is I’m leaving work a little later every day too.
Although I’m still lazy enough/not completely involved in the main activity at the moment to leave not THAT late.
Have a good evening ‘holics!
Interesting piece indeed, Dr C.
Last season in the bar I had the Ere Divisie Live channel (β¬17 pm) and Sport1 which has matches from the PL, La Liga, Serie A, Lique 1, Bundesliga, SPL, Champions League and Belgian League 1. (β¬15)
Towards the end of the season the Ere Divisie Live channel, decided that if you were showing matches in a bar then you had to have a different subscription so out they came with Ere Divisie Live Zakelijk (business) the price rose almost 1500% they sent me a letter telling me that it was mandotory to take the new package to which I replied in no uncertain terms telling them to go fuck themselves and cancelled all subscriptions.
I wouldn’t like to see the PL have it’s own channel, because things would probably go the same way. I’ll be watching with great interest how this all pans out.
*sneaks in quietly with half an eye on 200*
Don’t watch too intently, Geoff, it seems to be putting people off posting.
Ollie, as you say at 134 ‘it’s oh so quiet’
*Takes off dusty Stetson, wipes brow with handkerchief, pulls up chair*
Evening ‘Holics,
The reports of my departure are most premature (I hope that isn’t too disappointing to the regulars). I’ve just been swamped at work and have been wading through several session’s worth of drinks.
Lars (from many drinks ago), it seems your faith in Cesc’s temperment and affections was vindicated, and I have been proven wrong. Many drinks to you from my meager fund. (Shhh, don’t tell Zico – because we are supposed to be over this thing π – but I still harbor a deep grudge against that boy [not Zico], and I probably always will, but that’s just me.)
Anyways, glad to be able to drop in for a quick drink. I’ll have more time to discuss (or trade friendly barbs) in a couple weeks. Until then, Zico, you and Edwin can always procure the llamas when the HT mk II needs them, and, as always…
Barca Must Be Destroyed.
UTA.
They’re obviously saving the drinks for saturday π
I’ll put a drink in for the team.
Quiet tonight.
Think I’ll have a lock-in.
Drink up lads, they’re on the house.
Lars’ tab not required then? In that case, I’ll take two London prides please Mr. Barman.
It’s getting chilly in the north woods for this time of year. A few nights ago we even had our first fire in the fireplace.
A chance this weekend for Gary Cahill and Arsenal to size eachother up in light of what didn’t happen over the summer?
Cheers ‘holic, Fosters would be grand!
“on the house”
*drops everything, pulls up bar stool and puts on a bib*
Ahhh… a lock in! Fantatsic.
Just finished translating an olive oil label for a friendΒ΄s business… so got a thirst on! Strange the things that you get up to once youΒ΄re an expat!
London Pride for the nostalgia please!
Actually, H2H, my friendΒ΄s a dutchman, and his attempt at explaining the powers of olive oil in English was very commendable! As would be expected….
dummy, step over, gives the eyes, curls in the cross……
Shall we list the powers of olive oil one at a time?
(Good way to get to 300)
1. Popeye
2. Bluto
The finisher of the moment couldn’t’ have done it without a fine oily assist. π
Only consolation was it wasn’t tabs…nice one bt8b
Catalan @ 202 – is that not the list of Olive Oil’s conquests?
Thanks Dr. Z for explaining 202, which was only slightly convoluted on the part of Dr. C. π I was thinking of more traditional powers of olive oil (sans capital letters) but will spare you all the enumeration. π
good point, Dr Z. I always found the way she played poor Popeye off against Bluto as unseemly….
8ball … nice conversion.
As it is quiet here tonight, and Dr Z is being a pedant, I shall offer a virtual pint ot the first that supply the correct plural of “octopus”…
Bt8bbgfg, have you noticed your word skills have been put to good use?
Thanks for your help.
Nice one Holic, and well edited 8ball!!
*The above views donΒ΄t necessarily reflect those of the landlord, or, indeed, me.
I, also, do not exist. *
I really do miss Jack Wilshere.
Not having anything to do with anything. Just remembered him against Barca. He was brilliant.
…really quiet tonight…
Cg@208-oh look, there’s an octopus and another octopus…..
(to google the answer would be cheating)
Holic, to continue a theme, with your excellent music taste in mind (mostly. I will forgive Spandau Ballet just this once), would it not be possible to put up a juke box to the Holic bar with all of the various embedded tunes that have featured over the years?
