Robin The New Cesc? And UEFA Turn On Incompetence At Last?
Sep 5th, 2011 by 'holic
Interesting. Very interesting, in fact. The latest injury woe to hit the club, namely the loss of Jack Wilshere for 2-3 months, has me wondering about the shape the side will take as we get stuck into a full two matches a week schedule this weekend.
The late swoop to grab Yossi Benayoun on loan, without a medical (hence why we didn’t buy him), in addition to the planned purchase of Mikel Arteta now looks to make a great deal of sense. As the games come thick and fast I suspect we are hoping that we will be able to keep at least one of those starting regularly. We may be trusting Lady Luck just a little too much if we are hoping to have both fit twice a week, but if one or other is available to start the bulk of those games we may just get ourselves into a challenging berth before the year is out, and we can welcome our little dynamo back, or reinforce in the January window.
We also appear to have an interesting alternative. Robin van Persie is letting it be known that he too is an option to play ‘in the hole‘, should it be required, and on occasion he appeared to perform that role after substitutions last season. I would not dismiss that option out of hand. If Ju Young Park takes to the pace and physicality of the Premiership, he becomes an option to play as the most advanced forward ahead of the skipper. He is probably a better option at this point in time than Marouane Chamakh, who needs to rid himself of the demons that currently plague him, or Theo Walcott, yet to prove he has what it takes to follow in the considerable footsteps of Thierry Henry.
None of those options are guaranteed winners, and none of them can be dismissed out of hand. Whatever shape we take I suspect the supporters have a big part to play in boosting fragile confidence and soothing nerves. It’s all we can do to help, to be honest. As an optimist I have to believe we will start to recover from a shaky start against Swansea on Saturday, but that won’t happen by right. On and off the pitch we have to demonstrate commitment and togetherness to make the most of our new look set-up.
UEFA – Will You Now Start To Undermine Your Referees As Well As Your Observers?
You know the language I tend to use when discussing Platini’s organisation. I’ll keep it civil this time because they show signs today of making progress in a significant area. In upholding a two-match ban for Arsene Wenger they have accepted that their observer, who advised Le Boss on the night what was acceptable under the terms of his ban, was incorrect and out of his depth.
Great. Perhaps now they will also take action against the referees who corrupt big matches with their poor decision-making. Although Massimo Busacca has now been promoted above his level of competence as head of refereeing for FIFA (yes, I know, truly unbelievable isn’t it?) we saw at Hampden on Saturday that officials of questionable quality are still working at the highest level of the European game.
For too long those who are not good enough at their job have been tolerated by our governing body in Europe. It is indeed heartwarming to see them turn on one of their own. Respect, UEFA, respect.
365 Responses to “Robin The New Cesc? And UEFA Turn On Incompetence At Last?”
OH!
doh!
Damn you, AL.
Now to read the offering…
i’d like to see RVP playing facing the goal as he would do if he were in ‘the hole’, he could then influence the play more- It seems a big ask thou to expect the Korean boy to lead our line. I s’pose Theo deserves a go, he could possibly play like a young Anelka – all speed and neat finishing – but not sure he’s physically tough enough thou …
Ureds!
Interesting concepts there Holic – I won’t hold my breath on the refereeong front though.
And although Dutch ref was cap on Saturday 3 pts would’ve been a steal for our mob on Saturday.
On the injury front, TV missing worries me as much as Jack.
Agree, Holic
I think that we now have the ability to change formation and drop RVP back into the “God” position (which surely is his destiny?) with Park a little further ahead.
If no Park, then Theo.
I repeat an earlier drink that I posted – I’d be interested to see the odds on Chamakh ever scoring for us again.
refereeing and crap of course – damn phone
Why did nobody tell me there was a new post?
Oh. Thanks’ holic. Drinks for all in the bar.
On Lars’ tab, to celebrate him coming back.
For a second, having read the title, I thought you suggested Robin was off to Barça.
Phew!
Apologies CG – but saw an opening and pinged it in – le fox in ye olde posty wosty box…
by way of recompense have one on me sir
Ureds
heh Ollie π
With the poor showing in front of goal over the last 10 to 15 games it should be a tactical neccesity to have 2 strikers on the pitch from the off. Jack was the ace in the hole but now he is out agree about RVP in the God position with Arteta and Song in the middle. Wont comment on uefa as it is as pointless as they are..
Before I go and read the post and comment about it, I need to ask a favor… π
Can anyone list categories of differences between American and European sports e.g recruitment process (college vs. academies), fans passion, owners’ behaviors etc.
Thanks π
Ask Stingy π
By the way, AOC with 3 assists and a penalty made on him.
England beat Israel 4-1 although it wasn’t a 4-1 game.
Yes yes yes rvp in the hole park 9 and rvp 10 4411.
Anelk/Bergkamp r u Theo/Robin in disguise – mind …http://youtu.be/cTeEI5hveN4
ps holic i trust postings in praise of Anelka – in his Arse incantation of course – r permissible on your fine blog
Ureds!
a
incantation – pardon the red pillage appears to be getting the better of me already – incarnation of course. Thou the boy woz magic in a red or yellow shirt for much of the short time we had him
Ureds
If we had a hole player we could have Arsh playing somewhere that isn’t the left wing. He is terrible out there. I would love to see the 4-4-1-1 again. love it!
Is it me or does this lineup look the most promising with the most alternatives.
—————————-Szezs—————————
—–Sagna——-Mertz———-Tv5——-Santoz——-
————————Song———————————
—————————————————————
—Walcott—————-Arteta———–Gervinho—-
————————RvP——————————–
———————————Chamahk——————
Subs: Fabianski, Ramsey, Benayoun, Park, Gibbs, Rosicky, Arshavin, Kozcielny, Frimpong.
Chamahk’s best ability is to hold up the play and feed off the the skill and pacey attack.
The Bench is FULL of options and depth(finally!)
Wilshere to return.
January to stock up
Chin up Gunners, time to smile!!!!
uefa nowdays is rule by a joker and is a joke. Also there is a need for a team to monitor and revise referee performance base on matches, there should have been a rule that can punish referee. Its like if we give police personal to have to much power without any one can question his decision….
Variation on a theme
4-3-1-2
————————–Szzzny——————————
Sagna———-TV5 (ha!)….big Sacks————–Santos
————————-Song———————————
———-Arteta————————Ramsey (Jack)—————-
————————RVP———————————-
—————-Theo————Gervinho——————
Both Theo and Gervinho look dangerous cutting inside, RVp up frontbut feeding the bullets rather than playing with his back to goal.
His technique and finishing is up to both requirements.
Now that we have Park, 4-4-1-1 also looks good again.
Pace and power, Arsene, remember the invincibles…
Cheers for the drink, AL. Back atcha.
PS – Arsene, please ignore all of my tactical advice above – I am, after all, manager of the GT Rollers!
Catalan white or red, anyone?
Pleased to see this topic up for discussion. No one will ever play in the hole as well as Dennis did, but there’s no reason why RVP cannot come very close indeed. His touch and use of space approaches the Great One — high praise indeed. Play Theo or Park up front, have Gervinho steaming in from the wing and we’re off!
Good stuff ‘holic.
Although I totally agree with you on the incompatance at the very top of the game, I do however feel that referees take a lot more stick then they should.
In todays world of HD tv and super slow mo replays from every concievable angle, it’s easy for us to sit in front of the box and bemoan the decisions that they have to make in a split second.
I’ll quote you, if I may, from your post Arsenal v Udinesse game piece;
“Oh, and after our last experience of a referee in the Champions League, a word of appreciation for Kevin Blom tonight. Got the big decisions right I think, and contributed to the flow of the game. There, I donβt hate them all”
Wasn’t he one of the “officials of questionable quality” in charge of the Scotland game?
The rules of the game, plus the speed in which it’s played, plus again the available technology, that Fifa will not allow to be used, means that the referees are almost always on a hiding to nothing. Fifa sends them out like lambs to the slaughter armed with only a whistle and two coloured cards. Some of the abuse that they have to take is quite beyond the pale, from turnip heads like Rooney and the other spoilt brat millionaires and yes, even our players sometimes do it, shamefull stuff.
Fifa are all about their slogans, the “Respect” campaign is beyond a joke when they allow the players to insult thier officials in this manner. When are they going to protect them, or give them the necassary tools to do their job?
Why o why do we point the finger at the ref’s for ruining the game, or making a wrong decision, but nobody says a word about the cheating little cunt that did a dive that would of made Tom Daly proud? (Scotland game) How is it fair that he gets away with that scott free? (all puns intended)
I think instead of slating the refs for all that is wrong in the game, maybe its time for pressure to be put on Fifa to have an overhaul of the rules, with cheaters getting punished afterwards if caught on camera.
Surely if the UEFA official, using his full authority, gave wrong advice to Arsene Wenger, then our Manager should not be penalised. He was entitled to act in accord with that advice fully believing it to be true.
Penalise the official for incompetence, but absolve the Manager
otherwise every decision by officialdom will be open to question.
My 10 year old has just started his first season in a league with rules that include offside. As a result the Dads (or Mums) have to run the line every few weeks. I’ve just done it and I was very poor – and the kids let me know it. Bah.
Yes, H2H, got me there, but did you see the three big penalty shouts in the Scotland game?
Even in normal time did you think he got any of them right?
In the past Wenger has only played van Persie behind the striker (moved him back after a substitution) when the team has been down and desperate. However many students of the game have being saying for 2 seasons that van Persie should play in the hole…..however Wenger bone-headedly continues to play many players out of position, not only van Persie. Just look at what the Russian coach has to say about Arshavin. And look at Mancini…plays Nasri in his correct position and he sets up 3? goals for City in his first game! Of course the ideal player to be played up top in front of van Persie (instead of wide) has been shoved out – Bendtner…a talent wasted by Wenger as will be demonstrated by Steve Bruce.
Wenger is responsible for the demise of the team by not only playing talent out of their best positions but by refusing to address the major problems of the team for TWO seasons until recently: goalkeeper, center-backs and defensive midfield. For him apparently attack is the ONLY form of defence.
Grant…. not at all hijacking the discussion to fit your agenda???
