There Is No Defence – We Need The Points
Jan 1st, 2012 by 'holic
Two posts in a day, and at least my mind is functioning a little more clearly than it was this morning. I felt very strange for much of the day. Can’t think why.
Anyway, Manchester City’s last gasp defeat at Sunderland means we were the only top five team to win this weekend. It is imperative that the ground gained is not lost again at Fulham tomorrow, but securing the points at the Cottage is never an easy task. Of our rivals, Chelsea travel to Wolves while the others all get an additional day or two of rest.
I don’t need to tell you how disappointing it is to hear that Thomas Vermaelen will be missing, hopefully only for a couple of weeks, again. That stretches our resources to the limit, particularly at left-back. Francis Coquelin stepped in yesterday and did a passable job, but the prospect of Damien Duff using all of his experience against Francis is a concern. Given that we had no defensive cover on the bench yesterday I am making an assumption that Ignasi Miquel and Sebastien Squillaci are both unavailable. The former would be the preferred option if he is fit.
We are another injury to a defender away from inadvisable alternatives. Get that/those loan deal/s done quickly please Mr Law.
It will be interesting to see the midfield trio. I would expect Alex Song to be there if Coquelin is at full-back, but will two games in fifty hours be too much for Aaron Ramsey and the consistent Mikel Arteta. We would miss either but I suspect the experienced Yossi Benayoun and Tomas Rosicky will be ready if needed.
Up top I suspect Marouane Chamakh may just get a start with the skipper a short warm-up away on the bench. You all know I would go with Robin as he will probably be on the bench for the cup tie with Leeds, but I have a hunch about this one. Out wide there must be a recall for Gervinho on the left. On the other side I would definitely give the Ox his chance. I’m not being as critical of Theo as some after a second disappointing performance in a row. Until recently he has looked outstanding, but when your game is so heavily dependent on pace it is asking a lot to put the body through that twice in quick succession if there is a viable alternative. Selecting Oxlade-Chamberlain would ramp up the already excellent travelling support a notch.
I’m nervous about the ‘holic pound, and feel the only sensible course of action is to look at another 1-0 to the Arsenal. Shop around to find sevens, or alternatively avoid the bet altogether. The bookies too are not sure about this one, and Arsenal at even money to win is an indication of that. I would be delighted to see us triumph by that single goal again, particularly if the winner was lashed into his own net by Philippe Senderos in the last of the added on minutes, and he ripped off his top to reveal a ‘Thierry is back!” tee-shirt. Once a Gooner…
Now there is an interesting prospect. At least one vacancy on the bench tomorrow. I wonder if we can get the paperwork sorted so our latest returning invincible can get closer to the action?
For once I will miss the trip to the Cottage, and those superb pre-match riverside pints. Those of you that are going, particularly if you are on the SS Eboue, take care. Alcohol thins the blood so large numbers of you will be pretty cold I would imagine. Anybody going overboard would find the old river a tad chilly too. Have a great day and sing loud and proud, as ever.
Cheers ‘holics.
418 Responses to “There Is No Defence – We Need The Points”
shoots!
1st?
Damn it!
wow Holic. 2 posts? What’s going on?…. heads back up to read and find out!
Well played ‘holic
someone over the post made the point that the Fulham match is the last league game for a stretch. So wonder whether AW might yet go with RVP – for as a recent acquaintance of mine remarked
“we’ve only got one fukkin’ cunt who can score”
wouldn’t have put it like that meself – but the sentiment does contain a kernel of truth – what?
2 blogs in a day? Madness
Good thoughts Holic.
I thought Rosicky did well yesterday, and Yossi never disappoints. Ox for Theo is a good call too. Flipper needs to find his scoring boots.
This is like waiting for a bus…
‘holic sitting on an unlikely hat trick!
Tempted? 🙂
Well, it’s like buses, innit ?
Would someone who knows how, be kind enough to copy my @84 in the previous drinks into here. It was a reply to AL’s story, but I posted too late, and am a bit of a computer ignoramus.
So, time to read the post now !
Could we possibly start with a front three of The Ox, Theo and Gervinho.
Playing Theo centrally, to use his pace and movement, might be interesting against Big Phil and Hangeland, who turns slightly slower than the average oil-tanker.
Just a thought . .
Ollie, zico, Trev from the previous drinks – Heh! Friends to the stars I am not. It was just a handshake but a very pleasing one, especially given that The Maestro recently featured that famous Xmas 5-0 thrashing of the scum in which Chippy curled in that glorious fifth. Can never compete with tabs’ chat and session with the fearless Frank McClintock. I’m limited to a brief hello to Stevie Bould outside my local Waitrose in 2010 and a handshake from Liam in 2011. Surprisingly, neither will join us at The Tollie for Dirty Leeds. Perhaps if I mentioned that I’ll be there with PHW, Wolfie, Dr.F and Andy Goram they might be tempted, no? 😉
Lovely post ‘Holic even if the words are cold comfort. Last season’s fixture was at the peak/end of le collapse. It was a great day out but the on pitch performance prompted the now infamous “spend some f’in money” song which rumour has it that you and Ollie started… I was but a mere onlooker, heh! Our defence is now as thin as the aforementioned Mr.Boulds locks. I wonder if another round of that famous song form The Travelling Faithful might prompt him into some emergency action on 31st Jan. A scorer of goals who will stay for more than two months should also be a priority. We shall see….
A round for all those that have recovered sufficiently please Mr.Barman. Hogmanay CMC STILL open. I’ll raise a glass to the old one-nil tomorrow. If Chammy plays, please Dennis let him score.
Trev, as requested, here is you previous #84 for “Itchy Pins” AL. (Just copy and paste mate as you would in any application):
AL – it is strange what some fans / match-goers consider to be support.
You’ll remember the home game against Wigan when Eboue was brought on at left wing and then subbed off again after a fairly disastrous half-hour’s work, albeit he had had a while out with injury and was, as we all know, a right back.
I’m pleased to say I did not, and never have, joined in with the booing which accompanied his departure, but the range of reactions after the game was dramatic.
My season ticket is in West Upper, Block 91, and there is one chap about 3 rows behind me who can always be relied on to literally scream at the top of his voice, for good or bad.
This particular day, as we filed out, he decided to have a go at the manager.
“For f*ck’s sake Wenger, spend some f*cking money, you c*nt”, he almost gargled in his 120db rage, “this is all your f*ckin’ fault”.
The guy coming out of the row opposite took a rather different view and punched him right in the mouth.
The warrior from the rows above, brought to account for his supersized gob, ran for it. Or, rather, jumped for it, down about 10 rows of seats, hotly pursued by his assailant from the row opposite.
Good job we’re all on the same side, eh ?
Almost anything would be preferable to seeing Chamack up top Trev.
I think it would be better to try it after a goal scoring performance from Theo, as it is he has that unbelievable glaring miss to exorcise. Generally Theo’s had a good 2011, I hope his progress continues this year.
Trev @ 10 – here you go. I trust little miss Trev goes from strength to strength. Great story by the way – sir.
AL – it is strange what some fans / match-goers consider to be support.
You’ll remember the home game against Wigan when Eboue was brought on at left wing and then subbed off again after a fairly disastrous half-hour’s work, albeit he had had a while out with injury and was, as we all know, a right back.
I’m pleased to say I did not, and never have, joined in with the booing which accompanied his departure, but the range of reactions after the game was dramatic.
My season ticket is in West Upper, Block 91, and there is one chap about 3 rows behind me who can always be relied on to literally scream at the top of his voice, for good or bad.
This particular day, as we filed out, he decided to have a go at the manager.
“For f*ck’s sake Wenger, spend some f*cking money, you c*nt”, he almost gargled in his 120db rage, “this is all your f*ckin’ fault”.
The guy coming out of the row opposite took a rather different view and punched him right in the mouth.
The warrior from the rows above, brought to account for his supersized gob, ran for it. Or, rather, jumped for it, down about 10 rows of seats, hotly pursued by his assailant from the row opposite.
Good job we’re all on the same side, eh ?
Good write up holic. I think we all know how vital 3 points are and how difficult they will be to achieve. Fulham are a decent and well organised unit.
RVP starts for me. Then I would not have him bear a match for 2 weeks. Theo worries me I must confess. I agree that he has had probably his best first half of a season. Many have suggested is that Theo is 95% pace. When he came up against another speed demon in Traore he was well and truly nullified. I would very much like to see AOC given a start.
I had intended to make the trip tomorrow night but 50 quid for a restricted view seat was not something I was prepared to pay.
Come on boys. One big push and then you can rest.
Keep the faith.
Oops – it’s a double Trev. Still a good tale is a tale worth repeating – no?
Thanks TS / AL – please no more, or i’ll get thrown out !!
Yes she does thanks, slowly but surely now 🙂
When I said City would drop more points after the Wolves game, some said that the chances of that happening would be slim. One week on and they’ve dropped 4. On the other hand we’ve gained 4. I must say that I didn’t expect it to happen this soon. But hey, I also didn’t expect us to lose TV5 yet, although I was dubious about playing him in a more active role than usual, especially after recently getting him back all nice and fit!
Anyway some in here added that they didn’t know why people were talking about the title yet and that we are a top 6 team at best.
My reasoning behind my enthusiasm over the last week has more to do with just excitement surrounding the gods return home.
Since losing to Man U, which forrgot to add that to my list of 3 worst moments over the last 12 months, we have attempted to redeem ourselves by fighting our way back into the top four two points ahead of the chavs and are the only English team left in the Champions League after qualifying in impressive style in addition to churning out the odd few good results (Chelsea away to name one).
Our activity in the transfer market within the last week of the window was frustrating at times but we eventually brought in the cover needed. It was not extravagant but effective. Our additions this season have stepped in when they been called upon and barring Per and Jenkinson, have bagged themselves a goal or two!
We brought in two future talents a few experienced players, a couple of customary unknowns and a legend on loan. We have the best striker in the premiership have seen alot of future prospects step up when called upon and now sit second on the form table behind the leaders, making me wonder what we could have done if we had this squad playing this way from the start of the season.
The defeat at Manu U was definitely the turning point for this club and it’s current policies and we responded as we should. We have a few key players out, but we also have a few key players due back depending upon how you look at it and how the team copes with the absences in the meantime. Our players due back should provide the fresh legs required for so-called ‘squeaky bum time’.
But as Holic says we have our work cut out for us. The job is only half done. We need the points tomorrow TV in the squad or not. We need cover for RVP (which should come from within ideally, so we do not have to sit in-front of our screens waiting for the latest transfer news). But who knows? AW may have another surprise or two up his sleeve during this seasons transfer window. We have our god due to pull a gunners shirt back on again and while it is more of the nostalgic factor rather than the additional ideal cover for RVP, we are all directly or indirectly looking forward to the excitement which will surround his timely return.
We have the bragging rights in the Champions League amongst the so-called top four, but we also have the work that will come with progressing during the said tournament.
All of the plaudits surrounded this ‘new look’ squad have been discussed in this bar numerous times over the last few months and while I still maintain that we are ’tilting’ towards a title challenge at present to add to our other recent achievements, all of the work continues tomorrow at Fulham without Vermaelen.
Geoff – I would rather see Chamakh up top than down the bottom.
As for Wolfie ? . . . .
Given how careful AW has been with AOC so far, I’d be amazed to see him start a tricky away game after sitting on the bench for two (notionally) straight forward home games. Sub again I reckon.
Hic
Utterly gobsmacked by the Theo hating that goes on. Just dont get it. Sure he didnt have a great game yesterday, but he makes a real difference just being on the pitch as opposition defences know how effin fast he is. Traore is as fast as Theo, thats his one attribute, whereas Theo is much more than just pace.
He was fantastic last season, even with 2 bad injuries and he has been great again so far. Just ask Robin.
I aint aiming this at anyone on here (although some genius had a right go at him on an earlier blog) just saying.
BTW And Lester, that post of yours on the previous blog was top man. Thanks
Mr True Storey, i hear that Andy Goram won’t be at Leeds.