IΒ΄m sure someone would be unhinged enough to go back and trawl through everything for you….
Snir? Where are you….??
Nice try Geoff!
And yes, googling is cheating
I remember reading about this a while back (YES THIS IS TRUE).
I remember something about some confusion regarding if the word was latin or greek.
What I don’t remember is the correct term.
I’m actually going to go with octopuses because, well, if they haven’t changed it yet to something more fitting I guess it SHOULD be the correct term.
I wonder if they might have talked about it on http://www.radiolab.org? That might be where I heard it.
Greek, I think, Toby. But not Octopuses. Apparently.
Yes, isn’t it something like octopuses being the “semi-correct-half-english”-version of octopus had it been latin, but since it is actually greek, the plural form is different? I DON’T KNOW! I’m swedish for pete’s sake! I know what it is in swedish…
Toby, if only my Swedish / Spanish / Catalan came anywhere close to your English!
Interesting musical idea, Catalan. A bit intensive on the server though I reckon.
One international weekend I might put together a Spotify playlist. We’ll see. Memory like a sieve these days.
Dr. C and all Popeye fans, Without googling it I believe the correct spelling is the lady is Olive Oyl. Whoops. Management is home. Over and out. π
Holic … something to while away the interlull hours!
As for the memory, never fear – surely thatΒ΄s what Snir is for?
Right, I think IΒ΄ve drunk the bar dry.
Until tomorrow, chaps.
“Octopy”? For some reason that pops up in my head. But it’s probably wrong.
The Greek word, by the way, is ΞΏΟΟΞ±ΟΟδι which would roughly translate to “eightlegged”.
In any case, off to bed now and up very early tomorrow to catch the flight to Londonium!
Octopeds
So, what did I miss :)?
Holic’s little digresion, if someone of you still didn’t manage to take a look at Chamberlain against Shrewsbury, here the link http://football-talk.co.uk/40356/video-alex-oxlade-chamberlains-stunning-goal-scoring-performance-in-carling-cup/. I am always suspicious regarding new maradonas and peles, but this boy really has it. I know its just Shrewsbury, but just look the video and think about how many of this dribles and shoots can Walcott actually make. Sorry for some spelling errors ….
Thanks, Oliver. Did The OX dominate that or what? π
Anybody want a silly name ?
Nice diary entry Dr F π
Looks like everyone’s gone – early preparations for Saturday. π
Heard it was very quiet in here, so thought I’d pop in for a drink.
Ssshhh . . weppes for me Barkeep.
Hello Stan,
I heard you kept an eye on this place. Big friend of Colin Allcars, are you?
No comment.
π
G’night all.
Heh, last word-G’night
Matter of fact, Mr Goonerholic, some doctor or other from your bar has been pestering me for an interview.
I figured it may be good to loosen up a little, and I think we have somethin’ upcoming pretty soon.
Hell, we’re just workin’ on the translational possibilities, you know, just trying to maximise opportunities for linguistic simplification, and we should be about ready to go tomorrow.
I heard there’s a Board Meeting scheduled for Saturday and thought I’d better be there. Just can’t trust that Peter Hill-Wood to speak on my behalf any more.
Got my mp4 all primed for the trip over, with some of my favorite silent movies and best toons – like Sound of Silence, Silence is Golden, There’s a Kind of Hush – man, I’m gone.
I think all Arsenal fans should be required to watch this and get a little perspective
http://vimeo.com/25397042
I’d love for that to be a great story with a great moral but it’s a bit different when players who are years younger than us earn more money than all of us ever will π
News Item: ***Betis beats Zaragoza, moves top in Spain***
Come on Betis, You the underdogs can do it for the good of the game.
I have a small personal attachment to Betis, having seen them playing in Madrid 30 years ago against Atletico in the Estadio Vicente Calderon. I vividly remember the great passion of their large contingent of travelling supporters. Last season they won promotion from the Segunda and they now lead the Primera. Come on Betis!
I was thinking more for the fans. Just to get back to enjoying football with less teeth gnashing.
This is my first comment. Yay!
It’s just after work Downunder.
Cracked a beer and drinking a toast to the Arsenal in tough times.
Three points this weekend people, three points!