I’m afraid I never saw any of the incidents sir, but by all accounts, neither did he. π
I wasn’t necassarily defending him, just trying to put their hard job into perspective. Everyone can have an off day, I know they’re professionals, but so are the players, how often do they fuck up too? But they never take the stick the refs get.
My point is that Fifa should look after them a bit better.
Thomas Vermaelen underwent surgery on his left Achilles in Stockholm yesterday – initial prognosis is 2 months out
Anybody want to have that bet now?
No TV for the season, I’m sure of it.
This is truly unbelievable, it’s as if someone at the Emirates broke a fucking mirror. This is the 7th season, the bad luck is supposed to stop for god’s sake!
PS @ Grant, seeing as how you raised the issue, Nasri, I can see what you are saying. Out of context of looking forwards to the next game, but still…
But Bentdner “a talent wasted by Wenger”. I think “a talent mostly coached by Wenger but hampered by his own ego” might be closer to the truth.
And that comes from someone who is on record as wishing we had kept him rather than Chamakh.
At some point the buck does stop with Wenger, but first responsibility goes to the player himself…. Ratface Chav, Sidwell, JET, many others, and (possibly, but I hope not) Lansbury.
H2H… great posts. Yes, refs must strive to improve, but players (including our own… Eboue, Eduardo) have to help them. Otherwise you play by the sword, you die by the sword.
In so many respects, football could learn from rugby – TV replays; immediate penalty for talking out of turn; sin bins; ref mikes linked to public; retrospective action against cheats / foul play (even if ref took action at the time)…..
This is not undermining the officials, it is helping and supporting them.
Snir
Truly???
Stop it.. you’re depressing me π
Totally agree with ya H2H @25.
Todayβs is yet another ludicrous decision that confirms UEFA is so clueless it canβt find its bum with both hands.
I despair that the organisation will NEVER change of its own volition, because it has no incentive to do so. For years weβve had other international sporting bodies fully embracing available technologies because they realise the fallibility of human beings, and the benefits that technology can bring in determining the correct course of action when things are just too fast/difficult to call by the human eye. And right now, the referees can only call what they see, despite the fact that what they see can be improved with technology. Like contact lenses for example. Or a guide dog.
Anyway, I digress a bit. UEFA seems to be completely immune to technology arguments, presumably because itβs run by old men from an antediluvian era who probably think a battery torch is some sort of witchcraft.
Can you imagine any of them with an iPhone?
βWhat this? Telephone? For speaking to far peoples? Where string and paper cups? What? What is internet? Moving pictures? And words from mind of person many moons walk from here? Is spell. Quick, throw in the river, small shiny thing possessed by bad magic. I not like bad magic. Like only football. Ahh, mammoth pelt for goalposts, little cavemen, smiling, isnβt it, mmm, marvelousβ¦β
Unless UEFAβs sponsors decide to put pressure on (which obviously I donβt actually know but would guess hold far more way with this perpetually deluded organisation than the professionals in the clubs hold) then weβre hosed.
Theyβre f*ckinβ c*nty f*cktards, the f*ckinβ c*nty lot of βem.
Anyway, onto more interesting football things, about which I also know an equally tiny amount. Am feeling uncharacteristically bullish following the Oxβs contribution to the U21s this evening, so how about this for a completely scary, lamb to the slaughter, set up (when some of the soonish bans/injuries etc are over)?
βββββββββββSzczesβββββββββββ
ββSagnaββNutcrackerββTv5ββThe Saintββ
ββββββββββSongββββββββββββ
βββββββββββββββββββββββββ
ββThe OxβββββArtetaβββββGervinhoββ
ββββββββββRvPβββββββββββββ
βββββββββββββTheoββββββββββ
Obviously, Iβve dropped that turncoat Ramsey, disloyally playing against his team-mates this week, shame on you Aaron for playing for your country. North London is NOT in Wales you know, not even close, not even on iPhone maps. Well maybe on iPhone maps then, but only if you really, REALLY zoom out…
π
CG – As a Dr. you must know.
Do you think it’s the training regimes? I mean it’s been said a lot of times that we train as if it’s a real match to simulate real match scenarios.
Could it be that that is what’s causing all this?
I mean, the medical staff only treat after injury, but perhaps the training sessions overwhelm the players?
This has got to be something more than just an incompetent medical staff for it to go on for 6 years.
Don’t think anyone disputes he could play well deeper but how can you justify moving him back when he just can’t stop scoring? Who else will give 20+ goals a season?
Snir @ 32 – noooo…
Where did you hear this? Am gutted. And anxious.
And about the training sessions, I though Na$ri said recently that our training sessions were a bit feeble compared with Shitteh’s??
Gutted, anxious, and now perplexed…
Following on from an earlier post of mine…
reserve / carling cup team;
—————————Fabianski———————-
Jenks————-Kos(Iggy for the next 3 months) –JD20——-Gibbs
——————-Frimpers / Coquelin ————————
———–Ramsey————————–Rosicky——————-
————————–AA23——————————————
———–Park / Ox————————Yossi / Ryo
Not too shabby*
* NB I am NOT advocating playing all of them at the same time (in the premiership)
Just sayin @38
And there you have the point that will probably invalidate all of our tactical genii!!
I reckon Gervinho has goals in him though..
Snowy, it was Clichy who said we don’t tackle as much, but it doesn’t mean the workload can’t be heavy on the players.
I mean, Eduardo suffered numerous niggles and now doesn’t seem to suffer that much with Shakhtar.
Cashley had one major injury with us and didn’t have a recurrence with Chelsea.
TV was never a crock before Arsenal.
RvP as well.
This has got to be something to do with us, with our training, with our physios, with something, but it’s beyond ridiculous now.
Tomorrow’s Daily Mirror.
Look on the top right hand corner.
http://twitpic.com/6gn1d4/full
Thanks Snir.
We do seem to have a ridiculous number of injuries.
I defer to the medically qualified in this fine establishment, but from having Frimponged my ACL last year, I remember being told that soft tissue injuries (as in tendons, muscles and ligaments) are the very devil to heal. I was told that if I’d broken my leg rather than tearing an ACL then I would have been skiing again last winter, not this one coming (and I’m still not sure I will).
I also remember being told (and I obeyed the advice to the letter) that it’s all about the physio with a soft tissue injury. If you screw that up, you stuff up your recovery and can go back to square one.
I know nothing about what goes on with the club’s physios, but the record isn’t too bright is it?
Buy the Chelsea physios in the next transfer window????
I feel so sorry for the boss all these injuries the best part of them seem to happen @ international level then we pay the consequence,now were going to have to listen to every know it all saying why didn’t we buy Cahill!anyway Saturday is the start of our season 3 points please barkeeper.
Dr C @34.
Yes indeed, rugby has shown us the way to emalgamate technology into a sport without losing any of it’s soul..
Snowy @36
Heh π
Snir.
Lucky you weren’t around in the Roman times, they never really treated the barers of bad news that well π
H2H – I’m from the noble family, I’ve got immunity π
What a shame. Just when we were all getting excited about an epic Per-maelen combo…
And how’s this for an additional ironic kick in derriere…when I looked at the story on Arseblog news, there was an advert for National Accident Helpline next to the story…. *sighs*
So then, onwards to, er, Per-scielney…
Do you we all need a drink or what? ‘Flaming physios’* all round please barman….
:-s
* Traditional family recipe involving a pint of foot embrocation and a blow torch….
Holic, have you read a more in depth UEFA statement than me then? I don’t see where UEFA admit their official was incompetent (as if… I know thats a figure of speech lol π )
Maybe I’m being thick but UEFA seem to be dismissing what the official ‘advised’ AFC? As in as if he was mute & invisible?
There’s no ‘he might have said that, but you’re banned anyway’, there’s just ‘don’t matter what you say he said, you’re banned anyway’?
I think they qualify for the ‘Nasri of the week’ award anyway π
H2H @ 46 – thanks.
Love the new tech in rugby. And in cricket too. None of it especially intrusive.
The listening the ref thing in rugby is absolutely brilliant. Only downside of adopting that particular technology in football is we’d actually have to listen to the like of Webb and Dowd…dunno what’s worse, their shit decisions or their shit decisions and listening to the f*ckers…
*shudders and downs ‘Flaming Physio’*
Snir, sorry didn’t get as far as the top right corner, as something took my attention on the top left corner π
Evening Chaps ,
Great post Holic .
In regard to referees I think H2H makes some very valid points about the increasingly uneasy relationship between officialdom and the all-seeing eye of both the millions judging by the multitude of camera angles and an hysterical and hyper-critical media .
But , and there is a big but , the sheer absurdity of VP’s sending off in Barca , and the subsequent promotion of Bussaca would have even the most rational and calm of observers crying foul corruption .
For those that hand over their hard-earned , the very least we should expect is a clean (in the non-bent sense) game . To think we have watched something that has in some sense been pre-arranged is an unwelcome and dispiriting notion , but in a game awash with money at the top end , it is no longer one that can easily be dismissed .
Both Leeds and Derby were proven victims in the seventies , whilst many of the Arsenal players who played against Cologne in 1971 maintain that they were the victims of a referee who had had his notebook marked .
The modern televisual age hopefully brings with it a greater scrutiny that makes clear favouritism more difficult to carry out . Conversely , the very same scrutiny highlights the difficulties the ref has in arriving at the right decision , given the frenetic pace of the game and the “professional” methods of most , if not all , of the players .
Any faith in the legislative bodies – be they Fifa , Uefa or our own FA – to help officialdom with modern technology , or to ensure a level playing field free of corruption , or indeed to get even minor decsions right ( witness AW’s upheld ban ) , has long been lost in the mire of self interest , power and fiscal control that prevails within these Bodies .
As regards injuries , had most Gooners been asked at the start of the season which 3 players they would least like to lose , I think most would have answered JW , TV , and RVP . Three games in , and we’re already 2 down , with perhaps the most delicate of the three the only survivor . Our injury record beggars belief . Lady Luck shows no sign of turning in our favour .
RVP in the hole ? Outstanding there in the second half at Bolton last season , and if Park can settle quickly , I’m all for it . My head tells me however that Park is likely to need some period of adjustment to the rigours of the Premiership , and that Walcott doesn’t have the necessary physicality to play the lone forward role .