Neither will Andy Goram be.
psed – Trev are you quite sure that after what ‘holic said he might do to some horrible little squirt who may decide to give Henry The Second Coming uncalled for stick – on last week’s Arseblog, that that avenger from “the row opposite” wasn’t our esteemed Guv’nor himself?
Interesting idea Trev @ #11. Small and nippy. Unlikely to get much success in the air but then again, what difference would that make*?
More concerned about our LB position. As ‘Holic points out, containing Mr.Duff could be a real challenge for Le Coq.
(*Benny’s winning header vs Villa taken into account)
Only in spirit AL – they look very different.
Assailant from the row opposite was an ugly bloke 🙂
Thank you for clearing that up Mr.Goram. HNY to you and your twin, namesake brother 😉
TS – containing Duff will be a plum job for somebody . .
*coat*
Goonertown @ 19
I think you will find that those of us putting down a marker for us being a Top 6 side at present,did also point out that that was with the squad of players currently available.
When our injured first eleven players return from injury in the next 6 wks or so,then it was also pointed out that we are a top 4 side.
We are not a Title challenging side this season,only once in a
Blue Moon can you lose 5 games before Christmas,and go on to win the PL.
We do have a few ‘ Passengers ‘ that are about as enthusiastic as the Queen is when Prince Phil asks her for a Blow Job before breakfast at the Palace,but every Club has them,and you just have to hope that they don’t get the nod very often.
We’ve got Fulham/Swansea/Man U and Bolton in the league before the end of Jan,if we can get through that unscathed and still be in the Top 4,then with injured players coming back we could have an interesting few months ahead.
Cheers
The Sweeper.
Clive –
‘every club has Blow Jobs before breakfast at the Palace’ ?!?!
Steve T, lovely summary of the match last bar session, top quality.
Trev, your post @ 84 last bar session and @ 13/15 this bar did give me a hearty belly laugh I have to admit, very funny to visualise 🙂
GT @ 19, Chelski are in the Champions League still along with us, how’d you mix that one up mate? 😛
mug @ 23, I don’t think anyone trying to have a go at Theo in a negative way, in my case, I wish he wouldn’t be so negative when he knows that he’s had a bad game (sadly, he was in Traore’s pocket) when he’s being subbed off.
AOC starting and having a blinder of a game tomorrow could be the jump-start Theo needs to get back to his form towards the middle of this current season so far.
thanks a bunch Mug@23
ahem – a bit embarrassed by this for some reason – but i also posted this just a 3 or 4 minutes before ‘holic put out his second fine one of the day. But as it chimes in quite nicely with GTCWC’s post @19 thought i’d post it again. Trev and TS you’ve started a trend.
So if we had got the nailed on penalty we should have gotten against citeh, and gone on to beat them – there’d only be 3 points now between us and them.
I know that’s a lot of ifs and buts (down Wolfie) and some bits in between – but it does show what a pivotal game that was for us and them and the rest of the top of the league. And there’s half a season to go.
I don’t think we’ll win it – but there’s a massive amount to play for, for all the top six clubs. With a probable bundle of twists and turns still to come –
I can’t remember a season quite like it meself
UreDS!
Piece of cake Trev!
*hits the high-hat*
Trev, I’ll be in 91 West Upper for Leeds. But I won’t be the one shouting and screaming at Arsene, I can tell you that!
Mug, I agree with your astonishment at the treatment Theo has been given and would like to add the completely mystifying Ramsey slagging that goes on at times. It seems some just need a scapegoat and turns a blind eye to anything good said player does just so they can keep moaning.
is that the sound of goal-posts i can hear being moved?
psed – i can’t do the smiley face
Trev@31: No wonder arsene was pictured smiling when he left the Palace with his honoury knighthood 🙂
AL’37:
🙂
Wind
Like I said mate, I wasn’t aiming it at anyone on here per se, just that I really find it odd when I have witnessed him in the flesh (mainly away from home) tear up the opposition. van persie has scored a lot of his goals thanks to Theo as well as others. I think he is a class act and very glad we have him. As for the Oxo kid. I thought he might have got game time in the previous 2 games but he didnt, not sure he will feature tomorow, but if he does, thats all good too.
Although a tough away game is just the fixture for Theo to show his stuff.
Lars
Yeah, true. Ramsey has been relied on a bit too much since Jack’s injury, IMO.
If Ramsey had found his shooting boots this season, we’d all be hailing his breakthrough season. That is all that is missing from his performances. There is no justification for slagging him off.
What concerns me about Walcott is that his decision making seems to have worsened in recent games. It was the improvement in that that had made him so much more effective earlier this season.
Hey Lars – see you and the wallet at The Tollie beforehand then 😉
Trev, you definitely will!
Mug @ 40, I was expecting game-time for the Ox against QPR, but there’s no excuse not to give him a run-out against Fulham off the bench at the minimum.
He started against Olympiakos in Greece, no reason why he can’t start at Craven Cottage.
But as always, Wenger knows 🙂
Heh heh, Bendtner falling over in MotD 2, probably knocked off-balance by that ego of his 😛
The Podolski rumours just doesn’t seem to want to go away. I am starting to think there might actually be a fire under all that smoke.
Ahh, the look on those Citeh fans’ faces after Ji got the winner, what a beautiful sight 😀
Lars, have you been reading someone else’s rumors?!
How could you 🙁 ?
Snir, it was just some link on FaceBook…
One man’s rumour is another man’s prophecy 😉
So my view is we need to sign Yossi quick!
Evening all.
Not picking on anyone’s post in particular, but the flavour of the bar following AL’s account of his fellow ‘match-goer’ behind the goal yesterday… I have to say that one of the reasons that I’m not so fussed about going to home matches anymore is because of this growing band of incessant moaners.
Unfortunately for me, I can’t keep my mouth shut, and anyone calling Arsenal or Arsenal players ‘shit’ within my earshot gets told to shut the fuck up.
Which normally results in me having to get a hankie to stem the blood from my nose… 😀
But seriously, I won’t stand for it, and as a result am not that bothered so much this season. (I’ve been in Block 8 behind goal mostly)
Now away matches…! Oh I wish. Tickets rarer than AW announcements that he’s planning on signing new reinforcements.
Amen to that Zico!
Zico.
I may be 3 of 3 if we sign Poldi (after Arteta and TH).
My fourth prophecy is ridiculed here so it’d be the most pleasing 😉
Lars, I’ll let you off the hook this time, but promise you won’t do it again!! 😉
One of the reasons that certain players have received unfair criticism is the lack of goals. So far in the league this year our midfield have scored just 13 times in 19 games. That is 13 in total from Theo, Ramsey, Song, Arteta, Gervinho, Arshavin, Rocky, Frimpong and Benayoun. That is something that we need to work on and improve. We miss the goals of Cesc and Nasri although it is worth remembering that neither were prolific in their early days. I am sure that we would have all expected more from certain individuals and may also go some way to explain why we have had the one man team label from some forms of the media. You have to wonder what we would have been like had Mata not got away?
My personal opinion is that AR has had a decent first half of the season. He looks like he could do with a break. Gervinho has grown into the English game, but desperately needs shooting practice. Perhaps TH12 can give him a few pointers? My big worry is Theo. He started last season brightly and got cropped. This season he has played well but in fits and starts. He needs to improve his consistency. My other fear was after yesterday. Faced with someone with equal pace he just seemed to run out of ideas. That is my concern with young Theo.
All in my humble opinion of course.
Re the moany arseholes, sadly they seem to still be a factor. I sit in block 4 and I must say that I am lucky that the filth who blighted many a fixture seem to have disappeared. Sadly there are some that always no best and will always moan.
All of that said, frustration is an emotion very closely linked to passion. I am sure we have all voiced a negative opinion about someone in those odd moments of weakness. I will hold my hands up and say that I was one of many that gave Eboue pelters at that Wigan game. I was also there singing his name to the rafters at the next home game to atone for my error.
Holic and Holics, Had just enough time to catch up on all the drinks. As usual, I find myself somehow agreeing with everybody. How is that possible. Anyway, out the door, yet again. Cheers!
Two posts in one day Holic, you are making me work on the long holiday, ha!
Proud of our squad given how we started, let’s ensure we finish top four…..and who knows, as I said in the last drinks the league is unpredictable week to week. With all that has happen it’s crazy to think were only at the halfway point of the season.
Tomorrow will be tough, no doubt, I don’t think we’ll see RVP on the bench with a late cameo if needed and I think Ramsey will give way to BennyGoon or Rosicky.
Will a certain TH be there?
SteveT
Yeah mate, I have been at games or watching on TV and found myself shouting at a player or the manager, calling them names that are not very nice! But that’s heat of the moment stuff and I can completely understand that.
It’s the constant sniping, slating and bitching that gets to me. Players are written off and regardless of any evidence to the contrary these miseries will never admit they are wrong. I have seen Ramsey, Theo and Gervinho written off, not to mention Arshavin (the type of big name most of these dudes scream we should be buying) and Chamakh.
I have also been at games where people have spent the entire game moasning about every single player!
What I dont get is, why on earth would you pay good money and spend alot of time to do something that clearly gives you no discernable pleasure?
Have fun.
He’s back.
http://yfrog.com/ntw10hj
The Goonerholic Fantasy Premier League Cup
Preliminary Round, Gameweek 19
Titters XI 28-48 gariago
Fail 45-40 Terrible Toddlers
Black Stars 60-25 Slutty Megatron
Apollo Guns 36-40 MalluGoonz
Gunners_88 41-51 I_wont_win
Fingernails 51-32 MONKEYBOTS
Los Malakes 36-45 Q. O’Coe
No Use For A Name 45-24 Sporting Sociopath
I Met Oleg Luzhny 3 48-30 Mighty Mass
CescTDs 39-39 brazilboys
Red Pillocks 32-46 Frimpong for England
SlaSh’s Soldiers 45-51 Bastions
H2HFC 44-45 It’sOnlyRayParlour
TheForehead 33-28 L’Arse
AMSB FC 43-48 TrexlerGunner
In Lehmann’s Terms 45-31 welsh wizards
Dwr Budr XI 49-43 Rizzle Madrizzle
Kung Fu’s Pandas 37-41 GloryGunner
The Caravan 35-52 Dublin dynamos
FC Bagen 26-43 Capitulation FC
DenverArsenal 39-38 Desert Gunners
Wilshere’s Wonkas 44-27 Lucky Sods
Tampa strongside 51-34 StraightEdgeFC
The Arse 35-54 Green Tin Rollers
Hardly Athletic 54-41 Fifteen 11
MishalGunners 16-38 Mainstream
Invincibles04 62-24 Harry’s Potters
Gunners4life 51-54 Milken Alcohol
CupidStunts XI 38-40 Gunnerz11
Mojorisen All-Stars 35-51 zephyr
UpTheArse 46-31 Vegas Arsenal
Paperhouse 23-34 I Blame The Parents
Gunner Bamboozle You 49-25 Sumus Armamentario
Ballbangers 33-56 Flanders Frites FC
FC Swearing Horse 19-36 STRIKE FORCE FC
Hurricane FC 27-46 FORWARD125 FC
GOONERS 28-20 Mr Bojangles XI
P38 W26 D12 L0 36-29 The They
Rahman XI 51-35 Super Bag
Haight St Gooners 37-55 rED rUM
A.P. Milan 27-25 Jickinda FC
XI 29-40 Nah Nah’s Segzie
Wally’s Badboys 47-48 Arsenalland FC
Detroit Gunners 49-30 cierny pluk
Rhotic FC 48-38 Lay D Boys
Impeccable Armoury 47-22 SacTownGunners
Crack Smokin Monkeys 44-29 The Clash
Fat boy fat fc 24-50 Cairogoons
The Wengerboys 38-42 BVO FC
The sharp-eyed will have spotted a draw…
CescTDs 39-39 brazilboys
Therefore gameweek 20 provides the replay week, and the first round proper, if they can be separated, will be gameweek 21.