Betis goes top of La Liga? Perhaps my Farca incantation is having some effect…
BMBD!
Bearded, I know mate but I’m just saying that football is their job. As for taking it (the fans) as pure fun, that’s a bit simplifying the idea of supporting a football team, don’t you think :D?
I’m watching the Shrewsbury game and I really have no idea what people want from Djourou.
He wasn’t that bad.
The only “bad” thing he did was the goal and that wasn’t even his fault. Everything else he did quite smoothly and wasn’t too exposed.
The goal was Miquel’s fault. He was marking Morgan after the throw in but stayed static and in his position after Morgan drifted wide, basically covering nobody and leaving Djourou to deal with 2 players.
He (Djourou) couldn’t really do much.
As for the 2nd half, didn’t really put a foot wrong but that’s because we completely controlled the second half.
I’m not saying he’s on top form, but people do seem to overreact sometimes.
Before watching the game, I thought I’ll see Almunia like howlers from Djourou.
Calm down.
I couldn’t see the whole match on Tuesday but Djourou was awful against BlackBurn,Snir
Stan (Trev) @ 238 – yay!
You can be our silent partner, heh.
I wasn’t talking about Blackburn though Harsha π
Granted, JD was awful at Blackburn but people seem willing to cut NB and Theo some slack for playing out of position he should get some too.
He is definitely no RB.
Morning all,
Mr. tabs you have mail sir. RSVP π
Trev @ #238,
Those alter ego are all coming along just fine ‘n’ dandy π
I heard Edwin muttering something last night about a secret research project he’s been asked to look at involving cloning. Allegedly, he’s been asked to seek willing volunteers. This could help a promising young transportation co. branch out (heh) into the bleeding edge of bio-tech. If you know of anyone willing to help out, please drop a line back to Edwin. Any suitable candidtates will be compensated with a month’s supply of DLL water and possibly a few free HT tickets (subject to approval). Over to you maestro…
Wow, I’m surprised it’s even got to 200!
Morning all…. TS, Trev, Harsha, Dr Z
Just a quick thought that I heard today, that maybe you can discuss over your croissants…..
If you are in bed with Scarlett Johanssen and Graham Norton, who do you turn your back on?
Coffee please
From a man who supposed to not care about the fans, etc., he’s saying the right things again….
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-the-team-must-lead-the-crowd
Morning & Heh Dr.C! π
Bagels and coffee now all over my keyboard π³
I think Wolfie might have an interesting solution for that little conundrum.
*Waits for Ollie’s spell-checker and marks out of 10*
Ooooo….. please please please; http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/212390/Arsene-Wenger-sends-shock-SOS-to-Bergkamp/
Big Heh at your 252, Dr C.
(but I’ll ignore your 255 as bored journalism :p)
10 out of 10, TS. Keyboards with coffee all over aren’t supposed to work that well π
Ollie
Precise as ever in your comments. Top man… π
Ollie – agreed re 255!
Perhaps we should rename the other question “The Wolfie Conundrum”?
“The Wolfie Conundrum”, brilliant!
In other news, I’m dealing with a Lars again for work, but I suspect no relation to our Lars. After all, if I have a Ian Wright as a distant work relation too, how many ‘Lars’ are there on this planet?
Like A Real Signing?
Dr C – @ 252
I suspect Wolfie would wish he had 2 backs.
2 Backs Wolfie – like something outta Star Wars….
Morning zico & heh. Have you been reading Blogs today? π
Chewtabba, W.Sithballs….
….not forgetting our good ‘friend’ Jabbasher Wheresisnob.
TS @ 249 – did you not manage to get WS on the number I gave you, because that’s the number he mailed to me?
snir
exactly what position do you think is best for JD ? for my money any position for any other team. how many chances do we have to give people who are clearly, repeatedly, not up to it
zico @ #264
I did text him, awaiting reply, thanks for the help.
Just as a matter of interest, who wants to see the following and why?
A) Wenger resign immediately – Caretaker (e.g. Bould) to cover until the end of the season.
B) Wenger to leave at the end of the season
C) Wenger to stay on (until at least his contract expiry).
*idka runs into the bar, carrying lots of wood, ready to start nailing at the doors and windows at crooked angles*
It’s like Panini stickers for the internet age:
Djourou – “shit”
Walcott – “shit”
Van Persie “not shit, but always injured”
Song – “shit”
repeat until new season with more “shit”players and new book comes out…..