Let’s hope the new boys can plug the gaps .
On a separate note , whilst back-drinking earlier I see Dr Z referred to me as a shamen !?
Shaman or Shamen ? Either way , I agree . E’s are good π
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/8742939/England-v-Wales-Arsenal-forward-Theo-Walcott-a-doubt-for-Euro-2012-qualifier-at-Wembley-Stadium.html
No, this is an absolute joke.
Seriously.
By the way, the injury to TV is on his other Achilles. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or bad thing. :\
Snir – excellent detective work as usual, but could you please go to bed, or something, before I feel compelled to do myself in.
I can’t take any more bad Arsenal news.
The Manager banned for taking Uefa officials advice.
Half the team injured – again.
Most of the rest suspended – again.
Looks like I bought the world’s most expensive Reserves season ticket – again.
π π π
Snir @54 – it’s probably a ‘better’ thing than a recurrence of the original Achilles, but it’s never a good thing.
Do you know the extent of the injury – partial tear / rupture / chronic inflammation ??
Trev, I’m sorry, believe me, I don’t want to find it but I just pass it on and share what I know with my favorite Gooners.
If you’re already here.
Can you tell me if the fact that TV injured his other Achilles is a good or a bad thing? I mean, could it be due to overcompensating?
(Although the article mentions TV injured it suffering a kick to his leg)
Beat me to it.
I don’t really know, cause Arsenal will never say, you know.
But, I do know that Arsenal decided not to operate last season and ended up operating as opposed to this season where they decided to immediately operate.
What do you think of my 37 and 42 posts? Could it be that our training regimes are overwhelming the players’ bodies?
Decisions to operate will always depend entirely on the particular injury. It would be totally irrelevant to say ‘let’s operate this time, ‘cos we didn’t last time’.
I’ve said before that I think, and it’s just an instinctive opinion, the number of soft-tissue injuries suffered at our club in particular, could be due to the fact that we seem to have more players, playing more games at the very top level, at a younger age. The connective tissue has not matured and ‘hardened’ in teenagers, and I think it could be a factor as we have so many of them.
The speed of the game now means that if a player is caught, or twists badly, at full pace, then a ‘tearing’ injury is more likely. As opposed to the old days where players just got clogged on the lags by Chopper Harris, or Norman Hunter (not to mention our own Peter ‘True’ Storey).
Also, we have had more than our fair share of bad, long term injuries, and adjustment injuries are more likely during a return to full fitness.
I can’t comment on training routines ‘cos I’ve no idea what they do.
Right Snir – you seem to have gone – probably frictioning sparks off your keyboard, probing the bowels of “Middle of the Night Revelations Inc”, ready to bring us more suicide inducing news to wake up to. Just kidding!
Unlike you, I have not discovered the secret of perpetual wakey-upiness, so I am off to sleep.
G’night π
Sorry, if that winky thing looks a little inappropriate with a ‘G’night’.
π
That’s because you ain’t from the US.
The energy drinks we have here are really something, like seriously, it can literally keep you wide awake as if it was from Columbia π
O.K – That is one of the funniest things I have ever seen.
Gibbs exclusive on Arsenal player.
Interviewer (who is it by the way? It ain’t Roebuck) : he replaced Ashley Cole, you’ve replaced Gael Clichy, each player learns from the one above them, so what did Gael teach you?
Gibbs: Hmmm he taught me obviously, we had similar injuries, when he done his metatarsal, I done the same, we both came back and then had another setback after it, so he taught me about being patient and not trying to come back too quickly, because you can have a problem from that.
That is the first thing that Arsenal players can teach each other.
I’m sorry, but after today, I couldn’t help myself, I just started laughing my ass off.
π
Maybe we have to start playing Van Persie in a free hole while the likes of Gervinho and Walcott on the front, since all of them has already insisted which position they would be happy to play.
All this talk about the ‘hole’, the ‘free hole’, ‘ace in the hole’ has got me thinking. Maybe it’s time we thought of another name for it?
Shishir
Nothing wrong with playing in the hole. Just ask PHW or Wolfie.
RVP’s goal scoring form has been incredible this year. I would still stick with him as the striker or the centre of front three
Since Gervinho and Theo have been swapping flanks dynamically, at the start of this season I would expect goal threats coming from them too – if anyone in our team can finish off the cutbacks/crosses coming in from Theo/Gervinho it’s RVP
On the other hand, RVP can drop back ‘in the hole’ in situations where we desperately need a goal with Park introduced as striker
As long as RvP plays in our opponents’ hole, we should do just fine I’d say.
About centre-backs; I think we’d do all right if any two of our top 4 centre backs has a good season with injuries, i.e., Vermaelen, Koscielny, Mertesacker or Djourou. Out of these, I’d say our weakest combination would be JD and LK, but they’re still not all bad. Now that Vermaelen is out for the long-ish term, we need at least two of the other three to stay relatively injury free.
I think JD’s copped a lot of unnecessarily flak this season after what he did last season, which was come back straight from a biblically long injury layoff and immediately shore up our defence after the catastrophes of the Squillaci-Koscielny pairing. If I remember correctly, our stats for points won after he came back were really much better, and he immediately made the defence look more solid than it had earlier. I’m quite certain he could do a good job for us this season!
Holic, you’ve got mail!
tabs @ 52 – 100% on the money – 2 out of our 3 most important players out with lengthy injuries, and you just know that if RvP picks up an injury it will keep him out for weeks, based on track record. Vermaelen is the biggest loss in my opinion though because he would compensate as his defensive partner (Per German Bloke) gets to grips with the English game.
So now we are left with Per and Kos, himself learning the game, as our starting centre backs. I think TV and either of these two would have given us a real platform, but the big German won’t be allowed any time to settle in – god forbid he makes mistakes on Saturday. And if one of these two gets injured, we’re back to DJ and worse still Squillaci on the bench.
Keys please – I need Prozac, lots of.
administer at will, Nurse.
Fin @ 27 – I’ve dabbled in a spot of refereeing myself and it’s bloody difficult. Sometimes we should remember that when we go slating them for bad decisions.
However, for Massimo Busacca I’ll make an exception. Worst decision ever, should have gone to Specsavers the blind twat!
Just seen Merida has left Athletco on loan. The grass really isn’t greener on the other side, is it boys…..?
Shut up, Cesc!
CG, heh π
Ho hum, off to classes then.
If anyone hasn’t done their homework they’ll be banished to the back of the class. Then if they pass messages to anyone they can stay there till the end of the week!
CG (not DR. C) – What subject do you teach?
Morning All
Much good and thought provoking stuff up there.
On the lighter side:
Dr.C “Big Sacks”, that’s got to be knock Nutsacker into a cock-ed hat π
Before we decide who’s going to play in our hole I think we need to consult Shaman Smallballs. He is, after all, the expert in this area.
Late Night Trev – Someone needs to get you over to LC and fast. Not much point strengtheniongthe squad if we keep losing our key players to injuries π
OK, that last bit wasn’t very light.
The morning coffees/teas are on me.
*strengthening the* tsk…
F*ck me sideways with a fish fork! I come here first to catch up sanely on all things Arse but have now looked around and found that TV has undergone an operation.
I realise I’m late to this news and that it’s probably above in the drinks but Jaysus H. Christ, when will it ever f’in end? Two of our very best players are now crocks. Double Meh & prozac for Dr.z and anyone else wishing to numb the disappointment.
Big Sacks and Kos it is then. That means we’re two injuries/bans/whatevers away from welcoming back Squilly into the first XI. Maybe Cahill will be on our Xmas shopping list after all?
Come on our Franco-Prussian centre-back pairing. Please learn quickly and stay healthy!
*sits in the sulking corner with Aunt Sally and boils his head*
TS – There’s always Iggy Miguel – would pick him ahead of Squillaci, personally.
Chin up, old fruit
The week just keeps getting better. First all the injuries to our players, and I’ve just been to see the doctor and been diagnosed with double-sided pneumonia.
In conclusion: this might not be a good time for me to buy a lottery ticket…
Cheers Dr.C, both you and the CMC have helped π
Agreed re: Iggy, he’s a decent prospect and is hopefully preferred to Sqilly but not really ready for the EPL and it’s too much to expect him to perform at this level at his age…. let alone the injury risks to a still developing anatomy.
Lars – those strong viking genes will pull you through mate. I’ll wager you’ll be up and running before LJW or TV. Does this put the knackers on your next UK invasion? Most importantly, get well soon! We’ll look after your tab whilst you’re feeling poorly π
Lars, sorry to hear that mate. Get well soon.
I’ll continue to look after your wallet π
* Fight breaks out over the Swede’s wallet – man on Prozac loses. *
Heh! Dr Z.
Lars…. best listen to the real doctors for this one! π
Shaman Smallballs
An electronic mail message thingy awaits your perusal
bah, just found out I could/should have been doing some work in London nicely.
A HOME game in the CL first would have been perfect.
Thankfully I don’t have to cancel Dortmund though. May have to be in London on thursday, or they’ll send someone else.
zico, cheers both for well-wishes and for guarding my wallet π
TS: I shouldn’t have any problems travelling over, my first trip over is 17 days away I think and if the medicine has any effect I should be rather ok by then. I feel relatively well even now, haven’t had any fever for the last 24 hours so if I can just get rid of this cough I’ll be alright again.
Catalan: I defintely will listen to the real doctors. So what do you and Trev order for me? π
Ollie
B.Dortmund at The Ems? Another chance for beers at you know where? Excellent if true π
Lars, just stay away from the other quacks at LC π
Glad to hear you’re already feeling better. feel free to keep your drugs stored in the CMC.
*makes mental note to ask Edwin to install a chiller compartment*
When are you coming over Lars?
Fraid not TS. Would have been perfect if B.Dortmund at home was next week.
Managed to wrangled the days off for them and Marseille away, but I’m afraid that with work getting quite busy again, midweek trips for home games will be a no-no for a while…
Ollie, I’ll be over for the Bolton game on the 24th, and then I’ll also be flying over for Stoke at home about a month later. Might also be over for the games v Dortmund and Fulham in November.