Some remarkable performances by unseeded ‘holics there…
Mug. I agree totally.
How did I manage to miss out on the fantasy league???
You may have registered Steve. What is your team name? That is only the bottom 98 teams playing in the preliminary round. The top 79 from last week got a bye into the first round proper.
Mug @58 – re your last paragraph –
totally agree – and for the same reason, how the hell do you explain the late arrivers and early leavers ?
In the row in front of me there is a group of people who arrive up to 10 mins late for every game. They are off for half-time teas 10 mins before half-time. Back 5 mins late after half-time, and leave 10 mins before the end of every game.
That is 35 minutes of every game missed !!!
Where I sit – Block 91 – that will cost you, averaged over the season £25 – £27 per game for minutes you have missed.
Specifically for a Category A game, the missed minutes will cost them £35 !!!
A-may-zing – but why bother going ?!?
Fuck yeah! Gazidis is a genius!
I knew his MLS contacts were good for something!
TH on the bench tomorrow!
The king is back!
http://yfrog.com/ntw10hj
It looks so natural!
I appreciate theo, especially because he plays so hard defensively and tracking. back, but i also see some clear limitations on how much better he can be. I would sell him soon because he will never be worth more. The real future is ox, who has a very high ceiling talent wise, and maybe ryo. Love gervinho, id take him over theo any day. Use any theo proceeds and a bit more to get a playmaker. Podolski for example, would need time to play onthe left with rvp getting most starts at striker, which moves gerv over to the right for many matches, so u can still work in the ox slowly.
Mug,
I don’t think its fair to say that people on this blog slate Theo although it does happen on other forums. I think Theo has largely been inconsistent in his career to date at the club and some of that criticism is merited for a talented player who cost so much. Its only natural that expectations are high. Its high for any player who makes an Arsenal team, especially when one of their primary objectives is to score. Remember, it is Theo himself who wishes to play in a more central striking role. Well this is his 6th season at the club since he joined in 2006. Over those 6 seasons the following is his goalscoring record in the league respectively: 0, 4, 2, 3, 9 and 2 so far this season. His first four seasons were for me, a very poor return on the faith and money invested. Last season, he played well and as you have mentioned, he has played well so far this season and provided many assists for RVP. But is this really good enough? As a fan, every opinion is subjective, but if you were Wenger, do you think he’d think it was good enough? Do you think Theo himself thinks this is good enough?
I think Steve T is right when he mentions the importance of goals. We need players to stand up and be counted and shoulder some of the burden that RVP has been carrying. So far, Theo, largely hasn’t delivered at the club and while Wenger gives him every chance, someone else will eventually step up and deliver. Then what happens to Theo?
Holic. I think I was away on holiday when it all came out. Think I just missed out. Oh well.
Mug @ 58 got to agree. When that behaviour is taken to extremes, as with my man yesterday, you feel like saying to them something like “why the jolly well are you blooming well here old boy?” or to put it more directly “why the fuck don’t you fuk off mate and give someone who might want to be here a go”.
But most of us are decentish sorts and too well-mannered for that, i imagine. Mind you, now i know where Trev’s mate “The Red Avenger” sits – i might have to give him a shout if i end being as unfortunate again with a numpty neighbour
Joe
If you read my posts, you’d see I said it wasnt aimed at anyone on this blog, although someone did slate him on an earlier one. Although you and jnyc do a pretty good hatchet job!
Theo is amazing, we have missed pace in our team and reeling off his goal scoring fails to take into account the terrible injury problems he had early on. Even last season he had 2 major absences yet still created and scored many times. Who knows how many he’d have got had he stayed injury free?
I appreciate people have their favourites, but I also dont understand what he has to do to be appreciated more? For me, he has done more than enough already.
jnyc
You cannot be serious man? Get rid of Theo and play one of 2 unproven kids?
And Lester
I go to more away games than home ones these days mate. Brilliant support for those games. Win or lose.
Easy fellas.
Let’s read what is being written and try to understand. It’s easy sometimes to see something that isn’t there and react.
We’re above that. We’re good mates 😉
And the same thing applies to Trev’s late arrivers/early leavers – what are they thinking?
Mug it’s been a while since i’ve been away, i should give it another go soon. I have heard our fantastic away support coming through loud and clear on the tele though this season – especially at the time the team needed it most.
UreDS!
Come on Arsenal let’s keep this glorious run going with the performance we need against Fulham. 2012 is bright and red and white. 😀
Diab’holical a sneaky third in the HT league at the moment, only 8 points off the top position. Not sure ‘holic wanted you all to know it the way he has been lurking so effectively in recent weeks …
Mug,
Honestly, Im not trying to do a hatchet job on Theo. I think he’s very important to the team and I believe his contract should be extended. I believe that in some ways, when the clubs makes such investment in young players – they’ve got to provide a platform to make sure they succeed in every possible way they can, which is why I think Wenger is so special in that regard. And while my post might not have appeared to be somewhat objective, my intentions certainly were. All I’m saying is that someday we’ll either sign a player or bring a younger player through, that will step up and score more goals than Theo. Thats the reason I think Wenger will buy another striker and has brought Henry back to support RVP.
And my apologies for misreading your claims in this regard.
Holic
No jip on my part man. Notice the strategic use of exclamation marks!
Theo isn’t having a good scoring season, but he is a massively improved player in terms of delivery and wing play.
No problem Joe. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be adding quality to our squad, or promoting from within. I personally hope Chamberlain and Ryo turn out to be great little players for us. Competition is good anyway.
And I also hope we do sign a striker in january.
Mug
I have to disagree with you on young Walcott.
I cannot believe you think he is Amazing.
I think amazingly brainless would be a more apt description.
He is half the player he should or could be,because he does not have a footballing brain.
If he had the Brain to go with the speed he would be scoring /creating 20-30 goals a season.
He’s as quick as Ronaldo but without the intelligence.
That is where he constantly falls down and has done so throughout his career at Arsenal.
The number of fullbacks that Theo manages to make look like world beaters is growing longer by the week.
For every intermittent contribution he makes,there are countless instances where he does not have a clue what to do.
I might remind you of a quote from Harry Redknapp after Walcott was surprisingly picked in the World Cup squad the tournament before South Africa.
After the first couple of days training,Redknapp said some of the England boys had declared that Walcott,’Hasn’t got IT.’
He’d been found out after only a few training sessions,that he didn’t have the tactical awareness,which is a pre requisite at the top level.
Erikkson realised it very early on as well,and knew he had made a bad blunder in selecting him.
He didn’t play a single minute of that World Cup.
That was 5 years ago,and nothing has changed since.
This is not a hatchet job on Theo,just my own thoughts on a player who is very limited in my opinion.
He has not improved in the past 5 years,rather he has stood still,while others have passed him by.
When all the first teamers are fit,he will be spending a lot of time on the bench,coming on late in games as an impact player,because he is a liability over the full 90 minutes.
Cheers
The Sweeper.
Snir
Definitely, on both counts man.
He will get a brace tomorow and an assist.
For Robin, obviously!
bt8bbgfg, I have Yakubu.
‘holic knows 😉
Give me fucking strength.
Laters Mr Waddle
Snir @ 76.
If you think Young Theo has improved his wing play and delivery,
then you must be watching different games to me.!!
His middle name should be INCONSISTENT.
Cheers
The Sweeper.
You have no footballing brain clearly. You obviously lap up all the cliched bullshit from dinosaur ex pros and lazy hacks.
You definitely do not go to games otherwise you’d see the marked improvements in his game.
Sorry holic, but this is the brainless bullshit that I was referring to, just when we were all getting along so well.
Sweeper, whe all players are fit, who would you play on the wings?
I’d play Theo and I think people are rather harsh on him.
He has barely played up until last season with all his injuries and you can’t say he didn’t improve his finishing.
This season he improved his delivery.
He might make LBs look like world beaters but he also can run circles around world class LBs, Cashley included.
On the Ox front AW has been putting on him the bench for a few games recently. But the kid is young and inexperienced. And our last few games have been very important and extremely tight affairs – as many games often are at this time of year when failing teams attempt to tighten up, and a bit of injury wear and tear and fatigue sets in.
Now i reckon that if in any of those games we’d have cruising to an easy victory AW probably would have taken off, and so rested, one of our first choice front three and blooded The Ox.
But to bring an unproven kid on in a high pressure situation in a must win game is a high-risk strategy that could expose the youngster to the more unforgiving elements of our support if he makes mistakes, and so knock his confidence and possibly hold back his development in the medium term.
So of course AW picks his more experienced forwards when they’re fully or nearly fit. And after all those forwards have pretty much delivered for us so far this season.
Mug,
Clive is an avid Gooner who deserves respect regardless of his opinions. Even if you disagree with him.
Clive, have a look at his delivery this year, it is thoughtful and precise. For instance the assist to RvP against Bolton.
Respect works both says Snir. He clearly aint showing Theo any.
Easy please fellas.
Snir
You see its comments like those that piss me off. Refusing to ackowldge developments and improvements in a player. Same happens with Song. He gets slated for things he did 4 yerards ago even though he is vastly superior now.
I have witnessed loads of games where Theo has terrorised opposition defences, mostly away from home, which I am not sure if thats a coincidence or due to away games being more open?
Mug @ 83
Your rude response to my own measured thoughts on Theo,which i am entitled to,says very much more about your approach to intelligent argument/discussion,than it does about me.
Snir,
my point is and always will be that he doesn’t do it nearly often enough.!!
I would really be interested to know how many of the regular posters on Holic’s forum would have Walcott in their starting eleven when everyone is fit.
Cheers
The Sweeper.
a little something on the ol’ juke box to help chill the mood
http://youtu.be/0HQEhuylZmg
Sorry Holic didnt mean to cause a kerfuffle man.
Measured? Yeah right, senile more like.
Aye!
Calling him a liability is measured, intelligent is it?
Clive, that may mean he’s inconsistent but it doesn’t mean he has no football brain because he can do those things which are thoughtful and require some footballing insight. His inconsistently is another matter.
Seriously though, who would be your wingers in your best 11?
Lester @ 85
I don’t remember the Ox showing any fear against City in the CC.
My maxim is,if they are Good enough,they are old enough.
it didn’t harm Cesc playing at the tender age of 16.
The young ones have no fear of failure.
Aw has already said we will be seeing a lot more of the OX sooner rather than later.
I know I know, I am out of order now.
Must say I tend to agree with the Sweeper. I think Theo has improved but at a rate far slower than we would have both hoped and expected. His progress has been laboured. He was brought to the club in a blaze of fanfares. Perhaps too much has been expected off him, who knows?
Snir, you asked who should play on the wings? My opinion is that out of the senior players in the squad that we don’t have any genuinely wide players. I don’t consider either Theo or Gervinho wide players. I think both would prefer to play more of a central role. How many times over the last 3 years have I moaned about lack of width? Well there just might be your reason.
SteveT
Gervinho played mostly in France on the wings man. Now he is a liability!
Mug, chill, please.
Clive, I hear you, but I hope that this is Theo’s breakthrough season. maybe.
Until the Villa away game he had by and large been awesome. Look at the assists he has for RvP goals. One man team from United away to Villa away? I think not.
Inconsistent describes Theo exactly.
Mug. Who said he was a liability????????
Oops pardon – that was an ay in Clive’s vote re havin Theo in the first team when eveyone’s fit – not sure what injured player Clive has in mind to replace him
Mug don’t lose it man you’ve made some really good points and you go to games home and away – big respect for that fella. But the barman demands a modicum of respect from us all – even if some people might seem like they’re being unreasonable to you. Otherwise things can quickly dissolve into the bad-tempered slanging matches you get on other sites
Gervinho or Theo?
My bezzie mate Clive called Theo a liability.
Mug
Are you as rude and offensive with everyone who doesn’t agree with you,or are you just tired and emotional after the Christmas and New Year festivities.??