Fab scored again and now the Barca board are laughing cos they reckon they got him on the cheapy cheap cheap. All my lads have got there tickets for the game and we are waiting for you all show in your sack cloths.
Cousin Op
“Grin”, “Chuckle”, “—- —”
*Refills the pets bowl*
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/team-news-ramsey-sagna-benayoun-djourou
Squillaci-time one week away or so.
Although if Djourou is the new Squillaci, how does that work? :s
Morning Chaps ,
TS – Great work fella , have replied in the back channels , thank you very much . Big thumbs up here . π You have mail and thanks again .
Great work from the diarist Dr Z ,and from silent Trev Kronke . π
Bearded – Great vid , loved it .
Holic , you have mail .
Now The Wolfie Conundrum ? Easy , go under Scarlett , and ask Graham to light the fags (heh) , for the feeling of bliss that will inevitably follow 10 seconds later .
I suspect Wolfie might be along later with a rather different answer !
heh TABS – good solution.
Cousin Op
BTW, a couple of us will be at your Sh*thole next Sunday. The only de riguer garments will be bio-suits so we should be easy to spot, even for an LWC-brain.
Whatever happens, at least it will be the last chance for us to see Modric forced to play with a cock on his chest.
Pip, pip the petty pet pet.
FOYS, FIOS
UTA!
Dr C ,
The Wolfie Conundrum ?
Not sure about the name you’ve given your quandary , although it made me chortle . “The Wolfie saturday night out” would have been more accurate .
In fact I fail to see the problem , or “conundrum” . What’s not to like ?
Am I missing something ?
Yours threesomely
Wolfgang Smallballs .
Ollie, there are a lot of Larses around the world!
At the hotel now, a five-minute walk away from The Twelve Pins. Very small but nice room overlooking Finsbury park – and it’s got free WiFi which is great becuse now I can keep up with what’s happening in the bar π
Anyway, going out now so see you all later!
heh tabs & Wolf.
TS: your newest nazi spellchecker seems to not have its French dictionary sorted.
Just saying π
To: Wolfie, Dr.F
cc: Lars The Scandinavian Secretary (oo err missus), Bjollie The Icelandic Spell-Checker, Drs.T & C.
Now that Prof. Edwin is taking a look into the world of bio-tech, I’ve challenged him to go seek some Liver Rejuvenating Serum (LRS) for the CMC.
There’s a heavy schedule of matches coming up for many of us over the coming week and I think this could become a major new source of income for DLL if handled in the right way – that should give Dr.F a chubby at the very least π
So, a polite request to add this to the agenda at tomorrow’s baord meeting. It means we’ll need to add a PAYG section to the CMC. Other medicines can still remain on general availability and free to all regular HT clientelle π
Should this new strategy be approved, I suggest we get the two resident quacks to run some prelim medical checks when the serum is sourced.
Good work, Lars. Hope you’re not in the Pembury (or the description doesn’t fit….).
Have fun, and I’ll see you for Sunderland. Or is it Stoke? I can’t remember.
Ollie @ #277
Another good spot from you, gosh and darn it π
However, given the target audience, do you really think it’ll even understand the phrase?
Just sayin’….
TS , I have made an immediate appointment for all necessary inoculations . Last time I was at the swamp was ’99 and I am concerned that the injections I relied on then are now sadly out of date .
Do you have any updates on more modern virulent diseases we need protection from ?
I’m thinking Twitchmonia and of course the dreadful Apeitus , but I’m sure there must be others ?
Err @281 was me .
Get away Wolfie . Haven’t you got a date with Graham Norton ?
Good points Wolfie, here’s the obvious innoculation requirments:
Delusional Smallclubitis
Arserejectemployment Syndrome
Fiftyyearsoffailure By Proxy
plus the usual Typhoid, Cholera and Hep-B
As he’s relativley near to us, I’ll ask Doc T to administer the necessary injections and tablets.
The thing we do in the name of The Arse, eh? π
True, TS @280. Although you could also argue that the actual audience is ‘us lot’ who are watching the show.
The ‘target’ doesn’t stand a chance of understanding indeed, although it has to be real so you can be seen addressing someone π
Looks like a lot of people on these drinks are struggling to remember who they are.