Hey-ho Ollie. Good to hear that you’re busy tho’. Maybe see you for The Munsters @ home?
Yay, Lars for Bolton.
I’ll get to see the Lars wallet for real π
Ha, not making Bolton unfortunately (sister’s 50th birthday in Bordeaux), but I shall see you for Stoke then!
I’m confident they won’t put everything on your tab out of virtual reality π
Drink for Lars please, barman!
Morning All
Lars – Get well soon – I will wait for confirmation from the medical types that frequent this Bar , but I think it is a well known truism that lounging on a hot beach , with the vista full of nothing but barely clad nubiles , happily playing in the surf, is bound to lower a chap’s defences .
With your future health at the forefront of my mind , I respectfully suggest that when the next opportunity arises for a spot of recuperative relaxation , you go in for a bit of tree-hugging in outer Mongolia , where I am told that bikini-clad nubiles are a bit thin on the ground .
Leave the Beach stuff to us Speedo chaps . It requires a certain strength of character , not to mention the latest beachwear , to emerge unscathed and fully rested from such a perilous landscape .
Perhaps a hot toddy , ( on my tab , given that Dr Z appears to have taken control of your card ) , may start you on the road to recovery , whilst a Ketamine cocktail from the CMC , might allow you , if only briefly , to forget your ordeal .
Should matters deteriorate , Nurse Wolfie is on hand to administer any such care as you may need .
Talking of Nurse Wolfie , he was particularly animated over his bacon and eggs this morning about this notion of playing in the hole . He mentioned that the three basic requirements of the position was firstly a certain delicacy of touch , secondly , an innate ability to sense when the opposition’s defences are weakest , and thirdly , the bollocks to exploit even the tightest of gaps .
In this regard , he bemoaned our summer transfer policy , and felt that Goodwillie should have been purchased to service Bent .
He has taken himself off for a bit of light swimming in order to recover from the ill-luck which appears to beset his Arse at the moment .
Patient Lars
As well as whatever those Swedish docs have given you, I heartily recommend a regular diet of Auntie Beechams.
Down two, three times a day. Immediately after downing them, go for a brisk run. Preferably in that nice chilled air you should have in Sweden now. Relax with a couple of cigarettes (I have a smoking area set aside in the quackery if you want to use it).
If that doesn’t clean your lungs right out, then I really have no idea what will.
Your bill for my professional fees are in the post.
Yours, in hope and ignorance
Dr C
I like this quote by our host very much:
“On and off the pitch we have to demonstrate commitment and togetherness to make the most of our new look set-up.”
I’ll start by saying that if Iβve pee’d anyone off in any of my posts it was not intentional. It has all been in joyous excitement, especially since spending money on TDD!
π
Great post holic, as usual.
UEFA, dickheads as usual π
Nice one tabs @ #97, very eloquent π
Morning all,
Blimey 96 drinks, I have to either stay up later or check in earlier to get with this game.
Gutted about TV5, we’ll miss his leadership as well as his ability. I wonder how much bearing his diagnosis had on us buying Mertesaker (I read a link I think on arseblog that alluded to this).
Is it possible Wenger would not have bought ‘The Sack’ had TV been fit?
(gasp) Strong Coffee please…….
Looks to me like you’re in safe hands with Dr C, Lars.
And I have absolutely no qualification for an informed opinion on that π
make that 102 drinks π
May as well make that 105 while we’re at it
TS @ 101 – Thanks for your kind words , and have replied to your mail .
Great stuff π
I reckon TV and LJW’s injuries plus eight-two had a big impact on our signings!
But I feel we have enough to get on with and hopefully our men will be like new signings when they resume!
zico and ollie@95 and 96: great, see you there – looking forward to show you how big it is!
No, Wolfgang, how big the WALLET is!
tabs@97: you might be on to something there with the theory about my defense having been lowered due to distraction. But I won’t give up, I’ll be there on the same beach next year as well – you simply have to accept a bit of collateral damage sometimes.
Dr C@98: can’t see any problems with that. I have never been a smoker in my previous 38 years of being alive, but I guess I can always start if you think it helps with the pneumonia. Always follow the doctor’s orders, is what I keep saying.
Goonertown@107: according to some reports, Arsenal had been working on the Mertesacker deal more or less the whole summer – which actually only makes it even more strange that we didn’t just cough up the money and got it done.
@ lars
Mertesacker was meant to be coming next summer, but it was brought forward because Cahill and Jagielka and Jones didn’t pan out.
Lars – Yes very strange. I get the impression that alot of deals were being worked on concurrently.
Wenger mentioned that we needed cover for TV as he had only played 5 matches (including pre-season).
Then what gave it away was the fact that we went for Jagielka, Then Cahill and then ended our interest in Cahill and signed Mertesaker.
Similar to when someone some how convinced Joe Cole to go on loan to Lille after Lille reportedly accepted our bid for Hazard, but then Yossi refusing to go there, in effect blew the addition to potential cover for Hazard enabling him to be released to us in time. We then took Yossi as a last minute option (as Hoilc says, so last minute he didn’t even have a medical) and to top things off we nearly didn’t get Arteta, before his cover from Real Madrid turned up to save the day!
So yes in answer to your theory, I reckon we may have opened the negotiations, as a back up, but I’d like to think that we were working on more than one CB and may get Cahill on a free in January (or at least open negotiations for a pre-contract agreement), although I doubt it as Owen Coyle appears to be this seasons Mark Hughes in terms of releasing players with one year left on their contract and if that’s the case, could easily get him to sign his life away on an extension!
Eitherway, it would also depend upon which other clubs were interested in him come Jan, whether or not we’d end up with him!
@ Lars ….”which actually makes it even more strange taht they didn’t just cough up the money and get (sic) it done”
But that would be the normal way to conduct negotiations – it actually went something like this:
Arsenal (in June) – we like that Per German Bloke – we will give you a million (that’s Great British pounds, no less) for him and throw in a free Panini sticker book
Werder Breman (in June) err, no.
Arsenal (31st August) Em, how much do you want for Per German Bloke?
Werder Breman (31st August) Β£10 million plus add ons
Arsenal (31st August) – go on then.
The 20 strong team working on Arsenal’s transfer negotiations over the summer have now been signed off work – mental exhaustion. Allegedly.
FunGunner – That also confirms our theories
“that” and “Bremen”
Of course.
Just a little something regarding R-to the Teta! to wet thy appetites
http://mobile.twitter.com/henderson_91/status/110681066431447040
Z@ 111 π
Ok so TV likley to only be out for 5-6 weeks as confirmed by his father!
Lets hope that’s the worst!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/sep/06/thomas-vermaelen-arsenal-injury?
Cahill will not bother going to you lot he has bigger fish to fry! I was wondering how well you rate your medical staff and your training conditions as you seem extremely light in players this year.
Sick notes all round lads!!
Gentlemen, please have the civility to not all stand around the barrel shooting at this poor, deluded, defenceless guppy π
Lars ,
I too will be at Bolton , and by extension therefore , so will Wolfie .
I’m not sure he will be up for a bit of compare and contrast , ( as his full name might imply , he is a proponent of the “size isn’t everything” theory ) , but after some drinks , a resounding Arsenal success and the bonhomie of contented Gooners , he is known to get a bit lively , so be careful when you start exposing your Doubloons .
I also would like to echo the very wise Dr C’s restorative programme . As an occasional smoker (rather more occasions than I would like) myself , I can do no better than quote the esteemed writer , Jeffrey Bernard , who managed to wheeze that smoking should be celebrated as it stopped him from that most dispiriting and meaningless of pursuits …. … jogging .
LOL!! Holic, its been a bad week then!
We are debating at the moment who has the worst medical staff us or you!! You may be winning this one!!
Goonertown@105, your drinks on me, what’s your tipple?
Also agree with you re: injuries and last minute transfers. I’m thrilled we have a squad that now has depth to it, just a little confused as there appeared to be little or no forward planning behind it. Still we are here now and I guess there’s no point speculating any further.
Lars
You have never smoked before?
Have you ever had double pneumonia before?
I rest my case.
Snir @ 77 – it’s English for academic purposes – essay writing, critical thinking…although if some of my students could even demonstrate normal thinking that’d be progress in itself!
Holic you killjoy. Not one pop? You’re right, it’s just too easy…
Dr C@122: I can not argue with such irrefutable logic. Guess I’ll have to start then.
tabs@119: I will be treat Wolfie gently – or will that only upset him even more?
zico@111: it must have been like that!
Goonertown@110: “but Iβd like to think that we were working on more than one CB and may get Cahill on a free in January (or at least open negotiations for a pre-contract agreement”
Couldn’t agree more. If we only worked on one defender at a time then that seems rather risky to me. And I still think we need more depth in central defense, I don’t trust JD who is now only one injury/suspension away from playing for the next two months or so. He was really good for a while last season but after his injury in the Newcastle game he basically reverted to the old JD for almost all the games he played after that – namely positionally clueless, physically weak and poor on the ball.
“I will be treat”… pneumonia has robbed me of my ability to write proper English, it would seem!
Lars, I’m amazed you can even find the energy to read never mind type!
Two years ago I had flu, developed into bronchitus/pneumonia, only one lung was affected every breath was agony, took me weeks to recover my strength.
Take it easy and get well soon.
Geoff, thanks. I feel surprisingly well though, I have to say. I guess it is not a very severe case of pneumonia, so for me the coughing is the worst part right now.
Blimey i come away for a few weeks think it best to check whats happening in the Gooner world and to see if theres any good news and get hit with the Wilshere news not good not good at all but hardly a surprise as i typed on here a few weeks back that the club knew his injury was far more serious than they were letting on as they beleived there would be uproar if it was made public after selling Nasri and Cesc just another example of the club treating fans with disdain,
As for the TV injury news well what can you say what a sickener for him and the club i hope im wrong but this season could be messy oh well will be watching the swansea game in florida so lets hope that brings about a good result and that we can get our season on track,
Our interlull injuries may not be over yet … Just thought I’d add a cheery note to a dreary day over here. π
Chippy – did US customs confiscate all your full stops and commas at immigration? π
Camberwell,
Thats made me giggle- Ive missed English Sarcasm π
Geoff – Thanks a Red bull should do it for now!