I find a good strong mug of Horlicks helps.
And lester
You are spot on man. My bad. Blame it on the humungous hangover!
Steve, they might not be wingers but that’s who we have. I’d still have Gervinho and Theo on the wings.
At least for now until Ox is really ready for week in week out EPL.
Mostly because Theo can pose a huge threat with cuts to the inside that can cause confusion between CB and LB and would cause lots of space for him or the striker to exploit.
I gotta go to bed.
Understand it isn’t a problem if we don’t agree.
Too many sites think we should all think alike.
Bollocks to that…
G’night all. Be understanding, if not in total agreement.
A usually go for a good old hit of smack personally.
And i don’t remember the CC being that big a game compared to our all-important league programme. Arsene says we’re going to see more of him yes – but he looks like he’s bringing him on in a carefully considered way. So me – i’m happy to leave to him – the man that sees the players in training every day.
Well I ain’t going to bed so you can poke it.
😉
Snir
We dont play wingers. Gervinho and Theo are basically wide forwards. We have some serious pace in the team now. Hopefully Chamberlain will come good, but he is not ready yet. he wasnt even in the squads for 2 relatively ‘easy’ (on paper at least!) home games, which surprised me.
Holic
How many seasons can we wait for him to breakthrough,??
It’s already 5/6 ??
How many other players get that long to rise to the summit on a consistent level.??
I know he has made some good assists this season,but as a front line player his record does not stand scrutiny.
He hasn’t scored at the Emirates for over a year.
We need far more from him than we are getting.
In my humble opinion,the OX is lengths better than Theo was at the same age.
If he gets an opportunity to play regularly in the 2nd half of the season,the not so young Theo will be on the bench.
Clive,
As ever, I largely find myself agreeing with you. You get my vote too.
AL @ 104, agreed and seconded.
Snir. As genuine wide players at the moment I don’t think either are good enough. I think Gervinho certainly can be and he had adapted well. Theo still has to improve. Will he be the player we all hope he will be???? Jury is still out on that one for me. Part of our problems are the fact that the likes of Freddie and Bobby have never really been effectively replaced.
All in my humble opinion of course.
The game’s changed. Most teams play with a front 3 these days – a main central striker and 2 kind of inside forwards. Both Theo’s and high-five heads qualities are well suited to these roles – yes they could be a bit more consistent – but both have improved already in this short season so why shouldn’t they continue to improve and develop.
Most width in the modern game is provided by full-backs – Santos and Sagna were doing a pretty good job of providing it before they got injured.
Now what’s the name of that Barcelona winger or the one that plays for the Spanish national team for that matter or is it Mata? – No definitely matter.
Mug
you are losing the plot,
The OX was on the bench for both of the home games against Wolves and QPR.
Snir @ 96.
What’s our front formation if Podolski arrives,??
I think the Ox might get plenty of opportunities in Jan/Feb with Gervy away.
So young Theo may get a reprieve for a few weeks.
Lester
How many more season’s does Theo get to improve.??
For God’s sake,he has had 5/6 already.!!
Steve T,
what are you doing up so late.??
And so it goes – good night gentlemen
I am losing the plot? Thats fucking charming isnt it. I dont remember him playing. Excuse me for gertting a minor detail wrong at 2am after my heroics NYE.
What constitutes a breakthrough season? I am all ears. How many goals and assists did Theo get last season in the league (even with 2 long spells out through injury)? 9 goals and a similar number of assists. For a wide player thats an excellent return.
He may be inconsistent, I can see that, but this idea that he hasnt ‘broken through’ is hilarious. Theo gets loads of love at away games. maybe thats why he does loads better than at the Grove!
AL. Great point about inside forwards. Makes good sense. However Theo and Gervinho have amassed 31 league games between them and managed to score 6 goals. For a side that intends to challenge for the title my opinion is that that is not even close enough to being good enough.
Great point re full backs. I have commented several times about how that hampers us at the moment.
Mug, don’t be so petty with terminology. You get my drift.
Clive, it isn’t important if Ox is better than Theo was at his age, what matters is who is better now and right now it’s Theo.
Steve, wingers or wide forwards or whatever. I meant on the flanks who would get the nod from you?
As I said Theo brings such a threat to our games with those inside cuts. It confuses the defense so much that it causes havoc between the CB and LB.
Clive. My new year health kick starts in 2 days time and I have 5 bottles of red left. Really do not want the temptation. Not known for my will power and they ain’t drink themselves.
😉
You just sound like a pathetic bitter old man Clive.
Snir
I was agreeing with you, not pulling you up FFS. It was someone else who said we used wingers, not you man.
Snir. So much of a threat that he has managed to score twice in 18 league appearances this season.
Darn it Steve T you’re too reasonable a debater to ignore. You’re right Theo and high-five head should score more. But equally assists are fundamental function of the game they play from the positions they play in. Both those players have played important roles in the transformation of RVP into a goal machine – obviously Theo for longer than Gervo
Mug. I enjoy the debate and respect your opinion. However, you might want to go back over numerous posts before making judgements on fellow gooners like you have above.
Psed am sure SG will have the stats on that somewhere – and wouldn’t be surprised if he knows them off the top of his head.
I also think it’s worth noting that the man who plays alongside Theo – RVP – certainly seems to rate him – and i reckon he might well be a better qualified judge than one or two of us on here – maybes!
AL. I agree re assists but they should have at least 10 more goals between them. I would expect others to chip in with assists from midfield.
Steve – The fact that it isn’t used doesn’t mean it isn’t a threat. Mainly because we no longer have players who can pass a defense splitting pass.
The other reason is because our game has become a flank based game.
Meaning most of the chances come from the flanks to the middle and not from the middle third to the final third so they get less chances. That’s why Aaron and RvP get most of the chances because the chances are mostly in the center coming from the flanks.
Steve T i agree there’s room for improvement in that area
now i’ve used “in that area” and you’ve talked about midfielders needing to “chip in” with assists. We’re in danger of “heading” towards a pun fest – a fine ‘holic tradition indeedy!
One final way of looking at it. Let us go with the theory of inside forwards or wide strikers or however we want to call it. If RVP gets injured are you confident enough that either of our inside forwards can carry the goal scoring responsibility?
No, nor me.
Steve
I fear Mug is past debating with,
He’s getting ruder by the minute,which is a sign that his bellicose statements about Theo don’t stand up to scrutiny.
The more argumentative and abrasive they become,the less you are inclined to their posts.
Anyway i wish you and yours a very Happy New Year,and i really do enjoy your postings from the front line.
Keep em coming without fear or favor.
Here’s to 3 pts at the Cottage today.!!
Snir,
Good points made on both sides methinks,
We will see what our formation pans out like,once the dust has settled from the Jan Window.
I think i have stirred the pot enough,so before i retire i am going to have phone sex with a lady called Tiffany October,who should iron out the kinks for me, so i am fully focused for the Fulham game.
Cheers
The Sweeper.
to be fair i think there are very few forwards anywhere in world football that can fill the role that RVP plays for us
Sorry. I had clearly forgotten how prolific Aaron Ramsey has been. Now I rate AR very highly but like many others goal scoring is not something he has made his name with.
My point is really simple. Without RVP we struggle to score goals. For us to challenge that has to change. Those who play behind Robin need to contribute more.
Steve – I didn’t say AR is prolific. On the contrary he isn’t, but he gets a lot of chances.
AL. I don’t think anyone can touch RVP at the moment. I just don’t think that his quality exonerates others from their responsibilities in front of goal.
Just my humble opinion.
Don’t stay on the phone too long Clive. Time enough to burp the worm and hang up.
Up the Arsenal. (Not you Clive).
😉
Snir, and there lies our problem in a nut shell. As I pointed out a lot earlier, our midfield do not find the net enough. That has to be improved on, either with the current crop or adding to te squad.
Steve T – The pair of them are getting and making chances – so i’m looking forward to them coming good in front of goal sooner rather than later. And as Mug says above Theo’s goal return wasn’t too bad last season, despite long absences through injury
Steve – Don’t get me wrong, I agree that it is a problem. It is a big problem (despite the fact that we scored more this season than last season after 18 games).
But all I’m saying is that Theo is getting less chances to score this season than in previous season because we changed our style of play from creating in the middle third to creating in the flanks of the final third so usually it’s either Theo who’s providing or Gervinho providing to the center where it reaches RvP or AR.
20 league goals and he is in his 6th season? My view would be that that is not close enough to being good enough. Time for Theo to make that final transition for me. Especially with AOC breathing down his neck.
And on the stats front Gervinho scored in his last game but one so he’s currently averaging a goal every other game
Snir, you were telling me how great Theo is at cutting in? Surely he should be creating more chances for himself?
I don’t know the stats on assists it from what area of the field they have come from. Snir, that can be your homework. Late for me so I will bud you all good night. An intetesting debate though.
On the more serious stats front Gervinho, of the 14 games he has started (and he’s only played the full 90 minutes in 3 of those, and he was sent off on his debut), has 4 goals and 4 assists against his name. Not phenomenal by any means but not too bad either – and this is his debut season in the premiership. I know stats don’t tell the full story but they can be useful at times.
UmightyReds!
now i really must make me way to me boudoir – good night gents
AL. Stats show that the average number of legs per person in the UK is less than 2.
Stats are a funny old thing.
Night all.
goals and assists can’t be disputed as anything other than goals and assists
@145 Steve – I was also saying we don’t feed Theo that defense splitting pass to meet his inside cuts because we don’t have a lot of players who can do that anymore.
His goal at Spurs last season is the perfect example. On that occasion he had Cesc who could pick him out… This season, it’s been harder for him to get those balls because AR still needs to develop that in his game.
When Jack returns it will change.
@147 – You keep repeating that but there’s no point for it, it’s like me saying that the average family in the US has 2.5 kids.
That’s what happens when you deal with averages but like AL says, assists and goals can only be regarded as assists and goals.
Two posts in a day, nice one sir.
Just finnished up so I’ll have to catch up on the drinks tomorrow.
I hope that RvP starts, sorry, but I have little faith in Chamahk, I would luv it if he proved me wrong, but on recent form I just can’t see it.
Now is the time to throw our balls on the table, the last set of results were extreamly kind to us and it would be negligent not to try to take full advantage.That means we will have to have our strongest team out against Fulham at The Cottage, which means we have to start with Captain Vantastic.
A night cap for all.
How the hell do manure get 2 days more to recover?
This ain’t fair..
Looking forward to the match.. have a feeling it is going to be a tough and tense affair..
COYG..
Ollie, Zico….(and Mr C) your boys played a hell of a game! Commiserations H2H – eeeked out by one point! 🙁
And to cap it off I’ve just realised that I’ve won two rounds of the full cup by mistake!
What a weekend…. as fun as that last minute penalty for Wigan against the Munsters!
Morning all. Coffee?
Is this a Fulham Preview? Way early I’d say. Lovely all the same, but I think Theo will play today.
I’m not really in a fit state to work.
Nice touch though this morning when someone I don’t see often says ‘happy new year, loads of win for Arsenal’.
Fair enough I was wearing a scarf, but still….
Re the Theo debate (is it a Theorem – OK stop to early in the year)
1. He is not the quality of certain other ‘wingers’ in that he cannot beat defenders by dribbling around them , but plays to his skills in flicking it past them
2. He lacks consistent service (in the absence of LJW) to give him long balls to chase.
3. When he passes the ball back to the RB, he (often) does not turn and run for the return over the top – but is that because the RB will pass across the field from preference/training
4. Because he is small, he is ‘easily’ dispossessed of the ball by experienced defenders
Now for positives
1. His crossing has improved and the number of assists would be even higher if there were more people getting into the box more quickly
2. His finishing is showing signs of maturity, but maybe not enough
3. His close passing in the box is much much better
4. His chasing back is getting more noticeably effective
Summary – its taking too long given the way his promise was over- blown, but I await with interest him playing with TH12 and stretching defences…
Mornin’ all!