Good man TS , have added to the list . π
Off for a bit , so catch you all later .
Ollie
If DLL ever needs to employ a new head of Q&A, you’d be Edwin’s #1 choice π
Quite right Mr Andy Goram .
Now then , haven’t you got a drug fuelled orgy to attend ? π
Shouldn’t there be two Andy Goram’s?
What?
Oh π
@289 Heh Dr Goram π π
Drug fuelled orgy?
Two tickets please. 8)
I can confirm that 289 was the other Andy Goram.
Mr. Goram Sir
On behalf of our great club, this is to let you know that I’ll be placing an order for four tickets to your event , sir, for Messrs. Hill-Wood, Gazidis, Wenger and Kroenke.
If that doesn’t get the moustachioed c*nt to start talking, nothing will, sir.
Yours bowing and scraping,
Ivan’s PA
Ollie, would you please spell check #293 π
All the usual weirdos in here today, I see….
The 300 is hoving into view lurkers and shadow dwellers….
Will there be circus animals at this event?
Yes Alistair, for further details please refer to your mirror…
Brilliant Arsecast today BTW (sorry Ollie, no offence)
I would just like to dedicate this post (or the next one) to my 299 followers…..
Thank you Alistair. π
zico
A wonderfully blatant disregard to tabs’ rules for century stalking.
It’s a cruel world π
I spit in the general direction of rules and regulations……
Altogether now……
“I am an anarchist….. etc
……don’t know what I want but I know where to get it” π
Never mind that old bollix, zico π
Heretic π
IPA. I’ll make that 8 tickets.
Blimey, I thought I’d refreshed tha page only 5 minutes ago and it was 295. Timestamps suggests my refresh was a lot earlier.
Congrats, zico.
TS is the new tabs.
Good thinking Sir Andy Sir.
Ollie
I’d rather be the new tabs than the new Bjork π
Well said TS !! π
Re: Dr. C @252 Conundrum is indeed appropriate. π
And I don’t even know who this Graham is but I assume he is a man.
Have to say I’ve completely lost track of who’s who .
Best guess –
IPA – TS
Alistair – Dr Z
Goram – Both of you !! π
For any Graham Norton-challenged ‘holics (other than myself):
http://tinyurl.com/3vy3ryp
*Shudders violently @ #313*
tabs @ #312
There can’t be 4 of us all being Goram π
Arsene’s presser digest on Pravda.com:
September 23: Wenger pre-Bolton
** Rosicky back in the squad
** Ramsey and Sagna pass fitness tests
** Wenger will not add to coaching staff
** Benayoun and Djourou out for Bolton and Olympiacos
** Wenger – We can only focus on our results
** Wenger – Our start disrupted by transfers
** Wenger – European home form is vital
** Wenger – We have to deal with expectation
…. Bit miffed about Yossi, was looking forward to seeing him vs Olympiakos π
@ 312
I’m not surprised that YOU have lost track of who’s who – there are more characters in your head than a standard qwerty keyboard π
Our start disrupted by transfers/
Arsene should just hand out a baseball bat and let his detractors start beating him on the spot
*wakes up from slumber underneath the pool table.
Afternoon lads.
Drinks on the house last night, where were ya?
I noticed today, PHW is calling Joey a liar, nothing surprising there, I also seen we’ve been linked to the second coming. I wouldn’t get too excited about that one yet gents. Our Denis seems pretty happy at Ajax at the moment and its a good learning experience for him.
Give him time.
Breakfast BM and shots for the usual suspects please.
Heh H2H @ #319! Yet another night on the tiles I see. Top man! π
zico @ #318 – Agreed, great fodder for the meeja hyenas and the LG based w*nkers π
Afternoon ‘holic folks, alter egos, pen names and their imposters/doppelgangers*…
Some quality drinks up there, good to see everyone in fine spirits for the weekend ahead.
TS – great shout about the vaccinations required for Oct 2nd. I hope I still have time to arrange them.
Now I forget who it was above (Ollie??) who noted the stuff about attendance figs being mentioned on here and then something appearing up on Pravda thereafter…
I think we may be being stalked….