That’s right. As I said before, it’s just a shame that we won’t see TV and PM plus LJW and R-to the Teta play together for now, but we should be okay (to surpass to scousers at least!)
Lars-
Yeah have to agree with you on JD he has disintegrated to shite quite recently. We could do with the pre- Newcastle JD back as we enter our third contest of the month and rotation becomes more necessary!
Careful Chippy….. CG is an English teacher, don’t you know?
I can see some lines coming up….. or mabe that’s just the CMC influence.
Happy Train Quackery
Dr T
I see today that our numpty colleagues at The Arse have removed TV’s plantaris tendon.
I seem to remember you waxing lyrical about said tendon last year. Good to see that they have been reading your advice.
Top man. Now, if we can just get the club to adopt our patented refueling regime, I think we could see some real progress on the medical front.
Yours in health etc etc
Goonertown, a red bull for you sir!
JD was immense last year then POW, what on earth happened? He has all the ability but needs to be decisive, take action so that his opponents know what’s coming if they don’t get out of his way, attack the ball son.
heh Dr C
Catalan,
English was always my second language, i found French much easier π
Just so you know mate you might be having a visit from the FBI as when i got searched in customs they found some strange Herb and didnt believe my line that it was Mint. I had to explain how the herb come about so explained you left me in charge of the keys for the Medicine cabinet before departure !!
Anyways boys ive got go do some tourist stuff so catch you all later,
TS @80 – ‘when will it ever f’in end’.
I’m afraid there is no f in ‘end’ TS – that is the problem.
Lars – what do I recommend ? Swedish blondes, lots of them. They won’t make you any better, but you won’t care.
Seriously, get well soon. π
Cheers Dr C – can’t stop now, more injured folk ’til 7.00pm I’m afraid.
Trev @ #138,
SNAFU then? Better than FUBAR….
Good to hear tv will be back on training after a month. Just hope we don’t try rush LJW back only to hear doinge!! (back out again)!!
‘Doinge’ Gt?
Have you beeen given that as a correct medical term by one of our esteemed quackery team? π
Tv’s return however is subject to the Usual set backs of course
TS-I actually got it straight from the original source (a warner bros cartoon)
Okay no worries the pipe is warming up over here!
Ah crap.
Just found out the England game’s on ITV and I’ve got nothing to do tonight, not even going to the pub.
Going to end up watching it, looks like. Oh well, I guess I can hope that any goals we score aren’t scored by total c*nts…
Only if The-o has his shooting boots on Camberwell π
Otherwise, I suggest you could be in for an evening of fine c*ntery
TS – Now THAT I would like to see.
TS @ 146 one Aaron Ramsay π
@ goonertown
No, I don’t think it does support your theory. We were going to get a new defender anyway – we tried for Jones, then Jagielka, then Cahill – and certainly the first two bids were before Thomas was injured and before the ManUre match. So Mertesacker was bought instead of Jones/Jagielka/Cahill. It was not a response to the 8-2 or the injury, it was a response to the fact that the bids for a PL-experienced CB did not pan out.
The scene: executive carriage on the Happy Train
Dr Feelgood: It’s bloody quiet in here today Edwin, eh?
Prof T Storey: Sure is Dr F. I expect it’s the interlull. That and the medical situation.
Dr F: What medical situation?
Prof: Haven’t you heard? First of all the interlull – some of our most famous patrons, like Chippy, are away on international duty. Then there is the aforementioned medical situation. It appears that some of our “Band of Brothers” have picked up some, err, problems during the last European campaign. For example, the cunning linguist aka Lars has asked for dispensation to be absent for “the next few days”.
* Dr F eyes the Professor suspiciously *
Dr F : He didn’t take his wallet, I hope?
* Prof T sniggers *
Prof T : No, your evil twin has that I think.
Dr F : Aah well, not to worry then, the bar takings will be off the scale, as usual, heh.
Prof T: Not quite Dr F, that’s the other aspect of the medical situation.
Dr F: What do you mean?
Prof T : Well we had to close the bar because one of our mad quacks prescribed a dose of Swedish blondes for Lars and the bar staff disappeared en masse.
Dr F : I think we need to review our medical team urgently professor – we cannot have our plans being derailed this early in the journey.
And the hit to the bottom line will be taken from your scandalously high salary…..
* Feelgood exits stage left muttering about interlulls *
Dr Z heh , great stuff π
Park C-Y scored again for Korea. I’m looking forward to saturday’s game. Just like Snir, I was fascinated with him even before I knew it was the guy who we actually sign.
Evening all. ITV just went to the top of my ‘shower of shit’ list. Live player won’t load for the football. Why don’t these broadcasters have industrial size servers if they are going to claim to stream stuff?
Is Oliver a posh Ollie?
Evening Dr C.
Message for the story tellers. I’m waiting to be guided to all of the episodes during the summer. I’m sure one of you did that once?
Cheers ‘holics.
No posh Ollie:) I’m from Macedonia, long time reader, do not comment a lot, but I know all of you- something like a voayer (is that the word in english?) stuff.
Just punted on Aaron to score anytime at 16/1 on Bet365. They have cut him to 14’s now, but that is a hell of a price still.
He is as low as 13/2 elsewhere.
Welcome Oliver
Drinks are on me (and Lars), heh.
Wow I am going to have some of that Holic.
Just heard theo injured now. Do we have any players not made out of plastic? Starting to wonder what the hell happens in our fitness and treatment rooms.
Just watching Poland v Germany, Szczesny already made two quality saves, Per looks the business too!
Evening Holic ,
Are you referring to BTA @155 , or have I got the wrong end of the stick ?
Fungooner – for some reason you sound as though you’re trying to say what I was trying to say!!!
Have a drink on me my fellow gooner π
“There’s only one Aaron Ramsey one Aaron Ramsey one Aaron Ramsey…”
Re: Dr. Z @150: Laughs aplenty. π
Welcome, posh me π
I’m starting to hate the sight if Ashley young!
The question now is since Theo may be out for Saturday, who should start on the right on saturday?
My guess is that with Thomas fit he starts along with arsh!
I don’t want park or yossi starting, but to deliver that extra impact on 70 mins to show we have some depth, unless…
I am TaBS, I am…
Re: ‘holic: With Tabs’ permission, I think I have a complete file of the BTA episodes and could send them, directly or indirectly.
Hah tabs, that’ll keep you busy….
Or not, as the boy from the backwoods comes to the rescue π
I’ll ask Dr C when he posted his medical report.
If he can remember. Don’t spread it around, but rumour is that he drinks a bit..
Also not sure it is worthy of sharing BTA etc company.
8ball… could you send it to me too please? I;m sure I missed a few chapters.
Ah , was going to have a look , but if you’ve got them all 8ball , great .
Do you have the first 2 ? – collectors items you know π
PS…. Aaron looking good and assured on the ball.
Dr C’s recent diagnostic report was a work of genius, from what I can recall Catalan.
Has Aaron won me a fortune yet?
Per looks very calm on the ball can defenitely can take a pass and even wonder forward I think we got ourselves another Vermalen here minus the injuries!
@Lars, get well soon but don’t rush the recovery. From personal experience it may take a while.
It’s the first time since I can remember that we have had so many injuries and still feel confident about the team Arsene can select. That being said, 2 red cards and we’re without a DM (Diaby ain’t one) with the consequences we saw at OT.
Good man 8 ball.
gooner(at)goonerholic(dot)com please π
Thanks Zico and Ollie, I’m posh so no beer:), rakija should be fine for me, if on the meny. Just saw that Earnshow miss for Wales, unvelivable, btw Ramsey is having fair game till now. Benayoun had an assist, and Park goal. Did anyone saw who scored 2 goals for Denmark:)
@ 163Goonertown
“Fungooner β for some reason you sound as though youβre trying to say what I was trying to say!!!”
Well if we’re talking at cross purposes, we probably won’t ever get to the bottom of it, so I will take that drink, thanks.
‘Holic, consider yourself fortunate, your itv player did you a favour!
Mind you I enjoyed watching Ramsey.
I would have enjoyed it even more if he had scored Geoff π
Me too – slavishly following the Holic pound π
Cheers Matt, I will certainly not rush things. I think the medication is starting to have an effect, I feel a lot better now than this morning.
Oliver, welcome to the bar!
Goonertown@167: guess we’ll have to wait until we see who come back unscathed from the internationals, but if Theo is not fit I think we might see AOC or Park.
I’d guess Park…. more years and all that.
Right… bed!
Since we haven’t heard from Snir, can we assume that RvP emerged unscathed from Finland tonight?
Too much to ask for a clean bill of health for him and all other Arsenal players in active service tonight?
In case 8ball hasn’t got them all Holic , this is where the BTA stuff is .
Episode 1 – 14th June – Ivan Knows , 46
Episode 2 β 20th June β Fixture Musings and why Modric is scum , 143
Episode 3 β 21st June β To Arthur , 73
Episode 4 β 29th June – The new away kit revealed , 61
Episode 5 – 12th July β The First Ray of Light , 72
Episode 6 – 20th July βDoom ,Gloom Cuckoo Clocks and Pestilence 164
Episode 7 β 8th August – Curates Egg ? Excellent in parts … 236
Report:
Poland 2:2 Germany
Really good game Germany was much better than us Per will get sent off in some game but good tackel all around! Szczesny the best out of the all game!
Ketamine junior Dr Z, Ketamine.
You really shouldn’t underestimate it’s power.
The only trouble is catching the blighter in the first place.
That and calculating the dose. Oh, wait…..
Tabs
….. which rather begs the question; what the hell has been happening since August 8th?? π
Apologies about the spellings seems the keyboard is too short for me π
Zico – Are you implying that I only give bad news π ?
The football Dr C !! π
Bugger!!
Tabs…. oh, that! Really? I thought the season started this Saturday??
Hey Snir, no, just that you’re usually first to find it π
tabs, been busy tonight after all π π
Looks like the medical team are going to have to re-examine the dosage Dr C π Hope you’re right re the start of the season .