H2H: I would only start RvP if all the GPS thingamajigs say he’s not in the by now infamous red zone. This is an important game (as all games are right now), but not important enough to gamble that much. It would of course not be too good to drop back out of the top four again (Chelsea have a perfectly winnable game away at Wolves and a well-rested Liverpool play a knackered Man City who may also be in a bit of disarray so I actually think they’ll win that game) but then again there are many more games to be played after today and until we get another striker in (if we ever do) we’ll need to keep Robin fit. Again, let’s remember that Fulham have had just as little rest as we have and putting Robin on for the last half-hour or so will give the benefit of him playing against more tired legs without himself being as tired.
In any case it will be an interesting game to watch and normally, I always have a feeling about how the game will go (not in a clairvoyant way, just a theory about how I think the game will pan out) but today I have no idea at all. It can go either way, it feels like it could end up 3-0 for either team just as well as be the most dull 0-0 you’ll have ever seen. Much depends, I guess, on which team has best managed to re-focus, it is not easy to let go of one game and focus on another in such a short space when you are not used to it.
Well, Mondays normally suck. But Monday’s right after a new years break?…Gah!
Re:Theo
I’m very much a Theo fan. Here are the reasons why
1. He can be frustrating at times but he has end product. Looking at his 10/11 stats
League starts -19
League sub – 9
League Goals – 9
League assists – 7
UCL starts – 3
UCL sub – 2
Goals – 2
Assists – 0
If he can take his league stats to 10 goals and 10 assists per season, I think that’s an excellent return
2. Agree he hasn’t been scoring that regularly this season but he has 2 league goals and 4 assists so far. Not to mention his contribution in the champions league – scored two crucial goals against Udinese when we, as a club, were struggling. Give him time
3. He’s only 22 FFS
4. He’s better defensively than Oxlade from what I’ve seen
His main asset is pace. So if people are expecting him to take on a full back with the ball at his feet, they would be definitely frustrated
The Ox is definitely one for the future but he is not ahead of Theo just yet
Apparently this was the warmest NYE since 1883 here.
Even before the Arsenal existed.
Hey Holic
Noticed you quoting Bolan on Twitter last night – intentional link with Fulham away or just random beer talking?
All sounds likely enormously good sense to me @156 as per
Larsene knows best
ComonURedS – nick it again and keep us in the box seat re the top 4 – and so keep the naysayers at bay a while longer. Reckon it looks to be a toughen too
Right off to the sea-side but most certainly will find somewhere to watch the match
Up The Arse!
My team for today
SZCZ
Djourou Per Kos Coq(very worried about this)
Song Arteta(he has to play surely?)
Ramsey
Theo Chamakh Gervinho
Subs: RVP and Rosicky to come on after 60
I see that Miquel is fit so he could start at left back
If RVP is fit then for me he plays from the start. I would not even have him.in the squad for the Leeds game. I do agree that we take no risks though.
Harsha, just out of intetest what are Theo’s stats so far this season?
Steve, this year’s stats:
League starts – 16
League sub – 2
Goals – 2
Assists – 4
Also, he has contributed in winning two penalties for us this season (Old trafford and Villa park)
In the league, he has had 41 shots on goal this season with 18 on target
He has to score more, no question
UCL starts – 4
UCL assists – 1
Goals – 0
This excludes two excellent games he had against Udinese in the qualifier
It’s January 2nd and we still haven’t signed anyone?
What’s going on?!?!?!?!!
Sack the board.
Wagner, spend some f*kin mon*ey you c*nt!
First things first.
Mug, yellow card for you old son. You stepped over the line last night. I’ll assume it was a tough second night in a row and make allowances this once.
Please, you have been a good contributor to the drinks, and I would like it to remain so.
H2HFC, the unluckiest of the unlucky. Knocked out of the Goonerholic FPL Cup by a point, and the Happy Train Cup by two, after scoring 44 pts.
That is tough. 🙁
Morning Steve
How many hrs kip did you get.??
I see you were still posting @ 3am.
Are you going today.??
I agree re RVP,this game is too important to rest players.
3 pts are a must,with Utd away at Newcastle and City playing Liverpool,it’s an opportunity to consolidate our position.
Most of the first team can have 11 days off after today.
Morning Clive. 6 hours us enough for me.
No,not going. Will watch it at home with the kids.
Just getting the sad news about Gary Ablett’s passing. 46 is no age. Cancer is so unforgiving. My thoughts and deepest condolences to his family.
Having back drinked some cup results earlier, looks like I had a good weekend, wahey!
Would have been better if RvP and Gerv had scored all the goals they should have scored, but can’t be too greedy 😉
greetings all!!!
posting after a long time but been reading all the drinks..
a question?
can TH12 play today..is the loan official yet?
imissbergkamp, welcome back!
Loan not offical yet as far as I know. Checked arsenal.com just a few minutes ago and found nothing about the loan. Don’t think there is any chance of him making the bench tonight, to be honest.
Steve
Cancer has cost me 3 of the most important people in my life,including my Dad,and it might well cost me a 4th.
It is a brutal brutal disease,and watching people you love have the life slowly sucked out of them,is something i wouldn’t wish on anyone.
Indeed, Sweeper, sorry to hear that.
Only one for me, my mum died of a similar cancer to Ablett’s I believe, though she was much older.
Wow, a barney last night and I go and miss it.
For the record I’m with the Sweeper.
RvP needs to play today. Plenty of days off to come.
Roxette’s mother has called a family NY gathering and I look too well to play the flu card. Sky plus will be my poor substitute, so save the fighting till I get back fellas. 😉
Suppose I could have tried to VHS the game, Dr Z, I’ll try and make sure I’m home for the second half.
It will still be 0-0 by then, right?
Thanks Lars!
Agree with you Gents. RVP needs to play.
Ideally if we scored 2 in the first half, we could take him off after 60.
But then, that would be easy and that’s not our way, is it 😉
I too lost a very dear friend 5 years ago to NonHodgkins. My thoughts are with Gary’s family.
Back-drinking ensues.
Trev @ 63, the late comers and early leavers are the one thing that give me disgust at home games.
Generally don’t get anyone moaning near me, but the late-comers come league, cups and CL, I was watching on MotD one-time when Van Persie scored in the 1st minute and people were still piling in ffs! If that was the only goal of the game, (I can’t remember), you’ve just pretty much wasted a ticket.
And the smug cunts at the front of the queue to get into Arsenal Tube Station who left even earlier are even worse, no shame. Watching us vs Bolton in the league, people were leaving before Van Persie got his 100th! I mean honestly, what is the point. Even Song scored a great effort from outside the box, it was a great home game.
Half-time leavers is the enigma for me, I don’t really buy anything inside the stadium but the queues for the toilet can’t be that bad that you’re forced to miss some half-time goals to make sure you successfully bleed your lizard X_X.
Snir @ 64, what happened to his paperwork won’t go through in time for Fulham? 😛
Did you factor in Ivan’s skills? Although I’ve been made to look a right mug to a mate, I’m happy Thierry might be on the bench 🙂
Clive @ 90, I would. Simply because at his best, he inspires fear in the LB and LCB of the opposing team, as they know that with 1 mistake, he’ll be past them or in behind them. His finishing in those situations leave much to be desired, but if he can have more moments such as against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, he can have his greatest season yet.
Steve T @ 122, excellent, reasonable, and measured.
Cognac @ 155, a massive Heh! 🙂
Clive @ 174, too true. As it sucks the life out of the affected, it sucks the spirit and vitality of the worried family.
Sorry to hear of your situation good sir.
AOC could be Theo’s salvation (kick up the arse into highest of gears) or his departure point (forced onto the bench by his junior), hopefully not the latter.
Van Persie starts and doesn’t feature against Leeds, is rested for what could possibly be a tough away trip to Swansea in a fortnight and Thierry leads the line against Leeds OR Van Persie is on the bench alongside Henry, Chamakh starts up front with Theo and Gervinho, comes on if needed, has a similar bench start against Leeds as well OR Van Persie is rested completely for Leeds, Chamakh starts, Park and Henry on the bench ready to come on if needed.
If I wasn’t already having one, I’d need a lie down 🙂
Barman, slide me down a apple juice, that was a long one 🙂
Happy Hogmany Feelgood.
May your madcap diary musings in 2012, be as good as the thoroughly enjoyable,completely daft postings of 2011.!!
Steve T,
I recommend Arseblogs post this morning,seems he is even more impolite about young Theo than we are.
Steve
apologies,should have said ANR site re Theo.
Clive
I just went to look. Didn’t see any impoliteness…. or am I missing the point? 🙂
AH!!! 🙂 🙂
Clive@30
I am inclined to agree with you for more reasons than one! 😉
I must be honest; I didn’t remember who said what when I wrote my post above, but I was not singling anyone out. I just wanted to use those statements to make my points.
On the other hand, you balanced your argument well and you were fair!
It sounds as though that there is a consensus forming here that if we can continue to play well, in particular, starting today, we can only go from strength to strength!
A negative result today and the tilt will reverse!
Wind @ 32, Are they? So they are, well spotted! They have been so insignificant this season that I forgot all about them! 😉 (That’s my story and I’m sticking to it :grin:)
ANR? Jaysus I wouldn’t recommend an ANR read to anyone unless I hated them.
I think the mad fool’s gone even beyond self-parody now.
Let’s all remember his classics though, predicting Henry would never make it as a centre-forward and that RvP would never fit in the system at Arsenal as he only plays for himself.
Or the infamous ‘what would his African ancestors think?’ line to comment on a Djourou foul-throw.
AL @ 33 That’s the spirit! Glass half full in 1st class on the HT!
SG – Cool pic @ 64
Ollie @ 188 – are you serious that he said that about JD????
Taps the ball off the centre circle to his strike partner……
@174 – Clive – I’m sorry to hear that mate.
Yet Cusop is still not banned and pops in every once in a while despite saying Arteta runs around the pitch like “a kid on chemo.”
That cunt has to get the red card holic. Enough is enough.
Just skipped through the drinks and there was an interesting debate regarding G-o and T-o going on last night!
Everybody knows that I wear rose coloured tints in between f*cking up my grammar from time to time. But…if you put everyone’s opinions together, what you get is a rounded overall opinion which outlines the good and bad side of each of those two players!
What is strange though is that for all of the criticism that Theo receives he is admired overall throughout the club. You see this in particular when with every effort he makes, they are met with loud chants of ‘Theo, Theo’ right across the stadium. It can also not be overlooked that the captain has credited Theo more than once with assisting him with his goal tally this season and also displayed his gratitude to Theo when he broke Titi’s club record on Saturday!
Steve is right though, certain sections of the stadium will moan about players no matter what. But it does get irritating when some of those people are unfairly criticising a player without a good, well balanced reason, other than the fact, that they just don’t like a player! (????) Makes no sense!
Under 4 hours to go now lads/ladettes! 😀
GT @ 187, no worries mate 😉 They could be going out by the boot of Cavani anyway lol.
Wind -@180-
Martin Jol maintains Fulham must not let the possibility of Thierry Henry sitting on the Arsenal bench distract them from the job in hand at Craven Cottage this evening.
The former Gunners captain could make a dramatic return to the Barclays Premier League should clearance come through ratifying his loan move from Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls.
TH coming on with 20 minutes to go drastically improves our chancing of winning.
I am NOT confident about this game at all. Don’t see us winning it.
Ollie@188: too right, nothing written at ANR makes any sense at all.
‘Afore-mentioned striker partner receives ball in centre circle from Catalan, plays swift one-two and pushes the ball towards the left wing to the waiting…’
Wind @ 195 – That’s what I’m saying. I thought they were out already! 😆
http://www.arsenal.com/assets/_files/images/dec_11/gun__1325282418_Henry_510.jpg
By the way, who said Henry was going to be on the bench today? I thought AW said he needed another week or two?
Wheels off to celebrate with the travelling away fans with GT, TH12 looks on fondly in delight 🙂
Dr C 191, yes I am. Something along these lines if not the exact words.