Which is f*cking brilliant news. Since if a club in need requires sage advice and fresh thinking, this is without a doubt THE place to find it π
So my comms-related suggestion for the day is to get this chap to re-record ‘The Wonder of You’ for the pre-match build ups at the mothership because:
a) he uses karaoke as therapy for his tics; and
b) he is an utter genius
Enjoy (although if you are at work you are advised to listen using headphones…)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WKCtm14VVs
* For you 8ball π
Af’noon snowy. Are you also heading to The Sh*thole next Sunday?
Snowy @ 321
Work?
TS I am indeed.
I’d quite like to take along the Tourette’s Karaoke chap with me to encourage the ‘natives’ to keep a wide berth – I haven’t been to the Sh*tehole before and am led to believe they are an unsavoury bunch π
Failing that I suppose a Peruvian Anti Riot Suit may do just as well – will there some to borrow in the HT???
zico – I know, I’m sorry. I should know better than to use 4 letter words like that in such fine company.
*hangs head in shame and contrition…*
Snowy,
Please send your vital statistics to Edwin and he’ll sort a bio-suit for you. Good man!
snowy, after all, this is an ‘affiliate’ blogs.
I shall be on my best behaviour from now on.
But in 24 hours you’ll all already be in a state.
And you’ll barely have noticed Mertesacker’s hat-trick in the first 10 minutes of the game.
Afternoon all, the longest countdown to 400 begins in earnest!
Or 1,000 while you’re at it π
I think the drinks after the match preview post will be long into the 100s – depending on how long tabs keeps the Guvnor in the Tollie after the match tomorrow π
zico @ #330
Assuming The Guvnor makes it home at all tomorrow π
Ollie@329-:)
Do any of you regulars know the most amount of drinks served in this wonderful establishment in one session?
Didn’t we breach or get very close to a 1000 just a couple of weeks ago?
I’m not 100% sure Geoff, but I think the TTD thingy was the most, 1000+ drinks.
…Sorry, that was for you Geoff
Lars will be buying 1000 drinks tomorrow
Willl it be a new record for him? π
TS @ 326 – thank you kind sir!
Ollie @ 327 – π wouldn’t change a thing…it’s ermmm ‘authentic’ communication this is…
Now I do see that the number of youtube views on that video I posted up but a short while ago has gone from about 7,000 to over 9,000 now. So I am hoping that the entire staff at the mothership, London Colney and all affiliated organisations have given it a damn good watching, and that tomorrow as I settle in to watch the game I get to hear a new Tourette’s Karaoke-based build up anthem…
π
…Only until The Munsters game zico π
Lars, your DLL elephants’ scrotum leather wallet will not know what hit it π
Barman, Glass of Spanish cognac please to celebrate Betis reaching first place in La Liga. π
They may not stay there long, but who knows? If they do you’d better keep a goodly supply of that cognac on hand, just for my sake. π
zico@330, I think you will find the opposite as nobody will be either near a computer and/or in a fit state to post! π
Afternoon ‘holics.
You will be delighted to hear it is pubtiiiiiiiiiiime!
Tonight’s preview will be of the half-gallon plus variety.
Don’t wait up π
Ollie, it’s the Stoke game. And I am not at the Pembury, it’s the London Highbury Hotel. Such a name requires certain standards!
TS, if only I was as rich in reality as I am in this bar… π
20/20 cricket, Guinness, what else is there earlr Friday evening?
I think your spelling of ‘early’ tells us all we need to know, ‘holic! π
Have fun!
Sounds better indeed, Lars! And see you for Stoke then.
I was going to wait a bit to get my ticket instead of rush to the infamous red bar this morning, but I randomly checked at 1am and decided that a row 3 in the north bank upper tier was not to be sniffed at. We must be very ‘unpopular’ for such tickets to be available 2 full hours after on-sale time :s
Anybody noticed the new Behind the Arse tab at the top of the Goonerholic home page? Yay, BTA!!! π π π
Good spot bt8 and Hooray indeed!
Chicken Satay
yum π
I’m hungry now.
The five pint preview is up, and number six will be followed by Cooley.
God is in his heaven, and I am confident.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Tomorrow’s unlikely Headlines:
Sp*rs begin the search today for a new manager after last night’s incredible events when the rogue satellite orbiting earth landed on a seedy massage parlour in Wood Green.
Investigators found a twitching carcass bedecked in a t shirt emblazoned with the word ‘Trific’. Mr Redknapp was identified only by his Arsenal season ticket found miraculously unscathed inside his burned out jacket.