Dr Z , yep , England failed to hold my attention ! Quite interesting to back drink and see how opinions changed over the summer π
Well if no-one else wants the glory …
Good work TaBS.
Well followed Zico. We were in the hunt until the final kick, and with a bit of luck….
I take it you did not have a go at an online casino while the game was on and make a tidy profit anyway π
Stan the TV will grace the bedroom tomorrow, although obviously he will not be as expensive as Eduardo the iMac…
O.K, this is absolutely hilarious. It’s like Lady Luck is having a laugh.
Kyle Bartley underwent a hernia operation.
I seriously can’t stop laughing… π
Oh my goodness…
Met confirm Welsh fan in his 40s has died of head injuries following a fight outside Wembley – 6 supporters in custody.
Rip Mike Dye.
I thought that stuff was a thing of the past… π
Arthur. How did per play? Interested to know why you think he will be sent off. The last thing we need is another red card.
Would appreciate if we would not speculate on who did what at Wembley tonight please ‘holics. There are conflicting reports of who is responsible for the murder.
I’m just sick to the back teeth of people not coming home from football. It could be your father, brother, son, grandson. Think about that. Please.
tabs @ 199 – drinking backwards? I’ll have to give that a try and see if that was a dig at yours truly :- D
Holic @ 201 – didn’t see the need – had confidence following in the steps of the Master π
So true Holic – sad whatever the circumstances
Trying to catch up again.
Tabs @97
Dr Z @150
Excellent stuff π
“Dr” Z – where exactly did you earn your qualification ? You should realise that it is just not done to cast aspersions on your fellow professionals.
Now if you could kindly see to the running of the train and if we run out of Swedish blondes, just get some more. It can’t be that difficult – have you ever thought of looking at the local Sainsbury’s ?
I know Arsene says you can’t just go to the supermarket to buy more blondes but, you know . . . . π
@ Steve T 204
He’s a tough guy and he may miss a tackle now and again from time to time especially in our league.
Plus signs are there as well he can read the game very well and did that too well for my liking tonight!
Most of all very dangerous in the air, it comes natural to him.
Steve T chin up he is a very experienced player not like the others shall I say!
Guys what happened at Wembley tonight?
Only just seen @205 – just sad, needless and plain stupid.
Per previous posting, there is a double page photo spread feature on Joe Baker in current WSC. You will also be amused to learn that a good mate of mine and fellow gooner – Mike Baker – named his son Joe.
A Champs League Amstel for me please…
Arthur – isn’t he supposed to be the cleanest tackler in the German league ?
Trev,
Graduated along with Dr Nick from Springfield π
Sainsburys no longer the source of blondes – TS was trying to convince me to recruit a young thing from the Tollie at the last home game though π
Trev 213
He got the ball most of the time I can really comapre him to Tony at some stages! Really up for it!
Not to say sometimes it goes wrong if you know what I mean but overall very decent center back with a lot of attacking mind behind him!
VERY GOOD HEADING THE BALL OUT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
had few tonight so it all comes back to me now……………
Szczesny on the other hand did very well TOOOOOOOOOOOOO if wasn’t for him we (Poland) would be at least four nil behind before the break.
I love my Gooners too much! Bring on Swansea pleae
Holic any tickets left? I want to take my little to game for the very first time?
Going for 300, Arthur ? π
Trev why not I say ! π
@206 No dig intended at all Dr Z . Would never dig you out for your opinions , given that I agree with almost all of them π
It was more a remark aimed at myself and the certainty with which I proclaimed at the start of the summer that Nasri and Fab would still be at the club come the new season π
I suppose with Nasri , I was half right π
Arthur – thanks for the info re Per .
Trev – Good stuff π
Drinks for any still left in the house .
Seriously hitting the sack now….
Those tickets are still standing, he is begging me to go…he loves the trains the most! HT π
Snir –
I guess you are probably hacking into newspaper offices across Europe, as I type, but dare one ask – have you unearthed any more injury news from tonight’s games.
Naturally, that excludes routine operations for those who didn’t even play !! π
Just had a quick squint at Arsenalnews.net Trev , and there’s nothing there , though I am mindful of speaking too soon .
Arthur, always room for one more on the Happy Train.
Look out for the kids go free at weekends (myth).
tabs, wouldn’t beat yourself up over that one – we all wanted to believe it. Cheers for the drink but I have a meeting at stupid o’clock so it’s zzzz for Dr Z
Tabs –
With all the talk tonight of BTA, I am wondering if your comic genius could be turned to a kind of “Beyond Behind the Arse – an injury special”.
Seems like there might be some scope there – and the series is badly missed ? π
Re: ‘holic, Dr. C, Tabs @189 has probably covered it but if not I can look in my files for the BTA stuff. Classics of dramatic literature, without a question. π
Dr Z – take 2 Swedish blondes and retire immediately π
Cheers Arthur. Chins more than up. Just valued your opinion, that’s all.
Thats very kind of you Trev , and yes , our ill-luck certainly gives much scope .
Had intended to do an “interlull special” , but other things got in the way . Am slightly worried BTA would now interrupt serious footie talk now the season is underway .
It mught also ease the depression π
Another early start for me, so I’ll bid you a good one.
*might*
Yep me too .
Cheers for the kind words 8ball .
G’night all
Re: ‘holic @180, You have mail.
Morning all.
Strong black coffee please.
3 days to go. Is Mikel the new dreamy le Bob?? Hope his play matches his wife….
Trev @ 231 – if only I had got your prescription before sleep took me π
Zico
I believe that prescription would have actively prevented sleep.
Well, at least for three minutes!
Dr C – whatever happened to patient/doctor confidentiality? π
Watched Russia match last night and I think Ive found why AA is always so exhausted.
He ran his socks off, but couldnt find anyone to score a goal – he created lots of chances and even had a couple of his own – just like ….doh!
Patient Zico
Quite honestly, where’s the fun in that??
Perks of the job old boy. Now then, a drink, I feel…
Heh Dr C,
go on then.
A swig from the hip flask will have to do…..off to a meeting (the very words will be emblazoned on my tombstone).
Do you lot sleep at night or are you on a different (and every shifting) time zone?
Lars – I’ll be happy with any of those two! π
FunGooner – I don’t see how we can be at cross purposes when I was agreeing with you. π
Morning all and *boilk*
I see that I missed another fun night in the bar. Some great exchanges up there with a notable ‘heh’ to Dr.z for #150. It’s good to know that Edwin and I were in different places last night π
Thanks also to tabs for listing the locations of the BTA series. An extra drink for you awaits.
Very sad to hear the tragic news about the death of the Welsh supporter. Like many here, I thought those days were long gone.
Dr C any of that black strong coffee left at all? I believe some is required here.
Sad to hear about the Cardiff fan it’s just plain wrong, our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
Morning Arthur
Plenty of strong coffee here too if you need it (I know I do)… π
LG actually of some use this morning π―
The links to another Park intnl goal and Szcz’s save vs ze Germans are great.
Wouldn’t bother with the rest (personal opinion) π
Trev, Catalan – “Vermaelen has undergone a minor procedure to remove an inflamed plantaris tendon from his left ankle.
This is the same treatment that he had on his right ankle in January this year and has nothing to do with his Achilles tendon.”
What can you tell us about that “plantaris tendon”, in terms of recurrence probabilities (I know each person is different, but you get my drift), conventional time of healing, niggly injuries that usually follow etc.
Thanks Doctors! π
Thanks TS I bloody need it!
ATG – Have a look.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3284/euro-2012/2011/09/07/2654471/arsenal-fans-should-be-worried-following-per-mertesackers-horror-
Please tell me they have no idea what they’re talking about and he didn’t have a shocker?
TS
Makes me wonder, we know his Achilles tendon was treated and he still had pain in there for months. For bloody ages they didn’t have a clue what was going on with him. He went on to see specialists etc. Only last Jan they removed his plantaris tendon from his left ankle
Takes from WiseGEEK
“The plantaris tendon lies in the middle part of the calf muscle, on the back of the leg about halfway between the knee joint and the ankle. It extends from the plantaris muscle and attaches to the Achilles tendon, which is the tendon just above the heel and behind the ankle joint. A relatively small tendon, the plantaris tendon is not as vital to overall function as the Achilles tendon, but it can, on occasion, rupture and cause severe discomfort.
A rupture of the plantaris tendon occurs most often during sports activities, particularly tennis. As a result, this type of injury is sometimes referred to as “tennis leg.” Rapid movements required by tennis players, such as accelerating rapidly toward the net or making abrupt direction changes, can strain this area of the leg, leading to injury. Plantaris tendon ruptures occur more often in male athletes, particularly part-time athletes, between 40 and 60 years old.
When the injury occurs, the individual might actually hear or feel the tendon pop and feel an intense, stabbing pain in the calf. Pain accompanying a plantaris tendon rupture is persistent and lies deeper within the calf muscle than if the muscle itself were strained. In some cases, the plantaris tendon and the plantaris muscle have suffered chronic swelling that finally manifests in a rupture, but most of the time, the injury occurs suddenly.”
So the cunts at LeMoan are hyping up a protest that was called off yesterday. What an utterly despicable and divisive pair of fucktards they really are.
Snir
I think they are talking out of their arses, the time he got exposed was only on counter attacks when most of the German defence pushed forward. He was the only one who stayed behind.
I wouldn’t read much into this! As always the media is on our case again!
Anyways international football is totally different we all know that as well.
SG – I wouldn’t call Goal.com one of my leading authorities π
It’s definitely not a rupture (at least I think).
From what I understood he wouldn’t have played on like he did.
He felt the injury in the build up to Theo’s goal and played on till the final whistle.
GT – As opposed to other BS they write, this is based on an opinion from someone who watched the game so I was hoping he has no clue what he’s talking about like most Goal.com employees, that’s why I asked ATG π
TS and the rest – this is a much better link for yesterday’s Woj performance – have fun π
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7Wle6z8z7c&feature=youtu.be
Snir, thanks for the link @ #258.
As for the link @ #252, it’s just one person’s opinion. That kind of writing invites clicks i.e. attempt to pour more D+G on The Arse. I’ve read it and forgotten it already. Again, just my opinion of course.