Don’t feel like trawling through his archives though.
I could possibly find the reference somewhere in the arseblog forums when I get home.
Splendid goal, Wind, you’re back on top form.
Note the date in the URL that Wind posted. dec_11, anyone who still believes Arsene started thinking about a loan deal just a few days ago?
Well in at 200, Wind. And here I was lurking, dreaming at the chance all night only to fall asleep five minutes before time. 😉
Lars – I’m guessing it’s referring to December 2011 and not 11/12 which in that case can be logical with AW’s claim that he didn’t make up his mind until a couple of days ago (maybe it was taken on the 31st when it was all but signed). But like you I wouldn’t be surprised at all if what you mean is the case.
Wind – it is the same pic I uploaded @64 and nobody took notice! I guess timing is key because everybody was arguing about Theo that they didn’t even say a word about TH!! Well in mate 🙂
By the way, ESPN confirms TH will not play against Fulham tonight, contrary to reports overnight.
Snir: hmm, 11 could of course be the year.
@ 203, Many thanks Ollie 🙂
Lars @ 204, well with Wenger you never know what he’s thinking, but Snir’s idea about it being taken on the 31st or so seems more logical.
Thanks & Unlucky bt8b @ 205, I’ve succumbed to the Sandman many a crucial time, curse his wily and sleepy methods 😉
Snir @ 206, heh, I guess you’re right about the timing, Robin’s always in the right place at the right time in the box so he would know as well 🙂
Also, thanks for telling me whether TH12 was gonna play or not, now I can put this debate with my mate in the ground 🙂
I always thought it made more sense to introduce him back into the squad with a home game, and it looks like it could be against Dirty Leeds 🙂
Er, Lars, december 2011 only finished a couple of days ago….I see no contradictions with what’s been said, as the news date from near the end of last week that was still much in December 2011.
Ah, now I see your 2007, you have seen the light.
Drinks on me.
Never mind the extra 0, James ‘Lars’ Bond.
Cheers Ollie
Don’t bother looking through those archives- wouldn’t want you to dirty yourself! Incredible.
On a plus note I just popped home in lunch break and realised the game is on tv tonight. Don’t know how I missed that, but sky + is now set up. Happy days.
Snir? Pessimistic? Life keeps getting weirder! When does podolski sign Snir? 🙂
What a year RvP’s had.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuaWm-H9zpQ
CG – I’m pessemistic now but if RvP starts it might change. 🙂
They’re a really tough side to beat so I don’t know how we’ll cope, especially after 48 hours rest (yes I know they played on Saturday as well but still, you know our team, they look jaded from time to time).
CG – rumors are that Koln accepted a 13.5 million bid from us.
But it looks like just a rumor for now so don’t make anything significant out of it.
Give me a couple of days and you’ll be loaded with all the juicy details from all around Europe 🙂
I have to say that if we do sign a striker early on in the window I’d be delighted and totally surprised. Was thinking AW will take his time and drive a hard bargain to get the best deal possible but perhaps he sees the opportunities our TITLE rivals keep giving us.
Another Bennygoon kind of day?
Chelsea to get their Frimpongupppance at Wollves?
Sorry about the double consonants above, which I blame on overly strong coffee already consumed. Ice water please, barman.
GuNNing BeNNygoon FrimponguPPance CoFFee.
I can see how you came to WoLLves indeed.
Observant sort of fellow I can see you are, Ollie. 😀
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jan/02/lukas-podolski-arsenal-koln-germany
That settles it for at least a week when we start hearing new rumors about the situation. Hope a deal is still possible.
Snir, don’t read this:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jan/02/lukas-podolski-arsenal-koln-germany?CMP=twt_gu
Haha, I see you have already 😛
Ollie, you’re off the pace today!! 6 minutes after my post?! Does that mean you don’t read my posts 😉 ?!
Nope, it just means there’s no auto-refresh 🙂
Jaysus, weather turning to hailstorm here.
It’s mild, it was sunny a couple of hours ago.
We must be in March. I must have hibernated, right?
Did we beat Milan?
If anybody saw the first half of Wolves-Chelsea, how did Frimpong do?
Ollie @ 226 It’s called Global Warming. And yes we will beat Milan. And Fulham.
on 02 Jan 2012 at 10:30 am168Goonerholic
H2HFC, the unluckiest of the unlucky. Knocked out of the Goonerholic FPL Cup by a point, and the Happy Train Cup by two, after scoring 44 pts.
That is tough.
=====
It’s not “tough”, it’s a conspiricy.
– The ref was terrible.
– My striker was never offside
– Two stonewall penalties denied
– I didn’t see it
– Their players cheated
– We were racialy abused by Suarez and Terry, who said we were half English, half Dutch and half Alcoholic.
– My uncle got nicked in a betting scandal.
– The pitch wasn’t good enough
I DEMAND A RECOUNT!!!!!!!
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Jebus,
A man steps out of the bar for a few days and ‘Holic makes multiple posts in one day, folks slate Theo mercilessly, and fellow holics slinging poisoned barbs at one another…
Happy New Year boyos!
Here’s hoping the year starts correctly for the boys. Snir, I think the fuzz has caught up with the Firstrow connection. Where’s Shaft when we need him? I might need some clandestine link suggestions…
Let’s all remember to keep our punches above the belt and save our venom for those lily white cunts – and Barca!
BMBD!
Wait a minute… is the HT conducting a cup as well?
I think Midnight Maurauders should get extra consideration for having no Mancs (not Mercs), Chavs, Potters, or Spuds….
BMBD!
Lonestar.
The HT cup starts this week, I had to play a prelimary round. Thanx Trev. 😉
Oh, ok.
I was a bit worried about being knocked out after climbing to 4th on the Happy Train while doing things the “right” way.
My players have shown “exceptional spirit” 😉
BMBD!
Lonestar, Your local sports bar should be broadcasting the game since it’s on Fox Soccer Channel, if you don’t subscribe to Rupert Murdoch products in your home. Or you could make another quick trip to New Orleans … 😀
A very fine 60 minutes by Manny Frimpong for Wolves. Substituted for Fletcher but he will already have won over a large section of the wolfie’s fans. Looks like this could be a good loan for him.
Re: H2H @229: Classic! 😀
Wolves not out of this game yet. Another chelski draw would be nice.
Re: BtM @235, Thanks for the report. By the way, where is your poetic report about the New Year results from the other games. You know, the one that goes something like:
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Aston Villa swamping the mighty Chelsea ….
BTM 235. Mr Smallballs will be glad, I’m sure.
And Goodwillie scores for Blackburn, leading me to say:
It could be a good(willie) new year!
My two cents on Theo.
Well, he certainly does divide opinion, I myself think, to use a tried and tested cliche, that he delights and frustrates in equal measure.
I think his main problem is the expectation levels which have always been high from the fanbase. The meeja love to overhype young English talent, build them up, just to beat them down when they don’t quite live up to the inflated expectations. Theo is a classic example of this.
Taken to a WC when he should of been nowhere near that squad, did him more harm then good. An even bigger slap in the face was him not making the squad 4 years later. I believe he has improved greatly, he is well respected within the team and Robin obviously has a great report with him. Many of RvP’s goals come from Theo assists and those are stats that don’t lie.
However I do think there’s room for improvement, especially with his decision making. I hope he can pick up a thing or two from our former No14 over the next few months in training.
I really can’t advocate us getting rid of him, but it’s all up to him. The potential is there, he’s still young, but he has to learn that pace will only get you so far.
Sorry H2H but life’s tough and there are always many games to play in December and January.
I think you must have a very big squad that maybe lacks a little bit the maturity in one or two positions.
Maybe you should sign one or two players but only, of course, if they are super quality . . . 😉
Bt8, Hogmanay got the better of me this year. I feel suffice toy recovered to Colonel Mustard a few words from Fulham today.
With Frimpong off, Wolves much less able to hold the ball in midfield. For a young guy who probably hadn’t even met his team mates before he took to the field, he was very calm, composed and his control and passing were pure.
1-1 wolves score!
Is Bosingwa the biggest flush of 20M down the gurgles of all time or do De Gea at 20M, Berbatoss at 32M and Carrick at 24M just edge him?
Shit 2-1
RvP starts.
Seems the weather of away wins favour us nicely today. Here`s to a 4-1.
No rest for the wicked.
Coquelin starts left-back, as well anticipated by blogs.
Right, I’m off. Shall be able to watch most of the game after all (thank to kick-off being half an hour later than I thought)….traffic permitting.
Park doesn’t make the bench, again.
Neither does AOC.
I really hope our first 11 can win this game because our bench doesn’t look like it can bring a change.
For all their industry and work, Rosicky and Yossi aren’t impact subs, they aren’t game changers, neither is AA at the moment.
So it’ll be up to the first 11 to do the job.
Very very wary of this game… Very.
Happy New Year All , and if it’s as good as the last day of the last one , it promises to be a belter !
Interesting to see what team is put out today . Coq will probably get another run out in an otherwise changed back four , whilst the only change I would make to the midfield three would be Tomas for Aaron .
Up front is where it gets interesting . Theo showed uncharacteristic dissent when he was subbed off at Eastlands , and has failed to recapture his previous form since . Whilst I would like to see The Ox given a run out , I think Theo wIll be given first dibbs to make an impact . On the other side Flipper will come in , with the hope that RVP can eke out another game up-front and emerge injury-free before a couple of weeks break .
Just back from NY festivities so haven’t had a chance to backdrink . Will save that treat for later .
Off to the juicer of choice – my alcohol levels need topping up ! Essential we reinforce recent results with another win . Will be tough given the 48 hour turnaround but Fulham in the same boat . First goal may well be crucial . 2-0 to The Arsenal .
Good luck everybody – COME ON THE ARSENAL !!!!!!
242 Heh, thanx for the advice Trev.
243 BtM.
Sorry sir, but you missed out Torres and Carroll who make your list look like bargains. 😉
4 games in the prem so far today. 4 away wins.
Come on boys. Don’t spoil it now.
No AOC on the bench?
He must be getting an FA Cup run out then.
AOL are acting up again, so no stream for me, keep me posted lads 🙂
Afternoon all. Does anyone have an OK feed to share?
Now that that silly record thing is out the way, watch RvP shine again.
Come on you rip roaring………………
http://www.footballstreaming.info/streams/todays-links/
Ah yes, the forgetten men, Torres n Campbell, I had completely forgotten about Andy Capp and El NoNo.
Wind, TS – Just pick one of the streams from my @255.
Plenty available.
Phew, come on you gunners!!!!
BtM. No one can blame you for forgetting about them, they’ve not exactly set the world on fire now, have they?
RVP although looks in good spirits, although looks in good spirits, he also appears a little leggy walking out!
Fulham’s side on the other hand seems quite strong. I would have felt more confident with TV in the side. I reckon the lads are going to have to dig deep tonight, especially with JD and LeCoq due to be targeted!
Let’s go!
As if his forehead isn’t big enough, come on Gerv!
9 minutes in, TH hasn’t even been announced yet and Stewart Robson slags him off saying there are 3-4 players playing in tonight’s game who aren’t happy with his signing based on the ego he had in 07.
How is he still on Arsenal’s payroll?
And he just said that Gervinho dived in the box.
Gervinho gets in great positions but really needs composure once he’s there.
Theo can’t possibly be MORE frustrating tan Flipper…
BMBD!
Tan = than…
BMBD!
Agreed lonestar
KOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
KOSSSSSSS!
Contact but he did make a meal of it.
Can someone tell Flipper he is allowed to hit it with his left.
Ramsey looking busy.
Beauty assist from Aaron
Well worked goal!
Get in kozzzzzz
Take that Martin.
Jol crumpet.
BMBD!
Breathtaking stuff. more please!
Pinball in the penalty area.
How did it not go in?
Wonderful passage of one touch football
ooh almost a second. Come on lads bury the second!