Ah, I see ATG agrees with my previous post.
TS – Yeah, I know, and since I value ATG’s opinion more than an opinion by someone at Goal.com, I just wanted to know his opinion, on that opinion π
Woj is the by far the best keeper in the EPL, and he’s not even the finished article yet (by his standards! He can still develop!).
SG @250 -I’m expecting set back backs for him and LJW towards full recovery.
Last season TV returned just under 4 months from his last surgery! There were also similar time frames for DJ and RVP after their respective surgeries! π
If the guys are not back within a month of their due dates back from their surgeries and their injuries are described as unusual, then I would start to worry.
But in the meantime Iβm going to see if they return as scheduled!
But it may be best to go by the medical opinion of one of our in-house Dr’s as requested! π
Snir
I have a gut feeling that Big Sacks + Kos will do us proud and will be enhanced (before Xmas ;-)) by the return of TV.
If JD can regain last season’s mid-term form then we’re in reasonable shape at the back.
We may even strengthen again come Xmas with a possible purchase of Cahill or similar and hopefully off-load Squilly though god knows how that might happen other than taking him out the back and…. no, no, that’s just plain unfair.
SG@258 –
In my humble opinion it’s all bollox! π
Certainly do TS
SG – In my opinion they are always trying to stir shyte around us, I haven’t got time for articles like that it’s not like De Gea or whatever his name is perfect!
Wojtek did me proud yesterday and he will become even better
*ATG has big fat grin on his face π
As a former GK, I can say that some of the saves Woj made are borderline impossible to make based on timeframe between the shot and the command to the brain to lift the arm.
The save at 3:30 in particular. That is one of the best reflexes I have ever seen.
His penalty save on Di Natale although it was pure guess, was top quality.
Here’s the proof why penalties MUST be guess work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymgMNLPw1yY
SG
You should have seen his saves yesterday. Klose and Podolski were speechless!
ATG – I did! It’s all in the link @258 π
I was talking about the point blank save on Klose.
Rumors going around that Nasri has fractured his metatarsal.
All I can say is this π π
Greedy Cunt.
TS –
I agree on the depth of the current squad.
We still have 3 suspendees to return too!
My gut instinct is that no club will go for Cahill in Jan as Bolton are still going to be unrealistic with their valuation. But if he signs a pre-contract agreement, salary may be a motive in his decision…enter the Citeh! π
Based upon the Metesaker purchase we may still be able to get our hand on one of the other good solid centrebacks out there if our pursuit is obstructed again!
Gt,
You’re guesses are as good as mine. Let’s see what unfolds. I believe with Nutsacker on-board, we should be stronger at the back. I’m hoping Dos Santos will have an equally +ve effect too. We should begin to find out on Saturday!
+ve, TS? Now that’s laziness to a whole new level.
Mind you, I guess you exherted yourselve with ‘you’re’ instead of your.
You’re still ahead in the spelling competition π
/cheeky sod Ollie
‘exhert’? Heh, I knew I’d fuck it up. exert
Ollie, is that what is called “scoring an own goal”? π
SG Sorry mate You Tube blocked at a work!
Woj at it again was he? Bloody missed it! Will Youtube it when I get home π
And quite a spectacular one, Lars! :$
Drinks for all, on my tab then. You feeling better today, Lars?
Oh and one last thing before I go!
Get well soon Lars!!!
Talking of going at it again looks like Ger-to the Vinho was back on the scoresheet a few days ago (prob old news now)
Just heard about the Welsh supporter. My thoughts go out! π
Oh and if anyones interested, the great dane scored a double last night! **runs for cover
Still after two tickets for Saturday? Anyone?
I can get two in area 18 on the ticket exchange but they are five seats apart grrrr!
TS @ 246 – you sure about that? We only have YOUR word that you and Edwin were in different places last night.
From where I was sitting, I could see your White Coat, clipboard, and the Happy Train martini glass being continually refreshed. π
Dr F sends his thanks to all above who commented on the HT interlull escapade.
Ollie at #272
Edwin would like to point out that +ve is standard shortform for positive in the (geeky) world of electronics from where he hails.
As for the incorrect use of you’re as opposed to your, it was yet another slip of the keyboard. I’m normally quite gid at grommar und spilling in my day-to-day professional communications.
And yes, you are a cheeky sod π
Afternoon zico,
I can confirm that TS was out in London with a couple of mates last night (on the rum allegedly) whilst I met with the Dr Feelgood on the HT Exec Carriage.
Yours, Edwin
Snir, cheers!
Ollie, I am feeling a lot better today. The medication has started to kick in which meant that last night I got something that at least resemebled proper sleep for the first time in about a week.
But my little case of pneumonia is of course nothing compared to the fate of the Welsh supporter. Such a tragedy, what the hell is wrong with people? π
Alright, none of us should enter a spelling competition today it seems… “resemebled” was a good attempt but not quite good enough π
Lars
Glad to hear you’re on the mend. Medication is th eonly way…
Echoed your thoughts regarding last night’s tragedy in an earlier psot. Another sad, sad event for football which pales into insignificance compared to what the victim’s family must be feeling right now.
Heh Professor @ 285
Interesting. Dark rum I hope? (One of Dr F’s favourite tipples).
I should also give you the heads up, that Feelgood has been keeping a diary – some of the entries could well leak on to these very pages.
Not sure when, maybe the next interlull, to distract the Holics from the tumbleweed.
Blogs is quoting Rosicky being injured again. He should just remove the superflous Roy from his name π
*superfluous*
Heh zico,
The seven year old took a bashing, augmented by a lighter three year old *boilk*
Poor old Sick Boy, at least he’s a trier….
The Doctor’s Diaries sound like a jolly good read. Look forward to seeing them sometime soon π
PS: Great word ‘superfluous’ π
Lars, glad to hear you’re feeling better.
It was the blondes, right? Can we have our bar staff back? π π
Na$ri? Injured? Again? It’s a disgrace – what the Daffy Duck’s goin’ on down there with our so-called medical so-called team??? Oops, no – pardon – forgot…Hard-lines little fella, that’s football for yer.
Somewhat bizarelyish am hearing it’s the lesbian lad’s hand and not his foot that’s broken, SG – maybe he decided to let bygones be bygones and shook with Wee Willy Gallas while away on international duty – a wild guess i know.
And while i would never rejoice at the news of any player getting injured (hmmm??!?nonever!) – a big thank u must go out to that nice Mr. Mancini and the good people of Abu Dhabi for giving us all that lovely lolly and essentially lightening our lengthening injury list – p’raps our terrible luck’s achanging. Your health!
A rum barman – ta!
Ureds!
*pokes his head round the door in readiness for the 300 and looks with undisguised glee at the blondes back in their rightful place*
Well there appears to be no rush , so I’ll get a pint , and one for anyone else who wants one .
Hello Blondie , so good to have you back …
Cheers tabs, just water for now, thanks! *boilk*
Ah Mr Storey , a heavy one eh ?
@291 – midweek sessions all well and good but a bit harsh to beat up the kids , fella π
Heh tabs, very good! π
*removes grimy vest and pours away pint of Stella*
!
kept his powder dry
Go on TABS – you know you want to
nooooooooooooooo !!!!!
AL , how very dare you !
me too late too
me2L82
I do wonder all the time what is wrong with people indeed, Lars.
To think you can go out to enjoy a game of football supporting your team, and then not come back due to people’s wrongness is maddening.
Powder not very dry at all . Wetter than a Nasri handshake in fact π
Afternoon Dr C .
Haha, tabs got 301!
I am a specialist of the ones Ollie π
Thai ming – the secret of good pottery! No hard feelings old son am sure your time will come –
Ureds!
Credit where credits due AL .
Well in old son .
tabs, I did my best at #299, it was the perfect assist π
sorry, ‘potential’ assist
“…I am a specialist of the ones…”
Mmm… tabs, that sounds a little too LWC-ish for my liking if you get my drift π
Just what I was thinking there, TS. Poor tabs π
it’s seems there was queue forming at the back post TS – nice lob – have a drink on me and a round for the gallant losers…(ignores voice in head reminding him that rubbing it in may come back to haunt him ps that goes for you too Na$ri)
ureds!
it’s unseemly it seems – ureds
Ollie and TS – you sure know how to kick a man when he’s down !
“LWC ish” ? – Mais non . At least I get close to glory π
TS , in my anxiety to finally prove I can compete at the top level ( sadly failed ) , I forgot to thank you for the drink @246 . Cheers .
So , having done the back drinking , todays news appears to be ;-
1. Ollie’s spelling is tres mal .
2. TS aussi .
3. Rosicky injured – FFS .
4. Nasri injured – Praise the Lord .
5. TS and Arthur are hungover .
6. The Blondes sorted out Lars and he’s getting his mojo back .
7. Snir is now suffering from ” injury hysteria” , an often unfortunate by-product of “transfer hysteria”
8. Dr C might be falling in love with Mikel .
9 Dr Feelgood might be the new Samuel Pepys .
10 . Dr C woefully over-exaggerates the stamina of the average man .
11. We shall all become intimately acquainted with the workings of the Plantaris tendon .
Biology , Physiology , human relations , the art of writing , its all here .
Mes Que Un Blog , indeed π
Yep… maybe a Freudian slip, the mole has been revealed?? Surely not.
I’m sure Dr C has some truth drugs stashed away somewhere. Best call security and quarantine him just in case.
Talking of which, has CUSOP had his rabies jab recently??
And AL nicked the 300 birth – how could you forget TABS – and soo soon too!
Ureds!
..with reference to TABS’ affinity for number 1’s….
Which I guess is better than number 2’s.
re Mikel; as dreamy as he seems to be, have you seen his wife???? Seriously worth a google search!
ps nice juxtaposition work with ‘the art of writing, its all here’
tabs @ #319
Tres, tres bon. A perfect summary of an average day in the life of this bar.
Drinks all round OLT. Forgive me whilst I continue to sip water for a wee while longer π
AL , rather like the Arsenal , I’ve already put the crushing disappointment behind me . Onwards and upwards … π
Dr C – such a good assist @322 for more toilet humour , but I think that in this case , discretion the better part of valour … π
Dr. C @ #320
Cousin Op is a feral creature by nature and, accordingly, any use of drugs is going to be a waste of both time and money.
I will, however, top-up its bowl out of pity which judging by last nights over-indulgencies might well get it singing a few deluded rounds “we’re the pride of Landan Taaan” π
Mikel + Arteta + wife + images.
Lightens a boring afternoon up.
Ber-luddy hell Dr.C @ #328.
My afternoon has been well and truly brightened. Just what the Dr. ordered?
Woof!
Ooh I say … Ding dong !
Dr’s tonic! π
He shoots, he scores.
Heh tabs, Jason King incarnate π
Tabs hears the news of yet another Arsenal injury:
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://images.myreviewer.co.uk/medium/0000201852.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.myreviewer.com/Jason_King_DVD_Review/a106176&h=440&w=550&sz=21&tbnid=rRH_HMeMMC-krM:&tbnh=92&tbnw=115&prev=/search%3Fq%3Djason%2Bking%2Bactor%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=jason+king+actor&docid=gVJyvY6AtFXIOM&hl=en-GB&sa=X&ei=OnFnTtoEzcPxA7-45OIL&ved=0CEcQ9QEwBw
Have a confession to make .
Haven’t got used to the notion of Arteta yet being an Arsenal player , so on Dr C’s instruction , immediately rushed off to find pictures of our budding CH Miguel’s wife π³
She took some tracking down , I can tell you . When I eventually found her , she was pretty enough , but given the write-up left me fairly unmoved , and I began to seriously worry that all this Wolfie stuff was rubbing off on me .
Relieved , having found the real thing , I needn’t have worried π
TS @333 ( a little devilish ? ) heh , like looking in a mirror π
TABS
If Nurse Wolfie has been rubbing off on you, then I sincerely apologise.
I know that she is your friend, and what you do behind closed doors is entirely up to you, but The Quackery has to at least TRY to maintain some kind of moral standards.
Right, time for a pipe and another little gawk at Senora Arteta
I shall join you Dr C , and try and put thoughts of Wolfie behind me .
Whats that ? … oh π
Got the tickets now Holics!
Little Gooner on his way to The Grove on Saturday!
Come on you REDS!
TaBS
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3792441/Meet-Mikel-Artetas-masterpiece-the-gorgeous-Lorena-Bernal.html
Enjoy
Tabs@ 319
βRosicky injured β FFS .” – Oh Bollox!
Apparently The-o was not included in the en-gur-lund squad yesterday as a precaution!
My team for Sat
Woj
Bac/ Kos/ Sack/ Samba-Santos (not Samba and Santos)
Ar-2 the-teta/ Ram-bow /Mr -T
Te-o (if he’s injured AOC)/ RVP/ Arsh
Bench: Park/Yossi/Marouane/DJ/Jenkinson/Thomas (if injuredAOC)/Fabi
Squad for Tues:
Woj
Bac/ Kos/ Sack/ Samba-Santos (not Samba and Santos)
Ar-2 the-teta/ Ram-bow /Song
Te-o(if he’s injured Park)/ RVP/ Gervinho
Bench: Park/Yossi/Mr-T/DJ/Jenkinson/Thomas (if injured AOC)/Fabi
Playing formations is getting better too now!
Cheers Arthur π had already feasted on the young damsel , but another pic can only be good .
Goonertown – pretty much in agreement – think Yossi might get a start , if Theo not fit . If Theo fit , then he might get in , instead of AA .
Anyway , off for a bit , drinks on the Bar fellas .
Mikel + Arteta + wife + images = zico crush (squared).
Now for Fermat’s last theorem :-8
So Nasri’s metatarsal is in his hand?
Is that because he’s a lesbian?
Just asking. π
Swansea home, Blackburn away, Bolton home. What odds 9 points? Just so long as we can hit the ground running in the first half against Swansea, I wouldn’t say the odds are against it. The days of complacency should be well past us …
Agreed, 8ball. The next game, and the first half in particular, could set the tone for the next month. And that will pretty much make (continue intrerest in!) or break the season.
I really hope that they are all fired up but, more importantly, focussed and resolute. The Manure game was horrendous, but I think a bit of a freak result. Rooney had a dream of a game. Great talent, massive c*nt, and when Young scores two goals like he did against us, then you really know that it’s one of those days.
Take it on the chin, make no excuses (good talking from captain RVP) and use it to inspire you to better things.
I always remember when Ferguson made his team go out and applaud the new champions (us? Chelski?) onto the pitch. They hated it… and came back better.
8ball: if there is any complaceny left in the team coming into the game on Saturday, then we are in for a very, very long and disappointing season. We don’t need to win by a massive amount of goals, but we do need to win in a way that the win was never in doubt.
Agreed Lars @ #346. A convincing win is what we need.
A big-nil scoreline would be even more pleasing but that’s only a nice-to-have…. although our GD (worst in the EPL) could do with a boost π
TS: agreed, a big win would be benficial in that way. But I’d be happy with a solid 2-0 where they never really threaten at all.
But any win at all will still do, of course. However, I can’t shake the feeling that we might be in for yet another Hull at home or WBA/NUFC at home from last season π We really haven’t perfomed that well in games like this over the past few seasons.
Lars
I see a little PMT is starting to kick-in. Hope the players have got it really bad now. I would like them to run out onto the pitch pumped-up and straining at the leash to tear Swansea to shreds. We’ll see for ourselves in a couple of days π
I think any sort of win will do – with players out, this new team needs to walk before it runs, so to speak. Our immediate priority should be to get points on the board and climb the table. We can worry about performance once we have players back, and we have more options.
Part of our problem in recent seasons has been complacency against so called inferior opposition – that is one of the things that has to change, and hopefully with new experienced players that will be less of an issue. Blogs quoted Hull and West Brom as recent examples where we ” expected” 3 points and got none. So, over to you Arsene.
Swansea looked good for 70 mins against City, lacked belief in the final 3rd, so if they get that right, we need to be ready.
Sorry Lars, should’ve just read your post instead….
Pint for Lars, and er, Lars is, oh ok then, WE are buying π
Lars @ 348 et al: three points is a must, however secured. An untroubled 5-0 would be icing on the cake. However, I fear that a team with so many new faces will inevitably means errors of unfamiliarity and thus possibly goals shipped.
TABS, just read the last episode of BTA for the first time, courtesy of 8ball and Holic (thank you gents).
Quite brought a tear to my eye. A very tardy but well deserved pint of the black stuff is on the bar for you.
I’ll join you in one
Agree with the last few points, a win is a must and I feel the only ones who can cause us problems are ourselves ( well not me but you get the idea). It has been a hell of a long time since we were firing on all cylinders so what better time than to put that type of performance in. Dont care how many goals we score so long as the intent and desire is there. Hello all by the way…
A pint, Noel?
Re: Noel73 @354: Poorly worded. Now if we lose it is your fault. π
Re: Dr. C @353: I’ve heard delayed gratification can be a good thing but this is ridiculous. π
Hello Noel, good to see you back in.
Off the pints CG, 3 days in a tent with nothing but cider ( or cidre if you prefer) has left me incapable of touching fluids..Maybe some peanuts..not out of the bowl though..
Hopefully Aarons performance will spur him on to greater things now. He was a ghost of himself lately but to dominate such vaunted talent will be great for the lad.
8 ball I often blame myself, my Arsenal shirt, my young lad or the pub I am in when watching a match…I feel this is my world and should spin accordingly but some mean spirited god keeps fucking me over.
Noel, How about that dark cloud that keeps following you around? π Blaming the pub you are in is an excellent reason to visit a new one, but let us refocus on the margin of our victory. π
For the benefit of any of you who, like me, haven’t quite mastered the spelling of our goalkeeper’s surname, may I offer a short tutorial: Once you have figured out the first four letters (SZCZ) and counted the total number of letters (8), the hard part is actually behind you. The remaining four letters (ESNY) appear to belong much more to a Western European name. Not having even begun to consider the spelling of the lad’s first name, I cannot offer any help there.
Good to be back TS.
For all city’s attacking flair they are still a defence minded side and were cautious early on against swansea. Arsenal players seem so suffer after interlulls and talk of handbrakes and lacking sharpness is inevitable. But the likes of Aaron, Arshavin and RVP all had good games this week, so did Per and Woz and Arteta should be raring to go so I see a straight forward 3-0 with one of our new signings to score also..
tabs, have now completed the back drinking to devour BTA scripts for a second time.
I had forgotten how much I laughed first time round. Worth celebrating so let me congratulate you in the traditional manner when Bolton come to town.
It was also interesting to re-read some of the other stuff being discussed over the summer as well. Certain people moaned about signing AOC at the expense of sorting out the defence and vowed to eat humble pie if come 31st August we had an experienced centre back added to the squad. And yet……
Looking ahead to Saturday, I will be on the hunt for a reliable stream (or some form of teleporting device to take me to a place where the FA broadcasting laws count for nothing) as the next version of Wengerball makes an appearance. Looking forward to seeing the new guys – hope they care more than some of the last bunch π
What a ginormous and truly excellent bunch of drinks to catch up on tonight.
TS: great work with the *boilk*
Lars: sorry to hear youβve been poorly, but you seem to be on the mend already which is great news
ATG: result on the tickets β hope little goner has a great day
Tabs, zico, CG and others: too many funny things to comment on, so just thank you all for cheering my day beyond measure
Hereβs to the Arsenal medical staff and physios NOT DOING ANYTHING TO ANYONE before Saturday, and a mighty result from a fully motivated, terrifying bunch of cold-eyed Arsenal assassins, thrashing the living daylights out of the oppo come the day. Minimum 4:0, no excuses lads.
Oh, and for Mikel to make as much of an impact on βholic happiness as his missus seems to have done today! At least 2 of the 4 from you Mr Mikel please.
COYRs
PS: zico β was it really Fermatβs last theorem you went off to consider, or just Mrs Mikelβs semistable elliptic curves?
*makes mental note NEVER to attempt comedy about maths ever again*
Snowy,
I gave Fermat about 30 seconds of my attention, and then went on to “other things….” π
PS, there’s a new post guys>>>>>>>>