Looking exactly like the game I thought it would. Not dominating, might well get bum-squeaking later on, but we are ahead, and on our own merit.
“61 never again”
Loud and clear. 🙂
Brilliant touch from Theo then a poor cross with time on his hands, that’s why he frustrates
Stuart Robson scathingly critical of Walcott.
Lovely play from the Coc! Good dribbling, great cross, good finish by RvP
what a move by Coquelin one minute ago eh? 😉
Wonder if Le Coq can play outside right. That kid has quality.
Apparently got me so excited so I spelled his name wrong…
And lovely play there from RvP but the finish must have been his worse all season. Aww. I’ll forgive him for that!
Once again the away support doing us proud.
Was just about to say the same H2H!
Don’t want to jump the gun, but I’m liking this ref.
Aaron Ramsy – the Welsh Cesc
We look Good 🙂
Well I reckon Fulham are there for the taking!
This is FAR from over, but looking good enough for me. Had a bit of a schedule recently and being 1-0 up away at quite a good teams place, with Zamora playing… It’s enough for me – just hoping it’s enough for a win!
Ramsey everywhere. Carrick 24M. Rambo 6. The ultimate anti-gurgler purchase.
Decent first half. Can’t help but feeling we should be mire than one up. Rambo has been immense. Fulham still look dangerous. We need to take some of these chances.
Come on The Arsenal.
Half time:
We’ve had so many good situations in and around their area and we’ve no made the most of them.
A little more composure in the final 3rd and we can go on to win this comfortably but a 2ng goal is imperative to deliver all 3 points.
To all the veteran Gooners.
I’m sorry, I didn’t get a chance to see Stewart Robson play for Arsenal but I’ve heard he was a midfield gem who got his career cut short because of injuries.
I get all that, and that’s why I’ll be subtle when I’ll say…
I absolutely can’t stand him.
For me he is worse than Davie Provan, Tony Gale, Ray Wilkins, Trevor Francis etc.
He is the worst co-commentator in the world, and it comes from his continuing attempts to sound impartial when he works for a national station since it’s widely known he’s on the ATVO payroll.
I can’t take this anymore.
I’ve tried emailing the club and voicing my opinion as a member/ATVO subscriber but to no avail.
I don’t care if he slags The Arsenal off, almost all of our ex players talk about our “fragile defense” and “need for strengthening in the middle of the park,” but damn it, he’s on ATVO, he should be a bit more subtle with The Arsenal. Have some respect to your employers. YOU ARE ON THE ATVO PAYROLL!!!
Something’s gotta be done.
1-0 HT, not bad at all.
The defence looks settled, JD and BFG solid, Coq’s doing well and if there’s a more improved player in the PL this season then Kos, then I haven’t seen him.
Arteta and Song’s workrate are good and Ramsey seems to be everywhere.
Theo needs to get more involved, Gerv needs to optimise his chances and they both need to utalise RvP more.
Fulham will have to push forward if they want to take anything out of this game and that should leave gaps in their rearguard. This is ours for the taking.
Come on you gunners.
Get in.
That took ages Snir.
If it wasn’t for the self asist rule I would of took it.
But, well in all the same.
Good job, Snir!
Wha’s the 411 on Firstrowsports? Did the Feds shut ’em down?
BMBD!
H2H: good summary, I agree!
Lonestar…
Don’t worry…
Worst case scenario there’s always – footballstreaming.info
That’s sort of the NewsNow of streaming.
Snir@298: he was an all action, heart on your sleeve 100% player. I wouldn’t waste your energy on worrying about what he says, focus on the boy on the pitch and enjoy the 2nd half
Snir –
Thanks for your well wishes last night. I told you the ‘boys would find a way to fuck it up.
Jebus, I hate the Giants.
BMBD!
This games got a draw written all over it at the moment. We need that two goal advantage, sooner rather than later!
If I call for Theo to be subbed he will probably score so….
Wenger please take him off 🙂
Benny n Joon for Theo anyone? He’s a pushover.
Fuck, that was too close.
Come on Arsenal, don’t let them back in.
Har, har. BtM.
BMBD!
Heh BtM.
Almost, it’s Rosicky time!
What is it that Thomas is always chewing on when he comes on as a sub? 😀
Why is it that the Cottagers seem to be quicker to every ball.
More effort, you Gunners!
Get ur heads up… c’mon BFG.
BMBD!
Anyone still wonder why I think Theo is both inconsistent and frustrating?
We need to get hold of this game again.
Benny Goon to come on….
Why sub Flipper?
I DO NOT get it….
BMBD!
Good save from Shezzer!
Weve lost our width and sped, but at the same time also the two most frustrating players on the field.
Who is this ref? He is a total cunt.
JD gone, shit.
Well a second goal will calm the nerves now!
Unlucky Johan!
LG – cause we need people to hold the ball… We can’t seem to hold on to the ball, barely crossing the halfway line.
Squeaky fucking bum time.
BMBD!
Fuck you ref and fuck you zamora.
Squillaci? Fuck no!
For Ramsey? Hell no!
How many chances are we going to give them? Fuck me, not the Albatross? Has it finally come to this?
He’s the best ref we’ve had in ages Cam’
OK, that’s not exactly high praise, is it.
Snir – to quote the movie Patton, “I don’t want to hear that we are holding our position (in this case the ball)”
If we’re not attacking, we’re on the back foot. If we stay on the back foot, we will drop 2 points today.
BMBD!
Fulham deserve something out of this although they shouldn’t get it!
Come on you Reds!
There you have it. Well fucking done.
Oh well it was goodnight ever since we dilly dallied infront of goal!
Now they can nick it!
Come on you reds!
Fuck it, can’t say it wasn’t coming though.
On the bright side, Fulham let in more goals in the lst few minutes then any other PL team.
Come on you reds.
Another error. Another soft goal from another set piece.
Okay time for an attack!
What happened to possession?
I still believe we can score in ST. Come one a chance
Thomas under pressure cocked up the pass! Damn it!
Come on guys another attack needed!
That fucking wanker Neil Warnock.
RvP is being killed in the air today and getting all the decisions against him.
Thanks a lot for that you wanker.
Disaster!!!
Fuck that, did they put something in our half time teas?!
Another attack needed!
Okay I guess we can forget about that title challenge tilt for now!
Back to top four contention and scanning the net for striker transfer talk!
Fuck it fuck it fuck it.
A game of two halves.
Fair play to Fulham, they wanted it more, but we’veonly got ourselves to blame, we were far too lethargic with our chances in the first 45.
Guted!
I’m angry. I have no idea on whom. Not sure this was the teams fault or if this is just something that happens. It all feels a bit too close (not strange, it being a minute ago).
I’ll be back later. Consolation round on me!
Not good enough….just not good enough. From the top to the bottom of the organization.
Just not good enough.
bmbd.
SG – Warnocks bitch has definitely had an impact!
Shocking result but it was coming, you could definitely see it!
Ref = Total Cunt! But we all know tha these will either go for you or against you!
Not just two points lost, no points for us tonight!
Oh well.
We’ve struggled to put away our chances in the last 3 matches. HI spoke about composure at half time, had we ha a little more quality in front of goal we’d have scored 3 goals each game.
We could do with more from Gerv and Theo, quality wise and consistently.
Even before the sending off Fulham had had control of the game.
I detest Colin Wanker but how can anyone blame him for that shite? Honestly, I ask you. Wake up and smell the coffee. Stop looking for scapegoats.
Warnock to blame????? Fuck me.
It felt like the right result. We’re just not playing that well.
Ps. What a result to go back to work on!
Steve – Did I blame Warnock for the result?
Did you see me blaming him for the result?
I am blaming him for RvP not getting any decisions today but that has nothing to do with the result, it is just one part of a game, it’s not what caused the result.
You could see it coming from a mile away…we are a tired team. You could say we could have defended better but under that pressure we just couldn’t hold them off. Our keeper made a bad mistake on their first goal. Let’s not overreactions on this one.
Who knows. Perhaps if our inside forwards, wingers, wide midfield players, extra forwards or whatever we call them these days should be introduced to a goal in training.
1 up with 5 to go. Just not good enough.
Hi ho, Steve T.
I totally agree with you. Anyone blaming the referee has severe myopia. We are our own undoing. For some reason AW does not want to field a bench that gives him a chance of making an impact sub.
All credit to him (AW) for getting the team to the point where a fourth place finish is even feasible. But, we need him to take some risks with bench, formations, and spending. The team is languishing.
BMBD.
sg and gtown, i think warnock was definitely felt here today, the cunt. robin was flipped by phil, and no foul. and another four or five times.
that said, djourou should have been brought off when his groin first pinged. and credit to fulham for an excellent fightback. we just didnt have the grinta today.
nonetheless, “oh, to be a gooner”, the away support was fantastic, could only hear gooner chants through the tv!
I’m wih Steve T here.
Warnock’s got nothing to do with this. I can’t see how theref is to blame either.
We just didn’tcome out in the second half, we weren’t there, the midfield and forward line were totally anonymous.
It’s been a hard few weeks with a hectic schedual.
We will rest a few players and come back for our next PL game fighting.
Up the Arse.
we had little attacking verve in the first half and none in the second. this team is lost out there and needs some help in the way of signings or something.
Snir. The ref had a pretty decent game. I don’t see he treated us any differently. Warnock had no influence on that game whatsoever in my opinion.
Chin up lads. Nights like this will happen, we all knew we were in for a tough one and the leggy second half was no major surprise.
All of that said, can we please never see fucking Squillaci in the shirt again?
And can we please, please, please go and buy a striker this month? Because it’s blatantly obvious we need one.
What was it today – a game of two halves
Brilliant Franz Kosenbauer leading the way in the 1st
then playing against 12 men for a clear penalty by Philippe on Gervinho
Second half for all the possession we had (55% I think), we were not effective in front of goal, and their 12th man delivered yellows when he shouldnt have – JDs second being a 50-50 ball, nothing but
Their two goals were result of their good play stretching us to the limit, but what a foul taste this ref leaves…
I absolutely loathe Zamora… fuck him and Jol ..
SHIT JUST HAPPENED
Hate to say this but SZCZ did not cover himself in glory for the equalizer..
N7, i am feeling the need for another defender, too. surprised miquel didnt make a showing.
Are you guys even reading what I write or are you just commenting on the first thing that comes to your mind? FFS.
I never said that the ref has anything to do with us not coming out for the second half and never said he/or Warnock is to blame for the result.
I was merely writing what I thought was a quite obvious change in the treatment RvP gets from refs in regards to aerial duels.
How you guys wrote what you wrote as a comment to what I wrote is beyond me.
And Probert didn’t have a good game. The 2nd booking was extremely soft and the penalty was given.
I’m not taking anything away from Fulham, they deserved to win the game.
Oh Steve, Come on!
RVP got clobbered so many times and not one foul. Gervinho got tripped and no penalty. Djourou red card harsh.
I’m not saying we played well but red card turned the game and we probably deserved a draw from this
Fucking hell I’m annoyed, and I didn’t even see the match!
Too deflated to back-drink right now. But I can’t fault the lads for their effort. There was just no gas left in the tank in the second half, too many players have played too many games and thank fuck there’s an opportunity for a bit of rest now (please Arsene, play kids v Leeds, I don’t give a shit if we crash out, we HAVE to rest whatever few first-teamers we still have left). All credit to a rampant Fulham, a well-rested Zamora was too much for us and if I am not mistaken a few of their players have quite recently come back from injuries and are quite fresh. Not blaming bad luck or anything, that is just the way things are sometimes. We’ll hopefully benefit in not too long when we get a few players back.
I guess the doomers will be out in full force now, but stuff it. This team is full of fight and will come back. And all of you who scream for a panic-buy of a left-back: let me introduce you to a certain Mr Coquelin.
Don’t really know what else to say. Will try to do something different now to get my energy back. Take care and see you in a bit or two.
I think the ref was shite… Refused to give fouls on RVP which would have relieved the pressure and we could have reorganized.
One of the most conspicuous faults for me in our recent teams has been the inability to hold the ball upfield when we are under sustained pressure, we lose it really cheaply.
snir@366, exactly right. whether or not it was because warnock shot off his mouth, rvp did NOT get the benefit of the doubt on anything tonight.
Agree with Steve T at 350. What I found strange was the fact that we couldn’t gather any energy to re-organize and respond after that sending off, as we haven`t shown this kind of weakness in character this year.
I’ve never seen Arteta being so non-dynamic, in probability a case of fatigue, but then again I`ve not seen Szczesny make timing errors in the air neither.
Something clicked the wrong way for us today, but since this is far from the norm I’m looking forward to the next match 🙂
Can we please stop blaming the referee gents?
If we are to point the finger at anyone let’s look at SZCZ For the 1st goal and Per for losing the ball that led to the sending off.
We lost because we are unable lately to capitalise on our chances. We have a good rest before the next league game and I expect us to push on strongly in the 2nd half of the season.
Kroenke out !!!
lars, le coq was my motm, along with kozzer. he has an elegance and sureness of touch i havent seen in many players so young.
Fuck! It was harsh but that’s football
” “
Fucking Shite
3 goals against Wolves (16th), QPR (17th) and Fulham (13th).
Sort it out Wenger!
Blinkers off boys.
It should have been a pen. But I guess I am not the only one who did not think it was a pen first off. It was only on the replay that it confirms it as a pen. I do not think our cause is helped by flipper losing control of the ball.
JD. First yellow was stupid. No need to make the tackle. The second, if a foul is a yellow. You can’t pull someone back on the edge of the box and get away with it. JD could have been lucky not to pick up a second yellow earlier.
I don’t think Probert was affected at all by Warnock. RVP had a tough game and got little or no support. We have thrown away another lead through poor errors and because we did not take our chances.
geoff, I don’t blame the ref for the loss. I just think he made shit calls on a number of occasions. we were wiped, and fulham were up for it, and we paid as a result. probert`s lack of acumen didn’t beat us.
Right. Back now for a quickie.
For a few seconds there I felt like blaming it on the team. And in some ways I still feel I can. I mean, there is nothing else to blame, Fulham played well, and we couldn’t stand up to them in the end. We could have made more of our chances and we wouldn’t have ended up there.
But I’m with Lars. We tried our best, considering we constantly play the same team, and we really have had a busy schedule the last week or so. Perhaps Fulham had as well, but they were at home and up for it. They found that extra energy we just couldn’t provide today.
I’m bitter as fuck. I really want more from some of our players. I really want a somewhat deeper bench (not that I don’t think most of our players are good enough to be around, but we don’t really have that many options to throw on at the moment, even though I still believe in many of our younger players on that front) and I really detest how this all panned out. But ah, I’m more angry with football than with the team.
Cest la vie.
Lars. Coquelin is a great prospect. He did well tonight but his talent is wasted at full back. I think we could do with his drive in midfield.
You know what? Screw this.
I ain’t commenting on this game anymore when it’s quite clear everybody just wants to voice opinion and comment on what I write so there’s no point really. No matter what I say, it wouldn’t get the right interpretation so never mind.
I’ll come back to the bar later, when everything is a bit calmer.
*and not comment on what I write.
Hey Snir, I love your passion and comments, we’re all upset tonight so don’t take it personally, you’re a wonderful contributor and i want to voice my support for you!
Steve T@379: spot on!
scruz@380: I agree, Fulham were really up for this one. They survived our 1st half onslaught and grew as the game progressed.
Kos was fantastic, le Coq was fantastic, Per (bar for that one moment when the ball stuck under his feet) was calmness personified with distribution to match.
I just feel a little frustrated that The Ox hasn’t had a look in as our wide men are poor recently.
RvP was cream crackered, you could see it from minute one.
Oh dear. Oh very dear. Four points from three games when we should have expected to take all nine, or at very least seven, is patently insufficient. We again paid dearly for squandering early chances, and not putting the game beyond the opposition when we could. Zamora had the quality of finishing that we lacked, and it made the difference to the points. Kos and Le Coq both played well, I thought, as we parked the bus in the second half (and Le Coq is a better attacking full back than TV5 and possibly Clichy. The new Flamini?). Szcz, who was busier than in recent games, made good stops. On another day his palmed clearance from the cross before the equaliser would have gone a foot either side or above Senderos, preventing him from heading it back in to the six-yard box. No question that we didn’t boss mid-field, especially in the second half. Fulham had long spells in control of the ball. When we did get it back we neither used it well not kept it for long. Which comes back to the forwards creating and taking the chances to ease the pressure.
Geoff@387: Spot on about Mertesacker. He is relatively undemonstrative so it is easy to overlook his considerable contribution to the improvement in the defensive stability.
For a man who’s been well rested Thomas Rosicky didn’t live up to my hopes of some new oomph and inspiration when he came on. Rambo for the Albatross? I would rather have Pat Rice’s personal cleaning lady at CB than that fella. He really is a disaster waiting to happen.
A win today might have kindled some hope of the title (yes, I’m serious). It should have been an easy win based on the chances we made. That it wasn’t means the title is postponed until next year. We’ll still finish in the top four.
If someone with money offers us some real money for AA and Rosicky, might be time to cash in now I think. Coquelin for me every time, whatever position.
Jack will be back in a month, Frimpong will come back as leader of the pack from Wolves. All four full backs, Vermaelen and Diaby will return too. AND, we haven’t even opened the Ox Box yet – still under wraps. Something to look forward to. The sun will still shine.
i thought ramsey actually played a lot better today than he has recently, but with only robin up front we try a lot of lifting the ball over the defence. it’s crazy. we also have trouble scoring on set pieces, crosses, and shots from range. we clearly did ourselves in without taking our chances in the first half, but with nine shots on goal you’d think at least half of them would have actually been threatening and not just lame toe pokes towards goal. sorry to say but we do need someone to contribute in the goal-scoring department.
Geoff @ 385 – spot on. Nice comment. Good for you.
Thanks BtM: We’re all lifelong gooners won lose or draw!
Time to spend some money on another forward.
Snir. You will have to explain 339 then. I distinctly took that to mean that RVP was not getting decisions because of what Warnock said. I just happen to disagree. Nothing to get over excited about. I just don’t think Wankers comments made a blind bit of difference to the officiating.
NED @389. I agree with almost all of that. The fact is that if RVP has an off day we don’t look like scoring.
North Bank Ned @389: Le Coq IS the new flamini!
Song now has genuine cover and with a little more experience maybe even competition for his place.
Holics
We had enough chances in the first half to have killed off the game. The fact that we didn’t shows a lack of killer instinct in front of goal by our existing attackers ( RVP excepted ). Theo was poor in his decision making again and Gervinho missed his opportunities , an all too frequent occurrence.
We looked shattered in the second half and Fulham took advantage . Arteta had his least effective game , Ramsey was at his best but was surprisingly substituted . Le Coq impressed me with his attacking play but looked vulnerable in defence. My friend Szczesny was great keeping Fulham out until he misread the corner and failed to get enough on the punch.
JD deserved his 2nd yellow . The Ref was an improvement on Saturday. I needed 4 replays before I was convinced that the Gervinho penalty claim was valid. Today, we were not good enough .Fulham ,with the crowd behind them, threw everything at us in the second half and we just didn’t have the bodies on the pitch to stop them. Had TV5 and our 1st choice FBs been available it would have been a different story.
Arsene, we need reinforcements and LJW and Sagna back in this side asap. At least the boys have a week’s rest before the Leed’s game .
As always COYRs
P.S. A belated Happy New Year to you all.
Doom!
Consolation goal?
Nice tap in there Geoff
Cheers ‘The Wasp’ I’ll have to content myself with personal over team glory today!
At least you can score…
Unlike our fucking forwards
Well in Geoff.
AW, sign him up.
I think Coquelin is head and shoulders above Flamini. The boy has real talent.
One thing that was proved beyond any doubt today is that we need a new striker, the two month loan of Thierry is not enough.
RvP was dead on his feet, blatently obvious after the 50min mark, yet AW gave no sign of wanting to bring Chamakh on, and once again Park wasn’t even on the bench.
Cheers H2H, if only my knees were in better shape…….
Agreed about strikers, blatantly obvious.
What’s also obvious is the commendable team spirit that the new (mature) signings have given us. I’ve noticed that when our wide men are on form we’re formidable but although both possess pace in abundance neither have been blessed with football intelligence and at the highest level (which is what we aspire to) it’s an absolute necessity.
Evening all.
No time for back drinks so don’t know what the flavour is of the bar.
Quite a good afternoon out I thought. Obviously disappointing end result, but am getting used to it now. Up one minute, down the next.
Typical Arsenal really these days. Plenty of promise and chances, not enough guile to take advantage of the chances created.
We could have won the title in any of the last 5 seasons if we had that ingredient.
Coq had a good shift, but possibly could have tracked back a bit better on Zamora. Looking forward to the replay of that. Also of the pen we should have had?
With the first 11 pretty much picking themselves due to injuries, a lack lustre 2nd half with tired legs was to be expected I suppose *rolls eyes*
Is the solution really as simple as signing a few new ‘good’ players, so that some rotation can occur? On todays evidence, I’d say yes. Actually, make that ‘the evidence of the last few seasons’.
We are just too predictable in our play at times, and teams have sussed us.
Any stattos out there that can compare the starting 11’s between today and Chelski please? (just out of my own interest)
Boys, it is not just strikers we need. I can’t remember if it was Clive or Arthur that mentioned it a few posts back but we lack quality. We have bags of potential and the team spirit has improved massively. But we lack genuine quality, especially in creative positions. We were lacking last season and then sold arguably 2 of our best players.
Regrettably none of this is new and none of this is rocket science.
BTM@391: You are not wrong. A win would have kept the title in sight.
Geoff@397: I think long-term that Le Coq is being groomed for the Arteta role, with Frimpong as Song’s deputy/successor. Wonder if he can play right back, too.
And well in for the 400. Sticking the ball in the net is what it is all about.
NBN@410: If you’re right about Le Coq’s position does that mean Wilshere takes over from Ramsey?
Geoff@411: I was wondering just that as I wrote @410. It is not necessarily an either/or. First, as we have been discussing in the bar for a while, competition for places (aka squad depth) is to be welcomed. Second, sad though it is to say, no player is more than a bad tackle away from a Shawcrossing. Ramsey has seemingly made a good recovery. But he could have had the same dismal experience as Diaby, who if he had not been injured would surely have been a Viera-like fixture in the middle of midfield by now. Third, there could be a system tweak to accommodate both, with Ramsey playing as a false 10 ahead of Wilshere.
SteveT@409: Is it a lack of quality or an excess of inconsistency? AW has changed the style of play since Cesc and Nasri have gone. There is more width to our attacks now. Not everything goes down the middle, where the eye of the needle that had to be threaded is at its tiniest. Gervinho and Walcott are quality wide players, but even their biggest supporters wouldn’t pretend that either has been anywhere near consistent enough this season. That is true of both their finishing and approach play. As for Ashavin, our record signing and the hottest property in Europe when we bought him, enough said.
Competition for places is a key component in keeping your starting 11 on their toes and is to be welcomed. We’re always going to have a few players injured at any one time, it’s coping with key injuries that is key and uptil now considering we’ve lost 4 full backs we’ve done pretty well.
We are all agreed now it’s one area that needs strengthening so let’s hope Arsene delivers if players are available. A big club like The Arsenal sims can’t afford to carry passengers who can’t or don’t produce for a long period (AA, Chamack) IMHO a year in the doldrums is Long enough
To say thanks and good luck with your career elsewhere.
We create plenty of chances but we simply must convert one or two more, do that and I genuinely feel we can become title challengers.
Fulham are beginning to bore me.
CG: so don’t support them anymore 🙂
Seems I’m the Last one out tonight, g’night all
Obviously no-one is around so that last goodbye was just me talking out loud…..